Help Make Parliament Work – Support the New Coalition
Last week, Stephen Harper put his conservative ideology before the needs of ordinary Canadians: inaction on the economy, cuts to social services, and playing politics when the parties should be working together. With the announcement of an NDP-Liberal coalition government, working people across B.C. have to take action for this coalition government to become a reality.
Here are a few simple things that everyone can do to support the new coalition:
Two-Minute Actions Everyone Can Do to Support the Coalition
Watch the videos from Jack Layton and Stéphane Dion played at the Rally in Vancouver on 4 December 2008.
Call your member of parliament, and tell them that you support a coalition government in Ottawa. As few as ten phone calls can sway your MP on an issue.
Find your MPs phone number by postal code.
· Take action on Facebook:
o Attend the Vancouver Coalition for Canada Rally (see above).
o Join the Facebook group I’m Donating my Status for a Coalition Government.
o Change your Facebook status and profile picture to show your support.
· Talk to your friends and family about why the coalition government is important for all Canadians.
Why do we need a Coalition Government?
There are lots of rumours, opinions, and half-truths flying around, much of it coming from Conservatives trying to undermine the work of the new coalition. Here are some of the facts about what is going on:
· 62% of Canadians supported parties other than the Conservatives in the last election.
· We need a real plan to protect jobs, pensions, and the Canadian economy. Last week’s Conservative fiscal update had nothing to project jobs and pensions, and help the economy.
· Prime Minister Harper has lost the confidence of Parliament, and is playing politics with our economic future by threatening to prorogue the house, or call another $350 million election.
· The new government will be a coalition of the New Democrat and Liberal parties, supported by the Bloc Québécois. The NDP will have 6 cabinet positions, and the Liberals will have 18 cabinet positions. Stephane Dion will serve as Prime Minister until a new Liberal leader takes over in the spring. The Bloc will not hold any cabinet positions.
Resources for Activists
The B.C. Federation of Labour has produced buttons, web banners and other materials to help promote the coalition.
