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Home , Anne McLellan, David Collenette, John Manley, Lloyd Axworthy, Ralph Goodale, Tony Valeri

NEW ERA: TAKES OVER YV Introduction

A new page was turned in Canada’s vision for the country, and indicated Focus political life on December 12, 2003, that he would be seeking their endorse- This CBC News in when Paul Martin took the oath of ment in a federal election, probably in Review story turns the spotlight on office as Canada’s 21st prime minister. the spring of 2004. Paul Martin, Cana- For Martin, it represented the summit of Martin’s political opponents on both da’s new Prime a political career spanning more than a the left and the right were quick to Minister, as he decade. At the swearing-in ceremony, present their initial critical responses to assumes power and Martin carried with him the flag that his new administration. Canadian prepares for his had flown at half-staff on Parliament Alliance Leader chal- first federal elec- tion as Leader of Hill when his father died in 1992. Paul lenged Martin’s promise to increase the the Liberal Party. It Martin Sr., a prominent cabinet minister role of backbench MPs in government, examines his new in the Pearson and Trudeau govern- charging that a small group of unelected cabinet, his main ments, had never achieved his goal of aides to the new Prime Minister would political priorities, becoming prime minister. For his son, hold the real power. For the NDP’s Jack and the views of his critics as he begins assuming the post symbolized a major Layton, Martin’s decision to pursue a his term in office. accomplishment and the culminating multi-billion-dollar tax cut to corpora- point of a family dream. Shortly after tions was proof that the new PM was taking office, Martin laid out his main moving in a rightward, business- plans and priorities to the media, and friendly direction. And Martin’s state- Quote “We are going to revealed the names of those he had ment to the press that he saw nothing have to change the selected to serve in his cabinet. He was wrong with accompanying his corporate way things work in quick to place his own unique stamp on executive friends on their private jets .” — Prime the new administration, and signaled did seem to strengthen the image some Minister Paul Martin that it would be very different from that have of him as a friend of ( Star, of his predecessor and long-time Lib- big business. December 13, 2003) eral rival, Jean Chrétien. For the moment, however, Martin’s To begin, a number of Chrétien Liberals continued to hold a big lead YV Sections loyalists who had held cabinet posts for over their opponents in all the main marked with this some time were no longer in cabinet. In opinion polls. Despite the attacks of his symbol indicate their place, Martin named MPs who had political rivals, Martin appeared to be content suitable for backed his long leadership challenge to enjoying what is known as a “political younger viewers. Chrétien and had proved their loyalty to honeymoon” with the public in his first him and their commitment to his politi- weeks in office. How long the honey- cal initiatives. He pledged himself to moon would last, and whether the pursue his major priorities, including newly founded Conservative Party and parliamentary reform, reductions in its still-to-be-chosen leader or the government spending, a new deal for reinvigorated NDP would succeed in Canada’s cities, moves to foster greater scoring major political points against national unity and security, an im- his administration and leadership re- proved relationship with the United mained to be seen as Canadians pre- States, and a stronger Canadian mili- pared for a federal election campaign in tary. He appealed to Canadians to join early 2004. him in pursuing this dynamic new

CBC News in Review • February 2004 • Page 19 To Consider Did you know . . . 1. Why was December 12, 2003, such an important date for Canadians in The Canadian general and for Paul Martin in particular? prime minister currently earns a salary of $260 000 a year?

2. What are Martin’s main priorities as prime minister? Further Research CBC Newsworld has information and lesson on the new prime mimister at www.cbc.ca/ newsreal/ 3. What criticisms of Martin’s government did both the teachers.html. and the NDP make as it assumed office? Select Past Lesson Plans, Dec 15, 2003 PM is PM, Cabinet Ethics; Literacy; Philanthropy.

