It is as if order in our country’s political universe has been restored.
The Liberals, “Canada’s natural governing party,” are in power again after a historically stunning surge in support following a flawless campaign. Recall that four years ago, and before Justin Trudeau was their leader, the Liberals were at historically low numbers in Parliament and were being written off for dead.
The Tories are back where they belong in Opposition now that the voters have heaved Steve; although Steve didn’t have the courtesy — secretive to the bitter end — to tell his own supporters Monday night that he was quitting as party leader.
The NDP are in third spot, following the brief time spent as the number two party in Parliament thanks to a fickle fling by Quebecers with Jack Layton. (No telling how long Tom Mulcair will last.)
And we have a prime minister who represents a new generation.
Wow! If that doesn’t make most of you feel good… well. I noted that even down-at-the-mouth NDPers listening to Mulcair’s concession speech Monday night actually cheered when he mentioned Trudeau’s majority victory.
In fact, thousands of NDPers abandoned their party to strategically vote Liberal as the best way of getting rid of Harper.
There was grumbling about the length of the campaign, an extraordinary 78 days. It was seen as a cynical move by Harper and his deep-pocketed party to drain the competition’s war chests and to stop third party advertising that was, for the most part, critical of Harper.
But in fact that strategy backfired. It actually helped Trudeau — who we could see improve with each passing debate. And it hurt Harper who had to deal with every issue as it emerged over that span of time.
We began with the Mike Duffy Trial. Harper could not do anything but respond to that disaster.
It moved on to the economy and a possible recession at which point Trudeau came out with his plan to run three successive small deficits and placed himself to the left of the NDP; Mulcair took to sounding like Harper and committed to balanced budgets. Then there was Harper’s pathetic response to the Syrian refugee crisis as he ladled on the fear of a jihadist under every bed. Harper also was hoping to solidify his base by once again taking on the courts. This time it was over the decision to allow a woman the right to wear a niqab. Mulcair went after Harper on that one and caused further erosion of his own support in the polls, particularly in Quebec.
Harper added to his message of fear and loathing by promising a snitch line for folks to report on “barbaric cultural practices,” and he enraged at least those in English Canada with what his critics called “two-tiered citizenship” where some Canadians could be stripped of their citizenship by the government.
As the campaign progressed, Harper had about him an air of desperation, as did Mulcair. They both thought this would be a two-way race; that young Trudeau would fade fast because of his own inexperience and the millions being spent on Tory attack ads declaring “He’s just not ready.”
Underestimating Trudeau proved to be a fatal flaw for Harper.
While Harper was spreading fear, Trudeau was delivering a message of hope, conciliation and a promise of change: It was music to the ears of those Canadians who felt shut out by Harper’s Tories.
So here we are.
Cities, including Vancouver, are hopeful funds they need for transportation infrastructure and housing will now be available. First Nations believe their causes around living conditions and resource development will be heard. Provincial governments, which, as a group, have been refused an audience by Harper, will now have a prime minister who will listen to them.
And we can only assume that Canada’s reputation on issues of the environment and climate change will be restored with Trudeau as we make our commitments at the upcoming United Nations Climate Change conference in Paris.
We will have to wait and see what changes Trudeau proposes to amend with Harper’s more egregious pieces of legislation including legalization of marijuana. But don’t hold your breath.
It would be naïve to think that things will be perfect. But they will be better.
@allengarr
