From the news - OTTAWA — NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said the initial election results in British Columbia are proof that the New Democrats are the “only ones” who can fight back against Conservatives and said his troops are gearing up for a similar battle at the federal level.
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Jagmeet considers this a success, but the NDP lost ground. And did so against a BC Conservative party that had been formed only two months ago, that blended the Liberal-like UCP and a group of far-right fringe candidates with some scary ideas, and still managed to take votes from the NDP. Not that great a triumph IMHO.
I think what it does reinforce is that people want change from the status quo. This seems a common reaction to current world conditions. In the recent New Brunswick election, this was a change from several terms of Conservative majority to a new majority Liberal gov't. Not just because they were Liberal, but because they were a change. Granted, they did put together a good platform and downplay any links to Federal Libs and Trudeau, so presenting a valid option, but a desire for change was still a major factor. Despite a drop in unemployment rates and a drop in the cost of living index, there is a perception among many that “things are bad” and heading downhill. A perception stoked by opposition parties that trash talk the current city/province/country and promise something better. And there's also a perception that “the people'“ (whoever they are) are victims in all of this, that have less of a say in their own lives. They are at the mercy of big pharma, big media, big business, big government. So the blame is aimed at whatever the current big thing is, gov't in this case, and the assumption is made that different can't be any worse. Oh, yes it can.
Federally the BC Cons increase is a boost for Poilievre, and for his push for change, but a desire for something new can be a boost for the NDP too, as they are NOT Liberal. Allegedly. That still needs to be clarified.
Voting for the Cons or NDP would be a vote for change, but it’s not clear for what yet. The NDP is still working on policies and their self-image post-Supply Agreement, which can take time. The Cons have a boring and repetitive list of bumper sticker slogans, delaying any policies until their election campaign. They have been portrayed as disastrous for Canada. I’m assuming that based on some of his rhetoric so far, and the ideas of his right-wing fringe it will not be good for us, but I wouldn’t go so far as a disaster.
In the meantime, Trudeau left today’s three-hour caucus meeting saying, “The Liberal Party is strong and united”. And then he walked on - end of interview. Liberal Nate Erskine-Smith paused for a good 10 minutes, but basically said said that it was time to turn the knives back outward toward Poilievre. I agree, all of this is a distraction. “The letter” 24 MP’s gave to Trudeau expressed their dissatisfaction with his leadership, but it’s non-binding, there’s no consequence stated. Unlikely that any of them would quit, or sit as Independant. My assumption is still that Trudeau will carry on until the Nov 11 Remembrance Day recess, when he will prorogue. He’ll return in February with a Throne Speech and a rearranged cabinet. perhaps tabling a new budget and triggering a Spring election.
In the meantime, Nov 5 and big changes in the US, no matter who wins.