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Globe essay

A well-shaped package would be worth the wait

JACK MINTZ

From Saturday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 1:10 AM EST 29/11/08

A well-shaped budget package would be worth the wait ...Read the full article

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  1. george mcfly from Canada writes: Thanks for some common sense....
  2. R L from Canada writes: CTVglobemedia (G&M;) = Con Tory Vision (CTV)

    Endless tax cuts? That worked out just swell for the U.S.A. didn't it? Oh wait...

    Regular Canadians need jobs (and also the ability to get bank loans), not more tax cuts that bankrupt future generations (fiscal deficits are essentially borrowing money from the future, plus interest).

    The short-sighted right-wing ideological solution to everything... tax cuts. Never ever raise taxes, just keep cutting taxes, heck, why not lower taxes to ZERO! Great idea! Who needs things like health care, policing, sanitation & waste disposal, public transportation, etc. when when we can simply reduce taxes to ZERO! Let's go fundamentalist ideology!
  3. Just In from Canada writes: Old school first-in first-out bean counter thinking, as if waiting longer the moving target will change to a stationery object and then you can load and shoot. Too bad the train would have run out of steam and we would be in a depression.

    Every one of the G7 except Canada has initiated a stimulus package to address the challenge.

    Harper cannot walk and chew at the same time. Every thing has to be scripted. He can't handle a moving target.

    Harper announced an 'unprecedented' stimulus was needed at G20 in Peru, with no stimulus package to follow. This undermines investor, business, and consumer confidence. Worse yet, in an vain attempt to distract the issue onto a political one of constitutional crisis proportion, Harper merely reminded us that he is hiding his lack of a stimulus plan or looking for an excuse for their incompetence, as is the attempts to hide structural deficit caused by GST cut and increased program spending.

    Keep waiting - for more excuses. 'The dog ate my home work'.

    Wait for an autopsy, post-mortem.
  4. siren call from Canada writes: 'A permanent tax cut and an increase in the refundable child tax benefit would be better fiscal stimulus than infrastructure spending.'
    .......................................

    What?

    Who is this genius?
  5. sean smith from Canada writes: Now comes the neo-con propaganda.

    Why the silence over massive tax refunds still being given to wealthy donors who can still buy taxpayer subsidised influence? Why did Harper not cut political donation tax write-offs if he cared so much about taxpayers funding political parties?

    Massive tax cuts were tried in the States this summer and utterly failed.

    Like Harper, the only thing this neo-con hack knows how to do is spin half truths, sing the same song and pimp for his corporate masters. Over 60% of Canadians voted against this agenda. Its time our voices counted. Dump Harper!!!!
  6. Mark D from Edmonton, Canada writes: Who can fathom something as silly as a power grab by political parties who failed to obtain the most votes of the votes cast in a general election? Rightly or wrongly as Canadians we have voted a minority government into power and it should not be up to one individual person, appointed to be the Queens representative, to determine if someone is allowed to govern, it should be up to the citizens of the democracy. Demanding cash or benefits for one from another is called blackmail, regardless if it is a province or not. Westerners wonder if Quebecors appreciate the designation that is being given to them, Westerners don’t like being called rednecks. Quebecors most likely don’t like being called separatists. Will increasing the burden on small business by cancelling tax cuts really help the current economic situation? One must wonder if there is a finite amount of commerce from which to tax and raise funds to subsidize political cronyism! Or I guess we can just raise union dues. And the ring leaders in all of this hung their leader out to dry after the last general election. Guess that means we’ll have a Prime Minister selected by a group from behind closed doors who weren’t even appointed to be a representative of our country. Maybe it is time the citizens who elected the current group should hand pick the best representatives from their ridings, regardless of the willingness of the selected representative, to run the country. You have been given a privilege to represent your constituents, it’s not and never will be a right. Grow up!
  7. peter jones from Canada writes: Flaherty and Harper are saying there is only a mild ''technical recession' the economy will be growing again by spring.

    yet to save a few million $$ they launch an attack on civil liberties (the right to strike) and give 'democracy' a back handed cuff on the head with this funding cut nonsense.

    Those are 'war measures' and they say there is no war? WHY do them then?

    Also the Bank of Canada will cut interest rates again soon to 'stimulate the economy' but those interest rate cuts will take 18 months to show effect.

    Maybe Flahertty and the Bank of Canada need to get on the same page regarding 'the way ahead' By his actions , Flaherty is contradicting the Bank of Canada.
  8. Upper Canadian born and raised in Western Canada from Canada writes: I believe its a much smarter idea to wait and think things through than jump in and help out companies that were not competetive to begin with. It makes no sense to run a deficit when its just throwing money away.
  9. peter jones from Canada writes: there was no place on my ballot for me to vote on who is the next prime minister.

    so noone voted for Harper as Prime minister. this is not the USA, we do not elect Presidents.

    we vote for representatives for our ridings..when they get to parliament they can organise themselves as they see fit.

    Too bad,, so sad.
  10. con hack losers cannot silence the truth from Canada writes:
    Flim Flam and Harpercrite.

    Partisanship before country.

    Grudges before governing.

    Harper - not a leader.
  11. Ed Long from Canada writes: A very well written and informative article that manages to supply the justifications for a read the currents before making corrections strategy.

    Well done.
  12. peter jones from Canada writes: This is not the USA, we do not elect Presidents and there was no place on the ballot to choose the Prime minister of Canada either...
    so noone voted for Harper as prime minister.

    .the CPC caucus selected him as their leader, fine,,but all he has otherwise is the voting results from his riding..

    and...so........he is very dispensible.

    I love our kind of Parliamentary democracy
  13. K Car from Canada writes: Harper called an illegal election and accomplished nothing except $300,000,000 in expenses. His new government has a clear mandate to work effectively with the opposition. That's what the people have voted for and thats what they want. Instead of governing and working with the opposition parties, in a time of crisis for Canadians, the Conservative government has decided to continue playing political games (and would continue to do so if unchallenged). Harper has obviously made a mistake this time and it's glaringly obvious that he can't work with others, even in times of crisis.
  14. sean smith from Canada writes: Mark D - over 60% of Canadians voted AGAINST Harper and this neo-con nonsense. Last week he was talking about 'co-operation' this week he targeted the opposition parties (whilst keeping his tax writeoffs for wealthy political donors intact), took away worker's democratic right to strike and cancelled the pay equity process. None of these moves have anything to do with helping our economy and everything to do with pushing his mean-spirited agenda. Around the world, leaders are working together to help workers and the economy. Harper's actions prove he is incapable of moving past his failed neo-con ideology which is why the other parties must work together and form a government that reflects the 60% of Canadians who are tired of this petty man and his massive ego.

    Just in - thanks for the info. I should have known it came from the U of Calgary and their Chicago School wannabes.
  15. W M from Canada writes: It's a shame that Jack Mintz didn't come right out and say what he clearly believes: that the GST cuts that have already been made were foolishly shortsighted. If they make no sense no, because they don't contribute to long term competitiveness, then they made even less sense 2 years ago, when the economy was hot and we were already facing rising inflation. That meant that apart from not create a stimulus for long term growth, they didn't even do much that was useful in the short term, because with prices already on the rise, much of the incremental stimulus was lost to inflation. But then, the GST cut never was about economics, prosperty, competitiveness or protecting Canadian jobs (and Harper would have to be one of the most inept economists of all time not to have known this). It was about pandering for short term votes.
  16. DG Rose from Canada writes: peter jones declares: 'there was no place on my ballot for me to vote on who is the next prime minister' 'so noone voted for Harper as Prime minister'.

    'Scuse us? What country's election were you watching? There were a number of circles on my ballot as to who to vote for to determine my Prime Minister and I, uh, voted? I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who did that...
  17. peter jones from Canada writes: actually the only people who voted for Harper in the last Election
    are those in his own riding who voted for him...

    and I believe there were many of people in that riding who voted for a different candidate.
  18. Mark D from Edmonton, Canada writes: Sean Smith....60% voted against and yet...no majority! Funny system hey. I wasn't endorsing anyone or a party....but you are and it is obvious.
  19. W M from Canada writes: For all the people attacking Mintz, he is indeed a first rate mind. And, if you read carefully, you will note that he said little in support of anything the Conservatives have done to date. However, for some reason, he decided to skate around stating bluntly what they have done wrong. To that extent, he seems to have decided to play politics. The truth is that I am absolutely certain that he would prefer that the Conservatives reverse their GST cuts and redirect the cuts to measures that would do more to enhance competitiveness, but instead he merely says that it would be foolish to cut the GST further. It's too bad that he has decided in this case to state clerarly only half of what he believes, but it doesn't make him a second rate mind.
  20. Lawrence Hutchinson from Houston, United States writes: sean smith from Canada writes: Now comes the neo-con propaganda.

    Massive tax cuts were tried in the States this summer

    Really?
  21. sean smith from Canada writes: Mark D - thankfully we live in a nation that has more than two parties. That's why more than one party has to work together to create consensus. Its far more democratic than 37% Harper who wants to rule with 100% of the power. As far as voting system goes, its time we had proportional representation to end these power plays of trying to get 40% 'majority' governments. Destroying the opposition and ensuring the ruling party caters to is wealthy base (taxpayer subsidised of course) might work in Alberta but fortunately other Canadians find the idea of one party rule horrifying.

