Bye Bye Dion... Hello Ignatieff as Canada's political drama rolls on.

I love Canadian politics these days.   It's filled with plenty of sparks and is better than the best daytime soap opera.

Stephan Dion, arguably the biggest loser in Canadian political history and not the brightest Crayon in the box is stepping down to make way for the Liberal caucus appointment of Michael Ignatieff as leader.   The move is unusual and according to Liberal leadership rival Bob Rae not fair because it excludes the input of thousands of Liberal party members who won't have an opportunity to vote.

The point may be moot as Ignatieff would likely win anyway.  Rae is a party switching former Premier of Ontario (NDP 1990 - 1995) and the delegates have a long memory of how he mismanaged the Ontario economy, steering it into the worst recession in 60 years.

The national drama began over the presiding Conservative budget statement which got a resounding thumbs down by the opposition parities which hold the majority of seats in Parliament.    They're talking coalition to replace the government of Stephen Harper....However, Ignatieff appears more conciliatory than rival Rae.   He's left door open for the Conservatives to craft a budget that has strong input from the other parties and addresses the current economic uncertainty.

An underlying issue about forming a colailition government is to oust Harper, whom many see as pompous and difficult to deal with.   

Parliament is now prorogued (shut down) until late next month to give all parties breathing room.   Some opposition members fear taking power through a non-confidence vote could hurt their chances in the next election.  Except for a brief stint back in WW1, there has never been a successful non-confidence vote in Canada.

Here are the options for Mr. Harper.   Present a budget that has the support of all parties in the House of Commons (which may be difficult,)  present a budget of his own choosing and face a non-confidence vote, call a general federal election, hope that the coalition crumbles under it's own weight of issues.   Should the coalition succeed there seems little doubt that Mr. Harper's leadership of the Tory party will also face a vote of non-confidence.

As for the great Canadian public....there is no appetite for an election....and most are frustrated that their elected MP's can't get on with the business of governing at a time of economic uncertainty.

One thing seems very likely.    The federal political upheaval has bolstered the chances of Quebec Liberal Premier Jean Charest to form a majority government.   Today is election day in Quebec.

Canada lives in fun and interesting political times.   The next two weeks will be interesting to watch.

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Thanks.  Sincerely, David

www.TailGateTags.com