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Harper's blunder deals blow to his credibility

BRIAN LAGHI

From Friday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 6:26 PM EST 05/12/08

Misstep leaves Conservatives less likely to 'defer to his strategic brilliance' and opposition parties more fearful of a hidden agenda ...Read the full article

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  1. Wave Length from Toronto, Canada writes: Yichh --

    Harper is not the face and persona of Canada.

    Which of us would warm to his portrait in the Gallery he cancelled ?

    Harper makes Mackenzie King look normal.

    Harper is a psycho-social misfit.

    .
  2. dave sharpe from Canada writes: anything that displaces harper is good for canada
  3. Common Sense from N.S., Canada writes: Mr. Harper has my vote and that of the majority of people I have spoken with during this week of turmoil. He outed the wannabes for what they are, and we will see the majority of the country side with him when the true colours of the NDP and Bloc are exposed in the coming weeks. Oh for the days of the two party system.
  4. Craig Anthony from Vancouver, Canada writes: I would like to write something nice about Harper.
  5. Byron T from Vancouver, Canada writes: Harper's credibility in the Commons is done.

    Let's not forget that he broke his own election law because he claimed he needed a mandate amongst a dysfunctional House. When we, the electorate, decided upon a stronger, but still restrained, minority - he didn't listen. Where's the democracy in that?

    Instead, he introduces bully tactics. And no stimulus package in contrast to almost every other G7, G8, or G20 nation and in accordance to an agreement he just signed. Further, when the opposition put forward their own legal and democratic solution in an act of solidarity, Mr. Harper uses divisiveness and misinformation to scare and distract the electorate into supporting a proroguing of Parliament in a time of serious financial instability.

    When Canada needs him to suck it up, apologize and get along, he doesn't. Instead of reaching across the aisle in a conciliatory manner, he comes out swinging. It's undignified.

    Canada deserves better. I don't know if that's a coalition - but I do know Stephen Harper has got to go.
  6. Bob Bobins from Canada writes: This article is bang on.. harper is done he knows it and he's warning his own about it. This whole affair falls on his shoulders alone. Forcing the oppositions hand, attacking Quebec and shutting down the parliment for 2 months during a critical time. What a disaster.. less then a week ago none of this was a problem. At the center of the mess is harper strating fires all around him burning bridges that might not be fixable. Now the opposition has dealt him a heavy left hit and the PM is toothless. He's given the opposition alot of ammunition to argue against the idea harper is fit for a majority.
  7. stan unknown from winnipeg, Canada writes: I have no problem with his financial statement
    dysfunctional House - the NDP and clan still are.
    WHY can't these parties raise their own funds
    Are they telling us there followers are tooooo cheap.
    Why won't they work together, and why has
    the NDP dropped it election plan , as has the LIberals
    where is the yelling at banks and atm machines and what
    happened to the CO2 Tax. and why did Jack drop his greatest
    charm at taxing big business. They have NO plans
  8. Paul Dieter from Canada writes:
    Harper is now governing without the consent of parliament and remains opposed by a clear majority of all Canadians, according to all the polls.

    The CONs have succeeded in their coup d'etat...aided by a bigoted party base that rejects democracy, a compliant media, and an inept Liberal Party...A perfect storm in favour of authoritarian rule. Now comes the massive propaganda campaign, the intimidation of opposing Parties, through bully boy tactics...what's next? Book burnings, torchlight parades..triumphal propaganda movies?

    GG Jean is now universally reviled...the CONs see her and her office as a compliant tool to be held in contempt, while most Canadians now realize that they live in a Nation that has no democratic safeguards - The Police, the Military and the entire security apparatus of the state has now passed into the hands of a political party which is opposed by the majority of the population, a majority which now has no representation in Parliament. Indeed Parliament has become irrelevant and the democratic process exposed as a sham.

    In future GGs must be selected for thier knowledge of constitutional law, they must be elected by parliament and have sufficient independence to resist dictatorial impulse by a PM.

  9. C R from Canada writes: Harper is a small man who obviously doesn't respect the laws of our democracy let alone his own election laws. Harper is a small man. We had an election. All those who make up the coalition was elected by Canadians to govern. Together they make up the majority with Harper a minority. By popular vote both the NDP and Liberals got more votes than the Conservatives. Harper himself tried to negotiate a coalition with the NDP and Bloc to overthrow Paul Martin in 2004. Harper himself united the Reform with the actual Progressive Conservatives for a united party today and while this is suppose to only be a coalition between the Liberals and the NDP with the Bloc only signing support to vote in favour on matters of confidence, Harper tears this country apart by making it a National Unity issue. Harper is the biggest lying hypocrite we have the misfortune to endure. He is the boy who cries wolf when ironically it is him who's the wolf here. It is Harper that doesn't respect democracy and he will obviously resort to anything. Even Nixon like eavesdropping on other parties.
  10. globereader 1234 from Toronto, Canada writes: Someone tell Mr. Harper that the separatists "dedicated to breaking up our country" have already taken power in Ottawa in a conspiracy with the Canadian people. He may have mistaken these operatives for older-looking go-fers, an additional gallery installed to worship him, or undercover security masquerading as "extra" Members of Parliament. However, these individuals showing up for Question Period every day are actually duly elected Bloc Party Members of Parliament which he must (gasp) approach for approval in the affairs of the nation.

    Another note to Harper: Handing the Opposition a political baseball bat and asking them to beat themselves with it didn't work. It won't work on Jan 27th either.
  11. Bagkitty in Calgary from Canada writes: I find it hard to imagine how he can do any more damage to Parliament than he already has - but I am quite prepared to be surprised. He appears, to me at least, to be trying to create the equivalent of the American red state/blue state paradigm and, most unfortunately, is using Western Canada/Quebec cleavages to do so.

    I think he is well on his way to establishing himself as the Trudeau of this century... worshiped by his own constituency, unconditionally despised by the rest.
  12. l thibl from B.C., Canada writes: Not only will the opposition never trust Harper again, he will find he has lost faith with Canadians - and we will never trust him! His biggest liability is himself because he simply cannot get past his partisan, spiteful disposition. Even with defeat staring him in the face "He was saying things like they (the opposition) would be an illegitimate government (which is untrue) and we (meaning he and the Cons.) would do everything to prevent them implementing their agenda". At the same time, he has the audacity to accuse the opposition of not working with his government! He's one sorry excuse for a PM and it's my hope that the opposition leaders will not give up in their efforts to form a coalition government. Hopefully that will be the end of Harper's political career and move the country back to a functioning parliament. As for the Cons., until they replace Harper with someone who can truly reach across the aisle, imo they will never have a majority.
  13. globereader 1234 from Toronto, Canada writes: to stan unknown:

    While you're noshing on shrimp cocktail on your private jet, wondering why some Canadians are "too cheap" to privately fund their "own" political party, many down here are picking up powdered milk at food banks to subsist on. No, they don't have $1.95 to buy a political voice, they need it for bus fare for them and their children to get home. Perhaps you think it's their fault they're so poor, while you're figuring out ways to avoid paying EI, CPP and benefits for employees and laying off workers, while lobbying for an end to the "welfare state".

    And any Party that gets to Parliament these days will only take $10,000 a plate for a political fundraising dinner; they won't sell access to gov't to an individual for $1.95. Unless its the Green Party. Watch what you wish for, the Green Party may be in Parliament soon. Now that would be a real coup by the Canadian people!
  14. Linda Dial from Canada writes: Mr. Harper is a liar whose distortions of the truth are horrendous. He started it with his boneheaded FU and all the political boondoggles attached to it. He called up the coalition by his bullying ways and he prorogued Parliament to silence the voices of every elected MP in the HOC and all the voices they represent. If Conservative supporters think this was a victory, I am really heartened by their shortsightedness. Mr. Harper can play the coward and hide today but he can't hide tomorrow. His fate of no confidence awaits him in the last days of January. How many times will the GG allow him to prorogue? The Conservative Party has a major leadership problem, a bully who has turned the Conservative MPs all into sheep. Bleat, bleat for Stephen Harper, but not for us constituents and voters, for all Canadian citizens that include the Bloc MPs and supporters, it is silence for all. I do not accept that my MP's voice has been silenced and therefore I have been silenced by the government, the government whose election this publication endorsed.
  15. Mr X from Edmonton, Canada writes: What does this have to do with Harper? Frankly the opposition was plotting the coalition before Harper did anything. The leaked conference call proved this. In fact Jack Layton expressed his desire to have a coalition even during the election. The Liberals refused to have a coalition with the NDP during the election because they lacked economic sense so what has changed? The NDP said they stood up for people and not big corporation tax cuts yet the first thing they do is announce the tax cuts will go ahead. This whole crisis is the oppositions doing not Harper. The conservatives can't push through any legislation without the approval of the opposition. They have no choice, but to work with the opposition. It is the opposition that isn't cooperating with the Government. I think it is stupid that the NDP and Liberals think they can take power from the Liberals with LESS seats than the conservatives and a promise to let the bloc review legislation before it is voted on. What does it say about democracy when a political party agrees to vote favorably for a year and half without first seeing the what they are voting for. Why do they think we need a $30 billion dollar stimulus package when the economy is still growing? How did they arrive at that figure without a plan? Frankly I have lots confidence with the opposition parties.
  16. REX LEE from VICTORIA, Canada writes: Isn't it amazing how simply the opposition can kick the butt of the bully ? ? Dion, after 2 years of being belittled and defacated on by a pompous bully, can so easily take the throne legally---without even one shot fired. Kick Harper's butt. I would dearly love to see that happen ! ! Couldn't happen to a more deserving person. Too bad the Governor-General is allowing Harper two more months to usurp the throne and snub his nose at democracy. How shameless ! ! Makes me wonder what he is trying to hide. Are the finances in a much deeper hole than he has let on ? ? So he will need more time to hide the mess ? Tsk! Tsk! So much for the Big EGO. The Venomous diatribe from a PM is so repugnant. Harper, time to resign.
  17. Craig Anthony from Vancouver, Canada writes: Our electoral system is obviously broken and needs to be fixed. More than 50% of voters should typically be represented by the government.

    Looking at the number of seats a party wins, doesn't make any sense. The popular vote is what matters.

    The system needs to be fair to voters.
  18. David Gibson from Hamilton, Canada writes: With the Tories at 46% and the Liberals at half that in the new Ipsos poll, I think that Mr. Laghi should rewrite his article. """"46% of decided voters supporting the Conservatives, compared with 23% for the Liberals, 13% for the NDP, 9% for the Bloc Quebecois (37% in Québec) and 8% for the Green party. Five percent (5%) remain undecided. http://www.ipsos-na.com/news/.""""
  19. Jim Dick from Chatham, Canada writes: Paul Dieter: You are absolutely right. We are in serious trouble due to the actions of this GG. She took away the rights of Parliament and the Canadian people. She did not remain neutral and uphold the law. She may have done the wrong thing for the right reasons, but this will backfire in the future. Something has to be done to change this, but I am afraid that this precedent will become the norm (common law principles). However, she is not a judge, so this judgement should not be considered binding by future GG. Like you say, we need to take far more care in choosing GG's. At the present, I feel that we are living in a dictatorship. The majority in Parliament have been denied power. What is left? Revolution? Majority rules or there is anarchy.
  20. David Gibson from Hamilton, Canada writes: You had better red this: http://www.ipsos-na.com/news/pressrelease.cfm?id=4201
  21. Kublah Khan from Canada writes: The separatist movement in Quebec is dead. Quebecers do not like Dion, they do not like Harper, and they do not like the NDP, so who do they vote for? The Bloc. Not because they endorse separation, but because the Bloc has fought for Quebec and succeeded. If I was a Quebecois, I would probably do the same. Harper should drop the fear mongering about separation.
  22. 1 2 from Canada writes: I am in no way a conservative but I could at least feel more comfortable about having their party lead the country if they were to get rid of Harper. He really does scare me.
  23. Bob Bobins from Canada writes: Kublah Khan I agree with what you say.. and actually Duecept is likely the most competent leader on the hill from what I can see. But the Bloc is what it is. However I don't think for a second that they will ruin their chance at reelection by screwing around with seperation or the coalition. That would be a foolish move which I don't think the Bloc would do for the sake of self preservation. Quebec votes for the Bloc and trusts them well enough but all this crap from harper fanning the flames of the seperation movement really makes for French tempers to rise. Fortunately I think that Quebec sees through harpers scam and will not take it out on Canada. Unless of course the conservatives get more momentum because of harpers antics.
  24. Tom Araxias from Chatham, Canada writes: Headline: Harper's blunder deals blow to his credibility

    Why, did he ever have any???
  25. Paul Dieter from Canada writes: Jim Dick from Chatham, Canada writes: Paul Dieter: You are absolutely right. We are in serious trouble due to the actions of this GG. She took away the rights of Parliament and the Canadian people. She did not remain neutral and uphold the law. She may have done the wrong thing for the right reasons, but this will backfire in the future. Something has to be done to change this, but I am afraid that this precedent will become the norm (common law principles). However, she is not a judge, so this judgement should not be considered binding by future GG. Like you say, we need to take far more care in choosing GG's. At the present, I feel that we are living in a dictatorship. The majority in Parliament have been denied power. What is left? Revolution? Majority rules or there is anarchy.
    ------

    I think the last constitutional resort is an appeal to the Supreme Court to rule the Prorogation as illegal. Plus we should be writing to foreign embassies asking them to denounce the destruction of Canadian Democracy, and withholding recognition of the Harper Government. A request for an international boycott of the Tar Sands, would be the next stage.

    Perhaps if Democracies such as Russia and Venezuela withdrew recognition, and voiced dismay on the international stage and in the UN this illegal Junta might collapse.
  26. jeff quinton from Cowichan Bay B.C., Canada writes: Where are the Statesmen or Stateswomen?Where are the Canadians who offer their Country their sacrifice of service to the Nation,void of gain of power or finanancial gain.Where are the real public servants who bring to the task their talents, logic and unselfishly offer the experiences and wisdom of their lives?The Canada our forefathers sacrificed their lives to protect and enhance are spinning.Diversity of opinion, healthy debate,and respect. Where is it? My Canada, includes Quebec,and the West.It's not a game to be played with wrecklessly.Grow up Boys and Girls of all Parties.You should collectively be ashamed.At a time when we need you to be smart you continue to be dumb.You are all to blame.Fix it.!! Fast !!
  27. Brenton E. from Canada writes: one thing is clear, a Harper minority will never work, he could turn into the 2nd coming but he will never have trust again. The only way out of this is an election that nobody wants and the cons win a majority or the cons remove Harper.
  28. Alan Breck from St. Catharines, Canada writes: Harper is a huge problem for Democracy, but I shuddered when Stockwell Day spoke that his DNA wouldn't allow him to side with socialists etc.... Is there a "hidden agenda"? Are the Neo-cons planning to create a "Master Race" in Canada? Someone should tell them that it failed in Germany in the 1930s, it'll fail in Canada!
  29. Moe Labelle from Canada writes: The Dullard:Get your new commemorative one dollar coin minted by the Franklin Mint to mark this new FUBAR Harper Moment! Send your $200 to the Cons-ervative Party of Canada or 1-800-GOD-LIKE. This offer is not available in Quebec!
  30. Randy G from Windsor, Canada writes: Harper is a power-mad dictator. It's time for him to go. He stole another 7 weeks from the Canadian people, but he'll face the music in January when parliament votes non-confidence.

    Let's be clear. We just had the election, in which Canadians elected no majority party. But they did elect a majority group, which was formalized in writing this week. That coalition is the duly elected government, not the Harperistas.

