With the step-down of former Nova Scotia Premier Rodney MacDonald, one has to wonder in what direction the new NSPC Party will go. It’s arguable they have to change somehow, as coming a devastating third place in what was supposed to be a two horse race will force them to, wether they like it or not. Go west to Ontario and you’ve got a heated race for the OPC Party which for better or for worse, is predictably split. On one side, you’ve got Christine Elliott, the Red Tory (Canada and Britain’s version of the American neoconservative), and wife of current federal Finance Minister and Whitby-Oshawa MP Jim Flaherty. On the other side you’ve got the other frontrunner Tim Hudak, the strong small-’c’ conservative with impressive grassroots support. Another great candidate that’s slightly lagging behind in popularity is Randy Hillier, the social conservative.
Personally I have a hard time deciding wether I like Hudak or Hillier. I support Hudak slightly more simply because he has more momentum and youthfulness to beat Christine Elliott. However, as both a former Libertarian and current social conservative, Hillier is appealing as well. Hillier has some guts too, in April he introduced a policy proposal in which the “Progressive” part of the “Progressive Conservative” would be cut. It would now be the “Conservative Party of Ontario”. I’m embarrassed to say I’m not sure if his proposal got anywhere (from the lack of news on it, I assume not far), but I have to admit I like the ideal of scrapping the oxymoron. There seems to be a strong urge to abandon the Red Toryism of former OPC Party leader John Tory that brought the party to complete failure to the Liberals. It’s an urge that should be pursued, not only to win in the next provincial election but to prove to Canada that we’re a nation of true conservatives when it comes to right-of-centre politics. The NSPC Party should follow suit if it wants the same ideal. Not only that, but with the new opportunity of a fresh NSPC leader and party in the near future, it couldn’t be a more perfect time.
New leader, new ideas from him won’t get him many votes..it is a loss.
I’m from Ontario.
I would say this about the candidates:
Frank Klees: fiscal moderate, social conservative (big support from the religious right, GTA)
Randy Hillier: libertarian (big support from rural Eastern Ontario)
Christine Elliot: fiscal conservative, social moderate, red tory (big support from Oshawa/Guelph/Flaherty)
Tim Hudak: small-c conservative, fiscal conservative, closest to Mike Harris (large support from rural and suburban Ontario)
p.s. you’re beautiful!
One correction to your post, Randy Hillier would only be considered a ‘Social’ Conservative wrt respecting the rights and privacy of churches and faiths. In this leadership contest, which I was very proud to select him as #1 and HUdak #2 on my ballot, is that Randy Hillier was the Libertarian candidate. The importantance of him running wasn’t that he was going to win, because most of us put Hudal either 1st or 2nd, thanks to prefferential ballotting, whas the issues the Hillier brought to the contest. Such as:
- Abolition of the CHRC, which only Hudak said he would get ride or seriously reform it.
- Reopening the spring bear hunt, perfect objective to get a stronger foothold of voters in Northern Ontario, which usually go to NDP or Libs.
- Privatization of the LCBO, which only Hudak confirmed he would move forward.
- Deregulation of several stupid regulations on farmers and businesses.
So haven’t met the man I can confirm you that he is Libertarian, rural and real human rights crusader. So whomever runs for the NSPC, should consider bringing forward these types of policies.
Michael: Thanks for the correction, is it Frank Klees that was the social conservative candidate? I recall hearing about one I thought.
Phil: Thank you! If you’re referring to the header of my blog, that would be my lovely girlfriend Robyn. For some reason to me her incredible blue eyes and brilliant red hair symbolizes the Maritime’s Irish and Scottish heritage. It’s eye-catching as well which is a bonus.
Way to completely miss the second place candidate…
Klees deserves better…
I apologize, it wasn`t intentional. I knew I forgot something, I`m embarrassed I forgot who happened to be a candidate I actually liked. D`oh.