Political Word of the Day: duplicitous

An alternate title for this post is: A tale of two letters.

To hear Stephen Harper tell it, the Liberal, NDP and Bloc request, in the letter below, to the Governor General is tantamount to treason.

Today we respectfully inform the Governor General that, as soon as the appropriate opportunity arises, she should call on the Leader of the Official Opposition to form a new government, supported as set out in the accompanying accords by all three of our parties.

Hon. Stéphane Dion
Leader, Liberal Party of Canada

Hon. Jack Layton
Leader, New Democratic Party of Canada

Gilles Duceppe
Leader, le Bloc Québécois

On the other hand, this letter from 2004 is entirely different:

As leaders of the opposition parties, we are well aware that, given the
Liberal minority government, you could be asked by the Prime Minister
to dissolve the 38th Parliament at any time should the House of Commons
fail to support some part of the government’s program.

We respectfully point out that the opposition parties, who together
constitute a majority in the House, have been in close consultation. We
believe that, should a request for dissolution arise this should give
you cause, as constitutional practice has determined, to consult the
opposition leaders and consider all of your options before exercising
your constitutional authority.

Your attention to this matter is appreciated.

Sincerely,

Hon. Stephen Harper, P.C., M.P.
Leader of the Opposition
Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada

Gilles Duceppe, M.P.
Leader of the Bloc Quebecois

Jack Layton, M.P.
Leader of the New Democratic Party

It seems the Prime Minister is arguing the Governor General should have no role in governance, but in 2004, when he wrote his letter, his feelings were entirely different.

Also, take note of the signatures below MP, Leader of the Opposition, Harper's.

In 2004, apparently it was perfectly acceptable to work with socialists and separatists.

Further, the Conservatives "been in close consultation" with socialists and separatists.

It would appear the current situation is politics as usual.

Related Links
Coalition Letter [Exchange Morning Post]
2004 letter to the Goveror General [Liberal Party of Canada]

Bonus Video