At the Department of Culture we're giving thanks...

But before we do, please visit DepartmentofCulture.ca to read three important things you can do in these final days:

1. Pull the Vote on Election Day
2. Play Phone Tag with residents of Whitby-Oshawa
3. Tell Everyone You Know About voteforenvironment.ca

We are now in the final days of our campaign. The Conservatives are going down in the polls are we are feeling energized. These last few days are critical, and we wanted to let you know what you can do to make a real difference in the outcome of the election in the few days that remain:

1. Pull the Vote on Election Day
One of the most important things you can do is help "pull the vote" for the candidate in a swing riding who has been deemed most likely to beat the Conservative in that riding. "Pulling the vote" involves ensuring that voters who have previously indicated that they will be voting for that particular candidate actually make it to the polls on election day. For a list of swing ridings (ridings where the race between the Conservative and non-Conservative candidate are extremely close), go to: http://www.voteforenvironment.ca/content/key-ridings . Click on the riding to find out which candidate you should pull the vote for, and contact their election office.

Please note that candidates will require you to have some election training before election day, so please contact the election office of the candidate you wish to pull the vote for ASAP.

2. Play Phone Tag with residents of Whitby-Oshawa
This Thanksgiving weekend, express your thanks for all that you love about this country by helping to kick a turkey out of Parliament. Help put a wrench in Finance Minister Jim Flaherty's election campaign from the comfort of your own home by playing "phone tag" with residents of his riding of Whitby-Oshawa. We're just putting the finishing touches on this initiative--keep an eye on our website for its launch on October 9th.


3. Tell Everyone You Know About voteforenvironment.ca
There are 65 "swing ridings" in Canada. Voters in these ridings have the capacity to dramatically shift the outcome of the election by being strategic about who they vote for. This website offers comprehensive, up-to-date riding-by-riding information on how to defeat Harper at the ballot box--an important tool for all voters, especially those in these critical swing ridings.

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We also thought we should take a moment to extend our deepest thanks to everyone who has given their time, passion, and imagination so generously.

We've made new friends and allies, learned a huge amount, and have been inspired by the overwhelming talents and dedication of all the artists and organizations who have worked so hard both in association with Department of Culture, and on their own, creating their own organizations, developing their own initiatives, making artwork, attending rallies, canvassing, and just talking up the issues. Your efforts have been incredible, and we thank you for all that you've done. We look forward to seeing where this wonderful energy and momentum will lead in the days, months and years following the election--we hope it doesn't stop here. Don't forget to vote on the 14th. And on Election night get together with friends, family, and colleagues to see just how much difference we made. In Toronto, we'll be celebrating at the Gladstone, starting at 8pm. We invite you to join us in raising a glass to our country, all that we've accomplished over the past month, and the future that lies ahead. We are anticipating that there will be much to celebrate.

In solidarity,
Department of Culture