June 25, 2004
Paul Martin and public negotiations
Yesterday on CBC Newsworld's show Politics Paul Martin repeated his pledge to open the upcoming First Ministers' Meeting on Health to the public. He told Don Newman that (and I am paraphrasing) important discussions that could have a significant impact on critical areas of policy should be open and transparent.
While I happen to think that his plan is a recipe for the status quo and that no meaningful deal will be reached, I can understand the principle behind his plan. At the same time I would suggest that, based on the motivation he stated, there are other areas where openness would be in order.
The one that concerns me most immediately is the process that will unfold after we elect a minority government on Monday. Surely, the negotiations that will determine the loose alliances in the new Parliament will have a significant impact critical areas of public policy. The NDP will press for a referendum on Proportional Representation. The Bloc will want more unconditional transfers to the provinces. In short, decisions will be made that will decided what gets debated in Parliament and what does not. Altering the PM's own rhetoric slightly: Canadians deserve to know where their politicians stand and what their priorities are.
Given that Mr. Martin is so keen on having open and transparent discussions, I am challenging him to hold any post-election negotiations with opposition parties in front of the TV cameras. I look forward to watching the live televised negotiations next week.
Posted by maxthecat at June 25, 2004 10:22 AM
http://www.maxsmewsings.com/mt/archives/2004/06/paul_martin_and_public_negotiations.php