When the political winds of change are blowing they can be strong; so strong that they create a wave. On Monday of this week those winds created a wave that moved across Canada and resulted in a federal Liberal majority government.
Given that the Conservative government had been in power for a decade, this was always going to be a tough election for them. Inevitably, people start to become more interested in change. The strength of that desire for change likely surprised many however as what was projected to be a minority government became a majority government for Liberal leader Justin Trudeau.
Many dedicated Members of Parliament, for both the Conservatives and the NDP, lost their seats on election night and they are to be thanked for their years of service. And for Prime Minister Stephen Harper, in time history will better remember the many accomplishments of his Conservative government.
While many countries were seeing their banking system almost destroyed in the financial crisis of 2007-2008, Canada’s remained strong and the economic performance was the envy of most western countries. As well, the Conservative government invested heavily in Canada’s infrastructure, partnering with the provinces and municipalities. On the issue of criminal justice, there were many reforms that both made the justice system tougher on those who are a danger to communities but also more responsive to the needs of victims of crime. Many of those initiatives were supported and spearheaded by former Provencher MP and senior Conservative Minister for Manitoba Vic Toews.
In the area of taxes, the Conservative government regularly reduced the tax burden for Canadians. While the most visible reduction that occurred was the reduction of the Goods and Sales Tax (GST) from 7% down to 5%, there were also many other tax reductions and tax credits introduced that made life more affordable for Canadians and their families.
In the area of trade, Mr. Harper’s government was aggressive in broadening free trade agreements with other countries. That culminated with the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement which was recently negotiated but has to now be ratified.
But the winds of change have brought in a new government as democratically elected by Canadians. On election night I congratulated long-time Manitoba Liberal Kevin Lamoureux who was re-elected as a Member of Parliament and indicated we are committed to working with the new government to ensure that Manitoba’s interests are heard and considered in the decisions made in Ottawa.
Congratulations to each of the newly elected and re-elected Members of Parliament. As well, to all of those who put their name on the ballot but were not successful, thank you for making our democracy stronger.