Albas’s choice is way outside the mainstream

Editor:

Dan Albas supports Maxime Bernier for Conservative leader because of Bernier’s economic platform of economic freedom, which, he thinks will be appealing to young people.

Bernier is a true libertarian, something we’ve not seen in a Canadian leader at the federal level before. This type of ultra libertarianism is at the fringes of the political spectrum for a reason. The majority don’t agree with libertarian precepts.

Bernier attacks equalization programs, opposes all government subsidies to all industry, would eviscerate the CBC and CRTC, end all marketing boards, privatize Canada Post and withdraw federal government funding from health care.

The extent Bernier wants to reduce the size and participation within society of the federal government is extreme. The newness in the sounds of libertarian precepts may excite Barry Goldwater-ultra right-wing types, and ultra-fiscal conservatives, but this economic program will not win the next federal election.

This kind of libertarianism is of interest to less than 10 per cent of Canadians. And also there’s a more practical reason. Bernier should be aware that implementing these policies will prove difficult, problematic, and probably, in many cases, inapplicable under Charter of Rights.

Libertarian ideology is a utopian dream that exists only in textbooks and unattainable in realpolitik.

Bernier and other libertarians forget or ignore the fact that the free market doctrine, which libertarianism defines in its most pure form: failed miserably in the 2008 financial collapse, for exactly the same reasons Bernier now offers in his economic program.

Free markets were allowed too much unchecked freedom, excessive entitlement, brigandage and outright piracy.

The lack of a large enough government with the ability to have a firm hand over the entire system allowed it to run wild and collapse.

Bernier’s economic program is bold as its toxic for progressive Canada. He wants to leave Canada’s future to the wild dictates of the free market because his single measure for any program is a dollar and cents bottom line? No thanks. Albas, like Bernier, has misjudged the populist zeitgeist happening. Today’s populism has already now shown us its darker and scarier side of life with a populist leaders. More ordinary people are paying attention and many have begun to ask better questions to hold government to account. After recent elections across the globe, it can be argued populism may have peaked.

Its understandable Bernier is eager to stand out from the leadership pack. To stake out an economic position, no sensible moderate would consider is bold, but is it also looks like another type of populism?.

His organizational skills are good and his presentable TV image, with the French factor gives him an aura of national appeal that has made him one of the frontrunners.

However, Bernier will move Canadian conservatism further right and away from where the majority need it to be.

Jon Peter Christoff, West Kelowna