By Sally Barnes
Dear prime minister,
Far be it from me to second guess the highly paid experts and grey-beard campaign veterans around you, but I think you could be making a big mistake.
This one would surpass that real doozy when you chose a governor general who was a star in outer space but a disaster down here among mere mortals.
Calling a federal election in the middle of a pandemic, with polls showing most Canadians don’t want or need it, is in a class all by itself.
What we so desperately need in Canada right now is collaboration, strong leadership, and direction.
Needless to say, if you come back with another minority, you’ll be toast. The knives will be out so fast in the Liberal backrooms it will make your head swim.
How can you brag about your many accomplishments and at the same time insist you need a majority government because the current minority status makes it impossible to govern? That’s a bunch of hooey. The NDP has supported you on almost every measure and is committed to keeping you in power at least during the pandemic.
I happen to believe people have to be in a certain mood for elections to provide decisive results. They have to love someone new and different (like your Dad back in 1968.) Or they have a hate-on for the incumbent (Stephen Harper, 2015).
May I remind you that you won 184 seats with 39.5 per cent of the vote when you were new and different in 2015 and your opponent was shelf-worn. In 2019 your support fell to 33.12 per cent and you were reduced to 157 seats.
Hello! After six years in office, a lacklustre front bench, and a record hardly unblemished, it takes some huge ego to think you can come roaring back.
There are a lot of us out here who are bone-weary and mind-addled from the pandemic. No wonder we don’t want an election.
Mercifully, we’ve had the Stanley Cup playoffs and now the Olympics as much needed distractions and something to cheer for.
Too many have lost their jobs or their family businesses. Frontline workers are simply worn out. Our kids are freaked out from being out of school and isolated. Parents and teachers are anxious about what to expect this fall with the reopening of classes.
The pandemic has taken its toll on the mental health of so many. Addictions have soared. So have suicides and disease and illness caused by the backlog of diagnosis and treatment in our overloaded healthcare system.
Most would agree that you were right to borrow the billions needed to fight the pandemic—although few are probably aware of how unaccountable much of that money is and the extent of our debt.
You probably found no joy in the independent Parliamentary Budget Officer’s report that our federal government could be running budget deficits until 2070 if your current spending plans are not altered.
Today’s toddlers will spend most of their working lives paying back the borrowed money you are now dispensing in pre-election promises in every nook and cranny of the country.
In late July, it was the grand daddy of them all so far. The Muskrat Falls hydroelectric plant in Labrador, a boondoggle whose cost has almost doubled to more than $13 billion, will get a bailout of another $5.2 billion in taxpayers’ money.
Talk about a gift to your six out of the seven Newfoundland and Labradors MPs who are Liberals.
Then last week it was $6 billion to be transferred to Quebec. It’s supposed to be for day care but a grateful Quebec premier says there are no conditions attached.
Does it occur to you and your masterminds that this massive display of pre-election goodies at a time of record debt could backfire?
Recent public opinion polls show you are in the lead in popularity but you’re the first choice of only about one third of the electorate.
Surely, if spreading money around actually buys support, you would be in the stratosphere by now instead of just moderately leading the pack of uninspiring other party leaders.
You like to say you have our backs but I’m not sure you have our hearts and minds.
There is great unease across the land.
We are far from out of the pandemic woods. New variants are on the upswing and as more and more restrictions are lifted, your own healthcare experts warn we could be into a fourth wave.
Sadly, children seem especially vulnerable this time around.
Wildfires and extreme heat have cost lives and massive destruction in many parts of the country. Drought threatens to bankrupt farmers.
For some reason, the mainstream media has shown little interest in rising gas prices. We’re edging up to $1.40 a liter at the pump and some experts predict we could be paying around $1.70 by the fall.
The impact of carbon taxes? Ubetcha.
Along with the rising cost of just about everything from lumber to lamb chops, increased voter angst can be expected, despite the pandemic-related cheques still arriving from Ottawa. (The age 75-plus group receives another $500 gift from you this month.)
Meanwhile, your promised return to happy relations with the election of a new president in the U.S. is beginning to look more like a bad date.
