Domestic policy of the Harper government

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Several policies regarding interior and domestic issues in Canada were planned and adopted by the Canadian Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, since the January 23, 2006 election of the Conservative Party to a minority of seats in the House of Commons, such as social and environmental policies. At the beginning of the government's appointment, five policy priorities were identified in the areas of federal accountability, tax reform, crime, child care and health care.

Contents 1 Economic policy 1.1 2006 Budget 1.2 2007 budget 1.3 2008 budget 2 Environment 3 Agriculture 3.1 Aid for farmers 3.2 Wheat Board 4 Social policy 4.1 Age of consent 4.2 Same-sex marriage 4.3 Child-care policy 4.4 Poverty and homelessness 4.5 Aboriginals 4.6 Veterans 4.7 Apology to Chinese-Canadians 4.8 Consumer product safety 4.9 Bill C-10 4.10 Immigration 4.11 Bill C-484 5 Interior security 5.1 Transit security 5.2 Crime policy 5.3 Canadian Anti-Terrorism Act 6 Health policy 6.1 Patient Wait Times Guarantee 6.2 Canadian Partnership Against Cancer 6.3 Toxic chemicals 6.4 Tainted blood scandal 7 Education 8 The Federal Accountability Act 9 National unity 10 Senate reform 11 Image 12 See also 13 Footnotes

[edit] Economic policy

Main article: Economic policy of the Harper government

[edit] 2006 Budget

Main article: 2006 Canadian federal budget

The first federal budget of the Conservative government was released on May 2, 2006 by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty. The budget included a 1% cut to the federal Goods and Services Tax from 7% to 6% ^[1] The Conservatives argued that the GST cuts would benefit all Canadians, including low-income earners and those outside the workforce who do not pay income tax. The first GST cut went into effect on July 1, 2006, and no provinces have raised provincial sales tax as of yet. In addition, the Conservatives rose the income tax of the lower class from 15% to 15.5%, rose and added tax exemption rates and introduced a monthly child care allowance for families with children at or under the age of six. The Liberals and NDP voiced disapproval over the Conservatives following through on their election promise to replace the Liberals child care policy with their own, and for replacing Canada's $4 billion environmental policy with a $2 billion "made in Canada" plan of their design. The budget passed third reading without dissent on June 6, 2006 when the members of the Opposition accidentally failed to stand after the Deputy Speaker of the House called for debate.

Later during the fiscal year, Flaherty announced a new tax on income trusts created after that date that would apply to existing trusts in 2011. Subsequent to the October 31 announcement by Flaherty, the TSX Capped Energy Trust Index lost 21.8% in market value and the TSX Capped Income Trust Index lost 17.6% in market value by mid November 2006. In contrast, the TSX Capped REIT Index, which is exempt from the 'Tax Fairness Plan', gained 3.2% in market value. According to the Canadian Association of Income Funds, this translates into a permanent loss in savings of $30 billion to Canadian Income Trust Investors [1]. Harper later mentioned that this was "the toughest decision for the government".^[2] The Canadian Press voted the Harper Government and Jim Flaherty 'Business Newsmaker of 2006' for the announcement to tax Income Trusts on Halloween ^{[3] [4]}.

[edit] 2007 budget

Main article: 2007 Canadian federal budget

Flaherty presented the second Conservative budget on March 19, 2007. While no income tax and GST cuts were announced, various tax credits and exemptions were announced including a tax credit(of up to $310 per child) for some families with children under 18 ^[5]. Another major announcement was additional money to some provinces dealt with fiscal imbalance. The budget would pass the House of Commons as the Bloc Québécois supported it due to the additional money that the province of Quebec will receive as part of the equalization payment system. ^[6] Reactions from provinces were mixed but several provinces criticized that measure including Nova Scotia Premier Rodney MacDonald and Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams argued that Harper broke a written promise to shield revenues from oil and natural gas revenues that the two provinces are receiving; Harper has denied this and accused Williams of misinforming the province. [2].

On October 30, 2007, the Conservatives tabled an economic statement (similar to a mini-budget) and announced various tax cuts and exemptions. Overall, the government proposed a total of $60 billion in tax cuts over five years, including $14 billion in corporate tax cuts by 2012 (or a drop of 33%), a 1% drop of the GST to 5%, an increase of the basic personal tax exemption to $10,100 per year by 2009. The lowest personal tax rate will be reduced from 15.5% to 15%, effective 1 January 2007 back to the same level as when the Conservatives were elected in 2006.

