Canada's Parliament Resumes; Battles Likely To Continue

Photos

Parliament in the Summer

see larger image

uploaded by fieldtripp

Canada's Parliament will resume sitting on Monday, January 26. After the first session was cut short due to a political showdown, the expectations are that there could be more political intrigue in the coming weeks or months.The Conservative government will face two early confidence votes which could determine the future of Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government.  The Opposition parties will have the opportunity to defeat the government on votes on the Speech from the Throne and the Budget.  A defeat in either of these two votes could lead Canada to its second election in six months.

The Conservatives have appeared more conciliatory since the prorogation of parliament.  Harper has had a few discussions with new Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff on the Budget, which for the Prime Minister, known for his my way or the highway approach, is a strange occurrence.  Ignatieff has not yet pledged to support the Budget, but most believe he does not yet want an election and would prefer some time to consolidate his support both in his party and among Canadians.

The first session of parliament ended quickly after the three opposition parties banded together to try to defeat the government after its economic package did not include what they believed was a sufficient stimulus package for Canada’s economy.  The Liberal Party and the New Democratic Party went so far as to form a coalition with the aid of the Bloc Quebecois to defeat the Conservative government and take power themselves.  Prime Minister Harper ended the session of parliament – with the approval of Governor-General Michaëlle Jean, who represents the Queen as head of state -- before any votes could take place.

In challenging the government, then Liberal leader Stephane Dion and New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton wrote a letter to Jean stating their intention to form a coalition to replace the Conservatives in power.  The separatist Bloc Quebecois signed the letter supporting a Liberal-NDP coalition.  As a result of the botched coalition attempt, Dion lost his job as Liberal Party leader.  Ignatieff, the former deputy leader of the party, replaced Dion as leader.  Ignatieff, who reportedly did not support a coalition with the NDP, had called on Harper to cooperate with the opposition parties on crafting the Budget and stimulus package stating that the coalition remains a viable option if the Liberals do not approve of the upcoming Budget.

Just last week, Ignatieff blasted the Government for leaking details of the Budget to the media as a way to win public support and soften the bad news deficit information before the Budget is made public on Tuesday, January 27.  Votes on the Budget will take place the week of February 2.