Ignatieff names shadow cabinet...interesting who has been left out


Today Michael Ignatieff named his shadow cabinet. It is smaller than the Conservative cabinet with some critics serving in multiple portfolios. There is no deputy leader and Mr. Ignatieff himself will hold the critic position for Intergovernmental Affairs. What I found interesting is some of the names not included.

Stephane Dion: Former leader of the Liberal Party appears to have been shut out of the shadow cabinet with no clear responsibilities.

Justin Trudeau: No cabinet post for the son of former Prime Minister Trudeau?

Ralph Goodale: Once considered a possibility for interim leader now appears destined for the backbenches.

Ujjal Dosanjh: Once considered a potential leadership contender, today the former BC NDP Premier finds himself out of the shadow cabinet.

Irwin Cotler: A top mind on justice and international law; does anyone else find it odd that he wasn't selected for the shadow critic role?

Marlene Jennings: Lots of experience in previous cabinet and critic roles, but seems Ignatieff took a pass on her this time.

Hedy Fry and Joyce Murray: Two prominent Liberal women from BC also shut out.

Navdeep Bains: Considered a rising star in the Liberal Party, Mr. Bains finds himself without a cabinet despite being in a vulnerable riding Mississauga-Brampton South.

Bryon Wilfert: Dion's most loyal supporter shut out by the new regime.

Jim Karygiannis: Always passed up for cabinet or critic roles it seems. Mr. Karygiannis was the loudest critic of Dion and some argue it was his comments to the media that accelerated Dion's departure paving the way for Iggy.

Alberta, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories and Nunavut are shut out of shadow cabinet altogether. MPs such as Ruby Dhalla and Ken Dryden perhaps got lesser roles than expected. Overall there are 35 members of the Ignatieff shadow cabinet and that is three short of the 38 Conservative cabinet. I am assuming Jim Cowan will remain Leader of the Opposition in the Senate given that he was appointed in November as leader. Overall it will be interesting to see what the rationale there was for keeping members like Cotler, Trudeau, Dosanjh, Bains, Goodale and Dion out of the shadow cabinet. Are some of these names not running for re-election? Did they back the wrong leadership candidate? Does Ignatieff want to signal a changing of the guard in the Liberal Party? I would love to hear your thoughts on this.

Correction: I have just been informed that Goodale and Jennings will keep their roles as House leader and Deputy House leader. Given that Goodale is the only Liberal from Saskatchewan, I am still a bit surprised he was not assigned a formal critic role in the Ignatieff shadow cabinet.

-Darryl




Liberal Opposition Critics

Michael Ignatieff - Intergovernmental Affairs

John McCallum - Finance

Bob Rae - Foreign Affairs

Denis Coderre - Defence and Quebec Lieutenant

David McGuinty - Environment & Energy

Carolyn Bennett - Health

Marc Garneau - Industry, Science & Technology

Mark Holland - Public Safety & National Security

Geoff Regan - Natural Resources

Dominic LeBlanc - Justice and Attorney-General

Scott Brison - International Trade

Martha Hall Findlay - Public Works and Government Services

Todd Russell - Indian Affairs

Larry Bagnell - Arctic Issues & Northern Development

Joe Volpe - Transport

Gerard Kennedy - Infrastructure, Communities and Cities

Maurizio Bevilacqua - Citizenship & Immigration

Judy Sgro - Veterans Affairs, Seniors & Pensions

Yasmin Ratansi - National Revenue

Gerry Byrne - Fisheries & Oceans

Jean-Claude D'Amours - Atlantic Gateway and Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Pablo Rodriguez - Canadian Heritage & Official Languages

