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David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
#TrudeauMustGo#nbpoli#cdnpoli#TrumpKnew
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/bud-bird-grand-coalition-1.4864674
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Liberal Premier Brian Gallant and Progressive Conservative Leader Blaine Higgs spoke for the first time since the election on Oct. 11, when they encountered each other at an orientation session for MLAs. Bud Bird, a longtime politician, has suggested Gallant and Higgs form a grand coalition. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)
An elder statesman of New Brunswick politics is pushing a bold idea to resolve the political standoff in the legislature: a coalition government between the Liberal and Progressive Conservative parties.
Bud Bird, a former Fredericton mayor, PC provincial cabinet minister and MP, made the proposal in a letter to Liberal Premier Brian Gallant and Progressive Conservative Leader Blaine Higgs.
"There can be no doubt of the strength and direction that would be inherent in the principles of a coalition between Liberal and Conservative parties working together in common cause for the future of New Brunswick," he said.
In an interview, Bird said Gallant and Higgs could work as co-premiers, heading a cabinet of ministers drawn in equal numbers from the Liberal and PC caucuses.
The PCs won 22 and the Liberals 21, with the Greens and the People's Alliance winning three seats each.
The Liberals hope to hold on to power by winning a confidence vote in the legislature in the coming months, even though neither of the smaller parties has committed to voting for them.
Bird said a better solution would be a Liberal-PC — or PC-Liberal — agreement. He wrote in his letter that it represents a "historic opportunity" for a new approach to politics.
Relying on the smaller parties would mean "we will end up governing to the lowest common denominator, as opposed to the highest common strength," he said.
A Liberal-PC government would hold a commanding majority of 43 out of 49 seats in the legislature.
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Gallant has indicated he will try to win the confidence of the legislature. (James West/THE CANADIAN PRESS) Without such a deal, Bird said, another election is inevitable soon, and he believes the two smaller parties will gain more seats and make the province even harder to govern.
Such "grand coalitions" between two large, rival parties are common in European politics but almost unheard of in Canada. One of the few examples when this country came close was the federal Union government, made up of Conservatives and Liberals, during the First World War.
But Bird said many other organizations have been run well with two people at the top, including McCain Foods and J.D. Irving Ltd.
He said in an interview that both Higgs and Gallant turned down the idea, Higgs through an intermediary and Gallant in a phone call to him directly.
"In both cases the message was that it would be impossible to get together, that feelings were so deep as a result of political conflicts over the past several years that this just would not work," he said.
Even so, "I do think it's a wonderful opportunity and I've not been dissuaded. But I don't think it's likely. I know there are all kinds of political obstacles and so on, but none that could not be surpassed if all the people involved put their minds to it."
The bad blood between the Liberal and PC leaders has been on public display since election night, when Gallant announced he would rely on parliamentary precedents to convene the new legislature and try to win a confidence vote with the support of at least one smaller party.
Higgs has complained that Gallant should have called him to concede when the results showed the PCs winning more seats.
"I guess I would have expected to get a call from him on election night because that's how the system works, but I didn't," Higgs said last week.
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Higgs has said he expected Gallant to concede the election to him after the PCs won 22 seats and the Liberals won 21 seats on Sept. 24. (Andrew Vaughan/Canadian Press) Gallant in turn has accused Higgs of ignoring the parliamentary rules that let the Liberals try to govern.
"He's tried to tell New Brunswickers he's the premier-elect, which is just not the case. So obviously it puts all of us in a very difficult situation."
The two men spoke for the first time since the election on Oct. 11, when they encountered each other at an orientation session for MLAs.
"We haven't talked much directly," Higgs told Gallant.
The premier ignored the remark and congratulated the PC leader for winning his Quispamsis seat on Sept. 24.
But he said Gallant and Higgs would "set a tone" that's different from the political climate throughout North America and go down in history as statesmen willing to rise above their partisan interests.
"If they reflect on the model and the example they would be setting, I think their marks in New Brunswick history would become indelible," he said.
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David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Methinks Bud Bird is partaking a day early because he is having quite a pipe dream today N'esy Pas?
