Under increasing fire for the federal sponsorship scandal, the Prime Minister today announced a new level of government, designed to take the blame for whatever is found wrong. Not that anything will be found wrong. But you know, we're just saying...

As of this spring, there will be a new fourth level of government in Canada. This new 'Scapegoat' level of government, comprised of 310 to-be elected representatives (formally known as 'Dupes') will take the blame for "absolutely anything and everything," according to Martin, including all financial discrepancies, irregularities and scandals.

"As promised, this government is going to do things different," said the Prime Minister. "The old model of the Canadian federation, with its three levels of governance, while effective in the past, has become tired and stale."

Added the Prime Minister: "Now, more than ever, is the time to introduce the fourth level of government. For bottom-getting. And blame allocation.

All money that goes missing from federal coffers will now be blamed on the scapegoat level of government, said the Prime Minister. "It's not our responsibility anymore. We're just here for the cocktail parties. And to bask in the glow of the good stuff.

"This will allow us, as well as the two other levels of government whose names elude me at the moment, to move ahead and focus on the future, not on the mistakes of the past. How's that for 'democratic reform,' eh?" he added.

According to the PM, a group of masochistic scapegoat civil servants will also be hired, specifically to administer the mountains of abuse that will inevitably be directed at the Scapegoat government.

"The group of 14 refrigerator repairman, or upholsterers, or mechanics are off the hook," said Martin.

Donald Lethargy, Liberal MP for support said Leading Western European democracies such as Andorra, Luxembourg, and the Faroe Islands have upwards of eight levels of government - this is the model we should be following

The announcement of this unprecedented change to the Canadian federation was met with reservations however, among representatives from both provincial and municipal government across the country.

"Taking the blame for everything we screw up, like the city budget, is the only reason we're here. How will we justify our existence now?" said Ottawa Mayor Robert Lee Roth.

"It's all about accountability." The New Canadian Federation: Super (Federal), Not Paul Martin (Provincial),Really Not Paul Martin (Municipal),Scapegoat

The government of Quebec also expressed their reservations, claiming that the Scapegoat will represent an intrusion into provincial jurisdiction. "It is the responsibility of the government of Quebec to take the fall for cock-ups," said Quebec Premier Jean Charest. "It should be us who…I mean…oh, wait a second…"

Alberta is mad too, because, well, they seem to be mad about everything.

In the House of Commons, Grant Hill, interim leader of the Conservative Party, accused the Prime Minister of "world-class" buck-passing with the Scapegoat announcement.

"Yep, that's pretty much it," curtly responded the PM. "Spot on."

Questions have arisen however, by bookish Constitution scholar-nerd types, as to the legality of this Prime Ministerial decree under the constitution.

When asked about this, Martin scoffed with derision. "La Constitution, c'est moi."

Scapegoat Elections will take place this spring, at a soon to be determined date.

"It'll be in place in plenty of time for the real election," asserted the Prime Minister.