by Mike Hogeterp
October 2, 2008 | 8:00 PM EDT

Unpredictable . . . most important ever . . . uninspiring . . . you've heard all of these phrases describing our upcoming Canadian federal election. You've seen the lawn signs, you've watched and heard the party ads, and maybe you've met candidates on your doorstep or at a debate. What is your take on the campaign thus far? Have you followed it closely, kept it in your peripheral vision, or ignored it altogether?

The headline of this piece is drawn from the CRC's contemporary testimony, Our World Belongs to God:

We obey God first; we respect the authorities that rule, for they are established by God: we pray for our rulers, and we work to influence governments . . ." (from par. 52)

The "we" in that phrase, naturally, means you.

You work to influence governments. You respect the authorities that rule. You ask your elected representatives to work towards peace and restored relationships.

We at CCG hope that no matter how much enthusiasm you have about this campaign, you will not doubt the importance of it. We hope you, the Christian voter, will steer intentionally between cynicism and idealism—not giving up hope in politics, nor putting all your trust in it. And we hope you will vote.

The French-language federal leaders' debate is over and, most likely, by the time you read this note, the English version will also be done. The party lines are defined, and it's now time for citizens to grapple with the issues at hand, and the choice you will face on the ballot.

As you work to make an informed choice, CCG offers one suggestion. Our acts of citizenship, in election times and at all times, must start with Christ's command to love our neighbours. We can't and won't presume to tell you how to vote; we only suggest that your aim be to seek justice for all. Consider more excerpts from Our World Belongs to God:

When forced to make decisions at life's raw edges, we seek wisdom in community, guided by God's Word and Spirit. (from par. 44) We call on all governments to do public justice and to protect the rights and freedoms of individuals, groups, and institutions so that each may do their tasks. (from par. 53) We call on our governments to work for peace And to restore just relationships. (from par. 54) As followers of Jesus Christ, living in this world— which some seek to control, and others view with despair— we declare with joy and trust: Our world belongs to God! (par. 1)

CCG has gathered (below) election materials on a wide spectrum of issues—many from our trusted partners and friends. We encourage you to use these great tools for discussions with your neighbours and candidates, and to continue the conversation for justice in this campaign and afterwards.

This collection is part of the CCG's continuing efforts to seek justice and speak hope. Please join us in this ministry of citizenship and social justice by visiting us here often, and by subscribing to Mobile Justice.

CCG's "Get Informed" Kit

• From CCG:
  • Don't be one issue voters
  • Peacebuilding questions to ask your candidates
  • Reconciliation quesitons to ask your candidates
  • Justice Spotlight: Food & Human Security
  
  
• From KAIROS: Federal election resource 2008. Issues: environment/climate change, indigenous rights, poverty. Includes Candidate Questions.
  
  
• From EFC: EFC Election Kit 2008. 10 issue fact sheets ranging from environment and poverty to family integrity and religious freedom. Includes election action resources geared to churches.
  
  
• From Church Council on Justice and Corrections: Discussion and Candidate questions on criminal and restorative justice.
  
  
• From CPJ: Election Bulletin. Issues: Poverty Reduction Strategy, Taxes and the Common Good, Environment, Refugee Justice. Includes Candidate Questions.
  
  
• From UCC: Aboriginal Justice election package.
  
  
• From Make Poverty History: Vote to Make Poverty History.
  
  
• From USC Canada: Make this Election about Food Justice. Addresses the food crisis, family farms, biodiversity, climate change and sustainable agriculture.
  
  
• From Canadian Council for International Cooperation: Election Platform to End Global Poverty and Injustice. Touches on all the major themes of the Millennium Development Goals, peace and security and governance/corporate responsibility. CRWRC is a member of CCIC—the premier research and advocacy coalition of Canadian international NGOs.
  
  
• Federal Party Platforms:
  • Bloc Quebecois—general BQ site
  • Christian Heritage Party
    
  • Conservative Party of Canada—no platform available; these are their stated "key issues"
    
  • Green Party of Canada
    
  • Liberal Party of Canada
    
  • New Democratic Party
    

© 2008 Committee for Contact with the Government. All rights reserved.

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