I’m at the Parliamentary Press Gallery dinner right now and a quiet rumour among a small number of the gathered people here is that Prime Minister Stephen Harper may prorogue Parliament until the new year.
This would provide some breathing room for the government and let Canadians consider a Bloc-supported NDP-Liberal coalition while they eat their Christmas dinners and/or get together for their holiday parties.
The opposition will cry foul, but it’s within the Prime Minister’s power. The effect on Ottawa would be to pour some cold water on the heated political atmosphere on the Hill.
However, I should say, the optics of it wouldn’t be ideal to say the least. What do you think the risk/reward potential of this move would be?
UPDATE: 45 minutes later, the rumour has made it to the podium and was just announced to a surprised room. Should be an interesting evening. I also hear that the PM may make a surprise appearance.
Stephen Taylor is a scientist, political analyst and a blogger. Taylor writes here regularly and is the founder of bloggingtories.ca. Taylor has contributed to Macleans, CTV, talk radio and has been a featured speaker on new media at numerous events including the Western Standard Cruise and the Forum for Public Policy. In December 2008, Taylor organized Rally for Canada, a series of rallies held coast-to-coast to protest the proposed coalition government.
November 29th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Exactly what I was thinking. It would be an excellent move. They could insert political financing cuts into the budget, which will include a stimulus, and dare the opposition to defeat it.
November 29th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
This would probably be a bad move. The Libs. appear to be in the midst of an internal coup. Better to force them to decide now than to give them the chance to beat you over the head for the next 6 weeks. The optics would be bad even if it is the prudent thing to do.
November 29th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Bad bad bad idea. If the oppo wants to vote non-confidence, let them and push for an election. If Harper appears afraid of the voters, it would be disastrous.
November 29th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Good for all IMO.
It can't look any worse than the spectacle of QP.
The Opps will scream, but is there anything this government has done that hasn't been met with howls from the Opps. If it's legal, do it.
The auto industry would have time to put together a feasible plan.
The elected government would be free from Parliament, and could focus on the need and size of a stimulus package.
And constitutional lawyers need to hammer this coalition thing out, or the threats will paralyze this and future governments (even future coalition governments).
November 29th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Very interesting idea. This will allow them to possibly slip it into the budget with things that the left DOES like, like a stimulus, and then if it gets defeated, the conservatives can point and say that the liberals/ndp/bloc are more concerned with their own lively hood than the good of the country. Plus it gives the conservatives some time to drum up the anti-subsidy message before it goes to vote.
November 29th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
Oh, I kind of want him to do this.
Harper looks weak (running away), and still has to wear the recession.
November 29th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
Wrong, the liberal media elements and the usual rabble are already doing just that, the more time the public has to digest the ramifications of what this coalition would do to the economy the better.
November 29th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
There's a rather hateful, disgusting column in the Globe & Mail today by one Scott Reid, “No time for the opposition to back down”. It needs to be read and he should be called on it. IMO it's over the top. If he's representing the Liberals in any capacity, we're up against some pretty nasty people.
November 29th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
If that isnt an admission of defeat, I dont know what is. We need to think about getting a new leader for this party.
November 29th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Risk: Right now (in my mind anyways, but I'm admittedly biased) the Libs and NDP are looking desperate for power. That is something we can use against them. If we prorogue Parliament, that makes it harder. I firmly believe that if they wrest control away they will be soundly punished when we go to the polls, but this would be tempered if we were perceived to over-manipulating the system.
Reward: There is a lot at stake here. The Conservatives have a sensible plan for the economy. Changing governments now would throw the country into turmoil, not to mention the markets, and be very very bad for people's sense of confidence. Not to mention the down time while a new ministry got up to speed. It would put us at least a month or two where we are now. It might suck for us, but proroguing Parliament might allow cooler heads to prevail.
But…I think it would be a good idea over the next week to be a little humble and conciliatory and try to save it without it. I doubt it will work because the Liberals' blood lust is up. The only thing that will probably stop them now is their own implosion (though there's a good chance of that). If we can say that we have made a genuine effort at finding some middle ground and the coalition still wants to take Canada down this road, then I think the case for proroguing Parliament is much stronger.
Just my thoughts.
November 29th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Stephen,
Having listened to the talk shows (Roy Green, in particular) and the reaction from Canadians in some of the regional polls, the Conservatives are getting the thumbs up in relation to the coup d'etat.
