Monday, December 01, 2008

Excellent Idea

This morning, there is talk of an Economic Advisory team, that would counsel the new coalition government. Made up of Paul Martin, Roy Romanow, Frank McKenna and John Manley, presenting this group is a stroke of genius. It will demonstrate stability to the markets, a sense that seasoned people are on board, respected elders involved, it denotes a coming together for the good of the country.

My lingering concern, the issue of credibility, this coalition needs to put forth an identity that allows people to see it is focused on the economy and one that can hit the ground running. Adding this group, whether it largely symbolic or not, adds weight, it gives stature and an air of calm resolve. It tells Canadians, that decisions will be made carefully, experienced people advising the coalition, a strong face presented to the public. The major hesitation from the business community, will be a fear that political instability will make the economic crisis worse, this move allays those concerns, because all of these people have the pedigree that translates to a confident direction moving forward. "Steady hands at the tiller", an excellent idea.

51 comments:

Oxford County Liberals said...

If that's true, that would be taken right out of Obama's playbook strategy. Good to see if true.

Steve V said...

Scott

Brison referred to the Obama model, when asked about this economic team, and he alluded to more people.

"Good to see if true."

We need that qualification after every sentence it seems these days :)

Steve V said...

"Economic Council Of Advisors" is the name being floated.

Steve V said...

Fife reporting that the GG is unlikely to allow a prorogue, because of the circumstances :)

Oxford County Liberals said...

OUCH.. now THAT would be unprecedented.. as I don't think a Overnor-General has ever refused a request o prorogue, at least not post-1867.

(Then again, this IS Fife reporting this, right? So uh.. grain of salt and all that).

Anonymous said...

who is Fife?

can u add the link?

thanks.

good blog!

Anonymous said...

Fife has Tory sources. My guess is that the Tory big boys have had enough and they don't want any more damage done to the Party. Prorogation is a stupid idea, and the GG - never a fan of Harper - will (or probably already has told) tell Harper where to go.

Steve V said...

Bob Fife, again grains of salt, but interesting to say the least. I don't think the GG has faced this scenario before, so as I said yesterday, it isn't a slam dunk that she just rubber stamps Harper's want. He has lost the confidence of Parliament, prorogue effectively means no working government during an economic crisis, and the majority in Parliament have an alternative. The GG has a duty, won't be surprised one bit if she tells Harper to take a hike.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Oxford County Liberals said...

That news is almost worth a new blogpost wouldn't you say? :)

penlan said...

Steve,

May I ask - where did you get this info on an Economic Advisory team? Any links anywhere?

Wonderful news if it's true!

Andrew P. said...

This week is starting off well.

I absolutely LOVE the idea of the Economic Advisory team. Not only is it a great idea, but it should help garner even more public support becuase it shows the coalition is going to be proactive.

The rumour that the GG won't prorogue Parliament is a little icing on the cake

Anonymous said...

Penlan,

Please stop the Obama analogy, we live in Canada.

Canadian politics is not American politics. Please cut the Obama analogy. Our Finance Minister is more like a Chancellor of the Exchequer, working hand in hand with the Deputy Finance Ministers. He also has the power to put forth legislations which people like Volcker and Summers in the US don't have. Please think differently.

It would be useful for Dion to announce his Finance Minister quickly to reassure the markets. Someone like Brison and McCallum is a safe pair of hands. Also they may have to decide whether it is necessary to "rock the boat". What I mean is whether it may be needed to fire Bank of Canada Chief Mark Carney for ideological reasons. The coalition is expected to undo the monetarist policies of the past 24 years, so sometimes a safe pair of hands may not be what is needed.

Steve V said...

CTV had it up, and CBC asked Brison, so it LOOKS like the real deal. As an aside, I had the biggest shit kicking grin on my face, listening to Fife say Harper is done, the knives are out, basically game over. Not to get ahead of ourselves, but just the words coming from that stooge was fantastic.

Steve V said...

mushroom

I too tire of the Obama analogy, but this measure is completely inspired by his example and it's a good one. On this score, the comparison is correct.

Anonymous said...

Steve,

This is a smart move...you have three fiscally responsible minded small L liberals and a former NDP premier who has a lot of credibility and a stellar reputation..it will re-assure Canadians that the till is being wisely managed.

Steve V said...

"it should help garner even more public support becuase it shows the coalition is going to be proactive. "

Bingo!

Jeff said...

Also, an experienced hand such as John McCallum as finance minister, or even Ralph Goodale, would send a reassuring signal to the markets.

Steve V said...

Couldn't ask for a better headline that this one:

"Coalition would be guided by all-star economic council".


Also reported, the Conservatives are planning rallies across Canada. That seems feeble, but...

Andrew P. said...

If thats true Steve, we need to show up in force at those rallies

penlan said...

Mushroom,

It wasn't my intention to make comparisons to Obama & the U.S. Must have had the word "advisory" on the brain. Should have used a different word.

I am well aware that we are Canada not the U.S. & that our systems are completely different. Sorry that you were offended.

Jacques Beau Vert said...

