Ottawa

Speaking of opposition day motions …

This offering from Liberal House Leader Ralph Goodale would be a good way to prevent the Prime Minister from being tempted by Tom Flanagan’s recent advice:

February 3, 2009 — Mr. Goodale (Wascana) — That the Speaker immediately communicate to Her Excellency the Governor General that, for the duration of the present Parliament, this House regards only the following motions as legitimate tests of whether the House has confidence in the Government:

1. a motion that explicitly states that the House has or does not have confidence in the Government;

2. a Ways and Means motion emanating from a Budget presentation, or a motion for Second Reading, concurrence at Report Stage, or Third Reading of any bill or bills based thereon; and

3. a motion to concur in Interim Supply or in the Main Estimates, or a motion for Second Reading, concurrence at Report Stage, or Third Reading of any bill or bills based thereon.

Oh, and I just checked yesterday’s Hansard, and according to Jay Hill, there will be an opposition day next Thursday, which I think goes to the Bloc Quebecois, although the parties have been known to occasionally swap supply days amongst themselves.

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