WI: Stephen Harper, Liberal

[Plumber]

Harper became involved in politics as a member of his high school's Young Liberals Club.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Harper#cite_note-canadiancontent1-4 He later changed his political allegiance because he disagreed with the National Energy Program (NEP) of Pierre Trudeau's Liberal government

So... WI Stephen Harper stays a Liberal? Maybe he thinks that a "Nixon in China" moment is needed, but I'd say he probably needs to not move to Alberta, or move back to Ontario before the NEP.

 

[RogueBeaver]

Harper's a wonkish, intellectual type: the numbers speak for themselves. However assuming this is the case and everything else goes according to OTL, there's a good chance that the Tories will not reunite for another decade or so. Eventually they'll have to, on the same terms (a Blue takeover, unflinching acceptance) but under a different leader. If he does become a Liberal than he'll be part of their centrist wing and probably throw in with Martin over Chretien as a Cabinet minister. So instead of Iggy, you could have Harper as leader once Dion implodes.

 

[Plumber]

So instead of Iggy, you could have Harper as leader once Dion implodes.

Thought as much. That would be a godsend for the Liberals compared to OTL, wouldn't it?

 

[RogueBeaver]

Depends who the Tory leader is, most likely Peter MacKay if we're assuming OTL circumstances on everything else. But yes, you get the chess game acumen that is only equalled by Jean Chretien used to its full effect.

 

[Plumber]

Bump

So if the Tories were still disunited, it would be PMs Chretien-Martin-Dion-Harper? When would Martin and Dion retire, respectively? Could Harper defeat alternation since he would undoubtedly be the better candidate than Dion and succeed Martin directly?