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Posted By: SimonB Canadian Government Hijacked. - 12/02/08 07:27 AM
And I thought US politics was ugly...

http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_29655.aspx
Posted By: sneaky Re: Canadian Government Hijacked. - 12/02/08 07:39 AM
CRash AND BURN
Posted By: seashell Re: Canadian Government Hijacked. - 12/03/08 12:28 AM
Simon, I think we Canadians are going to need our own Chat forum for this.

wink
Posted By: drdisaster Re: Canadian Government Hijacked. - 12/03/08 04:25 AM
you mean canadian government on verge of being fixed don't you....
Posted By: SimonB Re: Canadian Government Hijacked. - 12/04/08 02:08 AM
It seems almost certain that Prime Minister Stephen Harper will be asking Governor General Michaelle Jean to prorogue Parliament in order to stop the coalition of Stephane Dion, Jack Layton and Gilles Duceppe from usurping his role as this country's leader.

But in an historic and almost unprecedented address to the nation on Wednesday night, the P.M. didn't tip his hand about exactly what he intends to do.

Sitting against a backdrop of the Canadian flag, the Conservative boss was alternately forceful and calm as he talked about the almost unheard of plan to depose him from power, sparked by last week's divisive economic statement.

"I pledge to you that Canada's government will use every legal means at our disposal to protect our democracy, protect our economy, and to protect Canada," he vows.

But he stopped short of officially talking about going to Jean with his request, although it's almost certain he's going to make the trip on Thursday. Jean returned to Ottawa on Wednesday evening, cutting short a trip to Europe to be back to make an agonizing decision to end the crisis.

She can grant Harper's request, allow the opposition alliance to proceed or call an election that will cost taxpayers another $300 million. It's a tough choice and many are wondering if she's up to making the right decision.

Harper has no doubt about what it is. "The opposition does not have the democratic right to impose a coalition with the separatists," he proclaims. "They promised it would never happen."

In his speech, the Tory boss reiterated all the accomplishments and plans of his government and what he still intends to do if the opposition allows it.

And if they don't?

"Let me be very clear," he states emphatically. "Canada's government cannot enter into a power-sharing coalition with a separatist party. At a time of global economic instability, Canada's government must stand unequivocally for keeping the country together.



"At a time like this, a coalition with separatists cannot help Canada. And the opposition does not have the democratic right to impose a coalition with the separatists they promised voters would never happen."



Although it's a frequent practice for U.S. presidents to request primetime television to address a nation, it almost never happens in Canada.



Harper's speech was expected to last some 10 minutes, but he was brief, going on for only about three.

It follows another extraordinary day in Ottawa, where a war of words got louder and the Tories unveiled yet another new strategy in the war on their foes - invoke the name of high profile Quebec sovereignty supporter Jacques Parizeau and use the word 'separatist' as often as possible - a reference to Dion and Layton's deal with Duceppe for his support.

"This government will stand against the separatist coalition!' screamed Harper during Question Period. "They must walk away from this deal with Jacques Parizeau and the separatists!

"If the Liberal party continues down this path, those images will never be forgotten by the Canadian people!"

Layton charged back. "Why does the prime minister care more about his own job than allowing the parliament to save the jobs of Canadians?" he demands.

"Just for the record, the Bloc Quebecois has supported this Conservative government at least 140 times, including 14 confidence votes," added Liberal MP Ralph Goodale.

Stockwell Day, the Minister of International Trade, fielded that fastball. "My DNA would never allow me to do a coalition with socialists and my heart would never allow me to do a deal with separatists."

The word 'separatists' came out of the mouths of every Tory MP who rose to speak and the term continued outside of the House, where the tense atmosphere continued.

"I think it's cheap politics," claims Liberal MP Ruby Dhalla. "This is really about the economy. It is about democracy."

On Thursday, that 'democracy' is expected to play out at the office of the Governor General. What she decides involves the weight - and now the wait - of an entire nation.

