Yesterday, our new premier, Rachel Notley and her cabinet were sworn in.
This ceremony was like no other. It was held outdoors. The weather was perfect for the day. 10000 people came to the event! There were families with young children, young people ... a wide variety of people. There was no dress code so tee shirts and shorts and many other variations were seen. The ceremony was brief and not too quiet or solemn. After the swearing in the new Premier and her cabinet immediately went out in the crowd and mingled with the people. People were not expecting this and were surprised. Many people had photos taken with the new premier and lots of photos were selfies. What a sport! There were several bands that played . There was free ice cream! People had a great time.
Now before this we had old , rich white men in suits who were sworn in. Not that there's much wrong with old white men. I'm one of them. The ceremony would take place in the Lieutenant Governor's mansion. The premier and his new cabinet would move to a swanky hall where a sumptuous feast took place. Only the bigwigs attended. Ordinary people were completely excluded from this government event.
Yesterday's event got me thinking. We are always complaining about so many people who don't vote. We know few young people vote.
So my epiphany is that if we involve citizens in political events instead of excluding them , we may increase voter turnout.
I think yesterday's event should have some influence on increasing voter turnout. Young people were exposed to a government function. It was fun!
I hope that many of these people will become voters because of a positive experience with an important political event.
That's great, Red! Real change is afoot in Canada, it seems. And the open air ceremony sounds like it was wonderful. :-)
ReplyDeleteWell, change in Alberta. It's too soon to say real change.
DeleteCongratulations on your new premier! Rachel Notley sounds like a people's premier. Definitely a keeper! So Canadians have a problem with voter turn out too? I thought it was just in Hawaii. People here are too complacent.
ReplyDeleteWe're looking forward to the new premier. We are bad for voter turnout.
DeleteIs that yellow flower a Scot's Broom?
ReplyDeleteWe call this buffalo bean. It's Thermopsis rhombifolia. I also know it as wild sweet pea.
Deletesounds like a refreshing change!
ReplyDeleteEven the guys who were replaced have decent things to say about her.
DeleteSounds brilliant. There is little chance of it happening here.
ReplyDeleteWe thought that there was zero chance here too.
DeleteIt happened here in Scotland 'though where the Scottish Nationalists went from 6 to 56 seats in one UK election. Of course that didn't alter the overall UK party in power but it certainly affected the outcome and it will be very interesting to see how it translates into the Scottish Parliamentary election next year.
DeleteThis does sound like a very positive development.
ReplyDeleteAt least it's a change after 44 years of the same party. I hope they make thing better.
Deletewe need to follow suit. The constitution says for the people, by the people and these people are the same as you and I with conviction to help all out. We hope.
ReplyDeleteYou guys need one or two more parties for choices to make a difference.
DeleteToo bad it cannot happen here in the USA. Good for the Canadians! :)
ReplyDeleteYou guys need one or two more parties so that there is a chance for a bigger change.
DeleteMaybe, just maybe......it's because she seems to be genuine and actually cares about "THE PEOPLE". Perhaps she has struck a chord with the little people that are mostly the backbones of business and industry, towns and cities. Perhaps there is hope with "Rachel Notley".
ReplyDeleteRachel is charismatic. I hope that she can actually accomplish something.
DeleteA positive change. She has impressed me thus far. I said it on election night and I'll keep saying it- Ralph Klein must be rolling over in his grave.
ReplyDeleteSo far things look good. Some of the things she's changed already are no brainers like our flat tax.
DeleteGod Bless Canadians. Glad you day was enjoyable Red.
ReplyDeleteA positive change.
Okay, I thought you wee an American for a minute. I hope that some things do change.
DeleteSounds like a wonderful time. I think politician's will get a better rap if they start to be more humble and less arrogant!
ReplyDeleteWhat you say is what we're all hoping for. I met Rachel's Dad once when he was NDP leader in Alberta. Her Dad was a well liked guy .
DeleteAnother good read, Red! That was indeed in a good day.
ReplyDeleteThat's very nice to hear, starting off as she means to go on?
ReplyDeleteWit really does sound as if your new Premier wants a different kind of government, one that will involve the ordinary people. It's a great step in the right direction, I think.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your new premier - this is definitely a change in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteI hope your right and this augurs well for the future...:)
ReplyDeleteI have been thrilled by this whole thing (as you probably guessed).Now the impossible has happened, I just hope we don't screw this up. There are so many that would love to see us fail. Good luck Ms. Notley!
ReplyDeleteIt makes perfect sense to involve the citizens. Feeling appreciated makes you want to do more...I think.
ReplyDeleteRed it was so awesome being at this event and I love that it opened with traditional Indigenous prayer and then a drum song. I love the vibrancy, the inclusion of the people and you bet the free fudgesicle was tasty! :-) I believe that we had an amazing turnout of the younger generation voting in the election, it might just be my own thought but it sure seemed this way... and it's so good to see as this is their future they are investing in with their votes.
ReplyDeleteI'm late on this but I thought it was astounding and fantastic that the NDP won! Now I hope the same thing will happen federally. I don't want Harper OR Trudeau in power!
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