You thought Stephen Harper was scary?
p2pnet news view | Politics:- Are Canadians looking at another new government?
And maybe before Christmas?
Canada is on the edge of another political crisis which threatens to bring down the radically unpopular Stephen Harper Conservative government, which squeaked in by the skin of its teeth after the last snap election.
“So you thought Stephen Harper was scary?” – says the National Post. But, “How does the prospect of Prime Minister Stephane Dion and Finance Minister Jack Layton grab you?” – it asks.
Because, “Incredible and truly alarming as it might seem, it is now a very real possibility,” says the story, going on »»»
The Liberals have posted four opposition day motions on the order paper, one of which calls for a vote of non-confidence in the government. Liberal sources said they fully intend to bring forward a motion on Monday that will blast the government’s handling of the economic crisis. It will also commit to forming a viable alternative government, with the help of the other opposition parties. At that point, it would be up to the Governor-General as to whether she gives the opposition parties a chance to form a government. Constitutional experts say that eventuality is possible, if not probable.
Discussions were under way aimed at the possible formation of a Liberal-New Democratic Party coalition – with an accord providing Bloc Québécois support – to offer Canadians an alternative government instead of another election, says the Canwest News Service, continuing »»»
Defeat of the government would normally trigger an election, but Canadians went to the polls Oct. 14.
A spokesperson for Governor-General Michaëlle Jean, who would decide whether the opposition should be given a chance to govern, said “contingency plans are in place for her to return to Canada should this be required.” Jean is travelling in Europe on government business and is due back Dec. 7.
Harper postponed for one week a Liberal opposition-day motion that says: “This House has lost confidence in this government and is of the opinion that a viable alternative government can be formed within the present House of Commons.”
In a dramatic end-of-day appearance Harper, “used the government’s parliamentary prerogative to delay two crucial confidence votes, either of which could have defeated the Tories,” says the Globe and Mail. Now »»»
The events may also presage a constitutional crisis, with the Prime Minister yesterday challenging the legitimacy of Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion – set to step down in May – becoming head of government. The opposition has every right to defeat the government, but Stéphane Dion does not have the right to take power without an election,” Mr. Harper said. “Canada’s government should be decided by Canadians, not backroom deals. It should be your choice – not theirs.”
His remarks raise doubt over whether Mr. Harper would consider it legitimate were Governor-General Michaëlle Jean to ask a coalition of opposition parties to form a government.
The Tories hope to use the coming week to sow doubts in the public mind about the legitimacy of a coalition. However, it may too be too late to stop the opposition parties from acting.
The Toronto Sun has an interesting perspective on the situation, saying there may be a lot more at stake next week in Ottawa than just the toppling of a government, adding »»»
Like all games of chess, every move made has a counter move. So while it’s a fascinating deadly game of political chicken, a potential coalition government between the Liberals, NDP and perhaps the Bloc Quebecois may not be the only national change to come from it.
If Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his Conservative minority are replaced, don’t be surprised if you end up seeing the beginning of a western separatist movement — and at least most certainly a very angry constituency of people who feel they have suffered through decades of unsympathetic Liberal governments from central Canada and figure this is their time.
To many of them it looks like central Canada ganging up on a western prime minister. Who knows where it could lead — perhaps to the breakup of the country but at least some serious resentment and animosity.
Definitely stay tuned
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National Post – Harper has only himself to blame, November 29, 2008
Canwest News Service – Harper staves off vote for a week, November 29, 2008
Globe and Mail – Harper buys time, coalition firms up, November 29, 2008
Toronto Sun – Barenaked ambition, November 29, 2008
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November 29th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
“Wildly unpopular Stephen Harper Conservative government”? Come on! This government was re-elected several weeks ago and added more than a dozen seats!
November 29th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
^^ Did I say wildly? Nope. And if you believe the fact it was relected means it has the support of the majority of Canadians, you probably also believe Harper has the best interests of Canadians at heart.
Cheers!
November 29th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Newton, you shoot your mouth off without having a clue what you are talking about.
