As mentioned here a few times, the latest Conservative budget is not exactly, well, very conservative. Spending is rising three times faster than the rate of inflation, and Jim Flaherty will soon become the spendiest finance minister in the history of this country. Let’s hope his inflationary cheque-writing tendancy does not spur the Bank of Canada to raise interest rates at its periodic setting on Tuesday.
I find it instructive that Mr. Flaherty and his colleagues defend this orgy of cash so passionately, less than a year and a half after being on the hustings dumping from a great height on Ralph Goodale for spending what they said was an indefensible amount. But, as I have also said, this is the new politics. Up is down. Left is right. Black is white. And Conservatives are now Liberals.
Last Thursday afternoon Vic Toews, recently demoted from Justice Minister to head of the Treasury Board – the guy now in charge of government spending – appeared before a Parliamentary committee I am a member of. He was asked many questions about this spending, almost all of which he did not answer or did not know the answer to. Like, where are we getting $650 million for new tanks. Answer: Don’t you support our troops?
The Treasury Board critic for the Liberals is Manitoba MP Raymond Simard, who turned progressive shades of red as Mr. Toews rattled on. MPtv sought to reduce his blood pressure by giving him a chance to tell you why this excessive spending is bad news.
To view the video, click here.
47 comments ↓
Seems that the Conservatives are becoming more liberal, and that the Liberals are becoming more conservative.
They should soon meet at the centre.
to head of the Treasury Board – the guy now in charge of government spending ..
Ahem. That would be Finance.
Treasury Board is more of a central administrative coordinating agency, much like the Audit Committee of a corporate Board.
Ahem, that would be Treasury Board. Finance has no cheque-issuing authority, and money flows from TB. Trust me, I know. I was on it. — Garth
Generally speaking, there are two basic types of conservative – fiscal conservatives and social conservatives. The two are not the same, and the Harper-led variety are NOT fiscal conservatives.
(One only need to look at a government spending rate that is rapidly exceeding the rate of inflation – and that’s in the budget, not accounting for little incidentals like purchasing new tanks)
I guess dion’s “big tent” includes the Taliban. apparently, he wants to bring terrorist Taliban scumbags to Canada. This guy is a disgrace.
You Conservative troopers will stop at nothing. What a smear. — Garth
Like, where are we getting $650 million for new tanks. Answer: Don’t you support our troops?
Steve’s taking a page out of W’s book again. Guess why the US. has such huge deficits? Billy balanced the budget, W blew it out of the water with his over zealous War on Terrorism (and any one who he didn’t like in Iraq!)
The troops, to carry out the mission the New Government has given them (vs. the one the Old Government gave them – but that’s another debate) need the tanks. So what programs are going to suffer, or which tax break is going to be delayed? This money was not in the budget.
Mr. Toews answer the question!
Garth,
But, as I have also said, this is the new politics. Up is down. Left is right. Black is white. And Conservatives are now Liberals.
I agree! Up Their’s! Down with Harper and C.R.A.P.!
Will there be any money Left to do the Right things for Canadians?
Black (the former surplus) will soon be Red, and then will come the Whitewash to cover it up, just like Harris and Eves did to Ontario!
No, Liberals are the new Conservatives. The PC was highjacked by the C.R.A.P. under Harper and his Goon Squad.
Time for a colour change to Green in my opinion!
Ahem, that would be Treasury Board. Finance has no cheque-issuing authority, and money flows from TB. Trust me, I know. I was on it. — Garth
By AS-THE-GARTH-TURNS on 04.23.07 6:28 pm
Yup, that’s exactly correct…that’s why most money-giving programs run under treasury board guidelines, ethics and line of accountability. Even third party corps that disperse funds via programming (Federally) fall under Treasury Board Guidelines. Everything has to check out with these guys. Breading the guidelines can result in fines or even jail. L
That should read breaking not breading…however, TB is where the bread’s at. ha ha ha
It is great to finally see a government that is willing to spend money on the military including replacing 30 year old tanks and 40 year old aircraft.
The dark days of Liberal government is over for the military. That is great. Besides there is no better place to spend the surplus.
