Genius
Posts: 953 
Location: Calgary, AB
Location: Calgary, AB
January 28th, 2006, 07:48 PM
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...128?hub=Canada
NDP can find common ground with Tories: Layton
OTTAWA — Jack Layton meets with his 28 other New Democrat members this week to see whether they can work with the Conservatives, who were vilified by the NDP leader in the election campaign as completely out of step with basic Canadian values.
And despite Layton's initial skepticism, he's sounding more conciliatory and ready to deal on a half-dozen issues where left and right appear to intersect.
"I am going to make a legitimate, determined effort to find things where there can be common action," he said in an interview with The Canadian Press.
"I believe there are ideas in all of our platforms for the parties to get something done."
In the dying days of the campaign, Layton dismissed any notion of co-operation with the Conservatives, saying it would take a major research project to identify the similarities between the parties.
He steadfastly refused to answer any questions about how he might work with a Stephen Harper administration.
But with the reality of a Conservative minority government on Feb. 6, and with no appetite among Canadians for another election soon, pragmatism is setting in.
Even though the NDP's 29 members are not quite enough to give the Tories the votes for a majority in the Commons, they still could be crucial in building support for key legislation.
The two parties remain irreconcilably at odds over the Tories' $1,200 child-care benefit, the lowering of corporate taxes and the future direction of the military.
But the NDP is likely to put up little resistance to the Tory GST reduction, and Layton will be on board for Harper's anti-corruption agenda.
Fixed election dates, arming border guards, restoring the disbanded Canada Ports Police, compensating soldiers exposed to Agent Orange and an apology to the Chinese community for the so-called head tax are also among the quick and easy things the two parties can agree on.
Both parties are committed to raising the ethical standards of Parliament. Many long-held NDP ideas, such as protection for whistleblowers, are contained in the Conservatives' federal Accountability Act - the first piece of legislation Harper intends to introduce.
The NDP also took a hard line on crime just as the Tories did, calling for tougher mandatory minimum sentences, especially for gun crimes, and for a crackdown on youths who commit violent offences.
As well, Layton said he's open to working with Harper to correct the so-called fiscal imbalance between Ottawa and the provinces. Since the Conservatives have only a vague policy statement on the issue, Layton said elements of his party's platform might form the basis of discussion.
"Our platform could well be a key starting point," he said.
Reaching out to the Tories will require a delicate tightrope act for the NDP leader, who faced a chorus of booing from his supporters election night with the mention of Harper's name.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...128?hub=Canada
NDP can find common ground with Tories: Layton
OTTAWA — Jack Layton meets with his 28 other New Democrat members this week to see whether they can work with the Conservatives, who were vilified by the NDP leader in the election campaign as completely out of step with basic Canadian values.
And despite Layton's initial skepticism, he's sounding more conciliatory and ready to deal on a half-dozen issues where left and right appear to intersect.
"I am going to make a legitimate, determined effort to find things where there can be common action," he said in an interview with The Canadian Press.
"I believe there are ideas in all of our platforms for the parties to get something done."
In the dying days of the campaign, Layton dismissed any notion of co-operation with the Conservatives, saying it would take a major research project to identify the similarities between the parties.
He steadfastly refused to answer any questions about how he might work with a Stephen Harper administration.
But with the reality of a Conservative minority government on Feb. 6, and with no appetite among Canadians for another election soon, pragmatism is setting in.
Even though the NDP's 29 members are not quite enough to give the Tories the votes for a majority in the Commons, they still could be crucial in building support for key legislation.
The two parties remain irreconcilably at odds over the Tories' $1,200 child-care benefit, the lowering of corporate taxes and the future direction of the military.
But the NDP is likely to put up little resistance to the Tory GST reduction, and Layton will be on board for Harper's anti-corruption agenda.
Fixed election dates, arming border guards, restoring the disbanded Canada Ports Police, compensating soldiers exposed to Agent Orange and an apology to the Chinese community for the so-called head tax are also among the quick and easy things the two parties can agree on.
Both parties are committed to raising the ethical standards of Parliament. Many long-held NDP ideas, such as protection for whistleblowers, are contained in the Conservatives' federal Accountability Act - the first piece of legislation Harper intends to introduce.
The NDP also took a hard line on crime just as the Tories did, calling for tougher mandatory minimum sentences, especially for gun crimes, and for a crackdown on youths who commit violent offences.
As well, Layton said he's open to working with Harper to correct the so-called fiscal imbalance between Ottawa and the provinces. Since the Conservatives have only a vague policy statement on the issue, Layton said elements of his party's platform might form the basis of discussion.
"Our platform could well be a key starting point," he said.
Reaching out to the Tories will require a delicate tightrope act for the NDP leader, who faced a chorus of booing from his supporters election night with the mention of Harper's name.
