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Martin Rejects Opposition Ultimatum |
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Written by Staff
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Monday, 14 November 2005 |
 Prime Minister Paul Martin in a statement today in the Foyer of the House of Commons rejected the demands of the opposition parties for a February election calling the proposals "untenable" adding, "Government cannot govern without the confidence of the House and you either have it or you don't".
Martin went on to say, "If the opposition leaders decide now to vote non-confidence then that's their right but it's up to them to explain why they are forcing an election at a time Canadians least want one", referring to the general consensus in Canada that they do not want a Christmas election.
The three opposition paries have made their demands clear - Martin should call a February election or his government will be toppled as early as next week thus setting the stage for a Christmastime election.
The prime minister in his statement spoke in part directly to Canadians:
"In conclusion, let me say this directly to Canadians.
I think this incessant talk about an election – the endless gamesmanship and maneuvering you’ve seen from the opposition for almost a year now – that’s not the way it ought to be, and it’s not fair to you. You go to work everyday. You show up and you do your job. You expect the same from the people you send to Ottawa – that’s the minimum you expect – but you’re not getting it.
Instead, the spring was all about the opposition trying to force an election. And now the fall is about the opposition trying to force an election. Even though one is already planned – and has for months been planned – for early next year.
This is the first minority government we’ve had here in 25 years. It’s taken some getting used to. And I’ll admit it – at times it’s been frustrating. As Prime Minister, I have a clear sense of where I want to take our country, what I want to get done for Canadians. And we have managed to get a lot accomplished – strengthening health care, working to build a national system of early learning and child care, investing in our cities and communities.
But because the opposition has been focused only on forcing an election, and because together these three parties have more seats than we do, everything has become about tactics and strategy.
Well, I for one believe we in this Parliament were elected to do a job, and I’m pretty sure the job wasn’t talking endlessly about having another election."
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