News

Gordon Campbell

Premier Gordon Campbell: Remains convinced the public mood in B.C. favours Mr. Harper's government. "I think there is enough blame to go around to everybody," he said. "Let's get over it and get on with what's best for Canada." A coalition government that hinges on support from the Bloc Québécois will not give Canada the stability it needs now, he said. "This has been pretty damaging to people's sense of confidence in our federal institutions," the Premier said. He called on the coalition to back off and allow the Tories to bring in a budget next month. (Source: Justine Hunter)

Globe readers

Charles Wirrell from Vancouver: In many ways I'd like to see this coalition of goons govern for the next year an a half, dig a financial hole beholden to Quebec so deep that the Liberals and NDP will spend the next 50 years digging their way out. It would serve them right for the mockery of democracy they are currently displaying. The only problem with that is I have to pay taxes too. Have an election between the "Coalition of Goons" and the Cons and see who wins. That way it is all above board and democratic. As it is now it's a parliamentary coup by a lame duck Liberal leader, spend-easy socialist and a separatist.

Luciano Mannu from Vancouver: This fiasco should serve notice to all Canadians who decided not to vote in the last election. If the majority of Canadians had gone to the polls we would have probably had a majority government with a clear mandate instead of this special interest coalition that wants to gain power. There should be a new election and this time have a majority of Canadians actually go to the polls.

Jim Howden from Vancouver: Let's see, Stephen Harper calls an unnecessary election, spends $300-million of our money, and despite ideal conditions didn't get the results he wanted so pretended he did, creating a crisis and now the Dumb Bunny wants another election caused by his not accepting the results of the last. Even our Tory friends should shake their heads at that one. The solution in quite simple. As even many right wingers accept, Stephen stepped into it, eclipsing Joe Clarke's gas tax blunder with Stephen's ham-handed and boneheaded moves. The solution is, Stephen Harper resigns as P.M. for the good of the country. As the Coalition say they can't trust him, he would be gone, and a brighter more amiable leader of the Conservatives willing to live with the electorates' decision could replace him. Ergo the Coalitions reason for being is removed. The GG wouldn't be faced with a sticky situation, we'd be saved $300-million, and OUR elected representatives could immediately get on with our urgent business. Anyone think the Honourable Stephen Harper will do the honourable thing and fall on his sword for country and party? Not a chance because he's proven to be hypocritical and dishonourable to the nth degree.

Joseph Freeman from Vancouver: Stephen Harper is a poisonous stain overshadowing Canada. The sooner he and his divisive bile exit the stage, the sooner the nation can heal. But as long as he clings to power in the House of Commons, the longer this nightmare will continue. He has failed as a leader and can't even comprehend what statesmanship or compromise means. Please, Conservatives, do the right thing and turf this man now for your sake and for the good of Canada.

Jim Cohoon from Chilliwack: The charade of leadership is over. It's history. All that's left is the messy details of the carnage that will now follow in the wake of Mr. Harper's inevitable and disgraceful downfall. Mr. Harper has made it agonizingly clear to all but the self-deluded that he is no leader, in any sense that that has any rational or positive meaning. He increasingly looks and acts like Richard Nixon in his final tortured days, lashing out ferociously at every shadow in his path. Mr. Harper's judgment day before history has now passed, it's in the vault; and he has failed, disastrously for himself, and possibly for Canada as well. What is now to be discovered is whose reputations in the CPC will survive and not be tainted by the shameful, deceitful and desperate demagoguery that now seems to be hatefully unfolding. History will ask serious questions of the coalition leaders for sure, but at this point in history they are essentially reacting, if not wisely, certainly in politically predictable if not normal ways under the circumstances of a minority government recklessly provoked by Mr. Harper into dysfunction. Mr. Harper's behaviour of late, and for a long time, has been well over the line of 'normal' for a Canadian PM. Though the tragic story of Mr. Harper's political career is not yet completely over, it is now clear it is a tragedy. There will be many books written about him, and like for GW Bush (or Nixon), few will be complimentary. Apart from the gruesome spectacle of his remaining weeks or months as PM, the moral focus must now shift to either the new coalition leaders, or to those in the CPC courageous enough to stand up for something higher and more noble than Mr. Harper's childish and tortured ego. And the moral spotlight of history is now also on Canadians as a whole. How will we react to all this? With hate for our fellow Canadians? Or with a renewed commitment to make Canadian democracy more respectful, civilized and constructive for ourselves and our children?

