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Opposition agrees to coalition with Dion as PM
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Yahoo! BuzzCTV.ca News Staff
Date: Mon. Dec. 1 2008 11:13 PM ET
In a historic political move, the leaders of the Liberals, NDP and the Bloc Quebecois signed a formal agreement Monday to topple the Tories and co-operate as a coalition government for at least 18 months.
"I'm pleased to announce we are ready to form a government," said Dion, adding that the new alliance will "effectively, prudently, promptly and competently address these critical economic times."
Dion said the coalition will include a pared-down cabinet with 24 ministers plus the prime minister. Six of those spots will go to the NDP.
The opposition plans to take down the government with a confidence vote next Monday.
Earlier on Monday, Dion announced that he would inform Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean that he had secured enough parliamentary support to form a new government. Under the constitution, the Governor General must approve the new government or call an election.
"Canadians elected 308 members of Parliament in October, not just Stephen Harper," said Dion, noting the new government would "promptly" implement an economic stimulus plan.
Dion was clear that he would step aside when the Liberals elect a new leader in Vancouver on May 2.
NDP Leader Jack Layton said the agreement represented "enormous optimism" and represents a new way of governing, where parties can put aside their differences for the greater good of Canadians.
"I think it's likely to produce very good government. If I didn't believe that, I wouldn't be here," he said.
Tories mull their options
The Conservatives, meanwhile, said they would consider "all options" to stop the new coalition from taking power, The Canadian Press reported.
One possible plan would be to prorogue until the Tories deliver their budget, which would shut down Parliament until January.
But that would only delay an inevitable defeat for Harper, according to Errol Mendes, a constitutional expert at the University of Ottawa.
Additionally, Harper could ask the Governor General to dissolve Parliament and call another election, but that is also unlikely, said Mendes.
"It would be insane to grant that dissolution, given that we just had an election eight weeks before," he told CTV Newsnet.
Meanwhile, Tory Transport Minister John Baird said that it was shocking to see the Liberal party "get in bed" with the NDP and the Bloc.
"Canadians are going to go ballistic when they see the photos of these three," he told Mike Duffy Live.
"These big spenders seem to be ready to go on an orgy of big spending on the tax payer's dime. It's taking out the credit card, giving it over to Jack Layton and Gilles Duceppes and saying 'here, go nuts.'"
Grits unite behind Dion
The announcement comes only hours after the three Liberal leadership contenders said they would support Dion as the leader of a new government coalition with the NDP and the Bloc Quebecois.
Speaking outside of the Liberal caucus meeting, Dominic LeBlanc, standing shoulder to shoulder with Bob Rae and Michael Ignatieff, said they all back the deal forged with the NDP.
"The accord that was presented to us received unanimous support and the other issue which is very important is we decided the only person and the best person to lead and form a coalition government is the elected leader of our party, the leader of the opposition Stephane Dion," LeBlanc said.
Ignatieff echoed his words, saying the coalition deal is economically responsible, preserves Liberal ideals and upholds Dion as party leader until May.
"We are at one, the three of us, that the only person who can lead the party is the duly elected leader of the party Mr. Stephane Dion," Ignatieff said.
Earlier Monday the candidates met with Dion, who presented them with the draft agreement that has been negotiated with the New Democrats and the Bloc Quebecois, who would support the coalition from outside of government.
The current political storm erupted last week after Finance Minister Jim Flaherty unveiled his economic update -- a blueprint that contained no stimulus package, temporarily shut down public servants' ability to strike and outlined plans to slash public funding for political parties.
As a confidence motion the fiscal update must pass in the House of Commons or the government would fall.
Almost immediately after Flaherty's announcement, opposition parties began meeting to discuss forming a coalition.
Details have been in the finalization process over the weekend and on Monday as party members worked to hammer out an agreement to topple the Conservatives.
In Parliament Monday afternoon, Dion accused Harper of playing politics at a time when Canadians are worried about their jobs.
"Does the prime minister still believe he enjoys the confidence of this House?" asked Dion.
Harper responded that his government has already taken action for the economy, including helping seniors and doubling infrastructure spending.
Harper added that Dion is "about to play the biggest political game in history" by toppling the Conservative government.
But Liberal Sen. David Smith said the opposition parties were galvanized by Harper's increasingly "aggressive" tone since the last election.
While countries like the U.S. have been breaking down partisan barriers to battle economic problems, Harper has been attacking his rivals, Smith told CTV Newsnet.
"(It) just made everybody made and did nothing to stimulate the economy."
Economic guidance
CTV's Ottawa Bureau Chief Robert Fife reported earlier Monday that a high-profile, four-person economic panel would guide a Liberal-NDP coalition government on finance matters.
The group would comprise Frank McKenna, Paul Martin, John Manley and Roy Romanow.
McKenna is a former Liberal premier of New Brunswick and ambassador to the U.S., Martin is a former Liberal finance minister and prime minister, Manley is a former Liberal finance minister and foreign affairs minister, and Romanow is a former New Democrat premier of Saskatchewan.
The panel of "wise men" would help the new government navigate the current global economic turbulence, said Fife.
Comments are now closed for this story
John Smith
said
Linda Ann
said
Liberals, you play with fire, and when you deal with the devil, you will get burned!!!!!
This shows the true sad face of 21st Century liberals who are seemingly fighting an uphill battle of survival, while shooting themselves in the foot at the same time. They believe the rest of Canadians are too stupid and uneducated to notice that Liberals and Bloc want to bypass Canadian voters to nullify the October election. For that, SHAME ON THEM ALL!!!!
Harold Nicholson
said
The economic update smelled of neo-con ideology and it has not worked elsewhere and won't work now - Keynesian economics suggests deficits are not a bad thing so long as government spends in bad times and draws surpluses in good times to balance over time.
Over our history we have been governed by "pragmatic" parties - NOT ideological ones!!!
Sam Steamer
said
We elected the conservatives so let Harper do his job. It's time for our government to do it's job and work for this country rather than this ego trip all the opposition is showing us.
It's embarrassing and a waste of every Canadians time and tax money.
Don McNeil
said
Steve G
said
Ed. Dunchurch
said
Dan C.
said
Glynn
said
Nick in Gatineau
said
For them to speak of a coalition would be a natural thing.
These discussions probably took place when Harper had his first minority.
This is no surprise.
Jim Wallace
said
Steve - Montreal
said
Robert J.Weldon
said
Walter
said
Jeanie
said
Yes, indeed, "the Canadian voters have spoken," and the majority of voters did not want Harper and his conservatives at the helm.
Like it or not, a coalition would definitely represent the majority of Canadians, which, last time I checked, is the goal of a responsible government.
Harper's arrogance has gone too far.
Chris
said
Duane Oshawa
said
Pam
said
Andre
said
Tom in Calgary
said
Laurie March
said
What ever happened to the Canadian Democracy I was so proud of?
All Stéphane Dion cares about is power — this is not in the best interest of our country!
Terry N
said
Jeff
said
Let's go to polls and vote a majority so this would not happen. This coalition is so undemocratic.
Sean L.
said
Add the seats that the Liberals and NDP got and I believe it is less than 143!
How is this reprsentative of how Canada voted???
Ed in Ontario
said
Kevin M
said
Stand in the house and ask the members opposite; any member who has no wish to be led by separatists, to walk across the floor and create a majority. The televised response would speak volumes.
Stuart.
said
Robert from Kingston
said
Mike in Alberta
said
I think by the reaction of the NDP and Bloc this has been in the works for sometime. The stumbling block was leader. Harper obviously got wind of what the opposition was up to and decided ...to flush them out with taking away their funding. This left them no choice but to play the colition card even though they weren't ready. The opposition had no intention of working with this parlament. ...my vote is my choice of who I would like to have represent me in government. Yes a coalition is in the constitution but what about my choice? ... This affects all of us ...They are taking away your choice. Why would I ever vote again?
ron in victoria
said
seams to me corporate tax cuts get passed on to the shareholders [you & me] and are a vital part of a stimulus package. of course, layton and dion think they can spend our money better than we can.
Sherry
said
ross blackburn
said
Leona
said
We don't need big spending right now. We need infrastructure projects to put our people to work again.
André
said
sean
said
This coalition of greed should be refused by the governor general and should be sent to an election.
Anthony
said
Goldens
said
John Wilson
Bridgetown NS
John Rennie
said
Mark
said
Stuart
said
Norman in Montreal
said
Hal in Halifax
said
Michael S
said
Dan
said
Gatsby
said
Rob
said
Dale - Edmonton
said
If this does come to pass, we should definitely have a Bloc member in cabinet. May I suggest Mr. Duceppe as Minister of Western Economic Diversification?
Jon is not Laughing in Canada
said
The Bartender says, "hey is this some kind of joke?"
