New year; New issues?
Rahman Mohamed

2014 was a year of dramatic statements and actions.  It brought drama, controversy, and a desire for change.  But what will 2015 bring?

For Canadians one of the biggest stories will be October’s Federal Election.  Since February 2006 Stephen Harper has been Prime Minister of Canada.  After taking over from Sponsorship Scandal plagued government of Prime Minister Paul Martin, Stephen Harper was exposed to his own including the Senate Scandal, proroguing Parliament, and Canadian scientists.  In 2013 the Liberal Party of Canada, with the help supporters and members, elected its new leader: Justin Turdeau.  Liberal supporters (Canadians who signed up to vote for the new leader but didn’t pay a membership fee) have reported that they are receiving phone calls from the Liberal Party reporting an increase in Liberal membership and requests.  Both the Conservatives and the NDP have begun broadcasting radio ads describing Justin Trudeau as too young to lead Canada.

But for Ontario residents there’s more.

Despite predictions of a minority government, the Liberals swept Ontario with a majority in June 2014 electing Premier Kathleen Wynne.  Central issues in the election included the economy, healthcare, post-secondary students, and education.  After revealing that it was closing all 133 of its stores in Canada on 15 January, Target is leaving 17,600 Canadians jobless, an issue for Premier Wynne and Federal Election 2015.

After a dramatic municipal election the City of Toronto voted in Mayor John Tory.  With a transit plan and multiple out-of-the-box ideas to renew Toronto including 4 Deputy Mayors to represent each sector of the city, Toronto will see more.  Despite continuous scandals, Rob Ford, a force to be reckoned with, was re-elected as Councillor of Ward 2, Etobicoke North.

2015 was also the year of Back to the Future.  But what did they predict?

Today the world is connected by technology.  Last year (#JewsandArabsRefuseToBeEnemies) took Twitter by storm.  After attacks in Paris #JeSuisCharlie and #JeNeSuisPasCharlie is making its mark.  But many are also speaking up about #BokoHaram, saying #BringBackOurGirls.

2015 will be a year to watch