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March 2, 2004

From the early nineteenth century, when political parties first took shape in Canada, up until the present administration, patronage appointments have been an intrinsic part of the political system.

Colonial politics in Canada between 1760 and 1848 produced features of the system that have remained prominent to this day; intense partisan dvisions, strong one-man dominance in party leadership, a 'statist' orientation not only in government in Ottawa but also in Ontario and Quebec, and of course, ample use of patronage.

Now, this is not to advocate for or against the current system, but rather to acknowledge the entrenchment of patronage in our historical and contemporary politics. 

With over 2,300 positions across the country that are filled by appointments, it is not feasible nor realistic to expect that each of these will be vetted properly by committee.  If Martin wants to create a more open system by allowing greater public input (in the cases of naming Senators, for example), or wants to clean up the manner in which skills are matched to positions, then all the power to him.

Unfortunately, this is merely political posturing before the dawn of an election that is extremely uncertain for the Liberals.  Paul Martin has always overextended himself with unreasonable promises and commitments he cannot possibly fulfill. 

As if that is not enough, ask anyone who has been active within the Liberal Party about what is bestowed upon Paul Martin friends and supporters at the expense of those that are worthy and qualified, and it will be crystal clear how ridiculous Mr. Martin's pledge really is.

His declaration on patronage appointments will become the perfect example of the all talk, no action style of politics he likes to practice.

Comments? jonathan@tdhstrategies.com