Even the corridors were SRO for Dion’s Winnipeg gig.
It was too cold for the mosquitoes to fly, which is normally a good thing in Winnipeg. But this day, a cold rain beat against everything, as the temperature plunged to single digits.
The Liberal caucus has gathered from across the country for a couple of days of talks and, as you might imagine, the E-word is on everyone’s lips. In a setting like this, in a time such as this, nothing is done privately. TV cameras lined the steps of The Fort Garry hotel to catch MPs spilling out of airport taxis, while reporters pounced in the lobby with probing questions like, “How do you feel?”
As far as I can tell, my colleagues are juiced. But not just them. The whole campaign team is here, plus the gilded lilies of the OLO, the communications titans and the brass of the Liberal Party itself. These are all people I’ve come to know over the past few months as my duties expanded, at Dion’s behest. While there’s astonishment at the weird way in which Stephen Harper is engineering this election, there’s also a sense the inevitable elephant just entered the room.
Most people know I’ve been an election hawk for the past year. Most also heard about the Dion Town Hall meeting in Oakville ten days ago which drew 1,400 people and shut down a highway. In fact, the host MP of the Winnipeg caucus spent time on the phone the next day with Esther getting a few tips on how we promote stuff.
Obviously she learned well. Dion’s Town Hall in The Peg was swamped. In fact when three busloads of 90 MPs arrived at the community centre, there were already 600 people seated inside, with the corridors jammed, and at least a hundred people milling around outside, unable to enter the building.
Most of us did not even get close to the main event, but we were able to wriggle into the building. Someone flipped the public address system on so Dion’s speech and his Q&A reverberated throughout the place, and it was a strange sight seeing a small sea of people applauding a disembodied voice coming from the ceiling. Things got even more interesting when some 911 conspiracy types who drive from Vancouver tried to hijack the meeting. But they flamed out in a couple of minutes and retreated to a “Truth Bus” in the parking lot.
Not long afterwards, I had a bite in the company of Dion and his wife Janine Kreiber. “Well,” he said, “you still have the record that stands.” And she said she’d read all about the Oakville meeting here on the blog. She also said, without a prompt, the blog comments have become “much more interesting in the last two weeks.” I was prompted to talk about the demise of Harry and Leasa, but it hardly seemed appropriate.
Wednesday we have caucus meetings all day, punctuated by the skinny on our campaign plans, and an announcement by Dion on the Green Shift. He’ll talk about changes affecting farmers and rural dwellers – improvements to the plan that came out of a round of summer meetings.
Meanwhile, In Halton, our own campaign had another strategic meeting while I was freezing my tail off driving a golf cart through the pelting rain to an outdoor event outside Winnipeg (don’t ask). Esther emailed me that the turnout was staggering – more than double what she’d been expecting.
At the same time, someone else tore an ad out of one of the local papers and sent me a scan. It was placed this week by one of the guys hoping to run against me, but whose chances are slim, seeing Harper is about to appoint a Con candidate. So much for grassroots democracy.
But, maybe this is why…
216 comments ↓
“He’ll talk about changes affecting farmers and rural dwellers”
Please don’t forget the fishermen. This could have a big effect in Atlantic Canada.
On the statement in Winnipeg by Mr.Dion made today 9/2/08, crime is down.
Here`s what he wasn`t told by you know who.
August 27, 2008
Results of sole custody arrive in Vancouver Canada
Notice no mention of the 39% increase in mischief from the highest number of parent denied children in Cdn history. The`re getting old enough to be out on the streets. The next 5 years need no further prediction on youth in trouble, the results of sole custody is already evident in Vancouver, exactly as every study predicted the effects of sole custody.
The crime figures have been cooked, brought to a rolling boil that can`t be stirred down, all to hide the incoming results of sole custody.
Global called said the tally was misreported due to a tabulation glitch.
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=91c68b15-440b-4739-88e3-49312f880fba
B.C.’s crime rates hit 30-year low
Catherine Rolfsen, Vancouver Sun
Published: Tuesday, August 26, 2008
But these numbers don’t necessarily mean less crime is being committed in the province or that police are cracking down more effectively.
But the numbers in the report may not reflect the actual instances of crime in our communities, said Neil Boyd, the associate director of Simon Fraser University’s criminology department.
[For] property crime and drug crime, the police reported data are not terribly reliable
“solicitor general and public safety minister John van Dongen said he thinks the provincial government’s expenditures on crime-fighting initiatives like the bait car program, civil forfeiture legislation and better access to information for police likely have had some impact on statistics.”
—————
He ‘thinks’ likely to have has ’some’ impact.
Here`s a bit of information he must not have access to.
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/features/databases/criminal_code.html
British Columbia crime rates
Pick a municipality to find out how many Criminal Code offences were recorded per police officer.
DataPage does not exist error) (50501)
B.C. Municipal Case Burden Report, July 2007
** unfortunately this page is gone but the media reported crime was down 33% when if fact it was the number of cases handled by each officer. Simple mistake I`m sure*
Here`s the original story.
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/story.html?id=a0fd620f-e1aa-441b-83bf-92282b16a771
Coquitlam RCMP goes after repeat offenders, crime stats plummet
Allison Cross, Vancouver Sun
Published: Thursday, May 29, 2008
Four types of crimes fell by an average of 33 per cent in the first quarter of this year
——
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=9cc81395-c5dc-4f1e-9cb2-f160bd882ff0&k=41459
Surrey’s crime rate plummets
Break and enters fall 27 per cent and drug crimes are down 21 per cent
Darah Hansen and Kelly Sinoski, Vancouver Sun
Published: Friday, May 11, 2007
The strategy focuses on bringing government and community agencies — from police and drug treatment counsellors to parole officers and business associations — together to reduce crime.
*This one is interesting, they mention new programs where offenders are given restrictions or courses that are not tabulated in the crime rate but don`t give any numbers on program attendance to compare against the tabulated events.*
—————
http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/editorial/story.html?id=6fb2b0a1-ff22-41e5-a1d0-0e1d4d0f2175
The Province
Published: Sunday, December 16, 2007
According to the latest B.C. Progress Board report, British Columbia has the worst combined personal and property crime rate of all provinces.
One of the reasons for this may well be a shortage of police officers
*we have more police on the street per capita now than ever before.*
————–
http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=fd58c18c-94d7-4413-9e70-11492620d17c
B.C. police losing battle against crime
Crime rising faster than number of officers, study shows
Chad Skelton
Vancouver Sun
Friday, November 18, 2005
the number of reported crimes has increased seven-fold — due in large part to a dramatic increase in property crime.
Asked whether the increase in crime is due to people reporting offences more often than they did in the past, Plecas disagreed — saying survey data suggest people are less likely to report crime today than they did previously.
We have a situation where Canada is worse than other countries . . . and B.C. is worse than the rest of Canada
*Vancouver has the second highest amount of child support collected in Canada and also has the highest number of parent denied children. Single parent children are attributed to 80% of crime and unreported crime continues to grow.*
It seems as though this is a recurring theme across Canada. A deficit of Conservative Party members and even candidates to run. Why am I not surprised?
To your comment wrt. people applauding a disembodied voice, I actually laughed out loud. The momentum that is building, not just among the party proper, but amongst average Canadians is quite something. It renews my hope and drive.
Thank you for posting from the ‘Peg and best of luck for a fruitful caucus. Safe travels.
Well Garth, at least your challenger didn’t use taxpayer’s money to send flyers to all your constituents like the Conservatives have been doing.
I’ve been protesting these flyers on my blog http://www.stopsendingmecrap.ca because I’ve received 18 of them so far this year and they’ve been accelerating in the run-up to the impending election (3 in just one week).
I hope someone is able to challenge the legality of these flyers (I’ve scanned them all for visitors to see) since I think they violate the spirit of the MP’s allowance to produce and send these for free.
I am preparing a Private Member’s Bill to ban MPs from sending stuff to anyone other than their constituents. — Garth
Something to watch out for concerning the Elections Canada investigation into the CONServative’s 2006 in-and-out scheme.
Excerpt from Globe and Mail article.
—————————————————
GREG KEENAN , BRIAN LAGHI and STEVEN CHASE
From Wednesday’s Globe and Mail
September 2, 2008 at 10:33 PM EDT
An election call is expected to come by Monday, the same day the Tories are to present their final arguments in a court case over their advertising methods in the previous campaign.
***Elections Canada has served notice it plans to introduce potentially damning information from an investigation of the 2006 so-called in-and-out scheme.***
However, the Conservatives successfully delayed their final argument in the court case until Monday. Opposition MPs said yesterday that this could help the Tories, because a responding final argument from Elections Canada will likely not be entered in the court file until after the anticipated election date of Oct. 14.
Elections Canada lawyer Barbara McIsaac gave notice last week that she intends to introduce an Elections Canada affidavit and background information that convinced a judge to authorize a warrant to search Tory headquarters last April.
The affidavit, which includes allegations the Conservatives shifted ad expenses to election candidates to skirt the party’s $18.3-million campaign expense limit for the 2006 election, has so far not been entered as evidence in the case.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080902.welect0902/BNStory/National/home
So much for grassroots democracy. – Garth
Well what would you call it when you see what is happening in Ottawa West-Nepean.
I am not sure what is happening but I would bet dollars to donuts that an open nomination meeting will not be happening…
Come to think of it – you have a former Mayor that is pissed he lost the election and a former Defense Minister who is just as pissed that Martin lost the last election as well as 2 actual “grass roots” members who want the nomination.
My dollar says that neither of the 2 “grass roots” members becomes the next candidate.
Anyone want a bet??
I noted the omission of Truckers from your comment about the fine tuning. Have they been written off? think again, because between 9 and 10% of North Americans “live” on the roads in big trucks bringing you and everybody else their groceries, gasoline, clothing, repair parts, plus electronics and other entertainment items. I’ve even hauled a full load of “Iron Clad” brand plastic draw-string green garbage bags from Louisianna to Toronto [coal to Newcastle syndrome].
Everything you need and use on a daily basis has some amount of diesel fuel invested in it. Our nation’s owner-operators are hurting very badly and they deserve a break today for getting your food to you on-time, safely.
By Pissed Off on 09.02.08 11:54 pm
Thanks for scanning all the flyers. I have not been keeping an accurate count, but my estimate was 16 different flyers from 5 various Conservative party M.P.s Hopefully I remember seeing all the ones you have posted, or I will have to wait for the 2 others to be delivered. And to think I have a no junkmail sign, but apparently this is not considered junkmail by Canada Post and must be delivered.
Disclaimer: I have nothing to do with any “Truth Bus”. Iv’e never hauled any load that said “Moo, Oink, or “Stick ‘em up”!
Hello bloggers!
If anyone has been receiving 10%ers from the MP in my riding, Dean Allison, please let me know the number and frequency.
Concerned citizens need to have these statistics so we can begin writing letters of protest to our local papers and bringing this issue up at campaign debates.
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 am preparing a Private Member’s Bill to ban MPs from sending stuff to anyone other than their constituents. — Garth
And it too bad that once again, just like everything in life, a well-intended idea is taken advantage of with deceitful intent by someone like Harper — a user, with no respect for the hard earned money of every day tax payers.
Thank you Garth. Can you please add wording so that people like Harper can’t send 18 of these to one house every few months.
Honestly, I’m very pleased to hear that adjustments are being made to accommodate farmers. To me, that was always the weakest link in the plan. The current corporate agricultural system is far to reliant on both diesel fuel and inorganic, carbon-intensive fertilizers, and farmers haven’t had much of an alternative. My fingers are crossed that the ‘adjustments’ involve some sort of incentives towards more organic farming.
“I noted the omission of Truckers from your comment about the fine tuning. Have they been written off?”
As much as I sympathize with the plight of truckers, there is just no getting around the fact that trucking is just about the most carbon intensive and energy inefficient means of moving large quantities of goods around the continent. We need a greater reliance on food and goods that can be produced locally, and more investment in rail for stuff we can’t produce locally.
Sorry, but the blacksmiths all had to find new careers too.
Garth.
http://www.radiodujour.com/people/ventura_jesse/
Watch this video.
Soooooooooooo……. call the election before the affidavit and background information becomes public knowledge and concrete evidence that Yo and his CONS are just as low as they get with their “in and out” scheme.
Cover up all you want. There will be leaks.
North Americans “live” on the roads in big trucks
TRUTH B TOLD 12:10AM
The G&M says “the policy will incorporate breaks for farmers, truckers and fishermen in the form of subsidies to help buy equipment to reduce use of diesel fuel. Mr. Dion will announce the changes in his plan regarding the farming sector today. The subsidies to the other sectors will be announced later, sources said.” PEI Liberal MP Wayne Easter said it balances out the costs for farmers.
“The plan will be stronger for the environment, stronger for agriculture,” Mr. Dion said, “All the money goes to tax cuts.”
And Mr. Dion had a question for Mr. Harper: “Which tax cuts in the Green Shift do they dislike? The one we give for families? The one we give for industry?”
Asked after the town hall meeting whether he is afraid of losing his job in this election, Mr. Dion replied that the Liberals have to win this election to prevent other people from losing their jobs.”
All I know is that I had lots of work, turning it away in fact, and my neighbours were happy when the liberals where the government, now, under the conservatives, my clients are broke, I can barely pay my mortgage, and my neighbours are all angry, the anger that comes from the carpet being pulled out from under them.
http://the911forum.freeforums.org/withering-critique-of-the-new-wtc7-report-t44.html
That ad just made me laugh. Thanks for that.
What is so wrong with people questioning 9/11 and the North American Union ? Ask yourself this : Why is Osama Bin Laden not charged with plotting the terrorist attacks on 9/11. And also visit the FBI website. Look at the “most wanted ” section. You will find Osama there , wanted for many crimes, but not wanted for the biggest terrorist attack in US history. When asked about this , the FBI said they ” don’t have enough evidence ” . Hmmmmmmmm
Garth,
Bill C-22, the Ontario gerrymandering bill, has not gone away, it’s merely dormant, not pushed during the last session because the Conservatives were aware of its toxic side-effects to their fortunes in any impending election that they were so desperate to have. The conniving
expletives, “small men of Confederation” that they are, will resurrect it if they gain power to further their fortunes the next go around. Please ensure that the Liberal campaign material in Ontario reminds voters how their collective voting power will be diluted from a government that will not hesitate to use the methods of a cheat to win. The election call itself is further evidence of how they “play by the rules”. Mere pretense, ethics out the window.And these are the law-and-order guys.
