EvanL
02-24-2004, 11:32 PM
Vote on BQ motion is first test of loosened party discipline
OTTAWA (CP) - About 30 Liberal MPs voted against their government today in support of a Bloc Quebecois motion demanding that Ottawa refuse to participate in talks related to the U.S. missile defence program.
The motion was defeated 155 to 71, but more than one-third of the nay votes came from the Liberal caucus.
Canada and the United States have been talking for several weeks about the prospects of Canada joining the defence system, which is scheduled to be operational this fall.
Defence Minister David Pratt hasn't ruled out the possibility interceptor rocket launchers and radar stations could be based in Canada as part of the program.
Among the Liberals who voted for the Bloc motion today were MP Yvon Charbonneau, who serves as parliamentary secretary to Public Security Minister Anne McLellan.
Charbonneau, who joined at least six Quebec Liberal MPs in support of the motion, said he was happy to freely express his opinion on the U.S. plan.
"This vast (missile) program is somewhat ill-conceived and unjustified," Charbonneau said in an interview.
"What are the real reasons for creating such a huge program that will cost billions and will lead to weapons being sent to space?"
He added: "I don't see where these enemies are who would be targeted by this type of program."
The vote today was the first opportunity for government members to take advantage of the free-vote system implemented recently by Prime Minister Paul Martin.
Martin has set out new rules that would loosen party discipline and make it easier for backbenchers to vote as they choose on many bills.
Pratt attempted to minimize the significance of the vote, pointing out fewer than 20 per cent of the Liberal caucus voted with the Bloc.
The Bush administration hopes that developing a global shield against ballistic missiles will protect it against potential threats from countries like North Korea.
The current plan involves missiles based in Alaska and California, with targetting radars in Alaska, Greenland and possibly Australia.
OTTAWA (CP) - About 30 Liberal MPs voted against their government today in support of a Bloc Quebecois motion demanding that Ottawa refuse to participate in talks related to the U.S. missile defence program.
The motion was defeated 155 to 71, but more than one-third of the nay votes came from the Liberal caucus.
Canada and the United States have been talking for several weeks about the prospects of Canada joining the defence system, which is scheduled to be operational this fall.
Defence Minister David Pratt hasn't ruled out the possibility interceptor rocket launchers and radar stations could be based in Canada as part of the program.
Among the Liberals who voted for the Bloc motion today were MP Yvon Charbonneau, who serves as parliamentary secretary to Public Security Minister Anne McLellan.
Charbonneau, who joined at least six Quebec Liberal MPs in support of the motion, said he was happy to freely express his opinion on the U.S. plan.
"This vast (missile) program is somewhat ill-conceived and unjustified," Charbonneau said in an interview.
"What are the real reasons for creating such a huge program that will cost billions and will lead to weapons being sent to space?"
He added: "I don't see where these enemies are who would be targeted by this type of program."
The vote today was the first opportunity for government members to take advantage of the free-vote system implemented recently by Prime Minister Paul Martin.
Martin has set out new rules that would loosen party discipline and make it easier for backbenchers to vote as they choose on many bills.
Pratt attempted to minimize the significance of the vote, pointing out fewer than 20 per cent of the Liberal caucus voted with the Bloc.
The Bush administration hopes that developing a global shield against ballistic missiles will protect it against potential threats from countries like North Korea.
The current plan involves missiles based in Alaska and California, with targetting radars in Alaska, Greenland and possibly Australia.