The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge Moore Butts #17. How Can You Tell When A Parliament Is Off The Rails? - Encore
Jul 9, 2025
James Moore, a former Conservative Cabinet Minister, offers a conservative lens on Canadian politics, while Gerald Butts, ex-Principal Secretary to Justin Trudeau, shares insights on political strategy. They candidly discuss the precarious state of Canada’s minority Parliament and its survival prospects. The duo explores the power dynamics between parties, the impact of public sentiment, and how recent protests add tension. They also reflect on potential leadership changes and the looming influence of U.S. politics on Canada’s future.
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Dynamics of Minority Parliaments
- Minority parliaments have unique, complex dynamics influenced by party numbers and alliances.
- Stability can be nurtured by front-loading cooperative legislation appealing to opposition parties.
Minority Parliaments Tend To Decay
- Minority parliaments often start tightly but naturally decay over time, leading to instability.
- The NDP pulling out of their deal signals increased likelihood of an imminent election.
Quebec’s Rising Sovereigntist Influence
- Quebec's political landscape is shifting with rising sovereignist power influencing federal politics.
- The Bloc Québécois now wields unprecedented influence over the fate of the federal parliament.