@bob When I have a complex problem, I try to break it down into smaller, more manageable components, and choose one or two components to work on that feel like I personally can improve, change, or otherwise make a difference in.  To relate this to the topic on hand, I might not be able to directly influence Parliament either here in Canada or back home, but I can be active in the politics of my local community and communicate regularly with the representative I have elected in my local electoral district to influence the positions they hold or present to Parliament and how they vote for or against certain bills, which in turn addresses in a small way the larger problem.

Most people however, seem to see the larger problem and just say "that is too big for me to deal with" and ignore it, which cedes power to the people who are a part of the problem to begin with.