In the news:
Resale home levels hit a record high
Canada narrowly dodges economic bullet
Gas may hit $1.75 a litre, bank says
US incomes and spending spiral lower
Some think this election will be fought on leadership. Some on the environment. But it will really be about the economy. More evidence came Friday.
Most Canadians have no idea of what lies ahead of them. Recession, job loss, falling markets, declining home values, shuttered factories, rising inflation, unemployment and interest rates.
Lest you accuse me of being a election-grabbing opportunist, go back and read posts here from a year ago. I predicted tough times for the middle class and – based on Harpernomics – the certainty that the US housing bust would travel north. And it has.
In Vancouver, for example, sales of single family homes have dropped by 70%, and the number of people trying to bail out of their properties has exploded by 73%. In Saskatchewan, which was the real estate darling of Canada six months ago, sales are down 25% and listings are up 42%.
Across Canada, there are 80,000 resale homes for sale, the most ever. Add to this tens of thousands of private sales and endless new housing developments, plus 56,000 new condos in the GTA pipeline alone, and you can see what’s happening. In the space of a few months, a seller’s market has turned into an owner’s nightmare. In some cities realtors are telling people it will take a year to find a buyer. Scads of young buyers who were sucked in by 0/40 mortgages – a Jim Flaherty innovation – are almost certainly looking at negative equity in 2009.
The real estate market is reflecting the economy reality. We’ve just had the worst two back-to-back quarters in 17 years, and growth is stuck in the mud of high energy costs, a high dollar, high taxes, weak consumer spending, falling productivity and a country that’s lost its competitive edge.
The car business is a mess. In the south end of Halton, Ford killed off a shift and to the north, in Guelph, auto parts workers are being sent home. The tourist business from coast to coast has been decimated by the higher dollar Mr. Flaherty bragged about. Now housing and job woes are emptying Best Buy and Home Depot stores, which means Ottawa was wrong to cut the GST instead of income taxes. Families need more after-tax income right now, not ten bucks off a new plasma TV they can’t afford.
This week economists looked at the 95,000 jobs lost last month alone and called the slowdown now shaping up as “historic.” Next year, we are being told by people like Scotia’s Adrienne Warren, it gets worse.
This is not what a great many people who voted Conservative in January, 2006 expected. It’s not what Stephen Harper, the part-time economist, promised. They thought Tories would drop capital gains taxes and income taxes, preserve income trust investments, rein in government spending and focus on sound economic management. But that didn’t happen. Nobody’s been more surprised, or disappointed, than me. I fell for the Harper mantra of economic competence, and unfortunately talked a lot of Halton voters into following me.
So, with middle class families feeling squeezed as never before in 15 years, how could this vote not be about finances?
Over the coming weeks I will be on doorsteps and in front of groups of citizens making them aware of the damage that’s been done to our community – a great portion of it preventable. And I will be laying out an alternative.
I will remind them of some things I and my colleagues have been fighting for:
• Income splitting for working families
• Allowing stay-at-home spouses to earn income, make RRSP contributions and improve family cash flow.
• Deductions from taxable family income to fund education through RESPs.
• Extended, enhanced and affordable child care
• A new billion-dollar fund to help manufacturers create value-added green jobs.
• Money for families to make their homes more energy efficient and less costly, and to afford a new generation of automobiles
• No subprime-type 40-year mortgages enticing people into unrepayable debt
• A roll-back of the onerous Conservative 31% tax on income trusts
• Income tax cuts of more than $9 billion
• A return to the stability of surplus budgets that existed until Stephen Harper got the keys to the Mint.
And there’s more, lots more, coming. It’s what this election is about. Hope.
141 comments ↓
Hope and a prayer it seems. Garth, can this be true? I’ve never read this blog before, but if what he says is true, I am absolutely horrified. This is not immature hijinks, this is out and out criminal activity that needs to be investigated. V!
Vandals threaten the lives of Liberal supporters in Guelph
“The escalation in Guelph is dramatic. Last night, over night, someone, or some group, went to all parts of the city vandalising homes with Liberal party by-election signs out front. Houses were spraypainted with slogans on the brickwork, garage, doors, and windows. But worse, much worse, is the fact that these cowards keyed the cars in the driveways with ‘L’ and cut the brake lines in the cars in the driveways. At least six cars are known to have had their brake lines cut. This is wreckless endangerment. Disabling the brakes on cars is a direct threat to life and limb and is way beyond the realm of acceptibility.” http://cdlu.net/entries/20080829.shtml
The comment is even uglier!
“Lest you accuse me of being a election-grabbing opportunist’
You took the opportunity to resist the 40/0 mortgage which might have influenced your departure date. Warning the general public about changing economic conditions when our government says, our story floats therefore it must be true, `the economy is in great shape` they are the opportunists.
Don’t want to sound negetive but are these going to be policies of the party or things you want? I respect you Garth, am a supporter, but if these are wishes, not policies with firm commitment dates, that leads us nowhere, which is where we are now. I know you cannot say here and now, but wait for the writ to drop before answering. Best of Luck.
It’s what this election is about. Hope.
posted by Garth Turner on 08.29.08 @ 10:21 pm
Garth, this all well and good, but NO ONE is saying anything about fixing our almost broken democracy (badly bent)!
The people I have spoken with in my neighborhood, and at the grocery stores are still not buying the line. All of you in politics are seriously underestimating the depth of hurt to the Canadian Psyche that the Ad Scam Affair caused and now the Listeria Hysteria, never mind the numerous obvious Parliamentary foul ups [did I spell that right?]
We have to get our systemic defects in our democracy repaired, then the rest of the problems will get solved on a priority basis.
If Mr. Dion can sell the party on the Green Shift, then I submit that he also can promote the “Honest Society”! That would propel him and the party to a majority and a place in history along side Pierre E. Trudeau. With out the “clean up” of the system it will be a minority at best.
I don’t want or need any credit nor fame, but this Oracle from Oshawa knows that beyond “it’s the economy stupid” is a much deeper and resonating issue: CREDIBILITY. When you solve that, then you win the gold medal!
While Cretien and others claimed that it was not his call to pass huge amounts of cash in brown paper envelopes across restaurant tables un-receipted, “IT DID HAPPEN ON HIS WATCH.” When Karl Heinz Scheiber testified that PM Mulroney accepted cash in envelopes in hotel rooms, AGAIN IT TARNISHED THE DESIGNATION: POLITICIAN. And now we have a PM and caucus that write and use a manual to destroy the operations of Parliaments Committees. IT IS AN AFFRONT TO THE INTELLIGENCE OF THE NATION TO CLAIM “OPEN AND ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNANCE”!
If these recent stunts by the current crop of conservatives goes unchallenged and uncorrected, I will change my assessment from badly bent to BROKEN!
By the way, I do appreciate your Weblog as the best soap box going. Thanx.
Get them!!! Nail their sorry hides to the wall. Get that creepy Yo out of Ottawa and 24 Sussex.
When I heard on the radio on the drive home that Harper is going to call an election for Oct 14, what popped into my head was “that creep.”
what are the Libs doing with income trusts Garth? That has been a sore point thoughout Harpers retraction. An exact position of the Liberal’s would be appreciated.
A couple of questions for you–
From the Globe and Mail
“Meanwhile, a Tory official said Friday the party will promise no major programs or tax cuts in a coming campaign and hopes to focus the race on who is best to deal with the economy.”
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080829.welection30/BNStory/National/home
I don’t believe I have heard any Liberal announcements on how they plan to deal with the economy (other than the green shift). Please, what are they?
Income splitting for working families. I would really like to know whether this is YOUR policy or whether it is Liberal policy because, if you remember, I am greatly opposed to this as I feel it is unfair to single and dual income families who have to pay child care expenses. I have been a Liberal contributor of funds for several years and plan to donate soon to help with the election, but I just CANNOT support this policy.
The election hasn’t been called yet and I spent the evening muting the Cons ad trying to convince us how wonderful “he” is. I just about barfed on the statement of “family man”. I remember the photo-op taking the kids to school and shaking their hands. Some family man!!!! Thought they were someone else’s kids, didn’t you?
I will remind them of some things I and my colleagues have been fighting for:
• Income splitting for working families-Garth
Might as well start at the top.
couple with 1 child, non rural, non Northern living
2 bread winners earning 35K each=$1040 in yearly tax savings
2 bread winners 1 making 40K and spouse making 30K=$1040
1 bread winner making 70K= $702
Will the green shift need to be reshifted to enable income splitting to be more effective? The 2 wage earners making 35K are already paying less in tax then the 1 70K earner, so allowing them to save $338 more in tax on equal family incomes seems to go backwords, does it not?
The issues are real and plentiful with almost as many scandals but judging from the campaign ads I have seen from the Harper conservatives they are already defining this campaign to be about LEADERSHIP _ Comparing Harper to Dion?
And why not – that is their one strength. All the polls show it with Dion in third place at 15%.
The thing I find interesting is that the Harper Conservative Party is actually breaking their own law by calling this election before 2009.
The last time in 2006 they stole the election by using illegal funds and this time they are breaking the constitution they swore to uphold and protect in their oath of office by calling this election now – who will challenge them?
They are counting on the ignorance of the unwashed masses and the apathy of the young to scam us one more time and maybe even pull off a majority before Joe public finds out or Joe Junior wakes up to Harpers’ right wing Neo con reality. If the Liberals let Harper define this campaign then they are just as accountable as all the rest of us who knew better and stood by while our Canada inches ever closer to Harperland?
Are you saying that if the Liberals are elected that the tax on income trusts will be rolled back?
Where have you been? — Garth
Sorry I missed the pizza party – I had to work.
Here’s one bell weather of the current real estate climate: pick up a copy of the Milton Champion and count the number of detached homes that can be bought for under $300,000. Six months ago the answer would have been… none. Today, you will find several. Next month, there will be many more.
