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PM attacks coalition as harmful; preps GG meeting
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Yahoo! BuzzCTV.ca News Staff
Date: Wed. Dec. 3 2008 10:33 PM ET
Prime Minister Stephen Harper is expected to ask for a parliamentary time out when he meets with Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean Thursday morning, a day after he accused his political opponents of abusing Canada's democratic traditions.
During a five-minute pre-taped address broadcast Wednesday evening, Harper said the opposition plans to oust his government and seize power would also be bad for the country's economy.
"The opposition is attempting to impose this deal without your say, without your consent and without your vote," he said.
Harper's expected 9:30 a.m. meeting with Jean on Thursday is the latest development in a history-making political storm which erupted earlier this week when the Liberals and NDP formed a coalition, with the support of the Bloc Quebecois, to topple the government.
"At a time like this, a collation with separatists cannot help Canada," said Harper.
Harper also signaled he would be willing to work with the opposition parties in order to deliver an economic plan that will help Canada navigate perilous economic times.
"Canada's government is acting to deal with the crisis right now," he said, adding that the opposition parties should "bring forward specific proposals.
"In fact, we have already changed some of our own proposals to meet their concerns."
Later on Wednesday, Liberal Leader Stephane Dion took to the airwaves and said the Conservatives have done little to help Canadians cope with the global economic crisis.
"Stephen Harper still refuses to propose measures to stimulate the Canadian economy," said Dion. "His mini-budget last week demonstrated that his priority is partisanship and settling ideological scores.
Dion also worked to reassure Canadians that a coalition government could efficiently work for the best interests of the country.
"Coalitions are normal and current practice in many parts of the world and are able to work very successfully," he said.
"They work with simple ingredients: consensus, goodwill and cooperation. Consensus is a great Canadian value."
NDP and Bloc respond
The NDP's Jack Layton said Wednesday that while other countries have been working to stimulate their economies, the Conservatives have been wasting time with partisan politics.
"Stephen Harper simply refused to act," he said, adding the Conservatives also attacked the rights of workers and women.
"Tonight, only one party stands in the way of a government that actually works for Canadians," said Layton.
"Instead of acting on these ideas ... Mr. Harper delivered a partisan attack," he said.
The opposition began to cobble together their coalition after the Tories proposed last week to cut public funding for political parties as a part of their fall economic update.
The update also lacked a sufficient stimulus package, the opposition has said.
The coalition has already informed Jean they have a formal agreement to govern if the Conservatives are toppled on a confidence motion scheduled for Monday.
If that happened, Jean would have to decide whether to send Canadians to the polls or give the coalition the chance to win the confidence of the House of Commons.
But it is expected Harper will ask Jean to prorogue Parliament later this week, until late January, to prevent the confidence motion.
If Jean denies Harper's request for the prorogation, he would be expected to resign.
Bloc Leader Gilles Duceppe echoed Layton's sentiments and said that Harper has also attacked Quebecers and democracy
"Stephen Harper showed a serious and worrisome lack of judgment by making putting his party's ideology before the economy," he said Wednesday.
"By acting in an incendiary way, he showed himself unable to govern," he said, adding that Harper's actions have cost him the confidence and trust of Parliament.
Harper's options
Ted McWhinney, a lawyer, former Liberal MP and constitutional expert, told CTV's Mike Duffy Live that Jean does not need to give Harper an answer right away and should talk with a number of advisers.
He also said Jean needs to weigh public opinion on the matter.
"Public opinion is about 50 per cent of constitutional law," McWhinney said Wednesday. "The common sense element is crucial in these things.
McWhinney said there "is a heavy burden" on the opposition to prove that they can form a stable coalition government.
He said it's important for the opposition to put an agreement down on paper, like they have already done, but said the agreement needs to be signed by the Bloc Quebecois in addition to the Liberals and NDP.
McWhinney called the current agreement as is "unsatisfactory."
The Conservatives had planned to deliver their budget on Jan. 27 -- a plan now seen as tenuous.
PR war
Meanwhile, the Conservatives have launched an all-out war, following up Tuesday radio ads with scathing television ads on Wednesday.
In one of the ads a black and white image of Dion -- who would take over as prime minister under the coalition's plan -- is shown while a female voice repeats a central Conservative message that accuses Dion of a power grab.
"In the last election just a few weeks ago Canadians overwhelmingly said 'no' to Stephane Dion as prime minister. Now just a few weeks later Stephane Dion is trying to overturn the election he lost and take power through the back door."
The ad then warns that Dion has given too much power to the Bloc, which would support the coalition but remain outside of government.
Comments are now closed for this story
Jeff From the Stock
said
Steven Harper shouldnt even be in a situation where he can win the job of Prime Minister and weeks later the group of losers can overtake that position??
What country do we live in?? this sounds more and more like Third World country..
Perhaps after this foolish move on the part of the Coalition our economy will react to this and sooner than later we will be a third world country..
Way to go Gilles, Stephane and Jack...you all should be very ashamed of yourselves..
Maritimer
said
Paul in SJ
said
I find it truly disturbing that our national government would be held hostage by the Bloc. By giving them a veto, that is exactly what Dion and Layton are doing.
Are the conservatives blameless? No.I think they have severely mis-managed this crisis. At the same time I do not see the need for an immediate stimulus package. We should wait and coordinate efforts to stabalize North American markets with the new Obama administration in January.
Here is hoping that common sense helps guide the GG's actionsin the days ahead.
vince in trenton
said
Andre
said
John
said
Alan Stanley
said
Blake
said
You're the Prime Minister.
You goof up so bad you have to drum up armies of protestors to advertise blind support for your plot to circumvent the rules of parliament.
Remember: You're the sitting Prime Minister while all of this is going on. How ridiculous is that?
Why couldn't he just be reasonable?
Cliff Scott
said
Doug
said
John R - Ontario
said
A coalition of national parties is one thing, a coalition where the balance of power resides with a party with the interest of one province only is a BIG problem.
Amanda, Kingston ON
said
Mikel in CKE
said
Allan
said
Maya Angelou has said when someone shows you who they are, believe them.
Harper has shown himself more interested in crushing people and clinging to power. Whatever I thought of him before I cannot support his mean-spirited, spiteful actions. He is supposed to the Prime Minister of all Canadians, but has shown himself to be interested in only a few. And those don't include civil servants, women or anyone who might question his actions.
It is time to remember that he represents a MINORITY of voters. Time to let those who represent the MAJORITY take the lead. The Tories have shown no leadership. They are a major disappointment.
Mike
said
dave
said
Ron from NS
said
If you want someone to blame, blame Harper for focusing on destroying the opposition parties and not building this country called Canada. Harper was elected saying that he would change the tone in the house of commons. The problem is that no one thought he would try to make it worse. His actions are that of a leader of a third world country. He is trying to take majority power of Canada by using every means of destroying the opposition. Does he not believe that he should focus on policies that Canadians want that would get him his majority instead of attacking the opposition by partisan means?
Harper needs to go as this is situation is entirely on his shoulders.
Ping Low
said
The three cronies are an embarassment to this country and it just shows how low a politician will go in selling their soul to the separatists in order to usurp power from the obviously moronic autocratic behavior of Harper who en-acted new and controversial policy like he had a majority. Et tu Stephen. All the leaders should resign and let's get a clean slate of politicians who want to help Canadians during this time of economic crisis rather than themselves. Shame on you all.
Ping
Ottawa
sable
said
Darlene in Halifax
said
bgsig from SE Ontario
said
Rob
said
Paul
said
This coalition must seek a mandate from the Canadian people, and have its platform approved by them. The coalition and its policies were not presented to Canadians during the election, and will have no legitimacy until this is done.
Steve
said
Sylvain
said
Matt
said
I did want a Conservative minority government, and I like many others were happy to see that result.
Now we see what that means, I've changed my mind and want a Conservative majority.
Of all the issue they had, many more important, in the last government when the "coalition" would have had more seats they didn't do this.
Now they threaten to stop handouts, and they're ready to try this crazy plan?
That's just not right.
JJ in Ottawa
said
THE LAST ELECTION did not elect Harper as PM. If that is what you believe, then re-read the constitution. This "configuration" as maritimer has called it is exactly what Canada voted for. By not providing a majority to any parties who ran the last election, the Canadian people asked for what can be defined as a responsible minority government.
since the word responsible is not in Harper's dictionary, you have the results that we, as Canadian voters, have made possible via our ballots last election.
So, Harper did not play well in the sandbox and get booted out of the box by the other kids. You dare say that is not Canadian?
Harper can to play in Crawford Tx. where Dubia Bush will be spending a lot of time now....and Canada will get along just fine.
May you live in interesting times....say the chinease....
J L C Halifax
said
Remember what we have here: An ideological right wing government that believes only in free market forces. -Crown Corporations privatized, Decentralization and subsequent weakening of the Federal Government, Ignorance and/or disregard of the Environment, and movement towards more undesirable elements of Free Trade, SPP, NAU and globalization that will hurt our way of life.
The Coalition is certainly an unusual entity; and ten years ago even such a concept would have been absolutely unimaginable.
BOTTOM LINE: These are unusual times. We need a government more in touch with the reality on the ground. I'm not scared of giving the coalition 18 months to try to keep the economy moving, and to address those things on the National Agenda that the Conservatives simply are not. Period.
I am not employed, nor affiliated with any political party. I'm a Carpenter who supports more spending on infrastructure, and a common sense restructuring of our financial system.
Jim Nicholson
said
Steve B.
said
Michael in Ottawa
said
I agree that she is perhaps not the ideal Governor General for a situation like this, but the office is always greater than the person in it.
What is disturbing to me now is the scorched earth policy people on both sides of this issue are employing, effectively undercutting all the institutions of Government.
In the case of the Governor General, she is in a lose-lose situation. If she prorogues or dissolves Parliament as is her constitutional right in a situation like this, everyone supporting the coalition will undermine the Office of the Governor General. If she doesn't do as the PM ask her, as is again her right under the constitution in situations like this, the Conservatives will let loose on her like rabid dogs on a bone.
This is an awful situation and the only people to blame are the politicians -- not the Governor General. Although she will probably be a convenient scapegoat for many of them and their followers
johnny voter
said
David in Toronto
said
Wayne
said
If Stephen Harper has any leadership left in him, he will bring his party to the House on Dec 8 and let the House determine his fate. To run from it by proroguing Parliament shows a trait that, I feel, is the opposite of leadership.
The coalition then has every right to form the government and opperate as a properly elected Government of Canada - regardless of what the Conservative attack ads are saying.
I voted Conservative for the last 20 years, so this is not sour grapes on my part. The PM's childish actions in these past few day have shown me his true colours and that he is unfit to lead this great country.
Karl from GTA
said
If he wants to remain PM, he had better try to work with the Loyal Opposition instead of trying to antagonize them.
For all those CONS who have been flooding these public forums, remember that Steve also tried to form a coalition with the NDB and Bloc 4 years ago against Paul Martin's minority government. So you can put a halt to your comments of the current coalition "grabbing power" from the current government.
