YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING !!!!
First let me say that we are all saddened by Jack Layton's recent diagnosis and wish him well.
That said, anyone expecting his return to Parliament is simply kidding himself.
The issue I want to deal with though - is why in the world did Layton pick Turmel as his stand-in.
Turmel was the fire-brand PSAC Unionist that Shepparded the Pay Equity Settlement that cost the Feds $3.6 Billion - despite the fact that public servants are the best paid workers in the land.
More to the point, she is a Separatist Supporter even during her term as PSAC Leader - you know, PSAC - Canada's major Public Service Union. Conflict of Interest anyone?
With a bunch of rabble in their Caucus - many of whom are blatant Separatists like Turmel herself - Why, would Layton put her in Charge?
Agreed, he is thin on the ground for a replacement - but does have a couple - e.g. Paul Dewar and Libby Davies - who he could count on to provide a more balanced - ie Quebec / Rest of Canada Approach.
I predict Ms. Turmel will pander to the Quebec Caucus and in so doing will turn off the NDP base outside of that Province. Don't forget, it is that base which has stuck with the NDP through thick and thin. The others are simply new-comers who came on board through the unexpected collapse of the BLOC. It remains to be seen how long this new contingent will last but the smart money is that it will not survive the next Election.
In addition when we are speaking about Pandering - Turmel will naturally promote the welfare (?) of the Federal Public Service. Now there is a subject that will warm the hearts of the average Canadian.
So there you have it - some choice.
The odds from the beginning of Layton holding his motley crew together were long - his appointment of Turmel will simply make those odds impossible.
As I see it...
'K.D. Galagher'
