LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

AN AMERICAN I N CANADA

Re Scenes From A Campaign (Opinion, Sept. 18): Contributor Sean Michaels proves that novelists can also mock politicians for their inauthenticity. But as a U.S voter visiting Toronto during the election campaign, I am struck instead by the good fortune of Canadian voters.

Canadian candidates believe, at least to some extent, in the need to fight climate change and compete from coast to coast for votes, rather than in just a few swing states. Sure, Ottawa could do more to help many, especially Indigenous people. But if one wants to see dysfunction, check out Washington.

Canada’s short campaigns deemphasize fundraising and lead to governments closer to and more responsive to the needs of its citizens.

Mark Sternman

Somerville, Mass.