Liberals and NDP join forces
By Martin Shields Member of Parliament Bow River Riding
The Liberals have officially entered into an agreement with the NDP for the next three years. What does this mean? Well not much. We know the NDP has been propping up the government for a number of years and now it’s just official. For starters, in exchange for some big spending promises, Jagmeet Singh and his NDP party promise to support Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government for the next four budgets and all confidence votes. The NDP is hoping they will get something out of this, but they may be waiting a long time. Simply put, the NDP want stability in government because they cannot afford another election. They want promises sprinkled in there and they will keep the government in place so they can have some relative peace.
Under Jagmeet Singh, the NDP has become near unrecognizable to the once steadfast and principled party of the late Jack Layton. Despite disagreeing on policy and ideology, I would venture a guess and say that many people could respect the NDP for standing up for their principles.
These days however, the NDP have sold out to the Liberals for pittance that isn’t even guaranteed. Nothing in this agreement states the Liberals must stay true to their word – and do you really believe the NDP can continue holding the government to account as an ‘opposition’ party with a deal like this in place? What this does guarantee is that the NDP will attempt to remain relevant by taking credit for government spending initiatives. Even though the real winner in this deal is the Prime Minister – now officially governing as though he has a majority government.
This means the Liberals can pass bills without concern for cost, adding to the over $1 Trillion debt Canada already has. We’ve known for some time that the NDP have propped up the Liberals, but now they’re put pen to paper. To quote an article from the Globe and Mail: “In Mr. Trudeau’s mind, the ‘essential work’ of Parliament is to pass Liberal government bills with as little debate as possible, as would happen in a majority. Once again, he has subverted the role of Parliament to his political interests.”
I have heard from constituents on the phone, through emails and in person countless times about their concern regarding the Prime Minister’s actions and law-making processes. They describe to me the very real worry that our government seems to be slipping into dangerous territory with bills like C-11 (online censorship act) and the previously enacted Emergencies Act. By broadening its powers, this government seems intent on controlling (or trying to control) a good chunk of Canadians’ lives. Experts from many sectors are concerned. University of Ottawa law professor Michael Geist has come out strongly against C-11 and even the former PC Minister Perrin Beatty – who helped write the Emergencies Act – was against its invocation.
Help me hold this government to account by following me on social media and signing up for my e-newsletter: Facebook: @MartinShieldsBowRiver, Twitter: @MartinBowRiver, Instagram: @MartinShields_BowRiver or E-Newsletter (scan code with smartphone).
Should you have a question or concern of a federal matter, please email my office at: Martin.Shields@parl.gc.ca