'Influential' Canadians In Politics

From Canadian Policy Options:

A list of powerful Canadians from The Hill Times (by way of IRPP).

Some strange lines in there. For example, it opens:

"Hands down, Prime Minister Stephen Harper is the most powerful person in government and politics. He’s been described as disciplined, ruthless, and a control freak by some, including by Lawrence Martin, author of the runaway bestseller..."

Here's the thing. It's learned early in one's political education that power in Canada is tightly concentrated into the Prime Minister. The PM is the Pope of Canada. So I don't get the opening paragraph at all. It's the rule; not exception.

It goes on to describe how smart Stephen Harper is and how he maintains an impressive, even intimidating grip on power.

I don't doubt Harper is smart. Gifted even. I remember seeing him speak when he was in the Reform Party fold when it was ruled by Preston Manning. He struck me as one smooth, articulate speaker. I even mentioned to a friend at the time (who happens to be in foreign affairs now) that he was definitely leadership bound in some capacity.

Anyway. I should hope our leaders "know the issues" as the introduction in the link discusses.

You know, because you don't want this guy making decisions.

Hm. Or do we?

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