Is it a myth that minority goernments are better?

Are minority governments really effective? Yes, they facilitate legislation that represents a broader base of voters but decisions tend to be based on compromise which result in mediocrity and in many cases detract form the true vision of the incumbents. The Cretien predecessors were able to pay down the debt under majority governments however minority governments can be much more restrictive in this manner. Minority oppositions tend to want the purse strings loosened for their priorities. In this age of global competitiveness it is important for governments to reflect a long term vision for the country however this can be difficult for a minority government that constantly makes concessions to remain in power. An N.D.P. or Green party member's perspective is likely to favor power sharing since the likelihood of their party forming a government is slim. So, yes people are more likely to get want they want under a minority government but do they get what they need? Since the ability of a government to charter a new course is severely restricted under such circumstances they can be forced to be architects of their own defeat. In essence as we have seen with some foreign countries, in particular those with many parties, minority governments tend to be less stable and have shorter terms. Calling elections prematurely can lead to instability; elections are not cheap and continuity of direction can be lost when governments are constantly in upheaval.
So, I for one hope that the trend in public opinion dissipates somewhat from favor of minority governments which are focused on staying in power to majority governments which will be more capable of reacting to global impacts and offer more direction and stability. If in four years time we are not happy with the result we can boot a party out. It has worked in the past and it will work in the future. Is it a myth that minority governments are better? I guess it depends on what scale of measurement you are using and what is measurable. From this person's perspective I believe that the benefits of decisive leadership and clear direction are immeasurable but are attributes to which most all aspire and will serve us well in majority governments of the future.
The Observer

Judges garner greater trust than politicians, survey finds

How do you feel about legislators right to use the notwithstanding clause when public values are at odds with judicial decisions? Express your point of view in the comments section.
The Observer

clipped from www.theglobeandmail.com When these limitations on courtroom evidence lead to a ruling that is truly at odds with public values, he said, "legislatures must have the legal and political means to override such a ruling . . . But unfortunately, the use of the notwithstanding clause has become politically taboo."

Two-thirds back electing judges

The election of judges would be an improvement in our justice system. However the success of such a transition would really depend on the election process.
The Observer

clipped from www.theglobeandmail.com Sixty-three per cent of 1,000 respondents questioned in the Strategic Counsel survey supported the idea of elected judges, compared to 30 per cent who opposed the notion. The results may come as a surprise to the legal community, where it has long been assumed that Canadians see the election of judges as a major drawback of the U.S. justice system.

Conservatives strength is in rural canada

In the last federal election the tories won the majority of seats in rural Canada however they came up short in urban areas. Canadians have softened somewhat to Steven Harper with recently announced initiatives to tackle global warming and tax breaks for families with children which could lead to gains in urban Canada in the next election. He is also enabling Quebecers to feel more comfortable with their place in Canada. Here in Prince Edward Island the capital gains exemption for fishermen and farmers of $750,000 should be a winner. While these type of conservative intiatives will appeal to a greater cross-section of Canadians it remains to be seen if the liberals can break out of their centralist shell and make the in-roads that are desperately needed in rural parts of the country. Though the seats of power and influence are mainly located in urban centers the importance of rural voters cannot be overlooked since the majority of seats are still rural based.