Justin Trudeau's Liberals still standing after bumpy fall
The prime minister stood and feigned pity.
"You see, Mr. Speaker, as we come to the end of this year, you can't help but feel bad for the members of the opposition," he said, after the NDP's Nathan Cullen had wrapped together concerns about the prime minister's trip to the Aga Khan's island, the finance minister's share holdings and the process for appointing a new ethics commissioner.
"Because the results that we've got as a government, the job creation numbers ... the growing economy, the help for the middle class, the positive outcomes, leave them with nothing to do but fling accusations and throw mud."
It was not an easy fall for the Liberal government. But, in the waning days of 2017, Justin Trudeau was able to stand opposite his critics and alternate between commending the current situation and lamenting for the past.
Pressed by the Conservatives about the mess of the government's payroll system, the latest attempt to procure new fighter jets and the treatment of veterans, Trudeau stood and reminded the official Opposition of their recent responsibilities and failings.
Lest anyone forget, Trudeau reminded everyone once more that the Conservatives were just recently in power for nearly "ten years" — a point of reference he has cited some 200 times since coming to power himself in 2015.
Given two years of their own, the Liberals have at least not yet defeated themselves.
Two victories amid the tumult
Indeed, the government's turbulent autumn was bookended by two notable electoral victories: Lac-St-Jean in October and then South Surrey-White Rock this week.
Beyond the daily outrage expressed on Parliament Hill — and despite even their own regular efforts at making life difficult for themselves — the Liberals have actually gained ground at the Conservatives' expense. Other than the fact that Finance Minister Bill Morneau nearly blew himself up and a handful of other ministers were battered and bruised, it was a pretty good time to be a Liberal.
Justin Trudeau's Liberals still standing after bumpy fall: Aaron Wherry - Politics - CBC News
Last edited:
