NDP-Liberal Coalition: Very Legal
How sad it is that in a western democracy, where we have a wealth of knowledge at our finger tips; the ability to request and receive information that people are so woefully ignorant of the system that governs us. Over the last few days, this sad truth and reality has reared itself because of Harper’s inability to reconcile with the fact that he has proven to be out of touch with ordinary Canadians; out of touch with 62% of voters – a clear majority for the coalition, and for those who lack math comprehension skills, that’s more than half. Never mind all those who are unable to vote, such as the youth population who may very well en masse disagree with his arrogance and destructive policies.
Harper had many chances to work with the opposition. He had been given a minority mandate. Not every voter supported him. He lacked the necessary support he needed for a majority mandate – also known by those who don’t like whatever party is in chage, a blank cheque for mayhem. He had ample chance to put partisan politics aside and work with the other parties, but instead invoked fear-politics and is painting the opposition as a force that’s out to destroy Canada and usurp the House of Commons through a coup.
The same leader who claims to know what’s right for Canada is lying to the people of the nation. How utterly dishonourable even for a politician. His one of his lies is that the three leaders who signed a pact didn’t do so in front of a Canadian flag.
Liberals, NDP and Bloc sign coalition pact
In the link above, there is a video that was taken by CP – Canada Press – and it clearly shows at least one Canadian flag behind the three leaders. In the segments that follow, in which Dion and Layton speak, in the background are provincial flags. Lie debunked.
Harper ‘lies’ about coalition details: Broadbent
Other lies include that the Bloc was promised 6 senate seats in exchange for their role in the coalition. The Bloc is merely serving as a supporting element and had not been given a significant role. The cabinet that would come out of this is one made up of Liberal and NDP MPs.
1. Partners: Liberal-NDP government led by Stéphane Dion. 24-member cabinet, six from NDP. Liberal finance minister. Deal runs until July 2011.
2. The Bloc: Government to be backed by Bloc Québécois on confidence motions until July 2010. No Bloc role in cabinet.
3. Deficits: Measures to aid economy provided over two years; budget deficits likely. Surpluses return within four years.
4. Economic stimulus: Accelerated spending on infrastructure; money for cities and provinces; aid for auto, forestry and manufacturing; incentives to build and retrofit housing. Corporate tax cuts go ahead.
5. Economic policy: Better skills training; income support for older workers; improved Employment Insurance; mandatory RRIF withdrawal cut by 50 per cent this year; bankruptcy law reform to protect pensions.
6. Other: Reverse Tory cuts to arts; pursue North American `cap-and-trade’ market on greenhouse-gas emissions.
If the number of MPs in the cabinet were to be increased, it would be done proportionately, so that if there was an increase, both parties would be given a chance to put in more members.
The honesty displayed here is a refreshing change. The fact that the coalition is saying that there will be deficits for a few years before we return to surpluses is a fair assessment. The same coalition is working to do what other nations have done, which is try and boost the economy. Harper would rather sit on his hands and do squat. Hell, anyone could.
The money being invested in infrastructure will allow for jobs to be created; money to the cities would do wonders. Imagine an upgraded transit system in Toronto. Our subway system could be expanded to meet the growing demand. More people would want to ride because it wouldn’t be so limited. It would give other cities the same chance to expand their transit systems. A move that would benefit the environment.
Harper has offered Canadians nothing. The coalition is offering us something, and frankly, I am happy to accept their offer. Even if the Bloc is part of this, it doesn’t matter to me. They’ve put partisan politics aside and have shown they can work together.
There is of course historical precedent in Canada to support this, in addition to constitutional provisions permitting this.
Historically, the first real coalition, besides the 1864-67, known as the Great Coalition, which lead to the BNA Act of 1867 and the birth of Canada, there was a coalition that lasted from 1917-1920. It was led by Prime Minister Robert Borden, who introduced the very unpopular conscription mandate, and in order to enforce it, brought in supporters from the Liberal and independent ranks. This served to strengthen his base.
Another notable attempt comes out of the King-Byng affair. The elected government of Meighan didn’t have enough votes to govern, nor did the Liberals with King leading them. Both sought support from a smaller party, and King got it, only to lose the confidence of the house over the customs scandal. When he asked the Governor General, he was refused and the Tories formed a government, only to a few days later be defeated in a no confidence motion. The Governor General had been forced to call a general election. King then won the election and formed a government with the support of the progressives.
This kind of governing has been done at the provincial level as well. In British Columbia from 1941-1951, the province was governed by a Conservative-Liberal coalition. A similar type of arrangement was made in Ontario during the 80s (85-87) between the Liberals and the NDP (Miller and Rae – who is now running for leadership of the Liberal Party).
There is plenty of precedent on the book. It’s plenty legal and very constitutional. The only people who are squawking about “ethics” are those who don’t want to see anyone but the Tories and their weak policies governing Canada.
Governor General Jean is back and is due to make an announcement. With precedent on her side and so little time following an election, the only sensible thing would be to force Harper out. He is refusing to do his job. Let someone else do it.
EDIT (December 4, 2008) – I found a fully copy of the: “A Policy Accord to Address the Present Economic Crisis“. Click on the link to read a copy of it. It’s a pdf file.
Stumble It!
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:29 pm
Are you a member of NDP??
Dion also said he would not form a coalition.
So you tell me who’s full of shit!!!
December 4th, 2008 at 7:47 am
Judging by your comment, you obviously haven’t seen any earlier posts, otherwise you’d have known that I had mentioned a membership in that party.
During the election, politicians say plenty, and yes, he did say he’d never make a coalition. But, when there is an election, politicians, unless they’re Duceppe go in wanting to take the PMO with a majority. So, typically there will not be talk of a coalition.
The coalition was a result of Harper’s incessant bullying. Taking away the federal servant’s right to strike was quite harsh. Taking away subsidies for political parties was another trigger. After all, it’s big money and the corporations who thrive on the corporate welfare that the Tories love to dish out that keeps them alive. The loss would be easier for them to stomach. Typically immigrant communities flock to the Liberal and NDP, and these people have little money.
Propaganda takes money. What better way to silence the opposition than to take away the money that would help them? And doing it while taking it away for yourself disguises your true intentions to the brainwashed sheep that were stupid enough to vote for the Tories in the first place.
Then there’s the mishandling of the economy. I assume you’re familiar with the term “laissez-faire”? A practice that in conjunction with deregulation can lead to the downturn of the economy.
All right then, it’s your turn.
Harper’s unleashed a series of negative ads on the radio and television. Why would you support something like that when if you look at the facts it becomes apparent that he’s a cornered rat resorting to childish tactics to hold onto power instead of accepting that he’s lost the confidence of the house?