Blame The Bureaucrats

[ToadBrother]

Bad Advice May Have Led To Speaker's Ruling

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2011/03/11/pol-thehouse-privilege-rulings.html

This seems to be a trend in Tory blame shifting, once again those luckless civil servants get to be fingered.

I have a hard time believing that bureaucrats actually told any minister to withhold documents, but even if they did, at the end of the day, ministers should know our constitution well enough to know that they have no power to withhold documents, particularly after having been humiliated by the Speaker last year for precisely the same kind of stunt.

So, are Tory ministers morons or just dishonorable liars?

[SF/PF]

So, are Tory ministers morons or just dishonorable liars?

Yes.

[Topaz]

Maybe that is why tories with their 5 years in are taking a pensions and leaving. They don't like the way Harper runs his ship. There has been talk with the grapevine that some Tories didn't like the way Harper handled the Oda problem but the members could say anything.

[Molly]

From the link:

Deputy Liberal Leader Ralph Goodale told The House that argument is in line with the Conservatives' approach.

"For Conservatives, ministerial responsibility seems to be a temporary and constantly shifting phenomenon," Goodale said. "When they're trying to duck an issue, well, find a public servant and throw them under the bus. That appears to be their tactic."

Yep.

[Shwa]

From the link:

Deputy Liberal Leader Ralph Goodale told The House that argument is in line with the Conservatives' approach.

"For Conservatives, ministerial responsibility seems to be a temporary and constantly shifting phenomenon," Goodale said. "When they're trying to duck an issue, well, find a public servant and throw them under the bus. That appears to be their tactic."

Yep.

That would be the #1 Bank Street bus I think.

[Scotty]

From the link:

Deputy Liberal Leader Ralph Goodale told The House that argument is in line with the Conservatives' approach.

"For Conservatives, ministerial responsibility seems to be a temporary and constantly shifting phenomenon," Goodale said. "When they're trying to duck an issue, well, find a public servant and throw them under the bus. That appears to be their tactic."

Yep.

No doubt learned by watching the Liberals do exactly the same for thirteen years. Mr. Goodale's perpetual phony self-righteousness never fails to irritate me.

[Saipan]

I have a hard time believing that bureaucrats actually told any minister to withhold documents, but even if they did, at the end of the day, ministers should know our constitution well enough to know that they have no power to withhold documents

How would you explain (Liberal) "Cabinet Secret".

[ToadBrother]

How would you explain (Liberal) "Cabinet Secret".

Cabinet secrecy, such as it is, is enshrined in legislation (in other words, Parliament decided). It is inherently limited, and does not encompass studies, cost estimates and such, because, well, these are inherent parts of the development of the legislative process.

In other words, your favorite government violated the constitution. I know it's hard for you to face, but that's what happens when you're little more than a partisan mouthpiece.