    Harper is making us the laughingstock of the world. Ignoring the economic crisis. Stealing power. It's disgusting.
  31. Catherine Wilkie from Canada writes: 7 weeks to do what? Scheme?
    I'm not sure who was rallying for Harper. Not those unemployed or about to be. Not those who have watched their home equity plunge. Not those who are putting off their retirements.
  32. R S from Canada writes: As Marjory LeBreton said on national tv yesterday, Harper had nothing to do with this mess. The Conservatives knew that the opposition were planning this coalition right after the election. Wouldn't have mattered one bit what was in the economic statement. Everyone has been told this for over a week now and they still keep saying that it's Harper's fault.
  33. Monte Dennis from Burlington,ON, Canada writes: A crisis is created by something, in order to correct & stabalize the crisis, the cause must be eliminated. Mr. Harper caused this crisis & it will not go away until he is removed. I do not want to go through tough economic times with a leader who doesn't listen & implements his own agenda. If left unchecked Mr. Harper will cause the breakup of Canada.
  34. George Nikitin from Hamilton, Canada writes: "Moreover, they wonder whether the opposition will ever trust Mr. Harper again, and whether he is now susceptible to charges that the government truly does harbour a hidden agenda...It has led opposition members to argue that the PM can't be trusted with a majority because, were Canadians to give it to him, he might ram through controversial ideas."

    Duh. Not news. Muzzing one's MPs and then saying one thing and doing another on a regular basis is all the evidence I need of a hidden agenda.
  35. Happily Retired from LupinLand, Canada writes: The solution to this problem is for Conservative caucus members to individually and collectively grow themselves a set of ba!!s and stand up to the dictator! Surely there was enough collective intelligence in the caucus to recognize the potential problems created by Harper's ill-advised economic update. If they were informed beforehand, obviously they were all too cowered to raise their voice in protest. (which by the way is exactly what we elected them to do.) If they can't get rid of Harper, at least put him in restraint by forcefully explaining to him that his own caucus members will no longer tolerate his bullying. If they cannot do that, then the coalition should be forming the government because the Conservatives have proven themselves collectively unworthy.
  36. A Canadian from Cole Harbour, Canada writes: To all the Harper haters out there that call him names because you really dont have anything else to complain about. Please check the polls about him and his party.

    Did the Governor General make the right decision?
    yes 21730 votes (72 %) No 8656 votes (28 %)

    Who would you prefer to govern the country?
    The Conservatives 31976 votes (62 %)
    The NDP-Liberal coalition 19979 votes (38 %)


    Should Parliament be prorogued until January?
    Yes 18086 votes (60 %) No 12051 votes (40 %)

    Nobody want your brand of socialism ... and please spare us the hidden agenda crap, it is getting old.
  37. JACK V from Canada writes: I guess HARPER gets a do over
  38. Happily Retired from LupinLand, Canada writes: RS from Canada, you quote Marjory LaBreton and she may be right in that the plan was in the works long before the economic update however, knowing that he was under the gun instead of waving red flags in front of the opposition, a real leader would have taken great pains to present something more palatable to present. Instead, he chose to present something completely unacceptable without even trying to balance it with any positive initiatives. No, Harper is completely responsible for this mess, for if he had presented only positive proposals he would now be enjoying public support instead of wide spread anger.
  39. A Canadian from Cole Harbour, Canada writes: Catherine Wilkie from Canada writes: 7 weeks to do what? Scheme?
    I'm not sure who was rallying for Harper. Not those unemployed or about to be. Not those who have watched their home equity plunge. Not those who are putting off their retirements.

    --

    Catherine, you are a real joke. Ever heard of Global crisis. This is not just Canada it is the entire world. Get out a little. Unless of course you are blaming PM Harper for what is going on.

    Compare to other countries, Canada has its problems but overall we are doing just fine. Other are much worst, look at Iceland for example.

    "In the past week, Iceland's government took over the country's top three banks, hundreds of bank employees were fired and the stock exchange was closed down. The island nation of 300,000 people now faces bankruptcy"
  40. Voiceoftheelder lee from Canada writes: I will not post today in deference to the best editorial commentary that I have read in this space in the last week.

    PLEASE SCROLLUP AND READ :

    PAUL DIETER easy to find its the 9th posting in this thread.

    A venerable party has been hijacked. an honourable institution has been silenced, a gracious woman has been politically raped, crowds have been sent to the strrets, a nation has been divided,

    Now need to sendthemilitary abroad. The terrorist is among us.

    FOR THE SAFETY OF THE OUR WAY OF LIFE

    "TALIBAN" Steve MUST RESIGN
  41. Catherine Wilkie from Canada writes: A Canadian from Cole Harbour: The summer recess, an unneeded election, finally the resumption and now another seven weeks off. A Cabinet at a historic high number and a Prime Minister hiding from a vote of confidence behind the office of the Governor General.
    The joke is on all of us. The guy laughing has a yellow streak.
  42. JRin Barrie from Barrie, Canada writes: King Steven has got to go. He shows us over and over again that he is a narcisstic sociopath. You can't change the stripes on a tiger. He has shot himself in the foot and all Canadians in the head. Why any self respecting conservative would want him as leader is beyond me.
  43. Jerry Younge from Canada writes: The Conservative party of Canada owes its existence and its eventual demise to Harper. Harper has been able to unite the party by depending on the Western MPs (ExReformed) and Ontario's Harris leftovers who are paying their debt to him for delivering the reigns of government to the new and improved Reformed-Harris type Party. Depending on this group (Ont Alberta), the other Conservative MPs are outnumbered and outvoted.

    The demise of the Conservative Party will come when a MP from Ontario takes over the leadership and start taking the party to the ideological centre and therefore his inability to communicate on the same wavelength with the Western caucus. At that time, the party will split and the right will weaken again.

    Harper may not be liked by his MPs but he is able to unify them and to him, they owe their paycheques.
  44. A Canadian from Cole Harbour, Canada writes: Catherine Wilkie from Canada writes: A Canadian from Cole Harbour: The summer recess, an unneeded election, finally the resumption and now another seven weeks off. A Cabinet at a historic high number and a Prime Minister hiding from a vote of confidence behind the office of the Governor General.
    The joke is on all of us. The guy laughing has a yellow streak.

    --

    Maybe to you but for me and based on many polls that I have seen (even a cbc one), the majority of canadian believe that our PM is doing the right thing and is the best leader to guide this country through this crisis. Also most canadians also believe the GG did the right thing. Just get used to the fact that you might be wrong.

    As for unneeded election, yes it was needed and if it was up to me, we would have another one right now.
  45. Eugene Cholod from Canada writes: We don't elect a Prime Minister in Canada.We elect a parliament.In the USA, they elect a President.Like apples and oranges.Harper, like Paul Martin,should have at least asked for an election after parliament was pro-rogued.He still remains a cowardly Prime Minister,the most cowardly Prime Minister Canada has ever seen.He should get the hypocrite award of the century.He and his neo-conservative bigoted thugs are a Canadian disgrace.If you can't face the music Harper you and your ReformaTORY thugs should not be allowed to dance.Be a real man and resign.Merry Christmas
  46. Loyal Subject from Canada writes: Mr Laghi is talking through his hat. Far from being a blunder, it now appears from three polls (Ipsos Reid, Ekos, and Strategic Counsel) that Harper's confrontation with the Opposition was a master stroke of strategy. Bring on the next election and a thumping Tory majority!
  47. Jeff D from Toronto, Canada writes: A tactician he is but a leader he certainly is not. Mr. Harper screwed up and he should resign along with Mr. Flaherty. Canada will do fine with them gone.
  48. Dan Zenderman from TO, Canada writes: It didn't matter WHAT was in the financial update ...The fool Dion was going to bring the Conservatives REGARDLESS ..thanks to Leyton and Duceppe !! So please G&M; , put your political bias propaganda to a toilet paper roll where it will do more good for Canadians .

    The real story here is how poor foolish Dion was played like a stooge by Leyton !..Snake oil salesmanship at it's best !
  49. Catherine Wilkie from Canada writes: A Canadian from Cole Harbour: We do not rule based on 'polls', or maybe we do. But let's get rid of Harper's bloated Cabinet, entitlements, and just give him a Crown.
    Is that why Harper is ignoring his vote with the House of Commons? After post-poning it already. Talk about 're-does.'
    Harper is hardly a strategist.
    Dithering, flip-flopping, hate-mongering, all because of his own ineptitude.
  50. Harold Uhlman from Lunenburg, NS, writes: Mr. Harper will never be the Trudeau of this century. To do that he would have to have at least some vision for the country that he could articulate. Mr. Harper is the "crisis man". He likes to fire up a situation then be seen to solve it. He was about the last one in the country to see the economic crisis descending upon us. His solution to solving it was to cause a political crisis with his desire to exterminate his opposition, forced the GG into a constitutional crisis and making an ill conceived precedent so now all PM's can run from votes by proroguing and is fueling a unity crisis with his intemperate, unecessary remarks re:separatists and sovereignists. He did not need to do that as Canadians are astute enough to know if they want a coalition or not. Thus has made another mistake. His biggest crisis is his personal hyprocrisy. I am a Liberal partisan but I knew the coalition was not a good idea for the economy at this time and especially bad for the opposition parties politically. I did not need Mr. Harper's inflammatory rhetoric damaging Canadian unity just so he could save his skin.
  51. parklane 47 from Washington, D.C., United States writes: It is a sad day for Canada. Reading the international press, Harper and the Governor General have damaged Canadian democracy. They have shut the door on Parliament. They did this. This should never have happened. Canadians are reduced in the world's eyes. Maybe Canada is not a representative democracy but authoritarian?
  52. Eugene Cholod from Canada writes: Bob Rae is the new leader of the coalition team.We will see a new vote of confidence on the next budget.Rae does not trust Harper.He feels Harper runs a regime rather than a political party.Harper if he stays on will break up Canada.When Dion was fighting the separatists during the referendum,Harper blatantly stated he didn't care if Canada was divided into two or three sections.Divide and conquer.This is his hidden agenda-a separatist in Neo-Conservative clothing.Expect to see more public demonstrations to get rid of this fascist neo-conservative cowardly leader.Coward Harper --RESIGN.
  53. North Star from Canada writes: Harper has lost the moral authority to lead.
  54. John from Oakville from Canada writes: Much has been made of Harper being a so-called master tactician. I happen to disagree with that assessment; I should add my opinion is coloured by the fact I despise Harper as a person. HOWEVER; there is a deeper strategic element to what has happened that makes me think that Harper could well be a master strategist and that worries me greatly. Strategy is the art of establishing a grand vision and declaring certain 'attainments' or 'states' that will exist along the road toward the grand vision. There is no such thing as a strategic plan; there are tactical plans to ensure each attainment is met, in what time, at what cost and with what result. Thus, could it be that this brouhaha was simply a tactical step along the way to attaining Harper's grand vision of having a one party state where the opposition is an afterthought? Given that he failed yet again to attain a majority perhaps he purposefully forced Dion and Layton to bleat and cry uncle by having an economic stimulus that did not meet their needs AND by clverly adding salt to the wound, threatening to remove political subsidies and more; he assured a knee jerk reaction that Canada would be appalled at... Perhaps, his tactic is to rail and rant at the coalition between now and House resumption; make the populace hate the other parties big time THEN call an election... One has to step back from the tactics and histrionics of the moment and wonder if this is the strategy? If it is, it could be a big step towards Haprper's Grand Vision and that is a very, very scary thought...
  55. RJ McCrae from Canada writes: If you read the op eds and columnists you discover that Harper is in trouble. You see the polls coming out and all tell a far different story. That goes to show that the chattering class lives in a bubble similar to those on Parliament Hill. Perhaps if they talked to people on the street they might get a feel of what is really the sentiment of Canadians.
  56. Guitar Player from Vancouver, Canada writes: I love the way political commentators write about the antics of Mr. Harper, his alleged "brilliance", etc. Here's a tip: in the political arena, just as in other spheres or areas of work, it's very easy to appear brilliant and skilful, as long as: (a) you're very good at not getting caught or at shifting the blame when you do something inappropriate; (b) you're dishonest, hypocritical, conscienceless, politically amoral, rapacious, and megalomaniacal; and (c) you suffer from a terminal case of self-entitlement, you look fat and obnoxious in an ill-fitting cardigan, and you truly believe that if you tell the same lies often enough, they will actually become true (kind of like the Serbs).
  57. Swiminbuff In Toronto from Canada writes: Harper has never worked well with others. He didnt get along with Preston Manning and the Reform Party, he didnt get along with Stockwell Day and the Alliance, and now he has demonstrated in 2 successive Parliaments that he can't work with the Opposition leaders to make his minority governments successful. He tries to divide and conquer, appealing to Canadians base instincts. He is not a leader. Harper should do the honorable thing and resign. Surely the Conservative Party must have a more statesmanlike MP who could come forward and actually lead all Canadians, of has Harper driven them all out of the party?
  58. MJ Patchouli from Regina, Canada writes: Just as the Cons turned the heat onto Dion as a leader, so too must the Liberals now switch the focus onto Harper as a blundering, calculating leader. More interested in his job than in Canada.

    I do think Liberals should keep harper in minority until the new leader is in place. The inner turmoil is less than inspiring, and so too it is apparent that Dion is unelectable, so please don't fight an election in disarray.

    Get strong, then get harper.
  59. Just another Canadian from Calgary, Canada writes: As a Canadian Albertan, I am made as hell about what Harper has done to this Country. He has divided us as never before. His bashing of Quebec could very well mean that once again have a separatist government come Monday. Will this be his legacy? I am appalled at the hatred he has stirred up here in the West. The PM cannot pit one part of the Country against the other the way he did and then expect Canadian unity. He is an embarrassment to our Country.
  60. Mike Power from Canada writes: The CPC has no respect for democracy or the rule of law (much less the spirit of it). Harper tried to destroy democracy with his proposal to end financing for his political opponents. When called on it, he ran scared to the GG and brow beat Her Excellency until she acquiesced to his run and hide strategy.

    During the next seven weeks that Harper & Co. are not beholden to our elected representatives, they will whip up enough confusion and frenzy to make most reasonable people to turn away - that is their strategy and that is the danger. When reasonable people are turned off and scared off, the CPC will have won. Already, the CPC propaganda has moved the low brows of the party to burn constituency signs and rally outside opposition MP constituency offices.

    Harper and party have no respect for democracy or any opinion that doesn't dove-tail with theirs. They want a dictatorship for their own selfish reasons - power at any price. It's as simple as that.
  61. not amused from leftcoast, Canada writes: Conciliation is not in Harper's DNA.

    He will go down in the history books as a tyrant - a pathetic, vengeful, nasty little tyrant.
  62. Shawn Bull from Canada writes: Harper's credibility has been hurt. However, like all past political storms, this will go away too. A few months from now when the government is battling the economic situation Canadians will forget this past two weeks.

    In my eyes Harper has been tarnished but I too will ease up when these past two weeks are in my memory.
  63. jer greene from NYC, United States writes: Not only is Harper poison to his party, but even worse he is poison to the country. He is viciously partisan even in the context of a minority government. He blatantly misrepresents. He does not play well with other. Who now would play with him? Defender of Canada? No, sorry, deluded "great leader," Destroyer of Canada!
  64. Stan L from Canada writes: As I said on another post....Personally, I think it's time that all poltical advertising be subject to the rules of the Ad Standards Council. Every industry in Canada must have television advertising scripts approved prior to airing and every ad has the potential to be pulled if a consumer feels that the ad is legitimately offensive in any way. It's clear that this is no longer a 'gentleman's game' and as such we need to control the rhetoric and misinformation. I think that by doing this parties will think very carefully about what they do or say given that so much money can be spent only to have the ad pulled.

    I don't need to spend the Christmas break with Harper 'mocking' what I think is the right thing to do....and I certainly don't need him trying to 'trick me' inot beliving that black is white.
  65. Catherine Wilkie from Canada writes: Harper, knowing that he will not achieve the confidence of the House, is hiding behind the Office of the Governor General.
  66. Dan Zenderman from TO, Canada writes: Following is the schedule for the House of Commons Sitting days for the past three years.

    2006 - open january 30th , closed Dec 15th

    2007 - open january 29th , closed Dec 14th

    2008 - open january 28th , closed Dec 4th 2008( scheduled closing Dec 12th)

    2009 - open january 26th

    By closing the commons Dec 4th makes a difference of 8 sitting days .

    Can the coalition wait just 8 sitting days ? Surely if it is of such

    critical importance to the future of Canada it can wait 8 days ??

    LPC are stupid if they thought they could pull this one off ! Just try and vote down the budget in January and see what happens ! LPC=toast !

    (website for House of Commons Schedule below..check it yourself )

    http://www2.parl.gc.ca/housechamberbusiness/chambercalendar.aspx?

