Betting the House
I, along with pretty much everyone in Canada, am angry. I am frustrated and perplexed.
The political meltdown in Ottawa seems to have occurred in much the same way that the global economic crisis did. At first there was little to indicate that something was wrong.
Then there was an avalanche. Within one week we went from a vote in favour of the throne speech, which reflects the government's intentions in the next session of parliament, to the formation of an alternative coalition government with enough votes against the current government to defeat it on a confidence motion. What went wrong?
What went wrong was what was billed as an "economic update" from finance minister, Jim Flaherty. Everyone expected some news on where the government was planning to spend to stimulate the economy.
Instead, Flaherty proposed a series of "belt-tightening" measures. These included cuts in federal funding to political parties, cuts to MP budgets, removal of the right to strike for the civil service (which had just signed a two year deal) and the removal of the right to appeal for pay equity decisions to the human rights commissions.
Of course, this economic update program was attributed directly to the prime minister. The opposition parties, predictably, went ballistic. But rather than simply being publicly outraged, as Harper expected, they decided to form a coalition and take over. They rightly pointed out that the prime minister had hardly engaged in belt-tightening in his own government, enlarging the cabinet by 10 new appointments. Each of these carries a hefty budget allowance.
It seemed a little like Dad buying a new car and then announcing to the rest of the family that because they are now in financial hard times, there will be no Christmas presents this year. And by the way, no one is allowed to borrow the new car. So, the kids get together and take the car keys.
Everyone has been trying to find analogies for this crazy situation. Michael Bliss, author of a book on prime ministers, Right Honourable Men, wrote in the National Post that the politicians are all acting like spoiled children. I see it more as a high-stakes poker game, winner take all.
But Canada is not a game and we should be above such a gamble.
The idea that Harper and his Conservatives could be turfed out of office when they have yet to introduce a budget or debate a single piece of legislation is astonishing. The opposition coalition says they will work harder and longer and get a budget out immediately to stimulate the economy. But that is totally unrealistic. It takes months for a change-over of government.
But the optics of Harper cutting off funding to political parties while increasing the budget of his own ministry are not good; he comes across as a bully. Try as he might to justify this, it just doesn't add up.
So now we have a prorogation. Some of us think of it as a time out. Will everyone calm down and start acting in the best interests of the country? It is an MP's job, after all. But with the level of animosity in the House, it does not seem likely that there is any chance of fruitful cooperation.
We are in the grip of a severe global economic crisis. And our politicians have decided to snipe at each other and fight for power rather than rolling up their sleeves and working for the good of Canada. I am sure the politicians will get a piece of Canadians' minds while they are home in their ridings over the holidays.
We can only hope and pray that the concept of peace on earth will hit home and that there will be a new brotherly love in the new year.
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