Coalition cabinet may have city MP: Copps
Daniel Nolan and Emma Reilly
The Hamilton Spectator
(Dec 3, 2008)
http://www.thespec.com/News/CanadaWorld/article/475906
Sheila Copps has been called upon to help advise the Liberal-NDP coalition that may soon topple the Conservative government.
"My advice has been asked and sought and I've been giving it," the former Hamilton East Liberal MP and onetime deputy prime minister said yesterday. "There's a huge political journey between here and government and I've had some advice that I've passed along."
Copps, who sat in the House of Commons for 20 years until 2004, said she was one of many high-ranking Liberals former Liberal prime minister Jean Chretien consulted in creating the coalition with former NDP leader Ed Broadbent.
Copps said she gave advice on the role of the Bloc Quebecois, which was not to have them as partners, but supporters of the coalition. She said she and other Liberals foresaw that the Conservatives would accuse the Liberals and NDP of being in bed with the separatists, but she believes by not formally involving them in the coalition, that issue is not a political sticking point.
"I think the way they've handled it is perfect," she said. "(The Bloc) are not part of the coalition. They are going to be consulted, but they are not going to extract any quid pro quo for separation."
Copps said Hamilton Centre NDP MP David Christopherson is being mentioned in Liberal circles as a potential cabinet member. She said the six NDP cabinet spots are up to NDP Leader Jack Layton, but Christopherson is being talked about because the coalition leaders want cabinet members with previous experience.
Christopherson, who has represented Hamilton Centre since 2004, served in the Bob Rae cabinet in the early 1990s and sat in the Ontario legislature for 13 years.
"I've discussed his name with different people, people who wonder who would the NDP have," Copps said. "The knowledge of government is very important. It's going to be a very delicate parliamentary operation and, even though they have a signed agreement, any small thing can explode. So the experience that David has would be invaluable in a ministry and it would also be great for Hamilton."
Copps said she understands Layton is "going for" industry minister.
Christopherson downplayed talk of his potential role in the coalition cabinet.
"I'm going to pay little or no attention to that, unless I have a reason to," he said. "It would be a very small cabinet in a very big country."
He said the mood in Ottawa is "crazy" and his party's sole focus is removing the Tories. He says it's too early to say who could be tapped for cabinet.
Still, Christopherson said he would consider a cabinet position if asked.
"I always give serious consideration to anything my leader asks of me, but I believe my constituents want to hear that my priority is them, not me."
Copps said "the big issue" remains what Governor General Michaelle Jean will do if Prime Minister Stephen Harper asks her to prorogue Parliament until the end of January. She said Jean may not go along with that, but she hears bureaucrats in the Privy Council Office are supporting that move, arguing the coalition does not have a Western Canada element "and is not representative enough."
Copps said that would remedied through cabinet postings.
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