House hearings begin on contempt accusations

Two ministers appeared before the House of Commons committee looking into whether the Conservatives should be found in contempt of Parliament for withholding information.

Power Play: Justice Minister Rob Nicholson

Rob Nicholson weighs in on documents tabulating the cost of crime bills. He says opposition parties don't agree with what is being done in criminal justice area, and it is a dividing point between the government and opposition.

Power Play: NDP MP Pat Martin

Pat Martin, who was at the committee table Wednesday, says documents regarding the government's crime bills weren't helpful. Martin says the reported costs are being hidden from the committee members.

CTV News: Richard Madan on the allegations

The Parliamentary Committee began hearings in Ottawa on Wednesday to decide whether to move ahead with breach of parliamentary privilege charges against the the Conservative government.

CTV News Channel: Roger Smith from Ottawa

CTV's parliamentary correspondent says the issues are a fairly big deal and it gives the opposition ammunition to go into an election. He also explains what may happen at the committee meeting and what's at stake for the Tories.

Watch: See all Videos in the Player

A A | Email This Email | Print | Comments (93) Tweet

Minister of Public Safety Vic Toews, right, and Minister of Justice Rob Nicholson as they appear as witnesses at the standing committee on procedure and house affairs looking into Parliamentary contempt hearings on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Wednesday, March 16, 2011. (Sean Kilpatrick / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

View Larger Image

Selected Comment

Whoever triggers an election during these unsettled economic times, will only shoot himself in the foot.

George

Hearings could trigger contempt finding against gov't

talking about
House hearings begin on contempt accusations

Got something to say?

CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Wed. Mar. 16 2011 9:16 PM ET

With a possible election call in the balance, Opposition MPs began grilling Conservative cabinet ministers Wednesday over allegations the government had breached parliamentary privilege.

The government sent two senior ministers, backed up by a phalanx of top bureaucrats, to the House of Commons procedure and House affairs committee to answer accusations that it was in contempt of Parliament.

But Public Safety Minister Vic Toews and Justice Minister Rob Nicholson did not come empty handed: the ministers and their deputies wheeled in a stack of papers providing what they say are detailed cost estimates of the government's anti-crime bills.

Nicholson said the thick stacks of documents put the cost of anti-crime legislation at $631 million -- on top of $2.1 billion already announced for expanded prisons.

Speaking to CTV's Power Play, he said the documents give details to back up the government's earlier estimates of the cost of several pieces of law and order legislation.

"The speaker made a ruling, so we provided more info – so they have hundreds of pages today to have a look at. Hopefully, this satisfies them."

And he suggested that the opposition will never accept the government's cost estimates. "We've given them all that information … but if you don't like it, then you're never going to be satisfied with what we're going to tell you."

The move, which was quickly called a "document dump" by the Liberal and NDP MPs that dominate the committee, comes after last week's unprecedented rulings by Commons Speaker Peter Milliken.

Milliken ruled that the minority Conservatives breached parliamentary privilege by refusing to fully disclose full cost estimates for its justice agenda, corporate tax cuts, and plans to purchase stealth fighter jets.

He also ruled that International Co-operation Minister Bev Oda breached parliamentary privilege by misleading MPs about an altered government document.

Wednesday was the first of three days of hearings by the committee into whether the Harper government and Oda personally are in contempt of Parliament.

NDP committee member Pat Martin said at first glance, the thick sheaf of documents provided by the government today appears virtually useless.

"This is what got dumped on our laps today," he told Power Play host Don Martin. "You could use it I suppose as ballast in your boat but it's not a great deal of use to us. It's the same figures we got before just stretched out and expanded into 400 or 500 pages."

The release of the documents was seen by many as an attempt to derail opposition efforts to hold the government in contempt, a finding that CTV parliamentary correspondent Roger Smith said was almost unprecedented.

"Governments have been found in contempt only very rarely," Smith told CTV News Channel. "Of course, this is something that could happen during a minority Parliament because in a majority Parliament, obviously, the government would have the power to vote down any contempt measures."

It is widely expected, however, that the committee will find the Government in contempt, which will in turn shift the issue to the Commons.

Martin said the government appears determined to head into an election campaign sooner, rather than later.

"Those two ministers didn't do themselves any favours today, you'd think they were trying to provoke an election the way they came in with that attitude and with this document."

No federal government or cabinet minister has ever been found in contempt before. A contempt finding could carry a heavy penalty, including suspension from Parliament or even, theoretically, jail time.

The hearings began as all parties began preparations for an election that could be triggered as early as next week -- either over next Tuesday's budget or a Liberal confidence motion.

NDP leader Jack Layton said the contempt charges could be "a game changer" for the New Democrats.

Layton says next Tuesday's budget remains a decisive factor in whether his party will continue to keep the Conservatives in power, but said he believes the patience of voters is waning when it comes to Prime Minister Stephen Harper's lack of respect for the House of Commons.

"Any residual benefit of the doubt that people may have been willing to grant ... is rapidly running out," Layton said. "It's a bit of a game-changer that is unfolding now."

Minister of State for Finance Ted Menzies is due before the committee on Thursday, with Oda set to appear on Friday.

The committee has until March 21 to submit its recommendations to Parliament.With files from The Canadian Press

Comments are now closed for this story

Colin Gee
said

Let's see, those sleazy, power-hungry, larcenous buffoons who display a complete disdain for parlimentary rules and contempt for the Canadian electorate OR those bumbling, incompetent clowns in opposition who wouldn't know an opportunity to take power if it jumped up and bit them on the butt. Whom to choose, whom to choose.

