Harper's Speech to the Throne

The Globe and Mail
January 27, 2009

The new Parliament was opened on January 27, 2009 after the throne speech was given by the governor General Michael Jean. This throne speech was said to have been brief and gloomy, and will be remembered for its inability to address any of the major issues of the day. One month ago, in December 2008, the Conservative party led by Stephen Harper narrowly escaped defeat at the hands of the Liberal-NDP coalition. Their victory was only guaranteed when Harper asked the Governer-General to prorogue parliament. This new parliament began with yet another promise for "change". Michael Ignatieff, the Liberal party leader, commentede on the great contrast between Monday's 'play it safe' throne speech and the government's financially agressive budget in October 2008. He believes as most liberals do that this government has a split personality, but that the viability of the Conservative budget will be the true test. Traditionally, the Speech from the Throne contains a few specifics but, overall, sets a broad outline for the government's priorities in this parliamentary session. In the Throne Speech of 2007, Harper was specific in his plans and dared the opposing parties to accept it or defeat him. However, in Monday's speech, Harper outlined a promise to cooperate, and was very vague in all of his plans. NDP leader, Jack Layton, said that he has heard the same non-commital phrasing in many past speeches. Ignatieff even commented that "immitation is a sincere form of flattery", dismissing Harper's conciliatory phrasing as mere repetition of previous liberal policy. The NDP and Liberals are still likely to defeat the Conservatives, and vote against the budget as it stands. The Conservatives, on the other hand, truly hope that the budget is conciliatory enough to be approved. It will be presented today, on January 27, 2009.

After reading this article as well as the actual text of the throne speech, I truly believe that this speech was not a thoughtfully written speech given the current predicament of our country's economy. While throne speeches are usually ceremonial rather than filled with hard, factual details, this speech was particularly vague and uninspiring. With this inauspicious beginning to the new parliament, hopes are not high that the Conservatives will be able to forge a successful government. In my opinion, Harper did not specify his plan of economic action adequately, and gave a very ambiguous speech outlining unclear principles. One can only hope that Harper will present a more detailed and confidence inspiring budget when it is presented today in Parliament.