Is it brilliant, or dumb?

I think Machiavelli has taken over the prime minister's office because Carney's latest move is definitely modeled on the late philosopher's devious tactics.

Niccolo Machiavelli

This one involves establishing an Indigenous Advisory Council to steer the "big, bold, projects" gang on how to deal with treaty rights in order to accelerate the projects.  And he's put one of his biggest critics, Trevor Mercredi, in charge.

What a cute trick.  Presumably, Mercredi will be given a big wad of cash to do the job, something no self-respecting native would ever turn down, but how's Mercredi supposed to oppose anything with one hand while pocketing the dough with the other?

Trust me, he'll manage because Indigenous leaders have been taking cash and bashing governments who dole it out for generations.  It may, however, be a little trickier this go 'round because he's tasked with getting stuff moving on a file natives have traditionally resisted and fought FOREVER.  "Touch one blade of grass or one tree on our traditional lands and we'll aggressively oppose it every step of the way."  Ya, that file.

"We expect the Major Projects Office to genuinely listen to the council's opinions," said Chief Terrance Paul of the Membertou First Nation in Nova Scotia.  What Chief Paul needs to understand, however, is that listening and vetoing are two different things.  Unfortunately, the natives think consultation equals a veto.  It doesn't, but that won't stop the hysteria.

And how long does "consultation" have to go on?  That's another mystery.  Again, Carney is banking on his meeting-and-consulting-and-consulting-and meeting M.O. to carry him through the next four years, when I predict he will throw in the PM towel and move on.  But never mind, he'll have the top job on his resumé forever, which is the only reason I think he wanted it in the first place -- not to help Canadians, just to pad his overblown credentials.

But sit back and enjoy the theatrics when the House resumes and Poilievre rises to pound him.  What fun awaits!