Greater Sudbury Northern Life Reporter Bill Bradley
Both local federal MPs are defending their party's decision to back an opposition political party coalition attempt to oust Stephen Harper's Conservative government.
Nickel Belt New Democrat MP Claude Gravelle said Prime Minister Stephen Harper is finished.
“He can't be trusted. Has has no leg to stand on. It is too late for him. There is nothing he or his government can do to regain our trust (in this minority government situation),” said Gravelle after an Ottawa press conference late Monday afternoon.
“Look, this is not about the $1.95 per vote for the political parties. This is all about the economy and pay equity for women, amongst other issues. His government's economic statement had nothing for northern Ontario,” he said.
Sudbury New Democrat MP Glenn Thibeault agreed.
“We need to focus on the real issues that matter to families. Lots of people are losing their jobs. Companies are not sure about the future,” said Thibeault early Monday evening.
Even the business community is disaffected, said Thibeault.
“I got a letter from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce saying the (recent) economic statement by the government did not have enough stimulus for Canadian business. This statement by the finance minister is a slap in the face,” he said.
Gravelle said in his short period of time in Ottawa he has realized Harper is not interested in working with other political parties to manage the nation's affairs.
“He is trouble. He does not want to work with anyone. We thought he would, but that has not proven to be the case,” said Gravelle.
“He (Harper) doesn't get it about the needs of Canadians. Down south, U.S. president-elect Barack Obama is working with the Republicans to solve their economic mess. I do not see this government reaching out to us, ” said Thibeault.
For their part, the Conservatives have indicated that Canadians made a judgment in the past election.
“Canadians passed judgment on Stephen Harper when they awarded the Conservative Party a strengthened mandate,” stated a release on their national website.
“Voters offered no mandate to Stéphane Dion and the Liberals to govern the country. They offered no mandate to Jack Layton and the NDP to influence the economy.”
Gravelle said the Liberal-NDP coalition has plans to help out northern Ontario.
“Forestry has been identified as needing help, but we will not forget about the mining sector either.”
FedNor should regain its own cabinet position, he said.
“I was asked at the NDP caucus meeting this morning about my concerns and I made a stronger FedNor with its own cabinet minister as one of my top priorities for northern Ontario.”
Thibeault said the mining sector will not be neglected.
“The mining sector has created a lot of wealth for senior levels of government recently.”
Gravelle said he had no qualms about working with the Liberals or accepting Stephane Dion as the leader of the coalition.
“The Liberals selected Dion as leader for the interim. That was their decision.”
Working with the Bloc is possible as well.
“The Bloc are very progressive on issues such as child care in Quebec. I campaigned on a progressive child care program as a major part of my platform. We could use the Quebec model as a basis.”
Thibeault said while each opposition party comes from a different philosophical basis, ultimately they do want to help people.
“We are here to represent our constituents and advocate on their behalf whatever party we are from. I have stood up seven times already in the House of Commons to speak for people in my riding. We can work together because of this commitment.”
