Canada same-sex marriage vote TODAY!

[matt_mcl]

Since the government invoked closure last night, Bill C-38 will be voted on today at third reading. Supporters are about 25 up over opponents so the bill is expected to pass.

It will then go through the Senate, after which it will be signed into law by the Governor General.

According to the projected order of business (http://www.parl.gc.ca/38/1/parlbus/chambus/house/projected/projected-E.htm), the vote should come up sometime between 1 and 2 PM Eastern. You can tune into CPAC, Canada's parliamentary channel (http://www.cpac.ca/forms/index.asp?dsp=template&act=view3&template_id=22&lang=e), to watch this momentous occasion.

[Otto]

Hey cool, I thought your government was too busy imploding to have this come to a vote.

[matt_mcl]

It got un-imploded. ^_^

[Flutterby]

Cool, well I'll find out on the news tonight as I'll be working at that time. *crosses fingers*

[bouv]

I listen to a Canadian station on my commute to work, and I heard them mentioning that somone at some point passed a resolution or whatever to limit talks on this Bill to eight hours or more. :confused: I'm assuming the DJ just mis-spoke, and meant eight hours or less, right? I mean...did a senator/representative/whoever (i admit my knowledge of Canadian government is limited) really force them to talk for at least eight hours on this thing?

[Liz]

I have my fingers crossed and am watching with much interest, Matt!

[elfbabe]

It got un-imploded. ^_^

Yeah, no matter what the Liberals do, they'll still be more appealing than the Conservatives in the end. Goes like this:

Liberals: *scandal scandal* *abuse power*
Canadians: Screw you guys! We're voting Conservative!
Stephen Harper: *rant* *slobber*
Canadians: Eeeek! Run away!

I am waiting excitedly.

[Rysto]

I listen to a Canadian station on my commute to work, and I heard them mentioning that somone at some point passed a resolution or whatever to limit talks on this Bill to eight hours or more. :confused: I'm assuming the DJ just mis-spoke, and meant eight hours or less, right? I mean...did a senator/representative/whoever (i admit my knowledge of Canadian government is limited) really force them to talk for at least eight hours on this thing?
The Liberals invoked closure, which means that they've forced an end to debate and are bring the bill up to be voted on. I'd assume that the DJ misspoke, unless he was referring to the Conservatives' attempts to fillibuster the bill in the past few weeks.

[Larry Mudd]

It was fun to watch the Conservatives twist in the wind yesterday. Something's twisted, anyway.Because it's being passed with the support of the Bloc, I think it will lack legitimacy for a lot of Canadians.Riiight. BQ support invalidates it. It's not like it has support from everyone except the Raving Bloody Loony Party, or anything. :D

I suspect that the Liberals may invoke closure, which they've done as recently as last week. The Liberals have banded together with the Bloc and NDP in the past to shut down Parliament and that strategy may unfold again.Riiiight. Because getting on with the business of passing popular legislation that you know will pass is "shutting down" parliament. The true purpose of a parliamentarian is to drone on and on and on and on without letting anyone else get a word in edgeways, until you start to froth at the mouth and fall over backwards. That's why they get up every morning -- to forestall the inevitable march toward a civil and just society, through simple long-windedness. The nation depends on it.

Anyway: Woot!

[elfbabe]

Yeah, I saw what Stephen Harper said about the Bloc votes... is he nuts? (That's a rhetorical question, by the way)

I hope that man continues leading the Conservatives for a long, long time.

[Cyros]

Yeah, I saw what Stephen Harper said about the Bloc votes... is he nuts? (That's a rhetorical question, by the way)

I hope that man continues leading the Conservatives for a long, long time. That man sure knows how to put his foot in his mouth. BQ are a recognized party with elected officials that happen to support equal rights. This is not a separatist issue and he knows it.

One of the headlines on Yahoo Canada right now is "Harper to tour country to dispel negative image". (http://news.yahoo.com/s/cpress/20050628/ca_pr_on_na/harper_summer;_ylt=AgPEyTYLuEBBhqoEBaDWbHKFM1IB;_ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl) I can only assume he plans to use hypnosis.

