Time To Update My eMail Address Book

Want to make a difference? Follow Carol Goar's advice and walk the talk which is something I haven't been doing as religiously as I used to because I just got pissed off with the "form letter" replies from flunkies.

Policy swallowed up by politics

But while they're in the grip of election fever, there are a few things people who care more about results than rhetoric can do.

The first is to call their MP and/or MPP repeatedly to check on the progress of an initiative. This doesn't guarantee action, but it does increase the likelihood that the issue will stay on the government's radar screen.

The second is to email the minister in charge of a plan regularly (with copies to the opposition parties) seeking updates. The longer his or her aides equivocate, the more awkward it will get. Even if the messages go unanswered, there will be an electronic trail.

The third is to tell newspapers and broadcasters when a fine-sounding announcement made weeks ago – or months ago – hasn't made an iota of difference on the ground. If there are enough complaints, editors will sense a story in the making and get someone to look into it.

The fourth is to ask incumbents who show up at the door what happened to housing that was supposed to be built; the medical procedures that were supposed to be expedited; the child-care facilities that were supposed to be available; the high ethical standards that were supposed to be evident; or anything else that failed to materialize. Disappointment connected to voting intentions tends to get noticed.

The money is clearly there to convert ideas into action. What is missing is the pressure to deliver.

Carol Goar's column appears Monday, Wednesday and Friday.