Timeline - Showdown in Ottawa
The Canadian Press
Published Tuesday, December 2, 2008 1:48PM EST
A timeline of recent developments in the unfolding parliamentary crisis in Ottawa:
Nov. 24
- Finance Minister Jim Flaherty says economic update won't contain any economic stimulus package, but sources say Conservatives are considering one.
Nov. 27
- Fiscal update is introduced; contains no stimulus package, but does propose eliminating a $27-million subsidy for political parties and banning public-sector strikes. Critics denounce the Tories for playing politics in a time of crisis.
Nov. 28
- Former New Democrat leader Ed Broadbent and former Liberal prime minister Jean Chretien meet to discuss the possibility of a Liberal-NDP coalition.
- Liberals serve notice of a motion of non-confidence in the government and declare a "viable alternative" coalition helmed by Liberal Leader Stephane Dion.
- Prime Minister Stephen Harper publicly condemns talk of a coalition, cancels two opportunities on Dec. 1, for Opposition to bring down government, establishing Dec. 8 as first date for a non-confidence vote.
Nov. 29
- Tories quickly reverse course; Transport Minister John Baird announces government has withdrawn plan to cancel political subsidy.
- NDP holds a secret strategy session -- surreptitiously heard and recorded by the Conservatives -- in which leader Jack Layton talks of plotting weeks earlier with the Bloc to bring down the government.
Nov. 30
- Finance Minister Jim Flaherty announces new budget date of Jan. 27, "the earliest budget date in modern times" and about a month ahead of schedule; Tories also dump plan to ban strikes by public-sector workers.
- Conservatives release audio recording of NDP strategy session.
Dec. 1
- Liberals, NDP, Bloc sign agreement to form coalition; Liberal Leader Stephane Dion pens letter to Governor General urging her to allow the coalition to form a new government.
- Police are asked to investigate whether Tories broke the law by listening in and recording NDP strategizing.
Dec. 2
- Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean cuts short her European trip to return to Ottawa in anticipation of being asked to do one of three things: prorogue Parliament, trigger an election by dissolving Parliament or invite the Liberal-NDP coalition to form an alternative government.