Dear Mr. Mulcair and Mr. Trudeau, You may have to cooperate to save this country.

Dear Mr. Mulcair and Mr. Trudeau,

Over the weekend I read this Huffington Post article on the theoretical effects of different electoral systems on our upcoming elections.  On a theoretical level, this was interesting reading, but on a practical level, the article served as powerful reminder of my great fear regarding October's election. As leaders of two of our most important parties, you should (and probably already do) know that this fear is one likely shared by two-thirds of Canadians.

It is entirely possible that this election will not produce a clear winner.  You and your parties may defeat Stephen Harper's Tories in combined numbers and seats, but the Tories may end up with enough of both to form a minority government.  While this may highlight some problems with our electoral system, the most important thing to remember is that two-thirds of Canadians do not want, and in fact are terrified by, Harper's vision of Canada.  Your supporters have more in common with each other than they do with Stephen Harper's Conservatives.

We believe that the things we love about this country will not survive another Harper government.  We believe that our country needs to strengthen its institutions and adopt a new vision that will give Canadians a chance at a better future.  Some of us are orange through and through while others have deep red roots, but you must know that most of us would rather stand side-by-side than watch Stephen Harper squander our resources, pollute our environment, attack the poor, ignore First Nations, and undermine our civil liberties.

It may, after October 19th, be up to the two of you to set aside party differences to fight together for Canada.  This country matters far more than party platforms and policies.  I beg of you to consider cooperation if it becomes necessary.  In fact, if party differences result in a Harper victory, I don't think I will ever forgive you.