The Hill Times provides another glimpse into how Mr. Dithers has botched another file, this time Bill-38, the SSM bill. Regardless of your opinion on this legislation, the management of this file has been shameful. If you are too believe that to PM Martin this an issue of "fundamental human rights" then why was this bill not passed when Jean Chretien was still Prime Minister? Or as Paul Martin's second action as the newly crowned PM? Or this session, when the government clearly has the numbers?
Ah, that is the problem. They have the numbers to pass Bill C-38 but it may cost them Bill C-48 and their government. Apparently these human rights are not that fundamental. Mr. Dithers will trade in his fundamental beliefs to keep his back bench in line. Don't expect Bill C-38 to pass in the fall either. My guess is it will die on the order paper when Parliament is prorogued and this issue will be in limbo in spring 2006 at the earliest.
