May 19, 2005
Liberals survive non-confidence vote
Cadman votes to keep government alive
Independent MP Chuck Cadman saved Prime Minister Paul Martin's faltering government from defeat in a confidence vote this afternoon. The BC MP says he voted for the government because his constituents did not want to go to the polls in another election.
Mr. Cadman's vote in the Commons deadlocked at 152 favouring the defeat of the government and 152 supporting its continuation. The vote forced the speaker to cast the deciding ballot and, in accordance with centuries old precedent Peter Milliken voted in favour of continuing this Parliament.
The result of the vote underlines the importance of Belida Stronach's decision to cross the floor. Had she stuck it out with the Tories the Prime Minister would have had the unenviable task of visiting the Governor-General tomorrow to resign his government. Instead he is able to carry on.
Mr. Martin owes his government to Ms. Stronach. How's that for a scary reality.
Posted by maxthecat at May 19, 2005 06:35 PM
http://www.maxsmewsings.com/mt/archives/2005/05/liberals_survive_nonconfidence_vote.php