News Sections
Bloc to support Tory motion, averting election
CTV News Video
|
Watch: See all Videos in the Player
Font-size: 
Share 
Print
Comments(202)
Facebook
Twitter
DIGG
StumbleUpon
Newsvine
Reddit
delicious
Yahoo! Buzz
CTV.ca News Staff
Date: Tue. Sep. 15 2009 6:05 PM ET
The Bloc Quebecois will support the Conservative government's budget motion on Friday, preventing a possible election call for the time being.
Bloc Leader Gilles Duceppe announced his party will support the ways and means motion, because there's nothing bad in it.
The move means the Conservatives can avoid another confidence vote until at least the first week of October, when the Liberals plan to introduce one.
Earlier in the day, NDP Leader Jack Layton fuelled speculation that his party would support the Conservatives in order to push through legislation to extend Employment Insurance benefits to long-term workers.
Layton said the Conservative government's proposed EI changes could be a starting point for working with Ottawa's minority government, the day after he said his party would begin voting on a "case-by-case" basis in the House of Commons.
"It could be a start," Layton told CTV's Canada AM from Ottawa on Tuesday morning.
Layton said his party is still waiting for a copy of the formal version of the bill that could give long-tenured workers a shot at collecting EI for up to 20 more weeks than was previously possible.
"We haven't seen the bill," Layton said. "This is always the problem with the Conservatives. The press release comes out, but then the devil is in the details."
Layton said that his party must ensure that the bill is an effective piece of legislation before members can put their support behind it.
"We want to be sure that the people who need the help are actually going to get it," Layton said. "It's $1 billion for some of the people that are really suffering in the recession."
He said the NDP has further legislation on EI reforms that it will present before the House of Commons in the near future.
After the Conservative government announced its intended EI changes on Monday, the NDP signalled that the party might support the bill, despite having voted against the Tories 79 times since the last election.
The Conservative government needs the support of the NDP in order to stay in power in Ottawa, as Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff has said his party will no longer support Stephen Harper's government.
If Canada were to head into an election in the near future, it would mark the fourth time in less than six years that federal politicians would be campaigning for their jobs in Ottawa.
CTV's Graham Richardson said it is not advantageous for the NDP to be heading into an election, for several reasons.
"A resurgent, stronger Liberal party in English Canada, which many Liberals believe they will be under Mr. Ignatieff, can hurt the NDP," Richardson told CTV News Channel from Ottawa on Tuesday morning.
"Number two: They've got money issues," he said. "And number three, they risk being squeezed out of the media story in the election."
Comments are now closed for this story
A Leader without Credibility
0
said
0
An a party that has lost its way, I wonder if the NDP will survive as National Party or is time for a new Party that represent that section will emerge.
After voting 75 times against the Neo Con and having stand firm in bringing down the government THE NDP CHOOSES TO SUPPORT THE GOVERNMENT, even when the same issues still there HOW CAN YOU JUSTIFY THAT AND SAY IT WITH STRAIGHT FACE JACK
JR of Toronto
0
said
0
Jim/Ontario
0
said
0
Chad In London
0
said
0
Saleh
0
said
0
My request is stop talking about election and focus on how to create jobs by working with the government.
Chris
0
said
0
Shawn
0
said
0
Ralph / Ontario
0
said
0
V aka Layton in Moncton
0
said
0
I have said this before but will say it again, the Liberals need to present us with a CHOICE! Give us a platform, show us HOW you intend to lead this country. Then and only then can earn my vote or that of any open minded Canadian.
An election right now in this mood, is political suicide. Don't die on the hill of EI reform, if you force an election now, the Conservatives WILL have their majority and that would be disastrous. They will have a majority not because that's what the people want, but because that will end the election cycles. In other words a misguided vote out of frustration.
Don't force the issue Ignatieff, plan and do it right. Don't force the issue.
charlie
0
said
0
CC
0
said
0
Jack Layton has about as much credibility as a bad cheque. He voted 79 times against the Conservatives, saying Harper can NEVER EVER be trusted. Now here he is....puckering right up to give Harper a great big kiss on the "cheek". Which cheek you ask? I'll let you use your imagination.
Mike-Mike
0
said
0
This man is a total idiot and has proven numerous times that he is a professional liar who should not even allowed to be accepted in that party.
Of course the likes of this will continue to be blinded by his moustache.
Darly
0
said
0
Wendy
0
said
0
Jake in Florida
0
said
0
As much as I do not trust the NDP, especially based on their record in Ontario from 1990-1995, one thing will result from the passage of this new EI measure...
Ignatieff's leadership is proving to be ineffective and directionless. With the irrelevance of the Liberal's voice in the upcoming vote, the Liberals will further demonstrate their complete disorganization.
Harper's leadership has been steady. He is a human and not a politician. This is beginning to appeal to more and more Canadians much to the chagrin of hard-core socialists/revolutionaries who prefer to see Canada stumble on government hand-outs and freebies.
jogc
0
said
0
Scotty
0
said
0
Chris in Kingston
0
said
0
BM in LA
0
said
0
What about, "This minority parliament is working, and I for one intend to keep working for the best interests of Canada."
Gollum wouldn't say that now would he?
Sorry Iggy but your "precious" is gone again!
Goldens
0
said
0
(1) It helps those in need from this economic down turn and
(2) It discourages those who use E.I. as a paid vacation plan.
