Harper Prorogues Commons

[August1991]

Prime Minister Stephen Harper put the rumours to rest and announced Tuesday afternoon that he will delay the return of Parliament until Oct. 16 and begin a new session with a speech from the throne.

Rumours have been swirling around Parliament Hill in recent weeks that Harper was considering proroguing Parliament. The House of Commons was scheduled to resume Sept. 17.

By delivering a speech from the throne, Harper could engineer the defeat of his own minority government because it requires a vote of confidence in the Commons.

CanWest

This (first) session has outlasted its usefulness and it makes sense to convene a new session. And if the opposition wants to defeat the government, so be it.

I wouldn't be surprised if Harper survives the vote.

[jdobbin]

This (first) session has outlasted its usefulness and it makes sense to convene a new session. And if the opposition wants to defeat the government, so be it.

I wouldn't be surprised if Harper survives the vote.

The Liberals and the BQ have said they are likely to vote against the throne speech. It is up to the NDP right now.

[August1991]

If the governent were to fall, the earliest an election could be held would be Monday 26 November.

Incidentally, if anyone wins a majority in such an election, they would stay in power for almost five years because of the new fixed election date law.

[jdobbin]

If the governent were to fall, the earliest an election could be held would be Monday 26 November.

Incidentally, if anyone wins a majority in such an election, they would stay in power for almost five years because of the new fixed election date law.

At the moment, I can't see any party winning a majority. I think if Harper fails to deliver one, he will face challenges at the next party convention. If the Liberals even a minority, I expect Harper would announce his resignation almost immediately as Martin did.

Edited September 5, 2007 by jdobbin

[August1991]

At the moment, I can't see any party winning a majority. I think if Harper fails to deliver one, he will face challenges at the next party convention. If the Liberals will even a minority, I expect Harper would announce his resignation almost immediately as Martin did.

Well, I tend to agree that we're looking at another minority government. I disagree however that Harper or Dion would resign as a result. Neither of these two will quit and given recent history, no one in either party wants to shove the leader out. Ergo, we are into the Dion-Harper era for some time yet.

The big loser in the next federal election will be the BQ and that may explain why we won't have an election anytime soon.

Edited September 5, 2007 by August1991

[geoffrey]

Is Harper the reason why we aren't seeing a majority next election? I think alot of Canadians would buy the Conservative message if Harper wasn't selling it. Just my two cents.

He needs to go. There is alot of talent in that party capable of delivering majorities. And with a majority, maybe, just maybe, we'll see some fiscal conservatism for the first time in a decade.

[jdobbin]

Well, I tend to agree that we're looking at another minority government. I disagree however that Harper or Dion would resign as a result. Neither of these two will quit and given recent history, no one in either party wants to shove the leader out. Ergo, we are into the Dion-Harper era for some time yet.

The big loser in the next federal election will be the BQ and that may explain why we won't have an election anytime soon.

If Harper is limited to a minority, he might not resign. He might be forced out. Certainly, there could be a reckoning because while Harper controls everything in Ottawa, he might not be able to control the membership when it comes to a vote of confidence in his leadership.

I can't say for sure if Dion would be forced out. Perhaps if the Liberal vote collapsed, he would be. If an election takes place and it is a repeat of events, he might stay in place if for no other reason than the party debt and the fact that two leadership conventions so close together is extremely expensive.

[gc1765]

Is Harper the reason why we aren't seeing a majority next election? I think alot of Canadians would buy the Conservative message if Harper wasn't selling it. Just my two cents.

I think you are quite right on that point.

[jdobbin]

Is Harper the reason why we aren't seeing a majority next election? I think alot of Canadians would buy the Conservative message if Harper wasn't selling it. Just my two cents.

He needs to go. There is alot of talent in that party capable of delivering majorities. And with a majority, maybe, just maybe, we'll see some fiscal conservatism for the first time in a decade.

Who do you think if the Tory party can deliver a majority? There are a lot of rookies in the party. When Mulroney came to office, he had veterans of both the progressive and Conservative wings of the party. Many could be depended on to do their jobs independently of the PMO.

Today, the Conservatives have two former leaders as cabinet ministers who would be unlikely candidates for a future leadership. There are a couple of rookie Tory ministers in Quebec. Flaherty seems a poor choice as leader. Who does that leave: Clement? Kenney?

[Fortunata]

Is Harper the reason why we aren't seeing a majority next election? I think alot of Canadians would buy the Conservative message if Harper wasn't selling it. Just my two cents.

He needs to go. There is alot of talent in that party capable of delivering majorities. And with a majority, maybe, just maybe, we'll see some fiscal conservatism for the first time in a decade.

I agree. Steve brings a lot of baggage with him which most people are aware of. His recent "liberal" face brings up even more mistrust. Who is he really? What does he believe in really? If we elect a Steve majority what face will he present next? How are we to have a democratic government when we don't even know what his Ministers think about issues in their own portfolios. While people like someone taking control people don't like someone so over-controlling.

