In this era of instant communication, across countless channels, clarity is more elusive than ever. When communication breaks down between elected officials and the public, trust naturally erodes.
Take Prime Minister Carney’s statements on the Gordie Howe Bridge. In finance, operating costs and interest expenses are well-defined concepts. Blurring those terms, before the details were leaked to the public, left many Canadians wondering about the full picture. A straightforward, transparent explanation from the outset would have built far more public confidence. Prime Minister Carney did say, “we could have explained this better.“
Locally, we’re told that the 2026 property tax increase was 4.5%, with the city’s share being under 3%. When the tax bill arrived, the city line item had increased by 5.8%. When asked, Councillor Sharman explained that the city chose to calculate the percentage differently. While accounting approaches can vary, taxpayers deserve plain language and clarity when it comes to their hard-earned dollars. Perhaps the city could have explained this better.
Politicians aren’t the only issue. During a recent public delegation, a resident expressing concerns about on-demand transit highlighted confusion over specialized transit, where distinctions between companies, specifically ARGO Transit and Burlington’s only authorized specialized transit contractor – Hamilton Rising – were unclear.
Gliese DC recently removed signage at the former Tucker’s Marketplace site that had promised a head office and veterinary clinic. Leaving residents wondering about a project that had obviously been in the works for months suddenly being announced as a data centre project. In both cases, clearer explanations would have prevented resident frustration. Perhaps they could have explained this better.
Federally and provincially, we see TV commercials, commercials that we pay for, telling us what a wonderful job our governments are doing. I’d vote for a candidate who promised to 1) work hard for the people they’ve been elected to represent, and 2) never run an ad, or post on social media, telling us what a great job they are doing. The constant stream of TV commercials and positive messaging social media posts only serves to increase my cynicism.
When public messaging feels confusing or, as in the case of the Data Center, rushed and surprising, our cynicism is bound to increase.
Tuning out is not the answer.
In Burlington’s 2022 municipal election, turnout was just 27.6%. Democracy relies on active participation, but it also relies on leaders who respect the public’s right to clear and direct information. Leaders should share all the facts early in the process and engage with residents in a respectful two-way discussion. Issues are complex and, in many cases, the greater good is more important than NIMBY issues, but that’s not a valid reason for politicians to withhold or muddle information.
Municipal candidates run without party affiliations. Getting to know their platforms and personalities takes extra effort. To help with that effort, Focus Burlington is hosting a Mayoral Candidate debate on Thursday, October 1st, 2026, at East Plains United Church. Many ward candidates will be available, starting at 6:30 pm, before the mayoral debate starts, giving residents a chance to meet them and ask questions.
Tickets are free, reserve your spot: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/burlington-mayoral-candidates-debate-tickets-1998110191370
Who do you want to be Burlington’s next mayor?
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Thank you for hosting one of the mayoral debates.
Please can you confirm that attendees will be able to ask questions from the floor of the candidates?
Can you confirm attendees be allowed to ask questions of the candidates without candidates having prior knowledge of the questions?
Attendees will be allowed to ask questions without the candidates’ prior knowledge. To allow as many questions as possible, each question will be limited to 1 minute. Timers will be visible to the audience and candidates.