Daily Digest December 3, 2008

The DAILY DIGEST: INFORMATION and OPINION from ST. JOHN'S to VICTORIA.
ARCHIVED at http://cdndailydigest.blogspot.com/

EDITORIAL PAGEs

ST.JOHN'S TELEGRAM -
A tale of two letters

CHARLOTTETOWN GUARDIAN -
Our politicians could use a 'time out'

HALIFAX CHRONICLE HERALD -
Better safety needed to prevent future towing tragedies

AMHERST DAILY NEWS -
Lesson in civics mixed into ongoing parliamentary crisis

MONTREAL GAZETTE -
Ottawa coalition is short on principles
http://www.montrealgazette.com/opinion/editorials/Ottawa+coalition+short+principles/1024372/story.html

OTTAWA CITIZEN -
History lessons
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/opinion/editorials/History+lessons/1024490/story.html

Sensing the mood
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/opinion/op-ed/Sensing+mood/1028140/story.html
 
Harper can't win a war with Quebec
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/opinion/op-ed/Harper+with+Quebec/1028029/story.html
 
A little breathing space
  http://www.ottawacitizen.com/opinion/op-ed/little+breathing+space/1028074/story.html

Consumer confusion
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/opinion/editorials/Consumer+confusion/1024489/story.html

KINGSTON WHIG STANDARD-
Auto union should do more

OPINION DIGEST

TORONTO STAR -
Harper invokes Bloc bogeyman
http://www.thestar.com/Opinion/article/547334

GLOBE & MAIL -
Two for the road
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081202.weScenarios03/BNStory/politics/home

NATIONAL POST -
The shame of Stephane Dion
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1024055

HAMILTON SPECTATOR -
Harper must step aside

K-W RECORD -
To the coalition: Tell us your plan

WINDSOR STAR -
Parliament
http://www.windsorstar.com/opinion/editorials/Parliament/1019843/story.html

SUDBURY STAR -
No confidence in coalition -- (Editorial, comment on this story)

Opposition parties should back down

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS -
Harper's scorched-earth tactics burn Tories
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/westview/Harpers_scorched-earth_tactics_burn_Tories.html

WINNIPEG SUN -
Rise up, Canada, and kill this deal

SASKATOON STARPHOENIX -
Reason, caution must be restored to political arena

Driven to responsibility

REGINA LEADER-POST -
A broken Parliament and a worried nation

Harper has blundered badly, but coalition is a worse option

Liberal entitlement is fueling this 'coup'

CALGARY HERALD -
Coalition politics just means bigger drain on purse

Fill the senate

LETHBRIDGE HERALD -
Parliamentarians need a time out
http://www.lethbridgeherald.com/content/view/12757/56/

RED DEER ADVOCATE -
Canadian democracy is the big loser

VANCOUVER SUN -
D isorder in the House

Keeping ship of state steady is difficult in stormy seas

Even though they're wrong, dumb policies get new life

Calm down: The bad news isn't all that bad

VANCOUVER PROVINCE -
This sad sorry lot will cost us $300 million
http://www.theprovince.com/opinion/editorials/This+sorry+will+cost+million/1024659/story.html
 
Coalition calamity
http://www.theprovince.com/opinion/editorials/Coalition+calamity/1019607/story.html

VICTORIA TIMES-COLONIST -
Time for Tories to seek a truce

The coalition and Harper

Coalition would be bad news for B.C.

