The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge - Your Turn -- How Are You Deciding Your Vote?

Episode Date: April 24, 2025

This week's question asked listeners about their decision and how they are making it.  We didn't want to know who you voted for, but rather how you arrived at your decision.  You responded in huge numbers from coast to coast to coast and beyond!  Plus the Random Ranter is here.

And hello there Peter Mansbridge here. You're just moments away from the latest episode of the bridge. It's Thursday That means your turn and once again this week you've really delivered on the letter front lots of them coming right up And hello there Peter Mansbridge here with your Thursday episode of The Bridge and that of course means your turn. And I got to say once again this week as it has been really since the beginning of the year when things started to happen in such a significant way politically in Canada, the Trudeau resignation, the Carney election as leader, the call for

an election, the Trump threats of 51st state and annexation, you name it, it's been quite the year and you've responded big time every week with letters to the various topics we've suggested. This week no exception in fact, I think we probably have more letters this week than we've ever had. We've probably got three times more than we will be able to fit in. And so we've had to be very strict on the rules. And you know the rules of this game. But most of all for today, what I mentioned a couple of times is what I was not looking for was who did you vote for? I wasn't calling out for endorsements of Poliev or Carney or Singh or whatever. What I wanted to hear from you was what was on your mind as you made the decision about voting, about who to vote for, what

party to vote for, what was on your mind in terms of issues, in terms of what's important for the country? So not persons, not people, not candidates, but sort of what was on your mind on issues and the whole question of voting itself. So let's get right at it. So keep that in mind and know that if you'd mentioned a candidate in your email to me, then the odds are it's not on here. Here we go. Jesse Fillion in Penticton, BC. The deciding factor for my vote was the quality of local candidate. The candidate I chose to vote for was present for all debates and local media events, visited

all the communities in my riding and currently resides in my riding. Surprisingly, difficult criteria for many candidates to meet. Doug Hubbell in Guelph, Ontario. I've decided to vote for the party that will tap into our vast resources and bring our products to market. It was an easy decision. Rondi Peacock in Muskoka, Ontario. Since turning 18, I've only not voted twice, and I just celebrated my 29th birthday for the 31st time. This election I found myself actively seeking additional information and limiting social media platforms.

From the beginning of the cycle, I chose to snooze anyone engaging in the bashing of any party for 30 days. It really helped manage unnecessary and counterproductive noise. Holly Sawchuck in Vancouver. It was easy to decide. We voted for the only adult in the room. Darcy Guy in Saskatoon.

I like to consider each party's platform first, but the local candidate and party leadership do play a role in my decision. As a result, I voted for different parties at different elections and at times I voted strategically. This year was easy for me. One party clearly stood out in all areas and it's close enough I don't need to vote strategically. I even have a yard sign for the first time. Kate Wilson in Toronto. This was the most difficult voting decision made in decades. I struggled to vote conservative because some policies are similar to Trump's. I struggled to vote liberal because of the deficit outlined in the party platform.

I struggled to vote NDP because Singh doesn't have the leadership skills needed to be PM. Thus, I selected an outlier party and will support the final decision made by my fellow Canadians. Anthony Bidgood in St. John's, Newfoundland. My vote was guided by who would best defend Canada in dealing with the United States and Donald Trump. The future of our sovereignty and economic health, as well as our place in the world, is at stake in this election. Carol Lavallee in Stittsville, Ontario. This was the easiest choice to make in my never missed to vote record since 1968. I chose based on whom I thought has the most mature and grounded character to deal with Mr. Trump's unpredictability.

The best resume to deal with the financial fallouts from tariffs and ideas about the 51st state, international connections, and finally, understanding and appreciating the need to deal pragmatically with climate change. Sue Bullis in London, Ontario. I voted for the rights of women for generations to come. Anastasia Lewis in Shiloh, Manitoba. That's east of Brandon. What has motivated Shiloh east of Brandon or west of Brandon?