[Northern Piper]

It will then go through the Senate, after which it will be signed into law by the Governor General.Little nitpick: the Crown's representative doesn't sign bills - that's what the Prez does in the U.S.

At the end of the session, the GovGen goes to the Parliament house, since she is about to exercise her legislative function as part of the Parliament. She sits on the throne in the Senate, and the titles of the bills that have passed both houses are read to her. As each one is read, she's asked if she gives royal assent. (They used to use the traditional Norman French question: "La Reyne le veult?" ["The Queen so wishes?"] - don't know if they still do that.) She nods. That's it. Bill now is an Act of Parliament. No pen required.

[Cat Whisperer]

<snip>I hope that man continues leading the Conservatives for a long, long time.
I hope he doesn't - our country desperately needs at least two valid national parties capable of forming a sustainable government as checks and balances on each other.

[elfbabe]

our country desperately needs at least two valid national parties capable of forming a sustainable government as checks and balances on each other.

It sure does, and I support that even though I know any other big national party will likely be rather far to the right of my own political beliefs. I don't want the current Conservative party to be that party, though. Maybe the Liberals could split into the Not-Quite-As-Liberals and the Somewhat-More-Liberals, and Stephen could lead the Conservatives as a minor fringe party. :D


Disclaimer: elfbabe is not actually Canadian yet. But she is moving to Ottawa in a month and a half and has an actual Canadian boyfriend who generally has similar opinions, if that helps.

[Cat Whisperer]

<snip>Maybe the Liberals could split into the Not-Quite-As-LiberalsFormer Progessive Conservatives.
and the Somewhat-More-LiberalsNDP.


, and Stephen could lead the Conservatives as a minor fringe party. :D
Already there.

Disclaimer: elfbabe is not actually Canadian yet. But she is moving to Ottawa in a month and a half and has an actual Canadian boyfriend who generally has similar opinions, if that helps.
Make sure you spend some time out West and/or around Westerners if you want a more balanced view of Canadian politics. We don't all think the sun shines out of a Liberal PM's ass.

How'd the vote go, anyway?

[RickJay]

You don't have to go out West to find people who dislike the Liberals. I live in Mississauga.

[Gorsnak]

How'd the vote go, anyway?
They're still debating. Live on CPAC, if you're into that whole sadomasochistic thing.

ACK! It's Stockwell "Doris" Day! Run away!

[Otto]

How are they still debating if cloture has been invoked? Or does cloture mean something different in Canada?

[PastAllReason]

They're still debating. Live on CPAC, if you're into that whole sadomasochistic thing.

ACK! It's Stockwell "Doris" Day! Run away!

Ha, hands up everyone who voted to force him to change his name!

[Gorsnak]

How are they still debating if cloture has been invoked? Or does cloture mean something different in Canada?
The motion passed last night allowed a further 8 (?) hours of debate. Vote's been called now, though. Showtime in 11 minutes.

[Cat Whisperer]

Dang, and I've got to go out now. And no radio in my car, either. Poo.

[matt_mcl]

The division bell has been rung and the vote will be in 9 minutes. Go check out CPAC NOW.

[matt_mcl]

You don't have to go out West to find people who dislike the Liberals. I live in Mississauga.

I live in Montreal. :D

[Helen's Eidolon]

The suspense is killing me! Vote is over.

[MaxTheVool]

Go Canada!


Assuming this passes, I wonder what impact, if any, it will have on the US. If nothing else, 5 years down the line we ought to be able to say "see, they have it in Canada, and their entire society hasn't fallen apart".

[Gorsnak]

Naw, they're voting on an amendment to refer the bill back to committee.

[matt_mcl]

They are now voting on an amendment: to send the bill back to committee instead of passing it. *groan*

[Otto]

Chunks of Canada have already had it for two years (this month) and there's been no appreciable effect on US policy, other than an increased desire for US gays to emigrate to a civilised country.

[TJdude825]

Massachusetts has had it for over a year, and their society hasn't crumbled either (at least, as far as I've heard). I think what Otto said is probably true there as well.

