Ideology is Out

Several years ago I heard a insightful interview on CBC Radio. I wholeheartedly agree with the points made by the interviewee.

I think that parties perceived to be ideologically-based by Canadians won't have any long term electoral success. Canadians are a pragmatic lot who tend to want to do well but have no real strong views on many of the major philosophical issues which may divide our existing political parties.

For most of the past century the party most able to stay 'pragmatic'.. the federal Liberals, have been our 'naturally governing party'. On rare occasions our Conservative Party has managed to win one election or two; but then are turfed out.

I think the 2006 (Sponsorship scandal) and 2008 (The Green Shift) were aberrations. I think Canadian political landscape may very well revert to its usual shape after the next federal election. If Prime Minister Harper does win again it will be because Canadians will feel he has jettisoned his essentially hard nosed Conservative philosophy.