Btw, Garth still haven’t heard from Dion re my email. It is now 20 days and counting. He keeps telling us how honest he is and about his credibility but he sure isn’t demonstrating it by not even acknowledging a voters email. Your leader should look to you for an example of how an elected MP and especially a leader of a political party and leader of the official opposition.
A veteran
Did you take my advice of 3 weeks ago and send a message to PMSH at the same time, so we could compares response rates? Throw Jack in there too – would be interesting. By the way, how many times have I responded to you? — Garth
Grog,
Perhaps Harper is trying to duplicate what happened to the former Soviet Union? They spent themselves into oblivion and the U.S. took over their economy in many respects.
Could it be that Harper has the same plan to bring in the SPP and NAU? Bankrupt Canada and force them to merge with the his friends in the U.S. Military/Industrial Complex?
Not saying as a fact, but the thought did cross my mind. Harper is a copycat, not an original thinker…just like any parrot! I put nothing past him or his handlers!
Ahem, that would be Treasury Board. Finance has no cheque-issuing authority, and money flows from TB. Trust me, I know. I was on it.
Gee Garth, using this logic, the guy whose signature is on the cheque is actually the one in “charge of spending”.
Finance (or in this govt’s case, Harper) decides where – and in what amounts – the money will be spent. For me, that is real “decision making”. TB cannot overrule Finance, mainly because the Finance Minister outranks the TB President (and usually all other Cabinet Ministers).
TB does some of the administrative stuff around how the money will be spent. I would hardly call that “in charge of government spending”.
But, you were on the TB. You tell me – am I wrong?
I guess dion’s “big tent†includes the Taliban. apparently, he wants to bring terrorist Taliban scumbags to Canada. This guy is a disgrace.
You Conservative troopers will stop at nothing. What a smear. — Garth
Sorry Garth heard Dion on Mike Duffy say exactly that.
And put them in the party ‘tent’? — Garth
“Could it be that Harper has the same plan to bring in the SPP and NAU? Bankrupt Canada and force them to merge with the his friends in the U.S. Military/Industrial Complex?” –Bill Muskoka.
This is a great conspiracy theory, but not one that I think will go over with the political mainstream in Canada.
I read a conspiracy theory once that accused the Americans of concocting a spin as a cover-up as to who were flying the planes on September 1, 2001. The basis of the theory was that they could not prove that the people suspected had done it, because they found no bodies at the crash sites.
Of coruse they didn’t find any bodies, because all of those bodies became pulverized by the crash.
It only goes to show, however, that when dealing in fear and predictions of gloom and doom, you can build a conspiracy theory about anything. This sort of thing is based on emotion rather than reason and sound, solid logic, especially when these statements are made on the basis of a hunch rather than clear evidence.
Vic Toews is the lead suspect in obstruction of justice and he`s the guy signing the checks. Well why not, Ottawa is so dysfunctional not even criminal charges could straighten out things out.
“And put them in the party ‘tent’”? — Garth.
Now I’ve heard it all!
“Mr. Toews answer the question!” By James.
Perhaps such a statement might be more properly addressed to Mr. Toews directly. I am not sure that Mr. Toews even reads this blog. At least I have found no evidence of it. Correct me if I am wrong.
I saw Dion’s comments on both Duffy and CTV news at 6.There was never any suggestion,intimation or musing of the Taliban in the Party tent.
However Dion either had a brain fart or he needs a tune up on the filter that separates his brain and mouth.
His comment was just plain dumb-no one would consider bringing Taliban back to Canada as POW’s.
Nike,
This is a great conspiracy theory, but not one that I think will go over with the political mainstream in Canada.
I already proffered a disclaimer…but hearing your instant rebuttal, I will now say ‘Wait for the evidence!’
I know how the U.S. power structure thinks, and this is minor league for them.
As to the 9/11 pilots. Yeah!, So you think they actually found the bodies to ID them, eh? Sure…I can tell you what cow hamburger came from too…even what farm, even after it is well done!
The point being that the answers came a tad too soon for my believing it all. But, it is a done deal, unless….someone in the know comes forward and talks to verify it was all a hoax. What did happen to Vince Foster BTW? Well, at least we know the KGB did not poison him to death with radiation, eh?
Nike, remember I lived through the JFK/RFk assassinations and following ‘inquiries’! The Warren Commission was a total fiasco, and most Americans know it! Magick bullets and all that rot!
