In the moments after Stéphane Dion was elected Liberal Party leader, much was said and written about how he would contrast his commitment to social justice and a sustainable economy and environment with the policies and actions of the current government.
In the past few days, another stunning contrast has become obvious. It is based in the announcement of the “dream team” as Dion appointed his competitors in the leadership race to key positions in the Liberal Party and campaign-readiness team. Stephen Harper’s government and PMO has been known best for its intense centralization and focus on the PM to the exclusion of all others. His Cabinet ministers are treated like 19th century children, to be seen but never heard. All policy emerges from the PMO. Maybe with good reason, given the experience and performance record of most of his ministers.
In contrast, what does Dion give us? Bob Rae and Scott Brison are speaking out on issues are they craft a platform for the next election. Michael Ignatieff is appointed Deputy Leader and taking the new Liberal message to Québec. Gerard Kennedy and Martha Hall Findlay are already hard at work in the background organising for an election. At the risk of being overshadowed by his colleagues in the week before the holidays, Dion is showing Canadians that they will be offered a team of talented men and women with the experience to immediately restore the qualities Canadians expect of their government.
While the Harper capping is certain to be a one-man show, as was his previous, I believe we will see the Dion team spreading out across the country to carry the Liberal message to voters from coast to coast to coast. A campaign of contrasts it surely will be.
In the past few days, another stunning contrast has become obvious. It is based in the announcement of the “dream team” as Dion appointed his competitors in the leadership race to key positions in the Liberal Party and campaign-readiness team. Stephen Harper’s government and PMO has been known best for its intense centralization and focus on the PM to the exclusion of all others. His Cabinet ministers are treated like 19th century children, to be seen but never heard. All policy emerges from the PMO. Maybe with good reason, given the experience and performance record of most of his ministers.
In contrast, what does Dion give us? Bob Rae and Scott Brison are speaking out on issues are they craft a platform for the next election. Michael Ignatieff is appointed Deputy Leader and taking the new Liberal message to Québec. Gerard Kennedy and Martha Hall Findlay are already hard at work in the background organising for an election. At the risk of being overshadowed by his colleagues in the week before the holidays, Dion is showing Canadians that they will be offered a team of talented men and women with the experience to immediately restore the qualities Canadians expect of their government.
While the Harper capping is certain to be a one-man show, as was his previous, I believe we will see the Dion team spreading out across the country to carry the Liberal message to voters from coast to coast to coast. A campaign of contrasts it surely will be.
