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On democratic reform (which is not just for progressives, mind you), the Liberals have announced an impressive list of ideas, ranging from open data, increased powers for the information commissioner and the parliamentary budget officer, a prime minister’s question period, and limits on party spending betweenelections, among many others. The NDP have not announced as comprehensive a list, but are pledging to implement a mixed-member proportional electoral system (in contrast to the Liberal’s vague pledge of post-election consultations on a new system). Deeply troubling, however, is Mulcair’s unconstitutional stance on refusing to ever appoint senators – not a responsible position, even if you don’t like the Senate. This point goes to the Liberals.

On top of these differences are a lot of important similarities. Both parties articulate a need for a nation-to-nation approach to the state’s relationship with Canada’s indigenous peoples, promise to invest in renewable energy and other “green jobs,” pledge to scrap Conservative decisions like income splitting, and emphasize rhetoric focusing on “the middle class.” Some similarities aren’t progressive at all (both parties support the regressive supply management of dairy).

It is hardly clear that the Liberals are campaigning to the NDP’s left, though their proposals so far are generally as progressive. What is remarkable, however, is the relatively moderate nature of both parties. There is no plan to significantly increase government revenues – the tax increases proposed by both parties are at least partially offset by tax cuts. Both leaders steadfastly avoid talking about carbon taxes (Mulcair talks about “polluter pay” as if there would be no cost to consumers, and Trudeau has decided to let provinces deal with carbon pricing) or – gasp! – raising the GST. Aside from significant child care spending, neither party has yet to announce the creation of a major new program (more details on the NDP promise to expand pharmacare coverage are needed).