The Chrétien Government has now won three consecutive majorities, and seems likely to continue to enjoy its success, making it arguably the most successful party amongst the democracies of the twentieth century. Indeed, political scientist Donald Savoi refers to the position of Canada's Prime Minister as the "imperial primeministership- (Simpson, 4). The longer any leader, whether he is Jean Chrétien or Ferdinand Marcos, stays in power, the less likely they are to change the system so as to limit their reign and reduce their control. Parties and their leaders are in the business of winning elections, and the Liberals have done just that, occupying government for sixty-nine and a half out of the last one hundred years. .
Some supporters of Canada's system argue that steps have been taken to decrease the concentration of power in the executive, therefore showing signs that it is capable of evolving and improving. An example often brought up is the privatization of many Crowne corporations, which resulted in the removal of some of the juiciest political plums available. However, one only needs to consider the fact that on every cabinet agenda (usually item three) there is still an item labeled "nominations."" As Jeffrey Simpson points out in his book The Friendly Dictatorship, the power of appointing a successor is central to all "Sun Kings,"" in that it keeps those under you loyal and subservient. Prime Minister Chrétien has already announced that when he retires he will make sure that the successor he chooses will have at least a year to grow into the position. Mexican Presidents for years used the system of dedazo, or handpicking their successor as well.
People often argue that Canada's system is more efficient because of its top-heavy power, yet appointments don't do anything for efficiency. There is no reason why applicants for positions could not be publicly sought, and reviewed by an ombudsman.