Unite-the-left idea good -- in theory

Given the definitive outcome of the federal election, and the fact that Michael Ignatieff has announced he will step down as leader, we already are hearing about the need to unite the political left in Canada under the banner of a single party.

But such a fundamental reconfiguration of Canada's political landscape raises two critical questions: Why should such a party marriage be consummated? And, what are the real obstacles that stand in its way?

With either a Liberal or an NDP candidate finishing second in dozens of ridings across the country on Monday, the practical thing to do in order to avoid vote-splitting on the left in four years is to merge the two federal parties into one political entity. By doing so, they would increase substantially their chances of forming a majority government -- since they would no longer be cutting into each other's supporters.

Having one party on the political left against one on the political right (the Harper Conservatives) would also give voters a stark choice and thus enhance the likelihood of a left-leaning party securing political power.

Additionally, a united left would be in a better position to lock up a majority of seats in Quebec, and thus relegate the Bloc Quebecois to mostly fringe status. The voice of Quebecers would then be represented and heard at the centre. Over time, this would be positive and extremely important for staving off future constitutional referendums and thus reinforcing the unity of the country.

There is, of course, some evidence to suggest that such an arrangement could work -- namely, Pierre Elliott Trudeau's 1972 minority government that was propped up by the NDP.

Some interesting and creative policy initiatives were launched during this period, such as the creation of Petro Canada, the Foreign Investment Review Agency (FIRA), and financial support for cultural industries in Canada.

In light of the May 2 results, perhaps a more integrated political party could be cobbled together.

But perhaps not. Let's not kid ourselves here: there are several reasons why such a merger of the left could run into some significant turbulence and stiff political resistance.

For one, there would surely be problems in finding some common ground given each party's respective history and organizational culture. For instance, which party would really hold the reins of power and primacy -- and thus possess the heft to dictate overall party decisions and directives?

There will be those in senior positions in both parties who will fight any notion of a merger until their last dying breath. After all, there are plenty of Liberal MPs, senators and party functionaries who would rather vote Conservative than see the dismantling of the erstwhile "natural governing party."

And there would undoubtedly be hardcore social democrats who would find it simply intolerable to break bread with those implacable business Liberals.

Fundamental policy differences would also pose a challenge in terms of any party reconciliation. How would the thorny question of Afghanistan be resolved? What about the NDP's seeming proclivity under Jack Layton to tango with Quebec nationalists and sovereigntists? What would happen in terms of tax and regulatory policy, fiscal and debt management and unfettered free trade with the United States?

What about finding agreement on the actual moniker of this new federal political party? Would it be the Liberal Democrats? Or, how about the Democratic Liberals?

Labels are important, and one should not assume that figuring out the correct party name would be a walk in the park. Indeed, it could be a deal-breaker.

So, yes, logically and electorally it makes eminent sense for the two parties to unite. But history, tradition, personalities and policy differences have a way of sweeping logic to one side. To be sure, it is not always easy for parties (like families), especially long-standing ones, to put some water in their wine and let bygones be bygones.

Perhaps more time and federal elections will have to pass. Who knows? In the meantime, calls for a unite-the-left movement will be discounted publicly by both sides -- at least in the short term.

Peter McKenna is professor of political studies at the University of Prince Edward Island in Charlottetown.

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition May 4, 2011 A10