Maria Minna - Labour

Dan McTeague - Treasury Board, Consumer Affairs and Consular Affairs

Mike Savage - Human Resources & Skills Development

Anita Neville - Status of Women

Wayne Easter - Agriculture, Agri-food and Canadian Wheat Board

Sukh Dhaliwal - Asia-Pacific Gateway & Western Economic Development

Ruby Dhalla - Youth & Multiculturalism

Keith Martin - Amateur Sport, Health Promotion and the Vancouver Olympics

Alexandra Mendès - Economic Development Agency for Regions of Quebec

Glen Pearson - International Cooperation

Raymonde Folco - La Francophonie

Ken Dryden - National Outreach Advisor, Working Families & Poverty, Special Liason, National Fundraising

Dion resigns officially

What a difference a day can make in politics. Monday it looked like Dion would become Prime Minister and 77 Liberal MPs all signed a letter to the Governor General saying they were united by the coalition under Dion's leadership. Today after trying to force Harper out of his job as leader, he finds himself turfed instead.

"I will take the decisions, were I to be given the honour to lead the party, on the 26th, when I've seen the budget."
-Michael Ignatieff

Hopefully the new Liberal leader will allow us to work together for Canadians on the budget. It is no secret that Iggy refused to accept a cabinet post in this coalition government and has been lukewarm on the prospect from the beginning.
-Darryl

***

For Release: Immediate
Statement by the Honourable Stéphane Dion

After the election on October 14 I announced I would stay on as Leader of the Liberal Party until my party could select my successor. One of my goals was to ensure an effective opposition to Stephen Harper’s government.

I believe that decision was the right one and I am proud of having forced Stephen Harper to back away from his attempt to force upon Canadians his most ideological and harmful plans in these tough economic times.

The alliance between the Liberal Party and the NDP to replace the Harper government, with the support of the Bloc Québécois, is a solid basis to give Canada a government that reflects both the aspirations of the majority of Canadians and the support of the majority of Members of Parliament. Such a government would be more stable than a minority Conservative government incapable of cooperating with opposition parties.

As the Governor General has granted a prorogation, it is a logical time for us Liberals to assess how we can best prepare our party to carry this fight forward.

There is a sense in the party, and certainly in the caucus, that given these new circumstances the new leader needs to be in place before the House resumes. I agree. I recommend this course to my party and caucus. As always, I want to do what is best for my country and my party, especially when Canadians’ jobs and pensions are at risk.

So I have decided to step aside as Leader of the Liberal Party effective as soon as my successor is duly chosen.

I will offer my unconditional and enthusiastic support to my successor in the same way I have always supported the leaders of our great party. I will work under the next leader’s direction with all my energy in order to give Canada a better government.

I wish to close by making it absolutely clear that my earlier departure does not change the facts of the situation that the Prime Minister has created in the last two weeks.

The Prime Minister and his government refused to lay out a plan to stimulate the economy. The Prime Minister has lost the confidence of the House of Commons. The Prime Minister shut down Parliament to save his job while thousands of Canadians are losing theirs. The Prime Minister has poisoned the well of trust and respect that is necessary for a minority government to work in Parliament - especially in a time of crisis.

Mr. Harper took an economic crisis and added a parliamentary crisis that he then tried to transform into a national unity crisis: this is no way for a Prime Minister of Canada to act.

It is my hope that the decision I have announced today will enhance the capacity of Parliament to function effectively for the sake of Canadians in this economic crisis.

Stéphane Dion, PC, MP

Funny email that is going around
-Darryl

***

Canada was stunned today when it was announced that the Stanley Cup will be awarded to the Toronto Maple Leafs, possibly as early as December 15th.

The cup will be stripped from from 2008 playoff champions, the Detroit Red Wings, and be awarded to the Leafs, who didn't even make the playoffs.

How is this possible, Canadians ask?

Well, the Leafs have formed a coalition with the Eastern Conference semifinalists, the Montreal Canadians, and Conference quarter finalists the Ottawa Senators, now outnumbering the Red Wings.

According to current Leaf coach Ron Wilson "the Red Wings have lost the confidence of the league and should hand the cup over immediately to our coalition".

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman is cutting short a series of training sessions with Sean Avery on the subject of public relations to devote more time to this unprecedented hockey crisis, a crisis that could force a second playoff series, or see a coalition of other American teams take the cup.

