By Joe Gaetan
January 24th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
As epic as Mark Carney’s Davos speech was, the real story isn’t just what he said – it’s how Carney got here, and what that says about us as voters.
Let’s be honest: Carney didn’t become prime minister in a vacuum. Carney may be PM in part due to Pierre Poilievre, and the Carbon Tax. Who can forget how he relentlessly hammered away at “axing the tax”. The tax imposed on Canadians to be rebated in full (but not before or without adding the cost of administering the merry-go-round). That drumbeat like it or not may have helped reshape our and possibly the worlds political landscape.
Looking back, instead of using our energy resources to help friendly countries, we were told we should leave it in the ground. When we knew LNG is cleaner than coal, we were told there was “no business case for LNG,” while some provinces said, “not through our land.” And while EVs are part of the solution, instead of investing first in nationwide charging infrastructure, we were about to impose an EV mandate on the entire country. While there was more going on than the energy file, it serves as a proxy for, be careful what you vote for. Who we elect is just as important – if not more – than what our leaders say on the hustings or on the world stage.
When we elect someone because we are charmed by appearance, rather than substance, we get what we deserve.
When we elect someone because we are charmed by appearance, rather than substance, we get what we deserve. When we elect someone who sees the bigger picture – who understands we can be green while still ethically developing and exporting oil, gas, and SMRs – then we start firing on all cylinders.
Democracy isn’t just about showing up.
If you don’t think who you vote for matters as much as what you vote for, ask yourself: where would Canada be today if, collectively – not unanimously, but meaningfully – we hadn’t given Carney a chance to show what he was made of? For some the jury is still out on that question. While others are giddy over Carney.
And now, due to floor-crossing and political volatility, we may be heading back to the polls sooner than later.
So here’s the real question for voters:
Will you only vote for the party you’ve always voted for?
Will you vote just because you like your local candidate?
Will you vote because a candidate says its 2026?
Will you vote after taking a serious look at the effect your vote has on the future of our country?
Will you vote at all?
The last year has been a wake-up call. Not just about politics – but about our voting responsibility. Because democracy isn’t just about showing up. It’s about thinking harder, digging deeper, voting smarter, and understanding that leadership choices shape everything from your tax bill to Canada’s place in the world. And just in case you think this only applies to federal elections, think again. We will soon be voting on Municipal candidates. And this is not the time to sleepwalk through it.
Well said, Joe.
I agree with your well thought out article.I believe Canada failed the Litmans test with voting Liberal over the last three elections.If there was a chance for Poilievre that was it,he blew it. Now we’re stuck with Justin’s front bench intact relying on an unproven leader who just picked a fight with our biggest trading partner. This isn’t going to end well.
I totally agree with this article.
It is amazing how many people do not vote. I always tell people that it is at the Municipal level that you can make a difference.
Many residents have no idea who their ward councillor is or what ward they live in.
Many Canadians voted for Carney because they didn’t like Poilievre. They had no idea what his platform was. Did he run a terrible campaign – yes, I have to question what his manager was thinking.
When one votes it should not be a popularity contest. It is imperative that residents take the time to meet with their municipal representatives running for election or reelection. They need to take the time to know what campaign promises are actually doable.
Those running for election or reelection should provide town halls in each ward so that the residents get to meet them and find out what they stand for. Door to Door campaigning should not be the major avenue to reach out to residents.
How many times I have heard people say “They are such a nice person”. My answer is that it may be so but are they effective as a member of the Council? Will they really represent the needs of their community?
In the last two elections the big issue that was addressed was the promise to save the waterfront. Don’t drink the Kool-Aid if anyone running this time around tries to tell you that this can be done. As someone in the know has stated ” that ship has sailed”.
For me one of the issues is not being controlled by the Strong Mayor Power. Also accountablility on how my tax dollars are being spent ( $2000,00 + for a one day FIFA Caravan). Stop the WOKE yellow and blue benches and the special interest groups that come for funding.
Residents need to make a knowledgeable decision when they vote. Everyone needs to get out and VOTE.
Strong Mayor Powers need to go!
And yes, so much money could have been saved for Burlington property taxpayers over the past several years if our existing mayor and city staff would stop initiating and funding completly unnecessary projects and events that we do not need or want! (too many to mention).
If this money was coming out of their personal pockets, it would have been a completely different story. And we would have had more sustainable and prudent property tax increases dating back to October 2018; when our current mayor and council were first elected.
These massive increases must stop!
Our current Mayor, Marianne Meed Ward who loves Strong Mayor Powers, has held on to powers that are not legally legislated by the Province of Ontario for her to keep. There is absolutely no reason why Mayor Meed Ward could not have relinquished certain powers back to our Burlington City Council members beginning in 2023. But Mayor Meed Ward personnaly choose not to relinguish these powers even though the majority of our current council members brought a Motion for her to do so. And numerous residents signed this request via a city Petition.
Residents need to inform themselves with municipal politics and get out and vote in October 2026.