Dion responds to Harper



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Text Of Harper's Speech

"Good evening,

"Canadians take pride in our history as one of the world's oldest continuous democracies. During the past 141 years, political parties have emerged and disappeared, leaders have come and gone, and governments have changed.

"Constant in every case, however, is the principle that Canada's Government has always been chosen by the people. And following the light of this democratic tradition, Canadians have built one of the most peaceful and prosperous countries the world has ever known - a land of hope and opportunity that inspires others around the globe, and has drawn millions as new immigrants to our country.

"On October 14, for the 40th time since Confederation, Canadians voted in a national general election. We are honoured that you returned our Government to office with a strengthened mandate to lead this great country through the most difficult global economic crisis in many decades. Canada's Government is acting to deal with the crisis, right now.

"Further personal and business tax reductions are coming into effect;
We are doubling spending on infrastructure;
We are ensuring credit for businesses and consumers by injecting liquidity into financial markets;
We are helping seniors who rely on RRIF income;
And securing pension plans.
"We are implementing the Automotive Innovation Fund and, working with the Government of Ontario, we are undertaking due diligence on any further requests for assistance from the auto industry. We are increasing support and incentives for manufacturers, the forestry sector, and others to pursue business opportunities. We are implementing agreements with the provinces to enhance labour mobility.

"And, next month on January 27, we will bring in a budget which will contain additional measures to boost Canada's economy, while making sure we avoid a long term structural deficit in Canada's finances.

"In preparation for that budget we are consulting widely with Canadians, meeting with premiers of our provinces and territories, and working in collaboration with our international partners in G20. The Minister of Finance will be consulting with the business community and interest groups.

"We are consulting with, and expect to hear more from, the opposition parties in Parliament. We hope they bring forward specific proposals - we have invited them to do so. In fact, we have already changed some of our proposals to meet their concerns.

"Unfortunately, even before the Government has brought forward its budget, and only seven weeks after a general election, the opposition wants to overturn the results of that election.

"Instead of an immediate budget, they propose a new coalition which includes the party in Parliament whose avowed goal is to break up the country. Let me be very clear: Canada's Government cannot enter into a power-sharing coalition with a separatist party.

"At a time of global economic instability, Canada's Government must stand unequivocally for keeping the country together. At a time like this, a coalition with the separatists cannot help Canada. And the Opposition does not have the democratic right to impose a coalition with the separatists they promised voters would never happen.

"The Opposition is attempting to impose this deal without your say, without your consent, and without your vote. This is no time for backroom deals with the separatists; it is the time for Canada's government to focus on the economy and specifically on measures for the upcoming budget. This is a pivotal moment in our history.

"We Canadians are the inheritors of a great legacy, and it is our duty to strengthen and protect it for the generations still to come. Tonight, I pledge to you that Canada's Government will use every legal means at our disposal to protect our democracy, to protect our economy, and to protect Canada.

"Thank you, and goodnight."

Posted By: seashell Re: Canadian Government Hijacked. - 12/04/08 02:24 AM
Gad, this is so embarrassing.

Posted By: SimonB Re: Canadian Government Hijacked. - 12/04/08 02:36 AM
What kind of effin idiot tries to set up house with separatists? I can see it now, civil war and both sides shooting at each other with beer caps!

Tabernac! Dat basterrd shod me wid a blu!
Posted By: seashell Re: Canadian Government Hijacked. - 12/04/08 02:46 AM
Can you see the premiers of BC, AB, SK, & MB, all lined up at the border in the cardboard tanks, defending the Great West from those separatists and those in ON that would support such a situation?
Posted By: seashell Re: Canadian Government Hijacked. - 12/04/08 02:46 AM
Gad, it is so embarrassing.
Posted By: reaper Re: Canadian Government Hijacked. - 12/04/08 02:51 AM
Couldn't Wayne Gretzky just come back and be the "Benevolent Dictator"!

