In light of her refusal to say much about anything, a political disease she may have caught from her federal cousins, Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath is being viewed increasingly as little more than a political opportunist. Probably the most recent example of this sad state is her reticence to articulate a position on Ontario's minimum wage.
Two weeks ago, Martin Regg Cohn offered this:
When did the party of the working poor lose its voice? Listen to the sound of Horwath clearing her throat when she finally emerged from the NDP’s Witness Protection Program this week — nine days after the panel’s exhaustive report, and nine months after its work started.
“Well, look, I respect the work of the grassroots movements that have been calling for the $14 minimum wage, but I think that what our role is right now is to consult with families that are affected, as well as small business particularly that’s also affected,” she told reporters Tuesday.
But as an acerbic Star editorial yesterday pointed out, the burning issues of the day demand that she start offering some real articulation of policy:
Horwath’s recent suggestion of consulting with business on wage increases is clearly redundant, given the fact that a panel of business and labour leaders just filed such a report — after months of discussion.
In the absence of ideas, it’s unclear what the so-called party of the people favours. Wage increases tied to inflation, like business owners? The $14-an-hour minimum wage pushed by anti-poverty activists? Given the fact that a decent wage for the lowest-paid is a key part of building a healthier society, Horwath’s silence is inexcusable – even if understandable as a short-term political tactic.
The editorial goes on to include other of the NDP leader's sins of omission. Absent is any commentary on:
- how to deal with gridlock in the Greater Toronto-Hamilton Area
- Premier Wynne's proposal for a made-in-Ontario pension plan
- plans for a sustainable provincial energy plan
Perhaps Ms Horwath was brought up to respect the proverb, "Silence is golden." At this stage in her life, however, considering the position of trust she has been given, she should also realize that to avoid the accusation of cynical political opportunism and expedience, it is an adage more honoured in the breach than the observance.
Then again, maybe her answers are blowin' in the wind.
I think it's fairly obvious by now that the provincial NDP has become infested with the same scourge of neo-liberalism that has insinuated its way into the federal level party. When Andrea Horvath tremulously hems and haws at the notion of having to consult first with the Suits before giving a nod to Ontario's working poor, you know the fix is in. If she's a bold and dynamic progressive working on behalf of Ontario's workers, families, and the poor, I had to see a weak one...
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Political voices speaking out on behalf of the disadvantaged are growing weaker and weaker, Neil. It is hard not to be deeply cynical these days, as it seems that the attainment of power, rather than being viewed as a means to an end, has become an end in itself.
DeleteIt's become all about gaming political advantage, Lorne. What you truly believe -- if you believe in anything -- has become irrelevant.
ReplyDeleteWould it were otherwise, Owen, but I see no basis for hope in the current political landscape.
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