There are a number of ways in which this
election is
historic.
It is the fourth election in seven years, but
that doesn’t
break a record (there were elections in 1962, 1963, 1965 and
1968). It certainly is historic to see a
government
defeated for a confidence vote due to findings of being in
contempt of Parliament. That has elements
of Nixon’s loss of power
due to likely impeachment, but the Prime Minister, far from
feeling shame at
being found in contempt, acts as though he is blameless and
surrounded by
conspirators. (Maybe he does share some
traits with the former US
President).
The real potential for this election to make
history is in
seeing the election of Green MPs to the House of Commons.
The strong probability is that this election
will end in
another minority. If Canadian media and
political culture paid attention to the meaning of an election in
which no
party had a clear majority of seats, we would be talking about a
“hung
Parliament” already. That is how the
media in the UK and Australia
described their 2010 electoral results.
If Canadian media had been covering the Australian
election, it would
have named Liberal/National Coalition leader Tony Abbott the PM,
even though
the Parliamentary system resulted in Julia Gillard and Labour
forming
government thanks to the support of the Greens and a few
independents.
Likely in any event is that neither the
Liberals nor the Conservatives
can get a majority. The fact that Mr. Harper has burned bridges to
Quebec is a nearly
insurmountable obstacle to the idea of a majority.
Thank goodness.
So what will change?
Greens in the House.
In my own riding, I am in a close two-way race. It won’t be easy, but I can win in Saanich
Gulf Islands. We plan a very sophisticated
campaign across Canada. We are running a
full slate and all the
ridings matter. Every vote counts. Every vote sends a message to the political
class in Ottawa.
To the cynical and the Machiavellian, every Green vote sends a
message in
defence of responsible government. Apparently
the
end of my speech this morning was not heard due to political
commentary,
but here’s what I think I said from my scribbled notes:
“Let us be your voice for better. Let us
replace fear and
division with hope and compassion.
Replace Contempt with Respect. Replace Divisiveness with
Cooperation. Replace self-interest with
the spirit of service toward the Common Good.
Join with us. Send a message.”
Let’s make history!