Political irony arises from contrasting results of the recent US and Canadian elections
While the world's attention was riveted on the US presidential race this fall, a relatively little-heeded election in Canada took place which is likely have far-reaching effects in the country's approach to global issues such as the environment, oil, terrorism and trade. The election results of both countries, being politically and economically intertwined, will place these issues at stake. On this past October 14th, Canada has recently re-elected Prime Minister (PM) Stephen Harper, resulting in a conservative party minority victory.
Former Deputy PM John Manley (Deputy to Jean Chrétien), who still remains a prominent figure in Canadian politics, withdrew from a race for the leadership of the liberal party and PM of the country. During an interview with him, he addressed the reasons why there was less excitement abroad about the Canadian election rather than the American election. He said that the US’ presidential election was especially historic, not only because of the fact that the US had elected its first black president but the condition in which the US is in at the moment. He also says, “Maybe it’s a good thing that the rest of the world doesn’t worry too much about our politics. They see us as stable and reliable as a country.”
Elections in Canada are quite different from those in the US. Its electoral system is modeled on the British Parliamentary system whereby a prime minister is elected for a five-year term. There are 308 electoral districts, each of which elects one representative to the House of Commons. The leader from any of the several registered parties that is best able to get his or her legislation is adopted by the parliament is asked by the Governor General to form a government of which he/she becomes the prime minister.
As opposed to having candidates from only two different parties, Canadians chose between candidates from five parties: Stephen Harper (Conservative), Stéphane Dion (Liberal), Gilles Duceppe (Bloc Québécois), Jack Layton (New Democrat), and Elizabeth May (Green).
The fact that Harper had a minority victory means that the Conservatives cannot govern on their own and will be forced to rely on opposition support to pass budgets and legislation. This presents a challenge, especially when trying to confront one of the most pressing economic issues in history. His governance on this issue, as with others such as climate change, border control, war or terrorism, has significant ramifications on the US’s well-being.
The US is Canada’s number one business and trading partner. Mr. Harper has sensibly prioritized strengthening that economic bond and has not let second-tier issues, such as those over lumber or Arctic sovereignty, overwhelm the larger, more-important relationship.
Harper's foreign policy has fulfilled the hopes of many American conservatives during the Bush era. The Harper government shares the Bush administration's cynicism towards the United Nations as an international institution dominated by dictatorial regimes that patently do not share the liberal democratic values that Canadians and Americans must attempt to honor.
This Bush-Harper similarity has dissolved the hopes of many non-conservatives in Canada and abroad to help deal with the economic crisis. The link between the US and Canadian economy is so strong that Canada is even beginning to experience falling share values and investments.
Harper’s commitment to higher defense spending has encouraged the White House (and other nations) to take the Canadian military more seriously. This is most apparent in Canada’s counter-terrorist campaign in Afghanistan. One of his re-election promises that proved to be his strongest selling point in America was his decision to extend the mandate for Canada’s mission in Afghanistan.
Although not much was publicized in the international community about the Canadian elections, Harper’s victory has a great impact on the US and its future. As the US has just elected President Barack Obama, there is potential irony looming. The relations between the two administrations, opposite in their beliefs, has been quite frosty during both campaigns since leaked comments were exchanged between the two. Despite this, Manley says that "There are just so many historic ties between the two countries- political, military, economic, families, etc., that the leaders usually find that they can build on them regardless of the political views of the person in office at a particular time."
Because of the many pressing issues waiting to be dealt with, Harper’s new term will witness and involve many important world events. The fact that Mr. Manley pulled out of this year’s election race for the Liberal party signifies the drastic changes that are bound to keep Canada busy. To describe his experiences, he says "I love my country and am loyal to my party. I am proud and grateful to have served in so many offices of our government." Nonetheless, having assumed the roles of Minister of Industry, Foreign Affairs Minister, Minister of Finance, Special Representative to Afghanistan, and Deputy Prime Minister, his huge political contributions are enormously appreciated by many Canadians who are willing to endorse and willing to finance his campaign. Although not in the position of elected office, Manley anticipates serving in other high offices of government in the near future.
Former Deputy PM John Manley (Deputy to Jean Chrétien), who still remains a prominent figure in Canadian politics, withdrew from a race for the leadership of the liberal party and PM of the country. During an interview with him, he addressed the reasons why there was less excitement abroad about the Canadian election rather than the American election. He said that the US’ presidential election was especially historic, not only because of the fact that the US had elected its first black president but the condition in which the US is in at the moment. He also says, “Maybe it’s a good thing that the rest of the world doesn’t worry too much about our politics. They see us as stable and reliable as a country.”
Elections in Canada are quite different from those in the US. Its electoral system is modeled on the British Parliamentary system whereby a prime minister is elected for a five-year term. There are 308 electoral districts, each of which elects one representative to the House of Commons. The leader from any of the several registered parties that is best able to get his or her legislation is adopted by the parliament is asked by the Governor General to form a government of which he/she becomes the prime minister.
As opposed to having candidates from only two different parties, Canadians chose between candidates from five parties: Stephen Harper (Conservative), Stéphane Dion (Liberal), Gilles Duceppe (Bloc Québécois), Jack Layton (New Democrat), and Elizabeth May (Green).
The fact that Harper had a minority victory means that the Conservatives cannot govern on their own and will be forced to rely on opposition support to pass budgets and legislation. This presents a challenge, especially when trying to confront one of the most pressing economic issues in history. His governance on this issue, as with others such as climate change, border control, war or terrorism, has significant ramifications on the US’s well-being.
The US is Canada’s number one business and trading partner. Mr. Harper has sensibly prioritized strengthening that economic bond and has not let second-tier issues, such as those over lumber or Arctic sovereignty, overwhelm the larger, more-important relationship.
Harper's foreign policy has fulfilled the hopes of many American conservatives during the Bush era. The Harper government shares the Bush administration's cynicism towards the United Nations as an international institution dominated by dictatorial regimes that patently do not share the liberal democratic values that Canadians and Americans must attempt to honor.
This Bush-Harper similarity has dissolved the hopes of many non-conservatives in Canada and abroad to help deal with the economic crisis. The link between the US and Canadian economy is so strong that Canada is even beginning to experience falling share values and investments.
Harper’s commitment to higher defense spending has encouraged the White House (and other nations) to take the Canadian military more seriously. This is most apparent in Canada’s counter-terrorist campaign in Afghanistan. One of his re-election promises that proved to be his strongest selling point in America was his decision to extend the mandate for Canada’s mission in Afghanistan.
Although not much was publicized in the international community about the Canadian elections, Harper’s victory has a great impact on the US and its future. As the US has just elected President Barack Obama, there is potential irony looming. The relations between the two administrations, opposite in their beliefs, has been quite frosty during both campaigns since leaked comments were exchanged between the two. Despite this, Manley says that "There are just so many historic ties between the two countries- political, military, economic, families, etc., that the leaders usually find that they can build on them regardless of the political views of the person in office at a particular time."
Because of the many pressing issues waiting to be dealt with, Harper’s new term will witness and involve many important world events. The fact that Mr. Manley pulled out of this year’s election race for the Liberal party signifies the drastic changes that are bound to keep Canada busy. To describe his experiences, he says "I love my country and am loyal to my party. I am proud and grateful to have served in so many offices of our government." Nonetheless, having assumed the roles of Minister of Industry, Foreign Affairs Minister, Minister of Finance, Special Representative to Afghanistan, and Deputy Prime Minister, his huge political contributions are enormously appreciated by many Canadians who are willing to endorse and willing to finance his campaign. Although not in the position of elected office, Manley anticipates serving in other high offices of government in the near future.
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