Reader and commenter Scylding has pointed out that political pandemonium is breaking out in his homeland of Canada, but those of us in the lower 48 states are not even noticing. He makes a good point, since what is happening up north is of great significance. Finally, the situation makes the Washington Post.
Canada, remember, has a parliamentary system, in which the elected representatives choose the Prime Minister, the country’s chief executive, similar to our President. The Prime Minister will be the head of the majority party; or, if no one party has the majority, which is likely since there are many parties unlike the USA’s limited choice of two, a coalition has to be put together. Well, the Conservatives are in power right now, with the Prime Minister being Stephen Harper, a quite able leader, according to my Canadian friends. This happened through a coalition. An election two months ago gave him even more delegates on his side. But now an attempt is being made–led by the separatist party that wants French-speaking Quebec to secede from the Union– to form a new coalition that would oust Harper. Changing governments in mid-stream like this, while common in, say, Italy, has not been done before in stability-loving Canada. (Scylding and other Canadians out there, correct me if I’m getting it wrong and fill in the blanks.)
In the midst of the USA’s presidential election, some people bewailed our two party system and said that a parliamentary system–which is supposed to ensure that the executive branch has the support of the legislative branch–would be better. Indeed, whenever nations embrace democracy these days they always set up a parliamentary system. They never copy the American Constitution and the political system that we have. Why is that? Is Canada’s current situation evidence of a flaw in the parliamentary system or that it is working well?
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I’ve been lurking here for quite some time – I enjoy the blog. I’m a Canadian living in the States for grad studies and have been following the situation closely.
The current political crisis erupted after two related factors: the opposition parties (Liberals, New Democrats, and the Bloc Quebecois) complained that the Conservative minority was not acting quickly enough to respond to the economic crisis. This led the Conservatives to propose some economic measures, including cutting the tax-payer subsidy of $1.95/vote (which was implimented when union and corporate donations to political parties were eliminated, thus cutting major funding for the Liberals and Bloc). This cut was intended by the Conservatives to show that the parties were willing to lead the way in tough times, but also threatened give a serious financial blow to the opposition. Thus, led by the Liberals (not the separatist Bloc), discussions between the three opposition parties occurred and a proposal for a Liberal/New Democrat coalition has been proposed. It may be threatened because the current Liberal leader is to be replaced on May 2nd. Monday is the proposed date for the Canadian parliament to vote on a non-confidence measure proposed by the Liberals, thus bringing down the Conservatives. But Parliament may be prorogued before that time by the Prime Minister, so that they can bring out their budget on Jan 27th and have an economic stimulus package that would be the basis for the non-confidence.
The Conservatives have since removed their proposal on cutting public funding to political parties, hoping to stave off the coalition; this reversal of policies has had no slowing effect on the opposition parties’ move to unseat the Conservative government.
This morning there is news in the media that Liberals who are unhappy with their out-going leader may not all be supportive of Liberal leader Stephane Dion becoming Prime Minister and leader of a coalition government, and may not support a non-confidence motion.
At least it makes for a great political drama!
Truth to tell, I’m amazed that 36 percent of Canadians voted for Harper. True, I lean to the left, but it seems to me that this government is intent on locking Canada into a fossil fuel economy and reducing our standing in the world.
Here’s just a few Conservative government scandals from the last three years… And you can follow this page to three others.
http://www.anythingbutconservative.com/conservative-scandals.html
I can see both sides on the Parliament issue. A parliamentary system allows more seats for minority parties, which I think is a good thing. On the other hand, those in those parties are locked into the party line except for a conscience vote. Bad thing.
Gene –
Correction: Harper led a minority government, not a coalition. This means he had to seek the oppositions approval / their silence in the vote when doing tabling issues in parlement. As ‘awall’ commented – the “overthrowing” was not led by the separatists per se, but it requires their support, something which is upsetting especially Western Canada.
Richard listed the ABC (anything but Conservative) alternative, but the liberals also had their scandals – it was the fallout from the sponsorship scandal which led to the fall of the Liberals in ’06.
The advent of a coalition taking over in this fashion happened in the 20′s – but governments fall from time to time – like the aforesaid Liberal demise in ’06, when they lost a confidence vote which forced an election.
This could be the first time since 1929 that we change governments without an election though, since the King-Byng affair of ’25 – ’26.
BTW – Ours is not just a parliamentary system – we are a Constitutional Monarchy. Elizabeth II is our head of state, and she is represented by the Governor General.
But as to your question – I don’t think we can postulate a “perfect” system. Systems are only as good as the people running them, and different systems work in different circumstances / cultures. The US system would look vastly different, for instance, if you had stronger 3thd & 4th parties like we have. Ours would be different too if we had fixed terms. Our current situation could be likened to a president winning the vote, but having a congress stacked against him.
No matter whta the system, it is the checks and balances withint hat system which are really important.
Just in: Parliament has been prorogued (suspended): http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20081204/GG_decision_081204/20081204?hub=TopStories
It seems I’m taking over – here is a simple background explanation of the current crisis, written especially for Americans:
http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2008/12/03/f-rfa-macdonald.html
David Frum and Mark Steyn, both Canadian columnists, have been following this issue closely on National Review Online (www.nationalreview.com). Once you reach the home page, click the tab “Blog Row”. Frum has his own blog, Steyn frequently posts on “The Corner” blog, which is a very active group blog. Steyn also has his own webpage Steynonline.com.
I wish Canada well.
But I must confess it’s refreshing to read of political controversy in which the participants act like adults. Unlike the recent US election, this matter does not revolve around whether someone “pals around with terrorists,” rejects “absolute truth,” is “pro death,” is a closet black Muslim, or any of the multitude of irrelevant smears that so consume the US religious right.
You’re Right Pete – that dang religous right and its lies that: Palin was a book banner or that her youngest child was really her daughter’s child, etc.
Pete– you’re not serious, or you haven’t been following the government takeover scam *that* closely. It seems to have enraged most of Canada, who are justifiably accusing the liberals and NDP of a ridiculous power-grab attempt. Trust me, there’s *plenty* of vitrol coming out of this.
Some Americans may have this glorious perception of Canadian politicians as being so much better-behaved than their American counterparts, but these are the Americans who don’t actually follow the always-entertaining and oft-ridiculous goings-on of this system. I thought that this latest coup made the American election look like a boy scout meeting.
Here’s an interesting commentary by a Canadian journalist. http://www.cbc.ca/national/blog/video/rex_murphy/alll_politics_no_government.html