Doug Ford vs. Pierre Poilievre: Bill Kelly's April 30, 2023 News Commentary
Will the real conservatives please stand up?
Will the real conservatives please stand up?
There seems to be a real debate among Conservatives in Canada these days about just who are the ‘real’ Conservatives.
And that discussion usually involves the style of the two highest profile Conservatives in the country, namely, national Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
Poilievre is the personification of the newer, ultra right wing approach to politics— an ardent disciple of fiscal restraint at the expense of the social safety net programs and government incentives for economic development that flow from Ottawa.
Ford, on the other hand, has surprisingly bucked the trend of extreme conservatism and moved his Conservative party much closer to the political middle (fiscally, anyway) although many wish that he would extend that kind of open-mindedness to social and environmental issues too…
He also has a good working relationship with the Liberal Prime Minister, much to the chagrin of Poilievre and his disciples.
There’s an interesting dynamic developing here.
With Justin Trudeau taking the Liberals more to the left of centre, and Poilievre steering hard to the right with Conservatives, Doug Ford seems to be seeking that political sweet spot that attracts not only Conservatives, but some disenchanted Liberal supporters too.
Far be it from me to decide which one is the “real” Conservatism, but I do know, based on recent history, which kind wins elections.