[
During the Leader's debate, bring it forward and Dion too might want to remind voters how Jack Layton had said he would 'consider it' rather than immediately dismiss it outright as he should have.]Garth,
Make it one of those omnibus bills that the Conservatives so love and include a strict ban on campaign advertisement of any kind outside of an election. Your bill should also somehow define the parameters of what the contents of those 10 percenters must be, because clearly the Conservatives were using them as campaign material and not surprisingly going against the spirit of what their intended purpose is.
Can you imagine what would happen if the Tories win a majority?
The Conservatives talk a good game on climate change, but beyond the rhetoric, we see the following:
Environment Canada has terminated a funding contract to the B.C. chapter of the Sierra Club of Canada, causing the possible closing of a climate-change program initiative.
The money had been targeted for the Sierra Club’s new House Cooling initiative, in which groups of workers, neighbours or others gather in one member’s house to discuss climate change and how they, as individuals or as a group, can reduce their carbon footprint.
Sierra Club B.C. supplies materials that give information about the practical steps people can take to reduce household greenhouse-gas emissions. At the end of the gathering, guests are invited to form their own Carbon Emission Reduction Club that will meet regularly so people can support each other in their greening efforts.
Sierra Club B.C. executive director Kathryn Molloy said she was outraged by the decision to cancel funding.
“I would like clarity as to why the program has been terminated,” she said. “I was told this was the best proposal EcoAction had ever seen.
Quite curious too, that this program was just approved a mere 3 1/2 months, with the contract signed. What could possibly have changed in such a short timeframe? Aside from that, the program seems entirely practical, apparently in line with what the government says it wants to achieve.
So, what’s changed since May 16th?
“At the Sierra Club we think this is a tremendously courageous effort on Dion’s part and he and the Liberals deserve a lot of credit for going this way, especially at a time when gasoline prices are going up and Canadians have this rather peculiar obsession with gas prices.”
Stephen Hazell, executive director of the Sierra Club also went public last week, when the government’s lobbying schedule was released, showing a decided preference for huddling with big oil:
In Hazell’s view, Harper’s PMO tries to punish its harshest critics by limiting access to influential decision-makers within the PMO.
Anyone who doubts that this government wouldn’t be petty enough to “punish” an organization that has supported the Liberal plan, been quite critical of the government of late, simply doesn’t understand the small animal we’re dealing with. No proof, but the timing, not to mention a complete funding 180, is noteworthy, to say the least.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080902.wbcgreen02/BNStory/National/
I live in the Perth-Wellington riding & haven’t received even one 10%er. Why? Because it’s a very strong Con district. In fact they’ve had a stranglehold here. Schellenberg is the MP here & he is useless. So far this year I’ve received one 10%er from him. Not that I want more.
I hope that the Lib candidate here, Sandra Gardiner, can really get the Liberal message out as it’s extremely important for the change needed in this area. Enough of the Cons & their danger to the country.
Elections Canada lawyer Barbara McIsaac gave notice last week that she intends to introduce an Elections Canada affidavit and background information that convinced a judge to authorize a warrant to search Tory headquarters last April.
By Robert Gibbs on 09.03.08 12:02 am
Well Robert
This just reinforces my post from yesterday on what Mr. Harper intends to do during this election. Is he going to follow national advertising limits or not?
Are we going to have a fair election this time?
I don’t understand why the MSM hasn’t connected the dots. To me, this is an assault on our democracy and the principle of a fair playing field for all parties and voters during an election.
What next – stuffing ballot boxes?
Just popped onto Alfredforhalton:
interesting slogan:
“Halton’s problems demand consistant goals and flexibility, not political ideology.”
I wish Alfred all the best in obtaining the CPC nomination, but given the last part of his slogan, I wonder why he wants to run for the most ideological PM we’ve ever had.
As for beating Garth …. slim left town!
Yeah Garth. More blah!
Meanwhile reality flows somewhere else.
Check the polls.
Dion is dead even before firing a single shot.
THAT’s reality, for you.
You wish. — Garth
It looks as if some of Harper’s cabinet ministers, at least those who stood little chance of re-election, are starting to pull the plug. Word is that both Emerson and Hearn will not be offering for re-election.
“I am preparing a Private Member’s Bill to ban MPs from sending stuff to anyone other than their constituents”. — Garth
Hallelujah! I got two in August from Con MPs that I have never heard of, and have no idea what ridings the are not allowed to represent by His Harpersty…
Garth, I mentioned several weeks ago that the only weak point in the green shift is the northern and rural deductions. As many people living in these areas do not make enough money to pay income tax even though I do not like it I would suggest that any moneys they receive under these two points be in the form of a cheque rather than an income tax deduction. In my neck of the woods it would shock most people how little some people here earn as they live off the land for much of their food and squat on land for their housing, keeping warm by chopping wood. While squating is slowly dying a rightful death it is still a fact of life in many rural parts of the country so it is a reality that needs to be addressed. While they easily qualify for welfare they choose the life of our ancesters instead.
Just visted Alfred for Halton, this is the best Cons can do? I thought that your riding was a closed appointed candidate Garth, so why is this guy even trying?
include a strict ban on campaign advertisement of any kind outside of an election.
By Dube on 09.03.08 5:00 am
___________________________________
That is a necessity or else we risk turning Canada into a mini-version of the United States where campaigns go on for years and cost untold millions. Look at what Harper’s doing now. He’s already jumpstarted his campaign to saturate the media ahead of his rivals when only he knows the election date. The ten-percenters ,the Dion hate ads, the oil glob campaign, all of it violates the spirit of one of the things the Election Act was formulated to do, ensure fairness in elections. But hey, who could have predicted a conniving, lying cheater like Harper might appear upon the scene.
Restricting campaign style advertising outside of the campaign period becomes even more important when you consider fixed election dates. Is that one of the reasons Harper wanted that in the first place, so he could bombard the public with ads prior to elections? Unless there are limits, that would give us year long campaigns just like the U.S. At the very least, having any money spent on pre-election campaign advertising deducted from the amount allowed in campaigns would rein them in.
This MUST be addressed.
Hey, Garth: any predictions on when (i.e., what day) the election will be called?
Will be interested too see the changes. My biggest concern was how this would affect rural Canadians, Will be interested too how the changes fit into this,.
Garth:
Please tell Mr. Dion and the caucus that enforcing and strengthening our Canada Health Act is going to be a major issue in this election.
A few weeks ago, I heard Ralph Klein say, on the CBC, that it will be a big issue.
Also, the Executive Director and CEO of the Çollege of Family Physicians of Canada wrote the following in a letter to the Editor of the Toronto Star:
“The Angus Reid poll confirms that Canadians consider health care, the economy, the environment and poverty to be the most important issues for the next election. All four of these are really “health” issues and merit the priority Canadians have given to them.
Politicians demonstrating that they have no answers to the real “health care” concerns of the population. have chosen to focus on the latter three on this list as if they are what the people mean when they say “health care” should be a major issue.
If all parties are allowed to ignore the issues that define “health care” in the minds of Canadians — such as ensuring timely access to family physicians and other specialists, producing enough doctors and nurses in our Canadian schools to prevent ongoing health human-resource shortages, broadening the scope of coverage under medicare to include drugs and home care, providing increased support for programs focused on the prevention of illness and injury, the needs of underserved populations and care of the mentally ill, children, the elderly and those living with chronic diseases — no election result will help address what Canadians are actually telling us is their number one concern.”
Please don’t allow the neo-cons to continue their pretense that they are in favour of keeping our health care in public hands when Stephen Harper fought the Canada Health Åct so forcefully when he was leader of the National Citizens coalition. We know he does’t support social programs and is a psuedo-populist
in order to make his “incremental changes” in our government in what Harper said would be a country we wouldn’t recognize.
I remember, too, when Mr. Reynolds, now retired from the CPC, said in reference to health care, “So, what’s wrong with profit?”
Also, please don’t just let the NDP take over this issue. Liberals feel very strongly about keeping health care in the hands of the public when they know and understand the studies and reports covering this issue. I have literally stacks of reports on the subject and wish I could print them all here but obviously there is just too much stuff. I will try, however, to post some information here in the next weeks.
I received my “7th” 10% flyer yesterday – that’s 7 in the summer alone. This one – Jail?…and photo of a man sitting on a couch drinking beer and watching TV…..it’s about house arrest. I have a Con MP – they must be worried and they should be – he’s a total dud.
By bob on 09.03.08 1:21 am
ditto….
I live in the Perth-Wellington riding & haven’t received even one 10%er. Why? Because it’s a very strong Con district. In fact they’ve had a stranglehold here. Schellenberg is the MP here & he is useless.
Amen to that Penlan – I believe that the Cons won’t spend our money in ridings where they believe that they have a ‘lock’ on the seat. Glad to see another totally disillusioned constituent from Perth-Wellington. At the Candidate debates, I’ll be the one questioning about why some Canadian Forces members who served in Afghanistan received no tax-free benefits yet all other CF members did – as well as many of the civilians who were there. I warned the PMO that this matter will NOT go away until they fix it! See you there…
MEXICO FREEZES OUT FOREIGN EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF DEEP-WATER OIL … THEY’RE CURRENTLY AT PEAK OIL
A Storm Called Cantarell
Sean Brodrick MONEY MARKETS 09-03-08
I have a Con MP – they must be worried and they should be – he’s a total dud.
By RSandi on 09.03.08 8:50 am
Well tell us, who’s your dud?
Normally I would say “Great”, but the timing is just too obviously an attempt at vote buying….
Harper to aid Ontario’s ailing auto sector
GREG KEENAN , BRIAN LAGHI and STEVEN CHASE
From Wednesday’s Globe and Mail
September 2, 2008 at 10:33 PM EDT
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080902.welect0902/BNStory/Front
How stupid can the electorate be if they think the Harperites are the best managers of our economy.
“According to one of the Dear Leader’s “main street Canadians” in his first “pre-writ” election campaign ad — the young fellow with the enormous, gas-guzzling pick-up truck — Stephen Harper is “the steady hand we need when the world’s economy is so uncertain.” Really? Would that be the same “steady hand” whose sound fiscal governance has resulted in Canada going from the leading performer in the G7 under the Liberals to the second worst?”
Red Tory said it better than I ever could.
I truly hope the Libs will point out the above during the election campaign.
BTW, a neighbour dropped in last eve. and brought up the subject of the cons going against their own election bill. Four voters in their household who won’t be voting for the cons. Most on our street are progressives & will likely be voting Lib. I’ll be printing up a list of all the cons broken promises, etc. and dropping it in neighbourhood mail boxes.
I’ve already sent out emails to family/friends re Stevie’s history & Tom Flanagan’s comments.
headline for todays National Post
Dion Distant Choice for PM: Poll
keep dreaming Garth….
No, I will keep fighting for my goals. — Garth
MEXICO FREEZES OUT FOREIGN EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF DEEP-WATER OIL … THEY’RE CURRENTLY AT PEAK OIL
A Storm Called Cantarell
Sean Brodrick MONEY MARKETS 09-03-08
http://www.moneyandmarkets.com/Issues.aspx?NewsletterEntryId=2175
Scuza Me ….
By William Dahl on 09.03.08 8:06 am
William I totally agree. Residents living north of 60 should receive an exemption to the carbon tax. This would exclude industry.
Corrigan’s statments always ON TARGET…
http://corrigan.ca/sept3-08.gif
Looks like it’s right out of BIRDY[BOO!] BAIRD’S Turning the Corner.
So, ALL taxpayers will fund the technology fund, but NO TAX REDUCTIONS … RIGHT … BIRDY[BOO!]?
glad its going well.
The story behind that maze of a shopping mall behind the hotel is a municipal laugh riot.
The mosquitoes go off their peak when the nights start cooling near the end of August. There was a cold snap last winter so the wasps could be worse.
The topic among the locals these days is whether the homegrown tomatoes get enough sun to ripen.
At the very least, having any money spent on pre-election campaign advertising deducted from the amount allowed in campaigns would rein them in.
This MUST be addressed.By ML on 09.03.08 8:19 am
I am glad Garth will be introducing a bill to address this issue, but I hope the Liberal ad campaign addresses the lack of ethics inherent in the Conservative Party.
*****************************
“The Angus Reid poll confirms that Canadians consider health care, the economy, the environment and poverty to be the most important issues for the next election. All four of these are really “health” issues and merit the priority Canadians have given to them.
By Pat. G. on 09.03.08 8:38 am
Good point, Pat. I was looking at it another way, in that poverty and health care issues are part of the economy issue (as is a national daycare program).
Think of the money we would have for the issues of importance to Canadians, if we weren’t in Afghanistan. I hope the Liberals add “getting us out of Afghanistan” to their platform.
By Go Green on 09.03.08 9:14 am
Hi Go Green
Could you possibly post the body of your email here so we could do the same thing.
Maybe Barb the Proof Reader could vet the info to insure accuracy. We want to make sure whatever we say to friends and family is true and honest.
“But if Canadians were to vote based on the leader they think would be the best prime minister, Ipsos-Reid’s Darrel Bricker says there is a clear front-runner.
“(Stephen) Harper is at 50 percent of Canadians saying they think he would be the best Prime Minister, followed by (Jack) Layton at 31 and finally by Stephan Dion at 20 percent.”
Bricker adds the fact that Layton’s growing popularity across Canada could make things interesting at the polls.”
Should make for a real barn-burner of an election.
The Liberal party really needs to show comparisions between their green plan, and the Conservative green plan – ignore the NDP plan (they will never form a government anyways). Get that quote from London, where Harper talks about taxing carbon at $65 a tonne – and tear apart his “Turning the Corner” plan. Dion’s plan is superior, when you compare the two – but people are obviously too lazy to do the work themselves…
As an aside – If the NDP was smart (at all) they would work with the Liberals. Layton needs to realize that his BEST interest is in another minority government – because he could end up as “king maker” Harper has shown he is unwilling to work with others.
Sent to the GG today…
“Excellency
I am a non-partisan Canadian citizen, who is very concerned with the direction Mr. Steve Harper is taking in relation to his declaration that an election is required as the House of Commons is dysfunctional. From my observation, the reason for problems stem primarily from the actions of the CPC party, and considering that all of the bills submitted under threat of confidence vote were passed, it is obvious that Mr. Harper has not got a leg to stand on as most have been passed.
