Harper: "It's Popular"

Harper's decision to call out the opposition over the Conservatives childcare proposal looks unnecessarily combative. I don't think anybody really believes that the opposition would bring down the government at such an early stage. Harper's leverage centers around his claim that this legislation is widely popular with the public. We hear the same rationalization with regards to the GST cut.

I don't dispute the fact that Canadians favor childcare reforms. What is in question is Harper's claim of popularity. Is Harper speaking to the 36% of people that backed his party, because if so that hardly represents a ringing endorsement. Is Harper referring to Canadians support of reform, because you could just as easily argue popularity with regards to the Liberals legislation. Harper doesn't enjoy the political latitude of a majority where he can simply sluff off criticism under the guise of his relative popularity.

In a minority situation, and a slim one at that, every piece of legislation is up for scrutiny. Harper doesn't enjoy widespread support, despite the soundbites, so his mandate is predicated on the notion of compromise. My way or the high way arguments display an arrogance that may ultimately prove to be Harper's undoing. Yes, Canadians want certain reforms, but all the evidence suggests that "popularity" is a less partisan affair.

It is up to the opposition to continually make the case against the popular argument, otherwise they give Harper more control than is warranted. Harper seems to be operating under the assumption that the opposition is largely toothless. Whether or not that is practically true in the near term is irrelevant, appearances should not be sacrificed. Someone needs to remind the government that, in reality, they are one of the least popular governments in Canadian history.