In a major shock, the Opposition parties in Ottawa have given approval in principle to the Kelowna Accord. It passed second reading 159-123, and was sponsored by no less than ... Paul Martin. It now goes to the Aboriginal Affairs Committee before returning to the floor for final passage ... and there's nothing the Harperites can do to stop it since the three parties on the left side of the aisle hold a collective majority. In other words, if the law ultimately clears the House and then the Senate, it becomes binding law.
I'll have more to say about this later this morning, but for now let me say that this is a huge win for Aboriginals. It's also the second time in a week the Harperites have faced a direct challenge to its authority. On top of bungling the whole thing with Garth Turner rather than trying to make peace with him, the Liberals may finally be getting their stride back.
It's also obvious Paul Martin has no intention of going gently into that good night. Which is a good thing .... Ottawa needs street fighters, something that was totally lacking during his two years in office as PM. But better late than never.
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