Kickback scandal brings down Canadian government
Liberal government defeated: Canadians to hit the polls in rare winter vote
I’ve always loved Canada. It’s a wonderful place, the people are easygoing, and they play the best hockey in the world. Sadly, though, like most Americans, my knowledge of Canadian politics could only be described as minimal at best. I’m probably a bit more familiar with things Canadian than most American, but it’s a matter of degree. I grew up two hours south of the Canadian border and the pop machines in my small northern Minnesota town accepted Candian money. I know that Canadian football is a 12-man game played on a 110-yard field with 25-yard end zones. I know that gasoline is sold by the liter. Unfortunately, that’s about as far as it goes. So, like most Americans, when I heard that the Canadian government fell, my reaction was “Gee, I hope no one was hurt….”
It’s in moment’s like this when I turn to my favorite Canadian (and defacto TPRS IT guru), James Bow, who as a student of the political process, has few peers in the blogosphere. In addition, James is also having an election contest. I’m not certain what the prizes are yet (Argonauts season tickets? A year’s supply of Molson? A lifetime of free donuts at Tim Horton’s?), but this promises to be interesting. Of course, for most of us south of the 49th Parallel, election forecasting will involved little more than random blind guessing, the equivalent of buying a lottery ticket at 7-11.
Above all else, it’s refreshing to discover a government in North America that is actually held accountable. Unlike our own, which only has to propagandize the Sheeple every four years, and then can carry on as it sees fit, the Canadian system requires accountability, honesty, and performance.
Yes, Canada has it’s issues. Anyone who has spent any time in Western and Eastern Canada will have recognized the tensions between French- and English-speaking Canadians. Nonetheless, Canada has managed to maintain the world’s respect as a neutral member of the international community, a country that is involved in trying to make things better without trying to advance an agenda. Would that our own country could follow suit.
I can’t begin to understand the intricacies of Canadian politics, but I do admire their parliamentary system, while holds government constantly accountable to it’s employers- the Canadian people. It’s certainly not a perfect system- too much time can be lost to political infighting- but it does feature the one thing lacking in our own system- ACCOUNTABILITY. Yes, there are those who will argue that the opportunity for accountability comes every four years, but what if a candidate steals an election (Florida, circa 2000)? Then we’re stuck with the thief for four (or in this case, eight) years.
OTTAWA - Prime Minister Paul Martin’s minority government was defeated Monday, setting the stage for a Jan. 23 election and a brutish winter campaign despite the opinions of many Canadians who have said they do not want to see politicians at their doors at Christmastime.
The prime minister will meet Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean this morning to tell her he has lost the confidence of the House of Commons and ask her to dissolve Parliament, sending Canadians to the polls for the second time in 17 months.
Campaign buses and planes, painted with party logos, are ready to roll this afternoon with the four political leaders fanning out across the country to begin their 56-day campaign to woo voters - the longest campaign in 21 years.
The non-confidence motion, introduced by Conservative Leader Stephen Harper and seconded by NDP Leader Jack Layton, passed by a 171-133 margin and ended weeks of bitter political manoeuvring by all parties.
It’s the first time a government has fallen on a straight motion of non-confidence in Parliament. Other minority governments have been forced into elections after losing budget votes or censure motions interpreted as loss of confidence. The Martin Liberals had survived an earlier challenge last spring when a Tory motion lost by one vote after Belinda Stronach, one of the Conservatives’ star MPs bolted the party to join the Grit cabinet.
Now, being your typical ignorant, ethnocentric American, I don’t understand half of what that is all about, but let’s just fantasize for a moment, shall we? What if Our Glorious Leader was held to this same standard? What might it sound like? Ah, be still, my foolish heart….
WASHINGTON - Our Glorious Leader’s minority government was defeated Monday, setting the stage for a Jan. 23 election and a brutish winter campaign despite the opinions of many Americans who have said they do not want to see politicians at their doors at Christmastime.
The President will meet Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) this morning to tell him he has lost the confidence of the American People and ask him to dissolve Congress, sending Americans to the polls for the second time in 14 months.
Kinda has a nice ring to it, eh? We could learn something from these Canadians, don’t you think? Ah, well, ‘tis after all only a fantasy, and most of what will happen north of the border will barely get a mention in the US. After all, as far as most Americans are concerned, Canada’s leading exports are cold fronts, hockey players, and Michael J. Fox. Most Americans would frankly be surprised to learn that there are actually people living north of the border.
Good luck, y’all. There are few things I can think of that would be more miserable than conducting a national election campaign in the middle of a Canadian winter. Game on, eh??
