There have been some suggestions that the Liberals and NDP could cooperate in Question Period and this is a valid point. A united strategy could offer them the opportunity to hold the government to account. But any NDP leadership candidate proposing a merger will find out how quickly they lose support.

I suspect most Canadians don't mind the monarchy being in the background. However, if the Conservatives keep trying to reinforce our ties to the monarchy, the public will begin to take a closer look at the issue and evaluate what remains of those ties.

With a majority government, it is time for the Conservatives to act like one. Four years from now voters will pass judgement on this government not only for its policies, but also for the way it has acted. Stunts like Conservative MP Jacques Gourde crashing today's NDP caucus retreat won't earn them any votes.

Any time a leadership race becomes a contest of two heavyweights, there is the risk that each side and their supporters will drag out the vote to a bitter conclusion. That leaves room for the 'Stephane Dion' factor to come into play.

All too often, the Conservatives designate a minister with little knowledge of a file to defend it against opposition attacks. Quite often this is done by one of their attack dogs. Other than the present administration, I don't recall that happening under previous Liberal or Conservative governments.

Canadians remember the discussion that Jack Layton initiated on improving decorum and civility in the House. The question now becomes, how are the honourable members living up to their noble words?