Posted on 04/26/2005 6:37:50 PM PDT by el_doctor2
OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada's beleaguered Liberal minority government raised the idea on Tuesday of working more closely with a small left-of-center party to stave off an election, signaling it was ready to spend more on social programs and the environment as the price of staying in power.
Prime Minister Paul Martin faces defeat in Parliament over a kickbacks scandal that has engulfed the Liberals. His only realistic option may be to cooperate with the left-leaning New Democrats, who want the Liberals to scrap planned tax cuts in return for supporting the Liberal budget.
The two sides are discussing the issue of tax cuts and Martin's team has broached the possibility of broader cooperation with the New Democrats, who back some Liberal policies. Both parties say they are against running budget deficits.
The official opposition Conservatives look set to join the separatist Bloc Quebecois next month to try to topple Martin, either by defeating the budget, or by passing a nonconfidence motion, and forcing a June 27 election.
This whole paragraph befuddles me. The liberal minority gov't is a small left of center party. Are they going to work more closely with themselves? The're going to spend more on social programs and the environment? More? I thought that's what liberals already did.
Only in Canada would a European-style-Socialist party align with a part even further left to stay in power. Anywhere else outside Russia, that would be the kiss of death.
I'm worried about our Canadian neighbors. They're socialist and proud of it, if only to be in contrast to us.
Can't wait to hear this sales pitch:
Dear Canada, Sure we stole, wasted and gave your money away to our liberal friends, now, to make up for that, and stay in power, we're going to cancel your tax cuts.
Sure sounds like a winner to me
/Sarcasm
Damn Canuck Politics, which way goes IT anyways?
Another Freeper kindly informed me that two of them will likely vote against the government. One of those being a Liberal, who quit in disgust at his government.
The third is comely Carolyn Parrish. Carolyn was twice caught insulting Americans in general. Though expressing some Liberals convictions, she was a sacrificial lamb and was struck from caucus. Her dislike of Conservatism and Harper as a US supporter, may keep her on the side of the government.
CTV television tonight carried suggestions of one of the biggest pork barrel spending sprees coming up, by the Liberal. Shades of photogenic cabinet Jane Stewart and indeed, stylish Governor General Adrienne Clarkson. Sadly some Canadians may like being bribed with their money. Interesting situation though.
Economically speaking we are screwed big time.
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