[Gorsnak]

Re: the amendment. The Nays have it, 158-127. So that last attempt to delay things is over.

[Gorsnak]

And it's official. C-38 passes 158-133.

[Helen's Eidolon]

And it's official. C-38 passes 158-133.
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!

[PastAllReason]

And as it passes, the House is adjourned 'til September. A good day, indeed.

[Sunspace]

And it's official. C-38 passes 158-133.Now it just has to pass the Senate and get Royal Assent,

[Sunspace]

Now it just has to pass the Senate and get Royal Assent, (oops--hit wrong button) ...doesn't it?

[Liz]

And it's official. C-38 passes 158-133.
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Go Canada!

...I cannot immigrate.. I cannot immigrate.. I cannot immigrate.. must.. stick it out.. in.. America..

[matt_mcl]

So take my hand,
don't think of complications;
now, right now,
your love
is liberation.



- Pet Shop Boys, "Liberation"

[Gorsnak]

Now it just has to pass the Senate and get Royal Assent, doesn't it?
Yeah. Got a rubber stamp handy?

[Sunspace]

Yeah. Got a rubber stamp handy?The CBC was saying that there was likely to be debate in the Senate. Of course, it laso said that the Senate was dominated by Liberals...

[Larry Mudd]

Who wants cake? :D

[Miller]

Awesome!

[Antigen]

Now I can add another reason to the list of why I'm so proud to be Canadian.

[Sunspace]

I think matt summed it up.

:: wonders how long it will be until there is an organisation to acculturate escaped Americans ::

[GingerOfTheNorth]

Who wants cake? :D
Pride Day in Yellowknife consists of giving out cake in front of the Post Office. I found this to be a very fitting statement.

Yay Canada!

[Ike Witt]

Now to try and get part of the anthem changed from God keep our land glorious and free! to God keep our land fabulous and free!

[Northern Piper]

How are they still debating if cloture has been invoked? Or does cloture mean something different in Canada?"Closure" is the guillotine - the Government moves closure, the House votes on that motion, and if that motion passes, there's no further debate - a vote is called on the main issue immediately.

Notwithstanding some press accounts, that's not what happened last night. Rather, the Government introduced a motion for time allocation - that the House would debate the issue at third reading for no more than eight hours, then Mr. Speaker would call a vote on Third Reading. The eight hours ran out earlier this evening, so Mr. Speaker called the vote.

Rather than a guillotine, time allocation is more of a water torture motion... :p

[Otto]

:: wonders how long it will be until there is an organisation to acculturate escaped Americans ::

Someone's way ahead of you (http://www.newroots.ca/samesex.php).
"Closure" is the guillotine
Oh, see, south of the border we call it "cloture."

[Kythereia]

PARTY! *throws a big celebration bash*

[Northern Piper]

hmmm - it's been over 12 hours and so far the sky hasn't fallen. Haven't noticed any lightning bolts, either.


although I bet Fred Phelps had a hellluva conniption fit this morning

[Kythereia]

*checks* Hmmm, civilization hasn't collapsed and the very fabric of society hasn't been torn apart in Toronto. I don't think.

How's it looking out in the other provinces?

[Cat Whisperer]

*checks* Hmmm, civilization hasn't collapsed and the very fabric of society hasn't been torn apart in Toronto. I don't think.

How's it looking out in the other provinces?
Check out my King Ralph (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=323351) pitting. What a...politician.

[Gorsnak]

How's it looking out in the other provinces?
It's been raining all day here. That's sort of like the sky falling.

[MrFantsyPants]

all I can say is:

"yippee!!!"

and

"about frickin' time!"

oh, and

"Take that, Stephen Harper, you bigoted little shit"

I guess maybe I have a lot to say on the subject.

[wolfstu]

*checks* Hmmm, civilization hasn't collapsed and the very fabric of society hasn't been torn apart in Toronto. I don't think.

How's it looking out in the other provinces?


