Canada’s new Prime Minister Mark Carney wasted no time in calling a federal election. On just his 10th day in office, Carney dropped the writ and announced that Canadians will head to the polls later this month on April 28. While it’s always important to get out and vote, this time around it feels more significant than ever, given the current trade war and threats to Canadian sovereignty from south of our border.
There are six candidates running in our newly named riding, Columbia-Kootenay-Southern Rockies, which stretches from Nelson to Creston to Fernie to Invermere.
Conservative incumbent Rob Morrison faces (in alphabetical order by last name – we’re librarians after all!) the People’s Party of Canada’s Laurie Baird, Liberal Reggie Goldsbury, NDP Kallee Lins, the Green Party’s Steven Maffioli, and independent Jim Wiedrick.
With so many choices, such complex campaign issues, and a short electoral cycle of only 37 days, the Nelson Public Library can play an important role as voters make up their minds in the lead up to election day. Libraries are always treasure troves of information, places to connect with the resources you need, and vital community hubs. When it comes time for an election, libraries can help build an informed electorate, promote political engagement, and ensure all voters have access to the information they require before heading to the polls.
Public libraries like ours provide barrier-free access to information for everyone – regardless of age, income, background, identity, or political leanings – in the form of books, print and digital media, and databases.
Our current display in the library features a selection of books about democracy in general and our Canadian government in particular, as well as specific information about where, when, and how to get registered and cast your vote in our riding during this election.
In addition to our collection of 40,000 books, the library subscribes to 70 magazines and newspapers (including the Vancouver Sun, The Globe and Mail, the National Post, and the New York Times online), to help you keep up to date with news and current events. The library also subscribes to two dozen research databases, free to explore with your library card.
As you investigate the issues that are important to you this election, the library can help you discover information that is credible, reputable, accurate and timely.
Our library provides free access to computers and the internet, which can help connect voters with essential information. Come in and use one of our public computers or connect to our Wi-Fi network on your own device to check out CBC’s Vote Compass, a tool developed by political scientists to help you compare your views with those of the political parties.
The library serves as a community hub and supports public engagement by offering programs, events, and services for people of all ages and backgrounds. Our library offers a welcoming space to come together with your neighbours, ask questions, share your views, and respectfully exchange divergent ideas.
Are you curious about the viral phrase “Elbows Up”? Our catalogue shows 237 books about hockey, including Mr. Hockey: My Story, the 2014 autobiography of sports legend Gordie Howe himself, who famously used his elbows to defend himself on the ice.
By providing barrier-free access to critical resources and information, and encouraging political engagement, we’re here to help build a more informed, engaged, and empowered electorate. Helpful library staff can offer expert research support and connect you with the resources you need at this critical time. At the very least, we can point you in the direction of the new Elections Canada office at 602 Baker St.
Whatever your political stripes, on April 28 please show up and exercise your democratic right to vote. Elbows up!
Erin Maconachie is teen services co-ordinator at the Nelson Public Library. Check This Out appears monthly.
