A smart guy who tracks such things told Bloomberg News Tuesday there’s about a 50-50 chance Ford and GM will be bankrupt within a few years. I have no idea how credible this is, but a new StatsCan report shows Canadians have seriously cut gas consumption since energy prices went nuts. Can car sales be far behind?
It’s hard to argue we’re not in a watershed time, or peak oil may be upon us, or the American century is over, or industrial societies based on non-stop economic expansion are unsustainable – just like those sprawling subdivisions near my home. The question is, what to do about it?
Some think I’m dark and gloomy for chronicling this stuff. Or being overly critical for wondering if Ottawa has a plan. And while I think the prime minister and Jim Flaherty have been devastating custodians of the economy, and our problems are now legion, I know there’s hope.
Imagine this, for instance. Imagine if we had a government that would give us…
• Broad-based income tax cuts to increase cash flow and help consumer spending in troubled times.
• Substantial direct financial help for families to offset higher energy costs.
• Deep tax incentives to get businesses investing in green technologies and innovation.
• Lower corporate taxes, making the country far more competitive for global investment, and help create jobs.
• A cut in small business taxes, because the greatest numbers of new jobs come from start-ups and small-scale expansions.
• Tax write-offs in the form of capital cost allowances letting companies afford green tech investments
• Federal money to achieve the goal of having 10% of Canada’s energy come from renewable sources
• A big new fund to stimulate green manufacturing ventures.
• Money for homeowners to retrofit their houses; inducements to buy hybrid cars and energy-saving appliances
• Incentives for citizens to generate their own power, not just to get off the grid but to feed it.
Would that interest you? Excite you? Give you hope – for now, and the next decade, no matter what the price of oil did? Do you think it’s time we had a more activist government which showed leadership when the winds of change howled? Is there a way out of this morass the Harper government is stuck in?
Yeah, I think so. And those ten policies above are ten planks in the Liberal policy. It’s what Stephane Dion and I will be talking about on August 20th.
211 comments ↓
Imagine if we had a government that would give us…
Garth Turner on @ 10:19 pm
We had that government for 4 decades and they really gave it to us. Next
“Do you think it’s time we had a more activist government which showed leadership when the winds of change howled? Is there a way out of this morass the Harper government is stuck in? Yeah, I think so. And those ten policies above are ten planks in the Liberal policy. It’s what Stephane Dion and I will be talking about on August 20th.”~Garth
________
Garth,
I love activist talk.
What are you guys doing on August 20th?
• Broad-based income tax cuts to increase cash flow and help consumer spending in troubled times.
conservative
• Substantial direct financial help for families to offset higher energy costs.
liberal
• Deep tax incentives to get businesses investing in green technologies and innovation.
conservative
• Lower corporate taxes, making the country far more competitive for global investment, and help create jobs.
conservative
• A cut in small business taxes, because the greatest numbers of new jobs come from start-ups and small-scale expansions.
conservative
• Tax write-offs in the form of capital cost allowances letting companies afford green tech investments
conservative
• Federal money to achieve the goal of having 10% of Canada’s energy come from renewable sources
liberal
• A big new fund to stimulate green manufacturing ventures.
liberal
• Money for homeowners to retrofit their houses; inducements to buy hybrid cars and energy-saving appliances
liberal
• Incentives for citizens to generate their own power, not just to get off the grid but to feed it.
liberal
Garth, I hope you don’t mind me categorizing your excellent ideas, by marking them liberal or conservative.
This is what makes you unique.
You will suggest the best ideas regardless if they are left, right, or centre to bring about the best for all of us.
You are just like the rest of us. I couldn’t care where the idea comes from as long as its right for now and can be properly implemented for everyone with measureable positive outcomes.
You are a PC through and through! Hooray!
Just what we need for right now!
If you are going to cut so many taxes where will you get the money for the rest of the program? Will it be through deficit financing?
This kind of platform lacks credibility.
Have the Liberals forgotten their promise on Income Trusts? Don’t see it as a plank. It’s worth almost 2 million votes.
By C. B. Innes on 07.22.08 10:55 pm
You one-o-them CON trolls?? Paul Martin in 2000 cut taxes by $100 BILLION and look what happened! What a waste of economic skin Flim-Flam and Yo Harper are.
http://www.fin.gc.ca/ec2001/ec01speeche.html
Does a bear sh*t in the woods?
Is the Pope Catholic?
Is Stephen Harper a Neo-Clown Lite Moron?
AToryNoMore
Good business and ideas are where you find them, and you have to water both sides of the lawn equally.
The US economy is going to meltdown if John McSame gets into power. If Obama wins, it is questionable. The thing is the USA needs to get off the cheap oil drug habit they have. GHG aside.
And just think, if we do all this, to you know save money, GHG emmission will also fall. Man that must burn some Neo-Clown buns. I guess we should tell them it will save them money and help the free market economy, they’ll buy that (just don’t tell them it will reduce GHG or they’ll go insane)
C.B.
Raise consumption taxes and double on none Green Techs.
I love activist talk too! Tell us more please. October/November here we come eh.• “Incentives for citizens to generate their own power, not just to get off the grid but to feed it.”
That is especially attractive, I just hope it’s not for the elite only.
Keep talking Garth.
Garth … Where does Dion’s Carbon Tax fit into this picture, notwithstanding the promised income tax offsetting credits?
How will a Liberal Carbon Tax revive the Canadian car industry?
I hope Dion is not going to confuse the overall picture by promising the moon to Canadians just for the sake of rescuing his flagging leadership.
Will Dion’s leadership even survive to August 20th .. because if polling doesn’t show a significant shift soon towards Liberals, all the promises in the world won’t rescue Dion …??
Or are you desperately trying to preempt the Conservative Budget coming next Fall ..??!!!
Garth…. loved your post. For anyone who has read The Green Shift cover to cover, they will realize that the money to do what you are outlining is coming from putting a price on carbon…this is all about shifting taxes.
I’d LOVE to see the GST go up to 8% or even 10% and use most of the proceeds for additional income tax cuts for lower and middle income Canadians, a capital injection for major infrastructure programs across the country, and a significant incentives for homeowners and businesses to convert to renewable energy sources to help feed the national power grid.
Most Canadians are smart enough (except those idiots that vote for Harper) to realize that we need a strong Federal government to set national strategies and policies to help this great country take advantage of the huge opportunities before us.
We don’t have to throw away billions on needless military spending on domestic forces. We don’t have to abandon our traditional peace keeping role. We don’t have to spend billions on a war that cannot be won in Afganistan.
If you are going to cut so many taxes where will you get the money for the rest of the program? Will it be through deficit financing? …….
By C. B. Innes on 07.22.08 10:55 pm
The government just got billions of dollars in the auction for wireless. What a great way to use it in perilous times.
You do love to be mysterious Garth. Tantalizing us with August 20th.!!!!
I do know that with you and Stephane sharing your information, it will be a very positive event. Hopefully it will be on a national level so many people will have the opportunity to get to know him better.
Stephane Dion will lead us to a fairer, greener and richer Canada. At least the neocons have shown us what we don’t want.
Here Mr Turner, let me present to you a REAL “Green Shift”. It’s brought to you by Boone Pickens, one of the legends of the OIL industry in North America
Have a watch
http://media.pickensplan.com/downloads/PP_tv1/TV_101_Plan_710X480.wmv
THIS is a “green shift” dude. Pickens kicks ass.
C.B. Innes: You’ve heard of the Green Shift, right? Tax bad things (like consumption) while putting money into good things (like reducing income taxes, or investing in new technology)? I think there’s something about it around here …
The only thing in the whole debate about the Green Shift that lacks credibility is the Cons’ response to it. They don’t have an answer to the Liberals’ plan, so they lie about it instead and try to stoke regionalist interests. The claim that it would cost the average Alberta family four times as much as the average Ontario family is insane (unless, of course, the average Alberta family uses four times the resources to maintain their lifestyle, which I find hard to believe). Will it cost the oil industry? Of course it will — the industry pollutes like hell, and has largely gotten away with it until now. Will that come out of Albertans’ pockets? Hardly. Part of it will get passed along to consumers across the country and the continent. The rest will come out of the pockets of the shareholders — and with half of the industry’s revenues being generated by foreign-controlled companies, it’s as likely to come out of someone’s pockets in Holland or Texas as in Canada (let alone Alberta itself). In addition, the income tax cuts and new investment to be used to ensure the scheme is revenue-neutral will also be distributed equally across the country. Nevertheless, the Cons would rather cry “Regionalism! Let those Eastern bastards freeze in the dark!” than admit they don’t have a rational response. Coming from our government, it’s embarrassing.
(Oh, and Got Rope?: That government we had for four decades did a better job than the one we’ve had for the last 2-1/2 years. In fact, the one we’ve had for the last 2-1/2 years has pretty much pissed away the gains we made over those last four decades. That claim has nothing to do with party affiliation — I don’t have one — and everything to do with actual performance. Look it up.)
AToryNoMore….you have some of your facts incorrect:::
• Broad-based income tax cuts to increase cash flow and help consumer spending in troubled times.
conservative (WRONG! All that Harper has done is RAISE your income tax from 15% to 15.5% in one budget and lower it back again in the next budget)
• Substantial direct financial help for families to offset higher energy costs.
liberal
• Deep tax incentives to get businesses investing in green technologies and innovation.
conservative (WRONG – there is nothing in the Conservative plan. This is from The Green Shift i.e. Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance for green technologies.
• Lower corporate taxes, making the country far more competitive for global investment, and help create jobs.
conservative (partially WRONG – corporate tax cuts were started under the Chretien and Martin governments)
• A cut in small business taxes, because the greatest numbers of new jobs come from start-ups and small-scale expansions.
conservative (partially WRONG – again these programs were started under Chretien and Martin)
• Tax write-offs in the form of capital cost allowances letting companies afford green tech investments
conservative (WRONG – in The Green Shift as Accelerated Capital Cost Allowances)
• Federal money to achieve the goal of having 10% of Canada’s energy come from renewable sources
liberal
• A big new fund to stimulate green manufacturing ventures.
liberal
• Money for homeowners to retrofit their houses; inducements to buy hybrid cars and energy-saving appliances
liberal (partially WRONG – Conservatives announced rebates on fuel efficient cars – but have yet to put the infrastructure in place to actually send consumers money)
• Incentives for citizens to generate their own power, not just to get off the grid but to feed it.
liberal
What little Harper has done was basically to cancel programs launched by Dion when he was environment minister, then reduce the funding for them, change the name of the program, and claim them as Conservative initiatives. The man is a joke!
When Parliament is recalled in the Fall, does PMSH have to have a vote on proroguing Parliament and would that not be the correct time for a No Confidence vote? Just wondering! I would rather see a minority government again led by Liberals instead of the Regressive Preservatives!
This kind of platform lacks credibility.
By C. B. Innes on 07.22.08 10:55 pm
I agree completely. Cut taxes at all costs is the Conservative platform. It doesn’t work. We Canadians WANT certain services and are willing to pay for them–so long as we get what we pay for.
Imagine if we had a government that would give us…
Garth Turner on @ 10:19 pm
If I could I`d like to try a straight forward comment on the ten policies above are ten planks in the Liberal policy.
In all honesty the`re very good ideas, just completely unattainable.
The government as an institution is completely dysfunctional and has been for decades. It`s not a question of the people, plenty of good people have walked the halls with you, it`s the system, it`s broke beyond repair so Dion will not succeed on a single point.
The most important, `Lower corporate taxes, making the country far more competitive for global investment, and help create jobs` is completely unattainable. Since 2002 international investor have shunned Canada and it`s not a few extra dollars in taxes that are passed on to the consumer, it`s a matter of faith in reforming government.
Abandoning the rule of law, authorizing government corruption as good for the country and the worst of the worst, creating the highest number of trouble youths through the unconstitutional use of sole custody. Because future generations are on quicksand big money avoids us, simple as that and they don`t believe an illegitimate dysfunctional government would or could bring in any of your ten points without first at least restoring democracy and the rule of law.
Great ideas but drastic change needs to happen first. Government can do it or economic conditions will. I`m only sorry it`s governments choice and not the peoples but thats what Canada has become. Like I said, next.
no justice, no investment
How about the biggest tax cut of all Garth. Have the Bank of Canada buy out and pay off the national debt interest free thereby relieving all taxpayers of the 10 bucks a day that we pay every day in interest charges.
Which of the ten ought the $4.25B windfall now in Prentice’s hands be best to be moved from concept into reality?
So who are these idiots who think the last 4 decades have been an entire waste for Canada? That constitutes practically my entire life, and I’m very proud of Canada’s accomplishments as a nation.
Strangely, these are the same people who claim to be “standing up” for Canada now and bemoan people like me for not being patriotic enough.
Mind boggling . . . and pathetic.
It’s about frigging time!Already!
An economic stimulus package that has a national perspective not just knee jerk regionalism wrapped up in partisan bluster like we have been getting from the clown patrol.
Conserving energy while stimulating jobs and the new green economy half our country(five Provinces) with 2/3 of our population are already committed to working on this so of course we need the federal government to catch up with what is already happening on the ground.
‘People get ready there is a train a coming-don’t need no ticket -you just climb on board”
Finally some hope on the horizon!
Garth,
I agree, in principle with all of the policies you have mentioned above. I don’t get the feeling that Harper is sold on climate change. Thus, the sorts of policies you suggest won’t come in aggressively until Harper has been dumped. I think environment minister Baird wants to be more pro-active in doing his job, but his hands are tied.
The policies you have mentioned are good. Moreover, if Dion gets elected, and his carbon tax/green shift is implemented, the more intricate social and economic innovations will start to appear. For example, houses and cars will be designed smaller ans smarter, central heating will be replaced by room by room heating, residential solar heating will finally get a long overdue injection of capital and will actually become affordable and the designs will be more stylish and practical. The air we breath will be cleaner and the spin off benefits, will in a very short time, improve our quality of life. For instance, there will be less cases of anathema, cancer, allergies and so on. In short, a new and exciting culture will emerge and we will be able to sell our know how to the rest of the world.
That would be cool and inspiring.
Daryn
AToryNoMore,
Interesting post.
All of the progressives and moderates flocked to the Liberal Party from the Conservatives after Stronach lost the leadership race.
I imagine it will remain this way for a long time, until the conservative leadership changes.
Daryn
“. . . The only hope for change that I can see is economic devastation . . .”
WJP, 5:14 PM
One must go through hell in order to get to heaven — there are no shortcuts, WJP.
It’s worth going through hard times, to see first-hand the total devastation CRAP has caused in a very short time frame. Then, get rid of the crooks — that choice belongs to voters across the board.
Let the Libs. and Dion spend time clearly explaining to voters their new ideas for our country — the carbon tax is not a tax grab, but a tax shift — the tax stays the same, and the money stays right here.
There is always a way out of any maze, so there will always be hope for a much brighter tomorrow.
One aspect of Dion I do like is that he doesn’t continually bash CRAP, which is a waste of time and energy anyway.
Instead, he — and Libs. — focus on new, alternative and positive ideas which can be of benefit to this land, unlike CRAP who are completely devoid of anything at all.
****************************************
This is the party that harpo presently controls, hairless hairy (and others) support and Canada is referred to as a ‘ratshit terrorist country’.
hairy, I am SOOOOOO looking forward to enjoying the Liberal whitewash of CRAP in the election — Kim Campbell looks really good compared to your bunch of ragamuffins!
http://tinyurl.com/5epvdz
****************************************
The US will NOT like this one little bit, especially as the Fourth Fleet (nuclear) is steaming toward this area.
Chavez may end up being one smart cookie — fell into a bucket of shit, and came up smelling like roses!
http://tinyurl.com/66vyjb
****************************************
First para. makes sense — CRAP, dubya and the ultra right-wing doohickeys won’t care for it, though.
http://tinyurl.com/5bwywp
****************************************
Imagine — a report on this province, which originates from BBC America, ends up on rawstory.com and posted here for all to see!
http://tinyurl.com/6dvpuy
Garth,
I’m sorry but when I hear the term “activist government”, particularly as it relates to the Green Shift, I get the shivers. And not the good kind either.
For example, one issue I haven’t seen addressed on this blog (which doesn’t mean it hasn’t been) is the following:
As I understand it, the shift to tax polluters is meant to incent industry to be more green and the GreenShift would offset inevitably higher prices to consumers in the form of personal income tax cuts. Okay, but what happens when industries eventually get greener? Wouldn’t they pay less in carbon taxes, meaning lower revenue for the government? Would that mean personal income tax reductions would also have to be clawed back in order to remain revenue neutral? Or are the Liberals assuming an ever expanding industrial base in its model? Also, would the Carbon Tax be accounted separately or just flow into general revenues?
Going Green
Out of the 10 points 7 are green initiatives which makes a lot of sense considering the potential effect of climate change. Some computer models indicate increasing food shortage due to expanded global drought conditions. It goes without saying that if that model is even close to being correct we`ll have global water shortages to go alone with the food shortages.
The green incentives will have a dramatic effect on Cdns but unfortunately it will not create any noticeable slowdown in GHG emissions. Global emissions are projected to climb at a much faster rate than anything Canada could contribute to reducing on a global scale. On a global scale all 7 points if pursued to success would not be a single pixel of green on the global screen. That`s reality and we can be talking about a feel good plan or a plan that will have a global effect but carbon taxes, carbon trading or green economies will not come to fruition in time to stop what could be the worst of what we fear even if they actually did reduce GHG.
There is some scientific evidence that the oceans could become so acidic 90% of food fish stocks will disappear over a very short time period.
If we really want to have a Cdn impact on climate change we need to act internationally. Nationally the BC pine beetle puts as much CO2 in the air as every car in Canada. I have suggested a complete change to the global transportation system. This is possible using current technology which is still relatively new and limited.
Will it work, is it feasible, can it really be done on a global scale that would have a very noticeable effect on climate change? Yes to all. Why take my word for it. I`ve designed a global competition for the best design. Not that I think big business isn`t capable of creating one I thought it best to use universities as they will be building it and paying to use it throuhout their lives and so should be given the distinct honour to create the best design.
Canada`s contribution would start at $50m nationally increasing to $250m internationally and never a penny more, I`ve costed it out.
Am I asking my fellow Cdns for too much?
Would $50m out of the federal budget be too much to find the full potential of a project that has so much potential for much more than just having a positive effect on climate change?
Now that I think of it wouldn`t it be worth $50m to the federal government just to have me go off somewhere where I won`t be interested in other governmental affairs. lol, probably not, a small thorn, seldom irritating at best but a prick none the less.
It`s only $50m and the details of rest of the plan on everything from financing to administrative jurisdiction to profit will grow from the base as dictated by the final design.
If you`re really serious about climate change it`ll take a plan like a global design for a global transportation to turn climate change effects around.
If anyone has a plan or even an idea that will have a global effect on climate change I have yet to hear it. This one has potential with minimal government involvement or funding.
