Most political junkies have theories as to why the Liberals won the election.
I believe the large number of younger, maybe first time voters, preferred Justin, who is closer to their own age than someone from their parents’ generation.
Many new Liberal MPs are under 45. Nothing wrong with that, the future is theirs. If they screw up they can’t blame the old folks. At the moment many Canadians are warm and fuzzy, happy and hopeful, although some are a bit leery because the Liberals have a track record of campaigning left and governing right. (Does that work out as middle of the road?) History also shows our federal government to be a revolving door.
Both Liberal and Conservative governments get arrogant or corrupt (or both) after a few terms in office, and the electorate gets testy and turfs out whoever is in.
The Harper government outdid itself in terms of Doubtful Doings. I’ve asked numerous people if they were comfortable with a government that breaks/bends so many rules and the response is always: “Every government does it.” True, most do, but does that make it right?
Whatever, young Mr. Trudeau faces huge challenges — climate change, the Senate, Canada’s role in global affairs, and what about Bill C51 and other noxious Harper laws that he supported? There is a lurking challenge. Canadian values were an issue during the campaign, but exactly what are Canadian values?
A growing economy with a free market and wars if needed? Or peace and freedom and justice for all? Mr. Trudeau isn’t likely to challenge the Constitution so maybe we can have both.
On another note, former Manitoba Premier Gary Doer, who was appointed Ambassador to the U.S. six years ago by the Harper government, is expected to step down as his term is over and the Liberals will make their own appointment. Former B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell was appointed High Commissioner to Britain four years ago by Mr. Harper. Wonder when his term is up?
Diana French is a freelance columnist for the Tribune. She is a former Tribune editor, retired teacher, historian, and book author.
