Exit Stage Right

A few weeks ago we noted, much to our regret, the retirement of Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and one of the original '93 Reformers.  Monte talks to the Ottawa Citizen about life in politics and hints at what's next:

After 13 years in opposition, you get into cabinet and your party could win another term. Why quit now?

I just turned 50, so I can start another career. As wonderful a job as this is, it can become all-consuming and cause you to lose focus on some of the other things you want to do. It's best to leave before you get thrown out.

Do you recall you first day in Parliament?

I remember it well. Before the House actually opened, they had an orientation. I was in line with Andy Scott, a Liberal MP, and we chatted. They served lasagna. Walking into the chamber was overwhelming. There were many days when I took the place for granted, but in quieter times you realized what a privilege it was to be there.

What was your ambition when you were first elected?

I went to Ottawa very idealistic. We had big plans to make changes regarding the nation's finances and we wanted democratic reform. There was a sense, in the West anyway, that the country was ready. It's fair to say we made our case and had some influence in opposition. It's also true the fire cooled a little and we became more of a traditional political party.

You've been through three political incarnations -- Reform, Alliance and Conservative. How much of that initial Reform idealism is left?

It's still there and it isn't just the Class of '93. It's new MPs who watched this happen when they were very young or, in some cases, just read about it afterward. The fire burns hot for them.

We can only hope so.  If the Harper Tories win a majority government, it will be the culmination of 20 years of hard work and dedication.  What will they do with that hard won power?  Reform?  Or tinker with the status quo?  Politics is the art of the possible.  It's the Conservative Party's job to show what's possible.  Helping to pressure the Chretien government to balance the books and pass the Clarity Act was no mean feat.  A genuine conservative voice and face was shown to Canadians for the first time in the 1990s at the federal level.  There was no apologetic qualifier of "progressive."  Yet this was only a prelude.  After October 14th the Conservative Party, whose personnel is still dominated by the Old Reformers, will have their first real test.