Mary Hopkins from Osoyoos: If Mr. Harper really does have the best interests of Canada foremost in his ranting then he should face a confidence motion and let our Nation continue on a peaceful course. I do believe that he has only one purpose, and that is to become our very first elected dictator. We did not vote for a Prime Minister, we voted for a Member of Parliament to represent out best interests. My member of parliament is NDP, whether or not I voted for him personally is irrelevant. Changing the rules is Mr. Harper's way of dealing with putting himself in a corner, and he should be held accountable for what he has done. The days of learning about what goes on in the House of Commons a week later is over, we all have immediate access, and we are not still on the turnip truck! The so called pundits don't need to explain what ever move means, we can divine that for ourselves. Get on with governing for the people, not for one party. If others make it worse than it already is, so be it, but at least let them try. We sure aren't better off than when the Liberals were in control. Now everything is out of control while Mr. Harper tries to save himself. If Mr. Duceppe could be trusted four years ago, what has changed? Only the colour of the party governing. Eighteen months of proper government seems like a good idea.

lpsy 7789 from Vancouver: Harper does NOT care about democracy, about the economy, about the country! All he cares for is winning his majority, and that should be the scariest thing in all of this: one cannot help but wonder what sorts of evils exactly Harper has up his sleeves that he will fight - no holds barred - for his majority; that he cannot simply accept the democratically mandated minority government Canadians handed him in the last elections; and that he can't start governing NOW with any hint of the sensible leadership gravely necessary for the country in the current economic turmoil.

P C from Vancouver: Canadians barely trust their politicians and take offence when they make leadership decisions in their stead. Harper has rightly lost the confidence of the house for sheer arrogance but it should be the electorate who decides what happens next not power hungry small minded political hacks.

Kathy Roczkowskyj from Vancouver: I find the 'Bloc as evil' argument depressing. The Bloc MPs were elected by the same people that the Conservatives courted during the last election but lost when they decided to campaign on arts cuts, etc. Do you really think that the Tories are making the same arguments against the idea of a Coalition in Quebec? No way. They want to cling to power now but I'm sure they don't want to burn all their bridges with Quebec voters for the next election. It seems to me that the Bloc is caught between a rock and a hard place: They're condemned when they campaign for sovereignty and they're condemned when they agree to work with federalists to support policies that will help the Canadian economy.

Denis Love from Victoria: Stamp your feet, and point fingers all you want SteveBoy, the majority of MP's don't want you, so pack your bags, cross the aisle and watch your party chuck you out of the place. Your habit of calling confidence votes on most everything when you found the opposition leader is a weak condition has ended. Call a confidence vote tomorrow and end all our misery of waiting for you to get dropped. The GG will be home soon and she can send you packing .

Bill Wall from BC: I wonder how many people would have voted for Layton or Dion if they had known they would join up with the Bloc? Not many. Here's what looks like is shaping up. Harper prorogues Parliament until January and he then will introduce the budget. They will campaign like heck in the meantime and on the day of the budget, they will be defeated by a non-confidence motion and we will have an election. That is, unless Iggy et al come to their senses in the meantime and give Dion a shake. I understand Iggy doesn't want to jump into bed with Duceppe - and who can blame him? It's a disaster of an idea for the Libs.

Ed Stelmach

There is growing concern on the streets, in online forums and on radio call-in shows that a Liberal-NDP coalition government may fan the flames of Western alienation, and even separation, in Alberta. "We've certainly been hearing it," said Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach, a staunch federalist, adding that often separation talk in Alberta is based "straight out of frustration."

