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Federal political parties offer little inspiration leading into election

Federal political parties are once again rattling their sabres about an election call this spring.

And the general feeling amongst Canadians seems to be: wake us when it’s over.

The Harper Conservatives continue their dictatorial, our-way-or-the-highway style of minority rule. Harper’s vision of a bold, open, accountable government for Canadians seems to have fallen by the wayside.

The Liberals can’t seem to galvanize any emotion other than apathy and the memory of a bad taste left in the mouth.

As for the NDP, well, they are still just grasping at leftover crumbs of power.

What is concerning is that despite Conservative government scandal, including charges of violating election spending laws, doctoring documents and needing to be forced into revealing the cost of new crime policies, few citizens seem to be calling for any substantial change.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s “you win some, you lose some” attitude to his government’s being found in contempt of Parliament (akin to being found in contempt of court) should inspire outrage in voters, and prompt demand for greater accountability of our public servants.

But instead, it’s as though Canadians have simply grown tired of the whole political machine and have instead decided to accept that politicians, regardless of their party affiliation, are really all just the same —  ethically challenged.

Barrack Obama’s election campaign brought renewed excitement in the U.S., but has not managed to meet those high expectations in this term, instead adding to the feeling of disenchantment.

We are doubtful another election will do anything other than increase Canadians’ cynicism. Instead, it seems we’re just in line for more of the same.