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/bud-bird-grand-coalition-1.4864674
Brian Gallant, Blaine Higgs urged to form a grand coalition to govern New Brunswick
Bud Bird, an ex-mayor and cabinet minister, says a Liberal-PC coalition is a 'historic opportunity'
Comments
David Amos
Methinks everybody should thank Bud Bird for the greatest chuckle of the day N'esy Pas?
Michael durant
There is very little separating these two mainstream parties anyway. Its been our experience for at least the last four decades both these parties follow the same political ideology and very little changes in this province. A coalition of the two is just another way of expressing little change.
Norman Albert Snr
@Michael durant They both serve the same master and it ain't us wee folk.
David Amos
@Norman Albert Snr Oh So True
Robert Brannen
Recent polling shows that the people of New Brunswick have the following preferences for a blended government:
Liberal-Green 52 %,
Progressive Conservative-Green 48 %,
Progressive Conservative-Peoples Alliance 41 %,
Liberal-Peoples Alliance 34 %.
Liberal-Green 52 %,
Progressive Conservative-Green 48 %,
Progressive Conservative-Peoples Alliance 41 %,
Liberal-Peoples Alliance 34 %.
David Amos
@Robert Brannen Methinks you and Bud Bird may be sharing the same pipe or maybe not N'esy Pas?
https://www.wikiart.org/en/rene-magritte/the-treachery-of-images-this-is-not-a-pipe-1948
https://www.wikiart.org/en/rene-magritte/the-treachery-of-images-this-is-not-a-pipe-1948
Roland Godin
It would be a tsunami political shift, from the narcissistic emotional intelligent muscle brawn side of the brain colour painting by numbers politics; to the intellectual cognitive rational side, with insight and discernment, needed to legislate.
David Amos
@Roland Godin Methinks many a true word is said in jest N'esy Pas?
Nicholas Dippler
The Irvings have spoken.
David Amos
@Nicholas Dippler YUP
Dave Peters
I believe that this reporter is more interested in the status quo than moving us forward. Do the election results even matter to you Monsieur Poitras. This province obviously wants change, perhaps your articles could reflect this once in awhile. Both leaders have indicated to Mr. Bird not a chance of coalition. Was this article to ask them to re-consider??
David Amos
@Dave Peters Methinks you should prepare for the next election N'esy Pas/
Dwight Williams
You have to understand the significance of a coalition like this. The two entrenched neoliberal parties comprise two opposing organizations whose existence has been justified mainly by the need to fight one another. For two entrenched power centres whose main objective has always been to get power and keep it from the other organization, to agree to share it instead, is a big thing.
This is fundamentally different that one of these entrenched powers agreeing to partner short-term with a fringe party. And maybe that's why the partisans here hate it so much.
This is fundamentally different that one of these entrenched powers agreeing to partner short-term with a fringe party. And maybe that's why the partisans here hate it so much.
David Amos
@Dwight Williams Methinks the PANB would have a hay day that would last four years if Bud Bird got his wish N'esy Pas?
Shawn McShane
In Europe "grand coalitions" are formed to keep the smaller parties out of government. As smaller parties gain electoral support the traditional governments lose their majorities. Traditional parties like the PCs and LIbs which have historically alternated in government join forces to remain in power. It is all about holding onto power. It isn't about democracy.
David Amos
@Shawn McShane "It isn't about democracy."
Methinks everybody knows democracy and justice are myths promoted by politicians, journalists and Hollywood No doubt Leonard Cohen's ghost agrees N'esy Pas?
Methinks everybody knows democracy and justice are myths promoted by politicians, journalists and Hollywood No doubt Leonard Cohen's ghost agrees N'esy Pas?
Al Marsden
People want good government and do not care about politicians playing childish games, jockeying for position and uncertainty.
If these guys can't grow up and do what is best for the province then have another election and toss them all out and start over.
If these guys can't grow up and do what is best for the province then have another election and toss them all out and start over.
David Amos
@Al Marsden "toss them all out and start over."
Methinks many folks would agree that is the best part of of your comment N'esy Pas?
