John Williamson Not A Poor Choice For Harper

Photo: Macleans Magazine

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has appointed former president of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, John Williamson, as director of public communications to replace Kory Teneycke. The move seems very odd superficially, given Mr.Williamson’s long history of criticizing the government for their costly moves to the Canadian taxpayer. Just as with the U.S. white house spokesperson, the job is stressful and difficult, as the person chosen has to deal with the media and remain consistently on message with the party. This is the fourth person to fill this position since the government was elected in 2006.

The quotable quotes from Mr.Williamson are seemingly at odds with his decision to climb on board the Tory train:

“It is no contest between the Harper government’s spending and that of [former prime minister Jean] Chretien’s government; the Grits exercised greater fiscal discipline.” – National Post, July, 2008.

“Conservative partisans will insist these funding announcements were made adhering to all the proper rules and guidelines. Of course, these would be the very same oversight measures they loudly protested in opposition when the then-governing Liberals of Jean Chrétien and Paul Martin spent wildly, hoping to buy votes.” – Caledon Citizen, August, 2008.

“I would think as an economist, and as a fiscal conservative, the prime minister would recognize that if, in fact, we’re moving in to a slow-down period, this is the time to cut taxes — to lower the cost of doing business or to take some pressure off family budgets.” – CNEWS, December, 2007

So do John Williamson’s earlier statements and criticisms of the government mean that the man has had a change of heart? Or was he not sincere in his positions before? Well, it is possible to be truthful in criticism, whilst retaining an appreciation for the political party that holds closest to one’s ideals. It’s a similar position I find myself in.

Or to think of it another way, it is the critics who drive a political party forward, not backward, since they hold the movement to account of it’s purposes and principles. Die-hard partisans who follow regardless of policy may not see any inherent weaknesses in the party, but then they probably never understand why they lose elections either.

Another point in favour of John Williamson’s selection is his unique point of view from the ordinary taxpayer. If you think of his former position as that of an advocate, or a lawyer, it was Mr.Williamson’s job to find the maximum benefit or advantage for taxpayers, and point out the greatest disadvantage in Tory policies. Lawyers aren’t necessarily advocating the greatest benefit for all involved when they evaluate what their clients need. Similarly, the taxpayer’s federation makes arguments which it believes will facilitate the least burden on the individual taxpayer. That responsibility requires harsh criticism of progressive tax systems with high marginal rates, which is what Canada has.

Back in March of 2008, Tory adviser Tom Flanagan said that people like John Williamson and dissident Gerry Nicholls serve an important part of the overall Conservative strategy anyway:

Flanagan insists the last three Conservative budgets have left the Liberals cornered. And he isn’t bothered by those on the political right, like Nicholls, who criticize the prime minister for not being drastic enough.

“Part of the execution of the plan was that there would be conservatives attacking him — like John Williamson (of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation), Gerry Nicholls,” Flanagan said.

“That’s extremely useful, to have that kind of pressure there, berating the prime minister for not doing enough.”

[Via http://unambig.wordpress.com]