    And yes I am endorsing a coalition made up of the parties the majority of Canadian's voted for instead of a dicatorship imposed by 37% Stevie.
  22. sean smith from Canada writes: Yes Lawrence except they called it a 'tax stimulus package'. Didn't you get your tax rebate cheque?

    http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/08/content_7581942.htm

    Also one can't forget the ongoing tax cuts for the most wealthy. That sure has trickled down well!!!!!!
  23. siren call from Canada writes: Just In from Canada writes: Jack M. Mintz is the Palmer Chair in Public Policy at the University of Calgary - not exactly a first rate school.
    ........................

    Thanks. Don't know why the G&M; wouldn't note that; perhaps they have by now.

    There is some merit in the wait and see what the Americans do approach. (Although Obama has clearly indicated a stimulus approach.)

    However, that is not what Harper and Flaherty did in the economic update. Instead of being honest and saying they would bide their time -- they went whole hog ideology. Attack the civil service, bureaucrats, the opposition -- and they telegraphed it the day before in Question Period, threatening the opposition with -- wait'll you see what's coming tomorrow.

    And the stupidest part of the fiscal update; we'll sell of Canada's assets. No, we won't tell you which ones. No, we don't know how much we'll get for them but we'll sell until we're up to some $30 million.

    Hold a fire sale in the midst of a recession?
    And Harper studied economics?
  24. martha stewart from Canada writes: Always look on the bright side of life... ta da, ta dum ta da ta dum.
  25. Allan Simonson from Canada writes: 'Also one can't forget the ongoing tax cuts for the most wealthy. That sure has trickled down well!!!!!! '

    Wow, do some research. Funny, now that the American election is over, we won't hear the left wing catch phrase 'tax cuts for the rich' any more.

    The 'bush tax cuts' are significant for lower and middle income Americans.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bushtaxcuts

    The Wall Street Journal editorial page states that taxes paid by millionaire households more than doubled to $274 billion in 2006 from $136 billion in 2003 because of the JGTRRA.
  26. The Bubble from Canada writes: The con spins always have to blow a lot of smoke in the articles they write. This one is a real dose of verbal diarrhea. Babes in toyland is a better description of these dopes. The Globe endorsed Harper in a fit of right wing rage briefly during the election and like that article, this one will be shown to be nonsense by a myopic author.
  27. wwww bbbbb from Canada writes: No, the time is to act now, stupid.
  28. West Coast Not West from Canada writes: Mark D from Edmonton.
    Yet another Albertan speaking for everyone west of the Manitoba/Ontario border. Man that's getting tiresome.
    Can't you just state your opinion without pulling out the 'Westerners' schtick?
  29. martha stewart from Canada writes: The last time a Canadian government panicked and acted without carefully considering the consequences was when Chretien got us into Afghanistan.
  30. John Lemay from Burns Lake, Canada writes: It's time for the Conservatives to admit they have the wrong man leading their party. There will be nothing but turmoil both within the party as well as in the parliament. This man needs to be replaced and soon for sake of our country.
  31. Ken K from Canada writes: For all those who continue to harp on the fact that the conservatives did not get a majority of the votes, the news flash is that none of them did. So the silly argument that 63% voted against the conservatives is exactly that; silly. In the same vein it is also true that a much larger percentage voted against Dion, and Layton, and May. I guess you really can't say that about Duceppe since his party only ran a slate in Quebec. The fact is that under our system no party gets a majority of the vote, and yet in the recent past people like Chretien and Mulroney had governing majorities. You may find Harper's style not to your liking, but find a new, legitimate argument. Unless you are advocating for only having coalition governments that comprise more than 50% of the total votes (which would preclude the Liberals and NDP from forming a government - 44% of the popular vote) then this shrill cry does not make any sense. And if you do advocate strict rep by pop with coalition governments, then I would suggest that you look at how well they have worked in places like Israel and Italy. Do you want an election every 18 months? Not to mention the fact that Quebec would have a new reason to want to separate, given that their Bloc would be greatly diminished in status. It is great to criticize the present system but without a viable alternative it is just shrill hysteria.
  32. Lawrence Hutchinson from Houston, United States writes: sean smith from Canada writes: Yes Lawrence except they called it a 'tax stimulus package'. Didn't you get your tax rebate cheque?

    A one-time check for $338 is a 'massive tax cut' ?
  33. The Bubble from Canada writes: I would take an election every week as long as Harper is kept on his chain until people wake up to the fact that he is an egotistical despot who cares not for even his own party, he's in this for himself, make no mistake.
  34. Lawrence Hutchinson from Houston, United States writes: The Bubble from Canada writes: I would take an election every week as long as Harper is kept on his chain until people wake up to the fact that he is an egotistical despot who cares not for even his own party, he's in this for himself, make no mistake.

    And to what end? The next likely governing party is the Liberals, led by a man not wanted by his own party after a disasterous showing in October elections.
  35. Mark D from Edmonton, Canada writes: sean smith....can you even vote! Must be an Ontairian...thinking your parents were right....You do live in the centre of the cold and dark universe...

    by the way...we've sold the engergy to the people with the money....and thats not ontario....guess thats why the npd and liberals have decided to hold the majority of a country ransom! Sucks having to take it.....like the West has for so many years of corrupt EASTERN rule...
  36. Bert Russell Paradox, BC from Canada writes:
    The Liberals are really pathetic. They have to have ol kickback himself try to transform the NDP into lefty Liberals.
    Chretien will try to pacify like he did with Quebec on Iraq ... instead he commits us to Afghan and now they try to call foul against Conservatives.
    The Liberals are looking to get bailed out but unless they give Layton the leadership, they will fail. Even if Jack got it, they will fail from within. Opposition Insurgents beware of collateral damage.
  37. sean smith from Canada writes: Lawrence those cheques cost over 100 Billion dollars. As well there were over 50 Billion in business tax cuts. Over 150 Billion in tax cutting stimulus is pretty massive no matter how one slices it. This was supposed to fix everything just like this neo-con is writing.

    Ken the vast majority of governments in the world are elcted by proportional representation and have coalition governments. Even Scotland and Wales have moved to this voting system. There is nothing democratic about a wannabe tyrant who got 37% of the vote trying to govern as if he has 100%. It is our useless system that created phony `majorities`like Chretien`s and Mulroney`s second term. The libs, NDP and Bloc have well over 50% of the vote and one of the first things they should do is dump our antiquated voting system.
  38. Shades of Grey from Whitehorse, Canada writes: A surplus supported by $10 billion of shadow money, from unidentified assets that may or may not be sold at a time when the market for them is depressed. In other words, a $10 billion deficit.

    And the article's author assumes that the parties can work together. Harper just demonstrated his pathological inability to do exactly that, at a time when it mattered the most.
  39. Lawrence Hutchinson from Houston, United States writes: sean smith from Canada writes: Lawrence those cheques cost over 100 Billion dollars. As well there were over 50 Billion in business tax cuts. Over 150 Billion in tax cutting stimulus is pretty massive no matter how one slices it.

    $150 billion in tax cuts out of estimated spending for 2008 of $2.5 trillion (on-budget) and another $400 billion off-budget. So these 'massive' tax cuts represented a whooping 5.2 percent of expenditures.
  40. bob saunders from Belleville, ON, Canada writes: sean smith from Canada writes: Now comes the neo-con propaganda.

    Why the silence over massive tax refunds still being given to wealthy donors who can still buy taxpayer subsidised influence? Why did Harper not cut political donation tax write-offs if he cared so much about taxpayers funding political parties?
    ---------------------------------------- largest political donation allowed is $1100 dollars and 99% of the Conservatives donors donated less than $200. Your massive corporate tax cuts you are talking about have not taken place yet and companies pay taxes on profit- companies losing money do not pay corporate tax- this was not an invention of the Conservative government. I know you believe everything your Hero Jack says, therefore you must strongly disagree with the Liberal side because they are for even larger corporate tax cuts. As far a income tax write offs for political donations, I agree end it now, then watch your party scream.
  41. Pierre-Yves P from Canada writes: Jack Mintz`s analysis is impeccable, and only an ignorant can have a problem with it.
  42. Ryan Campbell from halifax, Canada writes: I agree with Bob. Where is it written you can't be socially liberal and fiscally conservative. Seems each side got something right to me. However, harper got to the top in the first place taking those money per vote subsidies, so he is just being ruthless right now, he could probably do just fine without crushing his enemies. Ever hear the quote 'I don't feel I have to kill everyone, just my enemies.'? If you saw godfather part three, it didn't end well for him.
  43. prospector from blackfly country from Canada writes: Why is everyone so eager to spend my taxdollars. I worked hard for them, but certain people want to spend, spend my money simply because it's there.

