There will be a federal election on Monday, March 9th. The campaign for that election will be the longest in Canadian history, since it started a few hours ago, in the first week of December.
There will be essentially no spending limits for this election, since the bulk of it will take place before the writ is dropped in the final few days of January, after the Harper government is defeated on its budget. This, of course, is of immense benefit to the Conservatives, who are sitting on a pile of cash, while the election-weary Coalition forces are bereft of money.
Furthermore, a ton of money to be spent on this campaign will be coming from you, the taxpayers. That’s because the Conservatives are still government until defeated on January 29th or 30th, and will be using ministerial budgets, free MP travel, householders, ten percenters and every other resource to wage war on the Coalition. These things, as you might imagine, are a huge advantage to the governing party.
This has been engineered by Stephen Harper as his final, hyper-partisan act. In persuading the Governor-General to shut down Parliament, effective immediately, the guy has just erased the leadership of Canada at a time when leadership is most required. He’s shown himself to be an extraordinary coward, running away from the House of Commons rather than face a vote and the Parliamentary process a prime minister should be expected to uphold.
In this action, Stephen Harper has disgraced his office by shuttering the very chamber in which the people of Canada have a voice. So, between now and the end of January, we will be adrift. Shame on those we elected, who formed a government, to so abdicate their responsibilities.
As I said yesterday, whether or not you agree with the notion of a Coalition government, supported by a majority of MPs, we have been moved onto a new plane of crisis. Our democracy has been hijacked and replaced by a ruling party that now does not have the confidence of a majority of Canadians. That Her Excellency would support this is an immense disappointment, but not an overwhelming surprise. This may be our last Governor-General.
What comes next?
I’ll address that shortly. For now, let us grieve a little for what’s been lost.
171 comments ↓
Does this mean the GG’s spendthrift Eurotour is back on?
Does this mean that Michaëlle Jean can go back to her regularly scheduled five star European tour that was a spendthrift attempt to restore some of the damage caused by Harper’s invidious attack against the arts in the last election……..you know, the other bespoke election granted to Harper by the self same Michaëlle Jean and in violation of Harper’s fixed election date legislation.
Coward?
Garth: Are you referring to Harper or his pocket Governor General?
Today’s News Headline:
Governor General Guy Giorno approves boss’s request to suspend Parliament: Democracy has now become dysfunctional along with Parliament itself. This is progress?
Harper once said he wants Canada to be a federation like Belgium. Now we’re a country without a government, just like them.
WHAT!?
She answered already? Didn’t even take a day to consider as was expected?
One can only wonder how he continues to get away with….
Your name for him is much more congenial than the one I have for him.
At a time when we need leadership the most- pretty much from anyone willing and capable to step up to the plate – and he’s shown he’s not capable – he sends everybody home for what is essentially a vacation until the end of January. We know what’ll happen then.
The man should be tried for treason – and much as I hate to say it, the G-G along with him.
What comes next?
When the coalition does finally take power, they pass a law that will see the governor general responsible to the house not the pmo.
HARPER IS A LIAR!
Truly, this man cannot be trusted. Canadians should be outraged that their right to parlaiment has been SHUT OUT SO HARPER CAN KEEP IS JOB.
For 6 weeks anyway. What a coward.
This is the end of Canada.
Harper has won, Canada has lost.
He can not longer be stopped.
The evil sociopath is bent on the destruction of Canada and the people have given him that opportunity by simply not paying attention.
Reality.
Harper is truly an evil sociopath and a liar.
Goodbye Canada.
What comes next? A conservative majority when the Liberals go bankrupt.
So, does this now fan flames for the east wanting to cut the west out? Now that our parliamentary democracy has been destroyed. Now that any PM can just ask a GG to prorogue the house on each confidence matter?
Welcome to the Banana Republic of Canada, Thanks Harpo!
….so, Dion will still be your leader in the next election. Fantastic! I see again he is MIA, Jack and Gilles were there to comment and tell their fibs and Dion was nowhere to be seen. Too busy crying in a corner again? L
The Governor General has done her job and made HER decision. I am not surprised that the Bloc-Lib-NDP coalition cannot respect her or her decision.
Driving back for a meeting with my colleague – before learning this, he stated categorically he will vote for the Quebec nationalists if this happens.
I have to agree.
As Canada moves farther and farther right, and the bully with the money is not even made accountable for this disservice to Canada, I cannot continue to support this.
Right now, this is emotional, but this is system I can no longer support. It seems the hidden agenda is clear, and I will be voting against it.
Congratulations Harper – you have just resurrected the national unity problem. There are no words adequate to communicate my disgust.
What a sad, sad day.
I truly hope the Conservatives dump Harper on his ass for this. He put HIS job before the needs of Canada, and has destroyed the foundation of our democracy.
I am truly sickened by this.
If an election happens around March 9th as Garth has predicted this could quite possibly be the last stand for the Liberal party in it`s present form.
I too suspect that if the Coalition votes thumbs-down in Jan on a confidence issue , The Governor General will move for a new election rather than a coalition government–it appears her spirit is tied to that of Stephen Harper.
She proved that today.
Good luck everyone , we may just need it.
Dr Mike Popovich–former life-long PC.
Why are the libs so short on cash? Do they not have enough supporters?
[...] http://www.garth.ca/weblog/2008/12/04/coward-2/ [...]
I don’t see why this has to lead to an election. How does the prorogation do anything but delay the fall of the conservatives? Won’t the coalition be just as ready to take power in January as they are now?
And why would this be our last Governor-General?
I’m very disappointed in the decision too, but I remain optimistic that it’s just a slight delay in the shift that’s bound to come.
Coward?
Are you referring to the dozens of times you as a liberal MP refused to vote in the house all the while condemning the government on your blog?
Or are you referring to the liberals being so incensed about the prospect of having to actually get money from their supporters to pay the bills rather than at the taxpayer trough?
Or are you referring to the one who stared down the separatists with the clarity bill only to capitulate to their demands just to get his portrait hung up on a wall?
You are an incredible piece of work, Turner. Halton knew what they were doing when they dumped you.
There is a silver lining for Canadians in all this. The libs and dips have been exposed. We are in for many years, maybe decades, of conservative government.
Thank-you Stephane!!
If you’re proud of your leader running away with his tail between his legs, I think the piece of work is you. — Garth
Garth, I suspect I already know the answer, but will you run again? God knows we could use SOMEone in Parliament with some scruples.
Pretty much whatever happens now… anyone who believes in the truth, and a left leaning ideology are fucked.
This is sickening. I have so little respect for people who support this government. What a waste of time this whole government is. Top to bottom.
Congratulations Harper – you have just resurrected the national unity problem. There are no words adequate to communicate my disgust.
By maybe Rhino? on 12.04.08 1:30 pm
…………..
Harpers foul intent ALL ALONG has been to open a festering wound, a unity crisis in Canada.
Harpers entire goal is to put Canada into such economic and social disarray that he can then “save us” by integrating Canada and America under the Stars and Stripes.
It is painfully obvious that this is his goal, in fact he has stated so in the past.
The people of Canada have only themselves to blame, as they choose to remain ignorant. In fact I will predict that when (not if) Harper succeeds, idiots like Lying Leasa will be publicly thanking Harper for the screwing. Stupid people like Leasa and Harry are the part of the problem, not the solution. Like Harper, they LIE and LIE and LIE, unchallenged. (Mr. Turner WHY DO YOU PERMIT THEIR OBVIOUS LIES TO BE PUBLISHED?)
The destruction of Canada is assured by the absolute ignorance of the people.
I am awaiting Dion to respond to the GG’s decision. I hope he doesn’t use a cell phone to do the video feed this time. ROTFLMAO!
This gives me even less confidence in this PM and government. I sure hope that the opposition parties realize this and stick to their guns. That will be tough, but if they can get ahead of the issues – explain to Canadians why Harper cannot be trusted, then these next few weeks may be the last days of Harper (*fingers crossed*).
Dave: Perhaps Dion will take a little longer to respond to the GG’s apparent 10 second decision.
Garth, are there any statistics on what ridings the liberals+ndp split the vote in, allowing a CPC member to win.
If we do goto an election, it would make sense to devide up the coalition ridings based on the candidate who got the most votes in the last one.
It could easily result in a majority coalition, and then you guys wouldn’t even need the bloc’s support.
Wow,… Well I guess the Harper-Bots can’t say the Governor General is Liberal Lacky anymore.
I still say bring Harper down in Jan. He can’t be trusted anymore, not after dodging the will of Parliament like this. It clearly demonstrates that he has no respect for how Canadian Government works.
So the MP’s are being sent home—are they required to do any government business while at home?
Are they laid off?
I never see my M.P. when he is supposed to be in riding—so nothing will change there.
How much is this inaction of our paid public servants costing us in tax dollars?
I thought I heard the Prime Minister say last week the non-confidence vote would take place on Monday, Dec 8. I thought he was a man of his word.
What a fool I am!
Now, he’s on the run. Harper would be wise to avoid using credit cards, ATM’s or leaving any kind of paper trail that could result in his capture and swift return to the House of Commons.
I wonder if the GG will prorogue 1 1/2 months of Haper’s taxpayer-funded salary? If he wasn’t in hiding, I’m sure he’d approve of that cost-saving measure, given the party-funding cuts he proposed.
This is a dark day in Canada’s history.
Garth, blah, blah, blah.
There WILL NOT be an election in March, sooner or latter for that matter.
You KNOW this since you’ve seen the Con-machine working. They have almost TWO months to brainwash canadians. They will do so, with ruthless efficiency. NO, NO Garth. There won’t be an election.
