FACE TO FACE: What interim grade does Prime Minister Stephen Harper deserve?
May 2 marks mid-point of the Stephen Harper government's current mandate. Two years have passed since the Tories broke away from the shackles of a minority government and have been able to implement their agenda unfettered.
They have been a good - but not great - two years.
I think there are some files that Prime Minister Harper needs to improve before the next election in 2015, and one of those is the economy. Certainly, the Tories' job numbers and debt-to-GDP ratio are solid when compared to the rest of the world but for a Conservative government, they're really not all that fiscally conservative. Between 2009 and 2016, the dynamic duo of Harper and Jim Flaherty will have added $170 billion to the federal debt.
On the economy, I give Harper a C+.
For the government's handling of social programs, I'll give Harper a B+. He's maintaining increases in health care transfers while asking the provinces to be more efficient. And I'm glad that we finally have a government that understands that jobs and economic development are the keys to get people off welfare and EI, and to help alleviate poverty on First Nations reserves. A lifetime on the public dole is not desirable for anyone.
On international relations, I give the prime minister an A. In the summer of 2011, Harper talked about a new liberated global vision for Canada, one where we no long try "to please every dictator with a vote at the United Nations." The Harper government has delivered: We now do what is best for Canada, our values and our future.
Finally, on leadership, I'll give Harper a C+. The PM's office clearly exerts too much control on the Tory caucus. While that makes for a cohesive and focussed government, it doesn't do much for our democratic process.
My overall grade for Stephen Harper is a B.
A B isn't bad but the Liberals are poised to elect Justin Trudeau as their new leader this weekend. He's a fresh face offering "hope" and a "new style of government."
More than 40% of Canadians say that they would vote for the young Trudeau if an election were held today.
Unfortunately, a B for Harper might not be good enough to stave off Trudeau-mania in 2015.
Andy Radia is a Coquitlam resident and political columnist who writes for Yahoo! Canada News and Vancouver View Magazine. He has been politically active in the Tri-Cities, having been involved with election campaigns at all three levels of government, including running for Coquitlam city council in 2005.