During the Throne Speech in 2007, Harper also addressed issues surrounding the economy because of difficulties in the manufacturing and forest sectors due to the lost of numerous jobs at several companies including the 3 majors automakers in the United States and several small to large forest companies over the past few years. On January 10, 2008, the government announced a $1 billion relief fund for single-industry communities that were hit hard by recent closures particularly in the forest and manufacturing industries but also the fishing sector.

[edit] 2008 budget

The third Conservative budget was tabled on February 26, 2008. He mentionned that there will be little to no tax reliefs as major tax cuts took place in the economic update during the fall of 2007. According to many sources, it was to be the last budget of the current term. ^[7] Among the key announcements was the creation of a new $5000/year tax-free savings account program funding for troubled industries, a new Student Grant Program, higher defense spending, $500 million for transit and infrastructures and $400 million for hiring new police officers. ^[8]

[edit] Environment

Main article: Environmental policy of the Harper government

Harper and the Conservative government criticized the Kyoto Accord on measures to fight against global warming, saying that the economy would be crippled if Canada was forced to meet the Accord's timetable to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Harper considered the objectives implemented by Canada to meet its goals were not realistic and later criticized further the accord which did not set any targets for the world's biggest polluters.

The government's Clean Air Act was presented on October 19, 2006 which its main focus was to reduce greenhouse emissions at about 45-65% of the 2003 levels. The goal was set for the year 2050 while a decrease of greenhouse emissions starting in 2020. There were also regulations set for vehicle fuel consumption for 2011, while new measures would be set for industries starting in 2010. while oil companies would be forced to reduce emissions for each barrel produced. ^[9]. Additional targets and measures were introduced by Environment Minister John Baird in 2007 including fuel-efficient standards in which auto industries would comply. One of the plans also mentionned that over 700 big-polluter companies, including oil and gas, pulp and paper, electricity and iron and steel companies, will have to reduce green-house emissions by six percent from 2008 to 2010 and will have to report data on their emissions on every May 31. ^[10]

In the 2007 Throne Speech, the government had officially abandon the Kyoto objectives in favor of their previous policies and accords with Asian and Pacific countries in which Harper joined the US-led the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate on September 24, 2007, the United States, China, Japan, India, South Korea and Australia, several among them being among the biggest polluters. ^[11]

Critics including the World Wildlife Fund said that the greenhouse emissions in 2020 will still be higher than the 1990 levels, while Canada will not meet Kyoto targets before 2025, 13 years after its objectives. ^[12] High-profile figures including David Suzuki and Former US Vice-President Al Gore also criticized the plan as been insufficient. ^[13]

Opposition members led by Liberal MP Pablo Rodriguez tabled bill C-288 that would force the government to respect the measures of the Kyoto Accord and forced it to present its measures within 60 days. The bill passed third reading on February 14, 2007, 161-113 but the government mentionned that it would not comply to the bill. ^[14].

[edit] Agriculture

[edit] Aid for farmers

In 2006, farmers demanded the federal government a substantial aid to be able to cope with a 2005 World Trade Organisation (WTO) ruling that will abolish subsidies and other trade barriers in the agriculture industry before 2013.

The farmers, especially from the Ottawa region drove their tractors to Parliament Hill, oil and food terminals across Ottawa and in front of the Prime Minister's residence to voice their concerns.

In the 2006 budget, the Conservatives announced an immediate $1.5 billion aid to farmers and $755 million funding from the previous government for the Grains and Oilseeds Payment Program. Agriculture Minister Chuck Strahl also announced in July $550 million in aid to low-income farmers with a two-year pilot project ^{[15] [16]}

On March 9, 2007, the government announced a $1 billion funding for farmers that would include payments to ease up effects of high production costs and for various income programs. ^[17]

[edit] Wheat Board

Strahl also planned to review the roles of the Canadian Wheat Board, a monopoly in the Canadian wheat industry. He wanted to end the "single desk" system which causes the monopoly, despite opposition of farmers which supported the current role of the Board. ^[18]

[edit] Social policy

[edit] Age of consent

The Conservative Government have planned to increase the legal age of consent from 14 to 16 years. Justice Minister Vic Toews proposed the bill in order to protect youth against sexual predators. The minimum age of 14 was previously set a century ago.^[19]

[edit] Same-sex marriage

During the 2006 election campaign, Stephen Harper promised a free vote to revisit the issue of same-sex marriage which had been legalized in 2005 by the previous government. The vote took place on December 7, 2006: the government bill to change the status quo was rejected 175-123. Afterwards Harper told the media that he now considered the issue to be closed and that he would not pursue further legislation on the matter.^{[20] [21]}

