Although it didn’t come as a surprise, the Conservative minority government does not sit well. More than anything, it appears that Canadians voted against the Liberals rather than for the Conservatives. Going into the campaign period, despite being mired in scandal, it was the Liberals’ race to lose—and they did. It is unfortunate that many Liberal incumbents seemed to lose because of their affiliation with the party, regardless of how much they had contributed to their ridings in the past.
Canadians have voiced their disappointment in the Liberals by placing their support behind the Conservatives. While they will potentially help change the way government is carried out, uncertain whether some of this change will actually be beneficial to the country.
The Conservatives conducted a smart, well-tailored campaign presenting Harper as more of a moderate than he has appeared in the past. As hard has he has tried to sell himself as a man for the people, Harper fundamentally does not represent the values of all Canadians. His plan to cut the GST is flawed. Ultimately, high-income Canadian families stand to benefit from the reduced consumption tax more than the moderate- to low-income families who consume less. We still don’t know what Harper will do with regard to the free vote on same-sex marriage and use of the notwithstanding clause. Adding to our anxiety is the fact that in his first speech as prime minister, Harper referred to Canadians as “taxpayers” and focused on economic and fiscal policy rather than issues like health care and education. What’s more, he ended with a George W. Bush-style “God bless Canada,” calling into question his the perspective from which he will govern.
Locally, Peter Milliken coasted back into the House without much of a fight. We hope that as a member of the opposition he will take a more active role in representing Kingston and the Islands on Parliament Hill.
It was encouraging to see that the NDP won more seats, ensuring an increased alternative presence in the House from the traditional major parties. Similarly, early in the night, the Green Party showed signs of an electoral berth, which unfortunately, was not meant to be. Although the party still doesn’t have any seats, the rise in support in this election for local Green Eric Walton suggests that a Green presence is on the horizon. This election, more than any other, shows that Canadians want more options—two-party governance is not enough. Perhaps an increased diversity in the House will promote the kind of constructive dialogue and co-operation we have been calling for all along.
While a change in government was inevitable, and despite our apprehension, we truly hope that the Conservatives will reinvigorate Canada’s confidence in its leaders. With the election now behind them, it is important for all parties to make a sincere effort to co-operate and get things done.
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