David Empey

I've been watching events this last week or so with keen interest. In part, of course, because I think that the proposed Liberal/NDP Coalition should happen - that it is very important that it does happen. But I've also been interested because two very important points have gotten lost in Harper's lies.

The first of those points is that the Bloc Quebecois is not part of the Coalition. The Bloc has, it is true, agreed to support the Liberal/NDP coalition on matters of confidence for about 18 months. On any other matters, however, there is no obligation for the Bloc to support the Coalition. More importantly, no Bloc MP will be part of the Government, or sit with the Government in the House. It makes great television for Harper to call this a Liberal/NDP/Bloc Coalition, but he either misunderstands is not telling the truth. I think we know which.

The second point is that there is nothing undemocratic about this arrangement. This is a Parliamentary Democracy, and any government must have the confidence of the House. Harper's Government does not. When his Government falls next week (assuming he does not prorogue Parliament), the Governor General should ask herself whether or not another person is able to form a government which does have the confidence of the House. When she asks herself that question, the answer will be yes. Calling the Coalition undemocratic, like trying to suggest the Bloc is part of the Coalition, makes for nice sound bites. It just isn't accurate.

Canadians don't need sound bites at this crucial time. They need good government. The Liberal/NDP Government will provide it.