Transport Minister Chuck Strahl’s decision not to run in the next federal election wasn’t a great surprise considering his health issues, but there was general agreement he will be a significant loss for the troubled Harper government.
Strahl, who was first elected in 1993, has an untreatable form of lung cancer but keeps himself in such good condition that he appears far healthier than most of his colleagues.
He’s one of the few personable ministers in the dour Harper government, and had a respect among opposition MPs that few other cabinet ministers enjoy. He’d usually managed to stay above the partisan fray that has been a hallmark of the current Parliament.
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In what may well have been his last appearance before a Commons committee March 11, opposition MPs tossed him easy questions he’d dealt with many times a show of non-partisan respect.
Strahl impressed everyone in the transport sector with the quickness with which he learned the complex issues in his department, including the complicated infrastructure files, said Bob Ballantyne, president of the Canadian Industrial Transportation Association.
“He always reacted well when we discussed our issues with him,” said Ballantyne. “There was concern when he moved from Indian Affairs last year because a new minister can mean the department loses its direction.”
Whether there is a spring election or it’s delayed until the fall or even next year, shippers worry that little will come from the rail service review, said Ballantyne.
“They haven’t released the final report yet and if the election is called, it won’t happen for a long time.”
The executive director of Grain Growers of Canada also praised Strahl.
“We’ll really miss him because he’s a straight shooter,” said Richard Phillips.
If there is no election call this spring, Phillips said he is hopeful Strahl and Rob Merrifield, minister of state for transport, will announce the government’s decision on the rail service review. Shippers are looking for measures that will improve the reliability of railway freight service.
As for a possible successor, Ballantyne figures if Merrifield and Brian Jean, the parliamentary secretary, remain in place, there will be sufficient continuity on the key files.
In 2006, Strahl, who had been deputy speaker when the Canadian Alliance was in opposition, became minister of agriculture. After the 2008 election, he moved to Indian and Northern Affairs.
