If you ask your average Canadian to name an influential and memorable former Liberal leader, they’ll probably mention William Lyon Mackenzie King or Lester B. Pearson. These men are remembered for their charisma and initiative. Likewise, former Liberal leaders Pierre Trudeau and Jean Chretien, although disliked by some Canadians for their controversial political decisions, were still respected for leadership qualities and the ability to bring about change. So how does the current top Liberal, Stéphane Dion, compare?
Dion has continually disappointed his supporters since he was first appointed as party leader. He started with a substantial amount of support from the party’s grassroots because of a focus on environmental issues. Today, his followers are few and far between—few Canadians believe in his ability to govern. Dion has managed to stay afloat in politics simply because he does not cause a lot of controversy, but his dullness is precisely why he cannot fulfill the public’s needs.
The biggest letdown of Dion’s tenure as Liberal leader is his failure to challenge the Conservative government on a number of important issues, including the extension of the Afghanistan mission and the recent budget. The opposition party in a minority government exists to challenge the majority on important decisions in order to strike a balance and to ensure that all possible voices are considered. With Dion, the Conservatives could make any decision with little or no opposition. In other words, the Liberals have become a party to be pitied under his weak leadership.
He also lacks the communication skills of a great leader, as his grasp of English has often been criticized as childlike. While no one expects his English to be perfect, the public and fellow politicians would probably appreciate if they could comprehend the majority of Dion’s statements. How can a politician with such a weak handle on English expect to be successful in a country where it is the primary language of communcation?
The lack of respect fellow politicians hold for Dion is proven by their constant teasing in the House of Commons. Also, the unruly, Dion-appointed head of the party’s Quebec wing, Senator Céline Hervieux-Payette, prevented a newspaper from publishing the names of the Liberal candidates without even consulting the leader himself. Critics also say Dion has little influence politically, does not establish contacts, is not well known, and does not raise money for the party—all essential characteristics of a national leader.
Stéphane Dion, lacking both the passion and the personality to maintain public support, cannot last as a party leader.
