I share the optimism expressed in this piece over the change in direction since the election of the Liberal government. I think, though, it is disingenuous to headline the piece ‘how liberal is Justin Trudeau’. Canadians know perfectly well that the Liberals are not particularly liberal or progressive, though as you note, it is a massive improvement over the previous government. If the electorate really wanted progressive, the NDP would have retained their seats they had gained in the previous election, and we might have seen a minority government. As it turned out, folks like me who had previously been NDP went with the Liberals to make sure the Conservatives didn’t get in. Progressiveness, at the time of voting, was less important that getting rid of Stephen Harper, and I’m so pleased Canadians told the Conservatives to go away.

I think there are going to be many of us on the progressive movement who will continue to give Mr. Trudeau rope. Yes, the action of marijuana and C-51 and the F-35 are not going exactly where I want, but I’m prepared to accept the incremental steps.

I voted for the Single Transferable Vote system that didn’t get the super-majority needed in BC during reform attempts there. I’m not sure that is the best system either, but at this point, I’m pretty ready to accept anything other than first-past-the-post. Trust me, I’ll be questioning the process like you are, and there may be challenges with what gets selected, as you have stated — but it is going to be more fair than what we have now.