Dion, Layton and Duceppe must now meet to determine how to launch a united attack on the Harper government.
The united coalition must show Canadians that they represent the only hope for Canada.
Perhaps they should forge an even stronger association so that Canadians are not confused or mislead by the coming Conservative attack ads.
We are headed into another election after the January Budget, unless the coalition creates a united party. This will convince the GG to grant the united coalition the opportunity to govern.
Too busy crying in a corner again? L
BY LEASA ON 12.04.08 1:24 PM
Quit telling your lies, I watched Mr. Dion interviewed.
Garth this scenario is lopsided. WHY NOT HAVE THE ELECTION OF A NEW LEADER IN JANUARY IN VANCOUVER? THEN IF WE GO TO THE POLLS, WE GO WITH A PROPER LEADER. THIS COALITION GARBAGE WILL NOT FLY WITH DION AT THE HEAD OF IT AND THE SEPARATISTS AT THE TAIL. The faster we get rid of Dion, the faster we get a majority in the next election. You mean to say if the coalition (lol) wins in March, that Dion will step down in April for the new leader. Having Jack Layton in the group means you might as well concede right now. Gilles Duceppe will not bring any Bloc votes to the coalition but more Blocs being elected.
Now that any PM can just ask a GG to prorogue the house on each confidence matter?
Welcome to the Banana Republic of Canada, Thanks Harpo!
By Shawn on 12.04.08 1:22 pm
Don’t you mean bananaless republic? Led by a chicken shit wanna be prime minister…..no gumption, no guts, no gonads……can’t face the music and doesn’t like it when the fat lady sings!
To those who complain about the money parties get in funding, let’s be clear, each party gets $1.95 for _each vote they received_. Yes, it’s from taxes, but since they only get paid for each vote they received, it’s the same as each one of those voters donating $1.95 to the party the supported.
To the Conservatives who complain, calm down, don’t worry, your $1.95 of taxes went to the Conservatives. Provided you actually voted.
As to the Governor General doing her job, all she has done is set the stage for every future Prime Minister to suspend Parliament whenever there is a risk of defeat in the house. Her decision does not appear to have been taken in the context of the future as well as the present. I wouldn’t hire her!
They have almost TWO months to brainwash canadians. They will do so, with ruthless efficiency. NO, NO Garth. There won’t be an election.
By Required on 12.04.08 1:55 p
Don’t bet the farm on it! The date maybe off by a few days but it will happen. It is now the only way to resolve the impass. At least by then there will be so many more lay offs and bankruptcies that Sneaky Harping will not stand any chance of winning, especially after the way he dissed Quebecers. Harphead’s only viable alternative is to resign and go learn a new line of work. Maybe he could survive selling insurance!
The more I think about this the angrier I get. To shirk your responsibilities as PM is one thing, but his whole pandering to the fear of the Separatists and trying to kick that ol’ horse and his LYING is what really pisses me off.
Prediction, since the GG seems to have as little backbone as Harper, we’ll see an election called after January. Not enough time for the Liberals to vote in a new leader is there? I believe Dion is a smart man, but sorry, we learned 6 weeks ago that the public in general doesn’t see him as a leader. (Neither is Harper for that matter)
What a mess we’re in – to put it mildly.
A very sad day for Canadian democracy. I thought Harper tried to help bring democracy to China. Well, Mr. Harper, why don’t you show China and the world that you respect democracy first.
ATTENTION ALL CANADIANS!
This is NOT, repeat, NOT an election! Do not show respect to a Bully Thug and his minions of deception.
Tories expected to bring battle to the voters
Transport Minister John Baird suggested that the Conservative party’s strategy over the next few weeks will be to go beyond elected members of Parliament and the Governor General and ask Canadians to decide the current political crisis.
If you get election style literature, phone calls, or other inappropriate contatcs notify and file a complaint with Elections Canada.
Fight against the Harper Coup of OUR democracy. Hold that SOB accountable like any common criminal for campaigning ILLEGALLY! That is NOT the purpose of prorouging Parliament.
WITHHOLD ALL TAX PAYMENTS TO OTTAWA until Harper RESIGNS!
Starve the bastards out!
I suspect that Harper has achieved exactly what he hoped to achieve but maybe not exactly as he intended to do it.
The mandate he spoke of was “to stay the course,” or, in other words, to do nothing. What he did after the election had nothing to do with his mandate unless he considered the mandate a referendum on himself.
He said he stands behind all the measures in that economic update including eliminating pay equity from human rights and turning it over to collective bargaining which was suspended for three years.
This strategy of turning back the clock on woman’s rights goes a step further than his removal of gender equality from the mandate of the Status of Women. In was because collective bargaining failed to guarantee pay equity, since it involves trading off one item against another, that pay equity had to be played under human rights. In collective bargaining pay equity was often traded off by negotiators for other things.
How many times should we “forgive” Harper for trying to roll back the advances that women, and their male allies, have fought for?
The Governor General has FAILED in her duty!
By proroguing Parliament, does the GG now not have to entertain a meeting with the other three party leaders or accept their communications regards this constitutional crisis? To not at least give them an audience before making the decision is an insult to the People of Canada! Did she even bother to discuss this with the Queen as she is the Queen’s Representative? Much constitutional precedent is unwritten and lacking we found out today!
Hold on? What election?!
Why, since the House hasn’t done ANY legislative work shortly into its mandate, wouldn’t the Governor General have the coalition govern?
What does Garth know, that we don’t? (Yeah, I know that line sets you up nicely Garth … don’t use it
This was entirely a decision of the Governor General. She could have said NO or considered other options. Demonizing her for her decision is disrepectful of the monarchy. Shame
How long can he postpone govt?
Can he do it again if he wants?
I sure hope you run again Garth. I think you are one of the only normal guys there.
By HARRY S on 12.04.08 1:59 pm
What shuld happen is that the other three parties should draft a letter signed by all their members and send it to the Conservative Party President stating that no matter what is presented in Parliament by PM Harper it will now be voted down regardless until he resigns and is replaced by the party. He has burned his credibility trust account totally with all of the duly elected members of Parliament.
I was just watching a consitutional expert on CBC, whose name I forget, say that if the coalition did vote against the budget, it is possible that GG could then ask the coalition to form a govt. rather than going to an election.
Pro-Rogue or Pro-Democracy, that was the question yesterday. Today we have our answer. When a Prime Minister can suspend parliament in order to avoid a particular vote by the elected member of parliament and does so just a few weeks into a parliamentary session, then we are on the verge of a dictatorship. My concern and dismay at this action is further added to by the fact that the election that again gave Mr Harper a MINORITY government that was called in violation of his own legislation, on the excuse that the previous session was “dysfunctional”, but was in fact made so by the conservatives almost daily attack upon parliamentary procedures and traditions.
Can we trust PMSH to recall the house in January or will he “extend” the suspension in order to further advance his agenda without opposition? Given his past performance I would suggest we cannot.
Canadian Democracy RIP.
There is a lot to do between now and the time this fiasco resumes January 26, 2009.
It is time for the MAJORITY Opposition to bring down this government by ALL MEANS POSSIBLE.
The rules have been thrown out by Harper. Now we should go to Street Rules, barring an immediate hearing by the GG of the Coalition’s position. She should have done this FIRST!
God help any CPC’er that comes knocking on my door. They will be told straight to their face MY position. Same for their damn annoying phone solicitors.
As C.B. Innes asked in MTYE topic:
How much can they do without Parliamentary approval?
By C. B. Innes on 12.04.08 1:30 pm
Might I edit your question to ‘How much DAMAGE can they do without Parliamentary approval?’
We no longer have a democracy in Canada. We are truly a Frozen Banana outpost, certainly not even a Republic. We are a spineless JOKE.
You can run but you can’t hide, Stevo.
62% of us loathe you to the very depths of our being.
Remember Charles I.
And in case you decide to send your bodyguards around to beat me up, we don’t want your head on a platter. We just want you, pleeeeeese, to go away.
You are, as my mother used to say, a wrecker.
—–
Don’t you wish you were in Australia at the moment? Apart from the fact that it’s almost summer, they now have a way of dealing with bad behaviour from their M.P.’s.
They breathalyze them.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7764245.stm
Our minority tyrants have the bad behaviour “in their DNA”, as the giant brain Stockwell Day would have it.
His existence alone blows the idea of intelligent design right out of the water.
Can the MAJORITY of the house call an Emergency session and hold a non-confidence vote?
It would appear that the majority are united, are there legal grounds for an EMERGENCY SESSION of the HOUSE to be called by the majority?
Garth,
PLEASE tell the LPOC honchos to let Bob Rae do the talking. PLEASE! We need a comprehensible spokesman. Hell, let Peter Mansbridge be the messenger.
I say this not because of Liberal partisanship, I am NOT a Liberal, and after the past performance by Dion Hell would freeze over before I would even consider supporting them. I am a CANADIAN INDEPENDENT. I still recognize we must have elected MP’s doing this. that is their friggin’ job. At least get a person that we can understand.
Let Dion speak top the Francophones if he must speak. That has come out as one of the most critical issues from my Conservative friends.
And, please, keep us posted.
The sad thing is that during an economic crisis, when action is needed, we have a government of questionable legitimacy. It may be the do nothing government that Harper was promising but is it in the best interests of Canada?
This is how Harper’s people think. ZERO respect for our Lariament, Consitution, or proper procedures.
Earlier in the day, Baird said the party is focusing its attention on the voters.
“I think what we want to do is basically take a time out and go over the heads of the members of Parliament, go over the heads, frankly, of the Governor General, go right to the Canadian people,” Baird said Thursday morning in the foyer of the House of Commons.