Genius
Posts: 953
Location: Calgary, AB
Location: Calgary, AB
January 28th, 2006, 07:52 PM
Quote:
I'll be ticked off if the NDP and the other parties for that matter do not support rebuilding our military, or the Conservative Party child care and tax cuts to promote economic growth plan.
The two parties remain irreconcilably at odds over the Tories' $1,200 child-care benefit, the lowering of corporate taxes and the future direction of the military.
Genius
Posts: 953
Location: Calgary, AB
Location: Calgary, AB
January 28th, 2006, 07:57 PM
Not to mention the logical step to abolish the usless gun registy, and allocate funds to more police officers and stronger border security, seeing as how the far majority of gun crimes are involved with stolen or smuggled firearms.
I know the NDP and Bloc support the gun registry, but hopefully there are enough individuals on the Liberal side who will vote with the Conservatives to help abolish this program.
Not to mention the logical step to abolish the usless gun registy, and allocate funds to more police officers and stronger border security, seeing as how the far majority of gun crimes are involved with stolen or smuggled firearms.
I know the NDP and Bloc support the gun registry, but hopefully there are enough individuals on the Liberal side who will vote with the Conservatives to help abolish this program.
Steven Hawking's Tutor
Posts: 4,838
Location: Independent Palestine
Location: Independent Palestine
January 28th, 2006, 07:58 PM
However, if the tax cuts don't support everyone, and the child care doesn't give care to everyone, than I think it is the NDP right to bring down the government if that is the case.
Quote:
I think all parties would be willing to fund the military. I hope they are at least willing to fund the military, we do not need new equipment and more soldiers.
I'll be ticked off if the NDP and the other parties for that matter do not support rebuilding our military, or the Conservative Party child care and tax cuts to promote economic growth plan.
However, if the tax cuts don't support everyone, and the child care doesn't give care to everyone, than I think it is the NDP right to bring down the government if that is the case.
Ponderous Intellect
Posts: 4,465
Videos: 1
Location: Surrey, British Columbia
Videos: 1
Location: Surrey, British Columbia
January 28th, 2006, 09:40 PM
Any Member of Parliament has the right to vote against the Government; just because they were elected (with less than a majority of popular support, might I add) with the plurality to govern, does not mean that the other parties are required to vote for their measures; the collective Opposition represents more Canadians than the Government does.
Any Member of Parliament has the right to vote against the Government; just because they were elected (with less than a majority of popular support, might I add) with the plurality to govern, does not mean that the other parties are required to vote for their measures; the collective Opposition represents more Canadians than the Government does.
Ponderous Intellect
Posts: 3,786
Location: Toronto
Location: Toronto
February 3rd, 2006, 11:25 PM
I guess the NDP "Socialists" can find some common ground with the "fascist" CPC. *shrugs* Though I think it will be the Social Democrats and the Tory's who will find common ground.
I hope Harper will be a Social Libertairn as he supposedly once was. I think the Social democrats can work with that. Also on democratic and government reform Harper has some good idea's. I think the NDP will support them on those issues. When it comes to health care I'm not sure how they will ever agree.
I guess the NDP "Socialists" can find some common ground with the "fascist" CPC. *shrugs* Though I think it will be the Social Democrats and the Tory's who will find common ground.
I hope Harper will be a Social Libertairn as he supposedly once was. I think the Social democrats can work with that. Also on democratic and government reform Harper has some good idea's. I think the NDP will support them on those issues. When it comes to health care I'm not sure how they will ever agree.
Ponderous Intellect
Posts: 4,465
Videos: 1
Location: Surrey, British Columbia
Videos: 1
Location: Surrey, British Columbia
February 3rd, 2006, 11:31 PM
I have no doubt that the Thirty-ninth Parliament will survive for at least one year; however, once the Liberal Opposition has revived itself, and once the Conservative Party of Canada begins to put forth its budgetary legislation, we could see a very close vote — perhaps as close as the imfamous tied budget vote of May 19.
I have no doubt that the Thirty-ninth Parliament will survive for at least one year; however, once the Liberal Opposition has revived itself, and once the Conservative Party of Canada begins to put forth its budgetary legislation, we could see a very close vote — perhaps as close as the imfamous tied budget vote of May 19.
Ponderous Intellect
Posts: 3,786
Location: Toronto
Location: Toronto
February 6th, 2006, 10:29 PM
I've changed my mind about the NDP working with the Conservatives.
My impression on them actually working together was Harper was not a liar. But weeks after his election his first moves have shown me that a conservative is just as big of a liar just as the liberals. For the past 20 years almost Harper has been talking about democratic reform.
