Liberals & C-311: We're Better Than This

C-311 is identical to C-377 which we unanimously supported in the last parliament, along with the Bloc & NDP, getting through third reading and to the Senate: the election killed it. Given this, we have supported C-311 in committee. But when it came back to the House, only fourteen Liberal MPs voted with the NDP & Bloc to get passed asap. Now I'm reading supposed Liberals try to discredit environmental protesters, who, angry watching the GoC tinkle the piano while the Earth burns, engaged in some loud peaceful protest. I agree that the House, our bastion of free debate amongst our representatives, should not have its debate curtailed, but given the stakes, I cannot reprimand, but rather approve these protestors, as I approve of the Suffragettes and their disruptions of the British Parliament. This is no ordinary issue. It is the issue. It is wrong of us to reverse ourselves on it, as the Famous Fourteen demonstrated. Guts & Integrity should remain our watchwords. Joining the Cons to mock environmental protesters, to dismiss the importance of the legislation, is illiberal & wrong. We are surely better than that.

Credit Where It's Due: Well Done LPC On C-311

Having been critical of past behaviour on C-311, I'm glad to hear the good guys won the debate in caucus, as reported by Justin Trudeau. I hope all those, like me, who have been critical of the LPC on this in past, will have the good grace, whatever their partisan affiliation, to similarly give credit where it's due. It is easy to sling mud, it is hard to build consensus, or win a vote, in the caucus of a large catch-all party like the LPC. All credit to the responsible MPs for swinging it, and the LPC position should be rightfully credited by all fair-minded progressives. JT: "Glad to be supporting #C311 with the rest of the Liberal Party tonight."

C-311: Stop Hypocrisy & Green Betrayal

Oct 22: "On motion of Justin Trudeau, it was agreed, — That the meetings in relation to Bill C-311, be televised, when possible, except for the clause-by-clause consideration meetings." Today: "1:06 And -- we're out. We being the non-members of the committee who aren't allowed to stick around for an in camera meeting, which is what this has turned out to be. Despite an attempt by Duncan to keep it open, the Liberals abstained, thus allowing the Conservatives to kick us out and lock the door behind us. Metaphorically speaking. 1:08 Alright, that's all for this liveblog -- I mean, it's pretty clear that the Liberals aren't going to lift a finger to help the NDP on this one, which means that Duncan's motion to go to clause by clause is almost certain to fail." I urge you to read O'Malley's full account and the minutes when they appear - it is so sad. Now we're not just, on OLO's orders, blocking legislation that we unanimously approved just months ago, ONE WEEK after calling for meetings to remain public other than actual clause by clause consideration, we're colluding with Cons to hide from public scrutiny! For heavens' sakes! What next, we ask Stockwell Day to make policy and strategy for us? Is there any real Liberal out there feeling good about this?