Twenty Eleven

2010 brought about some serious changes in our social, financial, environmental, cultural and political lives. Near the end of the year, I was begging for a few more constants in life, but alas great change is still upon us. 2011 might be even more chaotic than last year, and shit went down then; we can only begin to imagine how different things will be this time next year...

There are going to be so many elections this year you are going to want to vomit violently, or puke profusely whichever you prefer. Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Newfoundland and Labrador all are scheduled to hold a provincial election this year. Manitoba may look to remove the NDP from power (no!) and Ontario is so upset they just might elect the Progressive Conservatives. Newfoundland and Labrador and Saskatchewan will most likely remain the same with their current right-wing majority governments perhaps shrinking slightly.

Yukon must also hold an election this year due to the current mandate having run its course since 2006. British Columbia along with Prince Edward Island may hold an early election for a better chance of their governing parties to remain in power. The Liberals or NDP could displace the Yukon Party for first place in the north, with the Liberals winning a huge majority in PEI, perhaps even every seat in the Legislature. Finally, British Columbia, I wish I could tell you who would win a possible early election, but unforeseen circumstances have actualized as of late, so I'll get back to you on that...

Federally, the chance of another general election in 2011 is very real. Harper is looking for that majority, and with the polls sitting where they were two years ago, he might just call one to extend their time in power until at least 2015 (shudder). Then again, the Liberals are also getting impatient. If they Conservatives win again, Liberal Party dissidents might look to unseat Iggy from the top spot and Ms. May also might be out of a job. As of today though, polls are sitting close to their 2008 levels.

The BC Conservatives, Liberals and NDP are all looking for new leaders this year. All of which will be solved by the summer. My guess is that Christy Clark will most likely become the next Premier of British Columbia, as painful as that would be. The Tories in Newfoundland and Labrador will also elect a new leader, while the Liberals in New Brunswick will begin the difficult task of finding someone to lead an imploding political party.

Issues of central political importance this year will likely revolve around the debt, the environment and democracy. This issue of electoral reform won't hush down anytime soon, and while no referendums are being held on the topic, it will probably be put into the public's attention. Don't expect any major reforms to these areas this year though.

2011 will also mark municipal elections in British Columbia, specifically November 19th, 2011. Should the HST referendum be moved up to June 24th, the election will be the first I can vote in, or be a candidate for. Considering this, and looking to the fallacies with the current direction of Langford City Council, I am seeking positive solutions to the challenges we face. My role within this city is currently unknown, but I am exploring my options.

The New Year will be exciting, not scary. We need not to fear what is ahead of us, but rather to embrace it. It's just a number ladies and gentlemen, it always has been, and always will.