If only I didn’t love this town so much…
BTW, I find it amusing that Harper is echoing the sentiments of his Republican Overlords in declaring that even if there is a “technical” recession, it isn’t really a recession at all.
It’s ok – it’s all in your head.
On another note, it looks like things are getting really ugly in Guelph. Nice. Ya know, even Nixon didn’t resort to cutting peoples’ brake lines.
Garth,
Most media sources have been saying that: “even if we have a vote, nothing will change.”
We need to inject into Progressive circles, that the Liberals can win, and actually, we are going to win!
Lets start shaping the debate rather than simply reacting to it.
Please start spreading the word behind the scenes.
Daryn
While I agree “hope” will be a big part of the election – so will “trust.”
Harper has shown he cannot be trusted – however many people still don’t trust the Liberals to enact the things they promise ( you, Garth, have often blogged about how Politicians are less trusted than used-car salesmen).
While it’s important to continue to talk about hope – you must also give us “swing” voters a reason to trust in politicians again.
Hope? You Libbers lifting Obama’s Democratic slogam? Seems appropriately for you guys.
It was in use here when Obama was still losing to Clinton. — Garth
The liberals should be hammering away at the economy, not just you Garth. What cost the last election was the free month of an announcement a day. We had record employment at that time and Mr. Martin should have been telling the nation so each and every day of that campaign. As for the Liberal party being called “tax and spend” the present Conservative, has raised my taxes and has record spending. They are now cutting things so as not to fall into deficit during the coming election. Standing up for our military HAHA, they just scrapped the new supply ships, and also scrapped the coast guard ships. They purchased used tanks to replace the Leopard C2 as it did not have aircon. Then it turned out the Leopard 2 they purchased did not have any either and they had to ship them back to Europe to get aircon as there was no company in Canada that could do the job. The list goes on and on. You and yours have to remind the nation of all this. Also when the Liberals made the cuts and cut back on personal during the early 90’s it was a continuation of a programme begun under the Mulroney government. I know as I was one of the people who took the golden handshake and got out at that time. As a former career soldier I am sick of hearing how Mr. Trudeau decimated the military, far from it, most of the big equipment still being used today was purchased or ordered during his administration. Most of the cuts in the 70’s were in lockstep with most of our allies. Lastly, get Mr. Dion on television with a good explanation of the green shift. Show how it helps rural residents. Rural residents depending on oil heat do not just live in the east, but also in the prairies and Alberta and BC. Educate the people about the governments plan as shown on the Environment Canada website. Take out ads making comparisons. There will not be a painless way of reducing greenhouse gases. As Mr. Harper said everyone will get screwed, but that will happen with his plan too. At least your Green Shift gives us a kiss. Good luck bonne chance. Give em hell Garth
Guelph – disgusting. Why did it happen? It’s Harper’s fault. You see, he’s been one big hate machine, spewing hatred to the point his followers have acted on it.
Do we want that much hatred in Canada? Isn’t this a democracy? What happened to respectful disagreement of a person’s viewpoint?
Harper is creating hatred and criminal activity.
Fire him, please!
Hope? You Libbers lifting Obama’s Democratic slogam? Seems appropriately for you guys.
It was in use here when Obama was still losing to Clinton. — Garth
By Catherine on 08.30.08 7:41 am
Politics in the western world is like a pendulum, first it swings left, then it swings right.
Catherine, if you haven’t noticed, the pendulum has gone as far right as it is going to. The last elected “Conservatives” were Harper and Sarkowsy.
Blair (although Labour was more conservative than some conservatives) gone, Howard (Australia) gone, Bush (soon to be gone) to be replaced by Obama. Sarkowsy is now out of favour and its only time until the next French election removes him. The latter is exactly the same position PMSH finds himself in.
Flaherty defends Harper’s breaking of the Conservative’s fixed election commitment
“You have to either leave it alone or unfix it,” Mr. Flaherty shrugged Wednesday. “We were going to see the largest telecommunications company in the country not pay corporate taxes, lay off another 1,500 workers bringing the total to 4,000 and continue increasing text messaging fees and other service fees, while grossly under funding its capital investment program, given the $44 billion of junk bond debt caused by my income trust blunder of a policy. That’s a clear and present danger to fairness and my re-election chances. I thought we had to act….”
I was talking to a friend in the US…she said she cried like a baby when Obama spoke – and Bill Clinton spoke….why? She said it was not the inspirational thing for her….it’s what has happened to her country since the right wing movement.
She said she is scared…..the country is falling apart and the world is in turmoil because of the right wing.
Catherine: What have you got against hope? Do you prefer the “despair” that we all feel with the Cons?
Hope? You Libbers lifting Obama’s Democratic slogam? Seems appropriately for you guys.
It was in use here when Obama was still losing to Clinton. — Garth
By Catherine on 08.30.08 7:41 am
“Hope” is a slogan, used by many governments…Clinton used it in his campaign. You sure are reaching, Catherine. Anyway, what is wrong with using slogans that work? In the previous post, I suggested the Liberals use Obama’s slogan of “more of the same”. Just in case you missed it…
“The conservative’s broad theme, according to a newspaper article, will be “certainty” vs “risk”. Certainty = “more of the same”, the Democrats mantra and a good sound bite. The Liberals could use this “certainty” vs “risk” to their advantage.
What does the voter want? Certainty, and more of the same? Certainty that the PM will renege on promises, not allow his MPs to have an opinion of their own? Or risk a better future, a better chance…risk change, or be certain nothing is going to change?
The fact that some Liberal MPs are questioning parts of the Green Shift shows they are responding to concerns of their constituents, and shows that Dion does not muzzle his MPs. To me, that is a positive thing.
By Lana on 08.30.08 9:05 am
I count on your blog to keep me up to date on political and economic happenings in Canada and have trusted your data as being accurate and well assembled. Thanks for that. However, I was a little shocked at the reported 73% drop in single family housing prices in Vancouver. Where’d that come from Garth? Sounds like a bit of an exaggeration?
In any event, have a good election! Hope the Liberal War Room will seek the expertise of past organizers such as Bob Ray, Peter Donolo, Warren Kinsella. The Liberals can take a page from the US Democrats and let bygones be bygones in the interest of party unity and a successful campaign.
Economy will be the main issue in Ontario I think. Tough too see the Conservatives making any gains here. They need 27 more seats to win a majority, they’d have to win almost all of them in Quebec IMO. Not going to happen. At this point I’d predict a Conservative minority with increased seats for both the Liberals and Conservatives at the expense of the BQ and NDP. But that’s what campaigns are for…
So Garth, this election is about HOPE is it? Well, HOPE without real vision, energy, enthusiasm,solid platform and a well thought out and detailed winning strategy, can quickly turn to HOPELESSNESS as Paul Martin found out. Perception trumps facts every single time. The Cons are sly old dogs with money, a game plan, well organized and a will to win. What kind of detailed PLAN does the Liberals have. It better be good, darn good.
This is not a time for chicken littles, nabobs of negativity or boy scouts. Canada, as well as the rest of the world, faces daunting challenges not the least of which is the economy but challenges make life worth living. The Liberals need an economic plan that streamlines the economy, increases productivity and creates wealth from coast to coast to coast. The fight against poverty, affordable day care, enhanced health care etc., all depend on the economy.
You talk your way into a recession…you work your way out. It takes hard work and smart talk(communication) to win in politics. A good campaign could net the Liberals 125-135 seats…an excellent campaign and a lot of good fortune could build on that. Do
“While the cock with lively din
Scatters the rear of darkness thin,
And to the stack, or the barn door,
Stoutly struts his dames before,
Oft list’now the hounds and horn
Cheerly rouses the slumb’ring morn.”
Mr. Flaherty shrugged Wednesday. “We were going to see the largest telecommunications company in the country not pay corporate taxes,..
By Brent Fullard on 08.30.08 8:47 am
Is this guy daft? He unfixed it so well that this company definitely does not now pay income tax. The others sold to USA and also pay no income tax.
Gad!!! 2 + 2 = 4 but this present government doesn’t know that.
You might ask; what has a little poetry about a rooster got to do with anything? Well, now that you asked, I will tell you. Enthusiasm baby, faith, confidence, communication,a will to win, balls…enthusiasm breeds success.
Ahem! Excuse moi! Election? an ILLEGAL election?
Now, perhaps there are still a few Canadians left around who grasp the concepts of LAW? This one has TEETH!
An illegal election?
If Prime Minister Stephen Harper forces a federal election in the coming days, a law professor at the University of Ottawa may go to court to challenge the legality of the election call.
“This is not about politics, this is about the rule of law in this country,” Errol Mendes told Sun Media…
He said he was “seriously contemplating” seeking a court injunction to try to stop such a move.
I cannot think of a more appropriate penalty for Harper than having to abide by his OWN law. When a Bully thinks they have everyone cowered it is always very fortunate when a TRUE power figure comes along and slaps them down HARD!
Why should we waste $300 million on an election when, in fact, the only reason Parliament is dysfunctional is the dysfunctional Prime Minister?
The GG should remove Harper, after all he is a minority power without a majority mandate, and place the Liberals in power forming a coalition government by the opposition.
Let’s stop wasting money playing Harper’s games and get this country MOVING again. In fact, I think it should be a Class Action which drains the coffers of CRAP PERMANENTLY. I want a cheque in my mail box for the dessimation of our our democracy, which I will then send to support the candidate/party of my choice.
