"Sorry Sir, but there's been a change with the seating plan, you'll have to leave"
Yes, the Conservatives have blinked, but there is more to come, two scenarios, both of which largely achieve the desired result. There will either be more concessions from the Conservatives, namely a serious stimulus package, or we will see a coalition government that introduces exactly that. Despite the rather feeble spin attempts by Conservatives and their reeling supporters, you've already lost, it's just a matter of who makes the ultimate call.
It's an intriguing situation, but it's a win/win for the opposition, and that's the bottomline. The main goal within this maelstorm, to come up with a serious economic update, devoid of callous stunts, proactive and honest. The Conservatives only hope, cave further and bring forth a new action plan, or sit idly by while the opposition plots your demise. We will see further concessions from the government, that is obvious. The question then becomes, is it enough to appease the opposition?
I actually don't care which scenario wins the day, what matters is getting it right for Canadians, a plan that reflects the will of Parliament. A coalition is fascinating, but if the Conservatives cower and present a new proposal that is acceptable, that is a terrific positive. If the Conservatives foolishly stick to their guns, then Monday the Liberals introduce their motion and the wheels are set in motion to reach the same destination, via a different path. Whichever.
38 comments:
Great caption...lol. :)
The Liberal motion, which has the approval of the NDP and Bloc Quebecois, reads:
“In light of the government’s failure to recognize the seriousness of Canada’s economic situation and its failure in particular to present any credible plan to stimulate the Canadian economy and to help workers and businesses in hard-pressed sectors such as manufacturing, the automotive industry and forestry, this House has lost confidence in this government and is of the opinion that a viable alternative government can be formed within the present House of Commons.”
A source says the opposition parties have agreed that Liberal Leader Stephane Dion would lead the government for the next few months.
And, let me just laugh in advance, before someone tells me this part of Harper's masterplan.
Sigh...Enviro sure, Finance no way! Killing the corporate tax cut...stupid! I hope the Dips are not going to start playing these games, when we are on the cusp of something historic.
Sorry lib, no time for trolls :)
And the price that the BQ will demand? I can't wait to see how the seperatist fighter Dion spins that one.
You know, its funny. In the last Parliament, the Liberals caved on every issue you could think of that was at the core of their party's values; Afghanistan, environment, all to avoid an election they could not win or afford. But mess with their tax induced entitlements that they suddenly and conveniently find a spine and grow some balls.
Don't think for one single solitary second that will escape the notice of Canadians. When this coalition, if it even comes to pass, crashes and burns, it will hand the Tories an inevitable majority. Great job!
"Don't think for one single solitary second that will escape the notice of Canadians."
Funny, every column and economists piece I've read today has completely rejected the Cons plan, so yes I think Canadians have noticed.
Nice try though, feeble but hey, work with what you have, or DON'T as the case may be :)
Best caption ever.
As I said earlier today, we need to keep pushing. http://www.1337hax0r.com/2008/11/28/why-did-harper-back-down/
I just read your piece, and I agree completely :)
Steve:
Did you just delete a comment about the Dips demands, that i just responded to or am I going crazy? You don't think the Dips are demanding these things? I hope not.
lib
They are not demanding Finance, even Fife laughed at the suggestion. Environment is fine with me, among other posts.
Anyways, it sounds like this might actually happen now, unless the CPC pull something out at the last second. What about the GG, will she go along with it?
"What about the GG, will she go along with it?"
I don't see how she can't. Let's see what the Cons do over the weekend.
Absolutely perfect photo and caption! The next Rick Mercer in our midst ; ).
Great post.
I wonder if this gets PR on the table, finally?
Good honest post Steve, I hope the new Coalition shares your altruism. There will be much temptation for partisan revenge.
I am happy (and convinced) that this has become an issue of economic mismanagement and appropriate governance during crisis rather than only public financing. I was having trouble with that before hearing the update.
But I am most happy thinking about those stupid Conservative strategists who's best defences now reek of desperation. This is what you get for governing according to a PR text book, fools!
A weight is being lifted.....
If Duceppe goes to Rideau Hall with Dion and Layton, then the GG should give them their chance. Otherwise, the Libs and NDP together don't have the numbers.
Voting for the throne speech was a mistake, though. They should have stalled. If the opposition had not passed any confidence motions in this Parliament, they would have had a much stronger case for the GG to refuse a dissolution, if Harper were to ask for it.
Interesting that a coalition would be busy for over a year undoing the mess Harper has made of this country. All they need to do is agree on a few broad issues to make it a solid parliament for a year until they can decide when to call an election. Not to mention bringing all the scandels to conclusion. I don't see this as long term but a year maybe two is very doable based on the three parties platform overlaps.