We need to do something and until we do lets at least start with a $50m incentive to create a global university think tank on transportation renewal.
We have to start doing big things or big bad things are going to happen.
Which all begs the question – do we get to vote on it soon? I’ve been tired of Harper since day 1, and I’ve been getting even more tired of you Libs pulling back from the brink. Next time you get a shot, please pull the plug on this pathetic government.
Garth
As I mentioned a couple of days ago we are on a cusp of change that doesn’t happen very often and the bold will go on to create a new world while the timid hide behind the old ways to die. A good example of bold thinking is America and later Germany and Japan after WWII and a good example of failure is after WWI where the world tried to continue with business like usual and a depression soon followed.
While Harper and his goons sing “don’t worry, be happy” over and over again it is heartening to see at least one party is “bold enough to go where no man has gone before”. And we really are in uncharted waters With a new crises every day, each in itself enough to collapse countries it is going to take new ways of thinking and throwing out the old rulebook to just survive it let alone recover. The movement towards a world price on carbon and Obamas and Englands indication that changes are needed to bankruptcy laws are strong indications that some are brave enough to toss the old rule book. If the Liberals and others add their voice then there is hope of a recovery at some point.
If you think of the Acropolus in Athens the remains of which after nearly three thousand years are a number of columns supporting a roof structure then you are right in saying that your proposals will form those pillers to build a new economy. If the green shift was the first baby steps then these proposals represent learning to walk without assistence. Hopefully in the future our country learns to run and maybe even race.
While I can think of dozens of other important planks these represent a damn good start. Most important is to not prop up but abandon existing corporations and let them change or dissappear. Canadian Tire changed once to become one of the only chains to survive Walmart. I have confidence they can change back to what made them successful in the past as that becomes more profitable once again.
Congratulations to the Liberals for joining the Greens in having a realistic, long term plan for our future.
And don’t forget the Liberal’s new Carbon Tax! Or is Stephane Dion backing off this insane idea?
Like C.B., the devil would be in the details for me, but I like the DIRECTION. The only real problem any and ALL parties will have in the next election is which promise will turn out to be a LIE. This is one of the reasons why INDEPENDENT Government makes more sense.
Conservatives In Quebec Illegally Shifted Ad Expenses, Elections Canada Charges
2006 Election May Have Been Won By Conservatives Through Fraudulent Means
TIM NAUMETZ
The Canadian Press
July 22, 2008 at 9:26 AM (EDIT)
OTTAWA — The Conservative Party illegally shifted thousands of dollars in advertising expenses from two of its top Quebec candidates to other Quebec candidates who had more spending room in their 2006 federal election campaigns, the lawyer for Elections Canada has charged.
A former financial officer for the Conservative party confirmed last month in a court examination that expenses incurred by Public Works Minister Christian Paradis and former Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Bernier were inappropriately assigned to other candidates.
Elections Canada lawyer Barbara McIsaac probed Ann O’Grady over records involving claims for radio and TV advertising by Mr. Paradis and advertising claimed by Mr. Bernier.
The financial statements and invoices – filed in a Federal Court case concerning $1.3-million in questionable Conservative ad expenses – also showed that Mr. Bernier and Mr. Paradis paid a fraction of the related ad production costs compared with other Tory candidates.
Mr. Bernier and Mr. Paradis are among 67 Conservative candidates whose advertising expenditures are under investigation by the federal elections commissioner. Chief Electoral Officer Marc Mayrand has refused to reimburse the expenditures on grounds that they did not qualify as local candidate expenses.
The Commons ethics committee is also conducting an inquiry into the bookkeeping, which Elections Canada states allowed the Conservative party to exceed its national campaign spending limit by more than $1-million.
The Canada Elections Act prohibits candidates from absorbing or sharing the election expenses of other candidates.
NDP MP Pat Martin, a member of the ethics committee, said that the Conservative party also shifting expenses from Mr. Bernier and Mr. Paradis to other candidates adds an entirely new dimension to the controversy. “That’s absolutely not allowed.”
In a sworn cross-examination last month, the transcript of which was subsequently entered in the Federal Court file, Ms. McIsaac pressed Ms. O’Grady about advertising and ad production costs that were transferred from Mr. Bernier and Mr. Paradis to other candidates.
“I’m going to suggest to you that Mr. Bernier was less than $2,590 from his spending limit and that he couldn’t afford to put the additional amount into his return,” Ms. McIsaac said to Ms. O’Grady.
Ms. O’Grady responded, “Who knows what else would have been going on at the time? I can’t comment on how Mr. Bernier ran his campaign.”
In the case of Mr. Paradis, Ms. O’Grady was forced to concede that the candidate had originally been invoiced $29,766 and subsequently received a “credit note” of $10,000 that was ‘reallocated’ to another candidate, Marc Nadeau.
“Now, again, the reason for this was that Mr. Paradis had reached his limit with respect to spending as well, is that correct?” Ms. McIsaac asked. “He had to allocate some of his money to Mr. Nadeau, did he not, because he was close to his limit?”
“I would not know that,” replied Ms. O’Grady, who replaced former Tory chief financial agent Susan Kehoe several months after the election.
Ms. McIsaac also questioned Ms. O’Grady over the fact that Mr. Bernier paid no production costs for his share of the advertising. Mr. Paradis paid only $233.93 for his share, even though Ms. McIsaac said other candidates paid $4,500 each for production costs.
Premier Revives Transfer Fight
McGuinty asks Ontarians to stand up to Ottawa in battle over $20 billion sent to other provinces
Jul 23, 2008 04:30 AM
Rob Ferguson
Queen’s Park Bureau
LONDON, ONT.–Ontario needs to be more like other provinces that “defend their interests so quickly it would make your head spin” to win its long-standing $20 billion funding feud with the federal government, Premier Dalton McGuinty says.
But there will be no stunts like lowering the Canadian flag, as Newfoundland Premier Danny Williams did to back demands for a better deal, McGuinty said.
Dusting off his crusade to get Ottawa to take less than the current $20 billion a year from Ontario’s struggling economy to help other provinces, the premier urged Ontario residents to get more vocal in backing him in the battle with Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
“We have been somewhat reluctant to stand up for ourselves,” McGuinty said after a luncheon speech to 350 people at the London Chamber of Commerce, in what amounted to a plea for help from citizens. “It’s one thing for me to take it to Parliament Hill and make the case as one Ontarian. It’s another thing for 13 million Ontarians to make the case together.”
McGuinty said it’s in their best interests to do so given high oil prices and rising unemployment in a manufacturing sector hit hard by rising costs of energy, the high dollar and a U.S. economic slowdown.
“Right now, despite the energy boom in other parts of the country, the federal government today takes more out of Ontario for redistribution to other provinces than ever before in Canadian history,” he said, noting the $20 billion accounts for 3 per cent of Ontario’s economic output.
“The system is so badly broken that every time the price of oil goes up – which means Ontarians pay more at the pumps – we have to pay more to the federal government for distribution to the rest of the country.”
Keeping more of the money would mean Ontario could provide more support for laid-off workers and cut taxes, said McGuinty, who cited a recent report that said Ontario could be a “have-not” province in need of equalization payments by 2010 if current trends continue.
The president of the Ontario chamber of Commerce supported McGuinty’s approach of fighting for a “fair deal” from Ottawa in a businesslike manner and not resorting to publicity stunts.
“Those antics may grab headlines but ultimately we want to be able to make some change and we want to be able to make sure that Ontario gets its fair share,” said Len Crispino, who was at the speech.
“We’re funding other parts of Canada to a far greater degree. … I think he’s on the right track.”
“A smart guy who tracks such things told Bloomberg News Tuesday there’s about a 50-50 chance Ford and GM will be bankrupt within a few years. I have no idea how credible this is, but a new StatsCan report shows Canadians have seriously cut gas consumption since energy prices went nuts. Can car sales be far behind?”
By Garth…
The trend appears to be towards the smaller car, not only here but in the U.S. as well. The Japanese have the market cornered at the moment and will no doubt see their sales rise over the next year. Presently the Honda Civic is the most popular car in Canada. Just from the two decisions of late from GM & Ford, it is obvious their strategic planning left a great deal to be desired and by the time they get it, car sales will be slumping to the point where I cannot see them recovering. Sales for Toyota & Honda will peak over the next year, then all car sales will see a decline.
The second huge problem for GM & Ford is reliability, once those new owners of the Toyota and Honda products have experienced the tried and true reliable products of these two auto giants, they will be hard pressed to return to North American cars (GM, Ford & Chrysler)
That’s one man’s opinion for what it is worth.
“ACTIONS SPEEK LOUDER THAN WORDS”
So bring it to Canadians and we will bring it to the world!
• Broad-based income tax cuts to increase cash flow and help consumer spending in troubled times.
• Substantial direct financial help for families to offset higher energy costs.
• Deep tax incentives to get businesses investing in green technologies and innovation.
• Lower corporate taxes, making the country far more competitive for global investment, and help create jobs.
• A cut in small business taxes, because the greatest numbers of new jobs come from start-ups and small-scale expansions.
• Tax write-offs in the form of capital cost allowances letting companies afford green tech investments
• Federal money to achieve the goal of having 10% of Canada’s energy come from renewable sources
• A big new fund to stimulate green manufacturing ventures.
• Money for homeowners to retrofit their houses; inducements to buy hybrid cars and energy-saving appliances
• Incentives for citizens to generate their own power, not just to get off the grid but to feed it.
Here is a link on recent auto sales in the U.S.
http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/05/04/business/auto.php
Imagine if we had a government that would give us…
-A much more compassionate and fair income trust policy, as enunciated by Garth Turner and the Liberal Party.
-A bold and economically sound green plan, as enunciated by Garth Turner and the Liberal Party.
Given Deceivin’ Stephen’s and Flatulent Flaherty’s CON intransigence and hypocrisy, it appears the only avenue of possible justice is through the next federal election, by way of voting in a Liberal government.
The Liberals provide the greatest chance at turfing this criminal cadre of CON thugs.
Maybe GM, Ford & Chrysler could look to these markets if government would engage in fair trade rather then free trade…
http://www.thestar.com/Business/article/465659
Do you have any data to show that tax cuts are better at stimulating the economy then spending programs? After all, people who are unemployed and companies that are losing money don’t pay taxes, so don’t benefit from tax cuts.
• Incentives for citizens to generate their own power, not just to get off the grid but to feed it.
I definatly like this policy, but there needs to be an agreement with the power provider. In my province, to hook up a 10 kw wind turbine to the grid was a serious problem. This kind of issue must be dealt with before a federal policy will be effective.
I would love to see more incentives for generating your own power. As it stands I could install solar power at my house but it would take about 10-15 years before I would benefit. How many people know they will be living in the same spot for 15 years?
Here comes the Harper killer…Inflation!!!
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=8187d0e4-0761-4d7e-a550-ad9f55369ca1
And don’t forget the Liberal’s new Carbon Tax! Or is Stephane Dion backing off this insane idea?
By Catherine on 07.23.08 4:49 am
Maybe Dion will go with the Harper plan which will send Canadian tax dollars into the U.S. Treasury!!!
By TS on 07.22.08 11:36 pm
Forget the branded political party’s in my exercise above.
The thinking is philosophical, whether liberal or conservative; left or right.
That is what is most interesting and if I may say so properly positions Garth as more of a political pragmatist than
anything else.
He just wants to get ‘er done!
Health report to get ‘low-profile’ release
BILL CURRY
From Wednesday’s Globe and Mail
July 23, 2008 at 4:30 AM EDT
OTTAWA — The Conservative government is planning a quiet release for a major Health Canada report that warns of the harmful impact of climate change on the health of Canadians, particularly the young, elderly and aboriginals.
Should the department follow through with its communications plan, it will be the second time this year that the government has taken such an approach with a major climate-change study.
….Gee Catherine – why aren’t you more concerned about how Harper tries to hide facts from you? If you are not concerned, you have a real problem.
AToryNoMore,
Interesting post.
All of the progressives and moderates flocked to the Liberal Party from the Conservatives after Stronach lost the leadership race.
I imagine it will remain this way for a long time, until the conservative leadership changes.
Daryn
By Daryn on 07.23.08 1:13 am
It really started back in ‘93.
When Parliament is recalled in the Fall, does PMSH have to have a vote on proroguing Parliament…
By Academic my Dear Watson on 07.22.08 11:48 pm
I have heard rumours that Steve plans to prorogue Parliament until after their big shindig in November. If he does that, that will mean that we have no one at Canada’s helm for about 5 months!! How can that be? And if Steve does prorogue….well, everyone knows that he’s just trying to prolong the duration of his pathetic minority government because he’s got nothing to offer Canadians.
Garth, income trusts are conspicuous by their absence. If the trusts do not rank as one of your top 10 planks then you are going to have problems getting the “trusters” votes. Certainly this one!
Over $20.5 billion in losses as of last Friday. Over $35 billion for 194 trusts excluding Fording and Canadian Oil Sands. Link below.
http://www.4shared.com/account/file/55802606/e09630d7/Income_Trust_Losses_from_Oct_31_2006_as_of_Jul_18_2008.html
I did not say those were Top Ten platform planks, or that they were all the planks. Income trusts are still a Lib priority, in fact this is the only party in Parliament that cares. — Garth
Ahem…..WHAT HAPPENED TO INCOME TRUSTS????
Who would ever want to invest in Canada. when policies are enacted on completely false and fraudulent premises?
The government’s trust tax has caused $40 billion in trust takeovers, plus BCE for a total of $92 billion in takeovers by leveraged buyouts……causing $2 billion a year in lost taxes.
Where’s the proof of tax leakage?
We demand proof of tax leakage. If there is no proof, then the Liberals need to make good on their promise…….we want our $35 billion in retirement savings recaptured by the repeal of this tax.
Maybe then, I will pay attention to your list of 10 promises, but not before.
Those are 10 planks, not all the planks! — Garth
WJP
We talked about the lies stats Can. produces a couple of day ago on another topic. Do you trully believe inflation only went up 1% when energy costs went up 25% in the last 6 months and China’s inflation rate as well as other countries where most of our goods come from is 10%. Even if only half of these costs were to be passed on to consumers the inflation rate has to be above 5%. This doesn’t even measure the many companies downsizing the size of their product while keeping the same price which is probably more inflationary because it isn’t readilly seen by consumers right away like a price increase.
Garth any hope the Liberals will tackle using real statistics in the future?
A Reader’s Two Cents Worth On Car Manufacturers
Talk of Honda, Toyota or other foreign car makers having better quality vehicles than GM, Ford or Chrysler has now, unfortunately, become something of an outright misinformed “urban legend.”
GM, for example, has won numerous awards for the quality of their vehicles produced by plants residing in good old Oshawa, Ontario.
And many people have been quite pleased with the quality and competitive pricing of ‘domestic’ car manufacturers for years.
Why not help save Canadian jobs and businesses by buying domestic?
Garth
Don`t forget about all the folks who were burned by the income trust fiasco.
There are a hefty bunch of us greedy old farts that “used-to-have” too much money that are itching to help destroy the “New” Conservatives in the next campaign.
We are itching for a fight & we will go to the wall for our cause.
We jut need to know that the cause we have remains yours as well.
Add that Plank–we will be watching.
Dr Mike Popovich–former life-long Conservative.
Garth,
You have quite a program of action. But you forgot a couple of key issues of great interest to retirees, you know, the folks who vote massively in elections. First you should call for the reversal of Flaherty’s policy on income trusts that has destroyed tens of billions of dollars of retirement saving and soon retirement income And second,what about talking about the elimination of the gross unfairness imposed on retirees by the double taxation of dividends in their RRSP/RRIF. As a savy politician you should address problems that touch ordinary folks, especially the one who vote in mass. I am very concerned that, due to its negligence, the Liberal Party is losing the traditional support it used to enjoy among seniors.
All good policies Garth!
BUT where does that leave people like myself who are on disability & are single? And I’m also over 60 yrs. old.
I’m trying to live on ODSP, being physically disabled. My rent does not include utilites, food prices are rising drastically (for me) & I’m not even able to make ends meet now. Never mind later.
I don’t drive or have a vehicle so that is one less cost. But energy prices are rising fast so I have no idea what to do anymore. Heating takes a huge amt. of my income in the winter plus hydro is exorbitant year round. This leaves me, every month, without enough for food for each & every month. Even in the summer.
I live in a small, 1 bedroom apt. & am shut-in all winter & unable to get out at all.
I’m careful not to leave lights on, unplug things, etc. & to be honest I can’t cut anywhere else. I’ve done all I can do.
So, Garth, now what? According to The GreenShift, because I live in a rural town & my income is barely over 12,000 a year my “credit” is $13 a month. To me that’s nothing as it’s swallowed up by the cost of food alone, never mind utilities.
Lots of talk of helping the working poor
& families – very good! But there are a lot of us out here who are looking at being homeless in the not-too-distant future. And it’s frightening.
Is there a policy for us?
Line me up with C.B. Innes on this one.
Before voting for this great expectation, I want to know how big a hole in government revenues these tax cuts/incentives will create, how this hole will be filled, and the trickle-down effect that filling this hole will have on Joe Blow Average.
Twenty-odd years ago I attended a briefing in which a gent from Finance explained the federal budget. The fact that stayed in my memory was that only about 26% of federal spending was discretionary, and that this non-statutory, discretionary spending funded such things as the CF. Has this changed, Garth?
Mr. Garth TurnerMP, (A Question?)
This Aug 20 thing, will we ALL be able to see/hear what is sayed on this blog or the Liberal web site after the fact?
You can also be there in person. — Garth
Liberals Propose New Income Trust Policy to Counter Conservative Mismanagement
February 13, 2007
Ottawa – The Liberal Opposition has a plan that could return as much as two thirds of the losses suffered by investors in the wake of the Conservatives’ broken promise on income trusts, Liberal Opposition Leader Stéphane Dion and Finance Critic John McCallum said today.
“When this minority Conservative government undertook what it knew would be a harmful action to Canadians, it should have taken the utmost care to minimize the damage it would cause its citizens,” said Mr. Dion. “The government broke a promise and imposed a radically higher tax that resulted in a $25-billion blow to the savings of hard-working Canadians.”
After hearing from numerous witnesses at the Standing Committee on Finance, the Liberal Opposition has a plan. It is proposing that the government repeal its planned 31.5 per cent tax regime and replace it with a modest 10 per cent tax, to be paid by the companies, that would be refundable to Canadian residents. The tax would be imposed immediately with the revenue shared equitably with provincial governments.
“Rather than considering what is best for Canadians, the Prime Minister simply decided that he was going to put an end to the income trust sector,” said Mr. McCallum. “After hearing from dozens of expert witnesses we have developed a proposal that is fair to Canadian investors, to corporations and the income trust sector as well as federal and provincial governments.”