Note: Not sure who to give credit to.

Three crucial speeches from Stephen Harper

When you watch these three speeches, it is amazing how a week can change things in politics. These three speeches are important at this time from Stephen Harper. They outline what was happening when the country was on the right track. This coup has created political instability, economic uncertainty, a unity crisis and done nothing to address the needs of Canadians. This coalition has taken us on the wrong track in Canada, and it is time to get back on the right track.

The first video is from the Winnipeg Conservative Convention. At this speech he highlights the hard work of volunteers who made the election victory possible. He outlines his vision and reaches out to opposition parties. The second video is the election night victory speech that gave him the mandate to become Prime Minister. He reaches out to Opposition parties. In the third video he outlines what is going on now and what he has done on the economy. He solicits ideas from the opposition parties.

The opposition have been plotting a coup to defeat Harper by joining with the separatists while the Conservative Party was attempting to work for Canadians who elected them on the issues people care about. Opposition speeches following the Governor General's announcement didn't seem like leaders who were interested in working on the economy. It seemed to me they want power at all costs despite your vote. They have no intention of working with the elected Prime Minister to make this parliament work. Several including Bob Rae have said Harper should be brought down regardless of what he does. "There is no turning back".

The results of the last election should be upheld and stability should be maintained for Canadians. Opposition should put Canada before their own political ambitions and political games. Thanks to Stephane Dion, the case has been made for a Conservative majority.
-Darryl

Winnipeg Conservative Convention Speech:

What Harper stands for. A great speech that also highlights the last campaign and where the country was going before this power grab by the coalition. Credit to Stephen Taylor for filming this.



Election Night Coverage and Harper Victory Speech October 14, 2008

How you become the Prime Minister of Canada unless you are Stephane Dion. Note 4:15 on the tape. 5:07 is also interesting. At 7:14 Harper speeks.
-Darryl



Address to the Nation:

Why this Rally for Canada is happening. Note this is how you produce a video and make sure it arrives on time.
-Darryl

Dec 5: Queens Park Noon-2pm: Rally for Canada! Be there if you support democracy!

It is crucial that as many people as possible attend this rally in your home city. This is about unity, our economy and democracy. Let us send a strong message to Stephane Dion (or whoever is going to lead in the interim or permanently for the Liberal Party) , Jack Layton and Gilles Duceppe that they should not be allowed to overturn your vote. If you oppose this coalition made up of parties who lost the last election backed by separatists, please take the time to stand up for what is right at a protest closest to where you live in Canada. This coalition thinks they represent the majority of Canadians...let's show them they are wrong! The polls show a majority of Canadians do not want this political instability. We need to say no way!

Noon-2pm at Queens Park tomorrow. I look forward to seeing you there. Politicians should be putting Canada's economy first - not their own self serving partisan interests during these uncertain economic times.
-Darryl

***

Dear Friends;

Many of you have been contacting me to express your outrage at the anti-democratic actions the Opposition is moving forward with. I share your views that these actions, at this time of economic crisis, show nothing more than an inherent sense of entitlement, partisan selfishness and a naked grab for power.

Less than 2 months ago Canadians gave our Conservative government a strengthened mandate in which we made it clear that we will continue to address the global economic crisis. Now, a Socialist-Separatist-drive in coalition is attempting to overturn the results of the last election. They are attempting to impose a radical new Government without the people’s consent, led by Stephane Dion, who Canadians resoundingly rejected as their choice for Prime Minister. This is an attack on Canada and an attack on Canadian democracy.

Question of the Day: What does this mean for the Liberal leadership candidates?

MPs will now go back to their ridings and will not return until January 26. It is not going to be pleasant for any of them regardless of partisan affiliation to come home and face the electorate after this past week.