4. Why is it important for Martin to move quickly to achieve at least some of his main political priorities and goals?

CBC News in Review • February 2004 • Page 20 NEW ERA: PAUL MARTIN TAKES OVER YV Viewing Activity

Viewing, Forming an Opinion, and Responding The swearing-in of Paul Martin as the Watch the video, and while doing so take brief notes stating your first impres- new PM on Decem- sions of or reactions to Paul Martin. Give your opinions on how he presents ber 12, 2003, was a himself as a leader, what his main ideas and policies are, and how successful significant event in you think he is likely to be with Canadian voters. When finished viewing, form Canada’s political groups with your classmates to discuss your reactions to Martin, both positive history. Martin and negative. Make a summary of your group’s views and choose one person to succeeds Jean present it to the class as a whole. Following a discussion of each group’s sum- Chrétien, who held maries, decide as a class whether or not you think Paul Martin will be a success- the post for the ful political leader for Canada. past decade, and his elevation to Viewing for Information leadership of the government points Watch the video, this time recording the following information: to a new direction 1. Identify the following members of Paul Martin’s new cabinet: in Canadian politi- cal life. a) Minister of Finance ______

b) Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness ______

c) Minister of Revenue ______

d) Minister of the Environment ______

e) Minister of Foreign Affairs ______

f) Minister of Health ______

2. a) What cabinet post did Paul Martin hold in the Chrétien government?

b) What was his main achievement while in this position?

3. Who was Paul Martin’s father and why was he politically important?

4. What are the three main factors that Paul Martin believes contribute to a high quality of life for Canadians?

5. What is the most important issue defining Canada’s relationship with the United States?

CBC News in Review • February 2004 • Page 21 6. Who does Paul Martin consider one of the most terrible despots of all time? Quote “The vibes were very, very good.” 7. What two countries does Paul Martin consider to be rising and important — Paul Martin on forces on the international scene today? recent meetings with President Bush ______and ______(, January 14, 2004) 8. Where did Paul Martin hold his first talks with U.S. President George Bush?

9. On what three major issues concerning Canada and the United States did the two leaders reach an understanding?

Viewing and Formulating Conclusions Watch the video again, this time recording and expressing your views on the following questions that arise from it:

1. How would you summarize Paul Martin’s vision for Canada in the 21st century, as he expresses it in interviews in this video? How do you respond to it?

2. To what extent do you think Paul Martin’s choices for cabinet ministers will strengthen his political position before the next federal election?

3. How would you summarize Paul Martin’s views on a) Canada’s role in the world, and b) Canada’s relationship with the United States, as he expresses them in interviews in this video? Do you agree with his views on these issues? Why or why not?

4. Do you think that it is fair to characterize Paul Martin as a right-wing or small-c conservative Liberal when he is contrasted to Jean Chrétien? Why or why not?

5. Do you think Paul Martin will achieve his goal of serving as PM for the next decade? Why or why not?

6. How would you evaluate Paul Martin’s performance as PM so far?

7. If you could vote in the next election, would you support Paul Martin and the Liberal Party? Explain.

CBC News in Review • February 2004 • Page 22 NEW ERA: PAUL MARTIN TAKES OVER The New Cabinet

Forming a cabinet is one of the most Martin’s new cabinet was expected to Further Research important and difficult tasks an incom- reflect his own political positions and In order to keep up ing prime minister faces when he or she friendships. While he retained some with the changing nature of the new assumes office. The cabinet, which with trusted members of the former Chrétien government’s the prime minister constitutes the cabinet, a number of prominent figures work, consider executive branch of the government in in that government no longer found visiting the official Canada’s parliamentary system, is themselves welcome on his team. At the Web site of the arguably the most powerful political same time, he promoted a group of Government of body at the federal level. Each minister former backbench MPs to his cabinet in Canada at www.canada.gc.ca. is responsible for a specific portfolio, or recognition of their personal loyalty to There you can visit area of responsibility—finance, foreign and support for him during his leader- all of the depart- affairs, health, and justice, for ex- ship challenge to Chrétien. ments and agencies ample—and is expected to be able to Policy analysts and opposition politi- of the federal state and defend government policies cal leaders closely scrutinized the government. and initiatives in his or her ministry. Martin cabinet for indications of the Cabinet ministers are also required to likely policy drift its appointments give unqualified support to government might indicate. Some noted that the policies as a whole. However much departure of progressive, or left-wing, they may question or disagree with Liberals such as Sheila Copps and Herb particular proposals in secret cabinet Dhaliwal pointed to a rightward tilt in meetings, once a final decision is taken Martin’s cabinet, while the naming of they must publicly endorse it or else as Minister of Defence resign. Paul Martin is personally famil- suggested that Martin wanted to send a iar with the strains and tensions that can signal to Washington that Canada might arise when a cabinet minister has seri- in future be more sympathetic to U.S. ous disagreements with a prime minis- military actions around the world. As a ter. In 2002 Prime Minister Chrétien backbench MP, Pratt had publicly fired him from his job as finance minis- disagreed with Chrétien’s decision not ter over a number of major policy and to participate in the invasion of Iraq. personal differences. The Martin cabinet is composed of 39 Martin had to make a number of ministers, of whom 23 will be new important choices when he drew up his faces around the table. A record 11 new federal cabinet. Like all prime women were named to the cabinet. ministers, he had to be careful that it Here are brief profiles of some of the was balanced according to regions, most significant appointments to Paul linguistic and cultural groups, and Martin’s cabinet, along with a snapshot gender. People from all parts of the of prominent ex-cabinet members of the country had to be given the impression Chrétien administration who were not that the cabinet would contain at least selected to serve with the new Prime one representative that could express Minister. their views and concerns. In addition,

