Thursday March 19, 2015
Editorial cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday March 19, 2015
Dancing and Governor-Generalling
NDP Leader Tom Mulcair is reiterating his openness to a possible coalition with the Liberals if it is necessary to topple Stephen Harper’s Conservatives.
While expressing confidence he will become prime minister with a majority government, Mulcair told reporters Tuesday the scenario of a minority government cannot be excluded and that turfing the Tories is imperative.
The Opposition leader accused his Liberal counterpart, Justin Trudeau, of putting personal interests ahead of those of Canadians.
Trudeau has repeatedly stated he’s not interested in discussing coalitions.
“Whenever we have opened that door, Justin Trudeau slams it shut,” Mulcair said in Montreal. “My first priority is to get rid of Stephen Harper. The first priority of Justin Trudeau is Justin Trudeau.” (Source: Toronto Star)
The NDP leader said this year’s election should be a three-way battle from the outset, paving the way for a social democratic government.Meanwhile, David Johnston will serve as Governor General for another two years, ensuring he’s around for the coming fall election and Canada’s 150th anniversary celebrations in 2017.
Serving out the extension would put Johnston, 73, among the ranks of George Vanier, Vincent Massey and Roland Michener as one of the longest-serving Canadian governors general.
In making the announcement, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Tuesday that Johnston had accepted the offer to remain in office until September, 2017, a period that will cover many of the events that year to mark the 150th anniversary of Confederation.
But the extension also ensures Johnston is around for a key event this year — the expected federal election this October, which could produce a minority government.
Observers had been expecting Johnston’s term to be extended to ensure his constitutional expertise was on hand should it be needed in the aftermath of the vote. (Source: Toronto Star)