There are a few basic expectations of any federal government: secure the border, nurture trade relationships, keep the federal courts running, maintain and uphold national defence, cultivate economic growth and so on. These are the fundamentals – the responsibilities that a federal government is supposed to have in order – so as to earn the trust to take on ambitious secondary projects. Indeed, when alleged sex offenders (and even those found guilty) are set free because of procedural delays stemming from judicial vacancies, the government has no business – or credibility – announcing plans for a national school lunch program.