CBC News in Review • February 2004 • Page 23 Who’s In? Anne McLellan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public , Minister Safety and Emergency of Finance Preparedness Ralph Goodale, MP for the Anne McLellan, MP for riding of Wascana, has a West in , held a number of long record of political experience at important cabinet posts in the Chrétien both the federal and provincial levels, government. She has now risen to the along with a background in the insur- position of Deputy Prime Minister, ance business. He held a number of technically the number-two position in cabinet posts in the Chrétien govern- the Martin administration. In addition, ment, and has now been appointed to she assumes a new portfolio, respon- one of the most powerful and important sible for national security in the wake of positions in Martin’s administration. It the September 11, 2001, terrorist at- will be up to him to find ways to cut at tacks. Her new department will also least $2-billion in federal program assume direction of national emergen- spending in order to increase Ottawa’s cies such as last year’s SARS epidemic, financial support to the provinces, and the power blackout that affected especially for health care. Like Martin, and . As one of the few Goodale is viewed as a right-wing Liberals from Alberta, her appointment Liberal, friendly to business and com- indicates Martin’s concern that the mitted to reducing the size of govern- West be included in the government. ment, along with the level of federal McLellan is also widely touted as a spending. possible Liberal leadership contender once Martin retires from the scene. Bill Graham, Minister of Foreign Affairs David Pratt, Minister of Bill Graham represents the Toronto National Defence riding of Toronto Centre-Rosedale in David Pratt is an Ontario MP, repre- Parliament. He was named Minister of senting the Ottawa-area riding of Foreign Affairs in 2002, replacing Carleton-Nepean. He has no previous retiring . While Gra- cabinet experience, but did chair the ham is widely viewed as a Chrétien- parliamentary standing committee on style Liberal, Martin’s decision to keep national defence and veterans affairs in him in this key position indicates he is the Chrétien government. Pratt is anxious to convince supporters of the viewed as a right-wing Liberal and a former prime minister that their views strong advocate of a closer relationship will continue to be heard at the cabinet between Canada and the U.S., espe- table. Graham defended the cially in the area of defence. During the government’s decision not to participate debate over whether or not Canada in the war in Iraq and is strongly com- should participate in the U.S. invasion mitted to raising Canada’s international of Iraq, Pratt took issue with Chrétien’s profile, especially in the developing decision to stay out of the conflict. He world. Graham’s impressive grasp of argued that Canada could have a much international affairs, along with his greater role in international affairs if it fluency in three languages, makes him was part of the “coalition of the will- an imposing senior member of the ing” including Great Britain, Spain, and Martin team.

