The Upside of the Coalition Crisis
If you’re looking for a bright side to all this focus on Canada’s political uncertainty, I think I may have found it.
People who could hardly give a thought to politics and may have thought it too much of an effort to vote, are now becoming aware of the consequence of apathy. Ask any radio talkshow host. They’re talking about it being a Christmas gift. They don’t have to work for the calls - They’re being inundated.
Your vote could become irrelevant. Democracy can be subverted if you aren’t careful.
This is the lesson, Canada. But you are rising to the occasion. Just in time.
Flood those politicians’ inboxes with emails. Join Facebook groups. Join rallies. Sign petitions.
You owe it to your children - and yourself. Storm the virtual Bastille, mes amis.
Yes. We. Can. Take back our country!
* * * *
And if that wasn’t enough to get you fired up, how about this?
…Denis Monière, a professor of political science at Université de Montréal who supports the sovereigntist cause, said an enhanced role in Ottawa for the Bloc would help it greatly in the next federal election.
"It will be the Bloc that controls the Canadian government without the bother of governing. It’s pretty much the ideal situation," he said. "This shows that being in opposition can also allow you to play an important role in exercising power. I think the Bloc will gain a lot of credibility with this."
And from Bourque (H/T Sammy):
…It nets out to this, according to this longtime Liberal and echoed by many other key backroom players: ordinary Liberals across the country, the card-carrying bbq-ing door-knocking envelope-stuffing phone-banking kind who make up the backbone of the party and who would need to be counted on to support his leadership aspirations, are vehemently rejecting the Dion argument that a deal with the separatist Bloc Quebecois is in the best interests of Canada. "Bullshit", said one Liberal power-broker, who was quick to point out Dion is tilting at Liberal history for the sake of a short stint at 24 Sussex. "Dion is nuts", he told Bourque, "I am ashamed he is leading the party of Laurier, Pearson, Trudeau, and Chretien - my God, Chretien, the guy who poured out his federalist heart against Rene Levesque’s country-killing forces so long ago - I am ashamed Dion is selling us out." He and the others are right, of course. Add to that a comment from one of Canada’s leading media personalities, who told Bourque this evening that "the Liberals can never again say that they are the guardians of National Unity"…
Bourque is the man tonight! But Pierre, I would gladly help you with those run-on sentences.
* * * *
And if you need any more motivation to make that phone call or fire off that email check this out: The Truth Starts to Leak out - Secrets of Vancouver. We have been sold out, folks!
I have a feeling that this story is going to EX-PLODE!!!
Oh, and welcome Little Green Football readers.
This is a must-watch from MDL.


December 2nd, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Not really … for example the morning drive radio show in Winnipeg today ..
Two dufus’ talking about the coalition .
Both express shock and outrage. (They read in the paper that it was shocking and outrageous… so they “knew” this to be the case)
Both agree that it’s just one more reason to not waste your time voting.
So, is that illustrative of the mind set of the politically ognorant, socially impotent and intellectually stunted?
December 2nd, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Sorry for the typo … = ignorant not ognorant.
However.. good for you to be rallying to the flag as it were.
December 2nd, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Well OMMAG — Let’s hope “most” of the talk shows were roaring which I heard they were. I have heard friends and family talking about this who I know did not vote on October 14th because they were “too busy.” Well, they have promised they will make sure they vote next time.
So — Jo — great line. Where have I heard that before, or something like it? LOL
YES WE CAN. STOP THIS COALITION IN ITS TRACKS.
YES WE CAN. SUPPORT PRIME MINISTER STEPHEN HARPER.
YES WE CAN. WIN A MAJORITY GOVERNMENT NEXT TIME.
YES WE CAN. WRITE THE GOVERNOR GENERAL AND THE PARLIAMENTARY PRESS GALLERY.
In spite of moving in two days, I am doing or trying to do all of the above. Mind you, Crux of the Matter will be offline from Thursday to Sunday. What will I ever do? Probably be too busy to notice.
December 2nd, 2008 at 8:24 pm
OMMAG - People like that have two choices. They can either shrug their shoulders and give up, or they can fight.
I hope most Canadians choose the latter.
December 2nd, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Sandy, you are going above and beyond the call of duty, but thanks so much for your input in spite of packing and moving. Thank you for your passion and your dedication.
December 2nd, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Okay you two, can you please give us, somewhat newbies, all of the online lingo, please? SOUAD (Some of us are dumb)
This is a better day, ladies. I applaud you both beyond anything that I can express here.
