If only. Inevitably when I hear actual political speeches they leave scads of easy obvious opportunities on the table. They skirt around clear statements and avoid landing punches when punches are warranted. I would love Trudeau to come out with a speech like this.
When an election is called he probably WILL, but what will it matter when he's been so successfully cast as evil incarnate?
I could slap the NDP, the Bloc AND the media for all of THEIR lisping, irresponsible parts in enabling ACTUAL evil incarnate that even looks the part with a leader dressed for the gangster part in Miami Vice FFS.
Not to mention denigrating our signature Canadian identity as fair and polite people by lining up and copying the now certifiably insane American right wing.
Well, I don't know that Pollievre is evil incarnate any more than Trudeau is—but he's certainly a slippery, disingenuous, little rage farmer more interested in power for its own sake than anything else.
Oh come on, it's hardly bothsideism to suggest that the *other* side (and Poilievre is very much the other side from where I stand) isn't evil incarnate. I happen to think he's a despicable little shit-weasel.
I was losing faith in you, Evan, as you have been rather caustic and negative in your comments of late. I recognize your frustration. As an Albertan, I am frustrated daily by the outrageous behaviour and lack of both competence and empathy that characterizes our provincial government. I am frightened to think that our future federal government could be as callous and inept. On the other hand I don’t want to give up hope or take a defeatist attitude.
So your column gives me hope and it could be a move in the right direction, for this prime minister to continue to acknowledge the hardships that some Canadians are experiencing and the policy errors that have been made by his government.
I'm reminded of the convoy. What they really seemed to want more than anything was for Trudeau to come before them so he could be their whipping boy in real time like he had been for YEARS already online. Years.
Parking outside his office in Ottawa with F**k Trudeau signs emblazoned on their big honking trucks wasn't ENOUGH for these assholes, they wanted his head on a platter. Mob mentality it's called, and it's crept into ALL political discourse, even though it's definitively fucking stupid.
And is it possible that you too have simply succumbed to the conservative narrative? Remember that "subliminal advertising" has never been more in evidence since the advent of the internet and algorithms.
And consider that you "bought it" because it's been proven how many people actually DO when something is repeated relentlessly, and being relentless hate mongers and rage farmers is the stock in trade of the cons; it's all they really have to offer.
Which is why members of the CPC, formerly the reasonable and civilized Progressive Conservative Party of Canada are now called "cons." Language reflects a changing reality.
"Twas ever thus though. Governance has never been harder than now, which is an understatement, so where's everyone's perspective gone? (answer--to fucking "bothsidesism.")
Turns out that a shitload of people excel instead at the pettiness of making perfect the enemy of good, and missing the forest for the trees.
Bottom line is that the fair and open-minded philosophy of "liberalism" IS quintessentially Canadian, making it the only rational vehicle for the "peace, order and good governance" that we take such pride in as a country.
It's why we never talk about a "conservative democracy."
The CPC currently is Trumpism, little dog style, which is just embarassing.
If the infamous and decades old "hidden agenda" that still hangs around the Reform/CPC had finally surfaced with the same stink of Christian Nationalism/Project 2025 like it has in the States, much would be different.
But unfortunately, this regressive evil is still hiding in plain sight.
That's a lot of hatred right there in your post. Try to remember that we are all imperfect humans. Just because someone doesn't share your opinions doesn't make them evil.
And by the way, the flip side of "both-sides-ism" is providing needed context.
This is what is required. An adult conversation of what is at stake. Well done.
And then do multiple in-depth serious interviews with serious media. And have that adult conversation again and again until there is an election. Poilievre will not be able to match it and the contrast will be crystal clear.
Better be careful Evan! With speeches like this you might get a call from the PMO! This speech is a model for every politician in this country and beyond. A little humility could go a long way!
It doesn't matter what Trudeau says at this point, because people are sick of his voice & would be unlikely to listen. As I read thru your post I could hear him saying those words knowing that I wouldn't listen. Trudeau is the problem - I think he's incapable of clearly & sincerely acknowledging mistakes.
Excellent speech except "Losing seats and votes across the country is a wake-up call and we've heard you loud and clear" rather than "unacceptable" which, from Trudeau, would be heard as blaming the voters.
Then I think Trudeau should say, "It's absolutely true we haven't always gotten things right" and cut to the pandemic paragraph. Otherwise, angry voters will tune out, assuming the speech is just a rehash of self-praise. This isn't a speech for diehard fans but for voters who are sick of Trudeau's arrogance.