Cix Cents
said

these hearings are plain useless when the opposition themselves have already a fixed mindset over these issues. The Liberals will never be satisfied because they will never like what they hear from the Conservatives. Never was and never will. Hopefully these three days of worthless hearing will be over soon, and then we all interested parties can get a move on. This is a total waste of time when we could all be doing something else productive for the best interest of this country, primarily the economy.

CJA
said

What seems to be missing from the minds of many commentators here is that the Conservative government has essentially thumbed its nose at parliament. The PM serves at the pleasure of the house, which means all MP's. He must also answer to the house. The PM has very significant powers, powers that the US president can only dream of. It is for this reason that we have safeguards. He must answer to the house, while the senate can put a break on abuse of power (theoretically). If he gets really out of hand, the GG can dissolve Parl. and call an election. What is key here is that it is not a do anything I want and get away with it world. Harper may be a gifted politician, but he does have a habit of thumbing his nose at parliament and the supreme court. This can be very dangerous. We are a country that is civil after all. It is not just about the economy. Harper is acting tis way because he thinks the economic situation will shield him from an election. Last time I voted Con. This time I wont'.

Charlotte
said

Another Kangaroo court, what a waste of time when the opposition has already made up their minds before the budget is even read. This is not the first Kangaroo committee, remember Mulrooney etc.I still know Mr Stephen Harper is the right person for Canada and is doing a GREAT great job so I hope Canadians won't be brainwashed by all these suppositly scandals of the Conservatives, they haven't stolen any money and Bev Oda may have under all her work and charities and pressure made an error in speaking, but she was allowed to inform her staff to put not in that kairos charity paper. I hope IF there is an election by comtmpt of Parliament as media said today on Power Paly that the Consevatives womp the L:iberals in the polls and get a majority and we can be sure then that our Country is in GOOD hands and Canada WILL prosper. Go home Mr Ignatieff to the Country of YOUIR choice.

Will
said

If we must have an election, let's get it over with so we can have a majority government that can govern as opposed to dealign with constant threats from wanna-be's.

Bill
said

Amazing to see that in 2011, people still think voting and politics are real. Wow. Someday soon you will ALL realize the huge mistake you have made giving power to these blatant criminals.....all parties included. They are all crooks and always have been. Psychopaths gravitate towards politics. Thats why everything they do seems so crazy.

MARG MM
said

Dan Payment.......Finally a voice of reason. Your comment is absolutly correct. Unfortunatly, there are a lot of people that post here who are only commenting to spew their hatred for PM Harper and the Conservatives, nothing else. I also vote on issues and what I feel is good for me and my family. At this time my vote will go to the Conservatives, as we are better off after five years of their governance, than we were under many years of Liberal rule.

danR
said

I'm sure the Government of Harper has good sparring trainers who have grilled him on every question to be raised, and he will come out without a sweat, glasses undislodged:... In and out: 'trifles!'...document falsification: 'piffle!'... Afghan documents: 'political posturing!'.... At the end of the day, he knows Canadians have no choice: 'it's me, or the unelectable, shape-shifting, morph-artist from Harvard.'..... Only too true. The 'opposition' leader guards the door to the PMO, and genuine change.

(Excuse the dots. It's an attempt to alleviate CTV's atrocious comment typesetting. You'd think it was a 19th century telegraph office.)

Plabo
said

To BillybobI don't really care/trust any parties but to continue with your analogy ...The conservatives are like snakes hidding a behind a teflon wall with only one peep hole used by Harper. We don't know what they are doing behind the wall and they don't us...

ajspen
said

I am sick of the Liberal kangaroo courts. Election please so we can have a majority and put an end to the political games engineered and carried out by the desperate left!

U.I> recipient
said

This is the problem with our Government, they waste too much time and money arguing like school children on a playground when really they should be working together to improve our way of life. Our Governmental parties need to work together! especially during these tough economic times. Instead they would rather call for another election which will inevitably cost the taxpayers of this country more than we can afford.

dante in Vancvouer
said

The debate here in these comments is hilarious. What is wrong with having these politicians account for their behaviour and actions? and History teacher in Ontario glad you are not teaching my kids cause you don't know the meaning of the words fascist or racist if you apply them to this discussion. Get an education yourself.

wayne in HRM
said

to MAtt The polls that you quoted, like the polls the poster Happy Calgarian commented on before, do not exist. That makes your post a lie, your opinion meaningless and your time spent here..a waste of it. Canadians do care..only in the lies of the CPC and their supporters will you find a difference.

MARG MM
said

Why waste taxpayer money on this kangaroo court? We all know that the opposition has no interest in listening to anything said. Their minds are made up, and we all know what the result will be before it happens.What astonishes me is the vile hatred coming out of the mouths of some posters. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but can't you express it without all the nasty name calling? Looks like a lot hateful, immature people commenting, are these the type that the Liberal party attracts?????

