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Home , Bob Rae, Gilles Duceppe, Michael Ignatieff

THE CONSERVATIVES AND THE COALITION Introduction

In the midst of the economic crisis situation in the government’s next Focus that began in earnest in the late fall of budget, scheduled for February or March In this News in Review story we’ll look at 2008, Canada was also plunged into 2009. the political crisis a political crisis. In some ways, the The opposition parties felt the that gripped Canada political crisis was a surprise. After all, Conservatives were not doing enough to through the winter the federal election that had re-elected govern the country through the economic of 2008-09. Shortly ’s Conservative Party of crisis and said that Prime Minister after the Conservative Canada had just occurred, on October Harper had lost the confidence of the Party was re-elected 14, 2008. Although the Conservatives House. They signed an agreement to in the October 2008 federal election, the had been able to win only enough seats form a coalition government to replace opposition parties to form a minority government—as was the Conservative Party. In response, formed a coalition the case in the previous election—most the Prime Minister asked Governor to oust the minority considered the matter closed. General Michaëlle Jean to prorogue—or government of Canadians had become used to minority temporarily discontinue— Stephen Harper. To governments, and they had become used so that the coalition could not force the avoid being defeated, to Prime Minister Harper. government out of office. She agreed, the Prime Minister asked the Governor On the other hand, Harper’s previous and Harper had six weeks to catch General to shut down term had been a contentious one within his breath and try to appease angry Parliament until late the House of Commons itself. The Prime Canadians and opposition leaders. January. Canadians Minister had a reputation for doing MPs returned to the House of shook their heads at what he wanted without consulting Commons on Monday, January 26, this fight among their other members of government. He did 2009, and the government presented political leaders while the country was in not even allow the members of his own its budget on Tuesday, January 27. To the middle of a global party to disagree with him or his policies avoid a defeat in the House, the Harper economic crisis. in public. And, as Judith Maxwell, government presented a budget that tried former head of the Economic Council to make everyone happy. New money of Canada, said, when it came to the was promised for infrastructure (roads Definition relationship between the federal and and sewers), for social housing and home Coalition government provincial governments, “No attempt renovations, for skills training for laid- is a government that is formed by the was made at problem solving” (The off workers, and for the auto industry. temporary alliance Globe and Mail, November 3, 2008). The budget also outlined income tax of separate political So there was a history of mistrust, and cuts and business tax cuts. When all the parties. While Canada a lack of respect, among the political projected spending and cuts were added does not have a long leaders and their party members when up, the government predicted that by the tradition of coalition they returned to the House of Commons spring of 2013, the country would have governments, it is widespread in other following the election. Within six weeks an $85-billion deficit. nations. there was a full-blown crisis at hand. The The NDP and Bloc quickly criticized Conservatives introduced an economic the budget and announced that they update in November that did not offer would vote against it. NDP leader Jack a stimulus program to jumpstart the Layton said that the budget reflected the weakening Canadian economy. In fact, Conservatives’ concern for big business the Conservatives said they would wait over Canadians, stating that $60-billion and see what the U.S. government did was allocated for corporate tax cuts, in response to the economic crisis, and while only $1.5-billion was directed at then they would address the Canadian the unemployed. The Liberals did not

CBC News in Review • February 2009 • Page 6 immediately state whether they would March, June, and December 2009 to Quote support the budget or vote against it and demonstrate where money had been “The federal government may have bring the government down. But new spent. Liberal leader a Conservative engine Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff did say said that his government was putting the driving it. Yesterday, that he believed the threat of a coalition Conservatives “on probation” and that at least, (Michael) government had been effective because they could withdraw their support of the Ignatieff had his the Conservatives had responded to budget at any point if they determined hands on the steering many of the concerns of the opposition that the Conservatives were not doing wheel.” — Editorial, parties in the new budget. as they had promised. Prime Minister The Record, Thursday, January 29, 2009 In the end, the Liberals decided Harper accepted the Liberal amendment, to support the budget, with one and at least for the time being, his party amendment: the Conservatives was able to stay in power. would have to report to the House in To Consider 1. Do you feel the opposition parties were correct to be upset by the Conservatives’ economic update of November 2008? Do you believe they responded correctly to the update? Explain your answer.