Garth thanks for the overview, please print in larger font your message of hope and continue to do so. On another front is Afghanistan, the Harper’s Winds of War is going to cost Canadians big time as has been the case in the US & Britian. Our troops are stretched very thin and replacements are growing thin. The Navy and Air Force have been side lined and no recruitment has taken place for them, release centres are full. There is a term called “Lock Step Recruitment” which has not been mentioned and Canada is not prepared for it, for every soldier killed, wounded, or medical unfit there must be 5 or 6 recruited and trained to first level combat. The reason for that number is the failure rate and qualifications, add to this the added training requirements support and logistics….War/Conflicts are very complex issues but it is fair to say there is not a large window for support such as there is in peace time as compared to hostilities. Having said that I would strongly suggest that M. Dion tell Canadians this in our up coming election that he will demand full participation by other NATO members to share the burden IAW their NATO obligations or Canada will return it’s troops home soon in 2009. With over 40 member nations in NATO it would seem that we should only have to send our troops to the front line every 5 or 6 years! Stephen Harper moved Canada to the pointy end overnight with only a hour or two of debate and failed to show up for the vote himself! That is called ransom in most circles. Time for change is now and it is up to Canadians to take back their country form these NeoCon War Lords and the Drug Lords who have seen over 800% spike in their production since NATO stepped foot in Afghanistan. Yes Garth the economy is front page but it is not the full story. This will not be an easy election as Dion is the underdog and Harper has money and fear tactics to burn. Dion has the truth, and I sure hope he is waiting to release spunk to let loose all those years of unfair Harper bashing. The Bully must be challenged toe to toe and eye to eye and he will crumble as we seen with his words of Canadians being screwed. Hell he should now he has given us the shaft over and over again.
By Brent Fullard on 08.30.08 8:47 am
Did he preface that with, “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned!” because the confessional (what’s said in the confesional, stays in the confessional) is the only place Flaherty would own up to his blunder.
Harper is creating hatred and criminal activity.
Fire him, please!
By slg on 08.30.08 8:14 am
By now it is common knowledge that Harper has this disdain for our parliamentary system, freedom of speech and the law of the land. Hell, he even wants to change this country into something unrecognisable . We still don’t know what he means by that remark.
Since day one, he has played the part of the school yard bully and since then he has recruited and created some very loyal followers. He has definitely created a following made up of loose screws who desperately need to belong to something. These are not kids who did this, no they were adults but adults with a child’s brain and a brain- washed one at that.
It will be interesting to see how long Harper will take, if he does, to denounce this cowardly act of vandalism .
I’m not keeping my fingers crossed.
In the Toronto Star today, David Crane’s column hit home for me. Titled, “Silence on high-tech challenge”, he mentioned a white paper written by Terry Mathews, and published by CATA (Canadian Advanced Technology Association). It sets out a long list of things federal policy makers need to do if we are to have a healthy high-tech industry, with good jobs, in the future. He says “so far, there’s no sign politicians are listening.” He mentions another report written in 2006 by the Telecommunications Policy Review panel about how Canada could be a leading country in the information age.
Sorry, no links. I might try later.
Guelph – disgusting. Why did it happen? It’s Harper’s fault. You see, he’s been one big hate machine, spewing hatred to the point his followers have acted on it.
By slg on 08.30.08 8:14 am
_______________________________________
Agreed. And typical of them to try to make it look like it was an NDP supporter who did it. Weren’t they also vandalizing cars where some Liberal lawn signs were posted during the last by-elections? Martha Hall Findlay’s riding I think. In my living memory as a voter, I can’t recall this kind of thing ever happening before, not until Harper came upon the scene. I hope the pieces of filth who did this are caught and prosecuted.
Garth OT Baird speaks..
“Our government believes that the polar bear is an iconic symbol of Canada. Clearly, we need to ensure that the polar bear does not become endangered or threatened in Canada,” the environment minister added.
Jeepers John, nice motherhood statement of the obvious. So my question John is how is allowing oil and gas exploration in the Arctic Ocean protecting wildlife or the Inuit people?
“I also want to be clear that a previous government had the opportunity to take action to protect the polar bear in 2005,” Baird stated.
Really, John, I had no idea that M. Dion providing funding to scientists to study the polar bear habitat is considered inaction. Oh right you guys don’t like science or studies – you cut all that funding right?
How many Environment Canada reports under your watch remain unpublished? Darn science guys! Remember the ethanol emission report 2007 – the one that shows NO reduction in GHG’s? We are still waiting for you to release that one.
What happened to the Green Shift?
Garth, everyone. Leasa lives. She left a comment on the website revealing the vandalism in Guelph:
http://cdlu.net/entries/20080829.shtml
According to her it was those young punks, you know the ones that wear hoodies in the ten-percenters – the ones that can quote C-65 as a source of their discontent.
Good to know that she has found a new home to spread FUD.
By Brent Fullard on 08.30.08 8:47 am
(chuckles) Got a kick out of your paraphrasing Brent, lol.
By Jennifer Smith on 08.30.08 2:33 am
It’s not a real recession until the rich stop getting richer, executive bonuses are cut and the lobbyists have no money to influence our lawmakers.
By Molly on 08.29.08 10:49 pm
Now who in the world would hate Liberals enough to cut the brakes lines in their cars? One car a vandal, 6 cars, at least 10 houses, more cars keyed…I don’t think it was the work of one vandal…sounds rather a pre-meditated action.
Apparently the Liberals are in favour of offering absolutely everything everyone could possibly ask for.
Brilliant elction campaigning, however a little sparse on detail. Costs? Sources of funding? Priorities?
if you haven’t noticed, the pendulum has gone as far right as it is going to. The last elected “Conservatives” were Harper and Sarkowsy.
James- Chatham on 08.30.08 8:36 am
The global trend has been conservative with Merkel as well as a few others. Even Spain was going conservative until the people were intimidated with a terrorist attack.
Having said that there is no difference in governance between left and right, often the left is further right and the right further left that the left.
You might want to put more emphasis on what benefit swinging in the breeze from left to right has done for Cdns.
Obama lost a lot of ground with Biden while McCain gained a lot with Palin. If your putting money on the outcome I`ll take ten on McCain.
Truth Be Told mentioned the “Honest Society” and I agree. Maybe M. Dion doesn’t even have to say the words. We can see his honesty. Dion leads by example.
On the flip side, is a PM leading by example so that we are getting as divided as the U.S. under the influence of neocons and their on-purpose divisive tactics. Can you see that a part of Harper/Flanagan/Finley politics is to divide and conquer?
Until this year we had never put signs on our lawn because in Calgary we were concerned. This spring we allowed 2 signs on our lawn during a provincial election. It made us very proud, to not be afraid of expressing ourselves. In light of today’s news, I have decided to ask the Liberals to put up as many signs as there is room for on my lawn.
http://tinyurl.com/6e98ts
Hey Garth!
I just joined the Liberal Party today!
With Harper’s breaking of the fixed election law that HIS minority NEW CONSERVATIVE GOVERNMENT brought in, it is an omen of warning that Canada’s democracy will completely fall under the rule of Totalitarianism. Most media has already caved in to being propaganda vehicles which achieves that end.
When Ontario was under the heavy hand of Harris, with Flaherty, Clement and Baird, they forced Ontario to swallow their COMMON SENSE REVOLUTION. As Federals now, they have indeed been the perpetrators of a revolution that is overthrowing our democracy. Due to the processes of elections and laws, perhaps they feel that their revolution is perfectly legal. But indeed, a coup d’etat is being forced on our democracy. That is treason.
They are “confidence tricksters” that have continually been playing their “confidence scams” to the fatal detriment of all Canadians.
They have damaged, worn down, injured, prejudiced and diminished Canadians and our democracy. The only ones who could possibly NOT think that their revolution is violent, is THEM!
The current Listeriosis outbreak across our country continues to grow as does the list of suspect products and sick and dying people. A perfect mirror image of every one of the Cons New policies.
One could almost start to wonder if some ‘big experiment’ was secretly going on!
In their own words:
http://bowjamesbow.ca/2008/08/25/sorry-guys-if-h.shtml
Tories claim Harper is not breaking the law because of minority — a wonderful and imaginative theory, but that is not what the government’s own House Leader and Minister of Democratic Reform (Rob Nicholson) said during the debate on the bill. He said, with emphasis added:
“I believe all parties share the view that elections belong fundamentally to citizens. They belong to the people. All parties agree with the principle that the timing of elections should not be left to the Prime Minister, but should be set in advance so all Canadians know when the next election will occur.
I will begin with the description of the current process for calling general elections and I will discuss some of the difficulties associated with it. This will be followed by a discussion of the many advantages associated with fixed date elections. Finally, I will be very pleased to present the specifics of Bill C-16.
Currently, it is the prerogative of the Prime Minister, whose government has not lost the confidence of the House of Commons, to determine what he or she regards as a propitious time for an election to renew the government’s mandate. The Prime Minister then requests dissolution of the House from the Queen’s representative and if the Governor General agrees, he or she proclaims the date of the election.
What we have is a situation where the Prime Minister is able to choose the date of the general election, not based necessarily on what is in the best interests of the country, but what is in the best interests of his or her political party. Bill C-16 would address this problem and would produce a number of other benefits.
That sounds familiar. Has the PM lost the confidence of the House? Nope.”
http://bowjamesbow.ca/2008/08/25/sorry-guys-if-h.shtml
If he calls it, it’s a Broken Promise.
Some think this election will be fought on leadership. Some on the environment. But it will really be about the economy. More evidence came Friday.
I totally agree with you Garth on this one. The economy & how it affects people’s wallets is the best way to show the bogus leader for what the average Canadian really thinks of the PM’s leadership. There is no doubt in my mind that a recession would have happened because of the turmoil south of the border & how history has proven that but a government who claims to be good for Canada should have had the smarts to expect it, prepare for it instead of spending like drunkard sailors & continually denying it. Btw, I think the CONS knew it, planned for it & chose the MEDIA to promote it. One only has to expect that would have happened when we see who owns them. It’s a sad time when dirty politics is controlled to the point of tying ones hands by bias reporters & their newspapers. Reasoning behind this? By panicking people in order to brain washing them for the purpose of later presenting themselves as the party that will stand up for them. It works on some of the people but it also works in reverse of more of the people & those are the ones who will fight like hell to stop their agenda.
