[Dec 2, 2008 01:25 PM]
In the recent election, only 37% of Canadians voted for the Conservatives. Over 60% of voters chose to support other parties. Voters gave the Conservatives a mandate as a minority government. In other words, voters expected them to govern by seeking the support of Members of Parliament from other parties in the House of Commons.
Last week, the Conservatives had an opportunity to present an Economic and Fiscal Update that addressed the current economic crisis. Instead, the Harper government chose more spending cuts, cuts to equalization payments and the sale of public assets, as well as attacking the rights of federal public sector workers including the right to pay equity.
The Conservative Update left other economists scratching their heads.
“I think a lot of us were a bit flabbergasted by the government’s priorities.” “Who exactly are they trying to impress?”
(Douglas Porter, deputy chief economist at BMO Capital Markers).“That’s precisely not the thing to do.”
(Carlos Leitao, chief economist at Laurentian Bank Securities)“This policy will not do anything to moderate the recession and it may worsen it.”
(McGill University economist Jagdish Handa)(Source: Macleans.ca)
Barely two weeks into the new Parliament and initial Conservative statements about a spirit of cooperation were quickly shown to be a sham. It didn’t take them long to return to the tactics that poisoned the last Parliament
Their fiscal Update included a proposal to eliminate public funding for political parties. This proposal was not part of the Conservatives’ election platform (in any of the last three elections) and was not the subject of public debate.
The per-vote funding formula for political parties was established after large donations from corporations and unions were banned. Public funding is common in most democracies. It ensures the political process represents all citizens, not just rich donors who can afford to contribute to the party of their choice.
While the government has now backed down on their proposal to end this funding, as well as on restricting the right to strike for federal public sector workers, you have to ask why they included these provocative, and unnecessary, issues in the Update in the first place if not to stir up unnecessary rancor in Parliament. Or were they trying to divert Canadians’ attention from the real economic problems – and their lack of solutions.
Canadians expect a government that has the fortitude to lead the economy out of a devastating recession. The Harper government has failed to deliver.
Canadians expect a federal government that will develop its budgetary and fiscal policies in a way that furthers our constitutional commitment to fundamental human rights, including women’s equality rights.
Canadians expect a government that will abide by the social and economic rights that are protected in the international instruments that we have ratified. This is the framework of democracy and any accountable government must respect and promote its citizens’ human rights.
Another $300-million election only a couple of months after the last one would insult democracy. It’s also an expense that Canada doesn’t need in the midst of the biggest financial crisis the country has seen in generations.
A coalition government would prove to be the most democratic and fiscally responsible way to make this Parliament work for Canadians.
Working people are the ones who will lose out if we don’t act now to protect people’s savings, homes and jobs. Harper is content to continue playing partisan games at a time when people need their government to take action on the economy.
This is a global, not just a Canadian, crisis. It’s too urgent and important to do anything else other than form a coalition government and get on with the job of running the country for Canadians, not the Conservative party. It’s too urgent and important to leave in the hands of a partisan-obsessed Prime Minister.
In a Parliamentary democracy, the party in power can only govern with the confidence of the elected representatives in the House of Commons. In a minority government, the party in power must work especially hard to ensure that it receives that confidence.
The Harper Conservatives should know all about votes of confidence. They tried to force enough of them in the last Parliament. The opposition parties have every right to vote against the government. And, if a government loses a vote of confidence in the House, the Governor General has the authority to give other parties a chance to form a government, generally in a coalition. It’s all perfectly legal and above board.
Four years ago, Stephen Harper had no problem working with the NDP and the Bloc when he was ready to “topple” Paul Martin’s minority government. In fact, Harper, together with Jack Layton and Gilles Duceppe, even wrote to Governor General Adrienne Clarkson. Here’s Harper’s take then on what could happen if the Martin government were to be defeated in a confidence motion:
“As leaders of the opposition parties, we are well aware that, given the Liberal minority government, you could be asked by the Prime Minister to dissolve the 38th Parliament at any time should the House of Commons fail to support some part of the government’s program. We respectfully point out that the opposition parties, who together constitute a majority in the House, have been in close consultation. We believe that, should a request for dissolution arise this should give you cause, as constitutional practice has determined, to consult the opposition leaders and consider all of your options before exercising your constitutional authority. Your attention to this matter is appreciated.” (September 9, 2004)
Here’s what he has to say now:
“The opposition has every right to defeat the government but Stéphane Dion does not have the right to take power without an election.” (November 28, 2008)
Now that the shoe is on the other foot and he might lose power, Harper isn’t as keen on alternatives as he was when it looked as if he might be able to take advantage of a minority government situation.
And, four years ago in a similar situation it was appropriate for him to talk to the NDP and the Bloc but now it isn’t for the Liberals? Who does he think he’s kidding?
There will be debates in a coalition government and choices to be made, but debate is healthy particularly when compared to the alternative. Instead of investing in jobs and people, the Harper government plans to cut spending by almost $2 billion next year. That is on top of cuts to equalization payments to the provinces of $1.8 billion next year and $5 billion the year after. The government plans to raise more than $2 billion next year by selling off public assets at what will no doubt be fire sale prices.
The Harper government has no positive plan to deal with the crisis and intends to respond to a downturn through cuts rather than needed investments in jobs and people.
The Harper government has shown its true colours – anti-worker, anti-women, anti-anyone who doesn’t agree with them.
The Harper government has forfeited the moral authority to continue governing. The voters’ renewal of their minority government status was a clear message that they were to respect Parliament and work to unite, not divide. They have clearly rejected that message.
The Conservatives are simply desperate to hang onto power. They’ve had their chance to respect the will of Canadian voters and they’ve blown it.