I don't comment often on Canadian politics, because we have very boring politicians and political system here in Canada. But the recent turmoil in parliament is just impossible not to comment on.In a nutshell, Harper's Conservatives won a strengthened minority in an election on October 14 but are now hanging on for dear life. They had been facing a confidence vote in Parliament on Monday that they would almost certainly have lost. Please see my post on the election for more information. [Canadian Election Post]
The constitutional battle erupted on Friday last week, after Harpers Conservatives tried to eliminate direct subsidies of political parties. Seeing as everyone but the Conservatives has been completely worn down financially by the recent elections, the Conservatives stood to gain by being the wealthiest party in Canada at the moment.
The Liberals, NDP and Bloc then decided to form a coalition and try to topple Harpers government, at which point Harper begged the Canadian Governor General Michaelle Jean for a suspension of government, so that he can put forward his proposed "economic stimulus package", which will surely benefit the wealthy more than thos who really need it.
"Today's decision will give us an opportunity - I'm talking about all the parties - to focus on the economy and work together," said Harper, after his meeting with Michaelle Jean. If the request had been rejected, he would have had to step down or face a confidence vote he was sure to lose.
Harper's request for suspension was unprecedented. Historically, no prime minister has ever asked for Parliament to be suspended to avoid a confidence vote in the House of Commons.
For those who do not follow Canadian politics, getting two political parties in Canada to agree on an issue is as likely as having a 2 month winter. So the fact that the Liberals and NDP were able to form a coalition with the support of the Bloc Quebecois, should indicate that Harper has taken a big piss into his own pool. And there obviously isn't enough chlorine to dilute it.
I have made no secret of the fact that I think Harper is Satan. I don't really like any of the other party leaders either, but my despisal of Harper overshadows my dislike of any of the others. Harper is just plain old evil, and he needs to go ASAP. He is destroying this country, and I might have even considered voting Conservative in the last election (for the lack of a better choice) if they would have had a new, young and charismatic leader.
Everyone and their grandmother have an opinion on this issue, and I think that what the NDP, Liberals and Bloc Quebecois did was show unity. They definitely showed that they were more bi-partisan than Harper, who unilaterally decided to do something which benefits only the Conservatives by trying to cut off public funding for political parties.
So what if the NDP and Liberals are allying with the separatists? Do you think they are actually going to vote in favor of separation after all is said and done? 100% not. They are doing what cornered people do: looking for options outside of the box. For this, I commend them. At least they can sit down and agree on something for a change.
What really disturbs me in this whole mess is not the coalition, or the Conservatives unilateral move. It is the fact that Harper has to go get permission from the Governor General to make any major changes in the House of Commons. So who is really the leader of this country, the elected Harper, or the un-elected Michaelle Jean? Think about this for a second.
The Governor GeneralThe Governor General has the power to suspend or dissolve Parliament, and many other powers which supersede those of the elected prime minister. And who is the Governor General of Canada?
According to the Government of Canada website: “Sworn in on September 27, 2005, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, 27th Governor General since Confederation, represents the Crown in Canada and carries out the duties of head of State.” [source]
Moreover, according to the Governor Generals website: [source]:
- The Governor General is appointed by the Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister.
- The Governor General presides over the swearing-in of the prime minister, the Chief Justice of Canada and cabinet ministers.
- The Governor General is Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Forces.
- The Governor General receives Royal visitors, heads of State and other prominent guests.
- The Governor General accepts the credentials of new ambassadors who represent their respective countries in Canada.
On an interesting side-note, she is listed higher on the CIA's website than the Prime Minister. [link]
So to conclude, Harper, Martin or Chretien might run it on a day-to-day basis, but who has the final say? At the end of the day, people will say that Canada is a constitutional monarchy, but the current situation in the country would indicate that this system is not so democratic after all...
Further Readings:
Globe and Mail - Harper Blunder a Blow to Credibility
Globe and Mail - Parliament Shut Down until January 26th
Globe and Mail - After The Storm
CTV - Governor General Approves PM's Request to Suspend Parliament
CTV - Canadians Regionally Split on Political Storm
Reuters - Canada PM Wins Suspension of Parliament
BBC - Canada Halts Parliament Amid Row
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