Wayne Whig Ottawa
said
This coup d'etat will come back to haunt the Liberals, and the NDP
they will rue the day
John for Canada
said
Valerie
said
Craig
said
Kyle Simpson
said
John C.
said
Gail (Hamilton)
said
rick , vegreville ab
said
William McCullough
said
Further, the Conoservatives who post here fail to recognize a reality: "Strategic Voting". These are the same people who hijacked the Progressive Conservative Party and, in effect, eliminated any progressive elements of Conservatism in Canada.
I can tell you that Stephen Harper does not represent the majority of Canadians. And, a coalition represents over 60% of the Canadian vote in the 40th election. Harper's party reflects less than 40%. Where is the democracy in that?
Coalitions work in Europe, and they can work in Canada too.
DAVE THE BODYBUILDER
said
Edward
said
Mark in N.E Sask
said
Shelley/Ottawa
said
tina
said
I thought we had a say!
Matt
said
2) I beleive it is not prudent to just "throw" money at percieved problems and especially at foreign owned companies, when the governments of the countries those companies are based in have not yet figured out what to do.
3)I think that rushing into "problem solving" without a clear understanding of our world partners are doing (right) and wrong in this mess is stupidity....
Finally if the Lib/NDP/Bloc thing comes together it will be a few months of bickering and then a confidence vote and guess what...the government will be defeated and we will be back at the polls... The vast majority of the people in Canada will not stand for their voices to be hi-jacked. The next election will produce a majority conservative government
David in Ottata
said
Then the Governer General chooses an MP that has the first change to try to gain the support of the majority of MPS in the house. Harper had is chance and failed. Now its Dion's turn to try.
I'm all for the change, since Harper obviously doesnt have the leadership skills to manage this parliament.
Paul - Brantford
said
Will
said
Go Steve Go...!!!!!
Peter, Hamilton
said
Patrick
said
coalition, leaving out the Bloc, who wish to destroy our country. How about Layton laughing naming it the Canada and Quebec coalition.
Jonny of the RCR
said
How can these guys think that saying "So we're going to raise taxes and spend capriciously, Vote for us" is ever going to work? Canadians aren't that stupid.
Terry
said
If the Liberals foist Dion on an unsuspecting public, then they will have made the least popular Liberal leader in history Primeminister. If Ignatieff is the choice, then they owe the electorate an elections sooner rather than later, so that we can cast judgement him as leader. I think it is a lose-lose situation for Liberals and I can't believe they don't see it
Blaine in Manitoba
said
Gene
said
gerry fladager
said
TC - Calgary
said
Craig Regina
said
So instead of leaving the money in the hands of entrepeneurs and companys that employ people they will be handing it out to whoever wants it. Complete and utter nonsense.
Layton & Dion and there economic policies have been rejected by Canadian voters.
Tim McDermott
said
By now, they must realize that the vast majority of Canadians, (regardless of whether-or-not they voted for the Conservatives), are opposed to Mr Layton's plan. Canadians specifically rejected Mr Dion as Prime Minister, and certainly, no one in their right mind would ever approve of Jack Layton holding a senior Cabinet post. Especially heinous is the fact that the Liberals and NDP are all willing to sell their souls to the devil in order to get Mr Duceppe's support. I can promise you this, if the NDP and Liberals carry on with this scheme, not only will I never vote for them again, but I will make it a point to donate to the Conservative Party, put their signs on my lawn, and volunteer my time and efforts do whatever it takes to see that the Liberal Party, and the NDP lose at the earliest opportunity.
Frankly not happy
said
Cin N.S
said
John G
said
James Dickson
said
I have always thought that Frank McKenna should have been the leader of the Liberal party and Prime Minister... very very smart man. Yet he didn't want the position (the so called "power grab") was not his way. But he would support this coalition from what I gather and that alone tells me that it's the right move.
With Harper the military got more funding and i'm glad he did went that route because our boys needed it... but that does not mean he fits the wider picture with regards to the PM title. Canada is a great place because it's Canada.... not because Harper is at the helm.
I say give the coalition a try! Maybe a multi-minded appraoch is what we need at the moment. Who knows?!?
Hoping for a brighter tomorow in Ontario
said
What do all our elected officals do ? are they trying to run the country no ! There just trying to get as much money and as much power as they can what a joke . I blame all the parties for this situation including PM Harper and his conservitives ( Who I voted for but not sure if I will do it again ) The parties need to put asside there diffrences and work to make Canada great again .
Garrick
said
Richard
said
Brian Nelson
said
Charles
said
Kyle holyk
said
The Governor General should not even listen to the so called coalition group if they cause the government to fall. She is morally obligated to prevent a formation of a separatist backed coalition. And more importantly, as she is only a figure head, she lacks the electorates backing to make a decision on the formation of a government. All she should do is send Canadians back to the polls or resign in protest of this farce created by the power hungry left wing elements of Ontario and Quebec.
Virginia - Calgary
said
Jay Kay
said
I hope the coalition succeeds because a dream team of financial experts is exactly what Canada needs to help re-invigorate an economy that has already negatively impacted many Canadians; an economy that will only get worse under Harper because until recently the Harper government didn't even recognize that economy was in trouble and is now only reacting to it.
However, even if a coalition fails to materialize, hopefully Harper will have learned that his arrogance and antagonistic tactics can have serious consequences. He was not elected to office so that he could have a national platform that would enable him to exhibit his overbearing ego. The economy is in trouble, people are hurting, and Harpers playing with people's lives.
Grow up!
Jerry R
said
JV in AB
said
This is simply and completely a power grab by the "Entitlement Party" and the "Party that would never be in power". This is completely undemocratic as no Canadian had a choice to vote for it.
Let's hope that if this goes through, Canadians really punish the Libs and NDP in the next election! Wait, election sounds too democratic, maybe the coalition would abolish elections because, darn it, they are 'entitled' to be in power!
Sean Calder
said
1 week, call back the DRO's etc, re-use the same voting locations/systems/lists etc, declare voting day a singular National Holiday and let's have at it.
No campaigning necessary.
Brad - Edmonton
said
John Steel
said
If the conservatives are governing so badly let them stew in there own juice,the voters will take care of there incompetence next time. To have an alliance with the Bloc, is just plain madness. We may have to hit the streets in protest to this lunacy.
glenn in t.o.
said
Elaine Lysons
said
Jim Penfold, Qu'Appelle, SK
said
Steve
said
This is the sort of garbage I would expect from Bolivia or Argentina. I am so disgusted by this I cannot even believe it.
Layton said Harper made a 'strategic political error' --
Hey nimrods, screw political strategy and make some decisions to move the country forward!
The Reds and Oranges will forever be known as the parties that allowed the separtists a seat in government. Shocking.
e-medhat
said
IC
said
Ron Windsor,Ont
said
Jess D
said
Brian Mac
said
Duff Conacher
said
democratic compromise,instead of continuing their
poorly timed bluffing.
First, while the Conservatives's self-interested surprise
proposal to cut public per-vote funding of parties funding goes too far, the opposition parties have overreacted.
Given that the funding was set by then-Liberal Prime Minister Jean Chrétien at an arbitrarily high level in 2003 to help his party, the
funding should be cut in half. This will give all the parties a solid base of funding, while encouraging them to win more funding by winning the support of more
voters.
Second, Prime Minister Harper must realize he does not have
majority support, and so he can shove the Conservatives' agenda down everyone's throat.
The opposition parties want at least some steps taken now to boost the sagging economy, and so take steps.
Third, the opposition parties must realize that even though
the Prime Minister broke his word and fixed-election date law in September by advising the Governor General
to call an election, it is no better for them to ask the
Governor General to make the sort-of Liberal leader
Stéphane Dion the Prime Minister based on a very likely short-term,
shaky alliance with the NDP and Bloc Québecois.
And while they're making these democratic compromises in the public's (not their
own) interest, maybe they could try to avoid future similar messes by all acting
more honestly, ethically, openly, representatively and efficiently.
Doing this will very likely impress more voters than their current party games, and likely will attract the support (and donations) of some of the more than 40
percent of voters who didn't vote in the last election.
Sincerely,
Duff Conacher, Coordinator
Democracy Watch
Joel
said
Paul Martin was the Finance Minister on the books when Ad Scam went down that he apparently knew nothing about. Roy Romanow ran Saskatatchewan into a huge debt. Are these the personalities that we want fixing our economy. I really don't think spend, spend, spend is that answer like the left wing parties believe. And if the Automotive and Forestry Companies couldn't make a buck in the red hot market we were in a few years ago, they shouldn't recieve puplic money that just get's flushed down the toilet.
Arleigh Luckett
said
A coalition of the Liberals and NDP supported by the Bloc will only work if it does have the leadership and integrity to put the needs of the country ahead of scoring political points and find common ground on which to build solutions to the crises that face us.
