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The federal election is winding up. Rather than focusing on policy discussions that would support Canadians, however, candidates are demonstrating a predictable version of “gotcha” politics – digging up dirt on opponents and hoping it catches fire in the media.

While nothing may change before a government is formed, it’s not too late to alter hostility in future political discourse.

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Here’s a bold claim: politicians aren’t solely to blame for this oppositional rhetoric. Many people running for government aren’t duplicitous or corrupt. They simply want to participate in ways that improve their communities. As citizens, we’re jointly responsible: we give hostile language permission to thrive. Citizens buy divisive language, so politicians sell it.

If we can all shift the social discourse, perhaps we can improve campaigns and government. After all, Canadian politics is a mirror of our society.