Modeling Journey

The centre-left in Canadian politics is split between the Libs, Dippers and Greens, with the insurgent Greens under their charismatic leader Elizabeth May poaching votes from both of the bigger parties. In Quebec, the Bloc is further to the left than the Tories, so we could say the centre-left vote is split four ways there.

The centre-right is united under Harper’s Tories, although the centre of gravity of the ‘new’ Tories post-merger is a lot more to the right than it ever was.

But the Tories are threatening to win a majority government this time round.

What to do?

Dion should pre-empt the NDP and Green Party by coming out with policies this weekend which move the Liberal Party sharply to the left.

Take over the center-left with a vengeance; give progressive voters policies to vote for, not just the vacuous anti-Tory sentiments being uttered.

And make the move stunning, significant and lasting.

Tony Blair and his group of young Turks moved the Labour Party in Britain towards the centre, shedding the hardline leftwing policies of the past, and captured the government.

Stephane Dion should move the Liberal Party hard left, and effectively create a party which appeals to all centre-left voters.

If he does, he stands a chance to become prime minister of a minority government. If he does not make such a game-changing adaptation, his leadership of the Liberal Party can be measured in a few weeks or months.