The Globe and Mail

The Jack Layton=Obama body-snatch has gone to new and disturbing levels. While walking on Ottawa's Queen St. this afternoon I was nearly crushed by a phalanx of body-guards who were protecting none other than Mr. Layton. You know when you see the guys with earpieces around someone that person must be a big deal. (Fact check: during federal elections all the major party leaders receive protection from the RCMP.)

It was only an hour or so earlier that Mr. Layton was standing somewhere behind the Museum of Civilization in Gatineau using the Parliament Buildings as his backdrop. He didn't have the 80,000 people Obama did
at Mile High Stadium at sundown; I'm not sure if there was a Barenaked Ladies concert last night and people were too pained this morning to get up and see their great leader, but I am sure that bothered him little as
it was the poignant visual he was after. Apparently a rainbow was cascading over the Library of Parliament at the time; he may have used a million dollars to set up the shot, so that likely made him happy. When
you're applying for the same job after five years of trying it is important to look good.

(Only teasing my NDP friends. I think Jack and his team are pretty good people; just misguided on policy.)

Moving past my Canadian Obama moment, let me get to Rob's comment about the fixed election date. I think most people would agree that when the three opposition leaders who hold the balance of power in Ottawa in a minority environment refuse to work with the Prime Minister that there is a pretty good likelihood that Parliament would not reach its natural termination date. For a law to work it has to be respected and honoured ,not disregarded as was the clear intention of Layton, Duceppe and Dion. Mr. Duceppe was had already publicly stated he was going to introduce a non-confidence motion to the House of Commons on September 25.

When the Canada Elections Act was amended, these minority government uncertainties were contemplated. The law allows for the dissolution of Parliament if the Governor General sees fit. Clearly the Governor
General accepted the Prime Minister's argument this morning that things weren't working. For those who are interested here is the specific section:

"56.1 (1) Nothing in this section affects the powers of the Governor General, including the power to dissolve Parliament at the Governor General's discretion."