Independent media needs you. Join the Tyee.

The Hook: Political news, freshly caught

B.C. bloggers react to coalition

B.C. bloggers are reacting rapidly to today’s announcement that a Liberal/NDP coalition is ready to take power. One of the first and most thorough responses comes from Chinese in Vancouver. It includes the full text of the coalition letter to Canadians, a couple of poll questions, and links to fast-breaking stories.

Bear604 reminds readers: “At no time do Canadians ever elect a government, we elect a Parliament, and in a minority situation, whatever working majority can be patched together from the rival parties will rule the day.”

Ex-MLA David Schreck, at Strategic Thoughts, praises Jack Layton for an unusual reason: If the NDP had supported Harper’s removal of the $1.95/vote, the Bloc and the Greens would have been crushed, improving the New Democrats’ chances in future elections. Instead, Layton is backing the country, not just his own party.

Idealistic Pragmatist (“American by birth, Canadian by choice”) argues that the coalition is saying to Harper: "You can’t run a minority government, but we can.”

Woman at Mile 0, based in Victoria, hasn’t blogged yet about today’s events, but has some useful background on the last few days, including video of Bob Rae talking about how the Conservatives got themselves into this mess.

The Hook will report on more blog responses, both here in B.C. and across Canada, right through this week.

Crawford Kilian is a contributing editor of The Tyee.


What have we missed? What do you think? We want to know. Comment below. Keep in mind:

Do:

  • Verify facts, debunk rumours
  • Add context and background
  • Spot typos and logical fallacies
  • Highlight reporting blind spots
  • Ignore trolls
  • Treat all with respect and curiosity
  • Connect with each other

Do not:

  • Use sexist, classist, racist or homophobic language
  • Libel or defame
  • Bully or troll
  • Troll patrol. Instead, flag suspect activity.
comments powered by Disqus