Putting aside partisanship for the public good

First, in what was a magnanimous gesture by Jagmeet Singh, the NDP leader signed with the Liberals on October 22 a confidence-and-supply agreement. This basically guaranteed a functioning minority Parliament until 2025. In announcing the agreement, Justin Trudeau said: “the deal is aimed at acting on key policy areas where we share similar objectives” including taxing financial institutions, acting on climate change and reconciliation, pharma care and dental care. These last two have been major planks in NDP platforms for many years. Now with this agreement they will be put on the government’s legislative calendar.

It has been pointed out that these arrangements, where a third party sees part of its policies enacted in return for support of a minority government, often do not result in their electoral gain as the governing party takes credit at the next election. So, it can be said that Singh gave up electoral advantage for the needs of the people. Rare and laudable. 



The second time the extension of friendship across party lines was evident was in the signing of the Liberal childcare plan in Ontario on October 30. Ford and Trudeau were gushing. Trudeau said, “It is always great to be making announcements for Ontario families alongside Premier Ford. Doug, it’s so good we are together again today.” To which Ford replied that it shows what can be accomplished “when we work together”.

What a good model for a more successful country. Parties actually co-operating to make good things happen at all levels of government.