Add to that, the fact Elections Canada have not yet given their ruling on the so-called “In and Out Scandal”, I strongly feel that this critical issue relating to the result of the last election and how it may have been affected by less than ethical actions, there is too much uncertainty as to how the CPC would conduct themselves in the next election.
Perhaps the most critical item, however, is the expressed willingness by Mr. Harper to break his own laws relating to the fixed election date – a platform plank that helped him gain minority government status. If a Prime Minister of Canada can make a promise, pass a law, and then break both the law and his promise for political expediency, I fear this will create a dangerous precedent in our political system, and discourage even more Canadians in their participation in the electoral process.
This is political expediency in its worst incarnation. Mr. Harper, as the elected Canadian PM, should have to face the electorate in the House of Commons. Certainly, if one of his pieces of legislation is presented as a confidence item, and he is defeated, then certainly government should be dissolved. The present situation, however, is far from that scenario.
Recognising the nature of your position, it is clearly unfortunate that Mr. Harper seems to be willing to put you, and your position, into a difficult position. That said, there are many Canadian citizens who are hoping that you will give serious second though to rubbber-stamping his request.
I do not envy you in your anticipated task, and ask that you consider the lowly Canadian citizen, who deserves to have their questions answered, in order to be able to vote for a party with confidence.
Thank you for your consideration.
Bien a vous,”
Garth,
As you know, I am a Halton voter that voted for you last time around. With the upcoming election, and you pushing the Green Shift plan, I have a direct question that I need answered. This will help me decide for whom to vote.
A little about myself: I own a single car garage, 1800 sq ft 4 year old home, have installed windows shutters for energy conservation, bough new energy star appliances, brought up two kids, now 5 and 7, in just one Honda Civic car, have installed a programmable thermostat, have only CFL light bulbs and do not use energy unnecessarily. On top of this, I already pay over 30k in payroll taxes a year (my wife does not work).
My question is: How much will the new carbon tax will cost me and what direct benefits I will get from the money collected from it will come to my family?
Thanks
No problem. Give me a household income, and I will do the math for you. BTW, the Con plan will also raise energy costs, starting in 2010, and comes with zero tax cuts. In other words, this election is not about Lib change vs the status quo. — Garth
BTW, a neighbour dropped in last eve. and brought up the subject of the cons going against their own election bill. Four voters in their household who won’t be voting for the cons. Most on our street are progressives & will likely be voting Lib. I’ll be printing up a list of all the cons broken promises, etc. and dropping it in neighbourhood mail boxes.I’ve already sent out emails to family/friends re Stevie’s history & Tom Flanagan’s comments.By Go Green on 09.03.08 9:14 am
It would be great if you posted your emails here, as Bonnie suggested. I have been hearing the same thing…people are upset about Harper calling an election when he promised a fixed election date. A list of items he promised, and for which he did not deliver would be useful–it speaks to the unethical behaviour of this government and PM, who promised more accountability.
Trust is a big factor in an election, not strong leadership.
In other words, this election is not about Lib change vs the status quo. — Garth
Agreed, but for the most part, on this blog, you’re speaking to the converted. (Either we agree with Dion’s plan, or we disagree with a carbon tax and know Harper’s plan is worse than Dion’s.)
But surfing the web, CTV and CBC for example, and looking at comments left, the word is not getting out concerning Harper’s plan. The debate is being driven by the Cons with their half truth’s (See Kenney yestarday), putting the Libs on the defensive.
I sincerely hope, once Harper does drop the writ, that Mr. Dion et al don’t drop the ball and go on the offensive. While explaining the Green Shift, they also need to let the electroate know the Harper alternative which will cost the average Canadian more.
Should make for a real barn-burner of an election.
By MUSKOKA JILL on 09.03.08 9:42 am
Sure should, what seems to be pulling the CPC down then? The latest Nanos poll had them in a virtual tie, what is it about the CPC that they can’t seem to gain any ground with those figures you are pushing?
Bruce MacKinnon has a good cartoon in today’s CH.
http://www.thechronicleherald.ca/toon.php
Actually, it also applies to all his other broken promises.
“In other words, this election is not about Lib change vs the status quo. — Garth”
good point
No problem. Give me a household income, and I will do the math for you. BTW, the Con plan will also raise energy costs, starting in 2010, and comes with zero tax cuts. In other words, this election is not about Lib change vs the status quo. — Garth
90k
By Go Green on 09.03.08 9:14 am
Hi Go Green
Could you possibly post the body of your email here so we could do the same thing.
Maybe Barb the Proof Reader could vet the info to insure accuracy. We want to make sure whatever we say to friends and family is true and honest.
By Bonnie N BC on 09.03.08 9:39 am
Bonnie – I’ll try to work on it within the next week. I’ve got weekend work to do, plus we’re expecting a ‘couchsurfer’ from Scotland this weekend, if he manages to make alternative arrangements since Zoom went under. His bike arrives Sept. 4 via cargo vessel.
Bruce MacKinnon has a good cartoon in today’s CH.
http://www.thechronicleherald.ca/toon.php
Actually, it also applies to all his other broken promises.
Checking MacKinnon daily throughout the election will be a must. He’s one of the best.
The Liberal party really needs to show comparisions between their green plan, and the Conservative green plan – ignore the NDP plan (they will never form a government anyways). Get that quote from London, where Harper talks about taxing carbon at $65 a tonne – and tear apart his “Turning the Corner” plan. Dion’s plan is superior, when you compare the two – but people are obviously too lazy to do the work themselves…
snip
By Tim N on 09.03.08 9:43 am
Tim – I’m really ticked off that none of the MSM are doing a comparison of Dion’s plan and that of Harper’s.
I’d suggest that all of us write Letters to the Editors and maybe to the media pundits asking them why they haven’t taken the time to compare the plans of the parties. Afterall, the environment is supposedly one of the 4 major concerns of Canadians.
Yes, I know the MSM are mostly lazy.
No problem. Give me a household income, and I will do the math for you. — Garth
$11,000.00/year
More details – are you on assistance? — Garth
The problem I foresee for the Liberal campaign in this upcoming election is packaging all of the CPC’s incompetence and deceit into a single package. It is quite amazing what these neo-cons have gotten away with (like the Bush regime they really never cease to amaze me).
Anyway, I think the Liberals can do it (time to earn your paychecks folks) in such a way that the visions between the two parties are clearly distinguished.
Good luck in Winnipeg, I hope you all get some good work done.
Thank you for your consideration.
Bien a vous,”
By maybe Rhino? on 09.03.08 9:45 am
Thank you Rhino for writing your letter.
I have also written along with several others who comment here
It would be great if you posted your emails here, as Bonnie suggested. I have been hearing the same thing…people are upset about Harper calling an election when he promised a fixed election date. A list of items he promised, and for which he did not deliver would be useful–it speaks to the unethical behaviour of this government and PM, who promised more accountability.
Trust is a big factor in an election, not strong leadership.
By Lana on 09.03.08 9:58 am
Lana, wish I could send my email but I have deleted them on my PC as well as my gmail account. I do this on a regular basis. BTW, I sent the email, in response to a political rec’d from my niece in Mtl. who was considering voting Green. She was not aware of Harper’s background and Flanagan’s comments. She has lots of friends who are are involved in the arts community. I had a great chat with her and will do so again, asking her to convince her friends to vote strategically. We had a long chat one evening, with her parents present, and they added to what I said.
I find it rather simple when it comes to Harper and his ilk. I do not support LIARS!
$11,000.00/year
More details – are you on assistance? — Garth
Disability pension, 60 years old, single, rent, no dependents, 85 Virago ave. 4000 km/year., BBQ 2 to 1 over electric stove.
Looking for a well off working women that wants a lazy househusband. Will vacuum with the right incentive.
Harper: Don’t worry about that, I already bought off the judge in that one
By Lana on 09.03.08 10:45 am
Lana – is it possible you could provide a more specific CBC link?
Lol, yeah right, vote for a party full of incompetent, greed stricken, self serving, power mad, corrupt, silver spoon, special interest lobby whores. That’ll be the day.
Go poison someone elses well.
By blondey on 09.03.08 10:57 am
Garth, isn’t that the type of language that got others banned from your blog?
What part of that is offensive to general readers? — Garth
By Go Green on 09.03.08 11:09 am
It is quite possible that your niece still has the email. Maybe you could ask her to return it to you? That would be valuable information for all on this blog.
The Liberals spent the summer talking to folks about the green shift. I am very glad that farmers, fisherman, and truckers (among other groups) found their voice within the Liberal caucus and were able to bring forward their concerns and suggest changes to this plan. And further, that these issues were seriously received, debated by the party, agreed to and are being added to the Green Shift.
It is grassroots democracy at work and in my view, the Liberals needed to go back to the people to get support to rebuild and rethink. It seems they are accomplishing this rather spectacularly. The last time the Liberals got in it was with the intent to clean up the government, balance the budget and restoring Canada’s economy, all with success. This time the monumental task is to again restore balance to the economy (resource and manufacturing not just resource), and also take on the challenge of Climate Change and Social Justice in a real way.
Bonnie, Brain, Go Green and everyone,
Here’s a blog you’ll love with 100+ Harper’s Broken Promises. But a note published in the Lethbridge Herald March 9 caught my eye too:
· · · — — — · · · · · · — — — · · · · · · — — — · · ·
WORKING FOR WHO?
”In an attempt to regain some level of sanity I have been taking a break from the negative influence of Stephen Harpers version of politics, todays guest commentary is from a fellow income trust investor who is suffering from too many painful CPC propaganda messages.”
“Having just driven past the rather large billboard of our local MP, Rick Casson, I noticed he was telling us “Working for You”’ My question is “who is YOU???
Certainly not the 2.5 million Canadian who were robbed of their investments in Mutual Funds and Income Trust savings by the Conservatives who flat out lied to Canadians and had Mr. Casson’s support of the broken promise, $25,000,000,000.00 lost to them. Certainly not young families who need a larger vehicle to take the kids to the rink or other recreation, he voted also to add an excise tax to these vehicles. Certainly not low income earners who won’t benefit from the GST cut, of course if you are buying a BMW the 2% does make a difference. Certainly not the 72 % of Canadians who don’t have a pension plan. Certainly not seniors who own Income Trusts in RRSP’s or RIF’s, we will have to pay taxes on our income twice. Certainly not Canadian taxpayers who will have to come up with an extra 7 Billion dollars to cover taxes not being paid by foreign equity or Canadian pension Funds who have got in on the firesale of Income Trusts. We all know who pays don’t we, Mr. Flaherty is doing to Canada what he did for Ontario, deficit coming.
So then, whom is he working for? Could it be big Corporations who couldn’t take the competition and transparency that Income trusts have to provide, Manulife, Encana, BCE were all lobbyists. Could it be Private equity and vulture funds from the US who will not pay any taxes to Canada and who have moved in on easy pickings since the slaughter of prices by our Finance Dept., could it be private pension funds in Canada, BC civil service, Ontario teachers pension plan. They will not have to pay the 32% tax on these holdings. Could it be TAQA, Abu Dhabi’s national owned energy company of the United Arab Emirates who are moving in? Could it be Rick Casson, his own pension can now be split with his spouse thanks to his Government.
Hopefully an Election will be soon and Mr. Casson will have to answer for his Governments deceit and lack of accountability and transparency.”
“Yes indeed whom is Rick working for?”
http://trustbreaker.blogspot.com/
· · · — — — · · · · · · — — — · · · · · · — — — · · ·
Go to that site for a starter list of over 100 of Stephen Harper’s Broken Promises.
By unintended consequences on 09.03.08 11:15 am
According to the calculator on the Lib website, you get shafted. You indeed get nothing on the “relief” side but will have to pay higher prices for everthing.
So sorry. On the other hand, a single person with no kids and a 6 figure income living in a city will get $1000 back. So be happy for the yuppies, maybe they’ll donate some of that money to their local food bank to help out people like you.
Lana – is it possible you could provide a more specific CBC link?By Go Green on 09.03.08 11:15 am
Sure, it didn’t take me long to find it again.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2008/08/31/harper-dion.html?ref=rss#socialcomments
I believe that the liberals are in for a rough ride. Many will get bucked off (not Garth). The conservative team has been held back by an almost universal lack of charisma. But there are no loose ends. Now PMSH is coming back with a majority.
Dion’s heart is in the right place, but most of his team isn’t. That has put him front and center to personally try to push a plan is doomed for so many reasons. Dion could make an excellent environment minister, but he will never be PM.
RECALL THIS:
A product hazardous to your economic health:
http://bp2.blogger.com/_7NUMgzhwFps/SA-uqPvBEaI/AAAAAAAAACI/E8QD8glzOUs/s1600-h/bottle+1.jpg
“. . . Why is Osama Bin Laden not charged with plotting the terrorist attacks on 9/11. . . .” — pissinginthetent.com, 4:27 am
There are two possibilities, both of which are unprovable:
1) ObL died in Dec. 2001 of kidney failure; 2) there was, and maybe still is a youtube video of Benazir Bhutto saying that ObL was killed during a speech she gave before her life cycle finished.
Resurrecting a dead nemesis is good business for Halliburton, dubya, cheney and co.
As well, a third of US warships are now headed for the Persian Gulf, and it noticeable that no one has commented on this; further, the msm forgot to report this.
How convenient.
http://www.lewrockwell.com/north/north648.html
Ford sales down 26%…
GMAC cutting 5000 jobs…
Gmac closing retail offices….
Canadian TSE down 700 points in the last two days….
I believe that the liberals are in for a rough ride. Many will get bucked off (not Garth). The conservative team has been held back by an almost universal lack of charisma. But there are no loose ends. Now PMSH is coming back with a majority.
Dion’s heart is in the right place, but most of his team isn’t. That has put him front and center to personally try to push a plan is doomed for so many reasons. Dion could make an excellent environment minister, but he will never be PM.
By Fraser on 09.03.08 12:11 pm
Oh Fraser – Harper obtaining a majority. LOL. You’re right about one thing though, Harper & his team have no charisma.
