Happier Days

It appears that the fourth schism has occurred within the Conservative Party of Canada since the early 1990s saw the Reform and Bloc Quebecois split off leaving Elsie Wayne and Jean Charest alone in the wilderness of the House of Commons followed in more recent years, first, by the "Long March Home" lead by Prime Deacon Harper to found the Congregation of Alberta in the fall of 2005 and then, in late 2006, with the rural-urban divide of Ontario's Tories after the "You're Not Right In the Head, Gunlover!!!" scandle and the subsequent creation of the Greater Lanarkist Party. After this spring's return, rehabilitation, re-education and reconciliation of Co-Leader Stronach with Co-Leader MacKay in a last ditch effort to maintain some solidarity between urban Ontario Tories and those of Atlantic Canada, it appears that the that deal, too, is off again in the face of differences within the remaining CPC members over New Atlantica.

In recent weeks since the failed health care summit, the public call has grown for responsible government in New Atlantica as well as a responsible regional fiscal policy and this call has pitted the Ontarians who shoulder the costs of the development of the new regional capital Tantrama City as well as the hydrofoil and ferry strategy against local New Atlantica interests, including many members of MacKay's extended political - not to mention biological - family. Despite calls from western conservatives to "think big" and hold a tent meeting to reform the alliance, it appears that the allegations of fiscal impropriety amongst New Atlantica officials combined with national ceiling of combined popular support at 24% for the Congregationalists, Lanarkites, Stronach's rump Red Tories and New Saskatchewan party was too much for any continued pretense to a national presence.

When found - again - mowing near his potato patch in Pictou county Nova Scotia with his apparently trusty border collie, Fidget, MacKay - now leader of what is being called the New Altanticans Party - indicated he would be moving to regional politics, seeking to bring "reasonable fiscal prudence" combined with "a made in Atlantic Canada" solution to the pending but yet to be fixed election for the first Parliament of New Atlantica. Speaking of his second division with Stronach in two years he said:

...again...I was the last to know. It was out of the blue..again. I wish I could see these things coming. I really do. I thought we had a deal and this time I made sure it was in writing. But for now, I want to concentrate on the future and providing the sort of leadership and vision I know this new regional legislature will need to see it though the challenging developments ahead. I am looking forward to be getting my hands on...err...involved with the hydrofoil plan, the SwingTide project and the ferry network.

When contacted MacKay's concerning the plans of a regional conservative party, Federal Liberal appointee First Minister Designate of the Tantrama City Provisional Government, John McDonald MacKay Archibald, left, and leading Liberal nominee noted that "as our mutual great-grandfather once said, second cousins are like first cousins and vice-versa when you are in Atlantic Canada and all will turn out for the best once the Electoral Commission meets to determine the easiest route...err...the best means to ensure representation from throughout the diverse peoples of this great region." When asked what he meant, First Minister Designate Archibald hurredly concluded the telephone call after mentioning the need to return to the planning of the regional clam bakes.