PASS CRIME BILL OR RISK CONFIDENCE VOTE, SENATE WARNED

In a tense and stormy encounter with Liberal senators yesterday,
Justice Minister Rob Nicholson warned the Senate to pass the
government's Tackling Violent Crime Act by the end of February or he
will advise the prime minister to call an election.

The unusual threat came as Mr. Nicholson appeared before the Senate
justice committee, on the first day of its hearings into Bill C-2, the
Tories' centrepiece law and order legislation.

"I urge the senators to do everything possible to expedite passage of
this bill," he said. "If the Senate cannot or will not pass this bill
by the end of February, I don't believe I would have any choice but to
advise the prime minister that this is a confidence measure and I will
put the matter in his hands."

That prompted a series of angry responses from members of the
unelected upper house, whose confidence no Canadian government ever
relies on for support. Rather, parliamentary confidence is a matter
for the House of Commons.

"This may be the first time since 1867 that anyone has suggested that
the Senate is a confidence chamber," said Senator Joan Fraser, the
committee chairwoman.

Liberal Senator Serge Joyal was even more sharp with Mr. Nicholson:
"I was a little
surprised with your comment that if the Senate doesn't behave in such
a way you will
report it to the prime minister. It reminds me of Section 51 of the
Criminal Code, which
is entitled 'Intimidating Parliament' -- to compel Parliament to do
something, otherwise
you will incur the wrath of God.

"You are in the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee of the
Senate," Mr. Joyal said. "We have a specific role when we review
legislation."

Mr. Nicholson shot back: "You were candid with me and I'll be candid
with you. You can do anything you want. You can study this for the
next year if that's your wish. But I have a responsibility to the
people who want to see this bill passed. Mine will be a recommendation
to the prime minister at the end of this month: If we're unable to
expedite this, it's our option to go to the people of Canada and ask
them to decide."