We have been analyzing the October 21, 2019 Federal Elections in Canada. The Liberals in particular have no doubt been talking about the results especially as to say how the West is lost. We have not heard anyone talking about the role the failed relationship the Trudeau Administration has been having with China as a typical example.
Huawei CFO’s Meng
The attempt at extradition of top HUAWEI executive Meng which it is believed has strong links to the Chinese government could well be a factor. There was such a great spat that China arrested two Canadian citizens … one a former Canadian diplomat. It should be noted that the West is home to many Chinese immigrants to Canada.
High Profile
Appointment to Cabinet is seen as a low hanging fruit for the Liberals. Someone who is high profile like a top city mayor may be the way to go. If Trudeau can convince a Conservative MP in the West say in the Alberta Province to cross the floor and join the Liberals would be ideal and is not immoral. Politics is not a Sunday school affair. Such a move could solve a big problem for Trudeau.
Rule Of Law
The banning of Konola sales by the Chinese government in apparent retaliation for the arrest of Meng Wanzhou of Huawei who the Canadian government wants to extradite on the request of the Americans has hurt the image of Trudeau and his Liberal party in the eyes of the Chinese. They do not understand democratic principles of say honouring Treaty obligations. They are of the view that state intervention can work. PM Trudeau has made it clear that such an approach is not appropriate. President Trump’s comments which gave the impression that a phone call could stop the prosecution of Meng Wanzhou who is locked in an extradition Treaty with the USA is misguided if not false. Canada is a rule of law country. The Chinese system is a dictatorship, let us not forget that.
Fossil Fuel
Oil sales are being blocked according to Albertans which is affecting their economy. Trudeau’s environmental policy objective will not help Alberta’s fossil fuel industry. Fossil fuel is becoming obsolete.
Greens
The New Democrats and the Greens are supportive of environmental issues. They like the Liberals have embraced a climate sensitive stance. They will be looking at alternatives to fossil fuels which is being outlawed internationally. Electric vehicles which are not pollutants are taking over today. Trudeau has nothing to do with these technological advances which are reacting to the sensitivity to the environment. Trees are being planted to aid in this regard … one African country is encouraging the planting of 3 million trees.
Perspective:
Cabinet Appointment
The West is angry and factors like extradition which Ottawa says is a Treaty matter is not helping the perception that the Chinese are under attack in the West and cannot be ignored. Trudeau will need to reach out to the West by at least appointing at least a Mayor to his Caucus in Ottawa. He has no choice. He does need a high profile candidate to be so appointed from the West. Will Trudeau make the right move? Time will tell PM Justin Trudeau.
Do be guided by your own judgment sir. What is your perspective? This is ours.
Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is National Political Correspondent for GTA Weekly.
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