Canada’s Opposition Enables Harper Budget

If you thought Nader was right that the Democrats and Republicans are identical twins, check this latest development in Canada:

Today, Mr. Duceppe ridiculed the Liberal proposition [of regular status reports on the economy in exchange for supporting the federal budget], saying the timeline ensures the Conservatives will remain in power until at least the next budget. Mr. Duceppe predicted Mr. Ignatieff will respond to a report in June by saying Canadians want an election during summer like “a hole in the head,” mocking a recent line from the Liberal leader. Mr. Duceppe predicted the Liberals will use the same line again in December to argue there’s no appetite for an election over Christmas.

Basically, a Conservative Government is being supported by its Liberal Opposition on its latest budget proposal because the Liberals don’t want to face the voters again, ignorning the fact that a left-of-center majority technically exists in the Parliament (but the Conservatives have power because they are the largest party).

If you elect a left-leaning Parliament and get a right-wing government instead, you’d at least want the Official Opposition to oppose the government on an occassion. But time after time, it’s been the case that the Liberals have enabled the Conservatives or been MIA on critical votes.

So what’s the point of voting Liberal at the next Canadian election?