Tim Bits in every pot and a Zamboni in every garage!!!!!
Posted By: SimonB Re: Canadian Government Hijacked. - 12/04/08 03:24 AM
Hallelujah to that!
Posted By: Northern Canuck Re: Canadian Government Hijacked. - 12/04/08 01:55 PM
Don't think you'll find too many of us in ON supporting the separatists. The francophone population in ON is less than 5% (which is less than First Nations) and most of those are not separatists. People in ON are just as tired of the separatist's whining and threats as Canadians in other parts of the country. It is hard to believe that the Liberals are in bed with the separatists specially when you think back to the last referendum and the 'mantra' they have been spewing the last few years. It will be a long time before they get my vote again (not that I voted for them last election!)...
It is part of our political system (and most other Commonwealth countries) to allow a coalition gov't and has been done before under PM Borden just that is has never been done with a party who's purpose is to break the country apart....
I find it strange that the BQ is even sitting in the House. What happened to the Oath of Allegiance to the Queen our Head of State or is that just a temporary oath until they manage to break us apart????

I, �����, do Solemnly swear (affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors according to law, forever. So help me God.
Posted By: Northern Canuck Re: Canadian Government Hijacked. - 12/04/08 05:37 PM
The Governor General has allowed the PM to prorogue Parliament. Now we'll see what happens to the Lib-NDP-Bloc plan....
Posted By: ida_y_vuelta Re: Canadian Government Hijacked. - 12/04/08 08:40 PM
SS i have to agree with u... very embarrassing!
Posted By: Nova Re: Canadian Government Hijacked. - 12/05/08 02:02 AM
How very Canadian to say "how embarassing". Like the saying goes, "Walk into a room full of people, step on all of their toes, it'll be the Canadians that apologize". It is not embarassing, it is shameful. We are, simply speaking, bloody sheep! Accepting anything and everything that is thrown our way and assuming we have no voice. YOU HAVE A VOICE, USE IT!!!
Posted By: Otteralum Re: Canadian Government Hijacked. - 12/05/08 02:06 AM
Do we need a sub-forum "Canada Chat?"

Just kidding. This is huge and unprecedented. The bad economy is causing a lot of a*s covering -- everywhere!

Posted By: Nova Re: Canadian Government Hijacked. - 12/05/08 02:13 AM
Not necessarily Otter, my friend. Depends on who you are and where you live. Yeah, we are suffering (as a whole) as a result of the US market, but individually, not so much. There is the "scare" issue, but the Canadian economy is strong, the dollar (CDN vs US) is ok - we'd rather have a strong US dollar cause it helps our exports...dang, I could go on forever... I would not want to live on the west coast or in Ont. right now...east coast is rocking - if they'd only get it! lol
Posted By: RathaBnBelize Re: Canadian Government Hijacked. - 12/05/08 02:21 AM
..and just when we thought that Canadian politics were a big bore compared to the USA. smile
Posted By: Canam Re: Canadian Government Hijacked. - 12/05/08 02:42 AM
.
Posted By: SimonB Re: Canadian Government Hijacked. - 12/05/08 03:20 AM
Too true, the only time anyone gets excited about Canadian politics is when one party says they'll legalize Marijuana (of course everytime they do the US sends someone up to tell them that ties will be cut off if they do.)

This is about as exciting as Canadian politics has been since the Trudeau days.
Posted By: skippy Re: Canadian Government Hijacked. - 12/05/08 07:58 PM
Now I get it. It was legal, but it was poor form. A nice summation of the situation and the consequences for the Liberals:

Check out the comments too
Posted By: Northern Canuck Re: Canadian Government Hijacked. - 12/05/08 11:43 PM
I am not embarrassed at all Ida, just angry with the Liberals and NDP (both national parties) that they would consort with the separtists in order to get what they want.. but then both leaders are from Quebec so should we expect anything different? In my opinion this has hurt the Liberals far more than they could imagine. I guess they forgot the majority of Liberal seats elected are not in Quebec... My gut tells me that Harper set them up... and the 2 parties fell for it. If an election is called end of Jan after defeat of the Throne Speach or the budget the Liberals won't even have a new leader! What was Dion thinking?? or was he? Could it be that his own party set him up to get him out earlier so that Iggy or Rae could step in and get ready for an election?
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