Photo courtesy of Jean-Marc Carisse.
Voters Decided It Was Sunny Ways Rather Than Rainbows and Unicorns
Ten years is a long time for any government to be in power. Stephen Harper led Canada through some tumultuous times. He deserves a great deal of credit for guiding Canada through the 2008 global recession that threatened the very underpinnings of the Canadian and world economy. However, the record is less stellar internationally. The Harper government made no bones about where we stood on most issues. However, our bravado on the Ukraine or the Syrian crisis was not matched with meaningful contributions on the ground that made a significant difference. The Harper government was in denial about climate change and its shameful and mean-spirited response to do more to provide for certain Syrian migrants sealed Mr. Harper’s fate.
The Conservatives’ perceived callousness on that one issue upset millions of Canadians who viewed the response as both vulgar and contrary to core Canadian values. The Harper response, that Canada was doing more on Syria than it was being credited for, was blown to pieces by Canada’s former Chief of the Defence Staff, retired General Rick Hillier. Hillier said that not only was the response wrong, but that Canada could bring in 100,000 refugees by Christmas. Hillier’s heft contrasted against the lightweight and at times nasty Minister of Immigration, the now defeated Chris Alexander, only highlighted the need for change.
Enter Justin Trudeau. His discipline in the campaign is a good harbinger for things to come. His positive message contrasted sharply against the angry and negative approach of the Conservatives. His call for a government with a greater spirit of generosity and one focused on hope rather fear resonated big time with Canadians. Thomas Mulcair came across as creepy at times or smug and short-tempered. Trudeau seemed to have his pulse on the mood of the country. The biggest loss to Ottawa in this campaign was the defeat of Ottawa Centre NDP MP Paul Dewar. They don’t make MPs much better than Dewar. However, Mulcair’s misreading of the niqab issue and lax campaign combined with the tough battle with the talented Liberal candidate Catherine McKenna proved too much.
In the dying days of the election, Harper referred to Trudeau and the Liberals as “all unicorns and rainbows” while Trudeau talked about “Sunny Ways.” Obviously, Canadians prefer sunny ways.
We hope you enjoy our 15th Annual TOP 25 People in the Capital issue. Kevin Vickers leads the list for his actions during the terrorist attack on Parliament Hill last year. The CBC’s Catherine Cullen has proven her mettle as one of Canada’s top national reporters and Ottawa Sens GM Bryan Murray is revered by Sens players and fans alike and beloved by all in our great city. Pierre Poilievre was the lone Conservative in Ottawa to win his seat. We applaud his achievements and hard work but note that sunny ways for him and his party may have to wait. His days may soon be filled with unicorns and rainbows. Enjoy.