There were also plans to pass a law that would protect "freedom of religious expression", a law interpreted by some as a shield for opponents of same-sex marriage. The government cut funding to various social programs and festivals, some of which were related to the gay community such as Montreal's Black and Blue festival, one of the biggest gay festivals in Canada.^[22][23] The Harper government also reduced spending for women's advocacy work on the status of women in the country.^[24]

[edit] Child-care policy

In the 2006 budget, the Tories introduced a new child care allowance that gives parents with children under six years of age an allowance of $1200 per year, which is taxable in the hands of the lower income parent. The allowance is not tied to actual child care expenses, and is available to all parents, regardless of whether or not they use childcare services. The measure have cost the government about $3.7 billion per year. The Conservatives will terminate all child-care deals that were made between the previous government and several provinces after March 2007 ^[25]

This measure was met with opposition by the provincial counterparts including Ontario's Dalton McGuinty and Quebec's Premier Jean Charest. They claimed that it will create additional daycare places which Minister Diane Finley promised. Quebec officials also cited that it will harm provincial revenues and deteriorate fiscal equality. Other opponents mentioned that the spending was not adequate and did not address the need for child care spaces, particularly in urban centers. Supporters argued that the Liberal program the Tories replaced was inflexible and discriminated against stay-at-home parents. Harper has stated that his government will work with provincial and local governments, not-for-profit organizations, and employers to create additional spaces, and has set aside $250 million per year to fund these initiatives.

[edit] Poverty and homelessness

On December 19, 2006, the government announced $526 million of funding to tackle poverty and homelessness in Canada with $270 million for the Homelessness Partnering Strategy and $246 million for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. It will provide funding for refurbishing and renovating low-income homes, as well as improving access for homeless people to various services and supports such as health and substance abuse treatment programs. Prior to the announcement, activists protested at Human Resources and Social Services Minister Diane Finley's offices in Ottawa.^[26]

[edit] Aboriginals

The Conservative Party tabled about $9 billion for aboriginals in 2006-07 but with few measures announced in the 2007 budget. On March 22, 2007, a private bill was tabled in the House of Commons demanding an additional $5.1 billion for First Nations health, education and housing. The motion was adopted 176 to 126 with mainly Conservative members voting against. Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice mentioned that it will ignore the motion that would have forced the government to implement measures in order to respect the Kelowna Accord which was concluded by the Liberals in 2005 prior to the 2006 elections and supported by former Progressive Conservative Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. The Accord was suppose to give First Nations better health care, education and housing, but it lacked specific implementation details.^{[27] [28]} In the 2008 budget, $330 million was announced for improving access to safe drinking water in First Nations Reserves with funding for economic improvement, services and health programs. ^[29]

On June 11, 2008, Harper made a speech at the House of Commons in which he issued an official apology to the First Nation groups in regard to a residential school abuse in which children were isolated from their homes, families and cultures for a century. Opposition leaders also issued apologies. Harper admitted the responsibility of the wrong doing of the government: "The Government of Canada now recognizes it was wrong to forcibly remove children from their homes... to separate children from rich and vibrant traditions" ^[30]

[edit] Veterans

The Conservatives' 2007 budget included $19 million to introduce an ombudsman's office and Veterans' Bill of Rights.^[31] In April 2007, Harper and Minister of Veterans Affairs Greg Thompson told the press in Kitchener, Ontario that the bill of rights would come into effect soon.^[32] $282 million were announced in the 2008 budget to support war veterans. ^[33]

[edit] Apology to Chinese-Canadians

On June 23, 2006, Stephen Harper offered full apology to Chinese Canadians for the country's treatment of Chinese immigrants during the years 1885 to 1923 on the imposing Head Tax policy to them, and subsequent discrimination policies, including subsequent exclusion of Chinese immigrants from 1923 until 1947. It is estimated about 82,000 Chinese paid the fee, first set at $50 and later raised to $500, about two years' wages at the time. For many years, the federal government refused to apologize, citing the possibilities of legal liabilities.