The Fiscal Update clearly demonstrated that the current MINORITY government had no intention of working with any of the opposition parties. They chose to try to rule as if they had a majority instead of trying to find common ground that would be acceptable to a majority of the voters.
A coalition of the Liberals and NDP supported by the Bloc will only work if it does have the leadership and integrity to put the needs of the country ahead of scoring political points and find common ground on which to build solutions to the crises that face us. I would love to see them invite David Suzuki, Elizabeth May and Brian Mulroney to be on a panel of environmental advisors.
Arleigh Luckett,
Gravenhurst, ON
Melanie (Ottawa)
said
Ken in Ottawa
said
John in Calgary
said
We don't need a stimulus package, we have had what 2? 3? months of a bad economy and the opposition wants to pump $30b into the economy? They have no idea where they want to pump that money, they just know they want to stop $50b in corporate tax cuts. This is what will stop the economy, corporations will not continue to expand and it's the working class that wont get raises and will have to pay for an over priced product.
The Governor General is a representative of, and speaks for the Queen so she doesn't have to be directly involved. The key word is "have to" she still can and I say if a coalition forms we flood the Queens office with letters to force another election, no matter how much we don't want to. Parlimentary governments were formed to protect the people from an unreasonable King or Queen, it's a sad day that we now have to go to them to protect us from our government.
Ann
said
Ann, Toronto
said
Liss
said
If Mr. Harper made a mistake he already has backed off so the opposition should do the same, all they are showing Canadians is how hungry they are for power and how they know that they will only be in power by force and not by choice of the peple. What a sad situation!
Don from Calgary
said
Scott Dick
said
We vote, the conservatives are in, our voices were heard, the minority is in.
That is the old reality, the new one is the NDP/Liberal/Quebec separitists are willing to destroy that.
It tells me that I as a conservative in Canada am worthless, and not taken seriously.
What was the name of that independence party in the provinces again?
Jill, Calgary, Ab
said
Wake Up People!!!
Hanley
said
Their plan does nothing to help this strangled economy.
Let the coalition take over and get the job done.
Mario Novati
said
Please stop fighting and start to work for the Canadians.
Mario
Kevin in Alberta
said
W.P. Sparling, CD MA
said
Jody Nelson Dorchester,NB
said
I understand that all of you Conservative supporters are going to feel ripped off, but instead of crapping on the Liberals, NDP, and Bloc, tell me what good things Harper has done, and is doing for OUR country. THERE IS A TIME FOR ACTION AND IT IS NOW!! if the action is having someone else step-up and deal with the problems, then lets do it.
Nancy, St Catharines, ON
said
Nancy - BC
said
What they fail to understand is that governments don't create job, corporate Canada does. All governments do is make the country a friendly place for companies to do business. If they don't corporations have no probems taking their jobs elsewhere.
Daniel
said
Shame, shame, shame.
COUP!!!!
Dean
said
Catherine Raby, Peterborough
said
Pat Smith
said
Linda in Vancouver
said
We,the voters have no say in this insanity.But if Liberals are willing to get into bed with separatists and socialists,"I shall not return".There are some levels I will not sink to in the name of power.We lost the last election because we failed to provide a policy platform that voters were willing to support.A What amounts to a political coup is not the way democracy should work.
What I find most shocking is the willingness of people like Manley and McKenna to take part in this debacle.I had hope they would lead Liberals out of the socialist morass they find themselves in.
If they succeed in this struggle for power,they will always be the party who united with the socialists and the separatists for their own political gain.
Not good enough to get my vote any time soon.
Walter
said
cris perte
said
.. i changed my mind.
Ronald in Ottawa
said
Barry, Surrey, B.C.
said
J Cole
said
Ryan (Calgary)
said
They haven't bothered to work with the Conservatives in addressing their concerns.
The Conservative have backed off, and stated they will have a budget in mid-January. Can't they wait until them, see what the Conservatives are planning?
Besides, the Liberals don't even have a creditable leader right now!
Curtis Haigh
said
Everybody, we have officially been stripped of our democratic rights we all expressed 6 weeks ago. Back door politics has officially won over the word of the people and we have a responsibility to be heard!
Phone your MP's, Write Letters, Flood their phone lines, Protest. Make sure every single NDP/Lib/Bloc leader knows regardless of whether or not they hold the stick, there is no single Canadian who has confidence in their ability to run the country any better than the Conservatives.
It's a sad sad day for Canada.
Alex (Toronto)
said
The Canadian people did, in fact, choose compromise over any individual party. The Conservatives have chosen to campaign rather than govern, as they usually do, forcing the opposition to create an alternative government. If this had been an opposition plan, they could have voted down the throne speech. Only when the Tories released the fiscal non-update were the other parties obliged to consider their alternatives. In a minority parliament, opposition parties always have the option of forming a coalition, it's just that they can rarely find enough points of agreement to do so.
The global financial crisis has forced leaders around the world to take decisive action; the rest of the world realizes that market failures are demonstrating that the private sector is the problem and government action is the solution. Only Canada's Conservatives are sticking to their extreme anti-government ideology after that has very clearly been shown as a failed approach.
The Bloc represents the views of many Quebecois. Federalist parties can't work with them on constitutional questions, but there's no issue of federal-provincial relations today. The BQ has a lot of reasonable ideas in economic and some social issues, and as people are worried about losing jobs, homes, and retirement futures, it's reasonable to work with them and listen to them. They will not be in the coalition government, they will simply supporting the coalition in exactly the same way the BQ supported the Harper government in 2006, which Harper didn't have a problem with when he negotiated with them then.
Patrick
said
Greg Lummis
said
I certainly didn't vote for a coalition of the losers! A vote was put to Canadians and Canadians chose the conservative party. It was cut and dry.
I'm frightened that something like this might happen to Canada. If it does and we still have a voting system next time around I don't doubt they will hear about it from Canadians!
Peter Griffiths.
said
Mike
said
I find it remarkable how many Liberals are posting how lacking 50% of the popular vote makes the Tories some how not a legitimate governing party.
Even worse is the NDP leaning posters who think a party with 18% of the vote has an almost moral right to govern.
Joe in Toronto
said
Joseph Braithwaite
said
We need to make an adjustment to our laws to stop with 'do it my way or we will topple the government' bickering and fighting. We have managed for over 100 years to work nicely and now (in the last 10 years) all the parties aren't happy with their showing in the last election and want a re-count or something. Live with the fact that people didn't want you back, do something we Canadian truely want you to do instead of just trying different ways to do the same old thing...
Vincent
said
It is HARPERS responcibility to put forth things that he can get the other parties to support. Did he seriously believe the opposition would support him?!? If the positions were reversed, would the Conservatives have supported the NDP or Liberals in this way? Of course not...
If Harper puts stuff like this forward he should know that his government will be brought down. Thats just how it works.
And this after the Conservatives were chastising the Liberals for supporting the government the last time around. Well... this time they got bit.
At the end of the day, this is Harpers fault and no one elses. He will have to live with the consequences of his actions. He never should have put himself and his government in this position but it is out of his control now.
Anne M
said
B. Kelley, absolutley disgusted in Ontario
said
Scott McQuarrie
said
Canada works on a multi-party system, one in which minority governments are a possibility. As such, we as a nation must be prepared to live under the rule of a minority party. Otherwise we should switch to a bi-party system. The fact that the Conservatives did not gain a majority in the last election is irrelevent...they are the party that Canadians elected inot power. It is not up to the opposition parties to decide who rules this country. That responsibility lies solely with Canadians.
One last hought...If you and I (who are no different than the members of the opposition parties...that is, not elected into power) were to openly talk of overthrowing the currently elected government of Canada there would be only one result. We would be charged with conspiracy and/or treason.
Roger Gamble
said
Opposition parties -- be warned! This time you have gone too far. The majority of Canadians, at least those that can think and act logically, are about to speak.
It seems that right here in Canada we have just seen the evolution of a brand new axis of evil. A liberal leader and his hacks who were clearly defeated in a very recent election trying to make back room deals with a party that they themselves shouted loudly that their policies were no good for the country. And then, if that is not enough, they are seeking to align themselves with a party whose goals are to destroy Canada as we know it. One party the people rejected plus another party we have never elected, plus a party that is anti-Canadian to the core. This is unbelievable! Canadians, is this who you want fighting at the helm over every scrap of political power and critical details while the whole world tail spins in an economical whirlwind such as we had not seen in decades, if ever?
It is very obvious that these power hungry, self-serving parties have no real interest in Canada or in what Canadians decided during he last election. They care only for their own bruised egos and hidden agendas. Canada, will we stand back and let them say, "To hell with the people that clearly spoke in the recent election stating that we have chosen the Conservatives to govern our country"?
Come on Canadians, let's wake up and speak up. Let your voices be heard loud and clear. Let us never allow our country, our choices, or our votes to be stolen and thrown away by thugs in suits who hide the wickedness of their actions by attacking the very ones we just chose as our fairly elected leaders.
