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Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Post Election 2011

Well I don't believe many people saw that outcome!

Well the Conservative Party has somehow, given the events of the past year, been able to win a majority in the House of Commons. Normally this wouldn't 'frighten' the other side of the spectrum, but it's not just the Commons that welcomes Conservative majority, the Senate does as well. So what exactly does this mean? The opposition under Jack Layton has little to no chance of effecting government legislations for the next 4 years.

It can't be all that bad can it? Well I hardly think I have to remind anyone of the last Conservative majority government and what that spelt for the country, but just incase...

In 1984 after the retirement of Trudeau Canadians voted in the largest majority government Canada has ever seen under the leadership of Sir Brian Mulroney. Fast forward eight years and the country was essentially sold to the highest bidder and facing a new threat in the Bloc Québécois. Is that where Canadians are going again? Are we going to be sold? Probably...

I suspect that we'll see a number of public sectors turn private including our health care. Now of course it won't go completely private, just the sections that cater to those who can afford better services. I'd also suspect that the military will undergo change, certainly there is nothing stopping the purchase of the F-35's that come so well equipped they don't even need engines! Education might also take a further hit given the decrease in funding that has occurred over the past four years. Its just going to be a glorious time to live in Canada.

Apart from what might happen, lets look at what did happen:

1. The Liberal Party has essentially found itself in the same position the Conservative party did after 1993. There will have to be reform or at least, they will have to elect leadership that will attract voters. Further, the Liberals need to stop striding the centre-left. Their success has come not from grabbing votes from those who aren't left or right, but from those who firmly believe in strong government with a leftist twist. Look at the NDP, yes they still represent the left, but they have begun to take over the position of the glory days of the Liberals. Just look at the Greens, they represent the far left, which is exactly where the NDP began. The spectrum has shifted and the last thing we need is Left-Centre-Right.

2. The Bloc have in all respect been demolished. I don't believe anyone had seen this coming, but given the shift in Québec (corruption out) it may not be that much of a surprise. Okay, the Bloc were not corrupt but does anyone believe that the position of Duceppe -- buy me off to support your government -- left Québec voters happy with their federal image? I highly doubt it. Will this spell the end of the Bloc, as much as I would hope it would, I don't believe it will.

3. The Greens. Well it had to happen, how I'm still unsure, but it did. I hardly believe in the position of the Green party, unlike many of my fellow university students. But I believe there position on the environment will hopefully push the other parties to adopt a similar stance, but again don't look to the Conservatives on this one. Wait 4 years to see exactly how much of an influence May has regarding environmental policies.

4. The youth. I must say, well done Québecers! You have shown that the youth of this country can get involved in federal politics and win seats. I know many people around me who felt as thought there wasn't a place for them, or should I say seats, but thankfully I think that will change. Look for more young men and women running in the next election, I guarantee this trend will continue.

Z.R. Nissen

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Election 2011

Well it has been a very long time since this blog has had any activity. Both Ty and I have been extremely busy with school and life. Grad school has run me through the ringer in terms of both readings, and TAing, nevertheless, I could not remain silent on this election.

Recent polls have suggested that the NDP under Jack Layton are now destined to come in second thus gaining official opposition. Polls of course do not tell the whole story, and in a majority of cases fail to actually forecast the outcome. Nevertheless, the rise of the NDP is really no surprise. Probably the most effective stance Layton has taken thus far, is to actually promise something to the electorate. In Quebec constitutional change has rang, while elsewhere economic initiatives (jobs!) has taken centre stage. But why does this lead to a successful campaign for the NDP? Well promises will win elections for parties who would normally never have a shot (remember...1976 and the Parti québécois).

Well on the other end, the Liberal Party seems to be flat lining, for no other reason than they have failed to capture the hearts and minds of the centre-left. Michael Ignatieff cannot be blamed for this outcome, but rather he has come to a party that no longer has a voice distinct enough to resonate with the voters. For example, the legacy of the Liberals is not only impressive but has gone on to build much of the nation we see today. From the flag to the constitution, the Liberal Party has always had a voice in where Canada should head next. Except for now. The Liberals have not touched on the pulse of the electorate, they have not driven home the ideals that Canadians want. Further, they have not promised anything that Canadians can sink their teeth into.

Tonight I attended the Liberal campaign rally, the first rally of my life. Ironically, out of the three speakers -- Ken Dryden, Jean Chretien, and Michael Ignatieff -- only the words of Dryden and Chretien still remain a memory. Dryden took to passionately calling on Canadians to restore the Canada he knew, the one where Canadians stand together regardless of their beliefs. Chretien, the old veteran, took the opportunity to boast about his past accomplishments and also mock the plans of the Tories to buy plains with no engines. Then Ignatieff took the stage. His first act, to harp on the NDP and their sudden increase in support. But doesn't that seem like the wrong course? Why does the left attack itself? For example, Layton questioned Ignatieff regarding his house attendance in the national debates, but why bother? There are bigger fish to fry, but instead we see the left trying to divide the vote. Now I do understand the need to pull weak left leaning seats, but in all honesty, until the left unites, there will always be a minority in power. (Just for the record, I'm not advocating the party unification of the NDP and Liberals). Nevertheless, the rally was a subpar event.

Change of course....

My last bit to add, we must as Canadians unite to topple the governing party. If we choose not to, we will see Canada disappear. So I plead, vote. Vote to remove the leader held in contempt of parliament.

In the words of Chretien "Vive le Canada!" and of Trudeau "Vive le Canadian libre!"

- Z.R. Nissen