Trying to remember. Anyway, Anastasia writes, what has motivated my vote this election is the future of Canada. In past elections, it was always straightforward. I voted for core policies I deeply believe in. This election is different. We need a leader who will represent all, including the West, but also the North and Atlantic provinces. We require a strong leader to protect Canada's unique values and interests at home and abroad. Trump is not our only challenge. Andre Aselin in Elmont, Ontario, Southwest of Ottawa. The idea to do what we can control rather than being jerked around by Trump

drove my decision. Frederick Lachapelle in Golden, BC. I'm still not decided. Should I vote for the leader I believe in or the local candidate who best represents my riding? We have a solid MP, but I am not comfortable with the direction of the party as a whole. Shannon Bradley Green in Cochrane, Alberta. As a Canadian voter from Western Canada, the biggest policy change I am looking for in any election is proportional representation. However, I will never join a separatist party in hopes of bringing that about. There was hope in 2015 when Justin Trudeau made it part of his platform, but it didn't happen.

My vote in this election then must be for the candidate whose beliefs and values best represent my own. Pat Wharton in Vernon, BC. My fear and dislike of populist ideology was the main factor in determining my voting choice. Ann Harmer, Garden Bay, BC Until I obtained Canadian citizenship at the age of 32, I had never voted anywhere. I felt as if something was missing, as if I was somehow derelict in my duties. Since then, I haven't missed a chance to vote.

How could I express disagreement with a government if I hadn't cast a vote for or against? Frank Batisi in Toronto The way I vote has not changed, although the issue of Canada's sovereignty is paramount in my mind. I vote for the party whose leader has the most credible record and best vision around building an independent, strong and unified Canada. That person must demonstrate a deep understanding and appreciation of Canadian history, believes that the best policies float all boats and recognizes Canada's outsized potential. I

shun small thinkers. Shailesh Shukla in Oakville, Ontario. I voted based on the leader and the team around him. The key question I asked myself, is the leader and more importantly, the team around him capable of handling the challenges ahead of us? Are they balanced, thoughtful individuals who can govern well, not just debate or argue, but lead effectively? Are they the people who I can trust to strengthen

the future Canada? Kim Houston in Guelph, Ontario. This time, for the first time ever, I base my vote entirely on my choice for Prime Minister. So I asked myself, if my vote wasn't a secret ballot, could I proudly and positively defend my choice for who they are and what they bring to the table without simply criticizing the other option? Harold Gold in Calgary. There are three main things that help me to determine where to place my vote in any election. Which party best aligns with my values? Which party has the best and most realistic vision for not just the next four years but

well beyond? Which party best represents most if not all Canadians? And special for this election, which leader is best to manage the current crisis? Joanne Bamford in Waynefield, Ontario. It's the South Niagara region. This time it's a no-brainer to me. How did I decide? I decided that I will vote for the person who most represents

my values and morals. The person leading their party, one who is standing up for the country, we love, not with aggression but with smart strategies. Basically I decided on decency, kindness, and smarts. That's what we need right now. Isabelle Crew in Toronto. I'm voting based on the candidates in my writing, not the party or party leader. The candidate for the party I am a member of has no connection to the writing. He seems to be a star and friend of the leader dropped into a sure win seat. He's not mentioned any writing specific issues. The other candidate lives and works here and is passionate about the issues affecting our

writing specifically. Local representation matters at the national level. Kristin Gitte in Talqua, BC. I voted for the person who shows up and does the work. The other main candidate paddles populist lines and rarely shows up unless there is a business excuse. The rest felt like placeholders. Nationally, I joined a new party this year, not out of loyalty but because watching the world tilt towards chaos without doing something felt worse. My vote was local.

My engagement is broader. It was not a hard decision. Julia Karslik in Burlington. We're presuming this is Burlington, Ontario, because maybe people on the less known Burlingtons would add their province. There are three other Burlington's in Canada, Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Anyway, Julia writes, I won't be voting this time for an MP.

I'll be voting for a prime minister. My only criterion for voting will be which leader do I trust with the economy. Thea Kylie Kubik from Calgary but currently living in Brisbane on Australia. I'm a voter in my mid-30s. I have degrees in chemical and clean energy engineering and I'm voting to bring my province into the future instead of trying desperately to cling to the past. I left Canada, hopefully temporarily, to work in carbon capture and I want to feel that I can come home to a job that benefits the environment and still pays well enough to own a home. I've already sent in my absentee ballot and I'm waiting anxiously for election day.

Margie Morris in Upper Sackville, Nova Scotia. I always vote but tend to go with the candidates in my riding. I feel would best represent my area regardless of the party they represent. This time is different. I'm voting based on the leader I feel can best navigate the political turmoil the world is currently experiencing. This is not a vote for the party as much as it is a vote for the leader. Michelle Desmois in Edmonton.