Canadians did not vote for this political mess


ISSUES

AFGHANISTAN -
Rice urges tough Pakistan action

Waking up to Afghanistan's realities
The Guardian (12/03/2008)

UN calls for more action to protect children
IRIN (12/03/2008)

Panicked Solutions
The Frontline Club (12/03/2008)

French aid worker freed in Afghanistan
AFP (12/03/2008)

Study casts doubt on US Afghan strategy
The Canberra Times (12/03/2008)

Jones Urges Broad Afghanistan Approach
The Wall Street Journal (12/03/2008)

Kandahar governor to leave post
Globe and Mail (12/03/2008)

Children at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS in Afghanistan
ReliefWeb (12/03/2008)


CANUSA/USACAN
First drone to patrol U.S.-Canada border set to arrive in Grand Forks
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/081203/national/us_cda_border_drone


ECONOMIC AFFAIRS
Slippery Slope
http://blog.canoe.ca/moosecountry/2008/11/30/slippery_slope

Big Three make pitch for bailout
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1024079

Coming soon: An all-new, all-green NEP
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1024060

WTO summit near, but big gaps remain
http://www.financialpost.com/story.html?id=1024118

And the lesser evil is ... inflation
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081202.wcoecon03/BNStory/specialComment/home

Bankruptcy not an option, GM says
http://www.wheels.ca/reviews/article/480166

Bank of Nova Scotia pulls back on lending
http://www.financialpost.com/story.html?id=1021599

Scotiabank to issue shares in CI deal
http://www.financialpost.com/story.html?id=1027836

Canada's finance minister sees stimulus in budget
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/081204/canada/canada_us_economy_flaherty


HEALTH CARE RELATED
Laws needed to protect patients from stem cell clinics' exaggerated claims: study
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/081203/national/stem_cell_guidelines


POLITICS IN THE PROVINCES
Harper invites premiers for Jan. 16 meeting
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/081203/national/harper_premiers

Ontario can't help auto makers on its own: McGuinty
http://www.torontosun.com/news/torontoandgta/2008/12/03/7618101.html

Ed to Ottawa: take time out

Turn to auto sector bailout, McGuinty urges Ottawa

Eastern Canada premiers unanimously urge calm, co-operation

Alberta ombudsman launches probe into out-of-country health services
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1024047

McGuinty pulls back on child-poverty plan
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081203.wontpove1203/BNStory/National/home


FEDERAL POLITICS all 2,604 news articles »

CANADIAN PRESS
Quebec politicians unimpressed by Harper speech to Canadians
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/081203/national/elxn_que

Fears over national unity mount over Tory anti-sovereignty rhetoric
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/081203/national/parliament_crisis_quebec

Tories dangle plums to break opposition ranks
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/081203/national/parliament_crisis_liberals

Full text of speeches from the televised addresses
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/081203/national/tab_crisis_harper_text

Harper expected to ask Gov. Gen. to suspend Parliament
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/081203/national/parliament_crisis

Does inexperienced Jean have right stuff to make right choice?
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/081203/national/jean_newsmaker

Canadian Alliance courted Bloc for coalition in 2000: letter
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/081203/national/parliament_crisis_letter

Dion beset by technical woes in taped address
Dion beset by technical woes in taped address

Those for and against coalition in Ottawa staging competing rallies across Canada
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/081203/national/parliament_crisis_rallies

NDP will not oppose Afghan war while in coalition
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/081203/national/parliament_crisis_afghan_ndp

It happened in Australia: governor general dismissed prime minister in 1975
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/081203/national/parliament_crisis_australia

From brooding to brawling: Harper's 24-hour turnaround in fight to keep his job
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/081203/national/parliament_crisis_harper


NATIONAL POST
 Tories have lost the 'right to govern,' says Dion
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/posted/archive/2008/12/03/live-blog-the-coalition-reacts-to-stephen-harper-s-televised-address.aspx

PM addresses nation; to visit Governor-General 9:30 a.m. ET
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/posted/archive/2008/12/03/live-blog-stephen-harper-addresses-the-nation.aspx

How will the Governor-General make her decision?
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/posted/archive/2008/12/03/how-will-the-governor-general-make-her-decision.aspx

Harper will go down swinging
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1024002

PM LAUNCHES PR WAR
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1024003

The ugly side of Jean's job
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1024004

No undoing PM's historic blunder
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1024031

Dion, Layton coy on possible Cabinet ministers
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1024034

Harper denounces coalition 'nightmare'
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1024035

Protesters decry Liberal-NDP coalition outside New Democrat's Ontario office
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1024039

A 'banana republic with snowflakes'
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1024040

Before They Were Comrades
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1024041

Verbal brawl on the floor of the House
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1024043
The following is a transcript of two exchanges between Stephane Dion and Stephen Harper during Question Period yesterday. Some of the comments are translated from French.