Peter in Speers, Saskatchewan
said
And hey, a $300 million stimulus (much of which goes to ordinary Canadians who sit at the polls on election day) is far better than a $30 billion gift to the large corporations and unions.
J Spratt
said
Why doesn't he work with the other political parties to get a compromise.
Oh ya his ol'reform roots are showing in his bitter partisan attacks on the opposition.
Bye Bye Steve-o
Majority rules
SteveR
said
James-Eh!
said
You vote for an MP, that's it. As a by-product, if a party gets a majority MPs, the government is obvious and that has been the norm.
Now we're finding out what happens in a minoriity situation. And its not what you expected! The party with most seats has to have the confidence of the house. If it doesn't, the other parties can get together, form a coalition and form government. Its all down to having the support of 50%+1 of the MPs.
Dennis Cockerill
said
Brian Appel
said
Their unwillingness and inability to address the crisis has culminated in the opposition parties’ decision to form a coalition government and, with over 62% of the Canadian peoples' vote behind them, they represent the democratic will of this country. They chose to put partisan politics aside and work with the other parties to create a plan that will put our economy and Canadians first.
Canadians don’t want another election and this Coalition for Change is ready and united in its efforts to put the interests of Canadians first, and will work toward the introduction of the economic plan that Canada needs.
Rob Helwig London
said
Wanda in Sudbury
said
James
said
Harper attempted to do the exact same thing to bring Paul Martin and his liberal government down when they first took power.
Harper and the conservatives complain and try to act innnocent when the other opposition parties attempt to do something they don't like.. Isn't that calling the kettle black?
Now they wanted to cut the money to parties to save the TAXPAYERS money, yet they're launching ATTACK ADS.. where does that money come from? Aren't we the taxpayers paying for these ads? Again to me that contradicts them trying to save us money.
If our voting process was set up the way the American system was, HARPER would NOT be in power right now
I'm not a fan of Stephane Dion at all but I wish him the best of luck.
Anyone is BETTER than Harper!
Middilay
said
Sam Ottawa
said
Pete / Ottawa
said
Dave
said
Denis T.
said
Ann, Whitby
said
James from NB
said
Jon in London
said
Today I look at the pools and they say that 40% favour the coalition.
Let the media work it for a while and I bet by next Monday the polls will say 70% of Canada is in favour of the coalition.
Anyone willing to comment?
T Sanders
said
Remember, this coalition "claims" they have lost confidence because there's no stimulus package. What a joke. Nobody's buying that lie. This was planned even before the last election. It's pure greed for power, nothing more.
Al
said
Our GG should summon our PM Harper to a meeting and prorgue parliment on the condition Harper resigns as leader, the Conservative caucus appoint a temp leader and come back in Jan. with a medium stimulus budget all parties can afford and support. If defeated then call another election after a cooling down for everyone.
Our GG cannot grant the BQ seperatist party control of the goverment body as it would contradict her role as GG. BQ is a seperatist party against Canadian interest right!
Shame on Mr. Harper for getting Canada into this mess and who has to go! The solution is not to give Canada's leadership to the BQ seperatists as we would then by default join the seperatist party
Darrell
said
MW in Thunder Bay
said
I have several problems with the NDP/Liberal/Bloc coalition. First, when the NDP hinted at wanting a coalition with the Liberals during the election, the Liberals flatly refused and stated that they would not enter a coalition with the NDP. Also, neither the NDP nor the Liberals ran on a platform of handing over significant government powers to Quebec sovereigntists. Had Jack Layton and Stephane Dion proposed this, I think they would have been severely punished at the polls.
While it's true that a majority of Canadians did not vote Conservative, it's also true that Canadians did elect a minority Conservative government and did hand Stephen Harper a stronger mandate than in the previous election. Also, most majority governments in Canada's history were elected with a minority of the popular vote.
There is nothing technically illegal about this coalition. However, I think it is disgraceful, unpatriotic, reckless, shameful and borderline evil of Jack Layton and Stephane Dion to have the country essentially be governed by people who want to destroy it.
Every opinion poll I saw or heard about today was soundly (at least 2/3 to 1/3) opposed to the coalition. I think that if Layton and Dion really think that Canadians want sovereigntists in government and a minimum $30 billion annual deficit, then they should allow Canadians to actually vote on that platform.
Also, Dion now wants to appoint Elizabeth May to the Senate. Tell me that doesn't stink to high heaven!
There is no denying that business in Canada has slowed down, due to global (not homemade) problems. But if southern Ontario and parts of Quebec are taken out of the equation, the country is far from a recession. Do we really need $30 billion in new annual debt as a "stimulus"? Harper has already fast tracked $50 billion in infrastructure money which had been set aside and does not need to be borrowed. Let's have that money put to work, along with further tax cuts.
I've also already written to Michael Jean about this. Unfortunately, I think she'll allow this coalition to go ahead, rather than calling an election. After all, she was appointed by a Liberal PM and is married to a former FLQ member. Enough said?
Vaino Lund
said
""A representative of all that is august, stable, and sedate in the country; incapable of partisanship, and lifted far above the atmosphere of fraction, without adherents to reward or opponents to oust from office; docile to the suggestions of his Ministers, and yet securing to the people the certainty of being able to get rid of an Administration of Parliament the moment either has forfeited their confidence."
that says it all: Harper has lost the confidence, the choice is clear.
Joseph
said
James-Eh!
said
This is exactly the way the Westmintsr form of democracy works. Its designed so we don't have to go the polls ever 2 months because a minority government won't co-operate with the opposition.
Darrell
said
KJ in Kingston Ontario
said
Stephen
said
If they get their coalition to form and get Ms. Jean to support it I will be looking for a revolution. I am fed up. We just had an election and the Conservatives where elected - fair and square -. The Liberals lost and so did the NDP. I don't know why the Bloc is allowed to participate but they do.
This is a sad time to be Canadian. Staphane Dion and Jack Layton, you have made me feel sad about our future again.
Christa Chivers
said
Tom from Ottawa
said
Chretien had small voter percentages and he had majority governments.
There is no way, I want this coalition throwing away billions of tax dollars. They do not have a plan other than to write cheques. That achieves nothing.
I would rather have another election or prorogue Parliament. This "coalition" is nothing but a soon to be disaster from start to finish.
Sherry
said
Jake Smith
said
Keep It Real
said
Neil
said
Jon in London
said
Therefore you will have an UNELECTED coalition running this country for 3 years!
Believe that they will keep this running for that long. They will.
See you at the polls in 2012!
Joe from Halifax
said
The current Conservative Government is 11 seats shy of a majority, and have often curried the favour of the BQ to pass their legislation. In fact in the recent past they have proposed an alliance of their own with the BQ.
Also in the past, haven't the Progressive Conservatives and the Reform Party formed a coalition and an eventual merger into the Conservative Party?
The arguments of the pro-Harper faction are baseless. Our current Parliament consists of a majority of duly elected Members opposed to the minority government. There is no need for another election - the results are in, and the majority of Canadians - exemplified by electing non-Conservative MP's - do not support the minority government.
Gord
said
CLB , ottawa
said
Roger in St. John's
said
Eric
said
Carolin in Ontario
said
There needs to be some better control over spending by the government. There's alot of things they wouldn't get away with (spending) if they worked somewhere else.
Shawn in Halifax
said
I didn't see any of the leaders on my ballot, therefore I voted for the MP I thought would best represent my constituency. This is not the United States and we elect parliaments here and the coalition is well within their rights to remove Harper from office, as he has lost the confidence of the House of Commons. So to call this "undemocratic" is a lie. In fact, I find this coalition move to be profoundly democratic and should move forward on Monday December 8th.
Gene in Montreal
said
And to reiterate a point that's been made here more than once: more people of Canada are represented by the members of the coalition than by Mr. Harper and his party.
I fully support the Coalition.
Tom Hawley
said
No, I do not believe Harper is the reason for the global crisis we find ourselves in.At this point I do not know if Dion is the right person to lead our country.
As for people worried about the Bloc ,I say take a deep breath.Gilles Duceppe is a very effective leader.He does what is in the best interest of Quebec.Yet he knows he needs to work with all of Canada.Good for him.I am of the thinking as we all do at times say one thing to achieve another.I am guessing he does not want to leave Canada any more than I do.
Back to the coalition.
Why not give support to this?Harper tried to sufficate the other parties through a political ploy.Nothing more nothing less.During the election he lead/wanted Canadians to believe that we were in better shape financially than we are.Harper in doing so accused other parties of fear mongering the electorate.
So I ask ,who was closer to the truth about Canada's situation?If Harper did not know,that is reason to be nervous.
We just had an election to the tune of $300 plus million.An election that Harper was trying to be advantageous .Yes ,this has been done in the past.This election also called by Harper himself.The opposition did not bring him down.
He had the support albeit shaky.This time he does not.But he wants to retain power.I am confused.
The GG has some options before her.I am hoping she gives the coalition the opportunity to govern.
It will be of one of two things.
When the 18 months or longer comes and goes we the electorate will decide if this was a good move for our country or if it was bad.
Just because most of us never seen a coalition does not make it wrong or undemocratic.
Relax we will be fine.
After all it is Canada.
Nick T, Ottawa
said
Hate to tell you this, even LESS people voted for Dion, and even LESS THAN THAT voted for Layton. The two parties combined have LESS seats than the conservatives do, so how does this coalition make sense? You still have fewer people represented.
Call an election! Get us to the polls again and let Canadians speak once again for what WE want! And to my fellow Canadians: GET OUT AND VOTE!
PS - I left the bloc out of this, since they are a self-serving seperatist movement that in the end has no real interest in helping the country.
Ray from the East
said
Bill in Nanaimo
said
Contrary to much of what we’re hearing, this IS a legitimate part of our parliamentary democracy and it was intended to be this way. A party must have the confidence of the house to govern. If you can't win a majority in an election then you have to work with the other parties. Either you get support ‘motion to motion’ or you form a coalition.
If there is no group that can secure the confidence of the house (i.e. include or be backed by a majority and can govern) then government will be dissolved and an election will be called. If there is a group willing and able to take over with such a majority then they will form government.
Caroline Novak
said
Cory - Toronto
said
It is also just as legal and in the Constitution to prorogue. There is a complete discretion of the PM, and the GG must go along with it. No complaining now! Look it up!
Steven C Wick
said
As a citizen, taxpayer, and voter, I think it is a mockery of our Parliamentary system that you would consider a potential coalition of minority parties that include the PQ separatist party. Anything other than calling a new election if a non-confidence vote is passed, sends a message of anarchy to other countries and foreign investors. Indeed, the inclusion of the PQ by the Liberals and NDP of a separatist party in a coalition is treasonous ( "A crime against the government of a country. When citizens of a country try to set up their own government and get rid of the government in power, they are often charged with treason" or "The crime of violence or treachery directed against the Sovereign or the State. Even to plan such a crime is treason. The penalty for treason is death, which used to be inflicted with horrible barbarity. Burning for treason was abolished in 1790; drawing, quartering, and beheading in 1870")
If the Conservative Government loses a confidence vote, I implore you to stand up for democracy and call for a new election
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN
Goldens
said
John Wilson
Bridgetown NS
Len from Calgary
said
Edb
said
The crown abandoned us long ago, the GG position is a sham.
