Weblog:2005-June-26
From Craig
Originally posted at: [1] (http://www.canada.com/national/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=037cf21d-eaf8-4bd5-952c-482bda93fcd6)
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Harper criticizes the Liberal government for teaming up with Bloc
Kevin Dougherty CanWest News Service
Saturday, June 25, 2005
QUEBEC -- Stephen Harper symbolically tossed out the first hamburger yesterday, kicking off his party's barbecue season at what was billed as a "family celebration" of Quebec's Fete nationale, formerly known as St. Jean Baptiste day.
But the Conservative leader wasn't in a mood to party, after the Bloc Quebecois joined the Liberals and NDP late Thursday night to gang up on his Tories in a deal that allowed passage of Bill C-48.
Bill C-48, which includes more money for public transit, is a package of concessions NDP leader Jack Layton wrung out of the Liberal government last month in return for NDP support.
"I don't think anybody in Canada voted for a Liberal-NDP-Bloc coalition, but that's what we've got," Mr. Harper said. "We've become the only party actually opposing the government, and we'll continue to oppose it and I've made it clear, we're prepared to have an election at anytime," he added.
The deal also cleared the way for passage next week of Bill C-38, legalizing same-sex marriage.
While the Bloc joined the Conservatives in voting against the so-called "Layton budget," Bloc support allowed the Liberals to curtail debate on the bill.
"It was probably the most undemocratic display we have ever had in the Canadian Parliament," Mr. Harper said. "The three parties got together and decided to ram a budget bill through without even allowing the other party, the Official Opposition, even speak to it."
Mr. Harper charged that the Liberals, in allying themselves with the Bloc, have shown their true colours. "It's a corrupt government. It's got no principles," he said. "They'll do anything or anybody at any time. And the public should know that."
Mr. Harper said the same-sex marriage bill would pass now that Liberals opposed to it have been silenced and his party, while opposed, would not try to filibuster C-38. A Conservative government would put the issue to a free vote to reverse it, he added.
"I think because most federalists in the House of Commons will oppose the bill and it will only be carried through a deal with the Bloc, I think it will lack legitimacy in the eyes of a lot of Canadians," he said.
In a speech to about 250 supporters at the barbecue in Quebec City's Louis-Saint-Laurent riding, Mr. Harper said Quebecers should turn away from the Bloc Quebecois because it "can't run the government," adding that, "The Bloc is a dead end for Gilles Duceppe. The Bloc is a dead end for Quebec.
"What's the point of electing an opposition party that spends its time supporting the government?"
