Quote:
Originally posted by Quadraton
I seem to recall the question being raised during the recent federal elections about the not-withstanding clause being used by the Liberals should they end up in a minority government. From what I remember, Martin flat out refused to implement it, stating the party with the most seats should rule.
Is this right? I think I was politically asleep that day, so I don't remember the finer details.
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It came up in the election with specific reference to Gay Marriages. Harper said he would use the Notwithstanding Clause to overturn any court ruling that would allow gay marriage.
The issue with Martin and a Minority has to do with proceedure.
After an election, the Govenor General asks the party with the majority of seats to form a goverment.
If there is no party with a majority, the last party in power would be asked if they can form a government... even if they have fewer seats than another party. The party can then either try to form a government (coalition or not) or they can say no and the GG would then ask the Party with the most seats.
When it looked like the Conservatives would win in a minority position it was suggested that Martin might still try to form a government with allies from either the Bloc or the NDP. He ended up saying the party with the most seats should try to form the government.