In times past, when the government had a really big deal to announce, or an item of long-awaited legislation, it would pull out all the stops. Parliament would be primed. The prime minister would look on proudly while the sponsoring minister(s) explained in lavish terms how the new measure would dramatically improve the lives of ordinary Canadians and make the nation stronger, safer and more prosperous. Hype like that. That's not what happened last week when the Justin Trudeau government honoured its signature campaign commitment to legalize the possession and recreational use of marijuana. [continues 618 words]
"Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?" - - Robert Browning One thing the Trudeau government cannot be accused of is lack of reach. Its ambitions have carried it into endeavours the Harper government did not attempt to reach or had no interest in reaching. These range from climate change to a process of reconciliation with First Nations from Senate reform to a shift of some of the tax burden from middle-to high-income earners from the appointment of a gender-equal cabinet to increased consultation with the provinces and from overhaul of the electoral system to the legalization of marijuana. [continues 564 words]