The Liberal party would be better off scraping the Green Shift then making further adjustments to subsidize polluters. What is the point of trying to tax pollution when exported crude is exempt, farmers will be subsidized with their own money possibly? What a joke this Green Shift is becoming. What a toothless anti pollution plan this is. Somehow paying money to a carbon tax, and having that money returned is cleaning the air in the transsaction.
I was watching the news last night and John McCains wife was crediting God and prayer in preventing Gustav from slamming in New Orleans. Can we all just pray that God will stop climate change and we can do away with any thought of a carbon tax? If God can slow down a hurricane, I think s/he should be able to prevent global warming/climate change.
My vote and support is guaranteed Liberal…if Dion considers what’s best for Canada and resigns. As it is, you guys are toast.
By Go Green on 09.03.08 12:21 pm,
The Liberals did not make it clear whether they were trying to sell the plan as set out or consulting. That is part of the problem. I asked the question here as to which the Liberals were pursuing and never received a clear answer.
They have not been forthcoming with information on the plan and they do not appear willing provide hard copy for those without internet access and what is on line is not printout friendly.
Lol, yeah right, vote for a party full of incompetent, greed stricken, self serving, power mad, corrupt, silver spoon, special interest lobby whores. That’ll be the day.
Go poison someone elses well.
By blondey on 09.03.08 10:57 am
Garth, isn’t that the type of language that got others banned from your blog?
What part of that is offensive to general readers? — Garth
By AD on 09.03.08 11:36 am
And you Blondey, vote for a lib party full of incompetent, greed stricken, self serving, power mad, corrupt, silver spoon, special interest lobby whores. That’ll be the day.
You go poison someone else’s well.
Glad to see Mr Dion considering amending the Green Shift plan a bit. Even though I don’t support the Green Shift plan, at least he shows that he is listening to people’s concerns. No plan is ever perfect from the get go, and it’s important to adapt. If you are unable to read what’s going on, and unwilling to adapt, you won’t go far as a leader in my books.
I don’t see anything weak about that, likely shows more of a strength of character than anything.
be happy for the yuppies, maybe they’ll donate some of that money to their local food bank to help out people like you.
By Reid on 09.03.08 12:02 pm
I`ve been there twice in the last 8 years and donated $25 back as soon as I could.
Less people are donating while more working people are using food banks and this is only the start of the melt.
Well that sucks…
We lost another 3 Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan.
I feel so sorry for their families.
a third of US warships are now headed for the Persian Gulf
Charles Oxley on 09.03.08 12:19 pm
Fifteen trillions dollars sitting idle in cash accounts desperately looking for an investment. The new B2B, bullets and body bags.
Is a global mag lift starting to sound like a reasonable alternative yet?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ptzml1qQvZE&feature=related
BY DEE 09.02.08 11:25PM
Thanks Dee! Especially that last one
I am a little puzzled as to why the PM would be throwing money at Ford since many CPC supporters on here have pointed out it is the company and not necessarily the economy that is the problem. That would be confirmed by the fact that Toyota sales were up 28% last month in Canada, so it doesn’t seem like car sales are the problem in Canada, it appears it is the type of car. Aside from that, this is in Ontario and isn’t this the Province that the Finance Minister deemed to be the worst place in Canada to invest. Then why, at this time, is there all this speculation that Harper will be throwing some dollars at Ford? Now is it economic conditions and the PM is right in throwing money into Ford or is it bad management on the part of Ford and the PM would be better to invest elsewhere. I would be interested in the CPC supporters response on this given they appear to have crucified McGuinty in the past for doing the same thing?
From the standpoint of an old time Progressive Conservative , I have been watching Halton & wondering where the Conservative candidate is hiding.
An election is hanging over our heads in the next few days & I still see no candidate.
Surely the riding association has been forewarned that a vote my occur.
Surely , there are potential candidates in the wings—I have read about at least three who have worked to place their name in nomination.
Surely , a vote will be held to pick one of the three.
But , as sure as Mr Harper lied about the taxing of income trusts , I have heard democracy is about to be thrown out the window once more.
A “star” candidate by the name of Lisa Raitt is about to be thrust upon the unsuspecting riding association who will have no say whatsoever.
No vote will be held.
To hell with the three who attempted to run democratically.
What has happened to my party of old where democracy mattered.
Power is now the operative word—power for Mr Harper.
The people be damned.
That is why I am no longer a supporter of the Conservative movement.
37 years up in smoke.
All I can say is good luck Garth–I don`t care which party you represent–all I know is that you were chosen by a democratic process which no longer exists in the ‘New” Conservative Party of Canada.
Dr Mike Popovich—still pissed-off in Rodney.
I thought this was greatly said by Michael Ignatieff on his web site
An Inevitable Election
Posted 5 days ago by Michael
Mr. Harper wants an election. He is not going to let his own fixed term election law get in the way. He pretends Parliament is not working. Parliament is working just fine. The reality is that his government is not working. His legislative agenda is bare. He has nothing to offer.
For Mr. Harper, having an election now is a sign of weakness, not a sign of strength. He calculates that his support is bound to drop in the coming months. The economy is weakening. The public finances are running close to deficit. Being an incumbent Prime Minister hasn’t won him any more support than he had in the last election.
I’ve gone coast to coast in the past month and I see no sign of a rising blue tide. Harper himself knows this. Better to cut your losses with a quick election now than risk a long autumn being held accountable in Parliament. That’s what he is thinking, and for once he is right.
Harper will try to make this election be about us. We need to make sure this election is about Stephen Harper. We need to be asking our neighbours at the doorstep: do you trust him? do you like him? do you believe him? All the evidence suggests their answer to these questions will be NO.
He will try to scare Canadians. We need to offer them hope. We have so much to offer our people: learning and early child care for every Canadian child; better housing; education and medical care for our aboriginal fellow citizens; help for seniors coping with rising energy prices; better aid for students so that we can truly be a country where if you get the grades, you get to go; and a national strategy to make us both an energy superpower and an environmental leader.
Canadians know us. They have trusted us for generations when times were tough. They will trust us to lead them into the new economy of the 21st century.
3 Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan
Three Canadian soldiers were killed and five injured during an attack Wednesday on their armoured vehicle in southern Afghanistan, the Canadian military said.
The deaths come two weeks after three other soldiers were killed by a roadside bomb in the volatile Zhari district of the Kandahar province.
God be with their families…
Canadian TSE down 700 points in the last two days….
By wjp on 09.03.08 12:22 pm
All due to the fall in oil and resources stocks as the price of crude drops and the global economy slows.
What a pity, PMSH couldn’t see the damage being done to the rest of the country when oil and the dollar were flying. Now his two bastions, for saying the Canadian economy is strong, are faltering.
Canada and U.S. the worst?
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080703/global_warming_080703?s_name=&no_ads=
Ford sales down 26%…
GMAC cutting 5000 jobs…
Gmac closing retail offices….
Canadian TSE down 700 points in the last two days….
By wjp on 09.03.08 12:22 pm
The other shoe hits the floor.
Credit card defaults on the rise, predicted to go to 11% by 2009. I`ll be very surprised if it stays under 25%.
the melt is on
A global mag lift system would produce more jobs than workers. 0 pollution, unpave the roads, support commodity prices, no stop and go energy wasting traffic, state owned infrastructure on private contracts with private investment ($15T idle in cash accounts) and it all starts with a $50M competition grant to our universities. With a further $200M to make it a global competition,,, or we can just have world war 3.
You choose
Dear Voters.
May we buy two seats…
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080902.welect0902/BNStory/National/home
As much as I sympathize with the plight of truckers, there is just no getting around the fact that trucking is just about the most carbon intensive and energy inefficient means of moving large quantities of goods around the continent. We need a greater reliance on food and goods that can be produced locally, and more investment in rail for stuff we can’t produce locally.
Sorry, but the blacksmiths all had to find new careers too.
By Jennifer Smith on 09.03.08 1:03 am
Question: Do you have an energy efficient greenhouse in your backyard that you grow bananas in our bananaless dominion? Thought not. Do you have a snow plow blade on your two seater all terrain bicycle for the 4 foot snow drifts on the way to your local grocery store? Not likely. Does your trans-continental railroad use electricity from overhead pickup wires connected to the nearest nuclear power plant instead of diesel locomotion as it provides just in time dock to dock delivery of your work pieces at your employment site factory? Not in this reality.
If you have a PhD in Engineering Physics and can provide the entrepenuers of our great nation with a visionary new super efficient mode of logistics that does not use the Detroit Diesel Motor, then you are in line for earning the greatest fortune since that which has been accumulated by university drop out Bill Gates! Please step up and present your master thesis on where and how the greediest industrial manipulators in the history of the World have missed the boat!
The profit motive and the competition with smartest minds have and will produce the most efficient way to perform every task given a free market.
What you see around you did not happen by accident. It was by much careful design on the part of a huge number of minds. The only way to change it to a more eco-cleaner mode is by joint treaties world wide and by mutual legislation. The only serious stumbling block is international cooperation on agreement and sanctions if cheaters do not comply.
Most people do not, or can not look at the total over all picture, because they are distracted by the immdeiate local tangible problems.
Did you read my post last night about carbon dioxide sequestration? Why do we have a problem? did you notice that over the length of the Industrial Age the people in this World (150 years) have cut down the forests and not replanted enough to the tune of a 50% deficit in forests? NO because the onset and scope is so wide spread over such a long time that you and most everyone does not notice. And this is only one facet of the over all GHG problem. The more scary problem is World population net growth. If you are not lazy and sit down to your digital thinking machine to plug in the numbers that go along with a projected World population of 14 Billion Homo Sapiens by year 2050. Use verifiable numbers for food, potable water, sewage disposal, clothing, medical care, and so on……the logistics at some point become inoperable. This is a bigger challenge than current climate change. By ignoring the facts we are imperiling all of the biological systems on Earth. WAKE UP!
Any idea when the Halton Conservatives will be announcing their
choicecoronation of Lisa Raitt as their candidate?I’m guessing this is why so few Conservative candidates have been selected so far. It’s not like they have to go through the whole lengthy, messy process of riding associations meeting and voting – they just have to wait for the writ to drop and open the Secret Envelope from Central HQ.
Hi Garth,
I have heard that the Conservative party (aka Doug Findley) is planning on nominating Lisa Raitt from Toronto as the candidate in Halton.
After some quick googling I see that she was a part of the Toronto Port Authority during the whole island bridge fiasco and she manageed to collect a hefty bonus in the process while tax payers were left to pay millions for the cancellation.
How can the party just drop someone with such a bad track record into the riding when there are worthy candidates right here?
I have supported the grassroots movement in the Conservative party, but this just flies in the face of everything that was supposed to be different about the new Conservatives.
Yet more hypocrisy from Harper…after doing absolutely NOTHING to help manufacturers in Ontario and stating that his government had no interest in supporting individual industries… Harper now throws millions at a Ford engine plant.
http://news.sympatico.msn.ctv.ca/abc/home/contentposting.aspx?isfa=1&feedname=CTV-TOPSTORIES_V3&showbyline=True&newsitemid=CTVNews%2f20080903%2fford_announcement_080903
I hope that voters see through this obvious attempt to buy their votes.
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.
“Glad to see Mr Dion considering amending the Green Shift plan a bit. Even though I don’t support the Green Shift plan, at least he shows that he is listening to people’s concerns. No plan is ever perfect from the get go, and it’s important to adapt. If you are unable to read what’s going on, and unwilling to adapt, you won’t go far as a leader in my books.
I don’t see anything weak about that, likely shows more of a strength of character than anything.
By R Smith on 09.03.08 12:39 pm”
I agree 100% R Smith…. actually listening and adjusting things is a sign of a participative leadership style. One that builds consensus rather than division. Kudos to Dion!
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.
A little more on Lisa Raitt from the Toronto Sun
But a web report from Pacific Free Press has taken it to a new level with this: “Lisa Raitt told (Halton board member Keith Hesse) she won’t declare because she’s worried about the media and Toronto council finding out about her responsibility for the Island Airport. (Rumour has it the Tories want to make her transport minister to expand Toronto island airport so Porter will buy more planes from Bombardier in Montreal!!!)”
Or how about this…
http://www.communityair.org/Background/35_Million/35_Million.html
More outrages about the TPA were revealed. In 2003, the year of the election and the cancellation of the bridge, the port authority lost $5.3 million on its operations. In that same year, Henry Pankratz, the chair of the TPA, received $120,000. Lisa Raitt, president and CEO, was paid $185,000 including a bonus of $25,000 for getting approval of the bridge, and Alan Paul, the CFO, received $155,000, with a bonus of $20,000. But the bridge was cancelled and the approval rescinded. As well, critics pointed out that Raitt and Paul were working for a public agency. In Canada civil servants never receive bonuses for doing their jobs.
I don’t now about everyone else, but if they are going to bypass the people of halton and makes us take a candidate of their choosing, perhaps they should try a bit harder.
As well, a third of US warships are now headed for the Persian Gulf
http://www.lewrockwell.com/north/north648.html
BY CHARLES OXLEY ON 09.03.08 12:19 PM
Charles, great link, and what a perfect example of how big our world problems are. It’s all connected.
Yes, I know the MSM are mostly lazy.
By Go Green on 09.03.08 10:39 am
Wrong! They are shackled by their ownership. Friends of sh.
Even the CBC is afraid of him because he holds the purse strings.
“grassroots democracy”?
I believe it was pointed out here at Garth,ca that the Liberals aren’t specifically against the policy of selecting delegates to run, Garth.
House prices falling out west…
http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/story.html?id=c8aaa400-0354-468a-932c-ab418414e85d
Garth,
Glad to hear that there has been some compromising regarding the green shift.
The green shift might be exactly what the country needs to shake up our economy and keep us out of recession.
As for campaigning, my two cents of advice today is;
1) One of his communication handlers should be a funny person whom is able to keep Dion relaxed prior to campaigning events.
2) Mr. Dion is good at engaging the crowd, so answering questions is better than saying speeches.
3) If attacks are going to be made on Harper’s record as PM, then those attacks should be made front bench MPs other than Dion. Dion should push his message of hope, let the others like, Bob Rae, Rob LeBlanc, Mike Ignatiff, Garth Turner, do the Dirty work of criticising Harper.
STEPHEN HARPER’S SELECTIVE MEMORY SYNDROME … W’ERE HAVING AN ELECTION & I’VE GOT MY FIRST AUTOWORKER MP.
