The Liberals have put themselves in a difficult spot. However, IMO they can take the initiative if they care to exercise some political courage and foresight.
A possible plan:
1 — Trudeau acknowledges that his government misstepped, apologizes to Canadians, and takes full responsibility. [Admit what everybody knows. Don't be another Nixon]
2 — The Liberals announce immediate plans to table legislation splitting the Attorney General and Justice Minister positions. [Take the wind out of opposition sails -- make a corrective and positive step with which even the opposition must agree]
3 — Retain Wilson-Raybould if possible, and when the the "split" AG's position is created, reinstate her.
4 — In the meantime, allow SNC-Lavalin to be prosecuted. [Yes there'll be a political price: the cost of principle]
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You said: 'It seems to me that Trudeau tried to bring new, fresh blood into the governing party. It also seems to me that Jody Wilson-Raybould might have benefited from a little more political experience before being given the responsibilities she was.'
While I understand your POV, I'm not sure about it. I've attempted to grok what Wilson-Raybould was (is) trying to achieve -- and it seems to me that her goals might have been a bridge too far for contemporary Canadian politics.
I'm not claiming to fully understand Wilson-Raybould, her methods, or intentions. But it seems to me she has spotlighted a glaring inconsistency very effectively (given the limited steps she could take), and in a sense, has forced the Liberals' hand. In that view, the reason she didn't resign becomes a lot clearer — she wanted this built-in political conflict to be dealt with. She wanted change. Her resignation would have evaded -- but not solved -- the problem
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This is a real chance to seize the initiative, and demonstrate a true commitment to good government. I hope the Liberals will make the right moves -- but fear they won't. |
