The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The Federal Election; denouement Much has been talked and written about the late and lamented (by some) of the results of the June 28th vote which gave the grits their fourth consecutive victory, even though it was just a minority. The Liberals will be at the mercy of the 19 NDP members, although the Prime Minister claims he will not accept a coalition, but present his programme to the House. Time will tell on this, but common sense dictates he will have to listen to Jack Layton whom many observers consider to be radical at best. Layton keeps insisting that the price of his support is a serious look at proportional representation, which would help the NDP but none of the others. For example, his party with 15 per cent of the vote would get 15 per cent of the 308 seats instead of the 19 he won. This would of course lead to continuous minority governments, which would be both good and bad ? bad for the ruling party, but better for the individual member who would not be the "nothings" that Pierre Trudeau called the backbenchers. This discussion is all academic as it would be unacceptable to the Bloc as well as the Liberals. In any case, the NDP would not dare to force an election now as they just spent $12 million to win 19 seats, the most money ever. Stephen Harper took the set-back graciously and calmly as is his character, expressing disappointment as the result was not as most pollsters predicted, but thanking those who supported his party, and those who ran and lost. His supporters and many individual voters were not as gracious as the Tory leader, with talk shows in Alberta, B.C. and Saskatchewan fielding comments from irate listeners who blamed Ontario for again keeping the West from power and influence. A 'sound off' article from the Edmonton Journal was very explicit: "Two provinces hold all the power. So the great unwashed masses in Ontario have decided thinking is too difficult and voted the Liberals in, out of habit. What is it about democracy and change that so frightens the average voter? Is it really that much better to have politicians decide our future with no accountability to the Canadian taxpayer? Is it coincidence that where the majority of seats are located and where power resides, the Liberals misspent billions? When one party through the voting power of two provinces dictates Canada's political fate, it can only be tolerated for so long. Something has to break, and I am hoping it is not our country." There were many other comments out of the West, such as "election leaves Alberta outside again", and the amazingly victorious Anne McLellan's comment that Premier Ralph Klein's comments on health care had an effect on the result. There is a thought that the election of the Liberals, against the wishes of the West, will fuel again talk of western separation. The idea is not unappealing to many in the western provinces who feel overrun by the eastern hordes. After all, a country of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and B.C. could be a powerful nation with massive resources and great trade with foreign countries. Watch for this thought to appear more and more in the next few years. Feel sorry for defeated MPs? Don't, because none of them will suffer. There is a gold-plated plan for defeated and retiring members, and a severance package for every defeated/retiring member of at least $70,000+, plus a pension of over $100,000 for those who have served in cabinet, and $60,000+ for backbenchers. There will also probably be a few plum appointments for some, such as the before-mentioned John Harvard, recently sworn in as Lt. Gov. of Manitoba. What will a minority government be like in Canada? The last one was Joe Clark's unlamented one in 1979. Clark, who could have remained in office for several years with the support of the Quebec Creditistes, foolishly decided to govern as if he had a majority, and was unwittingly defeated on his budget which was to raise gas taxes by 18 cents per gallon. Here are a few scenarios for today: - the Liberals will depend on the NDP and offer them a few bones to keep them in line; - Jack Layton will talk a lot, but really provide no threat to Martin as long as Martin is spending more money; - The Bloc will provide no threat as long as the Liberals attempt to, or appear to, do good for Quebec; - the Tories will provide a strong opposition and play a leading role in the upcoming Adscam Inquiry which could cause the Martin Gang major problems, unless somehow they are able to suppress the damage. This issue could be the kicker that could sabotage the Liberals attempts to govern. How about a far-out scenario? The Liberals and Tories form a coalition and govern with some of each of their policies. It won't happen but the possibilities of a good government for Canada are endless. Just think, the Conservatives could demand tax relief, an end to gun control, and accept the Liberal's promises on health care. They could ignore the NDP tax increases, and a number of their wilder ideas. The Bloc could be downplayed as to their "leave Canada" nonsense. It could be good for the country, but given the bad feelings caused by the negative campaign tactics, mainly by the Liberals, this coalition is only a dream. As all minority governments in Canada have their individual quirks and differences, and unforeseen issues can pop up to make a difference, who knows or can predict what will happen? Keep tuned!