I would like to see my Prime Minister, visually reassuring Canadians, during this crisis. Not reading but speaking. Frequently, and then yes, wait until January! Cheers!
November 29th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Actually, who ARE WEAK, are 2 opposition leaders that have to ride the coat tails of a separatist. Look beyond! The country is bigger than 3 metro's and if that is YOUR Canada, have at 'er! The regional polls would indicate other wise! Even from Liberals, at least where I live.
This is feeling like the NEP, 26 years later…EGAD!
November 29th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
“The opposition will cry foul”. Let them cry foul all they want to; this unholy coalition they are cobbling together smells fouler than a rotten dirty diaper.
Harper has made them look even worse, their snivelling about losing their $1.95 per vote. What does Average Joe in the donut shop think about these teat-sucking politicians? Then joining up with socialists and separatists to take power? Dion, Layton and Duceppe look much much worse than Harper does right now. They are all toast once this sordid episode passes.
November 29th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
“I’m at the Parliamentary Press Gallery dinner”
Stop slacking off and get back to work. Table 4 needs more rolls.
November 29th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Good grief – Harper is forever running away from problems – what a weak man. He only works part-time it seems.
He should be a man and face the challenges.
Enough of this BS – our taxpayer money pays for this time.
November 29th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Shhh… I snuck in. I'm at the bloggers table at the back behind the concrete pillar.
November 29th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
The demands of the LibDipperBloc :
Do not take away our taxpayer funding
Go into defict and bailout…everyone except Big Oil and banks, NOW
… and once you've done that
-Honor Kyoto, buy carbon credits, NOW
-Shut down the Oilsands, NOW
There will be no end to the demands,
prorouge
and get your ducks in a row PMSH,
cause right now there is only one duck out there,
and it is a sitting duck, the West.
November 29th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
Agreed. Worst possible move.
November 29th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Now who's going to look anti-democratic?
November 29th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
This measure exists within the terms of our democratic system
November 29th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
So does the measures for the coalition to request control if Harper doesn't have the support of the House (which he doesn't).
November 30th, 2008 at 6:25 am
better this than giving sepratists the balance of power
i am so disgusted in the Libs and NDP.
anything for power I guess
November 30th, 2008 at 6:30 am
It is a good move. The opposition party(s) are in hysterics, and will do something stupid. Canadians will crucify them for it, but at this time it is best to save taxpayer money. It was important for the Conservative party to let Canada know that the liberal party is still run by the authors of adscam, and the next leader put in place will be will be nothing more than their waterboy. It is out there, that the liberals, ndp and bloc are too lazy to fundraise and do the hardwork it takes to become a democratically elected party.
November 30th, 2008 at 6:57 am
Lyn – please explain your asinine statement. Harper just fought an election WHILE he was dealing with an economic crisis. Why do you think Canada is the best economy in the world right now and is in the best position of any country to be weathering this storm. Who has been at the helm over the last three years, Lyn.
Use your head and put two and two together.
Harper has faced the challenges long before you or I or any of the opposition in this god forsaken country even knew there were challenges to be faced. Any you have the audacity to say he should be a man and face the challenges.
Your last statement was right on though, enough of this BS. – our taxpayer money does pay for this stupidity and the fact that the opposition see power as the reason to take down the economic house of cards that has been built by Stephen Harper is exactly that – BULLSHIT>
Grow up Lyn.
November 30th, 2008 at 6:58 am
“I’m at the Parliamentary Press Gallery dinner”
That's easy to believe, given the arrogant madness of this brainchild. It sounds chardonnay-fueled to me. I'm a Con supporter, but if they do this, we sure won't be taling about the Bloc or the NDO over Christmas dinner at my house.
November 30th, 2008 at 7:27 am
Stephen, Whoever floated that idea last night must have had one too many drinks. Because if the Prime Minister of our government, of our country, would prorogue the House rather than put to a vote the Economic Statement he just proposed as essential to dealing with the economic crisis the country is in … then he would have proven himself unworthy of the job. He would have proven that he does not put the country first, the economy first, our democracy first.
I believe the Prime Minister is more honourable than that. Take the week to make the case by all means, but don't run away from the consequences of your actions. I think he will be a man and, if making the case doesn't work, will face the music in the end, and do it with dignity and honour.
