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The Week with Mark Sutcliffe
September 23, 2012
This Sunday, Mark welcomes two veteran journalists to discuss the week in national politics. Viewers are also welcome to contribute their thoughts about the big stories of the week. On the program: John Ibbitson, Chief Political Writer for The Globe and Mail Elizabeth Thompson, Senior Political Writer for iPolitics.ca Tune in, call in, and tweet in, this Sunday, to talk about: FRAMING HOUSE NARRATIVE: Heated attacks over a carbon tax and sharp words from all parties filled the House of Commons as MPs returned this week from summer break. Is the NDP really proposing a carbon tax, as the Conservatives claim it is? And how is each party trying to frame the others? MP PENSIONS AND SALARIES: Opposition MPs accuse the Tories of playing partisan politics with their plan to fold MP pension reforms into another big budget implementation bill. Are the proposed reforms the right moves? And when it comes to MP salaries, should the government extend the current pay freeze, given that many Canadians continue to face tight economic times? FLAG FLAP: Criticism flies over the Canadian flag being removed for the swearing-in ceremonies of Quebec's new Parti Québécois government. Previous PQ governments also rejected the Maple Leaf. Was this a provocation to federalists? And should the federal government object, on behalf of Canadians, or stay out of the debate altogether? SENATE REFORM ISSUES: The Harper government may seek legal advice from the Supreme Court on its controversial Senate Reform Act. This could take years, putting the Conservatives' centrepiece plan on the back burner. Liberals say the current bill is unconstitutional. The NDP wants the senate abolished. Should it be? Or should it remain as is? And what role should the provinces play in any decisions? ANYTHING ELSE: What are the national political stories that matter most to you this week?