Canada’s Election – Final Thoughts

Thank you Donald Trump for making Canada’s election an easy choice. Many Canadians typically vote based one party’s platform over another. Many Canadians (including me) historically have changed from voting for one party to voting for another based on the economy, the world situation, and other factors. This time, however, the only question is: Which leader will be the best to deal with the unpredictable actions of the current President of the United States?

CBC’s At Issue Panel last night, claiming the parties’ platforms seemingly agree on most major issues, agreed that the current Prime Minister, Liberal Mark Carney, will likely win the election…maybe with a majority. He’s got my vote. He’s got the best background for the job of steering Canada through a possible recession, and I like him. And, I will defend him.

Newly positioned as the Prime Minister after Justin Trudeau stepped down, Carney was criticized for traveling abroad to meet with European and Asian leaders before/without meeting with the U.S. President. Rumour has it (it’s been suggested by some reporters, but not verified) that Carney orchestrated the E.U. and Japan to sell off U.S. Treasury Bonds which ultimately led Trump to put a hold on tariffs. Personally, if true, I think that was a brilliant move and proof that Mark Carney is clearly the man to help not only Canada, but also the world to deal with Trump specifically with regards to the world market.

Before connecting with Trump on the phone, Mark Carney had said “I look forward to having, at the appropriate time, a discussion between two sovereign nations that is comprehensive and not targeted at one issue.” He made it clear that the conversation should be respectful. Immediately after the call, both leaders described it as productive. Considering all of Trump’s quips regarding speaking with other world leaders, I consider that a ‘win’.

Yesterday, Trump decided to bring up the whole 51st State concept; which led to Canadian reporters re-questioning Carney about their March telephone conversation. Really? Carney retorted that he chose to summarize the call by indicating that it had ended positively rather than giving blow-by-blow details. Did we really want Carney to get into a “he said/she said” type of report? Yesterday, Carney did say, “the President says a lot of things” implying that a lot of what Trump says is bravado. Exactly!

Literally and figuratively Carney has Trump’s number. Carney keeps his cards close to his chest to play them when needed. I want a Canadian leader that doesn’t need to blab every detail of his playbook, one who focuses on results. I don’t want a leader who has to put others down to feel self important. I don’t want a leader who changes his mind every day on strategy. And, that, my friends, is Mark Carney.