Political quick takes
Early Election in Ontario? It's Almost Like the CPC wants Mark Carney as their Leader, and Reactionary much
Lots going on in Canadian politics, so thought I’d do a bunch of quick takes, with a theory or two along the way.
Early Election in Ontario?
I’ll say yes, but not for the reasons you might think. Former Premier Kathleen Wynne appeared on a recent podcast. She made some interesting comments about hearing second, or third hand that the RCMP wasn’t going to let the Greenbelt scandal go. I think there’s some truth to this.
The province’s plan to modernize alcohol sales was supposed to be effective in 2026 because of an agreement signed with the Beer Store allowing them exclusive rights to sell 12 and 24 packs of beer into 2025. Grocery stores that already sell beer and wine will be allowed to sell ready-made cocktails as of August 1. Stores without a license will be able to apply for one starting June 17, 2024, and ill be able to sell beer, wine, cider, and ‘canned spirit’ drinks as of October 31.
Under fixed election legislation, the date in 2026 makes it the last thing on the Ford government’s agenda for this term. That’s why moving it up makes an early election more likely. But moving it up has its problems too; the provincial government may have to pay around $1 billion to get out of the contracts. It’s a scandal just big enough to distract from the fact there’s an ongoing RCMP investigation that could end at the Premier’s office.
The RCMP pauses its investigations during a campaign period. So an early election becomes a promising way to avoid any awkward questions. And he also salvages part of his reputation in the event of a loss, because he puts the party before himself.
Mark Carney as federal Liberal Leader?
I see so many Conservatives posting about this, it makes me wonder if they want Carney as their leader instead. And who can blame them if they do- he has more experience as a finance guy, and overall credibility than their current leader. Carney might be better suited to changing the channel away from this persistent, exhausting anger gear Pierre Poilievre has going on.
As for who the Liberals will choose, I think FP Champagne would make a good choice, along with the obvious names of Chrystia Freeland, and Domenic LeBlanc. If they do manage a new leader before the end of this year, it would make the upcoming campaign one to watch, as a new face would greatly improving those polling numbers for the Liberals.
Development Charges Are Not Taxes
They are fees, not taxes. I look at how little the federal government can actually do on the housing front, as well in a recent newsletter.
Trudeau government Reacts to Rafah Fire
The attack on Rafah, long talked about by the Israelis has begun on a tragic note. Reports circulated by Hamas Sunday night indicated Israel was intentionally targeting civilians calling it a ‘Zionist massacre of civilians”. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labelled the incident a tragic mishap, promising a full investigation.
Tuesday Israel released a satellite image indicating the location attacked was 180 metres away from the shelters. But it was all too late to stop Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly from reacting via twitter that she was “horrified by strikes that killed Palestinian civilians in Rafah,” and ending with “we demand an immediate ceasefire.” NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh went as far as to call the incident ‘evidence of genocide.
IDF Officials revealed that the military fired two 37 pound munitions targeting two Hamas militants, and they were looking into the possibility there were secondary munitions stored in the area.
If there is one thing we should be learning by now, it’s that nothing is ever what it seems in the middle-east. It would not hurt to make extra sure what you’re reacting to, is actually the truth.
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