Wayne - Delta, BC
said
The two inflammatory issues provided in the financial update, banning strikes in the public sector, and eliminating grants to political parties, were obviously incendiary, and IMO intended to create this effect we have all been witnessing.
Considering the horribly unwise Carbon Tax platform presented by the Liberals in the last election, which was politically opportunistic but obviously harmful Canada, I suspect that the PMO wanted to start a fire that would burn out this type of intense stupidity from our political system.
Although Harper may be a casualty of this battle, in the short term the effects will be to further taint the Liberal party by their association with the NDP (economically destructive - just ask anyone from BC) and the Bloc (separatists), as well as guaranteeing there will be another election very soon (coalition or not), further bankrupting the Liberals.
Let this fire burn so that the Liberal / NDP / Bloc stupidity can be put to rest for good. We can no longer afford their ridiculous, harmful ideas.
Douglas Brown - Newmarket, ON
said
Sarah
said
Remind me again: Which of those four individuals ran in the last election? What ridings do they represent? From whom and where have they received their mandate? Certainly not the Canadian People! And the opposition parties claim that Harper and the Tories were being undemocratic? For expecting other parties to raise funds the exact same way they've been doing for years? No party has a 'democratic right' to taxpayer cash, ESPECIALLY when that party's OWN MEMBERS won't even donate to support them!
So expecting the opposition to survive without taxpayer cash by coming up with ideas that will make people want to donate money to them is undemocratic - but ignoring the mandate the Canadian People handed the government in an election we had SIX WEEKS AGO and choosing unelected partisans to dictate economic policy to the Canadian People is not?
Cecil Palmerston
said
Harper is no longer in control of the parliamentary agenda, no matter what happens now.
Jim Prentice would make a great leader of the CPC.
Chris in Calgary
said
Craig from NS
said
The Conservatives are their own worst enemy. The Conservatives have run this country like they had a majority government. They figured they could, because the other parties wouldn't force a snap election. After several years of an reclusive and abusive government, the opposition parties are attempting to negotiate a new strategy. All of a sudden the Conservatives want to talk and their supporters accuse the opposition parties of not wanting to "work for Canadians". That's rich. Who's the arrogant ones here?
For the record, I consider myself conservatively minded. As soon as Peter McKay sold out to the Reform / Canadian Alliance Party, my support went in to the toilet.
David Morin
said
David Morin
Winnipeg, MB
Phil from PEI
said
Cam West
said
Ian-AB
said
Jeff
said
I did not vote for a coalition and where is democracy here? This is purely a political agenda and I think all the opposition parties should be cut from there job too!!
GW in SJ
said
If Prime Minister Harper had offered a decent pragmatic view of the economic situation and a reasoned logical approach to put us in better position to weather it, that would have been fine. He chose to open a 'can of whoopass' on his enemies. And so we are where we are. This is a crises of his creation, no-one else's.
Alan Poytress Fort Macleod Alberta
said
Terry
said
Connor from Calgary
said
I cannot belive that the Liberals and the NDP are being so selfish that they would make every single business in Canada suffer just so that they can get over losing the election.
Krista
said
I hope this plan fails and I hope that it leads to a Conservative majority government.
Shame on the Liberals and NDP.
Denis Gahan - Edmonton Alberta
said
Mike B
said
Rodger in Calgary
said
1. The Liberals are scared about losing their "public" funding (read: "bailout". Coincidence? I think not.) If nobody likes your product, they aren't going to pay for it. My honest question is: why is the Liberal Party broke?
2. The NDP want to be in power so badly, they will form a coalition with anyone, in this case, the now months-old deal with the Bloc. Has Jack wondered how that will go over with his folks in SK and Toronto?
3. The basis for this "uproar" is the "lack of economic stimulus" from the Government. How about we let what is already in place work its course? The Government already bought out some mortgages and other debt from some of the banks, and the Bank of Canada is doing what it is supposed to: stimulate the economy by lowering interest rates.
4. I have not seen the exact details, but I am pretty sure based on the news reports, that the "coalition" intends to "bailout" (see point #1 above) the auto industry. Once again, if nobody likes your product, they aren't go to buy it. Why should you be eligible for TAX DOLLARS to be given to you? If you can't make it, I am sorry, but move over and let someone else try.
As a side note to this point, I think ANY and EVERY Liberal, NDP or Bloc MP who does not own a GM, Ford or Chrysler product should NOT be able to vote in favour of a bailout. Do any of the MP's constituents believe that too?
Thank you.
David in Toronto
said
Lu-anne
said
Neville Underwood Parry Sound Ont
said
Conrad
said
Jonathan from Saskatoon.
said
The liberals campaigned on 2 things; the environment and the economy. Now they're going to hand those very portfolios to Layton? It just shows that they are so desperate for that they have completely lost sight of whats important, and that for all their talk of priorities, the only thing they care about is power.
Heather in Alberta
said
Paul from Ontario
said
Opposition parties that sounded the alarms about the economy during the election (Conservatives would not even discuss it). Opposition parties that have alternatives. (The Cons won't even admit they had no plans) Opposition parties that can work together. (The cons will not listen or even consider anything other than those that they can benefit from). Opposition parties that respect all walks of Canadian life. (Conservative hardliners are anti everything they don't like. Unless you are a neo-conservative you don't count)
To continue with Harper would further ruin this country. A coalation with a set plan in place, a vision for the country and respect for all is exactly what we need now. If Harper had discussed with the opposition paths to follow he would not be in this trouble now. Instead he shows his arrogant self and concentrates on the elimination of effective opposition. Canadians gave him a minority government because he could not be trusted. Now we know why
Peter B
said
Kris
said
Jonathan
said
Sean c
said
Sharon H. from NB
said
Marc Creel
said
Gregory d
said
I have a problem with the spinners saying it is still democratic because the coalition has a bigger percent of the vote. Coalitions work well in other countries and could work well here but in those other countries the voters are well aware of the possibility of a coalition and take this into account in their vote. For example I voted liberal but had I thought that they would form a coalition it could of change my vote. In my view, because it has not been an intricate part of our politics, it should go back to the people to decide. Although I don't like any politicians and the last thing I want is another election, our country is worth it. If the coalition has a valid argument that Harper's policies are so harmful to the country, and I don't disagree, then why would they not want the people to kick his butt out.
I suspect they are afraid to go to the people because they know it is not the will of the people so they are trying to grab power. I hate Harper but this is not the way. I will bet my truck that if the GG was to announce that she would error on the side of caution and let the people decide, this coalition would never over through the government. I have to ask what are they afraid of.
My opinion get rid of them all conservatives included.
Rosie
said
Matt from Winnipeg
said
Canadians still elect members of parliment in an antiquated fashion and a coalition which will consist of more than 50% of the popular vote in the previous election is more democratic than the convervatives ruling pretending they have a majority. Even if they did somehow manage to edge out a majority government the oppostion colation would still have had a larger share of canadian votes except then there is nothing that could be done about it.
Eric
said
If you factor the Bloc out of this Machiavellian power grab the Rest of Canada gave the Tories a solid majority. To say otherwise is playing semantics to support a pre-existing bias against the current party in government. If you don’t like the Tories fine; however, don’t justify your bias by supporting what the Liberals and NDP are trying to do. Just say that you want a left leaning coalition that you support in power; One that lost the last election convincingly. Compared to the rest of the OECD the Country is still fiscally strong. To make willy-nilly knee-jerk spending decisions now puts us back to the Trudeau years of so called stimulus spending which got us nowhere but in substantial debt.
If they succeed in this the only course of action is a new election. While they maybe within the bounds of the constitutional framework; In the real-world, they have no Legitimacy. Just wait want the Bloc wants something for Quebec that is politically untenable for the rest of Canada.
MARY MARY QUITE CONTRARY
said
I hope when the Liberal Party have their convention that this is mentioned and a proposal to merge both parties is accepted, welcome back NDP!
UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL.
Jeannette Boisvenu, Ottawa ON
said
SK Democracy Lover
said
Diana Tyssen
said
Dave Edmonton
said
Couver
said
Paul Alan
said
How Canadian.
Small minded politicians grabbing power for small change.
As for Harper - great arrogance brings great failure.
Patti
said
Randy Faires
said
Arleigh Luckett
said
As one of those 61.2%, I support the coalition as the most democratic outcome of the October 14 election. If you support the coalition, one of the most convincing ways to show that support is to CONTRIBUTE NOW TO THE PARTY OF YOUR CHOICE. That will show you are serious in a way no one will be able to dispute and they are going to need resources to promote a positive view of the coalition in the face of the inevitable attack ads.
Ronald Jones
said
Anne Ottawa
said
Pauline M.
said
Charlotte from Alberta
said
Kathy in Calgary
said
Adam From Calgary
said
Carmen
said
I am glad that the opposition parties have finally decided to stand up to the bullying and silencing tactics of this minority government. But as an active citizen I will watch them as well - you have my support as long as you work in the best interests of the country and its people.
