After months of the sponsorship scandal and subsequent inquiry dominating national headlines, Justice John Gomery released Phase One of his findings last Tuesday.
The report pinned blame on former Prime Minister Jean Chretien, though several of his cabinet ministers and cronies were also deemed responsible for the misappropriation of $100-million in public funds between 1997 and 2001.
Prime Minister Paul Martin was quick to unveil his plan of action in light of the report's findings. Martin pledged repayment from the Liberal Party of $1.14-million to the federal government. Further retribution is expected: Martin ordered government lawyers to sue 31 people and companies to recover $44-million in public money.
Despite Martin's being absolved and taking swift action in light of Gomery's findings, Canadians are clear in their disapproval of Martin and the Liberal Party.
Five days after the release of the report, 71 per cent of those polled in a Globe and Mail/CTV News survey said that Martin should be held accountable.
The poll found that Liberals would garner only 28 per cent of the vote, compared to the Conservatives' 31 per cent. Only three weeks ago, the Liberal Party sat comfortably at 38 per cent.
Political Science Professor Richard Schultz said that, though the immediate drop in Liberal support may be a sign of a significant trend, it may also be a knee-jerk reaction.
"It is more important to see what happens in the next two or three polls," Schultz said.
Though displeasing, Liberal McGill President Olivier Lavoie said that the fluctuation isn't of particular concern.
"It's more serious than a blip," he said, "but it doesn't represent any substantive ideological shift."
Political Science Professor Eric Belanger said that the report would not have any effect on Quebec public opinion.
"In Quebec, the damage to the Liberal Party's image has already been done," he said. "This image is likely to remain tarnished for a couple more years."
The negative press surrounding the Liberals during the inquiry has only triggered a boost in support for sovereignty, Belanger said.
"This means the Bloc Quebecois will be able to surf again on the sponsorship scandal for the next federal election."
Liberal Party spin doctors have been quick to point out that that the "culture of entitlement" which fostered the scandal is by no means specific to this administration.
"The Liberal Party has no monopoly on irregular behaviour," Lavoie said. "If Canadians want to roll up their sleeves and get rid of political corruption, they need to do a hell of a lot more than vote against the Liberals."
Schultz said that while the impact of the findings on any upcoming election is unpredictable, it could result in another minority government.
"The best hope for the Liberals is that the anger will dissipate and that they will get a chance to drag it out until April," he said.
Though the Gomery report has, at present, stained their image, a Liberal comeback is not to be ruled out.
"The Liberal Party's ability to pull rabbits out of a hat consistently amazes me," Schultz said. "At this point, nothing will surprise me."
Phase Two of the Gomery report, which will consist of recommendations to the federal government, is tentatively set to be released on February 1.
A copy of Phase One of the Gomery Report can be found at www.gomery.ca/en/phase1report/.
