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
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