As long as they go with an interim leader (or Dion, too) and not a leadership candidate (Ignatieff, Rae, LeBlanc), I'll be content. No leadership candidates should be given the reins til the party membership has their say.

Gabe said...

Not to flog a dead horse, but events of the past few days has reminded me more than once about 'Yes We Can' - the underdog's rally cry.

Anonymous said...

I love that there are a bazillion new acronyms being created around the blogosphere this past weekend. I propose that we start calling Stephen Harper the leader of the Yellow Party, because they are going to refuse to show up to lose a vote.

As for having Romanow deciding our economic policy, prepare to have health funding slashed, but the budget balanced.

sassy said...

MP Bill Casey is in
Independent MP Bill Casey says he has lost confidence in Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his government.

As a result, the MP for Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley will cast a non-confidence ballot when the vote on the Harper government’s recently released economic statement is called in the House of Commons.

Steve V said...

sassy

What goes around, eventually comes around.

Sean S. said...

now, now Saskboy...remember the spirit of cooperation....same could be said for Martin and healthcare ;)

Beijing York said...

The past few days have been so surreal. I cannot believe how brilliantly this coalition move has been handled by all three opposition parties. They seem to be going from strength to greater strength.

The only minor concern I have is the LPC leadership snipping that has been leaked. All I can say is get over yourself Ignatieff. Nobody has crowned you leader.

Dion has successfully brokered the deal on behalf of the Liberals and that does demonstrate commitment and strength of character. He had no need to crow, "I'm going to be PM!"

Anonymous said...

As much as I loath CTV, I don't think Fife is the CPC shill (unlike Duffy, Oliver, and Taber) that some around here are making him out to be. As much as he has angered me in the past with his comments about the Liberal Party, I think he has angered an equal number of CPCers. I think as a journalist he just really likes being a dick and twisting a knife into anywhere he can stick one.

That said, CTV really is the Conservative Party Network. Why would they bite the hand that feeds them?

northwestern_lad said...

Such heady days... I love this idea, especially bringing a strong New Democrat like Romanow into the fold. Shows a good spirit of cooperation.

As for Casey, good on him. I'm glad to see another vote on the side of this, especially a Conservative one (even if he's really a PC). If everyone goes well and the Conservatives fall apart, I can't help but wonder if there will be any Conservatives looking to cross the aisle. That would just be the cherry on the top of this amazing sundae.

CuzBen said...

Maybe Bill Casey should be interim leader....:)

In all honestly, I too would really love to see some former PCs break ranks and join the coalition, giving it a true all-party feel. I know for a fact that several MPs are very P.O'd about this blunder and all the hyper-partisan garbage that has gone on under Harper.

sassy said...

This from Kady O'Malley abour an hour ago Is that a confidence motion I see before me?

A news day that just won't quit!!

Anonymous said...

Steve,

Couldn't ask for a better headline that this one:

"Coalition would be guided by all-star economic council".


Hows that media bias angle going for you? :)

Steve V said...

Ben

Do you have any MP's in mind ;)

Jacques Beau Vert said...

In all honestly, I too would really love to see some former PCs break ranks and join the coalition, giving it a true all-party feel

It's a great idea and I would LOVE to see the same thing happen. Seeing some co-operation and common ground in Parliament would be outstanding.

It would be nice if they could remain Conservatives, for that all-party co-operative feel, but I'm not sure if that'd be allowed. But there's plenty of centrist moderate conservatives who could pitch in to help the coalition.

Steve V said...

Can't wait for Question Period :)

Kris said...

Newsworld just "confirmed" that Dion will lead the coalition. Anyone see this anywhere else?

Kris said...

Leadership candidates agree to Dion as interim PM

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20081130/conservative_budget_081201/20081201?hub=TopStories

Steve V said...

A lot of happy faces walking out of the Liberal caucus.

penlan said...

And CBC Newsworld will be showing the entire Question Period!

Steve V said...

Harper looks lost.

Steve V said...

Flaherty is BEAT red, a "deal with the devil", he's lost it.

penlan said...

Harper is plastered with makeup but that still doesn't hide the big, dark bags under his eyes. He looks like a wet dog dragging his tail behind him.

And, yes Steve, Flaherty's face IS beet red. He's madder than a wet hen.

Hmmm...must be a water day. I mean a watershed day. ;)

Steve V said...

What a performance from Flaherty, completely UNHINGED.

I need popcorn.

CuzBen said...

Don N. just said that not all Cons applauded Harper. I wish I knew who....

Steve V said...

That's interesting Ben. It's going to get ugly.

northwestern_lad said...

The debate and Members Statements before QP were priceless. Seeing Dean Del Mastro and new Harper pitbull Sheri Glover calling the Opposition un-Canadian was something that I've just been waiting to happen. It was only a matter of time.

Steve V said...

Cam

You will note, beyond the bluster, there is complete resignation.

Steve V said...

Joint opposition news conference at 4pm.

Mulclair is fired up!

penlan said...

Resigned faces as well as grim. They know they're done.

JimmE said...

KO has this:

http://blog.macleans.ca/2008/12/01/is-that-a-confidence-motion-i-see-before-me/

Depends on Speaker's ruling