Political Resolutions
Like most people, it's around this time I plan my resolutions for the New Year. And like a Bachelor of Arts grad with student loans, it's very shortly thereafter I default on them.
Thus, this year I've decided to make them for others. While I'm fairly certain there are probably rules regarding resolutions for others, in the interest of nationalism I've decided to make resolutions for our federal politicians and parties this year.
Not that I think they won't break the ones I create for them any slower than I generally break my own but at least I won't be to blame.
The first resolution I have is for renewal. It seems an appropriate time to wish for change given the practical need for tacking up a new calendar to the office wall.
Three of the five major federal parties will take on the challenge of selecting a new leader during 2003. The first comes up shortly into the New Year as the New Democratic Party seeks to breathe new life into the moribund voice of the left in Canada. It has been some time since the once strong party offered much in the way of inspiration or leadership.
Be it resolved that the federal New Democratic Party engage in serious policy evaluation, remember their roots in the fiscally responsible and socially progressive platforms of the past and select a leader who can carry that message legitimately to the Canadian public. It may not get them elected but Canada has always benefited when alternative visions have been presented for Canadians' well being.
Around about the half way mark of the year, Canada's oldest political party heads to Toronto for its leadership convention to select a successor to outgoing stalwart Joe Clark. Mr. Clark has proven to be a credible spokesperson and genuinely trusted political figure among the Canadian public. For that, he cannot be faulted for the sad state of the Progressive Conservatives' polling numbers.
Unfortunately, Mr. Clark's apparent trustworthiness among the electorate never translated into a compelling turnaround for the party. As an elder statesman, Joe Clark was certainly qualified to provide insight and strategy for the party he once led to victory. But as a saviour for the party's persistent fourth or fifth place finishes, he perhaps was not the best choice.
Be it resolved that the federal Tory party can find someone - anyone - who can inspire the public with small 'c' conservative ideas, at least in so far as it can provide a credible, potential alternative to the government in perpetuity.
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