Iggy's leadership falls down a mine

The Liberal leader's no-show at Parliament's vote on an ethical mining bill has many observers, including his own party members, wondering where he stands on the issue.

Bill C-300 would have set up guidelines for Canadian mining companies abroad and given the government the power to withdraw political and financial support from companies found to be acting unethically. Although tabled by Liberal MP John McKay, Michael Ignatieff made sure he and 12 other Liberals were absent from the vote, and the bill was defeated 140-134.

Passing the bill would have helped address a dangerous double standard, writes the Montreal Gazette editorial board. “In Canada, mining companies are monitored (sometimes imperfectly) on environmental matters, and also for adherence to standards of good corporate practice,” the Gazette says. “But threaten those same companies with the duty to adhere to Canadian standards in their operations abroad, and they cry foul.” The paper doesn’t buy the industry’s argument that the bill would encourage Canadian mining companies to relocate to more lax jurisdictions. “It is surely not possible that Barrick Gold … that this week reported a record third-quarter profit of $837 million, is so dependent on (unconditional government support) that it would consider leaving Canada to set up in another jurisdiction.”

According to Jane Taber’s account of the vote in the Globe and Mail, Michael Ignatieff gave a lesson in how not to lead on this issue. Although he had previously made some vague comments about problems with the bill, the day of the vote he said nothing, but apparently instructed the Liberal whip to tell his MPs to stay away. According to Taber, “Some Liberals were perturbed that Mr. Ignatieff was inserting himself into private member’s business as many MPs view such legislation as their sole opportunity … to practice democracy by voting freely.” Moments after the vote, Ignatieff issued a press release saying that the Liberals were committed to global corporate social responsibility. Just, y’know, in the abstract way that doesn’t require showing up and voting for it.

“If Ignatieff doesn’t stand with McKay and most of his caucus,” asks the Toronto Star, “just where does he stand? Canadians need to know.”