I don't judge the Prime Minister and Quebec City's MPs for promising to fund arenas. Advice, pork and constituents are a powerful driver of political action.
Well, thank God for Maxime Bernier, as he's shaking up the dusty back benches. He surely won't let a disgruntlement turn into a toppling rebellion. Yet Bernier's outspoken criticism and natural charisma should stop this senseless waste of money.
Bernier has been speculated about as a candidate for the leadership of the Tory party, even as I wrote this. On the surface, he has a majority all but served to him on a silver platter. A francophone Quebecer, eloquent, libertarian.
He's also smart enough not to force a leadership election. If the PM listens, points will be scored by the party. One: we'll still be the party that elects fiscally responsible MPs. Second: we'll show we're not a one-man-show, as alleged by many opponents. Third: a backbench grumble will be a great excuse for the PM to reiterate how his government is accountable to Parliament and how the Cabinet is always there, listening.
This could still be spun well!