What kind of a sick f**k would violate the most basic of Parliamentary rules to then GO OVER THE HEADS of the CANADIAN PEOPLE? That is exactly what the CRAP is doing. They are bypassing the people’s elected representatives and our history solely for power.
I suppose the next thing Harper will do is run to Bush and demand Canada become the 51st State? Watch out for SPP/NAU activity, and especially John Manley.
Garth, are there any statistics on what ridings the liberals+ndp split the vote in, allowing a CPC member to win.
If we do goto an election, it would make sense to devide up the coalition ridings based on the candidate who got the most votes in the last one.
By Kevin M on 12.04.08 1:44 pm
Yes! Yes! Yes!
The Prime Minister is a madman who has completely undermined Canadian Democracy and silenced the vote of our elected representatives.
Harper’s on his mission to destroy Canada.
Pro-Rogue or Pro-Democracy?
Rural:
Very clever. Very appropriate. Very sad.
[...] post-prorogue announcement Garth Turner [...]
Here’s a perspective from a true conservative on these Neo-Cons.
Utter disappointment.
0/40 subrime mortgages to goose the housing market = “growth” in construction, sales etc = trying to look good in a bid to be re-elected.
Buying up those same subprimes for $75 billion, to make room for more lending to “grow” the economy. WTF? How will that make things more stable?
Throwing all kinds of money at Quebec to build a bigger voter base. How’s that working for ya? Good money after bad…….let’em go. Please.
NONE of the other parties are any better… all are about debt-growth as growth = trying to look good to get re-elected. Is this what democracy has boiled down to?
I for one ain’t voting this time.
I am disappointed. I think GG shouldn’t have made dicision until talking to Dion and Layton at least.
WITHHOLD ALL TAX PAYMENTS TO OTTAWA until Harper RESIGNS!
Starve the bastards out!
By Bill-Muskoka (not anymore) on 12.04.08 2:16 pm
I would, but most like me on a payroll have the taxes deducted at source. I think that was made mandatory to prevent such a thing.
Is Harper any better than Mugabe?
There is always a way around. Let’s have the Queen of England step in and do what the Governor General was too gutless to do.
There is always a loophole. Always. We just have to find it.
If you’re proud of your leader running away with his tail between his legs, I think the piece of work is you. — Garth
I saw Prime Minister Harper speak after his visit with the GG, and he was extremely eloquent and made a lot of sense. I, along with many of your fellow Liberal members, am glad to see a cooling period. There are many liberals who in the end would not have supported this coalition with Dion at the helm. Why do you think they put the Hot Air book directly behind him? Call the Prime Minister whatever you want Garth, but fact is it doesn’t do your cause any good. Relax, and cooler heads will prevail. L
There are a couple of possibilities going forward.
If a No-Con vote goes through after parliament resumes, Harper will try to make himself look good by avoiding election politics and stress over the holiday season.
If the coalition dries up before resumption of parliament, Harper will try to make himself look good by suggesting this was the planned outcome for the recess.
In either case, it is a crappy move, as there could be volatility in the economic arena over the next 6 weeks that require parliament to take some kind of non-partisan, well-thought action. (Unlikely at best from the current clown-show we have going.)
The GG solution is a disgrace to all Canadians.We are facing the worst financial disaster in our lifetimes.I wonder how many more factories will be closed by the 26 of january–how many more jobs lost? Assistance now could have saved some.It appears to me that the GG with her lavish lifestyle on the taxpayers tab certainly could use some lessons in reality.When the majority of people lose their right to speak democracy is lost.
Pro-Rogue or Pro-Democracy?
Rural:
Very clever. Very appropriate. Very sad.
By Brent Fullard on 12.04.08 2:50 pm
It was shamelessly stolen from the blogosphere, but does indeed say it all. A rallying cry over the next few weeks?
harper is semi intelligent empty suit. No ideas – NOTHING – just pure bully and reckless man.
Harper has hijacked our democracy.
If the general public only knew how conniving Harper is….they would be very very worried indeed.
Big mistake by our governor-General. BIG.
The outcome of the election in March, despite all the Cons spending, will be no different.
He needs Quebec, and he shafted them by saying any elected MP from the Bloq should not be in government. They are bonafide members of the HoC, and have all the rights and priviledges of any other member including CPC.
What would happen if we said no CPC member should be a part of government because they want to tear down Canada’s parliamentary system and turn us into the 51st state? Its as valid a reason.
The GG made a mistake. She has now set a precident for any PM who doesn’t want to face a confidence vote to prorogue parliament.
We won’t get to a budget in January. His throne speech will be flushed along with his government!
I’m tired of people complaining about Dion’s accent. It’s practically racist. How often everyday do we encounter people who have an accent? I thought it was one of our trademarks.
It’s not what and/or how they say it; it’s what they do that is important.
—–
Sadly for Canada, Stephen Harper let the moment to offer his opponents an escape to safe political ground slip away amid partisan grandstanding as he wrapped himself in the Maple Leaf as Captain Canada.
****************
More like Captain Can’t-A-Duh
I for one ain’t voting this time.
By Kash is King on 12.04.08 2:50 pm
You didn’t the last time either so BFD Bud!
Another handle, eh? Rope/etc.
Mr. Dion is willing to support the budget if it contains monumental change. He should have asked for mental change, and supported it so long a Jim Flahrety does not write it, or untendered contract it out. He should also have asked for a mental change in the Conservative party leader to support it. Both options are likely the best moving forward.
Harper will come up with a strong budget, at least a dozon Liberals will not show up as will pass. Garth, just in case you are right, you convinced me to send the Conservatives another 100.00 to prepare for March 9.
I think the Liberals are relieved that they will not have to defend Dion as PM after last nights fiasco.
Garth, will the next elections be between the Conservatives and the coalition?
By Brent Fullard on 12.04.08 1:10 pm
Re: perks and other good things.
I was thinking along those same lines earlier. Luxury hotels, jet setting, fine dining..all the trappings of Royalty.
There’s no life like it.
Which brings me back to two of my favorite topics. Cutting the fat and The People’s Revolution. Simply put;
We pay, they play.
Also, if there ever was a time for real electoral reform, this is it. In pursuit of that quest, the kiss principle is best. As part of that, fair and completely equal allowances for advertising and campaigning are a must.
HA! Fate stikes and creates a new and very proper word. I missed the ‘P’ in ‘Parliament’ and seeing it, I realized I have misspelled it all along. It should be ‘Liarment’, which is held in the House of Conartists’.
Pro-Rogue or Pro-Democracy?
Rural:
Very clever. Very appropriate. Very sad.
By Brent Fullard on 12.04.08 2:50 pm
Hear, hear! Right ON!
“This may be our last Governor-General. ”
How do you figure that?
Dion seems to be quite good at forming ill-fated coalitions. Look what his coalition with Gerard Kennedy did for the Liberal party (lowest point in Canadian history). Look what Dion did for Garth’s political career. Imagine what his coalition with the separatist socialists will do for Canada. Dion is a train wreck. Steer clear of this man.
….so, Dion will still be your leader in the next election. Fantastic! I see again he is MIA, Jack and Gilles were there to comment and tell their fibs and Dion was nowhere to be seen. Too busy crying in a corner again? L
By Leasa on 12.04.08 1:24 pm
Leasa – you have totally lost your mind and your eyesight. First you say it wasn’t a Canadian flag and then that Dion didn’t speak.
Time for the home my dear – you’ve lost it.
Garth
I guess my greatest concern is from this point on – all Prime Ministers in the future can run from a non confidence vote by prorogation. The GG has set a precedent. This reduces the democratic power of our parliamentary system and the role of the House of Commons.
As to the recent 48 hours, I spent last night at a concert with my muse (all of 25 years of age) and she explained her views. She was as hesitant as I with the coalition but had no trust in our current Prime Minister as his idea of democracy in Canada is to run the country as a republic. My muse is a very intelligent woman and always has sage analysis.
Now as for the concert for Great Big Sea – they always end their concert with the Anthem of Newfoundland. There were flags waving from Newfoundland, Union Jacks, and Canadian flags. We all sang along with the Newfies in the crowd with respect and pride for our partner in Confederation.
The pride of diversity is alive but facing a monumental battle for this Great Big Country.
He said ” You will not recognize Canada when I’m done ” Mission accomplished asshole !
You have to be kidding. I am so sick of the BS being thrown around by a bunch of sore losers and I am not normally a Conservative. I hear so much about Stephen Harper’s arrogance. Give me a break! After the speech by Mr. Duceppe, on National TV no less, citing all his demands and reiterating his party’s mandate of separation. That my friend, in anyone’s books, is pure unadulturated arrogance. The fact that the Liberal party and the NDP party would cozy up to him and his separatist party proves they don’t give a rats ass about this country only their own agendas. Thank you, Mme. Governor General for having the common sense so many are lacking. Mr. Turner lay the blame for the expenses of another election right where it belongs on the self-interest of the other parties.
By Kash is King on 12.04.08 2:50 pm
As a person that puts economics first in where they cast their vote, I agree with you 100% minus the not voting, especially on the damage of the GST rebate and 40 year no money down mortgage, Don Drummond of TD this year has been fessing up the current issues in the economy. I know that he has worked under former liberals and progressive conservatives at the Department of Finance. Considering that the ex liberal premier of New Brunswick is on the board at TD, I have to support the party who’s taking their economic advice from the people that have an inkling of whats happening and not telling bold faced lies…
This has dier consequences for the conservative party regardless as news starts to leak that CMHC might not have enough in the kitty to cover the blatant speculation since the introduction in RE because of 100% financing at longer amortizations.
