Tories would accept checks and balances: Harper
Last Updated: Wednesday, January 18, 2006 | 12:43 PM ET
CBC News
Harper was asked by reporters to clarify his remarks from Tuesday that a Tory majority wouldn't wield power unfettered because of the Liberal-dominated Senate, and a civil service and judiciary that have been put in place by the Liberals.
"We have no alternative but to accept the checks; they're part of our system," Harper said in Toronto.
Judges, even though they are appointed by the government, are "independent, there's no doubt about that," he said.
Stephen Harper gives a thumbs-up to supporters at a campaign rally in Montreal, Que., Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2006. (CP photo)
"Judges are named, [and] judges can't be removed by governments except under extraordinary circumstances."
The Liberals have jumped on the comments, however, as indicating that the Conservatives want to revisit issues such as gay-marriage rights and abortion.
Harper also said he believes much of the civil service would welcome a new government and would be happy with the changes the Tories want to implement.
"I actually think that the vast majority of civil servants would welcome a government that would provide some direction for the civil service and for the country. I think they've been lacking that the past few years," he said.
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As for the Senate, Harper said he wants to reform the upper house, but recognizes that wouldn't happen quickly.
The Liberals have a huge majority in the Senate, which Harper said could be a worry.
"The Liberal Senate in the past was extremely unco-operative when their party wasn't in power," he said.
"I hope that better judgment will prevail and the unelected Senate will play the role that historically it has played, which has been a useful technical role, but will not try to interfere with the democratic will of the elected House."
