FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 11, 2008

Kingston – Yesterday, the NDP used its Opposition Day in the House of Commons to introduce a vote of non-confidence in the Harper government for its inability to tackle the climate change crisis and for refusing to bring the Clean Air and Climate Change Act back to the House. Unfortunately, the motion was defeated by the Conservatives, with the help of Dion's Liberals, the majority of whom abstained -- yet again -- from an important vote in the house.

"The defeat of this motion means that, once again, the Harper government can continue ignoring the environment," said Renee Stephen, federal NDP candidate for Kingston & the Islands.

"The NDP has worked for constructive solutions to the climate change crisis," said Stephen. "But the Harper government's inaction is never-ending. We do not have confidence in a government that sits by and ignores the greatest threat facing Canadian families today."

A year ago, the NDP led the drafting of the new Clean Air and Climate Change Act, which was subsequently ignored by the Harper government. "Bill C-30 was an important step in establishing a co-operative minority parliament for Canadians. The NDP worked side-by-side with all parties as well as environmental organizations, First Nations, Labour, and community groups to craft some of the toughest, most forward-thinking environmental legislation in the world," said Stephen. "But what happened? Nothing. Harper and Dion are happy ignoring the millions of Canadians who want action, now, to protect our environment."

"We're disappointed with the lack of leadership Dion's Liberals are showing, by continuing to prop up the Harper government, rather than stand up for their beliefs," added Stephen. "All we want to do is protect Canadians against dirtier air and a contaminated environment. That should not be too much to ask of Parliament."

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Oh, those guys! It was so good of them to offer to fund Chuck Cadman's re-election campaign! You know, with friends like those beside you, you've really got it all. Except, well... was a dying man really thinking about re-election? Kind of makes you wonder whether the Conservatives are even in charge of their spin control department at all these days.

And, well, this has already been widely reported in the 'sphere, but I love it so (the quote is from Hansard, first saw it reported here:

Right Hon. Stephen Harper (Prime Minister, CPC): I have to say very clearly, Mr. Speaker, we will investigate this entire matter [the NAFTA leak] and take whatever action is deemed to be necessary, based on the facts we are able to discover.

I would point out to the Leader of the Opposition that when he was throwing around wild accusations of scandal, the leader of the NDP was already on top of this issue.

Some hon. members: oh, oh.

The Speaker: The hon. Leader of the Opposition. Order, please. The Leader of the Opposition has the floor.

Hon. Stéphane Dion (Leader of the Opposition, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, it is the only defence of the Prime Minister that we do not know how to choose among all the scandals he has.

Emphases mine. The NDP, on Opposition Day, put up a motion of non-confidence in the government over Bill C-30 and the dull thud that represents the sheer lack of action by Harper's government on environmental issues. Because, well, global warming is a myth. Besides, their private jets are air-conditioned. Needless to say, the NDP chose this motion from among about five. Because there are just SO MANY to choose from! Which would be hilarious if it wasn't so scary.

UPDATE: Of course, the Liberals have their abstaining muscles in good order, so they were well prepared to abstain from this one. Of course, a few token Liberals showed up to vote for the NDP's motion, as a symbolic gesture - symbolizing what, I'm not entirely sure. Perhaps it is a new spirit of cooperation ... among the four Liberals currently doing their jobs? Excellent. Thanks, guys. Mmkay.

Attempting to bribe Chuck Cadman on his deathbed? Classy. It's the Mulroney Conservative spirit of giving. Like the a cross between the Ghost of Christmas Past and the Grim Reaper, except in a dark blue suit.

Also, Censorship!. But it's OK, it's being done for your own good. Keep in mind that every film production in Canada gets tax credits. This isn't just NFB productions they're talking about, it's everything.

On the Liberal front, Dion is being decisive by refusing to make a decision. Or, wait. Making a symbolic decision. Except that it is full of sound and fury and symbolizes very little - Harper was right on this one. If you disagree with his budget, vote against it. Putting a few sad Liberals in the house to say a feeble nay is not symbolic, it's pathetic.