Hmm. I've been thinking Albertans might resist the idea of a federal election right now because we've already got our hands full with the ongoing provincial one. But the Edmonton Journal's editorial writers, at least, are ready.
As you might expect, by the way, this is my favourite part of that editorial:
If another minority were chosen, as polls suggest is the most likely outcome, another vote would surely be politically unacceptable for two or three more years. MPs would have no choice but to work together in good faith cobbling together policies a majority of Canadians could feel comfortable with.I've been making this argument for literally years. Plenty of people used to laugh at me back then--it's not often you hear people saying that we need proportional representation to make things more stable--but I guess this many years of a minority government has brought at least a few more people around.
(Come on, don't laugh! It could happen! In Europe they do it all the time, thanks to systems of proportional representation we'll have to consider seriously if our politicians can't learn to play together more constructively.)
Anyway, what do you folks think? Election yay this time, or election nay? And if so, then when?
10 comments:
I'm very interested in seeing your readers' views. I can't imagine not wanting an election by now, and asap.
Yes to an election, most likely in April or May. Between the Chalk River fiasco and, well, dozens of other issues, I want this government to go. And soon. Let's hope the collective fortunes of the opposition parties show them the door at the earliest convenience.
Chalk River fiasco and, well, dozens of other issues,
If it does happen, the opposition had better be ready for the mud. The Tories have every intention of re-running the 2004 Republican campaign. Anyone who questions the leader will be labeled a Taliban supporter.
Josh,
Can I put in my vote for April, please? I'm going to be gone for most of May, and that would be damned awkward with the campaign I'm currently working on...
yea, and as soon as possible.
April's okay with me. Toward the end of the month, say? That way my exams will be over, so I'll have a bit of a lull during which I can focus on satisfying my election fix.
Great to see you back, IdealisticPragmatist!
The best intel from the Hill says that the government will fall on the 4th or 5th of March, with election day slated for April 14th. I say, bring it on, Harper!
Ironist,
That would actually be pretty decent timing for me--I'll be in Europe for part of early April, but back for the vote and a few days before. That schedule has the IP stamp of approval! *g*
Why should Albertans care? There'll be one or two seats in play in the whole province.
Everyone else can feel free to ignore the sideshow.
Ben,
The current Alberta premier (though he and his party will almost certainly still win at least a minority), is facing a tough battle this time in a lot of constituencies. If there were a federal election going on at the same time, a lot of his party's volunteers would probably want to work for the CPC instead of working for him. The Liberals and the NDP, on the other hand, which as you point out are only truly competitive in two federal ridings (one each), could then concentrate their resources in the provincial election. Having both elections at the same time could very easily be a real burden for Stelmach.
As it turns out, though, it looks like they're going to be consecutive rather than simultaneous, so it's a moot point.
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