Over the past five weeks I said very little regarding the upcoming election that was held on May 2. I think the bottom line is I really did not want to do a lot of bad mouthing. I purposely avoided some of the political mud slinging. In many ways it was a rather quiet election BUT given the results a very historical one. The Conservatives headed by Stephen Harper won a majority government effectively giving Michael Ignatieff and his Liberals about the biggest flipp-off ever. It's not like Ignatieff and the Liberals didn't deserve it. After all Canadians did not want this election and that was reflected in the polls. But Canadians spoke more through their votes that just kicking the Liberals butts. Duceppe lost his home riding as did Ignatieff but Duceppe took the gentleman's approach resigning as head of the Bloc Quebecois. Apparently Quebec has decided that separating from Canada is no longer a great idea so they put their vote over to the NDP effectively snubbing the Bloc Quebecois which is effectively no more. Not to be outdone, Elizabeth May leader of the Green Party won a seat! This is huge as it is the first time they have ever wone a seat. If you look at it, this really was a historical election in Canada!
Garden Gnome
©2008-2011
I have to say that my respect for Duceppe grew the night of the election. His speech was graceful and very classy. He was sad but accepting and very respectful of his opponents. Honestly - it felt very Canadian of him, which perhaps he wouldn't want to hear. I wish him the best in his retirement.
ReplyDeleteSince I'm an Anglophone married to a French-Canadian and raising two bilingual kids, I would be much happier if Quebec would accept itself as a valued, necessary part of Canada.