According to one report, yesterday, Stéphane Dion prefers his roll of caucus critics to be known as the Liberal Team rather than a shadow cabinet. In another refreshing note of modesty, Dion also stated he does not want a spring election – and he believes Canadians share his sentiment – but recognizes the need to be ready for one should it happen. Candour, rather than bluster, fit him and should serve to engender Canadian’s trust.
The inclusion of almost everyone in the federal Liberal caucus as a lead team player, i.e. the planning and priorities committee and portfolio critics, or special caucus committee member is astute. It gives Dion a chance to observe who does his/her homework so to speak, and a strategy to keep the backbenchers busy, while making them feel important with a special job to do for the leader, is never a bad idea. The caucus committee structure is also in keeping with the party reform agenda developed over the past year.
There aren’t many surprises, but it is a solid team which should serve Dion well. There are some new and young faces, which will help to demonstrate a new team is in charge, while retaining experienced talent such as Ralph Goodale as Government House Leader, gives a nod to caution in what is bound to be a volatile atmosphere when the Commons returns to work and through the spring budget debate.
Speaking more personally, I would have liked to see Scott Brison in a more prominent role, although his assignment as Industry critic is certainly in keeping with his interests and abilities. Local MP, Susan Kadis, received a minor demotion from her previously held position as critic for science and research, but is rewarded with a position on the the economic prosperity caucus committee which put her near the forefront of one of the three pillars of Stéphane Dion’s strategy for returning the Liberal Party to government. Well done Susan.
The inclusion of almost everyone in the federal Liberal caucus as a lead team player, i.e. the planning and priorities committee and portfolio critics, or special caucus committee member is astute. It gives Dion a chance to observe who does his/her homework so to speak, and a strategy to keep the backbenchers busy, while making them feel important with a special job to do for the leader, is never a bad idea. The caucus committee structure is also in keeping with the party reform agenda developed over the past year.
There aren’t many surprises, but it is a solid team which should serve Dion well. There are some new and young faces, which will help to demonstrate a new team is in charge, while retaining experienced talent such as Ralph Goodale as Government House Leader, gives a nod to caution in what is bound to be a volatile atmosphere when the Commons returns to work and through the spring budget debate.
Speaking more personally, I would have liked to see Scott Brison in a more prominent role, although his assignment as Industry critic is certainly in keeping with his interests and abilities. Local MP, Susan Kadis, received a minor demotion from her previously held position as critic for science and research, but is rewarded with a position on the the economic prosperity caucus committee which put her near the forefront of one of the three pillars of Stéphane Dion’s strategy for returning the Liberal Party to government. Well done Susan.