2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a parliamentary system that allows for the possibility of a coalition government? Does it put pressure on the governing party to listen to others? Does it make the country more unstable?

3. What advice would you give Prime Minister Harper as he gets ready to govern the country in 2009?

CBC News in Review • February 2009 • Page 7 THE CONSERVATIVES AND THE COALITION Video Review

Further Research Preparing for the Video To stay informed This News in Review story contains information about politics and the operation about the fortunes of government. It also contains the names of many politicians and government and policies of officials. Before watching the video, take a moment to become familiar with Canada’s major these terms and names. political parties, consider a visit to their Term Definition official Web sites: Minority government • The party that wins the most seats in a general Conservative – www. election forms the government. conservative.ca, Green • A minority government occurs when the elected – www.greenparty.ca, government does not have enough seats in the House Liberal – www.liberal. of Commons to pass legislation without the support ca, NDP – www.ndp. of one of the other parties. ca, Bloc Québécois Coalition government • A coalition government is formed when several – www.blocquebecois. political parties agree to work together to pass org. legislation. • The usual reason for a coalition is that the elected minority government has lost the confidence of the House. • A coalition government can only occur when the elected government wins only a minority of seats in the House. Non-confidence motion • If the elected government tries to pass a tax or spending bill in the House of Commons, and that bill is defeated, then the elected government has “lost the confidence” of the House. • When a non-confidence motion occurs, the government must either resign or ask the governor general to dissolve Parliament and call an election. Prorogue • To discontinue Parliament for a period of time • Had only been done once before in Canadian history

Person Position/Role Stephen Harper Leader of the Conservative Party Jim Flaherty Minister of Finance (Conservative Party) Stéphane Dion Former leader of the Liberal Party Leader of the Leader of the Bloc Québécois Michaëlle Jean Canada’s Governor General Former leader of the New Democratic Party Former leader of the New Democratic Party Currently a Member of Parliament for the Liberal Party Michael Ignatieff Current Leader of the Liberal Party

CBC News in Review • February 2009 • Page 8 Did you know . . . The Video A January poll showed Respond to the following questions as you watch the video. that in , 62 1. What were Canadians expecting from the economic update that was per cent wanted the coalition government delivered shortly after the federal election? to have a chance to govern. In Western Canada, 65 per cent of Canadians wanted an election to be 2. What did they receive in the economic update? held, and only 29 per cent favoured an opposition coalition.

3. Why were many Canadians, and the opposition parties, angered by the economic update?

4. What changes did the Conservative government make to the economic update in response to the anger of the opposition parties?

5. How did the Conservative government fight back against the news that the opposition parties were forming a coalition?

6. How did Canadian citizens react to the news of a possible coalition government? (a) In Western Canada ______

(b) In Quebec ______

(c) In Eastern Canada ______

7. Why did Prime Minister Harper ask the Governor General to prorogue Parliament?

CBC News in Review • February 2009 • Page 9 8. What is your personal view of the idea of a coalition government for Canada? Explain fully.

Analysis With a partner, discuss and respond to the following questions.

1. Prime Minister Harper is from Alberta. How might this affect the way that Westerners took the news of the possible coalition government?

2. (a) Why did Prime Minister Harper spend so much time talking about the fact that “separatists” would be running the country if a coalition government was formed?

(b) Do you believe this was a good strategy for the Prime Minister to use or do you think it was not necessary for him to cause division within the country? Explain.

3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a coalition government run the country?

CBC News in Review • February 2009 • Page 10 THE CONSERVATIVES AND THE COALITION Seeds of the Crisis

