OTTAWA (AP) — The Canadian Alliance hunkered down for another round in an internal, but very public, fight over Stockwell Day’s leadership as MPs prepared for a caucus meeting in Calgary Tuesday.
But as Day and caucus officials downplayed the significance of the meeting, some MPs once considered loyal to the leader were getting ready to put forward a motion saying he’s lost their support.
“Everybody is at varying levels of being persuaded that it’s time for action,” said Red Deer MP Bob Mills, who spent the weekend on the telephone convincing colleagues to back the motion.
He estimates over half of the remaining caucus members, which does not include the 13 dissident MPs, would vote against Day.
Randy White, a Day supporter and caucus chairman, said he will be open to suggestions for motions, but won’t allow the meeting to become a “complaint session.”
“They know that complaining and bringing problems isn’t the answer. Bringing solutions to problems — that’s what I’m going to be looking for,” he said.
Priorities for the meeting include the leader’s status, dealing with the 13 dissident MPs and plans to move ahead, White said.
