Opinion
Incumbent syndrome is sweeping across the country
By Sheila Copps Oct. 8, 2018
But the warning bells sounding for Quebec, Ontario, and New Brunswick Liberals are not currently tolling for the federal party.
The phrase was coined by retiring premier Philippe Couillard on the eve of the worst defeat in the history of the Quebec Liberal Party by CAQ Leader François Legault. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade and courtesy of Flickr
OTTAWA—Incumbent syndrome is an affliction sweeping across the country. The phrase was coined by retiring premier Philippe Couillard on the eve of the worst defeat in the history of the Quebec Liberal Party. His party faced an unstoppable wave, and despite outward claims of optimism, Couillard and his team saw it coming. Just like the movement for change in Ontario and New Brunswick, once the wave takes hold, there is nothing an incumbent can do to stop it.
This is an exclusive subscriber-only story by The Hill Times.
If you’d like to read the full article:
Subscribe Today
Already a Hill Times subscriber? Sign in here:
Reuse and Permissions:
Unauthorized distribution, transmission, reuse or republication of any and all content is strictly prohibited. To discuss re-use of this material, please contact:
Chris Rivoire, Director of Reader Sales and Services
613-288-1146 | circulation@hilltimes.com
More in News
Cannabis confusion ‘nature of the beast’ as 95-year ban ends, but it’s ‘time to pull the trigger,’ say experts, politicos
The Liberals are spending $100-million over six years on public awareness campaigns, which most insiders say are a good start but opposition MPs slam as a ‘failure.’Canada needs Saudi Arabia ‘whether we like it or not,’ says booted Canadian envoy
Individual human rights cases ‘can’t be the driver of international policy,’ says Dennis Horak, who was Canada's ambassador to the Middle Eastern power before being expelled in August after what he called an 'ill-advisedElections debate commissioner coming before 2019 election, but not through legislation: Minister Gould
Time has run out for legislation to set up the promised independent commissioner to run leaders’ debates, says Karina Gould, who will rely on recommendations made by a House committee in the spring.Labyrinthine federal procurement system too complex: watchdog
Long processes, problematic procurement tools, and security clearances were noted as the top complaints of both federal officials and suppliers in the last year. Public service staffing survey results show management ‘out of touch,’ says NDP MP Daniel Blaikie
The ‘perception versus the reality seems to be a little out of whack,’ says Public Service Commission president Patrick Borbey.Steel town MPs, industry reps, cool to idea of quota-for-tariff exemption for U.S. metal duties
Algoma Steel told the House International Trade Committee that it would support certain quotas in exchange for a duty exemption, something U.S. president Donald Trump hinted as a solution to ending the trade spat.Former Hill staffer Wernick wants MPs to sign pledge to bring about ‘a long-term culture change’ on the Hill
MPs offer mixed reaction to Paul Wernick’s ideas and are expressing concerns that following some elements of the pledge would violate the privacy of their staff. Experts, critics urge feds to ‘ratchet up’ climate change efforts, seize the political leadership, after ‘landmark’ UN report
‘Staying the course when it’s the wrong course is not leadership,’ said Green Party Leader Elizabeth May of the Liberal government’s response to a recent UN report on the impacts of climate change. Great expectations, and racism, but immense pride and learning: Asian-Canadian MPs share their experiences
For some Asian-Canadian MPs, being elected to Ottawa comes with expectations. But they say the job brings them much pride and an opportunity to learn about their community. Trending Stories
