Wednesday May 18, 2022
Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday May 18, 2022
Conservative Party leadership race divides along Harper, Mulroney lines
Stephen Harper and Brian Mulroney are at war again over the future of the Conservative Party.
While neither former prime minister has said so publicly, everyone knows Mr. Harper opposes the efforts of former Quebec premier Jean Charest to become Conservative leader, while Mr. Mulroney is a Charest supporter.
Mr. Harper speaks to a conservatism that supports lower taxes and balanced budgets, that places a lower priority on fighting climate change than on developing oil and gas. As leader, he paid careful attention to the needs of Western voters.
Mr. Mulroney’s supporters place a stronger emphasis on environmental issues and are less dogmatic on taxes and deficits. As leader, Mr. Mulroney paid careful attention to the needs of Quebec.