Summer sun, somethings begun....

With the house heading off on summer break in the next couple of days its important to consider whats in store for our party leaders.

Lets think back to the summer of 2005 when the cold, dry and mean spirited Stephen Harper began criss-crossing the country on his summer backyard BBQ tour. A schedule many criticized as a waste of time for the Leader of the Opposition resulted in a great transformation. Mr. Harper, or "Steve," emerged from that summer as a more competent and campaign savvy leader. Having met people at "their level" over the course of the summer it posted no surprise to me that over the course of the 2006 election campaign Stephen Harper seemed different. He seemed more comfortable, more able to communication and better able to identify with voters. The result, he won. Albeit, a minority, but nonetheless he was the victor.

Now its two years later and he's facing some of the same issues. Except this time, he is the Prime Minister. There is allot to be done and allot of changes to be made. From my vantage point here's what needs to happen:

1. A New communications strategy from the PMO and the Conservative caucus as a whole. Something planned with an execution strategy as we have seen demonstrated before. I might even go out on a whim as say that the strategy should be slightly more open and perhaps some new leadership in the strategic planning and communications departments would be warranted.

2. Fresh ideas. We've cut the GST, delivered on the Child Care Benefit, enacted the FAA, began to establish a wait-times guarantee and successful implemented a large part of our justice agenda. Furthermore, we've drafted and began to implement the most comprehensive package of environmental public policy in the countries history. Whats left to do? Well, not much if you review our 2006 electoral platform. So lets get some new ideas rolling. Lets focus on economic policy that will excite Canadians. Let's focus on research and innovation. Let's keep this economy rolling. Fresh ideas that can be presented to Canadians will distract them from all the babble of the opposition parties and continue our tradition of getting things done!

3. Shuffle the cabinet. Their have been several lackluster performance and, allot of brilliant people who could be doing more high profile things. Lets get some more fresh blood in their and shuffle out the old kids who looking forward to retirement. The first order of business should be to replace Gordon O'Connor with Stockwell Day.

Regardless of the fact that there will be no more Question Period, it should be a raucous and interesting summer. Surely Stephane Dion will be out trying to show Canadians that he really is a leader...apparently. I'm sure he will be sticking around Quebec trying to repair that tarnished reputation. And Jack, well he'll be Jack criss-crossing the country telling you how hes going to end bank fees, pay for your pills and even still save the planet from climate change.

Watch close folks, for this summer will be the test market for Election 2007 (2008 or 2009).