We booted the GOP, so apparently there’s a need to correct the imbalance of crazy here in North America. Canada, you’re up!
Parliament was suspended midday Thursday after Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean agreed to a request from Prime Minister Stephen Harper to interrupt the session, a decision that means his government has staved off certain defeat in a non-confidence vote scheduled for next week.
After emerging from a nearly two-hour meeting with Jean, Harper said Parliament will resume on Jan. 26 and the first order of business will be the federal budget.
“Last Friday, I asked Canadians to give us their opinions on the parliamentary situation. That feedback has been overwhelming and very clear. They want Canada’s government to continue to work on the agenda that Canadians voted for – our plan to strengthen the economy,” Harper said.
So Harper’s Conservatives have a minority ruling government, and the other liberal parties team up to knock him out so he appeals to the Queen’s rep and they shut down parliament.
REALLY?
I confess to knowing next to nothing about the Candian government, but on the surface its kind of weird that someone with an apparent connection to the Queen of England has any sway, let alone more sway than she’s got in the UK. Or something. Canada, WTF?
I explained it to an American buddy last night, here it is in a nutshell:
We vote for MPs, those MPs are usually part of a party, the party with the most elected MPs form the government, if they get or exceed a certain number of seats they can pass legislation on the safe assumption that everyone in their party will toe the line.
If they don’t get enough seats then they have to work with the other parties to get legislation passed. If they lose a vote in the House then one of two things happen, the Governor General (a purely ceremonial role, no power at all BTW, they are constrained by law and have been for some time, the Queen of England does not push us around) can call an election OR she can invite the opposition to form the government if the opposition asks her to and if they have enough MPs willing to sign on.
The last time that happened was in 1929, it’s a rare occurrence but perfectly legal and well within Parliamentary law and tradition.
Now I’m not very keen on any coalition government and in this case quite opposed, the reason why the Liberals didn’t do any better is because Dion, they’re current leader, truly sucks. He has done nothing to impress no one in the last few years, his own party included, in fact they’re sharpening the knives and this whole stunt may very well be his last gasping grasp at the golden ring.
Furthermore the reason for shooting down the current minority government is pretty lame, if it were something that Canadians felt strongly about (a rare thing when that happens, gay marriage laws were passed and if anyone outside the Bible thumpers noticed or cared I missed it) then maybe they’d have a case but really, they don’t. It stinks of a power grab and even amongst my liberalist of buddies there isn’t much cheering going on. I’ve gotten far more anti than pro emails, Facebook and other requests.
Yeah, the Canadian Government is really complicated, but seems to work after a little bit of pondering. it mostly stems from so many branches of government, but only one of those branches being directly elected.
This, on the surface, seems to deliver an sub-par democracy, however, as those are the only government positions affected by Canada being a democracy, they’re much more in the palms of the people than say… the U.S. Senate.
I’m trying to find an article that laid it out nicely that I read on the 1st.
A few facts:
1) Queen Elizabeth II is the Queen of Canada. Her duties as head of state are carried out by her representative in Canada, the Governor General.
2) The Governor General is nominated by the Prime Minister and the Queen rubber stamps the request.
3) The GG is an entirely ceremonial role within Canada with some perogative powers granted by the constitution which have been rarely used.
Prorogation of the Parliament is normal tool used by the government to start a new session of parliament, usually accompanied by the Speech from the Throne (see Queen’s Speech in the UK or the State of the Union in the US) to set out the government’s agenda for the next session.
The rub here is that prorogation is not intended to be used to stave off a non-confidence vote, which is what Harper has done. As much as I would like to see Harper (my own MP at one time) shown the door, the GG did the right thing in responding to his request. She could have said no, let the vote proceed and then dissolve parliament and call an election.
In effect, Harper called a punt, and she said ‘fine, whatever’.
Salvage above seems to have the “nuts and bolts” fairly well explained.
The following is a letter I’ve sent to several local papers here in British Columbia regarding this incident:
For Canadians, the Conservatives have been wrong on almost every issue that has defined what Canadians believe in. On the questions of universal health care, and small “l” liberal community standards, the Tories have been swimming upstream. As a result they’ve spent 90% of so of the last century on the outside looking in. Those of us “of a certain age” remember the vicious lying fight they put up against universal health care.
