The Conservative government seems to have escaped the threat of another federal election after the NDP and Bloc Quebecois pledged their support. But how long will it last?
Simon Fraser University political science professor Patrick Smith told 24 hours Stephen Harper may have bought his government a lifeline until next spring with his EI concessions.
"I don't believe we'll get an election this week, and it's pretty likely [the government] will get through next spring," Smith said. "There will be a lull because no one wants to be campaigning during the Olympics."
But unless Harper starts working out deals with every party, instead of "acting like he has a majority," Smith says it could be a rocky road for the Conservatives.
"There could very well be more votes of non-confidence," Smith said. "Canadians haven't figured out coalition or minority governments yet, but they're learning a bit now."
Smith also doesn't buy the theory the NDP will suffer for supporting a government they're often at odds with.
The EI reforms the Conservatives have agreed on will help NDP supporters in Quebec, Ontario and in B.C. while their cooperation will have "some resonance" with the public.
Matt Kieltyka reports for 24 Hours Vancouver
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MichaelT
2 years ago
BS!
it is unrealistic to think ppl like myself urban dwellers, can work some one place for 7 out of the ten last years.
Total BS
I'll be on welfare/homeless in December/January unless work or retraining - oh and get this if I need two-year retraining I have to pay for part of it -BUTHOW IF I CANNOT GET WORK?
I'll be going through the application process the next two weeks and will see how it shakes out.
Thanks everyone.
morechatter
2 years ago
Like I said
Harper lies like the streets he has unemployed Canadians sleeping on. Expect unemployment to continue to climb while part-time low paying jobs continue to survive.
Supporting Harper is like supporting Campbell and isn't in the NDP's best interests and definelty not the peoples and so far Harper hasn't agreed to the 20 weeks asked for and other provisions. Layton feels these provisions to EI are imperative for unemployed Canadians to get throught these hard recessionary times.
I can't see it happening, Harper helping out Canadians.
morechatter
2 years ago
Who said it?
Someone wrote about Campbell and Harper's relationship as the two seem to hit it off from the get go and their fondness for each other has only grow along with their fondness for cash. Expecially after hiring the former MP from Kingsway and giving him a lucrative position as CEO.
I remember it, someone saying if Harper ties himself up with Campbell it will end his politicial career. Campbell must be relieved as Federal justice Bennett was pulled off the case by Feds with new appointment just when it was getting hot under the seat for the leader who dosen't disclose his assets and has evidence destroyed. It is his administration and if Campbell's employees destroy evidence then so be it, its not his problem its his gain. Low voter turn outs are all about apathy as words most often said is "Whats the point of voting" Campbell will only get in anyways" as many feel defeated before an election even started.
Burnabyite
2 years ago
Vanishing NDP in Vancouver/environs.
I am dismayed that the NDP organisation in the Metro region is slipping in actual support. The simple reason seems to be all NDPers are getting older and no one is encouraging younger members into the 16% NDP party.
Dismal numbers indicate a total failure of new memberships and or active interest generally in a sharing philosophy the party has fought for over the decades,past.
If the Riding Presidents fail to address this aspect,they will all be out of a position soon, and deservedly so as numbers of 2% etc appear as "leads"