Garth, my suggestion would be to forget BIG Media such as National Post, CTV etc. & concentrate on small town newspapers such as in rural areas where the average person actually reads his newspaper for news in their communities & how it affects them personally. Why? These people are generally made up of older long time residents & their children & grandchildren who have been raised to follow the principles they grew up with & will not be easily influenced by fast taking salesmen attitude politicians.
Visit these communities, hold Town Meetings, tell them the whole truth & they will ultimately see the lies promoted by this governing party for what they really are & vote them out. Now some posters such as Van (Loan for example) will attack me for stating my views but I suspect it is because in their world, the truth needs to be smothered. It only proves that their shoot the messenger tactics are their only defense. Sad isn’t it when politics has come to this?
Regards,
By slg on 08.30.08 8:14 am
If you think Mr. Harper is responcible for what happened in Guelph, what do you think his motivation was to spray paint N.D.P. rules on the side of one house? Is that enough to deflect suspicion off his Conservative party?
Disabling the brakes on cars is a direct threat to life and limb and is way beyond the realm of acceptibility.” http://cdlu.net/entries/20080829.shtml
The comment is even uglier!
By Molly on 08.29.08 10:49 pm
Thanks for the link, Molly. As I read through the comments, I see that Harry S and Leasa are also posting comments on that board. Leasa doesn’t end up saying much, but Harry S comes right out and proclaims that the Liberals are doing it to themselvers to gain attention. Wow. Now we know what they have been up to since they left this litle area of digital real estate.
Just make sure those that want to rub things in Harper, Flaherty, and the rest of the CPC members and supporters. Remind them of things like this: Tories rallied around fixed election
Or use the tiny url
http://tinyurl.com/5ss6l6
Garth,
Former Liberal MP Blair Wilson has decided to sit as a Green Party MP, giving them their first sitting member. Do you think Elizabeth May will be allowed to participate in the leaders debate in the coming election?
Catherine, if you haven’t noticed, the pendulum has gone as far right as it is going to. The last elected “Conservatives” were Harper and Sarkowsy.
Blair (although Labour was more conservative than some conservatives) gone, Howard (Australia) gone, Bush (soon to be gone) to be replaced by Obama. Sarkowsy is now out of favour and its only time until the next French election removes him. The latter is exactly the same position PMSH finds himself in.
By James- Chatham on 08.30.08 8:36 am
Not so true – Please explain the unwinding of the Labour Party in the UK. The Conservatives will clean up at the next election.
Garth
OMG
Blair Wilson just joined the Green Party. This is my M.P. for West Vancouver, Sunshine Coast & Sea to Sky Country.
This guy is thicker than a brick. I had a discussion with him (while sitting as an independent) about the 10% ers and what did he turn around and do? Send out two of his own – not householders but partisan attack ads.
I hope Liz knows what she’s getting.
Hope? You Libbers lifting Obama’s Democratic slogam? Seems appropriately for you guys.
It was in use here when Obama was still losing to Clinton. — Garth
By Catherine on 08.30.08 7:41 am
Catherine – what is a slogam? Guess what, hope is a word that’s been around for a very long time and available for use by everyone.
Now….you know Harper uses Bushite slogams…..soccer mom/hockey mom, support the troops, etc. – again, double-standard in the not so OK coral.
Disabling the brakes on cars is a direct threat to life and limb and is way beyond the realm of acceptibility.” http://cdlu.net/entries/20080829.shtml
The comment is even uglier!
By Molly on 08.29.08 10:49 pm
Molly, It looks like Leasa and Harry S have been reassigned to invade the blog on this link you provided. No doubt the CPC is worried about Guelph.
By Molly on 08.29.08 10:49 pm
Thanks for the link.
Sad to see Canadian politics starting to resemble Crystalnicht.(sp?)
Interesting to note that Leasa and Harry S are camping on that blog, and getting a similar reception to here. Poor Harry, he has really lost it!
If you cultivate a culture of hate like the CPC have been doing since getting elected, you will only encourage the extremists to vandalize, terrorize, and abuse. I doubt the actions were CPC approved, but those who act like this self-justify in a “ends justify the means” way.
We need to get rid of the politics of hate propagated by Harper.
Desperate people do desperate things.
Garth, I saw TV adds last night telling people to ‘Vote For Stephen Harper’…
Since no writ has yet been dropped, will this spending count towards their election spending cap for this coming election — or are they bending the financing rules again…
“This guy is thicker than a brick. I had a discussion with him (while sitting as an independent) about the 10% ers and what did he turn around and do? Send out two of his own – not householders but partisan attack ads.
I hope Liz knows what she’s getting.
By Bonnie N BC on 08.30.08 11:57 am”
Hi Bonnie…. I think Elizabeth May is simply trying to position herself and the Green Party for inclusion in any leadership debates. I think this is a good thing since about 7-8% of the Canadian population are Green Party supporters, and they deserve to have their party represented.
Going about doing it this way could blow up in May’s face however, since this particular MP was tossed out of the Liberal Party for alleged spending irregularities in the last election.
TS
strategicvoting@yahoo.ca
For more information on how you can help defeat the Harper Conservatives by casting your ballot on a strategic basis email me at strategicvoting@yahoo.ca and indicate whether you want a BC, Prairie, Ontario, Quebec or Maritime riding assessment.
Interesting reading from the US.
http://www.capitolhillblue.com/cont/node/10106
ALMOST funny….
“PM’s plan for Oct. 14 vote hits snag
Canadian Jewish Congress warns Harper against calling election that would conflict with Jewish holiday”
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080830.ELECTION30/TPStory/National
I see that the Toronto Star has given the latest Angus Reid poll a lot of ink in its Saturday edition.
Angus Reid has a less-than-stellar reputation with the results of their political polls and have consistently overstated Conservative support.
As I mentioned in a detailed post a day or two ago, based on proven accuracy in the last two elections, the ONLY poll to pay attention to is Nanos Research. They have predicted the last two Federal elections down to 0.1% for each of the parties.
I’m sure that many neoCon bloggers will begin to flood Garth’s blog and crow about the Angus Reid results. *shrugs* Nothing to worry about here folks… Angus Reid always overstates Conservative support. Key in on Nanos as the ONLY accurate barometer of Canadian voting intention.
TS
strategicvoting@yahoo.ca
For more information on how you can help defeat the Harper Conservatives by casting your ballot on a strategic basis email me at strategicvoting@yahoo.ca and indicate whether you want a BC, Prairie, Ontario, Quebec or Maritime riding assessment.
I don’t think it was the work of one vandal…sounds rather a pre-meditated action.
By wjp on 08.30.08 11:09 am
I recall the fire bombing of a premiers office that was blamed on a group but never proven. Then there was the march funded by SOW under Hedy Fry that resulted in crosses being burned on the front stars of a building, they brought the crosses with them which is definitely pre-meditated. The perps of this hate crime and arson were known but no charges laid. Looks like anything goes in Cdn politics.
This is an interesting post that was put on Free Dominion.
http://www.freedominion.com.pa/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=103652
Change that. No signs. I’m out-voted. But we are still all inspired by what Esther said, to use F.R.A.N. For the first time, we are talking politics with our family, relatives, acquaintances and neighbours about Harper’s long list of broken promises and incompetence, and Harper’s deceit and lack of leadership and foresight. We will be doing our first political volunteering. I’m getting more inspired every day against Harper’s evil, because he has purposely set out to win by fooling just enough people, the ones who are just too busied to pay attention to the democracy they are losing. That’s all I can do.
Desperate people do desperate things.
By AToryNoMore on 08.30.08 12:22 pm
AToryNoMore, I have a question for you.
It’s regarding Harper’s first cabinet selecion.
I’m trying to remember the names of some the MPs who were not selected from the old guard of the PC’s and were quite upset about it at the time.
Any chance we could see a few walk away in protest from this Reform party at this time?
“Catherine – what is a slogam? Guess what, hope is a word that’s been around for a very long time and available for use by everyone.
Now….you know Harper uses Bushite slogams…..soccer mom/hockey mom, support the troops, etc. – again, double-standard in the not so OK coral.
By slg on 08.30.08 12:00 pm ”
SLG-What’s in a trademarked name?
Ask Jennifer Wright and the soon to be bankrupt Liberal Party about stealing “Green Shift”.
You might want to put more emphasis on what benefit swinging in the breeze from left to right has done for Cdns.
Obama lost a lot of ground with Biden while McCain gained a lot with Palin. If your putting money on the outcome I`ll take ten on McCain.
By unintended consiquinces on 08.30.08 11:13 am
My name isn’t Ladbrookes, it it were I’d take the ten. McCain stressed Obama’s inexperience. That was rectified with Biden, who I know isn’t perfect. The inexperience factor has now been negated by McCain himself with his choice of Palin.
But I haven’t seen any benefit from swinging to the right with Harper’s cons, except thay have shown why the Libs, with all their warts, have been the party of choice in this country.
Apparently the Liberals are in favour of offering absolutely everything everyone could possibly ask for.
Brilliant elction campaigning, however a little sparse on detail. Costs? Sources of funding? Priorities?
By Simon on 08.30.08 11:13 am
—————————
I think you got that statement directed at the wrong party Simon. Seems to me that is what Harper has been doing for the past 3 years or more. He’s been doing a pretty good job of it too.
Garth, this all well and good, but NO ONE is saying anything about fixing our almost broken democracy (badly bent)!
