[FairHamilton]

Hey, it's almost like an election all over again.

In the last few days there's been a growing momentum in Ottawa for a new government. One made from a coalition of the Liberals, NDP and Bloc.

It seems this new coalition government (if it happens) will be focused on economic stimulus.

Do you think the new government will be good for Hamilton, especially since we are represented by good number of NDP MP's, Christopherson, Charlton, and Marston, in the city? Do you think any of them make it into cabinet?

The NDP is reported to get 6 of the cabinet positions if the coalition is successful in persuading the Govenor General they are a viable alternative to another election.

[SteelTown]

If any of the NDP in Hamilton where to get a cabinet position it would be Christopherson, municipal knowledge (past councilor), former MPP, former Rae cabinet minister, and now MP.

I'm in favour of this new coalition government because it'll be a progessive government.

[coalminecanary]

ANd it will represent the majority of Canadians

Harper is pulling some serious fear mongering, insinuating that even agreeing with the Bloc means that you are a proponent for "ripping canada apart".

In my mind this coalition is about bringing canadians together.

[SteelTown]

http://images.ctv.ca/archives/CTVNews/img2/20081201/450_economic_council_081201.jpg


Coalition would be guided by all-star economic council

Updated Mon. Dec. 1 2008 9:50 AM ET
CTV.ca News Staff

A high-profile, four-person economic council would guide a Liberal-NDP coalition government on finance matters, CTV News has learned.

CTV's Ottawa Bureau Chief Robert Fife reported Monday that the council would comprise Frank McKenna, Paul Martin, John Manley and Roy Romanow.

"This is a way to assure Canadians the economy would be managed properly," Fife told CTV Newsnet.

The panel of "wise men" would help the new government navigate the current global economic turbulence, he said.

The list includes three Liberals and one New Democrat, though none currently hold elected office.

McKenna is a former Liberal premier of New Brunswick and ambassador to the U.S., Martin is a former Liberal finance minister and prime minister, Manley is a former Liberal finance minister and foreign affairs minister, and Romanow is a former New Democrat premier of Saskatchewan.

The current political storm erupted last week after Finance Minister Jim Flaherty unveiled his economic update -- a blueprint that contained no stimulus package, temporarily shut down public servants' ability to strike and outlined plans to slash public funding for political parties.

As a confidence motion the fiscal update must pass in the House of Commons or the government would fall.

Almost immediately after Flaherty's announcement, opposition parties began meeting to discuss forming a coalition.

Fife reported earlier Monday that the cabinet formed under the coalition would include both Liberal and NDP ministers. The Liberals would take 18 cabinet seats, while the NDP would get six.

Fife also reported that the coalition government would introduce a $30-billion economic stimulus package and roll back $50 billion in planned corporate tax cuts.

He said that an adviser to NDP Leader Jack Layton informed the party caucus of the plans on Sunday. The conversation was taped by Conservatives.

"The big deal is this new coalition would spend $30 billion in economic stimulus and to help pay for it they would roll back $50 billion of corporate income tax cuts," Fife told Canada AM.

[ryan_mcgreal]

ANd it will represent the majority of Canadians

If it includes the Bloc. :)

Share of Popular Vote by Party

Conservative: 37.65% (143 seats)

Liberal: 26.25% (77 seats)
NDP: 18.18% (37 seats)
Bloc: 9.98% (49 seats)
Green: 6.78% (0 seats)

Liberal + NDP: 44.43% (114 seats)

Liberal + NDP + Bloc: 54.41% (163 seats)

[FairHamilton]

All #1 names in the economic council.

I've heard and read interviews with Paul Martin lately and he has expressed his displeasure with how the Conservatives have managed the finances since taking power.

IMO, Martin was a poor Prime Minister (Mr. Dithers), but a great Finance Minister.

[FairHamilton]

If it includes the Bloc. :)

Share of Popular Vote by Party

Conservative: 37.65% (143 seats)

Liberal: 26.25% (77 seats)
NDP: 18.18% (37 seats)
Bloc: 9.98% (49 seats)
Green: 6.78% (0 seats)

Liberal + NDP: 44.43% (114 seats)

Liberal + NDP + Bloc: 54.41% (163 seats)


It has to include the Bloc, to get the majority of seats.

But my understanding the Bloc will not be part of the coalition they've only agreed to support the Liberal/NDP union in parlimentary votes. I also heard last week in exchange for supporting the Liberal/NDP union they will get some things for Quebec.

One thing I heard briefly last week, but not since, was Federal Services in Quebec in French only. I don't know if that's true, or not.

[SteelTown]

I'm predicting we'll see Constitutional reforms happening with this new coalition government. Get Quebec to sign the constitution, include election/government reforms (Proportional representation) and maybe include universal healthcare as a right.

[highwater]

Fine body of men. We have Paul Martin to thank for our comparatively stable banking system. He had great foresight when he put a stop to bank mergers, we'd be in much worse shape if it hadn't been for him. No one in the current Conservative Party can touch him on fiscal management, the best they can do is Flaherty, which is pretty much all you need to know about Conservative economic policy.

