Is the Coalition Cracking Like an Egg?

Today, there is a small but definite sign of a crack appearing in the coalition’s accord.

The Prime Minister has been given, at his request, ten minutes to address the country to make his case for remaining in office. However, perhaps the most interesting tidbit to watch is just who will be responding from the coalition side of the house.

According to reports on both the CBC and CTV web sites, the Liberals in the person of Dion, will get equal time. The fly in the coalition ointment may be that Jack Layton has asked for equal time for the NDP. It was reported on the CTV site as:

 "But New Democrat leader Jack Layton requested in a letter to television networks that all three opposition leaders get time on the microphone, saying the coalition is not yet official and the parties are still "distinct and functionally separate."”

While that is technically true, because the Harper government has not lost a vote of confidence yet, it also can be an indicator of a distinct lack of trust on the part of Layton and perhaps even Duceppe. This triumvirate have already declared their preferred outcome to the Governor General’s deliberations on the government crisis staring parliamentarians in the face.

There is a need for everyone to step back from open warfare, take a deep breath and make more effort to find some form of reconciliation. This small but telling incident indicates that within the confines of the triumvirate’s world there is an underlying lack of trust; i.e. no one of them is seen by the other two as capable of articulating a cohesive all encompassing statement they are prepared to stand behind.

Based on their rhetoric in the past two days, I expect that they see themselves as the three musketeers coming to protect our country from the evil grasp of the enemy leader called Harper.

However, their actions noted above show an addition to the musketeer’s “All for one and one for all” of three significant words  ...  but not today !! Such reticence does not bode well for their governing aspirations.

From my perspective, this small but significant crack in the triumvirate unity is a clear indication that this whole exercise is but a grab for power after a mauling in the recent election. It also clear that the real solution, regardless of the cost, is an election.

If the Governor General does not have the resolve for such a decision, her fall back position must be to prorogue parliament with the proviso that when it sits again the budget must be tabled within one day.

Comments

[casual observer]

i have just watched bothe Dion and Layton on tv. Granted I don't have a microscope, but I sure didn't see any cracks in any eggs.

Couple of side notes here...this week's developments show an absolute astounding lack of understanding that Canadian have about their own political system...shame on the schools that the fundamentals of our parliamentary system are taught...no one should be surprised by these development...the governing party or parties must have the support of the majority of the house to stay in power...and any group can ask the gg to form a government if the can get the support of the house...second point is contrary to what Stephen Harper and his flunkies are saying the New Democrats are not being power hungry, the are taking a risk....if all goes well, as it did in the 1985 accord in Ontario, you can bet the Grits will take all the credit and the NDP could be hurt in the next election...similarly if we have an economic disaster (more than a distinct possibilty)...the NDP, as part of the coaltion, could suffer the sever drubbing NDP/Liberal Bob Rae suffered in 1995.

[Bruce Galway]

Your comment on the responsibilities of the GG were basically what I learned in school too. It is also true
that she also has the right to make her decision based on what she feels is best for the country.

For example, she may consider such things as
1.a large portion of the citizens are against the coalition, justified or not.
2. the opposition parties have made no real effort to find middle ground, which is their right.
3. any other facts or opinions.

When she does make her decision, I have not heard of any appeal process. If that's is correct then, at that time, we will all just have to live it.

Assuming the coalition gets a go ahead, I wonder if they will pass the carbon tax to help pay for their spending blitz, as well as more taxes on corporations reeling under the economic crisis. That is if the Bloc doesn't veto those ideas by withdrawing his support because he doesn't believe there is a benefit for Quebec.

Well at least for political junkies there are fun times ahead.

[Unrepentant Liberal]

I couldn't be more pleased with the idea of a coalition government, and as one who did not vote for Steven Haper's conservatives, I feel that finally my vote and my voice will count in the House. Harper assumes he has the right to do as he pleases, regardless of the views and wishes of those of us who voted against him, and that mindset has finally come back to bite him where it matters. If the Governor General allows him a 'time out' then all we're doing is giving him a chance to backtrack and put forward the kind of budget he should have put forward in the first place. He played politics and put ideology first, but he's not willing to pay the price for his blatant disregard for the people of this country. His use of fear last night and putting out the idea that the Bloc is going to have a position in the coalition is ludicrous. For the first time since the Bloc was formed, they have signed an agreement stating that they will NOT pursue separation. They will simply vote with the coalition on matters of confidence. The Bloc, like so many others in this counry, are fed up with King Harper and his flat footed way of governing. I say bring him down. Give the coalition a chance. They cannot do worse.

[casual commenter]

Er, Unrepentant? Um, like, did you consider that Canada's "Natural Ruling Party"© has barely more representation west of Ontario than the Bloc? (And most of that representation is around urban Vancouver.) That would be a HUGE portion of this country that would not have a voice in the House. Face it bud, the Libs need a lot more time out of power before they're in a position to rebuild to a degree where they become a national voice again.
And speaking of voices, how are you liking your new Dauphin? Pretty cool that not a-one of you card-carrying grassroots members had a say in his coronation, ain't it?