Glenn W.
said
Steve Daly, Mississauga
said
The rallying cry will be Anyone But Coalition and a massive Conservative majority will wipe out the Liberals, NDP and Bloc.
The only two winners will be Stephen Harper and the Green Party. Harper gets to hammer a couple of nails into the Liberal coffin and the Greens would have a very real chance of forming the Official Opposition.
Bring it on.
Mike S
said
debbie d.
said
Harper should resign if his minority doesn't work.
said
Pathetic to see the voice of the people usurped by a bunch of opportunistic, power-hungry and selfish politicians. I am ashamed to be Canadian.
Resign from politics, Harper.
Danielle L, Ottawa, ON
said
Vern
said
Sure, we don't need corporations. The coalition government can just hand out food stamps when half of our nation is unemployed and overtaxed trying to pay our way out of their deficit spending! I, for one, will make it clear how I feel about these tyrants with my vote. You've made my choice even stronger!
NS
said
I am going to use a phase "We the People" no I am not an American , I am a Newfoundlander and very proud one . We the people of Canada need to stand up now . We need to go back to the poles and make a decision, a resounding decision. What ever that is we need to say it loud and clear. we have to make the leaders of this courty understand what we want , we need to do it now .... I would vote tomorrow if I was asked , I would do anything at this point not to let the Liberals and NDP make decisions for me
Please Madame Governor General stop this madness ...
send us back to the poles
Johann Flores -Vancouver
said
I guess if you can't win an election fairly, just form a coalition and seize power regardless of the Will of the People through the back door.
I wanted status quo. I voted Conservative but wanted a minority to keep things in check. All this means is that my vote never mattered in the end.
So much for doing the "right thing". Here is the corruption and eventual destruction of democracy in Canada.
DB - Winnipeg
said
Randy Murrrell
said
Randy
Hopeville, On
Brent - Penticton
said
Keep it up Messr's Chretien/Broadbent/Layton/Duseppe, and let's not forget the Liberal triumvirate of Dion, Ignatieff, and Rae, and you will see what a truly inept House of Commons we will have, or maybe one that will serve the annointed and one that will serve the people. Guess which one is which.
This only makes it more difficult for a stimulus package as how do you efficiently serve the people of Canada and the anointed as well.
Good luck Upper Canada, you will need it.
Mark
said
Suzanne in Toronto
said
Vickie B
said
There are quite a few who wish to see this coaliton and just as many who don't.
I am wondering if all those who wish to see the coalition are not just supporting it because they would rather not support the current Prime Minister or are they really thinking they have the future of Canada in their hearts.
I do not see what is so wrong with cutting millions of dollars from the political parties of this country. They should be able to fund their own elections.
I don't have a problem saying civil servants cannot strike. They took jobs where they knew they would serve the country in support of the remainder of the population. When civil servants strike far too many things are unavailable.
I don't see why the Member's of Parliment should receive outlandish perks.
There has to be stimulus and probably a bail out, but the companies asking for handouts should have to provide proof of their own reorganization. Proof that they will improve their internal operations before they get a cent.
I agree with a lot on here the GG costs us too much.
I am concerned that the coalition will create a huge problem in the stock market, it will cause major issues with trust around the world. Look a the TSX today, down another 600 pts. Our dollar is sliding fast. You think it does not have alot to do with this?
There is a lot more at stake here than just voting ABC or whining and complaining about a few cuts in political funding.
Please think twice before you jump on this bandwagon. When the wheels fall off this wagon it is going to be a huge crash!
Doug BC
said
I do not like Mr.Harper or his style.But,his party and the platform they presented got more votes that the ones put forward by any other party.
While there are legal ways to circumvent the results of the last election,it must not be accepted by voters in Canada.Precedent and common sense dictate that the Conservative platform should take priority over the policies put forward,and voted for by more Canadians than any other party platform.
During the turbulence of the last Parliament,Mr.Dion often,and rightly claimed that the Liberals had a greater level of responsibility than was born by the NDP.
This is wrong people.By any measure of anyone other than those willing to say anything in the name of party loyalty.Our,and their first level of loyalty is to Canada.NOT to any party.
If this goes forward,a very divided Canada will be the result,and the bittereness will go on for decades.The next election will either see the Harper majority that a lot of Canadians have feared,or a return to the days when Ontario rules the country via the Liberal party,and their 40% majorities.
Neither,in my opinion,is good for the future of this nation.
Harper has a lot to answer for,no doubt.But those engineering this power grab should be ashamed of themselves.This takeover may be an easy path to power.But traditionally,we prefer to vote for a party that gets to work and brings forward a policy platform we can support.Not one that uses legal maneuvering to negate the results of a fair election.
I will NEVER vote Liberal or NDP again.Period.
M. Burns
said
Phil Galbraith
said
Sask Man
said
The high jacking of this newly elected Conservative government, is a dangerous thing. It looks to me like the eastern big dogs are comming out of the wood work to take control of a democratically elected government. They invited our ex premier Roy to take part in this group of wisemen. Too bad as I used to respect Roy.
Liberals, Bloc and NDP need to be very careful, as this doesn't look good from out here.
Stuart, in Calgary SouthWest (Harpers riding)
said
In a minority government, your approach to working with the other parties has been to bully them to your way of thinking, and it worked, for a while....
It seems as though the opposiiton finally found a backbone. Look what they are doing, working together, is that not what government, and especially a minority, is all about anyway. Harper bully approach has finally been stopped.
...is there a Conservative who could also be given a cabinet post, to really make this government work effectively? Wouldn't that be the icing on the cake, mind you, I am sure Harper would kick them out of caucus anyway....
Shawn
said
62% of Canadians didn't vote Conservative in the last election...so, Harper and the gang should drop the whole "we have a stronger mandate" nonesense. They don't and the opposition is showing them exactly that...all within the rules of our Constitution.
Sorry Conservatives...you can't have it both ways.
Barbara
said
V Morrison
said
David Thompson Calgary
said
A coalition government would be one of gridlock with 3 parties all wanting to sell their agenda and don't forget the now opposition Conservatives. Of course, every day would be Christmas in Quebec.
The West would be completely ignored.
We need stable government in times of crisis, not politcal grandstanding.
Anne Cooney
said
Winceton - BC
said
A coalition government is a legal and democratic part of the rules of our government. The majority of Canadians did not want Harper. I think it's the people commenting here that need to take a note from Obama and work together with rivals for the common good, the betterment of our country. We don't have time to wait for this current minority government to get its act together. We need decisive action both economically and environmentally now and not 2 months from now when Harper decides to get around to it.
Maddy
said
Tom In Toronto
said
Darcy Dupas, B.A. Econ.
said
peter tilt
said
Trish
said
Layton, get over yourself, you will NEVER be Prime Minister. Why Duceppe is even allowed to be part of the Canadian Government is a complete shock when all he wants to do is separate the country and the Liberals don’t even have enough confidence in their own party leader that they’re all backstabbing Dion trying to figure out how they can sit in his chair!
It’s sad that the leaders are more interested in grabbing power then working together to bring this country out the impending recession.
And one last thought. PAUL MARTIN?????? REALLY? Guiding the Coalition??? Enough said!
John B. from Orillia
said
Anthony
said
Having said that, I must say that Harper is a fool that needs to be tossed out on his ear. He felt like it was time for another election and the voters said quite clearly that we liked having a minority. Then he provides this terrible economic statement that was written as if he had a majority. Big gamble and mistake. Now he had taken away an opposition day that was scheduled for today which made me recall he wasn't to keen on that idea when he was the leader of the opposition. Here is a quote I found from April 19, 2005 "When a government starts trying to cancel dissent or avoid dissent is frankly when it's rapidly losing its moral authority to govern," Conservative Leader Stephen Harper. ...
You said it best buddy! I can't wait for my new leader to be named.
Graeme McLean
said
Don
said
It is the responsibility of the opposition to find ways to work with the Cons to make the minority government work for CANADIANS. It's time to start thinking of their constituents and not themselves. That’s responsible representation. They're like a bunch of children fighting for the attention of their parents while the illegitimate stepchild the Bloc eggs them on.
Only in Canada could traitor’s hold the balance of power, and only a power thirsty moron like Jack Layton & the “we are superior crowd” (all of them) in the Liberal party would work make it that way.
This should make Canadians wake up, but it won't & likely not until everything is laying in pieces. I hope but am very doubtful that the Govenor General has enough sense to tell these guys to forget it.
WmRob
said
Peter in Ottawa
said
Freakin' amazing.