John Wilson
Bridgetown NS
Phil in London
0
said
0
If Layton wishes to really make a change in the way Canadians view the NDP and IF he really wants to be a reasonable alternative to government he needs to quit sniping at the conservatives and attach his real enemy the morally bankrupt Liberal party of Canada that can't wait to steal another idea from him. He needs to support the government on a case by case basis and accept the same compromise (based on proportion of seats and vote) that he demands of the conservatives. Hopefully we can do that for a year or so and get back to running the nation instead of running the nation and the system into the ground.
It isn't the system that is broken. There are aruments for and against any reform but everyone knows the rules and now they need to respect them and accept the will of all.
Jack, you are a long way from getting my vote but you look more reasonable today. Iggy, just how do you NOW say the Conservatives are unwilling to work with someone.
Maybe, just maybe if you put the sword down for a few minutes and ACCEPT the results of the last election you could begin to acknowledge your own party's current shortcomings and present a reasonable alternative.
Wouldn't that be refreshing? THREE reasonable choices for government.
When you continue to invalidate the results of a system that we all understand going in you run the risk of becoming a situation like in Afghanistan where to use an old western cliche no one can see the white hats for all the black ones.
DCR-Toronto
0
said
0
But how can sooo many people think that the vote is on EI?
This vote has nothing to do with EI. It has everything to do with the home tax credit.
EI is simply the reason Jack will use to support the government, so he can save some face.
I wish more people would pay attention to what is reallyhappening.
Again..the vote IS NOT on EI.
Jon in London ON
0
said
0
Not true.
The correct version should read;
The Liberal government needs the support of the NDP in order to get power in Ottawa, as Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff has said his party has no effect on support of Stephen Harper's government.
Old Jack is just turning the screws on Iggy.
This is basic selling 101; my prediction is that Iggy will drop trou, and promise Jack anything he wants.
Are these guy new?
simon
0
said
0
"It could be a start," Layton told CTV's Canada AM from Ottawa on Tuesday morning.
"We haven't seen the bill," Layton said. """""
JACK does not need to see or read the Bill. Does he?
He never bothered to read the last Budget bill !!!
That's the normal NDP way of doing business !!!!!
And this backroom deal also shows how the Tories operate.
Nothing NEW !!!!!
Norm in NB
0
said
0
DCR-Toronto
0
said
0
Ummm, the facts are the facts.
EI can be changed by the government without a vote. Perhaps you should do a littl eresearch and actually read a bit.
sheesh.
Adam in Ottawa
0
said
0
Trevor in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
0
said
0
Jack Layton is doing the right thing in trying to help people that lost their jobs because of the recession. And also he is voting on a "case-by-case" basis regarding the weak laws of the Government. Mr. Layton said that the Devil put his hands in the details of the Government, he is right about that, because the Government is not good. Canadians don't believe the Government, because they don't help people.
the NDP is doing the right thing. There might not be an election.
Henry Wysmulek
0
said
0
It sure doesn't feel like a cold day in hell today!
JB in Calgary
0
said
0
Please don't bother supporting this bill. 74 times in a row you have thought that the Conservatives have had abosolutely nothing to offer this country. The only reason you will prop up the government now is because the polls show that you are down.
So please continue as you have been and vote against every idea that isn't yours. I didn't want an election but now I really do. The conservatives have been the only party to listen to the people and respond. I have written the CPC numerous times, and either, they are listening or I think very much like them because I have not been disappointed yet with their responses; whether it was by letter or on the Hill.
Go Harper Go...
Paul in SJ
0
said
0
People are criticizing the PM for cooperating with the NDP....likely these are the same people who were criticizing him for not working with the other parties.
As for the Liberals, they should be thankful that Jack has pulled their bacon out of the fire, I would be seriously surprised if any of the Grit strategists really wanted an election...even they can read polls.
Sandy
0
said
0
Sandy, North Bay On
Prof. Pye Chartt
0
said
0
Goodness. This latest unprincipled maneuvering by Canada's lovable barking socialist, Whacky-Jack Layton, must have "The Man Who Would Be Prime Minister" (His Royal Liberal Highness, Michael Ignatieff) all in a political tizzy.
After all, how do you continue with the political charade to want an election and seize the top parliamentary job of Prime Minister when some sell-out on your own opposing side tries to hook up with your arch nemesis? Devastating. What's a self-important, egotistical blowhard to do?
ANSWER: Continue pretending that you're electable by continuing to pretend that you actually having distinguishing ideas that are politically palatable. Continue deluding yourself that you're an oppositional force to be reckoned with. Continue wasting Canadians' time.
Iggy's farce continues.
Confused
0
said
0
Let's see...
1) The Liberal/NDP/Bloc wanted a better stimulus package and the Cons gave it to them (albeit with a $50 billion price tag – my grand kids say thanks!).
2) The Liberals demanded EI reform and the Cons are presenting ideas for that. Unfortunately the NDP/Bloc will need to pass it since the Liberals can't seem to figure out that this is, once again, what they originally asked for.
So where is the Con's unwillingness to work with other parties?? Seems they are quite co-operative to me, or perhaps I'm missing something.
Red X
0
said
0
As long as the next election is before June 27, 2010 before the 60 - 70 MPs who were first elected in 2004 to reach the pension point for taxpayer funded windfalls...
Note most of them are Conservatives who should probably be saving the private sector from gov't regulation.
sondeez
0
said
0
SHAME ON YOU IGGY! YOU MY FRIEND ARE TO BLAME FOR THIS MESS!
Marcel In Northern Ontario
0
said
0
To make a deal with the NDP is to embrace the devil in the details. We all know the NDP will try to survive by making statements: they are the defender of the people --- realy they are just arrogant in their appearance and manure-rism.