Let me put it this way, and I do know of what I speak, if a 757 hit the Pentagon my name is Karnak The Magnificient!
But, we have present issues that need our attention, because we are trying to live in 2007!
Nike,
You do realize I think you have watched way too much Star Trek? You sound like Mr. Spock! I already passed through that phase decades ago! LOL
As-the-garth-turns:
The Finance Department decides the broad economic direction of the government but it does not have any spending authority of its own.
For example, the Finance Department could decide to put aside money for, let’s say, a Sponsorship Program, but how that money is spent is decided by another department, whether it be Treasury Board, Public Works or whatever.
Further, Public Works is generally in charge of negotiating government contracts. Different departments will issue tenders for different products and services but once the tendering process is complete it is usually Public Works that actually negotiates the cost, signs the contract on behalf of the government and writes the cheques.
There are exceptions to that of course, such as Defence.
I think if one more politician (Vic Toews included)asks,don’t you support our troops as the answer to a legitmate question I’m gonna lose it.I support them.I think women and men in the Canadian Military are fantastic.Doesn,t mean I have to support war.Doesn’t mean I have to support politicians who send them there.
Canadians deserve to know answers, and honest answers, to questions that kill our military men and women and innocent people of faraway countries.
We don’t want to hear what liberals,ndp,bloc or whomever did last year,5 years ago or 13 yrs ago.All this tells me is they don’t know the answer.
Playing the patriotism card and trying to instill the guilt that goes with it as a response to anyone is an insult to Canadians and to it,s military.
Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel.
I’m convinced there’s a seat waiting for Bush,Cheney and Rumsfeld in the Hague.The American people are all patriotismed out.Too many lies,too much death and destruction.Connect the dots.Enough already.So let’s get serious in the farce they call question period,tell Canadians the truth or get the hell out and we’ll elect someone who will.
When a Conservative is.
For the Libs it looks like a good thing Emerson crossed the floor. The raw log export in BC is getting so bad mills are shutting down while logging increases. No wonder the forest companies went along with the softwood lumber deal, if that doesn’t smell like a backroom deal what does?
Hello Garth and everyone else,
it’s good to see that someone has made the distinction between fiscal and social conservative: once upon a time, our Current Prime Minister claimed to be both.
However, in an attempt to buy votes (in a way that outdoes Paul Martin), he’s eliminated fiscal conservatism from his top priorities and replaced it with fiscal liberalism, combined with social conservatism.
But once again, I think he’s only doing this in an attempt to win a majority government: if he gets his majority government, he’ll no doubt run our country the same way that G.W.B did.
That is, he’ll try to balance the budget, slash social programs like crazy, use the new money to fund the military, pursue a more aggressive Canadian foreign policy,etc..
Indeed, things are going to get interesting.
Also, Garth, would you be able to comment on this 3-page story that the Globe and Mail ran today titled “Dion’s the leader, but who’s in charge” (see pg A4 of T.G.A.M or check this link: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20070423.LIBERALS23/TPStory/TPNational/Politics/)
We’ve already had discussion on it. It is 100% what I would have expected the fallout of the May-Dion decision in NS to be. Some jilted local MPs. Some who supported other leadership candidates. Some loyalists. One leader. One decision. As I said above, does anyone really think Stephen Harper would have even bothered consulting his MP colleagues?
However, one impoverished farmer, Mahmad Gul, 33, told The Globe that he was interrogated and beaten for three days in May 2006 by the Afghan police — within earshot of Canadian soldiers who visited him between attacks.
“The Canadians told me, ‘Give them real information, or they will do more bad things to you,’ ” said Gul.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070423/afghanistan_jails_070423/20070423?hub=World
That was the only interesting line in the article. Wow Canada complicit in war crimes.
And by the way, since the budget is coming up, I ought to let you know Garth that within the Budget Implementation Act, there are measures within it that unilateraly amend the 1985 and 2005 Atlantic Accords signed by former PM Brian Mulroney and former NL Premier Clyde Wells, as well as the 2005 Atlantic Accord signed by former PM Paul Martin and the Current NL Premier Danny Williams.