A tale of two cities
Gord Henderson, Windsor Star
Published: Thursday, January 17, 2008
“The outrageous stonewalling over the $30 million in federal assistance needed to reopen Ford of Canada’s Essex Engine Plant speaks volumes about how out of touch with reality this government and its fat cat mandarins have become.
While Windsor sheds jobs and watches its best and brightest, not to mention its most desperate, pack up and move away, the Stephen Harper government is either taking its sweet time — as in waiting for the next election campaign — in deciding whether to invest in this no-brainer project or it’s allowing brittle ideology to stand in the way of a common-sense decision that would give the Windsor area economy a badly needed boost.”
But don’t be CYNICAL, folks!
Does anybody, for a minute, think Stephane Dion would not be supportive of an expenditure to support jobs in the auto sector? Of course he would. If Harper loses the election, any monies cynically pledged to the auto sector would flow immediately. So, what is Steveie doing? He knows there’s a Big Al Melt waiting form him!
A little more on Lisa Raitt from the Toronto Sun
But a web report from Pacific Free Press has taken it to a new level with this: “Lisa Raitt told (Halton board member Keith Hesse) she won’t declare because she’s worried about the media and Toronto council finding out about her responsibility for the Island Airport. (Rumour has it the Tories want to make her transport minister to expand Toronto island airport so Porter will buy more planes from Bombardier in Montreal!!!)”
Or how about this…
http://www.communityair.org/Background/35_Million/35_Million.html
More outrages about the TPA were revealed. In 2003, the year of the election and the cancellation of the bridge, the port authority lost $5.3 million on its operations. In that same year, Henry Pankratz, the chair of the TPA, received $120,000. Lisa Raitt, president and CEO, was paid $185,000 including a bonus of $25,000 for getting approval of the bridge, and Alan Paul, the CFO, received $155,000, with a bonus of $20,000. But the bridge was cancelled and the approval rescinded. As well, critics pointed out that Raitt and Paul were working for a public agency. In Canada civil servants never receive bonuses for doing their jobs.
I don’t now about everyone else, but if they are going to bypass the people of halton and makes us take a candidate of their chossing, perhaps they should try a bit harder.
Dear voters in Quebec,
we would like to buy votes, please overlook that most of this money is being re-annouced…
http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/story.html?id=0e1e2c8c-003c-4cdc-8891-3c059e5ef6b6
A “star” candidate by the name of Lisa Raitt is about to be thrust upon the unsuspecting riding association who will have no say whatsoever.
No vote will be held.
By Dr Mike from Rodney on 09.03.08 1:07 pm
Tory Deathwish in Ontario: Party Bosses Cutting Grassroots
Sunday, 24 August 2008
Do The Tories Have A Death Wish?
by Charles W. Conn
The federal riding of Halton lies west of Toronto. The city of Milton is in the centre and corners of Oakville and Burlington lie on its southern border. The rest is farm, estate and small village country. It’s a natural Tory stronghold and the Tories are doing everything they can to hand it over to the Liberals.
(It’s Garth Turner’s riding. He was a staunch Tory until he offended some sensitive person(s) in the PMO and the Party threw him out. Now he’s a staunch Liberal.)
They are planning to appoint another candidate, in Halton this time.
Complete article at: http://pacificfreepress.com/content/view/2970/81/
Dear Voters.
May we buy two seats…
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080902.welect0902/BNStory/National/home
By wjp on 09.03.08 1:26 pm
“Ford wants to build a new, more fuel-efficient V8 engine at the Essex plant, which was closed last November, but reopened earlier this year when the Ontario government provided about $17-million to support the first phase of the V8 project.”
Sounds like something Harper would support. We really need more fuel efficient ‘V8 engine vechicles’.
BTW, apparently the French govt. is offering existing homeowners up to $30K EU’s with zero 0 for any energy efficient modifications they make to their homes.
Not sure of all the details, but at least it sounds like they’re actually doing something as opposed to our current govt.
Truth B Told on 09.03.08 1:41 pm
You nailed it but it raises the question, who has the solution?
is it economic conditions and the PM is right in throwing money into Ford or is it bad management on the part of Ford and the PM would be better to invest elsewhere. I would be interested in the CPC supporters response on this given they appear to have crucified McGuinty in the past for doing the same thing?
By wjp on 09.03.08 1:07 pm
Actually wjp I was the ones that questioned the sanity of investing in V-8 engines.
The CPC were blasting the lack of corporate tax cuts which I didn`t comment on.
Do you have any links to the proposal, it would be an interesting comparison.
This is a bigger challenge than current climate change. By ignoring the facts we are imperiling all of the biological systems on Earth. WAKE UP!
By Truth B Told on 09.03.08 1:41 pm
Agree, but we have to start somewhere. Those in the Harper Govt. won’t do anything unless the US, China & India come on board. We are truly missing out by not encouraging industries, as in Denmark & other northern European countries, to create new energy efficient technology that we can then sell to the world. It certainly won’t happen under Harper’s watch.
3 Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan
Three Canadian soldiers were killed and five injured during an attack Wednesday on their armoured vehicle in southern Afghanistan, the Canadian military said.
The deaths come two weeks after three other soldiers were killed by a roadside bomb in the volatile Zhari district of the Kandahar province.
God be with their families…
By wjp on 09.03.08 1:12 pm
I support the troops, having had 2 bros who were in the military, but I don’t support the Afghan war.
An interesting article about Elizabeth May, which surprised me.
http://web.mac.com/bandcroft/Relative_Newz/Blog/Blog.html
EXCERPT
Sunday, August 31, 2008
What you Gain on the Roundabouts you Lose on the Swing Votes
Janine Bandcroft
relativenewz.ca
August 31st 08
Today’s Times Colonialist newspaper has a front page story that mentions the Green Party favourably. Will wonders never cease?
There’s no denying it’s a big story – the first Green MP. But they sure didn’t report the story the way I would have. It’s not that I have anything against the Green Party per se, or that I like to slam politicians (though they’re often such easy targets). Not at all — I’m the first to celebrate anytime I hear about people working for something bigger than themselves, something beneficial to all life on earth, and the earth herself.
Can I tell you my version of the ‘First Green MP’ story?………..
Since I’m not at work today, I’m spending way too much time on the computer. Anyway, thanks to Google, I found this site. Perhaps others knew of it, but I didn’t.
http://www.fairvotecanada.org/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ptzml1qQvZE&feature=related
BY DEE 09.02.08 11:25PM
Thanks DEE. That was hilarious. I just love the British humour.
Wonder if they have made a similiar one re Afghanistan!!
“Less people are donating while more working people are using food banks and this is only the start of the melt . . . The new B2B, bullets and body bags. Is a global mag lift starting to sound like a reasonable alternative yet? . . . or we can just have world war 3. You choose” — unintended consequences
California and Florida food banks started going out of business a few months ago, as the cost of food climbed, a trend which is not showing any signs of changing course.
A global mag lift sounds like an excellent idea for the future. Unfortunately, another choice has already been made for people by those who are not part of our lives.
Seems as if the preamble to WW3 is almost over, and the B2B theory will shortly become fact. Simply rhetorical garbage that’s being spun by the msm, none of which can be believed.
Pure propaganda, so everyone for themselves. Once WW3 is over, then rebuilding begins, and that is when mag lifts can be put to good use — get rid of the internal combustion engine.
Hi Garth,
I managed to get into the “big party” last night in the ‘peg and was a little disapointed with some (NOT all) of Dion’s showing.
When the 9/11 question was presented Dion seemed a little scared. The moment the assembly turned from the “Dionapoloosa” course it was on he did not seem comfortable and reverted to the 8 yr old response “we were all deeply saddend by the tragedy….” instead of aknowledging the question and giving an intelligent answer like “that is an interesting question, maybe we should look a little closer into the developing causes of wars – especially the ones we are in,.. but we must support our troops that stand in the way of danger for us NOW”
What i’m saying is; he’s an intelligent guy, he should have given an intelligent answer and not simply let the mob dismiss the question for him(not very democratic).
Second, someone MUST explain how the greenshift will put locks on pollution emitting companies who simply try to pass the tax onto consumers. and how money taken from MY pocket, given to the government, interest collected over the year, and the ORIGINAL amount given back to me is justifiable.
I enjoyed the open discussion (though dion himself might have been able to better stave off the meandering, ill-concieved questions than anita) and look forward to hearing more on the liberals platform.
When are those who complain about what’s in it for them going to get that we’re not going to fix the global warming mess we’re in without cost to everyone?
We didn’t create the climate crisis, but doing nothing while we bicker about what to do about it is no longer an option.
In the past few days we’ve learned that the polar ice is melting much faster than predicted. All that ice, formed over thousands of years, was reflecting back the sun and kept the planet from overheating. When its gone, it won’t come back.
This is a crisis of immense proportions for the entire planet. If anyone thinks this should not be the issue in the next election, give your head a shake. The price of gas, falling home prices, job losses, and such won’t matter a damn when everyone on the planet is faced with struggling to survive the catastrophic effects of global warming…it won’t be pretty.
Hi Charles Oxley on 09.03.08 12:19 pm,
Thanks for the link. I always enjoy them.
Bush starting WW3 is still in the cards.
Don’t forget that Iran has hired a lot of Biological weapons scientist from the old Soviet Union when they collapsed.
I don’t for one minute think that Iran might not already have sleeper agents in North America. With a few nasty biological stuff just waiting for the Bush gang to do something really stupid to Iran.
If the ‘insane, mad’ neo-conns behind Bush and harper have there way, the next few mouth are going to be exceptionally dangerous for the whole worlds population (caring human beings).
The western bankers of the world are coming very close to falling off the cliff. They banking cartel is very broken and needs smart, wise, brave persons to get it fixed. PMSH is NOT that person; he’s just a follower/puppet of the people behind the curtains of control/power.
You remember these warnings?
From 1961 (few minutes only)
http://www.sonyclassics.com/whywefight/main.html
And
Speech That Killed John F. Kennedy. 2min
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhyZelSj7PM
(There is a longer version that you can find on youtube.)
Here is more ‘Insanity’ to learn about for your own family’s safety and health;
Vaccines – Robert F. Kennedy Jr.7 1/2min
(Ethel mercury is 50% of tryamosol(sp?)
Mercury is a Nero toxin.
If you put a vaccine with tryamoso(sp?) into a fish it would be considered unsafe to eat! Why do we still put this into vaccines and inject it into our kid’s blood stream?
Vaccines have there place but not the Ethel mercury they us as a preservative. It’s in the fluw shoots they offer us for free in Ontario.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5U6XQpJC9DI&feature=related
Fluoride that is added to our clean drinking water, is toxic waste, and is not benign! Why are we still adding it to our drinking water? ‘Drinking it’ does not stop cavities at all!
Get the good newest science and info. at this site, and there are links to other good science about it.
http://www.fluoridealert.org/
Don’t we want people to be as health and as smart as possible for as long as possible?
Don’t we want to reduce the cost of health care by keeping people healthy?
Don’t we want more smart people and less retarded people in our society?
The guys PMSH hired to look at the water fluoridation issue did not look at the newest good science. I guess that isn’t what PMSH was paying them to do.
PMSH is not looking out for you and your families. PMSH is looking out for his corporate neo-conn bosses!
What kind of world do you want your family to try and survive in???
You have read your history books? It could happen again! But this time there is technology that is being deployed to make it permanent.
Have you been paying attention?
The latest Scientific American magazine has some interesting articles on some of the technology available. Are you already tagged?
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=how-rfid-tags-could-be-used
Will PMSH get his electronic ‘Evil’ voting and vote counting machines he has asked for?. If he does we are permanently screwed.
You have heard of hackers and worse?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3hUPP_bdOo
As a slave you won’t need to know that.
So you won’t need a free internet anymore. PMSH is alowing you to be charge for every hit every time on the net! Have you been paying attention?
Can you say, yes big brother 1984.
What are you going to do NOW to help make this a world for your family and others worth living in, And livable at all in the future?
Hi Truth B Told on 09.03.08 1:41 pm
and others.
Have you seen these yet?
Why trying to do something about climbate change is a better choice than doing what PMSH is doing, NOTHING!
O wait, he is planing a $65 a ton carbon tax and with out any tax releif!
‘How It All Ends’ 10min
http://www.youtube.com/user/wonderingmind42
Do you now anything about peak-oil?
Do you now the way PMSH is letting the tar sand expand, Canada will be all out of are natural gas by 2028. How old will you be? How do you heat your home and water now? PMSH non-plan sounds like a great plan, NOT!
This is a great show! same link as above, just scrowl down.
‘The Most IMPORTANT Video You’ll Ever See’
I seriously laughed at that newspaper clipping. Keep them on the run, Mr. Turner!
be happy for the yuppies, maybe they’ll donate some of that money to their local food bank to help out people like you.
By Reid on 09.03.08 12:02 pm
I`ve been there twice in the last 8 years and donated $25 back as soon as I could.
Less people are donating while more working people are using food banks and this is only the start of the melt.
By unintended consequences on 09.03.08 12:39 pm
Hi Reid and Rope – I donate every year to the Food Bank in my city. So sad that we should have to. They were created as an interim measure and they had hoped they’d ‘go out of business’. Now, unfortunately, more & more people have to use them. So sad that we have such poverty in such a wealthy country. Not sure what the answer is. Perhaps a flat tax?
Strong men are not necessarily being strong in the defence of the common good. Harper may be strong but he’s so wrong!
Many of these strong men in history have been called ‘dictators’. It seems that if Harper cannot dictate to the opposition parties, he is going to take his marbles and go home to see if he can , by hook or by crook, get a bigger club.
The big problem is that, in order to “incrementally” change Canada so that we won’t “recognize it”, — another promise that he does want to keep, he really will need a majority government because he knows he can’t subvert our society to his ideology with three or four opposition parties who are so much more mainstream than his radical party.
I agree with Lana and Bonnie that we must all do things like Go Green has done to spread the facts and we must show supporting links or resources so that our credibility will remain high.
Garth,
During Dion’s speech in Winnipeg I again realized ho terrible it is to have to listen to poor translations of words spoken by leaders.
<r Dion’s French is crystal clear and anyone with the least bit of high school education in Canada can follow what he says in French as well a s in English.
The same goes for Harper. It would be good for anglophone followers of this man to hear him speak French so that they can realize that Dion”s English is as good or better than Harper’s French.