This is one of those Soap Opera type of program.
Mike from Canmore
0
said
0
G. Helm
0
said
0
Mike
0
said
0
Jim in Ontario
0
said
0
Laurie
0
said
0
Samual
0
said
0
The biggest reason we need an election is nothing is getting done in parliament.
Harper refuses to co operate with the other parties. The threat of an election will be constant & nothing will be accomplished.
The best thing for Canada is for Harper to step down.
Harper is a 3 times looser, he will never get more than 30% of the votes.
The other 70% of us are educated & know Harper's policies have been tried & don't work.
One thing for certain, an election is not far away.
Robert J in Calgary
0
said
0
It's the Liberals and Iggy who have the problem. Iggy has no value and no credible political identity as well as no capacity to work strategically. Canadians have no time for that. It's no good for the Liberals, but it's great for the Republicans south of the border, who gasp with "carp out of water" breaths as they lay bets on the Conservatives. Still not good.
Can the Greens be seen as the legitimate alternative for those who want a centrist and competent party? I can't see why not!
Laurie
0
said
0
I don't view Prime Minister Harper as a shade of grey.He has wisdom and integrity. If one cannot see that, then one likely lacks both.
Remarkable
0
said
0
After he tried to form that coalition of the idiots last year, he lost a ton of political credability with Canadians.
Now he has a slimmer of hope, to gain back some of that credability he has lost, by helping Canada avoid yet another Federal Election.
If Jack can support this EI Bill, then you and I know that Taliban Jack Layton will win back some support.
Jt
0
said
0
The vote is for the tax credit.But the bigger and much bigger then is ei.
Rose
0
said
0
The one thing that greatly amuses me, the liberals releasing the “Harper Tape”. If they didn’t do that we wouldn’t be talking coalition. Could it be the liberals were duped? And that was not a spy at all.
Why are all you people so upset that Jackie boy is finally willing to do his job? This is what he gets paid for. I know you people think the liberals should rule the roost but sorry they don’t.
The "CON" government came up with a change to EI and NDP and the Bloc seem to like the change. That is not a coalition, btw Wendy. Go read something that you can understand.
PS IF the cons were paying me I wouldn't need EI!
Niagara George
0
said
0
This about-face by Harper is one more demonstration of his true character. Everything he has done in regards to the economy is the exact opposite of his supposed core beliefs. Either he now admits his neoCon philosophy is wrong or he is the most power-hungry politician in Canadian history.
My bet is the latter. When the exit door starts to open, he will say and do anything to keep his position of power.
Well done Iggy in putting Layton in the position that he was forced to support these scoundrels.
As I have said for days... there will not be an election for many months. Take that to the bank.
Ray Jacques, Glen Robertson, ON
0
said
0
- I don't want HArper representing anada at the nect world round of environmental talks
- I want the stimulus money actually spent - not fall by the waysise before the deadline due to the difficulties in obtaining (3) way municipal, Provincial & Federal project's finances approved
- I do not want a whole series of ridivulous "tough on crime" bills without equivalent measures on crime reduction measures and effort to limit the weapons used in crime GUNS
- I would have preferred to have a Government which is honest & competent etc.
Buit having said that, previously succesful minority governments have accomplished some good work when the Government "put some water in their wine" and actually works with Opposition Parties.
If this is what Harper is now doing, he has learned how minority Government can govern and stay in power in spite of not having his long sought after Majority.
While I am not happy to not have an election now, I believe that Michael Ignatieff will easily outclass Harper in an eventual campaign, and I look forward to that
Dodge
0
said
0
Red X
0
said
0
Joe P
0
said
0
STEVE H.
0
said
0
Mark
0
said
0
So all of sudden after obstructing every single thing put forward by the Conservatives (what was it 79 votes against?) Jack now is prepared to play nice.
And that lonely kid you see outside the fence shouting "Oh yeah??"...that's Michael Ignatieff
dusty - ottawa
0
said
0
Unemployed
0
said
0
So 1 year ago it will take you 5 months to get a new contract, now I have been 9 months without a new contract because of this downturn.
For the people that say that it is more important the home tax credit, hopefully my friend you dont loose your work. You never know life is a full of up and downs then your point of view would be very different.
JJ in Victoria
0
said
0
I think that Layton is just trying to make Harper look bad by agreeing with him. Iggy seems to be in on the smear campaign against Harper too, despite the fact that Harper has said that he has no deal with Layton and the fact that Layton is just desperately trying to avoid an election which he knows will slaughter his party, somehow Iggy is coming up with the idea that Harper and Layton are making some kind of deal.
Funny thing is, last week, Iggy was saying that Harper was pushing hard for an election and it was going to be HARPER's fault if we had an election. Now that Layton is trying to avoid an election to save his own skin, Iggy is saying that Harper is making deals with the NDP to avoid an election.
Iggy, you are a joke, go away
George Pt Stanley
0
said
0
Eric in Montreal
0
said
0
I agree with you, the Government should be creating laws that are useful, and that help people. And like you said, the Government should be working with the other parties, and make things better for the country. The modern age has made the laws weak. But yeah the Liberal party would make things worse for the country.
Frank - Ontario
0
said
0
anti tax dude
0
said
0
Margaret
0
said
0
Wasn't it the "propping up" of the Liberal minority government of Lester B. Pearson in the 1960's by the NDP under the leadership of Tommy Douglas that introduced forerunner of the Canada Health Act, introduced the forerunner of the Employment Insurance Program, introduced the Canada Pension Plan, introduced the Child Labour Laws, and started the ball rolling on many of the social safety net programs that are so vital to our way of life today?
