Liberal Party: Ontario BC MP's are benched.

In a bid to avoid an open revolt on a confidence vote from his NFLD MP's who put their regional interests ahead of the party what does the leader do?

Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff says he will allow four of his MPs from Newfoundland and Labrador to break party ranks and have a one-time-only protest vote against the budget on Tuesday night.

"I decided to permit them in the budget vote tonight a one-time vote of protest to signal their displeasure and my displeasure at these unilateral actions which, in my view, weaken our federation, cause strains in our federation at a time when Canadians should be pulling together."


On a non-confidence vote, does the Leader allow his 5 BC MP's to follow the NFLD example?

What about those Ontario MP's?

The Bill needs ten votes to pass allowing the Federal Government to honour their agreement.

"We will support this legislation in Parliament."

Ignatieff added that it would not be a free vote.


In BC the anger and outrage may be significant as the Provincial Government introduced the HST recently after promising not to in the campaign. In Ontario to his credit the Premier has not been hiding about his plans. If the PC were to be direct and promise to withdraw from harmonization agreement if elected it would be an issue for the Provincial Liberals. The Provincial PC have refused to go beyond the rhetoric and theatrics of protesting the decision by the Premier.