Garth, do you have the other “angles” of that picture of Harper, you know, the one that shows the big yellow stripe down his recently acquired gut?
Harper once said he wants Canada to be a federation like Belgium. Now we’re a country without a government, just like them.
By Duncan on 12.04.08 1:11 pm
And just who does he think he is anyway?
NO ONE OWNS CANADA TO JUST COME OUT AND SAY I WANT TO REMAKE IT INTO SOMETHING THAT I WANT IT TO BE!
Only We the People can do and say that, and only if we feel it needs to be changed. The sooner we get the chance to re-vote on this current edition of Parliament the better it will be for Canada in the long run. This country is not the personal toy for some demagogue idealist to experiment with at his whim and fancy.
Furthermore, like it or not, the people of the Province of Quebec have duly elected so called seperatisits, and they have just the same rights as any other MP elected to the House. If Alberta were to elect a number of dedicated recessionists to the House [and we are not sure that they haven't already done so] they too would have the same rights as any other MPs. Some of them are acting like they want to become Montana Lite!
Canada is far greater and more diverse than many of the CPC are willing to contemplate. They, especially Harper, think in terms that are not realistic and are not possible. The sooner the real Progressive Conservatives stand up and differentiate themselves from the Reformers, the sooner we can get back to the business of the nation. Many people and companies want an economic stimulus package NOW from Ottawa, this has been prevented by King Craper who wants to see a massive depression for his idealistic reasons of lazy fair markets! We don’t have time for your stupid BS and don’t care what your guru in University taught you. JFON
By Truth B Told on 12.04.08 2:19 pm,
It is evident that the Governor General interprets her role as taking the advice of the Prime Minister alone. Constitutionally, I believe that is acceptable but it does call into question whether we have any check on the power of a Prime Minister who wants to retain power. She has set a precedent that can be used by a Prime Minister that does not have a plurality after an election to maintain power for a year.
We have problems with our system that have evolved over the years. For example, does our democratic system mean that the minority can dictate to the majority? Our last Parliament has proven how that can be the case.
One of the reasons behind the Reform Party’s social conservative wing was their opposition to the rights of women, minorities, etc. At that time they argued that referendum’s should be used to determine what human rights would be granted by the majority. They argued that was the only legitimate means of determining rights.
Now they have apparently decided that democracy is reduced to only a plurality and that is all that is necessary to impose an agenda on the majority. The economic update reflected the strategy of incrementally reversing rights starting with specific gender rights.
That concept fits well with the economic conservative idea that democracy is determined by the marketplace and the right to buy power. That concept is what was behind the elimination of public funding for parties. It relates to the idea that natural law is that the rich are entitled to buy power or influence. Only the parties of the rich are then able to gain access to seats of power.
Clearly, new Conservatives are trying to redefine democracy as something quite different from what most of us understand. In the public mind they appear to be succeeding.
RIP
CANADA
Born July 1 1867
Succumbed to stupidity
December 4 2008
Can the MAJORITY of the house call an Emergency session and hold a non-confidence vote?
It would appear that the majority are united, are there legal grounds for an EMERGENCY SESSION of the HOUSE to be called by the majority?
By Ben on 12.04.08 2:32 pm
This is an exceptionally good idea! These 3 amigos should still go to the Gov. Gen. and if she refuses to entertain this course of action, it must be very publically reported with all of them in front of the cameras together. They should be demanding Harper’s resignation and for the CPC to nominate an interim leader.
I am deeply disappointed in the GG. On what possible basis would she allow this dispicable display of cowardice and cover up for this conniving one man wrecking crew. His behavior over the last few days has been beyond contemptible. Disgusting. Here is a petty, vidictive little man who thought nothing of deliberately fanning the flames of Quebec nationalism, pitting one region against another and recklessly jeapordizing national unity. And he did this for one reason and one reason alone. To save his own sorry ass. For this alone he has lost the moral right to govern this country.
Hang in there, Coalition. The truth will come out. It always does.
Hey Kevin,
I’d worked those out myself a while ago.
Here is what our country would look have looked like last election, if our two splinter left parties could get their act together and form one middle-ground party.
Cons=111 Left=154 Bloc=43 Ind=1
It’s why people that tell me “the country is shifting right” piss me off. No it’s not, the problem is the left is broken in small little cliques that think they are all cooler than each other.
Is the disorganization in the Liberal support staff because the staff is of Dion’s choosing or is it the general Liberal staff? They were disorganized in the last election campaign and last night’s failure was inexcusable.
Today Dion’s speech was very unleaderly. He read the speech and it was very disjointed. Where were the Teleprompters so the man could at least appear to be talking to us? What is wrong with his support staff? Why aren’t they looking after him?
I attended Garth’s town hall and was impressed with Stephane Dion as an intelligent compassionate man. However, I have come to believe that unfortunately he is not what the Liberal party needs as a leader. He is not leader of a political party material. Dion is still a valuable person in our government and I appreciate all he has done and have hope that he remains to share his gifts with the coalition.
I am not a member of the Liberal party and did financially support and vote Liberal as I have always felt Harper was a snake in the grass. It was a gut feel that has been valuable to me in all my years. I have heard that Dion was popular because he was not one of the elite and the grassroots wanted to take some of the elitist power away. I don’t blame them and I think they made a mistake.
I am in full support of the coalition and will support it financially as well.
I agree with Jennifer Smith of Runesmith – http://runesmith.blogspot.com/ that Dion needs to be replaced with Scott Brison as the acting PM while the leadership race continues. I think the Liberals should speed up their leadership race and get a new leader yesterday.
Garth — You said Harper is gone as leader by the next election which could be called right after the budget in Jan. since he apparently has the GG in his pocket. I’m really curious to know what is your rationale?? Seems to me he rules with an iron fist and would not go quietly. If an election is called in Jan. perhaps the coalition should run its own candidates on a stategic voting premise ie. run a Liberal in a riding the Liberals could win but no NDP candidate and vice versa. In other words stop splitting the vote to Harpers advantage. This would be cost effective for both Liberal & NDP parties and could give the Coalition a clear majority & might even lead to a merger. In hindsight, I think the coalition should have been organized in secret and sprung on Harper as a surprise at the first confidence vote opportunity as a done deal. Or is this unethical & I’m just starting to think like Harper??
A guerilla spin-machine has been unleashed on Canada by the CPC, the likes of which we have not seen.
I think its quite hypocritical of you all to criticize Harper for excercising his constitutional right to ask the GG for proroguement, when for the last week the Libs/left have been planning to excercise THEIR constitutional right to form a coalition. Both sides were well within their rights to do what they did, yet somehow Harper is now in the wrong? Face it, Harper has outsmarted you all again, and the GG has seen your “coalition” for what it was, a power grab. Now the Canadian people will have a chance to actually vote on the measure.
http://tinyurl.com/66tfvx
Quote: “Prime Minister Harper should not have been allowed to close Parliament and suspend the will of Canadians.”
(Canadian from overseas)
Lawrence Rugo wrote:
Posted 2008/12/04 at 3:09 PM ET
Found at: http://tinyurl.com/66tfvx
Good job for the gg, who acted just like she was supposed to do given her figure head toy role.
It proves that Canada is not a monarchy. See you at the next elections!
I was copied on this missive:
Couldn’t disagree more, Your Excellency
mailto:Info@GG.CA>
You have placed the whim of the PM ahead of the will of the Parliament. Our Parliament I might add. This, after you granted Harper his wish to renege on his fixed election date legislation. Well done. You have now succeeded in making Canada’s democracy dysfunctional, instead of just Parliament proper. Have you ever pondered what the source of this contagion called dysfunction might be? One hint: He visited you this morning for Coffee and Prorogies. Your decision has rendered you obsolete in the minds of myself, and no doubt millions of your “subjects”…….at least those who employ their minds on occasions such as this.
I must say, Bob Rae is doing a great job. I never liked him, until now.
Come on Garth,
Get over it – this isn’t about Harper vs. Turner
This is about a UNITED Democratic Canada.
The Bloc are NOT providing support for FREE – dig out the deal.
Think outside the box for a minute – let’s eliminate the threat to Canada –
1) Toss Quebec & the Bloc out of Confederation – Ontario could use the increase in Transfer Payments that would no longer have to go to Quebec.
2) Find a way for concerned taxpayers to pay taxes into “escrow” unless/until our government grows up and delivers a RESPONSIBLE budget (one that includes the elimination of the $ 1.95/vote to political parties – damn fool idea to provide those funds at taxpayers expense – let parties raise their own funds).
Garth – the colour of envy is Green – try using your GRAY matter instead.
Jaxsn
Harper’s like George Costanza in that Seinfeld episode where he keeps avoiding his girlfriend because he knows she’s going to dump him.
What a jerk.
WINNERS & LOSERS
HARPER – Big loser. He started it and this was the last straw for many people. If his popularity tanks I don’t think he will lead the Conservatives in the next election – unless there is not sufficent time to replace him. He does not appear to be changeable!
DION – Yes but it only reinforces people’s opinion that he is not Prime Minister material. Last night’s tape fiasco – what can one say?
Layton – The coalition mover and planner who saw it as his only hope for power. It would not have happened if the Liberals had a different leader and it won’t happen again. The NDP will join a coalition with anyone if it will give them some power!
Duceppe – Big winner. Didn’t give up anything. Demonstrated to Quebecers contray to what the other parties said about the BLOC – see we are relevant in parliament and with the coalition have a veto vote. Is that Significant or What? He along with Harper’s help has fanned the separatist sentiment again. Finally he along with his coalition buddies has done great damage to Harper – so much so that he may be out. Nothing Duceppe wants more than to get rid of Harper who has been a huge contributor in taking the sovereignty issue out of the Quebecers’ minds.
