James Laxer’s perceptive critique of the New Democratic Party’s role in our recent election (“Fake Left, Go Right,” May) shows that it has yet to learn how to play the minority-government game, either in Parliament or on the hustings. Jack Layton was not alone in demonstrating his limited understanding of the new regime, just the most inept and, ultimately, the least successful.
Historically, our major parties have been coalitions of disparate interests forged into effective political consortia in advance of elections. The Canadian Alliance-Progressive Conservative merger of 2003 is a case in point, though it came about only months before the election. In a minority-government situation, however, negotiations aimed at creating parliamentary alliances can begin only after the election. Nevertheless, the prospect of having to bargain with other parties post-election can subtly influence election strategies.
Customarily, competition for votes is most intense between parties with similar outlooks and manifestos. The prospect of a minority outcome, however, complicates these relationships. Partiesare no longer merely rivals for the support of the same undecided voters; they are also potential future partners. Instead of concentrating solely on maximizing their own seat counts, they may take a direct interest in how well their “natural” partners fare at the polls and may even consider mutually beneficial electoral collaboration.
During the recent election, Paul Martin demonstrated some understanding of the new realities by tempering his criticism of the ndp and emphasizing the shared concerns of what he termed the “progressive parties.” On the other hand, Jack Layton seemed not to waken to the Conservative threat until the final days of the campaign. Neither leader saw as clearly as Buzz Hargrove that, in the absence of a majority party, party alliances are what count.
Majority government is essentially confrontational, whereas minority government is more accommodating. The latter requires, in addition to loyal opposition, restraint and a culture of co-operation, concessions, and commitment. The sooner the parties and the public learn to play the minority-government game, the better it will be for Parliament and the country.
Douglas G. Anglin
Professor Emeritus of
Political Science
Carleton University
Ottawa, Ontario
Canadians know there is a difference between the Conservatives and the Liberals, and the ndp should stop trying to convince people that there is not. The party should concern itself with distinguishing its own policies from the Liberals’, especially since most Liberal leadership candidates seem more interested in stealing ndp votes than fighting the Conservatives.
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