John
said

Dan it must make you and your fellow liberals want to puke knowing that 36.5% of Canadians are already fully decided voters and voting conservative. You must want to bash your head against the wall when you realize that only 26.7% of canadians would vote liberal, when you add in the 16% the dippers will take the 9% block 8% the greens. Jeez that only leaves 3.8% undecided vote. Now I do not claim to be the enlightened, inteligent, hip, urban voter likely from Toronto, or Vancouver that you probably are but I am Highly educated with both college diplomas and a university degree. Will you please tell me where Iggy is going to find an over 10% swing in the polls. Don't give me that stragic voting vudoo, or that your going to get them from the even further left Green or NDP because if you go that way the centerist of your party will vote conservative before a heavy Left wing Liberal party. There is less than 4% undecided vote out there. The majority of Green voters when polled would choose the NDP before the Libs, and your own supporters in polls the data shows for every 10 votes you steal moving Left, you loose 7 to the right.
Dan, the Libs are pushing this fight, and there is an old saying becareful what you wish for you just might get it. Well your going to get an election, and at current polls with a Leader that is not quick on his feet, who will get destroyed in the debates from Gilles, Jack and Stephen yes the other 2 Leaders wont give Iggy a free pass. Your in a word Screwed. Bring it on Dan bring it on.

anonymous
said

shouldn't that read "gov't contempt could trigger people to listen"?

billybob
said

The liberals and the rest of the opposition are like monkeys in a cage who relentlessly throw their feces at a wet wall, all the while hoping that something might stick.

Mitchy
said

CONTMEPT. This is what the Conservatives have for the majority of Canadian's representatives (and thus Canadians themselves).We live in a parliamentary democracy. If Conservatives do not believe in democracy, then what DO they believe in?

mahanna ali
said

to all the "usual suspects" pandering for an election...well - reality check...over 50% of the voting population don't see a need for an election at this time...an up-to-date ipsos poll has the conservatives pegged at 40% decided support to the liberal party's 27% and yes this includes the conservatives "gafes".the reality is canadians ARE tuned in to what's happening - we ARE awake ...we know opposition fiddlesicks tom foolery when we see it...that's why the favourable poll numbers for the conservatives are not declining but getting better...you see the harper government is paying attention to things that really matter to our country - you know, the economy, crime and punishment, strengthening our military etc and will not be distracted by the old fear mongering that democracy-is-in-danger ho-haw.i don't believe the conservatives want an election but they have already made it apparent that they are more than willing to(will happily) fight one.....yes we HAVE finally awoken from the dreamy 70's/'80's when lefty academics(experts) told us what was good thus creating a mushy, phoney, politically correct society that we chaffed under (but finally are emerging from).next week is d day...over to you iggy and co..............

Geoff
said

Clearly the conservatitives have shown that they have lowered themselves ethically to the that of the Liberals. So both the major parties have no morals or ethics. Therefore, let's declare a tie on ethics and have parliament get on with the real issues.All of these issues the Liberals vow we need an election over pal to the fact that the two previous liberal cabinets (that of Chretian and Martin) raised 57 billion dollars illegally (Supreme Court of Canada ruling Dec 2008). They have no right to call the kettle black.

Linda in Vancouver
said

I'm fascinated by the notion that the only role of the opposition is to oppose.In my mind,that is only a part of their role.They cannot,on one hand, accuse Harper of not cooperating with them,and on the other hand,see their role as opposing everything. I quit the Liberal party,and now vote for the Conservatives.I do not vote for Harper.And I do have concersn about them from time to time.But no Canadian should vote Liberal.If we want a more national government,Ontario should elect more Conservatives MP's.Then they would have more input.The Liberals are corrupt to the core.I know many can't accept that,but I believe it is true. FOLLOW THE MONEY.The Liberals are under the thumbs of so many special interest groups that they can't formaulate their own policies.And most of those special interest groups,especially the enviro groups,are getting the bulk of their money from the USA.At least tens of millions,but almost certainly hundreds of millions of dollars are being poured into Canada,by "charitable foundations in the USA.Those US$$'s are fundling Liberal friendly eco groups,and those groups are campaigning to set policies in Canada.Mostly energy,but fish parming also.I do not think AMERICANS should set Canadian policy on anything.And I find it very odd that both the USA,and the Liberals want to keep Alberta oil land locked.Liberal policies on energy and fish farms benefit the USA,at our expense.Do you really think that is a coincidence? FOLLOW THE MONEY. Google some of these so called eco groups,charitable foundations like Endswell, Wilburforce,Rockefeller,Hewlett,to name a couple.Also Vivian Krause.Ask questions.You need to know this I have issues with Harper.But at least he makes Canadian poilcy IN CANADA.

Joyce
said

theother lowellinBC;all i had to read the first lpart of your comment and this is what I find;One called the Opposition "fascists" are you referring to a Conservative commentor, really, if one looks at all the comments on many articles in the media and I ceratinly can name some, seems to me you are living in a glass house. I do not like this name calling, but if you can get everyone including many Liberal commentors to stop the name calling with the same and more vilesleezy and slutty comments, we would all be better off and civility would be restored.

Mike in Pembroke
said

Okay, TheOtherLowellInBC you said: Their job is to OPPOSE the conservatives not support them. So what you are saying is when the Conservatives puts a bill on the table for a vote, no matter what it is, or how good it maybe for Canada and the people of Canada you believe the Liberals and NDPs are to oppose the bill just because they are not the government. You also said That is a hallmark of a democracy. I have a problem with your thinking as these MPs are voted in to represent the people in their riding who voted them in, not just to support the party they belong to. That is one of the biggest problems with our government and opposition parties. The MPs vote along party lines instead of listening to what the people who they should be representing want. I do not care what party you belong to, if the bill that is on the floor for a vote is right and good for Canada and the people, then vote for it. THAT IS THEIR JOB, not just to support what the leader of the party wants which is to be elected PM so they hold the power.

