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Frank van Doorn's avatar

Nicely said, pretty much my thoughts as well without as much pessimism. In my mind Carney is more like I remember Peter Lougheed, a progressive conservative. Positive conservatism just before the neo-cons derailed it and morphed into regressive conservatism. I just hope the big powers, you know, the billionaires and CEO’s, come to the realization that more can be gained with a less gravelly voice and a lot more brains. Perhaps, and I’m just dreaming here, they give Mr. Harper and his acolytes their marching orders to oblivion and get back to the task at hand for Canadians. I remain a Liberal however, whatever that means in the current clime. Certainly a federalist. What can be done with the Stockholm syndrome conservatives in this province I have not the faintest idea. Tough road ahead for the 29% who are not mesmerized.

Have enjoyed reading your work.

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Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean's avatar

We can always hope.

Cheers :)

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Mike Ambach's avatar

Well said as usual. I agree that a minority government opens the possibility for a more meaningful kind of unity, one without the partisan grandstanding and warfare. Will be a tough slog, but maybe for the best. With the US, it’ll be a tough slog anyway, we might as well slog together. I suspect the conservatives will be in disarray for the next month or two (the NDP as well). I hope Carney will have the foresight to draw on that as an opening - not to attack and weaken the opposition or advance a partisan agenda, but to foster unity based on Canadian diversity (there’s an oxymoron!)

On that note, I’d like to thank you for your thoughtful, well-crafted posts. I've learned much about the nuances of Alberta politics and it has helped broaden my perspective. You are one of the handful of Substack writers who have helped keep me sane until about 7:45 PM (PST) last night, when I allowed myself to breathe again.

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Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean's avatar

That’s fantastic to hear! I’ve been so focused on the days that I hadn’t prepped for last night and I should have done a live event of some sort. I have a lot of politicos to keep me sane in those times but we should spread that around next time :)

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Geri's avatar

It would be informative to see you with Steve Boots.

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DragonTiger's avatar

This substack thingy seems to promote more comprehensive opinions. I have had similar thoughts to what you expressed in this article but you put the words together in a way that my crazy brain can assimilate. What you said. Keep writing. I'll keep learning.

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Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean's avatar

Cheers :)

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David William Jackson's avatar

Thank you for your diligence and truth. I will help build the new community we call Canada. On the journey to wisdom, I sense the lights went on in Canada again.

Blessings on your work.

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Jen's avatar

Thanks for your words. The hope of unity is holding me together.

It can feel pretty lonely in central Alberta sometimes.

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Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean's avatar

I’m out in rural so, I get it :) online spaces help connect us all, though :)

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Mark L's avatar

Good Piece

With regards to Poilievre losing his seat, I have not heard from anyone in media, be it print, television or online, speculating that the Citizens of Ottawa, or the Carlton riding may still may have a bad taste in their mouths, after the trucker convoy. Just might have a bone to pick with a certain individual.

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Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean's avatar

Interesting; I wouldn’t necessarily connect it because I’m way out here but you’d think those on the ground would consider it.

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Marion Douglas's avatar

Excellent observations. Thank you!

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