The Liberal Future

by Eduardo del Buey

The Liberal Future

At this point, the future of the Liberal Party of Canada is very much in doubt.

Many are fed up with the Party’s sharp turn to the left, which has seen it abandon the centrist policies and programs that have led to past successes.

The center of Canada’s political spectrum is vacant, and it must be reconquered to ensure the party’s survival and any hope of eventual electoral success.

What must a potential leader do?

The leader must present a plan, seek out credible new additions to his entourage and potential cabinet team, and coherent policies that resonate with common sense and fiscal responsibility.

The plan must be simple but radical. It must propose a change of mindset to the pragmatism of centrist politics rather than ideological or regional preferences.

In the current leadership campaign, there are three major contenders.

Two are senior ministers in the government who are perceived to be at the heart of many of Canada’s current problems.

One is a highly successful businessman and former central banker with proven expertise in managing economies both in Canada and Britain.

This is where my preference lies.

However, as a non-politician, he must come prepared with the aforementioned plan to address the issues important to the average Canadian.

He must recruit a team that voters will consider better equipped to govern and that can work together to develop and implement policies that will attract voters.

He must have a communications strategy that connects with and inspires voters.

Unlike most modern politicians, he must learn not to pivot and revert to talking points when asked a tough question. Rather, he should always answer directly without appearing evasive or manipulative. This will set him apart from the herd and instill trust in voters. Speaking from the heart can work if the ideas are good and defensible.

A simple but radical plan could read something like this:

He should announce that,

“On day one, my government will ensure a united federal-provincial response should the Trump administration impose tariffs on Canada. We will address Alberta’s concerns by signing an order-in-council to allow the construction of liquid natural gas facilities to ensure sales abroad. We will also lift unreasonable restrictions on pipelines that move energy within Canada and to the coasts for export.

We will immediately cut the carbon tax and other taxes that do not benefit Canadians. We will also take measures to rein in government spending. We will create a new economic development strategy for Canada that will attract investment, incentivize business creation, innovation, and productivity, and make Canada competitive again.

We will cut taxes on old-age pensions to allow our older citizens to live lives of dignity.

On day one, my government will cancel all consultants’ contracts, freeing billions of dollars for use on policies and programs that voters need. Many of the savings will go to border security, replenishing our military to meet our international obligations, and to cut the national deficit.

Ministers accused of malfeasance will be immediately suspended pending a full inquiry into their alleged activities. They must also remain above suspicion of corruption at all times in order to remain in the caucus and the cabinet.

On day one, my government will remove barriers to licensed foreign doctors and nurses who have immigrated to practice in Canada to address the medical care crisis. If necessary, we will declare a national health emergency to override the objections of provincial governments or medical associations.

On day one, my government will rescind immigration programs that provide recently arrived immigrants with benefits denied to Canadians.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller’s announcement last week that Canada would welcome 5000 refugee families from Gaza and provide each individual with $3000 and free health care while millions of Canadians are suffering at food banks and living on the streets must be canceled at once.

Programs that affect Canadian security and the rights of all Canadians will no longer be funded. University administrators, provincial and municipal leaders, and police officials will be held accountable for protecting the rights of all citizens, not just a selected few.

Also, my government will legislate to ban immigrants who are not fully security vetted and who refuse an oath to respect Canadian values, laws, and institutions.

Last but not least, my team will include a majority of new, competent ministers who are not tied to the current government, which has caused millions of Canadians to reject the party.

We will unite the center and restore common sense, fiscal responsibility, decency, and good governance to Canadian politics.“

Radical proposals?

For some, yes.

However, for others, commonsense approaches to resolving systemic problems.

Stealing from the opposition?

Good. Common sense ideas are welcome regardless of their origins.

A limited number of proposals to help keep voters’ eyes on the ball.

Measures that address the challenges faced in all parts of Canada.

Former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien used a similar technique in his successful federal election campaign in 1993. His Red Book and his team enjoyed a three-term majority government that successfully met the challenges of the day.

Although he is well ahead in the polls, opposition leader Pierre Poilievre is not personally popular with Canadians.

Many Canadians have already commented that they would be willing to revisit their current anti-Liberal views should a leader who espouses change towards the center and common-sense policies appear.

Could a renewed Liberal Party leader win the next election?

Maybe not.

However, that leader could at least prevent the Liberal Party's demise, aim for a strong second-place finish, and hold the Conservatives to minority status in parliament. This would also give the Party the time and space it needs to rebuild and regain its credibility and position as Canada’s centrist party.

That would be a significant improvement compared with today’s political reality.