Canada’s chief electoral officer Marc Mayrand says: “Democracy isn’t something to be practised once every four years on election day.” He urges us to stay informed, share our views with others and engage our local government representatives, because “even though it doesn’t always appear so, he or she will pay attention to what you say.”

In Kielburger, C. & M. (April 3, 2013). Have your say: How can average citizens influence government decision-making between elections? The Globe and Mail.