Well, we've been through another election and, we've all survived - well, all civilians. Some of the incumbents are without jobs but that's okay.

Now that's it's all done, I can honestly say that if Mr. (John) Nunziata were running in my riding I would have cast my ballot for him! He didn't do that phoney-baloney stepping down (Sheila Copps) thing. He recognized that he made a promise to his constituents and he did his best to (honourably) keep that promise. Cheers to you, Mr. Nunziata. You deserve your job! We (the Canadian public) need more like you.

No longer are racist separatists leaders of the "loyal" opposition. Now, we've got (I believe) racist divisionists. Less than a week ago the separatists were screaming that should Reform become the official opposition it would be the worst possible thing for Canada and Quebec (like it's a good thing to have them [the Bloc] as the opposition). This evening, Mr. Duceppe said it doesn't matter that they are not official opposition - so long as they're there to speak on behalf of Quebec and to speak for their nationalistic aspirations. Then he spoke of how awful it was that the established parties wanted status quo and how awful it was that the Reform wanted either absolute equality or divorce. He complained that the established parties wouldn't say that they would agree to separation if Quebec so chose. He complained that the Reform wouldn't clean their posteriors (pardon the graphic metaphore) to entice Quebec to stay within Canada. Mr. Duceppe, make up your mind (you idiot, you)!

It is unfortunate that the Reform are the official opposition but at least they have some sense of loyalty towards Canada.

Mr. Chretien, a leader who I cannot support because of who he is, is on the right track with our economy. Medicine is (almost) never tasty. What he is doing is giving Canada a lousy tasting dose of economic medicine. It will pass and when it does the market place will be able to generate real jobs - not those temporary government manufactured positions that always cost more that our taxes can support. Mr. Chretien's acceptance speech was conciliatory and kind toward those (the PC and NDP) that deserved it and toward other parts of the country that did not elect Liberals. I sincerely hope his behaviour over his next term is as kind as his words (I won't hold my breath, though). Unfortunately, I'm confident that we will see him hold a very effective grudge toward the most honourable member of parliament - Mr. Nunziata. It would have been nice to see the Liberals with a smaller majority (like holding only 151 seats). That would keep him in line - for sure!

This election shows the need for a revised form of (proportional) representation. We certainly can't expect any improvements - we already know that the government will never do anything that might dilute their power. Maybe, in another generation of Canadian politics, we'll see a real improvement.

Finally, I would like to, briefly, reiterate my feelings on Quebec... I grew up in Montreal. It will always be a special place to me! When I go into that city it makes me feel good to see the streets and familiar sights again, to smell and hear the city. When I hear Geno Vanelli's tunes it brings a tear to my eye. It is a place like no other. I miss it! But it is not a place where I feel I can live again. If only because of my name, it has become more difficult that necessary to make a living there. My business has been attacked by French Quebecers (and I don't even work there). I have been personally attacked (through E-mail) because of my name. It isn't that I mind those attacks - it's even kind of funny considering these people don't even know me. It does, however, demonstrate the problems with being an English in Montreal. And "no," I'm not particularly interested in hearing how much better the English are treated in Quebec than in the rest of Canada. You (they) can take that wonderful treatment and place it in their shorts. Still, I miss the city. Quebec is part of my heritage and I know that moving back will probably never be a viable option for me. Merci beaucoup - thank you very much!

Do I support partioning of Quebec? I do support inclusion of Quebec within Canada but in the absense of that condition it is our responsibility to protect the English and indigenous people of Quebec if they choose to remain Canadian but this is an issue for another article.

I hope you all enjoyed this election and I can't say I look forward to the next!