Caveat Emptor

Yah, some shenanigans may be holding off an election for now but Ignatieff still has that look in his eye and the Libs seem to be gunning for parliamentary blood.  In preparation of a potential election I was wondering how it we treated an election like a job application for the parties, what questions would be asked by the hiring panel?  Most of the election ‘issues’ seem to be fairly tactical so far, but really I don’t think I know strategically how the parties intend on governing if in power.  Maybe I’m just a rube and it’s obvious to everyone else, like the Conservatives are conservative (what does that really mean?), the NDP are ’socialist’ (what does that really mean?) and the Green’s like to get all hot and snugly with trees and such.

In any case, the questions that I would ask the leaders at the very start, just to get a high-level picture of their vision and guiding strategic policies are;

1. In three sentences or less, what would be your ‘vision statement’ for Canada?  (I know these are cheesy but they can sometimes provide solid direction and common understanding for a diverse group like a political party or even a country).
2. What are the core values that would drive your decision making as a government to support this vision?
3. What do you feel are the foundational elements of our Canadian society?
4. What do you think are the key elements to a healthy Canadian society?
5. What responsibilities do you feel the government of Canada has to it’s citizens?
6. What responsibilities do you feel the citizens of Canada have to ensure an effective and healthy government?
7. What services do you think all Canadians should be entitled to?
8. What rights do you think all Canadians should be entitled to?
9. How do you think Canadians define success and prosperity?
10. What do you feel are the most important areas to invest in, in order to ensure Canada is prosperous into the next century?

After strategic questions are answered then we can start asking the more tactical, policy focused questions.   Thoughts?  Any other questions you feel would be important in an opening salvo for our national leaders?