LETTERS: Former MP calls for end to left-wing partisan politics
By Alex Atamanenko
Dear Editor,
Not long ago I received a call requesting donations to save our CBC. As I reflected upon our conversation, it became clear to me that the only way to save our public broadcaster was to ensure that the Conservatives do not win the federal election.
However, due to their strong lead in the polls as a result of dissatisfaction with the current government, this will not be an easy task. As usual, the Liberals, NDP and Greens will most likely split the anti-conservative vote thus handing victory to Polievre and his extreme right wing populists. In addition to gutting the CBC, he will very likely proceed to undo any progressive legislation and policies that have been put into place including pharmacare, national dental plan and anti-scab legislation. This will be followed by huge budget cuts and austerity measures making life even more difficult for Canadians.
While in Parliament during the Harper years I witnessed the systematic dismantling of our country. This took place under a majority government even as the NDP had gained Official Opposition status. Life under Polievre’s populists
will be much worse.
The question, therefore, is what can be done to prevent this apocalyptic scenario? I believe it is time for a pre-election coalition between the Greens, Liberals and NDP. Basically, this would mean deciding which party candidate in each riding has the best chance of beating a Conservative. This would be a one-time strategy at this very critical time in our history.
Sadly, I do not believe that our political parties have the courage to engage in this type of collaboration. When I approached the leadership of my party with this proposal, I was ignored. The time is ripe for the federal Liberals, NDP and Greens to put partisan politics aside and work together to preserve our Canadian way of life.
Alex Atamanenko
Castlegar, B.C.
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