Dion Enters The Playing Field

Dion gets into the game, with sound policy on crime:

• More money for provinces to hire municipal police officers.

• An extra $200 million for the RCMP to hire 400 officers as part of a new "rapid enforcement team" to fight gangs and gun activity, organized crime and drug trafficking.

• Reverse-onus bail hearings for people arrested on gun crime, which would require the arrested to justify their release on bail.

• Tougher laws to protect children from being lured by Internet-based predators and to make it harder for criminals to commit identity theft.

• Setting up a fund to help improve security at places of worship for "at-risk communities."

These policy announcements send a clear signal that the Liberals recognize the need to address gun violence, which is a hot button issue that Harper has wedged to great effect. On this particular file, Liberals don’t need to own the issue, they only need to negate it as a Harper attack line.

It is nice to see Dion release some specifics, because it helps put some definition to his reign, which has been a weakness to date. These are serious proposals, particularly the endorsement of the Conservatives reverse-onus idea- is shows some level of co-operation and adds a non-partisan flavor to the Liberal policy.

I know there has been much discussion about whether or not Dion should release policy now, or wait until the election. I would argue for the middle-ground, don’t release a full platform, but throw out some positions now, as a function of Dion’s perceived weaknesses. You can’t allow the Conservatives to define Dion without some response, and policy is one way to articulate vision. Pragmatism demands the Liberals address the now, because this is critical in setting up Dion’s chances come the election. Having said that, there must be a balance and Dion should have lots of announcements at his disposal come the campaign.

I would characterize Dion’s announcement today as exactly what the doctor ordered. Address a sore spot, show leadership and put the ball back in the Conservative’s court.