Sometimes the Ottawa political bubble feels like a different planet from our daily problems.
Federal political theater seems out of touch when your feet are on fire.
Canada had almost 400 wildfires this week, 200 of which were uncontrolled. This century’s worst wildfire season has consumed 47,000 square km.
Over 100,000 Canadians were displaced.
Fire season starts now. If summer is dry and hot as expected, more houses will burn and Canadians will escape.
6.5 million Canadians lack a family doctor or nurse practitioner. Nova Scotia now has approximately 150,000, up 53,500 from last year.
Housing and food are also a problem. Higher interest rates reduce inflation but hurt homeowners and companies that require credit.
Tent cities are expanding in city parks nationwide. More people are struggling to find housing due to rising rents.
Nova Scotians will pay 14 percent more for power by 2024 and 14 cents more for petrol this summer.
Many Nova Scotians are waiting to learn if fraudsters took their personal data in the worldwide MOVEit attack two weeks ago.
The Mass Casualty Commission reported a domestic violence pandemic earlier this year.
Gun violence, opioids, and climate change are among becoming issues.
In Ottawa, political elites debate whether to hold a political investigation into Chinese influence in Canadian politics.
David Johnston, the foreign interference special rapporteur, resigned under criticism for not calling a public inquiry.
Opposition parties have accused the previous governor general of favoring Prime Minister Justin Trudeau because to his family ties.
Another topic this week is whether Public Safety Minister Marco Mendocino knew in advance about sending renowned killer Paul Bernardo to a medium-security prison. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre calls Mendocino a “liar” and demands his resignation.
Canadians need accountability from the federal government on these problems.
The opposition should attack government policies like the Bernardo transfer and its cozy links with Johnston.
The Bernardo move and if the Chinese government interfered in Canadian elections and pressured politicians and Canadians should be investigated.
However, these concerns risk being politicized.
Debates should be respectful. They merit serious debate because they are significant.
Politics should not consume them.
Political opponents should remember that Canadians are struggling to survive.
Polarized political discourse is seen south of the border. Political agendas focused on cultural conflicts neglect other challenges.
This disengages voters.
Canada has avoided the worst of that, but we are not exempt. We may follow our political leaders if they employ these methods.
