BTW
I'm generally in favour of more free votes and looser caucus whips. (Which means, yes, I'm also disappointed with the track record of the current government on that front.)
That being said, the budget is not the same as any ole other legislation. It is the financial blueprint of the government and sets its direction for the year. You cannot be a member of the government party and vote against its budget. Bill Casey was correct to vote against the budget if he truly believes it harms his constituency, however the party was absolutely correct to boot him from caucus for doing so.
It's just the way the budget vote works.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Refresh my memory...Has Bill Casey announced he isn't running again? This is not a totally relevant question, however it would be just a little facetious to make the play if you're not planning to stay.
That being said, the budget is not the same as any ole other legislation. It is the financial blueprint of the government and sets its direction for the year. You cannot be a member of the government party and vote against its budget. Bill Casey was correct to vote against the budget if he truly believes it harms his constituency, however the party was absolutely correct to boot him from caucus for doing so.
It's just the way the budget vote works.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Refresh my memory...Has Bill Casey announced he isn't running again? This is not a totally relevant question, however it would be just a little facetious to make the play if you're not planning to stay.
Garth Turner has an interesting take on the Bill Casey story. Coming from someone who was booted from the Conservative party for having dissenting views, it's an interesting read.
Posted by
Chris |
3:37 PM
Casey was interviewed on MDL and indicated he is running again.
I agree that budget votes are of paramount importance and the Conservatives had no option but to boot Casey, but given the effort that apparently went into trying to talk him into staying, would it not have been a little more gracious on his part simply not to show up. It would have got everybody off the hook, but he seems to have been determined to cause as much embarrassment to the Government as possible. Including asking a question in QP. Sorry, but I don't have much sympathy for "I'm right and the resto of you guys are all wrong" sort of attitude.
Posted by
Anonymous |
6:23 PM
What's your take on this:
Before the vote, MacKay told the House of Commons that his party would not be "whipping, flipping, hiring or firing" any of their members for opposing the bill.
"He stuck to that comment as well as he did the David Orchard agreement and the Atlantic Accord," Nova Scotia Liberal MP Scott Brison told reporters Wednesday.
Source CBC
Posted by
Chris |
12:42 PM