Sandy, I wish I could help. You deserve to enjoy this move, especially at this time of year. My GOSH!
Joanne, you are my fresh, cup of coffee and reality.
Now back to work, all of us! This is not over by along shot. However non-believers, if you do not think our Prime Minister, was not a true CANADIAN today, I do not know what to say to you.
Canadian, for ALL of us!!!
December 2nd, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Thanks, Bec. It’s comments like yours that keep me going.
And heh- my wrist is improving!
December 2nd, 2008 at 8:57 pm
The line has been drawn in the sand, if you pay taxes, if you love your country, if your first language is English, if you like being warm in winter, if you like being cool in the summer, if you like having a job, if you like electrcity, if you like watching American TV, if you like to do want ever you like to do, get off your ass and speak up for your country, yours rights and your future.
This is not a legitimate coalition this a deal with losers doomed to pervert 130 years of hard fought for rights.
And deep breathe please get involved now!
December 2nd, 2008 at 9:01 pm
And deep breathe please get involved now!
I agree that everyone needs to get involved, Janet, but anyone who speaks French and likes Canadian TV is equally threatened.
This is our country. Time to take it back from power-hungry politicians that want to cozy up with socialists and separatists.
Please don’t forget that Quebec harbours some people who actually do love our country.
December 2nd, 2008 at 9:10 pm
Yeah and some of us Quebeckers worked our butts off and conributed money and time in the last election to get Harper elected!
December 2nd, 2008 at 9:12 pm
this flag thing at the signing
I watched and did not see a Canadian flag
suddenly one picture shows only one flag Canadian
another shows flags Canadian at both ends
PHOTO SHOP anyone
December 2nd, 2008 at 9:14 pm
What we need(are you listening Tory War Room)is a chronology of how things played out and when re: secret deal between parties, start of Parliament, times the gov’t actually asked the other parties to “join them”, denials by parties re: coalition….that type of thing. It would help our case tremendously I think.
I have to think that any one who contributes to these blogs is worthy of thanks and support. One or two people can’t do it alone. A successful blog like yours Joanne isn’t possible with only two.
All feedback is valuable and you’ve got your finger on the “nix” button for trolls….so lets keep moving on the letters.
I wonder if it’s possible to review Hansard in the days since this new sitting began and add up the times the gov’t outreached the other parties. This would counter the “the Harper gov’t refused to work with us” crybaby stuff.
More like the coalition was in motion when parliament began, and the only firewall built was the one around those privy to the coalition.
December 2nd, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Thanks to you ladies from SE Manitoba as well!!
Anyone catch Joel Denis,and Greg weston on CPAC (primetime politics)?? VERY interesting,and I honestly think this coalition of the desperate is going to be the death of both the Libs/NDP.according to Joel,the Bloc’s demands (and agreed to apparently) are $400 MILLION/yr for next 2 yrs.to Quebec,and I think he said this was over and above what the trough-sloppers already get!’ Also,the ability to opt out of any Federal programs,with compensation.
And..this is very troubling,EVERY KEY DECISION WILL NEED THE OK OF THE BLOC!
CBC Nat.News dragging out the Karl Heinz Schreiber affair again!I guess they are using every dirty trick they can find to fight the cons.
Nice mental breakdown by Dion in QP today!
December 2nd, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Nicola Timmerman,
I applaud you so much! I hope you are not feeling ostracized by us. I for one, am angry at the conditions, not QUEBEC. I hope I speak for everyone that visits this site. I rallied in ALBERTA against the separation vote. I hope that tells you how I, for one, feels about ALL of you. I am upset with the politicians, ie the coalition.
December 2nd, 2008 at 9:21 pm
NEW FROM BOURQUE: At least 15 oppposition members oppose this deal! Mentioned are Dryden,Tonks,Bevilaqua fr.Libs,and Charlie Angus from NDP.Also,rumor that Michael Chong,and Lee Richardson from Cons.may leave ranks and sit as Ind.
December 2nd, 2008 at 9:21 pm
Great topic, Joanne!
I haven’t heard anyone on MSM pick up on this; there was one radio talk show host who, when interviewed on CTV, indicated that the overwhelming reaction (against the Coalition) from callers was ‘more than just committed Conservatives venting’ … or something to that effect.
In other words, there were proud Liberal Canadians, non-political Canadians … maybe even the odd NDP Canadian calling in, who can’t stomach the thought of a small group of self-interest politicians attempting to hijack the duly elected Government of Canada.
So maybe, just maybe, apathetic Canadians who always say they ‘just don’t vote, just don’t follow politics, too busy, who cares, etc etc. have finally realized that its time to Stand Up for Canada … and VOTE in the next Federal Election.
