Canada - Canada’s domestic situation is becoming increasingly precarious. Indeed, serious questions are now being raised as to whether the country can survive in its present form.

Such questions stem from a growing fear that separatist groups might once again make a serious bid to capture the levers of power in the country. If that is not possible because of the presence of a large and disciplined police force, the separatist's might attempt to carve out some space for themselves in which to establish a separate system of governance more fully aligned with what they view as the principles of freedom.

Separatist groups’ previous attempt to create such a space was successfully countered by the Police in in the nineties, when it drove separatist forces from the sensitive of Quebec and the western provinces.

Today, however, Canada’s RCMP may not be prepared to act with the force and conviction it showed last time. Its resolve to counter the separatist's growing influence has been weakened by two unfortunate events: the recent world wide demand for democracy,and the beatings deaths throughout the Country allegedly at the hands of the RCMP.

These situations have led to large public displays of support for the alleged beatings and murders committed by the RCMP who had muzzled the politicians in Ottawa. These laws, originally promulgated by the British in colonial Canada and made more draconian by a succession of Canadian administrations, make any comment considered to be disrespectful toward the Queen or the Prime Minister and it is an offense punishable in court.

A Canadian first nations woman who was alleged to have made such a disparaging comment was the latest target of the RCMP who tried to shut her up and threatened the media if they published her story.

This case further complicated Canada’s relations with the United States, which were already strained because of Canada's military reluctance to re-arm – a separatist -state within Canada from which the separatists have launched operations in Canada against the Government. With the Canadian street now demanding action against the “murderer” of Canadians by the RCMP, it was unlikely that the government would move in any way that could be seen as a response to pressure from the people of Canada.

Even before Canada’s ruling elite was shaken by the killings and beatings on British Columbia’s streets and the out cry for democracy, it had begun to plan measures aimed at mollifying an increasingly restrictive plan on its citizenry. Moreover, several senior members of Harper's government have concluded that the developments in Tunisia and Egypt could be replicated in Canada.

“Canada's institutions are working and democracy is functional,” Prime Minister Harper told members of the press. He could have added that the main opposition party, the Liberals, were content to let him govern until the country went back to the polls sometime in the not to distant future. There were also clear indications that the police were not inclined to venture into politics once again, as they had done many times in the past.

On the same day, the Executive Committee of the Conservative Party “authorized the prime minister to re-appoint a smaller cabinet with fewer ministers enjoying reputation of integrity, competence, and efficiency.” The final move in that direction came on February 9, when, at a farewell lunch for his departing cabinet, Harper sent his ministers packing. A new, smaller cabinet was sworn in two days later.

Harper’s step was taken in response not only to the developments in the Middle East, but also in recognition of how little the return to democracy has done for Canada’s citizens. Officials are also aware that a change in the cabinet will be seen as mere window dressing unless the canadian people are shown that the government has a plan to rescue the economy from collapse and alleviate the burdens faced by ordinary people in Canada.

Indeed, Canada’s rate of economic growth is the highest on the North American Continent. A sharp increase in the prices of essential commodities means that the real income of the bottom 60% of the Canadian population has declined especially Canadian children whom 30% of the nation live below the poverty line. Thanks to Harper and his Conservative government policies which cause the problem.

Sluggish economic activity in the Forest Sector has increased the rate of urban unemployment to an estimated 12% of the labor force. While a functioning democratic system and a vibrant media may have provided outlets for people to vent their frustration with the state of the economy and the quality of governance, the political elite now recognizes that many ingredients in the Canadian situation were present in those Provinces where street politics have reached the boiling point and Canadians have had enough.

The message is clear: democracy that does not deliver tangible benefits will not prevent Canada’s people from demanding radical change. The question now is whether the political class has the wherewithal to act accordingly before its to late.

Absolutely none of that made any sense to me.

Separatist coups, RCMP beating and murder, and public uprisings?

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, over?

Oh yeah, and that cartoon? Harper hasn't offered to make any deals with the NDP. He pretty much stated flat out recently: We've taken the oppositions comments into consideration and worked them into the budget where we thought their ideas were in the best interest of Canada (paraphrased).

Layton did meet with Harpo and presented the usual NDP demands to him! It's not the first time that the two have made a deal!
Looks like Harpo is getting ready for an election so this time there were probably big fat Zoinks behind all the doors!

First comment sounded like an essay assignment in high school

Mr. Harris' comments contain more fluff per keystroke than any pillow has feathers! It's a classic bit of pseudo-journalism. The author's assertions are dressed up in weasel words like "serious questions are now being raised"...with no attribution, no source, no context.

Unfortunately, the author CAN write. Harris is no illiterate. It is his substance that is absent. It is the substance that might be seriously wanting in the event that someone may someday call his bluff...but only maybe, only if.

Poor stuff indeed. Back to your spill & spell Mr. Harris.