It???s September. It means many different things for people in Ontario and across Canada. For starters, it simultaneously signals the start of a new school year and the end of summer vacation. However, interestingly, it also serves as a refresher on one the most fundamental ideas that makes our society healthy: democracy. On September 15, 2018, the world will come together to observe International Day of Democracy that was established by the United Nations.
According to the UN,???it provides an opportunity to review the state of democracy in the world. Democracy is as much a process as a goal, and only with the full participation of and support by the international community, national governing bodies, civil society and individuals, can the ideal of democracy be made into a reality to be enjoyed by everyone, everywhere.??? Furthermore, democracy itself thrives from the presence of human rights, fair and free elections, and freedom among people in Canada and abroad. These are all concepts enshrined within the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
For this year???s commemoration, the theme will look at Democracy Under Strain: Solutions for a Changing World as it falls with the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This theme seeks to determine what systemic challenges lie ahead in efforts to stimulate democracy. It includes strengthening inclusion of young and marginalized communities, responsiveness to contemporary issues such as climate change, and addressing ongoing political as well as economic inequalities.
The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development mentions democracy in its 16th goal. It highlights the link between peaceful societies and effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions. Since this day coincides with the 70th anniversary, the importance of human rights should enter private and public conversations on the wellbeing of democracy in our communities and across the world.
This is a great opportunity to consider the information and resources from the UN on healthy and inclusive processes and activities for democracy. It is particularly important because elections will be taking place across the Province of Ontario on October 22.There have also beensome significant changes to municipalities from the Province as this election approaches. Furthermore,elections at this level have received some of the lowest voter turnout numbers among all levels of government in Canada. In the 2014 municipal election in the province, there was anaverage turnout of 43.12% among municipalitiesin the province. Yet, municipalities have generally had control over some matters that have a direct and large impact on the quality ofour livelihood such as land-use planning, recreational services and policing. If you seek to see changes to these decisions made by our city councils on these matters, seize the rights and privileges that are granted to you living in a society that rests ona healthy democracy.
Whether you???re heading off back to school or to work this September, think critically about what you can do to practically contribute to a vibrant democracy at the local level in Ontario.
Contributed by Harrish Thirukumaran, 2019 Master of Public Policy Candidate at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto.