December 2nd, 2008 at 9:23 pm
CC, said
“I have to think that any one who contributes to these blogs is worthy of thanks and support. One or two people can’t do it alone.”
ABSOLUTELY, thanks for that. I was a media idiot until I found out that this is where all of the SMART people hang out!
December 2nd, 2008 at 9:27 pm
…Also,rumor that Michael Chong,and Lee Richardson from Cons.may leave ranks and sit as Ind.
Thanks for that Sammy, but I wonder why those two Conservatives are leaving? Strange.
Of course, Michael Chong was always a bit of an outsider after the ‘Quebec Nation’ issue.
December 2nd, 2008 at 9:33 pm
No way……LEE RICHARDSON……he is my MP. No way, these are rumours or I will eat my hat. I volunteer for him! No WAY! Chong, no way, these are set up rumours, just like the Prentice and Baird stuff! Coalition, crapolla! EMAIL getting sent! MAN!
December 2nd, 2008 at 9:40 pm
I think that by the look of Mansbridge just now…after his panel with David Herle and Rick Anderson,and some inference that there could be some Libs get the ‘flu’ or common sense,and not go along with this…he looks depressed! my prayers are working methinks.
December 2nd, 2008 at 9:47 pm
my prayers are working methinks.
Never underestimate the power of prayer.
December 2nd, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Thanks for the plug to my blog.
Here’s another that is really worth sharing for insight into the story.
COUPSCAM..
http://conservativereporter.wordpress.com/2008/12/02/charles-adler-and-ray-heard-comment-on-the-coalition/
December 2nd, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Sammy,
Cannot remember the last time that I actually prayed but with these “Sleepless worried for my country nights”, I did too.
December 2nd, 2008 at 9:53 pm
I’m sorry but the big winner out of this mess even if the coalition fails is the BQ/PQ. Their cause only a month ago was on the verge of being rendering impotent, then this Viagra pill comes along and here we go. Once again the fur is flying and Quebecers are labeled seperatists. We know how sensitive they are or how opportunistic their politicians are.
Ironic or very suspicious, the timing of this all going down. Are Jack and Dion that obtuse? Never mind we already know the answer. You can’t tell me Gilles wasn’t pushing some buttons knowing the dismassal fortunes of his provincial counterparts.
Personally, I hope we have an election immediately. What is there really to campaign on. Let’s vote witin a week if the govt falls.
When it comes to poltics, Quebec is the spoiled child of the family and nothing will ever satisfy them. The pig at the trough that can never get enough. That is the cold hard reality.
If CPC get a majority, send a bill to Quebec, pull every out, no you can’t use our currency and say good riddance.
December 2nd, 2008 at 9:55 pm
That link Blair gives is a pretty good one. I recommend it to all.
December 2nd, 2008 at 9:57 pm
I suggest we wait and see
December 2nd, 2008 at 9:57 pm
From Stephen LeDrew at the Post:
If people are critical of Harper for being a lone wolf,they ain’t seen nothing yet.Dion thinks he has the only hotline to brains and this deal only confirms his ego!So..let him play footsie with Layton,and the other guy that wants to destroy Canada!
Awesome bit by Susan Bonner on Nat.just now!She tells how when PMSH left QP today,there were about 100 Cons.staffers waiting for him,and broke into “OH CANADA” as he came into view.Gave me chills.
December 2nd, 2008 at 10:08 pm
Stephen Harper is going no where!!!
On Global this evening it reported and recorded some Democrat Senators saying some nasty stuff about protecting the US auto market and leaving Canada behind(paraphrasing).
I sure as hell do NOT want any member of the Coalition of the Oatmeal Popsicle Coalition to be able to fight back for Canada in a situation like that and if it escalates. Harper’s the guy I want going to bat for my country.
December 2nd, 2008 at 10:20 pm
I posted this on the previous thread, but it’s worth repeating:
It’s going to get even more interesting in the next 24-48 hours Joanne.
Trust me. Everyone should just grab some beer and popcorn and enjoy the show.
” think that by the look of Mansbridge just now…after his panel with David Herle and Rick Anderson,and some inference that there could be some Libs get the ‘flu’ or common sense,and not go along with this…he looks depressed! my prayers are working methinks.”
You think right Sammy. Rick probably passed on some info he had from a lunch date earlier in the day.
If I was betting, Harper is not going anywhere. Dion might not survive until May. Layton has so badly tarnished the NDP he’ll be lucky to keep official party status, and Duceppe just played Dion and Layton for the morons they really are.