November 30th, 2008 at 7:41 am
The real problem is that Harper, Prentice, Nicholson, Baird, Flaherty and his staff appointments are Freemasons, as are Dion, Layton, Ducepee, Rae, Ignattief etc..
It is a system culture of undemocratic deception and unfairness.
Stupid evil games after stupid evil games.
November 30th, 2008 at 8:21 am
Why Liz J, I'm really surprised at your Reaction to Reid's commentary…..that's Tory talk and you should love it. Harper tries to shove it down our throats and you seem to like that approach when its a con doing it.
November 30th, 2008 at 8:23 am
In my view Harper has not only disgraced himself but the whole party and he should step down and name an interim PM until a leadership campaign is called.
November 30th, 2008 at 8:27 am
Have you ever thought that maybe bringing the separatists into government would destroy their credentials as such. I think the bloc is on the verge of a breakup. Iggy is very popular among Francophone quebeckers and could bring them onside.
November 30th, 2008 at 8:31 am
I believe the Opposition is tired, like the rest of Canada, of Harpers “it’s my way or the highway “attitude. They dropped the gauntlet, standing tall telling Harper to either govern for all Canadians in an adult way or ……
I believe the school yard bully is scared…..
November 30th, 2008 at 8:43 am
Ah yes. It's undemocratic for the parties who received 60% of the vote to try to form a government, but its completely reasonable for the party who received less than 40% to stifle the will of the House. We sure are seeing the true colours of this government lately.
November 30th, 2008 at 8:54 am
It seems to me as if Canadians would be better off w/ a snap election.
November 30th, 2008 at 9:51 am
Yawn.
So some people can't handle playing with others because they don't have the goods to back up their b.s.? Put a few dirty needles in the playground and then they close it down.
Yawn.
November 30th, 2008 at 9:55 am
Hi,
I know this blog is supposed to be a Conservative love-in here so I'll just make my point and butt out.
I didn't support the Cons this election, but I was prepared to trust that Harper would be smart and pragmatic enough to do the right things to guide Canada through this recession in next year or two. Instead, we got this complete partisan brinkmanship, as if there was nothing in the world more important in the world than tweaking the opposition and juicing some tired, discredited Conservative fantasies like union busting and business tax cuts.
Our economy is indeed on sound footings compared to the rest of the world, but the Conservative assertion that this is somehow magically due to just the last 3 years of government is of course indefensible.
Everybody knows how avidly Canadians have followed and approved of the election of Mr Obama in the US. Our appetite for genuine change in Canada is strong too, possibly strong enough to see past the FUD that the conservatives will lay down in the next week. Six months or a year of a functioning coalition government might be a breath of fresh air. Personally, I'm in favour of anything, even some recession-inspired deficit spending, if we finally start up on some neglected infrastructure spending, particularly in transit and transportation. As an upper-middle class professional, the last thing I need is a tax cut. Really. I'd rather see my country function better.
Mr Harper can save this government in the next week, if he truly cares to. here's how:
1) Find some way to back down. Come as close as you possibly can to apologizing.
2) Acknowledge the seriousness of our situation, how important that partisanship is dropped and that all parties work together to get through the next year
3) muzzle the Harris era hacks that are currently so prominent in your cabinet. They screwed Ontario in their time, and Ontario is now the most vulnerable in this recession. We haven't and we won't forget that.
4) Hold your nose and actually run an open cooperative government. Save the ideological projects for when/if you get a majority.
I won't wish Harper good luck, because the next week is entirely up to him, and his actions. No luck involved. I wish him wisdom and patience, and a touch of humility.
November 30th, 2008 at 10:36 am
Alberta girl…take off your anti liberal blinders and look full in at what Harper has done. He has crippled himself and his goivernment with his nasty tactics. His bluff has been called and lets see how he deals with it. He should resign.
November 30th, 2008 at 10:37 am
More like letting Canadians consider a Government that can't face Parliament while they eat their Christmas dinners and/or get together for their holiday parties. I suppose, though, this is just more of Harper the Master Strategist….had it all planned.
Alan
November 30th, 2008 at 11:04 am
PROROGUE OR NOT?
THE P.M OFFICE HAS THE REACTION FROM PARTY #2 AND PARTY #4 WITH PARTY #3 IN THE MAYBE
STATUS.