I moved from Montreal to Ottawa in 2016 and from Ottawa to Edmonton this past fall. In the past I voted based on both local and national concerns. This time I didn't have enough time to familiarize myself with local candidates and concerns so I voted based on the party leaders. Gib Hegdeveet in London, Ontario. Craziest political time of my life. My motivation was focused on who offered intelligence, strength with compassion, and strong resume. Someone to take the helm in one of the most significant times in our history. My focus changed completely because of the USA. David Oliver in Victoria. First I

looked at my belief system. A study of economic and social history helps with the vote compass. That's a CBC online device that asks what you believe and then lines up your answers to the appropriate party to determine the party. Then I look at the quality of the local candidate. I might support an outstanding candidate of a different party. Finally, I checked the polls to see if tactical outstanding candidate of a different party. Finally, I checked the polls to see if tactical voting would get a better result. Marcia Battaly in Fonthill, Ontario at Southwestern Ontario, not far from Niagara Falls. This election I voted for a leader, not a party, nor a local candidate. I was motivated to select the smartest

and most skilled person to transform and unite Canada. I voted for someone who would execute a plan with efficiency without sacrificing the rule of law, our core values, and empathy. Medina Abdelkader in Vancouver. I voted against populism. I'm a millennial lawyer who believes in our constitution and the rule of law. I made the only choice that met the moment. Ed Stroder in Gladstone, Manitoba, that's northwest of Portisier Prairie. Canada is facing some serious issues. I voted for the party that I felt would be in the best position to thoughtfully deal

with those issues. Thoughtfulness and fairness will get my vote every time, regardless of ideology. Aggressive and authoritarian policies have no place in my world. Sean Bartlett in Cupid's Newfoundland, NL. So I'm assuming it's Cupid's Newfoundland, not Cupid's Netherlands. I made my decision partially based on the leaders. Only one leader has shown me that he has the ability

and has the team around him with the experience to deal with the fallout from the Trump presidency. It's also very important to me that as we navigate our way through these unprecedented times, we maintain our values as a nation and don't travel down the same road as our southern neighbors. Paul Gouchy in Toronto, my motivation for voting has been the same since I turned 18. It's my patriotic duty. Yet this year my motivation is enhanced because of the American issue. The United States appears to be imploding and they are on the verge of a collapse.

I want a government who will look to diversify our trade and make us more self-reliant for fear that the US sinking into oblivion may bring us down too. Lars Olsen in Calgary. I'm sadly a single issue voter stemming from the disbelief, prideful indignation and fear of the continuous assaults on our industry. No, I'm not talking about Trump. I vote for the federal party demonstrating commitment to the economic horse that pulls the social cart to steal a quote from Wab Kanu. It generates 25% of Canadian exports and 70%

of energy consumed in Ontario and Quebec. It is oil and gas. Still in Calgary, Megan Stiles. So much matters this year, economy, climate, tariffs, but my vote is for the leader who I think will best defend all people in our diverse messiness. It's time to stop the nasty talk and combat the conspiracy chatter. We need civility, kindness, respect, accountability, the things we learned in kindergarten,

brought back to our politics and public discourse. Ian Hendry and Owen Sound, Ontario. Usually I vote local. We have excellent candidates, but this time national. It's an easy choice. Shail Palewal in Ottawa. My decision on who to vote for was based on the candidate's party and in particular who the party's leader is. In this election, one party leader is particularly strong and has demonstrated their capabilities. The other party's leaders do not seem as capable of leading the government and the country through our current challenges.

Fred Juste in Oakville, Ontario. We decide which federal leader would best represent our thoughts and interests as Prime Minister, as well as on the world stage. Local candidate is secondary. Frank Wang in Surrey, BC. Typically, I compare the party platforms, then choose one that aligns with my values and benefits the nation long term. However, this time I am also strongly weighing the character and demeanor of the party leaders. We need a prime minister that can both calmly rally the country and is willing to hold firm in front of Donald Trump. Unfortunately, as most MPs are backbenchers, so I don't cast my vote based on local candidates.