He wants federal politicians to "park their egos" and at least give the Tories a chance to deliver a budget early next year. The provincial government has been bombarded with calls and messages about a possible coalition government, and Mr. Stelmach said he can't recall another issue that has "drawn such an angry response from Albertans." (Source: Katherine O'Neill)

Globe Readers

Sudhir Jain from Calgary: Stephen Harper is behaving like a spoilt brat whose toy was taken away because he misbehaved. As leader of the minority government he is expected to discuss his proposals with other minority group(s) he would like to support him. Instead, he put forward blatantly partisan proposals and expected opposition to toe the line. Well, they banded together and he is in for a deserved thrashing. As for the coalition being undemocratic, Canadians elect MPs, not the party, nor the leaders. He should know this; he has lost and gained MPs through switching parties. In a democracy, elected MPs are free to join any group and work under any leader. Such arrangements work in democracies in Europe, India and Israel and there is no reason they should be excluded in Canada. As for leaders being elected, there was nothing in my ballot to chose between the leaders, only the candidates to be a member of Parliament.

H. Raulston from Calgary: Harper what a great strategic mind. When Stephane Dion announced his decision to resign as party leader but stay at the helm till the new leader is chosen, Harper must take the note and behave carefully. The most dangerous wolf is not a lone wolf bur a wounded wolf. Smart Harper damaged the credibility of Dion from the beginning with personal attacks. Now Dion is bringing Harper down with him. Next year there will be no more Harper as leader.

Soup Campbel from Calgary: Harper is a classic bully and his response is typical of bullies, i.e. now that someone is standing up to him he's crying foul. And as is also typical, the bigger the bully the more he cries. The truth is that the Bloc will have no more power under the coalition than it does under the Harper government. To claim otherwise is manipulative fear-mongering. It's too bad Harper doesn't spend as much time running the country as he does creating drama.

Dan Knight from Calgary: 'The highest principle of Canadian democracy is that if one wants to be prime minister, one gets one's mandate from the Canadian people' Harper should have left it at that. The separatist slant is unnecessary. Layton & Dion don't have the courage to take this to the people. An election on this issue at this time is not unnecessary as the Globe and Mail (which has done the most to champion this 'coalition') wants us to believe. In fact it is ABSOLUTELY necessary! Rather than be a waste of time and taxpayers money, it will champion democracy and the people will put in a clear government: either a defeated Conservative, or a defeated Liberals (the NDP & Bloc are non-players on the national scene, they are & always will be small time). It wouldn't take a majority, just a solid whipping of whichever party the people want to chastise. Yet, as I said previously, Jack (I will do anything for the camera & any semblance of power) Layton, and Dion don't have the courage of their 'convictions' that this 'coalition is 'right' for the country to actually take this to the country. Cowards who only get tough when their funding is threatened. BTW the funding was actually going to cost the Cons more than the other parties, since they got more votes. It was a cut that affected ALL parties, not just 'the opposition parties' as the G&M intentionally mis-represented. Frankly, what the GG should do is fire ALL the leaders, tell the coalition it can govern, but ONLY if ALL their leaders resign from office. Watch then how they backtrack on their 'convictions'. This pompous cat-fight has cost any shred of respect I had for any of them.

Steve Renaud from Edmonton: It's hard to figure what's more absurd — those Albertan voters who were absent during the past provincial and federal elections or those crying "Western Separation" because the Bloc Quebecois are part of the coalition. Either way a coalition of the three parties is constitutional. However, if anyone really followed the political bouncing ball they would quickly realize Harper got himself into this mess by trying to grab power. If Dion was so lame — why didn't the Conservatives win a majority, eh? The answer: not enough Canadians, of those who voted, thought he was competent enough. He taunted the opposition several times to vote non-confidence before finally breaking his own fixed election date law. He forced Canadians to the polls for a $300-million political exercise that produced the lowest turnout in history. Sorry, Mr. Harper but this is your fault. And as for those western separatists, they are a bigger joke than the Bloc Quebecois. Yes, Governor-General Michaelle Jean should give her blessing to a coalition government.

Natasha Hurley from Edmonton: I personally love the fact that, according to the G&M comment boards, there are a lot of Western CPC supporters who are beginning to advocate separation themselves. Should we then assume that the Conservatives are just as disqualified from governing as the BQ, since both have the support of separatists? That 'national unity' argument cuts two ways.

