Resignation of Trudeau demanded

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33063, 2 November 1972, Page 15

Resignation of Trudeau demanded

(S.Z.P.A -Reuter—Copyright > OTTAWA, November 1. The Progressive Conservative leader. Mr Robert Stanfield, last night called for the resignation of the Prime Minister (Mr Pierre Trudeau) to pave the way for a Conservative Government.

Mr Stanfield’s party won 109 seats in Monday’s Federal General Election—one more than Mr Trudeau’s ruling Liberal Party.

The remaining seats in the 264-member House of Commons (Lower House) were won by the Socialist New Democratic Party (N.D.P.) with 38, the Right-wing Social Credit Party, 15, and Independents, two, including the Speaker of the House.

A number of recounts in closely contested constituencies is expected, but whatever the outcome, Canada is faced with its fifth minority Government since 1957.

The balance of power is held by the New Democratic Party of Mr David Lewis. Mr Stanfield said that he was prepared to form a Government with minority support, but by precedent, Mr Trudeau is not obligated to resign and may attempt to form his own Administration.

Regardless of which party forms the new Government, it is likely that new elections will be held within a year. Mr Trudeau has so far given no indication of his plans. He will make a statement or answer questions from the press after a Cabinet meeting this afternoon. In a statement before answering questions at a press conference last night, Mr Stanfield said: “Trudeau and his Government have lost the confidence of the people and he should resign.” Mr Stanfield said that the Conservative programme would involve tax cuts to counter unemployment—one of the major issues of the election campaign—and to deal with rising prices particularly as they affect oldage pensioners. The Conservative leader said that he had had no contact with Mr Trudeau or Mr Lewis. Asked what he thought of

Mr Trudeau and the Liberal; Leader’s reputation as a colourful personality, Mr Stanfield answered in a jocu-. lar mood: “I’ve said many! times I think Canada needs an exciting Leader of the Opposition.” In the old Parliament, thej Liberals had a clear majority! with 147 seats, while the! Conservatives held 73, thei N.D.P. 25, the Social Credit! Party 13 and the independents two, with four seats vacant. The Conservative leader attributed the sharp gain his party made in Monday’s election to the emphasis it had; placed on the issues of rising' inflation and high unemployment. He said that the complacent attitude of the Liberals; had cost the Government votes. Questioned about foreign!

ownership of companies in Canada, Mr Stanfield said that any Government he led , would seek to increase Canadian participation in the I economy. ; He said he would want to t establish guidelines, for ex;ample, to ensure a majority I of Canadian directors in companies incorporated in [Canada and participation by j Canadians at the top levels of management. He said that in consultation with the provinces, a Conservative Government should work toward an industrial strategy in key sectors of the I economy and more stringent I rules might be necessary. . Asked what accommodation he would be willing to intake to gain the support of ! the N.D.P. and form a viable ' Government, Mr Stanfield ; said that he would not adjust his party’s policies to ; attract the support of anyone.