If you don’t believe me, check this link from the Parliament of Canada website: http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Parl=39&Ses=1&Mode=1&Pub=Bill&Doc=C-52_1&File=131
There, look for the title ‘Consequential Amendments: Canada-Newfoundland Atlantic AccordImplementation Act’
It goes to show that not only did PMSH break his promise on the issue of equalization of NL, PMSH through the Federal Finance Minister is trying to pass unilaterial amendments to the 1985 and 2005 Atlantic Accords.
If I were you, i’d warn the PM, Liberal Opposition Leader and others that such a move would be illegal because under Section 40 (I believe) of the 1985 Atlantic Accord, it says that this agreement can only be amendedn by ‘mutual consent’ of both parties who signed the deal.
So, since Premier DW has shown no consent for such changes, the PM and the Finance Minister could be charged with breach of the law!
By the way, in case you haven’t noticed, the Budget Implementation Act in it also includes amendments to various other acts: so by passing this Act, the PM will be also amending many other pieces of legislation through the backdoor in a way most Canadian Citizens will never see!
Garth, please warn Canadians about this!
By Nike Nichols on 04.23.07 9:00 pm
Conspiracy theories.
My opinion for whats it worth.They are only theories because they haven’t been proven.But if logic can prevail when it comes to 9/11.Here’s one thing we do know.Bush lied about WMD.Which means he lied to start a war that has caused and still is causing a catastrophic hell with untold thousands dead and injured in Iraq.George Bush has never attended one funeral for one American soldier killed in Iraq.George Bush has let injured men and women lie in a hospital without proper care right there in the US.He wrapped it all in the American flag and perpetrated one of the great hoaxes of our time.My opinion.Was George Bush capable of conspiring with Dick Cheney and others for 9/11.I think so.Now someone needs to prove he was culpable.
By Ottlib on 04.23.07 9:52 pm
BUT..all monies must pass the smell test of Treasury Board Guidelines. To be outside of the guidelines, could land a Minister, Manager etc. in serious hot water, including jail time. Under the Treasury board..you will find all the ethics and accountability guidelines. If the Treasury Board deems money about to be spent is in fact outside of the guidelines, it can refuse to issue the monies, until it is satisfied. L
VAN; you said
The dark days of Liberal government is over for the military. That is great. Besides there is no better place to spend the surplus.
Let me highlight(no better place to spend the surplus)
Try spending it on paying down the deficit & on Global Warming. Now that would make some sense out of the Harper Government.
Did you take my advice of 3 weeks ago and send a message to PMSH at the same time, so we could compares response rates? Throw Jack in there too – would be interesting. By the way, how many times have I responded to you? — Garth
He would be holding his breath for a long time, I have been writing to the PM since he took office on the disconnect between indexing of pensions and the true cost of living. I am still waiting for a response. Maybe I’ll get one a week before the next election?
Mr. Toews answer the question!
He will as soon as he gets the answer from the PM!
Nike Nichols – the S.P.P. was signed by Fox, Bush and Harper in May 2006. On the surface is seems to be logical and in the interests of all three nations. However, there have been further closed-door meetings by industry leaders and politicians (Banff, Aug.2006) and another scheduled for April 27 (to discuss bulk water exports from Canada to U.S.).
What feeds “conspiracy theories” is the lack of clarity and transparency. Why has no information on the proceedings and decisions coming out of these meetings been made public? Why are the press not invited to cover these meetings? What is the hidden agenda? Enquiring minds want to know.
Nike: Re N.A.U. See Lou Dobbs video on Youtube. The U.S. media are talking about this initiative. Do a Google search and get some information.
Jim, Jack, say it ain’t so!
Right in Flaherty heartland and NDP hinterlands….City of Oshawa running their own ATM’s at $1.75 a pop.
http://www.durhamregion.com/dr/regions/oshawa/story/3949546p-4561479c.html
The dark days of Liberal government is over for the military. That is great. Besides there is no better place to spend the surplus.
You may as well throw it down the toilet. We have seen the result of having the most mighty and massive military known to man in Iraq. Wars are no longer fought with planes and tanks…wars are fought for minds and hearts.
The Ultimate ATM
(Where does our paper money come from?)
The recent troubles of the New Brunswick Caisse and the 60 million Government bailout for its troubled loans has brought about some questions.
