Where will the party head next?
For most of my life I have voted for a Progressive Conservative candidate both federally and provincially. I will admit that from time to time I have also supported both Liberal and New Democrat local candidates who I believed would best represent the issues of the district. I look for progressive leadership with platforms built by premiers such as Bill Davis, John Robarts, and Peter Lougheed. They were small “C” conservatives.
Nationally I really liked Robert Stanfield, who although he might take a long time to explain an issue, he offered clear leadership. He may have been the best prime minister we never had. More recently I appreciated Stephen Harper whose vision and understanding of fiscal responsibility helped Canada to navigate through the last major recession without hurting Canada.
Today, Conservatives appear to be adopting strategies more common to Trump politics in the US. Pierre Poilievre – the front running Conservative leadership candidate – has chosen to adopt the populist following generated by the truckers standoff in Ottawa and followers from across Canada. One of his promises is to make Canadians free again eliminating all vaccine mandates and health rules in Canada.
This populist movement has grown across Canada as Canadians have become frustrated with rules including mandatory wearing of masks, restrictions and forced closing of businesses. Many have lost jobs due to globalization and feel marginalized in their every day lives and want to hold the government to account. They don’t feel the government is listening and want change.
Unfortunately change requires vision and ideas for the future. It can’t be just about cancelling what is happening today. It must be about planning and developing polices for the future. Progressive Conservatives who were small “C” conservatives presented ideas to grow the Canadian economy, expand educational and job opportunities, expand health care, and make the case to be middle of the road with taxation. We are not seeing any Conservatives promoting new progressive ideas such as expanding drug coverage to all Canadians, or dental coverage to all Canadians. We are not hearing of programs or ideas to grow housing and make it more affordable across Canada.
Instead, we are witnessing the adoption of Republican Trump policies and strategies from the United States. They are ultra conservative, opposing all ideas of social justice. There is nothing progressive. If the Conservative Party of Canada really wants to lead, and form a government, they will have to present ideas and policies to catch the attention and imagination of all Canadians as to what Canada might become.
Former Publisher
Fort Frances Times