    I prefer restraint.
  44. Kevin Cochrane from Virden, MB, Canada writes: While I agree with the article and that the gov should not rush in until there's a clear direction of where this is going, Harper should not have played his vendetta with a minority gov. Very, very stupid move and I think that he and the Cons will pay for it.
  45. E B from Canada writes: This article invites us to play the fiddle as Rome burns: Why hurry? Let's wait for a well-shaped package..... Yeah right!
  46. Michael Crowell from Halifax, Canada writes: Make no mistake if the Oppostion Parties engineer a collation and thwart the will of the people there will be a civil war in this Country. This would be a disaster and will lead to more upheaval in the already fragile markets. These three Parties will destroy themselves in their lust for power and showmanship. No to this plot.
  47. Phu Fighter from United States writes: Lawrence Hutchinson from Houston: 5.2% of the budget. We're not even seeing 1% in Canada. And any spending is as effective as shooting a shotgun into the night sky: there's no prayer or hope or even wishful thinking that whatever Harper proposed will help anyone but himself or Made-in-China goods.

    Why can't an economist be forthright and say what's wrong, and what is needed? And why is this so-called Economist leading Canada so out-of-step with every other economist? E.g. the oft cited examples of non-targetted taxed cuts or stimuli.
  48. Kilgore Trout from So it goes, Canada writes: Tax cuts, for well, which benefits the rich the most as the rest don't have enough money for it to matter, hmmm, if it sounds like Bush, and speaks like Bush...
  49. Kilgore Trout from So it goes, Canada writes: To Michael Crowell: LOL, actually, the will of the people was that no party had the confidence of the people, i.e. a minority government, what only about 38% of the vote for the Conservatives? Which means that the will of the people is to have all parties work together. Hmmm, seems that means that as Harper refuses to work with the other parties, that the coalition is the only thing that actually would represent the will of the people...

    but judging from the vitriol from the Conservative supporters, they are justifiably worried that their so-called master strategist has just orchestrated another boon-doggle, in this case one that could regulate him back to the opposition side of the house for a well deserved time-out... perhaps he can spend the time trying on different coloured sweaters...now, why does that remind me of the emperor's new clothing...
  50. Dick Garneau from Canada writes: Just in 'Every one of the G7 except Canada has initiated a stimulus package to address the challenge'

    Every one of the G7 except Canada is in a technical recession.

    The Canadian culture is to be conservative concerning economic issues.

    Why are we concerned, why do we continue to fault find, we should be happy. The government is doing what we are doing in our own homes, with our own budgets.

    Lets remember to stock food banks, fund charities, open our homes and hearts to the less fortuinate.
    .
  51. 4Cryin Outloud from Canada writes: When people are sitting in $450,000 homes with 25 year mortgages that are higher than the actual value , 2 jobs, 2 kids, no daycare, a shaky healthcare system, schools that are falling down, roads that are ruining the vehicles they are still paying for, everything they wear and too many things they eat coming from China or other foreign countries at some point some of them if not many of them have to or must start to think 'I don't think this system has my best interest at heart? What am I slaving for exactly? Is this 'the good life'? What confidence do I have in Canada? Where is CANADA in all of this? Where am I?

    These magicians, the eCONomists, all seem to keep trying to keep the status quo. Okay, Mintz says let the poorly run companies go, but I didn't hear him mention one bank we are shoring up with our tax dollars? Does that include companies that are allowed to pollute our environment for the sake of keeping the status quo? The reason this is not working any longer is exactly because there is no longer that consumer confidence needed to keep this b. s. live on credit pyramid scheme of a monetary system going. Some of us are getting wise to the fact that it is not making our lives better, in fact it is degrading the human species and the planet we need to survive on.

    So without consumer confidence (and just providing more credit to me as the be all and end all is only giving me less confidence in the system) this system cannot work. There has to be endless consumption, the kind that kills people as others stampede to buy sh!t he's standing in front of.
    I'm not buy it.
  52. Peter Kells from Bytown, Canada writes: As is typical of Mr. Harper and company, they plan to make a plan, then make a plan, then make the implementation of the plan so far out into the future that we will never see any benefits from the plan. Substitute environment for economy and you get the picture. Some action may be taken once they get a script from someone else that they can copy.

    The only core ideas that these guys have are to punish their employees, punish their opponents, hire more police for imaginary threats and make sure that their supporters in big oil make lots of money.
  53. klaus mayers from lund, Canada writes: mr mintz hit the nail on the head.
    it makes me sick to my stomach to see members of the opposition partys full of selfserving BS. whats just as sickening are some of the media folks- the ones with the insider infos- the idea of a party, which robbed the taxpayers of millions of $ in cahoots with a marxist leninist party and with the the support of a seperatist party being successful in a powergrab is absolutely frightening. who would be the next prime minister under this regime? the choices are stark: doin? the 2 ndp dreamers (layton and rae)? or that stange bedfellow from quebec? or somebody who lived many years in the states and is out of tune with the needs of canadians and their political mindsets? if there is no confidence,have a new election. yes it costs money, we might be paid back in spades by taking our time and not throwing good money after bad in a hurry.
  54. Kilgore Trout from So it goes, Canada writes: To Pierre-Yves P: Actually, anyone who blindly believes anything any economist says is likely the ignorant one... if however you are so enamoured of the Bush economics Jack espouses, go south, oops, sorry, seems even down south that view is no longer taken as being gospel...
  55. Kilgore Trout from So it goes, Canada writes: To Don Adams: As opposed to the needless election Harper called? Seems the public had no real issue with the supposed needlessness of this last election., likely the same will hold for the next. But more interesting is that, thanks to master strategist Harper, the left may actually unite...
  56. Paul who is from Vancouver, Canada writes:
    This tabloid and it's writers ENDORSE Stephen Harper.

    GLOBE EDITORIAL
    Harper is growing into the job

    Friday's Globe and Mail
    October 9, 2008 at 9:00 PM EST

    ... On balance, Mr. Harper remains the best man for the job in the tough times now upon us. He deserves if not four more years, at least two more years. By all logic, he should be cruising to an easy majority.

    LMAO

    ... His vision, determination and adroitness restored political competition to Canada, not an insignificant accomplishment.

    LMAO

    ... Indeed, the most important characteristic Mr. Harper has shown over 33 months in office is a capacity to grow. There is no reason to think he won't continue along the same trajectory if re-elected

    LMAO

    ... Whatever you think of him, the Stephen Harper of today is not the Stephen Harper of 2004 or earlier.

    LMAO

    This G&M; tabloid has endorsed Stephen Harper the LOSER for the last two elections now.

    The G&M; is really becoming an online joke.
  57. David Beentheredonethat from Canada writes: I like the article. Informative and probably correct. In any event, I prefer restaraint as well. Let's everybody tighten their belts, even those of you who don't know how to yet.
  58. Stephano Daliwal from Canada writes: When it comes to the economy it's better too be proactive than reactive.

    China's economy is expected to grow between 7- 9 % this year yet they have a $500 billion fiscal stimulus in place to be executive. In contrast, Canada in a technical recession, has leaders dithering on the sidelines/ adopting a wait and see approach. Amazing.

    Are we a sheltered island in the path of the storm?
  59. Joe Canadian from Canada writes: Excellent article. At last some common sense. Thankfully there is one journalist out there who isn't using the economic statement as artifical sensationalism.
  60. R L from Canada writes: Paul who is from Vancouver, Canada write: 'This tabloid and it's writers ENDORSE Stephen Harper.'

    So true. That G&M; 'endorsement' of the Harper NeoCons was disgusting, every single argument has been proven false in every way, while the exact opposite has borne out to be true. Harper is more vindictive than ever, and is now using the economic crisis to further his goals of bankrupting all other political parties so that he stands unopposed.
  61. john chuckman from Canada writes: Mr. Mintz,

    You've missed the point entirely. Likely, one suspects deliberately.

    What a bizarre document the Conservatives have presented us.

    I would have no objection to the government playing things cautiously with regard to major-industry stimulation policies, taking only sensible steps until the developing picture is a little clearer.

    After all, a new government is being born in the United States, and it is not clear what steps will be taken towards an industry like automobiles.

    But without major programs being started yet, one did reasonably expect certain steps to have been taken. Some extension of EI benefits would be one. So is a substantially better treatment of retirees with their drawdown of savings from government-created instruments. And so would genuine government restraint, such as a reducing a bloated cabinet, placing hard-nosed limits on expenses, and perhaps even reducing ministers’ salaries.

    But here we have no such measures.

    CONTD
  62. john chuckman from Canada writes: And, just as important, we have no consultation with opposition parties before presenting this document. None.

    It’s the clearest indicator that Harper intends to rule exactly the way he has the last two and a half years, and that is simply not acceptable.

    This document plays politics under the guise of economic restraint, and it is not just any politics, it is American-style Right Wing politics.

    What benefit worth measuring can possibly come from ending support for political parties? Moreover, does anyone in his or her right mind think American-style private money controlling politics is good?

    What benefit worth measuring can come from suspending the right to strike?

    Is the suspension of that right even legal? It seems to me to invite a court challenge. This isn’t bringing people together, it’s the opposite.

    What meaningful benefit can come from the changes concerning women and equity?