Could there be other such cases in Canada? (perhaps much larger)
When a Bank or Trust issues loans or mortgages, where does the money come from? Am I correct in thinking that they create it out of thin air and then charge interest on it?
Garth, is the Reserve Bank of Canada the only entity that controls the Canadian money supply?
Do they supply money supply growth statistics?
Do they publish the Economic Projection info that they base their decisions on?
If money supply is uncontrolled, doesn’t our entire economic system become a giant Ponzi scheme?
Bloggers Unite!
http://caiti-online.blogspot.com/
Kitkat,
If money supply is uncontrolled, doesn’t our entire economic system become a giant Ponzi scheme?
Pretty much since the Gold Standard was eliminated. The billions in flux eletronically, second to second, are exactly that, a Ponzi scheme IMHO.
That is why there is a World Bank, IMF, and the value of our Loonie is up and down like a yo-yo!
Think of it as the Casino for the Big Players!
Inflation – The Senior’s Scourge
The Bank of Canada has a nifty inflation calculator that popped my eyes open this AM….Plug in 100K and 8% inflation and 4% interest rate. 20 years later you end up with 47K.
Moving forward, moving forward, moving forward….why do people keep saying that?
Captain george,
Right in Flaherty heartland and NDP hinterlands….City of Oshawa running their own ATM’s at $1.75 a pop.
$1.75? Holy, I wonder if Rope uses ATM’s and pays that horrid amount?
We darn well know he won’t pay that willingly for a vote. LOL
“Think of it as the Casino for the Big Players”…Bill, you’re going to have to elaborate on that.
Calling them Players assumes that the big money doesn’t own the Casino and that they assume a degree of risk. Casino rules always favour the House. In your comparison, who owns the Casino?
In my view, the Big Money owns the Casino, and the Company Store and the government. Paper covers rock and resistance seems futile.
Jeeze, I’m getting depressed again. Where’s that Nike guy with his grandiose visions.
Ok, all together now, moving forward,
The government is benovolent, moving forward,
Big Business cares about us, going forward,
Enlightenment will set us free, looking forward,
The economy is strong, ever upward
Foreign takeovers make us stronger, Flaherty says so
We Trust in Flaherty, going forward.
I guess dion’s “big tent†includes the Taliban. apparently, he wants to bring terrorist Taliban scumbags to Canada. This guy is a disgrace.
Actually Garth, Dion did say that he wanted the Taliban prisoners brought to Canada. Heard it this morning from Jim Watson, Lib MPP. That’s pretty disgraceful. Although I was pleased that Mr. Watson stated that this was very strange and odd.
This is not Mr. Dion’s position, I am told. — Garth
“The MPs have zero input,” said one MP, who did not support Mr. Dion for the leadership.
“They get called for their input and then their opinion gets not listened to. And that’s really frustrating for MPs. But it’s not a surprise because Dion had zero caucus support, very little caucus support.”
Garth said, As I said above, does anyone really think Stephen Harper would have even bothered consulting his MP colleagues?
Inflation – The Senior’s Scourge
The Bank of Canada has a nifty inflation calculator that popped my eyes open this AM….Plug in 100K and 8% inflation and 4% interest rate. 20 years later you end up with 47K.
Moving forward, moving forward, moving forward….why do people keep saying that?
By kitkat on 04.24.07 9:59 am
It won’t be for too long, if we can hold on for about 10 years max, the politicians will be giving us the world. Imagine how many votes the bommers will have then…they are buying Quebec this decade, our decade is the next one!
Van
I still haven’t heard from Rona Ambrose! I have written numerous letters to Stephen Harper and numerous MP’s going back 9 months ago and have never received a reply. Normally you hear back from the MP for your riding – have you tried that, because I have heard back from Stephen Owen numerous times. He is Liberal MP for Vancouver/Pt. Grey and they aren’t form letters – he listens.
Hi Elizabeth.
I wrote Dion directly because Garth said I should. Garth has communicated with me by email and I have thanked him for doing so.
Elizabeth, I remember hearing Stephen Owen speak during a radio show last election. I found him to be a well-spoken individual. I don’t follow his politics at all nor his social liberalism but I cannot say that he isn’t a good speaker. Very respectful.