Federal Politics in 2013

In my last of the 3 part series looking at our political system in 2013 -- the Federal scene was busy with Prime Minister Stephen Harper continuing to advance his Agenda of jobs and prosperity for Canada but with a dose of 'American-style' politics in the Canadian Parliament

The Top 3 stories in Federal Politics from my perspective this year was:

1) Senate Scandal and 3 Senators shown the door in Senators Mike Duffy, Pamela Wallin and Patrick Brazeau

2) Tories try to wear down new Federal Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau just like former Liberal Leaders Michael Ignatieff and Stephen Dion

3) A significant number of Tories leave federal politics to 'retire' or take new jobs in the private sector

Meanwhile - Harper's government had no issue with using its' majority, both in the House/Senate, to ram its Agenda through on a number of occasions including the recent Budget Omnibus Bill and many others

Issues to come forward for Harper and his Cabinet in 2014 include:

a) Decision on New Prosperity (Central BC - near Williams Lake) by Feb 2014
b) Decision on Northern Gateway (Northern BC/Alberta) by June 2014
c) Supreme Court rulings on Senate Legislation & Roger William Court Case would, if approved, would change the landscape on Government/First Nations Land Negotiations
d) New Rules for Federal 'Building Canada' Fund which has implications for local governments across the country

Finally - Harper will have to pick his 'War Cabinet' in late 2014 as he and his Conservative Caucus, at that time, get ready for the subsequent 2015 Federal General Election

I don't expect Harper to change his tune or course of action, at this stage, but if the Liberals/NDP show significant leads over the Tories - watch for Harper to change course to keep his party in competitive advantage with the NDP/Liberals.  Watch for Mulcair/Trudeau to begin to position their parties over the next year as alternate Minority governments to Harper's Conservative Majority government

Time will tell but a lot can (and will likely) change for the federal political parties between now and June 2015... (start of run-up period to 2015 Fed General Election)

~SF