CBC News in Review • February 2004 • Page 24 Italy that gave their support to President switching to that party, if she fails to Did you know . . . Bush’s decision to overthrow Saddam win renomination against . Every 10 years the Hussein’s government as part of its war If she joins the NDP, it might signal the boundaries of Canada’s federal on terrorism. Pratt is also a strong beginning of a large-scale left-wing- ridings are advocate of Canada’s participation in Liberal desertion of the party. amended to reflect Bush’s proposed missile defence pro- new demographic gram, an idea to which many Canadians Alan Rock, Former Minister of information re- remain skeptical. Industry vealed in the most Alan Rock, MP for Etobicoke Centre in recent census? This Tony Valeri, Minister of Toronto, was another long-serving sometimes means that entire ridings Transport member of the Chrétien government, are wiped out or Tony Valeri, who represents the holding many important cabinet posts. sitting members are Ontario riding of Stony Creek, has He was also viewed as a potential forced to compete never before held a cabinet position. He replacement once Chrétien retired, but with their fellow has served as parliamentary secretary to decided against contesting the party MPs (even within the minister of finance, as vice-chair of leadership when it became clear he the same party) to represent the the industry committee, and as chair of could not raise enough money to cam- newly designed the government caucus economics paign seriously against Paul Martin. riding. committee. A right-wing Liberal and Like Sheila Copps, Rock was a spokes- strong Martin supporter during this person for the left wing of the Liberal leadership campaign, he replaces party. He has been named Canada’s Chrétien loyalist in new ambassador to the United Nations. the transport post. Valeri’s elevation to cabinet is also expected to assist him in , Former Minister a bitter renomination battle with former of Finance cabinet member Sheila Copps. Both John Manley, who represented Ottawa find themselves seeking the Liberal nod South in the House of Commons, in a new Hamilton-area federal riding served in a number of important cabinet whose boundaries have been changed as positions during his tenure as an MP in a result of redistribution. the Chrétien government, including such high-level portfolios as finance Who’s Out? and foreign affairs. Manley became a candidate for the Liberal leadership Sheila Copps, Former Heritage after Chrétien indicated his intention to Minister retire but dropped out of the race in July Sheila Copps, MP for Hamilton East, 2003 when it became clear to him that was a long-term member of the he had little chance of defeating Paul Chrétien cabinet. Her decision to re- Martin. In order to avoid the embarrass- main in the Liberal leadership race ment of being passed over for a position against Martin, even when it was clear in the new cabinet, Manley announced she could not win, did not endear her to he was leaving politics. He gave few the new Prime Minister. A champion of hints about his possible future career left-wing Liberal positions, her views but was expected to serve in some were also unlikely to fit with the gen- capacity in newly elected Premier eral policy direction of the new team. Dalton McGuinty’s Ontario Liberal Copps has held discussions with NDP administration. leader Jack Layton about possibly

CBC News in Review • February 2004 • Page 25 Jane Stewart, Former Human , Former Resources Minister Secretary of State for Interna- Jane Stewart, MP for Brant-Haldimand tional Institutions in Ontario, was a loyal member of the Maurizio Bevilacqua, who represents Chrétien administration and served in a the greater Toronto area riding of York number of cabinet posts, including a North, was the first MP to endorse Paul tumultuous stint as human resources Martin’s leadership bid. A strong and minister, where she faced a serious a loyal supporter of the new Prime Minis- controversy over misappropriation of ter throughout his conflicts with Jean funds. Throughout her difficulties, Chrétien, Bevilacqua was convinced Chrétien’s unwavering support allowed that his dedication would pay off in the her to hold on to her position, despite end with a plum cabinet post. However, furious opposition demands that she when Martin instead offered him a mere resign. Unlike Copps and Manley, she parliamentary secretary’s position, he hoped that Martin would retain her in rejected it in disgust. Martin may have some cabinet capacity, but was disap- felt that the requirements of regional pointed when she received no phone representation in the cabinet prevented call from the Prime Minister’s office. It him from adding another Toronto-area was unclear whether she would con- MP, but Bevilacqua regarded his being tinue to sit in the House of Commons as passed over as a personal betrayal on a backbench Liberal MP. Martin’s part. It remains to be seen whether he will stand for re-election as a Liberal MP.

Responding In your notebook answer the following questions.

1. Why is forming a cabinet such an important and difficult task for an incoming prime minister? Do you think Paul Martin has chosen his cabinet wisely? Why or why not?