By Truth B Told on 08.29.08 11:14 pm
And there you have it! It does not matter WHO get to run the country if they can ignore our democratic conventions and rules without censure. We know this lot are bending / breaking the parlimentry rules on a daily basis and yet there is little recorse for either the citizens or even the opposition to stop it other than an election. If part of the abuse of the system is missinforming / even lieing to the public using their own tax dollars and abusing the election funding laws then even that option is suspect. We must protect our democratic processes if we are to remain a demoracracy and not become an ologarcy!
Simon: Talking about “sparse on details”–can you please tell me what the Conservative policy re: carbon reduction is going to cost us? After two plus years you would think the Cons could think up some imaginary figure???
Blair Wilson just joined the Green Party. This is my M.P. for West Vancouver, Sunshine Coast & Sea to Sky Country.
This guy is thicker than a brick. I had a discussion with him (while sitting as an independent) about the 10% ers and what did he turn around and do? Send out two of his own – not householders but partisan attack ads.
I hope Liz knows what she’s getting.
By Bonnie N BC on 08.30.08 11:57 am
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blair_Wilson
They sure get Wikepedia up to date quickly. An Ottawa Journalist on CBC said he thought the Liberals treated Wilson unfairly. I wonder if that journalist had read the Wikipedia commentary. It seems Blair Wilson may have some problems being a businessman and I sure wouldn’t want him on my political team if Wikipedia has any truth to it.
I like what you are saying here Garth, that the election will be about the economy. Not sure how much of our economic woes can be pinned on the U.S. though, rather than our government / past governments (I’m no economist mind you). The U.S. tends to drag us down with them, when they have problems. The Republican party’s 8 years have been a disaster of epic proportions and we’ve had some residual effects of this, to be sure. I’d like to see us become more independent of the U.S., obviously they are our largest trading partner, but we’ve really felt the brunt of a lot of their policies.
One thing is certain though, regardless of who gets in things are going to get ugly before they get better. I hope people are prepared for it and have their ducks in a row, at least you are warning them. Not trying to be negative, but just a realist.
By slg on 08.30.08 12:00 pm
You will need to check into a rehab after this November (actually January). What will do you do when Pres. Bush steps down? Poor poor dear. I feel sorry for your kind.
Garth, my suggestion would be to forget BIG Media such as National Post, CTV etc. & concentrate on small town newspapers such as in rural areas where the average person actually reads his newspaper for news in their communities & how it affects them personally. Why? These people are generally made up of older long time residents & their children & grandchildren who have been raised to follow the principles they grew up with & will not be easily influenced by fast taking salesmen attitude politicians.
By Irene on 08.30.08 11:33 am
This would be a good policy BUT out here anyway, the local papers are already in the hands of the “Black Press” and so it goes.
(Almost every small town paper on Vancouver Island is so owned)
(Nanaimo Free Press???? is not free. It is a “Black” paper.)
Who do you suppose they support??? Take a wild guess.
Now….you know Harper uses Bushite slogams…..soccer mom/hockey mom, support the troops, etc. – again, double-standard in the not so OK coral.
By slg on 08.30.08 12:00 pm
What do you against soccer moms? or hockey moms? Please for pete’s sake get some help to manage that anger problem of yours.
Garth, I saw TV adds last night telling people to ‘Vote For Stephen Harper’…
Since no writ has yet been dropped, will this spending count towards their election spending cap for this coming election — or are they bending the financing rules again…
By Kevin M on 08.30.08 12:27 pm
Really good question. How about an email to the Elections Canada people????
You know, heads up they are at it again.
We just sold our house and got out. We were very lucky. We are now buying a trailer for cash , and putting the rest of our money into Gold and Silver.
You have to wonder : Harper said the likely outcome is a minority government. If that is the case, why call an election to risk a liberal minority ? Why spend millions of dollars to achieve the same result ? Are they using our tax dollars to try and kick the liberals when they are down ? That’s not much of a leader in my eyes.
With one bold stroke McCain created a star,SARAH PALIN,nay a super star and caused a tectonic shift in American politics. Obama’s star was rising meteorically and the Presidency seemed a certainty for him but not anymore…his chances gone from a sure shot to a long shot. Just watch the Republican machine chew him up and spit hime out. Politics make strange bed fellows and, of course, a week is a long time in politics.
Why do I bother posting this? Because if you cannot learn from your enemies you doom yourself to failure. And remember: “Man’s capacity for justice makes democracy possible, but man’s inclination to injustice makes demoracy necessary.” Those in the opposing political spectrums are your WORTHY OPPONENTS and their abilities, talents,skills, truths and principles deserve respect. If you are incapable of being magnanamous or praising what ought to be praised in others you should do the world a favour and retire from any positions of responsibility.
Michael: Sounds you spent too many years on your high school debating team!! “Worthy opponents”???
I refer to people as worthy when they have proven to be worthy to me, not to their political party.
Just saw a Harper ad on CTV. ca..Very unflattering portrait–he is bent over at the waist with a grimace on his face–looks like he’s having a d…p!!
What do you against soccer moms? or hockey moms? Please for pete’s sake get some help to manage that anger problem of yours.
By Catherine on 08.30.08 1:36 pm
Not a thing. It is just the “Phony” way that your LIAR harper uses them.
With one bold stroke McCain created a star,SARAH PALIN,nay a super star and caused a tectonic shift in American politics.
By Michael on 08.30.08 2:15 pm
Unless this story of her useing her position to try to have a State police officer fired gets out.
Opps! I guess it has gotten out.
A neo-Con is a neo-Con is a neo-con.
“With one bold stroke McCain created a star,SARAH PALIN,nay a super star and caused a tectonic shift in American politics . . . Why do I bother posting this? . . .”
By Michael on 08.30.08 2:15 pm
Yes, seriously, why? I’d hardly call your subsequent lines an “explanation.” We wouldn’t be trolling, now, would we?
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/08/29/election-october.html
IanBroomfield wrote:
Posted 2008/08/30
at 11:12 AM ET
Even if the law has some possible interpretation favouring the Prime Minister but most experts consider that he is breaking the law then it is up to the Supreme Court to decide on the interpretation and the election should be delayed until the interpretation is settled
Any private citizen in this country is able to file suit under the law to not only stop this election call but to challenge the PM on the constitutionality of said law. All that needs to be done is get the appropriate forms online, fill them out, pay $75 to file them and have them served on the government thus halting the PM’s ability to call an election. Then they would have to defend in a court of law thier right to call an election and a judge will make the decision
If this is true, why hasn’t someone done it already? or are they waiting until it is official?
By Michael on 08.30.08 2:15 pm
How has Obama gone from sure shot to long shot exactly?
The polls I see have him either ahead or tied with mccain. I dunno how that constitutes long shot, but I’m gonna assume u are a mccain supporter so you might not be seeing straight.
Molly, It looks like Leasa and Harry S have been reassigned to invade the blog on this link you provided. No doubt the CPC is worried about Guelph.
By Ron p on 08.30.08 12:05 pm
Ron & Molly – I did see that Leasa turned the discussion around saying it was probably just youth vandals. Right!! Some on the Liblogs feel it was Johnathan, but then he may also be Harry. I don’t know. But I suppose one could check their ISP & IP addy.
Actually, it is clear where harper is gong to try to gain a majority and don’t doubt that he has seen some data that he can get it.
And that is clear it will be on leadership. A poll today suggests Dion is having a ton of trouble gaining traction. Harper’s ads are keying on this. Harper will fight this on style not substance.
And unfortunately, Canadians are shallow enough to buy it.
It is very, very troubling.
The Liberals have not been effective at getting their mesage out be it Green Shift, the economy or more importantly listeria and how Con cabinet Ministers are the same guys as those behind walkerton.
Get the uinfamous video clip of Harper saying he wont attack seniors by taxing income trusts, show the mayor of walkerton blaming the same crew on listeria, these are cheap to prodcue and very effective.
C;mon Libs, show some spunk, show some fight.
Hi Garth
Well, call me combative, but I find myself more inclined to post a comment on the blog when I disagree with you on an issue than when everything that you say makes sense.
Since the early days of this great forum for debate, ideas and digital democracy that you provide, I’ve taken advantage of it and let me voice be heard on issues that I feel strongly about.
I’ve banged away at the fact that we need to move toward taxation of consumption and away from that of income when I really would break even myself. I feel that it is the right thing to do.
I’ve made my thoughts quite clear about the differing opinions on democracy that Stephen Harper and I hold. I did take the time to write SH a couple of times and did recieve a couple of replies. I think that I forwarded you one actually (does “I share your respect for Garth Turner” ring a bell?)
I just can’t get behind your whole income splitting idea, Garth. I see it as social engineering that rewards couples who are lucky enough to be able to survive on a single income at the expense of those who cannot. I see it as a kick in the face to those who choose not to marry.
I really do believe that your intentions are good. Mine are too. Let’s present new parents with options through significant tax cuts to parents of children under 5 yrs and extend maternity/paternity leave options.
The money’s gotta come from somewhere. Where would you take it from? I do hope that you respond.
I’d also like to say hi to Chris (who took public transit from Kitchener), Marg (who’s first convention was for the Dief and came from Kingston to support Dion), Kathleen (who came with Marg) and John who I met at the bloggers reception for SD.
When the Conservatives begin campaigning here at Garth.ca I’ll hold them to the same level I’m (trying) to hold Garth to, OK? As it is Garth is using Garth.ca as a means of making claims about what the Liberals will do so it seems best to focus on what he’s saying, right?
Michael: You call Ms. Palin a “superstar”. Do you mean, like a “celebrity”? Doesn’t McCain disdain political “celebrities”?
Jews don’t have to worry about the election day being held on their holy day. Harper’s handlers say the Jews can vote in the advanced polls.
So, if the vote was held on Dec. 25. would Christians be expected to vote in the advanced polls?
Just checking which religions get preferential treatment.