It’s nice that you and President Joe Biden kibbitz about wins and losses in Canada vs. U.S. hockey and soccer. But what about the two Michaels who continue to languish in a Chinese prison? A Canada-U.S. extradition treaty lies at the root of that tragedy and help from Biden doesn’t seem too much to expect.
And what about the hope for co-ordination in the opening of the Canada-U.S. border and help in dissuading Michigan from blocking the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline that is so vital to the fuel needs of Ontario and Quebec?
It seems the lights may be on in the Biden White House, but there’s nobody home when Canada comes calling.
I don’t think you appreciate the underlying malaise about where Canada is heading.
So-called cancel culture is threatening freedom of speech, open discourse in our universities, and respect for our institutions and democracy itself.
Many ask who will stand up to and prosecute those who desecrate and destroy the traditions and memorials to historical figures many Canadians honour and respect.
You are complicit in the campaign to humiliate and erase from history the memory of our founding father and first prime minister, John A. Macdonald. As you know, without him, we would all be singing the Star-Spangled Banner these days.
It was passing strange that the recent spate of burned churches warranted only slow and tepid response from you and others in offices of authority and influence.
And there’s our military and your support of your defense minister under whose watch public confidence has eroded as the top brass topple like bowling pins and morale plummets among the rank-and-file.
We watched silently as a respected officer’s reputation and exemplary 30-year career were ruined by an allegation of sexual impropriety dating back to his youth as a student at military college.
Dany Fortin was head of your government’s vaccination rollout when the claim emerged.
His real misfortune was bad timing. The charge emerged just when you were leading the charge for a zero-tolerance policy to combat sexual misconduct in our military. Another head had to roll.
And it’s a head-shaker for many who remember the accusations against you for practicing stupidity as a callow youth—groping of a young woman in British Columbia, wearing ethnic costumes and painting your face and body brown or black. You said you didn’t recall the BC incident and you apologized publicly for the latter events. All became yesterday’s news.
Deny Fortin is long gone. You’re still there.
Is there a whiff of hypocrisy here?
There remains public unease about your treatment of Jody Wilson-Raybould and Jane Philpott—two of the bright lights in your cabinet who challenged your leadership style and treatment of women and kissed Ottawa and politics goodbye.
Another sad sign of our times is that our Canadian flag hangs at half-mast on all our federal buildings, including Parliament Hill. It’s been that way since May 30 as a sign of national grief over residential schools and their consequences for generations of Indigenous people.
It is right for a nation to mourn such tragedy. But when will this period end? “Until further notice” is the only word out of Ottawa.
You, prime minister, will get the final say on that and I suspect that to avoid controversy the flags will remain as they are until after an election. Perhaps longer.
So, there you are. Just something to think about while you study the calendar and wait for President Joe to return your phone calls.
You’re welcome.
Sally Barnes has enjoyed a distinguished career as a writer, journalist and author. Her work has been recognized in a number of ways, including receiving a Southam Fellowship in Journalism at Massey College at the University of Toronto. A self-confessed political junkie, she has worked in the back-rooms for several Ontario premiers. In addition to a number of other community contributions, Sally Barnes served a term as president of the Ontario Council on the Status of Women. She is a former business colleague of Doppler’s publisher, Hugh Mackenzie, and lives in Kingston, Ontario. You can find her online at sallybarnesauthor.com
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Sally Barnes thank you for the wonderful read.
It’s great to hear others explain their frustration so well.
To my way of thinking fat chance I’d vote liberal, and as for voting for conservatives who are acting like Republicans, again fat chance. So I’m voting ndp and thinking he can’t do any worse. Conservatives lost my respect when they started acting like southern Republicans with the vaccination thing and abortions. So I’m crossing my fingers for the NDP.
To say one cannot vote for a politician because they made some ridiculous statement sort of cuts down on ones options when it comes to marking that ballot. The mans’ comment about not enforcing vaccinations is a bit dumb. This is about the greater good, not individual rights. The same man was also forced to accept that a portion of his party members don’t believe in global warming. That opinion was spoken out loud. Ridiculous politicians. But they spoke out and to do that in certain circles could get you banished to the nether regions if not dismissed from the party altogether . I think it is preordained that politicians say dumb things.
But would the act of delivering a sweater to the Aga Khan to the tune of $200,000.00 not speak for itself? In that little holiday, the RCMP contingent alone made their way through about $55,000.00 worth of room and board. That’s a lot of take-out. Oops! Sorry?
