Harper Leaves An Opening

It is simply astounding to hear the Conservatives openly talk about their five priorities as the foundation for a future majority. Instead of governing for the good of country, priority is given to policies that have perceived political advantage, in effect neutering the opposition. Both the GST cut and the child care payoff have superficial appeal with a disinterested electorate. Who could argue against greater accountability and lower wait times? Everybody hates pedophiles and knife-wielding hoods, right?

I must give the Conservatives credit, their agenda illustrates a masterful manipulation that effectively boxes in the opposition. Harper seems intent on offering the goodies, then asking Canadians for further mandate, with the results to warrant another term. The opposition will be hard pressed to find the defining issue that they can point to in order to show the much feared "hidden agenda". The obvious question for a supposed skeptical media, why is this government so preoccupied with attaining a majority? What are the other policies that require absolute control to implement?

Harper's comments on the constitution may well provide the opening the opposition needs to counter this public relations assault. When I read Harper's declaration that the constitution must be altered, I never saw his comments as they relate to this parliament. The nature of a minority, and the inherent limited timeframe, suggest no mandate or circumstance where Harper can effectively enter the constitutional arena. However, I believe Harper was speaking to the longterm agenda, in other words the post-majority mandate. Canadians would be quite curious to know, in some detail, what exactly Harper sees for a future Canadian federation. Harper has offered tidbits, most notably the elected Senate and the "federal incursions" rhetoric, but little detail.

I would suggest, despite his election, Canadians outside of the old Reform base, remain highly suspicious of a Harper led constitutional process. Is it time for the Liberal Party to re-enter the constitutional arena with their own vision? Are we content to have a constitution with Quebec on the outside forever, while the country slowly lingers away due to inaction? The Liberals have largely ignored the outstanding issues, partly out of fear and partly out of practicality. However, the wounds fester, uncertainty becomes commonplace and the issues don't go away. Harper's willingness to talk constitution provides the Liberals with the opportunity to re-emerge as Canada's party. If Liberals can articulate a new direction, that speaks to Quebec as an equal, then Harper will be revealed. Maybe the country can't survive another round of constitutional talks, but maybe it can't survive without it. If the Liberals champion their own version of "renewed federalism", Harper's true direction may be exposed and they will have their issue for the next campaign. It's time to be bold and in turn reveal the real themes behind the packaged Prime Minister.