We need 15 opposition MPs with principle to cross the floor
An excellent column from Tom Brodbeck in the Winnipeg Sun. Not only would the BQ be able to demand whatever it wanted, Liberals would likely have no choice but to grant it because of their inability to finance an election that turning down the BQ demand would cause. Worse the lower the approval rating of the coalition and Liberal Prime Minister, the more united the government would be to hold power at all costs. If Conservative poll numbers go through the roof as expected under a Prime Minister Dion governing with separatist and socialist support during the time of a depression; the incentive of keeping the coalition together would only strengthen simply because of a common front to avoid an election where all opposition parties except the Bloc would likely get thrashed. This alliance is dangerous for Canada and quite frankly there should be huge public protests in Ottawa on December 8 when the vote takes place. It will be interesting to see if this coalition gives a boost to the PQ in the Quebec elections set for the same day. Imagine what Premier Pauline Marois could extort from Ottawa through BQ demands. At this point I think backing down isn't an option for either side. We need an immediate election right now so that Canadians can determine if the Conservatives should get a majority to get something done on the economy vs. the need for a public mandate on a potential government that includes separatists.
I personally think Harper made a miscalculation that backfired huge on him. Had there been an election people might have been angry about being forced into another expensive vote on partisan games. Conservative might have lost seats. Acknowledging Harper's mistake, I think the Liberals may have caused a much larger blunder than the carbon tax that will eventually have massive implications through even engaging in these coalition talks. Liberals have exposed themselves as being willing to work with separatists and socialists to take power despite the election results. That will be an election issue for sure next time. At the same time, they have given credibility to the NDP and BQ virtually guaranteeing the left split will continue in the future. You cannot say the NDP are bad for the economy and then consider joining a coalition that is considering Jack Layton as finance minister. This experiment with the Greens failed in the last election and will prove to do so again.
All Liberals who consider themselves as federalists, who backed Paul Martin's work as Finance Minister, who are against NDP economic policies, who are not on the extreme left or even those who are self-interested and represent districts such as the Western provinces where this coalition would go from significant representation to basically no representation should consider crossing the floor and joining the Conservative Party. I think the best way to avert an election a this point and move forward on the economy would be for 15 opposition MPs to join the Conservative caucus. Keith Martin, Irwin Cotler, Andre Arthur and Bill Casey would be a good start. Justin Trudeau? Ken Dryden? Ralph Goodale? Marc Garneau? Scott Brison? Are there any opposition MPs with principle still left? I can't imagine many Liberals are comfortable working with the separatists under Dion's leadership. We need you to make this parliament work and deal with this economic crisis. Consider joining the government side as independents uncomfortable with the direction of the Liberal party or simply throw your membership where it belongs (the trash) and join a party that talks and acts like a federalist party and who would never allow unions to dicate actions on the economy during these tough economic times. 50 billion dollar tax increase on corporations? I am hoping at least some of you recognize this pendign disaster.
-Darryl
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Separatists cannot hold balance of power in Ottawa
By TOM BRODBECK
I never thought I'd see the day when the cancer that threatens the future of Canada would gain a real foothold in our Parliament.
Until now, the Bloc Quebecois -- whose only real goal is to break up the country -- has been relegated to the opposition benches of the House of Commons.
It's been troubling enough watching separatists get sworn into Parliament, occupying seats that should be the exclusive domain of people who swear their allegiance to Canada.
But we're now faced with the real possibility that the Bloc Quebecois could have a seat around the cabinet table if opposition members topple the Conservative government next week and replace it with a coalition that includes Quebec separatists.
Even former prime minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau must be spinning in his grave at the thought of separatists -- the very people he dedicated his political career to defeat -- having a say in Canada's national government.
It would be, if it happens, a historical turning point for Canada -- separatists calling the shots on how our country should be run and ultimately scheming to break it up.
It would be a major victory for Quebec separatists too, who have been plotting the demise of Canada since the 1960s and who have trampled on the rights of non-French speaking people for three decades.
What better way to fight for the independence of Quebec than to be in power in the very Parliament they seek to destroy?
And who is making it possible for separatists to invade the federal cabinet room?
Liberals and New Democrats.
So desperate are they to be in power that they would put the future of Canada at risk by inviting the Bloc Quebecois to play a role in their proposed coalition government.
RECESSION
These are the very people who purport to stand up for the unity of Canada. But now, in exchange for a short stint in government, they are willing to sell the Dominion of Canada down the St. Lawrence River.
The pretext for the move is that the Conservatives are refusing to open the spending taps further than they already have.
The Liberals and NDP claim that because Prime Minister Stephen Harper is not willing to spend as much as they believe is necessary to help Canadians through a possible recession, that government should be toppled and replaced with a coalition that includes separatists.
It's a red herring, an excuse for Liberal Leader Stephane Dion to make a final, desperate bid for the prime minister's chair and for the NDP -- who could never form government on their own -- to finally have representation around the cabinet table.
So what could the Bloc do if they played a role in a proposed coalition?
They could begin by demanding that Quebec get a substantially larger share of Canada's fiscal pie.
They could demand that Quebec's provincial government take over certain federal functions, those which fall under shared responsibility under the Constitution.
The Bloc could demand that the Clarity Act, which ensures that a clear question and a clear majority is necessary for any province to separate from Canada, be amended.
They could demand it be scrapped altogether.
The political manoeuvrings, schemes and strategies by the Bloc to advance their agenda to break up Canada would be endless should they ever get the foothold of power they seek through a coalition government.
And the NDP and Liberals should be ashamed of themselves for what they are about to do to Canada.
