Just think, if only had Harper been successful in his Cadman bribe attempt

....then the constitutionality of a coalition could have been tested in modern times.

Don’t you just love how Stephen Harper is doing so much to test the outer reaches of our democracy? Just think, had Harper been successful with his attempt at bribing Chuck Cadman in May of 2005, we would we have had a recent opportunity to witness the GG exercise her obligation to explore whether an alternative government could have been formed from the duly elected 38th Parliament, as contemplated by Harper’s “socialist separatist” pact of September 2004 (below). I for one, am truly crestfallen:


September 9, 2004

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D.
Governor-General
Rideau Hall
1 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A1


Excellency,

As leaders of the opposition parties, we are well aware that, given the Liberal minority government, you could be asked by the Prime Minister to dissolve the 38th Parliament at any time should the House of Commons fail to support some part of the government's program.

We respectfully point out that the opposition parties, who together constitute a majority in the House, have been in close consultation. We believe that, should a request for dissolution arise this should give you cause, as constitutional practice has determined, to consult the opposition leaders and consider all of your options before exercising your constitutional authority.

Your attention to this matter is appreciated.

Sincerely,



Hon. Stephen Harper, P.C., M.P.
Leader of the Opposition
Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada

Gilles Duceppe, M.P.
Leader of the Bloc Quebecois

Jack Layton, M.P.
Leader of the New Democratic Party