The local Coalition speaks

At 4pm 3rd December the three defeated candidates in the recent Federal Election got together to endorse the national Coalition Agreement. These folks spoke eloquently to defend the agreement.

Paul Macklin (Lib) spoke first: "Everybody was looking for change and stimulus, in the recent Economic Statement but we got a "poison pill and incorrect facts." Holding up an impressive prop - the House rules of Rules, he told of all new MPs having to learn the rules from the big book. Reading this book is is obvious that the Governor General will find guidance in it. The main thrust of retaining power, according to th e book Government has to have the confidence of the House. This Government has lost the confidence of the House and must therefore hand over to people who do have the confidence or take it to the people if the others cannot govern. By signing the accord there is now a demonstrable alternative and the G-G must consider it. "A true majority in Parliament will nourishing"

Russ Christianson (NDP) "There are not just elected people in this coalition but unelected candidates! We are here for Canada we don't support bullying tactics and a PM who lies and he knows he lied." Expressing his support for the Coalition he said "I hear Mr. Norlock is crying, however I haven't been happier in thirty years!" He asked all in the room to go back to their friends and explain the situation and how we can have a brighter future for Canada. This coalition will work because it is supported by the 62% of the voters who didn't support the government"

Ralph Torrie (Greens) After thanking everybody for turning out he explained that even in the last election he had fears that the economy was tanking. "We have not changed gears fast enough. Mr. Harper had been told by the electorate make Parliament work. I waited and waited - it never happened" Saying that the economic stimulus did not give Canadians what they wanted. "This situation (the parliamentary crisis) didn't happen overnight, this system is not working. We learnt this in grade five civics. Being optimistic he told the audience that this coalition is one that we should expect if we ever implement Proportional voting. "Coalitions are the norm in the world today, we have to learn to work together." Turning back to the economic crisis Mr Torrie said, "We don't have time to waste, if we don't act now we will have wasted two months."

Moving to questions from the audience, the first question was from Martin Partridge who was worried by the exuberance of Conservative supporters who are accused of setting fire to a constituency office in BC and the threat of violence to MPs asked "Are you worried by these actions which appear to going over the top?" Macklin answered by saying, "Yes but perhaps prorogation may allow statesmanship and rationality may prevail."

Dylis Robertson asked if the PMs public rallies will pressure the G-G? Storrie said he was concerned about the misconstruing of the constitutionally of the situation, "But if any body who had Pat Carr in school (in Cobourg) would understand what is going on - you never got out of his class if you didn't!"

Rod Anderson asked the question, "Can I ask our legal expert - Does the G-G have the right not to grant prorogation? Paul M, a longtime local lawyer, answered, "These are uncharted waters but generally accepted practice is that the Government can only govern if they have the confidence of the House."

Finally the last question came from the back of the room, "What happens if the G-G resigns, who will make the decision?" No answer came back but the suggestion was that as the Queen is the Canadian Head of State perhaps she may intervene.

So there you have it folks God Save the Queen