There is a feeling of deep sadness to the announcement of the Wynne Cabinet in Ontario. On Global Television’s Focus Ontario yesterday, former Ontario Tory leader John Tory forecast that there would not be an election in Ontario this year. As you know, John has been wrong before.
Looking at this cabinet tells the story. Wynne has chosen the losing options. She has gone with the city mouse’s solutions. In a scenario of limited choice, she has chosen badly.
Cabinet making is a tough job at the best of times and this is hardly a good time. A new premier’s options for cabinet are there in the party caucus. It is one of the reason’s the party with the most seats in the House is asked to form a government. It is the new premier’s opportunity to surprise, thrill, affect change and to set new directions.
And the vultures gather in case it does not happen. If there is no vision, no chutzpah, no future, there will be carrion for the feasting. There is no forgiveness in the opposition. There is no cease fire for the asking. Conservative leader Tiny Tim Hudak can just about taste the vindication of his hero Mike Harris. New Democrat leader Andrea Horwath can see the opportunity for herself as Ontario’s second female premier.
Wynne’s problem in cabinet making is that she is dealing the cards with an insider’s knowledge but the public reaction is based on perceptions. Laurel Broten cannot be in a cabinet that must outlive the use of Bill 115. It spelled her death knell as a liberal politician. For Deb Mathews to stay in the Health Ministry and become deputy premier was an acceptance of the errors of McGuinty’s final year. This does not indicate change to the voters.
For people to label MPP Charles Sousa as second choice for finance minister was an attempt to castrate him before he takes out his banker’s pen. For Wynne to retain the agriculture minister’s position is an insult to Ontario’s farming community. If she is to do a proper job as premier, she has no time for the farmers. People will probably welcome the addition of MPP Nasir Naqvi to the cabinet but they will not be as complimentary about the re-appointment of MPP Harinder Takhar.
Our new premier might not welcome comments from the boonies about her cabinet making but life is not always fair. And, after all, has she ever listened to us before?
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Copyright 2013 © Peter Lowry
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