Power-wielding NDP to work with Tories 'issue by issue'

[RedHot25]

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2007/...er-070108.html

The NDP will use its new sway with the government to get the Conservatives to shift gear on an "issue-by-issue" basis, just as the party did to get concessions with the former minority Liberal government, NDP Leader Jack Layton told CBC News on Monday.

But it's unlikely the party would be a political ally for a Tory agenda, Layton said.

Interesting to note that the NDP have significant influence in the direction of the House, government actions, etc.

Also, I think the issue-by-issue idea is fair enough....we shall see if the environment causes a quick loggerhead on things, however.

Cheers.

[Azure]

I don't really like it that the party with the least seats in the HOC, seems to have the most power.

Although it says a lot about the NDP if they can work closely, and perhaps successfully with the party that is the farthest away from them in the political spectrum.

[RedHot25]

Originally Posted by Azure

Although it says a lot about the NDP if they can work closely, and perhaps successfully with the party that is the farthest away from them in the political spectrum.

Which is why I think an issue by issue arrangement is fair enough.

[Azure]

Originally Posted by RedHot25

Which is why I think an issue by issue arrangement is fair enough.

Of course.

Perhaps if we have the crazy environmental plan the CPC has, put together with the crazy environmental plan the NDP has, we end up with a well planned, well executed environmental plan from both parties, put together.

[Red Mile Style]

The NDP always is the broker of power in the HOC during a minority government. While never forming the government, this is always when the NDP accomplishes anything.

I don't know, as an NDP supporter I enjoy the fact that some of my views will be voiced, but at the same time, right + left = center. Center = Liberals, so are we any more ahead? I guess I'll take Center over predominantly right though.

[Bobblehead]

It doesn't need to be the NDP. CPC + Liberals or CPC + BQ could pass anything.

I would hope that if any opposition party thought a bill was a good idea that they would vote for it, regardless of who is in power or who proposed it (but I know that in practice this rarely happens and parties do what is politically best for them).

[CaptainCrunch]

We're going to have a flash election at the start of the spring season.

[jolinar of malkshor]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

We're going to have a flash election at the start of the spring season.

Lets start a pool...

[Red Mile Style]

Originally Posted by jolinar of malkshor

Lets start a pool...

Yep, I say the government falls in March, election in late May/early June.

I've already gotten a call from the NDP wanting to know if I'll be available in the Spring (to help canvass etc...). It's coming...

[Burninator]

I think minority governments are good because they incourage cooperation for bills. Otherwise you have the majority party bossing everyone around.

My bet is for an election in the fall. The parties are too close for Harper to call an election and think he'll win.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

We're going to have a flash election at the start of the spring season.

I hope you are wrong. I may not support the Torries from an ideoligical point of view, but they haven't done so badly that I think we should waste time and money on another election so soon.

[peter12]

Originally Posted by Red Mile Style

Yep, I say the government falls in March, election in late May/early June.

I've already gotten a call from the NDP wanting to know if I'll be available in the Spring (to help canvass etc...). It's coming...

Haha and the NDP knows?

Here's what is going to happen... the Conservatives are going to overload the budget with the intention of it failing in the House.

[Slava]

No, the conservatives are going to load the budget full of goodies so that no other party wants to campaign on it. They'll give away a ton of tax cuts and such so that anyone who opposes this looks cheap.

I think that the election might still come this spring though.

[Bobblehead]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

I hope you are wrong. I may not support the Torries from an ideoligical point of view, but they haven't done so badly that I think we should waste time and money on another election so soon.

I agree with you. (I would pur myself left of current CPC, right of current Liberals, around where the previous PC party used to exist)

A new election will only provide another minority Gov't (at least I can't see where any party has distinguished themselves to deserve a majority). I would like to see this parliament work as is.

[peter12]

Originally Posted by Bobblehead

I agree with you. (I would pur myself left of current CPC, right of current Liberals, around where the previous PC party used to exist)

A new election will only provide another minority Gov't (at least I can't see where any party has distinguished themselves to deserve a majority). I would like to see this parliament work as is.

I agree, although in an election I could see the Cons pulling off a majority. The Conservatives just need to work on a few flaws in their armour before they can truly dismantle the Liberals. I'd probably put the environment at the top of that list, the Cons have realized this as the past week's cabinet shuffle demonstrates.

This minority government is working very well, although that could be due to the superb skills of PM Harper.

[Azure]

With another election, you'll jump from one minority government to another.

Is it worth it?