Coalition debate to hit the streets: Groups on both sides planning rallies, creating websites
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1023223

Parizeau gleeful over 'satisfying' deal
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2008/12/03/john-ivison-parizeau-beaming-over-eminently-satisfying-deal-with-dion.aspx

Harper gives Opposition no retreat with honour
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2008/12/03/don-martin-harper-gives-opposition-no-retreat-with-honour.aspx

Duceppe says it all on live TV -- this is a deal that's good for the separatist cause
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2008/12/03/kelly-mcparland-duceppe-says-it-all-on-live-tv-this-is-a-deal-that-s-good-for-the-separatist-cause.aspx

The Bloc is not just another political party
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2008/12/03/michael-bliss-the-bloc-is-not-just-another-political-party.aspx

Parizeau beaming over 'eminently satisfying' deal with Dion
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2008/12/03/john-ivison-parizeau-beaming-over-eminently-satisfying-deal-with-dion.aspx

SUN PAPERS
Stop sedition coalition
http://www.winnipegsun.com/News/Columnists/Brodbeck_Tom/2008/12/03/7613556-sun.html
        
Is this coalition just politics, or creation of a Canadian crisis?
http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/News/Columnists/Berton_Paul/2008/12/03/7615736-sun.html

Politicians playing with fire
http://www.torontosun.com/comment/columnists/christina_blizzard/2008/12/03/7614211-sun.html

Election-coalition question splits Canadians: Poll
http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2008/12/03/7623421.html

Quebec Bashing: Harper Reverts to his Reform Party Roots

Former GG says coalition is legitimate
http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2008/12/03/7620301.html

Anti-sovereignty rhetoric won't help Tories in Quebec: experts
http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2008/12/03/7620241.html

Parliamentary timeout may tie hands
http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2008/12/03/7622401.html

GLOBE AND MAIL
Coalition a threat, PM says
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081203.wPOLcoalition1203/BNStory/politics/home

Follow Harper's speech
Harper's statement
Dion's statement
Dion's amateur hour

Bloc part of secret coalition plot in 2000 with Canadian Alliance
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081203.wquebec1203/BNStory/National/home

Harper will use all his weapons
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081202.wcosimp03/BNStory/politics/home

Differences of degree, not principle
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081202.wcounite03/BNStory/politics/home

Diminishing the NDP of old
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081202.wcosegal03/BNStory/politics/home

discussion
Jeffrey Simpson on Harper, the coalition and stimulus
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081201.wlivesimpson1202/BNStory/specialComment

Editorial board editor on why Harper should go
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081202.wlivegeigerharper1202/BNStory/specialComment/home

TORSTAR
Harper sets meeting with Governor General

PM expected to seek pause of Parliament or quick election

Misrepresenting our system of government

Constitution and precedent are on coalition's side

Governor General calm in eye of storm

Harper was in on the ground floor of coalition building

Coalition must grasp deficit nettle

Governor General calm in eye of storm

New Q & A on coalition governments

Canadian democracy is the big loser

Privacy commissioner urged to probe Tory eavesdropping

Canadians split over choices

Emotions flaring in Harper heartland

Nation will be watching Jean

Text of the coalition government deal

Bashing Bloc could backfire for PM

REUTERS
Canadian PM vows to block coalition takeover

Harper to meet governor general on Thursday

Dion says Harper must face confidence vote

Harper says to fight opposition coalition plan

Harper calls for crisis talks with premiers

Opposition coalition downplays stimulus talk

Coalition stimulus seen under C$30 billion

FRENCH-LANGUAGE PRESS TRANSLATIONS
Harper a perdu le droit de gouverner» "Harper has lost the right to govern"
http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ledevoir.com%2F2008%2F12%2F04%2F220779.html&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&sl=fr&tl=en

