NDP Leader Tom Mulcair speaks at a rally in Ottawa on July 17.Justin Tang/The Canadian Press
Here's an idea: If the federal government is going to go ahead and green-light the Mother Canada statue on Cape Breton, perhaps its hanging head and despairing hands should be aimed west rather than east.
Canada's war dead in Europe are amply commemorated through statuary, memorials and plaques, but meanwhile there is much at home to lament.
Starting with the political climate.
Reports this week that NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair briefly dallied with the Conservatives after quitting the Quebec Liberals in 2007 – and, according to former Tory insiders, opted against making the jump only after his considerable salary demands were unmet – augur poorly.
The Conservative recruiting effort of the former provincial environment minister is not a new revelation. Nor is the contention he spurned the advance for pecuniary reasons rather than principles.
The timing, however, is evidence of an organized effort to target the front-runner in the opinion polls. Expect more and nastier volleys to follow.
The Tories are already running caustic attack ads aimed at Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau – ads that have even been known to pop up during children's programming.
There's plenty more mud at the ready. It will be flung by all concerned, presumably in all directions.
Meanwhile, there are signs of a softening Canadian economy, which should form the basis of a serious debate with clearly defined alternatives from the parties and their leaders.
They should also spend the coming weeks constructively refining proposals on other pivotal questions – aboriginal policy, the environment, jobs plans, social programs.
Hands up all those who expect that to happen.
Election day isn't until Oct. 19, which gives the belligerents in the upcoming campaign another 10 weeks or so of unfettered pre-election spending before the official writ period begins.
If you were hoping the political class would use the summer to rest up for this coming autumn's exertions, or to perhaps tend to the drudgery of riding-level activities, prepare for disappointment.
It's shaping up to be a hot summer. Maybe the weather will be warm, too.