Many of the pundits are stating the appointment of John Baird to the environment ministry is indicative of the priority the PM is giving the portfolio in anticipation of, if not preparation for, a spring election. I am not so sure. This PM is not one who is known to change his mind on things and there is no indication that he has accepted that global warming may be a reality or that the Kyoto Accord laid out a necessary if difficult strategy. Moreover, Baird is more known for burying issues with oral assaults than for anything he has achieved. He may have overseen the Accountability Act’s passage through Parliament, but that legislation did have all-part y support and even the Liberal opposition in the Senate was more about delaying the bill’s final approval, and the new donation limits, until year-end 2006. Andrew Coyne puts it well in this morning’s National Post with an argument that Baird has been sent to kill environmental issues so that they do not become pivotal in any anticipated election. Solve the problem or bury the problem – which seems like the most probably strategy from this federal government?
Nevertheless, expect some fiery exchanges between the minister and the LO when Parliament resumes in a couple of weeks.
Nevertheless, expect some fiery exchanges between the minister and the LO when Parliament resumes in a couple of weeks.