What is clear though is that this was a major defeat for the Liberals and NDP. Stephen Harper's personal numbers have taken a short term hit, but the Conservative Party has skyrocketed in the polls because of this coalition with the Bloc Quebecois. The next election ballot box issue will be Conservative majority or a possible coalition government that could include the Bloc Quebecois. Unfortunately this power grab has added a unity crisis along with the financial challenges that need to be addressed. Parliament is not sitting. The Liberal caucus is divided and demoralized.

A majority government is now Stephen Harper's to lose. Having said that we need to have learned our lesson as well. Stephen Harper must separate being Prime Minister from leader of the Conservative Party at times. Now is not the time for partisanship or elections. Now is the time to get to work on the economy, resolutions that were passed in Winnipeg and present ourselves as a government for all Canadians until the campaign actually happens. The current rallies and advertising campaigns should go forward as long as the coalition threat is formally on the table. Stephen Harper said he would try and build bridges and was open to working with the opposition parties on the budget. Liberals should take that opportunity to save some face as Mr. Dion opened up the door to today.

There were times when it looked like Stephen Harper was in serious trouble earlier this week. Now it is Mr. Dion who will most likely be replaced as leader before January 2009. The coalition clearly rejected as undemocratic and bad for Canada is still on the table but the idea will be scrapped in short order. Heavy damage has been done to the Liberal brand. All three leadership candidates now have to wear this because they went along with this coalition. The challenge of the next Liberal leader to become Prime Minister is only that much greater. For Liberals this was probably the biggest mistake they will make in a generation.

So what does this all mean for the leadership candidates? All are basically collateral damage from this brand collapse and this foiled coup. Is it too late for them to come against this all now? Is an outsider at this point needed to enter the race? What is next for the Liberal leadership and how does this all impact the timing of the next election? Should the Liberals and NDP merge formally similar to what happen with the Canadian Alliance and PC Party?
-Darryl

Jim Karygiannis should join the blue team

Conservative Secretary of State responsible for Toronto? Jim seems to side with us on a lot of issues. He is constantly overlooked in the Liberal Party for cabinet and critic positions. Jim has a large following in his own riding and has lots of experience on the hill. We did OK in the Scarborough area in the last election and I think he could hold the seat in the 416 for us if he was willing to join our caucus. I am not sure if that would ever happen, but you cannot help but have respect for this man for at least telling it like it is.
-Darryl

***

Liberal MP Jim Karygiannis wasted no time in calling Mr. Dion to be replaced before the House returns in January. "Who are we kidding? I think it's over," he said, heading into a closed door caucus meeting.

"To become Prime Minister at all costs? Where do we take the Liberal brand? ... The brand got hit. The brand is good. The CEO of the company screwed up."

The Scarborough MP emerged from caucus saying the party supports remaining in the coalition, but Mr. Dion must be replaced. "The party still wants the coalition to keep together. My constituents want Mr. Dion to go."

He said it's time to move the party's leadership race up - a conventon is slated for May - or find some way of making sure it has "a leader who can lead us" if there is an election in February or March.

Mr. Dion's botched video address was a clincher, he said: "We bombed."

***

Next Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff gave him his cover:

Toronto MP Michael Ignatieff, the front-runner in the race to take over the Liberal leadership from Dion, criticized Karygiannis harshly.

"Every single [Liberal] is aware of the seriousness of this, every single one of us is trying to rise to the expectations which Canadians have of us, and Mr. Karygiannis' characterizations of these discussions today is unworthy of the caucus to which he belongs."

Emotions run high during Question Period

The last few sessions have been the most exciting in decades. Today however, Harper will prorogue the parliament until January.
-Darryl

Is Stephane Dion and the coalition ready to govern Canada?

Harper's televised address; Dion proves he is ready to be PM

Here is a great way to build confidence that you are ready to take over as Prime Minister in front of a national televised audience. I do not know how anyone can take that idea of a coalition seriously during these times. Below is an address from Stephen Harper about the current political crisis.
-Darryl

No signatures on the Globe and Mail Document

I was reading this story in the Globe and Mail and find it strange that none of the leaders Stockwell Day, Joe Clark or Gilles Duceppe have signed the agreement. Stockwell Day was very clear that he did not agree to this and in fact never saw the agreement. The lawyer says MPs never discussed the idea.

