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As the federal Liberals make the transition from third-party status to majority government, they face a daunting task. After nine years of Conservative rule, the landscape is littered with constitutionally suspect legislation, pending litigation and a battered relationship with the courts. Thus, while it seeks to make a mark on the economy, the environment and foreign affairs, the new government will also confront a multitude of action items not of its making.

The issues cover such a broad swath of public policy that a uniform response is impossible.

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In some cases, the policy has an easy fix. One can expect quick work, for example, of the power to strip citizenship from dual nationals convicted of certain crimes, or the misguided attempt to ban the niqab from citizenship ceremonies.

But what about the ongoing litigation by citizens who, living outside Canada for more than five years, are barred from voting? That rule was enacted under a previous Liberal government. Will the new government agree to a reversal, or will it defend the rule as a reasonable limit?