A Pivotal Moment September 6, 2020
September 23, 2020 could well prove to be a pivotal moment for the future of Canada. On September 23, 2020 the minority Liberal Government, following a period or prorogation, will table the Throne Speech which will in turn trigger a confidence vote.
Without taking any political stand, neither supporting nor not supporting any political party or politician, let us take a look at why this is so important to Canadaâs future. The content of the Throne Speech is important, yes, but what is even more important and critical is the confidence vote. That vote will determine if the current minority government survives or falls. If it survives, the government has the opportunity to deliver, if it fails, we are thrown into an election. Both scenarios offer their own unique set of benefits and challenges.
Support for the Throne Speech indicates confidence in the current government which, admittedly, is besieged with scandals. To be fair, a look into the recorded scandals since the time of Sir John A. MacDonald in the 1870s, the race is essentially a dead heat between the Conservatives and the Liberals. However, whoâs who in the âmy badâ category has little bearing on what is needed today in 2020. A vote of confidence is not condoning past actions. What it can do is provide a reset, a time to take a breath. We are navigating a difficult storm. A vote of confidence can start to right the ship. But this can only be accomplished if politicians set aside politics, resist their political biases, suppress their egos and take the unprecedented action of looking out for the good of the people of Canada and the country of Canada itself. If the consensus later on is to topple the government, so be it.
To do so now is nonsensical. Consider the state of politics both nationally and internationally. Nationally, the Conservative Party has a new leader. Mr. OâToole, although seasoned, requires time to build his team, and reign in at least two of his loose canons, Pierre Poilievre and Derek Sloan. Yves-François Blanchet is only concerned about raising the profile of the ânationâ of QuĂ©bec at the expense of Canada. Jagmeet Singhâs NDP placed fourth in a five-party race. Clearly the political climate of Canada is not conducive to a productive election and especially in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Internationally, several countries are struggling with highly destructive political and social unrest. Not the least of which is our neighbour to the South. The November 3rd Presidential Election looms ominously over the world. Neither candidate is a gift to rational governance; however, should the current occupant of the White House be granted a second term, the impact is beyond imaginable. Democracy in the United States of America will be handed a death knell. Should the opposition be successful, there may be hope, although any semblance of recovery will take a long time, reversal of the damage that has already been cast upon society and the country will be painful. If the present incumbent is returned, America will continue, even accelerate, its decent down the rabbit hole and drag the rest of the world down with it. Shades of the Weimar Republic are increasingly evident.
Canada must be united and strong to weather this tumultuous period. If there ever was a perfect time for the dissolution of party politics, it is now. So, on September 23rd, let us witness our elected officials stand up for Canada as strong socially and environmentally conscious individuals. Let us witness them step up, check politics, egos and power at the door, and confidently lead Canada out of today into the future. âGod keep our land glorious and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for theeâ.
Other views are welcome.