Politicians promises are 'empty promises'.

[The Green Barbarian]

So the question is:

How do we hold politicians accountable - not only for their 'promises' but for their actual performance through their tenure? Recall is cumbersome, often the electorate is unaware of critical issues (due in large part to our lazy MSM 'reporters' who seldom if ever do actual 'investigative reporting) and the ballot box is 3 years away?

FOI requests are time consuming, costly and often result in page upon page of redacted information.

Any suggestions?

Have a much stronger opposition.

[hobbyguy]

The other important aspect in keeping politicians honest is NOT to vote by party. Vote for the candidates/party that demonstrates the best blend of traits, and include honesty in that.

Then follow the Mark Twain guidance:

"Politicians are like diapers, they need to be changed often, and for the same reasons."

[Atomoa]

The other important aspect in keeping politicians honest is NOT to vote by party. Vote for the candidates/party that demonstrates the best blend of traits, and include honesty in that.

Hobbyguy, I usually agree with your posts however not this time.

You may vote "for the person" all you want but the way our system works here in Canada, if your MP doesn't vote along party lines they get turfed and become independents. Then the majority goes on to pas whatever law while you and your MP sit alone in Parliment feeling good that you took a stand but actually didn't do a damn thing.

Until we get proportional representation and eliminate first past the post you have to vote like your voting for a president with veto power.

Vote for the party and vote strategically.

*removed*

[The Green Barbarian]

Until we get proportional representation and eliminate first past the post you have to vote like your voting for a president with veto power.

I am not a big fan of proportional representation. It gives an undesirable far left and far right elements far too much power, and leads to little actually being accomplished, as has been demonstrated in every country it has been tried.

[George+]

*removed*

[hobbyguy]

Atomoa - yes, at the moment the party system is too strong. That is precisely where voting out of party loyalty betrays democracy. The set up within our political parties isn't very democratic. And strategic voting only works to a certain point.

At some point however, a longer view is necessary. It is no secret that I don't care for Mr. Harper or his cronies. Yet, if either Michael Chong or Brent Rathgeber (who was essentially forced out of the Conservative by Harper) were in our riding, I would likely vote for them. Both of those gentlemen have demonstrated a respect for democracy and for their constituents that is increasingly rare in our politicians. If we, as voters, do not reward that, then how will our system ever improve?

I guess what I'm saying is that a good candidate, a good person that will represent the riding well and vote what is objectively good for Canada, is worth voting for regardless of party affiliation or "strategic" voting.

That said, there are not many individual candidates that meet that criterion. But when you do find one, vote for the person, not the party or "strategy".

Hypothetically, if the Conservatives got routed, and only the good candidates like Michael Chong survived, then the Conservative party that arose from the remaining candidates would be a better one than we see today. You could pretty much substitute any party name in that hypothetical situation.