    Key=2007&View;=C&Language;=E&Mode;=1&Parl;=40&Ses;=1
  67. Against the crowd from Canada writes: I guess Your wrong Mr. Laghi, looks like more people than ever support Harper.
  68. Ken Woodwords from Canada writes: North Star from Canada writes: " Harper has lost the moral authority to lead. "
    I don't think he had any. He has no integrity, is morally and ethically bankrupt.
  69. Stan L from Canada writes: Harold Uhlman from Lunenburg, NS, writes: Mr. Harper will never be the Trudeau of this century. To do that he would have to have at least some vision for the country that he could articulate. Mr. Harper is the "crisis man". He likes to fire up a situation then be seen to solve it.

    Very very true. Harper is playing a short term game and it is really quite obvious when you take a step back....there is an agenda in there, but nothing that can really see the light of day becuase to do so, most Canadians would reject that agenda outright. This is exactly what Naomi Klein mentions in her book 'The Shock doctrine'....manufacture a crisis where your agenda appears to be the only solution, then appear to solve it ensuring that your agenda is seen to 'mainstream' and acceptable. Whether you like Trudeau or Mulroney or whomever, our leaders from the past that stand out in our minds all had a vision that could be articulated and appreciated, Harper does not....or worse does but it is so against what Canadians hold near and dear that it cannot see the light of day.
  70. Ken Hunt from Canada writes: Harper has only one thing on his mind,how to decimate the opposition, primarily the Liberal Party.
    Everything else is just playing for time.
    a Leopard can't change it's spots.
    It has been reported numerous times by people very close to Harper that he is obsessed with, 1/ Getting a majority 2/ making the Liberals no longer a political force
  71. Stan L from Canada writes: Dan Zenderman from TO, Canada writes: Following is the schedule for the House of Commons Sitting days for the past three years.

    Dan it's not about the length of time.....the only other times in history a session has been closed after this short period of time has been during times of war.....this time it's to avoid a confidence vote, hardly a noble gesture on the part of our PM. He is a divisive force in Canada and his time in office will require a massive clean-up by someone in future particularily in the notions of national unity.
  72. Ben lomond from Canada writes: You know for all these stories about Harper's lack of strategic brilliance I have to say his polling number are 8 points higher than when the coaltion was formed and the Liberals are even less popular then they were before they ochestrated this fiasco. Dion has been discredited..again and the libs will never win another seat west of Thunder Bay because half the country thinks they are attempting some half baked third world coup.

    Yeah, that Harper, he's a real dummy alright. lol
  73. Against the crowd from Canada writes: Harper divided the country, my butt! Its the Liberals who will do anything to grab power, even when the majority don't want them to. They've always played dirty. I have this vision right now of salivating Liberals climbing over the dead bodies of their colleagues to get at the leadership of the country. They would have lasted about three days as the government becuase of the infighting.
    It's sleazing and anyone who supports them should be ashamed.
    It's part of our parliamentary system to do exactly what the PM did, or he wouldn't have done it. Get over it.
  74. Mike B from Canada writes: Hidden Agenda? Who are the one's with the hidden agenda again? Funny I heard nothing about a socialist/seperatist cocktail party in the run up to the last election...
  75. forty sum from Canada writes: Alberta is the reason Harper wants power and does not want the liberals to exist. There is very little democracy in his mind, and no according to the polls more people distrust Harper then before, what is amazing is that Harper and his conservative supporters do not seem to mind that he and his government will lie about nearly anything and they Like That. There is no difference between a liar and a thief.
  76. Dan Zenderman from TO, Canada writes: Hey Stan .....then why did the LPC pull the plug after such a short time ? Surely they can wait for the budget ? That's the normal time when minorities get toppled isn't it ? ..just 8 sitting days away ?? What's going to change in eight days ? Surely the coalition is strong enough to last eight days if they want to lead the country for years ? ..Total BS from you and your supporters !
  77. Pamela Achurch from Peterborough, Canada writes: I have always been comforted by the no confidence section of our parliamentary system. Also having a head of state in the Queen's representative added to the security of having an arbitor outside of Parliament. This is the first time that I have heard a government in power disparage Parliament and the Governor General with the threat of going "over their heads" to the people. The Conservatives do not care how they keep power, nor do they respect our constitution. Our whole way of government is at stake when the political reality is a PM who does not respect the rules. In fact, he is willing to break the rules to keep power. In the worst case scenario, what would happen if we had a PM with a majority who refused to call Parliament and ruled outside of Parliament? What if any other poltical parties were decimated and unable to function legally against such a scenario? I think that is called a dictatorship.
  78. Stan L from Canada writes: Dan Zenderman from TO, Canada writes: Hey Stan .....then why did the LPC pull the plug after such a short time ?

    The LPC didn't pull the plug, Harper did with his ridiculous and cowardly visit to the Governor General...If the Liberals had their way, they would be sitting today and on Monday they would be voting on Flaherty's weak and hamfisted 'gift to Canada'
  79. Robert Billyard from Mission BC, Canada writes: Harper is politically toxic and he should go. If one of his ministers had made this mistake you could be sure it would be a career-ender. Where Harper has dodged the bullet his credibility is shot to hell. He is now a lame-duck leader.
  80. Al Bore from OTTAWA, Canada writes:

    Wow, all over messing with the Liberals entitlements.

    Stunning!
  81. John Peterson from Toronto, Canada, Canada writes: stan unknown from winnipeg, Canada writes: I have no problem with his financial statement dysfunctional House - the NDP and clan still are. WHY can't these parties raise their own funds Are they telling us there followers are tooooo cheap. ------------------ Yes Stan they can raise their own funds. How about - hey auto sector give me $200 million now and when I get into power I will give you $1 billion back. Ditto oil and gas. Ditto unions. Oh hey pharmaceutical lobby - you want to raise the price of prescription drugs ten fold - no problem...but it will cost you .. wink wink. In other words, you contribute to my cause and I will use tax payer money and the law to help you out later. And screw the public or the electorate. I bow to the almighty dollar. The USA has already had the experience of the corrupting influence of lobbyists. That's why they are now all trying to have CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM. Aka - fixed tax payer funded budgets for political parties with caps on the amounts of money they can raise and spend. Sound familiar? --- yeah that's what we have in Canada. Have you heard of this concept??? We should take the experience that others have so that we don't have to repeat the blunders of history. Our country was founded by many wise men and it will be ruined by 1 incompetent man - STEPHEN HARPER who is backed by his ignorant followers.
  82. Eugene Cholod from Canada writes:
    Harper the coward hides behind the skirts of the Governor General-they both should resign.
  83. Stan L from Canada writes: Ben lomond from Canada writes: You know for all these stories about Harper's lack of strategic brilliance I have to say his polling number are 8 points higher than when the coaltion was formed and the Liberals are even less popular then they were before they ochestrated this fiasco.

    First off, the polls are very misleading, the fact is that the one thing the polls showed definitively is that Canadians were taken by surprise by the issue and don't really understand the implications or the issue at hand.....please note all of the undecided and unsures in the results. And even at that, it took a flull fledge radio and TV campaign and all hand on deck blogging and calls to radio programs to get just THAT response. A real leader wouldn't need the garbage advertising to prove his point.
  84. sam stone from Canada writes: Yet 46 % of Canadians would vote for Harper who appears to have more credibilty than the G&M.; Also, how can a true liberal hold their head up high when they allowed their party to be hijacked by that NDPer in liberal clothing. Bob and Jack have pulled a fast one on the liberals. Iggy is smart enough to wait for the right moment before he strikes. Dion is so far out on this one, that it is comical. I would not doubt it if Harper himself donates to Dion's campaign just to help keep the clutz in power.
  85. Marcus Cassolato from Burlington, Canada writes: I still don't understand, and nobody has given me a reason thus far, what it is that many people see (or want to see) that is so bad about Harper and, especially, how he's any so much worse than ANY Prime Minister of the last 30 years???... There have been MAJORITY Prime Ministers in the recent past that have changed the country as we know it, as they see fit, and we all must live with it now whether we like it or not. What is so "radical" about Harper?! I want answers...REAL justifiable answers!
  86. rita guigon from Canada writes: I think Harper is doing a good job. It would not have mattered what was presented in the economic update, the plans for the coalition were well underway. Any pretext would have done. Perhaps aware of this, he gave them a pretext that revealed them for what they were--self-interested rather than caring about the country. Even now, when you hear Bob Rae et al being interviewed, it's more about how they hate Harper than what they have to offer the country. When they are pressed about what will happen when the budget is presented, it doesn't seem to matter what the budget will be (even though they have been invited to present their ideas) they've already decided it won't be any good and the coalition will press on. It can't be any more obvious. This is a naked power grab. The fact that Mr. Harper is resisting infuriates them even more. Mr. Ignatieff is pretty absent in all of this and I wish he would speak up.

    Look to the polls. They're pretty instructive about who is meeting the expectations of Canadians right now. I don't think any diplomacy, appeasement, sweater or nice-guy routine would have derailed the coalition push. I am grateful to Madam Governor General for having responded to the challenge and made the right decision.
  87. B M from Edmonton, Canada writes: If only we had better leaders. Canaians didn't have great choices this past election and look are where we are. Harper forces the hand of the opposition and the hand of the GG. He's a bully. I'm a liberal and the coalition makes me nervous. If the conservatives got rid of Harper, I'd be OK with them in power for now. Harper is the issue for me.
  88. B. T. from Vancouver, Canada writes: I believe the difficulty with the polls and a large component in the disparity between what the op-eds are stating and what the polls are showing are a result of the effective PR campaign the CPC are running. They have more money, and their message is simple, no matter that much of their attack ads are lies and distortions.

    On the CBC this morning, Don Newman interviewed John Baird who dutifully spouted the Harper talking points (quite ineffectively and a bit clumsily I must say). Afterward, I believe it was Keith Boag who expressed his shock at the audacity of Mr. Baird's distortions. He only corrected a couple of them (one was which side of the House the BQ would sit on - not with coalition) but more importantly stated flat-out that John Baird obviously hadn't read the coalition document, i.e. he had no idea what he was talking about.

    The CPC (and really, the CPC is Harper) is winning the PR battle because they (he) has moved away from the issues and has made the fight personal. The name-calling on both sides is ridiculous, but people will believe anything if you say it enough times. And with the CPC flush with cash and the Liberals - like the economy, struggling to hang, on people are starting to believe him. Not only is this dishonest, but it is a bad civics lesson when the government of Canada can't (or won't) honestly explain how our Constitutional Monarchy works.

    If the CPC wants to lead, they must regain the moral authority to do so. I don't know how they can achieve this, but in my opinion, it starts with Harper stepping down.
  89. Eugene Cholod from Canada writes: 76,000 jobs lost in November and Harper has shut down parliament-what a coward! There is going to be such a revolt he will have to bring in the military to retain power.Harper-for the good of Canada ,resign and bring back parliament.
  90. North Star from Canada writes: sam stone from Canada writes: Yet 46 % of Canadians would vote for Harper who appears to have more credibilty than the G&M.;

    ------

    According to Sam Stone, 725872 Canadians live in Calgary Southwest.

    You can only vote for Harper if you happen to vote in his home riding, and then you can vote for him as an MP. If you factor in national voter turnout, only 20% of Canadians voted for the CPC.

    The Harper propaganda machine rolls on!

    Harper has lost the moral authority to lead.
  91. Stan L from Canada writes: Marcus Cassolato from Burlington, Canada writes: I still don't understand, and nobody has given me a reason thus far, what it is that many people see (or want to see) that is so bad about Harper and, especially, how he's any so much worse than ANY Prime Minister of the last 30 years???...

    Here's a few answers Marcus....First, a leader of the country is the leader of the whole country, demonizing one part of the country, inappropriately rearding or denying them is simply wrong, it creates division and dissent. In Canada, we have never been so polarized as we are today and that is largely becuase of these tactics.

    Second, the tone of the debate is lowered, this is no longer a gentleman's game. Two years worth of out of election attack ads on your opposition and comments like 'destroy the Liberals' personalize what shouldn't be personlaized. Our system is a point-counterpoint system of government....not dog eat dog or eat your dead system.

    Third, silly polarizing decision making that inflames and infuraties for no real reason...we could have been working on health care, UI, items like that...instead the agenda over the past two years has been laced with arts cuts, and other such items.....

    That's just a few....do you need some more?
  92. F Isher from Canada writes: So many contributors here have expressed distrust and extreme distaste for S. Harper. I concur. As Bob Rae said it plainly on the radio yesterday, Harper is a liar. Imagine, a senior politician finally coming out and calling a spade a spade.

    Everyone is encouraged to take their blog message and send it to people on your email address book. Get the message out that Harper is dangerous to the country. Use the power of the internet to create a groundswell that the Conservative Party might hear.

    Guys like Harper don't care a bit about what any one of us thinks. The Party might care when hundreds of thouands of emails are circulating calling for the Conservatives to dump Harper.
  93. Stan L from Canada writes: rita guigon from Canada writes: I think Harper is doing a good job. It would not have mattered what was presented in the economic update, the plans for the coalition were well underway.

    THAT point is debatable, just becuase Harper says it's true doens't make it so. And the fact is that what Harper presented last Thursday was a disgrace and as a women I think you would find the interferance in the process for pay equity appauling. Not only were the fiscal measure in last Thursday's update weak and ineffective, the three poison pills that were inserted were out of context and infalmmatory for no reason.
  94. The Susus from Canada writes:
    The problem is, he is trying to make the job into what he is like, when HE is supposed to take on the mantel of prime minister, not the other way around.

    I know that may sound strange, however he has to adapt to the country as it is, and not try to make it into something he wants personally. We are 30 some odd million people, and you cannot take a hard line..either liberal or conservative, as that does not reflect the population.

    I don't care who you are, you cannot just "make" millions of people more conservative thinking in four years, or a decade, and you can't make a bunch of conservatives liberal in that time either.

    People do not radically embrace others ideology easily and will not simply "switch" sides depending on the wind.
  95. George Smith from Canada writes: A little note for those who love to quote polls.

    When you ask a question to someone who has no knowledge or expertise about the subject you get results that don't mean much.

    The past few days have shown that most Canadians don't understand how Parliament works. Most people never heard of the word "prorogue" 2 weeks ago.

    My View:

    The coalition is perfectly legal.

    The GG's prorogation is perfectly legal.

    The Conservatives have a MINORITY in government.

    The Opposition have a MAJORITY if they choose to work together.

    We are only governed by one poll - the election.

    Private polling may make for interesting discussions and help sell newspapers, but it doesn't run the government.

    I really would like a seven week paid holiday right about now.
  96. North Star from Canada writes: Ben lomond from Canada writes: Yeah, that Harper, he's a real dummy alright. lol

    ------

    Agreed. Forever losing Quebec, Harper will never achieve a majority. It would self-defeating for a national political party to support a leader who has been in 3 elections and will never deliver a majority.

    Harper has lost the moral authority to lead.
  97. Luke Morrow from Canada writes: Ironic, for the past two years Harper and crew have been goading the Libs to vote against any non-confidence motion. In fact when the Libs didn’t vote against the Cons, the Cons ridiculed the Libs for being chicken. Be careful for what you wish for. Now who is running to mommy? Mommy, mommy please stop the evil people who have the right to take away my crown.
  98. North Star from Canada writes: Jim Prentice for leader of the CPC.
  99. Just another Canadian from Calgary, Canada writes: radical you ask...how about taking away the right for equal pay for women. Are all the women in the Conservative Party too afraid to stand up to this dictator?
  100. sam stone from Canada writes: North Star from Canada writes: Harper has lost the moral authority to lead.
    ===================================================
    Not at all. You see the coalition has less seats than Harper. The Bloc did actually agree to be lead by dopey dion. A true coalition would have one leader and all be on the same page. If you would clean out your ears and listen, you would see that Jack and Bob each think they are the leaders. Gille is just doing what he thinks is best for Quebec. And, for the liberal GG to have allowed this, means even she thinks the coalition farce smells. Dion is flip floping by the minute. His MPs are scared and Bob Rae thinks he is the leader. The buffoon that ran Ontario with 37.7%. But that's OK for a lefty. Bring on the election and make sure your parties campaign on a platform of ruling by coalition. Then you will see your parties disappear.
  101. The Susus from Canada writes: I still wonder if harper has a hidden agenda on this, he was supposedly so smart...that this blunder was so out there...that maybe he is trying to cause problems...break up canada and usher in north american integration?
  102. M Peter from Mississauga, Canada writes: Dion, Harper and Layton are flying on the Executive Airbus to a gathering in British Columbia when Dion turns to Harper and says, chuckling,

    'You know, I could throw a $1000 bill out the window right now and make someone very happy.'

