On building bridges...
Build Bridges Not Walls

In March, our Prime Minister asked The Right Honourable Mr. David Johnston to take on the role of Special Rapporteur in the matter of foreign interference in Canadian Politics.  That gentleman accepted the assignment.  A scant three months later, after enduring an aculeate barrage of repeated, cruel and hurtful innuendos, insults and attempts at character assassination, Mr. Johnston resigned.  These are the very well-known facts.  

The Right Honourable Mr. Johnston fulfilled his role as GG impeccably, cordially, enthusiastically and with great dedication, a role he was chosen for by the then Prime Minister, The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, aka the conservatives’ Yoda.  One could be forgiven for assuming that Mr. Johnston’s connection to their Jedi master, would have guaranteed that at least the opposition conservative party would have given Mr. Johnston the benefit of the doubt.  That clearly did not happen and now, just like Julius Caesar, it appears we’re about to cross the Rubicon.

The government is relinquishing control:  Knowing full-well that there isn’t a single name the government can put forward that won’t be castigated and immediately rejected by the opposition parties, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc has charged the opposition parties with collaborating to nominate a distinguished Canadian to continue Mr. Johnston’s work.  But not just a name, they must establish the new commission’s mandate, its terms of reference and, very especially, the measures it must take to protect highly classified Canadian intelligence.  

The opposition parties have finally got what they’ve been agitating for these past three months, but at what cost?  To Mr. Johnston, of course, the cost has been formidable, and has most certainly left a bitter taste in his mouth that will endure.  But the bigger picture is what the cost will end up being to the process itself - anyone asked to take on such a role in the future will undoubtedly be reticent based upon this recent history.  Even the judge, whose name is recommended to the government, may feel strong apprehension about accepting.  I wonder if they considered the repercussions of their vitriol at the time they were mud-slinging with apparent glee, and cheering each other on in The House, as if they were at a sporting event.  

The opposition leaders have pledged their commitment and co-operation in naming a judge to head the commission that will conduct a public inquiry into Chinese interference.  A hamarchy, then.  An equipollent, straw-dog entente cordiale.  Can they succeed?  If they are to prevail, they shall need to build bridges instead of walls.  An enormous challenge if ever there was one! 

 The majority of Canadians - decent, truthful, fair, respectful and compassionate people all - are working hard to support their families and communities.  They’ve no time for the political oneupmanship, hubris and arrogant pride that is on display in Ottawa these days.  Regardless of which side of centre they find themselves politically, they’ve had enough of the nastiness, the bullying, and general bad behaviour they’re witnessing.  Canadians want their parliamentarians to fulfil their duty, treat everyone well and complete the job they’ve been elected, and paid to do.  We’re expecting Good Works, Concord, Patience and Humility (capital virtues).  

I, for one, will be watching closely.  You?  

’Til next time, y’all…