Bill Ebert in Edmonton. I'm making my decision after chatting with the three people running for the seat in my area. The one I chose believes we cannot run deficits year after year. This person is sick to his stomach about transfer payments from our province to central and eastern Canada year after year. This person is sick to his stomach about transfer payments from our province to central and eastern Canada year after year. The other two are good with spending money we do not have. Easy choice for me. Georgia Barry also in Edmonton. I took the time to read platforms presented on websites, listened to discussions on various podcasts, the speeches of the liberal

leadership race, the two debates, and came to this conclusion. A shiny new coat of paint on a chair with cracks, screws missing, rotted sections, and wobbly legs does not give you a functional chair. Michael Patton in Edmonton as well. I'm 50 years old. For the first half of my voting life, I learned as much about the parties and voted for the one which I was most aligned with. But over the past 15 years, I find myself strategically voting against the party I like the least.

I'm not sure which approach is better. Melissa Gross in Lethbridge, Alberta. For a number of years, my MLA's office didn't return phone calls or emails from many in my riding, intended to represent groups that favored them in the election. This taught me the importance of local representation. In this election, I'm looking at my local candidates and the local who is which one is reasonable listens is willing to have a conversation about issues that matter to their constituents and will advocate for my writing. John Rowland in Kingsville, Ontario, that's on the shore of Lake Erie, about as far south as you can go in Canada, actually John writes Canada needs sensible local representatives with

experience and values, not silver spoons. It needs a prime minister whose knowledge, global experience and relationships with world leaders will take Canada to the next level of creating reliable trading partners. Someone who can navigate relationships with the USA, Trump imposed tariffs and the 51st state nonsense, someone who will bring provinces and its peoples together. You know, I told you, I wasn't going to read letters when names were

mentioned, right? Names of candidates. But on some of these letters, like that last one, you can pretty well tell where that person's heading, the direction they're heading, right? Sometimes there's wiggle room in some of this stuff. Um, but we've had, we've had a lot of letters already. We're going to take our first break. Um, but you get, you get my drift about sometimes you, you can kind of see where they're heading,

but you gotta be careful. Sometimes you can be fooled by that. Um, all right, we're going to take our break. All right. Our only break on our Thursday program. We've got lots more letters to go. And we've also got the random renanter who's back after a week off. We'll get to him and your letters, more of them right after this.

And welcome back. You're listening to the bridge, the Thursday episode. That means your turn and the random renter you're listening on serious XM channel one six seven, Canada talks are on your favorite podcast platform. All right. It's renter time and we put the same rule on the renter and say what he wants today, but he can't name any candidates. rule on the renter and say what he wants today, but he can't name any candidates. He just wants to get you thinking just like so many of your letters do.

So let's get at him. Here he comes. The random renter. For some, this selection may be about vision or ideology or policy, but I think when you boil it down, it's really about fear and anger. Let's face it, there's a lot of angry people out there. In fact, stoking anger has become big business. And let me tell you, the anger business is booming. Angry folks are passionate, they're motivated, and they're loyal. You can count on angry people. They'll put their money where their mouth

is. They'll show up at rallies, at protests, they'll even show up at school board meetings. When it comes to voting, the angry vote is the most dependable vote there is. Now I'm not here to comment on the basis of all this anger. There's lots of folks who rightly or wrongly feel frustrated and disenfranchised. I see it. I get it. And I get it because most of all I totally understand fear. Look, I grew up in a household with a very angry dad and every day was like a master class in fear and anger. And I can tell you this, as motivating as anger is, it has nothing on fear. Fear is both primal and practical.

It's as much an emotion as it is a survival instinct. Fear separates the brave from the foolhardy. It's what makes courage courageous. Short of panic, fear is reasonable, and right now many Canadians have reason to be fearful. There's the menace of Trump, a looming recession, unemployment, the cost of living crisis, global warming, health care, dwindling retirement savings, never mind the future we're leaving for our kids. Life is hard and the list goes on and on.

But there's one thing that motivates the fearful more than anything, and that's the angry. If I'm feeling fearful for my future, the last thing I want to do is place my trust in someone who's angry. But here's the thing I've learned about anger. Deep down, it's a sheep in wolf's clothing. It took me a long time to grasp it, but anger at its core is really just fear misdirected. If you talk to enough of those angry people out there, you'll recognize that they're angry about a lot of the same things that the rest of us are fearful about.

