Answer – it is the Canadian Cabinet along with her Majesty…the latter in more of a ceremonial sense.
How many voices does the Cabinet have?
But one.
The principle of Cabinet Solidarity is engrained in our Constitutional Monarchy system of Government.
So what gives with Denis Lebel, Federal Minister of Infrastructure, Communities, and Intergovernmental Affairs saying this past Monday that he is okay with Quebec separating on the basis of a bare majority – that is to say 50% plus 1 vote?
Does that not contradict the position of Prime Minister Harper and the rest of Cabinet?
It most certainly does – in fact Canada’s Cabinet is on record as recognizing a referendum result that is clear – which presumably would not entail a simple majority of 50% plus 1 - and in that regard is in keeping with the Clarity Act which calls for “a clear majority” result.
This language is admittedly vague but can be argued that it does not allow for the bare majority vote supported by Minister Lebel.
So who speaks of Cabinet in this case?
Lebel or the rest of Cabinet?
A rhetorical question.
But Lebel’s stated position seriously undermines the Federal Cabinet – especially since he is also Harper’s Quebec Lieutenant.
So what to do.
Usually in such serious circumstances the offender is asked to step down from Cabinet.
More often, the offender himself has the integrity to do this without prodding as was done by Michael Chong when he resigned from Cabinet when it decided to recognize Quebec as a distinct nation.
What is obvious here is that Lebel’s personal belief mirrors that of the NDP Party more than it does his own.
If push comes to shove – with Quebec’s independence quest, things are going to get messy and we now know, the separatists have a friend on the inside.
And another reason for Cabinet Solidarity.
It would not be surprising if many of you were not aware of this – given the important Senate disputes occupying the time of our politicians and the media.
Heaven for bid – issues of real concern to our country receive our attention.
As I see it…
‘K.D. Galagher’