November 29th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Western Separatist Party – sign me up. I’ve had enough of stupid politicians who can’t see past their own pocketbook. The first thing the coalition would do is tax western oil and gas to create a fake surplus and make themselves look good. You want to see a downturn in the economy? Kill the golden goose.
November 29th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
What’s wrong with taxing western oil and gas? it wouldn’t be a fake surplus it would be the the governing country of Canada recognizing their resources and uniting against privatized oil companies capitalizing on consumers for their own benefit.
November 29th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
I’d have to say; taxing Western oil and gas companies would be good for the environment and for how we look to the world at large. I wouldn’t trust Dion farther than I can throw him (on second thought, I probably could throw him a good few meters…) but this drama is most entertaining and is a direct result of a serious miscalculation on the part of Mr. Harper (who I do respect, though not a lot of his party’s positions). The financial update basically seeks to impose more conservative policies for now and then eventually, when Obama has finalized his own country’s surplus, the Conservatives will act to stimulate the economy in a similar and cooperative manner.
If our esteemed finance minister had simply explained the overall plan to Canadians the party would be in a lot less trouble right now.
November 29th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
I love how Harper is referred to as a ‘Western’ Prime Minister. As far as I’m concerned, he’s been no better than any other politician of recent note. But then, I suppose I’m rather disenfranchised with Canadian Politics, because IMHO no matter who gets in, they always woo Ontario and Quebec, who together contain enough seats to win control of the Senate. Frankly, I see it as Central Not Prime Ministers Ganging up on the American Wannabe Prime Minister.
But then, perhaps my opinion of Mister Harper is clouded by my anger with the actions of his party (example: C-61).
November 30th, 2008 at 1:30 am
Personally, I think that this new option for a federal government might actually be something beneficial. I still do not understand how the tories pulled off the last election with the results that they did, when other parties platforms appeared to be so much more beneficial to Canada as a whole. Now with the prospect of 2.5 opposition parties being in control and having to work together without the meddling of pro-corperate righties, it might be able to correct some of the outstanding issues we have in this country. I will be the first to admit that Dion looks like nothing but an unmolded lump of silly putty, but Layton was fantastic during the debates on pointing out the truths of the other parties that are always staring people in the face but everyone for the most part seems to try to ignore.
As for the economic “Crisis”, this again is where the genetically engineered Chretien-Trudeau hybrid would come in to play, he/it would have no qualms about telling the us to keep their recession while making good with some wall street hotties.
November 30th, 2008 at 4:22 am
This coalition won’t happen. All Harper has to do is say that the Conservative government is open to suggestions from all other parties on managing the state of the economy, and the Governor General won’t have a sufficient reason allow the opposition parties to merge and take power.
Yes, 60% of the population did not vote Conservative. People voted for the party they agreed with, not AGAINST Harper. Plus, if you look at the history of the 40 elections Canada has held, only 3 elected governments actually had 50% or more of the popular vote (last one being Mulroney at 50%). So to say that Canadians didn’t elect Harper is a fallacy – his party won more seats than any other.
Also, taxing Western oil and gas “for the environment’s sake” is a joke. Most consumption of oil and gas is down East. This fact is conveniently ignored, but I suppose people will never agree to for it themselves at the pump. No, people always think someone else should pay for it. And Alberta’s resource-based economy is playing a big part in keeping Canada out of a recession – it would be a horrible idea to screw with the industry and put tens of thousands of Albertans out of work, even though I’m sure Layton somehow thinks it would be a good idea.
November 30th, 2008 at 5:24 am
@above We had the lowest voter turn out in 20 years your logic is flawed. our economy was predicted over a year ago to be in a 2.9% surplus 1 year later flaherty predicts 0.6% surplus and mentions that his govt knew this was coming. Does that not say to you: THEN DO SOMETHING?
November 30th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Are we not saying that Harper and his hidden back room deals must go?
I see the problem is that Canadians have been duped into a political game that’s dysfunctional.
As Canadians we could have Anything and Everything we want from any government. But Canadians lack the balls to stand up to their politicians and perspective big businesses to get it. Wake up!
