Top 10 things to watch as Parliament resumes
Harper has promised to hold another vote to scrap the gun registry
MARK KENNEDY AND LEE BERTHIAUME
Postmedia News
The last time a Conservative majority government in Canada began a fall session of Parliament was Sept. 8, 1992.
Harper will step into the chamber of the House of Commons today to make history as prime minister. The political restraints of the past — more than a decade of Liberal rule, and five years of a minority Tory government — are now gone. Harper, with a majority in both the House and Senate, faces weak opposition parties led by interim leaders.
Here are 10 things to watch:
1. The economy
Why it matters: Economic recovery is fragile, many Canadians are out of work and the government is still deep in debt.
What are the facts: In Canada, after five months of straight gains, 5,500 jobs were lost in August. Economic growth stalled, labour productivity fell 0.9 per cent, housing starts slowed.
What they’re saying: Harper will stay the course. He promises “flexibility” if warranted.
What to expect: Canadian economy likely will continue to perform better than other G8 nations. Harper could buckle to pressure with more stimulus spending.
2. The NDP leadership contest
Why it matters: The NDP must get it right as government-in-waiting.
What are the facts: The race officially began Thursday with only one candidate officially declared Brian Topp. Since then, Nunavik MP Roméo Saganash has also joined the race.
What they’re saying: Only weeks after Layton’s death everyone is playing nice.
What to expect: Quebecer Thomas Mulcair will pose the stiffest competition to Topp.
Why it matters: Criminal laws will be overhauled, judges will have less discretion, more Canadians will go to jail.
What are the facts: Correctional Services Canada’s budget has shot up to $3 billion from $1.6 billion in 2007. The number of crimes reported to police in 2010 was the fewest since 1973.
What they’re saying: Government will introduce crime omnibus bills. There will be tougher sentences for violent, sexual and repeat offenders and new anti-terrorism tools for police. The Opposition says it’s overkill.
What to expect: The bills will spark heated debate.
4. Libya
Why it matters: A dictator has been removed, but stability is no guarantee.
What are the facts: Canada joined other nations in a military mission to oust Moammar Gadhafi. He has not been found. Canadian firms have major investments and contracts in Libya.
What they’re saying: Harper promises the military will stay until peace is achieved. Opposition parties would oppose a military extension.
What to expect: Another extension of Canada’s military is likely. No big contributions of foreign aid are expected.
5. Gun registry
Why it matters: Rural versus urban Canada; public safety versus individual rights; the NDP versus itself.
What are the facts: Harper has promised to hold another vote. With a Tory majority, it will pass.
What they’re saying: Police chiefs support the registry. But the Tories vow to scrap it. So far, neither the Liberals nor NDP have said if they will whip the vote, forcing their MPs to vote as a bloc.
What to expect: Quebecers generally support the registry, putting pressure on the NDP to stake out a position.
6. Copyright reform
Why it matters: A pending bill could mean benefits for cultural industries but also lead to higher prices.
What are the facts: The last major revision to Canadian copyright law was in 1997. Canada has been on a U.S. piracy blacklist since 2007.
What they’re saying: Tories say the copyright bill will be reintroduced. Some say it will improve Canada’s reputation.
What to expect: The government will hope to appease international allies while doing what it can to avoid a backlash from consumers.
7. Democratic reform
Why it matters: More seats for Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta could fan flames of discontent in Quebec. Changes to the Senate will change the political equation.
What are the facts: The government is reforming both chambers of Parliament. In the Senate, a bill was introduced that would give provinces more say in senatorial appointments and set nine-year term limits. In the House, a bill will redistribute seats to reflect population trends.
What they’re saying: The NDP wants Quebec’s share of Commons seats to be fixed at its current share.
What to expect: Opposition parties will protest that Quebecers are being harmed unless the Commons redistribution bill is adjusted. The NDP will say it harms national unity. On Senate reform, the bill will eventually pass.
8. Perimeter security
Why it matters: The U.S. wants tighter border security, Canada wants smoother border access to the U.S.
What are the facts: Harper and Obama announced in February that negotiations would begin on a deal to create a security “perimeter”.
What they’re saying: Harper says the deal will be announced “very soon,” that it will be “comprehensive,” and that it will not endanger Canadian sovereignty. Opposition parties complain the negotiations were conducted in secret.
What to expect: Harper and Obama will announce the deal together this autumn. Critics will point to shortcomings that could jeopardize the privacy of Canadians.
9. Supreme Court appointments
Why it matters: Harper has a rare chance to further shape the country’s top court.
What are the facts: Justice Louise Charron and Justice Ian Binnie are retiring. The prime minister has the final say in the new appointments.
What they’re saying: Some critics are suggested the Tories will stack the court.
What to expect: Once the appointments are made, they might appear before a parliamentary committee.
10. Strategic operating review
Why it matters: On the chopping block are countless government programs, thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in spending.
What are the facts: Cabinet ministers will work in the background on a major deficit-cutting plan.
What they’re saying: Treasury Board president Tony Clement says the $4 billion in cuts can be found without affecting “core services.” The Opposition says the cuts could jeopardize the economy and diminish critical programs.
What to expect: Cabinet presumably won’t make decisions on what to cut until early in 2012, but leaks will likely emerge.
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