I also do not think the coalition can claim legitimacy for this coalition based on what might have been suggested in the year 2000 or in a letter to the Governor General in 2004. Those coalitions did not occur. On Tuesday (assuming the vote takes place on Monday), there is a real reality that a coalition government will be formed that is unelected and dependent of support from the separatist party. A formal coalition is different than soliciting support on an issue by issue basis. If Stephane Dion and Jack Layton want to bring a separatist party into the Canadian parliament they should justify that action on its merits alone. Digging up documents from the past is not what is going to give this government democratic legitimacy.
-Darryl

Blast from the Past: Newmarket-Aurora in 2005

After crossing the floor and joining Paul Martin's government, this was one of the reasons Belinda Stronach gave to justify her actions to the people of Newmarket-Aurora and Canadians.

"Also, by forcing an election before the Conservative party has grown and established itself in Quebec, the hold over Quebec of the Bloc Quebecois can only grow into the vacuum. The result will be to stack the deck in favour of separatism, and the possibility of a Conservative government beholden to the separatists."

And to all those who keep waiving around the 2004 letter to the GG, consider what Liberals campaigned on in 2006 through a television ad:

"Gilles Duceppe and Stephen Harper worked together to bring down the government. Lots of late night secret meetings. Apparently, they're quite a team. Which is great. Because if Harper wins this election? He'll have to work very, very closely with Duceppe. Unfortunately, their unity won't do much for Canada's unity."

It is too bad there are not more Liberals who feel the same way right now. Those MPs who want to break with Dion's leadership and this alliance have more than enough cover to secure re-election in their ridings on this issue.
-Darryl

Duceppe in his own words on this coalition

It is amazing how many Liberals are dismissing this as a minor issue. It is a shame that Dion is throwing away his entire legacy of fighting for unity and bringing in the clarity act to govern for a few months with this guy as his coalition partner. Shame.
-Darryl

How Harper wins this and stays in Power:

It was looking bad for awhile, but yesterday the Prime Minister’s performance in Question Period saved his job. He still has lots of fight left in him, and I think following comments from the PQ and Bloc; it is actually the coalition now on the defensive. If I was advising Harper here is what I would do.

1. Ask the Governor General today to prorogue the parliament. This request has never been turned down since confederation. Harper demonstrated he had the confidence of the House through the Throne Speech.
2. Go on national television with a state of the nation address. Portray the situation as a national emergency for both the economy and unity. Portray the opposition actions as a coup and inconsistent with the results of the previous election. Say you do not want an election but the opposition might cause one by defeating the government before a budget has been proposed. Outline plans for the economy and a stimulus package and apologize for including partisan measures in the economic statement and remind Canadians that they have no been removed by admitting his mistake.
3. Use the time until January 27 to craft a budget that appeals to the base of the Bloc and NDP. Lots of support for the auto and forestry sector. Money for Quebec. Goodies for everyone. At the same time go after any Liberal or opposition MPs who are uncomfortable with this alliance especially from the West and offer them positions on an economic advisory committee or outright membership in the Conservative Party possibly with cabinet posts or major projects to their riding. Try and cause division so the coalition collapses. Run a five million dollar ad campaign between now and January 27 linking the Liberal Party to the separatists and questioning the mandate of Dion. I would also have ads questioning if the NDP can be trusted on the economy in this unprecedented economic climate. I would bring back the talking points about entitlements, sponsorship scandal and Liberals being willing to risk national unity to grab power. I would position the Conservative Party as the only federalist option that can keep both the West and Quebec united in confederation. Every BQ or PQ statement on separation would become a television ad ending with a picture of Dion and asking if this is the government you trust to run Canada.
4. Deliver a budget that would be extremely hard for the opposition parties to vote down. With a little luck the coalition might be finished with the alliance seen as the biggest blunder in Liberal history. If they bring down the government, there is a better chance that GG will call an election after a few months since the last election as opposed to a few weeks after the last election.
5. If there is an election campaign, Harper and Conservatives can be confident we have a winning ballot box question, the finances and the motivated volunteers to hammer the entire opposition who I would portray as a single party that wants to govern as a separatist coalition.

