Why I Fear Harper

I came across this article this morning:

Stephen Harper is saying he's ready to go where no prime minister in more than a decade has dared to tread into Canada's constitutional minefield.

In an interview aired yesterday on CBC Radio's political program, "The House," Harper surprisingly said he'd be willing to reopen the constitutional debate.

"Ultimately, there will have to be constitutional changes, not just to accommodate Quebec but also to accommodate demands we have from the West and from other parts of the country and from the population of Canada," Harper said.

The Prime Minister, who said he would approach it "cautiously," said he thinks Canadians are demanding "that our constitution be renewed and that it be updated and that it be modernized and that it be democratic; that we have, for example, a Parliament where everyone's elected."

If there is one area that Harper has the potential to do the most lasting damage, it is his approach to federalism. I have argued before that Harper approaches federalism with the narrowness of a Premier's perspective. What a dangerous situation for Canada to have potential constitutional talks, with a federal leader who continually demonstrates open disdain for the federal role. Forget the facts that clearly show the transfer of power and money to the provinces over the years, Harper holds the view that we must stop "federal incursions" into provincial jurisdictions.

The drift towards regionalism has one counter, the federal government. The provinces always demand more, as they should in representing their constituency. The role of the federal government is too blanket the provincial perspective with overriding principles that project a symmetry that fosters union. With Harper, Canada now lacks the "check" on provincial aspiration. The word "centrist" is taboo, but that stance is essential for the federal counter. There needs to be a tension in our federal system that keeps all parties honest.

I fear Harper will use Quebec's unique status as nation within a nation to further devolve the role of the federal government. Other provinces, particularly Alberta, have used Quebec to prop up their own agenda, even though the argument clearly lacks the social characteristics of Quebec. Harper seems bent on approaching federalism from the old Reform perspective, which is narrow and short-sighted. Harper's superficial Senate reforms will eventually necessitate provincial consultation, which may provide the opening for constitutional talks on a wider scale. We will then have the bizarre situation where a provincial Premier will have to step forward to argue for Canada, clearly Harper favors devolution.

Ironic that Harper argues against "American bashing" for political purposes, yet has no opinion on the federal bashing that has become civic duty in some regions of our own country. I favor a strong central government, with adequate concessions to ensure a vibrant, self-sustaining Quebec society, because I believe the human condition is advanced when we come together and rise above superficial differences. Canada is unique in the world, in that it can project the way forward through the experiment of union amongst the most diverse population. I fear Stephen Harper lacks the vision to see the opportunity, instead fixating on any policy that will ensure a future majority, forget the long-term consequence.

As a side note, I agree that we need constitutional reform, desperately in fact. However, we can't afford talks with this perspective at the helm, we must wait until we have a Prime Minister, not the eleventh Premier.