    Harper shrugs and replies, 'Well, I could throw ten $100 bills out the window and make ten people happy.'

    Not to be outdone, Layton says, 'Well I could throw a hundred $10 bills out the window and make a hundred people happy.'

    The pilot rolls his eyes and says to his co-pilot, 'Such arrogant a$$es back there.

    I could throw all three of them out the window and make 32 million people happy
  103. Banger Hosbrow from Vancouver, Canada writes: Talking with some of my conservative supporters this week, the consensus is that Harper can no longer be trusted and that he has embarrassed our party. All this at a time when our country needs a leader who can show Canada that he is solidly in charge of the economy and that he is acting to forestall the effects of the massive recession we are dealing with, Harper is fiddling while the country is burning. I never thought I'd say it, but I look forward to Harper's demise so that I can again be proud to vote conservative.
  104. North Star from Canada writes: sam stone from Canada writes: North Star from Canada writes: Harper has lost the moral authority to lead.
    ===================================================
    Not at all. You see the coalition has less seats than Harper.

    -----------------------------------

    Hi Sam, thanks for your reply.

    Legal authority is different than moral authority - the inability of Harper and his supporters to see the difference is very alarming. Many dictators have the most seats in their government too (using hyperbole only to make the point here). Cheers!
  105. Just another Canadian from Calgary, Canada writes: M Peter, it is sad but too true. We need new leaders or new parties., the ones we have are an embarrassment to our Country.
  106. Maurice Rice from Toronto, Canada writes: I like the following things about Mr. Harper's leadership:
  107. North Star from Canada writes: M Peter from Mississauga, Canada - FOR THE WIN! LOL!
  108. Paul Mullen from Canada writes:
    More Liberals clamoring for Harper to go... for the good of the Conservative party, of course.

    These are the same people who were favored Joe Clark and Belinda Stronach a few years ago. They just want the Conservatives to lose, but Harper keeps winning, so they're desperate to get rid of him.

    It's not going to happen people.... get used to opposition, and don't worry, it'll be easier (i.e. harder to screw up) once the Conservatives win a majority :)
  109. sam stone from Canada writes: Sour grapes from the left abound. Why is when the left loses, they protest, block roads, strike and so on. When Ontario was decimated by liberal NDP bob rae. The centre right had to just take it till the PEOPLE dumped him from office. Harper is no dictator, and the analogy to Hitler (as one lib MP put it), is extremely offensive. Even the little changes are not as drastic as the crap that rae pushed through in Ontario. GET OVER IT. I agre that minorites should be brought down. But there should be an election when that happens. THis will stop alot of the games that the coalition of idiots are playing.
  110. The Susus from Canada writes: Paul Mullen, thing is, you cannot have a majority in Canada without Quebec, or by sweeping Ontario...if Quebec is being alienated.

    He has to start ruling from the middle or he'll never get enough of Ontario or any of Quebec...we're just not that conservative.
  111. baldev sood from toronto, Canada writes: Before calling the quebec party a separatist ,Harper should have have looked at his roots of being the member of a of westren canada.
    He was looking at his own image.
    Harper has lost his influence in amongst french speaking canadians.
    He not the leader of the country any moreTherefore he should resign.
  112. M M from Vancouver, Canada writes: Canadians might breath a collective sign of relief if both Mr Dion and Mr Harper were to resign as leaders of their parties. It is clear that neither has the capability to create the consensus needed to govern. They certainly cannot work together after this latest game. We need a Prime Minister capable of putting the needs of the country before his (or her) political agenda.

    Imagine the likely election in early spring in which Canadians are faced with electing a Prime Minister from amongst such a weak group of leaders. Is there anyone in the wings of either of these parties who could regain the trust and respect of Canadians? It is a sad day in Canadian history.
  113. North Star from Canada writes: Jim Prentice for leader of the CPC.
  114. Armins copy of Swank from Canada writes: Yeah he's such a poor leader that he turned a near fatality into a massive lead in the polls. If an election were held today he would have a massive, Mulroney-esque majority.
  115. The Susus from Canada writes: also if they are seperatists, then..well quite frankly...the conservatives are bush republicans.
  116. John Peterson from Toronto, Canada, Canada writes: Marcus Cassolato from Burlington, Canada writes: I still don't understand, and nobody has given me a reason thus far, what it is that many people see (or want to see) that is so bad about Harper and, especially, how he's any so much worse than ANY Prime Minister of the last 30 years???... ------------------------------ Harper's specific problems: 1) One MP in the house of commons who has been there 12 years said he had never seen such a poisoned atomosphere there as he saw under Harper's leadership. He is a petty man with a narrow mind that refuses to work with other people and thinks he knows it all. 2) Refusal to work with the Premiers and his apparent disregard for regional challenges - especially if that electorate didn't vote for him. 3) Lack of transparency. Harper's government is the most closed government when it comes to public access and media access. What is he trying to hide? 4) Aloofness. The man simply doesn't understand or relate to the problems facing the public. People have lost their jobs and he simply says "oh well sucks to be you". 5) Vindictive. Harper is the type of person who holds grudges and nurse the grudge and screws you later. The above problems are character flaws. Leadership in a democracy requires the ability to work with people who may have fundamentally differing views - and to selectively accomodate some of their suggestions so that the policy of the country reflects inclusively the views of the different segments of the demographic. This creates harmony and unity. Harper's tactics have been to create divisions and strong arm the opposition into swallowing bitter pills OR just ignoring people who need the help of the PM's office. Take a look at someone like Kevin Rudd from Australia. A perfect example of a very down to earth, compassionate, and hard working man and a great leader. Harper is everything that Kevin Rudd is not (elitist, autocratic, egomanical, self-serving, and devisive)
  117. Richard Copeland from Pickering, Canada writes: 'remembered for uniting the Conservative movement' ... I think not. There are a lot of true conservatives who are still not buying into Steve's brand. The former NCC head honcho is still and will aways be a Reform/Alliance usurper of the Tory party who could not have hijacked it without the Quisling from the East, that bumbling Pete Mackay. Until the 'Conservative' party is run by true conservatives, they will be forgoing the support of significant numbers of conservatives who cannot bring themselves to vote for such a small-minded ideologue. He's gotta go and the sooner the better.
  118. Stan L from Canada writes: sam stone from Canada writes: Sour grapes from the left abound. Why is when the left loses, they protest, block roads, strike and so on.

    What are you talking about....who is protesting, blocking roads and etc...?.There are plently of sour grapes all around, do you not think it was 'sour grapes' that lead Harper to the GG rather than face a non-confidence vote? Was it 'sour grapes' that led him to 'seed' that little demo around her residence with Conservatives staffers? Why a few days ago, some posters on here were repeating over and over again the anti-coalition rallies with times and dates?
  119. Katherine R from Canada writes: Absolutely not fit to lead this country. He insults and alienates all around him.
  120. Golden Bulldog from the NeoCon Capital, Canada writes: Bagkitty writes:He appears, to me at least, to be trying to create the equivalent of the American red state/blue state paradigm and, most unfortunately, is using Western Canada/Quebec cleavages to do so.

    Can you give us a clearer picture of those Canada/Quebec cleavages? Perhaps a clearer and expanded view would distract us from the shoddy behaviour of Stevie Harper!!!
  121. Frank Lee My Dears I Don't Give A Damn from Toronto, Canada writes:
    OK boys and girls. Here's the straight poop. If Rae or Dion were in the same position as Harper, they'd do exactly as he did. They're politicians just like Harper. And will sell their souls to stay in power.
    So what's the big deal? Politics is a game. Played by an elite few, With rules meant to protect the elite few. Especially if someone from the outside tries to play.
  122. Philip More from MONTREAL, Canada writes: Here is Harper's last move: When and if the conservatives are defeated by the no confidence vote, all the conservative MPs are going to resign en mass their parliment seat thus a de facto election call.
  123. North Star from Canada writes: "On December the 8th, the House of Commons will have an opportunity to vote on the opposition's attempt to overturn the results of the last election." Stephen Harper, Nov. 28/08, statement from the foyer of the House.

    December 5, 2008, Harper prorogues Parliament to avoid the Dec. 8th vote.

    Harper has lost the moral authority to lead.
  124. larry price from Arnstein, Canada writes: The recent decision by the Governor -General should immediately be appealed to the Supreme Court of Canada. This gives the Prime Minster the power to prorogue the House of Commons to avoid a vote of confidence, and the confidence of the House is the first requisite to be Prime Minister.
    Since the time King Charles (?) entered the Commons, removed the Speaker, sat in the Speakers chair, and was driven out of the building by the outraged members of the House of Commons, no monarch has set foot inside the Commons. This why the Queen meets the Parliament in the Senate.
    A member of the Commons, with the support of the majority of members, goes to the monarch who swears him in as Prime Minister. To become prime minister the support, the confidence, of the House of Commons is the first requisite
    When Harper knew he had lost the support of the House of Commons, had only one legal act remaining. He was to go to the monarch, in our case the Governor-General, ;and tell the monarch that he no longer had the confidence of the House of Commons. All other powers of the prime minister would be ultra virus, that is illegal for him access. It is the knowledge, not necessarily the vote, that compels the prime minister to go to the monarch and resign.
    The current decision by the GG cannot stand. A prime minister out of the control of the Commons, with a full arsenal of PM powers, could do considerable damage to the assets of the country. Reform and distribution of the PMs powers would help Canada along the path of democratic evolution. This can be done by an act of parliament. The prime minister is not even mentioned in the constitution.
  125. Brian Sexsmith from Canada writes: Blunder? His lies, malevolence, vindictiveness and obsession with destroying opposition parties don't do much for his credibility either.
  126. Paul Mullen from Canada writes: >> The Susus from Canada writes: "Paul Mullen, thing is, you cannot have a majority in Canada without Quebec, or by sweeping Ontario...if Quebec is being alienated."

    I disagree with both points:

    A : That the Conservatives have alianated Quebecers, by saying the Bloc has no business governing Canada.

    >> What alianation ? Quebecers simply saw a chance to grab some cash from Ottawa, and went for it. On the other hand, it's worth noting that 39 % of Quebecers oppose the coalition... That's enough for a Conservative majority. On the other, other hand, this nonsense might finally drive the point home that the Block isn't good for anything but holding the country for ransom.

    B : That the Conservatives can't 'sweep' Ontario...

    >> Take a look at the riding map from the last election.. if the Conservatives finish breaking the Liberal hold on the 'immigrant vote' in Toronto, they could very well 'sweep' Ontario. In fact across English Canada a significant shift has taken place... one that would propel them to an easy majority win should an election take place today.
  127. The Wight from Canada writes: Armin's Copy:

    "Yeah he's such a poor leader that he turned a near fatality into a massive lead in the polls. If an election were held today he would have a massive, Mulroney-esque majority."

    Ooooh, two can play at that "let's select the best poll of the month to support our cause!" game ...

    The July 17th poll of this year showed that the LPC was neck and neck with the CPC ... but did they end UP neck and neck? That poll is a snapshot, so who cares if they would win it today. Unless that election IS today, your comment means nothing.

    And all the electioneering in the world isn't going to save his hide from the House of Commons. The Canadian public could be 100% hornswaggled by the CPC media machine and he still has to face that music on Jan 27th and hope like hell he can win over some MPs to his cause, because with all of his acrimony, he's driving them together for that vote.

    Think they won't pull the plug on his government, take the PR hit, and then let the all-too short public memory fade until the next election, a full 18 months away?

    Watch it happen.
  128. Stan L from Canada writes: Frank Lee My Dears I Don't Give A Damn from Toronto, Canada writes:
    OK boys and girls. Here's the straight poop. If Rae or Dion were in the same position as Harper, they'd do exactly as he did. They're politicians just like Harper. And will sell their souls to stay in power.

    You can't give Harper a free pass for his bad behaviour by speculating that others might do the same.....Rae didn't run away from non-confidence votes in his time in office and Dion has never been in the position to test him on that score, but by all accounts he is a 'take the high road' kind of a guy.
    Regardless of what you THINK the others might do, it still doens't give Harper a pass.
  129. richard riewer from Montreal, Canada writes: Conservatives have come to see the move as a gross tactical mistake because it left the opposition with little choice but to either vote for their own demise or try to defeat the government.

    That's an understatement. It was more like kicking your opponent when he/she is lying unconscious on the mat. Prime Minister Stephen Harper is an autocrat pretending to be a protector of parliamentary democracy.
  130. Michael Ignoxious from Canada writes: Dion regularly skates across the blue line with his $1.95 head down. Harper's job is to make him pay for it.

    Dion's failed attempt to break Harper's ankle with a retaliatory separatist slash lowers the game, and penalizes his team.

    With Dion in the box, Harper lines up for the power play face off.

    Globe writers feel for goalie Bob Rae when the red light goes on.

    Fans go Christmas shopping.

    Liberals make draft choices in May.

    C'est la vie!
  131. No Coalition from Canada writes: I have got to say, that if Harper scares the left wing in this country to the point they will continue to flog a coalition in the face of majority opposition to the idea... Harper is doing something right.

    Let's not forget, it is Harper who is the glue in the Conservative Party.... he got the Party to where it is....it's his to lose.
  132. richard riewer from Montreal, Canada writes: In the future, GGs must be selected for their knowledge of constitutional law. They must be elected by parliament and have sufficient independence to resist adictatorial impulses by a PM.

    Hear! Hear!
  133. Paul Mullen from Canada writes:
    Besides the fact that it frustrates the coalition plans, why is proroguing parliament such an outrageous thing to do ?

    What is the purported justification for the coalition coup-detat ? A national emergency.. the economic crisis.

    What is proroguation for ? Dealing with national emergencies ... say an economic crisis combined with a hastily thrown-together power grab by an incompetent opposition.

    They can't have it both ways.
  134. Al B from Canada writes: Paul Mullen from Canada writes: "Take a look at the riding map from the last election.. if the Conservatives finish breaking the Liberal hold on the 'immigrant vote' in Toronto, they could very well 'sweep' Ontario."

    You're just stating the reason why the cons will not get a majority. It's the party of choice of xenophobes. Canadians know better.
  135. little Bear from Canada writes: Frank Lee. I am with you. Personally I don't give a damn they are all liars and cheats.

    You have to shudder when you look at what we have to chose from.

    I turned off with the Income Trust lie and never came back and never will.

    Frank I will take it one step further. There is no party of Government that can Govern this country as it is too big, too diverse with nothing that can draw the parts together.

    I have lived in all but one Province and worked in 5 of them and have seen the different thinking and attitudes and positions. They were this way 40 yeats ago and still are. There is no way to reconcile them and people like Harper, Dion etc. have no hope in hell of ever being truly accepted across the country.
  136. gilles monenemie from Montreal, Canada writes: Of course canadians will defend canada when asked, this poll is a response to that, not support for harper. Canadians should reflect how harper has whipped up anti-quebec sentiment as a way to manipulate them to support him. Quebecers don't want to seperate, it aint going to happen, watch the quebec election results monday. The BQ is not a real threat to canada's democracy, but harper is. Quebecers supported the BQ in the last election as a vote against Harper. The BQ was dead until harper restored the BQ vote when he made all his political gaffs. Harper got 3rd place in quebec because we don't agree with his values and didn't want to see him get a majority. Please canadians reflect on what harper just did to canada and quebec. Its pure manipulation of the public.
  137. The Wight from Canada writes: Answer this all you con hacks ...

    You are in the majority in the house of commons and the minority NDP government hands you a bill that will bankrupt every party but themselves (including yours), will force all federal employees strictly to demographics and will allow strikers to collect strike pay directly from the government. You've never seen this bill and it has landed on your lap, today, with no prior viewed privileges.

    You choice is this bill ... or forming a coalition with the LPC and BQ to topple the government, legally.

