Substance watch

(Per several readers' suggestions)

In the area of democratic reforms, Harper rhymed off a list that included an elected Senate; elimination of gerrymandering and restoration of the principle of representation by population; a ban on non-confidence motions except on budgets or if campaign pledges are broken; ratification by Parliament of Supreme Court appointments; elimination of the large number of discretionary patronage appointments; Parliamentary committee approval for appointments; fixed terms for elections, unless there is a minority government; new procurement policies that ensure arm's length transactions; and a realignment of taxation powers so that the provinces can meet their spending responsibilities in health, education and welfare and not have to beg Ottawa for funds.

Stephen Harper, in a substance-filled and mostly non-pandering interview with Diane Francis. Available only in your soaraway National Post -- now with improved bingo. ADDENDUM: This is also encouraging -

How will the Conservatives convince Canadians that they will clean things up and not end up the same as the Liberals? "We will undertake a series of structural reforms to clean up the government and permanently reform the system," he said.

Hope we'll hear more about this. Much more.