Democracy Canadian-style: How do you like it so far?
Lawrence Martin- David Akin: Stephen Harper's Machiavellian plan (Part MCMXXIV-B)
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If there's one thing we've learned watching Prime Minister Stephen Harper over the last (almost) four years, it's that he refuses to lose control of the political agenda. Keeping that in mind, some of his advisors are pushing for the following:
1. When Liberal Senator Jerry Grafstein retires on Jan. 2 -- the date of his 75th birthday -- there will be five senate vacancies. Advisors say: Appoint 5 Conservatives. Result: Conservatives have a plurality - but not a majority - of Senate votes for the first time in a decade at least of 51-49 over the Liberals. Note: He may announce those Senate appointments as early as Friday.
2. Prorogue Parliament. Likely in mid- to late-January but could be anytime during the holiday break. Proroguing "resets" Parliament. And, according to Parliamentary procedure, committees in the Senate -- where the Liberals now have majority control -- and the House are disbanded. When they reconstitute, Conservatives will have the majority in the Senate. Despite Senate standings, Liberals will keep their majority on Senate committees -- and the power to gum things up for the Tories -- until a general election or, you guessed it, a prorogation. Note: Harper could prorogue anytime -- but the key politically for him will be to tell Canadians that, though he's proroguing or suspending Parliament, he's calling MPs back, as scheduled, in late January.
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