Underpinning the Liberal proposals are four main policy objectives that should have been considered by the government:
• minimizing the loss of savings for Canadians who invested in income trusts;
• preserving the strengths of the income trust sector, notably a high-yield instrument for savers and for the energy sector;
• creating tax fairness by eliminating any tax leakage caused by the income trust sector; and,
• creating tax neutrality by eliminating any incentive to convert from a corporation to an income trust purely for tax purposes.
The Liberal Opposition also proposes that the ban on new trust formations be continued, but that the government should commit to considering representations from sectors which can conform to the policy objectives listed above.
The proposal has already received support from Gordon Tait, an analyst with BMO Capital Markets, who had previously told members of the Finance Committee that extending the phase out period to ten years would likely return one-third of the investors lost savings.
“This new proposal would likely return at least of two-thirds of the losses experienced by the holders of income trusts after the October 31 announcement,” said Mr. Tait. “It would also ensure that Canadian investors continue to have a high-yield investment vehicle available to them.”
Dirk Lever, Managing Director for RBC Capital Markets, agreed with that assessment.
“I would concur with Gordon Tait’s view that at least two thirds of the lost value will be recovered,” said Mr. Lever. “It could be more.”
Yves Fortin, a noted economist who formerly worked for the Department of Finance, indicated that the proposal would put an end to any tax leakage alleged by the government.
“While I am not convinced that there is tax leakage, and expert opinions differ as to the existence or the extent of the tax leakage, this proposed 10 per cent tax would more than cover the problem,” said Mr. Fortin.
That was the list of items I was waiting to hear. It is a “well duh” list that several European Countries figured out about 15 years ago, and Obama in the US is happily trumpeting (all be it filled with more unicorns then substance at the moment).
Inflation is up. Energy prices are up. My taxes are up. Even the Taxpayers Federation which tends to favour the political right points to a more bloated government created by Harper and his cronies then Martin or Cretien ever did. (http://www.taxpayer.com/main/news.php?news_id=2924)
I hope whatever happens August 20th can cause one of those listed woes to go down, and I would be great to see some climate action too.
Income trust related op-ed article written by Dennis Bruce of HDR | HLB Decision Economics Inc.
—————————————-
Trusts Redux: Tax Policy Suitable for Halloween
October 31, 2007
As an economist I welcome Minister Flaherty’s October 30 announced intention to boost Canadian productivity and prosperity by reducing the general federal corporate income tax rate to 15 per cent by 2012. The measure should be embraced by all: It will position Canada favorably in the global economy for decades to come. But while I laud the strategic direction on corporate taxes, I continue to question the government’s consistency on tax policy in general.
A year ago today the Minister announced in his Tax Fairness Plan his intention to “restore balance and fairness to the federal tax system by creating a level playing field between income trusts and corporations,” to eliminate tax leakage and to remove distortions in investment decisions. To paraphrase the Department of Finance’s analysis, the avoidance of corporate taxes from entities after conversion to an income trust is not totally offset by the taxes paid on income trust distributions from individual unit-holders; therefore tax leakage. The Minister estimated that annual tax leakage was in the order of $500 million and stated that something had to be done “to restore balance and fairness in the tax system”. The Minister’s solution to create “tax fairness” and eliminate tax leakage was to implement a 31.5% Distribution Tax on trusts in 2011 and to not allow any new conversions to the income trust form. The market response to the “Tax Fairness Plan” announcement was very negative.
Having worked for the income trust industry and with the Department of Finance on determining the appropriate methodologies for tax leakage, I presented evidence on the tax leakage issue to the Parliamentary Standing Committee studying the issue. To be precise, I raised several concerns with the Department of Finance approach – all of which went to a “sharp over-statement” of tax leakage. The major flaw in the Department of Finance analysis was that it did not take a lifecycle view of the tax leakage issue but rather focused on a 2006 “test year”. By failing to account for the reality that corporate tax rates were legislated to be reduced to 19 percent by 2011, the Department took a short-sighted and punitive approach to the issue. Despite the debate and a dissenting Committee Report “Taxing Income Trusts: Reconcilable or Irreconcilable Differences”, the income trust provisions of the Tax Fairness Plan remain in place.
It is regrettable that the October 30 announcement did not occur a year ago. It would have all but eliminated the perceived tax leakage issue without the punitive distribution tax on income trusts. In fact, the Department of Finance’s own Tax Leakage Model would have given an estimate of merely $80 million in tax leakage when accounting for yesterday’s corporate tax cuts instead of the $500 million stated by the Minister at the time. The Department’s own analysis would not have supported a tax on income trust distributions. If the October 30 announcement had been made last Halloween, the billions lost by investors would not have occurred and the playing field would have been leveled by 2011 – all this according to Department of Finance methods of analysis. These losses cannot be recovered and one has to question the path that led us to this point and Finance’s tax policy strategy.
I believe that even the $80 million estimate sharply overstates the leakage. This aside, yesterday’s corporate tax cuts would now allow the abolishment of the income trust distribution tax all together without incurring federal tax leakage – this, again, according to the Department of Finance’s own model.
Dennis Bruce is Vice President with HDR Decision Economics and has studied the income trust tax leakage issue since 2003. He twice testified before the House of Commons Finance Committee on the question Income Trust tax leakage.
Dennis Bruce
Vice President
HDR | HLB Decision Economics Inc.
1525 Carling Avenue, Suite 500
Ottawa, Ontario
Tel: 613-234-0080 Cell: 709-632-1708
HDR – ONE COMPANY | Many Solutions ™
Garth:
Our request of you is a simple one. Please don’t make an honest man of Stephen Harper, the inveterate liar that he is:
“”When Ralph Goodale tried to tax Income Trusts … don’t forget, don’t forget this …they showed us where they stood. They showed us about their attitudes towards raiding seniors hard earned assets and a Conservative government will never allow either of these parties to get away with that”
Please don’t give truth to the words:
“”When Ralph Goodale tried to tax Income Trusts … don’t forget, don’t forget this …they showed us where they stood. They showed us about their attitudes towards raiding seniors hard earned assets”
Know hope. It will happen. — Garth
Um one thing missing, Garth, from the logical and welcome 10 issues – the carbon tax. How do you reconcile tax on natural gas with helping families offset higher energy costs? And, why is it always families? What about those of us who are on our own?
I tell you what – stick with the tax cuts and help with energy costs and deep-six the carbon tax. Then, I’ll support your party.
It’s all about you, eh? How about those to come? — Garth
TS – as for funds for infrastructure spending, the liberal government under Paul Martin promised money to cities – as far as I know, it never happened. We do not have to raise taxes to fund infrastructure and public transit – we just need better management and the elimination of useless programs.
Why not help save Canadian jobs and businesses by buying domestic?
By Robert Gibbs on 07.23.08 9:15 am
GM, Ford and Chrysler as NOT Canadian companies. Buying a Toyota is just as “domestic” as buying a GM car. Toyota has a huge plant in Cambridge, a second one in Woodstock…The only “difference” is that they aren’t unionized.
By Tim N on 07.23.08 10:04 am
1st line should have read – GM, Ford and Chrysler are NOT Canadian companies.
Another one, TS: Most Canadians are smart enough (except those idiots that vote for Harper) – what is it with people like you who live to insult. Dialogue like yours is an indication of limited intellect and weakness of character. For one thing, who are you to generalize about Canadians – you are just one person and you cannot speak for Canadians in general. And you are forgetting something important: Garth was a Conservative before crossing the floor. So, when you voted for Garth, you were voting for Harper. If you are not one of Garth’s constituents, then you are insulting all of Garth supporters by calling them idiots because THEY also voted for Harper by voting for Garth.
So, TS and people like TS – think before filling up this blog with juvenile dialogue. There is no need to call people idiots nor to use insulting language. By doing so, you are also disrespecting the very man you claim to support. Garth is a self-made man and to use his bolg as a forum for your insults and juvenile input disrespects the owner of this blog – namely, Garth, by associating him with this sort of thing.
Think twice before you insulters submit your comments – what are you doing to Garth? Are you making him look like a hero to juvenile, offensive people or are you making him look like a role model for rational, thinking adults?
Mr. garth TurnerMP, FYI
(If you or others mist these links.)
This is the best 10min argument that
doing something to try and stop Global heating is a better choice than chosing to doing nothing.
‘How It All Ends’ 10min. (click on…)
http://wonderingmind42.com/
or try
http://www.youtube.com/user/wonderingmind42
So you still belive constant growth is sustainable?
The Most IMPORTANT Video You’ll Ever See (part 3 of
9min.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFyOw9IgtjY
The whole show/talk is call,
‘Aritmatic, population, and Energy’ 1of8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-QA2rkpBSY&feature=PlayList&p=6A1FD147A45EF50D&index=0
or try,
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=6A1FD147A45EF50D
Have you heard about peak-oil and do you really understand it’s implications?
This movie won awards and is worth seeing/renting.
‘A Crude Awakening: The Oil Crash’ 2006
http://www.oilcrashmovie.com/
For some hope,
Books,
‘Kicking the Carbon Habit: Global Warming and the Case for Renewable and Nuclear Energy’ (Hardcover)
by: William Sweet
http://www.amazon.com/Kicking-Carbon-Habit-Warming-Renewable/dp/0231137109
‘Power to Save the World: The Truth About Nuclear Energy’ (Hardcover)
by: Gwyneth Cravens
http://www.amazon.com/Power-Save-World-Nuclear-Energy/dp/0307266567
There is a video on the authors site you could watch about the book topic.
http://www.cravenspowertosavetheworld.com/
Phoenix Motorcars (Ontario, California) manufactures zero-emission, freeway-speed green electric vehicles.
http://www.phoenixmotorcars.com/vehicles/phoenix-sut.php
Toyota is introducing a plug-in hybrid with next-generation lithium-ion batteries in Japan, the U.S. and Europe by 2010.
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/environment/2008-06-11-toyota-plug-in_N.htm
Honda FCX Clarity, the world’s first dedicated platform hydrogen vehicle.
http://automobiles.honda.com/fcx-clarity/?from=fcx.honda.com
Remember PMSH non-plan to burn up all of Canada natural gas in the tar sands by 2028! How do you heat your home and water?
Have you heard about Geothermal system
benefits? (a link to one company that..)
http://www.waterfurnace.ca/
A Canadian company,
Cleanfield V3.5 is a 3.5kW Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine.
http://www.cleanfieldenergy.com/wind_video.php
VRB Power Systems – Energy Storage & Power Quality Solutions.
http://www.vrbpower.com/
For good information on Canada’s world class CANDU technology.
http://www.aecl.ca/
The last few CANDU’s have been build ahead of time and underbudget.
It only takes 4 year sto build a CANDU.
They even have a 1200MWatt plant on h edrawing board. The ACR-1000
You can help by telling the Province to build more Canadian CANDU’s at home!
Another source of info. on Nuclear power. http://www.cna.ca/
Still not sure about nuclear power?
Ontario is now getting more that 50% of it’s pase load power from CANDU’s.
That is even on the hottest and coldest days and nights when the wind and sun are not availible.
Read the book,
‘Power to Save the World: The Truth About Nuclear Energy’ (Hardcover)
by: Gwyneth Cravens
http://www.amazon.com/Power-Save-World-Nuclear-Energy/dp/0307266567
The world use 1 cubic mile of oil last year, plus all other sources of energy.
We need a way to replace the energy sources that emit carbon to stop global heating in time to prevent a runnaway tipping point from being reached or we’ll all be Screwed.
Nuclear power is the only ready to go technology that can get the job done in time and keep the lights on.
Even when the wind isn’t blowing!
Were going to need lots of electricity to rechange the plug-in cars and make hydrogen, keep power on for the web.
Garth, as somebody who volunteered his time for over 30 years to help suicidal males regain a desire to live, I find your “all about you” crack to be out of line. Please do not put words in my mouth.
As for the environment – I take public transit to work, I recycle everything (including saran wrap), I compost, I hang my laundry outside year-round, I keep my home at 19 C in the winter, I have a small fuel-efficient car, my furnace and hot-water tank are high-efficiency models, I do not buy processed food…need I go on?
Besides, you sidestepped the issue – you didn’t explain why the carbon tax is not on the platform.
As well, Garth, there are alternatives to taxes to reduce demand.
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=73f3327c-21c4-434b-b190-523f3eccd2c2
From 175 million to 1 billion….sounds like taxpayers will get one huge bill!
Garth
We just want to say thanks for not forgetting the income trust investors.
The Conservative campaign promise to not tax trusts appeared to be solid with Mr Harper making the same promise in speeches across this country–he was very adamant in his stance.
He failed us miserably.
Thanks for coming to our rescue.
Mary Popovich in Rodney.
“Here is a link on recent auto sales in the U.S.
http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/05/04/business/auto.php
By wjp on 07.23.08 6:39 am”
Thanks wjp, for that link to a 3 year old article…
Tim – there is another difference – Toyotas are quality cars which last. My first two cars were “domestic” and they were crap. My third car was a 1983 Volvo which lasted 24 years. I did not buy a Volvo again because it is now a Ford product and, apparently, full of problems. I bought a Corolla and I am extremely happy with it. And, it was made in Canada. The Big 3 have nobody to blame but themselves. Even with big government bail-outs, they can’t make it and yet Toyota runs merrily along without subsidies or handouts.
There are about 2 million of us waiting to take Harper down for Lying to us about Income Trusts. I am ready to support the Liberals in doing this but I want to hear and read that the Liberal 10% refundable tax plan is still a priority. I don’t see it anywhere. I get emails asking for donations to the Victory Fund and so I check the Victory web site…not a word on Income Trusts. The result…No donation. I send emails to the Liberal Party asking about Income Trusts. The result…No Responses so no donation.
Garth…If the Liberal party wants my support and donations it must continue to keep the Income Trust issue front and centre.
Thanks wjp, for that link to a 3 year old article…
By vicguy on 07.23.08 10:18 am
Thanks for pointing that out Vic…I will go see if I can find something more recent…
• Incentives for citizens to generate their own power, not just to get off the grid but to feed it.
I definatly like this policy, but there needs to be an agreement with the power provider. In my province, to hook up a 10 kw wind turbine to the grid was a serious problem. This kind of issue must be dealt with before a federal policy will be effective.
By Caper on 07.23.08 7:41 am
Hi Caper – Assume you’re in Cape Breton. I tried several weeks ago to find a link to articles about NS Power not wanting to pay a decent rate to those who wanted to sell renewable power to NS Power. Couldn’t find one tho I know I read about it in the Chronicle Herald. Unfortunately the CH site is the pits and their search capability on the archives is worse. Can you find anything?
I believe we are one of few provinces which privitized our power thinking that the free market would best serve us. Well, we know how NS Power has served its consumers. And, I’m a shareholder. I’d rather receive less than a guaranteed 10 percent dividend and see more investment in green technologies. Realize they’re making some progress, but they were more concerned about making profits & paying their CEO and management big bucks instead of investing in greener technologies. Didn’t they declare a 50M+ profit in the last quarter, yet are asking for a 12+% increase in their rates?
My concern about The Green Shift plan is that, because NS Power relies so heavily on dirty coal, consumers here, who can ill afford it, will be some of the most penalized in the country. I think the plan has to take that into account.
http://www.autoobserver.com/2008/05/april-car-sales-us-consumers-flock-to-cars-gouging-detroit-three.html
This is more recent…Vic..thanks again and I apologize…didn’t even notice the date…but couldn’t have been much clearer…
I would love to see more incentives for generating your own power. As it stands I could install solar power at my house but it would take about 10-15 years before I would benefit. How many people know they will be living in the same spot for 15 years?
By Dan on 07.23.08 7:47 am
Agree in a way Dan, but energy costs aren’t going to go down, so it could be a good selling point when the time comes, especially if you can show your before & after energy costs to potential buyers. Just a thought.
I have heard rumours that Steve plans to prorogue Parliament until after their big shindig in November. If he does that, that will mean that we have no one at Canada’s helm for about 5 months!! How can that be? And if Steve does prorogue….well, everyone knows that he’s just trying to prolong the duration of his pathetic minority government because he’s got nothing to offer Canadians.
By CAL on 07.23.08 8:41 am
CAL – It also means that Harper can release con initiatives – like allowing companies to monitor themselves re agri products from overseas – with little media attention. Remember – incremental steps to turn Canada into another US of A.
Good planks. Let’s see the blueprint.
This particular list is being echoed all over the planet – except places like
China, India, and other “developing nations”. WE must watch them, and apply appropriate tariffs for importation of goods created in places where development trumps environmental stewardship.
The present “Canadian government”(sic) are still stuck in the wishful ’60’s attitudes. We cannot continue to consume without regard to the impact. There are LOTS of opportunities for going green, and like it or not, green technologies are the true future worldwide.
The retrograde CPC trolls and sheeple, take note. It is time to evolve.
This list shows hope. The details will be difficult but attainable. Status quo is not an option for survival of our economy or population.
A Reader’s Two Cents Worth On Car Manufacturers
Talk of Honda, Toyota or other foreign car makers having better quality vehicles than GM, Ford or Chrysler has now, unfortunately, become something of an outright misinformed “urban legend.”
GM, for example, has won numerous awards for the quality of their vehicles produced by plants residing in good old Oshawa, Ontario.
And many people have been quite pleased with the quality and competitive pricing of ‘domestic’ car manufacturers for years.
Why not help save Canadian jobs and businesses by buying domestic?
By Robert Gibbs on 07.23.08 9:15 am
Robert – Can only speak for ourselves, but I’ll stick with Honda, Toyota and other Asian cars. Recall reading some time ago that some of the Cdn (American) built cars have received awards, but for N.A. cars. Can you please provide me info on quality of N.A. cars vs non N.A. cars. In addition, on resale values. TIA
notice that there is no mention of the war in afghanistan! all the talk from the libs about withdrawing is just that, talk.
a huge chunk of money would be saved.
also nothing is mentioned about balancing the budget, the bottom line and most important regards to canada’s future.
there is no difference between the spendthrift liberals and conservatives.
I tell you what – stick with the tax cuts and help with energy costs and deep-six the carbon tax. Then, I’ll support your party.
It’s all about you, eh? How about those to come? — Garth
By forevergreen2000 on 07.23.08 9:51 am
—————————————-
I think this quote aptly describes the Zeitgeist of Conservative party supporters:
“Ah, but that’s the [Conservative] wingers for you. They’re all about “fairness” as long as they get their way on their terms. If not, then like spoiled, willful brats who can’t deal with their selfish desires being frustrated, it’s time to launch into a hellacious emotional tantrum, keening and wailing about how they’re being repressed by the big bad [Liberals and] “liberal” media. Boo hoo hoo hoo hoo hoo hoo! How utterly pathetic.”
By Red Tory On July 22, 2008
Excerpt from my latest Green Party solicitation:
“Here’s something to think about:
“If you care about the environment, you should vote Green. If you don’t care about the environment, vote Conservative, and then there’s the in-between . . . we need to be at a point where the values that are talked about by the Green Party are values that all Canadians have.”
