Three people Carney should thank: Freeland, Poilievre and Trump
Three key actors deserve major credit for Mark Carney’s election as Liberal Leader and prime minister-designate – and for the fact that his party, long poised for a quick march into electoral oblivion, now stands on the precipice of a fourth mandate.
Chrystia Freeland: Mr. Carney might still be enjoying a richly compensated life in the master of the universe division of the private sector, and still pondering whether to enter Canadian politics, were it not for what Ms. Freeland, then the finance minister and deputy prime minister, did on the morning of Dec. 16, 2024.
Her resignation letter’s line about “costly political gimmicks” summed up the feelings of a lot of voters and struck like a stiletto to the heart of government. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau never was able to stanch the bleeding. Three weeks later, the leadership race began.
As often happens in business, an innovative first-mover set a new dynamic in motion, only to have a later arrival reap the rewards.
Donald Trump: Even before his return to the White House, the U.S. President started threatening our economy and our existence. The country sees itself as in peril, and it is in peril. That has remade Canadian politics.
As Ontario Premier Doug Ford just demonstrated – turning a provincial election into a referendum on “who’s gonna fight for you?” – the threat from south of the border is now the No. 1 issue for Canadians.
The U.S. chief executive is a menace to Canada. But danger is also a political opportunity for Mr. Carney and the Liberals.
Canadian politicians must walk a fine line. They must stand up for Canada, and when Mr. Trump hits, they have to hit back. But they must also be very careful about who they’re hitting, and who they’re chirping. The master at this has been Mr. Ford. He’s talked the toughest on tariffs, including in a series of appearances on U.S. TV. But he always says, again and again, that he loves our neighbours, he wishes the two countries could have an even closer relationship, and this fight isn’t with all Americans, but with just one American.
Mr. Carney went over the line in his acceptance speech on Sunday night, when he described the U.S. as “a country we can no longer trust.” That may turn out be true, but for now, it’s the wrong message. Our aim is for Americans to come to their senses and see things as we do, not rally around the flag.
And for at least the next four years, the one problematic American will be in power, and will need to be negotiated with. Canada’s actions must be firm – elbows up? Yup! – but our leaders have to be mindful of what they say.
As every Canadian hockey player knows, let your game do the talking, and keep it respectful off the ice.
Pierre Poilievre: By upending Canadian politics, Mr. Trump stole certain electoral victory from the Conservative Leader. But with his promises of “putting more money in your pocket” and building pipelines, Mr. Carney’s platform has also stolen from the Conservatives. In fact, Mr. Carney and the Liberals have effectively co-opted three out of four of Mr. Poilievre’s marquee slogans.
“Axe the Tax?” Mr. Poilievre spent the last two years beating the Liberals with that popular demand. Mr. Carney borrowed it and made it the centrepiece of his leadership campaign.
“Fix the Budget?” Mr. Carney has a different idea of how to do it, which may involve a certain degree of sleight of hand, by dividing the budget into operating and investment accounts. Nonetheless, Mr. Carney’s repeated statements that Canada “needs to spend less” while “investing more,” is a Liberal take on a popular Conservative talking point.
“Build the Homes?” The Liberals lifted that from Mr. Poilievre more than a year ago.
The last unappropriated Conservative slogan is “Stop the Crime” – and Mr. Carney would be wise to appropriate it, too. Post-Trudeau Liberals should eagerly agree with Canadians (and disagree with the worst of Liberal progressive impulses) that crime is a problem, full stop. Don’t add a “but … .” Don’t try to change the topic to “systemic something-something.” Do offer different, better answers than the Conservatives. |
