The Layton has decided... so what
10 Nov 2005 Adu Raudkivi
After great anticipation and drama, the Leader of the New Democratic Party Jack Layton, upon whose decision the government will stand and/or fall, has finally decided. Layton, who has been propping up the Liberals, can cause the election if he joins the opposition Conservatives and Bloc Quebecquois, and vote for the end of the minority government.
Layton wasn't going to go for the election during the Christmas holidays, so on Wednesday, November 9, he said he will call for the election at February 15th, if the Conservatives and Bloc will agree. Since the Liberal leader Prime Minister Paul Martin has said he will call the election 30 days after Gomery Report part II which will be presented on February 1, 2006, fifteen days would be a small grace.
Layton is most fearful of a majority, or a minority with another party because he will loose the bargaining chip, which he would only have with the Liberals.
Opposition leader Stephen Harper and Bloque leader Gilles Duceppe haven't yet decided what they would do. If they had any sense they would tell Jacque not to bother.
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