Keith in Brampton
said
This mess is ultimately the Govenor General's fault. Back in September, when Harper decidd to break his own law and went to the GG to call an election, she should have told him then that - as there was no vote of non-confidence - it is the PM who lacks confidence in his own ability to govern and that therefore the Liberals should be given the chance to form a coalition.
Had that happened THEN, odds are the PM would have backed down, taxpayers would have been saved $300 million, and NOW we could be going to the polls with REAL issues to vote on - rather than be faced with all these politicians playing chess with the nation's fate while our jobs and retirement plans go up in flames...
Dave at Okotoks, Alta
said
DavidL
said
That should help.
Just what you would expect from the Liberals.
Heather
said
Jay
said
To say only 32% voted for the Conservatives is fine. But you then also have to accept only 17% supported the NDP and Jack Layton who has been engineering this coalition from the start. Only 26% supported the Liberals. And as for the Bloc, nobody outside Quebec supports them.
The facts are the we had an election that gave the Conservatives another mandate and all parties should be working with the mandate they were given; not trying to change the results of the election we just had.
Mike from Alberta
said
Tono
said
M from Manitoba
said
ShawninAB
said
Susan Shannon
said
Seppo from Woodstock
said
Big Jim
said
Losers cannot winners be!
Canada is sunk if these idiots get their way!
K Wall
said
I admit that Harper DID ask for this to happen by being inflexible and I always thought he would have to contend with some sort of constitutional crisis cooked up by a combo of his own ego and an "entitled" Liberal opposition.
The Governor General would do well to see through this as a Liberal temper tantrum. Jean should Dion and Layton away from Rideau Hall, tell them where to put their coalition, and then summon Harper to Rideau Hall, give him a royal (apologies for the pun) chewing out for bringing the country to the brink of a crisis, demand he begin negotiating with the opposition and reach a consensus within 30 days and if that doesn't work, dissolve Parliament and call an election. It may be a little too much of an activist role for the Governor General to play but at this point, the onus is on Jean to be the grownup since the others stopped a long time ago. And the idea of a Governor General sacking a strong-headed, uncooperative Prime Minister isn't without precedent in the Commonwealth (Australia, 1975).
Bob Smith
said
Peter Rapsey
said
Michelle L. of Calgary
said
Shannon
said
Dave in Nepean
said
liberals are climbing into bed with the ndp and the bloc heads to form a gov. The voters made their decision which we have to live with but parties can't. I guess rolling back their 30 million subsidies was too much, God forbid harper tried to save some tax payers money.
Jason
said
Martin
said
Adam from Edmonton
said
Brian
said
The liberals will do anything to regain power, the NDP and Bloc need this to stay afloat as Canadians won't support them financialy.
Rise up Canadians, this Coup will create civil strife and possibly lead to the break up of our country.
Our government is being overthrown by Eastern and Separatist elements, stand up for Canada now, contact every MP and everybody you know to stop this travesty.
Andrew Vizer
said
Dave
said
Ted
said
Mark/Ontario
said
The so called opposition is not giving the Tories who were elected 8 weeks ago a chance and were in fact plotting all along to seize power, the Canadian people be damned in the process.
We must wait until Obama is in office and work in conjunction with him and the G7 on any major economic stimulus package e.g Auto stimulus.
The approach by the so called coalition is cookie cutter left wing power grabbing socialism and not democratic after we just had an election 8 weeks ago.
The opposition parties have every right to bring the government down and have a new and democratic election, but not seize power by a coupe. They don't want an election because they know the electorate in a democratic fashion would soundly defeat them...again. Even if the Liberals were to win an election at least it would be by a democratic vote. Shame on Dion and Layton for trying to seize power
The governor general should call an election if presented with this coalition farce of an idea. No matter what party you support please allow our cherished and valued Democracy to rule and the people of Canada are allowed to speak on this matter!
Mariana Masic
said
Glen Boschman
said
Allan Eizinas
said
Some time this week he will prorogue parliament until some time in January to keep from getting defeated. This will give him time to try to unravel the coalition. By January, the Obama stimulus package will be clearer and Harper will jump on those economic coattails.
He will do this “for the betterment of Canada and to keep the voters from having to suffer through another election”.
That too is an option under that wonderful document called the Canadian Constitution.
Canada, what a wonderful place to live!
Sean Field
said
The fact that we have to vote for a potentially incompetant local politician to try and get the head of state elected that we want, is ridiculous.
The party in power can then put in place the Senate, which is a waste of taxpayer money, that suites their needs.
I suggest that we need to have something similar to an American system where all parts of government are elected separately, including the House, Senate and PM.
But at the end of the day, it is our fault as a society for electing a minority government again. We elected a plain faced liar in Jean Chretian, why could the country not give the Conservatives a majority, and in 4 years if you don't like them, elect another party.
V. Barr
said
Mike from Ottawa
said
Brent in Godfrey
said
To those who applaud this idea, I can only judge that you put your party affiliation before your citizenship.
Shame on you!
David1
said
This is the beginning of the end of Liberal and NDP. GOOD BYE TO THEM PLUS BLOC.
Melanie Terrace,BC
said
Canadians voted for a minority government led by Conservatives.While they did not trust a Harper majority they did reject the policies of every other party in the house.
Voters don't like Mr.Harper enough to give him a majority.But they do like lower debt,lower taxes,and very prudent management of tax dollars.
This is wrong at every level.And I am a Liberal supporter.Although,perhaps not for much longer.If this coalition seizes power and starts shoveling money off the back of the truck to keep the NDP and BLOC on side,we must all reject these power brokers in the next election.
I will feel compelled to cast aside my concerns about a Harper majority,and support the Conservatives.
David Capper
said
I liked the prudent fiscal approach the conservatives were taking. I undersand the NDP wanting to join up with the Liberals & their lame duck leader. It concerns me greatly that they both then have to stay in bed with the Bloc in order to govern.
My Two Cents...
said
Scott from Thorold
said
Well that is just what the Big 3 and other Manufacturer's need ....HIGHER TAXES !!!!
How will not lowering their Taxes keep Corporations and Business in Canada and keep our jobs in Canada ???
God help us if we are now listening to Jack Layton.
Mark (Wellington County, ON)
said
Kevin M
said
What the response would be if Mr. Harper stood in camera and invited anyone across the floor; who did not feel comfortable sitting in a government which included separatists, to walk across the floor and sit with a sane majority.
Karen Williams, Belleville
said
It is clear to me that the opposition parties are just using this as an opportunity to fuel their own agendas at the expense of our country.
Rick
said
GT, Blind River
said
We have become a third world country where governments can be topppled at will. No sense showing up to vote I guess...that is if we have future elections.
Travis in Ottawa
said
I think this coalition is a great thing, as 3 parties will be legally bound to listen to one another and create ideas to help all of Canada, unlike Mr. Harpers idea of 'do what i want and say, or else'. THe fact that they wish to bring Paul Martin back as a financial advisor also reassures me that the people working this agreement out have common sense. Under Chrétien, Martin brought our country back from a horrible economy, to one of great economic stability. You know those 'stable' banks people are talking about? Mr. Martin is the one responsible for those.
The only sour note I have with this plan is their idea to put Stéphane Dion in charge, but at least he will have some people with weight to support him through his potential few months at the helm...
Lori of Calgary
said
Mario Novati
said
Mario from Ottawa
mark
said
Jenna
said
Jess D
said
What the opposition parties also didn't mention was that economists in the UK are very concerned that the stimulus package is going to give rise to a "massive debt mountain", which will cripple the country for a generation. This year the UK has taken on a record amount of debt.
To help pay for the stimulus Gordon Brown's regime is raising the top rate of tax by 5% - which will eventually drive the most productive people out of the country, and in 2011 will raise sales tax by 3% to 18.5%. It seems to me that the leftist old guard members of Britain's Labour Party are starting to rear their heads again.
If this is the kind of stimulus package we can expect from a Liberal NDP coalition in this country we're in big trouble.
Burt Fearon, Browns Yard NB
said
Robert in Red Deer
said
I am just furious that Dion and Layton have the audacity to make a blatant grab for power... especially when you have Cretien, Broadbent, Manley, Martin etc. in the backroom pulling the puppet strings. Shame Shame.
Lets go to the polls and really show the Liberals and NDP that they should only be in the opposition seats with even a smaller seat count than a couple of months ago.
If this doesn't get people motivated to become active in the political process, I don't know what will.
Stephanie
said
Ray in Whitby
said
The PM has said that Canadians have given his party a "strong mandate" to govern. What is the evidence?? Only 143 seats whereas 155 are required for a majority. 36% of the popular vote - means 2 out of 3 Canadians DON'T want them in power!!! I say the PM and Mr. Flaherty (our illustrious finance minister)don't understand basic arithmetic - now that is scary!!!
Basic arithmetic shows the opposition parties represent more Canadian's votes than does the conservative party. If they can form a coalition within the rules of parliament then let them rule. After all they represent almost 2 out of every 3 Canadians (64%)- majority no matter which way you look at it. The conservatives only represent about 1/3 of us.A MINORITY no matter which way you look at it.
