Who is to blame for the Parliamentary crisis? Likely Guy Giorno

Canadians are in for a week of intrigue as the political parties on Ottawa strategize on motions, procedural rules and coalitions. So who is to blame for this mess? Well I think it's Guy Giorno who is Stephen Harper's new Chief of Staff. Giorno held a similar role in the Mike Harris government in Ontario in the 1990s. That government never hestitated to strike out at political opponents and interest groups that didn't agree with the Conservative policies (poverty advocates, unions, etc.).

Partisan politics can only work when you have a majority government. In a minority government you need the cooperation of Parliament to remain in power. The Prime Minister has accused the opposition parties of trying to take power, not earn it and of trying to reverse the results of the election. That is not accurate based on Parliamentary traditions. The results of the election were inconclusive in that no party won a majority of seats. Tradition has it that the Governor General asks the party with the largest number of seats to try to form a government. However, it that government fails to have the confidence (support) of Parliament, then she can ask another party to form a government. If the second party is unable to gain the support of Parliament then most likely another election is called. In 1925 a minority Liberal government was also defeated and instead of calling a new election, the opposition Conservatives were asked to try to form a government.

Harper and Giorno's attempt to grab power by undermining the opposition parties has rebounded in their faces. Because they failed to govern responsibly the country may be subjected to a shaky coalition that is in no way prepared to govern with the economy in turmoil.

Thank you Mr. Giorno.