A Political Mexican Standoff…in Canada?
In the Blue corner: There are those that see the recent formation of a coalition by the Liberals and NDP (backed by the Bloq) as opportunistic, undemocratic and costly. Additionally, some view this as precisely the opposite of what Canada needs in this current economic climate. While not technically illegal (as suggested by the PM: “illegal grab for power through the back door.”), many view this recent play by the Liberals and NDP as not in the best interests of Canada; specifically not the English majority that voted overwhelming for the Conservatives in the recently past election. There is also heightened fears of having a separatist party as the tipping point of power within Parliament. Finally, there are those that simply view this as an expense and resource commitment that is not healthy or needed at this particular moment (perhaps the Jan 27th Budget time-frame would have been better for everyone…).
In the Red corner: On the side of the coalition, there are those that state that Canadians did not vote for Stephen Harper, but for a party that has the support and confidence of Parliament (which arguably our PM will no longer enjoy come December 8th). Meaning, any coalition that can be formed that enjoys the majority of the seats and confidence of Parliament is able to lead Canadians. As well, some people feel that removing Quebec from the equation and stating that a majority of Canadians voted for the Conservatives in English Canada is not only misleading, but contrary to the very idea of an inclusive Canada. Many people feel that a coalition is the epitome of a democratic system and that this may lead to something different and great. Finally, there are those that feel that Mr. Harper and his current Chief of Staff are truly to blame for this current situation based on his partisan views and the spate of recently announced and recalled policies aimed at reducing and/or limiting power of left-leaning parties and organizations (also not forgetting the arts and culture cuts that resonated so sharply in Quebec).
Whoever is to blame or hold accountable for this current situation, I want to know what you are thinking… What are your thoughts on this situation? Where do you see this leading the country? If Dion ends up as the Interim Prime Minister (as it is now looking), which Liberal Leadership contender does this help? Where would this leave Stephen Harper?
December 4th, 2008 at 11:45 am
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December 19th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
I’m not a “politically active” person, really. I vote, but I’m not a member of any party – and I typically vote for individuals – not for who I would like to see as Prime Minister. The idea of a coalition, in theory, doesn’t bother me at all. In this case though, I feel strongly that the coalition would not be in the best interest of Canada or Canadians.
The proposed coalition has a great deal more to do with ensuring the fiscal well-being of those parties not currently in power than it does with addressing any loss of confidence in the conservatives on the part of parliament or the public – or so it seems to me. But that’s not the reason I’m so concerned.
For me the distinction between a coalition in concept, and the one that has been proposed is that the proposed one relies upon a political party which exists specifically to destroy my country. I think that anything that serves to empower, legitimize or invigorate the Bloc represents a serious threat to Canadian unity – and it is for that reason that I am so strongly opposed to it.
December 19th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
While I agree with your general argument, I have to question some of your logic…
While you focus on unity in your final paragraph, you are opposed to allowing a democratically elected party exercise its constitutional rights as a political party. Whether you believe in the BQ’s politics or not, they were elected by Canadians. To fuel the rhetoric propagated by Harper and others within the Conservative party does nothing but create a larger schism between Quebec and the rest of Canada. I fear Harper has done more harm to that relationship in the last 2 months than anyone else has done in years.
So yes…I agree this was not the right time for a coalition for a myriad of reasons. I also think we would be smart to avoid further disenfranchising the democratically elected party in Quebec…
Cheers