As Canadians approach another federal election, the political landscape is increasingly defined by promises, rhetoric, and the shifting tides of public opinion. Campaign slogans and political ads flood the airwaves, aiming to sway undecided voters with visions of a better future. However, in a democracy, elections should not solely be viewed through the lens of promises made; rather, they should be evaluated based on what political parties have actually accomplished and, just as importantly, what they have failed to achieve. This perspective allows voters to make informed decisions grounded in reality rather than political idealism.
First and foremost, accomplishments reflect a party’s ability to turn its promises into tangible outcomes. While electoral platforms often present optimistic views of what is to come, it is critical to evaluate the track record of each party in terms of what they have achieved during their time in power. This is the reason why Canadian political history has seen the constant change of guard, with one party alternating with the other every time there is an election when the incumbent seems to have stagnated, or worse, dragged the country to the ground. Why this happened during the election of former PM Justin Trudeau against former PM Stephen Harper who had a stellar economic plan that worked and gave Canadians the financial stability it deserved still baffles me to this day.
The ability to follow through on commitments is a key indicator of a party’s competence and effectiveness. For example, the Liberal Party’s focus on issues like climate change, child care, and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples has resulted in dismal outcomes, and questions remain about the long-term impact and whether these initiatives have lived up to expectations still remain. Meanwhile, the Conservative Party, often touting fiscal conservatism, has a record of tax cuts but has been criticized for its lack of significant progress on addressing climate change.
In addition to accomplishments, it is equally important to focus on what has been left undone. Every government has limitations, and failure to address key issues can be just as telling as the success of certain policies. For instance, the current Liberal government passed a carbon pricing system and introduced several environmental initiatives, but critics argue that they have failed to meet Canada’s Paris climate commitments, and also failed to see the impact this would have on average Canadians. There is also the issue of the Liberal’s frivolous spending and donating to many international causes that left Canadians in debt. This resulted in Canada’s being at the very bottom of the OECD GDP Report, and is projected to have the lowest average annual growth rate in GDP per capita among OECD countries, the result of the Liberal government and Canada’s lost decade under Trudeau.
Viewing elections through the lens of accomplishments and failures also places the focus on policy rather than partisan rhetoric. These tactics can easily overshadow meaningful debate on actual policy. When citizens assess political parties based on concrete achievements or missed opportunities, they engage in a more constructive evaluation of their options. The NDP is out of the race, and polls show how NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh’s loyalty to former PM Trudeau has not only hurt the country, but his own party. The other parties just don’t have the ability to show their accomplishments either. Their constant need to oppose anything all the other parties are saying is just dumbfounding. The list of accomplishments and failures allows voters to assess a government’s performance objectively, and I believe there is plenty to talk about regarding the Liberal governments record for the last ten years. If they are promising to make things better after this election, why didn’t they do so a few years ago when the ship started to sink? Considering accomplishments versus failures provides a clearer picture of a party’s governing philosophy. An honest reflection on the progress or lack thereof allows voters to judge not just the policies put forth, but the values that drive those policies.
The Canadian election should not be merely a battle of promises and ideals, but a reflective evaluation of past performance. We all need to look back at how life was like before the Liberal years and what life is like right now. By focusing on what political parties have accomplished, and perhaps more importantly, what they have not, voters can make an informed decision based on actual governance rather than unattainable goals. This perspective helps create a political environment where parties are held accountable for their actions, offering voters a more grounded, realistic approach to the future of Canada.
By Rosette Correa
