Over the course of twelve months a number of stories have
captured my attention. If internet trends are to believed numbered lists are
quite popular at the moment, so I thought I would embrace the format for my
final post of 2013.
#10 - Ontario’s Five By-Elections
In August 2013 five by-elections were called in the
province of Ontario. The three provincial parties fought tooth and nail to
shape the narrative in the aftermath of the election. Five Liberal incumbents,
all former cabinet ministers, retired, triggering the political contests. Two
of the seats were won by the ONDP, two by the Liberals and one by the
Progressive Conservatives. Despite the Liberals losing three strong seats the
narrative in the media shifted to a PC loss and NDP victory. Here was my take.
#9 - Lac-Megantic Train Accident
The town of Lac-Megantic is still recovering from the
disastrous industrial accident that devastated the small Quebec town. The
disaster has raised serious questions about industrial regulation and safety in
Canada.
#8 - Idle No More
The Idle No More movement began in 2012 but its effects
have continued to be felt in the country. The proposed Aboriginal education
legislation is evidence that despite efforts to push the federal government into
meaningful discussions has been ignored. Protest has continued across First
Nations communities. Here is my take.
#7 - Big Move Stopped
I am not sure there is any leader who believes that the Greater
Toronto-Hamilton Area is not in need of desperate of investment in transit. The
Big Move plan has struggled to get off the ground for a lack of funding. This
is one of the major policy questions facing the province and inaction on the
file is chronic.
#6 - British Columbia’s Provincial Election
In April the British Columbia general election delivered
a shocking upset victory for the BC Liberals. Polls and pundits expected the BC
NDP to do well and Adrian Dix to become the province’s next Premier. But on
election night the voters returned the Christy Clark government.
#5 - Natural Resources and the Environment
These kinds of stories appear in the local media of the
Northwest Territories all the time. There are serious concerns about the
development of our natural resources and the impact it has on the environment,
and by extension, our health. From fracking protests in New Brunswick to water
contamination in the Arctic there are clear consequences to this form of
economic development.
#4 - Justin Trudeau becomes Liberal leader
As much as I may dislike Justin Trudeau, his selection as
Liberal leader has had a dramatic impact on the standings of the parties. The
Liberals now lead in the polls, buoyed by Conservative scandal and the appeal
of Trudeau.
#3 - The Reform Act
Michael Chong’s (CPC - Wellington-Halton Hills, ON)
private member’s bill to change the way leaders maintain the confidence of the
House of Commons has triggered a fascinating debate about Members of
Parliament, the division of power, and political leadership. It will continue
to be a story in the new year, but also represents discontent within the House.
#2 - Rob Ford’s Ongoing Saga
Rob Ford. Sigh. Certainly the most outrageous story in
Canada this year. We watched in rapt fascination as an elected official dragged
a city deep into the mire of his own personal demons.
#1 - Senate-PMO Scandal
With an ongoing criminal investigation, and deep
unhappiness within the public regarding this scandal, this could be a major
weight around the Conservatives’ necks going forward. Thomas Mulcair continues
to press the attack on this issue very effectively, and Conservative supporters
and MPs are increasingly unhappy. Depending how it all plays out it could be
the end of the Harper government and it certainly demonstrates the paranoid,
controlling nature of the PMO and how it has backfired.
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