Scott Reid is going to look like an idiot very soon. He went after Harper with all he had and the opposition parties made a huge strategic blunder and took his advise. All credibility has now been lost to their individual brands over this. A few short days ago it looked like the Conservatives would have power stolen from them and Dion would become Prime Minister. I personally think Harper’s job is now safe rather this coalition forms or not. Historically, this is going to be seen as the biggest mistake the Liberal Party has made in the history of their party. I predict the next election will be the last time you see 5 parties in Canadian democracy. As soon as the next election is called, Conservatives will win a majority while the left will be forced to unite formally under one banner to survive. Dion damaged his party with the carbon tax and a coalition with the Greens. He has now dealt it the final blow by demonstrating to Canadians that Liberals are so unprincipled that they will risk the unity of the country for a cheap few months in power. If I was a Liberal I would remove Dion at all costs to avoid any further damage – although at this point it is well past too late. If I wanted to be Liberal leader, I would position myself immediately against this coalition because I guarantee in a couple of months that person is going to look like a genius. Liberals rolled the dice and have lost. As Conservatives, we should stand firmly behind our leader rather this undemocratic coalition takes power or not. We should not do the opposition’s dirty work by removing a leader who was elected by party members, brought together a united right and was twice elected by Canadians. In the most recent election he received an increased mandate. They want to take him out because they fear him. After Question Period yesterday, I am convinced that there is no way Dion will be able to hold his own against an opposition slaughter that would take place if he actually stole the Prime Ministers office. Liberals who still stand for something should stop this from becoming a trainwreck at all costs.

Update: Harper to address the nation tonight at 7pm Eastern Time.

-Darryl

New Conservative ad about Dion and his separatist coalition

I already know how partisans from all sides will act. It will be interesting to see how average Canadians react to this who are not up to speed on the inside baseball and daily political games in Ottawa. So far polls on CTV's website and also Global TV are showing heavy early opposition. QP was interesting today if anyone watches CPAC. Best line from Harper, "If you want to be prime minister, you get your mandate from the Canadian people, not from the separatists."
-Darryl



Canadians were lied to by Dion during the election campaign a few weeks ago:

Meet the Three stooges

The Bloc has already had it's influence. From the document signed by all three leaders...

"A majority of Canadians and Quebecers voted for our parties on October 14, 2008. Our Members of Parliament make up 55 percent of the House of Commons."

They haven't even sat in government yet and already Canada and Quebec are separate. Thanks for looking out for Canadians Mr. Dion.
-Darryl

Should Gilles Duceppe answer questions in the House of Commons as part of the Government? Should the Bloc get cabinet posts as the second largest coalition partner?

The Governor General must decide if the NDP and Liberals have a coalition that can demonstrate the confidence of the House of Commons, provide stable leadership and move forward on a common agenda during this economic crisis. In order to do that she will have to factor in the role of the Bloc Quebecois. Are they part of the government and a formal member of the coalition or are they an opposition party? To avoid an election the Bloc Quebecois must be part of the coalition to make it larger than the 143 member Conservative caucus and to control a majority of seats in the House of Commons. Therefore in order to approve this coalition, she must accept that the separatists will be part of the Canadian government. Otherwise the NDP-Liberal coalition does not have the confidence of the House. As a result separatist MPs would have to sit with the government and I think it is only fair that as leader of a governing coalition partner, Gilles Duceppe should be fair game to opposition questions in the House of Commons regardless of if he is in charge of a Ministry or not. His input will be crucial to government decisions and he should be subject to accountability in the House. In a traditional coalition government, as leader of the second largest party in the coalition, Duceppe would be entitled to the Deputy Prime Minister or Finance post. For political reasons he will not get those portfolios, but he should not be able to hide from opposition questions and Liberals and NDP partners should not be allowed to hide him either. Liberals are fighting for democracy right? So a question for this coalition...will Gilles Duceppe be subject to questions in the House of Commons from Canada's only opposition party in the legislature or will they pretend to be opposition MPs and prop up the government only with votes in this scenario? The answer to that question could play a role in how the Governor General decides.