    This document provides the clearest evidence of Harper’s continued ideologue approach to government. He seems to have learned nothing, only posing in his general statements and photo-ops as a man who has learned something.
  63. jim slade from canada, Canada writes: Well said.!!! This is a time for common sense ideas to deal with economic downturns. We have been here before. The barn is NOT on fire.
  64. Plus 8 from Mont Tremblant, Canada writes: Like some many others, Mr. Mintz is, like so many, still in denial about this economic crisis. Denial has nothing to do with brains or training, it has to do with terror and wishful thinking.

    I believe that Canada has a better chance of weathering this storm that most. Though, Harper squandered the Paul Martin surpluses by lowering taxes during the boom (weird policy), we are not starting this recession with huge deficits and bankrupt banks.

    If the government steps in NOW, with programs similar to all other countries, we have a decent chance to avoid deep damage.

    Mr Mintz would have us think otherwise, suggesting that we are magically divorced from the world economy and the violent storm will stop at our borders. This only underlines the depth of his denial.

    This week has shown us all that the Harper government is run by extreme ideologues capable and in the process of causing great harm.

    I note that Mr. Mintz is a neighbor of Mr. Harper's and a long time supporter of tax cuts. Another neo-conservative and pro-corporation man, who pay his salary.

    The only occasion he has wrote against Harper policies is his endorsement of a detailed study showing that there was negligible tax leakage from Income Trusts and that the figures given by Harper were false and bloated.

    Mr. Mintz, save us the spin. Take a valium and look at the data more closely.
  65. True North from Canada writes: Harper last weekend: 'Canada needs unprecedented stimulus'

    Harper this week: 'Canada can wait'.

    Harper cannot be trusted.
  66. True North from Canada writes: Harper is just waiting for the new US president to tell him what to do.

    Harper cannot be trusted
  67. John Doucette from Manotick, Canada writes: Good old Mintz! One of Canada's pre-eminent practitioners of stupidomics, comes out of his retirement at Harper's behest.
    'Calm them down Jack, confuse the issues, that's your specialty, do it for the money boy, you were always good at that.' Jack is back! STUPIDOMICS RULES!
  68. Sammy White from Canada writes: Michael Crowell from Halifax, Canada writes: Make no mistake if the Oppostion Parties engineer a collation and thwart the will of the people there will be a civil war in this Country.
    LMAO, you are just being silly.
  69. james c from Canada writes: a lot of sour people on here (again) lol

    it must really anger these people that their prediction that the PM was toast in the next election never came through on october 14th as they promised. the real world election saw to that.
  70. John Doucette from Manotick, Canada writes: To Michael Crowell from Halifax: I doubt that you can actually spell and type yet have so little understanding of how government works in Canada to actually believe that idiotic statement you made!
    So who pays you to write that junk?
  71. tom g from upper ottawa valley, Canada writes: So, who's Jack Mintz, I asked myself, and where do these three principles come from? Part 1 is easy, Jack is a former director and CEO of the CW Howe Institute and present prof at U of Calgary. That perhaps explains where Jack's three principles came from as well. The principles are far from universal. A Japanese economist says that you can spend your way out of a recession, and Japan did it. Paul Krugman originally disagreed (because prices go up proportionate to the fiscal stimulation). Krugman now amends his position saying that you can spend your way out of a recession, provided there is public confidence that the government will reduce the money supply in the future. Nearly all notable economists, even studies by the IMF, say that a principal criterion for success of fiscal stimulation is timeliness. Jack's careful planning, well designed policy and implementation doubtfully mix well with timeliness--especially after the horse has already bolted. Joseph Stiglitz stated that timely fiscal policy would be necessary to stave off recession back in June. June would have been a time to act since according to Stiglitz, economic responses to fiscal policies take fro 6-18 months. Who are Krugman and Stiglitz? Why they're only recent Noble Prize winners in Economics. Perhaps that is why most G7 countries already have fiscal packages in place. Their leaders listen to Noble Prize winners while we in Canada still have leaders doing partisan silly bugger games, placing themselves and party above Country and Citizens. Somebody probably listens to Jack Mintz.
  72. A reader from Canada writes: If there is no confidence in the present government, have a new election. Canadians did not elect a coalition government nor did they elect Jean Chretien and Broadbent. These two non elected individuals have no business interfering just as I have no clout to interfere. If the coalition government were to be in charge, I will refuse to pay my income taxes as they were not elected to govern. Without an election, this country is not democratic by any stretch of the imagination. The choice should not be made by the GG as she wasn't elected by the people. Harper should get rid of the GG while he's at it as this is an expense we can't afford.
  73. peter jones from Canada writes: but this 'fincial statement' is not a finacial statement...it is an attack on civil liberties..right to strike, pay equity and a back handed cuff to democracy with the funding cuts.

    yet Flaherty says everything is fine and we will be growing again by spring..

    If that is the case then why the war measures style attacks on civil liberites and democracy.

    And who ever heard of running a war on a balanced budget while your home economy is falling apart, Auto, timber, whatever...and your food banks are running out of supplies.
  74. A reader from Canada writes: Michael Crowell from Halifax, Canada writes: Make no mistake if the Oppostion Parties engineer a collation and thwart the will of the people there will be a civil war in this Country.
    **
    Agree!!!!
  75. charlie brown from Canada writes: The idea that folks vote for a minority government is just nonsense. They each vote for the party they want to be in power. If it turns out to be a minority it is not because individual voters wished is so, it is just the way the election turned out.
  76. peter jones from Canada writes: the only people who voted for Harper are the people in his own riding.
    there was no place on the ballot paper any where else.with a question 'who do you wishh to be Prime Minister'.

    we do NOT elect presidents in Canada.
    No more than 30 thousand people voted for Harper and they only did that in one tiny locality.
  77. J L from Toronto, Canada writes: Harper's a terrible PM. He knew ending subsidies to political parties at this citical time would create such a reaction yet he still did it because he aims to secure his own personal power... In times of economic hardship the PM should be focusing his efforts on ensuring Canada is a beacon of political stabilty.
  78. John Boychuk from Alberta, Canada writes: Republic of Western Canada.

    ..that is all
  79. charlie brown from Canada writes: peter jones. that's the way the Parliamentary system used by most Commonwealth countries works. It's certainly not perfect but, unless you can change it, you should get used to it.
  80. J L from Toronto, Canada writes: Paul Martin, as finance minister, stressed the importance of having surpluses just in case the economy takes a turn for the worse. There's a lot of wisdom in that approach. If the government had a few extra billion dollars we could balance the books and have a stimulis program...
  81. Gail Thomas from Canada writes: I am sick and tired of being called a neo-con because I don't agree with socialists. History can attest to and has the scars and deaths to prove collectivism doesn't work. It stifles democracy and leaves only two classes of people, the rich and the poor. While the elitists on this planet have decided that the only way to achieve this goal is by lying to us about the environment and instilling fear and chaos in economies, the people will pay for it in the long run. Canada is a democracy, not a dictatorship, but it will become one if we allow gang party activity to overthrow our government which was duly elected. The hate and venom of the left is poisonous and tries to stifle debate with political correctness. There just might be a civil war for individual freedom if those on the left don't stop trying to bring down our country with their indoctrination attempts. Their greed for wealth and power seems to know no boundaries.
  82. Edwin Green from NS, Canada writes: If we are not cariful this country will break up we pay to get trators in to parament but dont just look at Que. if the west ever desides to split that will not hold the rest of us hostage as long as Que thay will be gone now not later
  83. Glenn M from Canada writes: Just In from Canada writes: siren call from Canada writes: 'A permanent tax cut and an increase in the refundable child tax benefit would be better fiscal stimulus than infrastructure spending.'
    .......................................

    What?

    Who is this genius?

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

    sean smith from Canada writes: Now comes the neo-con propaganda.

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

    Jack M. Mintz is the Palmer Chair in Public Policy at the University of Calgary - not exactly a first rate school.

    That's where Harper got his Master's in Economics.

    NOW YOU KNOW.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    You also forgot this buddy...

    Jack M. Mintz, Palmer Chair in Public Policy for the University of Calgary. President and chief executive officer, The C.D. Howe Institute (public policy institute) and professor, Joseph L. Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto.

    What kind of education do you have? and why aren't you being paid by anyone to write columns? I thought so....... quit whining
  84. Robert Billyard from Mission BC, Canada writes: Harper is toast. He knows not what he is doing and the sooner his is booted out the better.
  85. larry price from Arnstein, Canada writes: Conservatives right not to rush?

    This crisis has been happening for a year! Harper has no plan yet. How can the former Progressive Conservatives sit in the Commons silently. Our troops died and are dying for their right to free speech. Stop being cowed by the Bush/Cheney puppet.
  86. Another Opinion from Toronto, Canada writes: For Gail Thomas: 'I am sick and tired of being called a neo-con.... Their greed for wealth and power seems to know no boundaries.'

    I've always found partisan name-calling to be the lowest form of rhetoric. It is the tactic applied by people who lack the intelligence or the will to learn the facts and debate them sensibly.

