Check out the latest column from Chantal Hebert.
The new Conservative traction in Quebec may also be comforting to the many Canadians who are uncertain about the true character of the Harper government. Nothing stands to mellow its hard-right Conservative instincts more than the potential injection of a strong contingent of middle-of-the-road Quebecers in the next election.Harper is presiding over a climate change in Quebec. If he is successful, it also stands to transform his party in ways that even he, a remarkable tactician, may not yet totally foresee.
As Bob Tarantino mentioned on the Hotstove last night this transformation destroyed the party a generation ago. Can PM Harper stick handle around that little bit of history?
Comments (8)
Harper will let Quebec be Quebec, and in return he hopes Quebec will let conservative Canada be conservative. It will be an interesting exerise to watch. Mobility + local autonomy = greater freedom.
Posted by Occam's Carbuncle | May 8, 2006 8:53 AM
Posted on May 8, 2006 08:53
That’s what I like about OC. He dreams big. :)
Posted by Greg | May 8, 2006 9:29 AM
Posted on May 8, 2006 09:29
NAFTA put the country’s economics in perspective. Without tariffs forcing East/West trade, it is very clear now that we have 5 regions in Canada plus the sparsely populated north. It’s time we stopped pretending this regionalized country is a nice tight little family who all tune into Don Messer and His Islanders every night on the CBC.
I hope these 5 regions hold together and Canada survives. We’ve changed the economy now we need to adjust the organization of government to match the era. That will only happen if we get on with the fiscal balance and accountability issues. Quebec is a distinct society and so are the 4 regions. Alberta is not like Ontario and they’re proud of it. Let’s stop pretending.
Posted by nomdenet | May 8, 2006 10:32 AM
Posted on May 8, 2006 10:32
Freedom of movement, association and political expression are big dreams. It’s true. A Canada with socialist provinces for socialists, libertarian provinces for libertarians and conservative provinces for conservatives, each taxing (or not taxing) as necessary to sustain the style of government, would certainly be ideal. Unless you’re a socialist and you can’t stand that some people would rather not be socialists or live under a socialist regime. I’d love to see the migration patterns in a Canada with divergent styles of government where tax rates were proportinate to the level of socialist meddling. Alas, that day is nowhere at hand.
Posted by Occam's Carbuncle | May 8, 2006 11:12 AM
Posted on May 8, 2006 11:12
OC, it’s already happening.
Alberta has a top marginal rate of 38%. Newfoundland’s is 48%
Danny (Hugo Chavez) Williams just told the big bad oil companies to take a hike. Alberta attracts more and more exploration capital.
There is now a direct Air Canada flight from St John’s to Fort McMurray.
Migration is underway!
Posted by nomdenet | May 8, 2006 1:46 PM
Posted on May 8, 2006 13:46
N:
Let’s hope it spreads.
Posted by Occam's Carbuncle | May 8, 2006 2:55 PM
Posted on May 8, 2006 14:55
Um, but aren’t Alberta and Newfoundland both part of the new and glorious Conservative Empire? Are you going to have orthodoxy trials? Please tell me you are going to have orthodoxy trials.
Posted by Greg | May 8, 2006 4:39 PM
Posted on May 8, 2006 16:39
No! We’re a very unorthodox assortment of individuals.
But there will be lots of Trails and Tribulations on the left as the source tithing for their Central Planners melts away with Fiscal Balance.
Posted by nomdenet | May 8, 2006 7:52 PM
Posted on May 8, 2006 19:52