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The coming ascension of Mark Carney to prime minister is an example of the Liberal elite capture in Canada that’s robbed the country of growth and independence for the past decade or more.

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The priority is dealing with this made-in-America crisis, but the biggest issue is Canada’s democracy itself. What kind of democracy is Canada with 40 million people whose new prime minister has not been elected but been chosen by 86 per cent (129,000) of only 156,000 or so Liberals who voted in its leadership contest?

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This only happened because Justin Trudeau quit and was allowed to prorogue parliament, thanks to the permission granted by his appointee, the Governor General. This prevented a needed vote of no-confidence and election that should have happened weeks ago. Now Carney inherits a position, like a princeling granted power because the “king” has decided to retire.

Carney must call an election immediately.

Until that happens, Carney must listen to Doug Ford and Danielle Smith when handling the current crisis with Donald Trump and not behave as the last prime minister who walked away after mismanaging both domestic and international affairs for a decade.

Carney must listen to the two premiers from the two most important provinces, Ontario and Alberta and not the Liberals, who are mostly anti-American and pro-Quebec. Ford and Smith understand the business world and have been communicating the correct message that combines respect with guilt — we like you Americans but why is your president picking on us for no real reason? We fought beside you throughout history and are your best friends. We make money together.

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Canada must assemble an “A” team of negotiators, rooted in the business community and not comprised of persons from the ranks of Canada’s most extreme socialist and radical green ranks. That has been Trudeau’s cohort and it’s weakened Canada, ignored the military and Arctic, and disdained and damaged the country’s most important industry, natural resources.

What Trump is doing is reprehensible, but Canada’s prime minister must lead us to a better future, not defend the pathetic past that’s diminished our potential. The next prime minister must prioritize building a pipeline through Quebec to the Maritimes, then encourage natural resource development across the country to produce critical minerals, fossil fuels, and other commodities. Canada’s next federal government must make provincial barriers illegal to grow the economy, then cut regulations and taxes to encourage investment by Canadians as well as foreigners.

Canada needs a new prime minister — not an un-elected one — who works for Canadians but will stand up to Trump and convince him to back off.

Financial Post

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