"we owe allegiance to no crown"
Republic now!
Donald Partridge
said
Have we decended to the depths of a third world country?
Paul
said
Stop talking down to us. We know this is within the constitution. What we can't accept is a government entirely beholden to the bloc quebecois, with no mandate from the Canadian people.
The coalition has not received a mandate and has not had its policies approved by the Canadian people. During the election, Dion pledged that there would be no coalition. It is totally undemocratic in spirit.
They must face the Canadian people and receive a mandate from them. Otherwise, even if it's legal, this would be an undemocratic and illegitimate government.
Andy
said
We're not in a presidential system where we vote for a representative and a president.
The party with the mosts seats generally forms the government with its leader (that also elected as a member of Parliament representing a certain riding in the country) becomes Prime Minister.
On top of this, for the House of Commons to continue to work it has to have the confidence of a majority of memebers. Now, this does not cause any problems in the case of a majority governement. However, in this case, the minority government has to have the confidence of the House to continue governing.
And it does not!
Therefore, the governement cannot continue going on this way. The Prime Minister generally has to go see the Governor General and ask for the House to be dissolved.
However, elections were held barely 2 months ago, and the majority opposition (that represents 54% of the Canadian population (62% if we include voters who voted for a party not represented in the House)has said that they are ready to put their differences aside for the better interests of this country.
I must remind everyone. Stephen Harper never got a majority governement and decided to act like it thinking the opposition would swallow anything. He only got 38% of the vote, meaning 62% voted against him. Some people are saying that a coalition governement would steal their vote, but, facts verified, not having this coalition governement would be throwing 62% of the population's vote in the garbage after stealing it.
The Conservative Party is the only right-of-center party and its message did not echo through a majority of the Canadian population.
Respect the majority. Majority rules.
Bill Becker
said
MarcL
said
Our constitution was written to allow the potential of a coalition government to exist. In the event that the house of commons loses faith in the government, and then the Governer General dissolves parliment. However this has happened RIGHT after an election, so the GG might decide that it's too soon for another election.
What people seem to forget is that the Conservatives were elected with a minority, with only 36-37% of the popular vote. While the combined vote of the Liberals, NDP, and Bloc is somewhere in the 60% range. If anything, when these parties come together, they form a higher percentage, which MAY better reflect the views of Canadians.
So this coalition business is not treason, or undemocratic. We didn't vote for Stephen Harper to be PM, we vote for a local representative to sit in the house. Those representatives will NOT change, the only difference will be who proposes the potential bills in the house. Democracy still prevails, since it will still require over 50% of the house to pass legislation.
The only difference is that the Liberals/NDP will get a kick at the can for a while... the Bloc will still vote freely on actual legislation (they're only giving them a free pass on throne speeches and such).
I don't like the proposed ideas this coalition has (even being a liberal supporter), but I absolutely HATE people saying that this is undemocratic/treason. The clause for coalition was put there for a reason (even Harper tried this 4 years ago).
And yes, the Bloc are seperatists, but they were LEGALLY and DEMOCRATICALLY elected by the people of Quebec, and as such, have EVERY right to influence the vote, for better or for worse, so stop your whining!
Lou Ottawa
said
I voted for a Conservative member of Parliament, not a coalition of losers who can only obtain power by highjacking the current Government. Hopefully, the GG does prorogue Parliament or better yet call for an election. If the government is porogued, this so-called coalition will have time to destroy itself. There are members in the coalition who are now having second thoughts about it.
Emilie
said
- for those who say it is anti-democratic : remember that both parties forming the coalition received 44.45% of the vote last election ( 54.43% if you consider the Bloc ) compared to 37.65% for the Conservatives. It's a shame we do not have PR.
- For those supporters of Harper : He is playing a political game. He called for it. He was planning on diminishing other parties' funding. He was indirectly going to run the other parties bankrupt. So, one party still standing : that's a lot more democratic! When you play with fire, you get burnt.
- Support from the Bloc? The Bloc is not only a matter of separatism. As it is, the Bloc is more of a voice representing Quebec. As was the Reform Party ( or Canadian Alliance, new name, practically no changes in platform ) to Western Canada and, if I remember correctly, none other than Stephen Harper was their leader. Quebec separatists are quiet right now : if you really want to get them on the rise again, you're doing a good job by calling Quebec a parasite on Conservative blogs. Way to go.
NL in Ontario
said
Conservatives should at least learn the basic Parliamentary Electoral System. This is not something new! We have been practicing this forever. Conservative MP’s do not have the majority of seats in the House of Common. Stop pretending that you do. Your party leader, Mr. Harper does not have the support of majority of MP’s in Parliament. So stop acting like you do. Your mandate was to form a Minority government. You failed. So let other capable men and women do it!
Please stop spreading the hates and the lies. Stop spinning things around! Mr. Harper used this legal tactic against Mr. Paul Martin in 2004. It should be named the Steve Harper's Move! Why it is ok for him to do it and not Mr. Dion? Is it only available for King Harper? This is not Russia. It is called democracy. Lol
I suspect that there are a lot Republicans from our friendly neighbor from the South on this Board. Just read the comments on here! You are welcome on here too! But I have to remind you that we are not Americans. We have universal health care! That’s right! We do not have a Presidential Election System in Canada. You can wait for your turn to vote for Sarah Palin in 2012.
God Bless All!
Jim Dunbar
said
Less than 60% of eligible voters casted a ballot in the election six weeks ago. Many of those who did not vote felt that their votes would not matter. Maybe this is the wake up call people in Canada need to understand that their votes do matter.
Considering the Angus/Reid poll that came out yesterday shows that over 60% of Canadians do not want Dion as PM, even though there is some support for the coalition, I hope to see people voicing their disapproval of Dion's actions. Although the coalition claims they have the support of over 60% of the nation, those that voted Liberal may not agree with working so closely with the separatist BQ party. Likewise, those that voted NDP because of the carbon tax policy of Dion may not want their party aligned with the Liberals. Many supporters of the BQ would never put their support behind the Liberal party, especially considering adscam. Although this coalition says they have the support of over 60% of the voters, those that voted do not necessarily want their party in a coalition. The right thing to do is go back to the polls, run on a coalition campaign and see what Canadians truly want.
Hanley
said
This current government is not my government. I did not elect it, and would have preferred different results from the last election. Even Harper called this election for change.
This current government does not make any promises in their proposal. In fact, they will be stripping certain targetted areas, specifically women and public servants. Maybe people in these groups don't care, but I am a woman and I do care.
Proroguing government will only give the New Coalition more time to build and firm their plan. I see it as advantageous for them. Nothing will happen in Parliament. though. No real work or decisions wil get done.
Is this really what you elected? A do-nothing group of self serving tools who think nothing of riding around in parades in BMWs?
Janet
said
Scott Becker
said
Jason Regina
said
Egons Lasis, Ajax, ON
said
Greg - Oshawa
said
David Thompson
said
CANADA GOVERNED BY BLOC SEPERATISTS.
The agreemnent of the 3-Amigos hands over the control of the Canadian Government to the Bloc Seperatists. The have really only agreed to not vote against the government on critical, confidence bills. They can manitain they and in accord with the agreement signed but simply threatenind to abstain from voting or to all acquire the plague so they cannot turn up to vote - this would ensure the failure of the Coalition - back to an election. With this threat available to them they will assure that they get everthing they need irrespactive of its impact on the rest of Canada. So we have Duceppe the puppetier pulling the strings of the two dummies (Dion and Layton- so who really governs Canada, the Separatists of course. Canadiand should be aware of this.
J.C.
said
Oh and for those that may think I am from the west, I am not. I am from Ontario.
Wake up people.
Terry
said
I do believe the media needs to be doing more to educate (in a non-partisan way) the Canadians in our parliamentary system. This is not only democratic but is a foundational check in balance in our consitution.
Judy
said
Bill Rutledge
said
Ian
said
It was alright for Harper to attempt the same thing is 2004 and the masses did not rise up. To me the masses that are rising now are driven on by the Tories. I do hope the party is paying for all the advertising that they are putting forth to defend democracy and not my tax dollars.
Oh by the way if Harper and his Government truly want to defend Canadian democratic principles, please put on a uniform
Vito in Montreal
said
Bottom line is with a 60% voter turnout across the country the 1 clear message is that Canadians have no confidence in any of the leaders/parties.
The U.S. elections had 80% turnout understandably so as history was being made.
I say dump all the leaders and find better options. I cannot believe that there is no one out there who can truly rally the canadian people including the 60% of Quebec voters who do not vote for the Bloc Quebecois.
Happy Holidays all
Susan Bellefeuille
said
Susan
Ottawa
Sandra in BC
said
Eric
said
Michael Ottawa
said
Kris in Halifax
said
Mario - Rockland
said
Christophen V. R.
said
See the difference?
Manny, Acton
said
The PQ has been a Canadian reality for many years and voted with different parties at any given time, this I must say that the PQ has respected and abide by all Canadians and Parliamentary Laws which I can not say for the Neo-Conservative, they have not created this mess It was Harper and his buddies in unprecedented self-serving mini budget and out of revenge more than anything else. Its time to stand up and respect democracy if we let Harper and Company get away with this then, we will be under Dictatorship. When they already control most of the media and they keep on feeding us with misinformation.
I vote for democracy I vote for the Majority to rule and at this time happen to be the Coalition.
I cannot see how the GG can reject the majority elected parliament from forming a coalition before the Christmas break, It will happen sooner than latter and is better for Canada that is sooner.
Jayne
said
GaryinWpg
said
There the Tories had 125(?) seats, a weak minority, why didn’t the opposition form a coalition? Why wait till now?
In the current situation, all it would take is what ,12?, opposition MP’s (with some intestinal fortitude/sense of honour to country) to abstain or cross the floor, to scuttle the coalition. Before the election it would of taken what, some 30 MP’s ?
This coalition was hatched some time ago, it was just lying in waiting.
As for the coalition to say that the Tories are doing nothing for Canadians in this economic crisis, is a lark. Our largest trading partner is in between administrations and until Obama gets in, and reveals his plans, we just have to wait. For all we know he may be protectionist. Then what? But to spend 30 billion for the sake of spending in order to show Canadians that they, the coalition cares, is basically saying “Give us your money and we’ll make you happy.”
This is a blatant, desperate act of a power grab. There is no other way to put it. They had their chance before the election.
For those who say that the majority didn't vote for Harper seem to not realize that:
1. voter turn out was at it's lowest in the last election, so the phrase "majority of voting Canadians" is a more apt.
2. the majority of voting Canadians didn't vote for Layton, nor for Dion nor for Duceppe either. But since the three did not run as a single party the arguement "the majority of Canadians did not vote for Harper" is rather moot..