The political crisis that gripped Canadians effective or successful manner. An election Quote over the winter months of late 2008 and date was set for October 14, 2008. “I do think it’s fair to say that in the past early 2009 had been brewing for some few months, and time. Prime Minister Harper and the Another Minority Government particularly over the Conservative Party were first elected in Harper was hoping that his Conservative summer, we have 2006. At that time, they won only enough government would be able to win seen increasing signs seats to form a minority government. enough seats in the October election that that this Parliament This meant they needed the support of the they would be able to form a majority is really not working opposition parties to pass legislation. government. This would mean that he very well anymore, it’s becoming increasingly For two years, the Conservative would not have to rely on the opposition dysfunctional. We government of Stephen Harper governed parties to pass legislation. But that was have important the country with the often-reluctant not the case. Although they won the legislation that is support of the opposition parties. If election, once again the Conservatives stalled in the Senate the opposition failed to support the secured only enough seats to form a by the Liberal Party, government, they risked a non-confidence minority government. The election results we have other vote and the defeat of the government. legislation that is were as follows: Conservatives: 143 seats; obstructed in the No one really wanted to have to face the Liberals: 77 seats; NDP: 37 seats; Bloc House of Commons, expense and disruption of another federal Québécois: 49 seats; Independents: 2 seats principally by Dion. election. As well, if the opposition did We have a committee plunge the country into another election, Chronology of a Political Crisis system that is there was no way of knowing how Thursday, November 27, 2008 increasingly in chaos Canadians would vote. • Six weeks after the Conservative Party and we have Mr. Dion was re-elected, Finance Minister Jim regularly threatening to force an election.” A Period of Discord Flaherty introduced an economic update — Prime Minister During the first two years that Harper in the House. The country was in the Harper, August 14, governed, there was much discord within middle of an economic slowdown and a 2008 the House of Commons. Harper rarely global economic crisis. Canadians were consulted the opposition parties on policy expecting to hear how the government decisions, which is generally required would help to stimulate the economy Further Research and protect jobs and assets. In particular, You can find detailed when a minority government is in place. election results, Harper has a reputation of being rude and thousands of people were waiting to hear including the results abrupt to those who try to give him advice whether or not the government was going for your own riding by or to influence his policies, and as a result, to bail out the ailing automotive industry. visiting the Elections there was much bickering in the House. • Canadians were surprised, and angered, Canada Web site at The opposition leaders often threatened when the government did not introduce http://enr.elections.ca. to withhold their support of the PM’s any stimulus measures. Furthermore, legislation and bring the government down. Prime Minister Harper had chosen that However, they never did decide to vote time to introduce a proposal to end against the government. It was Harper public subsidies for political parties and himself who brought the 39th session of to ban strikes by public-sector workers. Parliament to a halt. On September 7, This proposal would hurt the opposition 2008, the Prime Minister declared that parties, quite possibly bankrupting the Parliament had become dysfunctional— Liberal Party, which had gone into that it had become very difficult for the considerable debt during the last federal government to conduct its business in an election. Events moved quickly after that.

CBC News in Review • February 2009 • Page 11 Friday, November 28 Thursday, December 4 Quote • Secret meetings were held to discuss the • Prime Minister Harper met with “The opposition has been working on a possibility of a Liberal-NDP coalition. Governor General Michaëlle Jean and backroom deal to • The Liberals announced that the asked her to prorogue Parliament. overturn the results Conservative government had lost the • She agreed, and Parliament was of the last election confidence of the House. prorogued until January 26, 2009— without seeking the • Prime Minister Harper delayed the possibly delaying the defeat of the consent of voters. chance of his government being government. They want to steal defeated by postponing the scheduled power, not earn it.” Tuesday, December 9 — Stephen Harper vote on the economic update from ( Star, December 1 to December 8. • The unpopular Stéphane Dion resigned November 30, 2008) as Liberal Leader to make way for Saturday, November 29 either Bob Rae or Michael Ignatieff. • The government realized they had Did you know . . . made a mistake and withdrew the plan Wednesday, December 10 When the Liberals to cancel political subsidies. • Michael Ignatieff was declared the new agreed to support the Leader of the Liberal Party. budget, Jack Layton • One Conservative secretly recorded an declared that there NDP strategy session. was a “new coalition” Tuesday, January 27, —a Liberal- Sunday, November 30 • The government presented its new Conservative coalition. • Finance Minister Flaherty announced a budget in the House. New money was Of course, in a new budget date of January 27, 2009, a handed out in many areas in an attempt minority government, month earlier than scheduled. to appease the outrage generated by the every piece of • The Conservative government economic update. legislation depends on • The NDP and the Bloc immediately a temporary coalition withdrew their plan to ban strikes by of parties in order to public-sector workers. rejected the budget, saying it did not do be passed. • The Conservatives released the audio enough to help Canadians without jobs. recording of the NDP strategy session. Neither party trusted Harper to actually The session contained information follow through on these proposals. that NDP Leader Jack Layton and • The Liberals decided to reflect on Gilles Duceppe, Leader of the Bloc the budget, and possibly suggest Québécois, had planned to bring down amendments to it, but did not state the government weeks earlier. whether they would vote in favour of or against the budget. Monday, December 1 • The Liberals, the NDP, and the Bloc Wednesday, January 28 agreed to form a coalition. • The Liberals announced that they • The coalition leaders sent a letter to would support the budget if the the Governor General asking her to Conservatives provided progress allow the coalition to form a new reports to the House in March, June, government. and December 2009. • The Conservative government accepted this amendment; the threat of defeat was averted.