Canadians don’t realize how much is lost when they have to listen to poor and halting simultaneous translation.
It sounds so backward for a country that is officially Bi-lingual to have to suffer through bad translation that gets lost and makes the speaker’s message useless.
Maybe we can finally grow up and listen to either language with equal clarity.
I’m a realist as well as an idealogist. Nothing is ever perfect, nothing. If anyone can get an ideology to work as policy it will be Dion. I know there’s going to have to be some tweaking, no question. I just want things to be fair for all sectors of Canada’s population.
We’ve all seen what happened to the ice shelves in the Arctic. Doing nothing is not the Canadian way. We have to try. Reducing carbon emissions will hopefully slow things down a bit until we can find more viable solutions. Finding viable solutions takes capital. The green shift gives the means.
Elizabeth May during her interview on ‘The Current’ had described her plan most eloquently. ‘Just another way of collecting taxes.’ I hope I got the quote right.
Dion’s green plan revises the way on how taxes are collected and how that tax is distributed amongst the population.
There are concerns about the downturn in the economy and how much havoc on changing how taxes are collected will cause. In my mind that’s fodder. The same people will be voicing the same concerns when the economy is humming along.
The future depends on what we do in the present. -Mahatma Gandhi
Hey maybe you can get CNN to come up and cover the cuacus meeting and get a one-sided view out there. If anyone questions there is a liberal media bias just watch the cheerleading going on for Obama on CNN. I thought the CBC was bad but this is absolutely over the top.
OK, so the Grren plan is revenue neutral, we’ll all be better off after the income tax break.
There’s $1 billion of wiggle room.
Subsidies for truckers, fishermen, …
this is the golden goose!
And you Blondey, vote for a lib party full of incompetent, greed stricken, self serving, power mad, corrupt, silver spoon, special interest lobby whores. That’ll be the day.
You go poison someone else’s well.
BY AD ON 09.03.08 12:36 PM
I take your point, Ad.
So I guess we have something in common — we both want whats best for canada.
The question in my mind then is — can we work together?
I take your point, Ad.
So I guess we have something in common — we both want whats best for canada.
The question in my mind then is — can we work together?
By blondey on 09.03.08 3:13 pm
We absolutely can, as soon as we stop bashing and name calling others because they have different opinions or want different things. Also, we have to learn to accept that, not always things will go our way and that’s not the end of the world.
By Truth B Told on 09.03.08 1:41 pm
Your points are well taken. The last paragragh in your post is the most important one.
I came to the conclusion about 40 years ago, that if there were a higher life form studying us from afar, they would conclude that we are a cancer on this organism that we refer to as Earth.
We are spreading without control all over the planet, and we are consuming it. What we have been doing, from historic times, is ultimately not sustainable.
At some point, someone will have to come to grips with this reality and either find a way to control population growth, find a way to replenish what we consume or some combination of both.
Pass the Soylent Green; I’m hungry.
Hey maybe you can get CNN to come up and cover the cuacus meeting and get a one-sided view out there. If anyone questions there is a liberal media bias just watch the cheerleading going on for Obama on CNN. I thought the CBC was bad but this is absolutely over the top.
By Brian Wilson on 09.03.08 2:58 pm
Turn on Fox…you’ll get the other side!
Glad to see Mr Dion considering amending the Green Shift plan a bit. Even though I don’t support the Green Shift plan, at least he shows that he is listening to people’s concerns. No plan is ever perfect from the get go, and it’s important to adapt. If you are unable to read what’s going on, and unwilling to adapt, you won’t go far as a leader in my books.
I don’t see anything weak about that, likely shows more of a strength of character than anything.
By R Smith on 09.03.08 12:39 pm
Is it the Green Shift plan you don’t support or is it acyally the Liberal Party? No matter which party you support one of them will eventually have to put a plan on the table. Cap & Trade, proposed by both the Greens & the Cons will take years (most likely at least 4) to implement. Do we really want to wait that long? Dion is proposing a carbon tax now with a possible cap & trade in the future.
By wjp on 09.03.08 1:12 pm
INFANTRYMAN
(words and music by John Wort Hannam)
My boy came home form the war today
I stood by as his plane touched down
An infantryman on foreign shores
Coming on back to his hometown
And it’s been so long since he’s been gone
I stand before him now and gaze in disbelief
My boy came home from the war today
Draped in the Mapleleaf
My boy came home from the war today
With a medal for valour in combat
They hoisted high on their shoulders
And everyman gathered there clutched his hat
But no fanfare played and no speeches were made
No pretty young maids waved a hankerchief
My boy came home from the war today
Draped in the Mapleleaf
When my boy came home from the war today
He was draped in the Mapleleaf
My boy came home from the war today
Now my heart is filled with grief
Brian Wilson: Then CTV and FOX should be your channels of choice!
I am so proud of my Prime Minister-to-be Stephane Dion. I happened to turn on the TV just after he began speaking. He was so Prime Ministerial. He speaks to my values and wants for Canada. He didn’t let Stephen Harper get away with anything.
I was so into what he was saying, I forgot to record this momentous presentation by Stephane. I desperately want a copy of it if anyone happened to record it. I will pay for the blank and the postage. I want to make copies to give to many people because that will be the best way for Canadians to know what Stephane Dion and his team are all about.
Please let me know how I might get a DVD copy of today’s speech.
Bring it on Stephen Harper. Onward to victory Liberal supporters. With dedication and hard work we can do it. Thank you Stephane and thank you Stephane’s team. Stephane Dion will lead us through the challenging times ahead to a greener, fairer, richer Canada for ourselves, our children and grandchildren. Stephane Dion is showing Canada a new governance.
And you Blondey, vote for a lib party full of incompetent, greed stricken, self serving, power mad, corrupt, silver spoon, special interest lobby whores. That’ll be the day.
You go poison someone else’s well.
BY AD ON 09.03.08 12:36 PM
AD – Not sure where you stand other than accuse the Libs being incompetent. Do you think the cons are incompetent?
I take your point, Ad.
So I guess we have something in common — we both want whats best for canada.
The question in my mind then is — can we work together?
By blondey on 09.03.08 3:13 pm
Blondey – do you really think the cons are willing to work fwith the Libs & other parties FOR CANADIANS OF ALL STRIPES?
By Ed Brooks on 09.03.08 3:34 pm
Great poem Ed..thanks for sharing it.
Blondey – do you really think the cons are willing to work fwith the Libs & other parties FOR CANADIANS OF ALL STRIPES?
By Go Green on 09.03.08 3:44 pm
Read my post above … just don’t Go Green in the face.
For Barb the proofreader:
No problem. Didn’t want you think I was only about dickie humour.
I thought the subprime & Iraq conversations were dead on. Best explanations I’ve seen so far.
Hi Garth,
In light of the day’s tragic news of three more Canadian soldiers killed in Afganistan, might I ask readers to remember the Harper fought hard to have us join the US in Iraq when he was opposition leader.
Would anyone sane in Canada support such a stance today? I hope not.
What’s Harper’s stance on that today should he somehow pull off a majority?
Listening to HarpOn speak today, trying to defend the indefensible, the killing of 3 Canadian boys in Afghanistan. When he repeated the BushCo mantra – 9/ll,have to prevent that from coming HERE, I thought my head would explode! I simply cannot believe he would actually think we would still believe that utter B.S. And look who is shilling for TD, the retired and well pensioned Hillier, for the shareholders of course. Remember the ’scumbag’ remark…hmmm The hypocrisy just continues on and on.
Hey HarpOn, We Know, We know working class youth in uniform are being asked to fight and die for the profits of the oil corporations. HarpOn said that casualties in Afghanistan are the price for Canada having an increased role in the world. Really? Your using Canadian working class children for an increased role in the world? that’s what you would expect to hear from an Imperialist. Except it’s not you or your corporate friends who pay the price is it? The deaths hit working class youth who enter the military for economic reasons hits the working class as a whole. HarpOn and the oil executives profit while none of their children are fighting and dying. Our military isn’t fighting the forces of corruption, and the heroin trade, we’re supporting them. Our main enemy is at home in the form of the war-hungry Conservative government. HarpOn, look around, I’m sure there is a rock nearby you can crawl under, you shameful, sinful, hypocrite.
“I am so proud of my Prime Minister-to-be Stephane Dion.”
My gosh, I read that and nearly choked!!! I’m not sure we will ever see that in this lifetime or the next…..but it’s always good to have goals, LOL!!
Just over two months ago, we were presented (with much fanfare) the greenshift plan of Monsieur Dion, and was told right here on this blog that Dion had hit a home run!
Now I am not so sure.
This may NOT have been the issue upon which to base our campaign, or to be the centrepiece plank of our platform.
Tragically, support for the green shirt carbon tax proposal has fallen over the summer, and what we had once thought was a home run may turn into being a foul ball.
It has now become apparent that, in all realism, the Green Shirt alone will not defeat the Cons.
The pollsters have found grounds for Liberal concern even in vote-rich Ontario, a key electoral battleground. The portion of respondents who may vote for PM Stephan Harper specifically to block the Green Shirt rose eight pionts to 43%.
Now we have been told today that the plan is being tweaked to satisfy special interest groups such as the farmers. The problem is, we were told at the end of last June that the plan, as presented, would be “revenue neutral.”
Now that we are already promising hundreds of millions to satisfy special groups such as the farmer, how will this affect the “revenue neutral” aspect of the carbon tax? Will we have to raise the carbon tax even more to satisfy these special interest groups such as the Alberta farmers?
This is becoming more and more complicated, and the average voter is not sure what to think anymore.
I get the feeling that somehow we need a fresh start with a fresh leader. Dion swung and missed on calling the timing of the next election. He has hit a foul ball on the carbon tax issue. One more strike, and he is out.
Spoken like a true Conservative masquarading as a Liberal… and today hiding behind a new handle. Actually GS support is hanging steady at 50 per cent levels, is still revenue neutral, and since when are the people who give us food a ’special interest’? Dion has the wisdom to make his policies work on the ground. That’s leadership. — Garth
“Once WW3 is over, then rebuilding begins”, says Charles Oxley, ever an optimist.
Rebuilding by the cockroach survivors? Or perhaps the few elite sequestered political/military leaders?
What’s going on Garth?
Is David Emmerson and Loyala Hearn not running again?
Dear Voters of Toronto:
May we buy some votes…
We are giving the city 5 million to battle street gangs…This is not to be confused with trying to buy votes…
LMAO….the buyer…Stockwell Day
What’s going on Garth?
Is David Emmerson and Loyala Hearn not running again?
By AToryNoMore on 09.03.08 4:36 pm
From what I’ve read today, neither are going to run.
Without much investigation, I found this website.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/09/03/emerson-election.html
By Izzy on 09.03.08 4:21 pm
I suggest you look at the last Nanos Poll, the parties are virtually tied, while Harper’s leadership polling is high, it isn’t translating into votes. Must be something about the CPC that pulls them down…maybe they aren’t accountable!!!
“I am so proud of my Prime Minister-to-be Stephane Dion.”
My gosh, I read that and nearly choked!!! I’m not sure we will ever see that in this lifetime or the next…..but it’s always good to have goals, LOL!!
By MUSKOKA JILL on 09.03.08 4:21 pm
MJ – can you say you are proud of all of Harper’s broken promises?
“I am so proud of my Prime Minister-to-be Stephane Dion.”
My gosh, I read that and nearly choked!!! I’m not sure we will ever see that in this lifetime or the next…..but it’s always good to have goals, LOL!!
By MUSKOKA JILL on 09.03.08 4:21 pm
There is none so blind as those will not see.
Muskoka Jill just might be a Harper troll and blind. Anyone want to bet?
Read my post above … just don’t Go Green in the face.
By AD on 09.03.08 3:47 pm
AD – should we go brown like the cons?
“And you Blondey, vote for a lib party full of incompetent, greed stricken, self serving, power mad, corrupt, silver spoon, special interest lobby whores. That’ll be the day.
You go poison someone else’s well.
BY AD ON 09.03.08 12:36 PM”
Hi Garth, this kind of posting really belongs on your blog under the new rules. There is nothing of substance in it other than rather rude name calling.
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.
Garth, you had me convinced to cast my next vote for the Liberals. Upon further study, the green plan has turned me off the Liberals. My vote will definitely be CPC.
When you unseat Dion as Leader, I will support you.
Say, have you heard about the Con plan that will price carbon higher, raise gas and electricity costs, depress economic growth and give no tax relief? You prefer that? — Garth
BY WJP ON 09.03.08 3:46 PM
It brings a tear to my eye, everytime I hear it. It’s a pretty good reminder of the pain that this must cause to the families of these boys. We all grieve for these young men. But there are some who’s pain must be pretty intense.
http://www.johnworthannam.com/video.htm
Both Emerson and Hearn are calling it quits for this election. I wonder why Emerson doesn’t want to face the electorate?? Does this spell certain doom for the DeceptiCons in BC and the Maritimes?
I sure as hell hope so.
You see all the spending annoucements today?
$80 Million for Ford
$5 million for Toronto (Crime)
$20 Million for a football stadium in Quebec
no money for arts, culture, etc.. tho…
Seems the Cons are FLUSH with cash now!
“. . . the few elite sequestered political/military leaders?”
PeckedToDeathByDucks, 4:30 pm
Hello Pecked.
As each person will eventually prove to him / herself, one is alive whether on this side or the other side.
I sure know which side I prefer, and it sure as hell isn’t this one!
Gilles: and what did your further study uncover that dismayed you?
Lower taxes? incentives to farmers, fishers and trucker? taxing polluters?
Or perhaps the fact that it is a Liberal plan and not a Con job???
WJP: don’t forget the money is spread over 4 years.
And the Cons want to be very specific about who they target for the at risk youth programmes.
I say in a year or so, if they are still in power, this funding gets cancelled as “non-productive”
I’ve just sent the following to CBC & will do wo with the other networks. Doubt I’ll get a reply from CTV. I’ll send emails to editors of Cdn newspapers, but as most are canwest, doubt I’ll have much success getting it posted.
If you would like to improve on my comment, please do so. I’m not a scholar, just an average Canadian who fears for my country under another Harper regime.
“All of the MSM have basically been attacking the Liberal Green Shift Plan. Dion has always said he wanted to consult the public and would listen to their concerns. Well, he has, and has changed his plan. A wise person adjusts according to the times.
