Friday, January 30, 2009

Liberal MP to Vote Against the Budget

How refreshing. Someone that is actually sticking up for their constituency. You know. The people that actually sent her to Ottawa to work for them.

Foote First Liberal to Say No
January 30, 2009



Random Burin St. George's MP Judy Foote has confirmed that if the equalization changes remain, she'll be voting no to the federal budget. Foote says a solution needs to be found to resolve this province's financial losses.

Liberal MP's from this province admit they have been hearing from constituents in the wake of the province's outcry over the damage caused by changes to the equalization formula. There have been talks with the federal Liberals to seek an amendment, and even to have the fiscal measure that impacts this province delayed for a year. Still, if nothing changes, Foote is prepared to cast her vote for Newfoundland and Labrador.

St. John's South Mount Pearl MP Siobhan Coady isn't as direct, but told VOCM Niteline with Ryan Cleary, she and her colleagues are working with Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff to ensure that Newfoundland and Labrador is treated fairly.

Premier Danny Williams has asked Federal Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff to consider amending the implementation of changes to equalization.Williams says Ignatieff could do two things: ask Harper to withdraw the changes or add an amendment, which he believes would be supported by all 7 Newfoundland and Labrador MP's.

Williams has also spoken with the premiers of PEI and Quebec asking for their support.

He puts the numbers in perspective, saying the impact is about three thousand dollars per person. He says we already have the highest debt per capita, and the impact of the budget change only makes it worse.

Meantime, Premier Williams has confirmed Nova Scotia's side deal with the federal government. Williams says in talking with Premier Rodney McDonald to firm up support on the equalization issue, he learned Nova Scotia would not be be impacted by the offset losses. Williams says we are affected similarly, but have been offered nothing. Williams says it is his understanding the deal was struck following January's First Minister's meeting.

NDP Leader Jack Leyton says he is working with the Premier and Newfoundland and Labrador's MP's to provide fairness to the province.


She also might want to vote no to the budget for the lack of any support for the equality of women in this country...

...Women's issues? Something our previous leader championed. But that was then. This is now.




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10 comments:

pogge said...

There are two Lib MPs prepared to vote against the budget.

Anonymous said...

Looks like Iggy's leash is slipping. I hope we see more MPs voting for their constituents.

Andrew P. said...

Excellent.

I mentioned Ms. Foote in an email to my MP regarding the budget but I don't expect him to stand up with her since he's firmly in the Iggy camp

Greg said...

Your move, chess master Iggy.

James Curran said...

There's irony for ya POGGE. The same Andrews that was the first to call for Dion's resignation. Huh.

Reid said...

Sorry for posting off topic, but I have a question for you. Being that I'm a CPC member and not familiar with the nuts and bolts of how the LPC works, what's to prevent someone from standing up at the Liberal convention in Vancouver when they're going to "confirm" Ignatieff and moving to nominate someone else? Do the LPC rules strictly prevent this? Is he still not just the "interim" leader?

James Curran said...

Reid, all you need is money, members and a dream. Nominations are still open for leadership, however the cutoff for eligible member voters to join is February 6th.

Andrew P. said...

Nothing as far as I know.

The nomination period is still open so if somebody has the money and meets the eligibility rules as set out by the LPC Consitution (ie. be a party member and be eligible to stand as a candidate for election to the House of Commons), they are free to enter

The Mound of Sound said...

Anybody announced where the beheadings are to be held?

Big Winnie said...

I applaud the Newfoundland and Labrador members for publicly stating that they will vote NO!

Next week should be an interesting week in parliament.