    It's up for a vote and the clock is ticking ... what do you do?
  138. Armins copy of Swank from Canada writes: The Wight from Canada writes: Armin's Copy:

    "Yeah he's such a poor leader that he turned a near fatality into a massive lead in the polls. If an election were held today he would have a massive, Mulroney-esque majority."

    Ooooh, two can play at that "let's select the best poll of the month to support our cause!" game ...
    ___________

    Here's two polls genius. They say the same thing.
    Ipsos: CPC 46, LPC 23, NDP 13, BQ 9, GPC 8
    Ekos: CPC 44, LPC 24, NDP 15, BQ 9, GPC 8

    And a bonus opinion!
    Compas: 72% biz leaders see worse economy under Dion coalition

    I WIN!
  139. May Spence from Canada writes: The media is determined to do Harper in with their spin on this fiasco. The person responsible for this fiasco is Jack Layton. He didn't like what Canadians decided so he decided to hatch a plan to take over the government duly elected by the people of Canada. To create such turmoil at this time when stability in the country is badly needed is reprehensible. To do this so soon after an election is unheard of. Jack Layton should resign, not Stephen Harper.
  140. richard riewer from Montreal, Canada writes: None of you Harper supporters mention that some of his votes come from Western Canada separatists. Do you?
  141. The Wight from Canada writes: Armin's Copy:

    "I WIN!"

    Ooooh, more polls that don't matter are going to make the difference?

    As you CPC dunderheads are so fond of saying ... the only poll that matters is the one on election day and, like it or not, the public is NOT voting on the future of this government on Jan 27th ... the House of Commons is.

    And a majority of them, hate Harper like the dickens right now.

    Good luck!
  142. Armins copy of Swank from Canada writes: The Wight from Canada writes: Ooooh, more polls that don't matter are going to make the difference?

    _________
    And, in a month when this coalition decides to take down teh government the GG will once again do the bidding of the PM, dissolve Parliament and we will annnihilate the Liberals and NDP. Suck it traitors. Your coup failed, Canadians are universally p1ssed and they can't wait to show you their wrath. Sucks for you loser!

    NEXT!
  143. Just another Canadian from Calgary, Canada writes: Besides the fact that it frustrates the coalition plans, why is proroguing parliament such an outrageous thing to do ?

    It is outrageous because Canada is in financial turmoil, 70,000 jobs lost in November alone, businesses going under, pension funds losing billions and our parliamentarians are sitting at home contemplating their navels. We need government action now by the end of January it will be too late. Look at the TSX today.
  144. okanagan pakman from Canada writes: Over the next 7 weeks Harper will find it increasingly difficult to "cook the books"...this may be our only saving grace....the truth about his "economist" status will be revealed by the poor performance oof his policies...of course CRAPers will claim he is not responsible due to factors beyond his control....the simple fact remains...Harper will never assume "responsibility" for anything...he will try to shift the blame and change the message...HARPER INSPIRES THE BIGOTS AND RETIRES DEMOCRACY....BRAVO
  145. Armins copy of Swank from Canada writes: "Overall, this is breaking quite clearly to the government as opposed to the coalition," said pollster Darrell Bricker.

    Fully 60 per cent of those interviewed said they opposed replacing the government with Liberal-NDP coalition supported by the Bloc Quebecois, compared with 37 per cent who favoured the idea. Support for the coalition was highest in Quebec at 50 per cent, followed by 44 per cent in Atlantic Canada.

    The poll indicates the prospect of the Dion-led coalition has prompted Canadians to rethink the value of an election so soon after the Oct. 14 poll. Fifty-six per cent said they would rather go to the polls than be governed by the coalition.

    Bricker said the preference for an election, if the view holds in the coming weeks, will be an important consideration for Jean should the opposition topple Harper's government early in the new year.

    "The Governor General is going to be hard-pressed to deny what the Canadian public wants," said Bricker, president of Ipsos Reid.

    HA HA!
  146. Michael Ignoxious from Canada writes: The Wight - That fantasy scenario begins with "You are in the majority in the house of commons" and falls to pieces in failing to recognize responsibility for the decisions that set up the bankruptcy rules of attrition.
  147. Paul Mullen from Canada writes: >> gilles monenemie writes : "The BQ is not a real threat to canada's democracy, but harper is."

    A true reflection of the Liberal attitude... better to cheer on the separatists, then to lose our hold on power.

    The Liberals and Bloc used fear of each other's ideologies (centralization vs Separation) to win 'majorities' for years, but the ride is over... where the Liberals go, the Bloc is sure to follow (down).
  148. Paul Mullen from Canada writes: >> richard riewer from Montreal, Canada writes: "None of you Harper supporters mention that some of his votes come from Western Canada separatists. Do you?"

    I'm pretty sure 10 Conservative votes in Alberta didn't sway the outcome of the election.
  149. gene eng from Markham, Canada writes: I am dismayed that there is NO ONE among the 140 Tories MPs who has any backbone to stand up to say the Emperor has no clothes.

    Is this the democracy that Canada is known for?

    We better retreat from Afghanistan, trying to sell them our brand of democracy. How can Harper still criticize China?

    He was outright lying on TV. He was a coward. The Star got the cartoon right: showing him kissing GG's feet to beg for another day. Stayed there for 2 hours before getting her to say yes.

    Harper must go.
  150. Robin GTA from Canada writes: "that the government truly does harbour a hidden agenda."

    Since when has Harper hidden his agenda? If Dion couldn't see what harper's agenda he'd better get a new paid of opposition glasses.

    Flannigan laid it all out, don't the Libs read?
  151. Michael Ignoxious from Canada writes: It also neglects the impact of allowing strikers to collect strike pay directly from the government at a time of economic crisis.
  152. little Bear from Canada writes: The GG had a number of choices to make. She apparently sought and received legal advice on the constitutional aspects of her choices.

    If you can believe the CBC and other polls Canadians feel she made the correct choice and it is entirely legal and was one of her options.

    I never thought she would agree to suspend but it appears the majority of those polled think it was the correct move.

    From an attitude stand point I see some real similarities between the way Trudeau and Harper Govern.

    Trudeau bulled his way through a number of controversial issues and Harper is doing the same thing.

    As an impartial observer it will make for interesting viewing in the next few months.

    It would be a mistake to give Harper a majority but on the other hand what options do you have.

    Enjoy
  153. richard riewer from Montreal, Canada writes: Harper, knowing that he will not achieve the confidence of the House, is hiding behind the Office of the Governor General.

    Poor boy. Hiding behind the GG's skirt. He needs his mommy.
  154. Brent Beach from Victoria, Canada writes: Over the last two years, Harper stuck it to the Liberals specifically but the opposition in general every couple of weeks. Confidence vote this, confidence vote that. Obstruct this committee, slag Dion again.

    He got away with it. No single provocation on its own was enough.

    This time Harper packaged a few months worth up and put them in the financial statement. Oops.

    If the Liberals don't end it now Harper will revert to his former style - parcelling them out one a month.

    This is a classic abusive relationship and the Liberals have to get out of it now.

    Win or lose, the Liberals have to stop Harper now.
  155. Michael Ignoxious from Canada writes: Toronto Maple Leafs Win Stanley Cup.....

    Canada was stunned Monday when it was announced that The Stanley Cup will be awarded to the Toronto Maple Leafs, possibly as early as December 6th.

    The cup will be stripped from from 2008 playoff champions the Detroit Red Wings and be awarded to the Leafs, who didn't even make the playoffs.

    How is this possible, Canadians ask?

    Well, the Leafs have formed a coalition with eastern conference semifinalists the Montreal Canadians, and conference quarter finalists the Ottawa Senators, now outnumbering the Red Wings.

    According to current Leaf coach Ron Wilson "the Red Wings have lost the confidence of the league and should hand the cup over immediately to our coalition".

    NHL commissioner Gary Bettman is cutting short a European trip to try to resolve the unprecedented hockey crisis that could force a second playoff series, or see an opposing team coalition take the cup.
  156. The Wight from Canada writes: Michael:

    "The Wight - That fantasy scenario begins with "You are in the majority in the house of commons" and falls to pieces in failing to recognize responsibility for the decisions that set up the bankruptcy rules of attrition."

    It's a thought exercise.

    Who cares if the other parties have made serious decisions that justify they having no private money and having to rely on public money? Sheer self interest means that if they are given a choice between voting for their own fiscal demise and toppling the government, they will topple the government virtually every time.

    If you've got a legally available option to avoid voting for your own demise, you'll take it, every time.

    And that's the choice Harper laid before them. He retracted it in a hurry when they saw he was getting his bluff called, but the damage was done.

    Every last bit of this can be dropped at his feet. They could have planned that coalition till the cows come home, but if he plays friendly, it never comes to pass.
  157. Paul Mullen from Canada writes: >> Just another Canadian from Calgary, Canada writes: "It [proroguing parliament] is outrageous because Canada is in financial turmoil, We need government action now"

    And the (elected, even) government CAN act now, and (since this is what you really mean) CAN spend money now. A new coalition government on the other hand would take time (perhaps an eternity) to settle in and actually do something.

    But it doesn't make fiscal sense to throw money around like that. Look at the the U.S... they rushed a bailout, and now they're still screwed, and don't know where the money went.
  158. Just another Canadian from Calgary, Canada writes: Harper needs to explain to Canadians why he stooped so low as to pit Canadians against one another inorder to retain power. Power at any cost is more important to him than the unity of the Country. Or is he really a Western Separatist? Is that is his hidden adgenda?
  159. a l from Toronto, Canada writes: For the good of his party, Harper should resign as leader. He can never gain trust and credibility with the Opposition (he never had it to begin with) and his own MPs will start questioning his self-described brilliance.
  160. J L from Calgary, Canada writes: So many fools. Word of a coalition has been out since right after, if not during, the election.

    It was likely the coalition attempt was going to be during the budget vote. So Harper just forced their hand early, it is clearly evident how unorganized they are.

    All the NDP and Liberal supporters seem to think the prorogue move was un democratic. It is just as democratic as a coalition government.

    I think it is time for a complete reform of the government.
    -4 year election term
    -fully elected senate, with only a five year term (not life)
    -two parties only (and they must represent the entire country)
    -time to get rid of the monarchy as well

    This will never happen but it would be the best for Canada.
  161. Michael Ignoxious from Canada writes: The Wight from Canada - Who cares if the other parties have made serious decisions that justify they having no private money?

    Do your thought process not care about the rules set out for the political process?

    Politics is a power game. You leave your flank open, especially for 5 years after your own team made the rule changes - expect to say good bye!

    Liberals have a choice - they can start a legitimate fund raising process. 5 years late is better than never.
  162. Just another Canadian from Calgary, Canada writes: Gee I guess every other developed country in the world is wrong and Harper is right to sit on his a$$ and let Canada burn. He should have had some kind of plan to stimulate our economy. He has done nothing.
  163. Paul Mullen from Canada writes: >> Michael Ignoxious from Canada writes: "Toronto Maple Leafs Win Stanley Cup....."

    There's a typo in your otherwise accurate, historical report... should be Vancouver, not Ottawa.
  164. gene eng from Markham, Canada writes: Harper shamelessly played on people's hidden hatred of Quebecers, and kept repeating separatists to confuse the message.

    He created the crisis, and he kicked up national unity issues that will hurt Canada just to cover up his own backside.

    A shame of a "leader". He must go. And the entire party of jellyfish MPs who refuse to stand up for Canada, stand up for the truth, and tell him that he was wrong and to work with the opposition.

    The Liberals have dissent within their ranks, but that also shows that they are people who think and dare to express their opinion. The Tories? Come on, even Prentice avoided questions on CBC and kept to their pathetic script of "democracy" and "separatist". And he is the 2nd in line?

    Maybe the biker-chick's boyfriend was right. He should fight to get Harper's seat. Maybe I will vote for him.
  165. born a cynic from Canada writes: A good leader will not play politics in dire times, period.
    Harper is more interest in ham stringing the opposition than
    leading. Therefore he has failed his mandate and should resign.
  166. The Last Honest Conservative from Western, Canada writes:
    Not only did Harper blink ..............
    .............. he crawled to the GG and begged not to be fired.
  167. Paul Mullen from Canada writes: >> richard riewer from Montreal, Canada writes: "How did Harper know that the three opposition were discussing the possibility of a coalition?"

    Because the opposition is incompetent, fractured, and leaks information uncontrollably.
  168. Michael Ignoxious from Canada writes: Thanks Paul - I picked it up from a fuzzy video clip.
  169. richard riewer from Montreal, Canada writes: 'You know, I could throw a $1000 bill out the window right now and make someone very happy.'

    Harper shrugs and replies, 'Well, I could throw ten $100 bills out the window and make ten people happy.'

    I'll take the thousand dollar bill, you can have the one hundred.
  170. richard riewer from Montreal, Canada writes: Not at all. You see the coalition has less seats than Harper.

    Coalition=164 Harper=143. I guess that, according to your calculations, less is more. Sounds like Alice in Wonderland.
  171. North Star from Canada writes: Harper's throne speech was about how he was going to be co-operative and then proposes an economic statement without any prior consultation with the other parties whatsoever.

    Harper has lost the moral authority to lead.
  172. Paul Mullen from Canada writes: >> The Last Honest Conservative from Western, Canada writes: "Not only did Harper blink .. he crawled to the GG and begged not to be fired. "

    There seem to be a lot of anti-harper, pro-coalition 'Conservatives' from 'Western Canada' in these forums...

    It's pathetic (if understandable) that Liberals are ashamed to identify themselves as such.
  173. Bart Farquart from Calgary, Canada writes: Mr. Laghi's column confers false comfort that prevents Liberals from dealing with their two biggest challenges. One is a weak and incompetent leader and the other is reputation damage from the goofy back door coup scheme that just blew up in their faces.

    Here's some free advice:

    Stop whining and focussing on Harper's shortcomings. Ditch the socialists and separtists. Let the budget pass. Have your leadership convention. Get your new guy out and about to sell his vision. And then go to the nation in a legitimate election.

    Y'er welcome. Bart.
  174. Armins copy of Swank from Canada writes: Just another Canadian from Calgary, Canada writes: Gee I guess every other developed country in the world is wrong and Harper is right to sit on his a$$ and let Canada burn. He should have had some kind of plan to stimulate our economy. He has done nothing.

    ________
    Another foolish assertion from an uninformed fool. Did you know the Big 3 automakers want 35-billion dollars from the US Treasury. Did you know they admitted it would only last til the end of March? And you want us to toss 5 or 10 billion into that sinkhole "just to do something". You are part of the same crowd that thinks Kyoto would have solved global warming and cleaned up the water. Wake up and think for yourself instead of poorly copying things smarter people have said.

    Our PM came through an opposition coup stronger than he went in. If an election were held today he'd lead a majority.
  175. Michael Ignoxious from Canada writes: richard riewer - your medication is on back-order!
  176. richard riewer from Montreal, Canada writes: Joe Little from Cowtown Calgary, Canada writes: Harper should be tried by the court of this land. He violated election law. He bribed MPs. He spied on the opposition party. He stirred up the national unity issue. He should be tried now rather than later. Definitely he is not fit to lead this country.

    Sounds like a job for Dudley DoRight and the Mounties.
  177. sam stone from Canada writes: Stan L from Canada writes: What are you talking about....who is protesting, blocking roads and etc...?.
    ====================================================
    When Mike Harris was in power, the left went crazy. They blocked raods, days of action, civil servant strikes. The right does act like those animals. You don't remember those years?
  178. Stephen Harper's Ignorant Tories from Canada writes: Harper never had any credibility with anyone with a brain. He has done nothing but lie, connive, bully, bribe, flout the law, and grasp at power. Then he accuses the opposition of doing that, not him. Sadly, his witless followers believe him.
  179. Mrs. Whiggins from Canada writes: Stephen Harper is once again making Canada proud on the world stage --- NOT! Today the Economist and even the Christian Science Monitor tells the woebegone tale of Stephen Harper and the blow he has struck to Canada's democracy and to her people. Way to go, Stephen Harper! Now Stephen Harper, it's time for YOU to go. Coalition if necessary; whatever it takes to hold Harper in check, because he has displayed that he needs to be kept in check until his party replaces him. Stephen Harper cannot be trusted by the majority of Canadians, and will never win a majority, and has likely caused unity problems in Quebec that will be felt for years. Talk of the West separating is rising as some out here are swayed by the blitz of Harper's propaganda machine. A truly disgraceful outcome for Canadians over the unhealthy desires of just one man. Stephen Harper was Prime Minister for a select few, not PM for every Canadian across this great country. I hope that in the dark times ahead that Stephen Harper wakes up in a cold sweat in the middle of the night as he begins to realize what havoc he has created, and as he begins to understand viscerally how he squandered his humanity and the good natures of many millions of his countrymen. Stephen Harper must resign for the good of the country. Have a nice day Canadians! Maybe I'll see you out in the streets demanding a reasonable, stable government for ALL Canadians.
  180. Paul Mullen from Canada writes: >> richard riewer from Montreal, Canada writes: " 'You know, I could throw a $1000 bill out the window right now and make someone very happy.' Harper shrugs and replies, 'Well, I could throw ten $100 bills out the window and make ten people happy.' I'll take the thousand dollar bill, you can have the one hundred."

