STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan
Canadians are warm, friendly and kind. My routine is an afternoon walk wherever I live or travel to. You exchange more greetings and nods in Canada than any other country. We are often at the receiving end of many comicjokes from our Southern neighbors that we accept smiling graciously. However, this kindness is backed by a steely resolve that comes forth when we are rubbed the wrong way. It has emerged in the past few months when President Trump chose to refer to Canada as “the 51stState” and began referring to our Prime Minister as “Governor”. It had an electrifying effect on Canadians, bringing them together as never before.
This onslaught came at a time when Canadians were getting ready for an election year. The incumbent Liberal Government of Mr. Trudeau had run out of steam after a decade long rule. Opposition Conservative Party, under the leadership of Pierre Poilievre, had mounted a spirited and aggressive campaign of vilifying PM Trudeau’s Government. They had used points that resonated with the electorate like the Carbon Tax. Having raised a huge war chest, they used it to promote a one-word slogan “change”. It encapsulated the popular sentiment of the voters and Conservatives reaped the benefits by gaining a 22% lead over Liberals. It looked like a done deal that would usher in a Conservative era of a majority rule.
PM Trudeau wanted to keep going but the incumbent MPs and liberal leadership read the writing on the wall. Fortunately, unlike President Biden, the pressure from within made PM Trudeau realize the futility of pushing ahead and he stepped down in time. That is when lady luck smiled for the Liberals. They elected a new leader with strong credentials that evoked a positive response from the electorate. With Trudeau gone and suspension of carbon tax, Mark Carney took the sting out of Conservative attack in one go. Poilievre’s lead evaporated and Liberals staged a comeback.
The subsequent course of events is recent history that everyone is familiar with. What is the net result? From a Conservative majority it changed to a minority Liberal Government. PM Carney established his credentials as sturdy hand at the helm, capable of taking on the school bully, President Trump. However, missing a clear majority by a whisker will bring in its own challenges. For decades USA was our biggest trade partner and Canadian economy was structured around it. Losing that relationship, disrupted by Trump tariffs, needs some major re-booting and building new trading corridors.
How did the prized majority slip away from Liberals? The slogan of “change” promoted over a long period by Conservatives took root in some voters’ minds. They had enlarged the scope of dissatisfaction from just Trudeau to the Liberal brand. However, there are many bright spots that have come to the forefront. Canadians voted strategically. Majority of traditional NDP voters shifted to vote Liberal. The new Canadians, after some dilly dallying,shifted to Liberal tent. They were able to get a foothold in Western Canada.
For the first time in Canada, Muslim vote created a strong impact. 13 MPs have been elected from this faith and nearly half of them have Pakistani origins. It is bound to create expectations amongst Muslims to find a seat at the table when PM Carney forms his cabinet. This will be a strong signal should the minority Government find it difficult to move ahead with its ambitious economic agenda. We may be looking at new elections two years down the road.
I have looked at the list of 13 MPs. Three names jump out that can be possible contenders. Salma Zahid, Yasir Naqvi and Iqra Khalid. Salma and Iqra have been elected for the 4th time; while Yasir has an illustrious career in Ontario provincial politics. Salma Zahid is determination and dedication personified. Both in her personal life when she bravely fought off cancer and her unwavering support for Gaza cause. She has done the entire community proud and is viewed as an icon. I hope she can maintain this focus if she gets shackled by ministerial constraints.
Yasir Naqvi is a rising star in Federal politics. He had asuccessful career in the Provincial arena that can eventually lead to greater responsibilities. As a modern Muslim politician everyone wishes him Godspeed to his ascent to greater responsibilities.
Iqra Khalid entered the parliament as a youthful entrant at age 29. With 10 years under her belt, she is a veteran full of energy. She comes from a background of small business that can prove to be an asset. Her constituents believe in her; it was demonstrated when she won by the highest margin amongst the Muslim MPs elected. She gained national prominence when she spearheaded Bill 103 giving all minorities much-needed protection. Having led the Liberal women’s caucus has established her credentials amongst her peers. As a trained lawyer she has participated in multiple committees and overcame challenging situations. Having worked closely with Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, she has represented Canada successfully on multiple international forums. She is ready for any assignment.
It is time for all Canadians to come together in these trying times under the Prime Minister Carney to navigate the challenges that lie ahead of us. More so for the new Canadians, especially the Muslims to demonstrate their commitment to our adopted homeland by unifying andforgetting petty differences.
Leave a Reply