Article content continued

Canadian Conservatives, and those Canadians of other or no affiliation searching for alternatives this October, have the right to expect a substantive platform and set of priorities from the Conservatives.

Canadian Conservatives … have the right to expect a substantive platform and set of priorities from (their party).

There are different paths Conservatives can take. One is the path seeking to mine as much dissatisfaction and animus as possible by blindly opposing every Liberal policy from immigration to pipelines, carbon taxes and rebates, or defence and foreign policy.

The other is to offer Canadians a robust and positive conservatism, replete with fresh ideas, nation and economy-building proposals and clear and compelling priorities – none of which would weaken Conservative principles of “smarter as opposed to larger” government; fair as opposed to excessive taxation; and equality of opportunity as opposed to equality of outcome.

The Century Initiative Foundation in Canada, a distinguished mix of business, academic, volunteer sector and representative individuals, has a series of proposals for how Canada can achieve a population of 100 million people by 2100. It is nation-building at its best. If we want more clout at trade and environmental negotiations, in international forums and with enhanced strategic and defence capacity that facilitates a more pronounced independence for Canada, these are ideas Conservatives should consider and find a way to offer.

Fresh concepts on how to reduce poverty without growing the bureaucracies that manage existing, poverty-preserving welfare programs, would also be welcome. There is no contradiction within mainstream Conservative or Canadian mindsets between humane and effective government and reducing inefficiencies and burgeoning administrative overheads. Replacing the bureaucracy of the Indian Act (unbecoming to Canada and disrespectful to First Nations), is a classic Conservative project based on building trust, shared revenues and genuine respect for First Nations. And it could be incorporated into an economic growth plan for Canada.