    Brilliant math richard... I'll bet your retirement plan is to work the slot machines down at the casino.
  181. richard riewer from Montreal, Canada writes: The CPC (and really, the CPC is Harper) is winning the PR battle because they (he) has moved away from the issues and has made the fight personal. The name-calling on both sides is ridiculous, but people will believe anything if you say it enough times.

    Sounds like the McCain/Palin campaign. Unfortunately for them, Team Obama had lots of money. Are you listening Coalition parties? Learn something from Team Obama if you want to defeat the Bush clone Conservative Party of Canada.
  182. Fake Name from Canada writes: "R S from Canada writes: Wouldn't have mattered one bit what was in the economic statement."

    If he'd done something statesmanlike, do you think the coalition would have dared try to pull him down? If he knew they were planning for the possibility of a coalition, and decided to give them a big provocation to legitimize their takeover move with, that's just unforgivably stupid.
  183. Paul Mullen from Canada writes: >> richard riewer from Montreal, Canada writes: "Coalition=164 Harper=143."

    So the Separatists ARE members of the coalition ?

    Thanks for clearing that up !
  184. Ceesco Pike from K-Town, Canada writes: Harper's need for gamesmanship and brinksmanship is a direct result of Liberal belief in entitlement for their party always to be governing one. Canadians have sucked it up foolishly, being content with their taxes that fund the Neo socialists.. Their middle of the road lies and claptrap have gone on far too long and Jack Lameone and the New Dumbocrates are so far out of touch they are just along for the ride. Canadians need to wake up and consider less government not more. Hey it's your tax dollars Harper was proposing to take less of so your fat cat Liberal/NDP bums would actually have to hussle for a living. And frankly who really cares about alienating Quebec? Lets give the people there some real credit for once and accept the fact that they can decide for themselves what they want... otherwise we end up treating them like First Nations people... a disgrace! That you can thank the Libs for. Centralized government,power, controlling people, taxation.... "it's like so 60's!!!!!" .. Get 'em out and keep them out.
  185. The Last Honest Conservative from Western, Canada writes:
    Just another Canadian from Calgary wrote:
    Gee I guess every other developed country in the world is wrong and Harper is right to sit on his a$$ and let Canada burn.

    Yes Canadian,
    The honeymoon is over. Harper has been exposed for what he is.
    Its Harper first. Canada last with him ................
  186. Trillian Rand from Canada writes: For a man who seemingly wants power, Mr Harper also seems to have little understanding of how to attain or wield it. He seems to have never learned that fear is not respect.

    People willingly follow those they respect. Once respect is lost, followers become potential assassins at your back. Mr Harper, whether he apologizes or not, will never enjoy the same consideration he once enjoyed with his caucus.
  187. sam stone from Canada writes: The Wight from Canada writes: Answer this all you con hacks ... It's up for a vote and the clock is ticking ... what do you do?
    ====================================================
    Exactly. let's go to the polls one more time and make sure you party campaigns that it will team up with Taliban Jack. You will surely see con majority. People will vote lib but throw in the commies and the people will run for cover. You see, your buddies wanted to steal power with less seats than the cons. Again, I say GET OVER IT. The libs will be losers unitill they rid themselves of dion, rae and their alliance with jackie.
  188. richard riewer from Montreal, Canada writes: North Star from Canada writes: "On December the 8th, the House of Commons will have an opportunity to vote on the opposition's attempt to overturn the results of the last election." Stephen Harper, Nov. 28/08, statement from the foyer of the House.

    That means that he knew in advance that he would probably face a No Confidence vote. How did he know that? Then he framed his remarks to Parliament in a way that would ensure that the opposition parties would bite. Great manipulation. Suspect methods. Deserves an investigation by the RCMP.
  189. The Last Honest Conservative from Western, Canada writes:
    Paul Mullen from Canada wrote:
    There seem to be a lot of anti-harper, pro-coalition 'Conservatives' from 'Western Canada' in these forums.....

    No Paul,
    There are not many honest Conservatives left in Western Canada.
    Thats why the Tory party had to change names 4 times ...........
  190. Paul Mullen from Canada writes: >> Just another Canadian from Calgary wrote: "Gee I guess every other developed country in the world is wrong and Harper is right to sit on his a$$"

    Every other developed country in the world has it worse than we do, and is panicking.

    The U.S. for example, handed out 700 billion dollars so quick, they don't know where it went. (I hope my cheque is in the mail...)
  191. Jon O from Canada writes: What does Chretien think of all this?

    Didn't he orchestrate the whole thing?

    Sorry Folks, this is a well thought out sceme to destroy the government, so the "New Liberals" under Iggy can seize control in 6 to 8 months and repair all the damage and ill feelings in Canada and look like heroes.

    Ask yourself this: Why didn't the Coalition keep quite, vote down the motion on Monday and then offer the "coalition option" to the G.G.?
    They would of won, But thats not what they are after, at least not yet.

    Chretien is a political machine, he destroyed Mulroney's image over Meech lake , Free trade, and the GST which where arguably good Ideas (Good enough for the liberals to keep) and afterwards the Liberals where returned to majority status for more than a decade.

    This is their plan.
    Don't let them destroy Canada over it.
  192. North Star from Canada writes: Harper will never regain control of the Parliamentary agenda now and be beholden to the other parties out of fear of defeat. Easier for the other parties to unite a second time now that the details to an accord have already been worked out.

    In the longer term, it is quite likely now that federal coalitions will start emerge in the future.
  193. sam stone from Canada writes: J Fournier from Montreal, Canada writes: This is the most self-serving move I have ever seen and is an insult to all Canadians and what I tought Canadians stood for.
    ====================================================
    Voting for the Bloc is self serving. I guess it's OK when the leeches of quebec are self serving!!!!!!!
  194. richard riewer from Montreal, Canada writes: And a bonus opinion!
    Compas: 72% biz leaders see worse economy under Dion coalition.

    Biz leaders? You mean the Corporate Dictatoship that supports the Stepehn Harper Conservative Party of Canada/Alberta.
  195. Armins copy of Swank from Canada writes: richard riewer from Montreal, Canada writes: And a bonus opinion!
    Compas: 72% biz leaders see worse economy under Dion coalition.

    Biz leaders? You mean the Corporate Dictatoship that supports the Stepehn Harper Conservative Party of Canada/Alberta.

    ________
    The ones that own the McDonalds/gas stations you work at.
  196. J L from Calgary, Canada writes: Everybody that thinks a bag full of money for the auto industry right now is a good think should give their head shake.

    Giving any business money at Christmas is a bad move. Nothing proactive gets done anywhere.

    Throwing money at the auto industry is just a waste of tax money. The auto indusrty needs an overhaul. The time is now.

    I don't see why we should support a bunch of companies that build inferiour products. The big 3 have been loosing market share for years. Why they build crap and don't sell marketable products. Have the big three even tried to make their vehicles more fuel efficient? NO, not until gas hit $1.30. Do their vehicles hold any value, NO. Are the vehicles reliable, no again.

    Only the strongest survive.
  197. North Star from Canada writes: Reviewing international news, Harper has made Canadian democracy a laughing stock in the rest of the modern world - doing more damage to Canada's reputation abroad than even Maxime Bernier could do.

    Harper has lost the moral authority to lead.
  198. Armins copy of Swank from Canada writes: North Star from Canada writes: Reviewing international news, Harper has made Canadian democracy a laughing stock in the rest of the modern world - doing more damage to Canada's reputation abroad than even Maxime Bernier could do.

    _________
    And all Canadians have done is reward him with their opinion that the coup was a disaster for the country. If an election were held today Canadians would give the CPC a massive majority. Go read up and then come back with an informed opinion you simpleton.
  199. North Star from Canada writes: Jon O from Canada writes Ask yourself this: Why didn't the Coalition keep quite, vote down the motion on Monday and then offer the "coalition option" to the G.G.? They would of won, But thats not what they are after, at least not yet.

    ------

    Harper was tapping their phones.
  200. richard riewer from Montreal, Canada writes: I'm pretty sure 10 Conservative votes in Alberta didn't sway the outcome of the election.

    Only 10 votes? Where did you find those stats? Western Canadians-mainly from Alberta-have been threatening to separate from Canada for at least the past 40 years.
  201. J L from Calgary, Canada writes: "North Star from Canada writes: Reviewing international news, Harper has made Canadian democracy a laughing stock in the rest of the modern world - doing more damage to Canada's reputation abroad than even Maxime Bernier could do.

    Harper has lost the moral authority to lead. "

    And you think a coalition with Dion at the helm and the BQ putting the seal of approval on legislation is the best for all of Canada?
  202. J Fournier from Montreal, Canada writes: Hey Sam, I'm a federalist and hate the seperatists with a passion. Voted "no" in 2 referendums. I just keep expecting Harper to remove a plastic mask and make George Bush's face appear. I will always fight for Canada but I just can't believe how disconnected Harper is from reality.

    Sad my friend, really sad.
  203. Armins copy of Swank from Canada writes: North Star from Canada writes: Harper was tapping their phones.

    __________
    WRONG! The NDP sent the call in information to John Duncan, a CPC MP. Not Linda Duncan a stupid commie MP. ALmost as stupid and funny as Dion and his tape fiasco. So, your hapless coup leaders are all idiots. Canadians know this. 7 in 10 believe it would have been "fatal" for our country.
  204. Plus 8 from Mont Tremblant, Canada writes: I am conservative in my habits. I invest cautiously, I examine change carefully, I keep my family and my wife close and I vote for what I feel will be safe governments.

    However, I now find myself (and another 62% of us) now labeled in a new faqshion. If we are not Harper Conservatives, then we are sneaky Liberals, socialist NDPs, untrustworthy separatist, nutty environmentalist Greens, all with a common plot to overthrow the Harper-lead righteous and destroy the country.

    These labels are the gifts that Harper has given to this nation. He sees us all as factions rather than people, with plots rather than plans and hopes. The words from those inexpertly rouged lips are calculated to produce hate and compliment a death grip on power.

    Do you Harper supporters hate the rest of us so much that you cannot see this and the change he is making in you and what Canadians are all about??

    end
  205. Mystery Shopper from Canada writes: A coalition government is not be good for Canada but neither is Harper, he displays sociopathic tendencies.
    By definition a Sociopath is interested only in their personal needs and desires, without concern for the effects of their behavior on others.

    Give him a majority and we will all be in a world of hurt.
    Harper cannot be trusted..
  206. Armins copy of Swank from Canada writes: richard riewer from Montreal, Canada writes:Only 10 votes? Where did you find those stats? Western Canadians-mainly from Alberta-have been threatening to separate from Canada for at least the past 40 years.

    _________
    Unlike cowardly, non-war-fighting Quebeckers that actually hold referendums about separation and elect separatist provincial governments and federal MP's.
  207. okanagan pakman from Canada writes: Armins copy....your demeanor reeks of blind ignorance...have a look at the bankruptcy rates and the "soaring" dollar....taking a slow prudent approach is very different from sitting on your duff hoping to be able to massage the numbers to suit your previous "inaccuracies"...Harper's economic chickens will come home to roost...seven weeks will be about right
  208. richard riewer from Montreal, Canada writes: Harper was tapping their phones.

    Call in the RCMP.
  209. Paul Mullen from Canada writes: >> richard riewer from Montreal, Canada writes: "re: Western separatists.... 10 Conservative votes in Alberta didn't sway the outcome of the election. Only 10 votes? Where did you find those stats?"

    Why do stats if there are only 10 of them ?
  210. sam stone from Canada writes: J Fournier from Montreal, Canada writes: Hey Sam, I'm a federalist and hate the seperatists with a passion. Voted "no" in 2 referendums. I just keep expecting Harper to remove a plastic mask and make George Bush's face appear. I will always fight for Canada but I just can't believe how disconnected Harper is from reality.

    Sad my friend, really sad.
    ===================================================
    You didn't address the issue of voting Bloc being self serving. I for one would like Quebec to be independent and form a working relationship with Canada. Quebec is the "prima donna" of Canada and I don't think she is worth the effort. But Quebecors know they can't make it without Canada and they vote Bloc and make the Ontario and the West support their artsy fartsy ways. Harper is no Bush, but your leader, Rae, is a marxist.
  211. Armins copy of Swank from Canada writes: okanagan pakman from Canada writes: Armins copy....your demeanor reeks of blind ignorance...have a look at the bankruptcy rates and the "soaring" dollar....

    _________
    Yes, the high dollar as what the manufacturing industry said was killing them. Now it's back at 70-whatever. And gas prices are at 70 cents a litre. Those are two big tax breaks right there. Quit being such a scaredy cat. be a man for once. wuss
  212. North Star from Canada writes: Armins copy of Swank from Canada writes: CPC were tapping phones.
  213. Leon Russell from Gatineau, Qc, Canada writes: sam stone from Canada writes:"You didn't address the issue of voting Bloc being self serving. "

    Ha! at least in Quebec we didn't vote ALL Bloc. In Alberta, it was practically ALL CONSERVATIVES to serve THEIR narrow interests.

    But it's easier for Canadians to knock on Quebec, isn't it?
  214. North Star from Canada writes: J L from Calgary, Canada writes: "North Star from Canada writes: Reviewing international news, Harper has made Canadian democracy a laughing stock in the rest of the modern world - doing more damage to Canada's reputation abroad than even Maxime Bernier could do.

    Harper has lost the moral authority to lead. "

    And you think a coalition with Dion at the helm and the BQ putting the seal of approval on legislation is the best for all of Canada?

    -----

    Hi JL - thanks for your reply. Firstly, the BQ have the balance of power no matter who the government and so Harper has to romance them (or the LPC or NDP) to pass anything. Six of one, half dozen of the other.

    Also, Dion, like Harper has to go - no question about both of them. It is best for Canada if they both step down.

    Still, regardless of other circumstances or what the lesser of two evils might be, Harper has still lost the moral authority to lead. This is all happening on his watch.
  215. sam stone from Canada writes: Leon Russell from Gatineau, Qc, Canada writes: sam stone from Canada writes:"You didn't address the issue of voting Bloc being self serving. "

    Ha! at least in Quebec we didn't vote ALL Bloc. In Alberta, it was practically ALL CONSERVATIVES to serve THEIR narrow interests.

    But it's easier for Canadians to knock on Quebec, isn't it?
    ==================================================
    Alberta pays your way. You don't pay for Alberta. The Bloc holds Canada up for ransom when they don't get what they want. That backstabbing duceppe supported Harper when there were goodies for Quebec. He cuts a small portion of art funding and duceppe jumps in bed with the arch enemy dion. Go have another crepe and come back with a better argument. Don't worry, Alberta has probably picked up the tab.
  216. J L from Calgary, Canada writes: "richard riewer from Montreal, Canada writes: I'm pretty sure 10 Conservative votes in Alberta didn't sway the outcome of the election.

    Only 10 votes? Where did you find those stats? Western Canadians-mainly from Alberta-have been threatening to separate from Canada for at least the past 40 years. "

    Get off the pot. I am pretty sure we have not had a single referendum to vote for separation. How many has Quebec had?

    The West still pays the East, only because the East has the balance of power. If there is ever equal representation the manufacturing in the east might actually have to become profitable.
  217. Just another Canadian from Calgary, Canada writes: Have you ever notice that when Conservatives hear a argument that doesn't fit their way of thinking they resort to name calling. Were they never taught to repect opinions that differ from theirs. I wouldn't call you an uninformed fool for believing in Harper. You have a right to your views and so do I. Can't we differ respectfully? I guess not.
  218. Just another Canadian from Calgary, Canada writes: I hope Harper is proud of the hatred he has generated from Western Canada.
  219. Paul Mullen from Canada writes: >> Leon Russell from Gatineau, Qc, Canada writes: "Ha! at least in Quebec we didn't vote ALL Bloc. In Alberta, it was practically ALL CONSERVATIVES to serve THEIR narrow interests."

    Narrow interests ?

    Firstly, all the western provinces vote mainly Conservative, and combined, they cover half the width of the country (hardly narrow).

    Secondly, The Conservatives increased their vote everywhere, and won most of Ontario....

    Thirdly, ...with the exception of Toronto... which put together with Montreal and Vancouver comprises 90 % of the Liberal vote... now There's a narrow band of interest... an almost exclusely big-city party.
  220. sam stone from Canada writes: Just another Canadian from Calgary, Canada writes: Have you ever notice that when Conservatives hear a argument that doesn't fit their way of thinking they resort to name calling. Were they never taught to repect opinions that differ from theirs. I wouldn't call you an uninformed fool for believing in Harper. You have a right to your views and so do I. Can't we differ respectfully? I guess not.
    ===================================================
    Have you ever read vern mcpherson's posts? Go back and learn how to read.
  221. North Star from Canada writes: sam stone from Canada writes: Alberta pays your way. You don't pay for Alberta.

    -----

    Sure, when oil was $150 a barrel and not around $40 like it is today. This drop in price is going to felt hard in Alberta, especially if these low prices are sustained for a period of time. We can see the effect in the dollar already, which is very much driven by commodity prices. It is hard to sustain yourself when your prices drop by 300%
  222. Bart Farquart from Calgary, Canada writes:
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Jon O from Canada writes: Sorry Folks, this is a well thought out sceme to destroy the government, so the "New Liberals" under Iggy can seize control in 6 to 8 months and repair all the damage and ill feelings in Canada and look like heroes.
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    I tend to agree Jon O. Although Iggy will now be burdened with having to repair the absolutely devastating damage that has now been done to the Liberal brand over Dion's failed and foolish back-door-loophole-coup attempt. Those who disagree should review recent polling data.
  223. Steven Koning from Bloomfield, ON, Canada writes: A vote for the Bloc is a vote against Canada. What part don't the Liberals and NDP understand? When you lie with dogs, you get up with fleas.
  224. J Fournier from Montreal, Canada writes: sam stone from Canada writes: You didn't address the issue of voting Bloc being self serving. I for one would like Quebec to be independent and form a working relationship with Canada. Quebec is the "prima donna" of Canada and I don't think she is worth the effort. But Quebecors know they can't make it without Canada and they vote Bloc and make the Ontario and the West support their artsy fartsy ways. Harper is no Bush, but your leader, Rae, is a marxist.

    Sam, guess what? I hate Rae also. Look at what he did when he was premier of Ontario (disaster). However, I would have expected a conservative (oops, Reform, no, conservative...I think) government to talk a little about the ECONOMY in an ECONIMIC Statement. On another note, you're right, Quebec is the "Prima Donna" of Canada but Alberta has become "Canada's Hooker" with the oil sands and no regards for the environment. As for Quebec making it without Canada, altough I am a federalist, I know all too well it can "make it" without Canada (this has never been in doubt). Did you get that argument from Harper?

    Can't we all get along? :)
  225. John Birch from Canada writes: Harper already lost his credibility with Emerson and Fortier. So what else is new?

    The man is out of touch with most Canadians, surrounds himself with people that think, act and look like him, and now we see what happens when someone isn't mature enough to take off the political blinkers.

    I'll vote for anyone other than Harper. What use is a PM that makes even Dion look good.
  226. North Star from Canada writes: Paul Mullen from Canada writes: Secondly, The Conservatives increased their vote everywhere, and won most of Ontario....

    ------

    Wrong: Newfoundland and Labradour = shut out. The CPC were also shut out of 2 of the 3 territories.
  227. Steven Koning from Bloomfield, ON, Canada writes: Dion, Rae, Ignatieff and Layton have all disqualified themselves by their willingness to get in bed with Duceppe whose agenda is to destabilize Canada and making a good job of it. Harper has done Canada an enormous favour by pointing out the simple fact that giving Duceppe a gun to hold at the Coalition's head when it would try to govern in these difficult times is an act of treason to Canada. He hit the nail right on the head when Harper said: "My Canada includes Quebec, their Quebec does not include Canada". This is not an issue where one can be neutral or co-operative with separatists. There is a world of difference between working with Bloc MP's on individual issues which affect all Canadians, or to make a formal agreement with them to govern the country with a plan scribbled on the back of a brown paper bag, inside of which who knows how many secret promises and gifts to the Bloc. Imagine that Marois wins the Quebec election and there is a Coalition government, and Marois holds a referendum on Quebec independence, The Bloc would pull its support from the Coalition at the most destabilizing moment, and while Quebec would declare independence, Canada's government would be in chaos. That's the type of situation Layton, Rae, Dion, and their fellow Quisling travellers would be creating for Canada with their traitorous coalition. No thank you, we have seen where Chamberlain's appeasement led and Canada does not deserve the results. And this after Dion said during the election that there would be no coalition with the NDP. What a liar.
  228. joe richards from Canada writes: I do not want a coalition government.
    I do not want another election.
    Canadians elected a minority Conservative government just 7 weeks ago. If Mr Harper is not capable of running a minority government, then the Conservatives should find a new leader, a new PM. Ya, maybe Jim Prentice.
  229. Steven Koning from Bloomfield, ON, Canada writes: Dion is a liar, he said there would be no coalition with the NDP, and now Rae, LeBlanc and Ignatieff are supporting Dion's lie. The Socalist/Separatist Coaltion would have 76 Liberals, and 87 socialists/separatists. Who is the tail, who is the dog? Dummy Dion, Puppeteer Duceppe, Taliban Jack, poor Canada.
  230. North Star from Canada writes: Steven Koning from Bloomfield, ON, Canada writes: A vote for the Bloc is a vote against Canada. What part don't the Liberals and NDP understand? When you lie with dogs, you get up with fleas.

    -----
    Harper's deal with the BQ:

    -------

    September 9, 2004

    Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson,
    C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D.
    Governor General
    Rideau Hall
    1 Sussex Drive
    Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A1

    Excellency,

    As leaders of the opposition parties, we are well aware that, given the Liberal minority government, you could be asked by the Prime Minister to dissolve the 38th Parliament at any time should the House of Commons fail to support some part of the government's program.

    We respectfully point out that the opposition parties, who together constitute a majority in the House, have been in close consultation. We believe that, should a request for dissolution arise this should give you cause, as constitutional practice has determined, to consult the opposition leaders and consider all of your options before exercising your constitutional authority.

    Your attention to this matter is appreciated.

    Sincerely,

    Hon. Stephen Harper, P.C., M.P.
    Leader of the Opposition
    Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada

    ------

    Harper has lost the moral authority to lead.
  231. sam stone from Toronto from Canada writes: North Star from Canada writes: Sure, when oil was $150 a barrel and not around $40 like it is today. It is hard to sustain yourself when your prices drop by 300%
    ==================================================
    So are you saying "what have you done for me lately"? Alberta paid for a lot of Quebec's ways (low tuition, sub daycare) and the Bloc just wants more. Let them separate, if they have the guts.
  232. sam stone from Toronto from Canada writes: J Fournier from Montreal, Canada writes:I know all too well it can "make it" without Canada (this has never been in doubt). Did you get that argument from Harper?
    ==================================================
    No, but you are getting $8 billion from Harper.
  233. Steven Koning from Bloomfield, ON, Canada writes: J. Fournier asks: "Can't we all get along?' Mais oui, c'est toujours possible. It is always possible on individual problems for all of Canada that need a solution. That is what Harper is doing. What is not and never will be possible is to govern Canada with a partner whose aim is to destabalize the country so Quebec can become independent. This is an old Marxist trick that was used over and over again in many countries in the world, and Duceppe is an old Marxist. Dion, Layton and Rae are working from the same playbook, having flirted with Marxism in their early days. Have they been hiding their first love and is it now seeing the daylight in this coalition with the Separatists and Socialists?. You decide.
  234. North Star from Canada writes: sam stone from Toronto from Canada writes: North Star from Canada writes: Sure, when oil was $150 a barrel and not around $40 like it is today. It is hard to sustain yourself when your prices drop by 300%
    ================================================
    So are you saying "what have you done for me lately"? Alberta paid for a lot of Quebec's ways (low tuition, sub daycare) and the Bloc just wants more. Let them separate, if they have the guts.

    ------------------------

    Hi Sam - thanks for your reply. Canada has certainly done well by Alberta in the past however the good times for Alberta are coming to end for a while unless the price of oil skyrockets up again. This will no doubt further inflame bitter regional differences (as you yourself are demonstrating). Cheers!
  235. Steven Koning from Bloomfield, ON, Canada writes: North Star, there is a world of difference between consultations and actually coming to a tri-partite agreement, whose terms are hidden from the Canadian people. All Harper asked for in the letter you quote is that the G.G. consider all options. Would you not expect her to do so?
  236. sam stone from Toronto from Canada writes: North Star from Canada writes: This will no doubt further inflame bitter regional differences (as you yourself are demonstrating). Cheers!
    ===================================================
    I'm from Toronto and I support the west. Sorry, Quebec has the cake and eat it too!
  237. North Star from Canada writes: So are you saying "what have you done for me lately"? Alberta paid for a lot of Quebec's ways (low tuition, sub daycare) and the Bloc just wants more. Let them separate, if they have the guts.

    --------

    One more consideration Sam, why would Quebec ever separate from Canada while it gets more out of confederation than it puts in? The talk of separatist fear is nonsense while Quebec continues to make money from Canada. Harper tried to pay the BQ off handsomely when he first took office (to get his budget passed) but where did that get him now?
  238. John Birch from Canada writes: North Star:

    Good case in point by putting up the text from Harper's letter to GG Clarkson. He wasn't as concerned about the "separatistes" then as he is now, so everything he is saying and doing now is nothing more than a gross insult to the people of one province in this Nation.

    The man will stop at nothing to further his personal political agenda, at the expense of all the rest of us.

    Get a leader...a real leader. Why are we stuck with the most vain and least personable group of leaders in the G7....where is this "merit" standard that I hear so often? We keep chosen the weakest link in all our Federal parties save for the NDP. Layton is the only one who does demonstrate a leadership ability, but he is at the head of the wrong party.
  239. North Star from Canada writes: Steven Koning from Bloomfield, ON, Canada writes: North Star, there is a world of difference between consultations and actually coming to a tri-partite agreement, whose terms are hidden from the Canadian people. All Harper asked for in the letter you quote is that the G.G. consider all options. Would you not expect her to do so?

    -----

    Hi Steven, thanks for your reply. I agree but your early post was quite clear about 'catching fleas' from associating with the BQ and this is exactly what Harper is proposing here as he could not form an opposition government without them. Cheers!
  240. J Fournier from Montreal, Canada writes: Steven Koning from Bloomfield, ON, Canada writes: J. Fournier asks: "Can't we all get along?' Mais oui, c'est toujours possible. It is always possible on individual problems for all of Canada that need a solution. That is what Harper is doing. What is not and never will be possible is to govern Canada with a partner whose aim is to destabalize the country so Quebec can become independent. This is an old Marxist trick that was used over and over again in many countries in the world, and Duceppe is an old Marxist. Dion, Layton and Rae are working from the same playbook, having flirted with Marxism in their early days. Have they been hiding their first love and is it now seeing the daylight in this coalition with the Separatists and Socialists?. You decide.

    OK Stephen, I will do everything in my power to fight the seperatists (as I think I have made clear how much I hate them).

    However, I need your help in fighting "Dictator Harper" and what he's putting our great country through right now.

    Together, Yes We Can !!!
  241. sam stone from Toronto from Canada writes: North Star from Canada writes: One more consideration Sam, why would Quebec ever separate from Canada while it gets more out of confederation than it puts in? The talk of separatist fear is nonsense while Quebec continues to make money from Canada. Harper tried to pay the BQ off handsomely when he first took office (to get his budget passed) but where did that get him now?
    ===================================================
    We agree whole heartedly with you on this issue.
  242. Paul Mullen from Canada writes: North Star from Canada writes: "Harper's deal with the BQ: [see above]"

    The key line from the agreement is where Harper asks the GG to "consult the opposition leaders and consider all of your options "...

    I fail to see anything there about forming a coalition with the NDP, or signing a formal agreement to give the separatists power.
  243. North Star from Canada writes: sam stone from Toronto from Canada writes: North Star from Canada writes: This will no doubt further inflame bitter regional differences (as you yourself are demonstrating). Cheers!
    ===================================================
    I'm from Toronto and I support the west. Sorry, Quebec has the cake and eat it too!

    -------

    I support all of Canada. Agreed on Quebec. Cheers!
  244. Stan L from Canada writes: Steven Koning from Bloomfield, ON, Canada writes: Dion is a liar, he said there would be no coalition with the NDP, and now Rae, LeBlanc and Ignatieff are supporting Dion's lie.

    Actually all you are doing with this arguement is PROVING the Liberals assertion that there were no plans for a coalition all along as some Conservatives are trying to assert. During an election leaders are playing to win, not to place or show....Mr. Dion when confronted with a hypothetical coalition question responded in the only way someone without a deal and playing to win COULD answer....by denying it.
  245. John Birch from Canada writes: Koning:

    "All Harper asked for in the letter you quote is that the G.G. consider all options. Would you not expect her to do so?"

    yeah, right. This is the same expression of obtuse fantasy that is embarrassing in the extreme. Harper didn't ask the GG to consider "all the options", but was indicating a willingness on the part of the opposition to work together...and that includes the very French-Canadian people that he has been villifying the past few days.

    the only thing Harper can do to save face in Quebec is to sport a Habs sweater during his next round of TV election commercials.
  246. Greg Van Zandt from Canada writes: golfer golfer from Vancouver, Canada writes: Did anyone ever notice the parallel between the rise of Harper and the rise of Hitler?

    ----------

    No, go open a history book. Not only is this totally ignorant it is insulting.
  247. North Star from Canada writes: Paul Mullen from Canada writes: North Star from Canada writes: "Harper's deal with the BQ: [see above]"

    The key line from the agreement is where Harper asks the GG to "consult the opposition leaders and consider all of your options "...

    I fail to see anything there about forming a coalition with the NDP, or signing a formal agreement to give the separatists power.

    -------

    How could Harper demonstrate confidence of the House to the GG without any formal agreement? Though it is hard to imagine Harper sharing power with anyone whatsoever and you are most likely correct: Harper's 2004 letter to the GG is probably just toilet paper.

    Still Harper has to wear some of it for proposing to consult with separatists in the first place when his party have attacked the BQ, whom they have courted for support many times. Personally, I would rather have a signed agreement with another party so the cards are on the table and people are accountable to their word instead of consultation which can mean anything or nothing. Cheers!
  248. Ben lomond from Canada writes: North Star from Canada writes: Ben lomond from Canada writes: Yeah, that Harper, he's a real dummy alright. lol

    ------

    Agreed. Forever losing Quebec, Harper will never achieve a majority. It would self-defeating for a national political party to support a leader who has been in 3 elections and will never deliver a majority.

    Harper has lost the moral authority to lead.

    Actually, if the coalition government assumes power the Libs will never win another seat west of Thunder Bay and when you combine that with the fact that they are now down an astounding 24 points in the pools and bankrupt the long term prospects of the conservatives look (remarkably( good after this. The Libs overplayed their hand, not sure what the hell they were thinking.
  249. richard riewer from Montreal, Canada writes: Stephen Harper: a pit bull with chapstick.
  250. John Birch from Canada writes: Richard Riewer:

    "Stephen Harper: a pit bull with chapstick."

