7 million Canadians voted before all party platforms were out. Do platforms still matter?
As the Conservatives finally unveiled their election platform, it was revealed that over seven million Canadians had already cast their votes. This raised questions about the relevance of party platforms in this election cycle.
Sébastien Dallaire, executive vice-president of Eastern Canada for the Leger polling firm, noted that the delayed release of platforms by the main parties indicated a shift in voter priorities. The focus on U.S. President Donald Trump and his tariffs on Canada had become central issues in the campaign, overshadowing traditional concerns like deficits and taxes.
David Coletto, founder and CEO of Abacus Data, highlighted that voters were divided on whether to prioritize a party’s response to Trump’s decisions or a party’s ability to bring about change in Canada. This shift in focus from traditional issues to more immediate concerns was reflected in polling data.
Despite the changing landscape of election priorities, Richard Johnston, a political science professor emeritus, emphasized the importance of party platforms as indicators of future governance. While platforms may not always sway voter behavior, they provide a roadmap for how a party intends to govern.
Andrea Lawlor, an associate professor of political science, noted that while many Canadians may not closely examine party platforms, they play a crucial role in holding parties accountable for their promises. The media’s coverage of campaign promises helps inform voters about party platforms, even if they do not read the documents themselves.
Mostafa Askari, chief economist at the University of Ottawa’s Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy, stressed the importance of costed platforms in understanding a party’s economic plan. Releasing platforms before debates would have allowed for more substantive discussions on policy differences.
Andrew MacDougall, former director of communications for Stephen Harper, suggested that party platforms might be becoming outdated in the age of social media. The fragmented release of policy ideas can lead to issues being amplified by algorithms, making it challenging for parties to control their messaging.
In conclusion, while party platforms may not always be the deciding factor for voters, they serve as important documents for understanding a party’s vision for governance. As the political landscape continues to evolve, parties must adapt their strategies to effectively communicate their platforms to the electorate.