Near the end of 2005, the outgoing Liberal government offered to pay $12.5 million for the creation of a new non-profit foundation to educate Canadians about anti-Chinese discrimination, though no money would go to individuals who had paid the tax, and the grant was on the pre-condition of "no apology" by the government. It was met with controversy, as the Liberals had not consulted many of the major Canadian-Chinese groups (despite claiming to), and as the promised amount was reduced to $2.5 million. Midway through the election campaign, Paul Martin offered a half-hearted apology on radio but not in Parliament.[3]

Harper said that Chinese-Canadians who paid the tax or their surviving spouses will receive a symbolic $20,000 ex-gratia payment.^[34]

[edit] Consumer product safety

Following a series of products consumer due to safety and health concerns in 2007, the government adopted a series of measures to enhance and improve consumer product safety laws. In the new Canada Consumer Product Safety Act as well as amendments to the Food and Drug Acr, measures included developing tighter manufacturing standards, mandatory reports by industries on any injuries, deaths or other problems on various products as well as more authority by the government to mandate recalls on various products. The government also announced higher fines for industries failing to the new laws as well as the increase number of inspections and inspectors. ^[35]

[edit] Bill C-10

In late-February 2008, the government announced its intention on amending the Income Tax Act which would suspend any tax credits to any film or television production which would include content judging too offensive to the general public. The Canadian Family Action Coalition had pushed the federal government for the funding cuts and is supported by the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party citing that governments should be careful about putting taxpayers money for movies with too much sexual content. ^[36] The bill was met with opposition by the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists citing it has grave implication to the actors while calling it morally offensive to modern Canadian society. ^[37] Canadian Actress Sarah Polley, added that the bill would amount to "censorship" and that the definition of offensive is "extremely vague and dangerous to be using". ^[38] MP Jim Abbott cited that "the bill does nothing to obstruct filmmakers -- it just stops the government from footing bills for films that don't fall in line with Canadians' morals". A similar legislation was unanimously passed in 2003. ^[39]

[edit] Immigration

In March 2008 as part of the annual budget, the government introduced several laws which would amended the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The changes would help to streamline immigrant application back-up, to speed up application for skilled workers and to rapidly reject other ones that are judged not admissible by immigration officers. Immigrant applications had rose to a high of 900 000 creating a delay of up to six months for an application to be processed. The bill also provided most power to the Minister to set limits on the types of immigrants that can have their application processed. The government added that it would provided more skilled workers to the country although opposition members have criticized the measures citing it would shut the door on immigrants while having too much power to decide on who can enter Canada and others not. ^[40] Trinity-Spidina MP Olivia Chow had proposed an amendment that would removed the measures as part of the budget. Immigration Minister Diane Finley added that the current government helped processed applications from 20 to 40 percent faster than in the past before the measures were announced. ^[41]

[edit] Bill C-484

In early 2008, Conservative MP Ken Epp tabled private member's bill C-484 in which harming a fetus would constitute a crime. Medical specialists cited that bill would open the door for an abortion ban. The bill passed first reading in March 2008 with the supported of the first two parties. ^[42]

[edit] Interior security

For border security measures, see Foreign policy of the Harper government

[edit] Transit security

On November 14, 2006, Transport Minister Lawrence Cannon announced an immediate $37 million investment on improving security in public transit systems across the country. Cannon said that transit systems are not immune to terrorist attacks like those that hit Madrid, London and Mumbai over the past two years. Toronto and Montreal received $11 million each, Ottawa $1.2 million while Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary also received a certain amount. The money will be used for security plans, public awarenesses and training. The Toronto Transit Commission and OC Transpo requested that the money would be spent on installing cameras inside buses. ^{[43] [44]} Subsequently it was revealed that while 40% of all transit users in Canada use the TTC, and 85% of Toronto transit riders use the TTC, it will only receive $1.46 million, with the remaining grant used for GO Transit and Union Station. This stance is further evidence of the Harper government to support provincial projects (GO Transit is a provincial transit system) and continue to force municipalities to fend for themselves. ^[45]

[edit] Crime policy

The government promised to be tough on crime by imposing tougher sentences to people committing firearm offenses and violent crimes; a promise made by Harper after a record number of fatalities by gun-related incidents in Toronto in 2005. They are also on the process of creating a new law that would impose tougher sentences for repeat crime offenders, eliminating house arrest or conditional sentences of offenders and a legislation targeting impaired drivers and street racing. Several anti-crime bills were progressing in the House but failed to pass the Senate as a new Throne Speech was announced for October 2007 in which several of the measures were re-announced. ^{[46] [47]} The new bill, called the Tackling Violent Crime Act (or Bill C-2), consisted of five bills many of them from cancelled legislations and included measures the age of consent, repeat and violent offenders. A confidence motion on the bill was tabled and passed the House 172-27 on February 12, 2008 as all Liberal MPs abstained from voting. The motion is set to presented at the Senate in March 2008 ^[48]

