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What in the name of democracy is going on in Ottawa?

We've got Toronto Liberals gnashing their teeth with the whiff of a return to power. We've got New Democrat leader Jack Layton lined up to actually do some governing. We've got Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper scrambling - scrambling! - to hold onto power only seven weeks after winning a minority government.

Unfortunately, the same man who earned back-to-back minority governments for the Conservatives is the primary architect of this unfolding crisis. Whether due to ideology or hubris, Harper couldn't resist using the global financial crisis as an opportunity to play politics.

Never mind that Canadians are quite properly worried about their jobs, their pensions and their savings, Harper and federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty chose to use the federal government's economic update as an opportunity to weaken their political opponents. By any measure, that's nothing but crass politics. The shame is that it comes at a time when Canadians need statesmen and true leadership.

In this case, Harper has exposed himself as a rigid ideologue and nothing more. Indeed, many hold the view that this humbling of Harper is long overdue.

But it doesn't even come close to creating the conditions for a coalition government, and especially not one led by a man who was so thoroughly rejected by voters as recently as October. Stephane Dion can claim no credibility as the leader of this so-called coalition and Jack Layton's naked ambition appears to be the sole motivation for his part in all of this. Furthermore, the idea of a government beholden to a party whose primary objective is the breakup of Canada is plain wrong.

Canadians deserve so much better from all of these men who claim to be "leaders". They deserve a government that governs for today, not the next election victory. They deserve a government that was duly elected, not one created through constitutional wrangling. They deserve a government that wants what is best for the nation, not one that is propped up by a party that seeks secession from it.

Rather than continue with this, we ask Harper, Layton and Dion to temporarily set aside their ideological differences and work together for the good of Canada and all Canadians. We call on them to act in concert on behalf of citizens. We call on them to do what they must to see that Canada - and not their respective political parties - comes out of this crisis stronger, with hope for a brighter future, and with a collective resolve to work toward solutions.

Canadians are calling on the nationally elected government to act. It is led by the duly elected Stephen Harper. Mr. Prime Minister you must lead. For everybody.