Process of Elimination
September 6, 2025
For those who are unaware, I’ve been a member of the Canadian Internet Registration Authority for many years now. To be honest, I really don’t know what CIRA does other than pat themselves on the back. Not much different than other public-sector bureaucracies looking to justify their own existence.
With the registration of a .ca domain, one doesn’t automatically become a member, but since membership is free, I went through the process so I could vote in their elections. More specifically, to help vote a former boss off the board. Later, I would endorse another former boss. Most often, however, I otherwise know next to nothing about the candidates I’m voting for other than the statements they submit to CIRA, which are available to members like me during the voting process. As was the case recently when members were asked to endorse nominees for an upcoming board election.
For the benefit of current and prospective candidates looking for support, here’s a look into how this member separates the wheat from the chaff, particularly when there’s a lot more of the latter than the former:
- If you expect my vote based on the language you speak, as one Francophone candidate did, you’re out. And besides, it’s not as though those of Quebec heritage don’t get enough representation into how we’re governed.
- If you expect my vote because of your ethnic heritage, you’re out. One such candidate felt it was important to ensure they have indigenous representation the board. I care if they have good representation.
- If you mentioned “Elbows Up” in your statement, you’re out.
- If you praised Net Good, the “free money”/charitable program CIRA has no business funding, you’re out. See above comment regarding public-sector bureaucracies looking to justify their own existence.
- If you mentioned the word “inclusive” in your statement, you’re out. Just like in the world of politics, those who preach inclusion, in fact, stand for exclusion.
From the rest, I came up with one candidate who seemed decent enough and endorsed him.
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