Private Club

private club: Several commentators, however, have viewed it differently, calling it a backward step and comparing it to the rules governing admission to a private club. Clubs, they argue, have a right to choose who gets to join, and those who aspire to membership better be prepared to shape up or ship out, according to The Star. Democracy, on the other hand, is inclusive and wants to expand participation. It thrives on diversity and provides a lively marketplace for different values, beliefs, practices and backgrounds. The more people who vote in an election, the better the choice. The more views presented in public discourse, the more likely the best one will emerge and Toronto City Council got it right. Last week, it decided to ask the province to consider extending the municipal franchise to permanent residents in Toronto . This is good public policy, and is in line with legal principles and Canadas Charter of Rights and Freedoms. But Canada is not a private club and its democracy is not like an annual meeting with its rules committee and membership committee. Private clubs are exclusive. Clubs have limits to their membership, focus on attracting the like-minded, and exclude others. They have a history of exclusive practices, like posting lists of prospective members so existing members can blackball those they dont want. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.