This blog is a random collection of information, partly in support of my quotations web site. Other topics include wine, military news, economics, history, libertarianism, and other random things which happen to strike my fancy. Backup site is at http://quotulatiousness.blogspot.com/ (if there are no posts showing, hit the backup blog for explanation). Comments have been turned off, as the spam was getting too much to handle. Comments can be emailed to me for posting.

January 24, 2006

Political earthquake?

So, it's official: Paul Martin has acknowledged defeat and announced that he will be resigning as Liberal leader. Conservative leader Stephen Harper has accepted the role of minority Prime Minister. NDP Leader Jack Layton and Bloc Quebecois leader Gilles Duceppe have offered their congratulations and re-affirmed that they'll continue to push their own issues and agendas. So, what has really changed?

The new Tory government will have remarkably little representation from the major cities of Toronto, Vancouver, and their immediate surrounding areas. Ontario didn't read the change in the political wind and elected more Liberals from the 416 and 905 area codes than anyone had predicted. Ontario . . . out of step with the rest of Canada . . . who'd ever have seen that one coming?

Harper has potential breathing space of up to six months before he needs to recall Parliament . . . and even in six months' time, few of us will relish the idea of yet another election campaign. The party leaders will have to present the image of co-operation, without being seen to sell out their respective power bases, but also avoiding the risk of being blamed for triggering a new election. It's going to be a challenge for all concerned.

Parenthetically, I do find it amusing that Stephen Harper will be the first Canadian Prime Minister born in Toronto.

Posted by Nicholas at January 24, 2006 02:34 AM
Comments
My only prediction: watch for Harper to recall Parliament quickly and push through his agenda while the Liberals are still rudderless. Posted by: Damian at January 24, 2006 02:54 AM
I'd have to disagree with that prediction, Damian, in that Harper will need to very carefully manage single-issue coalitions to get any of his agenda enacted. The NDP and the Bloc will support his investigations into the Sponsorship business (and undoubtedly other yet-to-be-revealed scandals), but they won't be onside for cutting the GST or beefing up the military. The Liberals may decide to be good parliamentarians and support Tory initiatives here and there, but they may equally decide that their job as official opposition is to oppose fiercely, vituperatively, and obsessively. Posted by: Nicholas at January 24, 2006 11:06 AM
Like the conservatives before them? Posted by: Liam at January 24, 2006 12:16 PM
> Like the conservatives before them? Harper should be so lucky. Martin had it easy, compared to what other minority governments had to put up with. Posted by: Ryan at January 24, 2006 02:38 PM


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