    That said, and with all due respect Gail since I don't know you, if you have no compunction about using broad, shallow rhetoric in attacking your political opponents, you have little or no right to complain about them using the same tactics.

    Nothing is more pitiful than a partisan complaining about partisanship.
  87. J L from Toronto, Canada writes: John Boychuk from Alberta writes...'Republic of Western Canada. ..that is all '

    How about....Republic of John Boychuk!? Because, let's face it, you Yosemite Sam times will only be happy when you are on your own in charge of everything with no compromises or sharing!
  88. tony smart from Penticton, Canada writes: Its amazing that the Royal Opposition has to call on 'the old dogs' to get political advise. Why cant they think for themselves??? Wonder if they get advise on what to say and wear each day?
  89. Robert Billyard from Mission BC, Canada writes: In the last election Harper told Canadians he was willing to water his water wine if given a majority. For Harper there is no water, no wine, just a prescription for a purgative to cleanse his rotten misanthropic soul. He is so determined to establish his conservative dynasty he is willing to sacrifice the country and anything resembling political stability for his partisan ambitions.
  90. Just 1Man from Canada, Canada writes: Nice to have freedom of speech and see all the opinions. Some great, well informed comments, but the number of naive comments really reinforce the need civics classes in our schools.
  91. Caroline Agnew from Toronto, Canada writes: So, lets see if Harper can ruin Canada like Mike Harris ruined Ontario.

    Ok, so here's the plan. We, the government, will cut off our income by slicing the GST, saying that by saving Canadians $10 a month we'll help them spend more. Then we'll make them pay for social services out of their own pockets, thus saving them taxes. Then we'll say, 'trust us, we've got it all under control' by changing our story every couple of days. Maybe moving to Fort McMurray isn't such a bad idea; it is, after all, the only place left in Canada that's worth investing in, according to our illustrious leader.

    Those cute pictures on the Prime Minister's webpage of Steven Harper holding baby kittens doesn't convince me that he doesn't adopt them in order to eat them for breakfast.

    What I don't understand is the Conservative economic stimulus plan that doesn't actually involve any capital. Maybe we should adopt Bush's strategy of crossing our fingers and hoping for change. Seems a lot easier than actually facing our problems.
  92. Jasper the Black Lab from Vancouver, Canada writes: Jack Mintz, you make the prospect of Prime Minister Layton more palatable with each paragraph.

    Yes, the proper time for a well-crafted economic stimulus is the February budget. But Jim Flaherty's economic update should have given us some inkling that such will be the case. Instead, Flaherty's speech on Thursday was one of the worst bags of foul wind dumped into Parliament in decades. Harper insists there will be a package, even says it will focus on infrastructure (and hints more direct bailouts be necessary), but his Finance Minister delivers only petty austerity measures.
  93. Fred Lupinski from Toronto, Canada writes: J L from Toronto, Canada writes: Paul Martin, as finance minister, stressed the importance of having surpluses just in case the economy takes a turn for the worse. There's a lot of wisdom in that approach. If the government had a few extra billion dollars we could balance the books and have a stimulis program...

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

    No, actually the 'few extra billion' would be spent to secure power for the Liberal party. It was always politics, pure and simple. Don't you remember the largess promised in Mr. Martin's last election loss?!
  94. Another Opinion from Toronto, Canada writes: I would discourage many posters here from attacking Mintz. Admittedly, his timing is a bit suspicious in that he came quickly to the defence of the CPC's economic package in response to the crisis. However, that doesn't necessarily mean he is wrong.

    The sad thing about partisans is that they only hear what they want to hear. Mintz, who they seem now to be trumpeting as their expert for the defence, was in fact vehemently against the GST cut proposed by Harper a few years ago.

    He seems to present pretty solid economic reasoning in all his arguments. The problem with you people is that you only agree with him when he's saying what either of your parties want.

    Frankly, I think he should be Federal Finance Minister, and leave all you raving partisan twits on the sidelines where you belong.
  95. Captain Kirk from Toronto, Canada writes: Flaherty has failed. He put us in this deficit through his own actions by blowing our surplus through incompetence. Whether Harper initiated this strategic political move anticipating these results or not, he decided, as leader of the country, to put us in a situation of increased uncertainty at a time we need solid leadership. He has a minority government, which is a stronger mandate than ever before to cooperate and find concensus. He has failed in this. In response to his sly remark as he left Friday's press conference (speech with no questions allowed from the media, no surprise) to have a good weekend. Well, if all goes well, I wish Harper a nice final weekend as Prime Minister.

    And if I was conservative I'd be extremely mad because Harper and his band of incompetent followers blew it big time. They could have sailed along merrily, but instead showed their true uncaring side and made another stupid blunder. Too bad they can't just fire another communications director (do they have any communications people left?) Thank goodness these guys are a bunch of idiots.

    Go coalition, work out a deal, find concensus, and get to work for the majority of Canadians who want Harper turfed.
  96. Laughing at you Not with you from Canada writes:
    A long-winded article that can be summed up in one sentence:

    Let's wait to see what Obama does.
  97. J L from Toronto, Canada writes: Gail Thomas writes...'Canada is a democracy, not a dictatorship, but it will become one if we allow gang party activity to overthrow our government which was duly elected'

    What?!?! Canada has a parliamentary democracy - parties can form coalitions. This far from a dictatorship. Majority rules - so if the MPs can form a government then they will lead.
  98. Comments closed, censored, deleted or made to disappear from Mini Bushland, Canada writes: 'A well-shaped package would be worth the wait'? --- Please!... Such a package should already be in place. Its first 'installment' should have been in place months ago, as in China, where the government took significant economic measures, last June, so as to alleviate the effects of the forthcoming crisis, in the second part of this year. Here, in Canada, the facts are: 1. those Harper people have no idea what is going on, 2 they keep on making Canadians wrongly believe this deep world recession, heading for a worldwide depression, is only a 'technical' inconvenience, 3. they simply do not know what to do, i.e. how to solve, of course, what they do not even acknowledge the existence of, 4. they have no PLAN to cope with this deep world recession (none!), 5. they indeed never had any PLAN to deal with anything in the past. --- You claim 'the Harper government is right not to rush'? --- One the contrary. Those amateurs are wrong; they have been wrong all the way. They are simply late, very late, TOO LATE acting. For them to keep on reassuring the Canadian public can only lead to a worse economic crisis in this country, to more suffering and to a much longer recovery than would have been necessary, had we had a government that could act decisively 'just in time'. --- Lies and deception (no substitute for reality) will only leave us destitute, on the road to nowhere. For you to support that minority government's pathetic impotence is not the least helpful. Alas, that will be made all too clear in the months ahead. Reality always prevails; that is why it is called 'reality'.
  99. dar cullihall from Rocky Harbour, Canada writes: From Calgary, Mr. Mintz? Rev. Harper's newest howler monkey and, naturally, the Globe and Mail provides the medium to spreak the bullshit. Just watch: next thing we'll be reading is one of those Tory polls (under the guise of CTV/Globe and Mail) saying how many Canadians are against the coalition being talked about in Ottawa. The Globe and Mail, along with its Conservative howler monkeys at CTV will likely poll the Prime Minister's office and print the results as if they, somehow, represented what Canadians are thinking. Just watch.
  100. an online reader from Canada writes: 'The winter budget is a good time to plan for spring thaw; the government is right not to rush ..'

    What a collection of obvious facts to gloss over government inaction , confusion and lack of direction . Here is one of several harper actions or lack of focus you painted over . Lets buy some bitumin super tankers capable of carrying raw logs on deck to compliment the 8 usg / mile heavy lift war planes .

    ' In its first three budgets, the Harper government set aside more than $37 billion in infrastructure spending.

    While a portion of that amount is already being spent on some projects, billions more are waiting for everything from building permits to federal bureaucratic approval.

    In Alberta, for example, the province signed an $840-million infrastructure funding agreement with Ottawa in May, but the two governments are still wrangling over bureaucratic details. '
  101. West Blowing Breeze from Canada writes: The Liberals and NDP, and especially the separatists, DO NOT represent the political interests of Western Canada. They were rejected soundly in a democratic election and should not now claim they can form a representative government. Shame on them for such tactics!!
  102. Eel Expert from Canada, Canada writes: I loved watching Harper cry on CPAC last Night:

    Please Please don't make me move out of 22 Sussex, its such a nice place ... and I don't know what I would do without being able to drive the fleet of Limos across the street to visit Marie Jean.

    And I'll dye without having the PM Jet!

    SNIFF

    PLEASE DON'T LET THEM MAKE ME MOVE BACK TO STORNOWAY!!!

    BOO HOOO HOOO SOB!!!
  103. Eel Expert from Canada, Canada writes: West Blowing Breeze from Canada writes: The Liberals and NDP, and especially the separatists, DO NOT represent the political interests of Western Canada.

    Yes WBW, they oppose crushing the Lubicon and spending massive amounts of public money developing a non renewable resource that is turning Northern Alberta into a wasteland.
  104. R C from Canada writes: 'If the government steps in NOW, with programs similar to all other countries, we have a decent chance to avoid deep damage.'