Dan Payment
said

RE: "I am amazed at how misguided some folks are. The conservative supporters on this blog slam the liberals because they don't support conservative policies. I believe one person even called them fascist. The liberals are the opposition. Their job is to OPPOSE the conservatives not support them." Not quite right. Their job is to oppose the party in power IF THEY FEEL THAT THE APPROACH THE PARTY IN POWER IS NOT ACTING IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF CANADIANS AND CANADA. Blind opposition for the sake of being an opposition is obstructive, counterproductive and just plain wasteful. I am not a "party follower", I''m an issue follower. Just because my parents voted Liberal all their lives doesn't mean I have to. I don't care if it's the party in power, or the opposition, if they have a good idea that needs to be supported, then support them. If it's a bad idea, don't. Anything else is just plain stupid! Look at how much trouble voting for the most popular politicians has gotten us! We all want the "cakes and ale" they promise us every election, but we forget that those very promises come out of our pockets. Bribing the voters should NOT be allowed. By all means, be Liberal or Conservative or even Rhino, but please, do some thinking and vote for the issues, not your favourite party/politician!

Brendan
said

It's good to see the government being held accountable for their actions, it makes me awful glad that we have a separation of powers so that our government doesn't begin abusing their resources.

John Lethbridge
said

What a ridiculous charade. Anyone who thinks that these hearings would be in any way fair, balanced and nonpartisan should wake up. This crap is entirely partisan driven. Peter Milliken should be turfed from the speakers chair, and this gong show should be shut down. This strategy by the left is the most disgusting and selfing serving bunch of crap I have seen in years, and to see how they have the support of the media in the back pocket to sensationalize every single non-story the left wants inflated makes me sick. Ignatief himself with his latest postition to support the new rink in Quebec has shown himself to be irresponsibly going after any vote anywhere regardless of principle or consequence. Canada is a tough country to govern. It takes a leader with balls, vision, drive, principle and direction. As desperate as Ignatief is, he is not the guy for the job. [x] Harper

Dennis
said

[X] Ignatieff

Darrell In Calgary
said

Come on ... the end-result of these committee meetings is a forgone conclusion as they are stacked with a majority of opposition party members. Let's just end this nonsense right now and call an election and be done with it (and maybe then the Lieberals will FINALLY understand that Canadians simply don't want them in power!). And lastly, a question to all the Lieberal supporters out there: where's my 40 million dollars from the Adscam?

Mike
said

Come on Dan, you said [X] Ignatieff Integrity and Honesty for a change. How do you know? We can't get a straight answer out of the man. He says one thing one day and then contradicts himself the next. What he said about our flag and calling the USA his country, I have a hard time convincing myself he is being honest with the Canadian people. For my money, I would rather have the person who does what he says even if I don't always agree with him and his government to someone like Michael Ignatieff who I have no idea what he stands for. I just don't trust him and as for Jack, forget it.

Doug ( ^^^ )Surrey,BC
said

Much ado about absolutely nothing.The facts of the Oda matter simple.She made a bad choice by taking a shortcut.BUT,that shortcut had no impact on the substance of the matter.In the end, she,as minister,had the duty and the right t make the decison she made. Your usual partisan rant comes to a rather neulous conclusion "Wendy".It's true that Harper should work with the opposition.On that we hace no difference.HOWEVER,tht only works when you have an opposition that WANTS to work with the government.Ever since 2006,it is clea to anyone who has been paying attention that the "coalition" had no intention of working with Hartper in any way.Their sole purpose for living has been to defeat Harper.And every breatht they have taken has been with that in mind.They have NEVER to cooperate in any way.And we all know it takes at least two to cooperate. It's hard not to be annoyed when an MP or a Minister screws up.But here's the problem.The Liberals and the NDP are not credible or fit to form a government.If voters want to elevate the performance of a government,no matter which party we elect,we get a government that still needs training.The Liberals have proven that they can't be trusted,or trained,and are really a party of Ontarians.Thus,I am left to conclude that if the west wants a voice in this country,it is the Conservative aParty that we have to build.NOT the NDP or the Liberals (aka NDP Lite) BTW.If your issue is the economy.You lose on the issue of compromise.If you look at policy,it is Harper who has done al the compromising,and the looney left that didn't budge an inch.Thus,it is the opposition that refused to work with Harper.

David
said

How fikle some Canadians become and how soon some Canadians forget. Bottom line here is, the Liberals have fallen behind in the dismantling of our military defense, and definitly don't want any new jets; for a military that may no longer exist; if voted in. The previous Liberal government cut back on everything, including health care and seniors benefits, through down loading, in addition to the millitary. The present day Conservative government has rebuilt the military, refunded health care, most of seniors benefits, and definitely has given back to the private individuals; starting with the GST and income tax cuts. Fall for the Liberal scheme and there is only yourself to blame.