If the Conservative get a new leader – say Jim Prentice – I think they will demolish the Liberals in the next election. Without the Harper factor – I doubt there are a 1000 Liberals in Canada that would support a coalition with the NDP and BLOC.
People say they support the coalition. Really – it seems to me what they are really saying – we will hold our noses and take anything to get rid of Harper.
Dion in the clearest words possible said he would not form a coalition with the NDP. Well he went one step further and brought in the BLOC. I wonder how long Duceppe thought about that before he agreed. My guess is 3 seconds! Why did Dion do that? Why did the Liberals momentarily lose their senses? Oh its the Economy – the Economy – the the Ec.. that devil Stephen Harper.
In the meantime – Stephen leaves the GG’s residence like he left the principal’s office. Time out granted! “I guess trust has to be restored” You guess??!!??? Sorry – still don’t get it!!!
Stephane misses an unexpected opportunity that even his Genie could not have granted. He still thinks he would be a great Prime Minister. Nice man – but he doesn’t come close to getting it.
Jack he goes tumbling down the hill. Man , a cabinet post, a limo, a larger salary, real power and so close.
Gilles – well he leaves with a pail full of used federalists. He used them all for his purpose. What makes the man so dangerous is that he is likeable and sensible. One almost thinks he is harmless. Even though he frankly and pointedly states he is only concerned about Quebec and his mission in life is for Quebec to separate – federalists cuddle up to him only to get burned and used.
Oh yeah – then there is Minnie May. Swings into town for another moment of fame. She wants a piece of the Coalition action – yup – influence – yup maybe a Senate position – maybe a spot in the cabinet. After all Stephane and me – we are like >< Ohhh I can hardly believe it!!!!????!!!
I have been listening to CPAC all afternoon and believe me the majority of their callers are upset with this decision. Harper can bring out his big propaganda machine but I don’t think that he will be convincing so many people this time! I still think that he is the only dysfunction in parliament and after fanning the flames of unity he will soon be going! going! gone!
Harper’s on his mission to destroy Canada.
By Barb the proofreader on 12.04.08 2:44 pm
You’re an idiot.
By Bill-Muskoka (not anymore) on 12.04.08 2:34 pm,
I am also an independent and I feel the same way. It is essential that our government operate as it has evolved. No Prime Minister in history has used proprogation to prevent Parliament from exercising its rights and duties. One commentator has suggested that allowing a government to continue to function without the confidence of a majority of the elected representatives of the people comes from third world politics.
I may not be a big supporter of the coalition but under our system they have just as much right to try to govern as the minority.
Well, it’s been a few hours, and I’m absolutely livid.
What ever happened to accountability?
What ever happened to the importance of the electorate expressing their opinion?
First off – no more of this appointing Governer General crap. At least in the old days, they put someone with half a brain in their heads.
GG should be an elected position. I vlaue the role of the GG’s office (in ending parliament, etc.) – but make it electable and accountable to the people.
Liberal party – for the love of this country, get a new leader before Jan. 26th. Be ready to go into full election mode. Get over what ever stupid internal issues you have, and fix it.
Conservative party – I don’t know how much clearer I can be on this but – pull your heads out of your collective asses and dump Harper. He is the reason this country is in this economic, political and constitutional mess. He will NEVER be elected PM in a majority government – ever.
The only chance the Conservatives have to holding power after Jan 26th is to have a new leader. PERIOD. Perhaps with a new leader (on both sides of the floor) we can save ourselves from this absolute debacle.
“As I said yesterday, whether or not you agree with the notion of a Coalition government, supported by a majority of MPs, we have been moved onto a new plane of crisis.”
Coalition Opposition, anyone?
Another example of why I am so cynical.
From the Ottawa Citizen.
Montreal Liberal MP Irwin Cotler quoted as saying;
Mr. Cotler says the coalition process has already produced “significant victories for the public” as the government retreated from provocative plans to abolish public funds for political parties and to ban public service strikes for two years. But he added: “It should never have come to this.”
Victories for the Public???
Sigh.
As I wrote recently, the other guy isn’t always wrong. When Harper says it’s all about the financing and a Lib MP says this publicly, how is any thinking individual to have a lick of faith in the judgment of any of these people?
The Prime Minister plays dumbass power play politics and tries to come out ahead in the shame game at the expense of the country, both economically and unity wise, and some dipshit Liberal MP, actually 2 or 3 of them so far, don’t know when to keep their mouths shut.
What a Black comedy this is.
Come on people. Parlaiment has been shut down a week early ahead of the already scheduled break.
Even if you support the coalition you can’t seriously believe that they would have gotten anything accomplished in that timeframe…they couldn’t even get a video to CBC on time.
What a shame the GG didn’t exercise a different option and simply order ALL OF THEM back to work. Throw a lock on the door, a couple of guards and get them working!
There is a major economic crisis happening and we are now to do what? Wait 5 weeks? We don’t have 5 weeks to waste. The Canadian cooked goose is coming home to roost. Our labor force is imploding under the weight of tacky vests worn while flogging foreign made products in big box stores. Job creation gets run up the flag pole and we get fed bullshit stats telling us the number of jobs created with no mention of the wages, or if these jobs are service industry based.
We need primary, secondary and tertiary industry in Canada. I want to be able to buy Canadian made products manufactured by well paid Canadian workers. It won’t be easy to reestablish the manufacturing sectors in this Country, but we simply cannot continue with this sham of flogging our raw materials and consuming foreign made goods. This only perpetuates the creation of low paying service industry jobs which are the first to tank in tough economic times, and continues to leave us vulnerable dependents on the good graces of other countries to whom we rely on for essential items. (Take a look at the percentage of pharmaceuticals manufactured in China as an example).
We need craftspeople again. We need the pride of Canadian made products by Canadian owned companies. If the items cost more, fine! It will all even out with a well-paid labor force instead of this current mess with Canadian consumers unable to save and sucking the teats of the financial institutions credit cash cow.
Bailing out the banks isn’t the answer. There isn’t enough money to throw at the global financial mess. The bulk of our exports are tied to the USA. Globally, there are derivatives that total 1 Quadrillion – more than the total global GNP, in addition to the sub-prime debacle, ARMS and insanity of 0 down mortgages. It’s folding like a cheap suit and the only chance we have, as Canadians, is for our government to stop the partisan pissing contests and work together. They need to start spending our money on creating a sustainable Canadian economy and kick over the trough of big business outsourcing. The fat little bastards have fed long enough and if something isn’t done and soon, the rest of us will starve.
Let’s cut public funding for politcal representation. The rich will have a voice. The upper-middle class will have a voice. The rest of us? Keep on speaking truth to power as long as you can. Mr. Rae expressed it well today, I believe.
By Samantha on 12.04.08 4:50 pm
Excellent comment. I like your style!
It has been noted repeatedly in the media that this sets a dangerous precedent.
This is a weak action on the part of the GG, and shows that her role is truly ceremonial. Would the Queen have stood up to Harper?
If there was some backbone, she would have upheld procedure, and reinforced to Harper that he can’t get the recess unless he has confidence of the house going into it.
By Comrade Okie on 12.04.08 4:49 pm
These worthless assholes having been lying so long, they no longer know the difference.
If they had to abide by the rules they couldn’t. That, at least, they HAVE proven!
Coward indeed. I’m not entirely sure it’s truely a bad thing, since government intervention in the states has not seemed to have helped their recession. One thing that I think is certain, though, is Harper will likely be a great scapegoat for what was already destined to be a very grim couple of months.
I would only hope that if there is yet another election that Garth runs again in Halton. I wonder, though, would he align himself (if it’s even possible) with the conservatives if Harper was gone?
are there any statistics on what ridings the liberals+ndp split the vote in, allowing a CPC member to win.
—————-
You could check
http://www.voteforenvironment.ca/
It contains information regarding election 2006 and some polling data for 2008 election.
Hi Garth
Did you see the cartoon to-day with Harper running away from Parliament with only a GG string on!
Priceless!!
A sad day indeed for democracy. While I can’t blame the G.G. for this decision after reading comments from various con bloggers across Canada it’s the best decision regarding her personal safety, sadly though not so for the rest of Canada. There is no hiding Harper’s intent or strategies but then again there never was. It’s time to lay the blame for this situation\government where it belongs. These events have not happened haphazardly they have been orchestrated from before the moment Harper decided to call his illegal election and won’t stop until he gets his dictatorship. Does anyone believe that Harper would have even attempted this without MSM (main stream media) behind him? Could he have survived an election after promising a fixed election date without MSM in his pocket? No other party would have been able to survive the media frenzy that would have ensued. But somehow Mr. Harper can. If the tape of Harper’s statement to the media was late the MSM (especially CTV) would be falling over themselves to find excuses for him. He lies directly in front of them and they say nothing. He subverts parliamentary intent and we hear nothing but vain attempts at justification. So now we are going to the polls again, another 300 million plus and again and again until Harper is install. The affront to democracy is staggering, but it will not stop and MSM will continue to support dictator’s such as Harper and his hijacked party as long as fistfuls of dollars are handed over to them on a regular basis. What’s their reward in this? The guardians of truth and democracy have and will continue to sell us, the Canadian people out for profit. I say it is them that have failed us by abandoning truth in favor of influence peddling. Anyone who doubts the validity of these statements only needs to listen to the daily network news or radio talk shows to see it for themselves. It has already started. If the media is the message, what exactly are they trying to tell us; integrity is in short supply and don’t look to us for it. Over to you, Lloyd.
