Budget Day
Back in January, the NDP laid out 5 demands in exchange for their support on the federal budget:
Budget leaks have confirmed the final two of those demands will be met. There will likely be something for seniors (there always is), but Jack is unlikely to see his demands for an expanded CPP or a cut to the GST on home heating fuels met. So, all in all, about a 50% grade - depending on the curve, that could either be a pass or a fail.
In effect, Harper's overtures give Layton a way out if he wants one. It may just be table scraps, but it's enough to claim "results for people" and put off an election if Layton wants to put off an election.
It's very similar to what Harper tossed Duceppe on the weekend, when it was leaked there was a "draft deal" between Flaherty and Bachand on the HST. It's not in the budget, so there's no reason for Duceppe to support the budget...but he could probably justify propping up the government to help finalize the deal.
Without making any real concessions, Harper has given two of the opposition parties a way out if they want one. We'll soon find out if they want one.
In a new memo prepared by the NDP, the party costs its main requests. The NDP wants the budget to include $700-million to raise the Guaranteed Income Supplement for low-income seniors; a doubling of the Canada Pension Plan benefit through higher premiums; a $700-million proposal to cut the GST on home heating fuels; $200-million to revive the home energy retrofit incentive, and longer-term pledges to improve health care.
Budget leaks have confirmed the final two of those demands will be met. There will likely be something for seniors (there always is), but Jack is unlikely to see his demands for an expanded CPP or a cut to the GST on home heating fuels met. So, all in all, about a 50% grade - depending on the curve, that could either be a pass or a fail.
In effect, Harper's overtures give Layton a way out if he wants one. It may just be table scraps, but it's enough to claim "results for people" and put off an election if Layton wants to put off an election.
It's very similar to what Harper tossed Duceppe on the weekend, when it was leaked there was a "draft deal" between Flaherty and Bachand on the HST. It's not in the budget, so there's no reason for Duceppe to support the budget...but he could probably justify propping up the government to help finalize the deal.
Without making any real concessions, Harper has given two of the opposition parties a way out if they want one. We'll soon find out if they want one.
posted by calgarygrit at
8:00 a.m.
7 Comments:
No concessions for Liberal prioroties. No one cares about those.
The question becomes if Layton will save Ignatieff from himself.
By
Anonymous, at 8:14 a.m.
If the NDP supports the budget, then they're obviously supporting a government that is in contempt of Parliament. They'll wear that.
By
Casual Observer, at 8:43 a.m.
CO - They supported Martin at the height of Adscam...I don't think this would be any worse.
By
calgarygrit, at 9:44 a.m.
If I was Jack I would force the Liberals to dump Michael without an election. Why should the taxpayers pay for the Liberal inaction?
In 2012 the minority government will be at the polls and the public will have their say are Liberals unable to accept Ignatieff as their leader for another 12 months?
Most of the public are NOT paying attention to the noise in Ottawa.
By
CanadianSense, at 10:33 a.m.
You only need to add a few sessions for new leader at the 2011 Biennial Convention Policy in April.
Are those deposits refundable?
By
CanadianSense, at 10:37 a.m.
The NDP's demands essentially involve slamming $1.6+ billion on an already crushingly large deficit.
Oh yeah, they've got my vote.
By
Robert Vollman, at 4:45 p.m.
UK, USA, France and Canada attacked Libya to protect innocent Civilians from Qaddafi’s forces, why not they are protecting innocent Pakistani civilians killing everyday by drone attacked of USA, do they think there are no innocent civilians being killed by USA drone Attacks on Pakistan?
By
Anonymous, at 12:05 a.m.
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