Democracy at work in Canada

[JimmyCracksCorn]

As of yesterday, Canada has a new Prime Minister, as Jean Chretien has stepped down.

Paul Martin has taken over as the new leader of the Liberal Party, and has appointed a whole new cabinet, and therefore, Canada has a completely new government. However, not one vote was cast outside of the Liberal Party. And its ultimately up to the new PM to call a new election... when he feels like it.

Democracy at work



(I actually like Paul Martin, I just wish this country was slightly more democratic...)

[JimmyCracksCorn]

oh, but don't tell Mike Moore...

[Wezil]

Welcome to parliamentary democracy Jimmy.

Why the fuss? You know Canadians will fall over themselves to elect Martin when given the chance.

[JimmyCracksCorn]

Originally posted by Wezil
Welcome to parliamentary democracy Jimmy.

Why the fuss? You know Canadians will fall over themselves to elect Martin when given the chance.

Probably... I just think it would be a bit more democratic if Martin had to wait until AFTER his election to appoint a new cabinet. Because for about a year now Canada will have a completely unelected government.

Tell me you don't see how thats wrong?

I do like Paul Martin though, its just that the system is inherently undemocratic.

EDIT: And granted Paul martin appears to be commited to democratic reform. Again, its not the man, its the system...

[MrFun]

Where is Canada?

[Wezil]

It won't be a year Jimmy. We will vote late spring/early summer.

As for the system - yes, it is terrible undemocratic to have an "unelected" PM but most of our 'first past the post' system is undemocratic. Sadly, the only party truly interested in electoral reform in this country has given up the fight.

If you think Paul Martin is interested in reforming the system you probably believed the 'Red Book' promises as well.

I don't like the man but I am resigned to the fact my fellow thoughtfull Canadians do.

[Zylka]

The right unites, baby.

Where ya been, Jimmy?

[Zylka]

Originally posted by MrFun
Where is Canada?

It's where you can get married

[MrFun]

It's also the place I sometimes dream about, in becoming a Canadian citizen whenever I have nightmares about Bush being reelected in United States.

[Agathon]

Originally posted by MrFun
It's also the place I sometimes dream about, in becoming a Canadian citizen whenever I have nightmares about Bush being reelected in United States.

Why don't you move then? Why stay in a country that is hell bent on depriving you of your civil rights?

Come to Canada, it's safe, there are plenty of jobs, fine universities, and you can watch all the American TV, just like other Canucks do.

Gays are on average richer than straights (no kiddies) so even the Tories will welcome you (perhaps sotto voce, but they will).

[Wezil]

Mr. Fun - As Rick Mercer says "We are on top of you, which makes the US our *****"

[MrFun]

Originally posted by Wezil
Mr. Fun - As Rick Mercer says "We are on top of you, which makes the US our *****"

Look, just because United States failed twice in our history to conquer you guys, doesn't mean you have to brag about it.

[Agathon]

Originally posted by MrFun

Look, just because United States failed twice in our history to conquer you guys, doesn't mean you have to brag about it.

And we kicked your ass at hockey!!!!!

[notyoueither]

Unelected? I could have sworn each and every one of those guys and gals were elected to Parliament.

[St Leo]

The transfer is perfectly democratic as far as I am concerned, but Paul Martin is still a right-wing dork whose only skill is balancing budgets.