Balk

I'm in shock. Absolute shock. I can't believe what's happening in the House of Commons.

1) The opposition parties are clammering the Conservatives for not spending a bazillion dollars on failing industries (auto, forestry, etc.) in the midst of a global economic crisis, while at the same time clammering them for selling of gov't assets, brokering a deal with the public service union, and removing public funding for political parties, all to prevent them from potentially going into deficit. All this, even though the gov't took measures over a year ago and that Canada is in the best shape economically of the G7. Their logic shocks me.

2) Even though we just had an election, the Liberals and NDP, brokered by has-been leaders, Jean Chretien and Ed Broadbent, are moving to form a coalition gov't, with the Bloc propping them up.

This is what happens when you have a weak leader like Stephane Dion who, just last week, said he wouldn't bring down the gov't because it would be irresponsible in this time of economic instability. Well, what happened? Iggy. That's what happened.

Apparently, the Bloc won't support the Lib-NDP coalition as long as Dion is the leader, but will support it if Michael Ignatieff is though. Shocking.

3) As a result, the Conservatives have backed down on removing public funding for political parties. I'm shocked that they backed down. But it looks like it doesn't matter. The Liberals are going to call for a non-confidence motion on Monday, supported by the NDP and Bloc.

To me, this looks like a massive power grab by one Michael Ignatieff, even though we just had an election that gave the Conservatives a stronger mandate, with the Liberals having one of their worst showings since confederation.

4) What's worst is that this coalition (Liberals 77 + NDP 37 = 110 < Conservatives 143) needs the party that wants to tear the country apart. Shameful and shocking.

If Governor General Michelle Jean does not grant the Liberal/NDP/(Bloc) coalition, then there's going to be an election. If that happens, look at voters giving the Conservatives a majority.

UPDATE: Prime Minister Harper has cancelled the opposition day and ways and means motion for another week.

"While we have been working on the economy, the opposition is working on
back room deal to reverse the results of the election," Harper said at a news
conference.

Harper appealed to Canadians to make their opinion on the matter known
to their MPs. "They want to take power, rather than earn it," Harper said of
the proposed coalition. "The opposition is in its right to bring down the
government, but (Liberal Leader)Stephane Dion does not have the right to take
power without an election."