"Voting for the throne speech was a mistake, though."
Correct me if I'm wrong, but did I miss the vote??
Harper press conference within the hour.
This is just bizarre. Now that the Conservatives have backed down I don't really see what rationale the Libs have for forming a coalition. Harper's not just going to disappear. He'll become the Opposition Leader, Prime Minister in waiting, and hoot and holler about how this is all undemocratic Mackenzie King styles!
Whether the government falls or not and I certainly hope it does. The opposition have learned a valuable lesson that if they co-operate and threaten or actually form a viable alternative we can have the type of government Canadians actually voted for and not "Steven Harpers' Canada".
The other 62% want in and it's the opposition job to ensure they get in.
Steve - The Throne Speech went through yesterday I think, on a divided voice vote.
Dan - That doesn't make any sense. What is their rationale? To form a gov't and do a better job, duh. Harper hootin and hollerin will be nothing new. He is perfect for Opp Leader: all talk, no responsibility.
Well, you can always tell the Conservatives are worried when they sick their drones on the CBC website.
I noticed it once or twice during the election. They will suddenly flood recommendation votes on comments on a specific article on the CBC website. The tell-tale sign is a sudden explosion of con-favorite comment recommendations, usually within an hour. I think they must send an email that says go on-line now - or at a certain time - and start checking off these con-friendly comments.
Silly, I know, but I've seen it before. After an article has been up for a while and the sense of comments is set, there will be a sudden shift. The funny thing is these same thousands of "reader votes" often won't bother to click on even accompanying articles so you'll see that the top vote-getters on one article will be the complete opposite sentiments in those in the sister articles on the same topic.
At any rate, it is just funny but sort of telling. It's a bizarre from of group-think from which some must take comfort. At any rate, they tend to "hi-jack" the comments when they get are twisted up as they are now.
I expect Harper to be at his most insidious today and over the weekend. Look for flames and daggers . . . and batten down the hatches, folks. Mr Nasty is going to shred his sweater on national TV.
I'm getting nervous about this press conference we're waiting for from Harper. Wonder if he's going to prorogue?
If this is part of Harper's master plan, why does he look like he's seen a ghost on television?
The mascara/makeup under his eyes is terrible. It's a bad job. He does look like he's seena ghost - the ghost of PM past.
So, he's delaying the vote on Mon.
Running scared, what an amazing display. Looks like my lab after he was neutered.
Your poor Lab.
So now we will be overwhelmed with Con media releases, etc. & propoganda for the next little while. Ads, etc. They have the money - the Libs don't.
Plus the Con trolls everywhere in comments - print, radio, etc. Overwhelming everyone.
As this unfolds - and as Harper starts his offensive (in the literal and figurative sense) - the coalition partners would be wise to strike back on the fact that economists are already poking holes in the Financial Update.
One week may give him time to launch a media and mailer and blogger attack, but it is also provides more time to destroy the economic shell-game presented yesterday.
At heart, that is what this is about. It just reinforces what I've always believed. They only ever planned to be a political movement. They had no plans to run a government. They've played their games and coasted just long enough to milk everything - or give away everything - that was left for them. They have never had a basis on which to build or bring progress to Canada.
The financial crisis didn't create that issue. It simply highlights the fact in a way they never anticipated.
Clearly a poor political move by Harper. But just as likely to turn out poorly for the opposition parties if they continue to play such a confrontational game. I hope Canadians realize this is a political money grab move by the opposition, not a move that is done for the best interest of the public.
They say Canadian politics is dull - uh, huh.
This is almost as exciting as the day of the Cadman vote in the House - oh, that brings back some issues.
Joseph
I agree, talk up the universal rejection of this update, that brings it outside the circus.
Looks like the trolls are already out in full force since you are now moderating.
I was just thinking I may actually be represented by a cabinet minister in a couple of weeks (assuming Linda Duncan gets the post, assuming there is a coalition...).
Harper may try a media blitz, but it is still up to the opposition to bring him down or not. People will forget the blitz if the coalition governs well.
I also want to point out the fact Harper took the party financing bit out does not help the opposition, because he will bring it back as a stand alone bill and then they WILL look greedy if they want to stop it.
It is apparent from his little speech that he has been shaken, and he is not happy about it. He is probably planning his revenge as we speak.
"It is apparent from his little speech that he has been shaken"
Compare that guy, with the smug one yesterday in QP, and how anyone can say he planned this is beyond comprehension.
Gayle
...because he will bring it back as a stand alone bill and then they WILL look greedy if they want to stop it
Heaven forbid the opposition parties make their real intentions clear. They will look greedy because they are. Just as Harper looks like a cold hearted partisan because he is.
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