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

    From what I understand, one of the reason's to hold back is so we don't throw money into a black hole that cannot every be regained. This is not a made in Canada problem but a global crisis. Canada currently has the ...

    NUMBER ONE ECONOMY in the ENTIRE world. According to some of our economists while not technically right it might be a good idea for us to sit on the sidelines and let other countries apply their stimulus and th en jump back in as the global econemy recovers. We hurt a little because we are resource rich and when other countries are hurting their not buying our resources. However, as things recover they start to buy more and it's back to business as usual.

    As to propping up failing companies or investing in our manufacturering sector.. I have no problems with that and I am sure many in Canada feel the same way provided those companies come up with a viable plan to correct whatever is wrong with them.
  105. J L from Toronto, Canada writes: West Blowing Breeze writes... 'The Liberals and NDP, and especially the separatists, DO NOT represent the political interests of Western Canada. They were rejected soundly in a democratic election and should not now claim they can form a representative government. Shame on them for such tactics!!'

    Hey buddy... it's called parliamentary democracy! That's how your Stevie-Boy got elected and in the very same way he can be de-throned. Suck it up!!!!!
  106. Love the arts from Toronto, Canada writes: The government is getting the crucial decision-making at this vulnerable time absolutely right. The coalition, however, should know that most Canadians would revolt at the mass unemployment which would result from the withdrawal of corporate tax cuts. Mr. Layton would hold us all hostage to this fantasy of his and he has convinced the weakling (intellectually and otherwise) Mr. Dion to cave to this ill-advised demand. A coalition would be a true mistake for Canada.

    Sure, a withdrawal of political funding is provocative because it humbles the opposition, but that 30$ million is desperately needed elsewhere in the country. I don't count political staffers as part of a needy group.
  107. Trillian Rand from Canada writes: The article raises many good points. Certainly rushing to solve a problem before its full scope is know would be foolhardy. However, it must be remembered that this financial crisis is, at its most basic, a crisis of confidence.

    Most of us have been taught to believe that doing nothing is never an option. Most of us, at some basic level, expect the government to look after us during difficult times. What else is a government for, if not to chart a safe course during dangerous times?

    When expectations go unfulfilled, people become angry. When the government appears to be dilly-dallying, people become frustrated and disillusioned. They see their lives spiralling ever downward, not because of some indefinable international financial crisis that began somewhere else, but because their own government is not taking sufficient action to protect them.

    This government has an appallingly poor grasp of what ordinary people think and want. Despite spending millions on polls, they seem to lack a basic understanding of the basic problems and aspirations of those who can do little but vote and complain about being ignored.

    Whether Canada can escape the consequences of this recession is irrelevant when ordinary men and women, taxpayers all, believe we will not. To do nothing is to increase their concerns. Better to announce changes that are little more than show and try to allay fears of the unknown than to constantly repeat there are no monsters under the bed.
  108. James P from Nanaimo, Canada writes: Its funny to hear the liberal slagging Mintz. He helped Dion create the Green Shift. Boy, you all loved him then.
  109. Tiu Leek from Here, Canada writes: 'And, if the Libbies do succeed in toppling the Gov't on this, the next time there's an election, be it immediately, or 2 or 3 months down the road, they'll pay a huge price..... a Cons majority, simply because people will be pissed at them for another needless election! '

    Worse than that, ALL the Liberals will be placed on DOUBLE-SECRET PROBATION!!!!!!

    ...

    Don, according to you, the Liberals were toast in the previous election.

    So next time around, the liberals who voted for them last time would be even more disgusted with them and realize what a strong leader Harper is?

    63% of the 'people' didn't vote for Harper last time around. Why exactly would they start now?
  110. West Blowing Breeze from Canada writes: J L from Toronto:

    Nice to know a Torontonian supports the separatists joining in a partnership to govern Canada! Have you no patriotism or shame?
  111. Blue Magic ...... from Mississauga,, Canada writes: Hey Harper haters, Mintz was the guy behind Dion's carbon tax.

    To funny....
  112. Oded Nissan from oakville, Canada writes: If the coalition really does go through, history will look back on it as another demonstration as to the strength, flexibility & maturity of democracy. Harper has finally shown his real strips as a Reformer: un-inclusive, undemocratic party, that was completely rejected by Canada as a whole. Harpers politics of trying to financially destroy democratic opposition, is very pre WWII Germany, it sends chills down my spine. To try to justify it as frugal economics, is to tell Canadians they are STUPID. 30 million in a 1.2 Trillion dollar economy. It's not even a Timbit, let alone a coffee. Canadians have & would gladly pay any price for our democracy, unfortunately even today it's not a few cents, but the blood of our young men. This is what Harper cannot understand. This is why the neo-Conservative Harper government can no longer be allowed to govern this gem of a country.
  113. Mrs. T from Canada writes: Wow, I am astounded, truly astounded, by all the armchair comments here, yet not one person has submitted forth THE plan which will magically make our economy turn around. The reason you cannot spend willynilly right now is because of uncertainty -- uncertainty in the US till inauguration day (because like it our not, our economies are linked hugely) and global uncertainty. The other G7 countries have to provide stimulus now because they did not do it 18 months ago when the first indications of slowdown were there. But, you all knew that already. Providing stimulus at early onset what a dumb idea.

    This whole Brutus thing is quite shocking to me. My first thought was that we were living in some third world country. Sick.
    The only positive out of the coalition will be that the liberals and NDP will pay at the polls for the Huge Debt that will burdened upon us taxpayers. Oh, and all you people that shouted about no automaker buyout, guess what's gonna happen.
  114. Eel Expert from Canada, Canada writes: Blue Magic ...... from Mississauga,, Canada writes: Hey Harper haters, Mintz was the guy behind Dion's carbon tax.

    To funny....

    Whats really funny is how much you Harper Lovers like Mintz now huh?
  115. Eel Expert from Canada, Canada writes: Mrs. T from Canada writes: Wow, I am astounded, truly astounded, by all the armchair comments here, yet not one person has submitted forth THE plan which will magically make our economy turn around. The reason you cannot spend willynilly right now is because of uncertainty

    If I gave you the plan now Mrs T (I pity the fool) you would just give it to Harper, then he would give it to Flaherty who would just implement it and claim the credit for himself silly.
  116. jer greene from New York City, United States writes: Jack, if I vote Bloc, my money goes to it. How does that affect any other Canadian's money? If you vote Con, your money goes to it. How does that affect me? Get a grip on this, you are misrepresenting much in your ideologically-driven 'article.' You are seriously a university professor?
  117. Eel Expert from Canada, Canada writes: Ha ha

    maybe if you Harper Lovers are lucky, Dion will have the Liberals abstain from the confidense vote again out of sheer habit!!
  118. J L from Toronto, Canada writes: West Blowing Breeze writes... 'J L from Toronto:Nice to know a Torontonian supports the separatists joining in a partnership to govern Canada! Have you no patriotism or shame? '

    I don't, but I support democracy. If someone I don't like gets elected I'm not going to suck out and turn my back on the political system.

    At the end of the day Harper's mischevous antics and vindictive nature are causing all of this. He knew waht he was doing when he injected a plan to cut subsidies to the political parties. He's trying to destroy democracy by crippling all the other parties.
  119. stephen ottridge from vancouver, Canada writes: If the pressure continues I would not be surprised to see some honourable Liberals crossing the floor and become Conservatives or Independents.
  120. Eel Expert from Canada, Canada writes: Also JL these hard core Harper supporters seem to forget that the Bloc was created by their party just like the Bushies down south always forget that they are the ones that created Osama Bin Laden.
  121. J L from Toronto, Canada writes: Blue Magic writes...'Hey Harper haters, Mintz was the guy behind Dion's carbon tax. To funny.... '

    So what? People didn't vote for Dion because they liked him - they hate Harper so much that they were willing to vote for a Carbon tax instead have that snake back in office!!! And now you could see why... he's already creating political unstabillity for personal gain during an economic crisis!
  122. David N from Toronto, Canada writes: 'Jack the Neocon Hack' Mintz fits right in with the Bush/Harper types. And guess what, their track record is looking pretty dismal these days. Anyone who favours consumption taxes like Jack Mintz does has spent too much time in the ivory towers and not enough time in the real world. For people like him the poor are an inconvenient statistic to be ignored. Economics long ago ceased being a behavioral science, it is now religion, another activity that is looking pretty dismal these days.