TheOtherLowellInBC
said

I am amazed at how misguided some folks are. The conservative supporters on this blog slam the liberals because they don't support conservative policies. I believe one person even called them fascist. The liberals are the opposition. Their job is to OPPOSE the conservatives not support them. That is a hallmark of a democracy. There are folks in the middle east now giving up their lives for this very principle. Oh yes and by the way Harper, WE DO WANT AN election. It is essential to our democratic principles. Even though you have tried every trick in the book to thwart one and even now are using the Japan disaster as a pretext to not having one, the people of Canada do in fact want and need one. You have violated most of your original principles, regarding openness and accountability. You are manipulative and controlling not the attributes of an effective prime minister. I know its the conservative way but we do need a change.

Judy Guelph
said

Harper does not want an election because of the disaster in Japan.Harper does not want an election because he says so.Harper does not want an election because he can't find a candidate for Winnipeg.Harper does not want an election because it may rain in May..Harper does not want an election because his kids are writing exams that week.Harper does not want an election but is spending 26 million taxpayer dollars advertising his own party and has sent out 40 M.P.'s to re-announce money already spent.Harper can not be believed. Even his budget will be suspect when he won't even provide costs for his planes and jails.

GHW
said

The real shame in all this is that our politics is lowered to this soap opera partisan dribble. When the Liberals were in power I was not offended by their day to day gaffs and I am not offended by this governments minor day to day gaffs. Who are we kidding, these are politicians. Does anyone, other than the whining politically religious zealots in opposition, really expect them to walk in a heavenly glow of perfection and righteousness? No what is going on here is the lowest form of politics; influence public opinion through over reaction and fear. Reminds me of an old boss I used to have, yuck! In general this government is doing a good job and is currently the best choice for our country. This may change in the future but certainly the case right now.

MAtt
said

COULD result in a contempt finding? THe Opposition outnumber the government on these committee's 5 - 4. It's pretty much a gaurantee the committee's will fin the government in contempt. Unfortunately for the opposition, average Canadians DON'T CARE about this nonsense. Two polls released Monday and Tuesay of this week STILL have the Conservatives 13 points ahead of the Liberals.

Justin Observer
said

Namesh, voters are stupid if they still trust Harper's regime. For the sake of Canadian democracy, he must be removed from office.

Dan
said

In Response to Gord Robsons comment.I would sooner have money spent on Sports facilities than advertising for a economic action plan that is in the final days. At least sports facilities are revenue and job positive. A sports facility has a life of 25 years of trade shows, concerts, sports etc. Employment both inside and surrounding the facility aids the local economy. What are we getting for the 26.5 million being wasted on TV commercials for a program that is winding down?

maximus
said

With Brison an honest and fair decision is unlikely. Since he became a liberal he has managed to learn the six words the liberals never fail to use. ABUSE OF POWER BY THE GOVERNMENT. Nothing Harper has done even gets close to Chretien or Trudeau.

Dave
said

@Michael (Ottawa): I can replace "Liberal" with "Conservative" and "Government of Canada" with "Opposition" and I would be just as correct. It's called politics and neither the Conservatives or the Liberals are putting Canadian's first. Doesn't leave us with many options though ...

Dan
said

Truth about adds.You are absolutely out to lunch if you think that the economic action plan advertisements running now, that the program is all but over and finished aren't paid for by tax payers. The fact that they are being paid for by The Revenue Canada Agency, Economic Development agency and The department of Finance indicates that they are paid for with our tax dollars. It is the Harper Regimes way of one again by passing the rules of elections Canada to the tune of 26.5 million. Don't you think that money could have been better spent than on prime time ads during the super bowl? It is a shameful display of waste by a government that is telling its citizens to tighten their belts.

Bill
said

After reading all of these comments, I have to say that we are doomed. Its all fake people. Time to wakeup and realize it. Voting will change nothing. All parties are bought and paid for by corporations, bankers and the elites who care nothing about you or me. Its 2011. Time to get a grip.

Dan
said

[x] Ignatieff Integrity and Honesty for a change.

Mark from Kelowna
said

To be clear, the ads I was referring to in my previous posting are the ones touting "the Harper government" and the "Economic Action Plan". I'm just calling them what they are...even through the thin veil. They're campaign ads.

Namesh (GTA)
said

Liberal instructions to supporters: "Throw as much crap whether true or false at the government and we might have a chance at replacing them. Voters are stupid they believe the media."

Wendy
said

Harper's job in a minority is to work with opposition parties, all parties said they don't support lower taxes to Harper's American corporate buddies, so they can't support the budget. so Harper is forcing an election that he will lose. It looks like Harper feels his attack ads are sufficient so he quit paying prof pye to push his propaganda. Harper announced last year he was spending millions of our tax dollars to censor what the media can say about the government.

Gord. Robson, Nova Scotia
said

Ignatieff, reportedly has promised our tax payers money for the building of hockey areas in Quebec and across Canada...why ? to buy votes...this same man was against the Conservatives who showed interest in one arena ! Ignatieff will have to flipflop once more on this or he will be slaughtered at the polls across the rest of Canada. One must remember this is a L i b e r a lpromise which is as cheap as the dirt that the Liberals are busy digging up while the Conservatives are working hard on the economy which the Liberals do not seem to care less about. Listen carefully and read all that is in the budget speech......woe to any party that tries to bring the government down on such a good budget....one that has something that all parties would like to see. The Liberals appear to be desperate to bring down the government b e f o r e the budget not matter what......they appear to be concerned for power only at any cost....My vote is for the Conservatives who brought us through rough economic times even though the opposition parties were try to force the government to spend more money !....Read the Budget...next week..well worth waiting for...!

