Quote:
Originally Posted by automaton 3
The Bloc signed a statement of support, is there really any difference?
Assuming the Conservatives > Liberals+NDP in terms of numbers the Bloc would be in the driver's seat.
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I see where this confusion comes from, but it's more complex than just adding the numbers. With their agreement to support the coalition on matters of confidence for a certain period, the Bloc are basically agreeing to hand over all their power in the house for the duration of the agreement. They have no impact in developing legislation.
They cannot say 'we will not vote for X confidence motion unless you add these measures that benefit Quebec.' The moment they do, they are violating their part of the agreement, at which point they are no longer in support of the coalition and become just another party. Once this occurs, the balance of power is essentially equal between the three voting blocks, since an alliance between any two forms a majority capable of defeating or passing any motion. The conservatives can basically negate any deal-making power that the Bloc has by being a more willing partner, and if the conservatives and bloc both want to take down the government, they can vote together to do so.
So what was the benefit for the Bloc? Avoid another extremely unpopular election and avoid losing the extremely lucrative election subsidies (80% of their total party funding). Conspiracy theories about the Bloc being promised senators are amusing, but really, really silly.