My first diary – please be kind!
For those following the twists and turns of the minority Liberal government as they attempt to get things done in the face of non-confidence votes, another hurdle is fast approaching.
The Conservatives came out yesterday stating that they will not disrupt the passage of the budget amendment (scheduled for Thursday) if the Liberal government agrees to back off on Bill C-38 or the Marriage Bill. They want the Libs to postpone the introduction of C-38 until the fall session.
The Liberals, in fact Prime Minister Martin himself, have promised to get this bill passed before the summer recess (which is next week btw).
And as I was putting this diary together, the local news (0200hEST) just reported that the liberal government has declined the Conservative’s offer.
Martin’s spokesman Scott Reid said, “There is no deal and there will be no deal between the government and the Conservatives to delay the civil marriage legislation until the fall. Period.”
We’ll see what happens later today when they meet to pass the budget bill. The Conservs have threatened to oppose and delay, with 90 speakers ready to cause as much havoc as possible.
O.
I was recently talking to my mom’s life partner (a Canadian who lives near Thunder Bay) about your country’s politics. Sounds like a very interesting time! He said there was a recent budget resolution or something along those lines where the coalition was so narrow, they had to get various ministers in there to vote for it and it carried by one vote or something?
While on the one hand it isn’t good that the Conservatives have gained strength, it must be kind of nice that the NDP has so much bargaining power now.
Good luck, I hope the marriage bill passes!
-Alan
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Support Hugo Chavez: Fill up your car at CITGO!
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It was a vote on the budget sans amendment.
The Conservs thought it was their big moment to take down the government, all members were recalled – even those going through medical treatments etc., but after one defection (Stronach) to the Libs and some positive votes by Independents, it came down to a tie-breaker by the Speaker of the House. He voted w/ the government.
So we basically avoided an election by 1 vote.
I’ve been pretty impressed by Layton’s (NDP Leader) handling of this situation. He presented himself in a very rational and level-headed manner. He did some good stuff for his party w/ the budget amendment.
We’ll see what happens later today.
Martin and Cotler (Justice Minister) just came out of their caucus meeting. Martin threw the “f” word around – accusing the Cons of filibustering and stalling and Cotler said he’d be willing to sit through the summer if that’s what it takes to get this worked out. This could be an interesting day. I’d suggest that anyone interested in catching up on what’s going on watch Question Period on C-PAC at 2 pm ET. It should be another rabble rousing day.
Coming from you catnip, that means a lot!
And thanks for the CPAC link. It does seem that the Libs are going to remain steadfast.
The first time I sat in the gallery during Question Period I couldn’t believe how childish it all seemed. It was such a disappointment: this was how our country functioned? With petulance and veiled insults etc.
Rabble rousing indeed.