Christian Conservative Christian "Independent"

I'm an evangelical Christian, member of the CPC, but presently & unjustly exiled to wander the political wilderness.
All opinions expressed here are solely my own.

Monday, February 12, 2007

A $1.5 Billion master stroke by Harper

Today, the Prime Minister, joined by Quebec Premier Jean Charest, announced a $1.5 Billion dollar EcoTrust Fund for the Provinces, to assist in their funding of climate change and pollution reduction projects.

But in the announcement from the PMO is a stroke of sheer political genius...
"This Canada EcoTrust will be established using part of the anticipated 2006-07 budgetary surplus. The resources for the Canada EcoTrust initiative will consist of 1.5 billion dollars of new funding on a national basis.

This funding will be contained in the upcoming budget and is a part of the actions to be taken on the fiscal imbalance. This new funding will be available as soon as Parliament approves that budget."
Did you catch that? "Funding will be contained in the next budget... available as soon as parliament approves the next budget." A political master stroke.

Mr. Dion or Mr. Layton, do you intend to vote against $1.5 billions dollars for climate change? Mr. Duceppe, same question... and do you plan on voting against $350 million for programs already underway in Quebec?

I'm all in favour of this new funding. And Mr. Harper has done it in a politically masterful way. It's a nice boost for Mr. Charest right before he goes to the polls, and it's a political poison pill for the Opposition. Vote for it, and the Government hangs on. Vote against it, and Mr. Harper gets to turn the tables on them and ask them, "Why did you vote against this funding for Kyoto?"

I believe it's often referred to as painting one's opponent into a corner. I'm going to enjoy watching the Opposition deal with this one.

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posted by Christian Conservative @ 2:38 p.m.  

4 Comments:

  • At Mon Feb 12, 04:41:00 p.m. EST, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    PM Stephen Harper could have been a pitcher. He's got a wicked curve ball.

    I can almost hear Dion sputtering in his caucus meeting.....but, but, that's not fair!!!

     

  • At Mon Feb 12, 07:24:00 p.m. EST, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Mr. Dion or Mr. Layton, do you intend to vote against ... Mr. Duceppe, same question

    I predict yes, yes and yes. The opposition is more anti-Conservative than pro-Kyoto. They are trying to run the government from the opposition benches and they feel that this is an issue they can make hay with.

     

  • At Mon Feb 12, 08:42:00 p.m. EST, Blogger Brian in Calgary said…

    The opposition is more anti-Conservative than pro-Kyoto. They are trying to run the government from the opposition benches and they feel that this is an issue they can make hay with.

    Except that if they force an election over this, it will be like a trio of turkeys voting to be the main course at a Thanksgiving Day banquet.

     

  • At Tue Feb 13, 01:04:00 p.m. EST, Blogger Lord Kitchener's Own said…

    I too support this money for Quebec.

    That's why I was so happy when the Liberals announced it in 2005, and so upset when the Tories cancelled it when they took office.

    Now, explain to me why the Tories should get credit for re-instating things they themselves cancelled, and pretending they're bold new initiatives.

    It's true I can't see the Liberals voting against this... it's THEIR PLAN. A politically brilliant plan by the Tories, but it doesn't help my now totally inflamed case of cynicism.

    On the bright side, I always wanted the Liberals 2006 ebvironmental plan to be implemented, and it looks like the Tories are going to do that. I don't know whether to cheer or cry.

    Absolutely brilliant. Touche.

     

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