On October 4, 2007, the government announced a new national drug plan, that would include mandatory jail sentences for serious drug offenses such the use of cocaine and other hard drugs. In addition, the government announced funding for treatment programs and options as well as Prevention Campaign Program for youth. The announcements costs were estimated at about $64 million and the government qualified this new policy as a balance between prevention and punishment was needed. In 2006, the Conservatives had annulled a bill introduced by the Liberals that had previously decriminalized small possession of marijuana which have caused a significant increase of drug-related arrests. ^[49]

In the 2008 budget, the government announced $400 million to help set up a Recruitment Fund in which it will help all provinces and territories to hire as much 2 500 police officers while additional funding was announced for jails. ^[50]

On April 14, 2008 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the government introduced new legislatures in regards to car theft. The news laws would make illegal to tamper with vehicle identification numbers, would target organized group specialized in car and parts theft, chop shops and stolen property trafficking. According to the government, auto thefts are costing about $1.6 billion to Canadians. The city of Winnipeg has the highest number of cars stolen per population. ^[51]

[edit] Canadian Anti-Terrorism Act

The House of Commons defeated a motion 159-124 to extend two provisions of the Canadian Anti-Terrorism Act on February 28, 2007. The two provisions were created five years ago after the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States, but opposition parties criticized them as a violation of civil liberties. Those in favor of renewal argued that not renewing the provisions would compromise the security of Canadians. The two provisions expired on March 1, 2007^[52]

[edit] Health policy

For the policy on AIDS see Foreign Policy of the Harper government

[edit] Patient Wait Times Guarantee

The Harper government promised to introduce a "Patient Wait Times Guarantee" in conjunction with the provinces. Harper has recently been criticized by prominent media figures, such as Paul Wells, for downplaying this fifth and final priority.

On January 11, 2007, Harper announced a $2.6 million pilot project involving a network of 16 pediatric hospitals across the nation. The plan is to monitor wait times in various children's hospitals and in the long range, surgery wait times. Similar existing measures have been implemented in the post by several provincial governments. Critics mentioned that the federal government had interfered in provincial jurisdictions while Ontario's Intergovermental Affairs Minister Marie Bountrogianni cited the deal as a "photo-op" and an insignificant contribution to the health system. ^[53]. Previously, on January 5, 2007, the government also launched a similar pilot project worth $3.7 million for guaranteed wait times for aboriginal people from First Nations reserves in Manitoba who have "diabetes related-foot ulcers and possible amputations" ^[54]

On April 4, 2007, a deal between Ottawa and the 13 provinces and territories was concluded in which guaranteed wait times will be implemented country-wide by two measures including funding for provinces to reach the goal. $612 million were given to the provinces during the 2007 federal budget. Health information and communication technologies were part of the second measure which included the participation of a non-profit organization, the Canada Health Infoway which will improve medical information notably for doctors. ^[55]

[edit] Canadian Partnership Against Cancer

On November 24, 2006, Harper announced the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, a 5-year $260 million national plan on battling different types of cancer. This not-for-profit organization will be monitored and evaluated by Health Canada. ^[56]. Prior to that announcement on October 23, Health Minister Tony Clement also launched an 8.4 million dollar heart health strategy that plans to tackle the issue of heart diseases and other related issues. ^[57]

[edit] Toxic chemicals

On December 8, 2006, the government announced plan to crack down on the usage of toxic chemicals. The plan is worth an estimated $300 million over four years and would either eliminate, control or reduce some of the more hazardous toxic chemicals in order to protect the environment and the health and safety of Canadians particularly in workplaces as well as animals. The plan is a follow of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act that had previously named and targeted a series of dangerous substances.^[58]

[edit] Tainted blood scandal

On December 15, 2006, the government announced that it will officially compensate victims of a tainted blood scandal in which thousands of people were affected by Hepatitis C (during blood transfusions) before 1986 and after 1990. Those affected between 1986 and 1990 had already received the compensation in 1998. The amount of this deal was estimated at about $1 billion dollars.^[59]

[edit] Education

During the 2008 federal budget, the government announced the creation of a new $350 million Student Grant Program for post-secondary students. The plan replaced the Millennium Scholarship Fund introduced in the late 1990s. Additional funding was announced for improvement other programs such as Canadian Student Loan Program. ^[60]

[edit] The Federal Accountability Act

Main article: Federal Accountability Act

On April 11, 2006, President of the Treasury Board John Baird, on behalf of the Harper government, tabled the Federal Accountability Act and Action Plan. The plan will reduce the opportunity to exert influence with money by banning corporate, union, and large personal political donations; five-year lobbying ban on former ministers, their aides, and senior public servants; providing protection for whistleblowers; and enhancing the power for the Auditor General to follow the money spent by the government.

