How to right the Conservative ship
Tony Clement is the member of Parliament for Parry Sound-Muskoka.
Our parents and Mick Jagger have taught us that “you can’t always get what you want,” and the Conservative Party experienced that in October’s federal election. First the good news: 5.6 million Canadians voted for Conservative Party candidates, representing nearly 32 per cent of the popular vote. Many excellent Conservative MPs were returned to office, plus 33 newcomers, adding new blood to the National Conservative Caucus. Conservatives form a large Official Opposition, and have already discharged our duty to hold the new government to account.
The bad news for Conservatives was the tide of change, meaning 39.5 per cent of the popular vote for Justin Trudeau and the Liberals, and a majority Liberal government. The next election is four years away, and Conservatives must provide a viable government-in-waiting and re-earn the trust of more voters across the country. So far, so obvious.
Yet, I’m confident that the Conservative Party can offer a constructive and vigilant opposition, and can do what’s necessary to offer Canadians a positive alternative vision for the country in 2019. While we await the feedback and input from the party rank and file on these issues, here are some things that need to be considered.
How to right the Conservative ship - The Globe and Mail
Tony Clement is the member of Parliament for Parry Sound-Muskoka.
Our parents and Mick Jagger have taught us that “you can’t always get what you want,” and the Conservative Party experienced that in October’s federal election. First the good news: 5.6 million Canadians voted for Conservative Party candidates, representing nearly 32 per cent of the popular vote. Many excellent Conservative MPs were returned to office, plus 33 newcomers, adding new blood to the National Conservative Caucus. Conservatives form a large Official Opposition, and have already discharged our duty to hold the new government to account.
The bad news for Conservatives was the tide of change, meaning 39.5 per cent of the popular vote for Justin Trudeau and the Liberals, and a majority Liberal government. The next election is four years away, and Conservatives must provide a viable government-in-waiting and re-earn the trust of more voters across the country. So far, so obvious.
Yet, I’m confident that the Conservative Party can offer a constructive and vigilant opposition, and can do what’s necessary to offer Canadians a positive alternative vision for the country in 2019. While we await the feedback and input from the party rank and file on these issues, here are some things that need to be considered.
How to right the Conservative ship - The Globe and Mail