Elections, elections

The Conservative government is itching for an election. To recap the outcome of the January 2006 election, the Conservatives formed a minority government, with the Liberals the next largest party in the parliament, followed by the NDP and the Bloc Quebecois. The Liberal leader immediately resigned and began a ten month long leadership process.

The Conservatives think that if they call an election now, they can catch the Liberals without a leader, and get a majority government. So the recent softwood lumber "deal" (which is a horrible deal for Canada) is being put to a vote in the Commons, with the Prime Minister saying that if the bill is defeated, it will be considered a non-confidence motion, which means the House no longer has confidence in the governing party, and an election must be called.

Elections should be about giving voters more choice, not less choice. This kind of opportunism is exactly why people want a new kind of governance. It is why many people stop voting .. why feed the beast?

Jim