Full panic mode has set in.
PM Martin will be fundamentally addressing the let-me-be-clear nation tomorrow at 7:45 PM come hell or high-water.
Here is the CTV story.
With all signs pointing to the Liberal minority government's defeat as soon as May 19, Prime Minister Paul Martin is set to address the nation Thursday night to discuss the sponsorship program and the paralysis in Parliament.
Mike Duffy reports that the Liberals are concerned that they have not been able to get their message out through the traditional media and the want to go over their heads directly to the Canadian people. Looks like they are going to ask the voters to wait until the Gomery report is tabled in the fall. In short he is pleading for his political career.
He also reports that the Opposition Parties are tabling a non-confidence motion in the Public Accounts Committee. The Opposition Parties hold the majority on this panel so it will pass and be brought to the House on May 2nd.
570 News is reporting that PM Martin will not be dissolving Parliament.
Here is a link to the announcement on the PMO site. Notice that it is closed to the media. Wouldn't want to face any tough questions eh?
Warren Kinsella figures the Liberals are going to prorogue (man, I have never even heard this word until Monday). However Scott Reid denies this. I sense a theme. Mr. Kinsella speaks, Mr. Reid denies all to the tune of dueling banjo's.
Here is what Scott Reid has to say.
..."We're clearly in an exceptional circumstance," said Scott Reid, Martin's communications director.
"While he will not be proposing that Parliament be dissolved or prorogued, he will be direct in saying what he has done and what he believes should be done to address the current situation."
Mr. Kinsella has updated his sight with the Liberal e-release.
PRIME MINISTER ADDRESSES THE NATION Prime Minister Paul Martin will address the nation on Thursday, April 21, 2005 at 7:45 pm. in a news conference from his House of Commons office.
He will speak about the sponsorship program and the current situation in Parliament.
Prime Minister Martin will speak about the sponsorship program and the current situation in Parliament.
The message will be delivered in both official languages and he will speak for approximately five to six minutes.
The Prime Minister will not call for the dissolution of Parliament or seek the prorogation of Parliament.
The Prime Minister will address how unproductive and partisan the current atmosphere has become.
He will be direct in saying what he has done in regard to the sponsorship program and what he believes should be done to address the current political climate.
The decision to give his statement at this time of day is designed to ensure the greatest number of Canadians can see and hear firsthand what he has to say.
You can see the NDP, BQ and CPC reaction on CBC Politics. Click on the Wed Evening link and go to about the 30 min. mark.
Susan Bonner points out that the address will be going up against Extreme Makeover and Survivor.
Nice line.
Paul Wells speculates that he will announce something big, like dropping the writ after Justice Gomery releases his report.
Andrew Coyne is on the speculation watch as well.