THE DILLETANTES FROM THE P.P GALLERY FOLLOWED TRIUMPHANTLY,”IT'S ALL THE FAULT OF THE
P.M.” THE C.B.C. WERE GLEEFUL, THE C.T.V WAS OUT WITH “YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST” AND
GLOBAL HAS TO CLEAR IT THROUGH CHANNELS.
WE ARE ON THE EVE OF SOMETHING…….. WHY NOT TAKE A BREAK, SET RECALL FOR FEBRUARY
ENJOY THE HOLIDAY SEASON ALL.
November 30th, 2008 at 11:26 am
Welcome to the internet.
http://email.about.com/cs/netiquettetips/qt/et0...
November 30th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Harper must go…..Bush's lap dog is done…a lib-NDP coolition is on the way…..Harper blinked and the opposition smelled is fear…bye…bye
November 30th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Do you believe everything Fox North says…take everything CTV says with a grain of salt….remember their pro-conservative preferred press pundits for Harper.
November 30th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
What all this proves, including many of the comments seen here, is that we should call it quits and ask Washington to take us in, so that we too can call Obama our president for the next 8 years.
Canada is a dysfunctional non-country, a fiction, that should have never been allowed to go ahead in the first place. Both politicians and voters regularly prove that they are not mature adults, but children who need to be taken by the hand and guided through even the simplest tasks in life.
I am proud to say that I am an Albertan; I stopped referring to myself as a Canadian a long time ago, and I would not mind calling myself American in the near future.
November 30th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Excellent point Wilson. The power corp. boys are salivating.
November 30th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
The Canadian people will play this out in favor of the Conservatives. Dion and Layton have now over played their hand. they want to take over running the country without presenting any platform to the voters. These two parties will look like fools because unlike any other parliament they have to have the Bloc vote for any business brought forward.The Bloc will be in the drivers seat to extend their separation agenda. Rae sounds like an idiot who only wants to win under any circumstance even destroying Canada. this is the time for some of the Liberal backbenchers see the peril in all these and demand a stop by threatening to walk across the floor.Anyone who stays in a coalition made up of Bloc support in my mind wants to destroy the country. Only the voter can decide so get mad as hell and start making noise before Dec 8 or our dollar may disappear off the market charts
November 30th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
I say: Invite Alaska to join Canada, give them enough seats to add to Harper's present position [He'll likely also pick up Vancouver South] and THEN go for an election. Also guarantee a position for Sarah Palin, and connect the Alaskan oilfields to the Alberta pipelines. Imagine the possibilities. Plan “B”: Cascadia with Alaska.
November 30th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Poroguing a week after the return of parliament? Coming back in January with another speech from the throne? Do you have any idea how ridiculous that would look? How weak? That would be an admission that Stephen Harper has lost the confidence of the house, and is too scared to have it confirmed.
Delaying opposition days is one thing, although we both recall what the Conservatives said when Martin did it. They cried democracy was being murdered. But poroguing? Sure, it's allowed under constitution. But that doesn't make it right. Care to tell me how Harper would have reacted had Martin porogued to avoid going down over adscam? I think we both know the answer.
By the way, what is this now, Harper master plan number three? I thought the opposition was playing into his hands by taking him down and having to govern in a shitty economy? I guess I missed the latest Harper master plan memo.
Enjoy the dinner. I do so miss Harper's John McCallum impressions.
November 30th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
He's just still hurting about screwing the Liberals two elections ago with the beer and popcorn comments.
However, I think he does reflect the mood, and he's right, this is the only chance to get rid of Harper. Postponing parliament may be the only way to survive.
November 30th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
So go…
November 30th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Within the PMs power does not = good governance – it is trying to buy the Tories time to create some mud slinging radio and tv ads. Prime Minister Harper has no real option other than to face Parliament. This is not a dictatorship.
November 30th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
I am not leaving; I am hoping that Canada will be swallowed up by the U.S. one day — the only way to ever move this “country” ahead.
November 30th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
I expect Harper to do whatever is necessary to cling to power. Hell he already had one of his minions tape the NDP's conference call.
Oh if only it wasn't for the Gomery witch hunt we could have wiped Conservatism out in Canada. What a great day that would have been, it'll still happen of course, Conservatism is of course fundamentally flawed, but it'll just take longer and more good people will have to suffer the consequences of their idiocy.
