My Little Corner of Canada, May 15

There will be a federal election in the next six months or less. Most political pundits are guessing October.

This corner is guessing September, before it starts getting cold. Canada will decide whether to stay on the right (Conservative,) turn left (NDP,) or return to the center (Liberal.)

Harper has become a one-man show. His ministers have become faceless sheep who dare not speak unless they are told what to say by Harper and his staff.

The Mike Duffy trial is not over yet and might uncover more embarrassing stuff in the coming weeks.

The honeymoon that Leona Aglukkaq enjoyed with her constituents is long gone. As Harper’s minister of environment, she has been a disappointment to Nunavut, Canada, and the international community. During her time in the portfolio, Canada’s reputation on environmental issues has suffered.

Leona is also the first Nunavut MP to take the sides of oil and mining companies against the wishes of some Nunavut communities. She, and the Senator from Lotus Land, Dennis Patterson, have an uncomfortable relationship with some Inuit and community leaders.

Justin Trudeau’s biggest asset is his family name. But he lacks the charisma and political toughness of his famous father. His popularity was high after he became leader of the Liberal Party, but his support has declined because he has appeared immature and inexperienced.

Can he withstand the attacks which will come from both the Tories and the NDP?

Thomas Mulcair is the big question mark. Canadian voters don’t know him that well. So far, he hasn’t made any major mistakes.

Will the NDP’s support in Quebec remain solid or will it crumple? Can they make gains in the rest of the country? The recent breakthrough in the provincial election in Alberta when the NDP toppled the Conservative dynasty in that province was a real surprise to the whole country. Will this translate to similar success in a federal election?

Here in Nunavut, the big question remains. Who will run for The Liberals and the NDP against Leona?

A minority government after this election is a distinct possibility.

The Video Tape

The video tape obtained by Nunatsiaq News and recently released on the internet was revealing. The tape graphically showed the use of excessive force by RCMP officers in cell number 3 against this young man.

This may be only the tip of the iceberg. Many people say that this type of incident is not that uncommon and has been around a long time.

An Observation

People who hide behind pseudonyms can sound very brave.