Norm Miller’s Pervasive Political Shadows

By: Robert C. Henry 

Norm Miller, while unable to escape the shadow of three other politicos, will probably emerge victorious in a repeat performance as Parry Sound – Muskoka’s next MPP. 

One pervasive shadow that falls on Norm Miller is that of his father, Frank – the former Premier of Ontario and to some a politician extraordinaire. For Norm Miller it’s a positive shadow as for many the Miller dynasty lives on, albeit as a shadow of its former self. 

But there are some very dark shadows as well. Few can forget the reign of Conservative Premier Mike Harris at a time of corporate adulation and class warfare. During that era we were told the poor had made their own bed so they should lie in it. The 407 ETR went to the private sector along with its obvious profits and a fatal bullet found Dudley George. 

Yes, Harris led the same party that Norm Miller wants to see in power. Perhaps the high-priced image of this party has changed but the players are essentially the same, if not in body than in spirit. Conservative politics remain unchanged. 

As proof of this one only has to look at the third shadow – current Conservative Leader Tim Hudak. This is a man who wants to introduce chain gang justice and ankle bracelet control. The effectiveness and cost of his proposals has been subject to tremendous criticism from those with the credentials to know better. 

But, Tea Bagger style politics crept north long before Tim Hudak’s time and found a comfy spot with Ontario’s Tories. The Conservative’s basic philosophy continues: those who have deserved to have; those who have not deserve not to have because they put themselves where they are. 

Ironically, the quiet, competent, unassuming Norm Miller that many know just doesn’t fit well in the right-wing world of Hudak or Harris. 

It’s a bad fit: a square peg in a round hole.