Roundup: The demise of Mulcair, part deux

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Plenty of more reactions to Mulcair’s demise and the party’s direction, so let’s get to it. Matt Gurney figures that the party is once again one of protest, while Jon Kay suggests that the party has outlived its usefulness with its embrace of the Leap Manifesto, and that Canada now effectively only has to parties. Gerry Caplan recalls the party’s hey days of 20 percent voter shares, and wonders if they can ever be taken seriously electorally. Andrew Coyne tries to look at the broader cause of Mulcair’s demise, while Jen Gerson says that Rachel Notley’s party that is getting things done is the one the federal party membership really threw under the bus, not Mulcair. David Reevley says the party can’t rebuild while “Zombie Tom” is still at the helm, while Emilie Taman insists that everything’s fine, that the Leap resolution gives the party a “path forward,” which I sincerely doubt. Colby Cosh takes the more existential take of the gradual demise of meaningful political parties writ large, and that if the NDP is but a shell then so is everyone else. He also takes on the notion that the political left is also largely meaningless anymore, which is something else to consider.

Good reads:

  • Rachel Notley repudiates sections of the Leap Manifesto dealing with energy infrastructure, while Gil McGowan considers it garbage from Toronto dilettantes.
  • The NDP caucus seems split on Mulcair’s decision to stay on for the length of the leadership contest – possibly 18 months to two years.
  • The Conservatives are making false equivalencies while demanding that Jody Wilson-Raybould refuse the donations from that fundraiser.
  • Here’s a refresher on lobbyists’ ability to work for leadership campaigns (which is to say not at all).
  • Both the Lobbying Commissioner and the Ethics Commissioner’s terms are up this summer, and some MPs want to merge their offices.
  • Apparently it’s terribly easy to set up a secret shell company in Canada.
  • The Minister of National Revenue gave more information on CRA’s plans to crack down on tax avoidance and evasion.
  • Justin Trudeau promised an official apology for the Komagata Maru incident.
  • Part of the defence review will include whether to privatise search and rescue operations.
  • Lobbyists rate the new advent of cabinet government under Trudeau.
  • Shannon Gormley writes about the promises versus the reality of transparent government no matter where you go.
  • Stephen Gordon takes apart the r>g equation when it comes to people arguing about income inequality.

Odds and ends:

Dean Del Mastro is going to appeal his conviction to the Ontario Court of Appeal, and is back on bail for the time being.

Jade Goodall met with Justin Trudeau.