Vinny C from Calgary: Is there anyway we can fire them all... I thought politics in Asia/Africa are pretty bad, but I guess the world is the same... I sincerely hope this is not about 'power'; but for the good of the people in Canada. As an immigrant I love this country, but given the pictures I see on TV, I cannot but to shake my head. Aren't these people being paid by all taxpayers, to say it in a 'beautify' way, they are politicians, negotiators...but from the other perspective, they are just not worthy of it. Aren't they suppose to be the servant of this great country of the North? ... I just feel sad.

Calgary Guy writes: I find it offensive that Dion, Layton and Duceppe would conspire to form a coalition to take over the government of Canada and install Dion as Prime Minister. Dion was clearly not the choice of a majority of Canadians that voted in the election about 6 weeks ago. Mr. Duceppe is the leader of a separatist party in Quebec, whose goal is to divide Canada by forming an independent Quebec. What have the Liberals and NDP offered the Bloc for their support? Supporters of the coalition should ask themselves that question - but from a Canadian perspective, not a partisan perspective.

Snow Lander from Edmonton: Umm, gee Mr. Harper, who were those dashing Quebecois that propped up your minority government in 2006-08?? Oh wait, it was . . . the SEPARTISTS . . . IT WAS THE BLOC!!!. . . OMIGOD. So given that you've already had quite the roll in the hay with the 'devil' you might as well give up some hints to the new Government you know to make it all nice and smooth like. That is the least you can do on your way out, you snivelling hypocrite.

Gary Doer

Manitoba Premier Gary Doer said his prime wish is that all four federal parties can find a way to work together. Mr. Doer, the longest-serving current premier in Canada and the only New Democrat, declined to take a public stance on the opposition coalition.

"Whoever is eventually in government, however they get there, I'm going to have to work with them," he said. "What I feel and what I like is irrelevant. I have to work with whoever is sworn in as prime minister."

Mr. Doer admitted he spoke with federal NDP Leader Jack Layton on the weekend, but the premier wouldn't reveal what was said. (Source: CP)

Globe readers

Wendy Peck from Winnipeg: Mr. Harper has missed the most important strategy that could have, perhaps still could, bring this process to an immediate halt. He could acknowledge that the economic statement was a mistake, apologize and offer to sit down in a spirit of co-operation with the opposition parties. The opposition is doing exactly what we pay them to do. The Conservatives tried to unilaterally weaken the opposition and impose ideology that was not campaigned on or contained in the Throne speech. We elected the opposition to oppose dictatorial moves by government. They are doing their jobs. Now if Harper was to offer to talk, compromise, perhaps...

Al Shpeller from Winnipeg: For the Liberals this is a chance to get back into power. However, they better enjoy it while they can, as they will be punished severely when the coalition fails. 77 seats will be a dream for them. For the NDP, same message ... enjoy it while you can, because you will never get this chance again. As for the Bloc, they're just laughing at everyone. This is absolute insanity and has to be stopped. I don't care if Harper's arrogance got us into this mess, as a country we don't deserve, want or need this coalition.

Robert Ritchot from Brandon: More misleading dribble from dictator Harper. I hope he's gone too far this time. The Governor General should do what the majority of Canadians wish and allow this coalition to come to fruition. Rather than each party constantly attacking each other it's nice to see some co-operation.

M Willmax from Winnipeg: The CON party was born when the Judas Peter McKay made a coalition with the Reformers. I wonder when the shredding of gov't. documents will begin?

Dalton McGuinty

Premier Dalton McGuinty expressed dismay that the political chaos in Ottawa could overshadow what he says should be the No. 1 priority - coming up with a plan to stimulate the ailing economy. "We have an economic crisis," he told reporters. "That calls upon us to be at our very best. In Ottawa today, we are at less than our very best." Mr. McGuinty has been warning Prime Minister Stephen Harper for several weeks that he runs the risk of pushing the country's embattled auto sector into deeper trouble if Canadian governments do not come up with their own multibillion-dollar aid package.

In recent days, Mr. Harper began to warm to the idea of offering the Detroit Three auto makers a helping hand. But virtually all government business has come to a standstill as his minority Conservative government faces possible defeat at the hands of a newly created coalition of the Liberals and the New Democrats, supported by the Bloc Québécois.

Mr. McGuinty stopped short of blaming anyone on Parliament Hill for the accord that could lead to the ouster of Mr. Harper. But he made it clear that the political fighting is not at all helpful during the economic crisis.