Harper has “won” two minority governments. Despite an historic Liberal collapse in Quebec he was unable to win a majority. Why? Because Canadians are not ready to hand over our “social network” to the “tender care” of the Religious Right and the Reaganite “Trickle Down, Deregulate, Government is the enemy” crowd.
As in the USA, the “right” doesn’t want government “leaner” it wants Government “gone.” The US shows us the end game of that philosophy. Canadians know better.
Polls always show a majority of Canadians as being “center/left.” Harper’s hatred and disrespect of the opposition may have now created the “New Liberal Democratic Party” of Canada.
Thank you Mr. Harper, your disrespect is going to give Canadians the opportunity to elect, “Change we can believe in!”
What you’re all neglecting to mention is that, in order for this “change you can believe in” to occur, the Liberals and New Democrats have to join forces with the BLOQ QUEBECOIS. Who are they? They are SEPARATISTS. Their entire raison-d’etre is to SEPARATE FROM CANADA. Do you think there’s an American politician on this planet that could align with a party whose whole goal is to seek independence from the U.S. – and not be throwing his/her entire career down the crapper in the process? This is insanity. You might think that the Conservatives are wrong on the issue, or be legitimately angered by their recent economic update. And I agree that governing as if they had a majority was arrogant and wrong. But for the Liberals to form a coalition with quasi-socialists on one side and separatists on the other is a disgrace. And to hand the Prime Ministership without a vote to a guy who, just a month ago, led his party the most humiliating defeat in Liberal party history is outrageous – especially when it is based on this ridiculous coalition that will break down within weeks. Oliver, you’re right, we get the Crazy Stick. I just wish we could have voted for Obama.
Wait, if the Governor General is a purely ceremonial role then why did Harper have to go to *her* to get permission to suspend Parliament? That doesn’t sound ceremonial to me.
>Wait, if the Governor General is a purely ceremonial role then why did Harper have to go to *her* to get permission to suspend Parliament? That doesn’t sound ceremonial to me.
Because that’s the ceremony, basically what has happened is that Harper has looked at the field and the clock and yelled “Time Out”. Now she could technically refuse his request but it’s not likely that she would, he is PM after all and her role is to do as she’s told by him while making it look like she’s saying what’s what.
I know, it’s stupid. If I had my way the GG and all aspects of royalty would be stripped and sent back to the Uk with a note of thanks, won’t be needing this anymore. It bugs me that the Parliament buildings has statues of Unicorns on it, why not leprechauns and Jedi Knights while we’re at it?
Shutting down Parliament for a breather is as legal as what the Opposition is trying to do.
Truth be told I’m ashamed of the whole gang of idiots. They are clearly putting ambition ahead of nation and they’re impressing no one.
@Diamondrock
It’s a matter of protocol. The fact that the GG did not say no was a forgone conclusion. It’s like the President being invited to give the state of the union speech. It happens every year, he’s required by the constitution to do it but protocol requires he be invited to come to the house chamber to deliver it.
Look at it this way, how did Bush manage to crap all over the US constitution when it’s always been considered a bedrock of American democracy. The answer to that as well as what Canada is going through right now, is that the foundation of our democracies aren’t in fact as solid as we’ve always believed and they rely quite a bit on honourable men and women not abusing the process. When you get men like Bush and Harper, for whom honour has no meaning, the foundation of our democracies can be easily shaken.
So while the Governor General’s role is largely ceremonial, the Queen’s representative does have a part to play in our Parliamentary system of government. However, the rules dictating this role are somewhat vague so when a crisis erupts they can subjected to abuse by dishonourable men.
Thanks salvage, that explains it. Makes sense now. Though I understand that some Canadians are still keen on all the pomp and royalty stuff. I’ve got a Canadian friend who freakin’ *loves* the queen.
I don’t understand it.
“I confess to knowing next to nothing about the Candian government,”
FAIL.
“I confess to knowing next to nothing about the Candian government, but on the surface its kind of weird that someone with an apparent connection to the Queen of England has any sway, let alone more sway than she’s got in the UK. Or something. Canada, WTF?”
Oliver, picture what we’d be talking about if the Governor General had turned down the Prime Minister’s request. According to the BBC, “A prime minister’s request to temporarily suspend parliament had never been turned down, but nor had such a request been made when the government was certain to lose a confidence vote” (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7765206.stm). The Governor General didn’t want to be seen to tip the domino that would eventually lead to the removal of a Prime Minister. Given the stink that still floats around the Governor General of Australia’s decision to dismiss Gough Whitlam in 1975 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1975_Australian_constitutional_crisis), she probably did the right thing.
