When Stephen Dion was elected leader of the federal Liberal Party he wasted no time in declaring that top priority for the Party was to "regain power". In true Liberal tradition the new leader Michael Ignatieff has made clear to "the faithful" the goal is get "the party back to power." The new party president, Alf Apps, expressed their vision as "a spirited cry for revitalized Liberalism."
I'm not so sure that what the country needs at the moment is "revitalized Liberalism", empty rhetoric or promises lacking substance. It is clear Ignatieff and the Liberals are banking on the short collective memory of the electorate. Are we really to believe the scandal-riddled government we threw out barely three years ago has turned over a new leaf and is now ready to govern the country in these tough economic times?
Recent polls show the Canadians believe Stephen Harper is still the best man to lead the country in this time of unprecedented economic turbulence. The Conservatives, despite some failings, offer a more responsible approach to the economy and are more to be trusted in the worst economic times since the 1930's. By cutting taxes to Corporations and ordinary Canadians Harper has put Canada in an enviable position to weather the economic storm. The International Monetary Fund predicted Canada will lead the G7 nations in growth next year.
Canadians have enjoyed stable, responsible and scandal free government under Harper and the Conservatives for the past three years and I doubt they are ready to take a leap of faith back to a bankrupt Liberalism so out of touch with the times.
Gerald Hall
Parksville, B.C.
