2005 Will NOT Be ‘Business as Usual’ in Ottawa

December 29, 2004

Controversial. Eventful. Spirited. Definitely not boring. Even those who attempt to shun all things political will find it hard to ignore the stand-offs set to unfold in federal politics in 2005. Paul Martin vs. his own caucus. Martin Liberals vs. the provinces. Liberals vs. opposition parties. It may all even culminate in a general election.

The Definition of Marriage. Prime Minister Paul Martin has already announced his government will introduce legislation to legalize gay marriage across Canada. Rights activists, religious organizations, and community groups are already mobilized.

Mr. Martin has said his Liberal cabinet ministers must vote in favour of same-sex marriage. Will Liberal backbenchers risk his displeasure to vote with their own conscience and/or their constituents’ wishes?

Conservative Leader Stephen Harper knows this is one issue that must be left up to individual MPs and their constituents. My position remains unchanged. A position that fortunately reflects both my personal beliefs and that of the majority of constituents in Prince George-Peace River. When the time comes, I will vote to maintain the traditional definition of marriage as being the union of one man and one woman.

Newfoundland vs. Ottawa. Premier Danny Williams will not let Paul Martin forget he reneged on a deal to let the province keep its oil and gas revenues. Liberals seem puzzled over Mr. Williams’ stance. After all they break promises all the time. This battle will intensify in 2005 as this ‘have-not’ province fights Ottawa for its right to secure a prosperous future for its own citizens.

The federal surplus. You just know that this is going to be news. The Liberals have overtaxed Canadians by $61-billion throughout the past six years. They’re awash in your cash and with the possibility of another election in sight, the Martin Liberals will spend, spend, spend in 2005.

Trade disputes. The crises in the softwood lumber and beef industries will again take a back seat for the federal Liberals who will be increasingly preoccupied with their own political fortunes. Farmers, forestry workers and Conservative MPs will keep the issue on the radar in both Ottawa and Washington. There is some possibility that the U.S. will remove restrictions on Canadian beef and ruminants, and despite nearly two years of inaction, the Liberals will attempt to steal the credit.

Senate appointments. Prime Minister Martin will prove he is not committed to tackling the “democratic deficit” by continuing the archaic practise of filling Senate vacancies with patronage appointments, rather than elected senators.

An election? Most Canadians would prefer not to go to the polls again in 2005, bringing federal business to a halt and incurring the expense of another election. This minority parliament is working better than expected. It’s not perfect. But as the Official Opposition, the Conservative Party has achieved a series of small victories in the management of the country’s finances and government programs and policies. If an election is in the cards for 2005, it will be of Paul Martin and the Liberals’ choosing. The Conservative Party of Canada will be ready. Happy New Year.

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