[August1991]

If Harper is limited to a minority, he might not resign. He might be forced out. Certainly, there could be a reckoning because while Harper controls everything in Ottawa, he might not be able to control the membership when it comes to a vote of confidence in his leadership.

No way. Harper dominates the party and parliament by the sheer force of his personality and his ability to play the political game. He's a leader in the style of Mackenzie King. Dion too for that matter.

Everyone underestimates both Dion and Harper and yet they both seem to win somehow.

Is Harper the reason why we aren't seeing a majority next election? I think alot of Canadians would buy the Conservative message if Harper wasn't selling it. Just my two cents.

Harper is the only person at present who can put Mulroney's coalition back together. Edited September 5, 2007 by August1991

[geoffrey]

Who do you think if the Tory party can deliver a majority? There are a lot of rookies in the party. When Mulroney came to office, he had veterans of both the progressive and Conservative wings of the party. Many could be depended on to do their jobs independently of the PMO.

Bernier is a big winner in Quebec and a massive landslide amongst fiscal conservatives and the business community (I would actively support a Bernier run). He is by far the most libertarian Minister and has been a real bright spot in the administration. Lord is marketable to the centrists, definitely would take a chunk from Dion. Cannon is a possibility, but former Liberal ties don't look great. Jim Prentice has wide appeal to the centrist vote and is highly respected by everyone.

Day will not run for leadership, despite being one of the most competent ministers in cabinet.

Flaherty seems a poor choice as leader. Who does that leave: Clement? Kenney?

None of the above are compenent.

Edited September 5, 2007 by geoffrey

[Michael Bluth]

Bernier is a big winner in Quebec and a massive landslide amongst fiscal conservatives and the business community (I would actively support a Bernier run). He is by far the most libertarian Minister and has been a real bright spot in the administration. Lord is marketable to the centrists, definitely would take a chunk from Dion. Cannon is a possibility, but former Liberal ties don't look great. Jim Prentice has wide appeal to the centrist vote and is highly respected by everyone.

Bernier is a very interesting name.

Would a Lord candidacy be taken seriously? He pissed off a lot of former PC organizers by pulling out as late as he did for the Conservative leadership. i.e. he had formed a campaign team and spoken to them all confirming his intention to run the night before he announced he wasn't going to run.

Cannon? Maybe.

Prentice? Unfortunately he's probably a victim of geography. Two straight leaders from Calgary. Don't know how that will sell.

I tend to think this talk is all premature. I will be shocked if both the Liberals and the Bloc vote against the Speech from the Throne. This will not be the fiasco that preceded Martin's first Speech from the Throne. Whatever the necessary accomodations, they will be made well in advance of the vote.

[jdobbin]

No way. Harper dominates the party and parliament by the sheer force of his personality and his ability to play the political game. He's a leader in the style of Mackenzie King. Dion too for that matter.

Everyone underestimates both Dion and Harper and yet they both seem to win somehow.

Isn't the leadership review a "one person, one vote" formula? They are not as easy to control in a delegate election.

I don't have doubts that Harper is able to control a small caucus but the party membership I don't know about.

[geoffrey]

Bernier is a very interesting name.

He's a leader, he's a Quebecker, he's a fervent fiscal reformer and conservative. He is actually what Canada needs as PM. We'll see if he runs. He certainly picked the right portfolios (and believe me, he picked them) for a future in the PMO. He is articulate though his accent is a little strong, he doesn't come across as 'snobby French' as Chretien or Dion do.

Would a Lord candidacy be taken seriously? He pissed off a lot of former PC organizers by pulling out as late as he did for the Conservative leadership. i.e. he had formed a campaign team and spoken to them all confirming his intention to run the night before he announced he wasn't going to run.

Meh. Who in the general public care? He's smart, fluently bilingual, from very close to Quebec and a real PC type Conservative.

Cannon? Maybe.

I don't know enough about him to judge further. He was a Liberal a decade ago so I'm unconvinced. He was big on the Sheila Copps campaign.

Prentice? Unfortunately he's probably a victim of geography. Two straight leaders from Calgary. Don't know how that will sell.

It wouldn't.

I tend to think this talk is all premature. I will be shocked if both the Liberals and the Bloc vote against the Speech from the Throne. This will not be the fiasco that preceded Martin's first Speech from the Throne. Whatever the necessary accomodations, they will be made well in advance of the vote.

I disagree. There will likely be an election. Dion's numbers are finally up, NDP think (wrongly) they can break through in Quebec. And the Bloc is looking healthy for the first time since Harper's election. This is the time for the opposition. It's also a good time for the CPC.

If there is another minority, expect it short lived followed by a majority by whoever won the first election, under a different leader.

[jdobbin]

Bernier is a big winner in Quebec and a massive landslide amongst fiscal conservatives and the business community (I would actively support a Bernier run). He is by far the most libertarian Minister and has been a real bright spot in the administration. Lord is marketable to the centrists, definitely would take a chunk from Dion. Cannon is a possibility, but former Liberal ties don't look great. Jim Prentice has wide appeal to the centrist vote and is highly respected by everyone.

Day will not run for leadership, despite being one of the most competent ministers in cabinet.

None of the above are compenent.