David du Feu, Drummond North Elmsley
said
paul
said
Ted
said
western patriot
said
brent from saskatchewan
said
Murray
said
catsrulz
said
M.P.
said
As much as I hate to say it we Canadians are as much to blame....If you voted than you have every right to voice your concern....If you didn't than you know what you can do with your opinion!!!!
carol S Castlegar
said
Allan Kuan, Vancouver, British Columbia
said
In the end, this is legal, the other parties combined have the majority, so let it be. Besides, who's idea was it to launch attack ads yet try to cut other parties' spending? And all in the midst of an economic crisis that deserves immediate attention? Stephen Harper was looking for trouble, and he got it.
CAC_Steve Ottawa
said
The opposition parties have done their job and it is my understanding that they have achieved what they ostensibly claimed to want; the cutbacks in party funding and the restrictions on public service labour actions have been withdrawn and an economic stimulus package has been promised for January 27th. So if the opposition parties are truly motivated by serving the best interests of the Canadian people, let the government present it's economic stimulus and see if it addresses the needs of the Canadian people. If it does and it is evident that Harper has learnt from his mistake and is willing to function in a minority government situation, support it. If he is not then defeat it.
The solution is not to form a coalition government which essentially gives the casting vote to a party dedicated to seperating from Canada. I cannot believe that in their heart-of-hearts either the Liberals or the NDP believe this is what the majority of Canadians wanted when they cast their voteS in the last election. Sure from a legalistic standpoint you can do what you are doing, but from an ethical standpoint I think that what is being proposed is highly questionable.
What we needs here is leadership and humility as oppossed to power grabs and egos. So are our politicians up to being true leaders? Mr. Harper are you prepared to apologize to the Canadian people and commit to truely working in a minority government? Messrs Dion and Layton now that you have achieved what were ostensibly were your objections to the economic update are you prepared to work with the structure voted for in the last election?
Robson
said
Reece
said
In my opinion, a coalition is probably the best thing for Canada - it won't be easy but this is only temporary and the teams will need to work together for a compromise. Wow, a compromise! If Harper would like to join in on the coalition he's more than welcome or he can stand aside as irrelevent.
The problem over the horizon for the conservatives is 2-fold. 1. the liberals will have the winnable leader - no Martin or Dion and after the liberal convention that leader will square off with the conservatives which brings up the 2nd problem: Harper. If Harper can't defeat Martin or Dion to attain a mandate (majority rule), then what will his fortunes be like at the next election?
Conservatives, find another leader if you wish to avoid yet another defeat. We Canadians mostly voted left. We ordered a pallatible dish from the menu, and if it's combo #3 we'll get then so be it. None of us wanted to have cake to start with anyway.
Jim in the West
said
George
said
Dave
said
Roger T
said
The recession hasn't taken full effect yet but once it does nothing will stop people from losing their prized possession "thier HOMES".
Buy now, cry later!
Moe
said
J.E. Armour
said
George in Fredericton
said
Get your facts straight. Martin was brought down and forced to go to the electorate with the conservative NDP and Bloc vote of non confidence.
And that is what should be happening now. NOT form a brand new government at the obvious displeasure of the electorate.
If the liberals and NDP don't like what we have , ASK the people to change it. Not take it on themselves to over ride the will of the people.
Dan in Regina
said
Joe
said
Northern Ontario
said
Anthony Lococo
said
JS Westmount
said
Perpetual coalition government?
Why is no-one worried about this?
Nick in Gatineau
said
He also intimated that he does not respect the rights of voters in Quebec who did vote for the Bloc, a known seperatist party - who have not advanced seperatist ideas in several years might I add.
He has made it quite clear that he does not recognize the seats of Quebec. A direct attack against the French.
I did not vote for a Seperatist representative.
It was a violation of my democratic right.
The Prime Minister has no right to place the House of Commons in such disrepute. He has no right to abuse my privilege by trying to dictate the reasoning behind my choice - a clear violation of constitutional law.
I want him to stand up in the House of Commons and apologize to all QUEBECCERS.
I want him to stand up outside the House of Commons and apologize to all QUEBECCERS.
If he does not, let the democratic cards fall where they may but make no bones about it: No Quebeccer will vote Conservative for a long time.
Stuart
said
We do not vote for a PM. We vote for a bunch of normal people who then form a government under a party banner. This proposed coalition, if anything, is MORE representative - MORE people voted for the MPs involved in the coalition, and a bipartite government has a better chance of representing MORE people.
Democracy in action! But when a government tries to censor its opponents, when a government tries to cancel legitimate sessions of government, when a government stifles the will of the people? THAT's undemocratic.
Robert Brise
said
Erin
said
Carol Shypitka, Castlegar
said
I would like to know how this can be called democracy when all three opposition parties got their vote on a no coalition plateform. We the people should be the ones voting on a coalition government. I can guantee the voter turnout will be good and we would get a real view of how our country wants to be governed. I encourage all people who do not vote to read what each party stands for and make your voice heard.
Rob - A scared for my wallet guy
said
I believe that there has been sufficent voice to send us back to the polls if the government is dissolved. let us as voters decide where we want to go and how we want our economy managed. Granted we did that just 6 or 7 weeks ago, but as others have said I would rather 300 million than 30 Billion wasted, it is not the answer to pulicise a private companies losses in this manner. Wow I am all over the map.
Andy
said
We have to see that not only soveignists voted for the Bloc Quebecois. They got 49/75 seats in Quebec.
However, at the provincial level, the sovereignist Parti Quebecois is about to suffer a third consecutive loss with only 30% of the vote. The federalist Liberal Party in latest polls are projected to get 46% percent of the vote. The autonomous Action Democratique (federalists) would get 12% of the vote.
Even a quarter of Parti Quebecois voters are against sovereignty. That is something! About 67% of Quebecers are AGAINST sovereignty.
So Mr. Harper lets not turn this into a national unity issue when the sovereignist cause is not popular and federalism is favored in Quebec.
DO NOT RUIN THIS!
Stephen Harper tells sovereignist they've signed the soul over to liberal federalists and tells liberals they are sleeping with sovereignists. Make up your mind Mr. Harper. Which one is it?
The Governor General should not listen to here advisor, Prime Minister Harper, in the case where he would ask the GG to perogue or dissolve Parliament since this advisor clearly doesn't have the confidence in the House and that someone else in the House has the confidence of a majority of members. She therefore has to consider Stephane Dion's recommendations.
Nobody is stealing anybody's vote.
If we were in a presidential proportionnal system, either Mr. Harper would have had to make a coalition or the opposition would have had to do the same.
Mr. Harper dug this hole by not listening to the people, trying to push his agenda.
Instead of crossing partisan lines to work for the people like the opposition, Mr. Harper decided to do differently.
What's good for Quebec is good for other provinces (Money for forestry (QC, BC), manufacturing (QC, ON), + $ for auto sector.
A BC Voter
said
Although Dion's performance was not very good last election, let us give credit to a man who has the guts to pull three parties together to put down a bully.
Don J.
said
bob in winnipeg
said
I know very well how a parlimentary system works, and this is not it. To suggest that most people did not vote for Harper as PM also misses the point.
The point being that, very simply, more people voted for conservatives than any other party, certainly far more than Dion, and more than Liberal and NDP together.
The cry that Harper somehow is not working with the other parties is BS. It is the other parties that took the economic update- a very reasonable one at that- and made this the pretense for an already-cooked up rational to steal power that was not given to them by the voters. NOBODY voted for this.
Furthermore, to suggest that people like me who are offended by all this are simply repeating conservitive talking points is, well, rather like saying that the Bloc is concerned for the welfare of all of Canada. In other words, false.
Clarke
said
It is ridiculous to think that the Bloc hasn't asked for the moon to support this coalition.
Prof. Pye Chartt
said
Quite a sight. Scary.
Indeed, it's about power and unbridled lust for it. But it's all so PERSONAL. Ultimately, it has absolutely NOTHING to do with the betterment of Canada...and, thankfully, Canadians now seem to be well aware. Keep flooding Parliament Hill and the Governor General with emails!
Moe
said
John in Toronto
said
Michael from Toronto
said
The pathetic Liberals would grab at straws now and they should be ashamed but they seem to be mainly tagging along. Liberals have always been a party of convenience and opportunism. This is an opportunity for them. They never had any principles to begin with.
As for the Bloc, they are true to their own cause, the dismantling of Canada. You cannot blame the Bloc for what they are doing - we let them exist in Canada and they are fulfilling their mandate to exit Québec from Canada. French Canadians see these matters in their own way, different from the rest of Canada.
Dan
said
-the Bloc will hold the balance of power. (did anyone hear Duceppe's comments regarding how this will aid the separatists' cause yesterday?)
-we will have a prime minister that most Canadians do not support and who does not even have the support of his own party
-6 NDP cabinet ministers and 6 NDP parliamentary secretaries? Is this really the time for cabinet ministers with little or no experience?
Prorogung is really the only option to let these leaders work things out. Dissolving parliament hastily and allowing a coalition gov't has the most risk of all the options and if/when it fails there will be huge consequences in terms of the economy and Canadian unity.
Jason
said
Couse
said
John E
said
Linda
said
Trevor - Dawson Creek, BC
said
Dave in Nepean
said
James
said
Bill in Ont
said
gerard lavallee
said
chris from ontario
said
Earl Robert
said
DavidL
said
Now we know exactly what he was talking about.
Wayne - Stoney Creek
said
Maybe this will tide us over until Harper goes, get replaced by a Conservative who understands "Good Government" then things can get back to normal.
Darlene, NS
said
Consider for a moment, at the same time our Parliamentary system was set up, the following was also the law in Canada - domestic abuse was legal and within all the rules; divorce was illegal; women were not legal persons and not allowed to vote; trade unions were considered "criminal conspiracies" and illegal; illegal acts were punishable by whipping or death by hanging. Should we still be following these antiquated rules and laws as well? Of course not!
For heavens sake, don't you people realize by now that just because something 'is', that does not automatically make it 'right'!
That we are only voting in an MP is also not the commonly held belief, by citizens and politicians alike. Evidence this by the fact that it is the federal leadership of each party that is spending millions on advertising right across the country - Vote for ME! Bring my party into power! The electorate of Canada voted with the sincere belief that they were voting in a prime minister as well as their MP, regardless of what the actual rules say.
If we were misled in the true nature of what our votes actually stand for then we deserve the right to go back to the polls and vote with full disclosure by all.
Call an election and let us vote.
Alex Martinez
said
Can someone explain to me how Canadians are not rising against the Prime Minister but rather against such coalition as there will be rallies throughout the country. I did not hear nor see Canadians, the masses, asking for the opposition to bring down this government. It's an unadulterated power grab to the extent that even Elizabeth May wants into the fray and spoils. She would be content with a seat in the Senate. Wow unbelievable! This has gotten personal, so, If I say that I hate Stephen Harper am I entitled to a Seat in the Senata too. Gov.-Gen. Michaelle Jean please do the right thing and call an election.