They're not angry for the sake of just being angry. They're angry because in some way, their life, their belief system, or their livelihood feels threatened. It's just a different emotional reaction to a similar situation. And maybe understanding that can help bridge the gap because the truth is, whether you're angry or scared or angry because you're scared, we're all standing on the edge of the same precipice,

facing the same unknowns. My hope is that we can manage to take a step back from the edge and start trying to truly understand each other's perspectives. Whether it's French vs English, West vs East, Urban vs Rural, Farmer vs Auto Worker, or Angry vs Fearful, we all share a lot more in common than we think. My hope is that by facing the same existential threat together, we may be able to start repairing those rifts. I know it won't be easy, but I do know this.

We're motivated. Because the numbers are in, and the advance polling saw a record turnout. Like a quarter of Canadians, I voted last weekend, and I've never seen a busier polling station. The wait was over an hour. The lineup was out the door. The level of engagement was great to see, but also no surprise.

This is not a normal election. There's a lot more at stake. So I don't really care if it's fear or anger that's motivating you. Let your voice be heard, because the system only works if we get out and vote. The random ranter, and I really liked that commentary this week. And it all comes down to his last line.

The system only works if we get out and vote. So there you go. You got a couple more days to make up your mind if you haven't already. Back to your letters. David Seller in Langley, BC. This is not just an election. This is an economic and sovereignty challenged war. The front line needs an experienced general. Another one from Langley, BC, Susan Torgerson. Genetically, I am NDP. I want everybody to be taken care of with a social safety net. For the first time, I will vote for the incumbent party because I greatly fear the

coarsening of North America. I greatly fear the decrease in tolerance and kindness towards marginalized groups. I greatly fear the damage done to the planet and its inhabitants by global warming. Tom Koschaw in Whitby, Ontario At the start of the campaign you asked us to identify a factor besides Trump that we were looking at, I wrote that our leaders needed big ideas to close the gaps that Trump's actions identified. The debates are over, the election is on Monday. Maybe my big ideas were too idealistic for our leaders to believe in. Can they think outside the box? There's still time.

I'm still undecided. Anne Marie Klein in Toronto. I'm retired and have been voting since 1984, and this is the most crucial federal election of my lifetime as we face an existential threat from the US government. I decided to look forward instead of backwards, giving all the parties a clean slate. I cast my vote to give Canada a government with the best chance to remain sovereign through economic strength and self-reliance, which to me included a leader with the specific skill set needed at this moment in time. John Minchel in Comox Valley, BC. I decided how to vote in this election similarly to

how I always do. I've always been one who votes strategically and is not loyal to any party. It's the issues and the overall leaders that influence my choice. In this case, our neighbors to the south were my primary consideration and I voted accordingly. André Sandoux in London, Ontario. My decision for who to vote in this campaign in this year's election was easy. I went with the party that I felt supported my values and who is best equipped to tackle today's relevant issues. Troy Wilson in Victoria.

I know which party is my dead last choice, but I don't know how best to stop them. My writing is particularly tricky because the incumbent is Elizabeth May of the Greens. Can she manage to keep it given these unprecedented times and her fading star power? And if she can't, who might take it? No clue. I wish we had ranked choice voting. Peter Arato in Toronto. I've always voted for the PM candidate, not the party or the local MP.

I voted conservative and liberal, but not NDP except provincially. This time true to form, my early vote went to the person I expect will provide the best leadership based on their life and career experiences, temperament, education, and relevant skill set in light of the challenges facing the country. Cecilia Klassen in Kelowna, BC. In past elections I've always based my vote roughly like this. One-third on the local candidate, one third on the party's values, one third on the federal leader. But this time, 100% of my vote is going to the party that hasn't shown even a whiff of Trumpy vibes. Zero tolerance for conspiracy, chaos, or cult energy. We've seen where that road leads,

and I'm not interested in driving Canada off that same cliff. in driving Canada off that same cliff. Sandy Esposito in Aurora, Ontario. I'm voting this time for my grandchildren. Christine Frantzen in Dundas, Ontario. My choice is simple. Although there are many issues to consider in deciding the top leader, for me, there is one glaring issue that eclipses all the rest. I've researched the candidates for my riding. While all are highly

qualified, my vote now is for the party. Previously, I typically voted for the candidate who I believe would do the best job for my community, but these are different times. Kate Winslow in Thunder Bay, Ontario. My voting decision has been solidified by the appearance of rebel media at the media ashram of the debates. Rebel media has radicalized a section of our population on land, excuse me, and encouraged them to go out and harass MPs the voting public and on Our PM for years while one political party who benefits from it stays silent

