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Broken Social Scene, K'Naan, Nelly Furtado and More React to Canadian Election

Broken Social Scene, K'naan, Nelly Furtado Getty Images (2) | YouTube

Last night (May 2), Canadians watched the results of the country's federal election with the Conservatives achieving a majority government. An array of Canadian acts have weighed in on the outcome, some offering more pointed barbs than others:

"When you are forced to choose between foolish men, sometimes you must believe in the power of the MAGICAL MOUSTACHE," Broken Social Scene singer Kevin Drew said via Twitter, a reference to New Democrat Party leader Jack Layton.

Hip-hop artist K'naan had his own unique take on the proceedings. "Politics are like awkward fashion trends," he wrote via Twitter. "If u jump in the bandwagon just as something happens, u may end up laughin at how u looked someday."

Stars' lead vocalist Torquil Campbell didn't seem very impressed by the results judging from his Twitter account May 3. "Everyone done feeling smug about being Canadian?" Campbell wrote. "It's time to take those flags off your backpacks and start being embarrassed. We f----ed up."

Hollerado was also quick to pipe in via Twitter: "This is actually really depressing. Let's all work to watch this Gov't like hawks and speak up if they attempt to cut Arts funding. Again."

Former Barenaked Ladies singer and now solo artist Steven Page shared his thoughts regarding the results. "A CPC majority sure dampens my celebration of the NDP's awesome showing," he said via Twitter May 2. "The Canadian electoral system needs repair."

Barenaked Ladies' drummer Tyler Stewart noticed the musical possibilities with some candidates elected, including Cash Brothers' singer Andrew Cash. "Cash, Nash and the Stache all make it to Parliament Hill," he wrote via Twitter. "Congrats to Andrew, Peggy and Jack. Let the jamming begin."

"Well, looks like a Blue day in Canada," Bedouin Soundclash wrote on Twitter referring to the Conservative party win.

"In sports or in politics, it always makes me sad to see someone get defeated," Simple Plan drummer Chuck Comeau wrote on Twitter. "Heartbreaking."

"Ladies and Gentlemen, you are truly lovely," Bif Naked wrote. "I am proud of you for embracing democracy, and embracing Canada. We will make it what we want."

Nelly Furtado noted via Twitter that there was a two percent increase in the number of voters in 2011 versus 2008 and also congratulated Green Party member Elizabeth May who won in her riding. Last week Furtado also posted two YouTube clips encouraging young people to vote.

Watch Nelly Furtado's 'Votes for Dummies'

Others had a bit more humour in their thoughts, with Owen Pallett saying via Twitter, "Yes, I voted today for Hubristic Party On The left #1."

Meanwhile, Our Lady Peace singer Raine Maida said via Twitter that Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff didn't seem to be the right fit for his party. "Noble as it is for Ignatieff to want to continue to lead the Liberals, Canada needs someone ASPIRATIONAL, enough settling for the status quo!"

Sum 41 bassist Cone McCaslin said on his Twitter account, "Election polls are in...........I see that it's supposed to rain tomorrow. I'm not surprised."

Finally, Stars singer Amy Millan perhaps summed up the thoughts of many people with a simple response on her Twitter account. "Yikes."

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terryleblancman

And these people who critisize the results of the election are so knowledgeable because. . . . .?

Sorry - but I hardly think any of these other "icons" are intelligent enough to be talking about what is good for the non-artists of the country - you know- the ones who go to work in the real world and pay their taxes, without any tax breaks or grants.

May 27 2011 at 1:35 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
terryleblancman

And these people who critisize the results of the election are so knowledgeable because. . . . .?

Sorry - but I hardly think Star or Stephen Page, or any of these other "icons" are intelligent enough to be talking about what is good for the non-artists of the country - you know- the ones who pay the bills.

May 27 2011 at 1:34 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
terryleblancman

And these people who critisize the results of the election are so knowledgeable because. . . . .?

Sorry - but I hardly think Star or Stephen Page, or any of these other "icons" are intelligent enough to be talking about what is good for the non-artists of the country - you know- the ones who pay the bills.

May 27 2011 at 1:33 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
peggyt1243

If "Hollerado" is supposed to be some kind of celebrity, I have never heard of him. I very STRONGLY disagree with his opinion about funding for the arts. We pay taxes for necessary services the government is supposed to provide. Arts is NOT necessary. If an artist is any good, he or she is welcome to compete for the disposable income of the public. We should not be taxed to pay for these things.

May 04 2011 at 5:33 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to peggyt1243's comment
mark

Peggy, you obviously didnt get what i was getting at. I know it was our deocratic right to vote. I just think it will be irony that by expressing your right 39% of you ended up voting in the least democratic prime minister in our history. Which he has shown to be true with the way he was governing even with a minority govt. He thumbs his nose up at media , parlimentary protycal and to the very people he works for US or maybe i should say USA

May 04 2011 at 7:53 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
mark

Last time Harper ran for reelection his platform was all about transparency in govt and accountability.As soon as he took office he proceeded to make his govt even less transparent than any previous govt with little or no accountability.Backroom meetings increased with no transparency and also the level of control of the media and political spin or will I say bullsh...t.Just watch unless you are of the upper 10% earners in canada you will regret this in the near future.Throw freedom of speech out, throw freedom to assemble out, say hello to selling all our assets the highest bidder, and say hello to american style facism. I hope you keep this comment and in a couple of yrs reread it and remember how i tried to open your eyes to reality or maybe you will just stay in denial. Those who trample freedom for so called safety, deserve neither.Watch and see.Welcome to King Harpers Kingdom

May 04 2011 at 8:18 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
mark

I beleive it is a sad day for democracy.Harper has already show his anti democratic tendences as a minority . Say goodbye to what little democratic rights we still have in the next 4 yrs with this .In history books in the future it will show the irony of us coming out in greater numbers to express our democratic rights only to vote into a majority the least democratic leader in our history . Stupid Stupid Stupid !

May 04 2011 at 10:29 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to mark's comment
peggyt1243

It was through a democratic process that Harper was voted a majority. Just because you are not happy about does not mean that I am not happy about it.

May 04 2011 at 5:35 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
A2D

It's always amusing when all these left tilted (?)celebrities come face to face with reality.

If they had spent ANY time with 'real' people and less with their cadre of fellow travelers they might have been less surprised, if not less irate, with the election results.

Feel free to join Alex Baldwin and cry on his shoulder, he understands your pain.



May 03 2011 at 7:47 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply