The Coalition Shuffle

Third blog post today - a record. I listened as John Baird made a statement that silenced his own team and produced hilarity in the House - "If they're attacking you personally, it's because there's no basis to attack you on substance." The irony of it all, especially coming from the one who said it, put some brightness in another-wise bleak day. Decided to write this post after enduring another interminable Question Period in which the coalition must have been used 30 times or more by the government. This is the plan. It is to convince Canadians that there is something wrong or immoral with coalition parties in Parliament. As I said this morning, there has been no discussion at all between the Liberal and NDP leaders in this regard, but the government is trying to either scare you or shock your emotions at the thought of something so unethical taking place in the House of Commons. So, just for clarity and a bit of fairness, below is a letter sent by Opposition Leader Stephen Harper to Adrienne Clarkson, the then Governor General of Canada on September 9, 2004.Excellency,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 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.Sincerely,Hon. Stephen Harper - Leader of the OppositonGilles Duceppe - Leader of the Bloc QuebecoisJack Layton - Leader of the New Democratic PartySeems like this is a path Stephen Harper has been down himself in times previous, and with the Bloc Quebecois to boot. Enough said.