Canadian Democracy 101

Canadian Democracy 101

Levy Abad (Migrant Perspective )

The Korea Times, November 2015, vol 4 no. 11

Wow, what a ride! I remember all the days that I have spent on the campaign trail starting with flyer drops at Tyndall Park, then Burrows, St. John’s, Point Douglass and The Maples. I recall walking in the heat of summer talking to people about the issues that matter like Bill C-51, changes in retirement age eligibility, Employment Insurance, and many more. I remember my friends who generously volunteered their time to help me out with the flyer distribution, door knocking /canvassing, putting up signs and countless tasks related to the campaign. I can only say thank you so much for being part of the movement for change.

As a social activist by orientation, the greatest joy for me was being with the Canadian people in rejecting the politics of fear and division. For months I did door to door canvassing with faithful volunteers who generously shared their time with me. One even postponed his knee replacement surgery to be able to help in the campaign. In between door knocking we chanted slogans from time to time like “The people united can never be defeated” and “Solidarity Forever.” During breaks, we talked about the “isms” of the struggle, interspersed with policies, strategies and tactics among others. I remember a friend who, even when experiencing a painful knee, would always remind me to go on like Che. When pessimism steps in, I used to tell them that Ottawa or bust; what is most important is forging ahead with the peoples’ agenda of defeating Harperism. We talked about friends and brothers who abandoned us, but we never bore grudge. Instead, we gave them the benefit of the doubt and just sung “bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down,” or the song of The Hollies, ’“He ain’t heavy, He’s My brother (Sister).” All along, we never harboured illusion, but we were always mindful of the political heavyweight of the North End. What we did was to discuss the North End issues in the doorsteps and encouraged them to go out and vote.

The whole process served as a political education especially for friends who were part of the day-to-day marching on the street. Theory without practice is nonsense.  The four to six hour walk, planning, discussion, assessments, debates and forums became a school in social democracy. In the campaign, anybody who wants to discuss has to read and study the issues in depth or else you run out of bullets in the discussion and debates with the political cadres of the other parties. I experienced walking into forum full of supporters of the other parties trying to defend my party’s position with the intention of challenging them to be critical thinkers or convincing one ideologically lost soul. In the end, a Conservative friend, after having learned of the ideas and principles of the NDP, decided to become a Social Democrat. He was the one who convinced his 26 member PC family to vote NDP.

I wish to express my gratitude to the seniors at the Garden City mall and at La Merage restaurant for giving me sound advice. Whether they voted for me or not is immaterial. When some seniors defended me from intrigues and said that they understood what I was doing striving to represent the community, it really boosted my morale. I told them that the reason I put my name on the ballot was to serve and give back to the community. Participating in the democratic process meant sacrificing time and resources. I believe that public service is noble calling and one of the many ways to serve the community. I did my small part in advancing Canadian democracy and freedom as well as bringing to the fore the issues on migrants and the new immigrants.

On the other hand, music also played an important role in my campaign. I don’t know how I could have lasted the long campaign without music. We have organized five fundraising concerts at restaurants and two house concerts to sustain the campaign. At these cultural events/concerts, I sang my original compositions--song tributes like Souls Taken Away, Daughter She Can’t Find, War is Their Business, Light a Candle for Peace, Never Forget. These songs discuss the social problems that pervade society and calling for economic justice and social change. I can never forget those who have donated time, money and resources in the campaign. We endeavoured to hold grassroots campaign patterned after the olden days of self-reliance and determination. As a political neophyte, I thank everyone who supported me in whatever way. Four thousand five hundred forty-three (4,543) residents of Winnipeg North placed their trust in me, not bad for a newbie. Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.