Gum-Flapping About Democracy

I'm on a democracy jag - I guess because there is so much gum-flapping about democracy in the news these days. Maybe it's the cartoon fiasco that's brought it to top of mind. Or the recent federal election here that allowed us peons to flex our democratic muscles a bit.

Whatever the reason, democracy is on my mind. And I must say I'm not happy with the state of it. Not happy at all. In fact, I am disgruntled.

Here in Canada, a succession of governments has come to office pledging to reduce the "democratic deficit" in our political institutions. So far, they've done nothing but undermine the little bit of democracy we have. Oh, they've fiddled with election dates and talked about looking at new voting systems. Sounds good. In the meantime, however, they've cut down on the actually elections we can vote in, chopped the positions we can vote for and created a slew of new appointed positions. Less voting, fewer positions to vote for and more political appointees running our lives. How does that reduce the democratic deficit?

You want some examples?

This week, the Ontario government decided our municipal politicians should get four-year terms instead of three. The reason is specious. I won't dignify it by repeating it here. But just a few years ago, municipal politicians served two-year terms. Now they will only face the voters every four years. Hooray! We have just cut local democracy in half.

This same provincial government has established local health networks to oversee the financing and distribution of regional health care. Are these new health care ubermeisters elected? You've got to be kidding. They are, of course, appointed. By the provincial government. How's that for renewing democracy?

Something closer to home?

Here in Durham Region, we pay megabucks to the guy who runs the region. He not elected. He's selected by the mayors and uber-councillors who make up regional council. I don't even know who he is. Well, some of the mayors thought it might be nice to let people vote for the top political position for a change. Make them feel like grown-up citizens and all. I mean, it's not the 1970s anymore is it? Surely we've grown past a time when a paternalistic province had to appoint our leaders for us. Forget about it. Heck, we can't even hold a referendum to ask voters if they would like the chance to elect the overpaid regional boss. Apparently you can vote for a dogcatcher and a hydro commissioner, but never, ever for the head honcho.

And on it goes.

Appointees. Smaller councils with bigger jurisdictions. Fewer elections. Nothing but a lot of gum-flapping about renewed democracy, while the real thing recedes into distant memory. The people who run things are talking the talk of democracy as they walk smartly in the opposite direction.

Jeesh! Will the Family Compact ever leave this building?