Iggy and his ilk needs to take a few lessons from history (oh wait, I forgot - Iggy taught Poli Sci, and Rae is an economist - they don't like "cotton" to history as it actually happens - they want to re-vise and re-write it).
So, bring on the Bill, let's see what it specifically says, and then have a healthy debate followed by a democratic vote, where MP's are allowed to vote THE WAY THEIR CONSTITUENTS want them to. Not the "order from the top down" vote.
This is real life. This is Canadian Government. This is NOT a school yard squabble in the sandbox.
Margaret Taylor
Medicine Hat
ARJAY
0
said
0
Minority governments can work provided that the parties cooperate to achieve useful legislation.
Those with knowledge of previous minority governments know that some of Canada's best legislation resulted from minority governments, such as the universal health care system, which Mr. Harper recently praised in Parliament.
Of course the EI legislation goes against Mr. Harper's conservative principles, but as he has shown in the past, he is willing to compromise those principles to stay in power, as he did when he agreed to the Liberal/NDP stimulus package.
There are those who claim that the stimulus package isn't yet working, and that could be true. But as it kicks in in the months to come, it will give Canada an extra boost by improving our infrastructure, something that wouldn't have happened if Mr. Harper had had a majority.
Of course, this also means that Conservative posters here can no longer complain about coalition governments, or minority governments, or argue that having the Bloc on board is traitous, now that the Conservatives are doing exactly the same thing that Mr. Harper condemned just a few months ago.
I guess they have to choose between rejecting Mr. Harper and coalitions, or supporting Mr. Harper and coalitions.
But they can't have it both ways, can they?
Terri
0
said
0
Albertaboy111
0
said
0
Lz in Edmonton
0
said
0
Dan
0
said
0
Maybe they can adopt a new slogan:
JELLO
We can wiggle into any mold!
GWinnipeg
0
said
0
The federal NDP need to desperately replace him if they ever hope to regain favour in this country.
Doug in BC
0
said
0
Hagios
0
said
0
I think the English in Canada and the immigrant population have come to distrust the Liberals for several good reasons and to imagine the Liberals are in a resurgence is just wishful thinking.
The French will hold onto the Liberals because they have had many leaders from Quebec who were french and Quebec isn't too quick nor willing to see through the scams of Liberal political hypocrisy as evident over the years aided by the kickbacks and favoritism towards the Province of Quebec.
Mario Ottawa
0
said
0
1) give an important job as rappresenting Canada in USA as most important ambassador to a socialist;
2) just after the nomination, the "scialist" NDP agree withn Harper
Is that a cooincidemce ? Is that a sell-out ? After all noting has been change in the Harper offers and the NDP change their mind. What kind of direction ?
What kind of "chef" is Lyton ?
John from Newmarket
0
said
0
Iggy most likely feels a sense of rejection ... most likely thinking he made a bad decision to push buttons for an election.
Iggy ... nice to have you visit Canada ... I predict you will be back in the US in 2 years.
ARJAY
0
said
0
Paul, whether this is a coalition or just how a minority government is supposed to work is a matter of definition.
If you insist that a coalition requires the formal signing of documents and appointment of people to Cabinet, then this is not a coalition.
But when I pointed out a few days ago that the Separatists were not part of the Liberal/NDP coalition, because they were not in Cabinet, I was informed by a Conservative poster that the term "coalition" just mean "working together for a common purpose," and so the Sparatists were therefore part of the Coalition.
But by that definition, the Cons/NDP/Separatists are now a coalition themselves, right?
It looks like Conservative posters choose their definitions to suit their arguments, then change their minds when it the definition comes back to bite them.
But you can't have it both ways, can you?
Michel Gauthier
0
said
0
The Conservatives are leading the longest running majority government in the history of Canada and if they were doing such a bad job they would have been turfed a long time ago, a fact Liberal supporters would prefer to ignore.
The fact is Prime Minister Harper has worked with the opposition parties despite their rhetoric to the contrary.
Maureen
0
said
0
Or maybe it is because the opposition parties have no principles and they are terrified of an election. The Liberals support the government but the NDP doesn't and then they switch positions so that they both can appear to cooperate and oppose at the same time.
Independently Minded
0
said
0
I wonder how many are aware that a verbal agreement is just as binding as a written one? A coalition is a coalition and it isn't the first time Harper has made one with the (as he puts it) the socialists and separatists...
Though I get my biggest laugh from the CPC and their supporters who truly believe that the Opposition parties must "come to them" to cooperate... Ladies and gentlemen the Conservatives "failed" to get a majority, therefore it is THEIR responsibility to approach and make deals with the opposition parties (aka the majority of the voters) to run the government. Last time I checked we don't elect "Kings" and PM's are not expected to hold court. Although judging by the economic statement that caused the whole coalition mess in the first place, I think Harper actually wants to be the "King of Canada"...
The EI bill is a start but its the usual CPC bone tossed out for the most desperate leader to latch on to. It is devoid of any real program reform substance.
Harper's true "reform" of EI is to abolish it entirely - Hey it's the Neo-con way and yes it's supposed to be a secret until a majority is won!
Sometimes I actually wish for a CPC majority so Canadians would be shocked out of their complacency by finding out what it would be like to live in Bush's America or Mike Harris's Ontario...
