Perhaps the only politician in Canada with more woes than Charest, Prime Minister Paul Martin addressed the nation on prime time television, delivering a recorded speech designed to plead for his political life.
Watching him was a bit wince-worthy, but ultimately he got his message across. He apologized without admitting direct involvement or guilt, accepted responsibility as a leader, and vowed to prosecute the offenders. To be fair, he did what I would have done in a similar situation. The only surprise was a promise to hold an election within 30 days of the end of the Gomery inquiry – a stall tactic if I’ve ever heard one. But I think that this desperation move may pay off for him.
In contrast, the other three leaders looked like they were launching campaign speeches. Harper attacked Martin straight-on, but his speech may have the unintended effect of making Canadians wary of a mud-slinging campaign. Duceppe had me wishing – not for the first time – that he wasn’t on the wrong side, because as usual he stole the show with a fantastic opening line to his speech, something to the effect of “the last time a prime minister addressed the nation, it was 1995 and Chretien was fighting to save Canada; this time, Martin’s fighting to save the Liberals”. He picked up votes for sure.
As for Layton, his small smile bugged me even more than it did during last summer’s debates. But he implied that he’d be willing to make a deal with Martin to attempt to stave off a no-confidence vote in exchange for changes in the Federal Budget to give the NDP what they want. This is Layton’s chance to blackmail the Liberals for all they’re worth, and don’t think it hasn’t occurred to him.
I think that, though this mess is with the Liberals, most people are cynical enough to realize that corruption is rampant in all political parties, and there’s quite a bit of distaste for the perceived opportunism of Harper and the other opposition leaders in this situation. I think people are already tired of hearing about Gomery. Mostly, I think people are tired of elections and their options are severely limited when it comes to actually voting.
What will happen is anyone’s guess. But I wouldn’t write off the Liberals just yet.
{ }
The embattled Charest government released its provincial budget this afternoon.
So-called “highlights” include tax cuts – which will basically give me an extra loonie a year – as well as small increases in spending for health and education. Overall this doesn’t seem too bad. The budget is balanced and avoids excessive spending increases in nonsensical areas. It’s the type of budget that will leave everyone whining for more, but was probably the most sensible course of action at this point for a government whose chances of re-election are somewhat smaller than the head of a pin: sensible, not overly political, and ultimately a real snoozer.
{ }
When Paul Martin addresses the nation tonight, will his speech provide his sinking governemnt with a life raft? Or will he dig himself further into a hole?
More importantly, how many Canadians will tear themselves away from “Survivor” to watch the Canadian-politics version of the game: who gets voted out of office?
Update: I guess this occurred to Martin’s handlers too; they moved his speech earlier, to 7pm, presumably to avoid competing with prime time.
{ }
Looks like it will be a June 27th election.
Early prediction: another Liberal minority government, a few more seats each for the Bloc and the Conservatives, and a sense of growing frustration among Canadians at the lack of options. Oh, and a total disgust with the additional wasted funds of yet another election at this time, on top of all the money that’s been wasted already on the scandal and the subsequent inquiry.
{ }
Today was Ben & Jerry’s free cone day.
{ }
Germany’s Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger is now Pope Benedict XVI.
I don’t really feel qualified to comment on the leadership of another religion. The media reports make him sound like a conservative hard-liner – but then again, he is the Pope.
However, I can’t imagine I’m the only Jewish person out there to be feeling a bit uncomfortable by the fact that Ratzinger was once a member of the Hitler Youth – even if it was compulsory… even though the Jerusalem Post spoke up in his defence.
Update: With such a serious topic as the election of a new Pope, we can always count on The Onion for some irreverent satire.
{ }
This from Canadian Immigration Minister Jon Volpe, commenting on the newly-announced eased immigration restrictions:
“We become Canadians by doing that which Canadians do,” Volpe said at a news conference. “We manifest our identity as Canadians by fulfilling our obligations and responsibilities as Canadians.”
Huh???
{ }
Today, I wore sandals and I had my first iced mocha granité of the season. Spring has been in the air for a few weeks but today it’s officially here.
{ }
Check out The Observant Jew, a blog written by a former Montrealer friend who recently made aliyah to Israel. A very worthwhile read and a solid blogroll addition.
{ }
I’ve officially succumbed to pressure and joined the digital revolution. My new camera seems to be a lot of fun. I played tourist in Montreal yesterday, walking around all the places crowded with map-reading Americans, snapping photos of Chinatown, Old Montreal, downtown, Mount Royal… The verdict? There’s actually something to this digital thing. It’s lots of fun!
{ }
Latest Comments