Tory majority would not have 'absolute power', Harper says
Last Updated: Tuesday, January 17, 2006 | 10:49 PM ET
CBC News
Speaking to reporters in Quebec, Harper said a Tory majority would only be able to exercise limited power in Ottawa because of a Liberal-dominated Senate and bureaucracy appointed by Liberal governments.
"The reality is we will have for some time to come a Liberal senate, Liberal civil service. At least senior levels have been appointed by the Liberals, and courts that have been appointed by the Liberals."
Harper didn't directly question the independence of the courts and the civil service but suggested years of Liberal appointments would prevent a real Conservative majority.
Stephen Harper holds a large Conservative Party umbrella upon his arrival in Hamilton, Ont. Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2006. (CP
"There's certainly no absolute power for a Conservative government and no real true majority. We will have checks on us and limits on our ability to operate that a Liberal government would not face."
Harper also stressed that he would fight against any attempt to introduce legislation regarding abortions.
"The Conservative government won't be initiating or supporting abortion legislation, and I'll use whatever influence I have in Parliament to be sure that such a matter doesn't come to a vote," Harper said.
"I will use whatever influence I have to keep that off of the agenda, and I don't see any likelihood of that in the next Parliament," he said.
He also said a Conservative government would start negotiations with the provinces over the "fiscal imbalance," but a resolution would not be quick and setting deadlines would not be helpful.
The imbalance is the financial gap between the federal government, which is running a surplus, and the provinces, which are struggling to cover the increasing costs of social programs, especially health care.
"If we win, then as soon as we are elected, we will start negotiations. It won't be easy," Harper said, but "I intend to resolve this problem within our mandate."
Harper made the comments as polls suggest the Tories are heading for a plurality of the seats in Parliament.
