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[jlhaslip]

The Canadian Government, lead by the Conservative Party, (much like the American Republicans), has been given a time frame of 6 weeks to shape-up or ship-out. Although the Election in mid-October increased their representation in parliament, the Conservatives are a Minority Government, which means they have more seats than any other Party, but not a Majority of the seats.

In a Minority Government, it is critical that the ruling party does not lose sight of the wants/needs of the rest of the Parliament. It needs to rule with an eye towards maintaining a "status quo", and certainly do not upset any apple carts because it needs support from the other parties in Parliament. this is especially important during these tough economic times. The Economy is faltering due to outside forces and steps need to be taken to boost activities, support Canadian industry, allow many wage-earners to continue to earn their wages. It is these wage-earners and companies which pay for the Government services.

Well, it seems that Prime Minister Harper failed to do such a thing, and as a result, was facing a Vote of Non-confidence, so he stated his case to the Governor-General against the "coalition" of Opposition parties and, lo and behold, the Governor-General suspended the current Parliamentary session until mid-January. What this amounts to is during the 3rd Inning of a baseball game where the Home team is losing, the Umpire lets Harper take the ball and go home without completing the game.

This is totally un-democratic. To have the Governor-General affect the political stage in this manner and she should be called to task and support her decision. Let the conservatives wallow in the mire they created for themselves. The Opposition parties are merely doing their jobs, ensuring that the Government is held accountable for their actions. If the Government fails to maintain the Confidence motion, they need to resign and call an election, or allow the Opposition to form a new Government, which is the choice the coalition desired.

I am keenly interested in an explanation from the Governor-General for their decision. What prompted her to not allow the Confidence motion to proceed? What was the precedence that made this the right decision? Why is the Government allowed to continue with the pending vote of non-confidence incomplete?

When will Harper resign?

*edit*

Story details can be found here: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/12/04/...#socialcomments

[Plenoptic]

That seems to be a pretty bad decision on the hands of the Governor-General who I am guessing must be a Conservative or does not want to lose their spot seeing as government reform could cause that. I have no real knowledge of how the Canadian government works but it seems like those in the government are trying to hold onto their jobs in power as long as possible just like most others do. If opposition comes up then generally instead of making concessions they try and silence them if possible which is my guess on what the Governor-General is trying to do since they do not want to see Prime Minister Harper resign. There are people that when they first run feel they would do what is best for the people but when it comes down to it and they have the choice, they choose what benefits them the most, it's the corruption of power really.

Edited by Plenoptic, 04 December 2008 - 11:59 PM.