2. What similarities can you note among the new members of Martin’s cabinet, and also among those former Chrétien cabinet ministers who were not selected as part of the new Prime Minister’s team?

3. Do you think Martin’s cabinet will be an advantage or a drawback to him as he prepares to fight the next federal election? Explain.

CBC News in Review • February 2004 • Page 26 NEW ERA: PAUL MARTIN TAKES OVER Martin’s Critics

As Paul Martin becomes a more famil- 2. “In the world that Gerry Schwartz Further Research iar political face to Canadians, opinions [CEO of Onyx Corp.] inhabits, organiz- To stay informed on the country’s new Prime Minister ing a $2.7-million Liberal fundraiser to about how Cana- da’s other political vary. Some welcome him as a fresh launch Paul Martin on his career as parties view Paul new leader on the federal scene, with a prime minister ranks as a good deed. In Martin and his proven record in both business and the world that most voters inhabit, a government, government. Others are critical of what $700-a-plate gathering of the corporate consider visiting they view as the pro-business, right- elite to pad the coffers of an incoming their official Web wing direction in which he appears to government amounts to an unseemly sites, such as: Conservative Party at be steering the Liberal Party. Here is a spectacle. Martin will have to decide www.conservative.ca, selection of comments about Paul which world he wants to live in. He has New Democratic Martin and his government, from both the wealth, background, and connec- Party at public spokespersons and ordinary tions to remain in the upper stratum of www.ndp.ca or the Canadians, representing opinions both Canadian society, where multi-million- Bloc Québécois at www.bloc pro and con: aires such as Schwartz, his wife Heather québécois.org. Reisman, and their friends trade favours 1. “As we witness a change in Canada’s and engage in acts of noblesse oblige. leadership, it’s timely to remember our But he has the instincts of a democrat. collective responsibility to protect and He mixes easily with ordinary people. promote the health of our democracy. He cares about their views. He is as Paul Martin’s message on the need to comfortable in a church basement as a address the democratic deficit has five-star restaurant. Until about a year resonated with Canadians. We are tired ago, it looked as if Martin could of the backroom decision-making that straddle both worlds. But lately, some comes when power is concentrated of the choices he has made—or allowed among the few. People want openness others to make in his name—have cast and transparency. We want to under- doubt on his ability to mix privilege and stand the rationale behind key govern- populism. Canadians want to believe ment decisions on how to allocate and Martin’s vision is big enough to include spend our tax dollars. We want govern- everyone. But nagging questions keep ment contracts to be awarded on the coming up. . . . Martin remains an basis of merit, not who you know. We extremely wealthy man with friends in want assurances that we’ll get a return nearly every major boardroom and on our investment in the democratic backers who have poured hundreds of process. Mr. Martin must recognize that thousands of dollars into his quest for these are more than just campaign the leadership. No one expects him to promises. They are the foundation on snub his friends or change his lifestyle. which a healthy and vital democracy is . . . But he can’t be prime minister for built.” — Anne Kothawala, president all Canadians, while keeping one foot in and CEO of the Canadian Newspaper a world where affluence is assumed and Association, quoted in The Globe and insensitivity to the hoi polloi is al- Mail, December 10, 2003 lowed.” — Toronto Star columnist Carol Goar, December 12, 2003