I think Bernier is appealing because he is an enigma. I don't know that a lot of people know him all that well outside of Quebec.

I tend to think Prentice would be the most competent and I respect him for his civility and ability to just do his job. He faces the problem of being from Calgary. It shouldn't matter but it probably does.

I forgot. He doesn't speak French.

Edited September 5, 2007 by jdobbin

[Michael Bluth]

I forgot. He doesn't speak French.

Prentice has been working quite hard on his French. Apparently he has come a long way and he's almost as good as Harper now.

[jennie]

Prentice has been working quite hard on his French. Apparently he has come a long way and he's almost as good as Harper now.

I am glad to hear that (Is that a joke? ).

Jim Prentice is a principled and brilliant man. I think Canadians will recognize that beyond where he is from.

Bernier sounds interesting ... exposure through leadership ... etc.

I personally think Jim Prentice could unite the country and address Indigenous Rights effectively and fairly.

That's my honest opinion.

I had no idea that a leadership change could occur, interesting discussion, but I would be delighted at that outcome!

There is hope! Thanks! You made my day!

[Michael Bluth]

I am glad to hear that (Is that a joke? ).

Why would it be a joke?

Harper's French is definitely passable. He acquainted himself well in the leadership debates. His French is far easier to listen to and understand than is Dion's english.

I would whole-heartedly support a Jim Prentice run for the leadership. Honestly, the only thing holding Prentice back is the fact that he is a Calgarian.

[geoffrey]

I wouldn't mind Prentice, but he's more of the same old politics. He's a good guy, has some good ideas, but he's not likely one to completely toss our economy on it's head and bring us into the 21st century. Just not his forte.

Read up on Bernier's economic beliefs when he was at the Montreal Economic Institute. This guy has some really adventurous policy ideas that would really bring Canada back up to first world standing. The guy is as close to a libertarian as we're going to ever get elected. An election winner for sure.

[jennie]

I wouldn't mind Prentice, but he's more of the same old politics. He's a good guy, has some good ideas, but he's not likely one to completely toss our economy on it's head and bring us into the 21st century. Just not his forte.

Read up on Bernier's economic beliefs when he was at the Montreal Economic Institute. This guy has some really adventurous policy ideas that would really bring Canada back up to first world standing. The guy is as close to a libertarian as we're going to ever get elected. An election winner for sure.

I think what Prentice would do is be a team player with his cabinet, whoever that might be, and take full advantage of the expertise of each person.

Edited September 5, 2007 by jennie

[Michael Bluth]

I think what Prentice would do is be a team player with his cabinet, whoever that might be, and take full advantage of the expertise of each person.

I somehow doubt that.

The only Prime Minister in the last 40 years to try anything approaching a true 'committee of equals' was Joe Clark.

And that didn't turn out very well....

That being said, a Harper cabinet would be more collegial than Harper's. Even if it weren't in reality the media would play it that way.

[jennie]

Why would it be a joke?

Harper's French is definitely passable. He acquainted himself well in the leadership debates. His French is far easier to listen to and understand than is Dion's english.

I would whole-heartedly support a Jim Prentice run for the leadership. Honestly, the only thing holding Prentice back is the fact that he is a Calgarian.

Sorry ... wasn't sure ... yes Harper seems comfortable in French now, and I hope Prentice too.

I don't think being a Calgarian will hold him back at all, from an easterner's perspective. We know that voice has been missing and continues to be needed. He will deal with Quebec honestly, I see no reason why they wouldn't like him. His Cabinet can address that too. I think Canadians recognize a man of quality like Prentice, and would appreciate it immensely. Full support.

Edited September 5, 2007 by jennie

[M.Dancer]

Day will not run for leadership, despite being one of the most competent ministers in cabinet.

What a scathing comment on the quality and depth of the conservative party.

[old_bold&cold]

I am pretty much perplexed when it would come to who leads the party. To me a leader has to have the ability to lead even in times where there is lots of opposition to where he may want to go. I do not believe that the leader must be the all knowing and seeing person, but he should surround himself with a group of people who are capable of guiding him thru the happenings of today, and he should also be open minded enough to admit his errors. To me a leader who is capable of saying that they have now changed directions because we see tha last direction was wrong, would have more my admiration and faith, then ones who never admit errors.

I do not see that in the present Leader or his cabinet, but I do agree with more things then I disagree with. Harper will never be a people person, but he will do what he says and in todays arena of lies and cheating that were the legacy of the Liberal party, Harper is a new breath of air, even if not a fresh breath of air. I do think he will do well in any election where Dion is leading the Liberals. Dion is seen as a weak person by the public, and with out any real effort, the polictical satirists even make him more so, and yes this does play well to the people. I do think the Liberals will definitely regret any election with Dion as leader, as it will probably start as a near tie, but once under the microscope and in the debates, Dion will melt into obscurity quite quickly. Maybe this is what the Liberal want, that way they can have another leadership race. I can not say for sure if it would be any better. The Liberal party still has not shown anything of change from their old corrupt ways, and I do not think any strong leadership candidates will come forward until that time comes.