Tag Archives: Stephen Harper
The Old Is New Again
Am I the only one who has noticed that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney sounds a lot like former Conservative PM Stephen Harper? Not in terms of his policies, but in his branding. Carney, who took over from the much despised Justin Trudeau, has taken to calling his administration “Canada’s New Government.” The Liberals have […]
Building The Cabinet
Donald Trump’s cabinet choices have one thing in common. They are Trump fans. Or maybe more than fans. They are acolytes, or perhaps worshippers. Needless to say, many pundits have expressed concern. They worry that the cabinet will not be able to restrain Trump’s baser instincts. Which is the point. Donald Trump is not eligible […]
Thoughts on Leadership
On this Flashback Friday we go back nine years and my thoughts in the aftermath of the 2015 Canadian federal election. While the event that spurred them is in the past, I think the concepts remain valid, especialy given the rumbling these days that Justin Trudeau has overstayed his welcome with his party and with […]
After The Shots
There’s so much to ay about the attempt to assassinate Donald Trump on Saturday – and I’m not going to say any of it. Except hat I am surprised it hasn’t happened sooner. And I am glad the attempt failed. I dislike a lot about Donald Trump, but if he is what the American people […]
Taking Off – Maybe
The timing was fortuitous. When Canada’s Minister of National Defence announced that the government is buying 88 F-35 fighter jets, the announcement was timed for when the Prime Minister would be out the country. That way he didn’t have to take any questions. For him this is an especially embarrassing purchase, which explains why the […]
True Leadership?
Now the real work begins. For Pierre Poilievre, winning the Conservative Party of Canada leadership on Saturday night is only the beginning. Now he has to unify a divided group, healing wounds of division – many of which he created. The past two Conservative leaders have been undermined by factions within the party. Some objected to […]
The Knives Are Out
I was confused when I answered the phone. Who conducts a political poll three days after an election? As the automated caller worked through its questions the purpose became clear. Did I think Canada was moving in the right direction? Press 1 for yes, 2 for no. Which party did I vote for? (I lied […]
A Nation Regrets
Last week Canadians watch those who would be Prime Minister debate the issues live on national television. There really wasn’t much debate. The consensus of the people I talked with afterward was that it was more a recitation of talking points mixed with personal attacks. None of the leaders really came across as leaders. Is […]
Loose Lips
It’s happened again. Politicians spouting their mouths off and (presumably) regretting it later. It probably happens everywhere, but it is the Canadian examples that gall me. During the Second Word War there was a poster found in many places that read “loose lips sink ships.” It was a reminder not to talk about any war-related […]
Cult of Personality
Canada’s diplomats have received their orders: no more selfies with the Prime Minister. It is not that foreign service officers have been flocking to have their photo taken with the man dubbed “Prime Minister Selfie;” it is that some of our diplomatic missions have purchased life-sized cardboard cutouts of the PM that are being used […]
random thoughts from lorne 
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