    Go coalition go! Unite the left today and crush the neocon bible thumpers!
  123. Comments closed, censored, deleted or made to disappear from Mini Bushland, Canada writes: So liberals should not exercise their critical minds because the guy they criticize once was behind a liberal's programme? 'To funny'... -- Ladies and gentlemen, that is the kind of nonsense RefCon fanatical, infantile partisanship leads to. That is the kind of attitude RefCon ideology leads to (coming directly from the mouths of those horses...): RefCons ought never be critical of RefCons, no matter what. --- I repeat: NONE OF THE ABOVE! NONE!!!
  124. dar cullihall from Rocky Harbour, Canada writes: Mintz the guy behind Dion's carbon tax? Just look how foolish that was, politically. Being from ALberta (where a bison can win as a bible-carrying Conservative) is it possible Mintz was ensuring Dion's defeat while pretending to be 'helping' him. I say that in jest, my friends.
  125. r bruce wareing from bogota, Colombia writes: I say leave the GST tax as it is,and remove any tax payable on income of $20,000 per year,smooth out the tax return from the complicated way it is now structured,keep Harper in the other parties are either screw ups or did not do the job right when they were in power.
  126. Eel Expert from Canada writes: stephen ottridge from vancouver, Canada writes: If the pressure continues I would not be surprised to see some honourable Liberals crossing the floor and become Conservatives or Independents. Why just settle for that stephen? Why don't all loyal Canadians just storm Parliament Hill with Torches and Pitchforks burning effigies of Stephen Dion?
  127. Mrs. T from Canada writes: Eel, you don't need to use me as your middleman. You can just call up Mr. Flattery and give it to him directly. Then you can be the hero of the country. We can even have a holiday in your honour. (ps good one with the pity the fool comment :)).
    Have a good weekend everyone. The world is not going to end.
  128. Dick Garneau from Canada writes: The Yellowstone Club, a billionaires club just filed for chapter 11.

    I wonder why the billionaires are not bailing out this poorly run company?
    .
  129. Joan Russow from victoria, Canada writes: Joan Russow, (Ph.D.) – Former national leader of the Green Party of Canada Harper, has succeeded in postponing the Liberal non-confidence motion which was slated to be presented in the Commons on Monday, December 1. In his speech he declared that “the people gave his party a stronger mandate to lead”. The people did not, however give him a majority. How can he claim that he was given a real mandate when over 60 % of the electorate did not vote for him? Few countries would understand that a political party with less than 40% and with no opposition support has the right to govern and speak for the country. He also claimed the opposition is “trying to overthrow the government” and “Dion does not have the right to take power without an election”. He knows that the only reason that he is in government is that in many of the ridings, with the antiquated first past the post system, Conservative members slipped by with less that 50% of the vote in their individual ridings.He seems to ignore that there has always been the option, when either a Prime Minister steps down or the Government has been defeated on a non-confidence vote, for the Governor General to call upon the other parties to form a government. Many scholars, including the late Senator Forsey, have written on the various alternatives open to the Governor General. She failed to call upon the opposition parties to form a coalition government when Harper resigned. There should never have been an election in 2008, especially when there was and presumably still is an investigation into whether the Conservatives were engaged in fraudulent practices during the 2006 election. If the three opposition parties are concerned about climate change, they have to realize that once again Harper will be embarrassing Canada at an international Climate Change COP 14 Conference in Poland from December 1-12, 2008. There is an urgency for Canada to be represented by a majority coalition government.
  130. by the beach from Victoria BC, Canada writes: Wake up Canada!

    We just voted and the Conservatives won and who stopped them from getting a majority, the Bloc. A party none of us can vote for and now they will be in government no matter how you look at it if this deal goes through. Give your head a shake.
    Didn' the Liberals accuse the Conservatives for being in bed with the Bloc, now who is sleeping with who?
    We finally have common sense in Ottawa and the opposition wants to destroy that because their lolly is being taken away that is how the average Joe will see it and they will be the ones to pay the ultimate price.
  131. anonymous - from Canada writes: The arrogance of the oposition parties.....they never taught Steven to deal with this at the Dick Chaney scool of Government....
  132. An Observer from Canada writes: If the country ends up with a coalition government it will be run by Larry, Curly and Moe. But not as funny.
  133. Conservative for lower taxes, cheaper gas, less government from Canada writes: I'm very disappointed in the editorial board of the Globe and Mail for not coming down hard on the Liberals and the NDP for even thinking of jumping into bed with the Bloc seperatists. The election subsidy is the only money the Bloc seperatists have to elect their members. The NDP and Liberals should be cheering the Harper Government for putting an end to this election subsidy which would mean the beginning of the end for the Bloc seperatists..
  134. Eel Expert from Canada, Canada writes: All I want for Christmas is a New P.M.
  135. Eel Expert from Canada, Canada writes: Conservative for lower taxes, cheaper gas, less government from Canada writes: I'm very disappointed in the editorial board of the Globe and Mail for not coming down hard on the Liberals and the NDP for even blah blah blah blee blee blee ching chang chong.

    You will be even more dissapointed when Harper has to drive his fleet of limos over to Stornaway to await the Conservative knives that are being sharpened as I type this brilliant insight.
  136. Oded Nissan from oakville, Canada writes: I can't believe the Harper supporters!!!!!!!
    On one hand overlooking the Harpers attempt to weaken democratic opposition; there by trying to weaken democracy itself.
    And then on the other hand, saying that the opposition (supported by 60% of Canada) is undemocratic for trying to stop this un-cooperative MINORITY government.
    ????????
    Our democracy & our economy is more important than party lines right now.
  137. Some Thoughts from Canada writes: The only mistake the Conservatives made was not wrapping up their cancellation of the taxpayer-funded election subsidy as part of a 'fiscal stimulus' budget in a couple of months, then the lefties would be hard pressed to claim they were voting against it because it was not generous enough. My prediction is that the C$ will suffer because of the foolish opposition claiming Canada's economy is much worse than it is, and then the 'Canadian coup', is not going to help, if it proceeds. My advice? split the proposed Flaherty document into 2 bills, one cancelling the subsidy-and get the lefties to vote against it....then flood the airwaves with adds pointing out they want to use Canadian tax dollars again to fund their elections...(a la sponsorship scandal!) and the other part can be the rest, maybe sweetened with a few fiscal stimuli.
  138. West Blowing Breeze from Canada writes: The traitorous separatists controlling votes on legislative matters!! Do the Libs and NDP have a clue what they are considering?
  139. Conservative for lower taxes, cheaper gas, less government from Canada writes: No question that the Canadian dollar will fall. This marriage, between loyalists and seperatists would not even be considered in a Banana Republic.
  140. charlie brown from Canada writes: George Ruetters. Comparing our democratically elected to Hitler borders on being a hate crime.
  141. dave ouatson from Sudbury, writes: Mr Mintz,

    I totally disagree with your claim that taxpayers' dollars should'nt be use to finance political parties. You say it is specially the case for Bloc Québécois because it is a separatist movement. We don't want to see Quebec leaving the country, but the public financing of the political party is all about democraty. It's ridiculous to see journalists using the separatist party argument to try to justify the end of a trully amelioration of our political system.
  142. Comments closed, censored, deleted or made to disappear from Mini Bushland, Canada writes: What is, under democracy, a minority government? 1. A government that could not get a majority (and from a minority of citizens, i.e. those who voted!), 2. A government condemned to govern by constantly working out some compromise with the opposition, 3. A government that can always be defeated by the opposition in Parliament, on a no confidence vote, 4. A government that can be replaced by coalesced elected representatives of the people, within a coalition (has been done in most democratic countries in the world, some countries almost always having had nothing but coalition governments). --- Those RefCons simply cannot accept theirs is nothing more than a weak, minority government, which means a majority of Canadians was and remains against them being in government, including Canadian citizens who support independence for Nouvelle-France. Those RefCons simply cannot fathom what democracy is like and about. That remains the most objectionable point about them.
  143. Conservative for lower taxes, cheaper gas, less government from Canada writes: If an independant candidate wants to run for office why should be forced to compete with a state financed candidate? This is something you would expect in Russia. This election funding was brought in by the Liberals who felt it would support their devine right to govern. Boy were they wrong.
  144. charlie brown from Canada writes: dave ouatson. Public financing of the political parties is not 'all about democracy'. Gad!! Did we not have democracy in the 125years or so predating Chretiens's introduction of the practice?? Are other free countries not using such a practice 'undemocratic'?
  145. SUE WATTS from Little Britain, Canada writes: Why do people continually refer to '60% of Canadians did not vote for Mr. Harper ( conservatism)'? It would be a meaningful comment if there were only two parties in this country but the differences between the others , who make up the other 60% are significant. The NDP and and thet BLOC have not alot in common and makes this throwing of general statistics ridiculous. Furthermore we have a proposed Prime Minister Dion whom no one is mentioning has a complete lack of support in his own Liberal Party. This is a man who kid himself from public view the week after his disasterous loss for the Liberals. What are the Liberals thinking? What happens to the Canadian public when the already called Liberal Leadership Convention meets? The whole thing isnt as simple as 60 versus 40%!
    If that 60% were so homogenous it would have meant a majority government for someone. That seems like simple math to me
  146. Zando Lee from Vancouver, Canada writes: .....a simple-minded pathetic excuse for a gang of ideological incompetent schemers bereft of new ideas.....
  147. Andy Nonimause from Toronto, Canada writes:
    Caroline Agnew:

    Mike Harris has been gone for a decade... At what point do we stop referring to him as the boogieman, and assign a some responsibility to Dalton McGuinty?

    Mike Harris won two consecutive majorities in Ontario, and what he was trying to do (in terms of reigning in spending) was absolutely necessary, and still is. Unfortunately he was shouted down by Big Labour before he could finish the job.

