"Don’t Turn a Blind Eye to the Silver Lining in Minority Rule"

July 7, 2004

The initial disappointment over last week’s election results that defied the public opinion polls predicting the Conservative Party of Canada was poised to win 130 seats or more has now subsided. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and get back to the business of governing our country.

Granted, for many, the wound may still be too fresh to shake off the disillusionment. After all, it’s been a 15-year struggle for those of us who’ve been fighting this fight since 1987, first with the Reform Party of Canada, then the Canadian Alliance.

Yet, I believe we must take a close look at this minority reality and I’ll even hazard to propose that this is a positive transition for Canada as a democracy. We can use this chance to revitalize both interest in our democratic process and the health of our democratic system. It’s also an opportunity for the political leaders to shine.

Yes, this minority government situation in Ottawa could very well be a “blessing in disguise” for Conservatives. First, we aren’t forced to face another four to five years of an autocratic majority Liberal government. Their government will have to be much more cautious and open to constructive opposition. Conservatives have also been given the time needed to hold a policy convention and re-connect with the grassroots members of the merged parties.

Through this process, it will become very clear to Canadians that the accusations of hidden agendas, and top-down policies that were made during the election campaign are unfounded. There will also be more time for Canadians to become increasingly comfortable with Stephen Harper.

Admittedly, we Conservatives should have done more to increase Canadians’ comfort level with our platform. Many voters opted for the “devil they knew” in Paul Martin, as opposed to the new Conservatives “they didn’t know”.

People are still torn, but in a minority government, all of the leaders – in fact all Members of Parliament – will have a rare opportunity to demonstrate their negotiating skills, leadership capabilities and the special qualities they each bring to Parliament.

In a majority government situation, the leaders of opposition parties are not given many opportunities to actually “lead”. Their role is primarily to “oppose” the government and offer alternatives. In this forthcoming Parliament, Mr. Martin, Mr. Harper, Mr. Layton and Mr. Duceppe can seize upon many openings to prove to a cynical electorate that they sincerely want to contribute to the betterment of the nation, not just to their own political aspirations.

In fact, it will be incumbent upon all MPs to show what they can do in the best interests of the country versus their partisan political interests. In this minority government, the voices from the opposition benches and backbenches will be louder – and more listened to – than they have been in a very long time.

I believe that if we pass up this golden opportunity to restore your faith and confidence in all federal political parties and their leaders, we, your elected representatives in Ottawa, will have failed a very important test.