Hints of the Conservative 'hidden agenda' folklore that has been used to scare progressive in every election for the past 25 years

You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.

In the normal course of events, the fall session of Parliament is welcomed by the government House leader, who gathers eager journalists to tell them about the shiny legislative objects the governing party is about to bestow on voters.

On Monday, Karina Gould continued that time-honoured tradition, but she didn’t refer to the prospect of any new bills and spent only a minute or so talking about the legislative leftovers from the last session.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Don't have an account? Create Account

The reason became clear when she quickly segued into a broadside aimed at Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.

In a revealing quote, she said that the government’s job, in her view at least, is “to make sure that we are holding him to account to make sure he faces the proper scrutiny.”

The Liberals, by this account, have subordinated the role of the executive branch to govern the country and introduce new laws, in favour of becoming the unofficial opposition to the Official Opposition.

Using John Diefenbaker’s definition of an opposition party’s role, they will now “arouse, educate and mould public opinion by voice and vote.”

There........

© National Post