“In a world darkened by ethnic conflicts that tear nations apart, Canada stands as a model of how people of different cultures can live and work together in peace, prosperity, and mutual respect.” – Bill Clinton
The Cause Is What Is Important
The story dominating headlines early this week in Canadian politics was Liberal MP Justin Trudeau’s victory in the boxing ring. Proving the odds makers wrong he beat up a younger perceived “stronger” opponent in Senator Patrick Brazeau. Justin had no need to rope-a-dope, as I had assumed might be his strategy. Instead the match was settled by a TKO in the 3rd round. Although the showmanship and games grabbed the headlines the cause it was for was very important.
Photo Curtousey: The National Post (Lockheed Martin)
The boxing match between Trudeau and Brazeau started to make me think about what we are fighting for as a country. As individuals we all have our own unique interest, motivations, influences, dreams and ambitions that we fight for. We work towards our dreams because we were taught by our parents, mentors and heroes that our dreams could and would come true and to not let anyone stand in our way. From a political observer’s position this logic is clearly something that has been a rallying point amongst the Conservative Party of Canada. In 2011, after several minority parliaments, Canadians decided to elect what they were told was going to be a “a strong, majority, conservative, government” that would lead us through the economic crisis.
Stephen Harper repeated that slogan every day of his party’s campaign and on Election Day Canadians went to the polls and the Conservatives Party of Canada’s dream come true, they won “a strong, majority, conservative, government”. Even if it took a few robo-calls, the death of the “Reform Party of Canada” re-branding it to the “Alliance Party of Canada” and then merging and taking the colors and brand of the “Progressive Conservative Party of Canada” Stephen Harper and his party’s internal leadership did it. So was this victory pure political strategic mastery? Or was it a plain and simple platform of deception and lies? Depending upon your interest, motivations and perception of politics in general you can and will formulate your own opinions on the whole topic. My objective is not to answer these questions in this post, it is to highlight a deep gap within the current opposition’s positing of the debate regarding the procurement process and pending purchase of the F-35 fighter jets.
Let’s Talk About What Are We Fighting For
Original Photo: Canadian Peace Keeper Monument.
Our identity and how we see ourselves has changed, we are no longer a “kinder, gentler Canada.” Our international foreign policy has deteriorated under the guidance of this current government. We have done more damage to our business culture by alienating our international environmental allies by leaving Kyoto. This makes no sense because unlike the oil and gas sector the “Clean Technology” sector is anticipated to grow by 3 to 4 trillion by 2020 globally. It is expected to grow to be the 3rd largest global business sector next to auto manufacturing, and electronic manufacturing respectively. At this time we have a conservative government that I believe is overestimating our global position within the world. The political leadership of the opposition should be fighting and talking about what these fighter jets symbolizes not just the cost.
Since taking office with a majority government the Conservatives have exercised and used their control of Parliament to power and push through legislation at a shocking, and some would say irresponsible rate minus the debate. This has finally come to a crossroads with procurement process of the F-35 next generation fighter jets purchase. So far the debate has been confined around the $10 billion cost overrun. This is a very valid argument and point that should be brought forward considering this message has come straight from the auditor general overseeing the project. However this is pure politics and bureaucracy arguing at its worst. Canada is being lead by a party that personifies the attitude of Senator Patrick Brazeau, and he got knocked out.
Original Photo: Reconciliation Monument Ottawa Canada.
The government of Canada will only spend $50 million over the next 2 years for youth employment strategies. Yet the conservatives managed to find $10 billion for fighter jets? I understand the importance of protecting our sovereignty and investing in our future security. However, I fear it could be at the cost of securing our future generations. We are a country that could be losing its identity, mission and vision in this world. I think we need to take a step back and use this debate to change the rhetoric of the news cycle and ask ourselves two simple questions.
1. Is DND purchasing these F-35 fighter jets to uphold our mandate of peace and reconciliation?
2. Why were the original prices of F-35 fighter jets concealed and purposely falsified during the election?
I have faith that together we can overcome the challenges Canada will face in the coming decades, but not if we have a government that divides us more than unites us.
“Our hopes are high. Our faith in the people is great. Our courage is strong. And our dreams for this beautiful country will never die.”
– Pierre Trudeau