It is the individuals in this campaign who are giving me hope day by day.
Yesterday I met someone who is voting for the first time even though he has been old enough to vote for fifteen years, because he heard me speak about the power of democracy and the importance of the voter and the engaged citizen. It isn’t that people don’t understand the notion of influencing government. It’s that they’re discouraged by the seeming lack of results. When Canadians hear the message of hope we’re bringing to the election campaign, I know that they will find it refreshing and heartening. I am encouraged every time I hear a voter tell me that I have made a difference already for them.
Today I am going to be running around town, meeting voters and showing Rick Mercer the place where I live. I’ll go to a church I don’t attend regularly in the morning and meet with another church group in the afternoon. Afterwards, Rick Mercer will arrive in my riding. I hope to take him for a drink at the popular pub, The Dock, or maybe go to the famous Pictou Tim Horton’s where Peter MacKay took Condoleeza Rice. It is likely to be a fun afternoon with a lot of laughs.
Given the challenge of running in Central Nova, I am grateful for all the support I am given by volunteers, friends and voters. I look forward to introducing Rick Mercer to the fabulous people in Pictou County and Antigonish County who have been motivating me to work hard for this riding from day one.