Canada PoliticsB.C. NDP leader Adrian Dix running a “we’ll see” campaign
Nationally, Justin Trudeau ran a typical front runner campaign in the race to become the leader of the federal Liberal Party. For the most part, he spoke in platitudes and avoided any real discussion about specific policies.
With a big lead in the polls, B.C. NDP leader Adrian Dix seems to incorporating the same strategy.
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Over the past week, ahead of a May 14th election, the New Democrats have finally been rolling out their campaign platform but it's strewn with a lot 'reviews', 'audits' and 'we'll see's'.
As is evident by this video featuring Dix and CTV News reporter, the media is getting a little annoyed by it.
Veteran Vancouver Sun columnist Vaughn Palmer did a masterful job chronicling the NDP's 'policies' on CKNW radio on Friday morning:
The NDP is riding a wave of change we've seen the polls on that. People think it's time for a change, and the NDP is promising change.
But when you dig down there and try to find out what exactly they would change, what you find is this:
What are they going to do about B.C. Hydro? Well they're going to a financial review and then we'll see.
Ferries? An audit.
Fracking in the natural gas industry? We're going to get a scientific review on that one and then see if we need a moratorium on fracking.
The government capital plan which is about $18 billion, they're going to review that.
Raw log exports? A consultation.
Public financing of political parties? A committee.
Get the pattern?
The 'say little' strategy worked for Trudeau but Dix is no Trudeau.
Moreover, Trudeau ran in a leadership race. Leadership races are about displaying one's leadership qualities. They're about showing party members that their candidate can engage and excite the Canadian electorate. They're about putting forward a macro-vision of the country.
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Unless you're Kim Campbell, election campaigns should be about policy and your party's action plan for the province.
The media are clearly getting annoyed with Dix's vagueness.
How long before the public does?
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