Canada was formed in 1867. The preamble of our Constitution states:

"Whereas the Provinces of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick have expressed their Desire to be federally united into One Dominion under the Crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, with a Constitution similar in Principle to that of the United Kingdom:

And whereas such a Union would conduce to the Welfare of the Provinces and promote the Interests of the British Empire:

And whereas on the Establishment of the Union by Authority of Parliament it is expedient, not only that the Constitution of the Legislative Authority in the Dominion be provided for, but also that the Nature of the Executive Government theirin be declared:

And whereas it is expedient that Provision be made for the eventual Admission into the Union of other Parts of British North America:

I. Preliminary

1. This Act may be cited as the Constitution Act, 1867."

The Constitution provided a basis for how the political structure in Canada would be organized. Section IV. on Legislative Powers in sections 17 through 57 called for a two chamber, or bicameral Parliament consisting of both the House of Commons and the Senate.

I believe that as a Canadian, I have the responsibility to keep informed about the goings on in Canadian politics, vote, and participate in the political process. We are guaranteed freedom by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, but I think Diefenbaker made a good point about freedom.

"The principles of freedom are never final. Freedom is not static. It cannot be fixed for all time. It either grows or it dies. It grows when the people of a country have it in their hearts and demand that it should be preserved. I would be the last to contend that any document made by man, however impressive, can assure freedom. The ultimate assurance of them must always be a vigilant people, vigilant to invasions of intrusions on their freedom; for, sir, when the spirit of freedom dies in the hearts of men, no statute can preserve it."

If we want to live in a free Canada, we as individuals must take the initiative to help make it that way. The political process is of tremendous importance to every citizen in Canada. It helps determine the quality of society we live in,sets our levels of taxation and social support systems, and helps to determine the ways we can interact with others and how we live.

I do not contend that our current electoral system is perfect. However I do contend that if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem. If there are problems with the current system, voter apathy will not help. It will only encourage maintenance of the status quo. If you do not support the status quo and would like to change things, or if you would like to express your support for it, there are a number of ways to do so.

Some of the political parties include the Liberals, the Conservaties, the Bloc , the NDP, and the Green party.

Visit what is actually said in the House. Hansard is online. Watch it (and other interesting things) on television- CPAC . Read Parliament's newspaper, The Hill Times . Read the papers and magazines such as: The Globe and Mail , The National Post , Macleans and Canoe. Visit Bourque. Listen to talk radio. Visit message boards. Join an online discussion community. Read political books written from differing perspectives to learn more about the whole story. Learn, talk, observe.

Other sites of interest include the Government of Canada , Statscan, Elections Canada , Canadiana , and Canada's Legislatures .

Don't forget to check out the Hill. For fun, invent your own conspiracy theory.

John Diefenbaker was asked if there were any rewards in public life to which he replied, "There are- not monetary, but there is a tremendous satisfaction in being able to say, 'I tried, I stood.'" Likewise, I think there is also a certain satisfaction in participating in the political process. I encourage you to find it.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my page on the politics of Canada. I would appreciate any feedback you might have.

There is no need to be cynical and hopeless. If you desire change in the system, go out and fight for that change. If you are tired of the system that no longer seems to be working, seek alternatives.