He's taken the high road countless times on a democratic senate saying the appointments were a undemocratic practice. He was totally behind the three E's of the reform parties Senate reform. Ontop of this he was totally against the idea of party members crossing the floor as it slaps the face of the people who elected them under a different banner.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...hub=TopStories
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...hub=TopStories
As an NDPer I had high hopes for Harper. I thought he'd keep his promises and run a clean government. Not only that I was hopeing he'd look at reforming how we elect mp's. Now I can't even hope him to get his promoses. Besides the promises which make the rich richer and the poor poorer, Harper has nothing to offer me anymore. I hope the NDP give MR HARPER a reality check and vote against them. This parliment will and should be deadlocked if Harper doesn't run parliment on the principals he was elected on!!! he's already made three steps back in the first few weeks!
Oh not to mention Harper was against Mr Martin's Senate appointments and they included an NDPer and two conservatives!!! JACK @SS
I've changed my mind about the NDP working with the Conservatives.
My impression on them actually working together was Harper was not a liar. But weeks after his election his first moves have shown me that a conservative is just as big of a liar just as the liberals. For the past 20 years almost Harper has been talking about democratic reform.
He's taken the high road countless times on a democratic senate saying the appointments were a undemocratic practice. He was totally behind the three E's of the reform parties Senate reform. Ontop of this he was totally against the idea of party members crossing the floor as it slaps the face of the people who elected them under a different banner.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...hub=TopStories
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...hub=TopStories
As an NDPer I had high hopes for Harper. I thought he'd keep his promises and run a clean government. Not only that I was hopeing he'd look at reforming how we elect mp's. Now I can't even hope him to get his promoses. Besides the promises which make the rich richer and the poor poorer, Harper has nothing to offer me anymore. I hope the NDP give MR HARPER a reality check and vote against them. This parliment will and should be deadlocked if Harper doesn't run parliment on the principals he was elected on!!! he's already made three steps back in the first few weeks!
Oh not to mention Harper was against Mr Martin's Senate appointments and they included an NDPer and two conservatives!!! JACK @SS
Ponderous Intellect
Posts: 4,465
Videos: 1
Location: Surrey, British Columbia
Videos: 1
Location: Surrey, British Columbia
February 6th, 2006, 11:35 PM
This Conservative Government of Canada, less than twenty-four hours into its term, has betrayed the people of Canada in terms of their promises during the election campaign and, therefore, contrary to my previous statements on this Forum, I would no longer express confidence in this Conservative Ministry.
Reform in the Senate
I am surprised that the Right Honourable Stephen Joseph Harper, the Prime Minister of Canada (as of this morning) asked Her Excellency to have the Honourable Michael Fortier sworn in as a Minister of the Crown and, furthermore, appointed to the Senate.
He had promised the people of Canada, during his campaign, to make the Senate a more accountable Chamber to the people of Canada — such an arbitrary appointment to the Senate, and to the Ministry, under a portfolio as critical to the workings of the Government as Public Works and Government Services Canada is a move that is, while constiutionally permissable, quite questionable in terms of modern democracy and his policies regarding accountability.
Crossing the Floor
After the raging opposition by Mr. Harper and his caucus regarding the crossing of the Honourable Belinda Stronach to the Government from the Opposition, he appears to have had a change of heart; there didn't seem to be any such question of ethics when the Honourable David Emerson joined the Conservatives and, lo! and behold, was sworn in as a Minister of the Crown — to be blunt, that is a hypocritical move.
Now, Therefore
I was confident that the new Conservative Government would, while not moving forward on my own initiatives of preference, bring a certain air of accountability and decorum back to the House of Commons; this is quite certainly not the case. We have a Minister of National Heritage who can't speak French, a Minister of Public Works and Government Services who is unaccountable to the people of Canada, and a Prime Minister who has turned his back on his campaign promises.
I hope that the Speech From the Throne is thoroughly defeated.
This Conservative Government of Canada, less than twenty-four hours into its term, has betrayed the people of Canada in terms of their promises during the election campaign and, therefore, contrary to my previous statements on this Forum, I would no longer express confidence in this Conservative Ministry.
Reform in the SenateI am surprised that the Right Honourable Stephen Joseph Harper, the Prime Minister of Canada (as of this morning) asked Her Excellency to have the Honourable Michael Fortier sworn in as a Minister of the Crown and, furthermore, appointed to the Senate.
He had promised the people of Canada, during his campaign, to make the Senate a more accountable Chamber to the people of Canada — such an arbitrary appointment to the Senate, and to the Ministry, under a portfolio as critical to the workings of the Government as Public Works and Government Services Canada is a move that is, while constiutionally permissable, quite questionable in terms of modern democracy and his policies regarding accountability.
Crossing the FloorAfter the raging opposition by Mr. Harper and his caucus regarding the crossing of the Honourable Belinda Stronach to the Government from the Opposition, he appears to have had a change of heart; there didn't seem to be any such question of ethics when the Honourable David Emerson joined the Conservatives and, lo! and behold, was sworn in as a Minister of the Crown — to be blunt, that is a hypocritical move.