"We are looking for as much certainty as soon as we can get it," he said. "Democracy can be slow. It can be cumbersome. It can be messy, but it's the best system that we have."

Mr. McGuinty said the political showdown in Ottawa won't distract him from focusing on one of his biggest priorities - protecting the jobs of the 400,000 people who work in Ontario's auto sector. He said it is his responsibility to find a way to work with government, regardless of who is in power. (Source: Karen Howlett)

Globe readers

Dave Cajun from Bobcaygeon: I hope for the future of Canada that Harper can pull this off. What hypocrisy from the leaders of this coalition - to hell with Canada and what Canadians voted for, lets just see what we can do to better our political positions. They should be ashamed to call themselves Canadians.

E Smith from Oakville: I don't recall seeing the 'Coalition Party' on my ballot last October. Did anyone else see it on theirs? Perhaps everyone else in Canada had the opportunity to vote, or not vote for this 'new party', but as for me, I did not. I am going to go out on a limb here and suggest that not a single Canadian voted for this 'Coalition Party', but please correct me if I am wrong. I hate to suggest this since we are only seven weeks off a perfectly legitimate democratic vote, but at the moment I really do not see a better alternative. To make this legitimate, let's put this new reality to the test of the democratic process. Make this one a two party contest: Conservatives versus 'Coalition'. I understand that the Conservatives did not win a majority government, nor did they win the popular vote, but guess what, neither did any other party! The bottom line truth is that the Conservatives did win a greater number of parliamentary seats and a greater percentage of popular vote than any other political party. And throughout the entire nation, there was not even a single vote for the 'Coalition Party'. End of discussion.

Allison Sinclair from Toronto: While I still believe Harper and his Conservatives are terrible governors of our country, it's becoming clear that the coalition is not in the medium/long term interests of the Liberal Party. The price of taking over power will be a resounding defeat in the next general election. I'm hoping that the Governor-General will grant that prorogue and allow cooler heads to prevail. If Harper would only adopt a different course of action - that is to state he will not insist that every bill and policy platform be a subject of non confidence, that would register more than anything else a willingness to make parliament work. And of course fire Flaherty!

Jack Robertson from Toronto: Let the voters decide. If the Liberals and NDP seek to govern in a coalition supported by Quebec separatists, let them place their proposal openly before the electorate rather than foist a parliamentary coup d'etat upon the Canadian people by means of back-room deals. Of course they don't want to do that. They would risk annihilation both for fabricating this 'crisis' and for allowing a party dedicated to the destruction of Canada to dictate the terms of surrender. It is the opposition parties, NOT Harper and the Conservatives, that are creating a climate of instability in the midst of a grave economic crisis. For that reason alone, they deserve to be reduced to a parliamentary rump at best in the next election. It would be fitting given that Dion, Layton and Duceppe are little more than a collective equine posterior.

I Yappa from Waterloo: Harper is a mad dog trying to claw his way out of a corner. God help all who stand in his way. But it is one thing to attack politicians who have put themselves in harm's way. It's quite another thing to attack an entire province. Whatever their goals as a party, the Bloc is a registered federal party. Quebeckers are legal Canadian voters. For Harper to claim otherwise is monstrous.

Mickey Hickey from Toronto: In my opinion Harper is the most divisive PM this country has ever had. A frontal, take-no-prisoners assault on political party funding, nary a word or a cent on infrastructure spending, nothing for manufacturing or forestry. Alberta's oil sands projects are being cancelled, deferred or mothballed, unemployment poised to soar, no sign of relief. The formation of a coalition gov't is the only way out. The Bloc is as interested as the other parties in the prosperity of its supporters. This is Canada the land of consensus politics not dictators.

Nancy Wilson from Northern Ontario: Is anyone surprised to hear Gilles Duceppe say that he expects this coalition will help advance his separatist agenda? No wonder Frank Mckenna and John Manley want nothing to do with this coalition. A least there's still a few decent Liberals around.

