To the Polls: BUSU gearing up for Federal Election.

“From the frying pan and into the fire” remarked Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU) President Jody Thomas when asked about switching gears from O-Week to a Federal Election. As students showed up for their first full week of classes they were greeted with the news of a federal election. Prime Minister Stephen Harper asked Governor General Michaelle Jean to dissolve his minority government early Sunday morning which will send Canadians to the polls to elect a new government on October 14. For the students of Brock University and BUSU, expectations are high.

“We expect very competitive races in St. Catharines and Welland, we expect to see candidates talking to students on and off campus, and we expect to see post-secondary education as a central part of their platforms” said Rob Lanteigne, BUSU’s Vice President University Affairs. “With 70% of the jobs created in the last three years requiring some kind of post-secondary education (PSE) it seems only natural that each party have a solid well-developed platform with regard to PSE that works to improve its accessibility, affordability and quality” added Lanteigne.

While forwarding this agenda, BUSU will also work get students out to the polls on elections day. “More than ever, every vote is going to count, especially in St. Catharines” said Thomas, referring the 244 vote margin of victory in 2006 for current MP Rick Dykstra over the former incumbent Walt Lastewka. The two are squaring off again this year, along with three other candidates (at the moment) in the tight St. Catharines riding.

“For some students this will be the first time they have ever voted, and that can be intimidating” noted Lanteigne, commenting on what contributes to voter apathy. “For many students at Brock, Niagara is not home, and they don’t think they can vote here. They can, we want them to, and we are going to work to see that happen.” added Lanteigne. In the coming days BUSU will have an information section up on their website, www.busu.net, detailing what it takes for an out-of-town student to vote either in their Niagara-area riding, or how to cast a “Special Ballot” and vote for candidates from their home riding. Applications for Special Ballots are available at www.elections.ca, and there are copies and more information available at the BUSU reception desk.

For more information please contact:

Rob Lanteigne
Vice-President University Affairs
Brock University Students' Union
500 Glenridge Avenue
St. Catharines, Ontario
L2S 3A1
(905) 688-5550 x. 4198
vpua@busu.net

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