The opposition won’t be uniting in the House of Commons today on a none confidence motion because the person in question decided to throw himself on his sword and resign.

Maurice Vellacott was tagged as chair of the Commons aboriginal affairs committee, and he is blaming others (read Liberals) for his decision to step down.

If there had been a vote of none confidence today, he could have blamed all three opposition parties.

His appointment has been opposed by the opposition, Saskachewan Aboriginals (officially), The Canadian Bar Association and his many of his constituents. And various others around the country.

Vellacott would have received about 10 thousand dollars above his salary as an MP for chairing - he is free to blame anyone he wishes too for the voices raised in protest. Appointments need to reflect the beliefs of the party and the integrity of the government, and this wasn’t one of them.

Given Mr. Vellacott’s history, I can’t figure out the reasoning in the PMO on this appointment. Neither could a lot of people, apparently, and we don’t know what pressure was put on behind the scenes by the PMO, especially after the weekend. It would have been appropriate to see Harper stand up in this situation and publically exercise his authority.

I’m sure the PMO (Prime Minister’s Office) has had an alternate standing by since the initial annoucement. If not since the first of the month, at least since the weekend’s kerfuffle. 

Vellacott: (Globe and Mail)

“Regrettably, I see displayed a more reckless partisan nature by the Liberals on the aboriginal affairs and northern development committee than I have seen in all my nine years as a member of Parliament,” he said in a statement.

“Unfortunately, in this case, I fear that their agenda of bitter partisanship will submerge aboriginal issues and make it extremely difficult to accomplish anything productive on behalf of our aboriginal brothers and sisters in this committee, in this Parliament.

“I dearly hope it turns out otherwise.”

It’s been good to see the electorate paying attention. 

Vellacott, who will continue to represent Saskatoon-Wanuskewin as an MP, denied that he was pressured by his own party to step down.

“No, it’s totally voluntary,” he said in a brief interview in his Ottawa office.

“I’ll let you draw your own conclusions,” he added, when asked if he felt unfairly targeted.

Not saying a word. That statement speaks for itself.:^)
full statement