Western conservatism is fundamentally built on a message of “we’re being screwed by Them”. Which becomes a problem when you expand to the rest of the country and need “Them” to vote for you too. It’s a problem the Bloc structurally avoids by keeping the other, other.
They’re also fundamentally different from the Bloc in that there is nothing in particular that they are trying to deliver to their base. Both in power and out of it, they ignore their own western heartland.
Exactly this! I am both excited and trepidatious about the future after the election. I don't think there will be a resurgence of PCs with Carney at the helm, so maybe they build another bloc, but does the CPC stay intact? They'll still win seats...
So much is changing in the world and we Canadians are at a juncture, analogous to a teen entering the adult world. We've been bullied by the next door neighbour and what to do??? It really is a nudge grow up and see our potential as a country and as you suggest, innovate (and don't sell-off these innovations) to grow production, knowledge and wealth and to protect and celebrate these achievements. It's time we - as a nation - stepped into adulthood. A 40 something year old that hasn't changed his mind since he was 20 and sees the world through the rear-view mirror while blathering slogans is probably most suited to a TicToc video - not leading this country into a prosperous future.
Thanks! A very informative podcast. When it comes to economics, the actual story is usually very complex and the span of time lengthy. I enjoy the rigour of your work.
Appreciate the “how we got here” perspective. Many of the economic trends that the current situation requires us to address were set in motion years ago, and continued through governments of both parties. Though Trudeau is rightly criticized for not addressing many macroeconomic issues, it’s under-appreciated that neither did Harper. I consider Trudeau to be like a sunk cost in economic terms in that he’s gone and is irrelevant to our moving forward. The choice before us in this election is not to punish whose is at fault (tempting, but solves exactly nothing) but to pick the best option to get us out of the Trump predicament as unscathed as possible. And that clearly means the leader we need is not the one who will leverage his esteemed international financial experience, but the one who will solve our macroeconomic issues by bringing back plastic straws.
Ish :) we need to invest in R&D, not offer tax cuts for others who will do it for us. We need to invest in technological development, not wait for someone to have “the thing” that will make a difference. We need to invest, and maintain ownership of that investment so it doesn’t get bought up across the border and shelved so that US companies don’t have competition.
I’m listening to the west of centre short right now and it’s basically boosting my point in the post :)
"I watched with some disappointment as Poilievre doubled and tripled down on the assumption that his popularity was growing because of his leadership rather than the rut that Justin Trudeau couldn’t seem to find his way out of."
I couldn't agree more but did not have your foresight on it. Now will the CPC and it's strongest supporters learn from this or feel further victimized.
Western conservatism and national is fundamentally built on neoliberalism. They don't want government, laws, and definitely restrictions. They also, as we've seen, think geographic borders are an inconvenience to corporate and political activities. Is the Alberta situation so remarkable or just a cause for populists to turn in to a crises, putting neoliberal theory as the only solution.
I am not convinced. Justin had his time and even at the best of times we do not keep PMs for more than 10 years. While I was scared the Trudeau in him would try and hang on and do a Wynne if he stepped aside there was so much depth the Liberals had a fighting chance. PP was/is a horrid candidate with little experience despite his years as an MP. I always hoped Canadian’s would wake up, and they are. My main hope is to see a break in the blue wall of the prairies
Western conservatism is fundamentally built on a message of “we’re being screwed by Them”. Which becomes a problem when you expand to the rest of the country and need “Them” to vote for you too. It’s a problem the Bloc structurally avoids by keeping the other, other.
They’re also fundamentally different from the Bloc in that there is nothing in particular that they are trying to deliver to their base. Both in power and out of it, they ignore their own western heartland.
Exactly this! I am both excited and trepidatious about the future after the election. I don't think there will be a resurgence of PCs with Carney at the helm, so maybe they build another bloc, but does the CPC stay intact? They'll still win seats...
the roller coaster continues!
Another great analysis Deirdre!
So much is changing in the world and we Canadians are at a juncture, analogous to a teen entering the adult world. We've been bullied by the next door neighbour and what to do??? It really is a nudge grow up and see our potential as a country and as you suggest, innovate (and don't sell-off these innovations) to grow production, knowledge and wealth and to protect and celebrate these achievements. It's time we - as a nation - stepped into adulthood. A 40 something year old that hasn't changed his mind since he was 20 and sees the world through the rear-view mirror while blathering slogans is probably most suited to a TicToc video - not leading this country into a prosperous future.
Many thanks, Kathleen! I listened to the West of Centre short after I wrote this and was thrilled to hear some economic analysis that backs up the 30-40 years of this slide. If you haven't listened yet: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/cbc-podcasts/407-west-of-centre/episode/16141860-short-how-canadas-lost-decade-was-decades-in-the-making
Thanks! A very informative podcast. When it comes to economics, the actual story is usually very complex and the span of time lengthy. I enjoy the rigour of your work.
Appreciate the “how we got here” perspective. Many of the economic trends that the current situation requires us to address were set in motion years ago, and continued through governments of both parties. Though Trudeau is rightly criticized for not addressing many macroeconomic issues, it’s under-appreciated that neither did Harper. I consider Trudeau to be like a sunk cost in economic terms in that he’s gone and is irrelevant to our moving forward. The choice before us in this election is not to punish whose is at fault (tempting, but solves exactly nothing) but to pick the best option to get us out of the Trump predicament as unscathed as possible. And that clearly means the leader we need is not the one who will leverage his esteemed international financial experience, but the one who will solve our macroeconomic issues by bringing back plastic straws.
Ish :) we need to invest in R&D, not offer tax cuts for others who will do it for us. We need to invest in technological development, not wait for someone to have “the thing” that will make a difference. We need to invest, and maintain ownership of that investment so it doesn’t get bought up across the border and shelved so that US companies don’t have competition.
I’m listening to the west of centre short right now and it’s basically boosting my point in the post :)
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/west-of-centre/id1496639620?i=1000704648561
As part of expanding our strengths in R&D we could also open our doors to the Americans in STEM looking for a safe haven.
I hope so as well!
I can’t stomach the thought of looking at this piss-weasel face for more years… let alone the damage he would inflict on Canada.
"I watched with some disappointment as Poilievre doubled and tripled down on the assumption that his popularity was growing because of his leadership rather than the rut that Justin Trudeau couldn’t seem to find his way out of."
I couldn't agree more but did not have your foresight on it. Now will the CPC and it's strongest supporters learn from this or feel further victimized.
There are plenty of bad actors (Manning/Wexit/Smith) just itching to cash in on it.
Well written and explained!!
Many thanks :)
Western conservatism and national is fundamentally built on neoliberalism. They don't want government, laws, and definitely restrictions. They also, as we've seen, think geographic borders are an inconvenience to corporate and political activities. Is the Alberta situation so remarkable or just a cause for populists to turn in to a crises, putting neoliberal theory as the only solution.
The latter for sure. They love claiming to be the solution for made up problems.
Wow Again!
I am not convinced. Justin had his time and even at the best of times we do not keep PMs for more than 10 years. While I was scared the Trudeau in him would try and hang on and do a Wynne if he stepped aside there was so much depth the Liberals had a fighting chance. PP was/is a horrid candidate with little experience despite his years as an MP. I always hoped Canadian’s would wake up, and they are. My main hope is to see a break in the blue wall of the prairies
Excellent piece! Thanks for deepening and broadening my understanding of #AbPoli.
Many thanks, David :)