In case you missed it, both Harper and Dion took to national television to make their cases directly to the people. Neither really had much new to say. Here are my impressions of both speeches.
Harper
by Harold Jansen on
In case you missed it, both Harper and Dion took to national television to make their cases directly to the people. Neither really had much new to say. Here are my impressions of both speeches.
Harper
by Harold Jansen on
I think it’s safe to say that none of Canada’s four political parties in Canada are looking especially good right now: the partisan bickering and yelling, the political manouevering and scheming, the constitutional brinkmanship. There are lots of Conservatives upset with Stephen Harper, many Liberals disgusted with Stephane Dion, and even more Canadians just annoyed with everyone.
[Read more…] about The mess in Ottawa is an opportunity for the Greens, but….
by Harold Jansen on
Running through all the what-if scenarios that could unfold over the next few weeks has become a favorite activity for Canadian junkies. Here’s one that just occurred to me. What happens in the (unlikely, according to constitutional experts) event that Michaelle Jean granted a request by Stephen Harper for a dissolution of Parliament? We’d have an election. And here’s where things would get even more interesting.
by Greg Farries on
CFRA’s Lowell Green, QR77’s Dave Rutherford, and Bourque Newswatch are reporting that the Western Canadian MPs may take a drastic measure if the Governor General allows the coalition to form government – they will resign en masse.
This drastic measure – effectively removing significant political representation from a large portion of the country – would certainly push the Governor General and or the coalition to consider dissolving the House and calling an election.
[Read more…] about Will the Conservative MPs Resign En Masse in Response to Coalition?
by Harold Jansen on
Stephen Harper has been a transformative leader in Canadian partisan politics. First he united the right. Now he’s united the left. Pretty impressive.
[Read more…] about Stephen Harper is the great unifier in this country
by Harold Jansen on
Wow: events on Parliament Hill are developing quickly as Canada enters almost uncharted waters: the Liberals, NDP, and the Bloc have signed a deal on a proposed coalition. Given how coalition governments are foreign to Canadian political tradition, it’s a remarkable thing to see this come about in such short order. I’m surprised to see this. I knew the opposition parties would be galvanized by the end of the vote subsidy, but I thought once the Conservatives withdrew it, they would relent. I was wrong.
[Read more…] about Note to coalition: Just because you CAN replace the government doesn’t mean you SHOULD replace the government