Just what you’d expect the Leader of the Green Party of Canada to say – except these are not my words. The speaker is the eminent environmentalist David Suzuki, talking to Kingston This Week newspaper during a recent event to mark the first commercial connection of solar and wind power systems to the Kingston grid.
(snip)
You don’t need David Suzuki to tell you the answer. It’s all too clear that these Harper Conservatives are charting a course that is leading us away from the treasured Canadian values of social justice, open democracy, peacekeeping and environmental stewardship – not just at home but on the world stage as well. The opposition parties – the “in-betweens” as Dr. Suzuki calls them – are too preoccupied with their own partisan concerns to concern themselves with the bigger picture.”
(snip)
Gee Garth… Time for M. Dion to give Ms. May a little ringy-dingy. Seems the gloves are off and election is pending! The Greens are starting to sound like the NDP!
Imagine this, for instance. Imagine if we had a government that would give us…
(10 policies) ………
Would that interest you? Excite you? Give you hope – for now, and the next decade, no matter what the price of oil did? Do you think it’s time we had a more activist government which showed leadership when the winds of change howled? Is there a way out of this morass the Harper government is stuck in?
Yeah, I think so. And those ten policies above are ten planks in the Liberal policy. It’s what Stephane Dion and I will be talking about on August 20th.
………………………………………………………………..
Congratulations, Garth … Now this is a more positive political message from the Liberal party that should interest Canadians. I hope this means Liberals will now be talking positive and abandoning all the fearmongering and smearmongering, because a negative message will paint you as negative people.
These 10 policies very much sound as if you are preparing for an election and now you are unveiling your plans for Canada. The only problem I see is that you Liberals don’t have a credible leader in Dion. He is just not inspiring and people just don’t want to listen to what he says. He may be a distinguished professor and hard-working minister … but leader of the nation … nope.
Sorry, Garth … but I just don’t have confidence in Dion as somebody who can lead and implement these 10 policies …. particularly if the cost of these promises are not properly funded. Where would a Dion Liberal government find the money to finances all those goodies …. from a punishing Carbon Tax ..??!!!
Most of those 10 policies are now established, one way or another, by the Conservative government. What is new?
You are a Conservative through and through Garth.
A great set of policy initiatives for the McGuinty government in Ontario. However, Liberals would not even consider such forward thinking policies.
Gee Garth… Time for M. Dion to give Ms. May a little ringy-dingy. Seems the gloves are off and election is pending! The Greens are starting to sound like the NDP!
By maybe Rhino? on 07.23.08 10:58 am
—————————————-
Sure, and if the votes against the CON Cadre Of Crooks are split three ways, what may eventually happen?
You end up with another government consisting of the CON Cadre Of Crooks.
Be pragmatic, vote LIBERAL!
By HARRY S on 07.23.08 11:19 am
MORE DION BASHING FROM
OUR RESIDENT TERRORIST…
“Only you in your confused and deluded mind” , to use your own words, believe the garbage you offer here!!!
Hopefully the Liberals will win the next election and implament the Green Shift plan. I like my natural gas bill having a B.C. carbon tax, clean energy levy, GST, PST, Federal Liberal carbon tax, and what other taxes I may have missed. I love paying tax, I want to pay more. BTW the money I use to pay the gas bill has already been subject to an income tax.
There will not be multiple carbon taxes, of course. Additionally, the Green Shift carbon levy will not be paid directly by the consumer, unlike the BC carbon tax. Also, you will be receiving a federal income taxeduction to offset any extra home heating costs. — Garth
TS – as for funds for infrastructure spending, the liberal government under Paul Martin promised money to cities – as far as I know, it never happened. We do not have to raise taxes to fund infrastructure and public transit – we just need better management and the elimination of useless programs.
By forevergreen2000 on 07.23.08 10:04 am
Forevergreen – could you please elaborate on which useless programs you would eliminate?
That government we had for four decades did a better job than the one we’ve had for the last 2-1/2 years. In fact, the one we’ve had for the last 2-1/2 years has pretty much pissed away the gains we made over those last four decades. That claim has nothing to do with party affiliation — I don’t have one — and everything to do with actual performance. Look it up.)
By Biff on 07.22.08 11:35 pm
Actual performance?
Loss of rights and freedoms, openly operating an illagitamate government by abandoning the rule of law, authorizing government corruption is good for the country. Why do you think international investors started shunning Canada back in 2002?
Better job is semantics. I would have noted your claim on actual performance had you said the last 2.5 years was the worst government we`ve had and that`s based on performance value to Cdns.
The Liberal election plan is to make the Conservatives look worse than the Liberals. As the polls suggest only about 20% of the voters agree while 20% support the current government. The largest block of voters support none of the above. The Lib election machine of making the Conservatives look worse than them isn`t working.
Sry but to me you come across as another fool that thinks changing ad agencies over few unattainable election promises will somehow set this country on the right track. Without the rule of law and democracy restored the next government of `any party` will continue the tradition of being the worst government yet and all Cdns will pay even more dearly.
I did not say those were Top Ten platform planks, or that they were all the planks. Income trusts are still a Lib priority, in fact this is the only party in Parliament that cares. — Garth
…………………………………………………
Yes, Garth … and here are several other Liberal planks I believe are applicable:
- National daycare program
- Kelowna Accord reinstatement
- Repudiate ‘fiscal imbalance’ and withdrawing ‘nation’ status from Quebec
- Revive the ‘Atlantic Accord’ providing Newfoundland with full control over their offshore resources
- Stop further Alberta oilsand projects
- Meeting our 2012 Kyoto treaty obligations to reduce our GHG emissions by 30%, but failing that a Dion Liberal government will mitigate the remaining excess GHG by purchasing Billion$$$$ of Kyoto Carbon Credits from China, India, Russia, other countries. This is legislated through the Kyoto Protocol Implementation Act.
Forevergreen – could you please elaborate on which useless programs you would eliminate?
By kpn on 07.23.08 11:47 am
Sry to butt in but in the process of program elimination I would start with the worst. That would be our elected federal government. Say it ain`t so.
Hey Harry, how about you explain Harpo’s plan and what it will cost, and how it implemented. We are very tired of constant and mindless Dion Bashing.
Some come on Harry, tells how Harpo is going to fix things. Time to put up or shut up
Tim – there is another difference – Toyotas are quality cars which last. My first two cars were “domestic” and they were crap. My third car was a 1983 Volvo which lasted 24 years. I did not buy a Volvo again because it is now a Ford product and, apparently, full of problems. I bought a Corolla and I am extremely happy with it. And, it was made in Canada. The Big 3 have nobody to blame but themselves. Even with big government bail-outs, they can’t make it and yet Toyota runs merrily along without subsidies or handouts.
By forevergreen2000 on 07.23.08 10:20 am
I agree with you on this Forevergreen. I’ve only had 1 Chrystler car (with a German built engine). Yeah a Horizon, and had nothing but problems with it. My first car in Canada was an old Toyota Corolla for which I paid $800. I was a young driver (22 or 23 yo)new driver in Mtl. and did not take coverage on it. Kept it for 2 years, while gaining experience and traded it in for another Corolla which I ran for 10 yrs. All cars got good mileage, manual transmissions, no frills. Also had a Honda Civic which I loved but sold to a bro as we could get more for it than my DH’s in order to put 25% downpayment on our current house. Bought my current 2000 Accord 4 yrs ago $<90K mileage, <$16K net) at one of those dealer sales as my Mitsubishi was manual, had health problems and could no longer drive it in traffic. It now has <137K mileage on it (mostly trips to PQ & Ont.) & have spent next to nothing on maintenance since then. It might outlive me. But, if it doesn’t I’ll go for a smaller Asian car next time. A few of our neighbours who had American cars have since switched to Honda & Toyota cars because their trade-in values were the pits. Sorry for ranting. If N.A. mfgrs. built reliable, fuel efficient cars I’d more than gladly support them.
Garth :
Any chance you will record this meeting for posterity and those of us that live in Canada’s hinterland ?
Sounds like a natural for WebTV .
Why isn’t the reversal of the Tory misguided and incompetent tax on Income Trusts on the top 10 policy issues. There are millions of investors/voters who will never forgive the Conservatives stupidity – these could all be Liberal supporters if the Liberal Party address this “Tax Unfairness” – Sean
Read my previous comments. These are 10 planks, not the top ten, and not the only 10. Income trust reversal is 100% on the Liberal agenda. — Garth
Dear Garth Readers.
I notice we like to poke fun at the Prime Minister and blame his government for the economic/real-estate mess.
Instead we should urge the Prime Minister to read Dr. Paul Craig Roberts in this link; I will send this to Mr. Harper.
This is a serious matter coming from a Republican, a veteran of the Reagan Cabinet.
And Garth, ask all your fellow Liberal MPs and Senators, as well as Progressive Conservatives, to read Dr. Roberts.
Canada, bordered by USA, suffers from pain caused by the mess described by this experienced writer, economic adviser to the Republican Party.
Garth, you have to be resolute; you have a record as a strong leader.
And:- Canada needs someone in your position to convince Federal parties to install protection for us while the neighbours unravel this mess.
http://www.counterpunch.org/roberts07232008.html
Garth was a Conservative before crossing the floor.
Pay attention fool . Garth never crossed the floor . He was thrown overboard by Baba Rum Raisen (Harpo)
If you are going to post at least get the essential facts correct .
It makes you look stupid .
By HARRY S on 07.23.08 12:07 pm
Yes Harry and then there is Harper plan to fatten up the U.S. Treasury with Canadian tax dollars under his no plan.
Sry to butt in but in the process of program elimination I would start with the worst. That would be our elected federal government. Say it ain`t so.
By got rope? on 07.23.08 12:11 pm
LMAO….yes sir eeeeeeeeeeeeeee
By forevergreen2000 on 07.23.08 10:20 am
The difference I was referring to was foreign ownership. Ford, GM and Chrysler are as “Foreign” as Toyota, Honda and VW – I was not referring to quality.
TS – as for funds for infrastructure spending, the liberal government under Paul Martin promised money to cities – as far as I know, it never happened. We do not have to raise taxes to fund infrastructure and public transit – we just need better management and the elimination of useless programs.
By forevergreen2000 on 07.23.08 10:04 am
…you forgot a little detail – an election happened – so, you can’t blame the Liberals for this one.
Harper/Flaherty are doing absolutely nothing for municipalities….Flaherty’s not into potholes remember?
Canada’s inflation rate had the biggest one-month increase last month since the fall of 2005.
The annual inflation rate spiked to 3.1 per cent in June, up nearly a full per cent from 2.2 per cent in May. Statistics Canada said soaring gas costs were the prime reason for the increase, with prices at the pumps seeing a 26.9 per cent rise in the past year.
J
Here we go again .
Conservative Government Caused Food Inspection Disaster Looms
Expert calls planned deregulation ‘unfathomable’
Sarah Schmidt , Canwest News Service
Published: Friday, July 11, 2008 (Edit)
OTTAWA – A Conservative government plan to transfer key parts of food inspection to industry so companies can police themselves will put the health of Canadians at risk, according to leading food safety experts who have reviewed the confidential blueprint.
The plan, drafted by Conservative Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and approved by the Treasury Board details sweeping changes coming to food inspection in Canada.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is also ending funding to producers to test cattle for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE, or Mad Cow Disease) as part of a surveillance program, the document indicates.
The new system, part of a push to trim the agency’s budget by five per cent, was approved last November, but a public announcement “has been deferred owing to significant communications risks,” according to the confidential Treasury Board document obtained by Canwest News Service.
The document, addressed to the president of the agency, details how the inspection of meat and meat products will downgrade agency inspectors to an “oversight role, allowing industry to implement food safety control programs and to manage key risks.”
The inspection of animal feed mills will undergo the same changes “to reduce the need for ongoing CFIA inspection and would shift CFIA’s role to oversight and verification of industry outcomes.”
Leading food safety experts, who reviewed the document, say the plan is a recipe for disaster.
“They’re moving towards the [George Bush] U.S. model, where the inspectors don’t actually do the inspection, they just oversee and the companies actually do the inspection. That’s a really dangerous thing,” said Michael Hansen, a North American authority on BSE and senior scientist with the New York-based Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports.
Hansen, who in the past has been invited by parliamentary committees to testify as an expert on food safety issues, says the end of the BSE reimbursement program is of “highest concern.”
A leading Canadian academic specializing in food risk management called these cuts “unfathomable” because Canada continues to find BSE-positive animals and is one of the few countries in the world where BSE is on the increase.
The expert, speaking on condition of anonymity, said there is near unanimous agreement among public health experts that “the greatest risks” of new emerging infectious disease are related to animal products and food.
Avian Influenza, SARS, BSE and Ebola “are just the tip of an iceberg,” he said.
“Reducing food safety controls at this time could be disastrous if there is an outbreak of a new food-borne disease. No wonder they suspect they may have some ‘communication risks’ around these initiatives. They have a huge communications risk.”
The proposals are illogical, said University of Guelph professor Ann Clark, a specialist in risk assessment in genetically modified crops, who has testified many times before Parliament’s agriculture committee about risk management and the food supply.
“Companies are in business to make profit, pure and simple, and we, as a society, have fully accepted and bought into that, but with the understanding that somebody will be riding herd on them – minding the shop – to safeguard societal interests. Otherwise, history has shown that we are at risk,” said Clark, citing industries such as tobacco and asbestos.
“The initiatives outlined in this document suggest government is trying to get out of the business of government, by downloading responsibility for safeguarding human and environmental health to the same industry interests which stand to make money from what is being regulated. This is inherently illogical.”
And already a CFIA scientist has been fired by the Conservative government for ‘blowing the whistle’.
Luc Pomerleau, who stumbled upon the blueprint on a server where it was posted in error and could be accessed by any agency employee, was fired last week because he forwarded it to officials at the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada. President Michele Demers said he was seeking advice on how to deal with the matter because it appeared the plan undermined the health and safety of Canadians.
Apparently in PM Stephen Harper’s and the Conservative Party’s world, Canada’s laws and the Charter Of Rights And Freedoms don’t apply to them.
Conservative Gag Order On Canadian Wheat Board Unconstitutional, Court Rules
Last Updated: Friday, June 20, 2008 | 3:43 PM CT (Edit)
CBC News
Canada’s Conservative agriculture minister violated the Charter of Rights and Freedoms when he issued a gag order on officials with the Canadian Wheat Board in 2006, the Federal Court has ruled.
Then agriculture minister Chuck Strahl’s 2006 directive telling board officials not to spend money advocating in favour of the single-desk grain marketing system was contrary to the Wheat Board Act and violated people’s constitutional right to freedom of expression, Judge Roger Hughes wrote in the 34-page decision released late Thursday.
“It is a fundamental tenet of a free and democratic society that the citizens of a country agree to be governed and obey the laws if proper and fairly imposed, and that the government conduct itself in accordance with those laws,” Hughes said in the decision. “It is a bargain that must be kept by both sides.”
Speaking from Saskatoon on Friday, Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper said the government won’t change its course. “We’ll continue to fight in Parliament. We’ll continue to fight in the legislature. But the bottom line is this, mark my words: “Anybody who stands in their way is going to get walked over.”
Saskatoon political scientist David McGrane said the following about Harper’s attitude: “That’s something that really eats away at the heart of our democracy because democracy is all about free and open debate.”
The judge said the intent of the Conservative gag order was to silence people.
“The minister’s letter … makes it clear that the minister intends to make an overzealous interpretation of the direction precluding any person on the board from any speaking out on the topic and insisting on removal from the website of material even though no use of funds in that respect has been demonstrated,” Hughes said.
Some of the wheat board officials at the centre of the dispute two years ago, including former president Adrian Measner, were unceremoniously fired by the Conservatives.
“There is no greater fraud than a promise not kept.”
Deceivin’ Stephen Harper
Is there a policy for us?
By penlan on 07.23.08 9:21 am
Thanks for your honesty penlan. There are many in my neighbourhood who live on disability as well. They are voters too and attend meetings as they can, to keep up to date on disability issues. I want a full answer to your questions as well. What I see is too much exclusion to the disabled, notwithstanding how they became disabled and that includes our soldiers.
Canadians hungry for a federal election this fall, says Liberal leader
The Canadian Press – July 23, 2008
OTTAWA — It’s not exactly election fever, but Canadians appear more ready this year to head to the polls than they did last fall, says Liberal Leader Stephane Dion.
“We have seen over the winter and the spring more and more interest for federal politics,” Dion told reporters Wednesday at a hotel in Ottawa’s west end. “And more and more appetite for an election.”
There has been widespread speculation about whether the Liberals would force an election after Parliament resumes sitting this fall. Some political pundits have suggested Dion wanted electors to decide the fate of the government based on his party’s Green Shift plan.
Dion is out selling the plan in Eastern Ontario this week, trying to convince Canadians that shifting to a carbon tax on polluters is the right thing to do for the country at a time when consumers are facing much higher energy costs than they did a year ago.
Canadians didn’t want a federal election last fall, Dion argues, largely because of voter fatigue.
“Last fall, Canadians were not expecting an election at the federal level,” Dion explained after a one-hour, campaign-style stop in Kanata, Ont.
“Not only did they not want one, (but) they would have been very surprised to have one.
Dion cited provincial elections in Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan as reasons why he chose not to pull the plug earlier on Stephen Harper’s minority Conservative government.
Many Liberals, however, have suggested other reasons why their party hasn’t brought down the Tories in a confidence vote, including apprehension about Dion’s leadership style, a lack of organizational and financial preparedness and the dearth of signs from opinion polls of any momentum for the party.
Dion has been touring the country this summer, talking up his Green Shift plan.
He is in Eastern Ontario this week where he has faced tough questions about the plan from farm groups worried that the proposals would push agricultural production costs much higher, making Canadian produce less competitive with the United States and other markets.
Dion’s plan calls for a shift of more than $15 billion in taxes away from income and business taxes, over time, to offset an equally massive carbon tax on polluters that would ultimately increase the cost of carbon-based energy.
The plan mixes tax policy with social engineering, incorporating proposals for reducing poverty with environmental concepts, including improving mass-transit systems.
Byelections in Ontario and Quebec, expected to be called this week, could serve as a litmus test for a possible general election this fall.
National public opinion polls suggest Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s Conservatives remain virtually tied with the Dion Liberals. Both parties have support levels well below what’s needed to win a majority.
http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5jkG4iD0OIWd2KGp6umBah9zErfFg
…………………………………………………..
I strongly suspect that Harper will prorogue Parliament until November, at which time he will unveil a blockbuster Throne Speech and Budget. If the Opposition defeat it in December, we will have an election in the dead cold of Winter when Dion will have the opportunity to ’sell’ his Carbon Tax on heating fuel to save the planet from overheating due to our GHGs. Now wouldn’t that be an interesting election scenario …LOL
Mr. Garth TurnerMP, FYI
Hear is a 29min video with the author of the book, ‘The Fluoride Deception’.
http://www.fluoridealert.org/bryson.htm
This is another great example as to why we should NOT be signing away Governments controls to the corporations.