Square this Circle
One, we know the P.M. hinted he will likely follow HIS interpretation of the Elections Act. If he defies Elections Canada again, he will spend as much as he pleases on media advertising regardless of the national or candidate expense limit.
Response We should keep track of every ad that appears in print, radio, television and on the web and the tagline as it is very important to document this.
Two, we know that the Conservative Fund of Canada charged $ 15000.00 for polling and surveys as a service to various candidates in the 2006 election. This is likely advertising expenses disguised as a survey or polling.
Response At the end of the election go to the returning officer and request a copy of the invoice. This is a citizen’s right. Question the candidate and Official agent as to the approval process – if they blow you off something is rotten in Denmark. File a complaint with Elections Canada.
Three, we know there are third party groups that are limited to $ 150,000.00 advertising expense for the entire campaign. They must be registered with Elections Canada.
Response Keep track of any web link, print, media advertising supporting the Conservative agenda that is not identified as the Conservative Party of Canada.
After the election we need to compile the information.
The only way we can ensure a fair playing field in the fall 2008 Federal election is to monitor it ourselves as citizens.
What are “slogams” folks? Just asking as many posters are using this term.
Since no writ has yet been dropped, will this spending count towards their election spending cap for this coming election — or are they bending the financing rules again…
By Kevin M on 08.30.08 12:27 pm
Really good question. How about an email to the Elections Canada people????
You know, heads up they are at it again.
By A.R.Wainwright on 08.30.08 1:41 pm
The Libs or Conservatives or any other party can advertise as much as they like outside of the writ period. No restrictions what so ever. It’s tough that the Libs have no money to counter this pre elections campaign.
Andrew! It was great meeting you in Oakville. Drop me a line some time.
- Chris
As predicted in 2006 in the Ottawa Citizen, Harper promising fixed election dates was disingenuous.
Ottawa Citizen
June 16, 2006
“Messing With the Constitution isn’t Reform, It’s Vandalism”
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=53e06c00-7eec-4513-adc1-e7ba7bd2fa2d&p=1
Strike it off Harper’s list of bull roar he sells to the public. He knows the public is not listening.. Harper knew that when he started his strategies long, long ago.
So get out there and chat to everyone you know. If people you know are simply alert to his tactics, they’ll look back and more readily note what’s going on – that Harper manipulates and that there is scarcely a word he says that can be believed. Does it not make sense that any Canadian would not want to be in the dark? If they just have a friendly “head’s up” to pay attention right now, that’s all it takes. Let the people who you know, be alert that’s it’s no time to ignore politics.
When the Conservatives begin campaigning here at Garth.ca I’ll hold them to the same level I’m (trying) to hold Garth to, OK? As it is Garth is using Garth.ca as a means of making claims about what the Liberals will do so it seems best to focus on what he’s saying, right?
By Simon on 08.30.08 3:33 pm
You are about a year late, have you heard of Harry, the Dion Basher?
As a former career soldier I am sick of hearing how Mr. Trudeau decimated the military, far from it, most of the big equipment still being used today was purchased or ordered during his administration. Most of the cuts in the 70’s were in lockstep with most of our allies.
BY WESTERN LIBERAL 08.30.08 7:49 AM
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WL,
I read your comment and others, over the phone, to my Dad, and he especially enjoyed yours, [he has ARMD and can no longer read]. But he can see peripherally so he does watch television up close. If as you say the Liberals get Mr. Dion “on television with a good explanation of the green shift, to show how it helps rural residents”, then even my Dad would have a chance to hear about it and discuss it with his friends. He especially enjoyed your summation about the Green Shift, though — that was a great comment you added.
By unintended consiquinces on 08.30.08 12:34 pm
Maybe so…but one shouldn’t have a sign on one’s front lawn IF THAT IS THE CASE, in fact, one might want to watch when they are voting…in fact..one might be careful talking with neighbours, one never knows who is listening. In fact, maybe that is the ultimate purpose of this so called vandalism…maybe to kill people to scare others? I only remember one poster on here advocating the death of the Opposition leader so I hope it is not a general feeling among supporters of any one party. To cut one’s brake lines in my mind is attempted murder.
This would be a good policy BUT out here anyway, the local papers are already in the hands of the “Black Press” and so it goes.
(Almost every small town paper on Vancouver Island is so owned)
(Nanaimo Free Press???? is not free. It is a “Black” paper.)
Who do you suppose they support??? Take a wild guess.
By A.R.Wainwright on 08.30.08 1:35 pm
I don’t have to0 A.R. as you are 100% correct about being owned by the ‘Black Press”. All the more reason for the Liberals to hit as many small rural towns with TH meetings as they possibly can. The sooner the better I might add.
How about this for starters?
(1) Loading up with facts about the Cons alleged illegal activities & show them up for what they really are.
(2) Solid plans for the future of Canada & how they will implement them when they become the next government
(3) The Liberals solution based on hard facts for helping Canadians weather the storms through economics times when they become the government.
(4) Explaining the Green Shift plan in comparison to the Cons plan & the real costs involved on both plans.
(5) The vital importance of even having a plan to help slow down Global Warming for the future of ALL Canadians, (yes even the Cons)
(6) The liberals plan to lower Income Tax & how they plan to follow up on that promise when they become the next government.
(7) Making sure that all the children has the opportunity to further their education in Canada’s regardless of their families’ income when they become the next government.
(8) Making sure that health care will provide adequate provisions for all Canadians regardless of their income when they become the next government.
(9) Helping cash strapped Canadians with affordable day care spaces so that both parents who have to hold jobs in order to feed & cloth their children have adequate spaces available to them when they become the next government.
(10) A workable plan to help poverty stricken Canadians have a solid chance at becoming self sufficient when they become the next government.
(11) Making sure that First Nation‘s people have adequate schools, clean water, housing health care etc when they become the next government.
(12) Will they honor the ( ) bill that states “Elections will be held on the 3rd Monday of October every 4 years when they become the next government? Help me here.
I know there are a lot more priorities that I haven’t mentioned so please contribute to the list if you want to.
Workable solutions you might ask? I know so but they do need to be properly addressed & explained by each party to what their own solutions might be. What say Garth? Are Mr. Dion & his team up to this challenge?
Have a nice day!
Forget about around the corner, Harper is taking us into the ditch!
“The escalation in Guelph is dramatic. Last night, over night, someone, or some group, went to all parts of the city vandalising homes with Liberal party by-election signs out front. Houses were spraypainted with slogans on the brickwork, garage, doors, and windows. But worse, much worse, is the fact that these cowards keyed the cars in the driveways with ‘L’ and cut the brake lines in the cars in the driveways. At least six cars are known to have had their brake lines cut. This is wreckless endangerment. Disabling the brakes on cars is a direct threat to life and limb and is way beyond the realm of acceptibility.” http://cdlu.net/entries/20080829.shtml
The comment is even uglier!
By Molly on 08.29.08 10:49 pm
This a despicable scenerio that you do not fight fire with fire. It deserves a joint effort by neighbors to acquire and use some closed circuit surveillance that is digitally preserved and handed to the Regional Police and the OPP for investigation and criminal charges to be laid. There is no place for this kind of activity in a civilized law abiding society. Should the perpetrators be found to be members or aligned with a political entity or riding association, this needs to be found and proven by the professionals in a court of law and publicized. Get these idiots on tape if it means spending a few dollars as a group of citizens like neighborhood watch. Use a hired credible third party to document and provide the evidence so that it is unbiased in the court room. It should be no problem setting up some more “bait”!
It one thing to verbally disagree with others ideas and principles, but it an entirely different paradigm to actively perpetrate physical damage and sabotage.
Blair Wilson just joined the Green Party. This is my M.P. for West Vancouver, Sunshine Coast & Sea to Sky Country.
This guy is thicker than a brick. I had a discussion with him (while sitting as an independent) about the 10% ers and what did he turn around and do? Send out two of his own – not householders but partisan attack ads.
I hope Liz knows what she’s getting.
By Bonnie N BC on 08.30.08 11:57 am
Maybe we are missing the forest by looking at the individual trees! If Lizzy Mae is out poaching for parliamentarians since we hear rumors that some of the dissatisfied conservative MPs and candidates are prone to the Green Party, this maybe why Harper is in a panic! With Green Party support approaching the level of what the NDP had, Harper probably needs to try to head her off at the pass! I would not worry about the defection of a former Liberal to the Greens, it is the potential for others that are interested. Everything Lizzy Mae not seem to be as they have been reported by the media! OK that was fringe humor about a fringe element!
Do you think Elizabeth May will be allowed to participate in the leaders debate in the coming election?
By WDM on 08.30.08 11:53 am
Well it should be up to US the electorate to decide that. Personally a resounding YES from me. Why and how we ever let Corporate Media decide who should participate in a leaders debate, I’ll never know. But if CBC says no, then we should demand Cutting All Funds to them. This is suppose to be a democracy, even if the Lib candidate switched, has a past, I don’t care, he sits, therefore his new leader should debate for her 400,000 supporters. I’m no May fan that’s for sure, but I want to see her debating with all the = men in suits. Let’s just hope she doesn’t wear a pant suit ala Hillary. LOL
Yes I’ve seen the debauched Harry S and Leasa comments. Debauched, debased and deluded. I’m almost sorry I posted the link now, otoh it is a wake-up call to other Canadians how hate crimes have now become part of our landscape, since Harper has been in mini-power. He certainly inspires what usually live under rocks and are morally bankrupt by their sheer ignorance, closed-mindedness, hate strategies, and of course let’s not forget CORRUPT TO THE SOUL! I have to be careful, my mom and her cohorts at the seniors home are now reading Garth, LOL. Hi Mom!
Judy, point well taken re: if election day was Xmas, would Christians be told to vote in the advanced polls. Oy vey!
