The last two years have given us all a glimpse of Stephen Harper's Conservatives operating with some of the keys to power. We've seen the Liberals working in opposition under an untested new leader in Stephane Dion. We've seen our own Jack Layton grow more comfortably into his role as leader of the federal New Democrats.
Minority governments, such as that led by Harper, face obvious barriers in the House of Commons over unpopular or controversial measures when opposition members combine their numbers. But minority governments also force politicians to occasionally set aside ideology and work on policies that require compromise across party lines.
In that context, Canadians have seen some benefit from legislation passed in the last Parliament.
Thus, we'd like to see the Conservatives given the opportunity to lead the nation and form the next government. But we offer this as a qualified endorsement for the Conservatives to lead a minority and use the time to invest resources and capital to create better policies that address urban areas, particularly Canada's large cities, and especially Toronto.
The Conservatives have demonstrated strong fiscal management, they've reduced the tax burden on Canadians and shown they can see issues through, even in the face of strong opposition.
But cities must figure more prominently in the thinking of federal politicians and the government of the day.
Some of the responsibility for that will fall to candidates in Toronto from all of the parties.
Toronto's unique place in confederation as the country's biggest city also creates some unique challenges for representation. And it's true that all of the parties vying for your support here at home - the Liberals, Greens, Conservatives and NDP - have several talented, hard-working and eminently qualified people to provide a solid voice in the House of Commons and in the riding.
In Toronto's case, it's important the diversity that is reflected in our ridings is also represented in Ottawa.
So while we are endorsing the idea of a Conservative government, we also acknowledge those whose voices should be heard on behalf of Torontonians.
Beaches-East York: Maria Minna, Liberal
Davenport: Mario Silva, Liberal
Don Valley East: Eugene McDermott, Conservative
Don Valley West: John Carmichael, Conservative
Eglinton-Lawrence: Joe Volpe, Liberal
Etobicoke Centre: Axel Kuhn, Conservative
Etobicoke-Lakeshore: Patrick Boyer, Conservative
Etobicoke North: Bob Saroya, Conservative
Parkdale-High Park: Peggy Nash, NDP
Pickering-Scarborough East: George Khouri, Conservative
Scarborough-Agincourt: Benson Lau, Conservative
Scarborough Centre: Roxanne James, Conservative
Scarborough-Guildwood: Chuck Konkel, Conservative
Scarborough-Rouge River: Jerry Bance, Conservative
Scarborough Southwest: Greg Crompton, Conservative
St. Paul's: Carolyn Bennett, Liberal
Toronto Centre: Bob Rae, Liberal
Toronto-Danforth: Jack Layton, NDP
Trinity-Spadina: Olivia Chow, NDP
Willowdale: Martha Hall Findlay, Liberal
York Centre: Ken Dryden, Liberal
York South-Weston: Alan Tonks, Liberal
York West: Judy Sgro, Liberal
On Oct. 14, however, the worst thing you can do is not vote at all. Please ensure your voice is heard. Exercise your franchise.