Kate
said

Enough is enough already!... just think about what could have happened if both sides had worked together, our country may have just been that much stronger. Instead it has been a case of "mine is bigger than yours" . If someone says that they are doing this on behalf of all Canadians one more time I may just vomit... let us remember all of you politicians.. you may speak on behalf of some but you certainly DO NOT speak for me. We hired you and we can certainly fix that!

Damon
said

"I have to applaud the resilience of this government in the face of these Liberal fascists and incredibly racist Conservative haters. The more these brain washed liberal and socialist anarchists try to bring down the fairest government party we have had in years"Is this for real? Liberals are now fascists? (you might want to look that one up) Conservative haters are racist? Socialist anarchists? Those last two completely conflict. Fairest government party? All on an article about government corruption and misleading parliament. The Conservatives have some pretty far out supporters.

Tim
said

Scottish Terror said "It's truly unbelieveable how many blind Conbots exist totally ignorant of the anti-democratic actions of this Harper Regime. People are giving their lives around the world to get what Harper is taking away from us yet the Conbots continue to support the Regime no matter what they do." What a complete joke you wrote! You write as if the government has taken away all your liberties. If you were in Cuba or Venezuela right now, you would have been arrested over your comment. Funny how Trudeau was great buddies with Castro who threw many political prisoners into jail for many years where some of them still stay.

Ken - Calgary
said

[X] Ignatieff

RJ
said

I see people chating about ethics in politics. Is that not an oxymoron? Also, the Liberal Government prior to Harper could write an User Manual about how to avoid ethics in politics. I hope there is an election. This country needs a majority government.

Truth about ads
said

@Mark from Kelowna: What you said was misleading. Please note - the Conservative ads are paid for with their own money and NOT taxpayers money. The money comes from funds donated by Conservative supporters.

Just the facts not the spin
said

The problem we face in Canada is that the average voter knows little about how Parliament actually works. If they did they would not pay any attention to the agenda driven 30 second media sound bites on the news for their information. Canadians themselves are responsible to learn what takes place in our Parliament and not rely on the media who have their own agenda. Informed voters are better voters.

Mr.Not a Pye Chart
said

@CMQ: Iggy was sitting right next to Harper in the MP's lounge and Iggy bet on Canada whereas Harper was betting on the Americans. Kinda ironic isn't it. But then again, Harper is a wannabe American anyhow evident by the way he is selling us out to them.

liberal optimist
said

George, Harper and his cronies will have brought about this election with their own malfeasance. Hopefully Harper will shoot himself in the foot while he has that appendage firmly lodged in his mouth.

Michael (Ottawa)
said

The verbal diarrhea constantly coming from Liberal supporters is truly nauseating. The Liberal party is a disgraced political entity that refuses to change its ways. They did not reorganize themselves (6 years now) nor put forth a platform worthy of voters trust. Instead, they and their supporters constantly barrage the Government of Canada with venomous taunts, demonstrating they are politically immature and incompetent to assume the reigns of power. They have degraded politics in Canada with each passing day.

Jay Glorieux, Leduc, AB
said

I welcome Harper to continue his method of operation. I wish for Canada to experience the same kind of kinky governance we have had to endure for decades in Alberta. Mass adulation of a single leader (Klein), attacks on unions (namely teachers and nurses)(who by the way are heavily populated by the female gender), contempt of a legislature(which sits maybe 2 weeks of the year), a health system that has been starved to mediocrity, any ABC (agency, board or commission) stuffed with party insiders, deregulation of utilities (if the price of fuel is to high to heat your house, light a candle and put on a sweater), environmental disasters up the ying yang (God help you if your First Nations in Fort Chip or a duck in this prov.)and last to be mentioned,(of many more that should be) when you publicize your name drop the DR. if you have one or your mental state will be called into question (Swann, McNamee, Sherman).

Yeah, Canada, welcome to Alberta, I wish you well!

Mark from Kelowna
said

It's insulting to suggest that the Conservatives don't want an election. They're the only ones that are running ads promoting themselves - using OUR money, I might add - during targeted, primetime tv. And, it's very self-serving to suggest that they should be allowed to get away with obstructing Parliament because, as some posters state, "they all do it". They don't. And, if they did, it would still be wrong.

Carl
said

These committee hearings are a partisan farce. The outcome is a foregone conclusion. The committee is dominated by opposition members, so the report finding the government in contempt is already being written. By the same token, when Liberal Defence Minister Art Eggleton flagrantly misled parliament about whether Canadian special forces were operating in Afghanistan, he was not found in contempt because the committee was dominated by Liberal members. It's all partisan politics, and nothing else.

Scottish Terror
said

It's truly unbelieveable how many blind Conbots exist totally ignorant of the anti-democratic actions of this Harper Regime. People are giving their lives around the world to get what Harper is taking away from us yet the Conbots continue to support the Regime no matter what they do. Blind Faith.

Dilys
said

They are in contempt of the country let alone parliament.

CMQ
said

"Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government." OK so only a week ago the press was cutting Harper to shreds over the "Haper Government" letterheads etc but this week is using that moniker to identify what they said should be "The Goverment of Canada." A bit of a double standard I think. As for holding government accountable, begin to ask the opposition what they have for us instead if they were to lead. Oh yes, that's right, we'd have hockey and football rinks all over the place. Places I still couldn't afford to go and take my family to unless I paid through the nose to be able to bleed through the nose from where I'd have to sit. Let's hear some more indepth distinctions from Iggy because that one idea sure sets him apart. BTW, where was he when Crosby scored the winning goal for Canada? Such a sports fan indeed....

