It is a trend that is sweeping the nation. Whether in BC with the resurgence of former Premier Bill Vander Zalm and his anti- Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) coalition, Alberta with upstart Wild Rose Alliance leader, Danielle Smith or on the federal scene, the three way battle between the Prime Minister, Jack Layton and Michael Ignatieff, it is clear political populism is back. All of these evolving political narratives prove it has once again become popular to take a position that is not designed to appeal to a left or right of a political base, but instead aims to please the public masses.
The two respective Premiers of British Columbia and Alberta are experiencing significant voter intention backlash after years of governing through relatively stable economic times. Both Premiers, inexplicably find themselves on their heels after a short period into their majority mandates. The jury is still out if either leader or their parties will recover in time for a victory in the next election or if populism will rule the day.
On the federal scene none of the leaders of the three main political parties are being afforded the luxury of time because of the minority parliament situation. Conservatives are anxious to test the waters for a majority mandate, Liberals are still recovering from their embarrassing defeat in the last election and the NDP appear to be enjoying a bump, if recent polling is any indication.
The Conservatives caught onto the renewed populism movement quickly and successfully branded the Liberal leader as an elitist. Ironically, Mr. Ignatieff’s recent policy statement seems to indicate that he too is embracing populism. His plan to scrap $6 billion in corporate tax cuts and instead dedicate this funding to education and social housing, while attempting to pay down the deficit is trying to appeal to the sensitivities of the left and right. The challenge he faces is that NDP leader, Jack Layton is a political chameleon who is prone to changing his stripes depending on which way the populist winds are blowing. For example, Layton’s decision to stand against the HST, a tax on consumption has proven to be a winner that is currently paying dividends for the NDP in BC.
The Prime Minister meanwhile, seems to glide almost effortlessly through the daily political milieu in Ottawa and continues to enjoy support amongst the majority of Canadians, despite steady criticisms targeting his government policies on the right and left. Mr. Ignatieff and Mr. Layton are learning the hard way it is difficult to score a knockout blow on a moving populist target.