Follow-up Review the information in this section and write a short summary statement, titled “Lessons learned from the political crisis.” Include at least three lessons you believe politicians should consider as a result of the crisis. How do you personally feel about the resolution of this crisis?

CBC News in Review • February 2009 • Page 12 THE CONSERVATIVES AND THE COALITION The Coalition Document

On December 1, the leaders of the form a coalition government. Read the Did you know . . . Liberal, New Democratic, and Bloc following letter and the responses to the The proposed coalition would have given the Québécois parties announced to the letter carefully, and then complete the full powers of the Canadian people that they intended to questions and activities that follow. prime minister to the Leader of the Liberal To our fellow citizens, Party. The minister of finance would have Canada is facing a global economic crisis. Since the recent federal election, been a Liberal. The it has become clear that the government headed by Stephen Harper has no cabinet would have plan, no competence, and no will to effectively address this crisis. Therefore, had 24 ministers, and six of those would the majority of Parliament has lost confidence in Mr. Harper’s government, have been appointed and believes that the formation of a new government that will effectively, from the NDP caucus. prudently, promptly, and competently address these critical economic times is The accord was to necessary. expire on June 30, 2011. The contrast between the inaction of Mr. Harper’s government and the common action taken by all other Western democracies is striking. We cannot accept this. Did you know . . . During the First A majority of Canadians and Quebecers voted for our parties on October World War, Canada 14, 2008. Our Members of Parliament make up 55 per cent of the House of had a coalition Commons. government— called the Union In light of the critical situation facing our citizens, and the Harper Government—that government’s unwillingness and inability to address the crisis, we are resolved governed from 1917- to support a new government that will address the interests of the people. 1920. Today we respectfully inform the Governor General that, as soon as the appropriate opportunity arises, she should call on the Leader of the Official Opposition to form a new government, supported as set out in the accompanying accords by all three of our parties. Respectfully, Hon. Stéphane Dion, Leader, the Hon. Jack Layton, Leader, the New Democratic Party of Canada Hon. Gilles Duceppe, Leader, the Bloc Québécois

Some Responses to the Proposed A December 2, 2008, editorial in the Coalition described the reaction of There were a wide variety of responses the Prime Minister: “His voice dripping to the proposed coalition across the with scorn, Prime Minister Stephen country. Not surprisingly, Prime Harper yesterday accused Liberal Minister Harper and the Conservative Leader Stéphane Dion of playing ‘the Party were quick to attack the proposed biggest political game in Canadian coalition and went to great lengths to try history’ and of relying on ‘socialists’ to turn public opinion in their favour. (New Democrats) and ‘separatists’