Another question is what kind of legitimacy would this government have without the second largest coalition partner having cabinet representation? According to a poll: 62% of Quebeckers think the Bloc should demand cabinet posts as a condition for their support of the NDP-Liberals. Given the Bloc's 50 seats compared to the NDP's 37, I think this is only fair. Liberals are trying to have it both ways with the Bloc. They require their support but want to pretend there is no association. That is fantasy. A viable coalition must have government participation from all parties involved. The Governor General must have clear confidence that this united coalition can last, get things done and provide stable leadership during a time of economic crisis.

So far I don't see much indication that this alliance has been well thought out. It is a clear coup and power grab as no platform has been presented to the electorate who's votes they have overturned, no terms and conditions of this alliance have been made public and there is serious doubt that it can survive the next few days, let alone the term of the agreement. The memberships of all of these individual parties have not even have the chance to vote on this merger of the left to give it some internal legitimacy. The coalition was never presented as a possibility during the election campaign, in fact all of these leaders campaigned against such an idea. Already we have seen market instability because of the political situation today. The stakes are high for ordinary Canadians who voted six weeks ago. The more thought that goes into how this coalition would play out, the more ridiculous it seems. Based on what is known today; I don't see how the Governor General could do anything other than call an election and end this circus.
-Darryl

Breaking News: Dion will lead the coalition

Apparently he received unanimous consent among Liberal MPs. They also say they have agreed on a 30 billion dollar stimulus package with the other two opposition parties. Three questions...

Will Dion implement the carbon tax he campaigned on six weeks ago?

Is it true that Liberals have agreed to raise corporate taxes 50 billion dollars to secure NDP support?

What has been promised to the separatists?

Raising taxes on Canadian corporations that provide jobs, a carbon tax on individuals and a government that requires separatist support on every issue does not give me much confidence. Somehow I am not sure that all of this is the solution to our economic troubles in Canada.

-Darryl

Potential Liberal-Socialist-Separatist Cabinet posts

Here are my predictions for Canada's new government:

Something for Governor General Michaëlle Jean to consider before deciding to call an election...
-Darryl


The Ministry

The Right Honourable Jean Chretien (Liberal appointed through the senate as co-founder of new party)
Prime Minister of Canada

The Right Honourable Ed Broadbent (NDP appointed through the senate as co-founder of new party)
Deputy Prime Minister of Canada

The Honourable Elizabeth May (Green Liberal appointed through the senate)
Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister of the Environment

The Honourable Jack Layton (NDP)
Minister of Finance

The Honourable Gilles Duceppe (BQ)
Minister of Foreign Affairs

The Honourable Dawn Black (NDP)
Minister of National Defence

The Honourable Irwin Cotler (LIB)
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

The Honourable Stephane Dion (LIB)
Minister of National Revenue

The Honourable Denis Coderre (LIB)
Minister of Veterans Affairs

The Honourable Charlie Angus (NDP)
Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians

The Honourable John McCallum (LIB)
Minister of International Trade

The Honourable Pat Martin (NDP)
President of the Treasury Board

The Honourable Thomas Mulcair (NDP)
Minister of Labour

The Honourable Yves Lessard (BQ)
Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development

The Honourable Bernard Bigras (BQ)
Minister of International Cooperation

The Honourable Michael Ignatieff (LIB)
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities

The Honourable Bob Rae (NDP/LIB)
Minister of Industry

The Honourable Christiane Gagnon (BQ)
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister for La Francophonie

