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Once again, BCCN draws upon the insights of two
veteran political observers. The following pieces were written shortly
after Parliament was suspended by Canada’s Governor-General.
John Redekop
EVEN though his job is effectively on the line, Prime
Minister Stephen Harper has failed to extend any sort of olive branch to
the three opposition parties which formed a coalition against his
government.
“Yes, he gave a very fine speech on TV; but to a
considerable extent, in my opinion, it wasn’t the speech he should
have delivered. Instead of again bashing the Opposition parties, he would
have done himself and his party much more good had he been conciliatory.
Part of what he should have said might, in my view, be
stated as follows.
“Fortunately, Canada has the strongest economy of
all Western democracies; but that fact will not shield us from the impact
of the global economic turmoil. In some respects, this country
is already in difficult financial straits – and the
situation will likely deteriorate. The Members of Parliament, led by
the Cabinet, have a responsibility to develop the best possible policies to
address this very serious situation.
“Clearly, all four parties have some good
policies to help deal with this crisis. Insight and wisdom are not
found on only one side of the aisle. All three Opposition party leaders
have already given me some useful ideas. I welcome their continuing input.
I shall meet with each of them separately and also with all three jointly.
Likely some Cabinet members will also be present.
“I ask all Opposition party
leaders to work with me and my Cabinet so that all of us can
cooperatively develop the best possible policies for the Canadian
people.
“There is urgency. Despite
our comparatively sound economy, many businesses are hurting
and layoffs are mounting. In light of that reality this government wants to
get some major economic stimulus, and perhaps even specific economic sector
assistance, underway as soon as possible, perhaps even before
Christmas.
“I solicit support from all Members of
Parliament and assure them that this government wants to
work with all parties in a cooperative relationship. I ask that confidence
be given so that such action can proceed.”
It might have come too late to prevent the
Coalition challenge. But such a stance, which could have been
expressed all along, would, in my opinion, probably have avoided the
present crisis.
I have advised numerous politicians and have also done
some speechwriting. I am confident that if the Prime Minister had expressed
similar sentiments in his television address, instead of again going after
the opposition parties, he would have done himself, his party, and the
country much more good. He missed a great opportunity.
While, in my opinion, Prime Minister Harper made a
serious blunder and has been unwilling to acknowledge it or backtrack, the
opposition parties, while technically acting within the law, are all
behaving immorally.
What they are trying to do is overturn the results of
the last election. Technically they are acting legally – but
outside of the spirit of democracy. Many voters will remember this when the
next election occurs.
Lloyd Mackey
With the House prorogued until January 26, broad
preparation – with input from provinces, opposition parties and
business and economic leaders – will be necessary.
That should make a well-considered budget a winner. And
that, in turn, will hopefully transform the coalition concept from being a
divisive and destructive force, into a truly democratic information-sharing
process.
True, such a transformation might not be in the
tradition of an adversarial parliament. But it would take advantage of many
conflict management concepts available these days.
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On the practical side, there may well be a canvassing
of 15 or so opposition MPs who might be seen to be concerned about the
upsetting prospect of a ‘coup-alition.’ Such an independent
caucus would be committed for a suitable period of time to allow the
Conservatives to give necessary economic leadership during the current
instability.
Hopefully, a level of trust would develop between such
a caucus and the Harper government. Obviously, the prime minister’s
seeming mistrust of the present opposition was well-placed, despite stated
willingness to reach out coming from all sides. It has become quite clear
that discussions about removing the Tories without an election were being
carried on under the surface, without too much restraint from party
leaders.
There are some considerable ethical implications in
this two-edged situation. An independent – and trustworthy –
caucus might be what is required to give the government the comfort it
needs to get us through the next critical months.
Should the prime minister apologize for anything? No,
at least not gratuitously. But Harper should continue to make clear his
invitation to civility and collaboration.
And when there is a constructive response from an
opponent – even a tentative one – he should be fulsome in
giving credit to that person. I can say, personally, that Harper is fully
capable of such behaviour, and practices it more often than is generally
acknowledged. He has high standards for research and factuality, and offers
full credit when others meet those standards.
I would suggest the Conservatives have already taken
the first steps necessary to unwind from whatever their own responsibility
might be in the present crisis. That happened when the major points of
contention in their economic statement were withdrawn.
The cooling off period is the time when the prime
minister can, both by word and action, put forward the right hand of
conciliation.
And what of the larger picture?
I leave comment on the deification of politicians to
some other time, except to note that all the leaders have feet of clay. Any
attempt to announce, as some people of faith do periodically, that their
leader is God’s anointed, creates more conflict than it resolves.
It might be that these days call for believing people
to pray, in quiet places, for our leaders, all the while watching for
hopeful signs in surprising places.
Ottawa-based Lloyd Mackey is author of Stephen Harper: The Case for Collaborative Governance and
writes OttawaWatch on our website.
Abbotsford-based John Redekop is the author of Politics
Under God.
January 2009
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