November 30th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Prorogue? Prorogue will not help retain power. Just offer time for the economy to worsen and Canadians to become more frustrated with Conservative partisanship. Remember +60% did not vote for the Conservatives.
Since Parliament has only been in session a few days, when it does resume in January and a non-confidence motion is passed, The Governor General will STILL allow the coalition to become the government.
Prorogue will be a disastrous move and Harper's last stunt as PM.
Canada is a democracy not a tin pot dictatorship.
December 1st, 2008 at 5:08 am
There are a few comments pointing to replacing the PM. Really, and just what exactly would anyone else have done that would be so much better to warrant that? I think he has done an amzing job for the party, and the Country, during very difficult times.
December 1st, 2008 at 6:21 am
They better prorogue parliament.
Then stack the senate and any empty judicial spots just in case (so the usurpers can't when they mount their coup.)
December 1st, 2008 at 6:44 am
If the house falls, the GG is advised by the PM? Wrong:
http://www.parl.gc.ca/information/library/PRBpu...
“If a Prime Minister who has lost a confidence vote asks for a dissolution, the Governor General probably has the discretion to decide whether anyone else is capable of forming a government.”
A minority PM must try to win a vote of confidence when Parliament returns, or resign. It is not clear how long the Prime Minister could wait. “Neither is it clear at what point the Governor General could require the Prime Minister to make a decision. According to the written Constitution, a sitting of Parliament is required at least once a year.”
To prorogue rather than try to win the vote on Dec. 8 is to refuse to meet the new Parliament. In theory the PM might prorogue until December 2009 on the ground that Parliament must sit once a year. Now that would be seen as a coup. How is proroguing until January any better? Would he be daring the Governor-General to dismiss him? Would the House send the Speaker to assert the rights of Parliament and ask her to do that? Are we back to the days of the Commons fighting against the divine right of kings? Proroguing should not be seriously contemplated.
December 1st, 2008 at 7:19 am
You can prorogue the parliament for now, but you can't prorogue it forever. How can a government function without the support of the majority of the House?
December 1st, 2008 at 9:00 am
I think it would be a mistake to porogue parliament. Running away from a challenge is never a good idea. Just ask Stephane Dion. I don't think the coalition is popular among the public, and will likely fall apart before it ever reaches power.
December 1st, 2008 at 9:09 am
similar to what Charles I did and cancel all future meetings of Parliament. Good job Harper. Good job.
December 1st, 2008 at 9:11 am
I like that idea.
December 1st, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Harper is trying to usurp the democratic will of Parliament. He should accept his fate — after all, he is the one who started this snowball rolling. The opps have more than the mandate to do this. Harper is finished and he knows it.
December 1st, 2008 at 5:34 pm
How dare these 3 political parties go about doing what they are planning! The people of Canada elected a minority Conservative government as they felt that this was the best sollution to giving one party total control during these economic times. I honestly feel that if this coalition is allowed to run the government then we are heading down a path of economic disaster, where do they plan to come up with the 30 billion dollars to bailout the auto industry and logging industry? If they are allowed to do this then our deficiet will continue to grow, just as it did when the Liberals were in power! And just imagine the party with the most power will be the Bloc Quebecois, the party that wants to tear Canada apart, just how are they supposed to help the coalition?
December 1st, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Harper should go back to the polls with his true platform:
1) Outlaw abortion
2) Reinstate the death penalty
3) Sentence youth offenders over 10 as adults
4) Eliminate equalisation
5) Do away with human rights tribunals
6) Eliminate the CBC
7) Remove public workers' right to strike
December 1st, 2008 at 11:34 pm
We here in the West feel a massive sense of betrayal that our elected memebrs will be relegated to impotency by this Coup d'etat of a coalition of losers. Unable to get elected, they resort to tactics of deceit and worse when you account for a seperatist party who could care less about the rest of Canada. This is a sad day, but one that will energize the New West into action to defend itself against attack by this gang of thugs who under any other circumstances, would not breath the same air together. The objective is clear and evident, grab power at all costs, and then go after the West. Stay tuned. We are ready and up to the task of defending ourselves
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:32 pm
There is plenty of blame to go around on this mess. Harper pushing us to the brink over issues that have little to do with concerns of the overall populace. The “tri-party” coalition seeing an opportunity to gain power and get their turn at the trough. It is all appalling.
