Canada's opposition parties said Thursday they will vote against the Conservative government's fiscal update, sparking speculation the country could face another election in the midst of a global economic crisis.
I'm not going to get too excited about this because I simply don't believe it. The Liberals are leaderless and party funds are exhuasted. Canadians will be angry if they have to go to the polls again. It's all just bluster.
I welcome the Dippers and Liberals forming a coalition. Combined, they have 114 seats to the Tories 143. That means they'll have to join up with the Bloc, and no self respecting Liberal or NDP MP would want to be in government with separatists.
He might be sweating a little, but I think Harper is mostly sitting back and enjoying this.
UPDATE: Strack Attack wrote in the comments:
I'm starting to doubt my original thinking on this matter and maybe just maaaybe, the opposition is serious and will bring down the gov't. They have tabled a non-confidence motion and plan to put it in motion on Monday. Still this could merely be optics of playing tough this time around. The Tories can also avert this or postpone it with procedural tactics. Still, there seems to be some sort of agreement among the Dippers, Libs and Bloc and it appears Dion will lead it which in theory makes it all that much more plausible. Contrary to my own thinking the Libs must feel there is some sort of long term gain in doing this. I can't see them doing this for the good of the country. Who wants a flimsy coalition government lead by a guy who very few Canadians have confidence in to run our country through some of the craziest times we've had in decades? Did we not send a message saying just this a little more than a month ago??
UPDATE II: The Globe lists the opposition's gripes. This one has me hoping Harper hangs tough.
UPDATE III: Harper delaying the vote until December 8But it is the lack of movement on the economic front that both New Democrats and Liberals cited as the real impetus behind the decision to hold coalition talks. And neither party, they said, would be willing to back down unless the Conservatives do something dramatic in terms of economic stimulus — specifically help for the auto sector — over the next few days.
I'm starting to doubt my original thinking on this matter and maybe just maaaybe, the opposition is serious and will bring down the gov't. They have tabled a non-confidence motion and plan to put it in motion on Monday. Still this could merely be optics of playing tough this time around. The Tories can also avert this or postpone it with procedural tactics. Still, there seems to be some sort of agreement among the Dippers, Libs and Bloc and it appears Dion will lead it which in theory makes it all that much more plausible. Contrary to my own thinking the Libs must feel there is some sort of long term gain in doing this. I can't see them doing this for the good of the country. Who wants a flimsy coalition government lead by a guy who very few Canadians have confidence in to run our country through some of the craziest times we've had in decades? Did we not send a message saying just this a little more than a month ago??
ReplyDeleteA voice of reason supporting my orginal feeling on the situation can be found here:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20081128/coalitions_past_081128/20081128?hub=TopStories
Essentially this flimsy coalition is so flimsy the GG would be crazy to hand over power. It will more than likely lead to another election. In my opinion, no one wants this so I expect the Libs will have made their point (yup! We're tough so don't mess with us like last time!)step away from the ledge and claim victory. I suppose they hope Harper will look like the fool and won't be so eager to "bully" them in the future.
I agree. I would rather Harper stick to his guns facing defeat as opposed to compromising and blaming the ensuing deficit on the opposition parties. I hope this wasn't the long game tactic by Harper. ie/ being forced into deficit by the opposition. Strategically brilliant but not the leadership I prefer at the moment.
ReplyDeleteI think you may be right, it's a way of running a deficit and blaming them.
ReplyDelete