Canada has been stuck with Liberal and Conservative minority governments for nearly a decade.
At first, after years of one-party rule and the ensuing corruption and laziness of the Chrétien machine, minority rule seemed like a good idea. For a few short years, the parties will have to talk to each other. They will have to compromise. After years on the outside, looking in, Canada would have to take the West’s suggestions seriously.
It didn’t happen. We still have a gun registry. Western farmers still must sell their grains to the Canadian Wheat Board while Eastern farmers can sell to anybody they wish. Government spending has not been cut. Alberta still receives far less in funding for health and other services than other provinces. Alberta still pays much more in taxes per capita than any other province.
Ever since announcing that “The West is in,” in his first victory speech, Prime Minister Stephen Harper has been powerless to address the West’s issues. Meanwhile, the opposition Liberals have continued to attack the west in election campaign after election campaign, hoping to shore up votes in the East. The result has been outrageously frustrating for Canadians who are forced to hear the same politicians give the same message year after year. Compromise has not occurred, and in the meantime voter turnout has plummeted.
One way or another, this election campaign is the prime minister’s last chance. He must win a majority. The status quo is no longer acceptable.