Doesn’t make the office of Governor General any less nonsensical. Burn everything British except their coal!
@thecontinental
Do you think there’s an American politician on this planet that could align with a party whose whole goal is to seek independence from the U.S. – and not be throwing his/her entire career down the crapper in the process?
Yes, Sarah Palin and the Alaska Independence Party.
OTOH, I can’t imagine a Democrat being able to get away with that, so maybe it’s not okay if you’re a liberal.
[...] links are admirably ecumenical, just as likely to point to frisky indie blogs ["Oliver Willis: Like Kryptonite to Stupid"] as they are mainstream news sources [U.S. News] or established online purveyors [Talking Points [...]
I do not know that much about Ottawa. I do know that with the collapse of commodity prices the Canadian economy may be one of the last dominoes to fall into sharp recession. The Canadian Dollar has been getting routed on this speculation.
Salvage, what you describe is not a ‘Purely ceremonial role’. The person who performs the invocation at the beginning of congress is has a purely ceremonial role. If a person has the authority to prevent a no-confidence vote, and the power to call elections, they are one of the most powerful people within that form of government. If that person is appointed by a non-elected regent or royal, then I hate to break it to you, but yes you are pushed around by the queen. She just chose to preserve a conservative government because she’s a conservative person. This was nothing but an expression of her power over you.
Canada is a constitutional monarchy, and Queen Elizabeth is the head of state. (God Save The Queen!)
The GG’s purpose to to keep parliament in line and not abuse the system. For example, if a minority party continually wants to call elections, the GG can put a stop to it and let the opposition try to form a coalition government.
Almost always, the GG complies with the request of the prime minister. In this case, Harper requested an early prorogation (suspending parliament for several weeks). He’s never asked for that before, however if he were to rely on tricks like that, the GG would probably smack him and let the opposition form the gov’t.
I think the GG gave Harper a piece of her mind, he came out of the meeting saying “we all made mistakes here” instead of “THE OPPOSITION WANT’S TO KILL US ALLLLLLLLLL”.
“If that person is appointed by a non-elected regent or royal, then I hate to break it to you, but yes you are pushed around by the queen”
Do you really think that Queen Elizabeth chooses the Governor General? I mean REALLY chooses the Governor General as opposed to rubber stamping the choice of Canada’s Prime Minsiter?
soullite
The GG cannot do anything outside of what they are told to do. It is an illusion cast many years ago to maintain the silly belief that a sun hadn’t set on a certain Empire.
Those actions you describe cannot be initiated by the GG nor can she deviate from her very limited options, she is a sock puppet that can speak two words but only in specific circumstances.
For Pete’s sake the Queen doesn’t even run England anymore.
“It stinks of a power grab…”
I disagree here. The Tories were using the economic crisis to gut publicly funded elections, which would hurt the other three parties. They were using the economic crisis as an excuse for a power grab for themselves. Then when called on it, Harper basically lied and attacked the Liberals for something they’ve done in the past (working with the Bloc).
“For Pete’s sake the Queen doesn’t even run England anymore.”
She waves at crowds and generates millions in tourism. That’s her job. I can’t believe some people think she has political power.
Here is another take on this situation:
Just a couple of points:
1. This is not the United States. Canadians do not elect a leader or even a party. We elect individual MPs. Each and every single one of those MPs will still have their seats regardless of who is on top. And whoever is on top needs the majority of MPs in those seats to vote for what they are doing. Sounds pretty democratic to me.
2. A prorogation of Parliament at this stage would only be a grave abuse of power. Harper has already once delayed this confidence vote and will only seek suspension of Parliament to delay it again. He is hiding from responsibility. Is this the PM that you all want? Really?
3. Harper attempted to form the exact same coalition. We all know this now. Also, he has been mudslinging for several days now. The way to have an effective government is not to call all the other elected officials names. Call the Bloc “separatists”. Call the NDP “socialists”. See how far that gets him in Parliament. He’s digging his own grave here. There is no chance after his comments for Canada to have an efficient, effective government. Here’s something to try at home: Call your significant other one of the worst names you can think of. Now ask if you can buy a new car. Good luck.
