​It seems everyone has an opinion on something these days. You may have met that loud, outspoken person at the cafeteria table who simply must convince everyone else that she or he is correct about the topic of the day. Sometimes an opinionated aunt or cousin nearly ruins a family get-together because she or he can't stop going on about the latest political news. No doubt, at least once, you have been the one to voice strong ideas on a particular topic. We all have strong feelings and ideas about particular issues—and that's totally normal. In a democracy, there's supposed to be enough room for everyone's opinions, even if sometimes we encounter ones we don't like.

​Open your Eyes

It is important to listen to one another and to be respectful so that we can try to understand why a person is taking a particular point of view or stand on an issue. This is especially hard to do when we disagree with his or her ideas! Just because we listen to a person's ideas, does not mean we agree with them. As you move ahead in this course, you will learn more about how people come to hold their points of view on a variety of issues within your community. You will also have a chance to consider the different factors that influence a person's point of view. By the end of this course, you will respond to various points of view by analysing the difference between fact and opinion. All of these things, in turn, will help you to formulate your own informed point of view.

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In a democratic country such as Canada, politicians represent your voice through government processes. Issues are brought forward for debate and decisions are made. We can contact our politician or government representative and share our points of view on various issues.

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Canadian Governnment

​Runs cities and towns; responsible for local services like garbage collection, libraries, and public transit

​​Municipal

​Governs a province or territory; handles education, health care, and highways.

​​Provincial

Runs the entire country; responsible for national defense, immigration, and money matters.

​​Federal

​Governs First Nations, Métis, or Inuit communities; focuses on community-specific needs, traditions, and self-governance.

​​Indigenous