Nope, not in my Canada Kirk Anderson in Ottawa. I Love this letter I Vote because I've stood on the beach at Courssouil-sur-Mer. That's a town on the Normandy coast of France, part of the area codenamed Juno Beach, where Canadians landed on June 6, 1944 D-Day. Kirk writes, from there it is typically who I believe will be the best leader, the best person to represent us and our history and those men. It's the beach. That's it. I have more than 300 Canadians died on that day on that beach at Cressul and at Cursule and Santa Bassa mayor just down the coastline a little bit. Chrissy Solich in Winnipeg, easy decision in this order, one party, two candidate in my riding, three policies on women, LGTBQ+, environment and animal rights.

John Cain in Toronto, given the worldwide economic turmoil, the Trump regime is putting us into my vote went to the leader who I felt best prepares the country who would be the best to negotiate with Trump, not give into him and who would have the best interest in the largest number of Canadians in mind when making hard decisions. have the best interest in the largest number of Canadians in mind when making hard decisions. I chose country over party, just like I always will. Norma Jack in Stouffville, Ontario For the first time in over 40 years of voting, I did not vote for my local candidate or even

read about them. My priority for this election is having the right leader to govern Canada. Hence I voted for what I considered as the best person to guide Canada through this extremely difficult time. Janice Buckin in Brooklyn, Ontario. This is my first time ever voting. My X was made based on who I don't want to lead the country. Richard Bird in London, Ontario. I first considered if the seat in my riding would be important for strategic voting. Once that was discounted, I reviewed the platforms of each party and decided based on which one most aligned with my values.

The shortest answer of the week goes to Nancy Sigafus in St. Catharines, Ontario. You can't get an answer any shorter than this. It's just one word. Nancy says she voted the way she did because of intelligence. Janet Vanuillor in Whitby, Ontario. I chose a different process than usual this election. My decision was based on one, better education and experience in dealing with economic challenges. And two, the ability to stand up to Trump and negotiate future trade

with other countries and interprovincially. Plus he's just more likeable than the other options. Derek Dillabo in Ottawa. I look to the future with my vote. I think of the kind of Canada I would love to see. A fair and welcoming country that is a beacon of hope for those less fortunate. A country that cares about the environment and all future generations. A country that respects and honors science and education.

I cast my vote for the person and party that will get me closest to that dream. Marie Graff in Ottawa. I graduated with a bachelor's of science in geography in 1995 and have been a single issue voter since climate change and environment. This election I'm giving my vote to the candidate that I most trust to put environment, clean energy and decarbonization at the heart of every important economic and policy decision that will have to be made in the face of tariffs, Trump and global economic organization reorganization. Michelle Kaufman in Toronto. I voted for Canada and I also voted for the future of my two 20 something sons. You know, we had a lot of letters that talk about that, right?

That this election is about the candidate you want to see and that's one that you may not be around for, but your kids and your grandkids will be. Christina Hayes in North Vancouver, BC. My main motivation in voting two months ago was Trump. Now it's housing affordability. I want to buy a single detached house for less than $500,000 in BC. I'm tired of housing and everything else being so expensive. Well Christina, that's going to be a tall order.

The average price of a home in BC is about $965,000. The average price in Vancouver is more than $1.2 million. Ann Lee Haw in Ottawa. I dream of a resilient, compassionate and open Canada that offers much to its people and the world. I voted for steady leadership and will strengthen and grow our country while preserving what makes us truly Canadian. I hope that Canada continues being a source of pride, known for its kindness and global

respect, a country that makes me proud to display the Canadian flag on my backpack when I travel. Tony Hepburn in White Rock, BC. My reasons for voting. I despise American style politics and the coarsening of public discourse. I think one candidate has here promotes the same. I think the Trump threats and tariffs are serious, and one of the two main candidates will be much better at dealing with the threat. Angela Di Francesca in Toronto. My main concern when voting in this particular election was the candidate.

