Tories tout record as Parliament breaks for summer
As the House of Commons shuts down for its summer break, the ruling Conservatives say they not only kept their promises, but also created a stable economy in a world of financial chaos.
"While many parts of the world face political paralysis and economic turmoil, our government has made sure that decisions are made and that action is taken," Conservative House leader Peter Van Loan said outside the House of Commons Thursday.
"Canada's ability to act decisively has been a key pillar to economic stability and stands in contrast to many of the countries now gripped by economic and political crisis," he said.
Van Loan echoed that theme multiple times while speaking to reporters.
"By getting the job done we have bolstered confidence in Canada's banking system," he said, adding his government has also boosted trade or has pending agreements with the fastest-growing markets in the world.
It wasn't an accident the Tories were out selling stability and job creation throughout their end-of-session media conference, CTV News Channel's Mercedes Stephenson said Thursday.
Stability in the banking sector and the healthy Canadian economy have been part Prime Minister Stephen Harper's repertoire, particularly when travelling abroad to attend summits with other world leaders.
But the Conservatives have been accused of bullying in Parliament with their majority and reporters didn't let them off the hook during the scrum.
Stephenson said reporters repeatedly asked if the Conservatives ran roughshod over the democratic process, particularly with the passage of the massive budget bill last week that contained at least 70 new laws.
"They said, ‘No, we were decisive, we made the decisions that had to be made' and they absolutely stick to their guns," Stephenson said.
Needless to say, NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair didn't see the closing session of Parliament in the same light.
"Time and time again, Conservatives prevented members of Parliament from doing the job they were sent here to do, properly study the bills the government brought forward," he said.
Mulcair said more Canadians are rejecting Conservative legislation and methods, while opting instead to choose the NDP as the alternative.
"People can count on us to continue to defend the crucial services that they count on," he said.
"We will continue to not only oppose the Conservatives' backwards ideas, but also to put forward solutions."
Interim Liberal leader Bob Rae denounced the government's economic record, saying the country is right back where it was in 2006, pointing out Canada's debt has also increased.
Meanwhile, CTV Ottawa Bureau Chief Robert Fife believes there will be some form of cabinet shuffle over the summer break.
"When exactly we're going to get this, I don't know, but I'm pretty certain that it's going to happen," he told CTV's Canada AM Thursday.
He suggested a shuffle could occur in July or the latter part of August, which has been the precedent set by the prime minister.
MPs are expected to finish the spring session of Parliament later Thursday.
They are scheduled to return to Parliament on Sept. 17.
As the House of Commons shuts down for its summer break, the ruling Conservatives say they not only kept their promises, but also created a stable economy in a world of financial chaos.
"While many parts of the world face political paralysis and economic turmoil, our government has made sure that decisions are made and that action is taken," Conservative House leader Peter Van Loan said outside the House of Commons Thursday.
"Canada's ability to act decisively has been a key pillar to economic stability and stands in contrast to many of the countries now gripped by economic and political crisis," he said.
Van Loan echoed that theme multiple times while speaking to reporters.
"By getting the job done we have bolstered confidence in Canada's banking system," he said, adding his government has also boosted trade or has pending agreements with the fastest-growing markets in the world.
It wasn't an accident the Tories were out selling stability and job creation throughout their end-of-session media conference, CTV News Channel's Mercedes Stephenson said Thursday.
Stability in the banking sector and the healthy Canadian economy have been part Prime Minister Stephen Harper's repertoire, particularly when travelling abroad to attend summits with other world leaders.
But the Conservatives have been accused of bullying in Parliament with their majority and reporters didn't let them off the hook during the scrum.
Stephenson said reporters repeatedly asked if the Conservatives ran roughshod over the democratic process, particularly with the passage of the massive budget bill last week that contained at least 70 new laws.
"They said, ‘No, we were decisive, we made the decisions that had to be made' and they absolutely stick to their guns," Stephenson said.
Needless to say, NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair didn't see the closing session of Parliament in the same light.
"Time and time again, Conservatives prevented members of Parliament from doing the job they were sent here to do, properly study the bills the government brought forward," he said.
Mulcair said more Canadians are rejecting Conservative legislation and methods, while opting instead to choose the NDP as the alternative.
"People can count on us to continue to defend the crucial services that they count on," he said.
"We will continue to not only oppose the Conservatives' backwards ideas, but also to put forward solutions."
Interim Liberal leader Bob Rae denounced the government's economic record, saying the country is right back where it was in 2006, pointing out Canada's debt has also increased.
Meanwhile, CTV Ottawa Bureau Chief Robert Fife believes there will be some form of cabinet shuffle over the summer break.
"When exactly we're going to get this, I don't know, but I'm pretty certain that it's going to happen," he told CTV's Canada AM Thursday.
He suggested a shuffle could occur in July or the latter part of August, which has been the precedent set by the prime minister.
MPs are expected to finish the spring session of Parliament later Thursday.
They are scheduled to return to Parliament on Sept. 17.
