election cost - no complaint

Inevitably, the media immediately went in search of those who would complain there shouldn't be an election because it costs too much. My view, I'd much rather pay for elections than not have the opportunity to do so. Ask the people of Egypt if elections are too expensive.

Fixed election dates partially address the issue of early election calls, i.e. before the constitutionally mandated 5-year term of a Parliament has expired and prohibit government from playing with the timing for political advantage. No one in Canada has proposed, however, that fixed-terms should over-ride the principle that a government which has lost the support of the elected MPs or provincial representatives must do one of two things; ask the Governor General or Lieutenant Governor to call for a new election or advise the governor to invite someone else to try to form a government that will have the confidence of those MPs.

As long as we elect minority governments, we can expect to have more frequent elections. It's messy and expensive but that's democracy. And it's way better than the alternative.

It would seem at the time of writing this, the Government of Canada headed by Stephen Harper has lost the confidence of the majority of MPs elected by Canadians from coast to coast to coast. Harper does not have ask the Governor General for a new election if he really believes that would be bad for Canada. He could advise that someone else be invited to form a new government that would be more acceptable to MPs. Such a solution would not be viable or palatable to most voters in the current situation, in my opinion, so an election it is.

For what it's worth, I believe those who complain about the cost of elections also complain voting is too difficult and don't bother to vote either. Just as well, given their lack of engagement and commitment to democracy. Call me elitist; I have no patience for such silliness.