Not so true – Please explain the unwinding of the Labour Party in the UK. The Conservatives will clean up at the next election.
By ST on 08.30.08 11:56 am
As I said, in some respects, like the Iraq war, New Labour were more conservative than the conservatives. I believe the UK. Cons. opposed this war.
Unlike Labour of old, they were also fiscally responsible and didn’t capitulate to the unions.
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/488074
Exploited workers Canada’s ’slave trade’
SPECIAL TO THE STAR
Ronald Galang, from left, Narciso Nicdao and Romero Bonete leave an abandoned farmhouse in Elmvale after their rescue by Filipino embassy officials. The men say they came to Canada because they were promised good jobs but were kept incommunicado, forced to do menial labour for little pay. At least 800 workers are trafficked into Canada yearly, according to the RCMP.
HOW EMPLOYERS GET THE WORKERS
Canadian employers who want to bring in foreign workers for temporary jobs must first prove that no Canadians are available to fill the positions. To be granted a Labour Market Opinion (LMO) – needed to get a temporary permit to work in Canada – for one worker or pre-approval for many, employers must provide documents to show that:
• They made significant efforts to hire Canadians.
• The promised wages are consistent with Canadian wages.
• The working conditions meet provincial standards.
• That hiring a foreign worker could benefit Canada by transferring skills and knowledge or even creating new jobs.
Once Service Canada, the federal human resources agency, is satisfied it issues a LMO to the employer.
The employer then sends a copy to the prospective worker or workers outside Canada. When those workers arrive in Canada, they submit (at the border) the LMO as part of their application for a work permit.
Selling LMOs is illegal, a federal spokesperson told the Star.
Skilled Filipino workers packed into filthy house, denied pay, threatened with deportation
Aug 30, 2008 04:30 AM
Dale Brazao
Staff Reporter
It was 5:30 in the morning when Edwin Canilang realized he had been bought and sold.
Crowded in the back of a van heading north of Toronto with four other Filipino men last summer, the skilled welder faced another unpaid day on a cleanup detail at a bottling plant…..
He thought of the promises that lured him to Canada – $23 an hour, plus overtime, food and lodging, to help build two icebreakers for the Canadian Arctic.
He thought of his first week in Canada, eight men in the basement of a Toronto house sleeping four to a bed, their passports taken from them. Then they were trucked north to their new home – a filthy, abandoned farmhouse in the middle of nowhere.
Now, bumping down a dirt road in August 2007, Canilang mustered the nerve to ask Bob De Rosa, his labour boss, when the first paycheque was coming.
“Don’t you guys know that I spent $4,000 to get you?” De Rosa snapped back.
******************************
Is this what our Immigration Dept. and
Border Services Guards call Standing on Guard for Thee? This is happening under Harper’s Watch! This what the Minister of Immigration Diane Finley is allowing.
No wonder she is wearing dark glasses!
THIS IS A SERIOUS SHAME ON US AS A NATION. I will vote “Fired” on the upcoming ballot by choosing not to endorse the current Conservative Member!
Is jumping the gun on election advertising allowed under the rules? Seems especially suspect when only Harper and his inner cirle have known when the election is to be called. This whole business of perpetual campaigning has bothered me for some time, the Dion hate ads, the relentless ten percenters. But now that Harper knows the official date the election is going to fall on without clueing the rest of us in, it’s getting absurd. It seems to give him an unfair advantage to get ahead of the pack and outside the spending limit to be running his election ads before an election is even called. If this isn’t cheating, it’s got to be damn close. Can somebody help clarify this?
The inexperience factor has now been negated by McCain himself with his choice of Palin.
By James- Chatham on 08.30.08 1:00 pm
Overlooking the fact that Palin has administration experience and fully involved with energy issues I can`t see where any lack of experience on the part of Palin adds experience to Obama.
So now the republicans has McCain Rice for international affairs and McCain Palin for domestic issues. Further Biden is a huge liability with his unrelenting attacks on American families.
I`ll give you 2 to 1 odds.
The only way we can ensure a fair playing field in the fall 2008 Federal election is to monitor it ourselves as citizens.
BY BONNIE N BC 08.30.08 3:48 PM
Superb idea Bonnie. Grass roots. Because if he wins, there would be nothing more I would love to do than to have been part of the information collecting that brings him down during his next reign, unless everybody smartens up and boots him.
Example in 2006:
Friends of Science [U of C] prior to the ‘06 election, ran ads in strategic ridings in Ontario. Stats showed the ads worked to sway those ridings to Harper. Still under investigation, and does not look good for the Cons. Just one of a zillion scams.
FoS was not registered with Elections Canada yet the group bragged their victory on their site that the ads had worked to get Harper elected. April 15 – report was released and the university disassociated themselves from FoS – see letter on U of C site, all still under investigation.
FoS/Barry Cooper [Tom Flanagan's roommate from U.S. college days] gets funding from the Chamber of Comm. The CCC is quite the pals with the Cons, as are a myriad of corp. gangs.
The Chamber’s McCain fundraiser in Calgary, part of it goes to…Friends of Science:
http://mikesoron.com/calgary-and-its-university-as-corrupt-us-red-state-august-edition/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://blog.macleans.ca/2008/08/04/how-much-money-will-mccain-raise-in-calgary/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://ago.mobile.globeandmail.com/generated/archive/RTGAM/html/20080801/wdonate01.html
Tip of iceberg only. Keep track of their ads and be a part of the solution to stop Harper’s corrupt scams like these.
According to Wikipedia;
Barring war, insurrection, or an earlier dissolution of Parliament, the 40th Canadian federal election will be held October 19, 2009, in accordance with the provisions of the Canada Elections Act, which were amended in the 1st Session of the 39th Parliament. In the past, the Prime Minister could select an election date of his or her choosing, usually at the four-year mark or when he or she believed that his or her party had the best chance of winning the election. However, in 2007 the Parliament of Canada passed a law fixing federal election dates every four years and scheduling the next election date as October 19, 2009. As the current parliament is led by a minority government, it is possible that an election will occur sooner, in 2008 or earlier in 2009, “as the opposition parties can still bring down the government on a vote of confidence”. No minority government in Canada to date has enjoyed a full four-year term.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/40th_Canadian_federal_election
Does it read anywhere here that Harpers excuse for calling an election “Because Parliament is dysfunctional” is another option?
Cheers
What do you against soccer moms? or hockey moms? Please for pete’s sake get some help to manage that anger problem of yours.
Not a thing my dear……but as a election strategy…copying Bush – it’s a Frank Slimy Luntz strategy – I’m not impressed.
Wonderful the moms are involved with their, their sports, etc., but there are others out there that vote.
Catherine – you are the one that needs help – and your constant insults portray what kind of person you are – not impressive at all.
If you think Mr. Harper is responcible for what happened in Guelph, what do you think his motivation was to spray paint N.D.P. rules on the side of one house? Is that enough to deflect suspicion off his Conservative party?
By Marc on 08.30.08 11:35 am
No, not at all. I was voicing an opinion that, although there’s always been partisanship in politics I have never, ever seen it so vile as it has been since Harper’s been PM….he spews hatred, he sets a tone that is really unbecoming of a PM.
You can deny all you want, but it’s a fact.
Apparently, the NDP didn’t do it by the way……they are the party that does not believe in war and violence afterall.
However, I was a little shocked at the reported 73% drop in single family housing prices in Vancouver. Where’d that come from Garth? Sounds like a bit of an exaggeration?
By E. Heron at 9:30 am
Just noted that Garth wrote of 73% drop in sales of houses, not the 73% drop in the prices of the houses. That makes more sense – still dropping quickly though aren’t they? Just as Garth predicted…looks like electioneering started early with the stupid CPC television ad – does remind me of the photo of Harper shaking hands with his children at the fence of their school yard. And to think that the scenario was a scheduled photo-op arranged by Harper’s people. Shows a lot about the man to me – and it isn’t flattering.
I love it when Harper cowers. He makes lots of mistakes.
Who is driving the bus?
Is Harper leading?
Are the advisors setting him up?
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/story.html?id=758831
By unintended consiquinces on 08.30.08 6:50 pm
Ms. Rice has already decided to share her talents elsewhere when the Bush Administration ends their term…
By ML on 08.30.08 6:41 pm
All it does is highlight what is really important to the CPC, and it is not the people of Canada…
Candidates already in race suspicious of PM http://www.nationalpost.com/related/links/story.html?id=756739
If this doesn’t make your skin crawl boys and girls, I don’t know what will.
The Libs or Conservatives or any other party can advertise as much as they like outside of the writ period. No restrictions what so ever. It’s tough that the Libs have no money to counter this pre elections campaign.
By ST on 08.30.08 3:55 pm
I think it is rather wise on their part, money or no money, to wait for the campaign to officially begin. I think it is important for them to play by the rules written or not written. I think they need to establish they are different than the CPC, who have tried to defraud the taxpayers of Canada, who have lied on two very important issues. Who have flooded the country with taxpayers 10%ers. The high road is the only road to go. Adscam killed them last time and then the CPC took over and proved themselves as bad if not worse. If the Liberal party wants all the swing voters back, all they need to do is play it straight.
I only remember one poster on here advocating the death of the Opposition leader so I hope it is not a general feeling among supporters of any one party. To cut one’s brake lines in my mind is attempted murder.
By wjp on 08.30.08 4:44 pm
Inciting any violent action is worthy of appropriate charges but I hardly see how the rant words of a McKenna anti-Dion poster compares to actually taking action. The point I was making was the state of Cdn politics in general with actual events. In all likelihood the march sponsored by the Liberals had many NDP and Conservative members involved. There was no investigation so it is unknown which party was responsible for the hate crimes or the arson or if all groups were involved. I did not mention the hue and cry Fry raised with her false allegations of several BC towns burning crosses because that would have been pointedly partisan.