A corporation is not there to look out for all the people best long term interests.
Corpoation only purpose is to maximize short term profits, even if it mean screwing human beings and the future of our only planet earth.
If you or anyone else wants to find out first hand the latest science on the effect fluoride has in the human body. you can be at the,
AUGUST 7-11: ISFR & FAN CONFERENCES!
In Mississauga, Ontario, Campus of
University of Toronto, Canada
http://www.fluoridealert.org/conference2008/
And to read about all the good science regarding the BAD effects fluoride has on the human body, and why we need to stop adding this industrial toxic waste to our drinking water NOW!!!
http://www.fluoridealert.org/
“men” with hats – I do have my facts straight.Garth went independent which is fine and then he went to the other side. BTW – are you old enough to be on-line? An adult wouldn’t name-call on this blog.
TS – no I did not forget about the election. Martin had time prior to the election to start the dollars flowing and he didn’t.
KPN – I agree with you about the Asian cars. I did a lot of research before buying my Toyota and it always came out on top, followed closely by Honda. One thing that ticks me off about the current rebate program is the reliance on manual transmissions as the standard for efficient cars. My Volvo, which I had for 14 years was a manual and, with careful driving, I got amazing mileage for a car of its era. However, the salesperson at my Toyota dealer made a good point when he said that a manual has the potential for greater fuel efficiency if and only if the driver knows how to effectively use a manual. I have an automatic in my new car and I get between 14 and 17 KPL because I drive with a thought to fuel consumption – and prolonging my car’s life.
Mr. Garth TurnerMP,
I’m very glad to hear on the news tody that Mr. Dion is hearing that Canadians are ready for an election!
so dion made a bunch of promises. the million dollar question will he keep them? most seem to be general enough that they will probably end up screwing us if he does keep them.
chretien made several promises the first time he was elected. the only one people cared about was scrapping the gst, that was the one he said he never made but i can tell you everyone was under the impression he did.
the promises he did keep screwed the taxpayer and benefited all his buddies.
chretien lied, mulroony lied, mcguinty lied. why should we trust him? he is obviously beholding to big money. so is harper.
Dion not being honest or has his head in the sand!
“”Last fall, Canadians were not expecting an election at the federal level,” Dion explained after a one-hour, campaign-style stop in Kanata, Ont.
“Not only did they not want one, (but) they would have been very surprised to have one.”
LOTS of us WANTED one but I guess he has to come up with some excuse for failing to vote and allowing the CONS to run amuk. Pretty hard for Garth and others to complain about a government THEY allowed to do this damage to the economy!
If the Opposition defeat it in December, we will have an election in the dead cold of Winter when Dion will have the opportunity to ’sell’ his Carbon Tax on heating fuel to save the planet from overheating due to our GHGs. Now wouldn’t that be an interesting election scenario …LOL
By HARRY S on 07.23.08 1:46 pm
Creative juices have dried up..second time in two days you have flung the same garbage….Dion bashing is your only ploy…grow up!!!!
Climate Change Consensus
“Despite the uncertainties, there is general agreement that the observed warming is real and particularly strong within the past 20 years.”
Climate Change Science: An Analysis of Some Key Questions — National Academy of Sciences, 2001
—–
Deniers cherry-pick quotes, misrepresent data and cut off graphs before their curves become inconvenient.
The problem is “deniers” don’t actually deny climate change. They quibble about the details.
But try as they might, deniers fail to find a single reputable character who will contest the major hypothesis: The human burning of fossil fuels is affecting the world’s climate in an unprecedented and dangerous way.
—–
There is almost universal agreement that significant carbon dioxide increases will cause planetary warming.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says there’s a 90-plus-per-cent likelihood that global warming endangers the world as we know it.
By wjp on 07.23.08 2:12 pm
If the Opposition defeat the Harper government in December, we will have an election in the dead cold of Winter when Dion will have the opportunity to ’sell’ his Carbon Tax on heating fuel to save the planet from overheating due to our GHGs. Now wouldn’t that be an interesting election scenario.
I don’t think Liberal candidates will savour that doomsday scenario .. LOL
If the Opposition defeat the Harper government in December, we will have an election in the dead cold of Winter when Dion will have the opportunity to ’sell’ his Carbon Tax on heating fuel to save the planet from overheating due to our GHGs. Now wouldn’t that be an interesting election scenario.
I don’t think Liberal candidates will savour that doomsday scenario .. LOL
By HARRY S on 07.23.08 2:34 pm
They will savour the moment when all you Con supporters find out Harper sold you down the river to the U.S. and you have to pay a carbon tax to the U.S. Treasury because Harper is to stubborn to adopt a meaningful environmental plan…LMAO…
“men” with hats – I do have my facts straight.Garth went independent which is fine and then he went to the other side. BTW – are you old enough to be on-line? An adult wouldn’t name-call on this blog.
Tell your hero Hairy S. that .
And no you didn’t get the facts straight.
You said Garth crossed the floor . That never happened .
Do you have a friggin’ clue what you are talkin’ about .Idiot !
Excellent and exciting news, Mr. Turner!
Finally, something worthwhile to take Harper down over. Dion was brilliant allowing Harper to govern even when Harper clearly didn’t want to and was incapable of doing properly.
If Harper had his election all the times he desperately wanted, Canadians would never have known the depths of depravity that Harper and his crew have gone to make Canada unrecognizeable. Canadians would have paid again for Harper’s election campaigns under his in-and-out scheme, and the campaign fund transfers.
This election will see Harper following the rules! Unless he’s got more Rovian tricks up his sleeve…
Who knows? Maybe Harper and half his crew will be in jail come winter, perhaps the entire Harper Conservative Party will be stripped of its status because of its corrupt practices. Maybe some cheater Con candidates will be forbidden from running. Maybe Mr. Law&Order Harper will be enjoying a little law and order imposed on himself.
Exciting times ahead. For the first time in decades I am going to work for a political party.
It’s been a long time since I have known hope! Thank you Mr. Turner and Mr. Dion!
“men” with hats – I do have my facts straight.Garth went independent which is fine and then he went to the other side. BTW – are you old enough to be on-line? An adult wouldn’t name-call on this blog.
By forevergreen2000 on 07.23.08 1:53 pm
He never crossed the floor .
Want to try teaching another English lesson ? Moron .
Carbon Tax – Favoured By Economists
A carbon tax is a tax on emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. It is an example of a pollution tax, which economists favour because they tax and disencourage a “bad” rather than a “good” (such as income). Taxing something that is undesirable is favoured by economists as a method to confront users with the external cost of carbon and hence reduce emissions to efficient levels.
Because of the link with global warming, a carbon tax is sometimes assumed to require an internationally administered scheme. However, that is not intrinsic to the principle.
Emission reduction targets are met at minimum cost.
The intention of a carbon tax is environmental: to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and thereby slow climate change. It can be implemented by taxing the burning of fossil fuels — coal, petroleum products such as gasoline and aviation fuel, and natural gas — in proportion to their carbon content. Unlike other approaches such as carbon cap-and-trade systems, direct taxation has the benefit of being easily understood and can be popular with the public if the revenue from the tax is returned by reducing other taxes. Alternatively, it may be used to fund environmental projects.
Source: Wikipedia
Middle class….
http://money.cnn.com/2008/07/23/news/economy/middle_class/index.htm?postversion=2008072313
“Men” with hats – you have no class. You’re wrong and no amount of name-calling will convince me otherwise. As for your name-calling, I think you have some deeply-rooted issues that you should address. If dialogue on Garth’s blog upsets you this much, you have issues. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you seek to heal yourself. Go in peace, my son, and heal yourself.
This discussion parallels one that went on between Bill Moyers and Senator Barbara Boxer of California about her proposed carbon tax.
—–
“BILL MOYERS: Was it bad timing to bring this bill to the floor when everyone in the country, except for the very rich, is suffering from this huge surge in gas and fuel prices?
BARBARA BOXER: I think that is a great question and also completely irrelevant to the debate. Since you’re asking me questions, I’m gonna ask you a question.
BILL MOYERS: All right, fair enough.
BARBARA BOXER: When do you think gas prices are going to go down?
BILL MOYERS: Well, I think that they’re never going to go down.
BARBARA BOXER: I agree with you. They’re never going to go down much, if at all. Does that mean we never take up global warming legislation when we know we have a shrinking window to save the planet so that your grandkids and my grandkids and everyone who’s watching, their grandkids, can live on Earth. We have to act, number one. That’s specious. There’s never going to be a good time. This is hard. We have to deal with it. And so we have to act.
—–
Earlier in the interview:
“…[B]ARBARA BOXER: And what do we do with it [carbon tax]? That’s the key. What we do with it is most of it goes back to consumers. Because we know as carbon-reducing power becomes more expensive, it’s going to be passed on to people. Plus, until there are new technologies, it’s going to be higher costs.
So, we soften the blow. We take those trillions of dollars that come in, and we say to people who need it, “You’re going to get a tax rebate. You’re gonna get help on your power bill.” And we have a deficit reduction trust fund. And that’s half. The other half of the money goes to help find the new technologies of the future. ”
“…[B]ARBARA BOXER: The fact is that’s the big lie [the Republicans calling it a tax grab]. Not only isn’t there any tax in this bill, but there’s tax cuts in this bill. There are fees that go to the polluters, which is in my view, part of America, America’s economy. Polluter pays, that’s what we do. They need to pay to pollute. And those funds go to help people through a big tax cut. And those funds go to invest in technology. And those funds go to give consumers relief right on their utility bills until we get to the point where we have alternatives.”
—-
All the same arguments we’re hearing from the Cons are also right there being spouted by the Repuglicans.
Now we know whose playbook the Cons and their spokespuppet Korn Kob Kory are getting their material from.
More of the interview transcript here.
It will all sound SOOOOOOO familiar.
And Barbara Boxer is right. If we don’t act now, we will HAVE no economy.
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/06272008/transcript1.html
——
By slg on 07.23.08 8:32 am
“Health report to get ‘low-profile’ release”
I read a piece about that this morning. The usual “bury your head (or your health report) in the sand” approach we’ve come to expect from the Cons. They think that if they refuse to acknowledge something or don’t allow others to hear about it, it doesn’t exist.
Their behaviour in this matter is bordering on criminal. Mind you, it does have a lot of company.
—–
By wjp on 07.23.08 10:14 am
Re huge security bill for the Vancouver Olympics
I read a piece at the beginning of the month that might have a bearing on the cost.
Apart from the usual military bafflegab, the thought that U.S. fighter planes whould be patrolling the airspace above Vancouver filled me with dread. Is this why the “security” costs are going stratospheric?
U.S. jets could patrol Vancouver during Olympics: Norad
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=b7242789-2b94-4f85-90c5-0a0e8b757dca
Gen. Gene Renuart, the commander of Norad, said his agency will play a role in providing security during the 2010 Winter Games.
“Because of the proximity of Seattle and Vancouver, the airspace begins to fit together pretty transparently, so we’ll have a piece in place that will allow for both U.S. and Canadian fighters to provide adequate oversight of that airspace,” said Renuart, who was in Calgary for a meeting at the Calgary Stampede with Gen. Walter Natynczyk, Canada’s chief of defence staff.
“…”[I]t is a landmark event for Canada, it is Canada’s time to shine in the international community, and Norad wants to ensure that we are value-added in that process,” he said. “We’ll continue to have a team effort to support those Games.”
NORAD wants to ensure they are “value-added” in that process.
What the hell is that supposed to mean?
—–
By wjp on 07.23.08 10:14 am
“Harper/Flaherty are doing absolutely nothing for municipalities….Flaherty’s not into potholes remember?”
Too bad Flaherty’s not into potholes. They’d be a perfect fit.
—–
Westmount .. St.Lambert .. Guelph .. three by-elections in early September.
After the results of these by-elections are posted, Dion may no longer be the leader of the Liberal party .. and then all this blather about a federal election will be for naught.
Come on Harry, stop hiding Harpo’s plan, how about you explain Harpo’s plan and what it will cost, and how it implemented. We are very tired of constant and mindless Dion Bashing.
Some come on Harry, tells how Harpo is going to fix things. Time to put up or shut up.
Seriously, time for you to explain your boyz plan, we are waiting.
“Cut taxes at all costs is the Conservative platform. It doesn’t work. We Canadians WANT certain services and are willing to pay for them–so long as we get what we pay for”
BY MARG 07.22.08 11:48 PM
I agree. However, I’d add that low income groups should get the breaks and high income and corporations should be paying much, much more for the privilege of operating in Canada. Right now all I see is corporations having huge contempt for our lovely country as they rob us all blind. We need to get these corporations away from our government and clean things up. Harper is a pawn, whether he knows it or not, and that’s the truth.
By Robert Gibbs on 07.23.08 3:07 pm
Did the ecomomists agree that with B.C.s carbon tax that exempting two of the provinces biggest polluters Alcan and Tech Cominco is the right approach as well. I could support a carbon tax, but with all the exemptions I have to wonder what exactly is the point of a carbon tax. Either we all pay or none of us pay. Fair enough system for me and for everyone else.
Robert Gibbs: You may want to slip over to NASA’s Earth Observatory website. According to them (as well as others) the Pacific Decadal Oscillation is now cooling that Ocean and we will see a pronounced decrease in global temperatures for the next 20-30 years. But then again NASA is just saying.
Harper won’t prorogue because it will bring C-10 and all his other underhanded tricks back to Commons.
TransAlta: Another One Bites The Dust
Posted: July 22, 2008, 9:36 AM by Diane Francis
Here we go again: TransAlta is under siege. That will bring the takeouts of income trusts since October 2006 to 45, and $45.8 billion, mostly [by] foreigners. If debt markets had not cratered, virtually all of the 200 trusts would have been bought with debt by foreigners. Trusts represented 10% of the capital markets and are disappearing mostly into private equity to boot, thus shrinking investment opportunities for Canadians to boot.
Nothing changes and the gigantic Tory blunder is camouflaged as a result of soaring commodity prices. This skews the numbers nationally and lulls leaders into believing their own press releases.
Third rate Tory government
As this trend continues, the damage to Canada’s capital markets will be enormous, leaving only the widely-held banks to buy.
After the results of these by-elections are posted, Dion may no longer be the leader of the Liberal party .. and then all this blather about a federal election will be for naught.
By HARRY S on 07.23.08 3:19 pm
MORE DION BASHING FROM
OUR RESIDENT TERRORIST…
“Only you in your confused and deluded mind” , to use your own words, believe the garbage you offer here!!!
Carney to learn the secrets of the paperprestidigitzer when he hosts the meeting with the bearded financier of academic veneer.
(Sorry, it’s closed door, of course – not open to the Press or Public. Who pays for the shrimp? Who always pays? )
“What’s that laughter I hear behind the green door?”
Yes, my trout, your country too can send out stimulus cheques every three months. You too can provide triple heating subsidies as they are planning in New England. You can freeze teaser mortgage rates and declare whole counties foreclosure-free zones. It’s all a matter of perspective. Sure we’ve walked off the cliff but as long as we keep pulling on our bootstraps and papering the air, there’s no way but up.
We just have to be concistent.
Bank of Canada forecasts rebound
Toronto Star, Canada – 18 Jul 2008
Tougher times ahead, say Canadian, US bankers
CTV.ca, Canada – 15 Jul 2008
http://tinyurl.com/5bwywp
??BY CHARLES OXLEY 07.23.08 1:25 AM
****************************************
Hi Charles,
Great Posts!!
And great reading – that article about where Harper gets his whacked up ideas. The first few paragraphs:
“Welcome to the conservative’s worst nightmare: The law of unintended consequences. Why? Nobody wants to admit it, folks, but the conservatives’ grand ideology is backfiring, actually turning the world’s greatest capitalistic democracy into the world’s newest socialist economy.
A little history: The core principles of conservative economic ideology are grounded in Nobel economist Milton Friedman’s 1962 classic “Capitalism and Freedom.” Too late to stop President Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society, those principles became the battle cries energizing conservatives since Reagan: Unrestricted free markets, free enterprise and free trade; deregulation, privatization and globalization; trickle-down economics and trickle-up wealth to an elite plutocracy destined to rule the new American capitalist utopia.
So what happened? Are you guys nuts? Hey, I’m talking to all you blind Beltway politicians (in both parties) … plus the Old Boys Club running Wall Street (into the ground) … plus all you fat-cat CEOs (with megamillion parachutes) … and all your buddies scamming everybody else to get on the Forbes 400. You are proof of Lord Acton’s warning: “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
It’s backfiring! You folks turned our America from a great capitalistic democracy into a meddling socialist economy. Still you don’t get it. You’re acting like teen addicts tripping on an overdose of “greed-is-good” testosterone while your caricature of conservative economics would at best make a one-line joke on Jay Leno.
Here are 11 reasons your manipulations are sabotaging the great principles of leaders like Friedman and Reagan:
1. Dumber than a fifth grader with cognitive dissonance
Kids know what it means. They know most adults today can’t see past the end of their noses. Liberals tune out candidate McBush for being lost in the past. Conservatives can’t hear Obama without seeing that turban.
Cognitive dissonance simply means most brains cannot see past their own narrow ideologies. They dismiss any data that contradicts their old ideologies. Whether you’re a conservative Republican or liberal Democrat, you only hear what you already know is “true.” All else is tuned out.
2. Where did all the leaders go with their moral character?
Friedman’s economics requires leaders of moral character. Did it run into Lord Acton’s warning: “Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely?” Former Ford and Chrysler CEO Lee Iacocca said yes in “Where Have All the Leaders Gone?”
Friedman’s great conservative principles have been commandeered by myopic ideologues whose idea of leadership is balancing the demands of self-interest lobbyists with the need for campaign donations. Unfortunately, a new “change” president won’t be enough; there are 537 elected officials in Washington controlled by 42,000 special interest lobbyists.”
The rest of the article is at Charles’ link or
http://tinyurl.com/5bwywp?
And per my above note to Charles Oxley, and for those who’d like to copy the article, the direct link to the printable version also works:
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/eleven-reasons-america-new-top/story.aspx?guid=%7bD23E1901-728E-4A3C-99D1-7E80F74C3AE3%7d&dist=TNMostRead&print=true&dist=printMidSection
There is only one important plank in the Liberal platform…the sooner Dion walks it, the better for the Liberals.
Yar
By Zorpheous on 07.23.08 3:25 pm
By wjp on 07.23.08 3:56 pm
………………………………
As more details about Stéphane Dion’s permanent new tax on gas, electricity, home heating fuel and everything else comes to light, it is not surprising that more and more Canadians are speaking out against this tax grab and the harm it will cause to everyday Canadian families.
At the recent meeting of Canada’s provincial and territorial leaders, Nova Scotia Premier Rodney MacDonald condemned the Dion Carbon Tax saying, “I have senior citizens in Nova Scotia this winter who would be paying $200, $300, $400 more to heat their home if that plan was introduced and see their electrical prices go up by 15 per cent in Year 1 and up to 60 per cent in Year 4.”