I considered how he would handle Trump. Things I considered were his gravitas and the way he handled himself. They gave me a sense of how he would handle a crisis and if he'd be a foil to Trump. I simply don't have confidence in the abilities of the other candidates for various reasons. Pamela Hinchliffe in Summerlin, BC. Summerlin, it's between Penticton and Kelowna. I voted for the party I don't normally vote for to keep out the party that

I really do not want to win. Yeah. You got to listen to that one a few times and then you can figure it out. Right. I voted for the party I don't normally vote for to keep out the party that I really do not want to win. Ellen Schaffner, Halkirk, Alberta, that's east of Red Deer. I belong to every major party in this country and some minor. I've always voted for the person, and this time I'm

voting for a dignified leader who respects the office of Prime Minister. Joe Doerre in New Dundee, Ontario, southwest of Kitchener. I'm voting because of my grandmother, Betty, a Chilean national who married a Canadian and moved to Canada in the 1950s. She lived through poverty, social unrest, and the dictatorship of Pinochet. Pinochet. And she taught me at a very young age to always vote, because that privilege is precious. She loved Canada, loved paying her taxes, and loved our democracy. Let's not take for granted what we have in this beautiful country. That's a great letter. You know, at the end of the day, it doesn't matter who you vote for.

What does matter is who is that you actually vote. Constance Elaine Menzies in Narell, Manitoba near Winnipeg. While our fair democracy is still intact, I voted to push against autocracy, as it's clear to me autocratic tendencies have seeped into some of our political parties in very tangible ways. Mike Bensky in Toronto, my vote is for a return to Canadian values. Respect and dialogue rank high on my list. Intimidation, harassment, and hate don't.

The past decade has shown me a Canada I don't recognize. I fear for my children and their future here. Never would I have imagined that Canada would be going this way. Rebecca Augustine in West Colona, BC. The US move to authoritarianism is the main issue driving my voting decision. I believe the Trump administration represents a credible threat to law and order in the Western world, and I am looking for a federal leader who will take that threat seriously

and prepare Canada to face it. I am not particularly motivated by my local candidate, but they represent a vote for the person I trust to lead us through this. James Radke in Victoria. I like one party leader but prefer the policies of another political party. And my favorite local candidate is from a third party. As a tree-hugging capitalist pig with socialist ideologies, I am used to that dilemma and often decide how to vote at the last minute. This year is different.

The existential threat from the American government has me leaning towards the party leader I like the most. Last couple of orders here. Ian Ricketts Moncour in Ancaster, Ontario. Three factors influence how I voted this election. Firstly, two of the four parties had a core of economic and growth policies that aligned broadly with my perspective about the change Canada needs. That excluded two other parties.

Then I looked at the character of the leaders and I looked at who their party attracted at its fringes. That made the decision easy for me. Chantal Chitako. Chit-Kalo. Chit-Kalo. Chantal, sorry about this Chantal, I'm in trouble with this name. She's in Winnipeg. I've never voted in the advance polls, but I did so on Easter Monday.

The issue that urgently pushed me to vote early is the nonsense and unpredictable behavior coming from Trump. I have adult children in university and I am concerned about their future because of Trump's chaos. And here's our final letter for this week. It comes from James Carr in Vernon, BC. I'm going to be a politician and not answer your question. Instead, I would like to show my appreciation for the over 250,000 Elections Canada poll workers working hard to make this election happen. I'm proud to be one of them and I encourage voters to act with patience and kindness towards poll workers putting in long hours to ensure democracy stands. Thank

you James, thank you for your service and you're quite right. We thank all Elections Canada poll workers across the country, coast to coast to coast, for the job, thoughts and comments that inspire us to make up our own minds about how we want to feel come election day if we haven't voted yet and we're about to vote. There's lots to think about. This is, as everyone has said, no matter the party they represent, this is a consequential election. The decisions we as a people, we as a country make this Monday will have an enormous impact and effect on how the country is governed and the decisions it makes in the years ahead. It may be four years, it may be two years, who knows. At this point you look at all those different polling numbers and you can draw you can draw conclusions that it's going to be a

minority government, you can draw conclusions that it's going to be a minority government. You can draw conclusions that it's going to be a majority government. We'll know soon enough tomorrow, Friday. Good talk. Chantelle bear. Rob Russo will be here. Thanks again so much for your letters for this day and we'll see you again in less than 24 hours.