I always feel rather sorry for Canadian PMs in that they have such a small stock of really intelligent people to choose from. Given the fact that the average Canadian cabinet numbers about 30 and that there are usually only 150 to 200 MPs to choose from it is a really rough job to find competent ministers, as the history of the Canadian parliament shows. One of the great strengths of democracy is that ordinary people are elected to power, but that is also its greatest weakness. Given that Mr. Harper does not even have a majority he job is even tougher. Hence we end up with the occasional minister like Ms. Guergis. Given more time she might learn how to behave like a competent minister, but I suspect she is not going to get another chance.