"A rhetoric that divides people," says Charest

  "Quebec bashing" Charest calls for calm

Harper or Dion: Charest to balance

Situation desperate strategy of despair

A quiet coup d'etat

The willingness of voters must be respected

Crise politique - Harper, le pyromane

Political crisis - Harper, the pyromaniac


PROGRAMMES
Cheese recalled over Listeria fears
http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2008/12/03/7617446.html

Delay food inspection deregulation, union urges
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=927373


OPINION AND INFORMATION
We've caught up

More fuel for my republican fire
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1024132

Harper's suicide scenario
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1024133

Coalitions: a brief history
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1024137

Canada is strong enough to withstand Dion
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1024138


INFOS 
Harper ira chez la gouverneure générale aujourd'hui
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/dossiers/crise-a-ottawa/200812/03/01-807083-harper-ira-chez-la-gouverneure-generale-aujourdhui.php

Bloquistes et libéraux sont moins déterminés avec leur coalition
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/dossiers/crise-a-ottawa/200812/03/01-807139-bloquistes-et-liberaux-sont-moins-determines-avec-leur-coalition.php

«Stephen Harper a perdu le droit de gouverner», dit l'opposition
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/dossiers/crise-a-ottawa/200812/03/01-807130-stephen-harper-a-perdu-le-droit-de-gouverner-dit-lopposition.php

Discours à la nation: Harper refuse une coalition non élue
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/dossiers/crise-a-ottawa/200812/03/01-806957-discours-a-la-nation-harper-refuse-une-coalition-non-elue.php

Un ex-gouverneur général dit que la coalition est légitime
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/dossiers/crise-a-ottawa/200812/03/01-807087-un-ex-gouverneur-general-dit-que-la-coalition-est-legitime.php

Le NPD ne s'opposera pas à la guerre en Afghanistan pendant quelque temps
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/dossiers/crise-a-ottawa/200812/03/01-807089-le-npd-ne-sopposera-pas-a-la-guerre-en-afghanistan-pendant-quelque-temps.php

«Quebec bashing» : Charest lance un appel au calme
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/elections-provinciales/200812/03/01-807063-quebec-bashing-charest-lance-un-appel-au-calme.php

Harper ou Dion: Charest s'en balance
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/elections-provinciales/200812/03/01-807032-harper-ou-dion-charest-sen-balance.php

Dumont refuse de condamner les propos de Harper
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/elections-provinciales/200812/03/01-807042-dumont-refuse-de-condamner-les-propos-de-harper.php

Harper a perdu le droit de gouverner»
http://www.ledevoir.com/2008/12/04/220779.html

Impossible rapprochement
http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/Politique/2008/12/03/001-ottawa-crise-mercredi.shtml

Consternation et frustrations en Alberta
http://www.radio-canada.ca/regions/alberta/2008/12/02/001-Coalition-Alberta_n.shtml

La volonté des électeurs doit être respectée

Harper convoque les premiers ministres des provinces à une réunion le 16 janvier
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/081203/N1203172AU.html

La coalition presse Michaëlle Jean de ne pas accepter une prorogation
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/081203/N1203233AU.html

Des manifestations anticoalition auront lieu samedi dans plusieurs villes
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/081203/N1203181AU.html

Des rassemblements organisés en appui et contre la coalition de l'opposition
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/081203/N1203221AU.html

En Australie, le gouverneur général a démis le premier ministre en 1975
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/081203/N1203247AU.html

Crise politique - Harper, le pyromane

Crise parlementaire à Ottawa - Harper divise les gens

La coalition accusée de complicité séparatiste - Stockwell Day a déjà voulu faire front commun avec le Bloc, révèle Duceppe

Selon Québec solidaire, la crise fédérale justifie la souveraineté du Québec

BELOW(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)

The Digest of articles above has provided you with I'm prepared to wager the greatest number of articles on the current political crisis available in the manner in which they are presented.

