This week we have a special guest for later in the hour: our new Hill buro colleague, Dean Beeby. He's new to live chatting, but he has years'
We're pretty excited to have him, as you've likely discerned by now.
Now, for other people who are new here, an abridged version of my weekly public service announcement: We run a civilized, moderated chat here. I reserve the right not to publish comments, but I do my best to publish as many as I can in a (hopefully) readable, organized fashion. No name-calling, no trash talking, no trolls. Stay on topic. If you can't play nice, at least play fair. Other than that, all opinions and questions welcome.
MB: It works fine on my desktop page... anyone else having an issue? Speak up so we can investigate. (Also might be helpful to know what browser you were trying it in.)
It shows up for me too -- it may have gotten caught by an overly protective ad block add-on, so you may want to disable for this session.
Shall we begin Kady? It's time. What were your impressions of last night's vote?
Well, with the notable exception of Irwin Cotler's abstention, there were no real surprises other than the fact that there *were* no surprises, given all our speculation over splits within the Liberal caucus.
But as far as the mood in the Commons and Foyer, before, during and after -- pretty much consistent with the tone and dynamics of the debate to date.
Darren - Actually, not really -- he and May have voted differently in the past, so while no one really predicted it, it wasn't all that shocking to see.
EMB428 - You likely found Cotler's explanation for his abstention compelling, in that case, I'd bet.
As far as the gleeful cheers - can't speak to the inside antics, but the footage of MPs leaving the chamber last night was anything but gleeful. I saw a lot of tired, sober faces when I watched it back this morning.
As for the "Whoo-hoo"-ing from the government benches, it's not that unusual for there to be off-camera heckling and other action during a vote, but I was a bit surprised by how it virtually exclusively seemed to target the Liberals.
The vote footage video is on our story from last night, by the way, if you want to call it up and watch it.
Martyn - I think he laid out his reasoning pretty thoroughly -- and actually, had he truly supported the motion, he would have voted for it, I think. Cotlers gotta cottle, as they say.
henderk: Again, check last night's story for details on what Cotler said. Link below in the chatstream.
Steve S - Not really, no. It seemed an odd and time-wasting move, unless they had reason to believe an Independent might deny consent. Even then, debate could very well have collapsed by end of government orders.
Brad Dillman - I was waiting for someone to segue to the now traditional early election speculation! :) Short answer: I'd not expect it, no, unless the situation -- and Canada's contribution -- changes in a dramatic fashion between now and then.
10 minute warning! We'll be underway at noon with our Wednesdays with @Kady live chat.
Everyone seems to be making hay that Liberals are divided on the issue. It seems to me that disagreement over such a fundamental issue is healthier than full agreement. What are your thoughts? What is your sense of the Cdn public reaction about the LPC vote, or will it register outside of the Queensway?