The Speech from the Throne which marks the opening of the 38th Parliament of Canada on October 5 can be a catalyst for change or a routine mishmash of good intentions.

Faced with numerically superior opposition members, the minority Liberal government can either seek to thread its way cautiously through a parliamentary minefield, and hope to survive in office in hope of better times ahead. A few sops here, and a few sops there might do the trick.

Or it can show courage.

Lester B. Pearson opted to do just that when leading a minority Liberal Government from 1963 to 1965.

Almost forgotten is his action in abolishing the Red Ensign, a symbol of earlier colonialization, and replacing it with the Maple Leaf, giving the country a true sense of Canadianism which was proudly celebrated in 1967, centennial year, and which in turn led to patriation of the Constitution in 1982.

Though in a minority position he led his party with courage. The flag debate was the deciding factor. And the Liberal Party remained in office until 1984, a twenty-one year reign.

The minority Liberal government of 2004 has a chance to emulate that of 1963 to 1965. It can seize the opportunity to refresh the Canadian psyche, to lance the festering boil on the body politic that is the Senate of Canada and advance the cause of democracy, thus reducing the democratic deficit which its current leader, Paul Martin, vowed to reduce.

Unfortunately, both during his time in office prior to the General Election in June, and since failing to attain a majority in that election, he has garnered a reputation as a talker, not a doer.

In the upcoming Speech from the Throne he has one chance, perhaps his only chance, to shed that perception.

Instead of talking about building a strong nation-Canada already is a strong nation-he can demonstrate his own strength as a leader. Talk won't do it. Let him gird up his loins, put his shoulder to the wheel, and push the unelected Canadian Senate into the dustbin of history.

Lester Pearson did it with the flag. Paul Martin can do it with the Senate. And thereby get rid of the "dither" image.

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