Coalition of the Majority: We’re Better... Off with Harper
Canadians have a once in a lifetime opportunity to protect democracy, to assert that the will of the majority means something.
We have from now until December 8th to make it clear that the majority of Canadians want Mr. Harper to leave 24 Sussex Drive. We may need to make the case to the Governor General that Mr. Harper must not be allowed to cling to power by prorogation. He delayed the confidence motions by one week until December 8th in order to throw all the Conservative fire power - back-tracking, attack ads, illegal tape recording of phone calls, spinning on steroids -- at forcing the Opposition Parties to blink. If it doesn't work, he is threatening to shut down the House to buy more time. He may seek to dissolve the House (prorogation).
Why must Mr. Harper go?
The first and obvious breaking point is that he has "lost the confidence of the House." This somewhat quaint archaic form of words is critical to the functioning of Parliament, especially in a minority. Only 37.6% of the voters chose this government. With that level of support and a minority of seats, but with the largest caucus within the House, the Conservatives get a shot at a minority government.
To make it work, a Prime Minister in a Minority must consult with the Opposition Party leaders and try to develop a consensus. The Minority Government need the confidence of the House to govern. That's how our democracy works.
Mr. Harper forgot this. He totally ignored the commitments he made at the APEC Summit in Peru. There he dropped his election posturing that deficits were "dangerous" and described them as "essential." There he spoke of Canada joining the approach taken by other industrialized governments and stimulate the economy through a package of investments.
Instead, as we all know, his economic statement, hyped by the Conservatives as a response to the global financial crisis, was more about trying to press post-election financial superiority to crush opposition parties.
The Fiscal Update was not a response to the needs of Canada's economy. In fact, in their thinly disguised effort to dress up blatant partisanship as an economic measure, they had to make the key message one of belt-tightening austerity. This seriously back-fired. Even their friends within the conservative-friendly media criticized Harper's message as worsening the threat of deflation.
Since last Thursday's statement, Harper has experienced something new. For the last two and a half years, his bully tactics have been unchallenged as a fractured opposition caved in to his threats. But suddenly there was steel in the backbones of the Opposition Parties. Mr. Harper is now desperate. He is not just desperate to remain Prime Minister. For the first time he is facing serious anger from his backers. His ability to stay on as Leader of the Alliance Conservative Republican Party of Canada is now at risk.
We have a very short amount of time to mobilize everyone who voted Green, NDP, Liberal and Bloc. (and the 27,000+ voters in Nova Scotia who elected former Conservative Bill Casey. Independent now, Casey is voting non-confidence.)
We don't have much time. The issues are about far more than politics.
Reading the Speech from the Throne, it is clear the Harper government was going to use the economic crisis as cover for an ideological field day -- cutting and slashing of the government services and programmes. Environment, arts and culture, programmes for low income Canadians were all on the cutting block. Even in back-tracking and promising more, Mr. Flaherty has only pledged to advance the budget date by one week to January 27th.
Looking south of the border, we can see the benefits of moving fast to reassure society that economic stimuli are coming. Even before inauguration, President-elect Barack Obama helped quell economic panic by announcing massive investments in renewable energy and infrastructure. He is leaving details for later. Contrast that with a shell shocked Jim Flaherty on the CTV news last night, saying he was not going to announce some "back of the envelope" package.
The latest spin from PMO is that the determination of the Coalition government in waiting to bring down his failed government will hurt the economy through economic uncertainty. But clearly, Harper's approach is damaging the economy by the day.
Meanwhile, climate negotiations are underway right now in Poland under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The talks will reach their peak by December 10-13. It is my dearest prayer that the negotiating instructions to the Canadian delegation will come from a Coalition Government of parties that support climate action. We have time, but we do not have much time.
Join the rallies on Thursday. Blog on the mainline media sites. Write to your MP (of whatever party). Write the Governor General: info@gg.ca Sign the petition at www.progressivecoalition.ca. Go to www.defendourdemocracy.ca . Nearly one million Canadians voted Green. Greens join the call for the emerging coalition. For the sake of Canadian jobs, economy and planetary survival, support the Coalition.
