Canadian Parliament in Crisis
Wednesday December 3, 2008
In just two short weeks, what had the potential to be a co-operative and constructive session of the Canadian House of Commons has deteriorated into howls, jeers and lies. One way or another, it's about to shut down without any work done. Prime Minister Stephen Harper can take the bulk of the credit for this turn of events.
Just off the campaign trail with an increased minority government, Mr. Harper ignored the fact that he still had only a minority government and that Canadians are facing difficult economic times. The Conservatives' Economic and Fiscal Statement was based on optimistic figures, contained little in the way of economic stimulus, and introduced unnecessary partisan and toxic measures designed to paralyze those whose help the government needs - the opposition parties and the public service of Canada.
All three opposition parties immediately said they would vote against the government on the statement. Things deteriorated quickly. The Conservatives gave confused messages, slowly started to back down on individual measures, and postponed the scheduling of two confidence votes. The opposition parties worked quickly to come up with a coalition accord, including a policy accord on the economic crisis. Liberal leader Stéphane Dion and NDP leader Jack Layton also wrote to the Governor General to tell her that they were ready to provide an alternative government.
The Governor General has cut short a state visit in Eastern Europe to handle the crisis here. Since there is little chance the Conservatives will be able to recover the confidence of the House, we will be faced with a coalition govennment, not necessarily a bad thing but hardly a stable entity, or another federal election, with all the instability and $300-million price tag that goes with it.
A fine way to handle a difficult economy.
Photo: Courtesy City of Ottawa
More on Canadian Parliament in Crisis
Harper's Toxic Gambit - National Post editorial
Economic Crisis is No Time for Political Games - Times Colonist editorial
What's in Store for Harper's Political Career? - CTV.ca
Too Late to Change Course? - Don Martin, Canwest News Service
Parliament Glossary
Comments
Your article shows a serious lack of actual knowledge regarding Canada’s political system, it’s history, and the motivations of the particular parties.
I am totally against this attempt to form a coalition government. Now is not the time to be rallying for political power.
Parliament is NOT in Crisis. Harper is in crisis. Seems a bit cowardly for him to open Parliament and then shut it down because he doesn’t want to play by the rules — so he will take his ball and go home! He promised to work with the opposition parties and he won’t even work with his own members let alone the opposition. He needs to be stopped and get someone in who actually cares about Canada and its Rules of Parliament. This vote is a normal Parliamentary procedure and it needs to be tested per this action on Monday.
I believe that the current situation is because our PM was doing the right thing by cutting expenditures such as paying for the political parties and that is what the opposition is crying about! They are covering it up by playing the economic issue. Dione has nothing to lose as he will be history in a few months anyway. The Canadian government has been a world leader on the economic stage and yet we are being criticized??? I recall Layton in one of the debates telling Dione that he has done nothing but now they are going to be partners? And that partnership is supported by separatists??? Doen’t that tell us something? Wake up Canada and smell the coffee!
I’m a bit confused about this article. When I joined this newsletter it was to get objective and unbiased information - more data, facts, not opinions. Isn’t that what this newsletter is supposed to provide? Non-partisan, factual information about Canada? If not,
The Quebecois , has no right to be called a National Party . It is only a Provincial party and that is dead set to divide Canada. He cannot be considered an official party in Canada. Smarten fellow Canadians, It was his corrupt business men that allowed PM Martin to loose the election. We don’t need any more corrupt people in Ottawa.