Robert Wiseman from Scarborough: I listened very carefully to what Mr. Duceppe said and I don't hear what people are saying he said. He did NOT say that this coalition would help his goal of sovereignty. He said the coalition would help Quebec, and a stronger Quebec is his goal because he believes that would make a sovereign Quebec stronger. I think his argument for a sovereign Quebec will be weakened by taking part in this coalition because logically he is demonstrating that it is better to be part of the Canadian government than sitting on the sidelines. The people who really should be ashamed are those who are damaging national unity by focusing on the Bloc participation as something which is anathema. Harper, Baird et al are shamefully trying to whip up anti-Quebec sentiment in their quest to hold on to power. They looked positively desperate in the house today and they are playing a dangerous game in using anti-Quebec sentiment this way. They are also fanning the flames of western alienation in the most divisive way. What makes this worse is the sheer hypocrisy of Harper, who in 2005 tried for exactly the kind of arrangement with the Bloc that the NDP/Liberal coalition partners have achieved.

Jean Charest

Quebec Liberal Leader Jean Charest is keeping his distance from the debate for fear it might jeopardize his chances of winning a majority on Monday. He says he has no ties with any federal party and underlined the irony of watching Parti Québécois Leader Pauline Marois support the Bloc's decision to back Mr. Dion - the politician most despised by sovereigntists in Quebec - to become the next prime minister.

"Political instability and economic instability make for a bad mix and the proof is what is happening in Ottawa," Mr. Charest said during an election stop.

"When it's both of them at once, not only is it not ideal, it doesn't go in the direction of what we should be doing about the economy."

Mr. Charest added it's important that first ministers go ahead with a working meeting in January to discuss the economy.

"We haven't had a meeting on the economy for about 20 years," he added. "We have to move forward and we have to prepare for that ... regardless of the scenario (in Ottawa). It's a rendezvous which has to be respected." (Source Rhéal Séguin, CP)

Globe readers

Tabby-Marie Jones from Montreal: I am sad about a lot of things today. But what saddens me most is the hate mongering fear-inducing rhetoric of the Conservatives. As a proud Canadian, I have always loved that our country strove to be inclusive and that there was a certain line of decency that just was not crossed. This hating on Quebec and drumming up of fresh ire against this province makes me sick. Harper is pulling a Sarah Palin here, and he should be ashamed of himself. And to add insult to injury, the hypocrisy of Stephen Harper makes me sick. About a year and a half ago, he declared Quebec a distinct nation. He took Bloc votes when he needed them without hesitation. He was courting Quebec in the last election until her blew it entirely by failing to grasp how we roll here. And now? "It is those Separatists! Making a deal with them is like making a deal with the Devil." Well I guess this is something Mr. Harper knows about all too well. Stephen Harper is destroying Canada, not the Coalition. And as an added bonus, while decrying those evil Quebecois Separatists, he is stoking the fires of Western rage. My condolences to the Conservative voters with their heads screwed on right who may not want this coalition, but also want this man to leave. To be sure, I favour the Coalition, but could be appeased if Stephen Harper stepped down. Judging from Harper's vile behaviour in the media, I do not think this is in his game plan. He would rather destroy Canada first.

Ian Cairncross from Cantley: Mr. Harper's statements, false accusations, as well as his contempt for parliamentary procedures only digs him deeper into the hole he has dug for himself and his entire conservative party. The fact remains that a MAJORITY of Canadians did not vote for him in the last elections. The fact remains that it is very constitutional for the opposition to come together to remove him from office. They, at this time and as long as the current election results stand, represent that majority of Canadians. The Bloc Quebecois is every bit as much a Canadian Federal Party as the Conservative party, whatever the views they may sustain. That is democracy at its purest level. The coalition between the Liberals and the NDP is as constitutional as the very principles upon which the Constitution was written and approved. For Mr. Harper to resort to last minute and desperate tactics simply to save his own scorched hide is to demonstrate how little respect he has for democracy, the parliamentary system, the constitution, and, very sadly, for Canadians at large. The coalition today represents the majority in the House of Commons. So great is Mr. Harper's arrogance, and ignorance, that even in defeat he continues to remain in denial, blind to reality; truly the marks of one that has lost control of himself, and why not say so, bordering on insanity.

