With the economic bad news pilling on, Canadians have become more and more concerned about losing their jobs. And for no industry is that fear more real than in…politics.
I took a quick look at the historical trends before Christmas. Now, let’s gaze ahead to see just how worried the men and women who lead Canadian governments should be. As an added bonus, I’ve included the magic 8 ball answers to the all-important “will they be re-elected” question.
Danny Williams (Newfoundland)
Date with destiny: 2011
What he has going for him: Crushed the opposition, winning 43 of 47 seats last election
Why he should be worried: His anti-Ottawa schtick might grow tiresome
The 8 ball says: You can count on it
Robert Ghiz (PEI)
Date with destiny: 2011
What he has going for him: He’s young and just started his first term
Why he should be worried: Mike Duffy could become de-facto opposition leader
The 8 ball says: Focus and ask again. Like I have any clue about PEI politics…
Rodney MacDonald (Nova Scotia)
Date with destiny: Soon
What he has going for him: Wicked fiddle skills. And Nova Scotians have never elected an NDP government.
Why he should be worried: Deficit + government that has already won 3 elections.
The 8 ball says: Don’t bet on it
Shawn Graham (New Brunswick)
Date with destiny: Fall 2010
What he has going for him: Has been relatively bold as Premier
Why he should be worried: Has been relatively bold as Premier
The 8 ball says: Can’t say now
Jean Charest (Quebec)
Date with destiny: Fall 2012
What he has going for him: Time. Thanks to his majority gambit in the fall, the economy should be on the upswing by the time the next election rolls around.
Why he should be worried: Getting a third term was a rarity for a Quebec premier. Will he press his luck and try for a fourth?
The 8 ball says: Consult me Later. It’s debatable if he’ll even stay around until the next election.
Dalton McGuinty (Ontario)
Date with destiny: October 2011
What he has going for him: John Tory.
Why he should be worried: Ontario has been the hardest hit by the economic downturn.
The 8 ball says: Answer unclear ask later. A lot can happen in two and a half years.
Gary Doer (Manitoba)
Date with destiny: Spring 2011
What he has going for him: Canada’s longest serving Premier
Why he should be worried: Canada’s longest serving Premier
The 8 ball says: Cannot foretell now. There’s a chance he may hang up his skates before the next election.
Brad Wall (Saskatchewan)
Date with destiny: Fall 2011
What he has going for him: It’s his first term in power, and he leads the one province whose economy actually appears to be on the upswing.
Why he should be worried: NDP roots run deep in Saskatchewan.
The 8 ball says: All signs point to yes
Ed Stelmach (Alberta)
Date with destiny: Early 2012
What he has going for him: A soon-to-be forty consecutive years in power.
Why he should be worried: Umm…because he’s not a very…err…good…uhh…politician.
The 8 ball says: No doubt about it.
Gordon Campbell (BC)
Date with destiny: May 12th
What he has going for him: Two scandal-free terms in power – a rarity in BC politics.
Why he should be worried: The carbon tax and BC’s first deficit in years.
The 8 ball says: Chances aren’t good
Stephen Harper (Canada)
Date with destiny: The hell if I know. It’s not like we have fixed election dates.
What he has going for him: A great political machine.
Why he should be worried: Tough times and a new Liberal leader
The 8 ball says: Outlook unclear