I too live in western Canada, you do know Harper is an Albertan right? I don't think the east-west divide is nearly as bad as it once was. This province always votes conservative for the exact reasons you stated.
Which province? Alberta, where you suddenly and currently have an NDP government? Oh, you mean federally? That could change. Meanwhile Canadians, jinxedlinxed and arktky welcome to hubski. Canada does not have proportional representation. If it did, would you feel as though your vote counted?
It could change because again Alberta(& the west in general) isn't as divided from the east as it used to be. I personally do vote in every election from municipal to federal, I believe voting is more than just casting a vote for your team but also representing your demographic. If only parents voted it doesn't matter if the politicians were conservative or socialist, they're going to try and work for that demographic. I think we need electoral reform, the problem is every debate I see on the matter we can't seem to agree on what kind. I think we need STV.
I think Alberta has different priorities (I.e. oil) than B.C. and it shows in the polls.
The older generation, yes. They do tend to favour that of the East, basically because its been ingrained after so many years of being shut down.... But my generation saw all that and were (as I see it) forced into apathy or extremism..