[Canadian] MPs pass motion calling for February election

CBC ^ | 11/21/05 | CBC

[Heatseeker]

Federal MPs have passed an NDP motion that calls on Prime Minister Paul Martin to dissolve Parliament in January for a Feb. 13 election.

But the minority Liberals immediately said they would ignore the non-binding motion, clearing the way for a no-confidence motion expected to take down the government next week.

The motion – which was introduced by NDP Leader Jack Layton and supported by the Conservatives and Bloc Québécois – passed by a vote of 167-129 on Monday night.

After the vote, Layton said he hoped it would spur a change of heart from Martin, who has repeatedly rejected opposition demands that he agree to make an election call in the first week of January.

Liberal House leader Tony Valeri responded by dismissing the motion as political posturing.

"It's not really a compromise, it's a cop-out that's an attempt to evade responsibility for causing an election during the Christmas holidays," Valeri said.

Conservative Leader Stephen Harper, with the backing of the NDP, had said he would move a no-confidence motion on Thursday if the Liberals disregarded the motion.

The Tory motion, which would be binding, would come to a vote on Nov. 28.

Harper said an election call next week could only be avoided if Martin changes his mind about accepting opposition demands to call a February election – or if the government prorogues Parliament.

It is expected to pass with the endorsement of the three opposition parties, which would mean an election would likely have to be called on Nov. 29.

The delay in the vote on the Tory's motion will allow an important meeting of federal, provincial and aboriginal leaders to go ahead.

Aboriginal leaders have been urging federal politicians not to trigger an election campaign that could derail the summit on First Nations affairs.

There has been speculation that the government may announce more than $4 billion in new programs at the meeting designed to help First Nations.

[Heatseeker]

Nyuk nyuk, Chrissy Matthews goes to Canada to complain about Bush and later the same day the government falls (well, sort of). Chrissy, please call me for your first-class plane ticket to Tehran.

[NCjim]

Ping

[Canadian Outrage]

I love the smell of Roast Liberal!!!!!!! Too bad Jack Layton is NDP because he has some good ideas, and he can be personable but he has aligned himself with forever losers!!

[Heatseeker]

As far as NDP leaders go, I sort of liked Broadbent. Obviously a leftie, but seemed a straight shooter.