Canada’s Political Leaders and Me: Who They Really Are
You might call it being nibbled by ducks. That’s what’s happening to the Canadian electorate as the vestiges of the cold Canadian winter fade into our memory. Try as they did to get defeated over the winter the Conservatives didn’t get their wish. We’re heard the word election a few times, but its always been pulled back at the last minute. As we move into May, we’ll see if the opposition parties stop nibbling and actually let out a quack. Going to the polls looks less and less likely.
Of course these political machinations would never had taken place if the Conservatives had not set the next election date in stone which effectively took away the power of the Prime Minister to call an election on a whim. If that weren’t the case, an election would have been called either last fall or earlier this spring to take advantage of some of the problems besetting Stephane Dion.
All of this represents a great maturation of the Canadian political process. Combining the set election date with Jean Chretien’s campaign finance reform rules and we have a political process much improved.
As many of you know in my perch I’ve often been asked to meet and at times take the stage with some of our political leaders. That list includes Stephen Harper, Stephane Dion, Jack Layton and former Green party leader James Harris. I don’t “know” these people but I did spend quite a bit of time either talking with them or sharing a platform with them. Much of it was a thrill. Much of it wasn’t. However, I came away from each experience truly enriched as a Canadian and very satisfied with the men who seek to lead this nation.
I say that because I think it is important. I realize that politics is partisan by nature. Sometimes its catty, sometimes it dirty and rude and sometimes its just a hard slog. However, in my experience meeting many of our political leaders, they are very hard working diligent Canadians who are working hard to improve this country. You might disagree with them, but nobody in my opinion can “out-Canadian” them.
Sometimes the criticism of our political leaders is unfair. I hear it all the time, because most Canadians like to talk politics and I’m usually a sounding board especially within the agricultural community. Often I’m reticent to defend them. Simply put, doing that is never a growth industry.
When I met Stephen Harper he was opposition leader. I got to talk to him for at least 30 minutes near Chatham. I found him to be extremely bright and engaging. With his background at the University of Calgary in economics, we talked at length about the dismal science. He was a very impressive guy.
I really like Jack Layton. He has always impressed me as an inclusive, lightening smart and friendly guy who would make a great Canadian Prime Minister. I’ve met him a few times, mostly at farm meetings. He once bought a video I produced to help out local food banks. However, when he sought me out on stage at the Ottawa Solidarity Farm Rally and stood beside me, his mettle was cemented in my mind. Canada would be lucky to have Jack Layton as Prime Minister.
I had a private breakfast with Green Party leader James Harris during the last election. He since moved on, leaving the leadership to Elizabeth May. At the time he grilled me about agriculture and I was taken aback at how adept he was on the subject. I have no doubt Elizabeth May has what it takes too.
The most put upon federal leader in my memory was former Prime Minister Joe Clark with former Alliance leader Stockwell Day getting a honourable mention. However, Liberal leader Stephane Dion has surely challenged that paradigm. I’m sure there have been times when he’s wondered why he needed to take such abuse.
I found Stephane Dion to have a tremendous sense of humour and at the same time extremely bright. I spent a whole day with him, but acted mostly as a referee for those who wanted to talk with him. In my opinion he’d make a great Prime Minister. He’s smart, very willing to listen to people and has a great concept of Canada. He certainly doesn’t deserve some of the pitfalls, which have fallen before him.
Remember folks; I’m the messenger here. So if you think I’m a few bricks short of a load, take my comments, as you will. I only want you to know that our political choices in this country are very, very good. These men and women have all the right stuff. You might disagree with their policies from time to time, but remember they are as diligent as they come. They are solid Canadians who have the best interests of this nation at heart.