effectively respond to many issues and needs .

Many Canadians , however , seem to be uninterested and disengaged from politics and political issues . Over nine million people representing 40 % of voters did not vote in the last election . The party in power today won a majority with about 40 % of the vote , representing 24 % of eligible voters . Furthermore , the largest block of non-voters is young people . Instead of viewing politics as an opportunity to become involved in discussions about the really important issues facing us , people are distracted . Perhaps our politics , including reliance on hyper-marketing , more tax cuts , and narrow self-interest has made people apathetic and distrustful .

Getting past the apathy and distrust will not be easy . In 2010 , Michael Enright said , “ Our politics has been reduced to a level that would embarrass a schoolyard bully . Division has driven out debate . Confrontation has crushed consensus . Cooperation has been overwhelmed by conflict .” Our challenge is to find a way to build national vision and broad consensus on tough issues . To meet this challenge , the health of Canadian democracy must be a major issue for all of us , now .

We need a national conversation on the role of government in our lives : how much inequality we are prepared to accept and what kind of society we want . In his book , Tax is Not a Four Letter Word , Alex Himelfarb asserts a need to rethink what we are doing ; to restore our sense of community responsibility and to accept taxes as the primary means by which we serve our collective interests , and to find ways of thinking and of acting that will allow individuals to pursue and achieve their dreams but also to ensure the greater good is being served . Can we do it ? What will we tell our grandchildren if we don ’ t ?

To the Editor : Thank you for the changes in the winter issue of news & views . I have enjoyed the new columns . My senior eyes like the large print . However , I do think that we do not need such a high quality paper .

Cathy McNeil Parksville BC .

To the Editor : The death of Dr . Bernie Keeler on January 1 , 2015 , brought to an end an outstanding career in educational leadership and the life of a dedicated humanist .

In 1961 , after receiving a PhD in Education , he was appointed the first principal of Jasper Place Composite High School . He was elected president of the Alberta Teachers ’ Association and later became its executive secretary — a position he held for twenty years , providing significant educational leadership .

Irl Miller news & views SPRING 2015 | 9