The Honourable Ujjal Dosanjh (LIB/NDP)
Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

The Honourable Ève-Mary Thaï Thi Lac (BQ)
Minister of Public Safety

The Honourable Ralph Goodale (LIB)
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board

The Honourable Ruby Dhalla (LIB)
Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism

The Honourable Scott Brison (LIB)
Minister of Public Works and Government Services

The Honourable Michel Guimond (BQ)
Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

The Honourable Olivia Chow (NDP)
Minister of Health

The Honourable Justin Trudeau (LIB)
Minister of Natural Resources

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc (LIB)
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

The Honourable Ken Dryden (LIB)
Minister of State (Sport)

The Honourable Marc Garneau (LIB)
Minister of (Science and Technology)

The Honourable Martha Hall Findlay (LIB)
Minister of State (Satus of Women)

The Honourable Buzz Hargrove (NDP/LIB Appointed through Senate)
Minister of State and Chief Government Whip

Anyone else have any predictions they want to share??? God help this nation if this coalition takes power.
-Darryl

Media keeps ignoring one of the coalition partners...missing the real story

As the media cover this Liberal coup d’état, they seem to forget one of the coalition partners that are necessary to maintain the confidence of the house. A NDP and Liberal coalition means absolutely nothing and the Governor General has no right to even consider it unless the Bloc Quebecois is a formal part of the agreement guranteeing to support the Canadian government for a reasonable period of time. The Liberals have 77 seats and the NDP has 37. Together they have 114 seats, not even close to the 143 that Tories earned. An NDP-Liberal coaliton has no where near enough seats to govern and together are not even the biggest party in the House of Commons. By itself, a Liberal-NDP coalition lacks any kind of mandate and would be given no legitimacy on its own. Therefore the media needs to find out what has been promised to a party that wants to break apart our country. An explanation is required on how a party only concerned with the interest of Quebec is good to balance the affairs of the entire nation (FYI the Western provinces would go from 58 seats in the government to 20 under this arrangement. Quebec would go from 10 seats in government to 64 with the coalition) . Finally it needs to be determined if the BQ is a formal part of this coalition or is simply onside for only one confidence vote. If they are not in the coalition formally, every confidence vote will cause drama as Conservatives would have a responsibility and obligation to bring down this undemocratic coalition at all costs and on every confidence vote.

This whole process is an assault on democracy. Harper is exactly right when he says a soundly defeated Stephane Dion would rather simply take power than earn it. Liberals are not just entitled to their entitlements but feel they have a right to take power at any cost rather you vote for them or not. The willingness to work with the separatists question if they stand for anything at all. Giving socialists cabinet roles show a lack of confidence in their ability to handle the economy. Jack Layton in finance? Give your head a shake team red. The fact that this all started over their lack of ability to fundraise without the Canadian taxpayer shows the opposition care about themselves and their own partisan interests than the Canadians and economy they talk about. Canada will have no credibility preaching democracy to the Russians or Chinese if this coalition goes through with Dion installed leader despite not being elected. When did Canada become a banana republic? How will the markets react to Prime Minister Stephane Dion's Liberal Party of Toronto propped up by socialists and separatists. Liberals will ask Canadians to have confidence in Dion as Prime Minister when they lack confidence themselves in him as leader. During the last election they campaigned against the BQ and NDP and never informed the voters of any potential left wing governing coalition.

The media needs to do its job. The BQ has 49 seats and would be the second largest coalition partner in this arrangement. Are they part of this coalition or not? If so what were they promised. If not how can the GG have any confidence in Dion's ability to maintain the confidence of the house. Obviously they cannot count on any kind of support from us whatsoever. This story is not about a Prime Minister who miscalculated anymore, it is about Canada's old natural governing party selling out its values to the separatists and socialists for a couple months in power. How can anyone be proud to be a Liberal today. A sound defeat will come when Liberals eventually face a democratic election should this power grab actually take place.
-Darryl