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Originally Posted by Thunderball
I would contend the hey-day of Alberta Liberals were in 1993 under Lawrence Decore. Edmonton and its surrounding area went completely Liberal. One could say it was the Klein v. Decore, Calgary v. Edmonton effect. However, in 1997, with a new leader, Grant Mitchell, they still captured every Edmonton riding except 4, 2 going NDP and 2 going PC. Provincially speaking, yes, very much a Centre-Left bastion.
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I guess that we will agree to disagree...we are largely disagreeing on the degree to which Edmonton is centre left. You see it as centre left relative to the rest of Alberta and I see it as still pretty conservative relative to the rest of Canada particularly compared to Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Halifax, Victoria, Regina, and Winnipeg.
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However, his party was given plurality. The Liberals, NDP and especially the Bloc were not elected to coalesce. They have the right to coalesce to bring down the government, not to form it.
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Where are you basing this from? Parliamentary systems have always seen the formation of parliamentary coalitions. In fact, it never stopped Harper from asking the GG to consider him forming a coalition with the Bloc rather than have an election in 2004.
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Originally Posted by then Leader of the Opposition Stephen Harper
September 9, 2004
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson,
C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D.
Governor General
Rideau Hall
1 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A1
Excellency,
As leaders of the opposition parties, we are well aware that, given the Liberal minority government, you could be asked by the Prime Minister to dissolve the 38th Parliament at any time should the House of Commons fail to support some part of the government’s program.
We respectfully point out that the opposition parties, who together constitute a majority in the House, have been in close consultation. We believe that, should a request for dissolution arise this should give you cause, as constitutional practice has determined, to consult the opposition leaders and consider all of your options before exercising your constitutional authority.
Your attention to this matter is appreciated.
Sincerely,
Hon. Stephen Harper, P.C., M.P.
Leader of the Opposition
Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada
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Seems a little rich to say that it was ok for the Conservatives to form a coalition with the Bloc and NDP but not for the Libs to do the same.