Editorial: Susie's Piece
An Open Letter to Future Voters
When I Google “Ontario Sex Ed Curriculum” the first result that appears is titled “Ontario's Radical Sex Ed Curriculum”. Before even entering the page, I am greeted by a brief excerpt which references Kathleen Wynne as a gay-activist in a derogatory manner. While these attitudes are certainly not representative of all Ontarians, they do reflect a trend of misinformation among voters. They demonstrate decision-making and opinion-forming based on emotion and outrage rather than based on evidence. They also reflect a fear of progressive and preventative government measures that sometimes challenge our beliefs and sensibilities.
It is extremely important to be wary of misinformation and sensationalism as the next federal election draws near. Not only does our tendency to rely on gut reactions manifest itself in public opinion, but it has also manifested itself in our legislature under the Harper government. Bill C-10, which was passed in March of 2012 under the name of the Safe Streets and Communities Act, is filled with policy that may satisfy our desire to see justice, but which has not shown itself to be effective through evidence. In particular, the expansion of the number of offenses that are subject to mandatory minimum sentencing reflects a tough-on-crime attitude but is counterproductive to rehabilitating criminals and reducing recidivism.
There is little evidence to show that mandatory minimum sentences have any ability to deter crime. Rather, longer prison sentences have actually been shown to increase the likelihood of repeat offenses. The mandatory minimums also make judges unable to give special consideration to individuals in unique circumstances, such as single parents who could require special provisions to continue working during their sentences. In addition, a report from the BC Civil Liberties Association estimated the cost of the Safe Streets and Communities Act to be $150 million in trials, corrections, and parole expenses, and the full cost of the bill could be even more. This is money that could be better spent addressing the gaps in mental health care in our correctional system or focused on rehabilitation and crime prevention. These are steps that could improve the safety of our communities and the well-being of our citizens, though they may seem less glamourous.
As citizens and voters, it is our responsibility to judge with our minds rather than to react emotionally. One of the greatest tools of the past five centuries has been the method of scientific inquiry \- of making conclusions based on evidence rather than based on conjecture. We must examine our national affairs with a critical eye and demand that our politicians be accountable to the welfare of our country. The only way we can do this is by showing them that they must appeal to us with effective policy, rather than feel-good legislation. To Garneau students becoming able to vote for the first time, this also means that we must exercise our ability to vote; a 40.7% turnout right for first-time voters is not high enough. So on October 19, take to the ballot boxes, but take with you an informed opinion, and make your vote count.