Rebekah Ewashko
said
Paul MacPherson
said
(I am a conservative, but I must respect this end game... well run politics)
Step 1) Let Harper say something stupid... done
Step 2) Seize power... in progress
Step 3) Make Dion the scape goat... in progress
Step 4) Dion becomes Prime Minister
Step 5) 3 months to ensure Dion takes on all the negative fallout of the new Coalition Government
Step 6) in May... Dion is gloriously and ceremoniously removed from power by the Liberals
Step 7) The Liberals are still the party in power.
Step 8) Over the next 12 months... Canada gets over it... we don't hold grudges, and as good Canadians we give out NEW Prime Minister a chance.
Step 9) Canada hits the polls after a year with a new Liberal Prime Minister... Canadians having short memories rarely change governments and the Liberals win a Minority government in 2011.
Well run Politics... Harper and his Conservative party blew it.
Tamera
said
Go coalition go!
Gail (Hamilton)
said
Buddha
said
The coalition is flawed.
I fear for my country.
The antics in the house yesterday were far from the actions of enlightened adults. These guys need to learn some non-violent communication skills.
My hope: Harper backs down from his ineffective economic strategy and partisan approach and the coalition dissolves
Alanna, Regina
said
Debi Menescus
said
Let's try to at least semi-accurately reflect the desires of Canadians.
Claude
said
Laura in Winnipeg
said
These are grave times and Canadian citizens need to detach their emotions and their political stripes and look hard at what is happening. Jack Layton keeps saying the government has lost the confidence of the House but he has no hard evidence. Whether we like the current policies or not, Canada is functioning well according to external world authorities...in another place and time, the National Party leaders would be hung for treason. Perhaps their parties will do just that when this is all over. For the sake of Canada, peace, our economy and the future for our kids, we need to trust the processes we have established, or democratically, carefully and constitutionally change them - together
mark
said
Also, if this coalition gives more ground to the separatists, it's almost a good thing. I wouldn't be too sad to see my tax dollars stop flowing to fund "French culture".
Jeff
said
John and others: Let's stop using the bogus argument that Harper did not get a majority of the votes (around 38%). Jean Chretien didn't recieve over 40% in any of the elections inwhich he lead the Liberals to majority governments either.
S. Brown, St. John's
said
Why can one single Liberal appointed person now have all the power to choose which government we have. We do have a good democratic system but there is a 'flaw' in it. One that has not been brought to any of the public attention until now. I want a say in what is going on. When I voted 7 weeks ago a Lib/NDP/BLOC coalition was not on the ballot.
Jim from Ontario
said
Hopefully there are some sane voices in the Conservative and Liberal camps, where both sides accept some responsibilities for this crisis and we move on to governing.
Both the Liberals and Conservatives hold the ability to destroy each other and the country. Both sides must have enough members who could work together to help the country without being held for ransom by the Socialist or Separatist fringe.
It ain't personal, it's business... the business of running a country through the worst global economic crisis in 70 years.
Paul from Brantford.
said
Lets go to the polls and find out.
Last time I voted the ballot didn't have coalition on it.
I hope the GG will stop this madness.
William
said
Michael from Toronto
said
To function effectively, a country must have parties who put forward HONEST credible platforms to govern; it cannot be reduced to a rabble of politicians who simply campaign out of personal dislike for another politician and hatch schemes to fool people to vote their way. Democracy cannot be turned into a soap opera stage for personal disputes between politicians. We have to demand politicians to focus on working for Canada instead of personal disputes between leaders.
Liberal and NDP voters, you must demand that your leaders provide credible benefits to Canada; and not partake in a shameless personal exercise simply to grab power. The right to govern must be won by merit, by demonstrating to you that they have the ability and foresight to lead the country for the longer term. If your leaders have not earned the right to govern don't vote for them.
Democracy is not about partisanship. I always vote according to my own beliefs and according to what I see is better for Canada.
This coalition cooked up by Layton is just a power grab and the country will suffer under this unholy alliance of opposing interests. Decision making will be paralyzed and relegated to the lowest common denominator.
Sheila Weaver; Lindsay Ont. Canada
said
Brandi in NS
said
Den
said
Matt from Niagara Falls, Canada
said
Willem H. Bokhout, CD, CET, WO (Ret'd), Kingston,
said
They voted for the Conservatives and their party platform!!
Stephan Dion and his unholy alliance with Seperatists in the form of the Bloc Quebecois flies in the face of traditional Liberal party platforms and policy.
The Governor-General has an obligation to allow the Conservatives to bring down a budget for the review of the House of Commons. If it isnt approved then, by all means, lets go to the polls...again!
However, the current course of action by "Her Majestys Loyal Opposition" smacks of a Coup E'Etat!!
Lets not dishonour Parliamentary tradition.
Give 'em hell Stephen!!
Elizabeth, Ontario
said
I do not recall "Coalition" being an option.
Canadians should decide who governs Canada - not a coalition of opposition leaders who did not win enough seats to govern Canada.
I hope that GG will see through this power grab and send Canadians back to the polls. Canadian people have the right to an elected government. Shame on Layton, Dion and Duceppe.
John from Saskatoon
said
Glenn MacNeil
said
J. Coulson
said
Tom Hawley
said
How many times in the last parliament did Harper reach out to the Bloc for support to keep him in power?
People posting that are against the Bloc "holding" power ,they have it now!
Do you honestly believe this is going to be an open for Quebec separation? It appears some of you dislike Quebec more than the coalition itself.
Perhaps all this boils down to is Harper,the puck hog, coughed up the puck in the neutral zone and the oppostion is on a break away .And now you are hoping the GG can play nets.
Joseph in Halifax
said
Jim in Markham
said
Randy - Edmonton
said
Marj Stevens
said
Shannon
said
Dd
said
The man is a hypocrite through and through.
Kevin Allan
said
So it seems now Mr Harper will cancel Parliament. Why not just bring in the MILITARY AND ARREST THE OPPOSITION ? So much for democracy.
In the last Parliament, Mr Harper threaten Canadians with over 40 ELECTIONS (confidence votes) and now that he will loose a confidence vote, he runs away and HIDES.
jessie synek
said
Jessie Synek
Ottawa
Raywal
said
1) We have all the MPs working for the people right? If this session is dissolved and essentially no government is governing, how much are their salaries costing the tax payer? Lead by example? I don't think so...shame on all of you.....for wasting our time and our money during this critical time.....
2) Mr Harper.....you made a lapse in judgment.....by seeking the support of the GG to dissolve the session until January so you can "reset" and start over.(like nothing happened)...is complete nonsense.....you think we are living in a fantasy world, where we can just erase our missteps and consequences.....must be nice....be a man and stand up, reach out and make the change now....perhaps you should think of crossing the aisle before Dec 8th, and be reaching out to all parties that could only unify the country. This is not a "one person show", we all need to be part of the process....this is a sign of true leadership and would minimize this constant bickering that is getting us nowhere.....we don't want you to spend another $350 million on an election....
Luke
said
John Smith
said
Then, I need a new truck, which I am taxed on, so I buy one that is made in Ontario and, effectively, I am now paying double.
Makes sense, doesn't it.
Quick word: We voted for a individual parties, not a "coalition." Send us back to the polls. If the Liberals/NDP/Bloc/Green stick together as a "coalition" for the next election, we'll know it's sincere and in the best interests of Canadians. But, I'm quite certain this will not be the case. The Parties will go their separate ways looking to increase their positions within the House.
Think about this...
Chris M in NS
said
Nope, the last thing they want to do is let us have a say in this. The have appointed themselves into power until AT LEAST 2011.
To all you coalition supporters I say, BRING ON AN ELECTION! That is the only true way to clear the air here!
Andrew Noble, Montreal
said
The coalition (Liberal and NDP) actually received 44.4% of the popular vote as opposed to the Conservatives who only received 37.6% of the popular vote. The Bloc received another 10%. So the coalition with the support of the Bloc, actually represent a majority of Voters.
If you now take into account the fact that we had the worst voter turnout, most likely because Canadians were upset at Harper's election, the argument that people actually did overwhelmingly not support Harper.
Stop your lies and arrogance Harper, take responsibility for your actions and step aside. Prorogation would be a pathetic attempt at clinging to power.
Dave
said
Mike in NB
said
bren in ottawa
said
Janet for Oshawa
said
MS montreal
said
T. Camelot
said
Aren't there even 11 decent opposition members who will cross the floor and put an end to this ill advised coalition for the sake of this great country's political and economical future???
I kringe at the thought of Dion (who can't even manage his own party's finances - as he still owes money for his election two years ago)running this great country!!!
And to all the people who keep saying Harper is doing nothing for this country, don't they listen to the news or do they just not understand? The rest of the world keep pointing to Canada as being in the best economic position of all the G8 countries to weather this global economic crisis. So obviously, the rest of the world recognizes that our current government must be doing things right.
When times are hard everybody should tighten their belts not just throw billion of dollars at the problem without examining the situation thoroughly.
Joel Campbell, Petrolia, Ontario
said
The concept of a coalition government may be an interesting curiosity, but the coalition that has been recently agreed to is laughable and doomed to failure. The idea of the Liberal party entering into a political pact with the Bloc Quebecois is a travesty, both in terms of the Liberal party’s heritage and the political tradition of this country. Throughout Canadian history, the Liberal party has been the most important in advocating and pursuing national unity. The party has been led by many great, multi-term, patriotic Prime Ministers, including French-Canadians such as Wilfrid Laurier, Pierre Trudeau and Jean Chretien. These men aggressively pursued national unity throughout their terms, despite separatist hostility from French Canadian leaders such as Henri Bourassa, Rene Levesque, Jacques Parizeau and Lucien Bouchard.
Now the Liberals are led by a new French-Canadian who spits on the painstaking work of his pro-Canadian forerunners. He would ally Canada’s most nationalistic party with the separatist Bloc Quebecois. This is madness. Stephane Dion is not fit to run his own party, let alone this country. As even the Liberal faithful will admit, Dion is directly responsible for the worst election outcome for Liberals in decades, and has proved incompetent in leading his party forward. Dion is a desperate man, on his way out the door, looking to be replaced as Liberal leader within months. Desperate men resort to desperate measures, but can he really be so desperate as to unite with politicians so diametrically opposed to his party’s strongest principles?
Canada has just gone through a long election process. Stephen Harper did not win 50% or more of the House of Commons. He does not have a majority government. However, the Conservative party clearly has the largest share of support from Canadians across Canada. They have formed a government. Would those belonging to the three losing parties of the last election seek to overturn the will of the Canadian people over sour grapes?
When Canadians cast their votes, they voted for a member of a particular party that represented specific political ideologies and platforms, be they Conservative, Liberal, NDP, Bloc, or others. Did Liberal supporters vote for this alliance? Did NDP supporters? Did the Bloc supporters? Absolutely not! Though the currently elected members of these three parties could mathematically make a majority government when mashed together, the real question is would Canadians vote for this mish-mash coalition over the unified Conservative party?