Mike in Pembroke
said

Rene, I could not agree with you more. The only thing I hope if an election is called is that which ever party wins they win with a majority so the work of the country can move ahead. So far all I have seen from the Liberal and NDP Opposition is childish behaviour with not much getting done in Ottawa. This has to stop so the government, who ever forms the next government can get some work done

Duncan Druhl
said

This is absurd. In a PC government, expected to have no absolute principles, what is ethics? Why would one person's "ethics" be any better than another person's if we cannot be responsible judges of what people do according to standards which are not infinitely flexible dependent on the politically correct circumstances in which they are ad hoc defined?

By adopting the relative morality of street urchins, the government (meaning previous ones in particular) becomes able to define "ethics" situationally, not based on strict standards. Given that scenario, whose "ethics" are better? The answer is the person holding the gavel. Now there is a democratic solution, eh?

J.C.
said

Here we go again. If the Liberals are so concerned about the cost of the jets then I want to know how much money they invested into the research of these jets, so that the figures show accurately how much will be spent and how much will be lost due to their research costs over the years. I would also want to know how much money would we lose to cancel a contract as they did with the helicopters in the past for political gain kicking up a stink and an election during Kim Campbells short term which cost us taxpayers millions more.I would also rely more on the military's decision as to what jets should be purchased for our needs. After all they are the ones that know best what we need. We do not want another election based on what the opposition in parliament is currently kicking up a stink about.

Tracy Dusome
said

Our Prime Minister is so full of himself his eyes have turned brown. The final straw for me was when he wanted all of the civil servants were to refer to the government of CANADA as the Harper Government! He can shove that where the sun don't shine. His government needs to be removed before we are calling Harper "King Steven" or even worse President Steven. LETS HAVE AN ELECTION!!!!

Ontario History Teacher
said

Amazing, I have to shake my head after reading some of these comments of the people who think the Conservative government is in the wrong, just read how weak and flawed the accusations are against them.I have to applaud the resilience of this government in the face of these Liberal fascists and incredibly racist Conservative haters. The more these brain washed liberal and socialist anarchists try to bring down the fairest government party we have had in years, the harder I will work at defending and keeping Prime Minister Steven Harper and the great democracy the Conservatives have given our newly reborn great nation.

John in ONT
said

When in doubt vote the buggers out. Tax me more or spend less, I want a balanced budget. Say what you want, Harper has never had any intention of having one. He vaporized the surplus before "these tough times" started.

Dean in NL
said

@ chris in long sault, i didnt say it was ok to lie, etc. what is was alluding to is that this will not be a fair unpartisian hearing but rather a witch hunt, a case of up-manship. in short a farce and a circus. this could be a chance for MP's to show true parlimentary behaviour but sadly it will not.

Joe Szentirmay
said

Lucky for us the Liberal Establishment foxes are guarding the chicken coop,along with their partners in the media taking cheep shots and doing a hatchet job on the Conservatives leading up to the next election.I guess the end justifies the means.

TM
said

Bring it on.

[X] Ignatieff

Newf
said

Bring on the Election...

I know where I stand and its NOT with the Canadian teabaggers..

jammin
said

If you want a government focused on job creation, the economy, and crime, vote conservative. If you want a government willing to give away tax dollars to Quebec for a new hockey rink, vote Lie-berals

Ray Douaire
said

Go Conservatives go...anyone in Canada putting Liberal Ignatieff in to lead our "Great Country" when he has only been living here for a couple of years just boggles the mind. Liberals triggering an "election" and planning to cancel the "jets" when our "army" need them "now" and so against "all of the Crime Bills" and the "victims" is pretty sad. Time to work "together" for the people who put you in Parliament and stop this "childish" behaviour.

Mr.Not a Pye Chart
said

Cons supporters can kiss any hope of a majority goodbye and as a matter of fact, with all the candidates now not running (total is 5 now I believe with more to come) Harper will be very lucky indeed to even get re-elected. I can just see it now,,,,Harper working late night at his desk pounding his fists on his desktop and cursing "Where did I go wrong, I had complete control over everybody"I believe Canadians as a whole have finally woken up to this dictatorial way of doing things and they don't like what they see. Imagine hiding behind the total devastation going on in Japan right now and saying we don't need an election because I want to hold on to my job. That's ludicrous at best and arrogant as oh hell at worse. Imagine that "Harper begging" who'd have thought

Anti-Pye
said

Let us not forget this government was elected specifically on transparency and accountability. The charges in parliment are about the lack of transparency and accountability. You can not get away with saying at least your not as bad as the Liberals because what they did was also wrong. Any child can tell you two wrongs do not make a right unless your a Conservative. There is more yet to come and the opposition needs to be patient and allow some time for all of the mis-deeds to come to light.

Quebec hockey fan
said

Finally there is something that differentiates the Liberals and the Conservatives, as I can no longer support the Bloc. I am very happy Iggy has committed to funding an NHL arena for Quebec. Harper and his outfit refused, so they will not get my vote. Iggy can do what Duceppe can not, help Quebecers.

