Watching election night on CBC has become a very important ritual for me. I glory when the predictions are wrong and enjoy watching how many seats my favorite party will gain. This election day was somewhat of a let down for me. Although I deeply enjoyed watching the success of the NDP, the success of the Conservative party was deeply disturbing to me. I am deeply aware of how much this change in government will mean to social services and support for marginalized groups in Canada.
After reading the Davin report, I more deeply distrust the Conservative party than I did prior to the beginning of this class. The Conservative party was responsible for the implementation of many specific aspects of the residential school system and this party continues to uphold many of the same principles that founded the residential schools. Although it was Stephen Harper who offered an apology for to the First Nations peoples for the harm done to them through the residential school system, little action has been done to create positive policies in order to support positive growth in First Nations communities to replace the destruction that has been done.
As my thoughts continue in the realm of the political, I wonder how differently other parties would treat First Nations communities. The Liberal party at one time attempted to strip First Nations people of their Indian status in Canada and the NDP have never been so close to power as they are now. The economy seems to be the most important topic of discussion. This has led to greater limitations on groups who have been marginalized in the past and the present. The conversation needs to be redirected to ensure that all groups receive equitable treatment that will lead to equality. This redirection is necessary and will not be created by a single voice, but many. Being a part of the field of social work does mean working for the redirection of political conversations in order to uphold the ethics that we live by.
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