Making every vote count
The Oct. 14 Federal election could bring significant changes to Canada’s political landscape and that’s why it’s more important than ever to exercise your right to vote.
We may not be participating in the equivalent of the riveting soap opera that’s unfolding to the south of us, but we do have a number of very important issues at stake in the 2008 election. The Free Press has asked the Oak Ridge-Markham candidates to give us their position on some of those issues, namely the economy, the environment, health care, the war in Afghanistan, infrastructure and arts funding.
Apathy is all too common among eligible voters, particularly since it’s a mere two years and nine months since our last trek to the polls. But unless you really don’t care who ends up running this country, it’s up to you to make the effort and cast your vote on Oct. 14. If you are unavailable to vote then, you can take part in an advanced poll, which will be held Oct. 3, 4 and 6. For more information call Elections Canada at 1-866-249-5930.
The triumphant homecoming of Olympic Silver medalist Karen Cockburn provided an example of our town’s great sense of community. On Sept. 13, Karen and her husband, Mathieu Turgeon, were given a huge welcome as they arrived in a beautifully decorated ‘limo’ to be greeted by the town crier and the mayor, before Karen obligingly signed hundreds of autographs for eagerly waiting fans. The Stouffville BIA and the Free Press were proud to sponsor this memorable event and we would like to thank Karen and Mathieu for giving so generously of their time to meet and greet members of the community.
The arts are not only an important part of life, but they also provide economic benefits, bringing revenue and employment to communities large and small. This month, residents can enjoy two excellent arts events in town: The Palettes of Stouffville’s annual show and sale, which takes place at Lemonville Community Centre over the Thanksgiving weekend, and the eighth annual Stouffville Studio Tour, which includes the work of more than 30 local artists and artisans. The Studio Tour is being held Oct. 18 and 19.
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