Harper’s apparent discomposure as he defended Mulcair’s charge of economic downturn
(Video Source: Maclean’s Debate)
Irum Khan
New Democratic Party’s sweeping victory in Alberta wasn’t a final testimony to the fading popularity of Harper. He was winning in polls conducted early this year. However from the time when campaigning for federal elections began the picture has steadily changed. From Harper sitting in a comfortable winning seat, the latest Ipsos poll reveal a sharp voter swing towards the NDP.
For any government anti-incumbency after 10 years of ruling is difficult to placate and Harper certainly is not winning the game. The wiser Harper would have promised radical reforms but this one is adamant on sticking to the current status quo.
The opponents charge him guilty of 8 consecutive deficits and two disastrous recessions. Unfortunately for Harper, the dwindling of the CAD against the USD also mean plunging of his popularity among voters. Harper dismisses both.
As per a media report, the Stat Canada figures show that from May 2014 to 2015, the energy sector has shrunk by 6.9%. Durable manufacturing industries growth has declined by 4.8 per cent and industrial production plunged by 4% per cent during that period.
From the best choice to third Harper has rapidly lost popularity among Canadians.
Was the federal election debate a game changer for Harper? Harper struggled to defend charges of arrogance and dictatorship long been associated with his persona.
The debate unraveled more than just criticism and accusations among leaders. It opened up vulnerabilities of the leaders. A major swing towards NDP just after the debate pointed at the growing appeal of Tom Mulcair. He was clear in vision as he defended the NDP’s promise of $15 federal minimum wage. He appeared real when he accused Harper of misleading the nation about pseudu surpluses when recession was just staring at the country a month away. Elizabeth May was a surprise element. She was convincing and statistically accurate. Justin Trudeau appeared ready for the job brushing aside the charge of novice by the Conservatives.
For Harper, however, the debate corroborated his inner vulnerabilities tuned with the outer judgement that Canada now seem to be passing on the Conservatives— Harper should go!
It’s rare to see an experienced prime minister lose composure in a debate. Harper did, several times. It was apparent as he defended himself when Mulcair charged him for running the country into deficit. Discomposure, fumbling on words is not quite Harper-like.
Harper’s defence was weak when Ms May accused him of cherry picking data. She countered, “Net new job as an indicator of the health of the economy isin’t relevant when comparing to other G7 nations unless you correct for population growth. And you are comparing it to Germany and France where they don’t have new people join the labour market constantly. Compared to other economies in the G7 nations, we are doing very poorly. We are in a recession under your watch for the second term.”
To which Harper replied, “The fact that we are able to bring immigrants join our economy is part of our economic action plan.”
Harper was trumpeting a claim which did not exist. According to a job market study(2006-14) by Broadbent Institute conducted earlier this year, the long-term trend indicated at a polarized jobs market: The growth of full time work had replaced with the growth of low-pay, part-time and precarious work. The employment rate in 2014 remained low at 61.7%, youth unemployment at 13.5%, and there was an indication of increasing wage inequality.
By blowing his trumpet on misleading facts, Harper has shrunk the popularity of Tories from first to third. If he continues on his policy of overplay, the credibility of the Tories could be damaged irrevocably.
Connect with Irum Khan on Twitter @irumkhan
