Sunday, March 27, 2011

Federal Election Called

The federal election is now official. After Stephen Harper met with the Governor General, the election was set for May 2, 2011 as the day voters go to the polls. The question is, how many will go? If voter turnout is higher, it may gain the conservatives a majority. A lower turnout may result in another minority government, but for which party.

This election became necessary because the Speaker of the House ruled the Harper conservatives were in contempt of parliament, it went to committee and, after hearings and the vote, the committee confirmed the government was in contempt. The matter then went before all members in the House of Commons and again the vote confirmed the Harper conservatives were in contempt of parliament. The vote, a non-confidence vote defeated the government. This issue will likely become a major issue lasting through the entire campaign.

Voters should pay attention and sort out the truth from the lies as the campaign moves along. The Harper conservatives have already attempted to mislead voters by stating that the liberals will form a coalition with the other opposition parties to form government if there is another minority government. That simply is not true and Michael Ignatieff, the leader of the liberal party has issued a statement declaring that he will not form a coalition with the Bloc party or any other party to form government. Gilles Duceppe, leader of the Bloc, called Stephen Harper a liar on the issue. Unfortunately, when one party lies about what the other party may or may not do it is necessary to respond to dispel the lie. This is unfortunate and the voters should punish the party that lies the most.

Postings will be regular on this election. It is important for voters to have another point of view on the issues.