Where is everyone?

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Where is everyone? This is the question I find myself asking as I notice the lack of civic engagement in society around me. Does no one care anymore? About our schools? Our municipal governments? Do people not understand the importance and influence of these institutions?

The issue came into focus in September at my son’s school’s AGM where I was the only parent who showed up to be a part of the governing board. I was surprised, sad, and disappointed to realize I was alone. I think the principal shared these sentiments. In a small school that bends over backwards to give these mostly disadvantaged kids the best shot in life and education, no other parent was willing to show up, roll up their sleeves, and help?

Schools have a tremendous influence on our children. They spend on average six hours a day in school, 30 hours a week, close to 43% of their waking time. Isn’t an institution that has such access to our kids extremely important? And might we want to have a say in that institution’s governance? Governing boards afford parents that important opportunity, to be involved and have a say at the school level. They also serve as the launching point to involvement at higher levels: the school board Parent Committee, the Council of Commissioners, and EPCA (the English Parent Committee Association – which often is called on to advise government policy and advocates for the rights of English-speaking parents and students.) Each of these important committees gives parents the chance to guide the educational system.

When I learned that small municipalities are considering downsizing their councils from six to four members (see story pg. 6) due to low recruitment, I felt that same discouragement all over again.

Municipal government is the most important level of government, the level closest to the people, it touches our daily lives in ways that the higher levels do not. It affects our homes, our businesses, and our infrastructure. It determines how our tax dollars are locally spent. But there’s no fame or fortune that comes with office in a small municipality. In fact, with the small salaries our municipal councillors earn annually compared to the hours they put in, it’s basically volunteer work.

But what will happen if no one shows up for the job? I see two potential outcomes:
1.) Less democracy – suddenly, only four people will be making decisions on behalf of 2,000. Couple that with low voter turnout, and whoever shows up is going to run the show.

2.) Centralization – with a provincial government so keen on the centralization of, well, everything, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them decide that these small municipal councils should in some way be centralized too. All power to the MRC? Perhaps all power to the region… or to Quebec City? As elections roll around next year, this is something to consider. If you’ve ever thought about running for municipal office – do it.

As the old adage goes, “if you don’t vote, you can’t complain.” If you won’t show up, you shouldn’t complain either.