Jean did not stand up to Harper’s bully tactics, or uphold the law of Canada (which Harper’s own government passed!) and refuse to dissolve parliament because there had been no vote that indicated a loss of confidence in the government. She, and subsequent GGs should not have a role in government from now on. It’s time to end the monarchy in Canada, that seems to be the lesson from today’s shenanigans. If the monarchy figurehead won’t stand up for Canadians when we need it most, it’s time to move on like most other developed former colonies have done.
An election is to be held on Tuesday October 14, 2008. As I mused months ago, we are going to have an election before the one in November in the USA.
Harper’s fixed election date lie is covered here for those who’d like to tell their friends that Harper’s first and last acts as Prime Minister were to break both his word (and in the latter case, the law). Remember he appointed unelected Fortier to cabinet?
“But fixed election dates stop leaders from trying to manipulate the calendar simply for partisan political advantage.”
He said he was willing to give up a prerogative traditionally enjoyed by sitting prime ministers.
“I read the polls saying if I called an election now we would win a majority. The same polls also say no one wants an election now, and no one does want an unnecessary election. So unless we’re defeated or prevented from governing we want to keep moving forward to make this minority parliament work over the next 3½ years.”
[...]
He added: “A federal campaign is very difficult thing to organize, so this is a useful advantage that we’re willing to give up.”
Because the change would be done through a law passed by Parliament, future governments would be free to change it back.
Heck, even his own government was free to change it back, without even passing a new law!
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Zach Bell | 07-Sep-08 at 2:17 pm | Permalink
The GG is and always has been useless. Canadians should have ditched the monarchy after the King Byng debacle in the 20s but we just didn’t learn.
Travis Fast | 07-Sep-08 at 2:52 pm | Permalink
I will say it again. The Constitution is the Highest Law of the Land which means that any piece of simple legislation must conform to the constitution. Hence the whole fixed election date legislation was mere symbolism because without a constitutional amendment it could not be binding: that is why there was an opt out clause in the legislation. So we should really be focusing on how cynical, wasteful and dishonest that piece of legislation was and is.
And had Dion indicated that he was capable of obtaining the support of the house to the GG the GG might have forced Harper to reconvene parliament. However in absence of a clear indication from the Grits the GG had to accept Harper’s request.
Saskboy | 07-Sep-08 at 2:55 pm | Permalink
Travis, that’s probably the correct approach. Unfortunately Harper has broken so many of his important promises (not to mention broken laws) that ordinary people just tune out after we go on and on listing his infractions. I don’t know what’s making up some peoples’ minds to still vote Conservative, but it makes me scared for the longevity of our democracy.
Travis Fast | 07-Sep-08 at 3:13 pm | Permalink
Just call it for what it is: cynical, wasteful and dishonest. Then when asked for a good example mention the fixed date election law.
SUZANNE | 07-Sep-08 at 3:22 pm | Permalink
I’d be open to electing the GG. The GG should be a “safety valve” against government excesses. If the government does violate its own law, the GG can prevent this. If the people are unhappy, they can boot out the GG.
It’s wrong to have political officials in place that are not accountable to the people.
Travis Fast | 07-Sep-08 at 4:13 pm | Permalink
I agree. And a monarchy in this day and age? Senate too (elected that is).
Saskboy | 07-Sep-08 at 4:23 pm | Permalink
Yes if we remove the GG we need to have some alternative. I suppose electing one is one idea we should consider.