For part 4 in my examination of political platitudes that substitute for substantive policy pronouncements, I turn to the Ontario Liberal leadership race to replace Premier Dalton McGuinty, a race that thus far has been 'full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.' I don't expect that to change in the foreseeable future.
My source for this latest installment, Questions for the would-be leaders, is yesterday's print edition of The Toronto Star. Thus far it has not appeared online, so I will simply excerpt some of the 'gems' from the answers given by the aspirants. In this post, I examine their answers to the first question,
In the aftermath of Bill 115, what would you do to improve relations with Ontario teachers?
Sandra Pupatello, considered a frontrunner along with Kathleen Wynne, had this to say:
...I intend to do that by sitting down with teachers' federations and maintaining an ongoing conversation. One thing I would like to discuss is whether the current model for negotiations is the right one for the times.
Sufficiently vague and innocuous as to be above criticism, save for its lack of substance?
Kathleen Wynne:
I will sit down with our education partners to strengthen the bargaining process at both the provincial and, importantly, the local levels.
Dare I ask what it means and how one accomplishes this rather nebulous goal?
Eric Hoskins:
...If I'm premier, I'm confident we can rebuild our relationships based on mutual respect.
'Tis a consummation devoutly to be wished, Eric.
Gerard Kennedy, the Energizer Bunny of politics, has what actually constitutes a policy statement, but can't resist tossing in a platitude afterwards:
I will restore full bargaining rights and I will not use the powers in Bill 115 ... Collaboration with our teachers is the key to helping our students succeed.
Glenn Murray, whose dearth of important political experience is really no excuse for policy vacuity, offers this:
I would build and maintain the same good negotiating environment as when I was recently minister of training, colleges and universities.
Charles Sousa:
... It is my sincere intention to re-establish trust and goodwill with our teachers.
Harindar Takhar, the latest and last to enter the race:
... Maintaining a positive dialogue with our public-sector labour partners is essential.
There are two other questions posted in this Q&A. Should it appear online, I will provide a link in an update.
Oh, and for the record, inspired as I am by the 'vision' of these leadership hopefuls, I would like to take the opportunity to announce that I am for world peace, the elimination of poverty, and truth and justice for all.
