The text and audio of Prime Minister Paul Martin’s speech to the Canadian people.
As people focus their attention on the commission’s hearings, let’s remember that the inquiry is being held in front of a judge for good reason.
There is conflicting testimony; only the judge is in a position to determine the truth. Only he can cut through the partisan politics. Only he can tell us what happened and who was responsible.
We’ve all heard that the opposition may defeat the government and take the country to the polls for the second time in a year.
I am prepared to face Canadians and have them judge my response to this serious test of leadership. I will be politically accountable. But I believe that before there is an election, you are entitled to answers – to the answers that Judge Gomery is working toward. I believe that Canadians deserve a full and frank accounting of all the facts. Fairness and due process require nothing less.
For that reason, I commit to you tonight that I will call a general election within 30 days of the publication of the commission’s final report and recommendations. Let Judge Gomery do his work. Let the facts come out. And then the people of Canada will have their say.
If the Opposition forces an election before then, that is their choice. But I believe we can do better. I believe we can – and we should – use the coming months to pursue the public’s business. To act on the issues that matter most to you and make a difference in your life.
Text of Stephen Harper’s response.
Published 3 years, 4 months agoMr. Martin received his mandate by holding an election before any of the facts of the sponsorship scandal were known.
Last May, it was Mr. Martin’s decision to shut down the public accounts committee in its attempt to get to the truth.
It was Mr. Martin’s decision to call an election last year before a single witness had been heard by Justice Gomery.
And it was Mr. Martin’s decision to turn a blind eye to it all when he was minister of finance
Do Canadians really believe that the number two man in a government now under a cloud of corruption, is the person to clean up that mess today?
Do Canadians really believe that the Gomery inquiry would be operating if the Liberals had won a majority?
And do you really believe that the Liberals will ultimately prosecute themselves, and hold their own to account?
I don’t believe that. I don’t think you believe that.
All of this creates a great deal of difficulty for us as the official opposition.
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Wonderful comments by Mr. Harper. Have this guy be your PM.
Bene, what did you think?
I don’t think this was a TV speech.
There are other ways to disseminate what he wanted to say, and I found using this medium close to manipulation.
The fact Martin felt the political need and pressure to do so says something about the electorate and our need to have answers now. Are we that fickle?
Is it the nature of our distrust of the office?
Martin attempting to eat crow isn’t pretty.
If Martin hadn’t promised an election within the month of Gomery’s finish, I’d be hard pressed to believe what he said. Thing is, there would be an election within a month after he ‘calls’ this one anyway.
100 million dollars missing in a federal budget
(http://www.fin.gc.ca/budget05/pamph/paovee.htm)
doesn’t seem like a lot. But it is.
The system is broken.
I can actually believe Martin didn’t know.
But he should have known.
With the size of the department, why did it take the AG to ‘find’ it? We put a minority government in to fix the corruption and lapse. Trouble is, not much else is getting done.
I think Martin has a good speech writer being used at the wrong time. We didn’t need prime time to hear this.
Given the rancour between him and Chretien all these years and the fact the money went down the hole when he was finance minister I’m finding the title of Right Honourable Paul Martin hard to swallow. Nothing new in that opinion. I’ve been angry since Fraser’s report.
I think promising an election within the month of Gomery’s finding’s is reasonable deal making with the electorate because there is nowhere else for the Liberals to go.
I honestly don’t know if we’ll take it.
What did you think Darryl?
I think you are right dh.
I feel disillusioned with the government.
I think any government of any stripe needs renewal after about two terms in office.
I also think that the opposition parties aren’t able to really mount a strong challenge to the Liberals.
It was clear that the opposition had their remarks prepared well in advance of Martin’s speech. They failed to comment on the substance of what the PM said, especially regarding the election call within 30 days of Gomery’s decision. I expected the opposition leaders to behave like an opposition and comment on the speech itself, not to preach a stump speech. Layton’s speech was the most bizzare, with his environmental diatribe and his concession to working with the Libs after he just called them corrupt.
Criticizing the Liberal gov’t these days is like shooting fish in a barrel. But an election call before Gomery finishes his work would be a terrible waste of taxpayer money. It would be leaping to judgment without due process.
kgp
You sound a little biased Kevin.
I don’t think when the election should or shouldn’t be called is the issue at all. Framing the debate in that context is simply reflective of more Liberal party deceit.
What is at issue is the the ability of this government to do what it is mandated to do and that is govern. Is Mr. Martin really suggesting a moratorium on governance for the next eight months? How does parliament continue to function when the ruling party is so tainted by scandal.
Mr. Leighton’s machiavellian posturing aside this parliament can no longer justify supporting this government in light of the Gomery revelations.
Enough mea culpa, Mr. Martin. Do the “right honorable” thing and resign.
“How does parliament continue to function when the ruling party is so tainted by scandal?”
It can’t
“Is Mr. Martin really suggesting a moratorium on governance for the next eight months?
yes that is why him and the other liberals do not want another election.
“Enough mea culpa, Mr. Martin. Do the “right honorable” thing and resign.”
I agree and this is the true way for resolve in Canada. But I’m just a messy American. “)
Hi DH: Calling yourself a messy American is sort of name calling.:^)
The Gomery Inquiry could continue regardless of a spring election - it would take an order of council to shut it down.
For what it is worth, here is an article on what is/isn’t/has been done.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20050423/MARTIN23/National/Idx
There are a lot of reasons the Liberals don’t want an election.
As for Canadian resolve, the number one institution/people distrusted in Canada is politics and politicans, right behind them lawyers.
And they need to do the right thing and have a new election. (no pun intended) I have been mentioning this as the number one reason. I wish Bene you would admit the politics of the Liberals and say they need an election rather than being just as scared as they are. Scared of the outcome. Typical. so I’ll rephrase again. Isn’t it politics to be scared of the outcome and thereby not wanting a new election than doing the right thing and have a new one? Please answer Bene I have been waiting for many posts rather than the hiding.
Just being funny. (not meant to be harsh) Have a wonderful day Bene.
Okay Doug - Canada needs an election.
I’m not hiding. I’m saying a spring election isn’t something I’m looking forward to. You have a wonderful day too.;^)