Who to vote for

On the very first day of the federal election campaign the very first place the Prime Minister’s bus stopped was in front of me.

It was 1988. We were in a political conflict over free trade with the Americans. I was a shiny new candidate, and the political gods had decided the leader should tour a leading-edge injection moulding plant that would benefit from more access to the US. Of course, I had suggested this place in my riding. But it was overwhelming.

The door swung open. The massive media gaggle pressed forward. Mila descended. Then Brian Mulroney. Then the phalanx of officials, pool reporters, support staff and burly guys with wires in their ears. The tour began and, respectfully, I walked a few steps behind the PM.

Then I felt a shot in the butt. “Get up there with him,” Mila said in my ear. “You’re the candidate!”

Well, me, Brian and the Progressive Conservatives won that one. A majority. On the floor of the House of Commons the night we passed the Free Trade Agreement I asked him to sign a copy of the bill for me. “Couldn’t have done it without you,” he scrawled.

The PCs are gone, of course. So guys like me – fiscal conservatives but not social ones – have struggled to find a home. It’s abhorrent what free-spenders – usually Liberals – have done to national finances. But I really don’t care who comes into the public bathroom with me or sticks silly pronouns on their signature block. I have a transgender niece who went into the Canadian Forces. Never think about abortion. Handing over 54% of my income in taxes fuses me more than the Pride parade or Black History Month. I am happy to help finance local migrant workers. And I sure love my country which is, compared to the dumpster fire now burning to the south of us, an Eden.

Blog dog Brian seems to be in the same boat. He came to hear me speak when he was 23.

“Now I am 48, married, 3 kids, 14, 12 and 8 in rep hockey and gymnastics.   We make decent money and are both University-educated and save so our children won’t owe a dime upon graduation,” he says.

But this country needs help.  Please continue to advise on who will help Canada the most.  The liberal candidates sound good with Mark and Frank sounding like people I would vote for. Conservatives I support and have voted for in the last three decades but now I am concerned and want the best for the future of Canada.  Please provide what you can…… I trust in you.

Finally thank you Garth – I am doing good with my investments.  Best advice 15 years ago you suggested keeping 20 percent in USD.  I listened. I even once brought my kids for an ice cream at Belfountain and thanked you for all your advice as you were sweeping outside. Continue the good fight there are many like me who listen quietly and comment little….

As we know, the Liberals will have a new leader some time tonight (Sunday). Odds are it will be Mark Carney, the former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor who has a CV from God and seems like a total adult. Apparently 400,000 people signed up to be part of the selection process, and former finance minister Chrystia Freeland will likely go down in flames and be forever out of government.

What will Carney do?

He’ll probably ask Justin Trudeau to visit the GG and drop a writ for an election late next month. Trudeau may stay as PM until the vote so that Carney is not an unelected PM and the fight with Trump can continue. In the last few weeks Trudeau has impressed some Conservatives, and even a few people in Alberta.

Speaking of the Cons. Pierre Poilievre has changed his slogan from ‘Axe the Tax”, to “Canada is broken,” and now “Caada First.” Here is a snapshot of the latest polling showing Carney would do better in an election than Chrystia and that the Conservatives are no longer a shoe-in for majority government.

Source: Scotiabank Economics

Polls change daily, of course. These may mean nothing at the end of next month. And Dog only knows how many times the US president will change his mind about tariffs, annexation and redrawing the Canadian border by then. Besides, we do not yet have a federal campaign going. No party has released a platform. Some things are better (inflation, rates). Some are worse (housing, jobs). Above it all hangs Tariff Man, with the power to force mass layoffs and create recession.

I’ve met Carney, but do not know him. I have spent considerable time in Pierre’s company, and know him. As indicated here a few times, PP was the wrong choice for leader, in my view. He is insanely ambitious, pugilistic, aggressive, mocking and disrespectful. He’s adopted many of the techniques, phrases and attitudes as Trump. He’s also a career politician who has never worked in the private sector or met a payroll. He owns rental real estate and currently has amassed the largest pension in Parliament. Some of the above is perfectly okay. Some is not.

So, Brian, until the parties have made it clear where they stand under their respective untested leaders, none of us should be pounding in lawn signs.

This could be the most important election in a generation. Probably since I started up at that bus door yawning open. It’s no longer about woke, or left-vs-right. This time nationhood and freedom are on the table. We deserve heroic.

About the picture: “Hi Garth, this is Lola, my friend adopted her,” writes Kim. “She sings ‘You are my Sunshine’ to her every morning.  Lola was a Mom, so she doesn’t destroy her stuffies, she treats them like her babies.  Carefully caring for them and gently holding them for you to pet.  She’s a sweet angel.”

To be in touch or send a picture of your beast, email to ‘[email protected]’.