Entries posted by month (number of entries):
Last 3 journal entries of the year:
Stephen Harper has an impressive skill set. He had a chance, himself, to bring more honour to governance. But since the opening bell when he elevated a floor-crosser and an unelected senator to his Cabinet, he has shown himself to be a leader whose abiding imperative is political opportunism.Lawrence Martin, The Globe and Mail (Dion’s defining moments, 2006–12-14)
Speaking to a teachers conference in Ottawa on November 9th, British Columbia Senator and senior Conservative Party figure Gerry St. Germain said:
You just can’t tinker with [senate] reform
Apparently Stephen Harper wasn’t listening to Germain. His plan to tinker with the Senate would bypass constitutional change and see in the Senate some elected members, some non-elected, some with lifetime terms, and some with 8 year terms.
In short: Franken-Senate.
Its all a smokescreen, a charade which he’ll employ in an election in order to paint as ‘undemocratic’ anyone who defends the senate’s construction and purpose. Since few understand how the senate works, what its role is in our government and society, and why tinkering with it is so mind-bogglingly dangerous, we shall look at the senate in detail in the near future.
If Harper were serious about democratic reform in Canada, he’d first fix the House of Commons and his own sorry record.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today launched his latest attack on the Senate, following up on threats he made during his appearance before the senate earlier this year.
Senator Munson: Prime Minister, welcome. I cannot help myself; once a reporter, always a reporter. You suggested in French that there would be political consequences if the Senate said no to an eight-year term.
As you know, we are studying the proposed accountability act and Senate reform in a serious way and there may be amendments. It may take some time and it is serious work. There are critics who believe you would like nothing better than to fight an election on the backs of the Senate.
Mr. Harper: Well, do not give me the opportunity.
Senator Munson: There will be political consequences then.Thursday September 7, 2006 – Senate Committee on Senate Reform
Harper claims that he’s interested in improving Canada’s democracy.
Nothing could be farther from the truth, demonstrated by Harper’s own actions.
Stephen Harper thumbed his nose at our democracy by secretly negotiating a cabinet seat for former Liberal David Emerson, mere hours after the votes were counted on January 23rd, without requiring that Emerson get a real mandate from his constituents.
Harper isn’t interested in democracy but does want to change Canada, fundamentally, using the United States model as the mirror image he’d like to see reflected in Canada. Canadians ought not to sleep walk into supporting Harper’s vision. Properly informed, I am certain they will reject such a vision.
Harper doesn’t want democracy, he wants a presidency.