Thousands Rally At Toronto’s City Hall To Support A Coalition Government

Federal Liberal leader Stéphane Dion and NDP leader Jack Layton addressed thousands of cold braving supporters at Toronto City Hall’s Nathan Phillips Square yesterday, to pitch their plan of a Liberal-NDP coalition and ousting Stephen Harper’s Conservatives.

“Harper and party have done nothing for the economy and that is why the Conservatives have lost the confidence of the House of Commons,” Stéphane Dion claimed.

“We don’t want a government that doesn’t have a plan.” Dion said while the crowd chanted “Hey-hey ho-ho, Stephen Harper has to go!”

All this comes after Finance Minister Jim Flaherty announced the government's fall economic update will include the axing of public subsidies for political parties.

Currently a subsidy of $1.95 is granted to each party for each vote earned during an election.

The move is felt by the oppositions as an attempt to bankrupt their parties and as a result have formed a coalition and plan to topple the Conservative government.

In fear of his government being defeated by a non-confidence vote, the Prime Minister Stephen Harper requested and was granted Prorogue by Governor General Michaelle Jean. An unprecedented move which will suspend Parliament until January 26th.

“He knew full well that had he had the opportunity to face the House he would have been defeated and he turned tail and ran.” Jack Layton blasted.

“He put a padlock on Parliament Hill” because he is “desperately trying to cling to power”. Layton said while condemning the prime minister for proroguing Parliament in “an effort to keep his job.”

“He cares more about his job than your jobs.” Dion charged.

Dion further stated that it’s the first time in Canadian history a Prime Minister ran away from Parliament and that we need a federal government willing to act and help Canadians.

Jack Layton claims The New Democrats and the Liberal Party have chosen a path forward to stimulate the economy with a stable and responsible government. He says they have set aside their differences and the Coalition has a fair and balanced agreement for governing in an approach that has the support of the Bloc Quebecois and the Green Party of Canada.

“Instead of an economic plan Mr. Harper delivered an ideological plan that won’t create a single job or protect a single pension.” Layton claimed.

He went on to say that folks across the country are losing their jobs, being thrown into the streets and are showing up at homeless shelters where they’re running out of food.

“We must throw aside the politics of division that we have seen from our Prime Minister and bring forward the politics of unity and working together.” Layton said.

“Mr. Harper, your government will be defeated at the first opportunity.” Layton exclaimed.

“This is a coalition for change. This is a majority coalition for change”

In what seems to be a spend-spend platform, the coalition claims they will make a wealth investments which include:

- Strengthening infrastructure and expand public transit

- Build affordable housing

- Get key industries back on their feet

- Help the auto sector with low interest loans and help with green technology

- Support for the forestry sector

- Support farmers and their collective institutions

- Introduce a “Made in Canada” buying policy

- Support the arts and culture

- Reform the employment insurance and reduce wait times

- Establish protection for pensions and senior savings

- Improve child benefits and child care

There of course was no mention of where the money to support this plan was coming from while the country endures this economic crisis. A crisis which is viewed by many to be the worst ever and nowhere near over.