Methinks many folks would agree that is the best part of of your comment N'esy Pas?
Dwight Williams
Can you imagine this happening in the USA?
I find this a very encouraging sign for the health of our democracy.
I find this a very encouraging sign for the health of our democracy.
David Amos
@Dwight Williams Methinks you must know that most folks consider this a joke N'esy Pas?
Mark Deckard
Someone should tell Bird that marijuana is only legal in NB starting on October 17th. What a pipe dream!
David Amos
@Mark Deckard Well Put Sir
William Edwards
Really no diff between PC and Libs, they both stink.
David Amos
@William Edwards Oh So True
Aaron Allison
I have been saying this since the election was over. It's a smart move
reginald churchill
@Aaron Allison and I wouldn't want the Conservatives working with Liberal and the anti English Acadian Party
David Amos
@reginald churchill Methinks about half the folks in the province agree with you N'esy Pas?
Jake Quinlan
If you are of the mind that these two parties are 2 sides of the same coin and you wanted neither, then this does not serve you. This would give the 2 3rd parties a hell of a lot of question period time, might be good as they may not hold much back with those questions - would put both parties records on trial at same time.
The legislation coming out of the meat grinder that is the 2 big parties being forced to compromise, may not be a bad thing either, get sort o middle of the road governance that has balanced approach to things.
Interesting politics to say the least in this place.
The legislation coming out of the meat grinder that is the 2 big parties being forced to compromise, may not be a bad thing either, get sort o middle of the road governance that has balanced approach to things.
Interesting politics to say the least in this place.
David Amos
@Jake Quinlan "Interesting politics to say the least in this place."
Welcome to the Circus
Welcome to the Circus
John Valcourt
I think this would be a good idea. Imagine if you could, our provincial politicians putting New Brunswick first, ahead of their own agendas. What a thought.
Shawn McShane
@John Valcourt Liberal/Tory same ol story. What a thought.
Dan Lee
@John Valcourt
Ithink its a great idea.................
Ithink its a great idea.................
Shawn McShane
@Dan Lee Of course you think it is a great idea to keep the Libs in power.
David Amos
@Shawn McShane YUP
Shawn McShane
Do another election instead of the above two headed abomination. Remember both parties refused to appoint a speaker. When CBC Jacques Poitras asked the PC and Liberal members if any of them would be willing to be speaker all said no and sounded snooty (radio). Roy-Vienneau could swear in a PC government led by Higgs "and see whether the Assembly would be willing to elect a Speaker under him."
There are precedents: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-no-speaker-election-1.4860366
There are precedents: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-no-speaker-election-1.4860366
Robert Brannen
@Shawn McShane
Jacques Poitras says that option would also likely fail as it did in 1908 in Newfoundland.
Jacques Poitras says that option would also likely fail as it did in 1908 in Newfoundland.
David Amos
@Robert Brannen Methinks I should be fair and reveal to you that not everybody who runs for public office cares what Jacques Poitras has to say about anything N'esy Pas?
Donna Beardy
Liberals should learn to lose with some dignity like Philippe Couillard did. They have a lot of losses coming their way in the next year.
David Amos
@Donna Beardy True
cheryl wright
for starters Higgs and most of all Gallant will not allow this to happen.. there is too much animosity between the two and really.. why spend all the money and go to the polls if they just form a government anyways
David Amos
@cheryl wright Methinks this article should go in the entertainment section N'esy Pas?
Donna Beardy
PC-Liberal alliance?
Naw….Gallant should just go away
Naw….Gallant should just go away
John Price
@Donna Beardy Naw, they should all go away. That's what the voters wanted - they didn't feel any party earned their trust for a majority, so the leaders of both major parties should go, and new platforms developed.
David Amos
@John Price I agree
Murray Brown
Sorry Bud... You are an elder statesman and you were a good politician, but that's the sort of idea that somebody who isn't in the game can say... But it is highly unlikely that Higgs and Gallant will never come together to form a coalition. Higgs needs to the PA party and viola... We have a government. If not, then we go to the polls and have a do over.
