The Conservative government presented its fall economic update, which, the opposition parties all voted down. A coalition was formed to replace the Harper Government led by Stephane Dion, supported by the NDP (New Democratic Party) and Bloc Québécois. The coalition fell apart when Stephen Harper sought, and received permission to suspend Parliament from Governor-General. Dion resigned as Liberal Leader, and the party chose Michael Ignatieff as his replacement.
Liberals Approve One Member One Vote Resolution
The party discussed numerous policy ideas, including a change to the way party members choose their leader. Under the old system, delegates were chosen from across the country backing certain candidates. When the candidates and their delegates got to the convention floor, they were bound to support that candidate.
When the candidate dropped off the ballot, they often threw their support behind another. In the convention that elected Dion as leader, Gerard Kennedy dropped off ballot and threw his support and delegates to Dion. One member one vote simplifies the process, and gives party members who aren’t delegates a say in who becomes party leader.
Leader Michael Ignatieff is a supporter of the one member, one vote process. In a news release seen on the party’s official website remarked the process made the party more democratic: “Liberals have voted to open their party to all Canadians by offering them a chance to make their voice heard on the national stage.”
Other moves by the party during the convention included the approval of a non-binding resolution on a carbon tax, the same policy that arguably cost Dion the last election. Ignatieff favours a cap and trade policy to reduce greenhouse gases.
Liberal Platform Ready By June, Election Possible
The speculation is building over a June election. In an appearance onCTV’s Sunday morning talk show: Question Period, Ignatieff confirmed he’s told staff to have a platform ready by June: “I’ve told my people to have a platform ready by June.” His comments continued reminding people not to take that as a sign he’s ready for an election.
The issue that could trigger a summer campaign is reforms to the Employment Insurance (EI) system. Current policy ties application standards to unemployment rates. The area with the lowest unemployment rate has the highest standards. In other words an employee needs to have worked 700 hours in order to qualify for EI benefits, at the other end, where unemployment is highest, an employee only needs to have worked 420 hours.
A Liberal proposal would standardize it. Their idea is to propose a temporary 360-hour qualification. Citing worsening unemployment numbers, the party intends to introduce legislation this spring. In remarks published by the Globe & Mail Michael Ignatieff stated that if the government didn’t agree to work on the legislation, it would fall: “If make it (Parliament) work, then the people will sort it out.”
In order to pass the legislation the Liberals need the support of the other opposition parties. If they get it, it’s considered a vote of non-confidence in Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government, and may trigger another election.
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