NDP leader Jack Layton has declared that unless Paul Martin's ruling Liberals agrees to his terms, he'll have his party vote against the government in confidence votes in November. The terms are:Demonstrate support for public health care and stop whatTall order, in my opinion. Unless Mr. Layton accepts Mr. Martin's trademark empty rhetoric as promises to be kept rather than concrete legislation enabling the above demands, then Mr. Layton will have to make good on his threat and move to topple the Liberals.
the NDP calls increased privatization.Take action on climate change.
Get the U.S. to address the softwood lumber issue.
Protect workers' pensions.
Address ethical issues.
I just don't see the Libs doing anything concrete with respect to the above points. If Mr. Layton is serious, then we'll be into an election this late fall. But if Mr. Martin again simply throws around billions of our hard-earned tax dollars yet again with mere promises of direction attached without any specific binding legislation, and Mr. Layton accepts this as sufficient, then, I wouldn't be surprised if he again supports the government. As for the US "addressing" the softwood lumber issue, all that is needed would be a promise from the Americans to "address" it and Mr. Layton will be happy. This is my prediction based on my past observations of Mr. Layton's lack of seriousness and resolve and his willingness to be bribed with oodles of tax dollars and worthless Liberal promises from Mr. Martin.
Our money is most likely about to be tossed into the wind with reckless abandon, as is Liberal tradition.
H/T: Bourque
