WHEN IT isn’t pumping oil or roping cattle, Alberta manufactures kooky political movements. Advised in 1987 that a chap named Preston Manning was available for a radio interview, it was good for a chuckle. Here was the latest descendant of ‘Bible Bill” Aberhart, via a famous fa- ther, Premier Ernest Manning of Social Credit’s glory days. Before reading the material, we thought a raving orator from cowtown, spouting biblical destiny, western independence, capital punishment, thinly disguis- ed white anglo supremacy and the “*Three Rs’? of education, might be a humorous interlude in an otherwise boring week. So certain we were of this ste- reotype, it was almost disappoin- ting to discover that Preston Manning was a solid business suc- cess, a logical thinker, and thoroughly modern in his defini- tion of Canada’s ills. He talked of ‘‘grass roots’’ not as a barnyard chorus, but rather as a movement he sensed was gaining steam. Unlike others who Proposed separation from Canada, he said it would be enough if a mass political state- ment devasiated the comfortable Status quo of national politics. The Reform party was born. Its ideas — then and now — are unique, all of them firmly rooted in the wisdom of the common man. My staff in 1987 had seen all of the movements: Western Federa- tion, Western Canada Concept, Western Independence, Action Canada and numerous other ini- tiatives. In his quiet, meticulously polite and careful dialogue, Manning commanded attention. I publicly remarked later that day: ‘‘This one is different ... this is a man on a mission.” ‘We spent an hour together this past week. The years have not changed him. The Reform party leader may be setting records for the largest crowds ever recorded by a Canadian politician, over such a sustained period of time. This is not a fad..It i is not a pass- ing phenomenon. . Lreached this opinion within Gary Bannerman OPEN LINES minutes of meeting Preston Man- ning in 1987, In his characteristic quiet, struc- tured phraseology, he says the barrage of negativity directed toward the Reform party in recent months is the strongest possible evidence of the movement’s suc- cess. Conservatives, Liberals and even the NDP are running scared in many constituencies. The three mainline parties are not intimidated by Manning, his unique political perspectives or the organization he has built. What terrifies is the national hostility toward all politicians. In every corner of the country, people are voting ‘‘none of the above,’’ in a desperate search for anything new, fresh and moder- ately attractive. Gordon Wilson and his provin- cial Liberals were the beneficiaries " in British Columbia’s recent elec- tion. A peculiar group known as ’ the Confederation of Regions par- . ty is now the Official Opposition in New Brunswick. Every gov- ernment is on the run. Brian Molroney and the federal Tories are only slightly more pop- ular than venereal disease. We once thought that Pierre Trudeau’s most ignominious days would never be exceeded It is not merely a possibility, it is certain that the House of Commons will have five separate parties as a result of an expected RRSP 9.70% Rates subject to change without notice Minimum $10,000: Fully Government-Guaranteed Flexible ¢ Liquid ¢ Worry-Free For information call the North Shore’s only Full Service Investment Firm ge RBC DOMINION SECURITIES Member of the Royal Rank Group ~ 201-250 15th Street West Vancouver, B.C. 925-3131 1993 election. Current trends indicate that the Conservatives will be salvaged, losing half of their seats. Both the Liberals and the New Democrats, whose new leaders have failed to excite, can expect either modest gains or slight erosion. Into the breach will march the 40-seat caucuses of the Bloc Quebecois and the Reform party. Manning could win 80 seats if the current despair in Ontario is translated into Reform votes. Consider this Parliament: Con- servatives, 80; Liberals, 85; NDP, 40; Reform, 50; and Bloc Quebecois, 40. My guess is that the average Canadian would enjoy this sport. The lack of a majority for anyone would accurately reflect democrat- ic distress. The legions who swim in the patronage trough would view the imbalance as a national nightmare. No longer would funds be available for pointless federal circuses and commissions travel- ling through the country. But who would form the gov- ernment? The winning hand would be held by Preston Mann- ing. He could crown a govern- ment, but he would not com- promise a crusade in the ascen- dancy, The Conservatives, with ethical values built around personal paycheques, would likely court Manning, Bouchard and the Lib- erals. Anything to stay on top. One way or another, we suspect Preston Manning would be shut out of 1993 government. The Tories, Liberals and NDP would all face a last gasp scenario. Bouchard would see Quebec as the only avenue to glory. Manning need only wait until the next election. This is the story of Western populist movements. Various events could radically change all of the chemistry. It Negativity: it’s a sure-fire sign that the Reform party is a legitimate threat would be a new game in the wake of a Conservative leadership con- vention. if Jean Chretien permits Paul Martin Jr. to succeed him, the country could have an opportunity to study one of the most attractive personalities in modern Canadian politics. If Oteawa and Quebec provoke a serious constitutional crisis — the precipice of separation — public attitudes would alter. If the current economic malaise gives way to depression, Manning's star would only fly higher. We asked him this week about the current ‘‘Save Canada’? ex- travaganzas. “The premiers are very worried that the save Canada industry is going to hijack the constitutional process,’’ he said. Instead of the partners in Con- A Place To Go When You're Pregnant And Need Support: | BIRTHRIGHT | at 987-7513 » Free Pregnancy Test + J #229 Lonsdale =n Vancouver Sworth Vancouver 687-7223 federation devising an acceptable formula, with broad public input, he fears the thousands of hand- picked pork barrelers who do Ot- tawa’s bidding. Preston Manning left me with an interesting thought. When I suggested that he has yet to attract the heavyweight corporate sup- port, and the endorsement of society’s alleged leaders, he said: ‘*They always shift their loyalties one election too Iate.”’ EC RE ANNE & BRIAN PARKER When we list your property, go beyond the normal boun Melos fo find a purchaser. Your buyer ma be in Toronto or Edmonton os ? 7 7. We know | how to reach them! lo know more? 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