An agreement signed by the Liberals and New Democrats with the support of the Bloc Quebecois could set the stage for a historic coalition government should the Tory minority fall in a vote of confidence next week.
As the CBC reported, the deal comes after Liberal caucus members gave Stephane Dion a clear mandate to lead the coalition earlier today.
Dion has written to Governor General Michaelle Jean to inform her that he has the support of the House of Commons to take over Stephen Harper’s job if the Tories are defeated on Dec. 8.
In a letter addressed to the citizens of Canada, all three opposition parties criticized Harper for failing to adequately deal with the global economic crisis. Here is a transcript of the letter:
Canada is facing a global economic crisis. Since the recent federal election, it has become clear that the government headed by Stephen Harper has no plan, no competence and, no will to effectively address this crisis. Therefore, the majority of Parliament has lost confidence in Mr. Harper's government, and believes that the formation of a new Government that will effectively, prudently, promptly and competently address these critical economic times is necessary.
The contrast between the inaction of Mr. Harper's government and the common action taken by all other Western democracies is striking. We cannot accept this.
A majority of Canadians and Quebecers voted for our parties on October 14, 2008. Our Members of Parliament make up 55 per cent of the House of Commons.
In light of the critical situation facing our citizens, and the Harper government's unwillingness and inability to address the crisis, we are resolved to support a new government that will address the interests of the people.
Today we respectfully inform the Governor General that, as soon as the appropriate opportunity arises, she should call on the Leader of the Official Opposition to form a new government, supported as set out in the accompanying accords by all three of our parties.
The current political showdown stems from a controversial fiscal update proposed by the Conservatives last week. If Parliament passes a Liberal no-confidence motion on the legislation next Monday, Dion will ask Jean to approve plans for a coalition government.
Harper has accused opposition parties of making backroom deals and today charged Dion with "playing the biggest political game in Canadian history" during Question Period. Meanwhile, the Toronto Star opined that the Tory government's failure to compromise on a "hot button" economic plan is to blame for the crisis.
As the Tyee pointed out, the entire controversy is reminiscent of the King-Byng affair of the 1920s, which created a constitutional crisis that lasted 11 months.
Already, the CBC story on the Dion agreement has generated nearly 3,000 reader comments. Writing for the Globe and Mail, Mathew Ingram suggested a similar overload of opinion on the Globe’s website was a testament to the vibrancy of Canadian democracy.
Geoff Dembicki is a staff reporter for the Hook.
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alive
3 years ago
good news
This is the best scenario one could hope for, considering the outcome of our last election.
This ensures 30 months of stability, as opposed to Harpers minute to minute crisis management.
Happy to live in a democracy!
OilbertaRedTory
3 years ago
Constitutional Reality
Since no-one in Canada votes for a 'government' or a Prime Minister but for an MP, there is no constitutional crisis. This is Parliamentary democracy at work.
There is a political crisis - for the reformaTory cabal and their Harper.
JIm
3 years ago
Some democracy. It's either
Some democracy. It's either a Liberal majority or a Liberal coalition. What's the point of voting if the result is predetermined? We live in a de facto dictatorship.
Skywalker
3 years ago
Jim
It's a liberal/NDP coalition with the BLoc agreeing to support them for 18 months. THat now has the people that got about 60 percent of the popular vote. How is that dictatorship any more than 37 percent dictating to the rest?
Atomicrayco
3 years ago
The Coalition is saying
The Coalition is saying Harper has not got the right to rule because he only has 37% of the popular vote well
Liberal Prime Minister Jean Chretien, who led Canada's last three majority governments, got 38 percent of the popular vote in 1997 and around 40 percent in 1993 and 2000. Why was this not an issue when the Liberals were in power. This whole argument is bogus
Adam Ray
OilbertaRedTory
3 years ago
Learning to Count Seats
The Coalition could have deposed the Liberal minority (much tougher to replace a majority - without a coup) as Harper tried to do in 2004 - but failed :
*******
September 9, 2004
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson,
C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D.
Governor General
Rideau Hall
1 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A1
Excellency,
As leaders of the opposition parties, we are well aware that, given the Liberal minority government, you could be asked by the Prime Minister
to dissolve the 38th Parliament at any time should the House of Commons fail to support some part of the government's program.
We respectfully point out that the opposition parties, who together constitute a majority in the House, have been in close consultation. We
believe that, should a request for dissolution arise this should give you cause, as constitutional practice has determined, to consult the
opposition leaders and consider all of your options before exercising your constitutional authority.
Your attention to this matter is appreciated.
Sincerely,
Hon. Stephen Harper, P.C., M.P.
Leader of the Opposition
Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada
(co-signed by Duceppe and Layton)
*******
'Green' Tinfoil hat too tight ?
Atomicrayco
3 years ago
OilbertaRedTory
So you have to resort to petty insults again it just displays your level of intelligence
If you were a representation of the people who support the Coalition it would be a sad day for Canada , I am thankful you are not and that there are a lot of people here who can carry on an intelligent dialog. You appear to just be an angry abusive individual . Grow up.
ME2
3 years ago
Good Riddance !!!!!
The ReformaTories are now saying the Coalition is unstable because the Bloc could at any time abrogate their written agreement to support the Coalition, giving as their reason that the Bloc has as its stated purpose the destruction of Canadian unity.
While any eventuality is possible in politics, I think this particular possibility is very remote. My take on Duceppe, and I think it is a view shared by very many Canadians, is that Duceppe is an honourable man, well above such duplicity.
The ReformaTories distrust is understandable, however, for "honour" is a meaningless word to them. This is a Party that at its inaugurating convention in 2003 welcomed Peter MacKay's breaking of a written pledge, given to exact the necessary support of his group, to David Orchard re a possible Tory / Alliance union.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2003/10/17/orchardunite031017.htm
The honourless Mackay then became Deputy Leader and Harper's right hand man.
Incidentally, that convention passed a resolution bestowing upon the similarly honourless Lyin' Brian the distinction of having been "the best Prime Minister Canada has ever had".
Carrying on in that grand tradition, this Fall Harper broke his solemn promise to the people, and opportunistically moved the election date ahead to October.
The very last people to accuse ANYONE of dishonesty should be the ReformaTories, and I for one will be glad to see these corrupt dissemblers stripped of power.
OilbertaRedTory
3 years ago
Duceppe's Duplicity ?
How very well Harper knows the heart of a traitor.
ME2
3 years ago
Duceppe's duplicity?
You might not, and I might not agree with Duceppe's raison d'etre, but "traitorous"? Not a chance, I think, since he openly advocates change through a legitimate political process, which is what Democracy is all about, isn't it?
Resorting to such epithets is only an effort to cut off discussion and dialogue. Can't you see that his joining-in in common cause creates the opportunity for future cooperation, and / or consultation?
If you are looking for traitors, look to Harper and his Reform neocons who would - and are - stealthily - selling us out to the US and the Multinationals.
OilbertaRedTory
3 years ago
Duplicities
... yes ...