Please, would your so called analysts do some research, comparing these plans, instead of your 5 second bytes that you call news. I’m waiting for some in-depth analysis instead of rhetoric. Canadians deserve better. What I’d like to know is why you don’t compare Harper’s Turning the Corner plan, and Layton’s & May’s plan. As far as I know the environment is one of four greatest concerns of Canadians.”
By Ed Brooks on 09.03.08 5:27 pm
Sure puts all this into perspective…
By Izzy on 09.03.08 4:21 pm
I suggest you look at the last Nanos Poll, the parties are virtually tied, while Harper’s leadership polling is high, it isn’t translating into votes. Must be something about the CPC that pulls them down…maybe they aren’t accountable!!!
By wjp on 09.03.08 5:00 pm
What are you trying to imply? That maybe el Harpo has SEX APPEAL? Well, this swing voter does not swing that way!
Now for the other part. In today’s mail delivery is another of the photocopied 10% ers. Printing Plate #6002, which has a picture of an aging farmer/duck hunter with the caption “GUN CRIMINAL?” Hmmmm….not likely.
And on the other side the recycled promise about the failed long gun registry from the last election that “We’re scrapping it.”
It is my observation that this gov’t has had 30 plus months to nix it if they had really wanted to, and I also recall that the Assoc. of Canadian Police Chiefs loudly crying that “DON”T DO THAT”.
Finally, with the track record of broken promises, I will give you odds that is one more that will be broken. Promise Keepers, NOT!
. Once WW3 is over, then rebuilding begins, and that is when mag lifts can be put to good use — get rid of the internal combustion engine.
By Charles Oxley on 09.03.08 2:37 pm
there won`t be anyone left to rebuild anything, on the bright side the earth will be green again in 2 or 3 million years
Not sure what the answer is. Perhaps a flat tax?
By Go Green on 09.03.08 2:47 pm
restoration of the rule of law would be the first step otherwise all else is doomed to the same faults and failures we`ve witnessed over the last 40 years.
Garth, you had me convinced to cast my next vote for the Liberals. Upon further study, the green plan has turned me off the Liberals. My vote will definitely be CPC.
When you unseat Dion as Leader, I will support you.
Say, have you heard about the Con plan that will price carbon higher, raise gas and electricity costs, depress economic growth and give no tax relief? You prefer that? — Garth
By Gilles on 09.03.08 5:22 pm
Go vote for the cons Gilles. By the way your post read, you’re just another con with a different moniker.
Do you now the way PMSH is letting the tar sand expand, Canada will be all out of are natural gas by 2028. How old will you be? How do you heat your home and water now? PMSH non-plan sounds like a great plan, NOT!
This is a great show! same link as above, just scrowl down.
‘The Most IMPORTANT Video You’ll Ever See’
By Greg W., Oakville on 09.03.08 2:46 pm
Greg, you must have a short memory and also no access to the total inventory data. There is no shortage of natural gas, but there is shortage of cheaper, more easily extracted natural gas. Canada has in the Arctic Islands a huge supply of natural gas, but there is no cheap method of transportation, yet! then there are the Methane Hydrates in the deeper Ocean depths, which currently they are doing experimental trials on releasing this source into the surface capture devices. Of more current and profitable work is the exploration of the vast deposits of shale oil/natural gases over a huge deposit in Pennsylvania up through N.Y. and on up onto the Quebec Northsore of the St. Lawrence river near Trios Riveres. There is also production from shale deposits in the far North West of B.C. So try to get your mind around the concept: there is lots more natural gas but IT IS GOING TO COST YOU A LOT MORE PER CUBIC FOOT OR METER! Capeche? Comprenez? There is no free lunch, or if you think there is look for the later costs!
The Provincial Liberals recognized the importance of this and assisted right away, after an election, with several years to wait before the next. Take note of the blogger comments at the time. The area was Eugene Whelan country for quite some time because he was a good man. Seems Watson is in need of a life ring for ignoring the importance of the piston ring. Not surprised; Garth posted something on the fellow a year or so ago and he didn’t come across as exactly front bench material.
Results of the last election puts him on endangered species list:
Essex: Jeff Watson 23,125 vs. Susan Whelan 19,510No doubt once the final version of the Green Shift is released it’ll be easier to consider.
I personally like the fact that Dion is willing to change the plan to meet the needs of the many and show he is willing to adjust things that might need tweaking.
Sadly, I don’t think most will see it that way. And I would be shocked to not see the cons try and exploit this as showing Dion as a ‘weak leader’.
I actually think it shows depth and accountability and TRUE leadership myself. But we have been bred to believe that one must be hard nosed, stiff, rigid and unwilling to compromise to be a successful leader.
Can that change in one election?
Here’s hoping.
And the spending begins:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080903.wcflfeds0903/BNStory/Front
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080903.wgangs0903/BNStory/Front
Ford and so on. I love the CFL one. That will help all Canadians, those that can afford cable/satellite, unless it’s blacked out.
What’s all the media attention on the RCMP about? Ah yes, Zaccardelli’s interview on The National.
And one for good ole’ Garth. What did you do Garth whiz on this guy’s Wheaties?
http://www.stephentaylor.ca/tag/garth-turner/
Taylor is Republican supporter. Nothing worse than a Canadian Conservative supporter who toadies.
Garth,your comment about bringing in a bill preventing mp’s sending out flyers to others that are not in their constituency, Wow,good idea. Thankfully you did this all last summer before a common sense bill like this was introduced.My hat is off to you.
“I am so proud of my Prime Minister-to-be Stephane Dion.”
My gosh, I read that and nearly choked!!! I’m not sure we will ever see that in this lifetime or the next…..but it’s always good to have goals, LOL!!
By MUSKOKA JILL on 09.03.08 4:21 pm
Yep…know what you mean…I almost had coffee coming out of my nose on reading that one!! I can’t imagine we’ll be calling Mr. Polling-3rd-Behind-Layton “Prime Minister” any time soon. I can’t imagine the Liberals will be calling him “Leader” much longer either.
(It’s Garth Turner’s riding. He was a staunch Tory until he offended some sensitive person(s) in the PMO and the Party threw him out. Now he’s a staunch Liberal.)
Talk about tainted writing. That is about as tainted as it gets.
The colouring in this manor is what I get upset about with our “Free press” about as it is a form of lie.
Garth’s refusal to end this blog is what they threw him out for.
Is it bad to converse with the electorate?
According to the way this is written it is.
Garth and WE are the offended.
“Say, have you heard about the Con plan that will price carbon higher, raise gas and electricity costs, depress economic growth and give no tax relief? You prefer that? — Garth”
not to put you on the nut about it but have you got a reader on that? I realize the Conservatives are likely loathe to put it all in one place, but primary source would be nice.
Garth, you had me convinced to cast my next vote for the Liberals. Upon further study, the green plan has turned me off the Liberals. My vote will definitely be CPC.
When you unseat Dion as Leader, I will support you.
Say, have you heard about the Con plan that will price carbon higher, raise gas and electricity costs, depress economic growth and give no tax relief? You prefer that? — Garth
By Gilles on 09.03.08 5:22 pm
Garth, don’t bother replying to these “blind faithful harperites”. they are truly beneath you.
Just solder on, and we will try to ignore them as they so richly deserve.
Did you see that the”Floor crosser” that comes from Vancouver is quitting. I bet he is afraid to face the humiliation of finishing dead last in his ridding.
Difference from you??? He was NOT kicked out he CHOSE to cross the floor.
And NEVER consulted with anyone but sh.
The constituents are WAY angry.
(I will never capitalize that liar’s name.)
Yep…know what you mean…I almost had coffee coming out of my nose on reading that one!! I can’t imagine we’ll be calling Mr. Polling-3rd-Behind-Layton “Prime Minister” any time soon. I can’t imagine the Liberals will be calling him “Leader” much longer either.
By Liblooking on 09.03.08 7:23 pm
I know what you mean, I damn near throw up everytime I see deceiving Stephen!
not to put you on the nut about it but have you got a reader on that? I realize the Conservatives are likely loathe to put it all in one place, but primary source would be nice.
By Geiseric the Lame on 09.03.08 7:48 pm
If you go back a few threads, it was kinda all spelled out, or you could go to the CPC site and look for “Turning the Corner”
Dion has to do better if he hopes to grab the brass ring. His ‘new and improved’greenplan will subsidize purchase of new ‘green’ equipment.But when a farmer,fisherman,or trucker buys new equipment,they buy for durability,reliabilty,and most important of all,longetivity.Their equipment,boats,trucks,trailers,tractors,combines,are meant to last for years. These are not auto purchases where they are changed every few years,or when a sexier model comes out. They are purchased to last. Farmers,fisherman,and truckers,will see this ‘improvement’for what it is.Very,very,little.
So with the subsidies farmers will be getting with the tweaked Green Shift, will that affect their income tax reductions? If not, why?
This morning The Current began a series on water issues in Canada, beginning with the Bow River in Alberta. This thin ribbon of water is of incalculable importance to all of Southern Alberta, and its volume of flow is at significant risk as its source snow pack and glaciers shrink as a consequence of climate change. It is issues like these that Dion must stress in marketing the Green Shift; without water, all the oil sands in the world will not help Alberta residents.
Spoken like a true Conservative masquarading as a Liberal… and today hiding behind a new handle. Actually GS support is hanging steady at 50 per cent levels, is still revenue neutral, and since when are the people who give us food a ’special interest’? Dion has the wisdom to make his policies work on the ground. That’s leadership. — Garth
By Izzy on 09.03.08 4:21 pm
Can you tell us who Izzy is? People who come on here dishonestly should be outed in my opinion. Emotional dishonesty…disgusting.
By Geiseric the Lame on 09.03.08 7:48 pm
Here ya go:
http://www.ec.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=75038EBC-1
It appears to me that the new ‘Green Shift’ tax regime is all about behaviour modification or a sin tax if you will .
It makes sense to put a tax on gasoline as our consumption has been steadily declining since prices went berserk .
A key indicator is that prices have remained constant and almost stable during Gustav and Hanna the last hurricanes to hit the Gulf coast .
Before the stability, prices would have spiked by as much as fifteen cents a gallon .
“We’ve been seeing a pretty strong downward trend for the past 8 1/2 weeks, caused by a strong decline in demand,” said Jeff Spring, spokesman for the Automobile Club of Southern California.
The higher the prices the less we use .
Not sure what the Liberals are thinking on this matter but it appears rather short sighted to not carbon tax fuel .
This fuel tax could raise billions of dollars as well as reduce consumption further .
Just a thought .
Lana,
That was HILARIOUS!! Thanks for posting that.
[You've got the day off and I was too busy to read today. Two ships passing.] And me being me, I found the original post, in case the beechnut chides you again, and it was back at 2008/09/02 at 10:20 PM ET on the CBC.
Anyway, thanks again. It was TOO TRUE to not post!!
Jennifer and Truth B,
You are in agreement, you are just stating parallel micro and macro snap shots of truths we should all be concerned with.
There’s enormous problems, and they do stem from our own in-attendance, to those things that we could change in our own circles. I think every concerned person here knows the world problems are complex, but we do have to start at home. We have to get our own house in order and then proceed in the largest ‘baby steps’ we can manage.
For now, the Liberal leader needs a majority to help Canada. I’m going to believe that Dion is a person who puts people’s interests first. Harper is a catalyst for bad government because he has accepted deceit and dishonesty as a means to his own personal ends. Job one, is to defeat Harper. Then we all have to remember to keep the energy going after the dust settles, to help Dion help us, and our world.
Marc: The grants are for those farmers, truckers, fishermen who spend money to buy machinery, technology etc. to reduce their dependence on diesel.
And why do you think a grant should affect a person’s income tax bracket?
You can receive government grants to adapt your home to save energy—but it is not “income” and will not affect your tax situation.
Mr. Turner,
you keep pointing out to the “tax relief” as the difference between Dion’s and Harper’s plans. Do you really think Canadians are stupid enough to base their decision on who’s going to promise a bigger “tax relief”?
Who do you think you’re fooling?
If Canadians are indeed this stupid, what would stop Harper from promising an even bigger “tax relief”?
I just don’t get you anymore.
Dion’s stupid plan would tax production of energy and – by not taxing the gas at the pump- would encourage consumption. Any idiot knows – the more you tax something, the less you’ll have of it.
Do you want money for investing in “green”?
I have a big problem with government doing any kind of investing, but just for the sake of the argument, if you want money for investing in “green” here are a few ideas: get out of Afghanistan and cut spending for tanks for the poppy fields, eliminate the Senate, reduce the bloated government, sell activities government has no business being in.
While they are still MY money, I’ll let Dion have those. He has a miserable track record as a guardian of public funds, he doesn’t have any track record on investment and no qualifications, but I’ll take my chances and allow Dion to invest any money resulted from trimming government’s fat in his green pet project. He can’t do much worse then the average mutual fund manager.
All parties have a climate change strategy which will put a price on carbon. Only the Liberal plan also has tax cuts to offset the impact that such pricing will have on Canadians. What aspect of that do you not understand? — Garth
This is suprising. This announcement is 10 million more than the Essex Ford Plant announcement, in little ‘ol Peterborough. Whoooze zoomin who?
http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1182916
SJ: I agree. Any government policy should always be a work in progress. To adopt a policy and then declare “mission accomplished” is foolhearty. Any competent manager knows that situations, goals, and resources can change and he must always be mindful of the on-going impact of that policy.
Just announced 4 billion to Quebec in infrastructure money from Steve. Yes $4 billion after $20 billion earlier.
That makes billions in preelection spending. Just what Steve hates. Just why Steve wanted fixed election dates for. He should be fired for this.
But I fear money talks louder than principles in canada. Will Canadians se this for what it is. Will Westerners finally grow angry enough at this constant doling out of money? this is preciesly what Steve said he didn’t like. How are Westerners putting up with this. They are OUR tax dollars.
Steve must go…..but do Candians have the guts???
Just announced 4 billion to Quebec in infrastructure money from Steve. Yes $4 billion after $20 billion earlier.By jack on 09.03.08 10:38 pm
________________________________________
In these bad economic times, just what dollar price should we pay with our own money? It’s our money. Quit squandering it?
Isn’t it Ontario that gives 20,000 million more dollars to Ottawa than what it receives in return?
