RECAP | Canada election: Poilievre’s vow to override Charter in crime crackdown draws fire from rivals
As the 2023 federal election approaches, new Canadian voters are voicing their concerns about the impact of Trump’s threats on Canada-U.S. relations. Gaurav Marik, who recently obtained his Canadian citizenship after leaving India a decade ago, initially prioritized affordability as a key issue. However, he now emphasizes the economic consequences of tariffs and the looming threat of annexation by the United States.
“When someone attacks you, especially from the outside, you feel the need to defend your identity and what you stand for,” Marik expressed. This sentiment is shared by Evaristo Vocaj, an immigrant from Albania who has been involved in Calgary’s Centre for Newcomers for the past five years. For Vocaj, upholding Canadian values and national spirit is paramount as he prepares to cast his first vote in a federal election.
Despite his longstanding political engagement, Vocaj acknowledges that the arduous process of becoming a Canadian citizen has heightened the significance of participating in the democratic process. “After enduring the challenges of immigration, we feel a sense of deserving our right to vote and a growing connection to the spirit of being Canadian,” Vocaj reflected.
These new voters represent a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, all unified in their concern for the future of Canada amidst external threats and challenges. As they prepare to exercise their democratic rights for the first time, their voices serve as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding Canadian sovereignty and values in the face of uncertainty.