In sum, the proposed coalition government may be constitutional, but it is not Canadian, not democratic, and not right. In addition, the proposed coalition triumvirate is sure to be short-lived as there is no conceivable way three parties and leaders with such different ideologies can co-exist for very long. The coalition conundrum is sure to further destabilize our political climate and add no promise for stability and resolution in the near future, other than, perhaps, a clear Conservative majority in the next election spurred on by disgruntled and disillusioned voters.
Johann Flores -Vancouver
said
This Coalition's so-called majority is strictly a majority in numbers. Not one of the 3 parties on their own recieved the majority of votes during the last election. We were given the choice to vote for the individual parties at that time not this new Coalition.
If this Coalition feels that they legitimately represent the will of the majority of The People of Canada then they should have no doubts nor fear in letting Us decide. The Governor General should call another election.
As much as I hate the thought of wasting my hard-earned tax money ($300 million divided by 30 million Canadians ~ $10 per Canadian), if it will decide things once and for all, it'll be a small price to pay to keep my faith in our Democracy.
If the Coalition then wins the majority, I will back down (which I am expected to do, which I wll do).
Nancy
said
The people voted and did not trust him enough to give him a majority.
His actions have caused the non-confidence vote.
Manitoba Mike
said
Karl from GTA
said
Yours was the most intelligent synopsis of what is happening now.
Well done.
Clem
said
Remember we the people elect Parliaments and Parliaments make a Government and Parliaments can break a Government.
Nothing wrong with our system, it has these features built in.
What a Country, I Love Canada.
mike alberta
said
By the way people we could put 1 TRILLION dollars into the economy and it will not make the whole world better.
Canada does not control the world economy so we also have to watch what the other counties to see what they are doing also.
We can not give the Canadian Auto sector a big lump of moany unless the USA does, other wise the auto workers will get a paycheck if the big 3 go broke.
We can only watch and react which is what I hope is happening.
Steve R
said
Diane from London
said
If they follow that logic then they cannot say that it is democratic for them to usurp power because the majority of Canadians did not vote Conservatives.
There were four parties to vote for and the party with the most votes, according to the rules of parliament ,wins. Therefore the Conservatives have a legitimate democratic mandate to govern.
Additionally the people that voted Liberal did not vote for a coalition, they voted Liberal. If a coalition was on the ballot some of those that voted Liberal then may not necessarily vote for the coalition, especially when the Bloc is involved.
Saying that the coalition is preferred by a majority of people is false. Additionally the numbers for the coaliiton are skewed by the Quebec vote which is all for it because of the extended power they will wield.
Play with fire..we will be burned.
If this coalition is a go it won't last more than a couple of months. The Liberals will bicker amongst themselves and with the NDP.
Gilles Duceppe will sit in the corner in glee getting everything he wants at the expense of the rest of Canada. The west will likely start a separatist movement of their own.
It is very sad and as Canadians we should stand up against these people and express our views.
Economics was just an excuse to try and take over a legally elected government.
Shame.
Alex (ottawa)
said
greg
said
On another note, Roger Cuzner, the liberal whip from cape Breton, commented on how his constituents are for keeping Harper accountable. I hope those same constituents understand when the regular flights of workers back and forth from Cape Breton to Ft McMurray ceases to a halt when their new comrade Mr Layton shuts down the oilsands and pushes his tax hike for 50 billion. Did the liberals in C.B vote for this?
Greg
Calgary, Ab
canophone
said
Diane
said
Steve, Yellowknife
said
"ALL his tactics have been aimed at exhausting Canadians so that when only 30% of voters show up he'll achieve a resounding majority because those 30% are his base."
How wrong he is because any right winger is actually a hardworker who is out working his behind offand voting is actually more cumbersome to him. All the Liberal and NDP (especially the NDP) supporters are social welfare cases who have all the time the time in the world to go vote. The hardest thing for them is having to decide which bus route will take them from their parents basement to the polling station.
Claude - Calgary
said
T Sanders
said
Self-serving liars. No matter how they hold the spin, we all know the truth. It's NOT about Canadian economics, but about party economics. And by the way, the Libs have done a poor job managing their own finances. Just imagine how poorly they can manage Canada's.
Brad C
said
Haig Moreton
said
Haig Moreton, Boucherville QC
johnny boucher
said
Seeing through the wool
said
1. During the last election, you probably noticed a few other names on your ballot. Those people come from different political parties. You know what? Some of those people and parties even legitimately won their ridings. THEY WERE ELECTED. You cannot sit in the House of Commons unless you are elected.
2. We do not live in the US. Our PM is not our President. We do not vote for a PM first. We vote for an MP first in the hopes that their party will have enough seats to form the Government. The Conservatives, unfortunately (but fortunately for every sane person in this country), did not gain a majority Government, they only managed to gain the support of the minority of Canadians. The other 3 parties represented in the House of Commons DEMOCRATICALLY outnumber the minority. That is simple arithmetic.
3. The fact of the matter is that everybody knows the left-of-centre has been fragmented. The PC knew this when they formed the "coalition" Government with the Reformists. They solidified the right. It was only a matter of time before the left became united. Even though I believe our Multi-party political system is far more favourable than the two horse race in the US, I believe this is the best thing in the short-run.
4. I would also like to correct those people who use seperatist and sovereignist interchangeably. The Bloc (in this past election) did not run on a separatist platform as they did in years past. Their interest is Quebec protection, not Canadian destruction.
Debra
said
February 20. 1959 Avro Arrow – Diefenbaker
Joe Clark - May 1979 - He believed that he could build public approval by governing as if he had a majority, but he failed to win support from the other parties, especially the NDP, for key parts of his program - namely, the "privatization" of PETRO-CANADA, a mortgage tax credit and austerity financing. The government fell that December on a vote of nonconfidence in the House on John CROSBIE's budget.
Brian Mulroney - The first 2 years of Mulroney's administration were marked by indecision and scandals in his Cabinet, Meech Lake Accord slowly unravelled, and its collapse in June 1990 was at least partly attributed to Mulroney's widely quoted "roll of the dice" in scheduling the final first ministers' conference so close to the deadline. His government reached a new low in popularity with the imposition of the new Goods and Services Tax (GST), which went into effect 1 January 1991. Mulroney had to stack the Senate with supporters in order to get the bill through the upper house. Then the Airbus scandal in 1998.
Kim Campbell – June 13 – December 1993 Kim Campbell – First women to become PM of Canada, lost her own seat in election debacle of 1993.
Now Stephen Harper - The Aliiance, Progressive Conservatives and the Conservatives history should by now show the Canadian people they do not belong in the house of commons.
My Two Bits Worth
said
BQ - 50 seats , 10% of popular vote
Liberals - 76 seats , 26% of popular vote
NDP - 37 seats , 18% of popular vote
Conservative - 143 seats , 38% of popular vote.
One can interpret these numbers to read that the Conservatives got twice as many seats as the Liberals, almost 3 times as many as the BQ and FOUR times as many as the NDP. That tells me that majority wanted the Conservatives over any other party.
Further more, 90% of Canadians did not vote for the BQ, 74% did not vote for the Liberals and 82% did not vote for the NDP. Compare those numbers to the 64% that did not vote for the Conservatives and you will find that more Canadians want the Conservatives at the helm of this country than any other party.
If you break down the seats per province;
Alberta 27 Conservative seats , 1 NDP seat , 0 Liberal and 0 BQ
BC 22 Conservative seats , 5 liberal and 9 NDP
Sask 13 Conservative seats , 1 Liberal , 0 NDP and ) BQ
Manitoba 9 Conservative seats , 4 NDP , 1 Liberal and 0 BQ.
Does this coalition of three stooges represent ALL of CANADA or just Ontario and Quebec?
Looking at the numbers above, it appears that only two provinces are represented. So, to the GG, please send us back to the polls and let the Canadian voter decide what is best for Canada. It would be wrong to do anything else.
Margaret in Ottawa
said
Rod
said
Nick in Gatineau
said
He'd be proroguing the house because he'd be busy signing $ 100 Billion trade deals.
Oh yeah. He chose to sign 1 deal with ....Colombia. When will he announce a trade deal with Togo ?
Waiting for the US economic stimulus plan before presenting a Budget is fiscally unresponsible, unprudent and shows complete lack of understanding of the present economic situation.
If you don't understand it here it is:
All of the following also have Tourism as an industry.
Here are the main themes.
NFLD - Fisheries (almost decimated by the conservative govt.), Oil, and Forestry (dwindling)
PEI - Potatoes (the US says they are infected by a virus)
NS - Fisheries (almost decimated by the conservative govt.).
NB - Forestry (dwindling), Agriculture.
QC - Forestry (almost decimated), Hydro, Mining (Exploration is 90 % of it. Only Val D'or is left), Agriculture and Dairy (punished by Conservative Govt. Tarrifs), Oil and Gas (Exploration).
ON - Forestry (almost decimated), Oil (Ended in the 70's), Agriculture (In Trouble), Auto-manufacturing (In Trouble), Mining (dwindling)
MB - Forestry (5 to 10 % loss to fire / year), agriculture, Mining
SK - Agriculture (Drought 8 years out of 10), Beef, Oil and Gas, Health, Scientific.
AB - Oil and Gas, Agriculture (Drought 8 years out of 10), Beef, Forestry (5 to 10 % loos by fire/year), Mining
BC - Fisheries (almost decimated by the conservative govt.), Oil and Gas, Forestry (dwindling + 5 to 10 % loss by fire / year), Mining.
So to these westerners who keep saying that Eastern Canada should not get a dime, look long and hard at that list.
larry in waterloo
said
Bruce Penny
said
Sam - Montreal
said
Sarah in Niagara
said
Rick Hemmingson
said
He is a true Liberal. No convictions. No vision. Just raw ambition.
the old lady
said
John from down the street
said
Lisa Pickering
said
Mr Dion does not deserve to be PM even if it will forever have an asterisk beside it. He failed so miserably at the elections the Liberals lost seats!!
Have an election and let CANADIAN vote and decide who they want, not the backroom dealers!
Scott Dick
said
The Governor General represents Canada. If she grants in anyway shape or form the Coalitions request with the full knowledge that the Bloc separatists will prop up that coalition, then would the Governor Generals office be in contempt? A conflict of interest?
This in the long term would be detrimental to Canada to set the kind precedent.
If she lets the coalition take power, than the federal government can not be trusted. The coalition will immediately shift millions if not billions more into the Bloc Separatists favor. I ask that everyone in Alberta immediately review Alberta’s Wildrose Alliance press release yesterday stating that all transfer payments to Ottawa stop!
The coalition must not be allowed to exist, they no longer represent any federalist views what so ever.
John
said
so get all your facts straight, not just the ones that favor your opinion.
Den from Montreal
said
They think they can do anything they want without challenge and, when someone does challenge them, they resort to "Attack ads".
I don't know what's worse: the attack ads themselves or that so many moronic Canadians fall for that crap.
The cons remind me of the schoolyard bully who turns out to be the biggest coward crybaby.
You made yourself a target (as does anyine in politics), so live with it, Mr. PM.