David Amos
@Murray Brown "Sorry Bud... You are an elder statesman and you were a good politician,"
Methinks you don't know the said Bud Bird I know N'esy Pas?
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/bud-bird-compares-alward-government-to-venezuela-1.1135802
Methinks you don't know the said Bud Bird I know N'esy Pas?
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/bud-bird-compares-alward-government-to-venezuela-1.1135802
Brian Gallant, Blaine Higgs urged to form a grand coalition to govern New Brunswick
Bud Bird, an ex-mayor and cabinet minister, says a Liberal-PC coalition is a 'historic opportunity'
An elder statesman of New Brunswick politics is pushing a bold idea to resolve the political standoff in the legislature: a coalition government between the Liberal and Progressive Conservative parties.
Bud Bird, a former Fredericton mayor, PC provincial cabinet minister and MP, made the proposal in a letter to Liberal Premier Brian Gallant and Progressive Conservative Leader Blaine Higgs.
"There can be no doubt of the strength and direction that would be inherent in the principles of a coalition between Liberal and Conservative parties working together in common cause for the future of New Brunswick," he said.
In an interview, Bird said Gallant and Higgs could work as co-premiers, heading a cabinet of ministers drawn in equal numbers from the Liberal and PC caucuses.
He believes a coalition of the two traditional mainstream parties is the best way out of the impasse created by the Sept. 24 election, which saw no party capture a majority of seats.
The PCs won 22 and the Liberals 21, with the Greens and the People's Alliance winning three seats each.
The Liberals hope to hold on to power by winning a confidence vote in the legislature in the coming months, even though neither of the smaller parties has committed to voting for them.
A 'historic opportunity' proposed
Bird said a better solution would be a Liberal-PC — or PC-Liberal — agreement. He wrote in his letter that it represents a "historic opportunity" for a new approach to politics.
Relying on the smaller parties would mean "we will end up governing to the lowest common denominator, as opposed to the highest common strength," he said.
A Liberal-PC government would hold a commanding majority of 43 out of 49 seats in the legislature.
Such "grand coalitions" between two large, rival parties are common in European politics but almost unheard of in Canada. One of the few examples when this country came close was the federal Union government, made up of Conservatives and Liberals, during the First World War.
But Bird said many other organizations have been run well with two people at the top, including McCain Foods and J.D. Irving Ltd.
Bird sent the letter quietly on Oct. 2 and had not planned to make it public until he was contacted by CBC News.
He said in an interview that both Higgs and Gallant turned down the idea, Higgs through an intermediary and Gallant in a phone call to him directly.
"In both cases the message was that it would be impossible to get together, that feelings were so deep as a result of political conflicts over the past several years that this just would not work," he said.
Even so, "I do think it's a wonderful opportunity and I've not been dissuaded. But I don't think it's likely. I know there are all kinds of political obstacles and so on, but none that could not be surpassed if all the people involved put their minds to it."
Bad blood between leaders
The bad blood between the Liberal and PC leaders has been on public display since election night, when Gallant announced he would rely on parliamentary precedents to convene the new legislature and try to win a confidence vote with the support of at least one smaller party.
Higgs has complained that Gallant should have called him to concede when the results showed the PCs winning more seats.
"I guess I would have expected to get a call from him on election night because that's how the system works, but I didn't," Higgs said last week.
"He's tried to tell New Brunswickers he's the premier-elect, which is just not the case. So obviously it puts all of us in a very difficult situation."
The two men spoke for the first time since the election on Oct. 11, when they encountered each other at an orientation session for MLAs.
"We haven't talked much directly," Higgs told Gallant.
The premier ignored the remark and congratulated the PC leader for winning his Quispamsis seat on Sept. 24.
Bird suggested the two men "get together in a closed room, with or without the lieutenant-governor, and talk seriously about this. … I know at first glance it will raise hackles all over the place."
But he said Gallant and Higgs would "set a tone" that's different from the political climate throughout North America and go down in history as statesmen willing to rise above their partisan interests.
"If they reflect on the model and the example they would be setting, I think their marks in New Brunswick history would become indelible," he said.
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