Does anyone have the numbers for the last election?
I just read that the cons actually got 170000 votes LESS than last time.
How can this be?
Closing Parliament is a great idea, can we work on making it permanent? There isn’t anyone up there cabable of governing, I suggest they reconvene every Dec 4 for one day only every year.
or capable!
ATTENTION ALL CANADIANS!
This is NOT, repeat, NOT an election! Do not show respect to a Bully Thug and his minions of deception.
Tories expected to bring battle to the voters
Transport Minister John Baird suggested that the Conservative party’s strategy over the next few weeks will be to go beyond elected members of Parliament and the Governor General and ask Canadians to decide the current political crisis.
If you get election style literature, phone calls, or other inappropriate contatcs notify and file a complaint with Elections Canada.
Fight against the Harper Coup of OUR democracy. Hold that SOB accountable like any common criminal for campaigning ILLEGALLY! That is NOT the purpose of prorouging Parliament.
BY BILL-MUSKOKA (NOT ANYMORE) ON 12.04.08 2:13 PM
What do you think Tony Clement did when he first got in. He spent 6 months driving around in a old out dated bus electioneering before the election. We got junk mail just be fore they called the election the last time.
This is a sad day for Canada.
Shutting down parliament is paramount to shutting down the country. Forget about the economy, jobs, pensions. Let’s just wait til things cool down so Harper can whine about how the legal opposition won’t co-operate, while he and his minions spread propaganda about Quebec.
Harper won. Dion, Layton, Duceppe – you put up a good fight. Canada as we knew it is over when a PM can walk away from a confidence vote and close the door on democracy.
BILL-MUSKOKA “You didn’t the last time either so BFD Bud!
Another handle, eh? Rope/etc.”
Huh? Wow. U always jump to the wrong conclusions?
smwhite on “I agree with you 100% minus the not voting”
Ya, I know I’m not doing my duty… it’s just that I can’t vote for anything left-wing. I believe Harper’s fiscally irresponsible policies are too left-wing. Socializing badly underwritten mortgages is not the hallmark of a real conservative. Bad business/personal decisions should be left to fail on their own. If there is no risk of failure, then caution is thrown out the window in future investments…again not the hallmark of a true conservative.
I just can’t figure out how to classify Harper.
I would vote conservative again, if the “conservatives” select a new leader who is fiscally conservative, and would encourage savings vs more reckless borrowing by Canadians. We would have a stronger nation in the long run. Increasing debt load now will be our ruin I fear. We need a real conservative party.
Does anyone have the numbers for the last election?
I just read that the cons actually got 170000 votes LESS than last time.
How can this be?
By Keith Phibbs on 12.04.08 5:20 pm
It’s all available on the Elections Canada website here http://www.elections.ca/home.asp . CPC got 5,205,334 votes this time and 5,374,071 last time. The drop is even worse for the Liberals, they went from 4,479,597 votes to 3,629,990.
OT
Received this from my husband about a virus.
My husband is an IT supervisor and doesn’t send warnings if they are not true.
“I saw this one and it’s almost impossible to remove.
Be worried about a website asking for Flash update.
Facebook has a virus telling you that you have to do a flash update and takes you to a site where you download a virus. Since yesterday, I know 2 people that got infected and their computer had to be reloaded. This virus does so much damage that it is almost impossible to removve.
I expect this virus to get out of Facebook and go wild.”
I couldn’t be more disgusted,Harper is ruining our country.His corruption has no bounds.I understand they have been contacting Liberal MPS trying to get them to not support the coalition with promises of rewards–that is bribery!! and criminal charges should be laid against them!Harper has a long history of offering rewards to gain control and even to overthrow the government–this cannot be tolerated! Its time to go after him with every means possible.There will be no reasoning for the betterment of Canada in his next budget it will be all for power and more con-jobs to suck in the voters.He has gained time hoping people will forget his lies last election.His past record of vote buying schemes won’t hold a candle to his next bid for popularity i bet!
Maybe Larry, Moe and Curly oughta go over the GG’s head, and fly to England and meet directly with the Queen to plea their case ! I’m serious here.
By Comrade Okie on 12.04.08 4:49 pm,
There are Liberals who are just as regressive as Conservatives. Notice they neither even mention pay equity.
Jaxsn on 12.04.08 4:27 pm
Yeah, its much better to put the power in the hands of corporations and unions; allow them to fund their party of choice.
Thanks but no thanks.
Does anyone have the numbers for the last election?
I just read that the cons actually got 170000 votes LESS than last time.
How can this be?
By Keith Phibbs on 12.04.08 5:20 pm
This is what you get if you google: Federal Election results 2008
click away and be informed!
http://enr.elections.ca/
Conservative 143 46.4 46.4% 5,205,334 37.6 37.6% 2008
http://www.sfu.ca/~aheard/elections/results.html 2006
Votes Won: 2008 v. 2006
Bloc Quebecois Conservative Green Party Liberal NDP
Votes 2008
1,379,991
5,208,793
940,297
3,627,890
2,512,886
Votes 2006
1,553,201
5,374,071
664,068
4,479,415
2,589,597
Difference
-173,210
-165,278
276,229
-851,525
-76,711
Note: These are the final validated results, including judicial recounts— Source: Elections Canada
So what you heard Keith is correct, interesting!
Some people see this prorogation as “running away”. I don’t see it that way at all. I see this as a necessary time-out – a time for Members of Parliament to cool off and really think things through. It gives time for the opposition parties to reconsider their “deal with the devil”. And it gives the government the time they SHOULD have been given to present Canada with a well-thought-out, responsible budget that can properly address the economic uncertainty that has gripped the country and the world.
By Truth B Told on 12.04.08 2:24 pm
By HARRY S on 12.04.08 1:59 pm
What shuld happen is that the other three parties should draft a letter signed by all their members and send it to the Conservative Party President stating that no matter what is presented in Parliament by PM Harper it will now be voted down regardless until he resigns and is replaced by the party. He has burned his credibility trust account totally with all of the duly elected members of Parliament.
………………………………
So you and your friends on this fine forum believe there should be NO cooperation with the Conservative government. If that is your belief, and the coalition don’t cooperate, the GG will then decide that there should be another election as recommended by PM Harper.
Cooperate with the government and stop attacking Harper … or go into another election so that the people of Canada can give the Liberal-NDP-BQ coalition their vote of confidence.
Wet blanket PM Harper.
First he screws up Thanksgiving, then Hannukah/Christmas/Kwanza’a/Winter Solstice.
Thanks a bunch,guy.
Garth, sure hope you are right on this being the last GG. Like you, I suspect she will grant Harper an election in Jan. if he asks for one as she seems to be playing a ceremonial role only. I would have found it easier to accept if she had at least attached some conditions on the prorogue since clearly the government has lost the confidence of the MPs elected by 62% of the voters.
For any one in the Victoria area,there will be a Pro Coalition Rally.Meet at the corner of Hillside and Douglas at 4:30 for a 5:00 start.Bring candles and signs!
Sorry,P.S. TONIGHT,Dec.4th.!
If the opposition parties don’t make pains to not split the vote, they will go down to defeat in the 2009 election.
This strategy of turning back the clock on woman’s rights goes a step further than his removal of gender equality from the mandate of the Status of Women.
By C. B. Innes on 12.04.08 2:17 pm
Who`s been selling you the used labeled alfalfa? There is no gender equality associated with SOW. Even though DV is an equal deal as well as 3 out of 4 male street children are assaulted by women yet there is not a single shelter or transition house in Canada for males.
Check your facts CB because you have the wrong info completely.
=========
Another handle, eh? Rope/etc.
By Bill-Muskoka on 12.04.08 3:20 pm
nope, not me but I like her/his conclusions
=========
I suggest they reconvene every Dec 4 for one day only every year.
By wjp on 12.04.08 5:21 pm
Less time = less damage, lets work on that
For any one in the Victoria area,there will be a Pro Coalition Rally.Meet at the corner of Hillside and Douglas at 4:30 for a 5:00 start.Bring candles and signs!
By wendy on 12.04.08 6:04 pm
A Canada wide rally for all opposed to the coalition will be held at 8pm local time on January 25th 2009 at your local Wendy`s Weenies
Harper won. Dion, Layton, Duceppe – you put up a good fight. Canada as we knew it is over when a PM can walk away from a confidence vote and close the door on democracy.
By cricket on 12.04.08 5:26 pm
No…It is a great precedent set, any PM can now shut down parliament at any time of his or her choosing…democracy is done in Canada…
By Bill-Muskoka (not anymore) on 12.04.08 5:00 pm
Semper fi Bill.
Some people understand Honour.
Lot of angry folks out there it seems. More to come me thinks.
P.S. In country, beer was free as long as you paid for the main course.
I cant wait for the coalition to vote against the budget. Because within a few weeks of that with all the internal squabbling that will take place, we’ll end up in an election. Then the Canadian voter can truly show the coalition what they think of the 3 amigos and their banana republic policies. Bring it on.
To my Buddy, Got Rope
I appreciate your intelligence. Really I do. But I have something to say to you. Hope you take it in a positive way.
No Prime Minister of Canada has the right to inflame passions which advocate separation of Provinces from our Dominion. Country, or Land of the Native Peoples. Indigenous or whatever one wishes to be referred to..
I am gut sick because of the campaign of hate that Mr. Harper has launched.
He makes Stephane Dion look like a leader in an obscure way. After this debacle, surely no one in their right mind would think of Mr. Harper as an agent of unity. A Leader of a this Great Nation, or someone worthy of Laying Wreaths in Honour of My Blood.
