加拿大總督: 和哈珀總理在2008年12月4日会面 ∕ Governor General of Canada: Dec 4, 2008 Meeting with Prime Minister Harper

I just saw Kevin Lynch (Deputy Head/Clerk of PCO, the Privy Council Office) leaving Rideau Hall on the TV screen. CBC News says that there would be a prorogation. Now, whether there are strings/conditions attached to the Governor General’s decision (with advice from Prime Minister Harper) will be confirmed in a few minutes. If there is indeed a prorogation, all business of the House of Commons will be "suspended" (all motions and bills will essentially "die" on the legislative table).

Prime Minister Harper is now speaking outside the door of Rideau Hall. Here is a summary (not exact quotes):
· Yes, permission for prorogation of Parliament has been granted by the GG.
· The Government will present as the first order of business a budget on Jan 26, 2009 when the House of Commons will resume the next parliamentary session.
· Due to constitution tradition, he will not disclose his conversation with the GG.
· It is critical for the three parties to work together with focus on the proposed budget that contains measures to stimulate the economy.
· In response to a journalist’s question regarding his previous attempt to eliminate funding to political parties, the PM pointed out the Government would continue to incorporate input from other parties and stakeholders into the upcoming budget.
· The Block (le Bloc Quebecois) has every legitimate right to be here, but their agenda is very different.
· The PM did not respond directly to the question regarding the launching of an election campaign, but instead emphasized again on the budget and the importance of working together.

I am sure upon hearing the PM’s statement, Canadians from coast to coast will have their opportunities to reflect and discuss over the Christmas and New Year dinner tables.

Reference:

1. 加拿大總督: 休閉議会是解决國会政治風波的答案嗎? ∕ Governor General of Canada: Solving the Parliament Crisis by Prorogation? http://lotusandcedar.blogspot.com/2008/12/governor-general-of-canada-solving.html

2. 加拿大總督的職責 / The Roles and Responsibilities of the Governor General of Canada
http://lotusandcedar.blogspot.com/2008/12/roles-and-responsibilities-of-governor.html

3. Wikipedia: Canadian Political Dispute http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_Canadian_political_dispute

4. Privy Council for Canada: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Privy_Council_for_Canada

5. Clerk of the Privy Council Office PCO: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clerk_of_the_Privy_Council_(Canada)

6. House of Commons: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Commons_(Canada)