National
Paul Martin Orders Veterans Affairs Minister and MP Back To Canada
By Staff
May 2, 2005, 11:23

Just 24 hours after landing in Holland in preparation for ceremonies honouring the 60th anniversary of the end of world war two, Prime Minister Paul Martin's liberals have called back Veteran Affairs Minister Albina Guarnieri and Nova Scotia MP Peter Stoffer in anticipation of a crucial vote in the House of Commons.

The prime minister had earlier cancelled his own plans to attend VE-Day ceremonies in The Netherlands citing the possible fall of his government after explosive details of the sponsorship scandal were released to the public. Governor General Adrienne Clarkson was appointed to attend the ceremonies in his stead.

Guarnieri and Stoffer will be required close at hand should the Conservatives or the Bloc Québécois attempt to defeat Martin's minority government.

Because the prime minister's government faces the possibility of defeat by either the Conservatives or the Bloc Québécois, Martin needs all voting members present in the House of Commons as Parliament resumes today after a week away that allowed MPs to visit their individual ridings.

Guarnieri has been replaced by Senator Art Eggleton who will deliver the minister's scheduled speeches mid-week.

Strong political rhetoric by Conservative leader Stephen Harper suggests that his party along with the Bloc Québécois may attempt to bring the minority Liberal government down even though various opinion polls say that most Canadians are in no mood for an election this summer.


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