The Dion Carbon Tax is not an environmental plan. In fact, the Liberals’ carbon tax plan contains no environmental targets and the Liberals themselves admit that they have no idea whether it will help the environment at all.
The Dion Carbon Tax is not a revenue neutral plan. In fact, buried in the Liberals’ own fine print is a plan to spend billions of carbon tax dollars on their partisan pet projects and special interest groups.
The Dion Carbon Tax is not a fair plan. In fact, many Canadians, such as seniors on fixed incomes who can least afford to make the massive life sacrifices that Mr. Dion is demanding, will be the hardest hit of all.
The Dion Carbon Tax is not an economically sound plan. In fact, such a tax would put thousands of manufacturing jobs at risk by driving electricity prices through the roof.
All that the Dion Carbon Tax is – and ever was – is another tax grab hidden behind phony green packaging. In other words – a giant trick.
Personally, I think Harry is not a neocon, but just a shit disturber. He doesn’t stand for anything – just likes to see his words in print.
The Dion Carbon Tax is not an economically sound plan. In fact, such a tax would put thousands of manufacturing jobs at risk by driving electricity prices through the roof.
All that the Dion Carbon Tax is – and ever was – is another tax grab hidden behind phony green packaging. In other words – a giant trick.
By HARRY S on 07.23.08 4:22 pm
If Canadians have a choice between Dion’s plan and having their tax money going to the U.S. Treasury under the Harper no plan, they will choose Dion.
Personally, I think Harry is not a neocon, but just a shit disturber. He doesn’t stand for anything – just likes to see his words in print.
By kpn on 07.23.08 4:29 pm
It is all he has….pathetic and sad really…
By Robert Gibbs on 07.23.08 3:07 pm
By Marc on 07.23.08 3:35 pm
Personally, I take what economists say with a grain of salt because they live in a world of theories that are largely untested. Their theories are based on a certain believe in what a perfect world would be like. Unfortunately, we don’t have the kind of perfect world to which their theories might apply.
In fact, one of the main flaws in the current economic “conventional wisdom” is that they put too much focus on production and not enough on the human needs behind consumption. Hence they believe that taxation should focus on consumption and on the consumer not the producer.
This is not surprising in a society which idealizes capitalist theory but it also means that all of the solutions are focused in the same direction: the protection of the capitalist (the individualist who controls capital in his or her self-interest) no matter what the inevitable costs.
All of the current parties are establishment parties with no ability to really see the larger picture.
I had hoped that the debate generated by Dion’s initial Green Shift concept would be a positive beginning. Instead, it has become nothing more than a brain dead exercise in political partisanship and spin.
The irony in Garth’s heading “know hope” is not lost on those of us who are totally frustrated by partyism and see no hope for a meaningful debate.
Canadian’s won’t give a rats fat ass about the weather as long as they are given the opportunity to toss this cult onto the scrap heap of failed experiments.
Choose wisely . Vote Liberal
Is there another side to this story, if not, are Liberals sinking to the level of the Conservatives?
A high school student invited to Liberal Leader Stephane Dion’s appearance in Stratford left the event disappointed.
Gabrielle Arkett of St. Pauls was looking forward to the town hall-style forum July 11 but afterwards felt “used” by the party as a poster child for the next generation of Liberals.
She was introduced to Liberal party supporters but felt they were pushy and talked at her, not with her, as she was whisked around a portion of the renovated Festival Theatre lobby.
The Liberal leader was in the area recently to talk about the Green Shift, the Liberals’ new environmental plan promising taxes on pollution and a reduction in income tax.
The 15-year-old said she didn’t feel that Mr. Dion sufficiently explained the Liberals’ new plan in a brief, eight-minute address.
A portion of his speech was spent attacking Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
“I had no idea what the Green Shift was at the end of it,” the Central Secondary School student said.
“Copies (of the Green Shift) should have been handed out so people could ask good questions.”
Ms. Arkett said advertising the event as town hall discussion was misleading because there was not enough opportunity to ask questions about the Green Shift and other topics.
The biggest frustration was a quick handshake and photo with Mr. Dion. She was hoping to ask a few questions that she spent a fair amount of time formulating with her dad.
The Perth-Wellington Federal Liberal Riding Association wanted a young, environmentally conscious student to attend the event, said Perth-Wellington federal Liberal candidate Sandra Gardiner.
“I really didn’t know what to expect either,” she said of Mr. Dion’s visit.
Political visits are often carefully managed for time and the Liberal leader had a full agenda that day, so there wasn’t a lot of time for meet and greets, she said.
Mr. Dion was touring the country promoting the Green Shift.
The plan encourages energy efficiency through greenhouse gas emission taxes. Canadians can access energy reduction programs that promise tax breaks. There are incentives built into the plan for industry and small business.
Ms. Gardiner has since contacted Mr. Dion’s staff in hopes to have Ms. Arkett’s questions answered directly by the Liberal leader.
Ms. Arkett said she likes to keep an eye on the Canadian political scene and admits to being frustrated by the current Conservative government.
“They say they listen to youth but just want your vote,” she said.
The high school student hasn’t given up on politics, or the Liberals. “I’m not giving up completely. I still believe the left should mould itself and work together. They could do some good things and restore Canada’s good name.”
Article ID# 1127173
Floor crossing is a , very, specific thing that entails the person leaving his parliamentary party and joining a new one.Whahid Khan,David Emerson,Belinds Stronach et al .
Moving to an independent chair for several months and then joining another party is NOT floor crossing .
That is the fact and nothing you say will,ewer,change that .
Got it ? Good !
NFM
All of the current parties are establishment parties with no ability to really see the larger picture.
I had hoped that the debate generated by Dion’s initial Green Shift concept would be a positive beginning. Instead, it has become nothing more than a brain dead exercise in political partisanship and spin.
The irony in Garth’s heading “know hope” is not lost on those of us who are totally frustrated by partyism and see no hope for a meaningful debate.
By C. B. Innes on 07.23.08 4:38 pm
Hopefully this will allow people to vote outside the box….but don’t bet on it, regardless of what happens 30% will vote Liberal and 30% CPC….the balnce of those who vote will decide the election and nothing will change.
“INDEPENDENT Government makes more sense”
BY WJP 07.23.08 6:08 AM
WJP,
I re-posted back to you on yesterday’s blog about the bigger picture. For yourself, and C. B. Innes who both have very good posts all the time, voting “Independent” can’t help. They are just as corruptible, and I dare say even more so. Our country suffers from corruption, minor to major, municipal, provincial, federal, all. It’s not that it is one party or another, it is the leaders and the politicians below them who do nothing. These Neo Cons just happen to be a great example with the duct tape over their mouths.
It is a bigger picture, and I don’t know if you are looking at the biggest picture or if I am. What matters is what stinks. I do see the Cons being corrupt, acting corrupt, following a corrupt neocon laid path.
Please refer to the above post by Charles Oxley with a great link that I later refered to as well. The Conservatives are gone, the neo cons are in. In the past the liberals were partially hijacked by a FEW but they seem to have cleaned up their act. Layton did a deal with Harper for his own furthering in politics three years ago that got us into this particular mess. Layton’s deal obviously was NOT “for the people” so he will never be trusted.
We need honesty, we need politicians with truth and guts, and we need to all get up off our lazy dumb asses and help our local politicians. Look at Robert Gibbs link today. Even McGuinty is pleading with the people to please do something about his concerns. Voting Independent is a nice idea, but it won’t bring about changes that are needed.
People. Get the message. Get off your lazy dumb asses [not Garth’s good bloggers of course] and help out a good honest candidate in the next election. Don’t lamely vote for none of the above or a politician that can’t win. Encourage good people you know to run. Get lousy politicians who won’t speak up for themselves OUT. Complain to them, get your politicians very uncomfortable. Understand that even a wee bit of corporate corruption is TOO MUCH. All we seem to have now is corporate corrupted puppets and their lame politicians who believe them.
Let’s get this country back into the hands of the people, by getting your hands dirty, helping out in any way you can. We’ve been sitting around letting politicians get bought off for decades, all around the world. It’s time we all participate, get to know our politicians before electing them, and force honesty back into politics. Shout loud, complain, get out and help in the next election for whatever honest candidate you can find. And admonish anyone who pretends apathy. They are just being lazy. TELL them to figure this out for themselves and get active some way in getting our political system clean and free of greed, as best we can. That’s all we’ve got, you know. And if that doesn’t work with a new leader, like say Dion who so far appears to be very honest, okay then we’ll have a great grassroots movement for WJP and C. B.
Most of those 10 policies are now established, one way or another, by the Conservative government. What is new?
You are a Conservative through and through Garth.
By MJH on 07.23.08 11:20 am
A great set of policy initiatives for the McGuinty government in Ontario. However, Liberals would not even consider such forward thinking policies.
By MJH on 07.23.08 11:22 am
MJH, can you please let this blog and the rest of Canada know how these 10 policies are now established, one way or the other, by the cons?
So how is your con govt. forward thinking?
Please do let us all know.
I had hoped that the debate generated by Dion’s initial Green Shift concept would be a positive beginning. Instead, it has become nothing more than a brain dead exercise in political partisanship and spin.
The irony in Garth’s heading “know hope” is not lost on those of us who are totally frustrated by partyism and see no hope for a meaningful debate.
By C. B. Innes on 07.23.08 4:38 pm
Please then CBI – tell us what your solution to Canada woes are. Its easy to criticize, but much more difficult to come up with a comprehensive plan and policies.
And those ten policies above are ten planks in the Liberal policy. It’s what Stephane Dion and I will be talking about on August 20th. – Garth
……………………………..
Excellent strategy, Garth … because these 10 promises will at least be something palatable for the 3 upcoming by-elections in early September.
Will you be making a joint announcement with Dion on August 20th … you in Guelph and Dion in Montreal ..??!!!
I don’t think Dion’s Green Tax Shift will win many votes in the ridings of Westmount, St.Lambert and Guelph .. so might as well throw in everything plus the kitchen sink in the hopes of drowning out thoughts of a Liberal Carbon Tax which the opposition parties will be reminding the voters.
I’m assuming you will be helping out in the Guelph riding but not the Quebec ridings due to you being bilingual-challenged …!!!!
One more personal insult and you are history. You’ve already been warned, and just served two days. — Garth
All that the Dion Carbon Tax is – and ever was – is another tax grab hidden behind phony green packaging. In other words – a giant trick.
By HARRY S on 07.23.08 4:22 pm
You are a giant trick Hairy .And not a particularly clever one at that .
Your desperation grows by the hour as Canadian’s turn away from Baba Rum Raisens cult of personality .
Sixty six per cent of Canadian’s are in favour of the ‘Green Shift’ and are prepared to pay more for their energy .
Most Canadians still want aggressive government action to fight climate change. The findings appear to fly in the face of the notion that Canadians, shocked by record-high oil and gasoline prices, won’t stomach environmental policies that drive up their cost of living even further
The federal Conservatives have lost key support amongst women, Quebecers and Ontario voters. The Tories and Liberals are tied at about 31% of national support .
A polarized electorate may be tilting toward the federal Liberals at the expense of Stephen Harper’s Conservative government. 44% of respondents said they’d prefer a Liberal government after the next election, compared with 37% who preferred the Conservatives .
The survey indicates satisfaction fell to 40% from 53% – with majority dissatisfaction in every region of the country except Alberta .
Now what was all that garbage you were spewing about the polls supporting the CRAP .
What I thought .You are so delusional you make up your own numbers .
You are a fool .
Third rate Tory government
As this trend continues, the damage to Canada’s capital markets will be enormous, leaving only the widely-held banks to buy.
By Robert Gibbs on 07.23.08 3:43 pm
Its all part of their plan Robert.
Liberals. “I’m not giving up completely. I still believe the left should mould itself and work together. They could do some good things and restore Canada’s good name.”
Article ID# 1127173
By DoryD on 07.23.08 4:49 pm
…….Dion is going to speak to her personally – he probably wasn’t aware and I fail to see why this is news.
By wjp on 07.23.08 4:50 pm
Hopefully this will allow people to vote outside the box….but don’t bet on it, regardless of what happens 30% will vote Liberal and 30% CPC….the balnce of those who vote will decide the election and nothing will change.
……………………………….
Uuuuum … aren’t you forgetting something quite important in election campaigns … namely the popularity and hence the credibility of the party leaders?
Dion’s personal popularity in all polled categories is consistently low and his overall popularity is in the range of 10 – 15% according to all polls. Dion is despised amongst francophone Quebecers, and that is a fact.
Meanwhile Harper’s leadership popularity is consistently polling high amongst all Canadians … in the 35 – 40% range .. poll after poll.
Would you not concede that the popularity of the main party leaders will either boost or depress the popularity of the party brands??
If the parties are tied at 30%, how can a 15% Dion boost the Liberal party upwards when he himself is so low in the polls?
Conversely, is it not reasonable to conclude that a 40% Harper will help improve the popularity of a 30% Conservative party brand??
I hope you are capable of responding to objective polling results from Canadians and not go on some kind of flight of deluded fancy.
D.J.:
Dion was quite right. Canadians were polled and there was not interest in an election. In fact, there was apathy!
Too many Canadians did not realize that what Harper was accomplishing under the radar was part of an agenda that would have shocked them to learn about. Now, more and more people are realizing that the Emperor is stark naked and has only been buying votes from the public across the country in order to get a majority government. Then he would do overtly what he has been careful to do covertly up to this point. The Liberals and other opposition parties had to bang it out in the House of Commons for many months before people began to catch on.
If you watch this blog for information and links and if you listen to the news and read the newspapers or news on line, or listen to C-PAC when the House is in session, you will see what is really happening.
The Conservatives did want an election for various and nefarious reasons, so they tried to hold the Liberals to ransom by making every vote a confidence vote, knowing the Conservatives were better positioned to run a campaign then than the Liberals were at that time.
If the Liberals had given in and brought the government down while the Canadian public were asleep, and if, after the election, the Conservatives got back in, what would have been gained? Taxpayers money would have been lost and a lot of volunteers and candidates would have laboured for nothing. We would have had more of the same!
Now is the time for all good men/women to come to the aid of their party!
By Barb the proof-reader on 07.23.08 4:54 pm
Great post Barb and I don’t for a moment doubt your sincerity, BUT, we have gone that route…right now I see about 3 MPs in the House that I could in good conscience vote for….other than that they have all been bought and paid for….(terrible english ending all these sentences in for, hope the language police isn’t on here today).
As long as you have a political party with a leader who calls all the shots, which is how it is today in every party, who parachutes candidates into the ridings, who tells his elected MPs how to vote…there is no way in hell we are going to have a democracy. You said Independent MPs can be bribed, what do you think is happening now? If you want to get to the front benches, you better follow the whip.
Dion may be the most honest man in the world but he has done all the things I have mentioned above. I am only on here to advocate against Harper who is the most dishonest politician I have seen in my lifetime, a man who campaigned on transparency, honesty etc etc…and has done a 180 with a minority. He would destory Canada with a majority. I am not here to support Dion or the Liberal party, just here to balance off the nut cases like Harry who daily bash and bash and bash Dion some more. Anybody but Harper would be an improvement but not really democracy. I think an Independent Government as I laid it out would work very well especially with the recall provision…certainly would be better than the party system we have now. Yes, there would have to be changes, such as allowing independents to sit on committees etc…but if they are all independents, they would have to work together to effect legislation.
I will continue to push for Independent government, because the alternative will only lead to dictatorship. We are heading on this road as I speak.
After the results of these by-elections are posted, Dion may no longer be the leader of the Liberal party .. and then all this blather about a federal election will be for naught.
By HARRY S on 07.23.08 3:19 pm
••
Whatever.
You CON’s must be crapping your diapers right now with the latest news.
You see, at the Guelph by-election’s CON gatherings, I will be standing there with my large sign –
HARPER CON’S
-LIARS/INCOME TRUSTS/CADMAN
-CHEATS/ELECTIONS CANADA
-ACCOUNTABILITY/OBSTRUCTION OF PARLIAMENT
Who will get more attention? Your candidate or me?
We need to reduce our reliance upon the personal automobile in order to start making a difference in GHG emissions. High gas prices discourage people from using their automobiles, however, there are few alternatives. Canada needs a better public transportation system. If Canadians could take public transportation to get to work, the grocery store, and to other cities (at a reasonable price, unlike VIA) then we’d be well on our way to curbing our GHG emissions. I like the points outlined from the Liberal platform, but I think a plan for a public transportation system is a necessary addition.
“Men” with hats – you have no class. You’re wrong and no amount of name-calling will convince me otherwise. As for your name-calling, I think you have some deeply-rooted issues that you should address. If dialogue on Garth’s blog upsets you this much, you have issues. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you seek to heal yourself. Go in peace, my son, and heal yourself.
By forevergreen2000 on 07.23.08 3:11 pm
…….this guy helps suicidal men? Oh my God – frightening.
WW from the KDC;
“Politics is the skilled use of blunt objects.” — Lester B. Pearson
Isn’t hairless hairy one of the blunt objects here? He hasn’t yet grasped the concept of a tax grab (the IT lie) versus a tax shift (Dion’s concept).
He needs readjusting. Be patient. It may take four or five lifetimes to get him back again!
****************************************
Men With Hats, 1:18 pm; Pecked to Death by Ducks, 4:04 pm; Barb the proof-reader, 4:07 pm
G’day y’all, and I understand haplesshairychops is still sound asleep in The Wonderful World of Nod.
Never mind. Let’s leave him and CRAP in their fairy-tale, make-believe world, where nothing exists, until a few seconds before the universe explodes and wipes them out for good!
Men, hidden inflation — which is real inflation — is running about 15-20% now, so ignore the fed. stats. Everything is going up, but oil is fluctuating for now.
PTDBD, my own view is that since carney was a ’surprise’ appt., almost certainly he takes directions from DC — harpo and dimdumb take the criticism and whacks, but the neo-cons are able to put their agenda upon all of us. It’s a hierarchial system, and it works.
Barb, glad to have been of help. Certainly opens one’s eyes up to what is really going on behind the scenes!
****************************************
A TEST FOR OLD KIDS
I was picky who I sent this to. It had to be those who might actually remember. So have some fun, my sharp-witted friends.
This is a test for us ‘old kids’! Answers below, but don’t cheat.
1. After the Lone Ranger saved the day and rode off into the sunset, the grateful citizens would ask, ‘Who was that masked man?’ Invariably, someone would answer but he left this behind. What was ‘this’?
2. When the Beatles first came to the U.S. in early 1964, we all watched them on The _______________ Show.
3 ‘Get your kicks, __________________.’
4. ‘The story you are about to see is true. The names have been changed to ___________________.’
5. ‘In the jungle! The mighty jungle, ________________.’
6. After the Twist, The Mashed Potato, and the Watusi, we ‘danced’ under a stick that was lowered as low as we could go in a dance called the ‘_____________.’
