What do we want from our politics?

Our national caucus just met in Edmonton to get ready for the return of Parliament. And Ontario Liberals will now decide what the future holds.

In both cases, we need to ask ourselves what we want from our politics.

While direct attacks to our sovereignty have abated, we still need our leaders to stand firm in the face of threats to our economic security. The Prime Minister has rightly promised Buy Canada federal procurement and sectoral supports where needed most. Strangely, after a snap election call to earn a “mandate to fight back,” Ford’s response has been middling at best.

All leaders tell us it’s time to build a strong economy.

Some areas of jurisdiction are more distinct, of course. The feds are focused on a world class defense industrial strategy, while I wish Ford showed the same ambition in building world class healthcare and education systems instead of steadily undermining the strength of these public systems.

Other areas of jurisdiction are shared, like the housing crisis.

Stronger federal housing action has helped to deliver a boom in purpose built rentals. What’s next? Well, we promised a war time effort and it’s time to realize one. Unfortunately, Ford has failed to keep pace with other provinces and Ontario’s woeful housing starts put any national progress at risk.

In the face of rising youth unemployment, the feds should build on the promise of a youth climate corps to create meaningful opportunities for the next generation. Ford’s answer? You’re on your own.

When it comes to keeping our communities safe, the federal Justice Minister recently outlined action on bail reform and more, recognizing the need to both respect the presumption of innocence and to protect the public from repeat and violent offenders. Law reform is only part of the picture, of course. Delays and an under resourced administration of justice lie at Ford’s feet.

Now, as we work to address today’s challenges, we also need our leaders to act in the best interests of our collective future.

At the national level, we promised to make Canada a clean energy superpower. From an East-West transmission grid, to approving critical mineral projects, to methane rules and a stronger industrial carbon price, there’s lots of work ahead to realize the opportunity of a clean transition.

Again, we can’t do it if our largest province is MIA. Fossil fuels now power four times the electricity today than they did when Ford took office, and it’s set to get worse. Cost-effective wind and solar is an afterthought. And for all of the tough talk on Fox, we procure 75% of our natural gas from the US. Wasted tax dollars on private spas are one thing, but mismanaging our energy needs will be a bigger cost for all of us in the end.

So, what do we want from our politics? Hopefully the answer is serious ideas and substantive action. A willingness to draw a sharp contrast where needed, but that will also paint a positive picture of who we are, our goals for a more just society, and how we plan to get there.

Carney needs to deliver on the ambition we promised. affordable housing, clean energy, and economic resilience. A renewed focus on the economy without losing social progress. And Ford needs an opposition that won’t only highlight the incompetence and corruption of his cartoon politics, but that offers intelligence, compassion, and integrity.