Opposition signs coalition deal
THE CANADIAN PRESS
OTTAWA - A remarkably swift, cut-throat and unforeseen game of parliamentary chicken came to a head Monday when Liberal Leader Stephane Dion announced that the opposition parties had agreed to form a coalition government.
It moved the extraordinary prospect of Canada changing governments without an election a big step closer to reality.
Dion, flanked by his NDP and Bloc Quebecois counterparts, said he informed Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean of a formal, governing entente between the opposition, and called on her to let him form a new government.
That first opportunity is set to arrive next Monday with a confidence vote in the House of Commons - unless Stephen Harper’s minority government manages a last-minute tactical manoeuvre.
Should Harper’s government be defeated - and should Jean accept a coalition agreement - Canada would see its first change of government without an election since 1926.
The pact includes a multibillion-dollar stimulus package for the troubled economy, including support for the auto and forestry sectors.
In an open letter to Canadians, the three leaders wrote:
"Since the recent federal election, it has become clear that the government headed by Mr. Harper has no plan, no competence and no will to effectively address this (economic) crisis.
“Therefore, the majority of Parliament has lost confidence in Mr. Harper’s government, and is resolved to form a new government that will effectively, prudently, promptly and competently address these critical economic times.”
What became clear Monday is that the coalition has advanced to the point where Harper’s government has very few options.
The Governor General’s role becomes pivotal in the coming days.
There is a precedent - the King-Byng affair of 1926 - for the vice-regal refusing to dissolve Parliament in the face of a confidence crisis.
Constitutional experts suggest the current Governor General similarly may be reluctant to permit prorogation when it is such an obvious dodge of a clear lack of Commons confidence in the government. But Jean is working in uncharted waters.