T.F.
said

I disagree George. Those I�ve spoken to recently appear to be sick to death of the conservatives and their �say one thing while doing another� attitude. Whether referring to the lies of Bev Oda, past election fraud, the Chuck Cadman affair, the questions surrounding bribery/shadiness in the Ottawa election incident, the overall lack of transparency, lack of global leadership, the inappropriate use of tax payer dollars, or any of the stink that flows from the lips of that snake Baird, change has never been more necessary! There was a time I was proud to be Canadian. Harper be gone!

Andrew McInally
said

@George
"Whoever triggers an election during these unsettled economic times, will only shoot himself in the foot.
"

If they're so unsettling then why go with the party at the helm all the way through it? We didn't come out of the '08 collpase because of wise or prudent action. Harper's response to the collpase before it destroyed 500,000 jobs in Canada and before dumping 60 Billion into Tory-held ridings, was limited to offering stock advice and gloating how good it was for Canadaian with a boat full of cash to invest. We came out better because we had proper regulation of our financal system and previous Governments (Liberal and PC) that didn't subject us or the system to the privitization and deregulation game.

If the Conservatives believe they can win an election by withholding information to Cabinet, on matters that will put us hundreds of Billions of dollars in debt for the next 25 years then you guys go do that.

Democracy is not harmed by elections and the economy is agnostic to that of our national politics. Sorry but we don't matter that much.

Max in Vancuver
said

Bring it on Iggy, I double dog dare ya. I've grown tired of the constant threats as you search for the power you think you deserve. It's time for Canada to let you know that they really, really don't want you as PM

Dante Rivera
said

These troubled times are caused by political influence peddling and governments acting like the folks on Wall street with our money so triggering an election is democracy asking for accountability. Corruption seems to be 'business as usual'.

Wayne in HRM
said

Ministrial Responsibility means nothing to these clowns. Today, as I stated lhere ast week, the Cons will bring in a total of 10 bureaucrats including the highly relevant Border Security Bureaucrat (Duh..no one is crossing the border that we need to shoot down) to stifle debate and obstruct the pursuit of truth. Instead of answering questions themselves because we all know they won't let their office staff testify because of Ministrial Responsibility, Toews et al is going to stonewall behind bureaucrats that they will only end up firing if they speak out against the government. These lying deceitful Cons deserve their supporters and the contmpt Parliament will show these Ministers.

Chris in Long Sault
said

So Dean in NL...you are suggesting that it is okay to lie or misrepresent the facts and to hide the cost of taxpayer funded projects. In other words flaunt power and attack democracy and that Canadians should not care...does that about sum it up. Let me think about that....hmmmmm

sick of Attack ads
said

Cue the Harper apologists, and pundits

Accountability in Ottawa
said

About time we have some accountability in Ottawa. Thank you Opposition Parties for taking this rogue regime in Ottawa to task. That is the beauty of our system. One party, in minority to boot, cannot abuse our system for long before it catches up to them. Lying and cheating has become a hallmark of this regime.

PEI Fella
said

Every government past and present has been doing this garbage. Come on now. We'll get the same crap no matter what party we put in power.One of the costs of Democracy?

Intelligent Liberal
said

Although there may be sonme problems in Japan and the global economy, what matters to Canadians is parliamentery procedure, and investigate which con staff member wrote "not" on that document.

Rene
said

George that may be true but don't you think it's time for all Canadians to decide what kind of representation they want from their government? Do you want a government that has no respect for the institution which it represents or do you want someone as leader who does respect the Canadian people? And I'm not saying that either the Liberals or Conservatives (the two major parties with the highest probability of forming a government) are capable or not of being this way. But that is the question to be asking at this time is it not?

Mike S.
said

An election to get bad government out of office is money well spent in my opinion.

Terry
said

Well, this ought to be a fair and non partisan process!NOT!

Peter 1951
said

Lets hurry up and get this childish stuff over with, so the Harper Government can call an election and win their majority, so they can go on running our country and the economy, you know that important stuff.

Dean in NL
said

kangra roo court is now in session

George
said

Whoever triggers an election during these unsettled economic times, will only shoot himself in the foot.

Today's Canada Stories

Double lung transplant recipient Helene Campbell appears on 'Ellen,' on Friday, May 25, 2012.

Campbell celebrates recovery with 'Ellen' appearance

More 15 10

Gatineau Quebec Police investigate an abandoned van that may be connected to a major crime scene that happened kilometer away were multiple bodies were found on Thursday May 24,2012 in Gatineau, Que. across the river from Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Fred Chartrand

Estranged husband charged in Gatineau, Que., murders

More 1

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has confirmed that a small plane has crashed near Cochrane, Ont. on Friday, May 25, 2012.

2 dead in northern Ontario plane crash

Most Viewed News Stories

View More News Stories

Most Talked about Stories

I feel that if certain organs were in demand, less effort would be made to revive people. Am I being silly? Not really. I had a bad experience in hospital when my heart stopped, the doctors tried to revive me and failed. They stopped and said I was gone. I came around on my own when the nurse was giving a final BP reading of 'zero'. I heard her declare me dead! It was all I could do to shake my head but they never caught on til I was able to open my eyes. You should have seen them scramble then! I thought the nurse was going to faint. The thing is, I think we may write people off too soon when there is something of value to be gained from them.

me

Should all Canadians be automatically considered organ donors?

Got something to say? Share on CTV News

Pick your location

Canada -

News Sections

News Programs

Features

Browse: