So, I went to London today, to walk some familiar streets in an unfamiliar way. The first time I lived in that town was as a graduate student teaching Shakespeare at UWO while Dorothy went to teacher’s college. The second time was after the 1993 PC election disaster, when I was hired to be a TV talking head for the CTV stations in southwestern Ontario. The first time we lived in a walk-up hovel and rode bicycles. The second time we moved into a leaky but grand old house on the very street I trod this afternoon.
There’s a byelection which now has eleven days left to go. The person who wins will become the MP for London North Centre, assuming the mantle left behind by Joe Fontana. Joe quit the Commons after 18 years, to be unceremoniously dumped by Londoners in a bid for mayor which ended with a whimper Monday night.
This race, and one in a Montreal-area riding where unelected Public Works Minister Michael Fortier would be running if he had the guts, is a test – as all byelections are – of the government’s popularity. According to today’s Decima numbers, the Harper Conservatives have now sunk to Lib levels for the first time since last January’s general election.
In London the Harper team has selected former mayor Dianne Haskett, who the media says is leading and who has just spent the last few years working for the Republicans, down there. The Liberal, Glen Pearson is by all accounts a very decent guy with a strong social conscience and the deeds to prove it. NDPer Megan Walker is a former local councilor and has hosted a radio show with media-star hubs, Morris Dalla Costa. Elizabeth May is the national Green Party leader with a thick resume of experience as both government lobbyist and insider, as well as being a lawyer and enviro activist.
It is, as you can see, a race worth watching. This was made especially so by the fact it has a blogging scandal going on right now, and also for the muscle the two main political machines are throwing at it. Pearson has just enjoyed the company of former finance minister Ralph Goodale, and party leader Bill Graham, while Haskett trotted around with law-and-order toughie Vic Toews, the justice minister. And May, well, she got me.
As I told the media guys on Tuesday, I would be traveling to London the next day to bang on some doors with May, talk to voters, chat with the local media and meet her campaign team. So, I did, and it was a good time. She seems to have a hugely enthusiastic crew, more computers than Bill Gates and lots of garish signs nailed into north London lawns.
Of course, no riding in Canada has voted in a Green MP before, and the latest polls show the party sitting at 9% or so nationally – which is almost a doubling of support enjoyed way back in January. But polls also show this: (1) the environment is now ranked by Canadians as the number one issue in their lives and (2) more than a third of all Tory voters would choose Green as their next option.
My canvassing with Elizabeth May also goes to the heart of what I was droning on about on Tuesday – that it’s time to bust away from the two major political machines chewing up Parliament, and stop voting for parties that titillate with change, then deliver the same-old. My hunch is that Greens may just end up being a new home for many people with whom this message obviously resonates.
But this does not mean I am backing the Green Party. I am an Indie, and enjoying it, and anxious to build bridges with good people of all persuasions – and that’s why I was in London. If I were still in my old house at 1000 Wellington Street, I’d vote for May, since she’s the best candidate and deserves to be an MP. Besides, struggling environment minister Rona Ambrose, along with the entire House of Commons environment committee, sure as hell need the help.
It’s also passing strange how the Greens have an economic and tax policy just as conservative as the one the Tories promote – except without taxing income trusts. That proved to be a powerful elixir on the doorstep, even for a guy who said he just worked on Haskett’s nomination campaign. But he also said he has all my financial books – so what does that tell you about him?
Strange times, though. Conservatives losing altitude. Headless Grits inching back into favour. Former Tories and Greens comingling. Canadians worrying about the planet more than taxes. And a growing lust for a new kind of politics. A new way ahead. A day closer, I think.
50 comments ↓
Dear Mr. Turner,
I wanted to drop you a quick note and let you know that I have an
immense respect for the path you have chosen and the principles by
which you are standing. For far too long we have been governed under
the illusion of democracy, which has become horribly apparent in the
current leadership vacuum our current government is attempting to
fill.
Suffice it to say that what you are doing takes great courage and for
that I salute you. Please keep at it and together we just might be
able to muster enough momentum to create some very serious change.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
Best regards,
Chris
Kitchener
Hey Gorf, is it possible for you to comment on a public issue WITHOUT mentioning yourself? Just wondering.
(Typical news media dick – They all think that THEY are the centre of the universe. – Oh thank you, oh wise one for bringing your wisdom to us, the great unwashed masses.)
Good evening Garth:
I had meant to send this off to you earlier today … but thought it might still make for a good read.
Hope you enjoy it.
All the best!
Matt Shurrie
News Editor
The Woodstock Sentinel-Review
Turner keeps fight alive for all voters
ONE PERSON’S VIEW
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
BY MATT SHURRIE
Take away the beard and that swagger in his step, and you might, at least for a moment, mistake maverick MP Garth Turner as the fourth Dixie Chick.
After all, he’s not ready to make nice and don’t think for a minute he’s about to shut up.
It’s for those reasons that Canadians from coast to coast to coast should be grateful.
Turner, himself a Woodstock native, made headlines again Tuesday when he announced his formal resignation from the Conservative Party of Canada during a press conference in Ottawa.
While that might not seem like news — after all, the party made it crystal clear last month it doesn’t want the Halton MP when it gave him boot from caucus — it is somewhat newsworthy that Turner is now committed to fight the good fight as an independent MP.
And he’s formally inviting others to join his crusade.
“The fight here is not to get me back into the caucus. Forget that. It’s done,” Turner said. “The true fight is for democratic principle. Either we have a bottom-up system in which people select those we send to Ottawa, or not.
“The people who citizens decide to send may end up being party cheerleaders and supporters, or they might end up, like me, being a pain in the ass of the leader.”
Turner, who expressed his disappointment with the Conservatives, a party he has supported his entire life as an elected member, a former cabinet minister and a one-time leadership contender, is now pushing for an electoral system that removes the filter of parties that come between people and their Parliament. He will no longer support party politics the way it’s been — controlling ideas and controlling the way Parliament operates.
It’s truly a breath of fresh air — something that doesn’t often emanate from the bowels of Parliament Hill.
While it’s true there have been plenty of independent MPs before Turner — the likes of Carolyn Parrish and the late Chuck Cadman immediately come to mind — none have been so outspoken or commanded so much attention. Perhaps that just goes to show how shaky the confidence of this Parliament remains.
Perhaps it’s the right time for Turner to strike.
His ideas aren’t exactly revolutionary. Imagine, casting a vote for someone that will carry your hopes, dreams and thoughts to Ottawa. How about an elected representative who votes the way you have instructed them.
Turner suggested that perhaps the way to achieve such a dream Parliament would be to elect five or 10 independent MPs — enough to break the party stronghold and bring about what the people want: free votes, more free thought and a better political system.
It’s certainly an idea that deserves some thought, especially with the rumour mill working overtime that a federal election could be just around the corner.
© Copyright 2006, Woodstock Sentinel-Review
Thank You for being on the Canadian scene. I’m a real green supporter and would love to see a green seat in Ottawa. We really need green power in this country in light of massive climate change and the urge to consume everything in our capitalisc society. Thanx, Ray Depuit Victoria BC
So, can she win?
Hey John, do you have any idea what a blog is? If you don’t think much of Turner’s writings then surf off.
Hey John,
It’s interesting how you hate him so much and yet you find his blog so enjoyable to read. It’s great that you can derive so much pleasure from commenting also. Hey maybe with all the free time you have you can start your own blog. Sounds like a good way to test your theory about writing without mentioning oneself with all the ‘unwashed masses.’
Good luck man!
(I think you’ll need it)
I might live in Lac La Hache, BC (A town named for a shipment of hatchets lost in the lake) but my group of friends are rooting for a Green win. We only hope the Garth is not her albatros. (tounge stuck firmly in cheek)
hey Garth, did you and Liz May not work together at Sierra?
Nope. Met her for the first time last month. — Garth
“Hey Gorf, is it possible for you to comment on a public issue WITHOUT mentioning yourself? Just wondering.
(Typical news media dick – They all think that THEY are the centre of the universe. – Oh thank you, oh wise one for bringing your wisdom to us, the great unwashed masses.)”
You must have been terribly frustrated in the days of radio, newspaper, and television, with no way to make your subtle views known when you didn’t agree with something.
Let’s see, if Garth = Gorf,
what does John = ?
being a populist is nothing new……..I greatly respect Lou Dobbs who was mentioned on your blog yesterday….
He is considered highly respected by all journalists and appears on CNN……He also has a business background….
You remind me of him in some ways……someone worthwhile watching and talking to….
john….buzz off……I made an example yesterday of John Ibbitson who also insulted the visitors of this blog…..
today all the big ceo poobahs have a nice little letter asking for a boycott…..he was made public example of you…….so will you if you continue adding your 2 cents…..
If you feel this is all nonsense…..why are you here……..why don’t you go to some PC or boring Liberal Leadership convention………you will feel right at home with the other people spread baloney………..
Whats a Gorf?
Let’s let the people of London decide for themselves, and as true democrats, we will all respect their decision, will we not?
John
Show some Love will ya’!!
Shakespere……eh!!
Would you decsribe PMSH and his style of government as a farce or a trajedy, or simply a comedy of errors? Are you MacDuff to SH, McBeth?
All I can say is on SH stance on China, while I agree with his views on human rights, the way he’s going about it, he may as well be his buddy George.
If dialogue disappears then there’s no chance of change…..see Iran and North Korea. I love the farce of Condy Rice saying they will use diplomacy. Diplomacy means talking, unfortunately they talk to everyone except the country they have the issue with, just like the bully in the school yard getting support for his gang. I hope that’s not what SH means by being a force on the world stage!!!
Garth,
Maybe being from Woodstock will cause this to be a ‘Happening’…We haven’t had one of those in 40 years, eh? LOL
Keep up the great work!
James – if Stephen’s style to date is any indication, I don’t think that “talk” will be part of the plan. He has demonstrated, thus far, that he is actually quite determined and assertive – even if one does or does not agree with what he does. He is a doer not a talker.
I fully support his stance on China’s human rights record. He is not at all like Bush – the USA would be concerned only if there was oil to be had and China is an importer, not an exporter. Thus, the USA is not that concerned with China’s human rights record.
hey Garth, wasn’t Dianne Haskett the homophobic London mayor who was fined $5,000 a while back? Something about withholding a municipal service, right? She wouldn’t issue a Gay Pride Proclamation.
Now I remember her. After she was fined, she ran away to her room (her Port Stanley Townhouse) and hid from her responsibilities as mayor for 3 weeks.
Where do you think she’ll go to pout if she loses the by-election? Back to work for Senator Elizabeth Dolein D.C.?
Call me curious.
-R
Well done! Send us someone to run as an independent in Winnipeg South – Andy
What I see is a gross failure of the system. Political Parties are not really expected to fix political issues. It is much easier to deal with social issues that happen to be hot topics of the time. This isn’t new by the way. This has been going on for a very long time. We, as Canadians really, do not vote Political Parties into the House. We vote them out. This is a social flaw, which isn’t Provincial, but Globally widespread. Political issues around the world aren’t being managed. They are being disregarded so that social issues can be addressed instead. It is we the people who have failed. Those who we elect to political power are merely representational of the majority who most commonly associate with their ideologies. After all, if some of these comments are at all representational, we see that our Politicians are expected to display juvenile behaviours. Mr. Turner is simply offering a different voice – regardless of his background or reputation. He is simply showing that he is willing to try to be more than the sum of his parts. And I hope his attitude is infectious. We need prolific voices to instigate change, to stir the masses out of their apathy. The mere fact that people are commenting shows that there is an interest in the system – regardless of whether it is pro and against.
Garth – you write that “It’s also passing strange how the Greens have an economic and tax policy just as conservative as the one the Tories promote…” I guess I don’t see this as true, given that May has announced (in her acceptance speech upon winning the Green Party Leadership race) that she thinks Canada should pull out of NAFTA. (See: http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Elizabeth_May_elected_leader_of_Canada‘s_Green_Party and the Globe and Mail editorial just after May won also made reference to this fact). Doesn’t pulling out of NAFTA mean her economic policy is not as small-c conservative as the Conservative Party’s economic policy?
I know you mentioned that you are NOT endorsing the Green Party, but are supporting May (as she is the best candidate in the race in London). However, does this mean that you support her position on Canada withdrawing from NAFTA? I suspect it doesn’t – but, if you get a chance, I’d like clarification on this (as it may impact my understanding of your position on economic issues). Thanks.
No I do support that position, nor the one on Kyoto. — Garth
Winnipeg Boy: I disagree. Harper, Chretien, Martin all have to tread softly when dealing with China. China is the emerging economic super power. Do your really think Harper would disconnect from China and the billions of dollars at risk to the Canadian economy for the sake of “human rights” violations.
China is quite willing to take the criticism and the west is “obliged” to dish it out. But that is where the conflict ends. The $$$$$ is mightier than any inhumane treatment that the Chinese populace is receiving.
Garth – sorry, a little confused by your comment back to my post. Just to clarify – you write “No, I do support that position, nor the one on Kyoto”. I think that there may have been a typo; do you or do you not support pulling out of NAFTA?
Yes, you are right – do NOT support trashing NAFTA. — Garth
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/quickpoll/v-pollresults/story/3776112p-4367799c.html
Poll Results
If a federal election were called tomorrow, which party would you support?
Bloc Quebecois 1%
Conservative 9%
Liberal 78%
NDP 13%
Total Votes: 3237
I’ll go green if I can head the childcare policy!!!!
Mind you I look better in black lol
This John is not an Ibbotson Fan.
John Ibbotson has know for years that our Government has used funds obtained illegally to promote a “North American Union”. A real “Canadian” he is.
If it is either the “Green” or “Progressive Canadian” party that succeeds in London, we will all be on our way to ridding ourselves of the corrupt politicians that now rule Canada.
Andy, the Winnigpeg Free Press is a leftwing paper. Those results are not indicative of what’s happening across Canada.
I have always seen the First past the Post system as being the major barrier to getting more voices into parliament, including independents and representatives of smaller parties such as Elizabeth, and more accurately representing the diversity of constituents.
I am wondering what your thoughts are on electoral reform. You mention that the second choice of those who might otherwise have voted Progressive Conservative (before that party was dismantled) would be Green. There is also the Progressive Canadian Party and the Conservative party as some of the options available to Tories. Wouldn’t it be great if we had some sort of ranked ballot that allowed us to say that? Maybe the larger party is actually our second or third choice, and we feel we can’t vote our first choice because of the nonsense of “vote splitting”.
The Ontario Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform has been looking into this question in our province since September. They will participate in a learning phase until late November, hold public consultations until late January, and then deliberate on a recommendation. The Assembly must submit its recommendation in a report by May 15, 2007. Fair Vote Ontario is involved, and trying to get other people involved.
I am guessing that given your current circumstances that Proportional Representation would not be what you would support, but I think ranked ballots would solve a lot of the problems such as vote splitting without giving the party structure additional power. As a sitting MP with considerable experience on this issue, I believe you should be contacting the provincial assembly to offer your input. I suspect that once you learn of what they are doing you will want to BLOG about it so that more people in Ontario are informed and can get involved.
The China issue is moot as of this morning. Harper is meeting with China’s leader.
Andy,
Are you with me in thinking that that was a useless poll? It listed the Bloc which you can only vote for if you are in Quebec, and it didn’t list the Green Party which you can vote for in every riding. I guess second to our antiquated electoral system is our media when it comes to problems with getting better representation into parliaments.
Oops should have been a R In front of that andy. Shaun, I am just razzing you. I am sure the right wing media “Sun” will bring out a poll stating the opposite.
Fact is that all the pollsters of late have been showing that the people in this country are getting quite fed up with Mr. Harper and his bunch and their performance.
“She seems to have a hugely enthusiastic crew, more computers than Bill Gates and lots of garish signs nailed into north London lawns.”
Hi Garth, I have a couple of questions maybe you could answer. These garish signs does the Green party use biodegradable plastic on the plastic ones or at least recycled plastic or is it new plastic? With the big wodden signs do they use new lumber or do they reuse the wood from previous elections? Not being cynical I just want to see how Green the party is when it comes to their own working. Answers to these would be very much apprieciated. Regards
Garth,
As a Halton voter that voted for you in the last election, my vote was for you to support the conservative platform in Parliament Hill, not to campaign for teh Green Party.
A few days back you blasted the CPC for encouraging staffers to volunteer in the by-election in support of Conservative candidates, while now, you are yourself campaigning for a party for which you DID NOT GET VOTED yourself in.
Since you talk a lot about integrity and representing your constituents, where3 is your own integrity in this? Since you were so opposed to teh Conservative Platform, why did you ran under it and made it yours at election time?
You seem to be at odds with quite a few basic principles of the Conservative Platform, so, where was your integrity when you asked us to trust you with our vote and promissed you’d work hard to fulfill them?
So much for Garth, the voice of integrity and honesty. Shame on you !
Hi Judy. What you say is true regarding China’s economic power. As a global village, we should convince China to stop abuses but we won’t. This is the sad part of the whole affair. Yes, the dollar does rule. If Harper treaded heavily and we suffered economic repurcussions, he would be villified. If he does not tread at all, he will be painted as an uncaring “typical right-wing Christian conservative”. He can’t win either way.
I find it amusing, in a very sad manner, that the west does not seriously chastise countries like China or Saudi Arabia for their approach to human rights and equality because of the economic implications. In the meantime, humans in those countries suffer in one way or another.
I do give Harper credit for bringing the issue to the forefront – we cannot take that away from him. By doing so, he did the right thing. Following through would be the right thing, morally, but potentially disastrous in an economic sense.
And one must not lose sight of the fact that China and Saudi would not be economic powerhouses if our demand for their products was not peaking. No country can be a powerhouse unless there is demand and we sure do have demand for low-cost labour and oil.
Greens are not ludites, we accept modern technology and where possible make the best enviromental choices but time, money and logistics do not always allow the optimum level of enviromental sensitivity. Would you expect us to use abacusses/abaci? forgoe phones and electric lights?
May’s most recent plea for donations came on unbleached, recycled paper, with bio degradable veggie ink, which for some reason cost more to make than adding bleach. I for one reused my sign for two elections and would use it again if the winter election had not been so hard on it. May took via rather than drive to London. Last election we got highest ratio for vote per dollar spent, proving we are lean and green with our use of resources.
We cannot however forgoe the trapping of normal Canadian elections, signs are cheap compared to TV(We don’t have lots of bucks) and no one gets elected without name recognition. As for what kind of signage they are using in london call the campaign office and ask.
We do hold ourselves to higher standards but with a quick election and deficient funds sourcing fully eco friendly signs would be hard. No sign but adobe would satisfy some nay sayers who just want to call us hypocrites.
Marc, as far as I know, the Green party puts a lot of effort in making sure that their signs are as environmentally friendly as possible. They are also collected after an election to be used in the next election and if the same person isn’t running, they are recycled or reused by changing the name of the person who is running. The NDPears do a similar thing – the NDP guy in my riding still uses the signs from a provincial election 15 years ago. They have the Ontario NDP trillum on them but he drags them out every federal election too. In any case, election signs can be used over and over and over again and in many cases they are.
There are many people who comment who do not appear to be aware that PC refers to the Progressive Canadian Party federally. This party is made up of a number of former federal Progressive Conservatives who opposed the creation of a purely ideological party. Using the the initials PC to refer to the new Conservative Party is inaccurate.
Garth — you have indicated your support for Elizabeth May. What is your opinion of the independent candidate Robert Ede and the Progressive Canadian candidate Steve Hunter or do you know anything about them?
Why did the harper’s govt criticise the fliberal in the UN conference? Why do we need to tell the world our internal dirty politics?
http://www.canada.com/topics/news/world/story.html?id=0d304f2d-070c-4755-9a46-3be4c70b02d0&k=364
Yes — that poll sucks. I agree the media is antiquated.
I’m curious to see what factor the Green party has in the London byelection, so I created my own poll. Is it OK if I give you a link?? (I’m not selling anything here — and I know it’s not scientific).
http://www.misterpoll.com/4237934704.html
Garth, do you support the move to proportional representation?
Although this issue is a provincial matter, I’d also like to know your view on the 60% supermajority required by both Ontario and BC in their referendums on electoral change.
Thank you to Jeff from Halton and to Thea for clearing up my questions. I was not trying to be an ass or anything but just notice during elections that the signs and lumber used appear brand new. I think that all parties should get serious especially when we have election year after year as it seems to be the case to reduce the amount of waste these elections create. I have voted Green for the last 2 elections so I was not being cynical on them. These elections seem to be a best of the worst so that is why I supported the Green party even though I knew they wouldn’t have a chance. When the liberal candidate came door knocking and I told her who I was leaning towards she told me my vote would be a waste. It is unfortunate when politicians cannot respect that they are in an diverse society and not all people think the same. When I told her that environmental concerns were #1 on my list she handed me her pamphlet and it was not in the liberal top 5. I told her it would be a concern when it was too late but atleast from what Garth has been saying it looks like I could have been wrong. Thanks
As for polls,I would like to know how many of the 1000 or so people lie to the pollsters?
I for one, did sort of lie in the past to the pollsters – I told them that I was leaning towards one party and really had not made up my mind at that time – and actually voted another party (damn – it was Liberals in 1993).
As for the Greens, while I believe that their reason d’etre is a “green” agenda, I still can’t get firm answers on some major concerns – I just got some platitudes. I had spoken to the local candidates during the last 2 elections.
These concerns are:
Do they or do they not support the seal cull in the spring time off of NFLD?
What is their plan to promote growth in fish stocks (for example cod)?
They propose to legislate the greening of residences – triple e windows, solar panels, r20 insulations, etc. However, if a person with a limited income cannot afford even a dollar towards renovations, would the federal government come forward with the full balance of the renovations?
They propose to levy extra taxes on oil base products – such as gas. What would they do to assist farmers, who feed us, and cannot afford the extra costs? The farmers just can’t raise their prices as foods are being imported all the time.
Would they ban pleasure crafts, which require oil and gas?
Would they ban winter ski-doos, which require oil and gas?
They propose living “healthier” so to lessen the burden on health care. This is fine – however, with genetics the way they are, people will still get sick. We also have immigration from 3rd world countries, who didn’t have a proper healthy environment, so they may also fall victim to diseases and illness. Couldn’t get a straight answer on this.
What would they propose for an aging population and the increase of demands for seniors and nursing homes. Many seniors may be alive at 80 or 90, but, they have either alzheimers or dimentia or have major physical handicaps.
How are they planning on paying down the 450 BILLION debt?
What is their foreign policy?
