On the heels of a general election last month that proved less than decisive, the left-leaning Liberal and New Democratic parties and the Bloc Québécois have entered into a political alliance aimed at ending Prime Minister Harper’s tenure. It would be the first time since 1926 that a Canadian government changed hands without an election. The alliance between the Liberal and New Democratic parties would lead a rare coalition government in Ottawa.The two parties have agreed to form a coalition until June 30, 2011. The Bloc Québécois would not join the coalition but agreed to support it at least until the middle of 2010. At the moment Harper heads a minority government having fallen short in his bid to win a majority. The full terms of the accords reached are below the fold.
From the New York Times:
With the announcement of a formal alliance among opposition parties, Canada moved closer Monday to removing its Conservative government without holding an election.
If the pact — signed by the Liberal and New Democratic parties and the Bloc Québécois — is successful at dislodging the Conservatives, it will be the first time since 1926 that the federal government has changed hands without a vote.
Coalition governments are rare in Canada, and the opposition plan still faces constitutional and political uncertainties.
Adding to the political turmoil is speculation about how Prime Minister Stephen Harper, whose government is outnumbered by the opposition in Parliament, will respond. Over the weekend, the Conservatives tried to stifle the movement against them by withdrawing some economic proposals, including an end to public financing of political parties, that angered the opposition parties and prompted the negotiations that led to their alliance.
There is speculation that Mr. Harper, having failed to fend off the opposition through concessions, may end the current session of Parliament to at least postpone his government’s removal.
Before anything can happen, however, the opposition must defeat the remnants of the government’s economic plan that set off the turmoil. Because Mr. Harper declared the plan a confidence measure, its defeat would also bring down his government. That vote is expected to be held next Monday.
“Mr. Harper, like him or not, has shown himself to be a particularly bold leader,” said Scott Reid, a prominent Liberal who was director of communications for Paul Martin, a former Liberal prime minister. “One’s strength can sometimes also be one’s weakness.”
The center-left Liberals and the New Democrats, who are backed by labor, have agreed to form a coalition until June 30, 2011. The Bloc Québécois, which wants to separate Quebec from Canada, would not join the coalition but agreed to support it at least until the middle of 2010.
Under the plan, Stéphane Dion, the Liberal leader, would become prime minister. Because Mr. Dion resigned following his party’s poor showing in October’s election, he would turn over the prime minister’s office to whomever the Liberals chose as leader at a convention in May.
The New Democrats, who have never held power at the federal level, would be given 6 posts in a 25-member coalition cabinet, although the key position of finance minister would be reserved for a Liberal. If the confidence measure is struck down, Governor General Michaëlle Jean, who represents Queen Elizabeth II as the nation’s head of state, will find herself drawn into the debate.
Mr. Harper has said that following a defeat, he would ask her to dissolve Parliament and call an election, despite the proximity of the last vote. The new coalition, however, wrote Ms. Jean on Monday to indicate that it was prepared to take power if the government fell. Most constitutional scholars believe that the governor general will give the opposition that opportunity.
The three opposition parties began negotiating to oust Harper last week after the Conservatives released a financial plan the opposition criticized for not including measures to stimulate the weakening Canadian economy that has fallen as worldwide demand for Canada’s natural resources falters. Suddenly Ottawa is rather interesting.
The terms of the accord reached between the Liberals, NDP and Bloc Québécois are below the fold:
December 1, 2008
An Accord on a Cooperative Government to Address the Present Economic Crisis
This document outlines the key understandings between the Liberal Party of Canada and the New Democratic Party of Canada regarding a new cooperative government.
1. Role of caucuses
The Liberal and NDP caucuses will continue to meet as distinct caucuses. They will receive briefings and be consulted as appropriate. Both are entitled to offer advice to the government. The two caucuses may meet jointly as agreed from time to time to jointly address issues. The caucuses will sit next to each other on the government benches.
2. Cabinet
Nothing in this Accord is intended to diminish or alter the power and prerogatives of the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister will be the Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada.
The Minister of Finance will be appointed from the Liberal caucus.
The cabinet will be composed of 24 ministers plus the Prime Minister.
Eighteen of these ministers will be appointed from within the Liberal caucus.
Six of these ministers will be appointed from within the NDP caucus, plus six Parliamentary Secretaries, sworn in as Privy Councillors, will also be named from the NDP caucus. In the event the Prime Minister chooses to appoint a larger cabinet, the NDP proportion will be maintained.
The specifics of these cabinet appointments will be made by the Prime Minister in appropriate consultation with the Leader of the NDP.
The rules and practices of cabinet confidentiality and solidarity will be strictly maintained. Normal processes of cabinet appointments and governance in the Canadian federal government will be respected. The cabinet is jointly and collectively accountable to Parliament for its work, including in daily question period.
3. A “no surprises” approach
Within the limits of common sense and the needs of cabinet government, the two parties agree they will work together on a “no surprises” basis.
