It’s official. The opposition has united to defeat the government and the policies presented by the Minister of Finance. Uncharted territory here. Amazing to see how fast differing viewpoints could draft an agreement and proposal to stimulate the economy over the weekend. Mr. Flaherty has called it “a deal with the devil”?

Canada is stronger together, perhaps a coalition government might actually work together toward rebuilding Canada during these trying times. I think that we are in for more concrete action than the Conservatives are willing to admit since ALL opposition parties have committed to unite until June 30, 2011! (The Bloc are supportive of this coalition for 18 months and can extend support after that time since they are not formally part of the coalition). The economy and the environment are front and centre. The coalition will pursue prudent policies to stimulate the economy through investments in infrastructure, boosts to struggling economic sectors as well as home construction and retrofit (low income housing? green tax breaks?). Most important, long term deficits are not in the interest of the coalition.

“Today we respectfully inform the Governor General that, as soon as the appropriate opportunity arises, she should call on the Leader of the Official Opposition to form a new government, supported as set out in the accompanying accords by all three of our parties.

– from the agreement signed by Bloc Québécois Leader Gilles Duceppe, NDP Leader Jack Layton and Liberal Leader Stephane Dion on Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, on Monday Dec. 1, 2008

It will be interesting to see how the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada reacts.

Last week Toronto MP Joe Volpe was the first party member to publicly call for Dion’s resignation after the weak Liberal election result. Today Dion was man enough to admit his failings to sell Canadian’s on his platform of income tax cuts and taxes on pollution, “The Green Shift”. Liberal MP Carolyn Bennett won her seat despite despicable vandals but Dion felt the most damaging instrument this election campaign was the Conservative ad machine. (Sad that it seemed there was no denouncement of the vandalism but it was good to hear some people from the community banding together and asking for signs even if they were not planning on voting Liberal).

Dion will stand the course as leader until the next convention. The speculators can only guess as to whom will succeed him but at least he has accepted his fate and is moving on in the interest of the party. As the dust settles one can only smile not to cry. We still have spent massive amounts of taxpayers money to re-elect a minority government. About $300 million!!! Talk of a coalition continues and Canadians are still quaking in fear over the prospect of another dysfunctional parliament. An economic crisis is looming. It’s not the best time for MP’s to be distracted from the needs of Canadians.

Mr. Harper called this election to cement a Conservative Majority, the third swing at the plate as leader of the Conservative party in just four years! Harper, like Dion, has put forth an strong effort but perhaps he should consider stepping down as leader as the Conservatives regroup for their Convention in November. Reviving the Reform Party talk of Senate reform in the midst of recession is insulting. Perhaps some Conservatives will talk sense into to the PM? He’s a hockey lover and Toronto Maple Leaf’s fan and all but…Whoa??? Hasn’t he pissed off Quebec enough to invigorate the Bloc (and lose all chance for a majority)?!!!

Get your sticks on the ice and giv’er people. Canada expects more from it’s “all-stars” no matter what colour their home jersey is. You guys actually have to DO something more than call an election and send money to ad agencies every couple years!