Time will tell
Edb
0
said
0
"Nazi" party??? You’re kidding right. That hilarious idiotic statement just confirmed you wouldn't know a Nazi if he goose-stepped across the hood of your Volvo.
brian in sarnia
0
said
0
john
0
said
0
There will be no election this fall and this the reason why.
CYL
0
said
0
MAL of TO
0
said
0
Of course, the Bloc alone supporting Harper would be an early Xmas present for both other parties... Lotsa politics these days, does Mike Duffy regret being a senator?
RACHEL-SUDBURY ONTARIO
0
said
0
conductor274
0
said
0
Harper is desperate to hold onto power. What a HYPOCRITE.
Harper forming COALITION with NDP and BQ
0
said
0
He'll crawl into bed with SOCIALISTS and SEPARATISTS in order to stay in office.
He'll betray any principle he might have held or at least espoused for the sake of power.
Fed-Up Canadian!!!!
0
said
0
darren
0
said
0
He needs to remember that. He has to work with the other parties to make this government work. It's as much his fault if this government fails as the other parties.
Grant
0
said
0
Parties voting together to pass legislation on an individual basis is not a "coalition"; its call "making Parliament work like its supposed to", especially when people have said loud and clear that they don't want an election.
Now EI is going to be reformed, and Ignatieff is on the outside looking in, totally irrelevant. That is what his tough talk bought him and his party. What a fool.
Nick
0
said
0
I vote a firm YES.
Pathetic. Pathetic. Pathetic.
DT of NS
0
said
0
I'm sick of elections because these idiots can't compromise on anything.
Either these politicians start working together or we are never going to stop having election after election basedon nothing but the narrow partisan reasons that are being parrotted here in the comments.
Seriously when I read deranged impassioned pleas that we should have an election because Jack Layton voted against the the Conservatives in the past it does not seem to me to be a real reason to have an election.
I read all the reasons to have an election being voiced here in the comments section and nothing but narrow partisan bickering and baloney.
Chicken
0
said
0
John from Saskatoon
0
said
0
Allan Eizinas
0
said
0
It suggest that it may also be the fact that if there is no election before next summer, 36 Conservatives, 16 Bloc Quebecois MPs, 14 Liberals and eight New Democrats can qualify for a pension that would give them at least $25,000 a year based on the minimum MP salary that now stands at $157,731 per year.
One out of five MPs in the House of Commons can boost their chances of receiving a lucrative pension by preventing a fall election and ensuring the current Parliament survives at least until July 2010.
How is that for motivation for “co-operation and compromise”?
A recent survey has found that 74 MPs with several years of experience could find themselves without a pension, if they fail to hold onto their seats, and in the same boat as those elected for the first time in the 2008 election.
But we know that these 74 will place the integrity of their party and platforms over their personal financial gains.
Don’t we?
Ivan
0
said
0
reidjr
0
said
0
I would not be so sure on a easy liberal win.As of now they would very lucky if they don't lose seats.
Frank Toronto
0
said
0
Layton and the media have such short memories. The EI changes proposed by the Cons are exactly what they promised last spring, before Iggy folded his tent and sided with the Cons to avoid having to go to the polls.
What a joke Layton is now. After voting aginst 79 straight times, he's now supporting the Cnservatives for one reason, and one reason only. He's looking at polls that show the ND's would be squeezed almost entirely out of the commons should an election be held this fall. Further, the Tories (who usually underperform in between-election opinion polls) will likely increase their support in an election campaign as they always have in the past, meaning they'd have a majority government.
He's desperate to find anything in any new proposal he can support to avoid an election. I'll give Layton credit for one thing. At least he's actually "reading" the bill/proposal this time.
But if he thinks he's going to squeeze Harper like he did Martin (to the tune of $5 billion), he's got another thing coming. Harper may not want an election, but the Con's are well financed and ready to rumble. Further, polls are in their favour.
In other words, Harper has "NO" incentive to give in to Laytons demands. He's dealing from a position of strength, and Layton from a position of weakness. Now Layton's own supporters are going to turn on him, as he's clearly abandoned his party's principals to avoid having to face the people.
LOL!!!
james
0
said
0
Concerned
0
said
0
A Koster - BC
0
said
0
The same people who clamor for a majority government so we can finally get things done for the us, the people, are the same ones who right now, on this board, are giving crap to Layton for possibly supporting this legislation so EI reform can go through... omg make up your minds.
Drop the political game crap people, take a few days off, and instead of coming back on here to hurl insults, take a moment to decide what's important and what isn't for all of us... because until you do, then you betray the rest of us... it has nothing to do with partisanship but entirely to do with our quality of life as Canadians.
Maybe this isn't the most eloquent comment but get some dignity and quit acting like ninnies.
Michael (Toronto)
0
said
0
- I like the current Prime Minister who is doing a decent job of managing fiscal priorities and he is not destroying our social heritage and culture like the Liberals did whenever they get in power.
- I like the tax breaks under the Conservatives its helping my family cope with this recession unlike the Liberals who are just tax and spend advocates.
- I like the Conservatives "tough on crime" bills instead of the ridiculous Liberals who are hard on the victims instead of the criminals. Guns have been outlawed for decades. We don`t need any more gun laws just enforcement.
- I like the Conservatives because they don`t engage in scandals and steal our money like the incompetent Liberals under adscam which showed us they were not to be trusted.
Having said that, this minority government is the longest running minority ever which speaks to the leadership ability of Prime Minister Harper and his ability to work within a difficult situation due to the opposition who only clamour and chatter for an election instead of doing the job they were elected to do.
