Canada's 3rd Party - Our Conscience

Canada is different that the US in one major political structure way, and it's an interesting and important difference.  Ours is a three party system, whereas south of the border, there are two.  Of couse in both places, there are peripheral groups that would like to be considered proper political parties, but they aren't legitimate in the sense  that they couldn't be elected to govern due to their geographic distribution or minority group specialization.

This third party provides a wealth of benefits for Canada - it provides for a greater likelihood of minority governments and therefore enhances the level of public debate in the country.  Often, it provides for the actual opposition party on a national or provincial basis - as it stands right now.  This takes place when one of the two dominant parties falters or fragments.  Very occasionally, this third party is elected to govern.  It's usually a disaster as while they have good intentions, the very nature of providing an ongoing critical eye of the governments' affairs doesn't qualify one to actually govern. They are missing the experience and awareness to do the job for real.

Nonetheless, the continued success of the third party in Canada is largely due to their leadership, which I'd like to characterize as the countries 'voice of compassion'.  We've seen this in the form of the late leader - Jack Layton - who recently passed away while in office.  Mourned disproportionately to his role, Mr. Layton embraced a set of values and virtues that was widely admired.  He lived and did his job idealistically, with his focus fixed on the greater good.   In an era of George Bush and Stephen Harper, Mr. Layton was celebrated for his humane character, something most politicos couldn't buy with any amount of money.  There was an outpouring of public grief at his passing as we knew that one of the great ones was now gone.  Jack Layton personified the best of what we think of ourselves, and his death sounded the bell tolling for political virtue.

I was thinking of Jack Layton today, and what kind of a national leader he may have become, and it struck me that there are other leaders in his party - past and present - that embody the same ideals.  Bob Rae and the indefatigable Stephen Lewis.   Both of these gentlemen embody what we consider to be the best parts of our national identity.  They are selfless, empathetic, and champions of the little guy in situations where a fair deal isn't offered.  Lewis is revered for his work in Africa battling Aids, and is probably Canada's most deserving recipient of knighthood - the acknowledgement of greatness that still holds sway in the Commonwealth.

What is it about this third party, these new democrats that attracts and develops national personalities that eloquently capture our spirit, and are the conscience of this country ?   And why can't the major parties see the respect and admiration that Canada holds for this kind of leadership and try to emulate it more.  Shallow, self-serving politicians with skeletons in their closets is the default expectation of many I fear.

We are lucky to have a respit from this political dreariness, and have the benefits of Layton's common sense, Lewis's humbleness and Rae's intellect.   Mostly though we are fortunate in Canada to have three parties and a nurturing environment where idealism and a belief in fair play are equated as the qualities of those we select to lead us.  Let's hope it never changes.