I’m a tad pissed off. You might have noticed.
I’m a tad pissed off. You might have noticed.
By Comrade Okie on 12.04.08 8:14 pm
Comrade Okie
As to date my friend I`ve taken what you say as positive including your feelings for PMSH. I`ve felt in a similar way for a tad bit longer than since PMSH showed up. This should be noticeable in our positions, I don`t think it`s good enough to change politicians when it`s the system that needs replacing.
As Always,
Comrade West
The really sad fact is , and I am sure Garth has this all figured himself, is that Harper has no intention of making Parliament work when it comes back in 7 weeks. Harper wants and election while Stephen Dion is still the leader of the Liberals. He will never stop being in election mode and spew out the hate this man has for every one.
Time Garth to replace Dion pronto and get one of the Leader Candidates in there as leader to lead the Libs into yet another Harper created election just after the return of Parliament in January. Just listening to Baird , Moore , Harper and some of the other Cons convince me that this is the game plan now. “Get another election in before they dump Dion”
If there is yet another election in 2009 I think the people in this country are going to revolt or go completely out of their minds. I know I sick & f.. ing tired of this Bull Shit going on in Parliament.
By Comrade Okie on 12.04.08 8:14 pm
Hey, it’s the secret plan to bring our troops home. Nothing like a good, old fashioned UPRISING on Home Soil to place Canada on the World’s news. Welcome to Canuckistan, courtesy of the Whores of Commoners. Yes, Canada, we too can mimic Rowanda, Somalia, Bosnia, and Darfur, where corruption and illegal politicians bring you fresh daily news to take your weiddle minds off reality..
Sponsored by the Canadian Taxpayers (Suckers)!
Cooperate with the government and stop attacking Harper.
By HARRY S on 12.04.08 5:55 pm
Yes Sir! Now, F**k off!
P.S. In country, beer was free as long as you paid for the main course.
By Comrade Okie on 12.04.08 7:54 pm
Oh yes indeedy. One 12oz’er cost 1 pint of blood! Such a deal, eh?
By gary v on 12.04.08 1:32 pm
No – they didn’t have Schreiber to give some under-table money for rainy days.
By JC on 12.04.08 1:38 pm
Taking Ur analogy – why Steve “dunk” now – most likely miscalculated that Dion will “dunk” again – and when he didn’t “chicken” when to GG.
LOL
By Markus D. on 12.04.08 1:43 pm
Agree 100% – only way to rid off dictatorship.
By Comrade Okie on 12.04.08 7:54 pmCould you elaborate on the free beer part? I will vote any party/person willing to provide free beer, even if it is only for a few hours.
i think that harper is a coward as stated . Harper is just trying to dodge a bullet, im not sure time will do that for him but he is only there as a lesser of the evils as there is not a decent party to vote for,so much so that voter turn out is real poor and little do they care as long as they get in they can take advantage of all the benefits which by the way are padded every time we turn around . I think they i mean the politician’s we have to deal with now should all take a look at the way they get better benifits such as retirement pensions why is it they get more than any one else , thieves one and all , and they should be ashamed with already high wages and paid everything why??Do you think they worked harder than anyone else , i don’t I think that if one party would come into existance that had some accountability, honesty ,with a strong governing sense less focused on business and there own greed , i don’t know what else to call it that is what i see, i am sure they would get a majority vote and things would be a lot better for canadians , well there are so many things wrong with what is going on with our go
Very sad day for democracy. What is the point of spending tax payer money to vote in elected officials – if they are not able to do their jobs in parliament on behalf of their constituents. I am outraged that the GG would approve a suspension of parliament during a time of global economic turmoil which is starting to impact Canadian children and families in numbers not seen since the Great Depression. Shame on the GG for playing a role on Harper’s plan to obstruct the democratic process. All that will be gained is more tax payer money spent on poorly manufactured PR campaigns on all party fronts – and the same partisan pickering and dysfunction when parliament reconvenes at the end of January. Sounds like a nice long holiday vacation for Mister PM Harper and his cronies.
You’re an idiot.
BY JC ON 12.04.08 4:31 PM
I can smell Harper’s sweat on you! Since you are an ignorant coward calling me names for no reason, I suspect you are Stephen Harper himself, with time on his hands, slamming innocent people.
Another handle, eh? Rope/etc.
By Bill-Muskoka on 12.04.08 3:20 pm
nope, not me but I like her/his conclusions
BY KOO KOO COUP ON 12.04.08 6:32 PM
Good one Bill! I couldn’t quite place his lousy punctuation — I don’t pay attention to him, but your detective work is unequalled.
I agree, KOO KOO COUP is just another nickname for “GOT ROPE” now that I see he’s on his favourite topic again.
And the funny part is, I have no interest in his topics, and then today, I see he starts slamming me on it with false accusations — yet I’ve never written a word on it nor do I have any opinion on his agenda. He’s a bore, and now, he’s just out of control. He must be very confused.
I’m glad Garth is keeping an eye on “GOT ROPE”. And, oh yes, “KOO KOO COUP” who I suspect is also “LOONIEIDIOTWING” .. and maybe more of his “handles” as Garth has pointed out.
What the so-called Coalition tried to do by unseating a duly-elected government was strictly legal and constitutional although it doesn’t pass the smell test with many Canadians. Same with Harper: he used a perfectly legal and constitutional tool which also doesn’t pass the smell test with many Canadians.
The bottom line is that all this wrangling doesn’t advance the cause of Canadians one bit. Maybe by putting the fear of God in Harper, this prorogation will actually lead to some constructive bipartisan work on the budget. I’m not holding my breath mind you but it’s possible. It’s certainly better than the alternative.
Garth, Garth; too much vitriol!
I am surprised, seems your doing your share to stir things up. My goodness “the Last GG” Your above this.
Seems you might need a breather yourself.
Now now Garth. Do you now fault the Conservatives for being good fundraisers? Your position is a little weak in the knees.
To be fair, the taxpayer funded portion of elections only came about because of Adscam. Chretien (a nasty piece of work he was) used it as a tool to cripple his opponents. This is undisputed truth and certainly you would concede this point would you not Mr. Turner?
If people believe in their political affiliation, they should spend the money and get a membership. They are only $10 for goodness sakes. And what a great message to send to your political party – that you support them. If you don’t want the membership, send them a one time donation. Honestly, I don’t get why a successful fundraising group should be lambasted for being good at what it does. Instead of complaining, you should find out why they have such a successful model and mimic their techniques. Wouldn’t this be a better use of time?
Let taxpayers keep their money. We pay enough taxes as it is! Donate if you wish. Turn back the rules to allow corporations and individuals to donate higher amounts, but with stricter regulations so that we don’t have a repeat of Adscam, which was an affront to any decent, hardworking Cdn.
Thanks for letting me “say it” Garth! You know, we can disagree, but still have respect for one another’s opinion.
Such name calling Mr. Turner… Hardly a surprise though.
Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean was in tune with public opinion across the country when she agreed Thursday to suspend, or prorogue Parliament until Jan. 26 at the request of Harper. Almost seven in 10 of those surveyed Tuesday and Wednesday gave prorogation a thumbs up.
The Tories also were deemed by almost six in 10 Canadians to be the best managers of the economy in these troubling times.
Sure. Who needs a Parliament? — Garth
Exactly like GWB. Nixon. It’s not illegal if Steve does it. They can’t keep the law so they make a new one. Torture’s ok. Fixed election day, ya right. Liars. Steve, did ya see the fear in her eyes?
By HARRY S on 12.04.08 5:55 pm
“So you and your friends on this fine forum believe there should be NO cooperation with the Conservative government.” – Harry S
I truly hope that you are not so completely deluded as to actually believe that a prorogued house of commons by Harper can be considered as “co-operative”. Please, tell us you aren’t this assininely slow.
“If that is your belief, and the coalition don’t cooperate, the GG will then decide that there should be another election as recommended by PM Harper.” – Harry S
Please… you surely can’t believe that the GG having granted a prorogued government to stall a non confidence vote would grant the opposition the opportunity to even form a coalition. Surely you can’t believe that the opposition will at this point even be granted the chance to do so. Clearly, the GG is not in favor of a functional democracy at this point.
“Cooperate with the government and stop attacking Harper … or go into another election so that the people of Canada can give the Liberal-NDP-BQ coalition their vote of confidence.” – Harry S
Surely you can’t believe that the opposition will even be given the power to co-operate at this point. Why would you ever have thought that Harper would give the opposition the ability to peek at this nations finances to begin with? It would be political suicide for him to relinquish power in any form now as it means full disclosure. Harpers ownly chance for survival is to win an election… an election forced on Canadians by Harper and an election Canadians clearly don’t want. Only the guilty would be this desperate and Harper reeks of it now.
Garth:
Lets see how the Shakespearean tragedy of PMSH story of “how a tangled web we weave when we practice to decieve” has led Canada to its most serious constitutional crisis since the 1995 vote on Quebec Separatism.
The PM and the Conservative government become frustrated with the opposition parties causing delays in the business of Parliament and concerned with a growing economic crisis in the US due to the subprime mortgage situation decide to call a snap election three months ago in violation of Bill C61. The bill would have a mandated election in October 2009.
From January 2007 to September 2008 the Conservative attack ads are launched against Stephan Dion putting doubt in the minds of Canadians of his ability to lead the country. It is also fair to mention that his media blunders did not help his image.
At the start of the 2008 Federal Election the Conservative Government was at 40% public support and destined for the majority he so desperately crave. However, When Lehman Brothers collapsed on Sept 15 it touched off the greatest economic crisis in world since the Great Depression in the 1930’s.