I don`t want an election now and Canadians for the most part like this government. I believe that Stephen Harper will handily defeat Michael Ignatieff and his ego in an election campaign should one be forced on us again.
John from Saskatoon
0
said
0
Prof. Pye Chartt
0
said
0
It's highly entertaining to listen to all the stubborn "Opposers" in this forum now take a political step back and underhand a compliment to PM Harper and his Conservatives for, supposedly, working with their Parliamentary cohorts in a non-partisan manner for the betterment of Canada.
"This is how our system should work!" Hilarious.
PM Harper and his Conservatives haven't veered off their political dance card...and now, suddenly, the NDP (after opposing the minority government every inch of the way) want to dance with the Conservatives...because they know they'd get their butts handed to them in an election. Unprincipled, self-serving cowards.
Yesterday, the NDP hated the Conservative minority government with a burning passion. Today, Mr. Layton thinks they're good cooperative folks; because they're putting forth E.I. reform (which they publicly said they planned to do, unilaterally, several months ago, before Iggy tried to hijack the "issue" for personal political gain).
For his part, Mr. Ignatieff has been left flapping in the breeze; unable to go back on his foolish word to not support a government that is, at least according to Jack Layton (and perhaps Mr. Duceppe), somehow quite supportable now. All Iggy has is his fake election campaign. He knows he'd lose that, too. Another self-serving coward.
It's amusing to watch losers act like winners.
--------------
We're now witnessing the attempted cooperation that our Prime Minister, his minority parliamentary government, and Canadians have been deprived of for countless months.
RG in Sudbury
0
said
0
No one needs or wants an election except hard-nosed idealogues.
The Conservatives have done a passable job in steering us through this recession, and despite the rhetoric of the other parties, they have worked on acheiving some consensus on legislation and have done alot of good things.
The Conservatives should back off on their attack ads and at least give the appearance of a conciliatory stance.
Iggy and Captain Jack need to get over that they are not the governing party, and work at trying to make this parliament function properly.
Question period is a disgusting display of childish behaviour on all sides - and that actually an insult to children!
Work together people!
Dan in Quebec
0
said
0
Reform the EI?
You don't say?
Does he get IE if we go into another election?
Adam, Motreal
0
said
0
Paul in Brantford
0
said
0
What will he do !!!!!!!!!!
M M B Ont
0
said
0
I'm disgusted with the NDP - Conservative coalition
This is not a Coalition Wendy, get your facts straight. No agreement has been signed between Harper and Layton. This is simply the Opposition working with the Minority gov't on behalf of Canadians... something the Liberals and Iggy don't want to do.
I am not a fan of Laytons and don't trust him one inch especially since he has voted against issues over 70 times, but at least he is willing to finally work with the gov't for Canadians at least this one time. Who knows if this will be the last.
Iggy flapped his flappers one time too many and has backed himself into a corner. He hasn't learned to work with gov't because he is too focused on being KING. This man is scary at best but especially after hearing his comments and reaction to the NDP possibly supporting the Tories. Hope he realizes he doesn't hold all the cards and that this is CANADA !!
Sahib Reginawale
0
said
0
kyle
0
said
0
Stephen Harper does not need the support of the NDP or the Bloc. Harper and Layton both know that an election would mean a majority CON gov't and the abolishment of NDP in the house. Jack is merely holding onto his job by agreeing with this.
And... BTW... making comprimises on bills in a minority gov't to address all party concerns is called making parliament work and not back door dealing.
Independently Minded
0
said
0
Keep it up...
For those preaching "majority" keep in mind the CPC has to win a larger share in Quebec for that to happen and they've burned their bridges there.
Even if they won all of Canada (highly unlikely) they'd only have a small majority.
Like it or not half of the country's population still lives in Ontario and Quebec. There is migration, but not enough to ensure a CPC majority in, oh ,a year or less...
Most likely scenario in my opinion is for a 3rd CPC minority with Harper coming under severe review by his party (as well they should) and possibly tossed for a more palatable leader for the electorate. Progressive values gave the Conservatives two back to back majorities in the 80's, NOT neo-con values...
A Koster - BC
0
said
0
"We're now witnessing the attempted cooperation that our Prime Minister, his minority parliamentary government, and Canadians have been deprived of for countless months."
And when was the last time that we last experienced the spirit and dignity of the Canadian parliamentary system? All I see is a mockery now.. contrived perhaps?
Frank Buchan
0
said
0
Layton is a near megalomaniac at times, but in this case, give him some credit: it seems like a decent-minded bill, and I would be surprised if the NDP didn't vote for it given its social bent.
And, to those barking about the CPC selling out, that's hardly true. The reforms offered are fiscally conservative, temporary extensions, and fit fairly well into soft conservative philosophy. You can't complain the CPC is heartless, etc., have it propose a decent legislation, and than continue to complain about it delivering. The bill itself is progressive.
jack
0
said
0
I hope theres an election so ignatieff gets punted for good!
CS in NG
0
said
0
It's not a coalition, it's not, boo hoo boo hoo.
0
said
0
Stop criticizing Stevo.
Steve the Pundit
0
said
0
Meanwhile, Mr. Layton will be able to demonstrate to his supporters that he's trying to make parliament work, which will improve his poll numbers and drain further votes from the clearly out-witted Liberals.
As Mr Burns would say on The Simpsons... "Excellent".
daryn
0
said
0
"So far the comments have been against Layton for siding with the Conservatives on EI."
You are so right. This is how a government should work, minority or majority. If the bill is good Vote for it. If you constituents want it, vote yes. If they don't then Vote No.
