Winnipeg,and Manitoba for that matter,is busy. The Jets have returned to Winnipeg after a long absence and start their fight for the coveted Stanley Cup and political party candidates running for election duke it out on the streets of Manitoba for seats in the legislative assembly.
The Jets home opening exhibition game on Tuesday September 19 was played before what local media report as a crowd of 15,004. Wikipedia reports MTS Centre seating capacity for hockey as 15,015. The polling stations will not see near complete attendance on October 4!
The Jets have managed, except for a few seats being made for purchase,to sell out each home game for the next 3 to 5 years by long term commitments made by season ticket holders for ticket purchases.The provincial election which happens every four years struggles to draw a crowd greater than 60% of eligible voters.
Section 3 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms sets out that every citizen of Canada has the right to vote in an election of members of the House of Commons or of a legislative assembly. Voting affirms our rights as free citizens to elect a representative and take part in democracy. One does not need to look far to find examples of countries where voting freely by secret ballot is not a legaly protected right.
The return of the NHL to Winnipeg and ensuring its stay required people to step up, commit and participate.
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