Paul Martin's Future
- Thread starter Hank C
- Start date
Terms of Governance
Well, it depends on what you mean by good governance.
I am quite a progressive person, in terms of social policy, so I would likely be — be let's "dismayed" — if the Tories were to roll back any progressive Statutes (same-sex marriage would be my primary example). If they interrupt our series of balanced budgets, then the same.
But if they can govern well, and moderately, then while I would remain in opposition to the governing party, I would not warrant the defeat of the Government and the dissolution of the House of Commons.
Well, it depends on what you mean by good governance.
I am quite a progressive person, in terms of social policy, so I would likely be — be let's "dismayed" — if the Tories were to roll back any progressive Statutes (same-sex marriage would be my primary example). If they interrupt our series of balanced budgets, then the same.
But if they can govern well, and moderately, then while I would remain in opposition to the governing party, I would not warrant the defeat of the Government and the dissolution of the House of Commons.
Jersay said:
Depends on what the hypothetical regressive something is. Most Canadians are not going to want to go to the polls ostensibly for a referendum on same-sex unions/marriage, for example - certainly not for mere terminology.
Now, if the Conservatives tried to ban abortion from out of nowhere, then yes, we'd likely see a defeated government. This is almost impossible to imagine occuring, however.
Let's face it, all these "defeated government" ideas are based upon Harper being a complete and utter idiot. You can question the man's values, and policy positions, but this election campaign alone proves that he's politically shrewed and savvy.
the wildcard in this, Triple, is Harper's promise of free votes on back-bench "morality/value" bills. If Harper upholds his stance, and one of the many very-right-wing MP's in his party put forth a bill such as banning abortions.... Well, Harper may be shielding himself from any fallout, and if he had a majority he mignt get away with it, but in a minority he could be asking for defeat. If he gets a minority we will see if his stance on free votes stands (if it doesn't we can pretty much count on sevrely right wing bills not being proposed).
I think the Liberals are not a bad historic party. But they have to remove the culture they have built on in the last 13 years. Paul Martin has to go for sure for the party to re-start itself
Re: RE: Paul Martin's Future
....I too thought when Martin finally came to power, he would govern from a Center-mildly right stance...but we have seen that he has taken a leftist stance and is no way a conservative.
Semperfi_dani said:
....I too thought when Martin finally came to power, he would govern from a Center-mildly right stance...but we have seen that he has taken a leftist stance and is no way a conservative.
#juan said:
yea, if Harper does not win this election I think he will be gone....interesting though, what if the Liberal won a minorty by something like 5 seats???...would be interesting.
Liberal Minority
Yes, it would.
What could be more interesting, though, is what would happen in the case of the Conservative Party of Canada winning a plurality of five seats.
It would be interesting to see whether or not the Right Honourable Paul Martin would attempt to use his prerogative as the standing Prime Minister to pre-empt the Honourable Stephen Harper and secure the confidence of the House of Commons.
Yes, it would.
What could be more interesting, though, is what would happen in the case of the Conservative Party of Canada winning a plurality of five seats.
It would be interesting to see whether or not the Right Honourable Paul Martin would attempt to use his prerogative as the standing Prime Minister to pre-empt the Honourable Stephen Harper and secure the confidence of the House of Commons.
Well the sky won't fall if the conservatives win the election.
I have a feeling they will win by a majority.... but if not, well than we wait and see. In all honesty, who cares what the average canadian thinks about having another election. IF it comes to that..than we go out and vote.
I have a feeling they will win by a majority.... but if not, well than we wait and see. In all honesty, who cares what the average canadian thinks about having another election. IF it comes to that..than we go out and vote.
Yes I do believe (hope) Canadians are sick of the minority/unstable/election risk..governments. I would like to see the Torys receive a majority mandate so we can all get along with life instead of worring about all the bickering in Parliment...
...one other thing I really don't think that Canadains would accept another election in less than 2 years. We jsut had one of the longest campaigns in history and since this spring parliment has been a mess.......not to mention this current election was called much earlier than Canadians wanted!!
hopefully people will see the benifit of having a TOry majority!!!!
...one other thing I really don't think that Canadains would accept another election in less than 2 years. We jsut had one of the longest campaigns in history and since this spring parliment has been a mess.......not to mention this current election was called much earlier than Canadians wanted!!
hopefully people will see the benifit of having a TOry majority!!!!
Prefer Minority Governance
In my opinion, we should appreciate the opportunities that having a minority in the House of Commons can provide. For example, during the Thirty-eighth Parliament, we saw legislative measures favoured by the New Democratic Party of Canada passed, because co-operation was required in order for the House to operate.
I would assert that Canadians are represented more accurately in a minority than they would be if the Government were to be run with a majority of seats; besides, I would assert that having an option of censure is a good thing.
On another note, speaking as a Canadian (although I certainly don't represent each and every one, lol), I would not like to see a Majority Conservative Government. I am extremely cautious of the Tories, as I think are many Canadians, and would be far more comfortable if they were given a "mandate on probation" — where we could see them in action, but have the option of non-confidence available if they were to assert some of their "less moderate" potential.
In my opinion, we should appreciate the opportunities that having a minority in the House of Commons can provide. For example, during the Thirty-eighth Parliament, we saw legislative measures favoured by the New Democratic Party of Canada passed, because co-operation was required in order for the House to operate.
I would assert that Canadians are represented more accurately in a minority than they would be if the Government were to be run with a majority of seats; besides, I would assert that having an option of censure is a good thing.
On another note, speaking as a Canadian (although I certainly don't represent each and every one, lol), I would not like to see a Majority Conservative Government. I am extremely cautious of the Tories, as I think are many Canadians, and would be far more comfortable if they were given a "mandate on probation" — where we could see them in action, but have the option of non-confidence available if they were to assert some of their "less moderate" potential.
My Priorities
I didn't say that same-sex marriage was my top priority.
I said that it was important to me, not necessarily on the top of my list. I recognize the urgency of global concerns just as much as I would issues that are personally pertinent.
I would appreciate it, zoofer, if you would discontinue your apparent practice of attempting to invalidate my opinion.
I didn't say that same-sex marriage was my top priority.
I said that it was important to me, not necessarily on the top of my list. I recognize the urgency of global concerns just as much as I would issues that are personally pertinent.
I would appreciate it, zoofer, if you would discontinue your apparent practice of attempting to invalidate my opinion.
lol, sorry if I seem "tense" on the issue of same-sex rights and things like that. I've been talking in American chat rooms too much lately; they are considerably more "hostile" toward me than here at the wonderful Canadian Content. Because of that, I think I might leap to defense too quickly sometimes. 
lol
lolyea you ought to stay away from them American chat room....they eat little guys for breakfast :wink:
Hank C said:
I like Americans, I admire their nation, but man can they ever be weird on subjects like this.
My brother is homosexual, he has a Masters of Divinity, and he works with the Anglican Church part-time giving lectures on the treatment of homosexuals in the Christian church.
I should explain he has been celibate for years, as he sees a conflict between his Christianity and his homosexuality. It is a very hard road he has chosen, and I respect him for it.
We were watching an episode of Six Feet Under in which a homosexual was beaten to death, and a right wing "Christian" (HA!) group appeared at the funeral with signs condemning the guy to Hell, along with all other homo-fornicators.
Now, I hardly consider myself an innocent, but I said to Bro....."these guys don't really exist, this is a smear on the religious right"
He showed me their website.
Talk about an education.
I thought I was past being shocked at just about anything.