More on Derech Eretz...

I am by my computer, on the phone with M.S., while watching a live press conference being held by the leaders of Canada's three (left of centre) opposition political parties: Stephane Dion, leader of the Liberal Party, the Official Opposition; Jack Layton, leader of the New Democratic Party; and Gilles Duceppe, leader of the separatist Bloc Quebecois. These leaders represent parties with very different outlooks and platforms, yet together they are representing a common front to fight the current economic crisis by making Parliament work. As an example of the differences that they have put aside, in the 1990s, when Quebec was threatening to secede from Canada, Stephane Dion was effectively tasked with ensuring national unity, while Gilles Duceppe was a leader in the push for Quebec to secede.

These leaders have lost confidence in the governing Conservative party, who, in their recent economic update, failed to address the many problems facing Canada's (and the world's) economy. Instead of staying in their partisan silos, they have banded together to offer an alternative to the Conservative party. Over the past week leading figures in all of the opposition parties have put aside their differences to offer a viable alternative to the Conservative party. This offer of a coalition government is a bold, and almost unprecedented, move. The last coalition government in Canada briefly existed some 91 years ago.

This morning I spoke at our shacharit service about the need to combine learning of Torah with Derech Eretz- acting properly, acting with decency. Whether or not the Liberals, NDP and Bloc succeed in creating a coalition government, I believe that the efforts of the parties are an example of Derech Eretz, putting aside politics to try to do what they believe is best for Canadians.

Here is the open letter to Canadians written by the leaders of the Liberal, New Democrat, and Bloc Quebecois parties:

Monday, December 1, 2008


To our fellow citizens,

Canada is facing a global economic crisis. Since the recent federal election, it has become clear that the government headed by Stephen Harper has no plan, no competence and, no will to effectively address this crisis. Therefore, the majority of Parliament has lost confidence in Mr. Harper’s government, and believes that the formation of a new Government that will effectively, prudently, promptly and competently address these critical economic times is necessary.

The contrast between the inaction of Mr. Harper’s government and the common action taken by all other Western democracies is striking. We cannot accept this.

A majority of Canadians and Quebecers voted for our parties on October 14, 2008. Our Members of Parliament make up 55 percent of the House of Commons.

In light of the critical situation facing our citizens, and the Harper government’s unwillingness and inability to address the crisis, we are resolved to support a new government that will address the interests of the people.

Today we respectfully inform the Governor General that, as soon as the appropriate opportunity arises, she should call on the Leader of the Official Opposition to form a new government, supported as set out in the accompanying accords by all three of our parties.


Respectfully,


Hon. Stéphane Dion
Leader, the Liberal Party of Canada


Hon. Jack Layton
Leader, the New Democratic Party of Canada

Gilles Duceppe
Leader, the Bloc Québécois