I feel just as strong about the rule of law as you do and after watching one corrupt government after the next sneer at the rule of law I think about needing a change.
Welcome to Cdn politics where your vote authorizes the next corrupt government a turn.
” A few millions missing, it was good for the country”
It seems to give him an unfair advantage to get ahead of the pack and outside the spending limit to be running his election ads before an election is even called. If this isn’t cheating, it’s got to be damn close. Can somebody help clarify this?
By ML on 08.30.08 6:41 pm
I’ll say it again……
The Libs or Conservatives or any other party can advertise as much as they like outside of the writ period. No restrictions what so ever. It’s tough that the Libs have no money to counter this pre election campaign.
Everything Lizzy Mae not seem to be as they have been reported by the media! OK that was fringe humor about a fringe element!
By Truth B Told on 08.30.08 6:03 pm
Oh Truth
The guy is an idiot kinda like Dean Del Mastro. It;s not about Liz it’s about buyer’s remorse.
We all make mistakes – so what do think the odds are Mr. Emerson will enter the fray of W. Van Sunshine Coast and Sea to sky Country?
Please, please Mr. Emerson.
Will the Liberals eliminate the GST on the BC Carbon Tax and promise not to charge it on top of any Carbon Tax they bring in when they form Government ?
Is jumping the gun on election advertising allowed under the rules?
By ML on 08.30.08 6:41 pm
The simple answer is Yes. It will be charged to the Conservative Party – not part of the election limits. But maybe he could do some creative financing. Charge it to surveys and polling during the election. It’s sort of a poll, really.
The guy has no scruples… Wake up Canadians.
Overlooking the fact that Palin has administration experience and fully involved with energy issues I can`t see where any lack of experience on the part of Palin adds experience to Obama.
By unintended consiquinces on 08.30.08 6:50 pm
It doesn’t. However, McCain has been using the lack of experience factor as a valid argument against Obama. When he chose Palin, given he is 72, and she would immediately become President, acting or permanent, should he fall into ill health, McCain just threw away the lack of experience argument.
As for the 2 to 1 odds, when will it appear on Pro-Line?
But back to this side of the border, Mr. Harper has had meeting with two of three opposition leader to discuss the upcoming parliament agenda. Both have left unimpressed.
What was actually said, who knows. Maybe Duceppe and Layton told the PM what they needed to see and he said no way, or he told them what he was proposing and they decided he was just out to force the election.
Either way, the opposition parties are now in a position to show that it is the PM who is not serious about making parliament work.
Optics wise, maybe M. Dion should visit the PM on Tuesday. It will be a waste of time; we know the outcome, but the optics……..
SLG-What’s in a trademarked name?
Ask Jennifer Wright and the soon to be bankrupt Liberal Party about stealing “Green Shift”.
By Bocanut on 08.30.08 12:40 pm
Better check your facts .”Green Shift” is in use by dozens of companies world wide .
Wright does not own the copy right which is why her lawsuit is frivolous and she will lose in court .
Please check your facts .
We just sold our house and got out. We were very lucky. We are now buying a trailer for cash , and putting the rest of our money into Gold and Silver.
By pissinginthetent.com on 08.30.08 2:02 pm
Why did you convert your money into gold and silver? I can understand you selling your house if that is what you want to do. I thought our banks were safe in Canada.
BY TRUTH B TOLD ON 08.29.08 11:14 PM
Just catching up and I saw this post on “the honest society”. I agree that Harper is breaking our democracy and undermining much needed political discourse. People who go around saying they are selling something like an “honest society” or “accountability, transparency”, etc. are usually the ones who are going to destroy whatever is left of those traits. Best to sell this by building it into everything in your platform and by demanding it of yourself (as MP or leader) without talking about it all the time. I think Dion will bring this and will help heal our country.
Optics wise, maybe M. Dion should visit the PM on Tuesday. It will be a waste of time; we know the outcome, but the optics……..
By James- Chatham on 08.30.08 8:18 pm
If the reports that Dion offered to meet the PM on the 26th and was refused are correct, then the PM has just demonstrated that he has no intention of making parliament work, that he is in and of himself the fountainhead of disfunction, and that truth is a stranger to him. How sad.
I thought our banks were safe in Canada. — Bonnie L, 9:05 pm
Think again, and expect the unexpected as Canada and the US are so dependent on one another.
The UK’s Chancellor of the Exchequer (a.k.a. the one in charge of the money), said either today or yesterday that this current downturn could well be the worst in 60 years.
Which leads back to WWII. The current economic malaise is not limited to N. America, but is now close to being worldwide.
What I find amusing is that dubya says that the US is getting better. The fact is they also have fixed election dates (and don’t break them), so I guess this is designed to boost McDubya’s chances.
Next is CRAP, who said that Canada needs to have a steady hand at the tiller, to “help us through the rough waters”, so re-elect them.
I guess if they believe Cdns. are dumb enough to listen to them, then pigs actually do fly. Learn something new everyday!
When he chose Palin, given he is 72, and she would immediately become President, acting or permanent, should he fall into ill health, McCain just threw away the lack of experience argument.
Optics wise, maybe M. Dion should visit the PM on Tuesday. It will be a waste of time; we know the outcome, but the optics……..
By James- Chatham on 08.30.08 8:18 pm
I see your point on experience and it is a good one however I don`t think the expedience card has ever played well especially against a charismatic character like Obama. If you have enough experience to run for President that speaks for itself and he speaks well. Biden is a much bigger issue than tit for tat experience questions that most ppl ignore.
wpj, It was my understanding that Rice remained uncommitted.
On our election the purpose is to get it in before the crushed August numbers not yet tabulated exposes the 40/0, the optics of that would best be described as hell to pay.
To unintended consiquinces of 08.30.08 6:50 pm
Re: Palin / experience issue
I heard that Fox News stated that she had international relations experience because her state is close to Russia.
To Charles Oxley of 08.30.08 10:32 pm
Re: Bush claiming economy is great
I believe the line is “the economic fundamentals are strong”. Ring any bells?
Oh Truth
The guy is an idiot kinda like Dean Del Mastro. It;s not about Liz it’s about buyer’s remorse.
We all make mistakes – so what do think the odds are Mr. Emerson will enter the fray of W. Van Sunshine Coast and Sea to sky Country?
Please, please Mr. Emerson.
By Bonnie N BC on 08.30.08 8:06 pm
Bonnie, the point is not the easily plucked Wilson, it is that there are numerous other potential targeted dissatisfied MPs mainly in the CPC. Harper’s panic is the fallout about to begin from his hyper control tactics. I think that we may never see a majority government for some time now. The fragmentation will be evident during the vote counting. If you re-read my postings on the Primary System of nominations I think you will see the solution is there, but it helps to understand how the American version gets non party citizens involved and engaged in the process. Can you honestly say that you know anybody who was involved in our nomination process? I was once and was very peeved about what took place. Our political system is badly bent and needs to be straightened out! Many of the jokers who you see making a fool of themselves as MPs in Canada would not get their name on the ballot in the USA, in most cases. By and large the few that do screw up down there get unmercifully pummeled in the press.
Under Elections Canada rules, campaign spending limits will be reset once a general election begins, so candidates will have budgets to match the longer race.
However, they still face the potential for money problems. Supporters can donate only $1,100 to a political party or riding association each year, regardless of how many campaigns take place. Therefore, candidates may need to look beyond their traditional backers to replenish campaign coffers.
jcowan@nationalpost.com
This is additional fall out from the coming decision! I guess Halloween will come early this year!
I only remember one poster on here advocating the death of the Opposition leader so I hope it is not a general feeling among supporters of any one party. To cut one’s brake lines in my mind is attempted murder.
By wjp on 08.30.08 4:44 pm
Stupid is as stupid does. The moron that advocates the assassination or worse actually does it, accomplishes making the victim into a martyr just like Martyr Luther King. Sorry for the pun, but it so apt in this case!
By unintended consiquinces on 08.30.08 7:56 pm
The poster in question was an admitted CPC supporter.
[...] personal angst against the Tories to the point where he practically bleeds Dion-red), in his latest post, he “reminded” Haltonions what it is the Liberals are fighting for. While he has, not [...]
The poster in question was an admitted CPC supporter.
By wjp on 08.31.08 6:32 am
First rule of blogging, only believe the data supported facts, pigeon hole the rest as trend.
Odd he would get almost venomous when writing about the back room deals he claims put the worst choice in as Lib leader. His opinion trend was anti-Dion just like this site trends to hyper partisan, so saying your a Con means about as much as saying country before party when viewed as a trend line.
There is much smoke my friend included never straying from the mantra the solution to our problems caused by government is fixed by voters punishing bad politicians by throwing the bums out.
I repeat the facts.
Over the last 40 years we went from turning our democratic rights and freedoms over to a handful of unelected unaccountable lawyers to an illegal tax making our government illegitimate. This disregard for the rule of law lead to adscam including the gomer `hide the evidence` report to the pinnacle of corruption, the 40/0 bailout of overinvested developers, the result of Cdns throwing the bums out.
A system broken bye corruption will not fix itself regardless of the number of elections that throw the last bums out.
We need a bigger change than ad agencies.
Who have flooded the country with taxpayers 10%ers. The high road is the only road to go. .
By wjp on 08.30.08 7:51 pm
where the heck were you when Garth was covering the land with 10%ers promoting his book tour last summer?????
I didn’t have a book out last summer. — Garth
where the heck were you when Garth was covering the land with 10%ers promoting his book tour last summer?????
I didn’t have a book out last summer. — Garth
By bunny on 08.31.08 2:49 pm
Do that math…then come back with a credible statement!
interesting neither of you challenge that Garth was using the 10%ers excessively last summer.
What was excessive about giving notice of an upcoming public meeting? Please explain that. — Garth