It arrived this morning - the voting kit for the upcoming 2019 Canadian election.

For a number of years under the former, conservative Prime Minister of Canada, the honorable Stephen Harper, I and many other ex-pats from Canada were not allowed to participate in the democratic act of voting for elected officials in Canada's national elections. For some reason, that right was removed by Mr. Harper from citizens such as myself.

Under the current Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, individuals such as myself once more have the right to vote in national elections. I'm grateful.

I believe in democracy and I believe that individuals must participate in how they are governed. This is something that people around the world fight and sometimes die for. It is a luxury that many people have, yet it is something that many people fail to exercise.

When my country does good things, I'm proud, and when bad things happen I'm ashamed or angry. I like to be vocal about the good and bad that happens in my country. I vote for those I think will do the most good for my country.

There are some in Canada (and Canadians living abroad) who my gripe with issues at times, yet fail to participate in elections. Shame. Throughout history, we've seen cases of amazing things that occurred due to the actions of one person, yet time and time again, many individuals feel that they, as an individual can do good by participating in elections for the governing officials. Shame.

I urge all that if you live somewhere that allows you the right to participate in an election, then please do so. Please do not complain publicly or privately about those who govern if you do not participate in electing your officials.

Listen. Study. Think. Participate. Vote.