Elizabeth May, O.C., is leader of the Green Party of Canada (www.greenparty.ca).Thanks to the creative work of Richard MacArthur at Proactive Imaginations for Hire for "We're better. Off with Harper." Article originally posted on www.rabble.ca.
- Elizabeth May's blog
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Comments
Need a better headline
While grammatically correct, I could think of at least ten different headlines less confusing than this one. When I first read it I thought that we were saying "we're better off with Harper".
Need a better headline
Sarah Hutchinson
Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing
I thought so too! The headline is confusing. I'm writing the GG right now!
Personally, I find the overriding point in this entire fiasco to be the need for PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION> so that coalitions are hammered out during and soon after an election, before parliament is convened. This way a country isn't continually thrust into chaos, as Canada's will be until we create a form of democracy that is viable, visible, and just. Greens must shout for Proportional Representation at every turn!
Sarah Hutchinson Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing
Great.
Elizabeth- great piece, especially with reference as to how the conservatives aren't living up to international agreements for both economic stimulus and climate change. I expect the other parties will steal those talking points soon :)
Also, it was great to see this on rabble- hopefully the spirit of progressive cooperation will grow between the NDP and the Greens. I think the shared excitement which stretches down past the grassroots of all the progressive parties involved. It reaches the bedrock of people excited for change regardless of where their rooted party affiliation is.
Finally....I really like the title- because it made me look at least three times- and makes at least two clever jokes.
The headline is confusing
and I think the position of the party on this may be slightly confusing as well.
Is it possible to have the Green party and Ms. May produce a press release today stating that we are fully in support of the coalition, assuming that the steps chosen by the coalition are those of fiscal prudence.
Thanks!
Title and PR
I also thought the title was clever and I appreciated the play off of the Conservatives' ads in the election.
Although I think our position is very clear (take a look at the front page, read or watch any interviews with Elizabeth on this), I agree that a press release stating why this coalition is line with our values and urging for more information on what has been agreed upon between the parties is in order. We're facing an uphill PR battle against the Conservatives, and we'll need to be strong on this.
- Amanda Judd
Co-Organizing Chair of the Council of the Young Greens of Canada
- Amanda Judd http://youth.greenparty.ca
Coalitions have a track record for global success
Another great chance for Canada to improve by evolving with the time and situation we live in. I invite people to compare the HDI(Human Development Index) and Democracy Index of countries with current or recent coalition governments in power. It is striking that Canada is one of the few countires that recieves marks near the top of the ranks without having a coalition.
- Gotta get Green government.
George
Coalition of the disastrous
Does anyone seriously think this will be anything but a tragedy for the country.
Honestly. In your heart of hearts does this even seem remotely right?
It will further damage both Liberal and NDP credibility. The only beneficiaries will be the BQ.
It would be far better for the country if (as distasteful as it is to me) parliament were prorogued. At least the Liberals would have a chance to elect a leader with some measure of party support.
better chances for us
well if it kills the ndp and liberals that might be good for us??
The more I've thought of
The more I've thought of this, and I have thought of nothing much else politically the past week, the more I'm up for another election.
Let's do it. Spend another $300 million, create soft employment for the 45 or so days and restart this whole thing. Apologies to Elizabeth of course but the idea of seeing Stephen Harper and Stephen Dion campaigning in the dead of a Canadian winter thanks to their mutual arrogance warms the cockles of my heart.
And I live in downtown Vancouver. During the past 2 months I’ve voted federally, provincially (bi-election) and municipally. I’m totally up for a fourth walk to the polls and will, like I did during the last federal election vote Green again.
Maybe
New Democrats are true believes. I doubt a coalition would kill them no matter how bad it is.
The Liberals on the other hand have no ideas and have no interest in advancing any. The only things keeping them competitive are a fear campaign based on US rhetoric and a deeply Liberal Canadian press corp.
