But all that could change in an instant, and the recent actions of two Conservative cabinet ministers could well provide the impetus for a downward surge in popularity.
Over the past two weeks, cabinet ministers Leona Aglukkaq and Julian Fantino have revealed themselves to be arrogant, condescending and utterly lacking in empathy as they have mismanaged critical issues related to their own ridings and/or portfolios.
The above adjectives are perfectly symbolized by the damning image of Aglukkaq, the MP for Nunavut, sitting in the House of Commons reading a newspaper and showing no concern when questioned about the high food prices in remote northern regions.
A just-released documentary by the Aboriginal Peoples’ Television Network criticizes Nutrition North, the federal government’s food subsidy program for those living in the far North. But, far worse than any talk of government programs that aren’t working, are the documentary’s stark images of Rankin Inlet residents scavenging through the local landfill in search of food.
We expect to see such poverty in documentaries about Haiti or the impoverished nations of Africa. But I can’t recall ever before seeing such activity in a wealthy, progressive western nation like Canada. It simply isn’t acceptable.
The people eating garbage are constituents in Aglukkaq’s riding. Yet she, their elected representative, couldn’t be bothered to stand up for them and their unique needs. This is the epitome of the kind of arrogance and privilege that comes with having too much power for far too long.
She was obviously taken to task for her actions, since she participated in a discussion on Tuesday and even issued an apology on Wednesday. But it is all too late; she cannot possibly overcome the overwhelming perception that she has lost touch with her own people, lacks empathy for them and is unwilling to rise to her feet to fight for their basic needs.
Last week, this same arrogance and uncaring attitude was attributed to Veterans Affairs Minister Julian Fantino, as he failed to respond to an auditor general’s report showing that his department is desperately failing to provide timely care to veterans who have mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
He then announced $200 million in government funding to address the problems in mental health care for veterans, while claiming that the money was to be distributed over six years. But since then, the opposition, stakeholders and the media have all shown that it will be distributed over 50 years.
Once again, Fantino refuses to clarify his claims or work to resolve the core issue and provide veterans with a system that offers a more rapid access to health care.
As is the case with Aglukkaq, the real issue has been lost amid the media interest in Fantino’s abrasive actions.
Harper’s government first came to power with promises of openness, accountability and democratic reform. Since then, it has devolved into what many call “mean-spirited,” protective and secretive – the very antithesis of what it had promised.
Harper has chosen to defend the actions of Aglukkaq and Fantino. But Canadians don’t take kindly to arrogant politicians and, as the 2015 election draws near, perception is everything. Harper should care about that perception and take steps to right his ship before public opinion sinks.
Original Article
Source: calgaryherald.com/
Author: Susan Martinuk
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