Harper and the Law - who's asking the tough questions?

Submitted by Bob Rae on Wed, 08/27/2008 - 08:47.

The Governor General has been asked to stay home. This is the same Governor General who put her name to the law that said the next election would be held in November of 2009. Presumably the law means something.

Stephen Harper has been engaged in a carefully orchestrated attempt to sabotage his own fixed election law. It was a few weeks ago that the music started. "Parliament is dysfunctional", "we can't get our agenda done". "Committees are kangaroo courts".

The Karl Rove clones in the PMO do nothing by accident. They can't stand living in a minority, and not being able to control everything, including the election date. So to break the knot they have to soften up the public for the blow. Before next week, when Mr Harper is expected to see a grounded Her Excellency, there will have been a full month of the mantras.

But wait a minute. I heard Mr Harper say the other day that a fixed election and minority government don't necessarily go together. But he had a minority when he brought in the law, and when parliament passed it!! Parliament is dysfunctional? It hasn't been sitting since its standard adjournment in June.

The Harper agenda has been remarkably light. No real priorities. Just blustery rhetoric. Committees were given nothing to do all summer. So his agenda has been stopped by his own indecision.

Kangaroo courts? Please, Conservatives take time out from maligning Elections Canada to malign the opposition.

It would be fascinating, if unlikely, if the Governor General were to ask Mr Harper some simple questions about his Fixed Date Election law. Does he think it means anything? How exactly is it compatible with his request?

Hard to avoid the conclusion that the Harperites are a bunch of cynical phonies.

Bill C-12

Submitted by irene L on Sat, 08/30/2008 - 19:52.

Hello Mr. Rae

According to Wikipedia, the only way Harper can call a federal election is if the opposition parties vote on a confidence bill. Is this not correct or is there any loop holes attached to Bill C-12?

If he can, doesn't adopting Bill C-12 become nothing but a wasted piece of paper a sham?

Just asking. Awaiting your response.

Thank You

Sounds right to me, but

Submitted by Bob Rae on Mon, 09/01/2008 - 08:33.

Sounds right to me, but Harper is claiming an "impasse" in the House and is asking the Governor General to dissolve parliament. Does she have to listen to him? Depends on whether she wants to challenge Harper, ask him about the meaning of the law, and suggest he at least meet the House. There's a tradition that the GG defer to the PM, but we do have this law... shows what a bully and control freak Harper really is.