By Tim N on 09.03.08 9:02 pm
thanks!
The grants are for those farmers, truckers, fishermen who spend money to buy machinery, technology etc. to reduce their dependence on diesel.
And why do you think a grant should affect a person’s income tax bracket?
You can receive government grants to adapt your home to save energy—but it is not “income” and will not affect your tax situation.
By Judy on 09.03.08 10:25 pm
The only way to reduce our dependence on diesel fueled engines is for Caterpillar, Detroit DM, c\Cummins, Perkins, Volvo, and others to build engines fueled by Hydrogen. Besides the lack of Hydrogen fueling stations and the costs associated, this is an extremely dangerous gas. It burns without any color to the flame in air, it is the smallest molecule and thus is the hardest to contain in metal vessels, but it also permeates the interstitial voids in the metals to cause embrittlment cracking, which will along with vibration will cause failures.
http://www.rochesterplatingworks.com/serv04.htm
There have been many cases of human deaths associated with hydrogen fueled fires from the Hindenburg to a NASA space capsule at Cape Canaveral, plus many others not so famous.
The technology and training required plus licensing for H2 fueling and transportation is a huge hurdle that most people are not tacking into account. If you think that the greening of our transportation infrastructure is simply a matter of eliminating diesel fueled engines with another fuel, then you are dreaming in technicolor! The replacement of diesel locomotives with electric ones and city buses with trolleys is do-able but the degree to which our industries and commerce depend on trucks is colossal. Just getting locomotives to use desulfurized diesel and like wise ships using desulfurized bunker fuels(if there is any) is a major hurdle. Look at the number of airlines going into Chapter 11 just over the cost of jet fuel alone is scary and it ain’t over yet say the experts. So many “rice bowls” depend on the mechanical efficiency of the diesel engine that if we make a unilateral move to a more expensive method without all of the foreign competition being requires to do the same at the same time, we are history as a manufacturing nation, and we will not be able to afford our food, clothing, entertainment, never mind any transportation. To put it crudely like one salesman that visited our steel mill said when discussing our own family situations, “I when my wife and I had our fifth child, I literally screwed myself out a place at the dinner table”! And that is what we are doing as a species, but most cannot see the forest for the trees!
Wonder if they have made a similiar one re Afghanistan!!
BY GO GREEN ON 09.03.08 2:35 PM
I couldn’t find one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMQRBaJMlC8
Excellent American accent.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuEUZaSlbYc
The first minute is hilarious. If you have time watch the interview with the pope.
There’s one on climate change and another on nuclear power.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has testified that he personally authorized an offer made to late MP Chuck Cadman in 2005 for help defeating the Liberal government.
In sworn testimony filed Wednesday in Ontario Superior Court, Harper said it happened after he heard Cadman was willing to side with the Tories but couldn’t because of financial distress and fear of losing an election.
Ha-ha like we didn’t already know that eh? What an asshole thinking this wouldn’t come out sooner or later. Send it EVERYWHERE!
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/490189
Before the stability, prices would have spiked by as much as fifteen cents a gallon .
“We’ve been seeing a pretty strong downward trend for the past 8 1/2 weeks, caused by a strong decline in demand,” said Jeff Spring, spokesman for the Automobile Club of Southern California.
By Men With Hats on 09.03.08 9:06 pm
Petroleum prices are down as are other commodities as the speculators are leaving these markets in droves. One huge hedge fund in New York has to close and they owe their investors 2.9 billions according to one pundit interviewed this morning. The head of that fund is a well known and respected market trader, but he miss judged the timing of the market and that fund is toast. Expect more fall out in the days to come.
Imagine the sea rising around you as your country literally disappears beneath your feet, where the food you grow and the water you drink is being destroyed by salt, and your last chance is to seek refuge in other lands where climate refugees have no official status. This is not a dream, it’s the fearful reality for millions of people who live on islands around the world, from the Maldives to Papua New Guinea.
That is why these small islands are planning the unprecedented step next week, ahead of the UN General Assembly meeting, of calling on the Security Council itself to address climate change as a pressing threat to international peace and security.
This is a creative move born of desperation, a challenge to global powers to end their complacency and tackle this lethal crisis with the urgency of wars. This effort could help shift the tenor of the world’s debate — from a far-off storm cloud to a life-threatening crisis here and how. But the island states’ campaign will meet fierce opposition from the world’s biggest polluters, so they need our help. Sign the petition now to raise a worldwide chorus of support for this call — our signatures will be presented to the UN by the islands’ ambassadors as they introduce their resolution next week:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/sos_small_islands
For the first time in human history, the North Pole can be circumnavigated — the Arctic ice is melting more quickly than almost anyone anticipated. Now, small island nations — where homes are, at most, mere meters above sea level — are preparing evacuation plans to guarantee the survival of their populations. They are on the frontline, experiencing the first wave of devastating impacts from climate change which soon will threaten us all.
President Remengesau of Palau, a small island in the Pacific, recently said:
Palau has lost at least one third of its coral reefs due to climate change related weather patterns. We also lost most of our agricultural production due to drought and extreme high tides. These are not theoretical, scientific losses — they are the losses of our resources and our livelihoods…. For island states, time is not running out. It has run out. And our path may very well be the window to your own future and the future of our planet”.
Beyond the islands, countries like Bangladesh — population, 150 million — face losing large parts of their landmass. The experience of our planet’s most vulnerable communities serves as a warning sign of the future world we can all expect: extreme weather growing in intensity, conflict over water and food supplies, coasts disappearing and hundreds of millions made refugees.
The more signatures we raise to be delivered to the UN next week, the more urgently this call will ring out to protect our common future. Sign now:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/sos_small_islands
The small islands’ brave campaign for survival is our campaign as well. Just as sea levels rise or fall everywhere at the same time, the choices of every person everywhere affect the future of our common home. By standing with the people at the front line of the climate crisis, we show them, and ourselves, that we recognize our fundamental shared humanity — and the responsibilities that come with it.
With hope, Ben, Iain, Alice, Paul, Graziela, Pascal, Ricken, Brett, Milena — the Avaaz team
beginning with the Bow River in Alberta. This thin ribbon of water is of incalculable importance to all of Southern Alberta, and its volume of flow is at significant risk as its source snow pack and glaciers shrink as a consequence of climate change.
By Dube on 09.03.08 8:54 pm
You have missed the more significance of this “watershed”. At the Southern end the Milk river flows into the Missouri/Mississippi and the Gulf, The Bow and the Saskatchewans flow into Hudson’s Bay, and the Pembina, Athatbaska, Peace Rivers flow into the Arctic, while on “the West side of the hill” the Columbia, Thompson, Frazer, etc. flow into the Pacific. That big long hill is the “top of the World” in those parts. On the East side, the most significant factor is not the rivers but the underground rivers in the foothills and the Prairies that are fed from the glacial melt waters. Once those glaciers are gone, expect to see actual deserts growing out there, where there is an average of less than 2″ inches of rain per Summer and where they depend in part on the accumulation of snow cover during Winter to slowly melt and soak in.
Mean while, the Southern end of the Interior of B.C. is the Northern end of the Mohave Desert and has been for a long time. Once the climate changes are more mature, the Bread Basket of the World as the Prairies were once called will not be productive. I will be long dead by that time and it is thus not my top priority in my retirement. But it should be for every one, not just those of us who were born there.
Yet more hypocrisy from Harper…after doing absolutely NOTHING to help manufacturers in Ontario and stating that his government had no interest in supporting individual industries… Harper now throws millions at a Ford engine plant.
By wjp on 09.03.08 1:07 pm
Even if Harper issued them a signed cheque, it is not valid and maybe revoked after the election like many of his other promises. Political promises made prior to an election are not worth the paper they are written on, especially by those with a track record of breaking promises. And you wonder why Americuns say “In God We Trust” all others must pay cash!
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has testified that he personally authorized an offer made to late MP Chuck Cadman in 2005 for help defeating the Liberal government.
By Molly on 09.03.08 11:29 pm
All along I thought John Reynolds was involved. He was the senior statesman of backroom deals. Just as an aside, Mr. Reynolds former assistant was appointed as Assistant Returning Officer here on the Sunshine Coast in the last 6 months. Talk about – huh?
Now we know. I always wondered why Mr. Harper had not sued Harbour Publishing for the book “Like a Rock” but of course it was on tape and they insisted it was tampered with and yet no lawsuit.
It’s their last defense.
Canada needs a Sarah Palin – someone with integrity, compassion, intelligence, vision…. someone with real conservative values who respects family and country…. Sarah Palin spoke of lowering taxes, fighting corruption, developing alternative energies, reducing the size of government…
and what do we get in Canada??? Belinda??? the “green shaft”??? misery and despair….
This is a joke, right? — Garth
Sign the petition now to raise a worldwide chorus of support for this call — our signatures will be presented to the UN by the islands’ ambassadors as they introduce their resolution next week:
By cms on 09.03.08 11:36 pm
Done.
Thanks for the excellent post.
For those of you wondering about the $65 per tonne price on carbon that the Conservative plan would create, here is an actual quote from Stephen Harper, from a speech he gave to the UK Chamber of Commerce in London England on May 29, 2008
“I should mention that while our plan will effectively establish a price on carbon of $65 a tonne, growing to that rate over the next decade, our Government has opted not to apply carbon taxes.”
So, yes, Stephen Harper did really say that and you can see his entire speech by going to this link:
http://pm.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?id=2131
It is time to take the Conservatives to task about smearing The Green Shift Plan because it prices carbon at $40 per tonne, when the Conservative plan prices carbon at $65 per tonne AND OFFERS NO TAX REDUCTIONS TO CANADIANS!
Yet more hypocrisy and misrepresentations by the Harper Conservatives.
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.
“Not sure what the Liberals are thinking on this matter but it appears rather short sighted to not carbon tax fuel .
This fuel tax could raise billions of dollars as well as reduce consumption further .
Just a thought .
By Men With Hats on 09.03.08 9:06 pm”
The rationale for not applying a carbon tax to fuel is clearly stated in The Green Shift Plan.
Gasoline already has a Federal Excise Tax equivalent to $42 per tonne on it, and diesel fuel will begin to be taxed in year two of the plan, again due to the existing level of Federal Excise Tax on diesel fuel.
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.
The Original,
Excellent post,
You know I have mentioned this before; I think one of Mr. Dion’s communication adviser’s should have French or English as their second language. Someone who understands the difficulties of learning a second language should be advising Mr. Dion. Not some uni-lingual English speaker who tries to correct his every mistake.
If you watch Dion’s videos, he is so fixated on his English that he is nervous and corrects himself over and over again. Who ever put him in that position is a complete idiot.
It really is sad to watch. 3 years ago, before Dion was Leader of the Liberal party he was confident and articulate. Now he is all up tight about making translation or pronunciation mistakes than on what he wants to say.
Dion’s communication handlers should all be fired!
Daryn
DARYN 09.04.08 12:48AM
I find Mr. Dion is charming. Especially.. when he smiles.
And as many have said, who are bilingual themselves, Dion’s English is far better than Harper’s French.
Ha-ha like we didn’t already know that eh? What an asshole thinking this wouldn’t come out sooner or later. Send it EVERYWHERE!
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/490189
By Molly on 09.03.08 11:29 pm
One thing I find mindblowing after reading the link you provide Molly is this clip is:
“Maybe I should add to you where this came up firstly,” he said. “This is when Doug Finley called me through my executive, Ray Novak, on the 18th, and he asked permission to approach Chuck Cadman on behalf of the party to get him to rejoin the caucus, and that the story was that Chuck wanted to vote with us in Parliament as he usually did, and that he would want to rejoin the caucus and fight with us in an election campaign, but that he couldn’t because he didn’t have, you know, he didn’t have the financing, he would have lost the election, et cetera, et cetera.”
(which blows my mind that Harper would say this. Chuck Cadman was hugely liked in his riding and would have won it with nickels and dimes if he was healthy enough to consider running to begin with)
Harper testified that his initial response was that he believed Cadman was going to vote with the Liberals, based on his earlier April 1 discussion with Cadman.
(Harper later says this in testimony)
Harper said at another point in the testimony: “The argument was that Chuck wanted to vote with us and wanted to be in our caucus; the reason he would not vote with us, the reason he would not rejoin the caucus, was because he didn’t want to be stranded as an independent. The whole argument was that he would not be able to fight and election campaign, that he would be financing this campaign out of his pocket, that he would be extremely vulnerable.”
I have to ask all readers who read this… why would Cadman, a man dying of terminal cancer (Cadman died days after the non-confidence vote and wouldn’t have even lived long enough to fight an election) have any desire
to fight an election when he knew he was so sick with cancer he likely wouldn’t have the energy to see the end of the campaign or live long enough to fight and win?
The non confidence vote was on May 19th, 2005. Chuck Cadman died of cancer on July 9th, 2005 less than 2 months later and Stephen Harper is asking Canadians to believe that Chuck Cadman still thought he would have the energy and longevity to fight and survive long enough to actually see an election outcome knowing fully how much time and energy he would have with his life at the time of the non-confidence vote? Is Harper seriously asked us to believe Chuck Cadman wanted to run for the Cons and Chucks biggest concern was money?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuck_Cadman
Harper lies again. Only someone who is stupid or corrupt would believe or claim otherwise.
More election grease for a borderline winner in fear of losing his seat. Results from 2006:
Peterborough: Dean Del Mastro 22,774 vs. Diane Lloyd 20,532
re: Turning the Corner
I’m usually one to cut the bureaucracy some slack, but what I’ve seen so far has Public Choice Theory at its worst written all over it.
“he didn’t have the financing”
Election Commisioner’s past comment on offering incentives at the time of critical votes aside, my folks used to bribe me all time.
The web site never said Harper even realized it was a bribe, let alone potentially illegal. Its over.
If Harper wants to drag out his own funeral there’s nothing anyone can do to stop him.
Canada needs a Sarah Palin – someone with integrity, compassion, intelligence, vision…. someone with real conservative values who respects family and country….
By tired of living in the third world on 09.04.08 12:22 am
Why settle for Sarah, you sound like the type who would love Ann Coulter.
ps Have you ever been to a third world country?
This is a joke, right? — Garth
By tired of living in the third world on 09.04.08 12:22 am
It takes intelligence and a finely honed wit to tell a joke .
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