4. Harper’s excuse for calling an election several months ago was that Parliament just was not working. The parties could not come to agreement, etc, etc. His attempt to gain a majority failed and we are at exactly the same spot that Harper himself admitted wasn’t working. Isn’t it about time for us to have a government that can get things done?
5. The Bloc’s aim in this coalition is not to split up the country. They’re not even in the coalition!! They will have no cabinet positions. They will simply not be voting against the coalition in matters of confidence for 18 months. Wow. Pretty scary eh? If you think so, it appears logic escapes you.
6. If the positions were reversed and the Conservatives were heading up this coalition, I would still be in favor. As long as every one of these points is true, we are not in the middle of a “coup” and we will not have a “dictatorship”. This is the most democratic thing to happen to us in a while. We elected all of these people. Now let them work.
Canadian law and United States law are different things. The Canadians did not rebel against the British Monarchy. The United States did rebel against the British Monarchy. This is not difficult to understand if you look at the history of both countries and how they are different.
Here is another question. Who is Steven Harper really? What is his family history? What are his family relations? Who are the Harpers?
Stephen Harper is a former lobbyist for an anti-tax group who moved seamlessly into right-wing politics and has been trying to convince Canadians that he won’t completely reconfigure the country into a Republican theme park. Nobody trusts him, and for good reason.
Is MP Harper descended from Royalty or Nobility? That is my real question.
I think that Harper’s request for a time out was a great idea. This Liberal-NDP-Bloc coalition may not be a coup, but it is a little ridiculous and small-minded.
The goal as far as I can tell is to vote Harper out in the spring, by electing this ‘coalition’ but it doesn’t really make any sense. The parties wouldn’t combine and the MPs that were elected just weeks ago will probably mostly be the same a few months from now. That government posts would be held by a combination of Liberals and NDP members is preposterous not only because neither party alone have more elected representative than the Conservatives, but also because a combination government is in the interest of Politicians only and not citizens.
I didn’t vote for Harper in October and I agree that he isn’t our finest leader, but that idea that Dion would be our Prime Minister is infuriating considering how unpopular he proved to be. Their coalition may be legal but it is a blatant insult to how we elect our leaders. Harper has his faults, but exchanging power(cabinet positions) for support in the House is a sneaky deal and we deserve better from the people we choose to represent us.
Instead of trying to throw out the party that was elected I would prefer that our Politians try and work together to sort out the real problems that are facing our nation. The notion that we can’t do that under a Conservative government is an insult to the Canadian people. We may not have a perfect system but I don’t think that taking it apart further is going to be helpful.
Fine then I’ll answer my own question. Yes MP Harper is in fact descended from some time of Nobility and probably Royalty as well. Which is rather important in a country such as Canada.
This being opinion only of course.
A few points:
1) In constitutional monarchies such as Canada, “The Queen rules but does not govern”, following the long-standing doctrine, going back to the 17th century England. In practice, it means the Queen of Canada (Lizzie Windsor) or her representative will agree with whatever their main counselor (the Prime minister) will advise unless it’s way over the top.
2) As for the power trip of coalition party leaders, I think the person who wrote this has missed the previous episodes of this series which runs on canadian screens since early 2006.
In previous episodes, we’ve seen the government trying to push the most outrageous planks of their agenda (compulsory sentences, the reversal of the burden of proof in selected criminal cases) and last week, fresh from an election that returned another minority, the Finance minister starts about pushing for an electoral finance reform which was never discussed before and the suspension of the right to strike by civil servants, and the the end of the pay equity settlement process decided by the courts. In the last parliament, the Liberals abstained a lot because they were scared to go to the polls, and Harper tried the same trick again. This time the Liberals said “no”.
3) As for the Bloc québécois, they are in favor of Quebec’s independence and they don’t hide that fact. They are the big reason why Harper got yet another minority after they won 49 out of 75 seats from Quebec (last time they had 50 seats). Harper is clearly pissed off at Quebec voters and his party has organized a nice round of Quebec-bashing in anglo Canada.
4) As for the main issue in this crisis, the economy and how to stimulate it, there are two views: Barper’s supply-siders (the PM is a right-wing economist by trade), and the other parties agreeing to an aggressive stimulus package to help the economy.