Nature abhors a vacuum: The adage is as true in politics as it is in science.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been missing in action for weeks, most recently spending the Christmas season skiing in B.C.
In his prolonged absence, other leaders have jumped in to fill the void.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has been most impressive.
Whatever you think of President-elect Donald Trump, the fact is he will lead our largest trading and business partner and closest neighbour for the next four years. You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar. Smith is fighting to keep this country’s vital trade lifeline alive and she should be applauded for her efforts.
She’s even secured an invitation to Trump’s inauguration. That’s a diplomatic coup and she should be congratulated.
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Ontario Premier Doug Ford has likewise been working with his American counterparts, especially with politicians along the border states. He seems to be the premiers’ bad cop, in contrast to Smith’s good cop performance. Ford’s earlier declaration that he’d cut off Americans’ electricity served a purpose — it caught the attention of news outlets in the U.S. and underscored that our two countries are interdependent. Canada has a wealth of natural resources and energy the U.S. relies on. We work better when we work together.
We have no idea why businessman Kevin O’Leary jumped in to speak on behalf of Canada. He’s neither elected nor is he particularly popular here. He told Fox Business that he’d visit Trump’s headquarters at Mar-a-Lago to give the incoming president his perspective. He later told the National Post he hadn’t been invited there, but he’s going to the inauguration on Jan. 20 and may bring up the subject then.
The self-styled Mr. Wonderful says Canadians are interested in a stronger economic union than we now have and a common currency with the U.S. Well, a common dollar is attractive if you have a condo in Florida. For the rest of us, there isn’t the same appeal.
Meanwhile, an essay in The Economist suggests a better plan would be for Canada to join the European Union.
Break out the confetti. We’ve been the bridesmaid for a century and a half. Now, it seems, everyone wants to marry us.