Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - CANADA: Possible Non-Confidence Vote?

Charlatan · 11-30-2008, 11:48 PM

I have been avidly reading the machinations of the Canadian Parliament over the weekend.

Last week Harper's Minister of Finance, Jim Flaherty put forward an interim budget meant to provide stimulus to the economy. Instead, he presented what was a very partisan budget. The opposition parties didn't like what they saw and threatened to vote no confidence and bring down the government that was brought into power only a few week's ago.

So does this mean we are heading for another election? You would think so, but no so fast. The Liberals and the NDP (with the support of the Bloc) have suggested that they will approach the Governor General with the idea that they will form a coalition government.

I have just been watching as the news articles have been flowing in... It looks like this is going to happen.

The plan sees the Liberals with 75% of the cabinet positions and the NDP 25%. It also appears that Dion, the current leader of the Liberals, will *not* be the PM. Instead, Michael Ignatief will be voted into leadership by the Liberal caucus. In a last minute deal that would have seen Ignatief scuttle the coalition (he did not like the idea of Dion being PM and has a large amount of support in the caucus), the other leadership candidates agreed to step aside in favour of Ignatief.

The open vote that would have allowed the non-confidence motion was to have happened on Monday but Harper postponed the vote until next week buying himself some time.

If the opposition decides to go through with this, the only thing that should be able to stop them is if Harper suspends the Parliament (he has the power to do this).

What are you thoughts on this? Is this a "coup d'etat" as Harper colours it? Does the fact that the Conservatives only have 37% of the popular vote colour your view of things? Could you support this coalition?

I am not entirely sure how I feel about it except that it sure makes for exciting times. On one hand, I don't like the Harper. On the other, this sets an interesting precedent. One that might not be so palatable with different parties forming the coalition. Regardless, it looks like it will continue to be an interesting year for politics in Canada (even if nobody outside Canada knows about it).

11-30-2008, 11:48 PM	#1 (permalink)
Charlatan Getting it. Super Moderator Location: Lion City	CANADA: Possible Non-Confidence Vote? I have been avidly reading the machinations of the Canadian Parliament over the weekend. Last week Harper's Minister of Finance, Jim Flaherty put forward an interim budget meant to provide stimulus to the economy. Instead, he presented what was a very partisan budget. The opposition parties didn't like what they saw and threatened to vote no confidence and bring down the government that was brought into power only a few week's ago. So does this mean we are heading for another election? You would think so, but no so fast. The Liberals and the NDP (with the support of the Bloc) have suggested that they will approach the Governor General with the idea that they will form a coalition government. I have just been watching as the news articles have been flowing in... It looks like this is going to happen. The plan sees the Liberals with 75% of the cabinet positions and the NDP 25%. It also appears that Dion, the current leader of the Liberals, will not be the PM. Instead, Michael Ignatief will be voted into leadership by the Liberal caucus. In a last minute deal that would have seen Ignatief scuttle the coalition (he did not like the idea of Dion being PM and has a large amount of support in the caucus), the other leadership candidates agreed to step aside in favour of Ignatief. The open vote that would have allowed the non-confidence motion was to have happened on Monday but Harper postponed the vote until next week buying himself some time. If the opposition decides to go through with this, the only thing that should be able to stop them is if Harper suspends the Parliament (he has the power to do this). What are you thoughts on this? Is this a "coup d'etat" as Harper colours it? Does the fact that the Conservatives only have 37% of the popular vote colour your view of things? Could you support this coalition? I am not entirely sure how I feel about it except that it sure makes for exciting times. On one hand, I don't like the Harper. On the other, this sets an interesting precedent. One that might not be so palatable with different parties forming the coalition. Regardless, it looks like it will continue to be an interesting year for politics in Canada (even if nobody outside Canada knows about it). __________________ "My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke