Taking part in the democratic process

There is no better way of celebrating our 250th anniversary of the foundations of representative government in Nova Scotia, thereby Canada.

Within a week of each other, there will be federal, municipal and school board balloting in the province. Hopefully, people will act responsibly and take part in the votes.

The federal election takes place Tuesday, Oct. 14, followed Saturday, Oct. 18 by municipal and school board elections across the province. From the look of campaign signage, things are well under way in the Valley.

In 1758, the province established the foundation of representative government. It was, in part, a response to demands by prospective New England colonists eyeing former Acadian farmlands for settlement.

It was the first step of many in order to achieve what we have now. Back then, the bulk of the population had been expelled and relatively few of those who were still here could actually vote. The voting mechanism went through many changes to achieve the broad suffrage and secret balloting so much a part of the current system.

It was not an easy evolution. It took much effort and sacrifice on the part of many over the centuries.

The current government has been conducting its Democracy 250 campaign throughout the province in order to mobilize young people and others who have not fully participated in democratic action to take their rightful place in the process. This includes being aware of the issues at stake, taking part in campaigns as well as casting ballots. Former premiers Dr. John Hamm and Russell MacLellan have been spearheading the effort, aided by current politicians and others.

Given the importance of the press, now media, in the Nova Scotia democratic process from the days of journalist and politician Joe Howe, we at The Hants Journal are taking on a couple of roles in the current federal campaign.

The Hants Journal is providing coverage of the federal, municipal and school board campaigns. The current municipal and school board campaign coverage is generally through candidate profiles and videos, depending on the individual candidate’s wishes. The federal election coverage will be in response to activities taking place in or affecting the Kings-Hants constituency.

As well, in keeping with a tradition set elsewhere in the Valley in recent years, The Hants Journal and Transcontinental Media will host a federal candidates’ forum/debate at Hants Branch No. 9, Royal Canadian Legion, Fort Edward Mall, Thursday evening, Sept. 25, between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

All four candidates have responded positively to our invitation to participate in the event: incumbent Liberal Scott Brison, NDP Carol Harris, Brendan MacNeill of the Green Party and Tory Rosemary Segado. Transcontinental award-winning journalist and Hants County native Kirk Starratt will moderate the event.

There will be prepared questions to the candidates, as well as some submitted from the floor. All participating candidates will be given opportunities to respond.

The public is encouraged to come to the event and hear from the candidates -- and then cast ballots election day.