Canada's Government-in-Waiting

Justin Trudeau, Canada's latest prime-minister-in-waiting on the Liberal side, has promised, just like the U.S. senior George H.W. Bush: read my lips: no.new.taxes! If, that is, he is elected prime minister. And judging by all the gushing commentary from news media and newly-heartened Liberal types swooning over the charisma of the man with the charm, despite the unavoidable but unconcerning fact that he seems to have no intelligent agenda, that just might be pulled off, and more's the pity.

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau addresses his party's policy convention biennial convention Thursday, February 20, 2014 in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

"He just brought it all together in one big picture for me. I've been looking for the big picture. I thought I was seeing it, but he got even more precise with it", enthused one Liberal party delegate on the week-end.

This, by the way, is the man of principle and conscience who feels that Members of Parliament are insufficiently recognized, their opinions overlooked, and he most certainly would treat his caucus far differently than the Conservatives do, by recognizing their importance and by respectfully bringing them into the decision-making process, taking the time and the trouble to collegially consult.

So at the convention, when a vote was taken on the issue of consulting beyond that select group of youthful advisers Justin Trudeau depends upon -- as in the very public and tradition-shattering undertaking to dismiss the Liberal senators from the Liberal caucus, in fact liberating them from the Liberal brand altogether -- the gathering meekly assented to the authoritarian approach taken by their leader.

And, as for constraints on the ability of riding associations to conclude on their own who they will select to run in the next election being quite undemocratic, and there is no way that Justin Trudeau would dare tramp upon the rights and obligations of Liberal ridings to override their selections, well, that's in the trash heap as well. Since he took the opportunity to introduce a number of star candidates who will be relied upon to bash Conservative opponents by the essence of their star Liberal qualities.

Among those stars was of course retired Lieut.-Gen. Andrew Leslie of the $72,000 relocation expense scandal, who defended his right to that fairly extravagant entitlement, while slamming the Conservative government for short-changing the needs of veterans in dire need of financial assistance, who haven't the comfort of selling a one-million-dollar home for profit and additional entitlements.

The revelation that it was he, and not anyone within the Conservative government who had made the initial contacts to determine what retirement-benefit offers could be made him for future gainful employment/appointments, was an interesting addition to the controversy. And, of course, introducing the current head of the C.D. Howe Institute as yet another star candidate revealed another bit of a controversy. "My view is I'm speaking on behalf of myself", said William Morneau.

Who also addressed the conference, and did so, denouncing the Conservative government's economic record, and their partisanship. Partisanship? Well, my goodness, what was William Morneau engaging in at the conference? "I'm quite surprised that Bill would say something that partisan", commented fellow C.D. Howe board member, Catherine Swift. "He shouldn't have done that ... partisanship is something the C.D. Howe Institute doesn't do. We pride ourselves on our non-partisanship".

Well, oops! Mr. Morneau said; stepping down from his role with the C.D. Howe hadn't occurred to him. "I think if I'm in a situation where I feel there's any conflict, then I'll think about it." He obviously thought about it, or someone led him to a bit of introspection, and Mr. Morneau is now no longer associated with that prestigious institute, but he will be a star candidate for the Liberal Party of Canada.

On the q.t., some Liberal delegates attending the conference weren't feeling too enthralled with the star candidates being promoted. Recalling Justin Trudeau promising during his leadership campaign last year to hold open nominations for all ridings. Details, inconveniently irksome details. The devil with them!

Somewhat akin to the promise, the solemn promise ... not.to.raise.taxes ... and the incidental resolutions calling for more money for infrastructure, health care, First Nations' education, affordable housing, and expanded pensions. Paying for them? Providence will lead the way. Trust in the bubbling goodwill and joyful nature of the candidate for prime minister.