Furthermore, upon its formation, the government will put in place a permanent consultation mechanism with the Bloc Québécois.
4. Appointments
Both parties are committed to restoring the integrity, transparency and efficiency of the appointments process in the Public Service and in federal bodies like the Supreme Court, the Senate and Commissions like the CRTC.
The Prime Minister will consult the Leader of the NDP as appropriate on appointments.
5. A standing managing committee of the Accord
A standing managing committee of the Accord, chaired by the Prime Minister, will be struck.
It will be composed of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the NDP, and such other persons as the leaders deem appropriate from time to time.
The committee will meet regularly to ensure the good order of the Accord; to deal with key issues that have arisen; to consult on key appointments; and to resolve any disputes which might arise from the Accord (for example, by referring issues relating to the Accord to a trusted committee of experienced, distinguished Canadians).
6. Term of this Accord
This Accord will expire on June 30, 2011 unless renewed.
Agreed on December 1, 2008.
Hon. Stéphane Dion
Leader, Liberal Party of CanadaHon. Jack Layton
Leader, New Democratic Party of CanadaA Policy Accord to Address the Present Economic Crisis
Preamble
The new Government is supported by parties that share a commitment to fiscal responsibility, a progressive agenda and a belief in the role of Government to act as a partner with Canadians and Quebecers. Where appropriate, these goals should be pursued in full partnership and consultation with the provincial and territorial governments.
Fiscal Principles
This policy accord is built on a foundation of fiscal responsibility. All three parties agree that the Canadian economy and the fiscal framework of the federal government have severely weakened since the last federal budget.
As the Parliamentary Budget Officer concluded, due to the policy choices of the Conservative government, the starting point of the federal government is deficit. This new reality does not reduce the necessity to stimulate the economy consistent with the understandings arrived at by all nations in the G20.
The following plan describes common goals and sets out an outline to provide active stimulus for the economy over the next two years, with a shared commitment to return to surplus within four years.
Economic Stimulus Package
The top priority of the new Government is an economic stimulus package designed to boost the domestic economy beginning with (but not limited to):
- Accelerating existing infrastructure funding and substantial new investments, including municipal and inter-provincial projects (such as
- transit, clean energy, water, corridors and gateways). This would certainly include addressing the urgent infrastructure needs of First Nations, Métis and Inuit;- Housing construction and retrofitting; and
- Investing in key sector strategies (like manufacturing, forestry and automotive) designed to create and save jobs, with any aid contingent on a plan to transform these industries and return them to profitability and sustainability.
Rapid Support for those affected by the Economic Crisis
The new Government is committed to ensuring that the federal government has the appropriate programs in place to assist those most affected by the economic crisis so that all citizens will be in a position to fully participate in the economic recovery to follow, including the following measures:
- Facilitate skills training to help ensure Canadian workers are properly equipped to keep pace with the rapidly changing economy, while respecting provincial jurisdiction and existing agreements;
- Amend the current law establishing a new crown corporation for employment insurance in order to guarantee that all revenue from EI premiums provides benefits and training for workers. Eliminate the current two week waiting period;
- Lower the minimum required RRIF withdrawal for 2008 by 50 per cent;
- Reform bankruptcy and insolvency laws to better protect pensions; and
- Implement an income support program for older workers who have lost their jobs in order to help them make the transition from work to receiving retirement benefits.
Other Priorities to Stimulate the Economy
- Support for culture, including the cancellation of budget cuts announced by the Conservative government.
- Support for Canadian Wheat Board and Supply Management
- Immigration Reform
- Reinstate regional development agency funding to non-profit economic development organizations.Families
As finances permit, we are committed to moving forward with improved child benefits and an early learning and childcare program in partnership with each province, and respectful of their role and jurisdiction, including the possibility to opt out with full compensation.
Working with our North American Partners
We will work with our North American Partners to pursue a North American cap-and-trade market with absolute emission targets, using 1990 as the base year.
Working with our International Partners
The new Government is committed to working with the international community, particularly with G-20 partners, in pursuit of an effective new global financial architecture.
Confidence Votes
The Government will not request a dissolution of Parliament during the term of this agreement, except following defeat on an explicitly-framed motion of non-confidence presented by the Opposition; or any vote pertaining to the speech from the throne; or on a budget vote at on any stage in the House; or on any bill to implement a budget at any stage in the House; or on any motion in the House to concur in, restore or reinstate any Estimates; or on any supply bill at any stage in the House.
The Bloc Québécois will neither move nor will it support any motions of non-confidence in the Government during the term of its support for this agreement, and will vote in favour of the Government’s position with respect to all matters referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph.
Term of this agreement
The Liberal Party of Canada and the New Democratic Party of Canada will adhere to this agreement until June 30, 2011 unless renewed.
The Bloc Québécois will adhere to this agreement until June 30, 2010 unless renewed.