There is not time to present to you the thoughts of those receiving the "DD" this evening/early morning.

The article that follows may lead to more most welcomed expressions of opinion.

Bob Dechert. M.P. is quoted as having said concerning the Liberal-NDP coalition having the support of the Bloc for 18 months:

"That is as close to treason and sedition as I can imagine,"
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/081203/national/parliament_crisis_liberals

Two questions to you:

How does the intent of the two letters below sent to the Governor General on Dec. 1, 2008 and Sept. 9, 2004 differ in your opinion?;

If there's no substantial difference in intent, are all those signing with Gilles Duceppe to be judged as being treasonous and seditious - or only some?

                  Joe

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A tale of two letters
The Telegram
http://www.thetelegram.com/index.cfm?sid=196483&sc=80

In the next few days, there will be plenty of press about the looming constitutional crisis, with different sides arguing whether or not it is proper for a coalition of opposition parties to seize control from a minority government. It will be, without a doubt, spin city.

Here are copies of two letters, written four years apart, with different signatories. Read the letters and make up your own mind about the propriety of such an action.

You can also consider the fact that current Conservative government ministers are ripping into the coalition for making a deal with "separatists" - the Bloc Quebecois - then read the signatures again on the second letter.

Dec. 1, 2008
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean,
C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D.
Governor General
Rideau Hall
1 Sussex Dr.
Ottawa, Ont.
K1A 0A1

Excellency,

As Leader of the Official Opposition, I wish to inform you that, as of this writing, the opposition parties, who together constitute a majority in the House of Commons, have been in close consultation concerning the failure of the Conservative government to address the impact of the global economic crisis on Canadians.

As a result, I wish to inform you that my party and the other two opposition parties have lost confidence in this Conservative government.

The Liberal Party of Canada and the New Democratic Party of Canada are resolved to form a new government and to this end we have the support of the Bloc Quebecois for a period of 18 months. This new government will effectively, prudently, promptly and competently address the best interests of the people of Canada in these critical economic times.

In light of the significant economic challenges facing our citizens, and that the last federal election was held less than two months ago, we respectfully request that, should a call for dissolution arise, you consider exercising your constitutional authority to call on the Leader of the Official Opposition to form a new collaborative government with the New Democratic Party of Canada and supported by the Bloc Quebecois. This new government should be allowed to demonstrate it has the confidence of the House of Commons.

Your attention to this matter is appreciated.

Sincerely,

Hon. Stephane Dion, P.C., M.P.
Leader of the Official Opposition
Leader, the Liberal Party of Canada

Sept. 9, 2004
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson,
C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D.
Governor General
Rideau Hall
1 Sussex Dr.
Ottawa, Ont.
K1A 0A1

Excellency,

As leaders of the opposition parties, we are well aware that, given the Liberal minority government, you could be asked by the Prime Minister to dissolve the 38th Parliament at any time should the House of Commons fail to support some part of the government's program.

We respectfully point out that the opposition parties, who together constitute a majority in the House, have been in close consultation. We believe that, should a request for dissolution arise this should give you cause, as constitutional practice has determined, to consult the opposition leaders and consider all of your options before exercising your constitutional authority.

Your attention to this matter is appreciated.

Sincerely,

Hon. Stephen Harper, P.C., M.P.
Leader of the Opposition

Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada
Gilles Duceppe, M.P.

Leader of the Bloc Quebecois

Jack Layton, M.P.
Leader of the New Democratic Party

Tangly, hey? Clearly, hypocrisy abounds on all sides.

===================================