While the government hopes to have this act passed before the House of Commons breaks for the summer, questions have arisen surrounding elements of the Federal Accountability Act and how it might affect the 2006 Liberal leadership convention. A $1,000 donation limit has been proposed as part of the Federal Accountability Act with political party convention donations being tied to this amount. The Liberal Party of Canada's leadership convention scheduled for December 2006 contains a $995 convention fee, which under the proposed Accountability Act could prevent convention delegates from donating anything beyond their convention fee or prevent the delegate's presence at the convention should their convention fee in conjunction with any donations prior to the convention put them above the donation limit. Some of the Senate majority-holding Liberal Senators have threatened to stall the Federal Accountability Act in the upper chamber until after December because of the effect the proposed donation limits may have on political party conventions.

On March 13, 2008, Justice John Gomery, who've led the commission into the federal sponsorship scandal, told the government operations Committee that most of the recommendations he made in his report were still not implemented. He added that the prime minister's office was "developing a dangerous concentration of power" and that certain members such as non-elected officials are gaining more power while less-known MPs have little influence. He cited that the government's Federal Accountability Act was drafted well before its report and was short of what was required^[61]

[edit] National unity

Main article: Québécois nation motion

After sidestepping the political landmine for most of the first year of his government, much as all all the post-Charlottetown Accord Prime Ministers had done, Harper reopened the debate on November 22, 2006, by introducing a motion in the House of Commons to recognize Quebec as a "nation within Canada." His hand was forced after the opposition Bloc Québécois were to introduce a motion that called for recognition of Quebec as a "nation" but not within Canada. The Bloc later modify partly his motion and later decided to support the Conservatives motion which was greeted by Parti Québécois Leader Andre Boisclair and by Quebec Premier Minister Jean Charest. ^{[62] [63] [64]} However, Intergovermental Minister Michael Chong say he didn't want the country's unity being compromise and divided. He resigned his Cabinet position on November 27 over the matter ahead of a vote on the motion which passed first reading in the House of Commons 266 to 16. It also rejected a Bloc Québécois amendment that did not have mention of Canada. ^{[65] [66]}

[edit] Senate reform

During the 2006 election, Harper had promised that he would push for a major reform in the Canadian Senate, one of the main objectives of the former Reform Party, promising that Senators would be elected. On December 13, 2006, Harper introduced a bill that would "bring democracy" in the Senate. Critics, though, believed that it would require a reform of the Constitution.^[67].

On November 5, 2007, Harper supported a motion made by the NDP to organize a referendum that would decide the fate of the Senate which would the possibility of abolishing it as Jack Layton describe it as "outdated institution that has no place in a modern democracy". ^[68]. However, experts said mentionned that the NDP-Conservative plan will likely fall with an historian mentioning that it would be impossible to pass the motion with a Liberal-majority senate and to have an amendment to the constitution accepted by the majority of the provinces.^[69]

[edit] Image

There have been claims in the media that evangelical Christians see Harper as "an image-savvy evangelical who has been careful to keep his signals to them under the media radar, but they have no doubt his convictions run deep—so deep that only after he wins a majority will he dare translate the true colours of his faith into policies that could remake the fabric of the nation" ,^[70] though others dispute this^{[citation needed]}.

The Harper government reinstituted a policy of lowering the national flag at military installations such as Department of National Defence headquarters only, drawing criticism that the government was showing a lack of respect for the soldiers although veterans groups such as the Royal Canadian Legion support this policy.^{[71] [72]}

[edit] See also

• Stephen Harper
• Foreign policy of the Harper government

[edit] Footnotes

v • d • e Harper Government People Prime Minister: Stephen Harper · Cabinet: 28th Canadian Ministry · Parliament: 39th Canadian parliament · Party: Conservative Party of Canada Policies Foreign policy · Domestic policy · Economic policy · Environmental policy · National unity policy  · Social policy Legislation 2006 budget · 2007 budget · Federal Accountability Act · Québécois nation motion · Veterans' Bill of Rights Related "Canada's New Government" · 2006 election · War in Afghanistan