Well, floods in three provnces... record heat wave in Ontario and Quebec... I don't see any locusts yet, though, so it must be a coincidence. :D

[Sunspace]

Well, floods in three provnces... record heat wave in Ontario and Quebec... I don't see any locusts yet, though, so it must be a coincidence. :DAnd where were the biggest floods? Alberta! Hmm. Makes me wonder which way the Smite button is aimed...

[matt_mcl]

And where were the biggest floods? Alberta! Hmm. Makes me wonder which way the Smite button is aimed...

"I kept hearing, 'The only thing keeping this city from being completely ruined by the floodwaters is that BIG DYKE!' And I'm like, Oh sure, call us in when you have an emergency!" - Georgia Ragsdale

[detop]

Ha, hands up everyone who voted to force him to change his name!
Me, me, me, me :D

[Arwin]

Yay Canada! :) Welcome to the club!

[Cat Whisperer]

I dunno; Spain's in the club too, now, and you know how Canadians and the Spanish mix...

How're the locusts in SK this year, Gorsnak?

[Gorsnak]

How're the locusts in SK this year, Gorsnak?
The 'hoppers don't like the cool rainy weather. Very few around. Now, back the last year of the drought we had clouds of the things. But not this year.

[Northern Piper]

I had fungus growing on my deck this summer. Fungus! Has the Almighty forgotten that all precipitation in Saskatchewan is supposed to come down between November and March in big fluffy white flakes?? :confused:

fungus! :eek:

[Cat Whisperer]

And Calgary has never been lusher. What is all this green stuff all over? And the size of the mushrooms I'm seeing...:eek: Oh well, it'll all be golden brown by August, I'm sure.

[Kythereia]

And Calgary has never been lusher. What is all this green stuff all over? And the size of the mushrooms I'm seeing...:eek:

'Mushrooms', eh? I bet. ;)

[Cat Whisperer]

Hey, this is Calgary, not Vancouver. :D

[Gorsnak]

Must be a bunch of prairie folk posting in this thread. Starts out about same-sex marriage, devolves into discussion of the weather. :)

[Hamish]

Prairie? That's all parts of Canada. If Canada were attacked by UFOs, I strongly suspect a typical conversation would go like this:

"Alien invasion Mike."
"Really?"
"8000 ships, and a mothership the size of Mount Logan."
"Geez."
"Yep."
"How can they fly in this wind?"
"Don't know. It's a strong wind, isn't it?"
"There's a small-vessel warning on CBC..."

Oh, well. Could be worse. I'm quite happy Canadians here consider same-sex marriage nothing to worry about.

[wolf_meister]

I'm in the 2% of the 50 United States of America that allows same sex marriage. (Yes, I live in Massachusetts). I'm here to reassure any wary Canadians that your country will not be going to Hell in a handbasket. Of course, Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, Dubya Bush and others might feel otherwise.
Interesting that an entire country can be open-minded about such things. (Netherlands and Spain too).

[Thylacinewas taken]

Here is a site where you can informally vote:
http://www.referendumcanada.ca/uficanada/referendum/index2.cfm

[Cerowyn]

I'm in the 2% of the 50 United States of America that allows same sex marriage. (Yes, I live in Massachusetts). I'm here to reassure any wary Canadians that your country will not be going to Hell in a handbasket. Of course, Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, Dubya Bush and others might feel otherwise.
Interesting that an entire country can be open-minded about such things. (Netherlands and Spain too).Parts of Canada, and the majority of the population, had SSM before Massachusetts*, so we're quite comfortable with it already. :) It's just that we had to get our federal laws in line with the will of the people, and get to some serious ignoring of the lunatic fringe (aka the Conservatives). Now we just have to see if Mr. Klein tries to invoke the "Notwithstanding" clause (a way that a province can "opt out" of a Constitutionally-related law or provision temporarily) for Alberta.

* Various provincial Supreme Courts found prohibiting same-sex marriages to be a violation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Interestingly, I imagine that had any of the provincial courts allowed a challange to go to the Supreme Court of Canada, it would have been nation-wide a lot earlier.

[Muffin]

King Ralph has backed down. Alberta will issue marriage licences.

[Sunspace]

Yay! :)

I was getting a little concerned there.