December 2nd, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Other than CANADA, the Big losers in all this (if the Coalition actually gets sanctioned by the GG), are:
1. The Liberal Party
2. Michael Ingatieff
Iggy has the inside track as the new Leader of the Liberals and a chance to rebuild the Party. He is trying hard to ‘distance himself’ from the Coalition, but will need to ‘walk the walk’ if he wants to avoid wearing this fiasco, like other Liberal MPs will, when the dust settles.
Remember it is PM Harper who is under siege here … basically ganged up on by FOUR others in the debates, and now ambushed by this Power Stealing Coalition (PSC) after the Economic Update. Anyone blaming the PM should give their head a shake at this point.
So … will Michael (with his followers) take the high road for Canada, as well as their political future, break ranks, come out of the closet, call it what you will, and extend an olive branch to the PM, with some constructive ideas, and counter ideas for the Budget?
And … will the PM accept said goodwill and work with Iggy and his merry band of MPs, for the good of Canada? Gawd I hope so. getting Tired … tired … yawn … good nite all. zzzzzzz
December 2nd, 2008 at 10:31 pm
Coalition of the Oatmeal Popsicle Coalition
Or is it the Coalition of “Harper made us do it”?
Or the Coalition of “Emotional I.Q. of 6-year olds”?
The Coalition of “My diaper needs changing”, maybe?
December 2nd, 2008 at 10:34 pm
How about the Coalition of Hate?
December 2nd, 2008 at 10:55 pm
How about the Coalition of Hate?
exactly! and then there’s the ‘Coalition of Envy’
December 2nd, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Watched QP today and thought Dion was going to have a stroke. Good thing he has a doctor on his side, but after losing over 5000 votes on Oct 14, he might not survive another election. Hubby went for daily coffee run today and all the talk was about traitor Dion. Getting several calls for where to go for e-mail addresses and phone numbers by otherwise not interested in politics people. A sleeping giant has been awakened, and will not sleep again till the coalition is toast. I hope Charest gets a very small minority next week of maybe one or two seats.
And would Dion give up power in May if this goes thru, I doubt it.
With talk of senate seats for lizzie and the separtists it might make it easy for PMSH to push thru his senate reforms, or abolish it. Let’s get 17 names out there for PMSH to name to the senate in the next day or so, Monte, Preston, Mike Harris to start.
And if the coalition can disregard voters etc why can’t PMSH name 17 from strong conservative ridings regardless of Province. He could say they will represent Que or NFLD. Stir the pot some more.
And what if many lib mps and ndpers revolt on Monday. Where does that leave the three idiots behind this.
December 2nd, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Don’t you people have jobs?
NeilD
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:03 pm
I would have added a smiley face to my last post but I don’t know how.
Anyway, I was at work today and people are pissed. Someone wrote nasty names across the foreheads of each of the coalition leaders who ‘graced’ the front page of the Toronto Sun and everybody seemed inclined to agree.
This is very interesting as it unfolds and I can see why the media is giddy beyond belief.
I just wish they weren’t so biased.
NeilD
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:07 pm
Funny what happens when voters pay attention. Obama just received a stunning defeat with the re-election of a Republican senator in a double digit win. Dems poured million into this race to get a filibuster proof senate but failed. Dion and his little traitors should take note.
If there is an election and the coup fails, how will the media react. Will they have any credibility left.
Will there be new anchors at the national news, Newman and the giggles show. AlJ may have more applications than they can handle.
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:08 pm
Sorry to post again but there is so much to absorb.
Why doesn’t Harper fill those Senate seats???
If it’s solely because of principles then he’s not as smart as I think he is.
NeilD
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:14 pm
How about Coalition of Losers, because after all, they LOST the last election, but have not yet accepted it.
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:26 pm
On ctv news,Vancouver is so pi**ed off,someone egged Ujjal’s office today!
Just watched QP again,and really funny wseeing the faces behind Dion while he throws his screaming ‘terrible two’s tantrum’ The Lib MP’s look stunned,and some evem look sick.
I think this whole thing is playing out like it was all planned.Andre Arther,the Ind.from Que today referred to Dion as ‘Forrest Gump as Pm’
You know,I’m starting to feel better about this,and think sleep will be more restful tonite…after a little talk with the ‘Big Guy’ upstairs for some added insurance.