To think that we who voted in a government less than two months ago, would be faced with a coalition including a party with a mandate to break up the very country that provides its sanctuary, and led by a man who they deemed inadequate to lead the party (never mind the country), is astounding.
With the monster sized egos and pettiness on the Hill, it seems we are destined to be governed by the complete opposite from what our country needs to bring us through the next 2-4 years.
December 2nd, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Well I guess Harper can run but he can't hide. Suspending Parliament to save democracy!?! Harper should have the vote on Monday the 8th and then see what the GG decides.
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:36 pm
I think she should grant it or if not call another election. Canada would become the laughingstock of the world for swearing in a new Prime Minister who has already handed in his resignation.
December 4th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
I am Not a Conservative, but I'm getting a bit miffed at the B.S. the Liberal and N.D.P. have been throwing around. Mr. Harper may come across as a bit of a bully, but there is one thing he did not do. He did not start this nonsense. Jack (mealy Mouth) Layton conspired with Mr. Duceppe to bring down the legitimate gov. of Mr. Harpers before parliament even started. I will vote Conservative now.
December 4th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
Harper kept blah-blah-blahing away about how the coalition was not given a democratic mandate to govern, even though by being elected to the house of commons (by a larger total margin than the Conservatives), did in fact give them that mandate. Then he goes over our elected representatives collective heads, and demands that the GG who was never elected by anyone for anything prorogue parliament, even though that does not reflect the will of parliament. Oh and voting in favour of a throne speech delivered only a few weeks after an election does not give Harper carte-blanche to impose some sort of lite-dictatorship. Why isn't the media giving Harper a harder time about his blatant hypocrisy? When will Conservative supporter see through his BS and realize that he will never live up to any promises he's made. This really gives new meaning to the new GnR album title “Chinese Democracy” cause Canada seems to be going more and more that way.
December 5th, 2008 at 12:01 am
“They want no part of another election nor do they want a change of government for reasons they can't understand”
If they don't understand why this government must change, than they're idiots. Anybody who has ever taken a high-school social studies understands that the opposition has a right, in fact an obligation to topple an ineffective government such as the one we have now. Conservatives have a minority government which means they do not have the support of anything nearing the majority of Canadians. Period. Just because enough Canadians see through Harpers BS to keep the Cons out of majority territory, does not mean the Cons have a right to start imposing its will on a nation that for the most part rejected his mandate to rule. Harper is out of control and the Cons all sit back, hands behind their heads screaming “yeah, but at least the trains are running on time!”
December 5th, 2008 at 12:04 am
So what should MPs only work the day of the throne speech, then stop doing there jobs? Accepting the throne speech does not mean that the opposition cannot vote against conservative bills, especially when it's Harper himself that keeps turning every bill into a confidence motion.
December 5th, 2008 at 12:12 am
“All it does is make the CPC look like it has something to hide.”
Actually abstaining from all candidate debates during the election, and silencing the social conservative portion of the party already makes them look like they have something to hide. Harper is a soulless robot with the personality of drywall, that he would make such a move is not surprising. He is only interested in consolidating power, and to hell with representative democracy.
December 1st, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Then he goes over our elected representatives collective heads, and demands that the GG who was never elected by anyone for anything prorogue parliament, even though that does not reflect the will of parliament.
January 7th, 2010 at 11:57 pm
Harper has no right to prorogue parliament, he/youwere voted in by the people to govern, So get so back to to work. We voted you in and expect you to be in parliment, getting business done. Must be nice, call a “time out” when things get tough. Canada at the moment is like ship, and the Officer just jumped ship. You are displaying a new level of arrogance. We voted you in, now get back and DO something for the country. Holiday is over, get back to doing the job you voted to do. You have let us down, big time and that will show at the next election. I am fed up!!!!!!!!!!
January 9th, 2010 at 6:13 am
Proroguing parliament is a cowardly way out of a sticky situation. Harper should be removed for using this antiquated law. It makes a mockery of the type of government we are supposed to have
January 9th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
Proroguing parliament is a cowardly way out of a sticky situation. Harper should be removed for using this antiquated law. It makes a mockery of the type of government we are supposed to have