Let’s agree for the time
being that the concept of "coalition
government" and the real prospect of two Quebecers — a ruthless pol and
neophyte — governing Canada at once won’t enthuse 905 and suburban Vancouver
voters.
Surely, the Liberals already
will have seen the risks. However, Justin Trudeau hasn’t yet found a plausible
way to kill the idea before next year’s federal election. What he desperately needs
is a poison pill: a position (or positions) that would credibly deter a suitor with
the intestinal fortitude of New Democrat leader Thomas Mulcair.
Beyond institutional inertia,
he doesn’t have one. Indeed, his Party’s weekend policy resolutions quietly took
a promising one off the table.
Right there at the bottom of
#31 of the Liberal Policy Resolutions that were (formally
adopted) is this declaration:
“AND
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT immediately after the next election, an all-Party
process be instituted, involving expert assistance and citizen participation,
to report to Parliament within 12 months with recommendations for electoral
reforms including, without limitation, a preferential ballot and/or a form of
proportional representation, to represent Canadians more fairly and serve
Canada better.”
The Liberal Party of Canada
has thrived within the rules of the status quo. Further, up until now, its leader
has entertained only the concept of a preferential ballot and explicitly rejected
proportional representation. The New Democrats have long favored proportional
representation. Nevertheless, the Liberal resolution is clear: for at least one
year, Thomas Mulcair and Justin Trudeau may govern together with the same
open-minded approach to electoral reform.
No comments:
Post a Comment