The WE performance cost Mr. Morneau his job because he should have recused himself! Meanwhile, one certain family is reaping a fair buck from the enterprise. Anything you say in defense of this is dumb .
A Governor general was appointed. There were “No real issues that arose during the vetting process” and then she was called among Canadas’ “very best”. Then she had to be removed before the ‘gofundme’ total was large enough that the people who had to work around her could have her fired back into space. Would the comment “We have to build back better” work here?
There are myriad other oops events! and sorry comments! until now the words have lost their force and message.
So, now Mr. Trudeau says the public has the right to choose what should happen over the next few years. Dumb statement. We already chose and you still have a couple of years to run on that mandate.
The comment has been made that to criticize is easy but it is hard to lead. Agree 100%. However, in my estimation, what we are getting is not leadership; but I will vote so that I can reserve the right do the easy part.
Wasn’t keen on our first Trudeau. He was a statesman and served us well on the world stage, but he was not a ‘people man’ nor a politician. He couldn’t understand why there was the ‘common’ man.
But for me, Mr. J. Trudeau is neither a politician nor a statesman. No ‘fuddle duddle’ way.
Mr. Cameron; I really could use some help here. What is “wrong” with apologies? The “move on along” attitude puzzles me, really. Is this because “we” can only tolerate “sorry” for a while? Is this because “we” cannot restore ourselves very quickly in the positive? Does this have to do with a diminished self-view, compared with the bravado and “chest-pounding” of our US neighbours?
Leaders standing up for Canada- they would not be running for and in public office if they did not value and stand up for Canada. So, what will it take to “stand up for Canada”? A SH military parade celebrating the War of 1812?
Canada must work at resilience. In my view, it is ever wise for our leaders to turn around, look at the citizenry as whole and see where we are in understanding and development. Taking the time to address the past is a part of governing in the present and future. Let us check out the myths we associate with Canada’s history and uncover a clearer vision of that history from another’s perspective. What does this have to do with governing in the present? LOTS. How we address the wrongs/less than adequate responses can guide the present and future. We can attempt to be accountable, and responsible in society and in government – all a part of “peace, order, and good government” in my view of Canada.
Thank you, Mr. Holland for a bit of balance to the see-saw approach in taking our positions- very useful, in my understanding.
thank you for reading.
The dilemma is a bit more complex: what to do when you assess your local MP as having done an outstanding job on so many levels, but you are totally upset with his party having called this election.
And the choices are so slim.
Thank You, Such a well worded and researched comment, in my opinion the electors in Parry Sound / Muskoka need not to be convinced to NOT vote for another Liberal government led by Justin Trudeau and His non- elected Manager. The rest of all Canadian electors should read this article. Is there Anyone, any Organization out there that has the wear with all to have this published in every regional newspaper all across Canada especially in the Province of Quebec ? For the rest of us, spread the word of Sally’s letter far and wide , together we can make a difference.
So very well said, Sally Barnes, and thank you!!
I agree that every Canadian should read this and make up their own minds. Ms Barnes has done a lot of the listing work for us.
War, plague, natural disaster.
Justin Trudeau, Doug Ford.
A preview of what’s to come?
If man is still alive?
Thank you for your article pertaining to the next election it is the best one I have read & heaven knows I have read a lot. Keep up your fight Canada & Canadians really need you right now.
Marilyn Lee.
Aweful time for an election, but then again, does the Conservative Party have a leader?? Anyone know his/her name?? Just asking.
Congratulations to Sally Barnes for a comprehensive, thought provoking article. I liked enough to slowdown my skimming of the news and read it carefully. I also enjoyed the response and additions from Anna-Lise Kear. Neither dump all over JT although they could have.
I am not keen on our JT’s leadership style. He seemscontent, even eagerto bump into door posts, and then apologize. heavens yes we are Canadians so we must apologize. It is tiring
Lets have ourPMstand up for the Canada we have. Lets honour the leaders and founders of our country for what they did ingood faith and public spirit. I like Canada. I always have. I am proud of it. Wecould certainly have donesome things better, but that is still true
Nomore apologizing. Recognize, understand and explain the Canada we have. Where warranted fix an improve it. Letsget on with the life of our Canada
And while I generally support the Liberal party, i do not think he has earned a majority. He needs todo better than he has to deserve that.
