Parliament Passes Kyoto Bill

"The prime minister cannot cherry pick laws. He's not the new emperor of Canada."
-Pablo Rodriguez (L-Honoré-Mercier)

Harper's definitely wishing he was an emperor right about now.

Opposition MPs pass Kyoto bill despite Tory resistance:

The opposition parties teamed up Wednesday to pass a private member's bill that requires the government to meet international Kyoto targets — despite the Conservatives' attempt to kill the bill hours before the vote.

The bill, which was introduced 10 months ago by Liberal backbencher Pablo Rodriguez, gives the government 60 days to table a detailed plan outlining how Canada will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

The bill, backed by the NDP and the Bloc Québécois, passed 161-113 on Wednesday night. All the Conservatives who were present voted against it.

"I declare the motion passed," Speaker Peter Milliken said.

The bill urges the government to create fines and jail terms for businesses and industries that over-pollute.

Needless to say, not one Conservative voted for it.

...the government hinted strongly that it would simply ignore the law, and would be prepared to face any resulting lawsuits or even a non-confidence motion that could cause an election.

The Liberals have compared such defiance to a "coup d'etat," and say the basic principles of parliamentary democracy compel the government to respect the laws adopted in Parliament.
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Here's some gutless reaction for you:

"(Rodriguez) should put his money where his mouth is," said one senior government official, who asked to remain anonymous.

"(Let him) table a non-confidence motion."

Baird had a typical statement on the matter as well:

Environment Minister John Baird heaped ridicule on the bill, although he did not say explicitly that he would ignore it.

"This is a don't-worry-be-happy bill that says, 'Table a plan in 60 days,' " Baird said.

"If it was so easy, I suspect the Liberals would have done it when they had the opportunity."

But your so-called NEW government is supposed to be so much better, Baird! Have you suddenly lost confidence in your greatness?

As for a non-confidence motion, I say bring it on. The environment is the main concern of Canadians right now and the tories can run all of the silly attack ads they want to but there's no way they'll be able to get around the will of parliament on this bill.