F B from Montreal: In order to survive M. Harper is playing a very patriotic but dangerous strategy. Even the Gov.-General's husband is being branded as a potential 'Traitor' in a recent comments from a 'Concerned Canadian' blogger on another page of the Globe. In the days to come, personal attack on other 'suspicious' Canadians will create a climate ideal for extremist spins. At the end, M. Harper will survive with his minority gov. because Dion is weak, but at what cost? People have a tendency to remember those kind of personal attacks (from both sides!) for a very long period. In fact, the best ally M. 'smart' Duceppe has NOW is M. Harper.

Jeremy L from Montreal: The Bloc are a part of the this government. The Conservatives were propped by the Bloc in 14 confidence votes last term. Does that make Conservatives sovereigntist?

Auroran Bear from Montreal: I, for one, think it's great that the Bloc will be supporting the PM who was the author of the Clarity Act. It will be pretty hard for the PQ to accuse any Provincial government of kneeling before Ottawa when their Federal counterparts took an active role in creating the coalition that becomes a Federalist Government. Good riddance!

Richard Riewer from Montreal: I wonder how many people would have voted for Layton or Dion if they had known they would join up with the Bloc? Not many. I wonder how many Conservative Party voters remember that it was the Bloc that supported Stephen Harper's accession to the position of Prime Minister? Now the Bloc is the scourge of the earth. Pallin' around with Separatists, Mr. Harper?

Georges Drouin from Montreal: This self-created problem by the Conservatives won't go away soon. Harper is more dangerous now that he has been cornered than he was when he was nothing more than an ambitious Reform Party member. He sought power, allied his party with the former PC party, became the official opposition before gaining power of the first of his two minority governments. He has exercised power in a controlling, self-serving and Machiavellian manner and now he has to face his "maker" - himself primarily. I think Harper will remain a very weakened leader of the government. And this will not change despite all the 'hype' from Western Canada. However, due to the fact the Conservatives do not have strong Cabinet or strong leadership within their ranks, he will continue to rule for the time being. But his days are numbered. His failings as a Prime Minister and a conservative leader are such that he cannot recover and transform himself overnight. In this regard he resembles Stephan Dion: can anyone see Dion become a strong leader. Not really. Neither will Harper go down as a strong Prime Minister. When this fiasco blows over and the Liberals choose to go with Ignatieff, the rules of engagement and power will change for a very long time to come. Harper's mistake has always been to show flagrant disrespect for Dion. This will have been his fatal mistake. Aside from his economic policy failure, his ignorance of social issues and his law and order platform, there remains very little to attract voters outside of Western Canada to show much allegiance to his incoherent platform. The main reason for this debacle has been his mismanagement of the economic crisis. All this brouhaha makes you wonder where the Canadian experience would be if the Charlottetown/Meech Lake accords had been given legislative approval. You see Quebec's continued assertion stems from its continued exclusion from the Constitution. Think about it.

Shawn Graham

Premier Shawn Graham refused to pick side in what he described as "great political theatre," the Telegraph-Journal reported. "We're ready to work with the government of Canada," he said. "There's great political theatre that's unfolding today, but our priority here in New Brunswick is bringing forward a fiscal update that gives an accurate picture of the province's finances, along with a capital budget next week that will stimulate our economy."

Globe readers

V Patterson from Fredericton: When the West separates, please take the maritimes and territories with you.

Rodney MacDonald

Premier Rodney MacDonald said he hopes for a stable federal government, but will work with whoever's in power, The Chronicle Herald reported. "My concern is making sure that Nova Scotia is not impacted negatively as a result of what is happening," Mr. MacDonald told journalists. "And when I take a look at the past week, what's happening is a lot of political posturing and not a lot of work being done on behalf of the people of the country," he said. Mr. MacDonald said all parties bear responsibility for the crisis and that he has concerns with a separatist party having the ultimate say in a coalition government.

