The supposed Chinese curse “May you live in interesting times” is neither Chinese nor really a curse. Many of us revel in a hectic and exciting life and we would have it no other way. And we are quite likely to get our wish in the next few years as Canada’s parliament heads for a time of transition and turmoil.
What we know for sure about next Monday’s election is that there appears to be no way that the Conservatives can hang on to power. We will have stopped Stephen Harper. He has bruised and twisted our national psyche to the point that there is a palpable hatred for him in many parts of the country. And never has there been a more pleasant task for civil servants in Ottawa than preparing the ministerial briefing books for the possibility of a new government.
For the Conservative party, there will be a time of renewal. Mr. Harper will fade into history. Mind you, unless the progressives who remain in that party do not recognize the need for a more enlightened conservatism, the party will continue to wallow in the maelstrom of extremism. And many have serious reason to choke at the thought of Jason Kenney driving the Conservative bus into a failing future.
The only regret we might have is that the New Democrats will be once again relegated to the ranks of the third party. It is a well worn rut for them. And they do handle it well.
But it would be a shame for Thomas Mulcair not to ensure a lasting legacy for himself in bringing the NDP into a union as a social democratic party with the Liberals. It has to be understood that Canada does not seem to handle a three-party system well. The sight of grown-ups racing around the country in this overly long election bribing Canadians with their own money has left a bad taste that could last for a long time.
And the opportunity is now. Mr. Mulcair is not long for federal politics. He was a fine leader of the opposition but a poor campaigner. A minority Liberal government needs his support and we will have at least two years to make the changes that are needed. We can look at re-orientating our politics in Canada—our political parties, how we vote and how our government functions.
We particularly have to restore democracy in our political parties. The power of the prime minister’s office alone is a very serious threat to a democratic future. We have to re-engage Canadians in the political process so that they can participate more often than just going to the polls every few years.
We should all be looking forward to these interesting times!
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Copyright 2015 © Peter Lowry
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