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:27 pm
FYI: You might all be interested in what Janice MacKinnon, a former NDP (!) finance minister from Saskatchewan, has to say about the Unholy Alliance:
http://www.wernerpatels.com/2008/12/if-only-canada.html
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:27 pm
You know, its been a long time where I’ve been scared to the point of having a hollow feeling in the pit of my stomach, but that sentence of yours right there went way beyond that.
Duccepe has said that this is going to aid the separatist aims. Now dwell of that one folks - if a PQ government wins in the Quebec election, with the BQ having their hands on the levers of power in Ottawa, think what will happen.
No, I don’t like that feeling either……….
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:35 pm
Rick Anderson hints that there could be some ‘floor crossers’…delicous.Forgot to mention that earlier.
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:38 pm
Sammy, I actually mused about this earlier today:
http://www.wernerpatels.com/2008/12/canadas-democra.html
It was just a matter of time before those Blue Liberals would finally wake up and come to their senses …
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:46 pm
Required reading for you all over at Dust My Broom..”A war like no other”…an absolutely great piece of work.
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:48 pm
Yes, Publius is a must read these days.
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:54 pm
Thankyou Joanne for the effort you put in to keep this Blog up to date.
I was suprised to hear Susan Bonner tll Canadians that the Conservative caucas broke out in O Canada after question Period. On the other hand Keith Boag could not bring himself to give an inch to the conservatives.
I believe our conservative MP’s are working with every fiber they have to save the government of Canada from the contol by the Bloq. They are doing the best they can to keep Canada, our true north strong and free.
Shame on the National Press Gallery for plotting to sell Canadians to the Bloq. Shame!!
December 3rd, 2008 at 12:12 am
According to a commenter over at SDA,got an email from his/her Cons.MP saying how much all our work is appreciated,and that PMSH has been very ill the last few days,but back in fighting form today.Lets send our collective thots and prayers towards health and strength to him…he will need it to fight off this attack.
December 3rd, 2008 at 12:27 am
I am not suprised that he is ill, he has not had a break since winning the election. As he said last Friday, While I was in meeting with G20 and at APEC the opposition were having backroom meetings to overthrow the government. SHAME!!!
December 3rd, 2008 at 12:51 am
NeilD @ December 2nd, 2008 at 11:03 pm
“I would have added a smiley face to my last post but I don’t know how.”
Here’s how I do it: I type a semi-colon ; or a colon :
a dash or hyphen -
and a close brackets )
Put them all together they spell mother … oh sorry … wrong one
There!
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:44 am
The “Greed- Bloc of LIEberal-Non-Democradic Party” under DeYawn are already hated in many parts of Canada and if they had any support they should not be afraid of going to the Canadians for an election.
But they are afraid - very afraid! The only course is another election - which would save Canadians about $29,700,000,000.00 just to show they were wrong to do this. [Election is about $300,000,000.00 and they want to put $30,000,000,000 into a works project?]
The debate then would be against DeYawn and Harper - since the other three parties choose him as their leader - should be interesting indeed.
Trudeau must be rolling over in his grave, knowing that his son sidded with the same seperatists that he faught against. I was just starting to respect him for fighting for his seat in as difficult ridding, untill I saw him smiling that he was now identifiedwith the Bloc.
And the sadest part of this are our loyal troopsin the military who see this happening to Canada. Many died so we would never have this happen here - sad, wasted lives so we can be taken over by a bunch of loosers.
Perhaps we should all wear black-arm-bands with our poppies to signify the death of Canada’s fredoms that they gave their lives for - that might be gone next Tuesday
December 3rd, 2008 at 2:27 am
Wow, Clown Party, what an honorable tribute and we DO NOT say it often enough. Needs to be said more often.
Gabby in QC,
Seriously, it works like that? We will all be practicing here and it will be full of… nope need a new lesson!
RE Justin Trudeau….I am most disappointed in him. He is a new MP and other than naivete and being caught in the moment, he has just screwed up all respect for his fathers legacy,in QUEBEC.(which likely helped to get him elected in a tough,riding)
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:11 am
What do we have in common with Somalia????? We have our own pirates and they are desperately trying to hijack Parliament…..
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:15 am
Boy, we sure need this to end soon or delay Christmas, one or the other.
December 3rd, 2008 at 8:15 am
Bec @ December 3rd, 2008 at 2:27 am
“Seriously, it works like that?”
Yup, that’s all it takes. Just type semi-colon (or colon) hyphen close brackets one after the other and voilà! you’ve got a smiley.
I don’t have a special program or anything. Try it, to see if it works for you.
It doesn’t work on my own word-processing work, however.
It works when I use it in a comment, like here at Joanne’s or at Trusty Tory’s.