Globe readers

Harold Uhlman from Lunenburg: The obvious and best solution, IMO, is for Mr. Harper to resign as PM. He has engineered us into this crisis with his mean spiritedness and is blinded with his desire to eliminate all opposition. A new CPC leader could perhaps help the GG make her decision, a more moderate leader that is. Having said that, I think the coalition is making a huge mistake at a time of economic crisis and is an even bigger mistake for the Liberals in particular. Regardless of how it turns out the Liberals have caused damage to themselves that will be a long time repairing. I don't see a separatist issue personally but now it is the conservative blasting point. Do you suppose Mr. Harper would not take the support of the bloc right now to avoid a non-confidence vote? Has he not taken it in the past? The opposition had Mr. Harper on the run, backtracking, stammering in the house, weakened by taking away his bullying tactics. It was truly fun to watch for a change. That is all they needed, to let the nation see him governing in a weakened state caving to opposition demands to maintain power. Opportunity frittered away and the opposition has given the upper hand back to him. I have written to 77 Liberal MP's indicating my dissatisfaction with the coalition idea. Governments always defeat themselves but the coalition has thrown Mr. Harper a lifeline. As much as I find Mr. Harper unacceptable as our PM, I find the coalition even more unacceptable. No one to vote for now.

Jason Roy from Central Nova: The coalition is within the parameters of democracy/Parliamentary procedure in this country and is therefore constitutionally sound - agree with it or not. HOWEVER - Harper is also within his legal/democratic/Parliamentary procedure right to prorogue Parliament or call an election - so if he does I assume you will be content with that - agree with it or not - and not resort to insults and whining.

Exer cist from Halifax: "...one gets one's mandate from the Canadian people and not from Quebec separatists." Except that these "Quebec separatists" are Canadian people, and the MPs they elected are no less legitimate representatives than any other MPs in the House. Quebec separatism lies along a continuum of decentralization that includes a lot of Western Conservatives. Remember Harper's famous advocacy for building "a firewall around Alberta"? And Quebec separatism seems to be at its strongest when the alternative for Quebeckers is a Federal government that will happily devolve power to the corporate sector. And whom else was Harper trying to appease with his formal recognition of the "Quebec nation"?

Brandan Matchett from Halifax: So who get's held accountable for any legislation the coalition passes. Do they get a free pass? They want to give billions away to the struggling companies, auto, manufacturing etc. Some of these companies are American companies. Why are we giving American companies - Canadian money? What will stop them from shutting down plants 6 months from now? If they aren't able to make a profit, giving them money or loan's will just keep them afloat for a short time. Let them merge - or go bankrupt. Don't give them money. The majority of Canadians don't want to bail out the auto sector. Why do the libs and NDP want to do it?

Lawrence Telford from Greenwood: Why in heavens name would the Canadian government put more of our money into the auto industry, when the US government has not decided yet what it is going to do with their side of the big three losers. I will not support the takeover bid by the Jack and Gill show with Dion as the dancing monkey, and agree McGuinty should go, he is the biggest whiner ever.

Robert Ghiz

Premier Robert Ghiz said he, too, is prepared to work with whoever is leading the country. "Regardless of which party or coalition is in power in Ottawa, as premier of this province I am going to work with whoever is there." (Source: CP)

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Danny Williams

Danny Williams was diplomatic when asked about the unfolding political drama in Ottawa.

The Premier of Newfoundland, who has long feuded with Prime Minister Stephen Harper, said he liked the look of the proposed coalition, but this is "not a time to gloat."

"It just really simply isn't. The country is going through a really difficult, volatile time."

In the lead-up to the federal election, Mr. Williams helped whip up animosity toward Mr. Harper, who was none too popular in the province to begin with. It worked so well that the Tories were shut out and people started to worry about the province having no voice in government. (Source: Oliver Moore)

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Percy from NL: A perfect example of a direct lie from small-minded Mr. Harper ... he even said at the Liberal, NDP, and Bloc leaders did not have a Canadian flag behind them during the signing of their agreement. Well Conservatives, look at the video again and see how pathetic your leader is with his bold-faced lies. Priceless.

Dennis Fentie

Premier Dennis Fentie said the government of Yukon is concerned by the opposition's plans to "seize power from the democratically elected Conservative government."

"In the current economic climate, political stability at the national level is critical and the actions of the opposition parties in Ottawa are threatening that stability," Mr. Fentie said in a statement. "Canadians have made their choice for leadership and I don't believe they are ready or willing for a change in government that does not reflect their vote. Canadians did not vote for a Liberal/NDP coalition government supported by the separatist Bloc Quebecois."

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Premier Floyd Roland

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Premier Eva Aariak

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