Many didn’t vote for other than Harper due to the fear created by the economy or personal greed. Many didn’t show up at poles due to knowing no matter who gets in it’s the same “back room” game. Many others were too tied up with putting bread on the table.
We have been taxed to death, overpowered by USA corporations and deals, nickel and dimened by our own and foreign businesses, lost 40 plus % of our good businesses, our land given away to the UN, our oil and resources pretty well stolen by other countries, bank fees, insurance not paying out as they should or manipulating heath care, doctors prescribing massive unnecessary drugs and not providing actual remedies, policed instead of having Peace Officers, our privacy lost, internet throttled and spied on, cheated and lied to and you sit back doing this political game posturing?
HA! Shame on you Canadians!
I suggest:
We first Demand full disclosure of government records and back room deals as well as full restructuring of oversight and policing of corporations.
Any politician caught at Bilderberg, WTO, IMF, SPP and corporate meeting to be tried for treason.
All politicians must present any and all deals to Canadians first and have it/them publicized fully in all major media.
All government phone calls and communications to be recorded and posted on public website.
All corporations to have a review once a year BY THE PEOPLE for proof of continuation. A license be given only to those that comply with Canadians wishes.
Stop government from making silly regulations.
We already know what else needs to be fixed and what Canadians desire, now it is time to tell our employees [the government] what is rightfully ours and what we Demand. That or fire their asses right out the door.
Enjoy
December 1st, 2008 at 5:18 pm
I’t sickening to see how the east always gets there way.. Quebec and Ontario get the highest dollar per person from federal government. the mb, sask, ab, bc get 7% less per person .. WHY???. It’s always about the east.. not the west.. Liberal “Jack Ass” Trudeau (biggest joke ever) summed up the views that Liberals have about the west when he gave them the finger… Forming a Coalition with NDP (communist) & Liberals ( extreme socialist) will absolutely kill this country.. They want to increase government spending with bail outs and more hand outs.. where is this money coming from.. from the tax payers.. They will kill us with inflation.. Are Canadians this stupid to think that the communist and the socialist can help Canada?? If this happens taxes will go up and so with the cost of living.. To think that you can increase corporate taxes and be blinded enough to believe that they are actually going to absurb this cost is insane.. They will pass the buck to the consumer.. Which for the dumb canadian means .. INCREASE RETAIL PRICES… Obviously we need another election so the people have the say.. It will only cost the country $300 million verses the $500 billion bail out plan that Dion “I can’t speak english” has in mind.. The bail out plan doesn’t work the Americans have tried that and if Dion can’t see that .. how is he suited to make this call.
December 3rd, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Political games only benefit the politicians and political friends. Dion and Layton have no regard for this country otherwise they would be promoting political ans economic stability rather that using a still mild economic downturn as a mechanism for their political gain.
Frankly, I like Harper more and more. He has a modest home down the road in Calgary. He had a job and paid taxes much like I do. He has two children in school. This guy doe snot know me but he knows my life. I want him running this country. He has cut my taxes, he has been prudent and cautious in how he approaches this economic downturn. He has said no to handouts to GM and Ford, at least until he thinks it is necessary.
For the first time in a long time, I like a politician.
December 5th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
!! Let’s try to remember how this electoral system sucks, shall we !?!
Only about 36 – 38 % of Canadians VOTED ! More than 60% of Canadians Silently Protested against the legitimacy of the October 14th election ! That means more than 60% of the country did NOT want to manifest Harper as P.M. or anyone else for that matter because the system does not ring with people or the Consciousness of the country.
Then out of the 36-38% that DID vote, Harper had LESS THAN 1/2 OF THE VOTES as this electoral system enjoys a many-party-system to spread the votes around giving the one with BILDERBERGER & Brotherhood connections a guaranteed majority with the rest of the 60-70-80% of the votes spread around the others !
They love this system. & the ones that DON’T VOTE are actually smarter than the ones that bother to ”vote”.
If you don’t understand this, then you must have been someone that ‘voted’ !……..