So Far a lot of the bills which the Conservatives are pushing through (yes some do need tweeking) are very middle of the road niether left or right wing, and are are very good for the country. I just hope that most people in the country that vote Conservative realize the policies that are coming out that they like are far from the Conservative platform.
Oh well let's give them the majority, like we did with ex PM Mulruney, let them hang themselves. This way we will get a proper government again to clean up yet "ANOTHER" Conservative mess.
Keith in Gibsons
0
said
0
Don't they know that neither of them is the PM? Worse still, don't they know how silly they make themselves look with all this puffery?
Shirlee - SK
0
said
0
Conservative Control just sent me the line to use:
0
said
0
This makes no sense, given past electoral results, but it's what Conservative Control told me to post.
CMT
0
said
0
I truly wished that they had brought down the conservatives so we could have had an election and given Mr. Harper the majority he deserves!
This constant threat to shut down the current government is gone far enough. Iggy must shut up. As for the NDP...they had no choice but to back the conservatives..he is no hero not this time Jack
Doug @ BC
0
said
0
Both of the major parties now have the same problem.Harper will lose his very conservative supporters if he compromises to much,and "Iggy" risks his goal of govering if he works with Harper,and the results work well for people.Conservatives would get the credit and he'd still be in opposition.
If the role of the opposition remains to simply "OPPOSE",we all lose.
I know full well that Senate Reform is not a popular idea east of Manitoba.Why would they give up the control they now have over the entire west?Still,I think we could create a DEMOCRATIC Senate that could serve us all well in situations like this.With Senators NOT obliged to support ANY national party,or ANY Prime Minister,the regions or provinces could act as mediators when Parlaiment won't "make nice" with each other.
If we are to have an effective Senate,I would prefer the Liberals/Conservatives,and the provinces do it,rather than it being done by any one of them on their own.If the Senate remains obligated to the masters who appointed them,I suggest we save some cash,and abolish the whole mess.
The view from the west sees the federal Liberals as puppets to Ontario Liberals,thus Ontario rules Canada.And,to my last breath,I will urge ALL western Canadians to stand tall in defense of our lifestyles.
Liberal policies advocate for diversity and tolerance for everyone EXCEPT westerners,or caucasion Christians.They deny that,but their legislation betrays them."NO",I am neither a "neo con" or a Christian.But they have rights too.
Sean Webb
0
said
0
Deb
0
said
0
Debbie Z
0
said
0
Paul in SJ
0
said
0
Contrary to what you may wish to beleive, I am not a partisan. However I agree you cannot have it both ways.
I tend to think of a coalition in terms of the how the European coalition governments function, where the arrangements are formal and power is shared through cabinet appointments.
If on the other hand simply working together is a coalition, then every time a minority parliment (or legislature for provinces) we are in a coalition situation.
The fact remains that nobody, on any side, should be wanting an election at this point. The polls are not favourable for the Grits, and the Tories would be condemned to yet another minority. Even the NDP seem poised to lose something this time around.
I pitty the party that pulls the plug on parliment.....try saying that 3 times fast!
Buba
0
said
0
GTA
0
said
0
Dave In Cobourg
0
said
0
The NDP is only good for splitting the national vote and causing another minority government. They have no policy and no credibilty except amongst the labour union supporters.
How could someone vote for him when he can't come out and say what he thinks. Last night in an interview on paarlaiment hill the interviewer tried to tie him down to a decision and he waffled along with a bunch of nonsensicle rhetoric which in the end meant nothing. His choice is never black or white.......it's always kinda grey.
For Once mr Layton. Make a decision and try to stick to it, or better still fold up your party and go away and leave the politics to the real men...
For Those In Need
0
said
0
If I were the PM I would provide EI for Long Term employees (10 yr or plus) with 100% coverage for 1 full year. The $42K cap (before taxes) for a person making $100K / yr isn't adequate to pay the bills. Give people what they truly deserve for busting their bottoms to keep the economy going for all those years!
To dump $B's into a dying auto sector and into a narrow infrastructure while ignoring people is - COLD - COLD - COLD !!!
Go Jack Go - Make Harper into a compassionate man whether he likes it or not !!!
Independently Minded
0
said
0
3.2 million voters is quite a chunk of supporters Mr.Webb.
To "assume" Liberals and Bloc voters don't support some of the NDP policies is quite arrogant. Just as it is arrogant to assume Liberal and Bloc supporters don't support some Conservative policies.
Most Canadians are not cookie cutter conservatives who swallow the party line without looking.
Most Canadians are varying degrees of party supporters. Some are right wing Liberals, others are left wing Liberals, while some are right wing NDP, others may be left and right wing Bloc.
Some pick and choose their policy support irregardless of party lines.
One should be wary of generalizations or they may find themselves having their party accused of going into the same coalitions as they've accused others of doing so...
Andrew (Ardrossan, AB)
0
said
0
Tono
0
said
0
What does Layton know about Ignatieff that we don't?
bellainottawa
0
said
0
Where was Stevie's integrity in 2004 when he tried to form a coalition with the Bloc and NDP. I guess he left it at the door. I haven't seen much wisdom from him either, because he nor his finance minister foresaw this recession even though it was happening to our closest trading partner. Ya, tons of wisdom there!
OIlsSandsUnemployed
0
said
0
The only other party I've voted for in the past is the Liberal party but I've avoided them for the past few years because of Martin and Chretien. Greens and NDP are too extreme for me!
Whoever brings diversity to the Western economy besides oil and gas gets my vote.