Seems fair to me to have a coalition form the government - after all they have the majority!!
Mary Pilkington
said
Joan
said
A Guenther - Burnaby
said
I'm all for the coalition and will finally be proud to be a Canadian.
Linda from Hamilton
said
Happy in Alexandria
said
Ken L
said
Nowonder
said
So believe me, Mr. Harper, I will not be lifting a finger for you or your political career. I will sit back and watch how you and your out-of-date government go up in flames and down in the history books as a big failure and an embarrassment to Canada.
Ken - Alberta
said
Don Corsi, Ottawa
said
Paul in Ontario
said
Luther Bower
said
We democractly ellected a minority government two months ago,leaving a good sized minority to keep them in check.
THATS what Canadians wanted as a whole according to the vote.
That minority now,would scrap the government and form an UN-Elected government ,OUTSIDE of a democratic vote.
We Canadians get to vote ,but if we dont vote as were "suppose" to, it doesnt count, according to the opposition parties.
We get sent back to vote again and again until we get it "right'.
"Right" according to what the minority says is "right".
Is This a power Grab? Quite obviously.
Layten's NDP's, for example, have NEVER voted in favour of ANYTHING the Conservative Government has proposed. Thus,they would have brought down the government long ago if they had enough votes. They cried that the Conservative govt should help out busness' like the AUTO sector.
But when the Govt offers busnesses' tax breaks to help in these uncertain times,The NDP STILL cry foul and vote against it.
Plainly they are not interested in whats best for this Nation ,just THEMSELVES.
The Blok says its in only IF it's good for Quebec.
No surprise there.
Again,not interested in whats best for the Nation, just THEMSELVES.
The Liberals dont even have a clear leader for their PARTY,and they want to lead this NATION?!
CANADIAND WOULD BE FOOLS if we let them turn this Nation from a Democracy into a Banana Republic of the North.
Brian Denton, Prince Rupert
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Darren P
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Tony Vandendool
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Shelley
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Tim from Calgary
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Ki-Som Victoria BC
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Jayne Avery
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Mike in ON
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Liz
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K.K.
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Bill Thorn, Regina, SK
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Mike from Calgary
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Chris from Fredericton, NB
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PrairieDog
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Bob R
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Allan Eizinas
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This is all legal and follows the Canadian Constitution.
What is undemocratic about that?
Van
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Moe
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terri
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My two bits and then some
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Party Seats % of vote
CON 143 37.63
LIB 77 26.24
BQ 49 9.97
NDP 37 18.20
Those are facts. Now how you decide to interpret those numbers depends on your end game. I look at it that 74% of Canadians do want a Liberal government. Further more, 82% do not want NDP at the helm and last but not least over 90% do not want the BQ. Those numbers would therefore indicate that a majority of Canadians do not want any of those parties in office. The Conservatives also recieved more than twice the amount of seats than the Liberals, three times the amount of seats than the BQ and a whopping 4 times the amount of seats than the NDP!! Oh wait, I have one more point to make... How many seats did the Liberals, the NDP and the BQ get in Western Canada ???? 1 NDP seat in Alberta, NONE in Sask and 9 in BC. 1 Liberal seat in Sask, NONE in AB and 5 in BC. And did the BQ get any??? Not a one!!! How would putting these parties in power give a fair representation of all of CANADA? It wont!! It'll only help the center of the universe ONT and QB.
Marc in Van
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Angela Power
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In the last election, rather than feel "rah rah rah" for an particular party or candidate, I felt "rah rah rah" for the symbolic importance of having a democratic right to vote. I felt proud that I cast my vote because people fought and people died so that I could do it.
So I did. It didn't matter to me as much as to who won because I voted and that was my right in our democratic society and that is what I truly felt was important.
The people spoke. It was a disappointing voter turnout; the worst in history.
Now, I truly do feel like my vote didn't matter and it wasn't because my candidate didn't get elected. It's because our opposition parties have just sent me a message that apparently our votes don't really matter after all and that the importance of it truly IS only symbolic as a right.
How in the heck are you supposed to encourage a better voter turnout if you don't honour our votes???
Thanks for making me feel naive and silly for standing for something I thought was important.
Bob NS
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No respect for the will of the Canadian People expressed with the last Federale Election.
An alliance with the Separatist Gilles Doucet and a coalition
Liberals/Democrates despite their poor standing in the Election.
Poor Canada!
Bob NS
CN in Alberta
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Dion as leader of a coalition? A leader who can best be described as "The Cream of the Crap"??? Obviously, Moe, Curly, and Larry were too busy to lead this band of losers!
The world is laughing at us.
We need to send a message to the Coalition that Canadians won't put up with their antics!
Lynn B
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Denis T.
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Art Pollard
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Scott from Edmonton
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Joan P
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halfhalt
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Dean
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And thats a bad thing? Why?
Give the new government a chance to do it's job before we hand over the leadership to a group of morons who's plan to stimulate the economy will be to give themselves all raises.
Dave Bourke
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This is a grab for power and nothing else. "Democracy" in Canada has become an embarrasment. The Canadian voters granted the Conservatives more seats than any other party.
The Liberals and NDP in bed with the seperatist Bloc?
Je me souviens
Karen H
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Daryl H
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This country will suffer as never before in this time of uncertainty as power is seized by this cabal of opportunists and un-elected hacks.
I fear for my country.
Gary Thomas
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Mike in Kamloops
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If he hadn't sucked all of the goodwill out of Parliament in the first week, none of this would be occuring. He is simply not able to accept losing (even when he wins). He is not flexible or humble enough to govern a minority. Where was the attempt to work with the opposition? Nowhere. Instead he chose to kick sand, and now he (and a lot of you) are sulking because he actually got stood up to. If you can't stand the heat....you've made you bed....you gambled, you lost, your leader and his government cannot work with the opposition after this episode so the opposition has taken it upon themselves to lead the country instead of their respective parties. By worrying more about the Conservatives than Canadians, Mr. Harper has lost the confidence of the house and Canadians.
Diane from London
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I can't believe the drones who consider this to be a good thing. History will show..if this goes through this coalition of LOSERS will cause the TSX to plummet, our dollar to Plummet and with higher corporate taxes a real depression will ensue. People will perceive Canada as not a place to invest in. I guess we will have to learn the hard way . When these interlopers have done all of their crony bale outs and our economy is really in the depths of dispair, who then will they blame?
Any Canadian who goes along with this is getting exactly what they deserve.
The media thinks this is exciting to report and won't admit or report the stupidity of this whole thing.
UBC Poli Sci Major
said
1) it is constitutionally legitimate for the Liberals, NDP, and Bloc to form a coalition government
2) a coalition government that represents a majority of voters rather than a minority (with the Conservative government) is more democratic as it represents the will of the majority of Canadians who voted for these parties
3) for those that think Harper received a strong mandate to govern, please keep in mind that the voter turnout rate was 59%, a new record low.
And as a side, Harper has shown no signs of the bipartisanship that he mentioned after the election. As usual, he was planning to unilaterally muscle his party's legislation through Parliament with his "my way or the highway" mentality. His government holds a precarious minority position and so should stop acting otherwise. So, who's cooperating in this time of economic uncertainty? If anything, it's the Liberals, NDP, and Bloc showing that they're willing to work with each other.
JM in BC
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Steve McLaughlin
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Dunny from Gloucester
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B. Lang
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The time has come for the Conservatives to .
a) Dump Harper - this was self inflicted and 100% his fault, he doesn't and has no interest in ever playing with others and will never get a Majority. Time to move on Steve
b) Fire Flaherty - see a). Harper picked him as Finance Minister and it has been nothing but a mistake.
Let them fall, get a new non Reform/Alliance leader except MacKay and than maybe that Majority just might come.
4th Generation Canadian
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DON IN ALBERTA
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bouncinjo
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How lousy and shamefull, you want to separate for economical reasons, Quebecers wanted to separate for cultural and political issues that by the way Cons governement disregarded. Quebecers are as Canadian as any other province. It's like saying the natives should shut up and take it as it comes. How unCanadian.
Harper has concentrated all his energies to making the opposition weaker, he hasn't done much to help the economy, every move he does is two steps behind.
His solution, selling crown land to avoid deficit, which he said would never happen under his power!!!!
Selling Canada to foreign powers??? If only he said that before the election.
Viv - Alberta
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soupspoons
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Do the Math
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December 1st, 2008. The day the Bloc Quebecois has been waiting for. All the thanks goes to Coalition Termination.
Larry
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As interim Prime Minister, Stephane Dion is likely going to temporarily maintain the position until the Liberals can find a way to replace him with Michael Ignatiaff.
Michael Ignatieff is the person the Liberals most want to appoint, without an election, as the Prime Minister of Canada.
