Michael Ignatieff Says No To Coalition
Liberal Leader Rules Out Idea Of Sharing Power With NDP
Sep 12, 2009
The idea is based on one first introduced last November under former Liberal Leader Stephane Dion. The federal Liberals under Dion voted no confidence in Stephen Harper’s Conservative government and proposed to replace it with a coalition government led by Dion as Prime Minister. The proposal would have seen the coalition supported by the New Democratic Party (NDP), who would have a few members in cabinet positions, and the Bloc Québécois, who wouldn’t formally take positions within cabinet, but agree to support them for a period of 18 months. It failed when Harper suspended Parliament.
Liberal Leader clarifies Party Stance On Coalition
The coalition’s failure caused Dion’s resignation, and Michael Ignatieff replaced him. Ignatieff’s public stance has always been against the idea of sharing power. He has said so publicly when he first became leader, and has now further clarified it. In remarks published by the Ottawa Citizen, Ignatieff reaffirmed his party’s stance: “The Liberal Party would not agree to a coalition. In January we did not support a coalition. And we do not support a coalition today, or tomorrow.”
But the New Democratic Party (NDP) continues talking about the possibility. In remarks published later that same article, leader Jack Layton signaled his party was willing to support the other three parites: “We have shown a willingness to work with any party in the House to get things done for Canadians.” He has according to media reports ruled out any kind of backroom deals with the Conservatives.
Harper Want a Majority, Finley Prepares To Roll Out EI Package
The Conservatives have made it obvious want a majority government. In video released by the Liberals of a speech to supporters, Stephen Harper made it obvious a majority was his goal: “If we do not win a majority, this country will have a Liberal government supported by the socialists, and the separatists.” The fear of a coalition is part of the Conservatives’ strategy.
The Harper government meanwhile, is going introduce its own ideas for reforming the country’s employment insurance (EI) system. Human Resources Minister Diane Finley is set to introduce the legislation as early as this week. These measures include, offering wage insurance for laid-off workers who have paid into the system, and are hesitant to take lower-paying jobs as well as extending maternity/ paternity benefits to the self-employed.
The reforms are based on a 2008 report prepared for former Human Resources Minister Monte Solberg. Other reforms suggested in the report include:
- Extension on the time period long-tenured workers who have paid into the system can collect EI benefits
- Financial assistance for the moving expenses of unemployed workers. Current benefits don’t come into play until after expenses are paid.
- No longer treating severance pay as a replacement for EI benefits. This would cancel out the 2-week waiting period for new claimants.
In comments published by the Canadian Press, an NDP spokesperson did signal their willingness to at least consider the reform package: “We’re certainly willing to hear what they have to say.” As EI reforms deal with the country’s finances, it is considered a confidence matter. If all three opposition parties fail to support the Harper government, there will be a federal election. Parliament returns Monday September 14th, with the legislation concerning EI benefits possibly being introduced either September 17th or 18th.
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