Canuck Politics

Conservative Party leader Stephen Harper kicked-off the 2011 Federal Election campaign by accusing the opposition parties of having a hidden agenda to form a coalition government in the event of another Conservative minority parliament.

Unless Canadians elect a stable national government, Mr. Ignatieff will form a coalition with the NDP and the Bloc Québécois.

- Stephen Harper

Harper warns of hidden coalition agenda, Ignatieff denies it, Duceppe is willing,
and Layton would be Prime Minister of a minority government 

After several days dodging the question, Liberal leader Micheal Ignatieff issued an early morning statement in which he rules out a coalition in the event of a Liberal minority parliament:

We will not enter a coalition with other federalist parties.   In our system, coalitions are a legitimate constitutional option.  However, I believe that issue-by-issue collaboration with other parties is the best way for minority Parliaments to function.

- Micheal Ignatieff

However, Ignateiff’s statement does not rule out a coalition if the Conservatives win the most number of seats, but not a majority.

Meanwhile, NDP leader Jack Layton is actively running to become Prime Minister of a minority government, especially if the election produces another Conservative minority parliament:

This time we have to do something different.  This time, it’s not enough to keep Stephen Harper from his majority, this time we have to replace him …

I’m asking for a mandate to lead the next government.  And if that turns out to be a minority parliament, as Prime Minister you can count on me to reach out to all members of Parliament who believe in building a better Canada.

And together we will provide an alternative to a Harper-led government — whether its on a case-by-case basis as has been done in the last five years, or more stable arrangements — I will work with the mandate you give me.

- Jack Layton

A coalition government could have the support of the Bloc Québécois, according to Gilles Duceppe who remains open to the option.

If they propose something like that, we look if it is in the best interests of Quebec.

- Gilles Duceppe

Links:

• Statement by Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff (March 27, 2011)

March 23 and 24, 2011 - Micheal Ignatieff dodges questions from journalists and refuses to rule out a Liberal-NDP-Bloc coalition should the election result in another Conservative minority parliament.

“There’s a blue door … and there’s a red door.”

“I can’t be clearer than that.”

Conservative finance minister Jim Flaherty says a potential election and the spectre of an opposition coalition government pose a political risk to the economic recovery.

Under an Ignatief-NDP-Bloc Québécois government, nothing would be safe. No part of our economy would be spared. No taxpayer would avoid the hit.

- Jim Flaherty

Prime Ministers David Cameron and Stephen Harper discussed the subject of coalition governments at a press conference in the rose garden at 10 Downing Street.

The verdict of public opinion was pretty clear, which is that losers don’t get to form coalitions. Winners are the ones who form governments.

- Stephen Harper

February 10 to March 18, 2010 – The Liberals, NDP and Bloc Québécois are moving to assert the supremacy of Parliament over the government’s refusal to provide uncensored documents related to the treatment of Afghan detainees.

The opposition parties have introduced motions that would find the government in contempt of Parliament and could lead to a snap election.

Related Links:

• Parliamentary motion demanding uncensored documents (December 10, 1009)
• Justice Iacobucci’s terms of reference (March 13, 2010)
• Attorney General Rob Nicholson’s response (March 31, 2010)