[FairHamilton]

Fine body of men. We have Paul Martin to thank for our comparatively stable banking system. He had great foresight when he put a stop to bank mergers, we'd be in much worse shape if it hadn't been for him. No one in the current Conservative Party can touch him on fiscal management, the best they can do is Flaherty, which is pretty much all you need to know about Conservative economic policy.

Remember when the Canadian banks said they needed to merge and get bigger to compete on the world stage. Without the mergers they would be too small to compete, and end up being also rans.

Well I guess they got that a little wrong, as big has certainly not helped Citibank and AIG, has it. The bigger they are, the harder they fall. Ah, those old cliches do hold a lot of wisdom, don't they.

[ryan_mcgreal]

I'm predicting we'll see Constitutional reforms happening with this new coalition government. Get Quebec to sign the constitution, include election/government reforms (Proportional representation) and maybe include universal healthcare as a right.

How ironic that would be after the Conservatives adopted the constitutional reform agenda from the Reform Party. However, most of these changes seem unlikely, given how fragile this coalition is going to be.

the best they can do is Flaherty, which is pretty much all you need to know about Conservative economic policy.

Eight years of continuous economic growth in Ontario and they hand over the reins with a $5.5 billion deficit. Yet they're supposed to be the party of fiscal responsibility.

The bigger they are, the harder they fall.

More like: the bigger they are, the bigger the moral hazard that comes from knowing the government won't let you fall. :)

[markbarbera]

It has to include the Bloc, to get the majority of seats.

But my understanding the Bloc will not be part of the coalition they've only agreed to support the Liberal/NDP union in parlimentary votes. I also heard last week in exchange for supporting the Liberal/NDP union they will get some things for Quebec.

One thing I heard briefly last week, but not since, was Federal Services in Quebec in French only. I don't know if that's true, or not.

You're right, the BQ is not part of the coalition government. They will, however, support the NDP-Liberal coalition for votes of confidence so long as it remains in the best intereast of Quebec to do so. Essentially the same relationship they had with the Conservative minority government.

Any guesses on if any of Hamilton's MP's making it into cabinet? Labour Minister David Christopherson?

[Dundasguy]

ANd it will represent the majority of Canadians

Harper is pulling some serious fear mongering, insinuating that even agreeing with the Bloc means that you are a proponent for "ripping canada apart".

In my mind this coalition is about bringing canadians together.

If any of you guys remember the constitutional mess back in '92, you would not be so cheerful. The Bloc will play nice for now, but think about the kind of people they represent; Jaques Parizeau, FLQ and other zealots. The Bloc should be destroyed and now they control the balance of political power in Canada.

This will not bring anyone closer together, it will drive Canada further apart. This is a govenrment of the GTA, Quebec and Newfoundlad and will do nothing but futher alienate Western and Rural Canada.

On a positive note, Danny Williams will be happy.

[highwater]

The FLQ? Holy Blast from the Past, Batman! I'm no fan of the Bloc, but that is extreme, right up there with the Bill-Ayers-Guilt-by-Association ploy the Repubs tried unsuccessfully in the US election.

[Dundasguy]

Google "Rhéal Mathieu". This guy is still likes using violence to get his message across and I don't think he is a big Dion supporter.

If you think that there is no hostility towards Canada in Quebec, please get your head out of the sand.

[FairHamilton]

Hey Stephen, he might not look like a leader to you, but he just might be the next Prime Minister.

lol, it would look so good on the Conservatives. I guess they forgot to read the playbook about not acting like a majority government when you don't have the majority of seats.

OTTAWA - Opposition parties have reached a tentative deal that would see Liberal Leader Stephane Dion take over as interim prime minister and pump billions of dollars into the economy.

[SteelTown]

It'll be a nice Christmas gift to see the Conservatives switch to the opposition side and Harper tossed out.

[highwater]

Please show me where I claimed that there is no hostility in Quebec toward the ROC. I simply stated that it is extreme to conflate the Bloc with terrorists.

[Dundasguy]

It'll be a nice Christmas gift to see the Conservatives switch to the opposition side and Harper tossed out.

And we will probably see another new government by New Years one the coalition falls apart.

There is victory for nobody here. We are too divided of a country now for anyone to claim victory. This will do nothing but further amplify divisions.

I see that Canada becoming more like Italy, a change in government every 1-3 years and a choice of political parties to meet any special interest.

[markbarbera]

Google "Rhéal Mathieu". This guy is still likes using violence to get his message across and I don't think he is a big Dion supporter.


If you are equating the BQ with M. Mathieu then you are way off the mark. I am no fan of the BQists but to say they are terrorists, or even to try to equate them with terrorists is way over the top.

And we will probably see another new government by New Years one the coalition falls apart.


This coalition will last at least until spring 2010, perhaps into 2011.

[LikeHamilton]

Here is a letter from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. I sure it will be one of many to all of the parties from different interest groups and individuals.

To all Federal Party Leaders:

We are writing to you today on behalf of the 175,000 members of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce network.

