I just listened to a very infomative interview with Jim Flaherty on Mike Duffy Live. While the opposition accuses the Conservatives of doing nothing, the Finance Minister outlined what is taking place in the run-up to the planned Budget of January 27th. He talked about the fact that they have met with the G20 leaders (a couple weeks ago), and there is an upcoming first ministers’ meeting. There are also pre-budget consultations taking place across the country, along with long-term plans expected from the auto industry by Friday. I wish Flaherty had addressed the nation tonight. The Conservatives are doing their homework in putting together an informed budget, rather than rushing to produce a hastily-prepared stimulus.
Stephen Harper alluded to many of these things in his speech tonight. There are many who say his speech lacked substance – and they would be right – there were no specifics. He did little to reduce the tone of the rhetoric in parliament. He was careful to note that they have backed down from the toxic proposals in the economic statement and also noted that his is listening to the opposition parties. In my opinion, though, he could’ve done more to reach out to them.
Stephane Dion would lead you to believe that the Coalition has a plan in place, but didn’t provide much substance in his speech either. He actually stated many of the same things the Conservatives are already doing. He is talking about consultation with industry and the provinces. He says that they will deliver quickly, but the reality is they need to get their government set up, there will be a Christmas break, and they plan on consultation. There was nothing said to distinguish his plan from the Conservatives! Further, if they are ready to govern, why were they so late with the speech? They were given a window to deliver the tape to the networks, and missed that window. The tape that aired was late, out-of-focus and amatuer. Stephane Dion’s speech was nothing more than the title of the book behind him - Hot Air.
Jack Layton gave a wonderful speech – easily the best of the night. It’s telling that CTV is airing Layton’s clip ahead of Dion’s in their new segments. His speech was moving, had substance and informed us of a personal meeting between he and Stephen Harper. He stated that he informed Harper of what he had to do to stimulate the economy on November 12th. Unfortunately, he isn’t giving the Conservatives the chance to even show if they’ve listened. He isn’t even waiting for the budget to see whether any of his proposals will be there. The reality is that he won’t be happy unless a significant chunk of his ideas are implemented.
What the Harper will likely do is request prorogation. Some may see this as avoidance, and many say that they will be taking the time off. This is not true. While, yes they will be avoiding a confidence vote right now, the Conservatives will present a budget right away when they return. Also, the consultations and meetings should be allowed to carry on throughout the county. If, when the budget is presented, the Conservatives lose, the GG has her options.
What if the GG tells Stephen Harper to face the vote? I don’t think the coalition is as iron-clad as they present themselves to be. The Liberal party has only 77 seats – what if several Liberals realize that many of their constituents do not want this? Could they abstain or vote against the non-confidence motion? Would Stephane Dion, with his recently discovered spine, kick them out and risk further damage to him and his party? What happens to the Liberals if they actually LOSE the vote? I thnk it’s a distinct possibility, especially after Dion’s video tonight.
What we are really facing now is an informed budget vs. Hot Air
