Liberals Considering Snap Election Over Conservatives’ Accountability

The opposition party is reportedly mulling a no confidence vote over a slew of recent lack of transparency allegations.

The Grits may be on to something. With the Conservatives on the defensive over an election spending scandal, the Bev Oda affair, and the government’s refusal to disclose the cost of anti-crime legislation, the Liberals appear to believe the Conservatives are vulnerable to accusations of lack of accountability. Michael Ignatieff is reportedly considering bringing down the government before the budget is tabled on March 22, a risky move that could help completely reframe the national political debate but also spark voter ire over what could be seen as an unnecessary election. The gambit hinges on House Speaker Peter Milliken’s ruling, expected this month, on whether the Conservatives were in contempt of Parliament over the cost of crime legislation.