On experience, both Rodger Cuzner and Andrew Leslie should have been cabinet ministers. But neither is a true believer in Trudeau’s crusade to change the world
The news that Rodger Cuzner will not seek reelection in Cape Breton will deprive Parliament of one of its most colourful and collegial characters.
If his departure is confirmed, it is a sign of the times for the Liberals. Based on experience, both should have been cabinet ministers. Cuzner was a parliamentary secretary in Jean Chrétien’s government 16 years ago and has since served as the party whip; Leslie was a former chief of the land staff who was charged with producing a report on the transformation of the Canadian Forces.
In political terms, both are even more antiquated than their years might suggest — they are proponents of the radical centre, where realism and pragmatism are more important than idealism and emotion. If the gulf is not as pronounced in Canada, it is widening. As one Liberal MP said, glumly: “You’ve got to be polarizing to get noticed.”
Meanwhile, the Conservatives have blown the chance to present themselves as the party of the centre-right. Andrew Scheer’s party has downplayed a commitment, previously made, to meet Canada’s Paris climate targets; he pledges to kill Trudeau’s carbon tax but has not said what he will do in its place; and, he has done little to expand the Conservative tent beyond its existing partisans.
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