If you want Trudeau to have your tone, you could also say, "You are so fucking right. We've fucking well fucked the pooch." :)
I would include an apology for ignoring economic issues for the first eight years of their manfate. They have finally started addressing these in the most recent year, and should commit to intensifying their efforts. The top issue for most Canadians is the cost of living. They have reason to be concerned. Real GDP per capita has fallen for five straight quarters now. I know that GDP is an imperfect measure, but it correlates well with many desirable aspects of life, such as food on the table.
A major factor in increasing GDP is to improve our productivity. As has been said repeatedly, the average Canadian worker works with some half of the capital of his U,S, counterpart, and two thirds that of the average European worker. The Liberals should commit to more investment and more innovation -- not through yet more subsidies, but by reforming regulations and the tax system. Canadians are capable enough to succeed, as long as fewer obstacles are placed in their path.
A final point, on which you will disagree, and which the Liberals cannot adopt in any event. We know that our health care system is in crisis, and that the crisis will get worse. It is time for drastic action. If we look at Europe, we find that all of their countries have mixed private-public sector health care systems. Some, such as Sweden, who had nationalized health care, have since adopted a public-private model. The reports, both anecdotally and from the European Commission, are that the standard of care has improved. Shouldn't we at least take a look at what they are doing, and perhaps adopting some of their initiatives?
And yes, the federal government has a huge role here. It is through the Canada Health Act, and the threat of reducing transfer payments that the federal government enforces an absolute ban on any private sector participation. The provinces might want to experiment, but the federal government won't let them.
Communication isn’t their strong suit. This message would be effective, and owning their mistakes on the immigration file would be great. Because you’re right - stakeholders across Canada were demanding the boost of immigration.
Great take on what should happen. Sadly he's far too smug to admit to any wrongdoing.
A lot of people are so enamered with the carbon tax rebate... government math never works. It doesn't matter what color the stuffed shirt is, government math is faulty.
The budget will balance itself, that in and of itself should've sparked a non confidence vote.
If only. Inevitably when I hear actual political speeches they leave scads of easy obvious opportunities on the table. They skirt around clear statements and avoid landing punches when punches are warranted. I would love Trudeau to come out with a speech like this.
When an election is called he probably WILL, but what will it matter when he's been so successfully cast as evil incarnate?
I could slap the NDP, the Bloc AND the media for all of THEIR lisping, irresponsible parts in enabling ACTUAL evil incarnate that even looks the part with a leader dressed for the gangster part in Miami Vice FFS.
Not to mention denigrating our signature Canadian identity as fair and polite people by lining up and copying the now certifiably insane American right wing.
Well, I don't know that Pollievre is evil incarnate any more than Trudeau is—but he's certainly a slippery, disingenuous, little rage farmer more interested in power for its own sake than anything else.
Bothsidesism BS.
Oh come on, it's hardly bothsideism to suggest that the *other* side (and Poilievre is very much the other side from where I stand) isn't evil incarnate. I happen to think he's a despicable little shit-weasel.
I was losing faith in you, Evan, as you have been rather caustic and negative in your comments of late. I recognize your frustration. As an Albertan, I am frustrated daily by the outrageous behaviour and lack of both competence and empathy that characterizes our provincial government. I am frightened to think that our future federal government could be as callous and inept. On the other hand I don’t want to give up hope or take a defeatist attitude.
So your column gives me hope and it could be a move in the right direction, for this prime minister to continue to acknowledge the hardships that some Canadians are experiencing and the policy errors that have been made by his government.
I'm reminded of the convoy. What they really seemed to want more than anything was for Trudeau to come before them so he could be their whipping boy in real time like he had been for YEARS already online. Years.
Parking outside his office in Ottawa with F**k Trudeau signs emblazoned on their big honking trucks wasn't ENOUGH for these assholes, they wanted his head on a platter. Mob mentality it's called, and it's crept into ALL political discourse, even though it's definitively fucking stupid.
Forget Trudeau!
Scrimshaw for PM!
Thanks, this is a worthy statement to take to the door the phone and to send to friends.
♥️
Wouldn’t work. There is no credible way to make any promise to do better after the years of gaslighting and wheel spinning.
He has to leave to open a possibility of Liberal credibility.
https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/ive-voted-liberal-my-entire-life-trudeau-has-made-that-impossible-now/article_9e013e00-7b74-11ef-a797-f7f33ad331df.html it is not a referendum on liberalism. It about his failures, specifically
And is it possible that you too have simply succumbed to the conservative narrative? Remember that "subliminal advertising" has never been more in evidence since the advent of the internet and algorithms.
And consider that you "bought it" because it's been proven how many people actually DO when something is repeated relentlessly, and being relentless hate mongers and rage farmers is the stock in trade of the cons; it's all they really have to offer.
Which is why members of the CPC, formerly the reasonable and civilized Progressive Conservative Party of Canada are now called "cons." Language reflects a changing reality.