CBC News in Review • February 2009 • Page 13 (Bloc Québécois) to vault himself agreed to support the coalition. Canada Quote into power. Harper’s ministers and has a history of conflict between English “I’ve given my life for the unity of this MPs used language like ‘deal with the and French Canada, and although there country, for my love devil’ and ‘secret cabal’ to describe the was no conflict over national unity at this of Canada. With arrangement.” time, Harper was quick to play on this this agreement, the But many Canadians supported the unresolved conflict. Bloc accepted to idea of a coalition. And they were The Conservatives misled Canadians, have 18 months of quick to point out that the Conservative however, by claiming that the political stability in claim that the coalition was illegal was Bloc would be part of the coalition Canada. That’s what Canada got out of not true. According to the rules of our government. Under the agreement, the this accord.” — Prime Parliamentary system, the opposition Bloc would not have any of its members Minister Stephen leaders have the right to form a coalition. in cabinet, nor would they have a veto Harper (Toronto Star, It is unusual, but it is not illegal. over government decisions. The Bloc December 3, 2008) Some people also disagreed with had only agreed to support the Liberals the Conservatives attempt to fan the and NDP when they passed legislation. flames of disunity by claiming that the Those in the West, where Harper Did you know . . . country would be run by separatists. comes from, and where support for the In 2000, the Canadian A Conservative radio ad claimed that Conservative Party is the highest, were Alliance—the political party that morphed if the coalition succeeded, the balance the most upset by the proposal. Although into the Conservative of power in the country would be in many disagreed with the way Harper Party—contemplated the hands of the separatist Bloc. And handled the economic update, they felt a formal coalition with John Baird, the Conservative Transport the Prime Minister and his government the Bloc Québécois in Minister, said in a radio interview that should be given a chance to fix the an attempt to remove the Bloc Leader would be calling the problems and address the concerns of the Liberal Party from tune each and every day (Toronto Star, the opposition, rather than being thrown office. December 3, 2008). This comment was from office. in reference to the fact that the Bloc had Analysis 1. Record the reasons the coalition leaders gave in their letter for wanting to take over the government. Which of these reasons seems the most important and credible to you? Which reason do you feel is the weakest? Why?

2. The three opposition parties have a total of 163 seats in the House of Commons. The Conservative Party has 143. When you consider these numbers, why do you think some people feel that the opposition coalition does not have the support of the Canadian people?

CBC News in Review • February 2009 • Page 14 3. As part of the coalition agreement, the Bloc Québécois agreed not to defeat the coalition government. Why did Prime Minister Harper claim that separatists would be running the country if the coalition succeeded? Is this a fair claim to make?

4. How do you feel about the political process after learning about the proposed coalition? Do you agree that it is good that the Canadian system allows for a coalition if the elected government has lost the confidence of the House? Or do you feel that this is not in the best interests of the country? Explain your answer.

5. Rick Mercer, a Canadian comedian and television star, had this to say about the Canadian coalition: “The drama that played out this week was many things: unimaginable, embarrassing, and yes, it made our parliamentary system look like a laughingstock. However, this situation was not, as Mr. Harper insisted, undemocratic, illegal, or unCanadian. The facts are clear. He has a minority in the Commons—something he has never accepted. So he loves daring the opposition to defeat him, and prides himself on shaming them at every opportunity” (, December 6, 2008).

(a) How much impact do you think the words of entertainers have during a political dispute like this one?

(b) Do they reach a wider audience than politicians themselves?

(c) Some countries do not have laws to protect freedom of speech, and comments like this one by Mercer could land people in jail. Pretend that someone has just told you they think that public comments criticizing the government should be banned and, in your notebook, prepare a short written response that captures your feelings about free speech.

CBC News in Review • February 2009 • Page 15 THE CONSERVATIVES AND THE COALITION Profile: Michael Ignatieff

In December 10, 2008, Michael Ignatieff country was plunged into a political crisis Quote became the new Leader of the Liberal in late 2008, the party decided to replace “He has the fewest Canadian scars by Party of Canada. Many observers believe Dion before the scheduled convention. virtue of having that Prime Minister Harper has “met his Ignatieff is an academic and scholar. fought the fewest match” in Ignatieff, because both men are He has a PhD from battles in his own intelligent, focused, and very tough. and has taught at Oxford University, country, a fact that, in Ignatieff is a relative newcomer to the London School of Economics, and other countries, would politics. He lived outside Canada for Harvard University. Before he returned almost automatically about 35 years of his adult life, returning to Canada in 2005 he was Director of the disqualify anyone from serious leadership to Canada in 2005 to teach at the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy at ambitions but that, in , and soon after, to Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of this country, at least run for Parliament. Government. inside the weakened Ignatieff was first elected to the House Ignatieff is well-known around the Liberal Party, has of Commons in 2006 in the Toronto riding world. He won the non-fiction Governor apparently become an of Etobicoke-Lakeshore. He ran for the General’s Award for The Russian Album, advantage.” — Jeffrey leadership of the Liberal Party in 2006. a family memoir he wrote in 1987. He Simpson, columnist for the The Globe Although he was the front-runner going was short-listed for the prestigious Booker and Mail, writing into the race, he lost to Stéphane Dion. Prize and the Whitbread Novel Award for of Ignatieff’s initial Ignatieff was re-elected in Etobicoke- his 1993 novel Scar Tissue. He has written leadership bid (as Lakeshore in 2008. numerous non-fiction books, exploring quoted on cbc.ca News In December 2008, he was appointed by themes of nationalism, modern warfare, on December 9, 2008) the caucus of the Liberal Party to become and human rights. the new leader. Stéphane Dion had resigned Ignatieff is fluent in English, French, and as leader and was to be replaced at a Liberal Russian. He is married and has two grown Quote convention in May 2009. But after the children. “I’m prepared to vote non-confidence in this government if (it) does Follow-up not present a budget 1. Some critics have argued that Ignatieff does not have enough political that is in the national experience to be either the leader of a party or the prime minister. Do you interest.” — Michael think political experience is crucial to these roles? Is there other experience Ignatieff (Toronto Star, that is just as important, or not? Explain. December 11, 2008)