The current financial crisis is taking a severe toll on all Canadians and despite our many strengths, Canada cannot escape the global downturn. In this regard, we find it disappointing that the discourse since the tabling of the Economic Update has been almost exclusively focused on political gains and posturing.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and all Canadians are looking to all elected officials and especially party leaders, to unite their efforts and demonstrate leadership in putting forth a strategy, including a stimulus package, to boost consumer confidence and ensure sustainability of the Canadian economy.

The announcement by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty today outlining the ability for the Government to take emergency measures if Canada’s financial crisis worsens is not enough. Concrete measures must be put in place well in advance of a January 27 budget.

The Board of Directors of the Canadian Chamber will be issuing recommendations to the Government to respond to the critical factors fuelling the financial crisis, such as the access to credit, stock market turbulence and currency fluctuations, upon the conclusion of its meeting on Tuesday, December 2.

It is critical that all parties unite their efforts and focus all of their energies on identifying positive solutions. It is high time to stop playing political games – Canadians deserve no less from their elected officials.


Hon. Perrin Beatty
President and CEO
Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Roger Thomas
Chair, Board of Directors
Canadian Chamber of Commerce

[adam]

Google "Rhéal Mathieu". This guy is still likes using violence to get his message across and I don't think he is a big Dion supporter.

If you think that there is no hostility towards Canada in Quebec, please get your head out of the sand.

The Conservatives have their extreme right wingers too - I won't bring them up because it offers nothing to the thread, however.

[coalminecanary]

a night at the parliament:

http://neenerneet.net/coalition/

[ryan_mcgreal]

Here is a letter from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. I sure it will be one of many to all of the parties from different interest groups and individuals.

[...]


It is critical that all parties unite their efforts and focus all of their energies on identifying positive solutions. It is high time to stop playing political games – Canadians deserve no less from their elected officials.



Well, all but one of the parties have agreed to unite and focus their energies on identifying positive solutions.

[SteelTown]

Coalition cabinet may have city MP: Copps

Daniel Nolan and Emma Reilly
The Hamilton Spectator
(Dec 3, 2008)
http://www.thespec.com/News/CanadaWorld/article/475906

Sheila Copps has been called upon to help advise the Liberal-NDP coalition that may soon topple the Conservative government.

"My advice has been asked and sought and I've been giving it," the former Hamilton East Liberal MP and onetime deputy prime minister said yesterday. "There's a huge political journey between here and government and I've had some advice that I've passed along."

Copps, who sat in the House of Commons for 20 years until 2004, said she was one of many high-ranking Liberals former Liberal prime minister Jean Chretien consulted in creating the coalition with former NDP leader Ed Broadbent.

Copps said she gave advice on the role of the Bloc Quebecois, which was not to have them as partners, but supporters of the coalition. She said she and other Liberals foresaw that the Conservatives would accuse the Liberals and NDP of being in bed with the separatists, but she believes by not formally involving them in the coalition, that issue is not a political sticking point.

"I think the way they've handled it is perfect," she said. "(The Bloc) are not part of the coalition. They are going to be consulted, but they are not going to extract any quid pro quo for separation."

Copps said Hamilton Centre NDP MP David Christopherson is being mentioned in Liberal circles as a potential cabinet member. She said the six NDP cabinet spots are up to NDP Leader Jack Layton, but Christopherson is being talked about because the coalition leaders want cabinet members with previous experience.

Christopherson, who has represented Hamilton Centre since 2004, served in the Bob Rae cabinet in the early 1990s and sat in the Ontario legislature for 13 years.

"I've discussed his name with different people, people who wonder who would the NDP have," Copps said. "The knowledge of government is very important. It's going to be a very delicate parliamentary operation and, even though they have a signed agreement, any small thing can explode. So the experience that David has would be invaluable in a ministry and it would also be great for Hamilton."

Copps said she understands Layton is "going for" industry minister.

Christopherson downplayed talk of his potential role in the coalition cabinet.

"I'm going to pay little or no attention to that, unless I have a reason to," he said. "It would be a very small cabinet in a very big country."

He said the mood in Ottawa is "crazy" and his party's sole focus is removing the Tories. He says it's too early to say who could be tapped for cabinet.

Still, Christopherson said he would consider a cabinet position if asked.

"I always give serious consideration to anything my leader asks of me, but I believe my constituents want to hear that my priority is them, not me."

Copps said "the big issue" remains what Governor General Michaelle Jean will do if Prime Minister Stephen Harper asks her to prorogue Parliament until the end of January. She said Jean may not go along with that, but she hears bureaucrats in the Privy Council Office are supporting that move, arguing the coalition does not have a Western Canada element "and is not representative enough."

Copps said that would remedied through cabinet postings.

[hamiltonguy]

Sorry but i've got a feeling if the coalition takes over Hamilton will be left out of cabinet.

NDP Cabinet Ministers will be:

Jack Layton, Thomas Mulcair, Linda Duncan, Someone from Northern Ontario (where they made a huge breakthrough) , Someone from Atlantic Canada (strong NDP support, i'd bet Jack Harris from NFLD), and Someone from BC (another strong NDP area).