The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge Moore Butts #28 - How Do You Explain Last Week?
Nov 12, 2025
James Moore, a former Conservative cabinet minister, and Gerald Butts, a seasoned Liberal strategist, dive into the chaos of Canadian politics. They dissect a significant Liberal budget and the political strife within the Conservative Party. Moore analyzes how a lack of leadership clarity impacts voters' perceptions of Pierre Poilievre. Meanwhile, Butts argues the budget aligns with Canadian voter expectations while managing a tricky political landscape. Together, they explore the implications of recent events for both parties and the future of Canadian governance.
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Budget Was Broadly Nonpartisan
- The budget was neither strongly partisan nor ideological and mixed measures appealing to left, right and centre.
- James Moore argues the package is credible and pragmatic given current circumstances.
Budget Followed Campaign Promises
- Gerald Butts says the Prime Minister tabled the budget he campaigned on and it wasn't designed to trigger an election.
- He views it as a practical fulfilment of campaign promises with reasonable confidence it would pass.
Opposition Fracture Was Unusual
- Butts calls the parliamentary fallout after the budget unprecedented in a minority parliament where an opposition leader's caucus fractures.
- He links caucus doubts about Pierre Poiliev's learning from loss to his public confrontational behavior.