As the opposition parties reacted to the crisis the government was taken by surprise and lost support as PMSH was hammered in the two televised debates.
On October 14, 2008 the Conservative government won 143 seats due to a weekend bounce in the polls(from 33% to 36.5%) and a number of blunders by Liberal Leader Stephan Dion during some TV interviews on CBC and CTV.
During election night Prime Minister Stephen Harper promised to work with the opposition parties to deal with the global credit crisis. On Thursday Nov 27, 2008 the Minister of Finance, the Hon Jim Flarity presented an economic statement that essentially cut public funding to all political parties, prevent public servants the right to strike and cut the growth of govt by $15 billion. Although he stated that the upcoming economic stimulus plan would cost $25 billion there were few details.
The economic statement was a partisan attempt by PMSH to destroy the opposition parties financially. Media reports suggest that the ideas in the report did not come from the Minister of Finance but from the Chief of Staff and the PMO. After 2 years of bullying and intimidating the opposition the Prime Minister and the government face certain defeat from the new coalition party of the Liberals, NDP and the Bloc on January 27, 2009 after getting permission from Govenor General Michaelle Jean to Prorogue the House of Commons for the next two months.
I have been watching the career of Prime Minister Stephen Harper ever since he was elected leader of the Canadian Alliance in 2002 and subsequently the new Conservative Party in March 2004.He wants political power at any cost even if its necessary to break the law.He strongly believes in a neo-conservative political agenda for Canada.What are they:
-Reducing the size of the Federal Government.
-Creating a two tier health care system to reduce the escalating cost of providing medical services for a nation with an aging population.
-reducing the size of the welfare state
-reduce funding for national priorities for the environment, housing, infrastructure, cities and child care.
-increasing foreign ownership in Canadian companies.
-creating an elected senate
-taking a hard line against Quebec separatists.
-reducing regulations in food safety, nuclear safety as well as weakening the integrity of our political institutions such as Elections Canada.
-promoting increasing corporate concentration in the media, energy, natural resources sector.
How does he intend to do it? Well by ANY MEANS NECESSARY up to and including destroying the respect and integrity of our federal political institutions. His aim is to win a majority government so that the opposition and not even dissenters in his own party can stop him.
His philosophy of governance is top down, of secrecy and total control to such a degree that it borders on dictatorship. Prime Minister Stephen Harper inner circle uses fear, intimidation,lies, harassment and the power of expulsion and exclusion to keep the caucus in control. The expulsion of MP Bill Casey and yourself is a clear example of that policy.
PMSH has forgotten that he HAS a minority government that exist at the pleasure of the House of Commons. He did NOT get a mandate from Canadians with 36.5% of the popular vote. The Other parties got 66%. The Conservative were only allowed to govern the country because they had the majority of seats vs the other parties. He refuses to acknowledge that he has to work with them to effectively govern the nation for the welfare of all Canadians especially during the economic crisis.
We must also remember that this Prime Minister lied about his attempt to get the other parties especially the Bloc to form a loose coalition to bring down the Paul Martin Liberal government in 2004.
The Prime Minister has admitted that he allowed his operatives to approach the Late Chuck Cadman to offer insurance incentives to take care of his family if he voted against the Liberal government in a confidence vote.
The Conservative Party has violated Elections Canada financing laws for political candidates.
As opposition leader they blatantly lied to the public and RCMP in order to engineer a political crisis over the Income Trust issue just before the NDP introduced a motion to bring down the Paul Martin Liberal government. The RCMP investigation report indicated that the government committed no crime.
The operatives of PMSH even bugged the offices of the opposition to spin a story to the MSM that Mr Layton had no intention to work with the government and that he would defeat it at its earliest opportunity. The RCMP is investigating this incident. Sounds like a Mini Watergate to me?
What I find so disturbing during this crisis is the willingness of his caucus to engage in blatant mean spirited vicious partisanship towards the opposition not seen since the days of PM Diefenbaker in 1963. They have called fellow MP’s traitors and Bloc Quebecois party members separatist in front of the media. In an effort to sway public opinion against the coalition they are fanning the flames of regionalism and Quebec separatism that could damage national unity. Other than the coalition members, the MP’s are not taking to each other and attitudes are hardening towards the Conservative Government and caucus as each day passes.
The Prime Minister had a major opportunity to diffuse the crisis he so blatantly caused during his televised speech to the nation last night at 7pm. What did he do? Completely throw it away. I did not hear that;
-That he apologized to the people of Canada for engaging in partisanship and jeopardizing his ability to govern the country.
-That he will ask the Governor General to prorogue the House of Commons in order to reduce tension and forge consensus with the opposition parties.
-To make an appeal to meet with ALL the opposition leaders in a time of economic crisis to set aside their differences, provide detailed input in the Jan 27, 2009 budget to get a stimulus package ready to go to help the people of Canada.
-Make a formal apology to the people of Quebec and the Bloc over the inflammatory remarks of his caucus and supporters on the issue of Quebec separatism and ask for moral support for and economic plan for Canada.
-A specific economic stimulus plan at the total cost of the initiative.
-Make an informal agreement with the opposition parties to have a stable government in Canada during the economic crisis until October 2011/12 in which an election will be called.
-Finally to pledge to have an open, accessible, accountable, responsive and caring government.
Instead of being conciliatory towards the opposition he decided to launch a scathing attack on the coalition and the separatist Bloc as if this was the 1991/2003 Gulf War.
Although there are now cracks forming in the Liberal MP’s of the coalition they are (at the moment) standing firm in their plans to defeat the Conservative government in late Jan 2009.
Some Observations
Governor General Michaelle jean faced a difficult choice today in allowing the PM to prorogue Parliament. A number of constitutional lawyers and experts on CBC and CTV last night indicated that in 99.9% of cases the GG usually allows a sitting PM this privilege. If I were in her position I would have listened to his reasons in a personal meeting then meet with the coalition later that day. Then I would consult with the constitutional experts and make a decision by early Friday Morning. I would have my staff type up a letter and a speech. The PM would be informed of a decision and would be asked to come to Rideau Hall. The GG would make a brief 5min speech of her Decision to the nation to prorogue the House of Commons subject to specific and strict conditions. Then the PM would be allowed to speak after.
The PM has only six weeks to find a way to diffuse the crisis in Ottawa and find a way to talk to the opposition, through an intermediary if necessary. If he continues with his hard line streak and propaganda attacks his government faces almost certain defeat in late January early Feb 2009. Garth I guess your March 9, 2009 scenario could still happen.
If the coalition is serious in creating a new govt in waiting it must lay down an infrastructure of a PM, DPM, cabinet ministers, choices of agencies boards and commissions as well as a detailed economic stimulus plan from now until the end of January.
What is the likely scenario? Garth you believe that an election is inevitable in March 2009. If the Conservative government is defeated in a budget non confidence vote in Jan 2009, all 143 members could resign thereby forcing the GG to dissolve the house and call an election. alternatively the PM would tell the GG that the government has lost a non confidence vote and ask for an election.
The second scenario could see a situation in which the GG refuses PMSH request for an election siting an economic crisis and the need for a stable government. She could invite the coalition to form a government. Mr Stephan Dion would be the next Prime Minister for at leat 3 months and the winner of the Liberal leadership Convention next may becomes the next PM as Mr Dion steps down. Amid hostility from the population who supports the Conservative base the coalition govt stays in power until mid 2010 and a further extension to 2011 in which an election is called. If they do a good job the Liberal may benefit. It is a possibility that the backlash against the coalition could see a majority conservative govt elected to Ottawa maybe without Stephen Harper as leader?
The Prime Minister is now the only person that can diffuse this crisis. Only time will tell how this situation will play out.
This gives me even less confidence in this PM and government. I sure hope that the opposition parties realize this and stick to their guns. That will be tough, but if they can get ahead of the issues – explain to Canadians why Harper cannot be trusted, then these next few weeks may be the last days of Harper (*fingers crossed*).
By Markus D. on 12.04.08 1:43 pm
Markus – What are you smoking? Do you not realize Canadians are now forced to decide between the Conservatives and the Coalition (if it survives)??? Outside the province of Quebec this coalition does not have a leg to stand on.
thankyou, Garth for your continued work dispite the poor judgement of your riding in voting for Harper.
Many of us are organizing and hitting the streets for the coalition.
There will probably not be any more majority governments and we must learn to work together on common ground with the people who are still committed to Canadian parliamentary democracy.
I’m taking a pro coalition door to door along with an info sheet on how parliamentary democracy works.
We might as well go down swinging.
This is the end of Stephane Dion, and Stephen Harper. Dion will soon be forced to resign because of this. As will Harper after the vote of non-confidence. I think all the G.G. did was grant a stay of execution.
The spirit of cooperation is broken and this Parliament will not work. Let’s go to the polls.
-Laura
My letter to Mr. Harper this morning, Dec. 5th.
Mr. Harper,
I think you know sir, that the time is now for you to resign as Prime Minister of this great country before you completely tear it apart. No only did you, an economist, ignore or fail to see a global recession in the works, but now you have single handedly managed to turn an economic crisis into a national unity crisis!
You have lost the confidence of the House and of informed Candians in general. How dare you take the cowards way out and prorogue Govt. when it has just started and put the Govenor General in the awkward position of helping you slink away from your responsibilities. How will this help the economy? How is this democratic?
The Conservatives may have a chance of redeeming themselves if you resign immediately. You cannot be trusted – you fiddle while Canada burns. If you care at all about this country, I trust you will do the honourable thing and resign immediately.
Sincerely,