Travis
said
Sue in Dartmouth
said
That being said, I in no way support this left wing coalition, with Huey, Duey and Louie at the helm. As a tax payer and someone who has lived through recessions and huge deficits, I am very nervous about what these three are going to do with my money. I wonder how true the rumour is that Duceppe was promised 1 billion or so for Quebec for his support. I am sickened by that.
Interesting how Manley and McKenna, who I do respect, are staying clear of this whole thing. So much for their names being thrown out there as economic advisers to the coalition.
Gary from Oakville ON
said
At that point, the GG has two choices, call an election or accept the coalition.
The government and the PM serve at the pleasure of parliament. If one party has a majority, no problem. If one party does not, then the other parties are free to join together.
There is nothing treasonous, undemocratic, or unparliamentary about this. That is the system.
Mr. Harper cannot bring himself to try dealing with the opposition. If you choose to run a minority gvernment like a majority, you do so at your peril.
Doug from Kitsilano
said
Dave from BC
said
Harper doesn't have the confidence of the house, he can't be Prime Minister, end of discussion. Dion appears to have that confidence he can be Prime Minster. Nothing ideological about this, doesn't matter what party has the most seats, or if Canadians voted for a coalition. In being a Prime Minister all that matters in the Westminster System is having the confidence of the house.
J James
said
Kelly from Saskatchewan
said
In regards to the economic situation in Canada, I realize other provinces are doing better financially than others at this current time, but that may not be the case going forward. My thought is corporate tax cuts will eventually reach people in every province. Adding money to an already failing automobile industry may have a big inpact on what, one maybe two provinces?
This will be an interesting month for Canadians and especially politicians.
Bill Leonard
said
Carley, Ottawa
said
Can we not get rid of them all and start fresh with some new faces that can help us turn this situation around as well as look at the bigger picture? The economy is failing, lives are being lost fighting a war in Afghanistan, people are losing there jobs and the cost of living keeps rising to the point where many can no longer keep up! The voice of the Canadian people has become lost and forgotten, and government in Canada now looks like a car crash about to happen.
And who is to blame? Is it the people in office or is it the fact the most Canadian can not be bothered to look around and find out what is happening? We are in control of our own government, we are the ones that are supposed to hold the power. We were the ones that elect a party into office, we could have prevented all this from happening, but instead of paying attention, many sit in front of there TVs each night watching who will be voted off dancing with the stars!
There needs to be some changes in our government meaning new players on both sides!! People who can inspire, have new ideas, goals, and can work with together with their opposition, to make government work for who it is meant for... the people! I know this is turning into a rant.. but its time that Canada found some "Change" of there own.
Vaino 'Vain Zero' Lund
said
This is a failure of the PM and underlines WHY there is a Majority of Members in the House willing to support Dion to lead the country as PM.
Harper Can Not Lead, or he would proceed with the business of the house, and he is not proceeding. He must step down as PM.
Edward
said
Joe Viscount
said
Steve - Montreal
said
DK from Sudbury
said
we'll all look back, especially steve, and realize that in a minority government, you must treat it like one...not like youve earned a majority. canadians voted for the parties to work together...at least three of them will
blc ontario
said
Let's face it with the exception of the Bloc they all need new leadership. Mr. Duceppe is the smartest one of the lot, unfortunately he is not interested in the welfare of the whole country.
In the meantime the nonsense goes on, nothing gets done and our economic woes get worse, while the twits all fight for power. Can anyone really say anyone of them has the best interest of Canada and its' people in mind?
Dan Jones, Lacombe Alberta
said
I can't imagine a bigger bucket of gasoline being tossed on the glowing embers of western seperatism. This disgusts me.
Dayton
said
Jodi
said
David Essner
said
Chilliwack B.C.
said
The Liberals and NDP think we are stupid, they think they can smooth talk there way out of this.
They should all be put in jail.
None of the LIBERAL/NDP separatist clowns, none of them, have they once said they will listen to the people, the electorate, no. The Liberals and NDP are finished, we maybe they have a future in Quebec.
trev in ab
said
Alex (Toronto)
said
It's also funny the way he can speak in one language about the Liberals and NDP betraying federalism and in other about the Bloc betraying sovereigntism. These can't both be true, and saying the exact opposite message in different languages is one of the worst ways of lying to Canadian voters. In the real world, the Bloc has agreed to defer its aspirations for sovereignty for at least 18 months. The Liberals and NDP have yielded nothing on national unity, a subject on which Stephane Dion knows more and has done more than anyone else in Parliament.
Harper had no problem cooperating with the BQ to pass budgets and other confidence votes, so he has no standing to criticize anyone else on this. That's all the BQ will be doing with the Liberal-NDP coalition. Federalist parties can't cooperate with separatists on questions of national unity, but there are plenty of economic and social issues that look the same in Quebec as they do in other provinces. The BQ represents its constituents on those issues as well, and democracy doesn't work by ignoring a party on every subject just because of one area of disagreement.
James from Vancouver
said
Harper's divisive stance is tearing up the country. Turning westerners against central Canadians and Quebecers, it's disgusting.
The Liberals and NDP have neutered the Bloc on the sovereignty issue for 18-months as the Bloc will wear everything the government accomplishes (good or bad) and is the best chance at convincing separatists that they are better off in an inclusive Canada, taking part in our democracy and the nation.
Dman
said
Elaine in Bowmanville
said
Anthony from NS
said
For starters, the separtists have no power whatsoever to govern in any form (read the constitution), but the coalition needs them to help get things done.
Second, separtism opinion in Quebec is at an all-time low, and most quebec'ers do not wish to have a referendum.
The goal of the BQ is to look out for the best interests of Quebec, plain and simple. The notion of the BQ aligning with the coalition and planning on separating canada is bull; they know that they cannot use that influence. Any real smart person could see that.
The only agreement between these 2 groups is a bit more for quebec so that the BQ gives their support to the coalition. Nothing more nothing less.
I in all forms support this coalition fully. Harper will just stagnate parliament again and nothing will get done. Under the coalition, this will help make sure things get done, and that a potential economic recession will be adverted.
Charles
said
Jason Roettger
said
Way to go, Canada!
T Sanders
said
Because if they really came out and said they want power because their egos were hurt, who would support that? So they lie to us.
Again, the motivation of the coalition is rather easy to figure out. The coalition WANTS power and they'll do whatever it takes and hurt whomever it hurts to get it. It's clearly not about a lack of economic plan.
Aren't we sick of being lied to yet? What about holding the elected MPs accountable to telling us the truth.
Pip
said
What's that? You didn't vote, like 42% of the population? Right, you didn't vote, you got nothing: no action to deal with the economic crisis, because, in spite of their words to the TV cameras, the opposition parties decided not to work for the good of the country.
That's right, no government, just power-hungry politicians bickering over who's to be boss, instead of running the country effectively. That's the problem - too many bosses and too few workers; too many consuming wealth, too few producing it.
Whatever the result - whether Parliament is prorogued or not, vote of no confidence or not, we will soon have another election, and I sincerley hope that the electorate of this country will get out in large numbers and vote. Our nation cannot take much more of this political in-fighting at our expense, and that will be the case until we get voter turnouts in the 80%+ range.
mpdman
said
Three men, all born in Quebec - one of whom wants to separate from Canada - sign a document which promises that Canadians will have 3 PM's in a 6 month span. The validity of this document will be judged by a representative of the Queen of England (a Haitian-born Quebecois, whose husband has ties with separatists).
Jon Stewart couldn't write this stuff!.....
Alex Roberts (Halifax)
said
Harper was hardly given a mandate of any kind.
But numbers aside, it is Harper's fault we are in this crisis, and it is he who should pay by resigning.
Les in BC
said
Linda in Vancouver
said
If this takeover is allowed to proceed,there will NEVER be a Democratic Senate.The west will ALWAYS be the slaves of central Canada,as Liberals will now know they can coulnt on the separatists and socialists to drown out our voices and negate the votes cast in our region.
There are at least 18 vacant seats in the Senate right now.If Harper fills them,he will be raked over the coals for doing it.If he leaves them for the regions to fill,it may well be to late.If this takeover goes ahead,Dion will fill those seats with more Liberal hacks and has beens.
There will be a Liberal juggernaught in Ottawa for decades to come,no matter who gets elected to sit in Parliament.
Liberal or Conservative,we MUSY unite the WEST.This issue is far bigger than either Harper or Dion.It will be huge in deciding whether or not we ever have a voice in Canada,and whether or not Canada ever evolves into a true democracy that represents ALL of the regions.
The west won the Grey Cup.We can win this too.At the very least,we MUST be allowed to vote.It will be much easier the next time.Just two options.The "Coalition" or the Conservatives.The Premiers of western provinces MUST speak out on this issue on our behalf.
paul courneyea
said
bailing out the big 3, while other manufacturers are doing well is to reward incompetence and poor performance and burden our progeny with more pointless debt. let failures fail. there are other ways to stimulate the economy!
if ford needs a plan, have them dust off the "k-cycle" engine and start producing 100mpg+ cars now.
dion wants power at any cost. no plan. separatists welcome. pile on...
i urge the governor general to deny dion's shabby attempt at a coup and to call an election if a non-confidence motion succeeds.
marlin
said
Andrew in Woodstock
said
dennis mikalson
said
The only reserection for the Conservative party is to dump Harper.
Steve in Hamilton
said
It would be like the 14th, 15th and 16th teams in the NHL getting together and saying... "If we put our wins together we'll have one more than the Detroit Red Wings and that would make us Stanley Cup Champions!!!"
Hey wait, that would mean that The Toronto Maple Leafs would be Stanley Cup Champions!!! I take it all back this is the best way to run a Country!!!
(tongue planted firmly in cheek)
3 Losers don't make a winner.
Joanna from Ontario
said
As parents and teachers we teach our children respect, working together, how to speak to each other, and to care for one another.
Our government members do not seem to know any of this.
So we just voted.
Now it is time to work together.
We need to stop all this yelling and screaming and hateful speach.
Dion and Layton need to stop focussing all their energy on being vehemently opposed to EVERYTHING Harper suggests and start LISTENING and working together. They can still represent their constituents this way.
Is anyone else embarrassed by how our politicians just yell at each other and interrupt one another? And make plans to topple each other? Indeed this comes across as animal like.
Stop this coalition, and start working. Yes, working.
Pat Donnelly
said
I kinda think a coalition might do a better job than Harper and his crew.
the people voted in such a way that the Conservatives did not have a mrjority, but the other parties together would have a majority. Why didn't Harper do his homework and add the numbers? Joe Clark messed up when he was the Pm and now it's Harper. Would somebody get them a math teacher and help them to add up the numbers!
Nadene Perry
said
Maddie
said
Anne Ottawa
said
Greg in eastern ontario
said
Is this not how the Parliamentary system was designed? There are many examples of coalitions and grand coalition governments in other jurisdictions - my only surprise is that it hasn't happened sooner.
Sure, the 'majority' voted for one gang in parliament, but that does not lessen the voice of those who voted differently and are, in fact, the combined majority.
Let Parliament work - this is how it was designed to work, as much as it pains the Conservatives.
