Blair’s record in public life is a museum of disappointment

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The now-burning question at the heart of Canadian politics: Is high commissioner to the United Kingdom Bill Blair’s final incarnation in public life, or does he have room to fail even further upward? Ambassador to the United Nations, perhaps? Governor general? The latter might not even be a promotion: Trafalgar Square is a pretty plum posting, notwithstanding London weather in the winter. It’s not at all clear why Blair deserves it.

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Blair’s record in public life is a museum of disappointment. Time was, he was seen as a relatively progressive Toronto police chief. But he essentially cemented the force’s policy of absolute deference to road-blocking protesters. In 2009 it was Tamil Canadians, who took to the streets (and elevated downtown expressway) of Toronto to protest the Sri Lankan government, grinding traffic to a halt and causing much discontent. The Canadian Tamil Congress even honoured Blair in 2013 for his indulgence, and he gratefully accepted.

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