Do What JimBobby Sez (Bill C-292)

JimBobby clued me into Bill C-292, An Act to implement the Kelowna Accord a couple of days ago. Introduced by former PM Paul Martin, the bill resembles C-288 (Kyoto Implementation) in that it tells the government that it must honor previous agreements, in this case the agreements made at the First Ministers Meeting on Aboriginal issues, held in Kelowna in November, 2005.

At 2nd reading the Bill passed 159-129, with unanimous opposition support and maybe a couple of dissident Tories along for the ride. Pushing this bill, in addition to being the right thing to do, looks to be a political slam-dunk for the opposition. I doubt anyone can defend the CPoC position without slipping into overt racism, which might be instructive if we are indeed teetering on the edge of an election call. In fact, Today Quebec Premier Jean Charest took a rare shot at Harper in regards to the Kelowna Accord:


PIKOGAN, Que. - Quebec Premier Jean Charest called Saturday on Prime Minister Stephen Harper to honour the Kelowna accord, saying the money the federal government had pledged would make a big difference in the lives of Quebec's First Nations.

"I thought the Kelowna meeting was significant and that we should pursue what was done in Kelowna," Charest told reporters. "I would like them to honour it."

So keep an eye on this one as it comes up for 3rd reading. Lets see if Harper has it in him to act with Honor.

And remember, if JimBobby's behind it, it's gotta be good, because this fella never lies (and the boy can sing too).