February 15, 2011 -- Mr. Goodale (Wascana) -- That, given the undisputed privileges of Parliament under Canada's constitution, including the absolute power to require the government to produce uncensored documents when requested, the government's continuing refusal to comply with reasonable requests for documents, particularly related to the cost of the government's tax cut for the largest corporations and the cost of the government's justice and public safety agenda, represents a violation of the rights of Parliament, and this House hereby orders the government to provide every document requested by the Standing Committee on Finance on November 17, 2010 by March 7, 2011.This is all well and good, but it would be a lot more impressive if we had a few documents pertaining to Afghan detainees, in the public domain. This just seems like another exercise in the ever evolving Liberal strategy to appear "progressive". I am not holding my breath for the government to respond to this demand with anything other than maybe an offer to form another committee. And I certainly don't expect the Liberals to do anything, other than whine about it.
Friday Morning Update: Hebert nails it ("it" being the Liberal's modus operandi) by examining another issue, Bev Oda:
As it did over the census, the Liberal opposition has turned to the social media to put pressure on the Conservatives. Given the alleged seriousness of the offence, one would think the party would turn its mind to putting its money where its mouth is in Parliament rather than on Facebook and Twitter.The Liberals are just not to be taken seriously and Harper knows it. Recommend this Post
If Harper was the leader of the official opposition, he would already be taking steps to withdraw the confidence of the House from the government.
I'm equally skeptical about whether there will be any follow-up. But I'd think the Afghanistan documents pretty much have to be seen as a lost cause at this point - and better to see at least some other challenge to the Cons' secrecy making its way through Parliament than none at all.
ReplyDeleteOh, I think they should go after them on this, but I don't think the Liberals are serious. They are as consumed with games playing as the Harperites, just not as good at it.
ReplyDeleteFair enough, Fester, but how seriously do they take the NDP, except as a spoiler for the liberals? What's Layton going to put on the table after he takes everything else off in order to avoid an election--that he gets to keep his moustache? I wonder if Harper would even give him that.
ReplyDeleteFair enough, Fester, but how seriously do they take the NDP, except as a spoiler for the liberals?
ReplyDeleteThey don't take the NDP seriously at all (and I think what you say about "spoilers" is right). However, we are trapped in this farce only because Canadians will not reform the way they elect parliaments. Until they get sick of it, we will continue to slide down hill. Think of it as a performance of "No Exit" on a national scale.