A chance to chart Canada’s future

CANADA VOTES

Canada’s politicians are about to hit the election campaign trail with a lack of seasonal good cheer in what promises to be a nasty, close- fought race. When it is over, Parliament may not look much different. Prime Minister Paul Martin, who will campaign to “ ensure Canada’s prosperity,” will visit the Governor General today to set an election date, likely Jan. 23. Martin will make the move after opposition parties defeated the Liberal government last night on a motion of non- confidence. Martin will lead his Liberals toward judgment day still haunted by the sponsorship scandal which he inherited from Jean Chrétien two years ago. While Mr. Justice John Gomery exonerated Martin, the scandal disrupted his early months in office, cost him a majority in the June 2004 election and has hindered his ability to set the nation’s agenda since. Even so, Martin can credibly claim to be a good steward who delivered economic growth, job growth, big tax cuts, low inflation and surpluses.

Conservative leader Stephen Harper claims Liberals lack the “ moral authority” to govern. He intends to run a referendum- style campaign, as he did in 2004, inviting voters to pass a harsh judgment on the Liberals for 12 years of “ waste, mismanagement and corruption.” And New Democrat leader Jack Layton will make the case that his party can “ get things done,” and hold the wayward Liberals to account.

Still, sordid as the sponsorship scandal was, moral outrage may carry the opposition only so far. The public, which may be wearying of instability in Ottawa, seems more inclined to look forward, than to rake over past sins. A recent EKOS poll for the Star and La Presse found Canadians believe social issues such as health care and education should have pride of place in this campaign, followed by economic issues such as jobs and growth. Government ethics trailed behind. Even fewer said tax relief is key. What are voters likely to be looking for as the parties unwrap their platforms? Strong, progressive, nation- building leadership in critical areas, coupled with the prospect at least of forming a majority government, plus a readiness to invest the $50 billion in surpluses Ottawa expects over the next five years, in outcomes that will improve life for the greatest number. The country has several pressing needs, both political and fiscal.

Health care: Canadians are deeply attached to publicly funded, universal health care. The party with the most credible prospect of cutting patient waiting times, stopping creeping privatization and thwarting two- tier health care will have the widest appeal.

National unity: In Quebec, support for sovereignty is on the rise. The next prime minister must have the stature and skill to “ sell Canada” in Quebec, and to win another referendum.

Poverty: Despite Canada’s strong economy, child and aboriginal poverty, income inequality and homelessness remain stubbornly persistent. The next prime minister must offer hope to those left behind.

Cities: Despitewinning some transit funding, and a share of the federal tax on gasoline, Canada’s big cities still lack a reliable source of long- term finding, like a share of sales and income taxes. They need a champion.

Education: Canada’s future prosperity hangs on a highly educated, adaptable workforce. We need to boost productivity by investing in university and college education, and worker training.

Foreign affairs: The next prime minister must champion Canada’s sovereignty in security and trade issues with the United States. He must also project Canada’s interests in the world by strengthening the military to help the United Nations keep the peace, and by increasing foreign aid. In the coming weeks, voters will weigh the parties’ leadership, credibility and vision on these and other issues. Few Canadians favour a Christmaswinter election, but it does offer a chance to set the country on a better course. That makes it vitally important.