7. ‘N_E_S_T_L_E_S’, Nestle’s makes the very best . . . . _______________.’
8. Satchmo was America’s ‘Ambassador of Goodwill.’ Our parents shared this great jazz trumpet player with us. His name was _________________.
9. What takes a licking and keeps on ticking? _______________.
10. Red Skelton’s hobo character was named __________________ and Red always ended his television show by saying, ‘Good Night, and ‘________ ________’.
11. Some Americans who protested the Vietnam War did so by burning their______________.
12. The cute little car with the engine in the back and the trunk in the front was called the VW. What other names did it go by? ____________ & _______________.
13. In 1971, singer Don MacLean sang a song about, ‘the day the music died.’ This was a tribute to ___________________.
14. We can remember the first satellite placed into orbit. The Russians did it. It was called ___________________.
15. One of the big fads of the late 50’s and 60’s was a large plastic ring that we twirled around our waist. It was called the ________________.
ANSWERS:
1. The Lone Ranger left behind a silver bullet; 2. The Ed Sullivan Show; 3. On Route 66; 4. To protect the innocent; 5. The Lion Sleeps Tonight; 6. The limbo; 7. Chocolate; 8. Louis Armstrong; 9. The Timex watch; 10. Freddy, The Freeloader and ‘Good Night and God Bless’; 11. Draft cards (Bras were also burned. Not flags, as some have guessed); 12. Beetle or Bug; 13. Buddy Holly; 14. Sputnik
15. Hoola-hoop.
Send this to your ‘old’ friends, better known as Seniors; it will drive them crazy! And keep them busy and let them forget their aches and pains for a few minutes.
****************************************
And if that doesn’t work with a new leader, like say Dion who so far appears to be very honest, okay then we’ll have a great grassroots movement for WJP and C. B.
By Barb the proof-reader on 07.23.08 4:54 pm
Has Dion addressed the highest number of parent denied children in Canada, no.
Has Dion addressed the missing $40m, no.
Has Dion addressed the millions missing from the slush fund disguised as a long gun registry, no.
Has Dion addressed the deplorable job situation in Ontario due to the Liberal low dollar mantra, no.
Has Dion addressed the loss of jobs and international investors starting in 2002, no.
The list is quite long so I`ll skip right to the point. The Conservatives have failed to address the most serious problems this country has so tell me why Dion is different because it sure isn`t policy.
Canadians can access energy reduction programs that promise tax breaks.
By DoryD on 07.23.08 4:49 pm
I recently bought 2 toilets – 3/6 litres – below the current qualificaions for a rebate. Unfortunately, after many phone calls to the feds and the prov. found out I’d have to hire an ‘approved’ energy inspecttion co. (can’t recall the exact term) for $150 min. (2 locally qualified cos.) to approve these toilets and would have to fill out all kinds of forms. End result, I’d get back $50. on approx. $800 purchase to reduce water consumption.
DoryD – have you actually checked the Fed. site. AFAIK, they haven’t even reimbursed people who last year bought those ‘cars that qualified for a rebate.
All of the current parties are establishment parties with no ability to really see the larger picture.
I had hoped that the debate generated by Dion’s initial Green Shift concept would be a positive beginning. Instead, it has become nothing more than a brain dead exercise in political partisanship and spin.
The irony in Garth’s heading “know hope” is not lost on those of us who are totally frustrated by partyism and see no hope for a meaningful debate.
By C. B. Innes on 07.23.08 4:38 pm
Didn’t Dion offer to debate Harper any place any time?
All of the current parties are establishment parties with no ability to really see the larger picture.
I had hoped that the debate generated by Dion’s initial Green Shift concept would be a positive beginning. Instead, it has become nothing more than a brain dead exercise in political partisanship and spin.
The irony in Garth’s heading “know hope” is not lost on those of us who are totally frustrated by partyism and see no hope for a meaningful debate.
By C. B. Innes on 07.23.08 4:38 pm
Actually CBI, I think many of us see the big picture and have been disgusted by the political system for years. However, for me, this is not the time to nullify my vote. I definitely do not want to see a ‘Harper’s republican’ style of govt. obtain another minority. They are not conservatives. At another time in the future, I’d gladly cast my vote for an independent or other party.
And if that doesn’t work with a new leader, like say Dion who so far appears to be very honest, okay then we’ll have a great grassroots movement for WJP and C. B.
By Barb the proof-reader on 07.23.08 4:54 pm
As an independent voter I have the freedom not to be a partyist who will simply vote for the same party election after election. I know it is much easier to play the partisan game and never have to evaluate the situation. In fact, in the past I have been there and done that. You can keep the Liberals or the new Conservatives in power indefinately and maintain the status quo.
Throughout Canadian history new political movements have been the catalyst for change but the Parliamentary parties working in their self-interest have been able, through legislation, to virtually eliminate that potential.
When a politician puts forth a set of policies that try to be all things to all people, any independent minded individual becomes suspicious that it is all just another attempt at deception.
You don’t have to be an independent thinker and you can buy everything a party promises because it is easy to be a follower. You will always have a core of people who will support your positions.
In my opinion, we need independent thinkers who are willing to look beyond the narrow confines of partisanship to a broader reality that is not found within the strictly controlled propaganda of the party. It may not be comfortable to be attacked by the partisans from both sides. You may sacrifice that feeling of “belonging” that comes with partyism but you maintain your freedom.
When I left partisan politics and became an independent voter it was like a load was lifted from me and it provided a remarkable feeling of freedom.
I consider the fact that Garth gets in trouble so often with his establishment party and the media by being, at least in part, an independent thinker underlines the problem with partyism.
I do wish Harry S would stop speaking for me. I was at a townhall meeting in Charlottetown last friday and heard Stapane Dion explain several times that his tax shift would compensate low income seniors by both income tax rebates and an increase in the GIS. So Harry you may not like the tax shift plan so be it but don’t try to put in on the likes of us.
BTW I enjoyed meeting Stephane Dion maybe you should meet him before passing judgement Harry
“Some think I’m dark and gloomy for chronicling this stuff. Or being overly critical for wondering if Ottawa has a plan. And while I think the prime minister and Jim Flaherty have been devastating custodians of the economy
posted by Garth Turner on 07.22.08 @ 10:19 pm |
Well Garth , you’re not alone.
BTW, I don’t consider you or your observations to be pessimistic in any way, rather you are an informed optimist.
Denial seems to be the order of the day of our bankers and politicians. Consider the following.
“Even under a real stress scenario, the amount of money the government would have to come up with is not that large. The amount of money required would not be so large that it would make us worry about the US credit rating.”
Steven Hess, Vice President of Moody’s
It would seem that whoever elicited this quote from the gentleman did not go on to ask the next obvious question: “What WOULD make you worry about the US credit rating?”
Of course I’m referring to the demise of the two most important institutions in the US. That being Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.These two companies own or provide the backing for nearly half of the $US 12 TRILLION in US home mortgages. Their paper has been seen as sacrosanct for decades, with the implied backing of the US government. In this role, it has become a favourite “investment” for central banks, institutions and individuals all over the world.
By “fair accounting rules”, where assets are actually valued at what they could realise on an open market, Freddie Mac is already insolvent and Fannie Mae very nearly so.
More reading at http://www.the-privateer.com/gold6.html
DENIAL is not just a river in Africa anymore.
Good evening all. I see Harryooo is back to his old insults & way to many posts repeating the same messages. It looks like his weekend time out didn’t work so maybe he needs a month instead of a weekend to re-think how his personal views reflect his personality.
I think that until Harry comes clean & starts answering questions asked of him, we should all ignore him. Maybe that will sink into his cloudy brain once & for all. Tough love so to speak. Think it will work? Nah! didn’t think so.
Btw way Garth, I think the 10 planks you mentioned are excellent ones & I am looking forward to hearing more. Great stuff.
Regards
Seems CON MP Dean Del Mastro – and many other CONS, I’m sure – are at it again with their Conservative propaganda flyers – I mean mail pieces – or “10 per centers” as they are sometimes known, all paid for by Canadian tax payers.
Yes, you and me.
Who do you think is surreptitiously wasting your tax dollars?
Conservatives – Yes, or
Conservatives – Yes
Dean Del Mastro, Stephen Harper, Jim Flaherty:
REAL LIES.
REAL DEVASTATION.
REAL WANKERS.
Would that interest you? Excite you? Give you hope? Absolutely!!!
Garth, glad to see your out of your funk. At least it seems that way from the last few posts. Your writing is always better when your not troubled.
On Aug 20th can people from out of your riding attend?
Absolutely. Details shortly. — Garth
Garth,
Sorry mon ami, but I have to be totally candid to your proposals. Here are my views. No offense meant, just an honest reply.
Imagine this, for instance. Imagine if we had a government that would give us…
• Broad-based income tax cuts to increase cash flow and help consumer spending in troubled times.
So, you admit the government is NOT competent in their taxing scenarios? I agree. Define ‘Troubled times? They seem to always be with us thanks to the ineptitude of Oddawahaha.
Substantial direct financial help for families to offset higher energy costs.
So, while protecting the damn greedy corporations, we still pay for the costs they have imposed by OUR taxes? No thank you. Let the CEO’s and CFO’s, together with their moronic ’stakeholders’, aka, ’stockholders, pay the costs just like Lloyd’s of London shareholders do. What about individuals? Are they lesson human beings than ‘families’?
• Deep tax incentives to get businesses investing in green technologies and innovation.
What? You don’t believe in Free Markets? Here is how this works. Any business that wants to remain in business must meet market demands. Simple. The proof is the rejection by the market (We the people) of gas guzzlers and high gas prices by saying ‘F–k OFF, we are NOT buying this Bullshit!)
• Lower corporate taxes, making the country far more competitive for global investment, and help create jobs.
LMAO! The bastards have already eliminated corporate taxes for all the mega-corporations. Thanks Oddawahaha…You WHORES! This song will not get this voter on the dance floor.
• A cut in small business taxes, because the greatest numbers of new jobs come from start-ups and small-scale expansions.
Heard it all before. It is pure BULLSHIT! Who thought this up..Dion? LMAO! We pay more than the mega-corps and always will because we are honest, don”t have a bevy of blue pin-striped liars, er, lawyers, to fight against CRA.
• Tax write-offs in the form of capital cost allowances letting companies afford green tech investments
Well, finally something that makes believeable sense. Being a small business owner I cannot afford to pay some overpriced accountant to find tax loopholes for petty sums (like the assinine $200 equipment barrier, like what can be bought for $200?), but they still impact my profits and bottom line. Try the U.S. method…Total write off of upto $25,000 in new equipment per year.
• Federal money to achieve the goal of having 10% of Canada’s energy come from renewable sources.
LMAO. Again, the taxpayer pays. Make the oil speculators PAY! Cash UP FRONT for exploration ventures held in escrow including environemntal cleanups. That’s the ticket!
• A big new fund to stimulate green manufacturing ventures.
Oh, there is a problem that threatens our environment and future? Please send an URGENT MEESSAGE to Harper and his dupe, Baird. They haven’t heard, along with their Bed Buddy Bush.
• Money for homeowners to retrofit their houses; inducements to buy hybrid cars and energy-saving appliances.
Will this be the same non-existent rebate Harper failed to give for fuel efficient vehicles? Oddawahaha owes me $2000…where’s the cheque? I spent over $20 GRAND to help out without so much as a Thank You or rebate.
• Incentives for citizens to generate their own power, not just to get off the grid but to feed it.
Ah, will we have to charge, collect, and pay GST/HST on what we produce? Ring me up when the morons in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, and Vancouver turn off their signs, close their doors, and stop wasting the energy we already produce to inflate their precious little egos.
Would that interest you? Excite you? Give you hope – for now, and the next decade, no matter what the price of oil did? Do you think it’s time we had a more activist government which showed leadership when the winds of change howled? Is there a way out of this morass the Harper government is stuck in?
Would it? Yeah., and I expect God to also pay my mortgage. Sorry, but political platforms have ZERO credibility with me, and I think most thinking Canadians, at this point. You have already read my solutions in the past.
The Harper government? The same one Dion refused to bring down for two years?
God help the Liberals if this is their proposed platform. All fluff and empty promises. Same old, same old, and NO SALE is this Canadian’s response.
Now, here are some actual solutions.
1. Pass tough and inescapable laws that put CEO’s, CFO’s, and investment firms in prison, take their personal assets, etc. for commiting monopoly, collusion, deception, pollution, bilking, collaboration of free markets, and any other crime that we, as individuals would face the wrath of the govermnment over.
2. Take care of the existing problems by making it illegal to use public money for private profit gain.
3. Regulate industry and investors like they should have been all along before the ‘Great Communicator’ fed the North American’s his ‘Trickle Down Economic’ Bullshit which we have been gagging on from the pissing on we have received since 1980.
4. Equal taxation based on percentage of income, and eliminate tax loopholes for mega-corporations.
5. Take back Canadian resources. If that means cancelling NAFTA…GET IT DONE and NOW!
Just a few thoughts from one Canadian.
Like the Eagles song ‘Do Something’ says…Do something, not come up with more ‘cover our arse for being idiots’ plans of promises you cannot keep. The Piper has the bag inflated and is ready to BLOW!
I am NOT alone. Globalizers lose their faith
The world economy has seen globalization collapse once already. The gold standard era – with its free capital mobility and open trade – came to an abrupt end in 1914 and could not be resuscitated after World War I. Are we about to witness a similar global economic breakdown?
The question is not fanciful. Although economic globalization has enabled unprecedented levels of prosperity in advanced countries and has been a boon to hundreds of millions of poor workers in China and elsewhere in Asia, it rests on shaky pillars.
Unlike national markets, which tend to be supported by domestic regulatory and political institutions, global markets are only “weakly embedded.” There is no global anti-trust authority, no global lender of last resort, no global regulator, no global safety nets and, of course, no global democracy.
In other words, global markets suffer from weak governance, and therefore from weak popular legitimacy.
…
Today, the question is no longer, “Are you for or against globalization?” The question is, “What should the rules of globalization be?” The cheerleaders’ true sparring partners today are not rock-throwing youths but their fellow intellectuals.
More…
I still, suggest John Ralston Saul’s book as a MUST READ! But then, the Darkness is so comfy for most Sheeple.
The Hyundai accent was already dropped to $10,000 and honestly good on them. Car companies have been gouging us for years and for what, a car that would last up to 5 years then go to a garage that charges us $80 + an hour for services plus $2,000 for work.. come on something had to break. Now the car companies will lose and Al Gore’s company will win. I call that business.
Funny in the 80’s they called it every man for himself with getting rich or the have me generation and now its screw the other guy as hard as you can while you are taking his money.
To me neither is worth the penny they started with,,,, no morals.
We need honesty, we need politicians with truth and guts, and we need to all get up off our lazy dumb asses and help our local politicians.
Barb,
I agree with you!!!!!!!!
When I se a politician shutting down the tobacco companies and the nuclear plants, I’ll know that is a politican worth voting for…
The difference is, I say it is with all parties not just the ones I don’t like on that certain day….
Conservatives Under Fire For Partisan Leaflets Mailed At Taxpayer Expense
By Bruce Cheadle, THE CANADIAN PRESS (EDIT)
April 17, 2008
OTTAWA – The secretive panel that polices House of Commons rules is taking a look at free MP mail-outs amidst complaints over a blizzard of partisan Conservative flyers blanketing Canadian households.
The Tories are being called out for what is an unprecedented abuse of taxpayer-funded parliamentary services – and the Commons board of internal economy is examining the matter.
At issue are so-called “10-per centers” – black-and-white flyers produced on Commons printers that MPs bulk-mail to their constituents and others beyond their individual ridings.
All federal parties use the practice, but the current Tory campaign is unprecedented in its scope and tone.
At least one recent mail-out in Ottawa clearly appeared to be in breach of the rules governing such flyers.
Critics say the Tory practice is the latest example of a party that pushes every rule to the brink and beyond..
“We’ve never seen this kind of concerted abuse of the system.”
“I’m absolutely outraged at the abuse that’s going on on the taxpayers’ dime.”
The Conservatives appear to be doing mass mailings on a monthly basis.
The sheer volume of Conservative flyers, combined with their highly provocative and patently partisan content, is raising eyebrows.
The return address – postage paid by the government – is CRG Government Caucus Services. CRG stands for Conservative Research Group.
Some say the real goal is Conservative party data mining – obtaining names, addresses and e-mails of return senders who can be put in the party database and approached in future fundraising drives.
One recent mailing in the Ottawa riding of Tory MP John Baird arrived without any MP identified on the flyer, a clear breach of the rules.
One rough estimate put the number at 30 million to 50 million flyers that have gone out this calendar year, at a cost of $8 to $10 million.
Canadians who have complaints about any political flyers can write to both their MP and the board of internal economy.
Let’s get this country back into the hands of the people, by getting your hands dirty, helping out in any way you can. We’ve been sitting around letting politicians get bought off for decades, all around the world. It’s time we all participate, get to know our politicians before electing them, and force honesty back into politics.
By Barb the proof-reader on 07.23.08 4:54 pm
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Barb, It ain’t that simple, unfortunately. Years ago my daughter and I joined a local riding assoc. to help support a potential candidate we thought was very good. The contest at the nomination meeting had 6 members running. There were 3 with excellent credentials, and 3 of varying not so desirable contenders. Who won? Well it was one of the not so good, but who had the backing of the riding assoc. executive. There was some dispute about the backroom counting of ballots but there was also the splitting of the vote by the not so desirables so that the right to life excellent credentials candidate did not win! The candidate we were supporting ran third, but was discriminated against because for residence in the next riding over, but worked over here.
This person had three university degrees as did the RTL person, both had extensive excellent career histories, but the winner was the person whom the party officials favored. If I were to say anything more, you would know instantly where and who, which would be unfair. I did not renew my membership because of what was revealed about the winner after the person won. That knowledge was with held from us in the meeting by the executives.
Again, I reiterate, we need a Primary Election System where those who wish to be nominated must go to the people first with the scrutiny of the media to assist in making the candidate choices. Under the intense searching by the media for information about these individuals, it would be far less likely that some of the current MPs would have been nominated, never mind elected. The media find out whether there is a history of illness, mental instability, criminal record, alcoholism, financial/legal troubles, etc. Individual members and riding associations rarely have the time and the money necessary to do this kind of vetting. The other aspect is, as it stands now, the national leader or his provincial/regional lieutenant can parachute a candidate into any riding they want to. also no candidate gets party acceptance unless the leader signs that person’s nomination papers. That is undemocratic from the git go. Furthermore, Independent candidates usually lack the funding assistance for advertising, meetings, travel, research talent, etc. The party system did not evolve for lack of necessity.
What We the People need to do is regain some control over it. That is where I know that the Primary System will draw more people back into becoming involved in the process when and where they feel they have some ownership and influence!