    Please...do not insult pitbulls. I think they are wonderful petsthat shouldn't be compared to common marsupials.
  251. North Star from Canada writes: Steven Koning from Bloomfield, ON, Canada writes: J. Fournier asks: "Can't we all get along?' Mais oui, c'est toujours possible. It is always possible on individual problems for all of Canada that need a solution. That is what Harper is doing. What is not and never will be possible is to govern Canada with a partner whose aim is to destabalize the country so Quebec can become independent. This is an old Marxist trick that was used over and over again in many countries in the world, and Duceppe is an old Marxist. Dion, Layton and Rae are working from the same playbook, having flirted with Marxism in their early days. Have they been hiding their first love and is it now seeing the daylight in this coalition with the Separatists and Socialists?. You decide.

    ------

    And Harper is using the Machiavellian playbook. If you characterize other parties so extremely, then Harper would be a neo-con in this spectrum. All you seem to be offering Canada is a one-party state, hardly a solution.
  252. richard riewer from Montreal, Canada writes: Does it not bother anyone that he admitted to having illegally taped conversations of another party and had no qualms trying to use what was on those tapes for his own benefit. To underscore, this was an illegally taped conversation, should this not be considered a chargeable offence? Does it not seem wrong that he thought it was ok to have and use those tapes?

    Send in the RCMP.
  253. Blue Reformer from Canada writes: Harper needs to implement a Common Sense revolution to get Canadians to remember him forever!
  254. little Bear from Canada writes: The resentment between the various parts of the country have always been there and all it needed was something like this to bring it out.

    A Canadian identity does not exist since the Second World War and this country is nothing but a collections of regions with nothing cohesive.

    This country either needs to break up or completely redo its form of government.

    Harper was just the catalyst. We basically don't like each other.
  255. Ben lomond from Canada writes: It amazes me that people still think this coalition is going to be installed as the government of Canada in January. After yesterdays ruling the worst case scenario for Harpo is he loses the vote (assuming the coalition lasts until then), the house is dissolved and we have another election. If the GG was simply going to hand the libs the keys to the kingdom she would have done that yesterday. She would permanently alienate half the country if she did that and the latest pools suggest almost 60% of canadians are opposed to the coalition. Harper is up 7 points since election day for crying out loud. For all it's talk about the "will of the people" the last thing the coalition wants is an election, they would get smoked.

    At any rate that's all a mute point because if you think Ignatief and his supporters are going to stick this out to the end and follow Dion and Rae over the cliff you need to lay off the prescription medication.

    This thing is over. The Libs will let rae and Dion hang themselves for a few weeks before they make it official but you can stick a fork in the coalition..it's done.
  256. John Birch from Canada writes: Blue Reformer from Canada writes: "Harper needs to implement a Common Sense revolution to get Canadians to remember him forever!"

    I disagree. That would also entail the murder of peacefully protesting Natives to achieve the notoriety gained by Harris.

    Harper does seem to have the exaggeration bit required to make a common sense revolution happen down pat, though. Then again, exaggeration and reality have been a bit of a sore spot with Conservatives over the past few years.
  257. North Star from Canada writes: Ben lomond from Canada writes: North Star from Canada writes: Ben lomond from Canada writes: Yeah, that Harper, he's a real dummy alright. lol

    ------

    Agreed. Forever losing Quebec, Harper will never achieve a majority. It would self-defeating for a national political party to support a leader who has been in 3 elections and will never deliver a majority.

    Harper has lost the moral authority to lead.

    Actually, if the coalition government assumes power the Libs will never win another seat west of Thunder Bay and when you combine that with the fact that they are now down an astounding 24 points in the pools and bankrupt the long term prospects of the conservatives look (remarkably( good after this. The Libs overplayed their hand, not sure what the hell they were thinking.

    -----

    Harper had very similar high polling numbers - over 40% at one point - going into last election too and look where it got him.

    If the coalition defeats Harper (unlikely), then by his own party rules he must face a leadership contest and it is extremely difficult to imagine the CPC re-electing a leader for a 4th election who has not delivered a majority, especially after he was just lost the government.

    This CPC leadership contest would likely be compounded by an election call from the coalition, as it would be in the coalition's best interests to have the two happening closely together.
  258. Mr. Anderson from Toronto, HaveNOTario, Canada writes: Dear Alberta/Reform/CCRAP/CPC/Neo-Cons, .et. al,

    Can you please send a car to pickup your leader?

    He's apparently abdicated his (ahem) leadership, although, it's puzzling why he's not resigned as of yet? He is no longer required in Ottawa and he is no longer my prime minister.

    Dear Quebec/France,

    Can you please come and collect the Governor General?

    Apparently, she's abdicated her job responsibilities. She is no longer required in Ottawa. A new GG will be appointed shortly.

    Thanks,

    Proud Citizen of Canada.
  259. The Last Honest Conservative from Western, Canada writes:
    Lets not forget that Harper wanted to join Bush's "Coalition" and send Canadian troops to Iraq ..............
  260. Ice Rider from Edmonton, Canada writes: Mr. Harper will be remembered for the partisanship and, perhaps, as the man who unified the Conservative movement, but little more.

    Don't forget he also united the Left. Ha ha!!
  261. Leon Russell from Gatineau, Qc, Canada writes: Steven Koning from Bloomfield, ON, Canada writes: " Harper has done Canada an enormous favour by pointing out the simple fact that giving Duceppe a gun to hold at the Coalition's head when it would try to govern in these difficult times is an act of treason to Canada. " No, he's pulled the wool over the eyes of math-challenged bigots all over Canada. If something wasn't good for Canada, all the Conservatives would have to do is vote against it, with the NDP and the Liberals. The Bloc would not hold a veto on anything bad for Canada, the Conservatives would.
  262. Steven Koning from Bloomfield, ON, Canada writes: North Star, Harper is not doing anything that other P.M.'s of Canada haven't done, except it was always a francophone P.M. doing it and now it's an anglophone P.M. doing it, and the Separatists can't get used to it, and the Socialists and their Liberal fellow travellers are playing along with the Separatists. Can we all agree that it would be really healthy for Canada to concentrate on problems that affect us as Canadians, rather than as Quebeckers, Albertans, or Newfoundlanders? Provincial problems can be sorted out through provincial governments. National problems need to be sorted out through our national government. To do that we need Canadians to think nationally, not provincially, and the NDP and Liberals have lost sight of that by getting into bed with the Separatists. Harper has done Canada an enormous favour by opening people's eyes to this and that's why his support has gone up, not down. There is nothing divisive about pointing out the truth which is that Separatists are not good for Canada, and it is not good for Canada to support them financially in the same way as the national parties. Let them raise thei own funds,. They will still get the tax deductions and rebates on election costs, just like the other parties.
  263. Leon Russell from Gatineau, Qc, Canada writes: Ben lomond from Canada writes: "It amazes me that people still think this coalition is going to be installed as the government of Canada in January. After yesterdays ruling the worst case scenario for Harpo is he loses the vote (assuming the coalition lasts until then), the house is dissolved and we have another election." It's really not that amazing. The precedent's show that a Governor General would be loathe to send Canada back to the polls after only four or six months. That was the least likely scenario and still will be for at least 8 months.
  264. Stan L from Canada writes: Just to lighten the mood......

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xe-DFZA6pR0&eurl;=http://mightygodking.com/index.php/2008/12/04/wish-i-had-thought-of-it-first-dept/&feature;=player_embedded
  265. Steven Koning from Bloomfield, ON, Canada writes: Leon, your argument only applies to votes in the House. There are many national issues that do not come up for a vote, that are subject to ministerial regulation. For example fishing quotas. The whole point is that the NDP and Liberals have shown that they would rather get into bed with the Separatists to avoid a reduction in their federal subsidies, which favour the one-province Bloc, then to raise money from their supporters the way all volunteer organizations do. That is the shame Dion, Layton, Rae and Ignatieff have to wear.
  266. The Last Honest Conservative from Western, Canada writes:
    Quit whining Steven,
    Harper has already been caught in bed with the separatists.
    Back during the Liberal minority government
  267. The Last Honest Conservative from Western, Canada writes:
    Lets not forget that Harper is the same fool that wanted to join Bush's "Coalition" ...................
    ...................and send Canadian troops to Iraq.
  268. sam themacman from waterloo, Canada writes: Mr. Harper is the problem and he must go. His MPs are all lackeys and I know some of them personally. How they can remain silent and tow the party line is beyond belief. As a life long conservative, who refused to vote for Mr. Harper, I will choose to support a more democratic and a more progressive party and leader. It looks like I will have to swallow my conservative pride and support the Liberals should the choose a real leader instead of the current bull in a china shop that they currently are burdened with. Mr. Harper needs to GO and the sooner the better. Mr. Prentice, are you available? It would be nice to see a moderate in the place of Mr. Harper. Mr. Harper is that proverbial leopard who cannot change his spots. He is arrogant and abrasive, and is a bully within his own party as well as those outside his party. He is the kind of family member that one pretends we do not have in our family, and we make sure, by not naming or acknowledging them, and certain, by not inviting them to any family functions. That is how I feel about him. Calling him a conservative is like calling me a member of the Bloc. that is how extreme he is from moderate conservatives.
  269. a l from Toronto, Canada writes: Let's hope Harper had his walk in the snow yesterday and will announce he is stepping down. He is the problem. Many Canadians would not hesitate to vote Conservative if someone else lead that party.
  270. North Star from Canada writes: Steven Koning from Bloomfield, ON, Canada writes: There is nothing divisive about pointing out the truth which is that Separatists are not good for Canada.

    ---------

    Agreed but both the BQ and PQ, while wrapping themselves in the fleur-de-lis, both dropped the nation question from their platforms during the last elections. Harper put it back on the table and fuelled the fire. For example, the BQ are self-declared Sovereignists, not separatists and there is a big difference to them between the two words yet Harper, who knows this distinction quite well, plays the public.
  271. North Star from Canada writes: Hi Steve Koning, one more consideration - Harper would have taken Quebec in the election and had a majority but blundered badly and handed it over to the BQ. Quebec was Harper's to lose and he did, it looks like sour grapes now. Cheers!
  272. May Spence from Canada writes: Look at the Elections Canada website and find the popular vote by province. People say 62% voted agains the Conservatives. That may be, but they didn't vote for coalition either. You will see that the Conservatives won the popular vote in every province from B.C. to Ont. plus New Bruns. and Nunavit (1seat). The Bloc won Quebec, the NDP the N.W.T.1 seat), the Libs won Yukon (1 seat) and 3 maritime provinces NFL, N.S. & PEI. That shows they didn't have Canada wide support, mainly Quebec and East of Que. Hardly a mandate to run the country.
  273. The Last Honest Conservative from Western, Canada writes:
    It also looks like the Tories will lose all their Quebec MPs in the next election ............... every last one
  274. The Last Honest Conservative from Western, Canada writes:
    62% is a better mandate than 38%..........
    ............. unless you are gullible Tory
  275. Christopher Miller from Montreal, Canada writes: ==========================
    Philip More from MONTREAL, Canada writes: Here is Harper's last move: When and if the conservatives are defeated by the no confidence vote, all the conservative MPs are going to resign en mass their parliment seat thus a de facto election call.
    ==========================

    That's an interesting hypothetical tactic, but if it ever came to them doing this, the Governor General would still have to determine if there existed support among the remaining members of the Commons for a government. The coalition has already made it clear it already has the confidence of a majority and unless the coalition and BQ MPs also resigned their seats, the G-G would by convention have to recognise the Prime Minister proposed by the coalition. The new government would then have near total support of the Commons. However, the new Prime Minister, who we can trust - by virtue of his willingness to deal with Parliament on a non-partisan basis not to have a mind that works like Mr. Harper's - would ensure that byelections are called expeditiously to refill those seats. The result might be that all Conservative MPs are returned to their seats, or possibly that their votes might even decrease as a result...

    All a rather fantastic and improbable scenario though, from your suggestion right through to the logical consequences.
  276. mary welsh from Canada writes: Mike, go back to your Kokanees.
  277. Joe Gopher from Canada writes: How was it a blunder?
    He wanted to cut the $1.95 per vote that the federal government gives the separatist Bloc.
    That's what people are starting to realize.
    The rest of the parties also receive it and recent polls show that it's not popular at all with the voters.

    That is what triggered this, it had absolutely nothing to do with the economy.
    The liberals were bashing Harper for perhaps putting the government into deficit but their stupid colaition would have caused huge deficits.
  278. Pacific Volcano from Canada writes: Steve Harper is a great grand political tactician, he had let his own ambition to destroy the opposition got the best of him.
  279. Shira Mulloy from Canada writes: I've always thought Harper's tactical expertise was rather a dubious distinction. True leadership is about having a vision, developing a strategy to implement the vision and effectively delegating implementation responsibility to the appropriate parties (i.e., the cabinet, their departments, and relevant elected officials). Harper's "leadership" involves winning short-term battles, and hoarding decision and policy making within the PMO.

    What is truly discouraging about Harper's latest partisan move is his disastrous tactic of inflaming the west and alienating Quebec in order to keep power. Why this was necessary is beyond me given that most Canadians (including me) were uncomfortable with the idea of a coalition anyway, especially one led by Dion.

    As a liberal, I'm not particularly bothered that Harper has blown the conservative's chance of winning a majority anytime soon. What does concern me is the impact that Harper's antics will have on Canadian unity. Squabbling provinces and minority governments as far as the eye can see. This is no way to run a country.

    Harper is a disgrace and should resign.
  280. Just another Canadian from Calgary, Canada writes: North Star from Canada writes: Steven Koning from Bloomfield, ON, Canada writes: There is nothing divisive about pointing out the truth which is that Separatists are not good for Canada.

    You are right and that goes for Western separatists such as Harper as well.
  281. mary welsh from Canada writes: Canadians don't support the coalition, thats for sure.
    Dion is already toast, again, now its Rae. You gotta be kidding me. Is this all some sort of joke on Canadians? You expect me to trust three power hungry politicians who are willing to get in bed together no matter what?

    I don't think so.
  282. Loyal Subject from Canada writes: Speaking of "blunders" John Robson at the Ottawa Citizen asks "what to call this bizarre combination of the Bloc, NDP and Liberals? Bl... ND... ral... The Blunderals?" That's it ... the Blunderals.
  283. merle borowski from Canada writes: I think that no matter what Harper did, this plan from the opposition would have taken place at some point. This doesn't seem like it was spontaneous in preparation. It's sad that Canada is so divided, with a minority government, a strong separatist position in Quebec, the NDP and Liberals only slim hope to take over the government in the near future is to rely on strong support from a party that I assume goes against everything they believe in for Canada. And when the world is in economic turmoil they (NDP, Liberals) whine about tightening their purse strings. We really needed a Majority government this last election to get us through this tough economic time. What did we expect we barely made a minority government work the last time through the best economic growth in a long time. I feel it's the Canadian voters that have let this country down, making us look like a disorganized country to the rest of the world. I fear that we may not see the error of our ways for a long time if we as a nation can not agree on a consensus for a government. Especially when the reason we don't think someone will be a good leader, is because he isn't charismatic or a great orator, or just because. Let's get real! This is our country and a election campaign should not be confused with a beauty pageant. If this goes to another election let's not do this again for another four years. Let's get it right this time. If the government should remain in power then let's make it clear to the opposition that they need to think beyond their egos and start thinking about Canadians. By them doing this maybe a better leader for Canada will emerge, but for now let's make this work.
  284. Bob Bobins from Canada writes: Merele .. I thought that might be the case as well.. but after thinking about this for some time and seeing that almost in every instance the opposition parties seem to organize this almost as a default rule. If the government comes off too heavy handed it gets used.. normally though a minority government does not try to crush its enemies at the open of the house.. So while it might have been worked on to some small degree the use of this power is not taken lightly or without cause. harper went too far when he pushed them to pass legislation that would ruin them.. he pushed too hard and they came at him with the only thing they had. Thats my take on this. harper worked on similar agreements as well as stockwell day in 2000 a prominent member of harpers cabinet. They knew this could happen but harper went for their throats thinking they were down and out after the election. harpers miscalculation is going to cost the conservative party for a very long long time.
  285. Mike from Canmore from Canada writes: Harper must go. Replace him with a no-nonsense person with integrity and trust - like Sheila Fraser, currenty Auditor General.

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