I decided to permit [the Newfoundland and Labrador Liberal MPs] in the budget vote tonight a one-time vote of protest to signal their displeasure and my displeasure at these unilateral actions which, in my view, weaken our federation, cause strains in our federation at a time when Canadians should be pulling together.

However, the rest of the Liberal party will vote for the budget, because weakening the federation might be a bad thing, but even worse would be weakening the Liberal party through leading a coalition government, or forcing an election. Expect to see this caucus find other creative ways of expressing our unhappiness with this government that don't involve actually doing anything about it over the next several months.