According to an April 2015 Global News/Ipsos Reid poll, perceptions of Justin Trudeau’s leadership abilities have tumbled and Stephen Harper has regained the lead as the top choice for prime minister. This should NOT surprise anyone. It’s just basic Canadian pragmatism as we get closer to the October 19, 2015 federal election.
Look at the unstable world Canada is facing over the next few years. Key international concerns include the continued growth and expansion of radical Islam, the potential for a major regional war in the Middle East, and the likelihood that Putin will continue his efforts to reinstate the Soviet Union by taking over more of Russia’s neighbouring countries. Equally concerning is the fact that our neighbour and long-time protector, the U.S., is in decline. China became the world’s #1 economy in 2014. U.S. military spending and strength is purposely being reduced. Under Obama, the U.S. is viewed as weak by both its allies and its enemies.
The April 2015 poll results suggest that an increasing number of Canadians recognize a few simple truths:
• We can’t count on the U.S. to protect Canada economically and militarily over the next few years. The U.S. will continue to decline under Obama and will then face a 1-2 year transition period after the November 2016 election of a new, but untested President.
• To ensure our continued sovereignty, Canada needs a strong, principled federal government that will focus on its key responsibilities – national security and the economy – and will not allow itself to be distracted by issues that are, constitutionally, the responsibility of provincial and municipal governments.
• Stephen Harper’s record, policies and character are known, strong quantities.
The April 2015 poll showed that Stephen Harper leads Justin Trudeau and Tom Mulcair on most of the 11 key traits that were surveyed, including:
• “best prime minister”
• “someone you can trust”
• “someone who will get things done”
• “someone who is best to manage during tough economic times”
• “someone whose values best represent my own”.
These are the traits of the leadership that Canada needs for the next few years.