Robert in Courtice
0
said
0
Lee in Calgary
0
said
0
Does any political party actually have a platform that they will stick with? Is everything about an alterior motive? The Cons believed that political parties shouldn't be funded by the taxpayer but quickly retreated to attempt to stave of a loss of confidence vote. The Liberals didn't support anything the Cons were doing but voted yes for everything. The NDP and BQ voted against everything before reading it but now that they're down in the oolls and need their next taxpayer funded fix (due to be paid in Jan 10) are supporting the bill they voted against.
What a said state. I hope before I die I actually get to vote for a party that has a set of principles they stick too.
Mary Clarke
0
said
0
Jim - North Saanich, BC
0
said
0
That being said, the NDP has voted against this government on every issue to date and for it to suddenly be supportive of the government now is hypocrisy in the extreme. A late friend of mine once said "NDP really stood for No Damned Principles" and he may well have been right.
James from Vancouver
0
said
0
Prof. Pye Chartt
0
said
0
"And when was the last time that we last experienced the spirit and dignity of the Canadian parliamentary system? All I see is a mockery now.. contrived perhaps?"
--------------
I purposely used the word "attempted" (in reference to Mr. Layton). Mr. Ignatieff has REFUSED to cooperate, and has made that abundantly clear in public, for all without partisan blinders to witness.
Indeed, Canada's present parliamentary democracy is NOT a shining example of how the "system" is supposed to work. The tail isn't supposed to wag the dog. Kindly inform Mr. Layton & Mr. Ignatieff of this.
MARG MM
0
said
0
Note I said SUPPORT not coalition or "get in bed with", there is a difference. Any legislation that is good for Canadians should be supported by ALL parties, and I'm sure that if it is passed as well as the reno tax credit that Liberals will be lined up to take advantage of it in spite of the fact that their leader & party will vote against it.
Hypocrisy at it's finest!
Conservative voter
0
said
0
It is time for an election.
Jack in BC
0
said
0
I saw Duccepe interviewed yesterday and he also said (in French of course) that "the devil was in the details."
Maybe the NDP are working closer with the Bloc than we even realize? Sharing the same talking points?!
david sawkiw[saskatchewan farmer]
0
said
0
I was crowned with a spike right thru my head.
But thats all right, I'm jumpin jack flash.
It's a gas gas gas .
Just a few words from Mick and the rolling stones.
DCR-Toronto
0
said
0
Yes, I realize that Jt. That is exactly my point. The government cannot and will not fall over the EI issue.
I know it is what is popular at this moment. However, when people come to do their taxes in the spring, we will see exactly how important the home tax credit is.
Which, as we should all know by now, is the ways and means motion on Friday that can make the government fall. Not the EI.
This is like grade school!
R.Hartford Calgary
0
said
0
He has no credibility in my books after all the shenanigans he has pulled over the years.
I wish politicians would get back to governing and serving the people instead of jockying for power.
A Koster - BC
0
said
0
The conservatives over several years have been laying the ground work for some type of union with the US, starting with Mulroney when he ordered Petro Canada to change it's mandate in 1984, and continuing with Harper when he signed an agreement with Bush to allow US soldiers on Canadian soil in the event of civil unrest.
The past years under Harper have been a deliberate and rather successful attempt to make a mockery out of our parliamentary system. Add to that the systematic privatization of previously crown corporations, the sale of our resources, and there you have it.
Are you happy? I am. I'll take Obama over a single one of them anyday.
Gord. Robson, Nova Scotia
0
said
0
extending EI for thousands of Canadians, many of which are union
members and supportors of the NDP!
Lets be clear on one thing. When
an opposition party votes for a
bill that in no way makes a
"coalition" with the Conservative
Government.
Like Jack says there was no meeting, no phone calls concerning
support for the Conservatives.
Nothing has been signed or verbally said to ask for support.
Jack has the most to lose if the
Conservatives are brought down.
Jack is looking out for himself!
LDL in ONT
0
said
0
Prof. Pye Chartt
0
said
0
Thanks for conceding that your Liberal hero, Mr. Ignatieff, couldn't actually WIN an election right now, and is merely wasting everybody's time with his bogus bid to become Prime Minister. His refusal to support PM Harper and the Conservatives simply confirms a steadfast dedication to himself; not the functioning of parliament, and not the Canadian people.
--------------
Just so you're aware, the Leader of the political party who "wins" a federal election gets to be Prime Minister. That's how Mr. Harper garnered the position. Another Conservative minority government still constitutes a VICTORY, and affords the man the opportunity to sit in the big chair again.
Listening to you try to spin that as some sort of a "loss" (with harsh consequences) is a treat.
Lastly, here's an important tidbit for you: Liberal Premier Dalton McGuinty isn't a terribly popular guy in Ontario right now (to say the least), and hasn't left the federal party in a very solid position in the province.
--------------
The whole "Neo-Con" thing, given the ideological specifics of Canadian conservatism, doesn't hold water. You watch too much American politics, and subscribe to left-wing nonsense. Put that useless boogeyman back in the closet of your mind, where it belongs.
--------------
P.S. Thanks for returning to this forum after running away. I always enjoy your "independently minded" comments, even though they always EXCLUSIVELY disfavor Conservatives and favor Liberals. Very "independently minded," indeed. Welcome back, my partisan friend.
Paul
0
said
0
The NDP have already said that they have no money to fight an election. They are dead in the water until they build up there fund, plus they can see the backlash that the Libs are getting.
Alysha Ont
said
0