2. Ignatieff originally supported U.S. President George W. Bush’s invasion of Iraq because Iraqi leader was torturing and killing his own citizens. He has been criticized for his support of the U.S. invasion although he has since indicated that he was wrong. This was an invasion that Canada chose not to join. How do you feel about his position on the Iraq invasion? Does his position make him unsuitable to lead his party or the country? Explain your answer.

CBC News in Review • February 2009 • Page 16 THE CONSERVATIVES AND THE COALITION Activity: To Prorogue or Not?

Prime Minister Harper took a relatively was asked to form Definition unprecedented step when he asked a government without an election. To prorogue is to put a halt to a session Governor General Michaëlle Jean to The Conservatives governed for three th of Parliament for prorogue the 39 session of Parliament. months before being defeated. a specific period of And Governor General Jean took a Despite the fact that unelected time. In this instance, somewhat unprecedented step when governments have governed before, Parliament was she granted his request. But there have many Canadians were shocked by the suspended for about been other occasions when elected possibility that the elected Conservative six weeks. governments have been replaced by government could be replaced by a unelected ones. And there have been other coalition. As you know, Prime Minister Definition occasions when leaders have asked for a Harper, refused to go down without a Censure is a procedure session of Parliament to be prorogued. fight, and he was able to get Governor by which the House General Michaëlle Jean to prorogue of Commons or the Unelected Governments in Parliament. Senate can rebuke the Canada actions or conduct of • In 1876, Sir John A. Macdonald The Governor General’s Options an individual. Censure When Harper asked the Governor is not equivalent resigned after being censured in the to a vote of non- House of Commons in relation to General to prorogue Parliament, she had confidence, and a charges of bribery and corruption. two options: prime minister can Liberal leader Alexander Mackenzie • Decide that the Prime Minister’s continue in office. was asked to form a government request was illegitimate because the However, previous without an election. He governed for House had been sitting for only two prime ministers have three months before calling an election. weeks since the election. This would accepted motions of censure as questions • In 1926, Prime Minister William Lyon force Harper to resign, and she would of confidence and Mackenzie King knew that his minority have to ask the coalition to form a resigned. government was about to be defeated government. on a non-confidence motion and asked • Decide that the request was legitimate the Governor General, Lord Byng, to because he was asking for an dissolve Parliament and call a new adjournment of only a few weeks. This election. Byng refused the request, and would force Harper to face the House King resigned. Conservative leader and a possible vote of non-confidence.

Your Task In a small group, consider all that you have learned in this News in Review story and decide what you would have done if you were the Governor General. You will have to provide at least three solid reasons for your choice. You will be sharing your group’s decision with the rest of your classmates.

Extension You may wish to forward your ideas to Governor General Michaëlle Jean directly. She can be reached by e-mail at: [email protected]. You can also reach her office by phone at (613) 993-8200 or toll-free in Canada and the United States at 1-800-465-6890; by fax at (613) 998-8760; or by mail at Rideau Hall,1 Sussex Drive, , ON K1A 0A1.

CBC News in Review • February 2009 • Page 17