Roundup: A potential TPP deal

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While signs that the election could become an ugly question of identity politics continue to circulate, the impending announcement of some resolution or other in the Trans-Pacific Partnership talks could swing the election narrative yet again. While an announcement was supposed to have been made yesterday, it was held over until morning today, and we’ll see what becomes of it. Back in Canada, Harper has been talking up the deal, while Thomas Mulcair has taken to using the TPP as his new wedge. While trying to change the channel from the niqab issue, and his own rapidly softening poll numbers, Mulcair has become the born-again protectionist, declaring that Harper has no mandate to negotiate the deal (despite the fact that there is both precedent and it would still require parliamentary approval for enabling legislation), loudly decrying the impact on dairy farmers and auto parts manufacturers. The curious thing, however, is that two months ago he declared himself an enthusiastic supporter of the potential deal. The Liberals, meanwhile, are saying that they are supportive of free trade but won’t make any comments one way or the other about the TPP until they have more details – for which the NDP are castigating them for not taking a stand. Remember how at the Maclean’s debate, Mulcair was making a big deal about not wanting to take a stand on certain pipeline projects until he had a better environmental assessment? Suddenly waiting for more details is irresponsible. It gives me a headache.

On the campaign:

  • Stephen Harper said that marijuana is “infinitely worse” than tobacco. I’m pretty sure the evidence disproves that. The party also promised to renew funding for brain health strategies.
  • Thomas Mulcair held a series of rallies around supply management and auto jobs.
  • Justin Trudeau held a huge rally in Brampton.

Good reads:

  • It should come as no surprise, but an unpublished study by the Department of Justice is critical of the government’s law on “not criminally responsible” offenders.
  • At an all-party debate in Winnipeg, Conservative incumbent Joyce Bateman listed Liberals she said were essential enemies of Israel, and was booed.
  • Here’s an interesting look at the conundrum of BC provincial politics intersecting with the federal election.
  • Here’s a look at the challenging landscape of public servants running for office.
  • There is a push to get new immigrants to get out their vote, as they are traditionally reluctant to do so.
  • Kate Heartfield dissects Harper’s letter to the public service.
  • Paul Wells writes about the failure of the debates to trip Trudeau up, and what it may mean.

Odds and ends:

Sarah Silverman endorsed an NDP candidate, which doesn’t much matter as she’s an American and can’t vote here.