Chris in Toronto
said
My message to all parliamentarians is "GROW UP". What a bunch of children. Canada deserves better and has had too many years of overtly partisan politics without Canada's best interest at heart.
Joan
said
David in Calgary
said
The majority did not speak for a coalition and I wonder how many of those who voted NDP or Lib would have done so knowing that they would try to form a Canadian Government with a party that does not want to be Canadian. The one thing that I truly wish is that Gilles will keep talking...he's helping our cause!!
R. J. in Calgary
said
If the Coalition is undemocratic because they weren't elected by the people, then Harper bringing down the Liberal government in 2005 was undemocratic because I didn't vote for the two parties (Bloc and Cons) that brought down the government then. You can't have it both ways people.
Oh you can say Harper brought it to an election not a coalition. Well Harper tried to work a Coalition with the NDP and the Bloc going as so far as to send a letter to the GG, but of course you can't get more distant Ideologies then the Cons and NDP and was doomed from the beginning.
The big error by Harper was not working with the opposition but treating the government like he had a mandate from the people. He didn't. So the Opposition are working together to form a government, which gives them more power then Harpers Cons.
It is Harper's biggest error ever… and one which will end up leading him to the exit door of the Conservative Party soon.
Ernie in BC
said
Melanie Warkentin
said
Johnny Canuck
said
Do not allow a separatist party to pull the strings of government behind the scenes. The real danger in this coalition is that it could fracture Canada forever.
The government has been hijacked and the proof is that this coalition began prior to the last election. So there was never any concern for Canada and it's electorate. The coalition was planned and plotted regardless of the thrown speach contents.
Once again, let Canada decide not a few losers in a back room. We will be happy to decide a majority goverment.
Sheldon from Winnipeg
said
For the Bloc to come on board with this they will recieve an additional transfer payment of 1.9 Billion mine and yours tax dollars. Where a general election will only cost 300 million let see how the people will vote now that they know what the outcome could be.
The stare of the economy is heading down hill do to the unrest within our goverment and will not correct untill we have a goverment that can govern. The goverment can not really present a budget for the upcoming year untill the Unioted States has place there's for we are tied so directly to the United States economy and the auto indusrties tha we have to wait and see. They are taking steps to cut costs knowing what is taking place in the present times but why is the polical parties needing our taxed dollars to run the polical campains? Couldn't that money be better used for the following daycare, healthcare right Mr. Dion and Mr Harper who preach such. The Bloc they don't have to raise a dime for there party for they recieve over 6 million of my mony. Here the MP's work for us and they want raise?
Mike
said
Harper and the conservatives have divided this country more than the sepratists ever have, a coalition government is what this country needs now. This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time to put our politicians back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids.
Nick Spooner- MTL
said
Tough luck, i sincerely hope GG does not prorogue because the last thing we need in an economic crisis is a government that is at a standstill.
People, GET INFORMED
Ashoor
said
Ki-Som Victoria BC
said
Cory
said
Milli
said
Frank in Russia
said
Kevin stacey
said
The majority of Canadians did not vote the Conservatives in power. And if the Conservatives were not such idiots, they would have come up with a better stimulus package than trying to save $ 30,000,000 (.00015% of total budget) in an obvious attempt at quashing the other parties from imparting of their political views to the rest of Canadians who rely on various mediums to hear what they have to say.
Elizabeth from Ontario
said
Because Harper couldn't and wouldn't agree to the Bloc's demands, the agreement fell through.
However, Dion and Layton have no problem giving the Bloc whatever it wants just to get rid of Stephen Harper, out of pure hatred for the man, nothing more. Harper could have said "The sky is blue" and the Opposition would have called for the government's demise, as evidenced by the taped meeting of the NDP caucus.
This is shameful and if the GG cares at all about Canada she will allow a prorogue of parliament.
Steve
said
Earlier this year Mr. Harper asked the GG to dissolve the previous Parliament because he felt he could win a majority. The final result clearly shows the Canadian voters did not want to give him the power of a majority government. His only option was to work with the Opposition to maintain the confidence of the House. Again he failed and now he must face the consequences. Asking the GG to prologue Parliament only 7 weeks after the last election is clearly not democratic. In fact, it’s an affront to the Parliamentary system he has sworn to uphold.
Canadian should how gird their loins and prepare for a new governing body. Many may not like it, but the left and centre left parties clearly have 60% of the seats and popular vote. Mr. Harper does not have a mandate to rule with only 40%, and he did not build the necessary bridges with one or more opposition parties to retain power.
Thomas (Ottawa)
said
Mr. Harper's PR campaign is a massive propaganda campaign playing on Canadian's political illiteracy.
When all is said in done, and the coalition is in power, I hope that Mr. Harper has his face rubbed in this for a long time. For instance, Although Harper hates Joe Clark, he did exactly what Joe did. That is, acting like he had a majority when he only had a minority. Even though Harper has been in politics a long time, he just learned a valuable less a bit too late. Democracy is run by consensus not by doctoral arrogance.
Liam Schaefer
said
Liam Schaefer
Meadow Lake
Sask
Gary Findlay
said
Wayne
said
It is apparent to me that they just don't get it!
The coalition movement to overthrow the government has take away Canadian voters free choice of an elected party.
It does not matter if it is the Conservatives, Ndp, or the Liberals.
If either party was chosen by the Canadian voters with a mandate to form the government, then the Canadian voter’s decision should be respected and upheld.
If you want an opportunity to lead the country, then let Canada vote!
Jessica
said
This is what our system allows the GG to do. There is nothin illegal or undemocratic about the coalition gov.
George from Winnipeg
said
Allan Webster Ailsa Craig
said
Dan from G.P. AB.
said
Michel (Ottawa)
said
Better 300 million than 30 billion!!
Although I am quite confident that this ridiculous coalition will not last long, I am most concerned over the financial damage these 3 stooges can do before the conservatives finally get their majority to go and clean up the mess afterwards.
Never mind simply worrying about the fact the GG was placed in her position by the liberals, wasn't there a concern initially over her and her hubby having associated with and encouraged separatists in the past.
Any bets on how she will play this out?
Backlash Against Coalition
said
What credentials does the GG have to deal with this crisis? She is on film as having raised a toast to Quebec separation.
If this coup takes place, the backlash against the Separatist Coalition will take generations to heal.
Chris in Halifax
Richard
said
Well, with a dismal fiscal update along with proposes to sell government assets at a time when the sale price of these assets would be low, Harper has proven he is not capable of being PM. He left the opposition with no other choice. Why go through another election to nowhere when the result would be the same. The Libs, NDP and Bloc have the courage to work together form a coalition knowing that they are taking a big political chance. We need to support them.
All Harper can do is generate more talking points and spin instead of showing real leadership.
Bill
said
Finally we would get a government that works together for the needs of all Canadians not just for the Canadians that make financial contributions to their party.
Simon, Gatineau
said
Ryan A.
said
Marc from Petit-Rocher, NB
said
After that? I would LOVE to see an election with the NDP, Liberals and Greens united. Then we'd see where Canada really stands.
Brian Nelson
said
Michele
said
Jessica
said
Canadians did not overwhelmingly support Harper. This is the fact!
Bill in Vernon
said
Diana
said
Reza
said
Lindsay - Edmonton
said
Sharon of Toronto
said
I think the GG should suspend the current sitting of the government and there should be a referendum to let the people of Canada decide if we want the colition. In addition I think that the colition should release the agreement that they all signed and that Stephane Dion should step down and an interim leader should be appointed until the Liberal party votes for a new leader prior to the referendum.
Hopefully the GG sees sense and does not allow this farce to go any further until we had a chance to vote for the colition or not.
Jasn Austin
said
This is too serious for legal flim-flam we need an election to see who Canadians really want!
Ralph S.
said
Acroyear
said
And yes, a coalition of parties has ruled in other countries...for both good and bad.
But then let the coalition run in an election! If 50%+1 of the people say yes, then THAT is democracy.
This back door unite AFTER the election to gain enough votes to seize power is NOT.
Especially not when you combine with a party of traitors! And lets stop the niceities okay? They are traitors to this country.
One of my grandfathers died in WW2, fighting beside good Canadian French who fought and died for this land. Two of my young nephews are off in Afghanistan at this moment, one of whom is proudly Canadian first, proudly French second.
The Bloc are traitors, and the slime that represents the Liberals and NDP have got into bed with them. The person who really holds the power in ANY coalition is the one who has the balance of needed votes...and that would be the Bloc!
Every single leader on the Hill is nothing but scum in my opinion.
But if they truly believe they have a mandate, then let another election happen and let them run as THIS coalition, as a single party and run a single party candidate in each riding, the one who won last time...that will stop the vote splitting. It would coalition versus Conservative. Whoever then wins, wins fair and square, and they then form the government.
I would still hate any coalition that includes these traitors to Canada, but the people would have spoken their minds, and that I could live with.
But this is NOT how the system is really supposed to work.
A proud Maritime!
Rod in NW Ontario
said
Brent Kaiser
said
Tahsis in Squamish
said
garymccaig
said
bren in ottawa
said
Maritimer
said
38% voted PC
26% voted Liberal
18% voted NDP
10% votes BQ
7% voted Green
1% other/ind
If I voted Liberal, that does not mean I support the BQ. If I voted NDP, that does not mean I support the Liberals. It's clear by the numbers that 75% of the country did NOT vote for Stephane Dion to run the country.
This is why Jean needs to force an election. If the coalition wants to run the country as a coalition, they can run one coalition candidate in each riding across the country against the Conservatives. Then we'd be guranteed a majority result.
Yes, technically people vote for their MP. If I support party X and want party X to lead the country, I'm not going to vote for party Y because I don't like my local candidate - I'd want my vote to count towards getting party X into power REGARDLESS of who is running in my riding.
I would think that most voters vote with the trust that the party they are voting for are not going to "pull a Stronach" and cross the floor, which is essentially what is happening right now, on a huge scale.
Ken
said
Nick in Gatineau
said
We are a democracy.
Let both sides have their say.
Wayne Hynes CANADIAN
said
Harper keeps going on about this co-olition but in 2005 he tryed the SAME thing. Now he's on the other end and he crys. And the GG has the right to refuse his tirade, it's a part of our history.
I'm not pure Liberal, NDP nor Concervative, i've always voted with whats best for Canada, and Harper your just another spoiled kid wannabe, no different that Mulroney and he got away with ROBBING Canadians for years, Airbus Included.
Darryl in Bible Hill NS
said
If we are required to go back to the polls, I say Bill Casey for PM !! Write it on your ballot Canada and it will happen.
We need someone with experience and someone we can trust!
Even with a Tory government, Harper has to go!
Maggie from Alberta
said
To play the "separatist" card is unacceptable and will create further divisions across this country. We do not need this type of leadership at this time!
I like 68% of the voters did not vote for the conservative government. A minority government has been voted for in the past 3 elections. Canadians want the parties to work together to lead the country through some troubling times.
This is Harper's doing. He needs to undo this mess!
Mike
said