Tim Harper wrote his last column yesterday. In it, he reviewed the state of Canada's three major parties -- which have all held conventions in the last four months:
The three gatherings have provided a real-time barometer on the state of politics in this country.New Democrats chose a coup and chaos by deposing leader Tom Mulcair last month and their short-term prospects look grim.Conservatives this weekend were waiting to see whether their so-called A-listers will actually run for their leadership or whether a perceived prospect of another seven years in opposition will give some pause.
What most distinguished the Liberal convention was its youthful energy:
The youth gave the gathering energy even if there was precious little to get excited about. Party greybeards were in the minority.No one is making 2019 predictions this early in the Liberal term, but there can be no question the party feels good about its future.
Harper warned that all that could change:
It was a great weekend to be a Liberal in Winnipeg.It may never get any better, but it cannot last.It never does.You don’t have to trust me on that one. As Trudeau repeatedly pointed out, it was five years ago this month that this party had been all but left for dead.
For the moment, the Liberals are the Party of the Young.
Image: John Woods Canadian Press
