So Harper's game of political chicken is over and he lost. The Canadian Press is reporting that Harper has backed down on cutting the subsidy to political parties a confidence issue in his so-called Fiscal Update ("FU" for short").
I think a coalition government with Ralph Goodale as the interim Prime Minister is a possibility - not optimal but a possibility. And Harper can't risk it. His bullying and bluster better be over. Harper is only good at political tactics when the country is desperate for good government and sound policy. Harper's FU yesterday shows that he is still only intertested in political gamesmanship.
The times have change and the Harper political and head games are no longer appropriate. It is time to lead or get out of the way Steve.
RICHARD BLACKWELL
ReplyDeleteGlobe and Mail Update
November 28, 2008 at 2:14 PM EST
Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty says the government will “stay on track” and leave the cuts to political party subsidies in the financial package to be introduced in Parliament next week.
Speaking to reporters Friday after a speech in Toronto, Mr. Flaherty said the changes are “in the financial plan of the government of Canada” and will remain.
The changes are not included in Friday's ways and means motion because they are not tax measures, he said, but they will not be removed from the overall legislation.
Mr. Flaherty said in a speech to the Economic Club of Toronto that Ottawa already has $31-billion in tax cuts coming in 2009 and that amounts to a stimulus of 2 per cent of gross domestic product.
Other countries are “catching up” with Canada on this score, he said, but many other nations are putting in place temporary stimulus measures that are not as effective as Canada's permanent tax relief.
Still, Mr. Flaherty said, “if we need to do more ....we will do more.”
There are “lots of possibilities” for stimulus spending, he said, including putting more money into infrastructure.
A pathetic response by the Harper Party don't you think?
ReplyDeleteHarper and the conservatives are looking like the 'fools' they really are!
ReplyDeleteHaving them in power always made me think of the following quote: No man's life, liberty or property are safe while the legislature is in session.
A coalition government would be a 'good thing' because the conservatives have proven they are incompetent and poor fiscal managers who are incapable of real leadership, as they have proven time after time on so many issues that are important to Canadians. They are out of step and not ready to govern, so let those who are, take the helm.