Now, ThereforeI was confident that the new Conservative Government would, while not moving forward on my own initiatives of preference, bring a certain air of accountability and decorum back to the House of Commons; this is quite certainly not the case. We have a Minister of National Heritage who can't speak French, a Minister of Public Works and Government Services who is unaccountable to the people of Canada, and a Prime Minister who has turned his back on his campaign promises.
I hope that the Speech From the Throne is thoroughly defeated.
Newbie
Posts: 15
February 7th, 2006, 12:39 AM
Frankly I am going to wait until they actually start working to decide, i rather have a cabinet of hard working and competent people that broke some "rules" than a useless bunch of gits wasting time and money. Havving your ministers come from your caucus is kind of limiting because sometimes there isnt the talent there.
The situations from which Emerson and Stronach jumped ship are slightly different though. Stronach left before an important vote into a post that she was not really qualified for. Emerson got asked to cross because they needed a voice in BC and a major city center, the cabinet needed some more on the hill experience and they needed some more voices from near center. I do however think that emerson should have stayed in the liberal party because that would let the conservatives have a way to reach over to the liberals which would make for a more productive parliment and second they would avoid all this bad publicity.
Frankly I am going to wait until they actually start working to decide, i rather have a cabinet of hard working and competent people that broke some "rules" than a useless bunch of gits wasting time and money. Havving your ministers come from your caucus is kind of limiting because sometimes there isnt the talent there.
The situations from which Emerson and Stronach jumped ship are slightly different though. Stronach left before an important vote into a post that she was not really qualified for. Emerson got asked to cross because they needed a voice in BC and a major city center, the cabinet needed some more on the hill experience and they needed some more voices from near center. I do however think that emerson should have stayed in the liberal party because that would let the conservatives have a way to reach over to the liberals which would make for a more productive parliment and second they would avoid all this bad publicity.
Ponderous Intellect
Posts: 3,786
Location: Toronto
Location: Toronto
February 7th, 2006, 12:47 AM
Emerson, heh, no difference at all. He was elected as a Liberal, telling the people he stood up for liberal values and telling them why not to vote conservative. Then he goes over because he wasn't in government. At least Belinda crossed from a party she was elected to which she knew wasn't going to get into power.
As a soft (very soft) Harper supporter for the last election I'm already extremely pissed off at what he has done. He can't even live up to his own principals, how can he ever live up to those of Canada's! Any Conservative out there with any morallity at all should be shocked at these events.
I've been supporting the NDP to help guide the CPC once they get in, but I really hope Layton doesn't do anything for them. I don't care if Harper has all the intention in the world for democratic reform, Paul Martin was the same, the NDP should not support the CPC, a party with in weeks of being elected has turned it's back on it's own populist promises.
Quoting
http://www.ndp.ca/page/3456
Frankly I am going to wait until they actually start working to decide, i rather have a cabinet of hard working and competent people that broke some "rules" than a useless bunch of gits wasting time and money. Havving your ministers come from your caucus is kind of limiting because sometimes there isnt the talent there.
The situations from which Emerson and Stronach jumped ship are slightly different though. Stronach left before an important vote into a post that she was not really qualified for. Emerson got asked to cross because they needed a voice in BC and a major city center, the cabinet needed some more on the hill experience and they needed some more voices from near center. I do however think that emerson should have stayed in the liberal party because that would let the conservatives have a way to reach over to the liberals which would make for a more productive parliment and second they would avoid all this bad publicity.
The situations from which Emerson and Stronach jumped ship are slightly different though. Stronach left before an important vote into a post that she was not really qualified for. Emerson got asked to cross because they needed a voice in BC and a major city center, the cabinet needed some more on the hill experience and they needed some more voices from near center. I do however think that emerson should have stayed in the liberal party because that would let the conservatives have a way to reach over to the liberals which would make for a more productive parliment and second they would avoid all this bad publicity.
Emerson, heh, no difference at all. He was elected as a Liberal, telling the people he stood up for liberal values and telling them why not to vote conservative. Then he goes over because he wasn't in government. At least Belinda crossed from a party she was elected to which she knew wasn't going to get into power.
As a soft (very soft) Harper supporter for the last election I'm already extremely pissed off at what he has done. He can't even live up to his own principals, how can he ever live up to those of Canada's! Any Conservative out there with any morallity at all should be shocked at these events.
I've been supporting the NDP to help guide the CPC once they get in, but I really hope Layton doesn't do anything for them. I don't care if Harper has all the intention in the world for democratic reform, Paul Martin was the same, the NDP should not support the CPC, a party with in weeks of being elected has turned it's back on it's own populist promises.