Hi again, I agree that debt and spending are important issues. What comparators do we have during other historical periods of pandemics and country responses? Anyone?
We could all see this coming in the early stages of the pandemic and concern for the Canadian economy, Add to that, dealing with an unusual, to say the least, US President.
For those pining for the SH days. What would Stephen Harper have done differently? ?Reagan/Thatcher trickle down effect?
I’m not particularly in favour of a Federal election at this time, but the associated rhetoric is predictable.
I agree,
All should read this article and ponder the points Sally puts forth. I wish everyone could read it.
Well said Sally!
Being a critic is easy. You can say virtually anything you want. Governing is very hard in the best of times. And these are not the best of times with the urgent two Cs (Covid and Climate Change) overshadowing everything else.
So far the policy statements by Erin O’Toole don’t sound much different from Trudeau, because the range of VIABLE options to solve today’s intractable problems is so limited. O’Toole’s problem is that his reasonable ideas do not fit the outdated ideological mould of too many of his back benchers. So time will tell.
Thank you Sally, I am totally impressed that you covered so many issues. You are amazing.
There are so many issues that we need to address before we vote in September. Not happy about election at this point but I see it from the Prime minister’s side, he has been busy giving away our tax dollars and there are a lot of happy people out there that will be voting for him.
I won’t be !
Bang on Sally! Another brilliant piece of writing.
This is such a realistic comment and expressed hopefully in time. As someone has already said it’s too bad everyone can’t read this in the country. It says what so many of us feel. It puts things so well in perspective.
Thank you for sharing and hopefully it will have impact.
At least 33% of the population won’t appreciate your comments Sally and a goodly number will spin things some other way. But in my humble opinion, good stuff. And even if it all works out for our prime minister, I don’t see his legacy as being much other than the man who plunged us, rightly or wrongly, so far in the hole it will take the nation, generations to recover.
I don’t suppose he will ever apologize for that.
Oh my goodness Sally, where to begin with your unpriorized list which pits issues of differing importance! Full marks for your comprehensiveness.
I will focus my remarks in 3 areas only:
1] “what we so desperately need in Canada right now is collaboration, strong leadership, and direction”. Honestly, no matter what example and direction JT government gives re: Covid 19 Health, it is not taken seriously or followed by such Premiers as DF and JK. With both health and education (universities) under Provincial jurisdiction and the lack of interest by our Conservative premiers to collaborate – what would you like JT to do? ?declare the War Measures Act? ?make premiers require vaccinations of health care workers? ?make premiers focus on innovative improvements to LTC?
We may get a Canadian vaccination lab, you know the one to replace Connaught sold by PM, BM.
2] “cancel culture” is still not well-defined/described in your article. Our culture is a living dynamic embracing both continuity and change. Discussion has not stopped and is not finished under the current federal government. So, what is your point?
3] Free speech and hate speech are in current debate and perhaps we can learn from the Jim Keegstra days and the Supreme Court of Canada ruling (@ 1992-1993). Might you consider a detailed article on this Canadian historical archive?
4] Flags up and flags down for what period of time honestly seems moot at this time. A pandemic continuing to take many lives, unmarked graves of children from residential school system, and the continued loss of friends and family -some unable to get the medical health services due to Covid hospitalizations and the use of resources. Consider having your own flag in the front yard and arranging it full up, down, or at half-mast, as reflective of the events in your life. Your quest for a formula for flag positioning at this time, again seems moot.
Thank you for reading.
Write your MP , Premier and Prime Minister it’s time that Electric Vechicle owners start paying road tax currently they are paying none this is wrong on so many fronts. For electric vehicle owners road tax should start at date of purchase this discrimination needs to stop.
My oh my… I could not have put this more eloquently!
Bravo madame.
You have highlighted some tough issues we all need to address before September 20th…
Wow My hope is that everyone in Canada could read this. Then when we go to the polls people might be more careful about where to mark an X
Justin Trudeau: The man who would be king!
Justin and Donald have a lot in common?
Now is not the time for an election.
Trudeau is a politician. That just about says it all!
Wonder where the people fit into his planning?