Catherine, what is the purpose of your post? As I see it, these questions are extremely relevant for parties looking to win a sizable share of seats in government… for a small party just trying to vault onto the national stage, I am not convinced they all need to be answered… perhaps I have a strange view on the development of party philosophy, but I would not expect the Greens to have locked down a platform on every issue under the sun… especially big topics such as foreign policy, which I don’t believe one can affect with only a single seat in the commons. I mean, what is Garth Turner’s complete foreign policy? I haven’t got a clue and I doubt it really matters all that much. It is not as if the Greens have not defined a platform; they have solid viewpoints on a huge range of issues… I think it is just recognized that, at this stage, some things don’t require a concrete position. The near-term focus is simply to score a single seat and enter the debate. Besides which, even if you received satisfying answers to all your questions, would you even consider voting for them?
Catherine – weren’t you banned? Or was that someone else? Anyway, you may want to E-mail the Green party directly. I know that Elizabeth May, for example, isn’t entirely opposed to the seal hunt, and there is a fair range of opinion within the Green party on a number of issues. However they do have an extensive platform. Maybe I’ll forward your message to someone who knows more about their platform than I do. I think it’s good you are doing research. I wish more people would do their ‘homework’ before voting.
I remember reading that Elizabeth May believed that Canada’s role in Afghanistan should gradually be taken over by a force consisting of Middle East nations, because of the perception that the west is meddling in their affairs. I’m not sure if she is in favour of a peacekeeping force or not. But I know her position is not black or white – something I can appreciate.
“Not being cynical I just want to see how Green the party is when it comes to their own working. Answers to these would be very much apprieciated. Regards
By Marc on 11.16.06 12:08 pm
***********************************
Not being cynical? Not being cynical? It is to laugh.Well then in that case you must get great pleasure from deriding well intentioned people concerned with the environment.
Shame on you Marc for talking out of both sides of your mouth.
This from Green Party’s platform:
“The Green Party… calls for an end to Canada’s current involvement in the NATO-led military campaign in Southern Afghanistan, and advocate that Canada strictly confine its effort to peacekeeping, rebuilding infrastructure, and humanitarian work to improve the lives of the people of Afghanistan. The military security aspect would strategically best be undertaken by the United Nations or other appropriate nations and Canadian troops would cease undertaking offensive military operations.”
And this From Elizabeth May interview with the Ottawa Sun:
“The Green Party favours a clear mandate for protection of emerging democracy and civil society in Afghanistan. The Green Party believes Canada’s role must be in peacekeeping. That said, a multilateral force, especially one with Islamic nations providing the bulk of forces to an effort to remove the Taliban, is much needed.
“Multilateral forces, within the United Nations system, gives us an opportunity to put the lie to the idea that there is some sort of crusade of the Christian West versus the Islam Nations. We must never play into the hands of Islamic militants by appearing to be in a ‘clash of civilizations.’
“The Afghan government needs to be strengthened so that it can avoid being forced into making deals with narco-warlords. Taliban or not. We need to fund farmers to shut down the opium trade.”
Hope that answers at least one of your questions, Catherine
Thanks Geoff,
I partially answers one of my questions. Don’t actually understand what “streghten Afghan government” means. Perhaps a more details are required.
Richard Harvey, well I guess I expect any serious candidate or party, who wishes to represent me in government, meet at least 80% of my requirements. Wishy washy grandure policy statements can be interpreted many different ways, and lessens my expectations of these persons.
If you are looking for protest votes, then, let’s bring back the rhinocerus party.
B.C. voted on proportional representation in the last election. The minimum allowed is 60% and we voted 58%. Clearly a strong need. This is the only way a party like the Greens will have a seat. After Rona Ambrose’s behavior at the U.N. Climate Change Conference last week in Nairobi I say give the Green Party a voice. Canada won the Fossil Award two days in a row. Ambrose was an embarrassment bringing up domestic issues at an international conference. Delegates were shocked saying they had never encountered anything like that in 30 years. When the French MP blasted Canada, Ambrose replied that she wasn’t interested in French domestic issues.
Canada needs to step up to the plate and honor their commitments. Canada was once the leader. I am ashamed of my country.