Imagining an alternative Liberal reality

Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 02/04/2019 (2096 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Meanwhile, in a parallel universe…

“Welcome everyone to today’s Liberal caucus meeting,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to his colleagues and assembled media. “As you all know, these past few months have been a very trying time, a divisive time, so I am here today to make an announcement.”

The Liberal caucus waited with bated breath. Most had arrived expecting a vote on whether to remove former Minister of Justice and Attorney General Jody Wilson-Raybould and former Minister of Indigenous Services Jane Philpott from the Liberal Party. Instead it appeared the prime minister had other plans.

“Before I begin, however, I would like to bring in two people I met with this afternoon.”

To the right of the prime minister suddenly appeared Wilson-Raybould and Philpott.

Nervous whispers sprung up in the crowd. The media reporters on the far side of the room suddenly scribbled notes and leaned in to listen, anticipating the lead-in story for tonight.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge these two important contributors to our caucus and thank them for their dedication and commitment to Canadians. After a series of miscommunications, misunderstandings, and, frankly, some drastically differing points of view, I want to take responsibility as leader for what has become a difficult situation. I acknowledge that, as leader, it is my duty to ensure that all opinions in this cabinet and caucus are heard and decisions are made with our collective in mind. As a government, we were elected by Canadians to find solutions and make Canada a better place to live. This is easy when we all agree, but more important to remember when we think differently on important matters.”

Wilson-Raybould and Philpott shift in their shoes, waiting for the prime minister to make his point.

“I want to therefore apologize to former Minister Wilson-Raybould and former Minister Philpott for the lengths they needed to express their concerns regarding the prosecution of SNC Lavalin. In front of you – and in front of all Canadians – I want you to know I have heard your concerns and recognize that the independence of the office of the attorney general’s office is a sacred responsibility. I apologize for leaving any impression that my office wished to influence any decision surrounding this matter in any way. This was not my intention. My intention was – and still is – to ensure that a full picture of what SNC Lavalin brings to Canada, including jobs and investment, be a part of the conversation. This is my role as prime minister. None of this was, or is, illegal – looking at the big picture is what a responsible and ethical government looks like. You both did your jobs by seeking that an independent, fair, and just decision be made regarding this matter and I thank you for your dedication to Canadians. As a result, I publicly commit to the decision by prosecutors – whatever it may be – on this matter.”

Applause erupts in the Liberal caucus. Trudeau shuffles his papers and turns his attention directly to Wilson-Raybould and Philpott.

“I now ask you both to demonstrate the kind of commitment you have already demonstrated by continuing to be a part of the Liberal party going forward. I ask you both to continue to express your opinions and I will listen and learn from them – as I promise to do with all of our caucus. I admit to not being a perfect prime minister but I want to be a better one every day. I will do this by listening to voices I believe are central to our party, including yours. Our greatest attribute in the Liberal party is our ability to disagree but demonstrate to all Canadians how we can overcome these disagreements and commit to a common vision. That is the hard work of democracy, diversity, and reconciliation.”

Trudeau pauses.

“Part of a better country is to treat women as equals. Part of a better country is to commit to a fair and just relationship with Indigenous peoples. Part of a better country is to stand up for the marginalized and the unemployed. Part of a better country is to not forget the mistakes of the past but to commit to one another more, not less, when we inherit the divisive legacies we are presented with. A better country is found when we work for a just and inclusive society where everyone is heard and everyone is a part of the decision-making process. This is the kind of society Canadians want to live in and this the kind of country Canadians elected us to build. I therefore continue to commit to ensuring that women, Indigenous peoples, and Canadians from all walks of life are a part of our government and to do the work of having the hard conversations and finding solutions together.”

Trudeau then leaves the podium, offering a handshake each to Wilson-Raybould and Philpott, saying things quietly to each of them.

As they shake hands, a standing ovation slowly begins in the front row of the Liberal caucus.

Trudeau returns to the podium.

“Furthermore, I also want to speak about leadership for a moment. Leadership is difficult. It’s hard to find agreement when you feel passionate about things. It’s hard to see another point of view when you feel you’re right. It’s hard to compromise when the stakes are so high. It’s hardest most of all, however, to admit you don’t know it all. This is why leadership must be about working together in a humble, honest, and fair way. This is what I am trying to do today – listen, learn, and lead with respect. I learned this from all of you, especially from leadership exemplified by Jody Wilson-Raybould and Jane Philpott and from all of you here in the Liberal caucus. I learned this from the Canadians who gave us this incredible gift of leadership in this government.”

Trudeau turns and looks directly into the camera.

“I promise to every Canadian, now and here, that going forward we will not forget this gift. Merci mon ami, thank you my friends.”

niigaan.sinclair@freepress.mb.ca