Everyone always says change is a good thing.

But for politics, I assured myself last week, it's a different matter. Canada doesn't need change. Those were the thoughts running through my head before I voted, and upon hearing the news that Stephen Harper would be Canada's new prime minister -- the first conservative in power since 1992 -- I almost cried.

But then I decided change is good.

In any democracy, a healthy change between parties should help promote policies best for the country. It would ideally encourage examining former programs and starting new ones. So maybe the majority of Canada's people did know what was best when they voted for Harper.

Allow me to indulge my cynical self with an examination of the facts.

First, eliminate the misconceptions. Stephen Harper is not No. 43 in the north nor, as proved last week, will he be a best friend of President George W. Bush. Harper does not have a majority government, so he won't be eliminating every liberal initiation that exists ... hopefully. And if he has what's best for Canada in mind, he wouldn't want to anyway.

He will not be banning abortion or increasing severity of drug or alcohol laws. Even if Harper manages to get some of his fellow Tories to introduce legislation to ban same-sex marriage, according to a Feb. 1 Globe and Mail survey, parliament will not pass it anyway.

He has assured the Canadian public there will be no cuts in social programs, and in fact, he guaranteed that all Canadian federal departments will see increased budgets to more effectively serve the Canadian people.

So, no major threats to the liberal values I hold dear. OK, I can deal with this, Stephen.

As for the impact on you, my young Americans, I offer this: little, if any.

You'll still be able to hop the border if there's a draft in the U.S. -- not even a fully-conservative government (more "extreme" than Harper and a divided Parliament which resides now) in Canada would implement a draft.

As mentioned, the drinking age will remain, abortion will not be banned, etc. Have no fear, the Canada you (presumably) praise for its liberalism will still be intact.

Though I don't support tax increases, Harper promised if income taxes are raised, then the money will go to education and improving the national health care system. Sounds good for me, if I'm going to graduate school in Canada, and good for my family and the Canadians who rely on the (slowly) crumbling health care program.

Harper offered Toronto, my hometown and the largest city in Canada, a bigger part in politics: Finally, the opportunity we've been waiting for! Giving Canada's commercial hub, more of a say seems like an intelligent move.

He wants to increase Canadian military and make Canada's presence more respected worldwide. Well, as long as he does not get Canada roped into a useless war like some leaders we know, I think a little military power is beneficial. Maybe our neighbors to the south will have a little more respect for us then. And frankly, if he gives Quebec "more autonomy on a world stage" like he's promised, I don't care. If that will shut those separatists up, it's fine with me.

Stephen Harper may not be the guy I voted for, but he still might be able to help Canada. In fact, if he makes good on all the promises he's made, he might do a better job than former Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin did. I guess, when it comes down to it, we'll see. But rest assured, if he doesn't, then Canada will know, and it will not hesitate to kick him out.