January 20, 2009
The drama in Ottawa resumes Langley residents will have a chance to speak out
In those three years, there were many threats to overthrow the Conservatives. But none came about, for a variety of reasons. The Liberals didn’t show up for some votes, the Bloc backed some initiatives and, in a few cases, the government revised the legislation it was proposing enough to suit at least one of its opponents, and prevent its overthrow.
That all changed with the swift formation of a coalition after Finance Minister Jim Flaherty tabled his economic update. The coalition featured the NDP and Liberals signing a formal pact, and the Bloc Quebecois also signing, and agreeing to support the new government for at least 18 months, with the right of “consultation.”
The coalition is not dead. But it doesn’t seem too likely right now, now that the Liberals have replaced outgoing leader Stephane Dion with Michael Ignatieff. Ignatieff is more confident and surefooted that Dion, and while he isn’t throwing away the coalition as a bargaining chip, he isn’t brandishing it like a weapon.
I heard him speak Thursday in Surrey, and he quipped that the Liberals and NDP “are holding hands, but we aren’t married.”
Based on what he said, I think it is highly unlikely that the Liberals will vote against the federal budget — unless it is provocative (as was the economic statement), and unless it contains little in the way of job creation initiatives, and little in the way of a safety net for those most affected by the sagging economy.
When the coalition was actively seeking power, many people in this community tuned into the federal political drama — perhaps for the first time in a long time. Most didn’t like what they were seeing. The Times received many comments on the situation, with most of them very much opposed to the coalition.
At that time. I suggested to Conservative MP Mark Warawa that a town hall meeting would be a good opportunity for him to hear directly from his constituents. We discussed dates and came up with Saturday, Jan. 31, just a few days after the budget comes down. At that time, all of us will know what is in the budget and we will likely know what the Liberal plans will be — will they bring the government down, or will they let it live another day?
Members of the public are welcome to attend this afternoon session, which will run from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Douglas Recreation Centre in Langley City. The City is making the venue available at no charge, something that is greatly appreciated.
I will be moderating this forum. It will consist of a brief report from Warawa on the parliamentary situation, and then an opportunity for him to answer questions from the public — both written and oral ones.
Hopefully, many Langley residents will be on hand to let him know what they think.