CBC News in Review • February 2004 • Page 27 3. “Thanks in part to [Paul] Martin, his primary goal is to keep generating Canada’s unemployment insurance these surpluses.” — Toronto Star system no longer serves those who lose columnist Thomas Walkom, December their jobs. Its federally funded welfare 13, 2003 system has been taken apart, making a joke of Parliament’s commitment to end 4. “Absolute power corrupts absolutely. child poverty. Thanks in part to Martin, Given Canada’s parliamentary system the country’s health system has been of government has evolved into a battered—not only by lack of federal gerrymandered benevolent dictatorship, money but by the mistrust created I do not have high hopes for a Martin among provinces when Ottawa reneged government. As Chrétien’s long-time on its funding commitments. Cities finance minister he did nothing to curb have been complaining that they don’t the misuse of power and taxpayers’ have enough cash to handle the respon- money. Further, Martin managed his sibilities dumped on them. Guess which business affairs to ensure he is largely transfer-cutting Chrétien finance minis- exempt from Canadian laws and taxa- ter contributed to that state of affairs? tion.” — Ken Weiss, Toronto, quoted in Toronto economist Armine Yalnizyan the Toronto Star, December 13, 2003 calls Martin’s careful demolition of the welfare state during his time as finance 5. “A born-with-a-silver-spoon-in-his- minister his ‘permanent revolution.’ But mouth PM is not what this country she also points out . . . that Martin the needs, nor does it need a PM poised to revolutionary finance minister ended up support U.S. foreign policy in the creating contradictions that promise to interests of big business. In an era of bedevil Martin the prime minister. As perpetuated globalization, we need a she puts it: ‘An unprecedented string of PM that represents Canada’s interests budgetary surpluses continues side by and relationships internationally, not side with a struggling health system and just with our so-called ‘friends.’” — crumbling infrastructure for water, John Boettger, Duncan BC, quoted in roads, electricity, schools, and hospi- the Toronto Star, December 13, 2003 tals.’ Yet, Martin’s still insisting that

Activities 1. Read each of the above statements and indicate whether or not you agree with them and why.

2. Note any references to political personalities, terminology, etc. in the quotes that may be unfamiliar to you and ask your teacher or a fellow student for assistance in understanding them and their significance.

3. Identify some common threads in the criticisms of Paul Martin and his policies that are made in the quotes presented above. Do you think these critical views of Martin are indicative of Canadians’ opinions of him in general? Give reasons for your answer.

4. Do you have the “thick skin” that politicians need in order to handle the biting criticism that they must face? Explain.

CBC News in Review • February 2004 • Page 28 NEW ERA: PAUL MARTIN TAKES OVER Your Priorities for the Martin Government

1) Domestic Priorities — reduction in government spending, greater financial After reviewing the support to provinces for health care and education, new programs for cities, video and the information con- increased national security, efforts to promote national unity and an end to tained in this part “,” tax cuts, parliamentary reform and democratization of of the guide, form the political process, social programs, and poverty reduction groups to brain- storm what you 2) Foreign Policy Priorities — Canada-U.S. relations, the missile defence pro- think should be the gram, national security and the war on terrorism, involvement in Iraq and main priorities of , peacekeeping, foreign aid to developing nations, increased mili- Paul Martin’s tary spending government and why you think they Students should consult the December 2003 issue of the News in Review re- are important to source guide for a summary of what are likely to be the main priorities of the Canadians. You Martin government. Each group should discuss the range of policies Martin’s should clearly government is likely to face and select at least two priorities from the domestic distinguish be- and foreign-policy lists as those the group considers are most important to tween domestic Canadians and why. Use the following questions to help focus your discussion: (Canadian) and foreign (interna- 1. What are the main things Canadians are concerned about today in the tional) policy areas of both domestic and foreign policy? priorities. 2. To what degree should the incoming Paul Martin government continue the policies of the previous Chrétien administration or initiate new poli- cies? 3. Should the focus of the new government in domestic policy be more on reducing government programs, spending, and taxes, or should it pursue a more active, interventionist approach to dealing with economic and social problems? 4. What steps should the government take to promote national unity and reduce regional conflicts and tensions in Canada (e.g. Quebec, Western Canada, etc.)? 5. Should the new government foster a closer relationship with the United States and increase support for its military actions in the war on terrorism, or should it maintain a friendly but independent foreign policy vis-a-vis our powerful southern neighbour? 6. Should Canada become a more active player on the international stage, through increased peacekeeping, closer relations with the Third World, or other initiatives? Once the groups have finished discussing their assignment and have completed their lists of priorities they would recommend to the Martin government, each group should present its ideas to the class in the form of an oral report. As the groups present, the teacher or a student recorder should make a summary of the main priorities each group has identified on the board. Once the group reports are completed, the teacher could hold an in-class debriefing discussion activity. Students could be asked to note the main similarities and/or differences in the priority lists each group offered to the Martin government and suggest the reasons for them.

CBC News in Review • February 2004 • Page 29