ACADEMIC MY DEAR WATSON 07.23.08 10:12PM
Where can I sign up.
10 percenter flyers
BY ROBERT GIBBS 07.23.08 10:09 PM
We rec’d yet another flyer from the Cons today; so many I’ve lost count. I did submit it with a reply. I won’t tell you what I said.
‘Friedman’s economics requires leaders of moral character’
Would Pinochet count?
Dear Bloggers,
There is a certain individual on this site calls him self “Harry S”. After seeing his most recent post, I have come to the conclusion that this snapperhead wants nothing more than to hinder and degrade the spirit of free speech and honest debate.
This individual is single minded in his views and is not here to debate but rather to poison Garth’s Blog. Most decent people on this blog know that he is a subservient concubine/bitch to the current fat and dorky Conservative Prime Minster Stephane Joseph Harper.
Being the good Canadians that we are and in the spirit of free expression:
1) We tolerate him knowing that he does not add anything constructive to the debate or to this site.
2) Garth allows him to remain.
So what I suggest is this, A) We as a group ignore him. B) We politely ask him to change his behaviour or C) We ask garth to simply remove his blogging privledges from this site.
Those who agree with option “C” simply type “I” and post your vote. If enough support is garnered, I hope that Garth will feel maditated enough to agree and perhaps even comply. Nonetheless it would be interesting to see what happens next.
Daryn
Where can I sign up.
By Barb the proof-reader on 07.23.08 10:26 pm
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
I just don’t know, Barb. If I did, you could call me The Oracle in Oshawa!
As it is, all I can do is pontificate on the possible, but improbable!
As for grass roots, beware of the Chinch bugs!
Plan A – Green Shift
Plan B – Ten Planks
Now that Plan A is failing miserably, time to switch to Plan B on August 20th.
Same plan. — Garth
One more personal insult and you are history. You’ve already been warned, and just served two days. — Garth
Wow, Garth … I didn’t intend to be insulting at all when I referred to your bilingual abilities. If you felt offended by that remark please accept my apology. I’m truly sorry for having been so insensitive and mistakenly assuming you were not reasonably bilingual.
10 percenter flyers
BY ROBERT GIBBS 07.23.08 10:09 PM
Funny, I haven’t received one of those flyers yet. I guess that’s because I live in a “safe” Liberal riding.
I don’t suppose you live in Bill Casey’s riding?!?
When I se a politician shutting down the tobacco companies and the nuclear plants, I’ll know that is a politican worth voting for…
The difference is, I say it is with all parties not just the ones I don’t like on that certain day….
By Sara Landriault on 07.23.08 9:55 pm
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Sara, I have a university chemistry background, and I have worked temporarily in both Pickering and Darlington. I used to have a neighbor who was one of the top notch operators in Pickering who showed and explained to me first hand most of the workings and safety features of the Candu system. I also live in between these 2 plants.
Now, I am sorry that you do not have the same experience and understanding of these massive marvels, but you also do not explain how we can do with out them. A very large number of our fellow citizens, like me, refuse to live like my old order Amish cousins and cousins-inlaws. You are not dealing with reality both in S double Bars ($) and in engineering science. I grant you these plants are high cost infrastructure that defy normal budgeting and maintainence predictions, but they have been operated on the most part as safely as required and needed. You need to take another look, and I mean do some serious research with an open mind reading and visiting these facilities to see and hear ALL sides of the story! If you need, this can be arranged if you ask!
By Bill-Muskoka on 07.23.08 9:30 pm
The Harper government? The same one Dion refused to bring down for two years?
God help the Liberals if this is their proposed platform. All fluff and empty promises. Same old, same old, and NO SALE is this Canadian’s response.
………………………………………………….
Now now, Bill .. aren’t you being a tad harsh with Dion not bringing down the Harper government and then finding nothing much has changed … and facing another mandated 4 years before the next election?
As for the 10 Planks announced by our MP Garth, I think they are more substantive and Liberal-like than the Green Tax Shift … which is only a front to finance Billion$$$$ of Kyoto Carbon Credits come 2012. I think the Green Shift is dying a slow death as Canadians are turned off the idea of taxing everything.
What Dion and Garth will be announcing on August 20th, is forward-thinking policies that not only deal with today’s problems, but are also anticipating tomorrow’s problems and the Liberal solutions.
I think the 10 Planks are much more worthy of political debate than is the Green Tax Shift scam. Here we finally have legitimate Liberal policies that will benefit Canadians.
The problem is will Canadians listen to and believe Stephane Dion when he delivers the message. I feel confident that when Garth makes his announcements, Haltonians will be very interested and give Garth the attention he deserves.
So I must respectfully disagree with your categorizing the 10 Planks as “same old, same old” … because it is new Liberal policy for new times.
mistakenly assuming you were not reasonably bilingual.
By HARRY S on 07.23.08 11:28 pm
Did he just do it again?
Some truly honest and thought-provoking commentary today, particularly by CB Innes and Robert Gibbs. You guys are two very big reasons why this reader/occasional contributor continues to tune in. By largely steering clear of partisan politics and focusing on the issues, I believe you move the discussions forward. Thank you.
ps – neither Garth nor anyone else ever did respond to my questions about tax revenues and the greenshift. As a reminder, here it is again. Anyone care to speculate on an answer? Thanks!
“As I understand it, the shift to tax polluters is meant to incent industry to be more green and the GreenShift would offset inevitably higher prices to consumers in the form of personal income tax cuts. Okay, but what happens when industries eventually get greener? Wouldn’t they pay less in carbon taxes, meaning lower revenue for the government? Would that mean personal income tax reductions would also have to be clawed back in order to remain revenue neutral? Or are the Liberals assuming an ever expanding industrial base in its model?”
When businesses reduce their carbon emissions, it does not mean they produce less – just that they carry on business more responsibly, thus paying less carbon tax. The goal is to replace polluting industrial activities with non-polluting ones which generate better, sustainable profits – taxed in the hands of corporations – and relaible jobs – which yield more payroll taxes for government. We are also hoping Canada becomes a green tech leader, able to enjoy economic growth while actually reducing its negative contribution to climate change. In short, we do not need to pollute to grow the country. — Garth
BY C. B. INNES 07.23.08 7:23 PM
Well C. B. I think you know I couldn’t agree with you more on most points. I’ve mentioned it before that I have voted for various parties. When it comes down to the party people in general, I don’t find much difference. It’s often just the individual leader that makes or breaks. There is a failed corruption that has been going on worldwide, for a long time. It’s called human nature. But it’s been put on steroids with the failed economic attempts of Bush and now Harper. [and for others I like to never leave out the fact that neither one of these men is a "Conservative"]
Harper is a danger to Canada. The masses have sniffed it out – well, actually it has hit them in the face. There is a larger failed picture of politicians selling themselves as something they are not.
So where’s your priority at this moment in time?
We can bitch all we want about the failure of “the system”. You, Academic and WJP make very compelling arguments. But there is a singular more important problem right now. Who can do the most damage.
There is a lot of harm that Harper, the man, will continue. There is the option of voting Lib, NDP, Green, Indy. If that doesn’t work, and Harper gets a majority, say so long, and don’t even imagine that we can make our nice little changes that we all dream about.
A clear statement here: Do you not trust Dion? In other words, are you clearly stating that you have assessed the man and find something wrong? Are you clearly stating that no new person coming along will ever make a difference no matter how forthright they are, no matter the party, no matter how honest and gutsy?
Those who agree with option “C” simply type “I” and post your vote. If enough support is garnered, I hope that Garth will feel maditated enough to agree and perhaps even comply. Nonetheless it would be interesting to see what happens next.
Daryn
By Daryn on 07.23.08 11:01 pm
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Daryn, I’ve known numerous people like Harry S. in my working days, unfortunately. They tend to act as if they have been hypnotized and brain washed. Even a good thumping about the head and mouth out behind the empty freight trailers, the billet yard, or where ever it was convenient to express your message five knuckles at a time, never seems to work. The same brain dead pile of drivel gets up just like a Timex. They just take a kicking and keep on shipping. (Sorry, I can’t spell well tonight!)
So, Harry up and drop dead on your keyboard, so my knuckles will stop itching! (Translation: Shut the expletive deleted up! Mother licker!)
‘…unveil a blockbuster Throne Speech and Budget.’
by Harry S.
LOL I always laugh at Conservative science fiction too. Perhaps this particular one will outperform “The Dark Knight”??
I don’t think anyone but the NeoCons really care what Harper has to say. That’s what? Less than 20% of the population??
I don’t suppose you live in Bill Casey’s riding?!?
By Marg on 07.23.08 11:31 pm
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I do not.
I reside in a safe Liberal riding also – to the best of my knowledge – and have not personally received such drivel either.
The comment was based on information concerning someone else who received the offending material.
Such fear … such utter abject fear … that I sense on this fine forum provided to us by our MP Garth.
The truth of the political reality must be such a horribly fearful burden for so many here.
“Such fear … such utter abject fear … that I sense on this fine forum provided to us by our MP Garth.”
LMAO. You’re so hilarious Harry!
“As for grass roots, beware of the Chinch bugs!”
ACADEMIC MY DEAR WATSON 07.23.08 11:08PM
I’ve seen their damage at my family’s homes in London and area, but safely in Calgary, we seem to be chinch free. Or maybe it’s just me. Reminds me of an SNL blender drink, “Mmm, good chinch.”
BY WJP ON 07.23.08 5:55 PM
I forgot to say thanks for your posts. We are united in our utter disgust of the con man Harper. I just feel that Harper’s plans are so dire that we don’t have the luxury to risk his re-election. Yes we have a system to save, you are bang on, but first can’t we just get this dangerous man Harper safely out of office. Anyway, I sympathize, and I’m hoping you’ve done a thorough search of all the background on Harper. I can’t recall if you are from the west and familiar from whence his insanity was formed here in Alberta. Harper is so enamored with his misguided political mentors it isn’t funny.
“I consider the fact that Garth gets in trouble so often with his establishment party and the media by being, at least in part, an independent thinker underlines the problem with partyism.”
BY C. B. INNES 07.23.08 7:23 PM
C. B., that last line of yours says more about media and the public impression than it does about laying blame on partyism. So by being Independent one would assume the media, opposition and public would just plain lose that one particular political bashing tool, of using feigned horror whenever they hear dissent.
If you get your wish and we get Independents, then won’t the media and the public just find new avenues for hacking on them?
And even when an Independent speaks out, aren’t they going to offend at least some of their constituents? Politics is a no win, arduous climb up an un-ending hill, with a bunch of whiners on board. You and I, being said whiners, can only hope for a smooth ride with a strong-backed individual, who looks for the best route, reaches safe plateaus, and they move us higher up the hill.
Anyway C. B. you are most correct, but you never know. Times are about to change for sure, and maybe our politicians will start acting more like cowboys.
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P.S. Harper is pushing us back down the hill at breakneck speeds.
The truth of the political reality must be such a horribly fearful burden for so many here.
By HARRY S on 07.24.08 12:41 am
It’s okay Harry, the CPC will be back in about 2050. Politics is like that, people will forget how bad they really were by then
By Daryn on 07.23.08 11:01 pm
Daryn, other than for his personal insults to most everyone on this blog, I see no reason to inhibit free speech. He is the very best advertisement on this blog to vote ABC…I honestly believe he pushes people away from the CPC mainly because he exemplifies the qualities most disliked by fair minded folks. So I say, let him stay if he stops the personal insults.
I hope you are capable of responding to objective polling results from Canadians and not go on some kind of flight of deluded fancy.
By HARRY S on 07.23.08 5:44 pm
Poor Harry, don’t you realize that the polls, (latest from Nanos) have the two main parties in a statistical tie. That means including the popularity of the leaders…so with his great popularity Harper is only able to achieve a tie. Historically the PM has an advantage but Harper is so dishonest that only the hardcore CPC supporters can and will support him. On the other hand, the Liberal brand is entrenched in Canadian society as being the natural governing party. Therefore Harry, it is in your “deluded fantasy” that the leadership question is relevant. To repeat, in case you didn’t get it the first time, the popularity of the leaders is already discounted in the polling for the political parties…
Now Harry since I answered your question, you may answer mine. What action is the Harper government going to take to eliminate the Carbon Tax proposed by Sen. Obama on the Canadian Oil Sands imports. Will he tax them in Canada to avoid the funds going to the U.S.? Will he rebate that tax to Canadians to offset the inflationary prices at this time?
Sara, I have a university chemistry background, and I have worked temporarily in both Pickering and Darlington. I used to have a neighbor who was one of the top notch operators in Pickering who showed and explained to me first hand most of the workings and safety features of the Candu system. I also live in between these 2 plants.
Now, I am sorry that you do not have the same experience and understanding of these massive marvels, but you also do not explain how we can do with out them. A very large number of our fellow citizens, like me, refuse to live like my old order Amish cousins and cousins-inlaws. You are not dealing with reality both in S double Bars ($) and in engineering science. I grant you these plants are high cost infrastructure that defy normal budgeting and maintainence predictions, but they have been operated on the most part as safely as required and needed. You need to take another look, and I mean do some serious research with an open mind reading and visiting these facilities to see and hear ALL sides of the story! If you need, this can be arranged if you ask!
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Academic,
I understand that safety is a top priority for the plants but in the long term effects is not good for the environment. Governments have other natural resources they could tap into to create power and yet NO government will go near it.
Oil, gas, nuclear ect… can be replaced but no government will give up their cash cow find a more natural solution.
This is not about me hating nuclear plants, this is about us finding a more healthy solution for our power.
One more personal insult and you are history. You’ve already been warned, and just served two days. — Garth
Wow, Garth … I didn’t intend to be insulting at all when I referred to your bilingual abilities. If you felt offended by that remark please accept my apology. I’m truly sorry for having been so insensitive and mistakenly assuming you were not reasonably bilingual.
By HARRY S on 07.23.08 11:28 pm
GARTH, WHY DO YOU WASTE YOUR TIME ON THIS LOSER. JUST TURF HIM.
Congrats people. You have fulfilled Harry’s greatest wish…Attention and recognition.
Anyone else notice how many CONservatives are overweight? Perhaps they should go share their wealth and food with the Homeless? Naw, that would make sense.
Have a nice day.
By Bill-Muskoka on 07.24.08 10:20 am
Congrats people. You have fulfilled Harry’s greatest wish…Attention and recognition.
Anyone else notice how many CONservatives are overweight? Perhaps they should go share their wealth and food with the Homeless? Naw, that would make sense.
Have a nice day.
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So, Bill … is that your thoughtful, erudite response to my comments directed to you at:
By HARRY S on 07.23.08 11:52 pm
Seems like you have fallen into the community cesspool along with the likes of wjp, barb, ron p, academic, other miscreants who spend their entire day guarding this forum with their drivel..!!!
Really, Bill … you are wasting your time and intellect enlightening these wasted mindlets. Enjoy your Muskoka summer and soak up lots of vitamin D.
Those who agree with option “C” simply type “I” and post your vote. If enough support is garnered, I hope that Garth will feel maditated enough to agree and perhaps even comply. Nonetheless it would be interesting to see what happens next.
Daryn
By Daryn on 07.23.08 11:01 pm
Hairy S. is one inch away from permanent expulsion .
Don’t worry he has no class or tact and will ,once, again, insult our host .
By wjp on 07.24.08 6:48 am
Exactly which Nanos poll are you referring to in your claims?
Yes, the parties are statistically tied a of now, but they will undoubtedly shift after Canadians assess the leadership qualities of Harper and Dion. Only then will we know which party Canadians want to govern Canada.
What is puzzling to me is the fact that Dion has been mightily avoiding an election for the last 2 years … which seems to contradict your claims that the Liberals are entrenched as the natural governing party in the minds of Canadians. What was it that held back Dion from defeating Harper and taking his rightful place as prime minister of Canada?
BTW … here are the results of the most recent Nanos poll on party leadership qualities
Nanos Federal Leadership Report Card (Feb 2-4, 2008):
Most Trustworthy Leader:
Harper … 30%
Dion ….. 14%
Most Competent Leader:
Harper …39%
Dion …..16%
Leader with the best vision for Canada:
Harper … 32%
Dion ….. 17%
So what we see here is a strong Harper leadership versus a weak Dion leadership by a ratio of 2 to one. Other polling agencies in more recent polls indicate these numbers are still valid. I don’t think much has changed in 6 months from the Nanos poll given that the parties are tied statistically.
Conversely, if Dion is such a wonderful leader, why hasn’t he been able to boost the Liberal “natural ruling” party well above the Conservatives??
Conversely, if Dion is such a wonderful leader, why hasn’t he been able to boost the Liberal “natural ruling” party well above the Conservatives??
By HARRY S on 07.24.08 5:51 pm
Read my lips Harry, the leadership of Harper and Dion are included in the party standings…you can spout them all you want but it doesn’t alter the fact that even with Harper’s supposedly popularity, he cannot bring the party with him, which means he ain’t as popular as you think. In fact, Harry, if you will note, Harper’s popularity goes up when the House is not in session, which means the more they see of him, the less they like him. So in the campaign, his arrogance and demeaning character will play against him….Sad…too bad!!!
By wjp on 07.24.08 6:24 pm
So what you are saying is that hugely popular HARPER cannot boost the Conservative brand … and the Liberal brand cannot boost the hugely unpopular DION …!!!
Maybe the Liberal party should find another more popular leader because Dion was obviously too frightened to have an election this year … or he was stopped by those managing the Liberal party.
Maybe Dion will summon up his courage and demand the Liberal party allow him to have an election asap after Parliament reconvenes in November … at which time we should have a hugely popular Budget.
Do you think Dion will be hugely popular peddling a Carbon Tax to save the planet from Canadian GHGs .. in the depths of a winter election campaign and asking Canadians to pony up more money for their home heating fuel …???!!!
Hmmmm … maybe better to abstain on the Budget vote and then cook up some kind of excuse to have an election in April or May when the weather is more conducive to convincing Canadians to save the planet with their wallets …LOL
Do you think Dion will be hugely popular peddling a Carbon Tax to save the planet from Canadian GHGs .. in the depths of a winter election campaign and asking Canadians to pony up more money for their home heating fuel …???!!!
Hmmmm … maybe better to abstain on the Budget vote and then cook up some kind of excuse to have an election in April or May when the weather is more conducive to convincing Canadians to save the planet with their wallets …LOL
By HARRY S on 07.24.08 7:00 pm
More popular as Harper trying to explain to Canadians why their tax dollars are in the U.S. Treasury.
Probably best to wait for the official release of the details from the Liberals. No doubt the pros and cons will be determined if/when the Liberals release the details. The reality rarely lives up the marketing hype.
Sounds like a hell of a plan Garth. Is one of the big selling points that you will pay for it all by screwing Western Canada?
Or are you going to downplay that a bit?
Same old same old for the liberals, play one region off the other.
Gotta love the liberal plan to recycle.
Now they are recycling the old NEP to rob western Canada and buy votes in the east.