Cathy
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Many more Canadians did want Stephen Harper to lead the country than Stephane Dion.
Canada's economy is the best performing in the world at the moment. The Conservatives have operated in a fiscally responsible manner and not just thrown money around for the sake of doing it. The Americans have poured over a trillion dollars into their bailout packages, with very little result. Do we want that kind of stimulus? The Conservatives have been putting money into areas where it is needed and have stated that they will add more money as it is needed. The Opposition Parties did not even bother to wait for the budget to see what stimulus the Conservatives would offer. Both the Liberals and NDP are bitter over the election results and can not wait to take power no matter what. Apparently they are able to throw together a stimulus package in 3 days, although they provided no viable suggestions up to that point. We saw on the stock market today what financial experts think of the Opposition's plan.
Deanna - St Thomas, Ontario
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These things need to be stoped now to save our economy from sinking deeper and deeper into a recession.
These are the things that Stephen Harper doesn't get and he and his arrogant cronies need to be stopped NOW as well.
jeff
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Dave in Winnipeg
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Pat the Conservative
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david in calgary
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Enjoy your very brief time at Sussex Drive Mr Dion. You didn't earn it.
PM - Toronto ON
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Canadians should be outraged...and afraid.
Matthew in Calgary
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OK people, this argument about 60% of Canadians voting against Harper is getting pretty old. Out of 40 Canadian federal elections, only 6 times has a candidate won more than 50% of the vote (Laurier, 1900; Laurier, 1904; Borden, 1917; Mackenzie King, 1940; Diefenbaker, 1958; and Mulroney, 1984). Canadians are used to this injustice, and this is only a left-wing, east-coast excuse to try and reclaim power from the Conservatives and the west.
Harper is our prime minister, and Canadians decisively voted against Stephane Dion and Jack Layton. Put it this way: 60% voted against Harper, while 70% voted against Dion, and 80% voted against Layton.
RIP Canada, 1867-2008
Zoe Morrow
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Dwight Schoffer, Moose Jaw, Sk.
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It is making Canada look "STUPID" to the reast of the "WORLD".
Mr. Harper's ideas were well received at the last World Confrence re the World Economy.
All the other counties attending said that Canada was going in the right direction re looking after the contry in these very hard times.
One more thing.
How can the so called coilition governmebt be led by a guy who is going to step down as the Liberal Leader at there next convention ?
The liberals don't want him to lead the party anymore, yet if this goes through, & I hope for our countries sake that it doesn't, be the leader of Canada ???????
The other three parties should be asamed of themselves for even thinnkig about doing such a 'STUPID THING".
I am not a P.C person by any means, but think the Mr. Harper has done more than an adacuate job in running Canada in these very hard times.
There is no way that the Bolc, Liberals, & N.P.D, will ever get along well enough to run anything, let alone a "GREAT COUNTRY".
"LEAVE IT ALONE, YOU OTHER THREE, & START ACTING LIKE ADULTS SHOULD ACT" !!!!!!!!!!!
shaun
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BW
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What a stupid comment.
Are you saying that the Libs, NDP and Bloq have the same platforms? If so why don't they merge and become 1 party?
Are you saying that because a party doesn't have 50% oif the popular vote that the results don't count?
Why is this minority government less legimate than the Liberal majorities under Mr. Chretian that received only 38% of the popular vote.
I wil tell you why because you DON"T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT!!
Todd Hagar
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Ralph Z
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Acroyear
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Ahem! If they do this, bring down the government in a vote of no confidence, then I want a GD election!
I want my choice, which this time will be solidly Conservative as I am now totally disgusted with the Liberals and NDP who are willing to allow TRAITORS to our country to be part of the government (the only way they would support this is if some of their agenda is supported as well) in order to get into power.
I don't give a flying fig what the rules of parliament say. I do not want my choice taken away from me like this.
GOV. GEN. --- LET US VOTE!!!
John from Campbell River
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Jason From Calgary
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What a Glorious Day for Canada!!
Mark
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Ryan Hovey
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Don't like it? Work for political reform.
BMIA
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WRONG!
You cannot count the number of votes combined by two or three people per riding to say it is indicative of the voting public of those ridings. You can only count the votes tallied by the representatives actually sitting in the house. A riding does not get two representatives! They only get one!
So as assinine as it is to proclaim that you are entitled to add all of the votes combined from the representatives that ran in parties forming this coalition but couldn't even muster enough votes, single-handidly to win their riding you also get to portray that ignorance in a public forum. How embarrassing!
Oh, and the argument about this representing the will of Canadians: Take a look at the voting demographics of all of Canada and you will see, exactly, that Canada is a disparate country and not any one voice represents Canadians.
I hope the governor general tells this coalition to go pound sand and makes us head to the polls again and this time the coalition can only run one person (not 2 or 3) and then we'll know, exactly, if this is the will of the people!
Greg Ramsay
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Chels
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Additionally, the conservative government is preparing to implement economic policy that would slash social spending and hand out corporate tax cuts. While the latter may be a realistic goal, the example has been shown in other countries (Japan is a fantastic example) that an increase in social spending is a good way to stimulate the economy and job growth. The old adage applies: "You have to spend money to make money". Conversely, history has also shown that reducing government spending in times of economic crisis has exceptionally negative repercussions, as seen in Tanzania, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, et al.
While the idea of a coalition does not sit entirely well with me, a return to the polls for politically apathetic (as shown by voter turn-out in October) Canadians is just as unsettling. No one has the money to run another campaign, and Canadians are tired of the political mess they are constantly barraged with. Harper should stop being a bully and sit tight with his minority government. After all, that is truly what the Canadian voting public decided.
It may be important to consider, also, that a PM with the audactiy to force another election in this time of economic crisis shows a complete lack of being 'in tune' or concerned about the well-being of the Canadian public.
Ken
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Rod Falkland B.C.
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Mark
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Rundawg
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Paul in Mississauga
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It all works quite nicely.
Saverio Prato, Toronto
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KJ in Kingston Ontario
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BONNIE
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Hate to tell you this but we all understand that. What your allowed to do and what you should do are two different things.
Brian in Calgary
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UBC Poli Sci Major wrote above:
It really surprises me to read some of the comments posted for this article and makes me wonder how many Canadians actually understand our political system. Some argue that the country "voted for Harper" and that the coalition is trying to tear down government. Sorry to burst your bubble, but:
1) it is constitutionally legitimate for the Liberals, NDP, and Bloc to form a coalition government
2) a coalition government that represents a majority of voters rather than a minority (with the Conservative government) is more democratic as it represents the will of the majority of Canadians who voted for these parties
3) for those that think Harper received a strong mandate to govern, please keep in mind that the voter turnout rate was 59%, a new record low.
And as a side, Harper has shown no signs of the bipartisanship that he mentioned after the election. As usual, he was planning to unilaterally muscle his party's legislation through Parliament with his "my way or the highway" mentality. His government holds a precarious minority position and so should stop acting otherwise. So, who's cooperating in this time of economic uncertainty? If anything, it's the Liberals, NDP, and Bloc showing that they're willing to work with each other.
Kathy
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The Liberals and NDP don't have enough
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In order to have a coalition government, the Bloc must be a full part (included in) the coalition or else this is not a coalition.
Governor General, if you do read this, ask the Bloc if they are joining the Coalition government or just cheerleading from the sidelines? If they tell you what they been telling everybody else then there can't be a coalition because the Liberals/NDP don't have enough votes
Hooray for the 3 Stooges
said
A vote for the Libs is a vote for the Bloq. Or how about this a vote for the NDP is a vote for the Libs.
Maybe they should all join together become one happy party.
Anyhow it will make choice easier. ABTTS - Anything but the Three Stooges!!!
Prof. Pye Chartt
said
I'm actually feeling somewhat proud to be Canadian today. Unlike over the past few days when it seemed that the majority posting here thought this whole Coalition crap was exciting, it finally appears that countless of my fellow Canucks are outraged and given to questioning the bogus notion that this is all wondrously democratic and beneficial.
I no longer feel like I'm out ahead of the pack, ranting about how awful and destructive this unquestionably is. People have caught up. Nice to see. (This "blog" is usually clogged with pinheads who love researching silly factoids, in order to make some clever, yet worthless, point that avoids the big picture.)
Now, if only people would stop studying the trees enough to see the forest, we'd be discussing how this parliamentary nonsense is going to send our economy into the toilet and embarrass our nation on the world stage. This is the big story...and, as usual, people (including CTV) are just starting to catch up to me (and some intelligent others).
P.S. Sorry that my 4-5 unselected posts failed to rise to your standard today; despite the success of 325 other people. I don't take it personally. I know I make your sphincter tighten up; but that says everything about you and nothing about me...as I'm the reader being offered the chance to comment.
Cheers!
tc
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Mike in ON
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Josh
said