It could be good for us, as long as we stay enthusiastically independent and focused on making Canada better. We should never support the other parties, but compare them to ourselves and show why we are the better alternative. Otherwise, why would anyone want to vote for us?
The principle of coalition is important
I believe that it important to support the idea that a government not supported by the House of Commons can and should be replaced by a determined coalition that can agree on a political agenda. It will provide for the kind of superior governance that we should expect from a minority parliament. If they didn't have the support from the people, then they wouldn't have the seats necessary to pull it off.
Some governments govern well and others poorly. The same is true of coalitions. The key point, imho, is that they deserve a shot, just as a new government deserves a chance. The Conservatives blew theirs in 2008.
Also, in case there is any confusion, I intend be as vocal about the coalition as I would any other government. We need action on poverty, aboriginal issues, farming, democratic reform and a host of other social problems. These issues can begin to be addressed by targeted infrastructure investment.
Note to coalition: Read Vision Green.
Jim Johnston,
Lambton-Kent-Middlesex
Opinions expressed are my own.
Are we sure about this?
Plenty of people believe the Conservatives are not doing a good job. Fair enough. But before throwing your support behind a coalition, consider the following:
On the Environment:
- The Liberal party signed Kyoto only to ignore it for nearly a decade. In that time Canadian GHG emissions increased around 30%
- Potential incoming PM Dion talked a lot about environmentalism, but when called to walk the talk he chose to use an outdated, excessively polluting aircraft during the election in the name of saving money. Meanwhile both the NDP and Conservatives used more efficient planes.
- When rumors hit the media that the Conservatives were going to strengthen Canadian auto environmental standards to those of California both the NDP and Liberals went crazy, demanding that Canadian standards be kept lower than those of a Republican governed state in George W. Bush’s America.
- Worse still, the suggestion made by the Canadian Autoworkers Union, which still has a major influence in NDP policy and increasing power over the Liberals, suggested that it would be better to give a subsidy to replace old SUVs and Trucks with brand new SUVs and Trucks. Smaller vehicles are just not made here.
On the Economy:
- There is already talk that a “bailout” will result in the socialization of losses in some industries. It will be Capitalism for the poor, but Socialism for the rich.
- During the good years the Liberals chose to spend rather than pay down debt. The NDP saw paying down debt as some kind of crime. Had we paid down more debt in the good times, we would be able to spend that money now when we truly needed it.
- There has been no clear indication of what a spending package will be spent on. If the spending is used to fully fund MoveOntario 2020 (Ontario’s Public Transit improvement package) and expand its ideas to other cities there would be public benefit. It would also be beneficial to support green improvements to infrastructure across the country. The risk is that the coalition is no better than Harper and will spend on its own failed industrial socialist ideology.
- Those who feel Harper was hard on the public service should consider that the coalition contains Bob Rae who as Ontario Premier introduced “Rae Days”, unpaid mandatory “vacation” for all public servants.
- At the end of the Liberal Leadership Convention its possible that Bob Rae, the Ontario Premier that almost destroyed the province during the 90’s recession, may become PM during this one.
On National Unity:
- To function, the coalition will be supported by the Bloc. Having them as official opposition was bad, but now they are close to being the government. How is this good for the country?
My personal feeling is that the Green party should distance itself from the “Axis of Evil” (coalition) and from the Conservatives. The narrative of the next election will likely be that a vote for either the NDP or the Liberals will be a vote for the Bloc and the destruction of Canada. This coalition may be just the ticket for Harper to get his Majority. In Quebec the Conservatives and Greens are now he only Federalist choice. In Ontario, the Liberals will have to overcome their support for the Bloc as well as one potential leader that was an American militarist academic or another that is arguably the worst Premier in modern Canadian History.
Canadians are sick of power struggles and failed ideology from both the left and right. Canadians want transparency and honesty in government, not the theft and lies we have become use to.