No. I work in policy, I’m intimately familiar with the specific failures of this government.
Not that its failures make the alternatives good. We are in quite the bind.
"Twas ever thus though. Governance has never been harder than now, which is an understatement, so where's everyone's perspective gone? (answer--to fucking "bothsidesism.")
Turns out that a shitload of people excel instead at the pettiness of making perfect the enemy of good, and missing the forest for the trees.
Bottom line is that the fair and open-minded philosophy of "liberalism" IS quintessentially Canadian, making it the only rational vehicle for the "peace, order and good governance" that we take such pride in as a country.
It's why we never talk about a "conservative democracy."
The CPC currently is Trumpism, little dog style, which is just embarassing.
If the infamous and decades old "hidden agenda" that still hangs around the Reform/CPC had finally surfaced with the same stink of Christian Nationalism/Project 2025 like it has in the States, much would be different.
But unfortunately, this regressive evil is still hiding in plain sight.
That's a lot of hatred right there in your post. Try to remember that we are all imperfect humans. Just because someone doesn't share your opinions doesn't make them evil.
And by the way, the flip side of "both-sides-ism" is providing needed context.
This is what is required. An adult conversation of what is at stake. Well done.
And then do multiple in-depth serious interviews with serious media. And have that adult conversation again and again until there is an election. Poilievre will not be able to match it and the contrast will be crystal clear.
Better be careful Evan! With speeches like this you might get a call from the PMO! This speech is a model for every politician in this country and beyond. A little humility could go a long way!
it’s a great start .. fuck the 24/7 Polls .. & fuck Pierre4Poilievre - we have an Entire Year - 4th Quarter - Grey Cup is up for Grabs bro .. 🦎🏴☠️🇨🇦
It doesn't matter what Trudeau says at this point, because people are sick of his voice & would be unlikely to listen. As I read thru your post I could hear him saying those words knowing that I wouldn't listen. Trudeau is the problem - I think he's incapable of clearly & sincerely acknowledging mistakes.
Excellent speech except "Losing seats and votes across the country is a wake-up call and we've heard you loud and clear" rather than "unacceptable" which, from Trudeau, would be heard as blaming the voters.
Then I think Trudeau should say, "It's absolutely true we haven't always gotten things right" and cut to the pandemic paragraph. Otherwise, angry voters will tune out, assuming the speech is just a rehash of self-praise. This isn't a speech for diehard fans but for voters who are sick of Trudeau's arrogance.
If you want Trudeau to have your tone, you could also say, "You are so fucking right. We've fucking well fucked the pooch." :)
I would include an apology for ignoring economic issues for the first eight years of their manfate. They have finally started addressing these in the most recent year, and should commit to intensifying their efforts. The top issue for most Canadians is the cost of living. They have reason to be concerned. Real GDP per capita has fallen for five straight quarters now. I know that GDP is an imperfect measure, but it correlates well with many desirable aspects of life, such as food on the table.
A major factor in increasing GDP is to improve our productivity. As has been said repeatedly, the average Canadian worker works with some half of the capital of his U,S, counterpart, and two thirds that of the average European worker. The Liberals should commit to more investment and more innovation -- not through yet more subsidies, but by reforming regulations and the tax system. Canadians are capable enough to succeed, as long as fewer obstacles are placed in their path.
A final point, on which you will disagree, and which the Liberals cannot adopt in any event. We know that our health care system is in crisis, and that the crisis will get worse. It is time for drastic action. If we look at Europe, we find that all of their countries have mixed private-public sector health care systems. Some, such as Sweden, who had nationalized health care, have since adopted a public-private model. The reports, both anecdotally and from the European Commission, are that the standard of care has improved. Shouldn't we at least take a look at what they are doing, and perhaps adopting some of their initiatives?
And yes, the federal government has a huge role here. It is through the Canada Health Act, and the threat of reducing transfer payments that the federal government enforces an absolute ban on any private sector participation. The provinces might want to experiment, but the federal government won't let them.
George
Communication isn’t their strong suit. This message would be effective, and owning their mistakes on the immigration file would be great. Because you’re right - stakeholders across Canada were demanding the boost of immigration.
Did I miss acknowledgments of the incompetence, reckless haemorrhaging of taxpayer $ or traitors in the HOC?
I think you need to be JT’s new speech writer. The only thing you forgot is 40 or 50 “…uh’s” ;)
Great take on what should happen. Sadly he's far too smug to admit to any wrongdoing.
A lot of people are so enamered with the carbon tax rebate... government math never works. It doesn't matter what color the stuffed shirt is, government math is faulty.
The budget will balance itself, that in and of itself should've sparked a non confidence vote.
Then there's the we scandal and S.N.C...hmm.