ACTION ALERT: Yes, I support a coalition government

I received the text below from my friend Camila who, like me, cannot vote in Canada yet (we have recently immigrated and are only eligible to become citizens after three years living here). The political decisions of the Canadian government do affect us, though, so I'd like to join my voice to my friend's and urge you to show your support for the coalition government - out with this conservative crap!

On October 14, the Conservatives won a minority of seats in the House of Commons. As a result, in our parliamentary system, Stephen Harper needs the confidence of the House to govern. By failing to provide leadership and a plan to address the current economic crisis and choosing instead to pick fights with the opposition parties, Mr. Harper has lost the confidence of the House.

On Friday, Mr. Harper said that Canadians should speak out on the possibility of a Liberal-NDP coalition government replacing his Conservative government. These are some suggested messages that Mr. Harper, his MPs, and the broader public should hear this week:

1) Almost a million more Canadians voted for the Liberals and the NDP than the Conservatives.

In the last election, 3.6 million Canadians voted for the Liberals and 2.5 million voted for the NDP (for a total of 6.1 million votes). If you add the 1.4 million votes for the Bloc Quebecois, which has indicated it will support the coalition but not sit in cabinet, that total vote count increases to 7.5 million In contrast, 5.2 million voted for the Conservatives.

2) A coalition government is both democratic and legitimate.

Given the election was held just six weeks ago and this is the first sitting of a new Parliament, experts in constitutional affairs say the Governor-General is obligated by precedent to let the opposition parties form a government if they can prove they have the confidence of the House of Commons.

3) The Conservatives have failed to address the economic crisis.

The Harper government did not provide a plan to stimulate the faltering economy in last week's fall economic update. Instead they used the crisis to attack the democratic process, violate the rights of public servants to bargain collectively, and end pay equity. Now the Conservatives are talking about holding another 36-day, $300 million election to stop a coalition government and it has even been suggested that Mr. Harper may prorogue Parliament for the next two months.

TAKE ACTION

Conservative MPs and partisan have been told to try to undermine support for a coalition government prior to the non-confidence vote on Monday December 8. We can also expect 'attack ads' from the Conservatives on radio and TV this week..

To counter this, you are encouraged to say, "Yes, I support a coalition government. I believe a coalition government has the best chance of accurately reflecting the concerns of a majority of Canadians and therefore dealing with the current economic crisis."

To do this,

1. Send e-mails to your Member of Parliament. You can find their contact information on our website at http://www.canadians.org/action/contact_reps.html.

2. Write letters to the editor of your local newspaper.

3. Attend the planned rallies on Thursday December 4 across the country in support of a coalition government (information will be posted on www.canadians.org).

4. Attend the planned climate rallies on Sunday December 7 and express your support for a coalition government.

5. Organize your own local event (contact your local labour council for information on events that may already be in the works).

6. Post your comments on media websites and list servers.