For Greens this is a time to shine. My suggestion is to say no to both the Conservatives and the Axis of Evil and offer Canadians something we can believe in.
Its now or never.
No Coalition which would include the BQ should be considered
I have no loyalty to Mr. Harper whose latest antics with regards to campaign financing were outright dishonorable, but we cannot support any measure that would allow the Bloc to have a power position on the government level in Canada. It is unfortunate that the NDP+Liberal support together is still in only a 114 to the Conservatives' 143, but we mustn't sign a deal with one devil to defeat another. I cannot support Elizabeth's stance on this issue. Blind hatred towards Harper and the Conservatives is not enough motivation to embrace those whose mandate is to break up the Nation of Canada.
Get used to the BQ
Harper's latest desperate grab for power has just guaranteed that the BQ will dominate the Quebec political scene for the foreseeable future. I just spent this evening watching the reaction as reported in the french media in Quebec very closely.
Harper's divisive attacks on legitimately elected representatives from Quebec are being widely perceived as further "proof" that only the BQ can represent their interests. Not since the hanging of Riel have the Conservatives done more to ruin their future chances in Quebec.
Since the Liberals / NDP / Greens are still weak in Quebec, that means carte blanche for the BQ and virtually guarantees minority governments in Ottawa.
Over the past two years, Harper relied on support from the BQ to survive over 40 non-confidence votes. So by what moral high ground does he speak from when he derides the NDP/Liberal coalition from doing what he did so many times in the past?
The BQ is in Ottawa to ensure that the political interests of Quebecers are strongly represented. Contrary to the lies that Harper would have you believe those interests are not just about separatism. Quebecers care deeply about healthcare, environment, arts, pay equity, and many other things that we do too.
There are many issues where the interests of this party can be aligned to those of the BQ. Clearly not all issues or they would be known as the Green Party of Quebec!
So I strongly disagree that we should not try to work with any party that shares our core values if we can further the interests that we believe in. In doing so, we do not have to accept all that they believe in. Last time I looked, separatism was not a contageous disease - just a mental disorder.
Conservative propaganda seems to be working
I believe Mr. Renaud is correct. A few days ago I said in one of my posts that support for separatism (or sovereignty for that matter) is slowing melting away. But Harper's comments in the House and on the tube tonight has given the Bloc a big boost. I am certain that this does not mean another referendum on separating from Canada but, from a Quebecer's point of view, clearly the Bloc is serving a useful purpose in Ottawa. In actual fact, they may be serving a useful purpose for the rest of Canada as well if the coalition can provide stability over the next 2 years.
Dion said it well yesterday on the National. He said that working with sovereignists is a lot more effective than marginalizing them. Supporting the coalition government could be an opportunity for Bloc MP's and supporters to get a larger vision of Canada, to understand the big picture and be more open to being part of this larger entity called Canada. After all, is not collaboration a central part of what the Green vision is about.
It seems to me that the Harper Conservative propaganda machine is starting to have an impact, even on Green supporters, and it has done so in two ways that I can identify. One, a lot of Canadians are making comments based on assumptions that apply to the American political system. We, the people, elect Members of Parliament, not the government. Parliament, which includes a number of different facets, then chooses how to form government. Neither Dion or Layton have to go back to the people and get their support as a coalition government.
Another way the Conservative propaganda machine seems to be working is in the pejorative use of the words, "socialist" and "separatist". Correct me if I am wrong Mr. Renaud but Quebecers see it as an insult to be referred to as separatists, and popular support for separating from Canada is slowly but surely disappearing in Quebec. As for socialist, this is a joke. Not since Tommy Douglas have New Democrats referred to themselves as socialists, nor do they advocate socialism and by no means do they govern that way. They have even given up on the watered down 'social democrat' philosophy, whatever that means. These terms are meant to instill fear and anger, not rational dialogue.
Len Sawatsky
Len Sawatsky Campaign Manager Saskatoon-Humboldt EDA