Written by GORDON HOEKSTRA
Citizen staff
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Wednesday, 03 December 2008 |
NDP MP defiant after vandalism
The Conservatives' increasing demonization of a planned Liberal-NDP coalition which has the support of the Bloc Quebecois may have sparked a sign-burning in his constituency, says northern B.C. NDP MP Nathan Cullen.
Police are investigating the torching of the large sign sometime Tuesday night along Highway 16 near Smithers. The sign had offered contact information on Cullen, whose vast riding reaches as far east as Fort St. James.
"A campaign that Mr. Harper is running right now is fear and loathing," said Cullen, who added the sign-burning was an angry act, although he does not know who did it.
"It's obviously meant to send a signal of intimidation. It's just amazing to me that some of these folks think this is how a country might function," said Cullen.
The Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP said his party will not be bullied. "We're going to get another one printed and put it right back up. And if they burn it, we'll put it right back up."
The escalating political battle has grabbed public attention, including an onslaught of letters to The Citizen and online web responses.
Rallies are being organized both for and against the coalition across the country, including in northwest B.C.
So far, there is no information on any events being organized in Prince George.
A Citizen online poll continues to show a majority are against the coalition idea with 66 per cent of the nearly 500 respondents opposed and 34 per cent in favour. In the election seven weeks ago, both Conservative Prince George MPs won easily.
The Opposition coalition, which has the support of the Bloc, has formed a pact to bring down the minority Conservative government next Monday. The coalition has advised Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean they are prepared to form government. Liberal leader Stephane Dion would be prime minister, the NDP would get cabinet posts and the coalition would be meant to last at least 18 months.
The opposition parties have said the Conservatives are not reacting quickly or strongly enough to the economic turmoil the country if facing because of the global financial meltdown. The coalition is promising a multi-billion-dollar stimulus package to help both the auto and forest sectors.
The Conservatives have said they have brought in measures to stimulate the economy, including assistance for banks, reduced taxes, a cut in the GST and pension aid for seniors.
In northern B.C., the Conservatives have cited the $1-billion community trust fund created last January that pumped $129 million into B.C. coffers which has been used to help workers and communities hit hard by the forestry downturn.
The Conservatives also point to their $1-billion promise in aid to mitigate the impacts of the mountain pine beetle epidemic.
More recently, the Conservatives have attacked the proposed Liberal-NDP coalition as being a dangerous marriage with the Bloc, a party whose ultimate aim is for Quebec to separate from Canada.
In a television address to the country Wednesday evening, Prime Minister Stephen Harper argued just that, saying his party would use every legal means to stop the coalition from forming government.
"The intent is to make our government's position clear on the separatist coalition. We feel it's bad for Canada, it's bad for democracy, it's bad for British Columbia," said Cariboo-Prince George North MP Dick Harris.
"If they want to form a coalition, we've invited them all week long, bring down the money bill, which will trigger an election, and then present that coalition with the separatist idea to the voters if they feel so strongly about it," said Harris.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 03 December 2008 )
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