On getting the full picture

There's been plenty of talk about how Harper will be able to maintain power by proceeding issue-by-issue, putting forward only small proposals which will win certain support from at least one opposition party and thereby implementing much of the Con platform. For those wondering how far the Cons could get with that strategy, Jack Layton makes it clear that the NDP for one won't play along with such fragmented policy when it comes to the budget:

NDP Leader Jack Layton said Tuesday he wants to see the incoming Conservatives' full budget plan before deciding whether to back a Tory plan to cut the GST.

“We'll see what the proposal is with the budget,” he told reporters before heading into his party's caucus meeting in Ottawa...

Mr. Layton told reporters Tuesday that the NDP will now “consider all of the proposals in the context of the whole of the budget.”

Layton's move should be an effective one in forcing the Cons to put some more of their cards on the table. After all, why wouldn't the governing party be willing to at least set out a full fiscal plan rather than merely passing a GST cut immediately and leaving the rest of the country's finances for later?

Granted, there is one readily apparent reason to refuse...namely, if the Cons don't think that the budget as a whole can survive if all three opposition parties see it in its full context. But even if that seems likely, surely Harper would rather take his criticism through negotiations than through a non-confidence vote. And public discussion of the problems in a proposed budget could work wonders to force Harper into a more moderate arrangement.

Layton's move today should help both ensure a more open process for budget negotiations, and maybe play a role in influencing the content as well. And given Layton's proven track record of being able to make deals that work out for all concerned, Harper would do well to take the cue and ensure that the GST cut is packaged with a budget that won't drive the opposition away from the table.