Current Issues:

Beginning the election campaign with a most regrettable incident...

(Bonnie Mitchelson Campaign)

To Whom It May Concern:
I experienced an event on Saturday, April 21, which shocked and dismayed me. I was at home, relaxing after my final papers had been handed in (as I'm a politics student at the University of Winnipeg), and the doorbell rang. I answered and was greeted by a volunteer for Bonnie Mitchelson, the longtime PC MLA in my riding. Now, I never mind speaking to anyone, and am unfailingly polite to people who ask for a minute or two of my time.

The gentleman in question asked whether I had considered voting for Ms. Mitchelson in the upcoming election (as the writ dropped on Friday). I replied that I had considered it, and just like the times in the past when I had considered it, dismissed it. He asked why that was, and I replied that I did not, by and large, agree with the policies of the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba or with the stances taken by Ms. Mitchelson in the past. He then asked if I was going to be voting NDP.

At this point I became a little irritated (after all, I don't think it's very appropriate that a candidate's volunteer is trying to ascertain who I'm voting for), and I said that I was a registered member of the Green Party of Manitoba (which doesn't really answer the question, but he would implicitly assume that I am voting Green). He thanked me for my time and left. As I was closing the door, however, I heard him say under his breath:

"Might as well just spoil your ballot."

I found this to be highly inappropriate. For a member of one of the two main political parties to suggest that a vote which does not apply to one of them is the same as a wasted ballot is revolting. It shows a dangerous level of hubris and arrogance. The thought that so-called "third parties" cannot make a difference is a thought which is dangerous to the system of democracy that we hold dear. After all, without the federal NDP, Trudeau would never have survived his minority government. These third parties, while they may never take office, serve as brokerage parties, ensuring that the voices of all citizens are heard, not just those who spend time at the PC or NDP headquarters. Members of all political stripes have served Canada with distinction, and this should be recognized.

I request an official, public apology to be made by Ms. Mitchelson and for the particular campaign worker to be censured. This is not the type of behaviour that any MLA should condone towards one of their constituents, and I would like to see Ms. Mitchelson admit that and take action towards righting that wrong.

Yours faithfully,
MATTHEW MOLNAR

cc. Gary Doer, MLA (Concordia), Leader, New Democratic Party of Manitoba
Hugh McFadyen, MLA (Fort Whyte), Leader, Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba
John Gerrard, MLA (River Heights), Leader, Liberal Party of Canada
Andrew Basham, Party Leader, Green Party of Manitoba
Darrell Rankin, Party Leader, Communist Party of Manitoba
Liberal Party of Manitoba
Manitoba NDP
Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba

<< < July 2010 > >>

About the Green Party of Manitoba:

The Green Party of Manitoba was officially established in 1998. The aim of the Green Party is to educate the public and government about the fallacy in believing that the "environment" is a separate issue from the other issues that Manitobans are concerned about. A truly sustainable society requires a fundamental acknowledgement of all the social, economic and ecological factors that are involved when implementing government policy and evaluating its outcomes. Green Party of Manitoba policies can be found Here.