    And before anyone goes into hysterics about that last paragraph, keep in mind that Bob Rae was also thrown out by the same Unions when he dared to address the same issues, and the Ontario NDP has not had the support of Big Labour ever since.

    I cannot stomach Liberal broken promises, outright lies and disappearing billions. How can they allowed back into power after the arrogance of the Chretien-Martin years without some serious reform?

    Once they are torn down and rebuild, demonstrating some integrity along the way then I may support the Liberals.

    Right now, if they're bankrupt, they have nobody to blame but themselves. It isn't Harper's fault that they chose a weak leader and fought an election selling a carbon tax on the eve of a recession...
  148. Yvonne Wackernagel from Woodville, Canada writes: Mr. Mintz does not believe that there are a multitude of intelligent people in Canada who just will not swallow the fraudulent behaviour of this Government. Pretending that they are not in deficit NOW whilst budgeting a credit of $10 million for 'assets, not yet appraised, listed or sold' is fraud, in my opinion. That is the reason they have no cash to spare. But if they were not so simple-minded, they could have just DECLARED their intention to bring the Ontario EI in line with other provinces to help the great amount of jobless which will be in Ontario -15,000 more auto workers in 2009 alone, not taking into consideration the ancillary jobs which will be lost. They could also have DECLARED their intention to bring forward the infrastructure programme as soon as possible, They did not need to cut the equalization programme for women to receive equal pay for equal work - A GROSS INSULT TO ALL WOMEN; and they could have put off announcing -until absolutely necessary -the cancellation of their workers' right to strike. Not to mention the great provocation of cancelling the taxpayers subside to political parties. MR. HARPER, WE ARE NOT FOOLED. PLEASE CUT YOUR CABINET FROM 38 back to WHAT THE LIBERALS HAD -28, CUT ALL THE EXTRA LIMOS, ALL THE EXTRA PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIES, CUT ALL THE EXTRA PROTECTION YOU THINK YOU NEED AS AGAINST PAUL MARTIN, SO MUCH WASTE, MR. HARPER. STOP TREATING US AS UNINTELLIGENT BEINGS. YOU AND YOUR MAN, FLAHERTY, ARE THE UNINTELLIGENT. We have been warned by the Independent media that your party has a lot of dollars to spend to flood the press and the TV ads, etc. etc. with all your stupid propaganda, which we are tired of hearing because it makes no sense any longer. Please do the Canadians a favour and resign. Personally, I think your party could work better withour you.
  149. bob saunders from Belleville, ON, Canada writes: Tiu Leek from Here, Canada writes: 'And, if the Libbies do succeed in toppling the Gov't on this, the next time there's an election, be it immediately, or 2 or 3 months down the road, they'll pay a huge price..... a Cons majority, simply because people will be pissed at them for another needless election! '
    !!!!!!

    ...37% of the 'people' didn't vote for Harper last time around. Why exactly would they start now? -------------------------- Actually 82% of the people didn't vote for Jack Layton and the NDP and 64% didn't vote for Dion and the Liberals and 90% didn't vote for the Bloc.
  150. Just In from Canada writes: The Conservatives are getting desperate. Threatening civil war if Harper gets thrown out by a majority in an elected House of Commons.

    The think it should be House of Brown Shirts.
  151. Randy McClure from Canada writes: When the conservatives controlled Ontario, they cut taxes, increased spending and left the province with a $6 billion deficit (which they tried to cook the books to hide). Now, with many of the same cabinet ministers, they cut taxes (the wrong ones) increased spending (more than any Canadian government, ever) and demolished a fiscal cushion and contingency fund. Now they sit on their hands while the global economy crashes around us. These guys are simply incompetent. They believe in the utterly discredited supply side economics of Arthur Laffer (a fitting name) for one simple reason. It puts more money in the hans of the people with all the money. So it's an easy sell to newspaper publishers, 'think tank' funders, etc. Mintz is part of the echo chamber. Part of the club of hacks for hire from the Fraser Institute, CD Howe Institute, Montreal Economic Institute, Atlantic Institure for Market Studies, the Frontier Centre (in Manitoba, beleivers in wild west economics), the Canadian Taxliars Association, the National Citizens Coalition, Columnists at the National Post, Financial Post, Sun Newspapers, Macleans (most), etc., etc .... don't believe ANYTHING these guys say. Their prescriptions got us exactly where we are. Why WOULD you trust these clowns? Fire them. Now.
  152. Zando Lee from Vancouver, Canada writes: ....just you wait Conservative for lower taxes...remember He never showed us the list of those who purchased his leadership of the Neo Conservative party...we're about to find out though, at the pending fire-sale of the people's resources.....the heavy hitters on the list will be at the head of the trough.....this campaign financing thing could be one of Stevie's smoke screens....
  153. Conservative for lower taxes, cheaper gas, less government from Canada writes: A friend e-mailed me the editorial in the Vancouver Sun today which appears to be spot on. It seems the Vancouver Sun had no problem reading through all the Ottawa noise.
  154. Greg Stanisz from Toronto, Canada writes:
    Conservatives bluffed, but Libs and NDP overreacted.
    They would like to have a vote without discussion?
    Let's debate first, find consensus, then vote and depending on the outcome worry about new PM or election.
    I do not see anything controversial in the budget (maybe $1.95) to raise the hell. If Libs do not like it - fine. But be constructive instead of destructive. The reason we have a parlament is to discuss the issues and bills, not only to vote for or against.
    'Back-room' deals are not democracy.
  155. Jamie Reed from Canada writes: Very well written article...all sides would be wise to back down.
  156. Just In from Canada writes: Conservatives are getting really desperate, threatening civil war if Harper gets thrown out by the elected MP's in the House of Commons.

    They would rather it be the House of Brown Shirts.

    They want to turn Canada into Thailand.
  157. Randy McClure from Canada writes: Conservative for lower taxes, cheaper gas, less government from Canada writes: A friend e-mailed me the editorial in the Vancouver Sun today which appears to be spot on. It seems the Vancouver Sun had no problem reading through all the Ottawa noise.

    The Vancouver Sun is owned by the Canwest Chain, publishers of the National Post and the epicentre of conservative propaganda in Canada. They also own the Vancourver Province, so they have a monoply on daily newspapers in Vancouver (why are private monopolies OK, but public monopolies are 'always bad' in thier crazy parallel universe?)

    Do you work for canwest or the conservative party, too? Time to face facts, the vast majority of people in this country don't want the conservatives in government. The opposition parties agree on most issues. The conservatives are out of touch with Canada, and now, apparently, the rest of the world on matters of economics. The dream is dead. The dear leader was too smart by half and now he's getting the smackdown laid upside his butt. Scream all you want, but you guys are done.
  158. Tom Paine from I'm your huckleberry, writes: While on a political level, it's clear Mr. Harper must be removed from office, I actually worry a bit about him on a human level. Sincerely, I think he may be suffering a stress-induced breakdown.

    Consider his nature -- control is key. Now, after a disappointing election, he is faced with an economic crisis clearly beyond the scope of his competence and his colleagues. To Mr. Harper this tsunami would be experienced as frustration and be taken personally on an emotional level -- the world is out to get him. Recalling the temper-tantrums he is known for he could easily be driven to extremes by this kind of prolonged violation of his touchy points.

    Having his lurches from one position to another on whether there is a recession and whether there will be deficits play out in the public eye made things worse.

    In this context then, he did what he felt would restore his sense of control -- He attacked!

    Basically, he just needs a rest (and a different line of work).

  159. Just In from Canada writes: A reader from Canada writes: Michael Crowell from Halifax, Canada writes: Make no mistake if the Oppostion Parties engineer a collation and thwart the will of the people there will be a civil war in this Country.
    **
    Agree!!!!

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

    Neo Cons = Brown Shirts.

    There are at least two on this forum.

    Power grab by force. Extremism is alive in Canada.

    NOW WE KNOW.
  160. Jean Zint from Canada writes: To all the sour posters. Perhaps you should all take a step back from your own personal agenda and try to see the issues that really matter. The economy in Canada is weakening, however, there does seem to be time to take a step back and see what the concerted and collective efforts taken will produce. A reactive approach can be dangerous. Secondly, the idea od removing the subsidy to political parties should have been acted on many years ago. To all the complainers saying the current PM is trying to devestate the opposition, be realistic and at least honest in your comments - This will apply to all parties. Maybe, this will get rid of all the professional, out of touch with reality, bloodsucking people that we have in politics and encourage people with real ideas and concerns for the country to actually go out and rally taxpaying citizens with legitimate love and concern for this country and to get up and be involed in political parties and actually go out and vote. Maybe people will ONCE AGAIN start to believe in the political process. I say let the parties go out and earn their money, not have it handed out to them.
  161. West Blowing Breeze from Canada writes:

    Jamie Reed:

    The Toronto Star and the CBC are the epicentre of Liberal propaganda in Canada. So what is the problem?
    The MSM are admittedly and overwhelmingly partisans for the Liberal Party. So what is the problem? It has been this way for many years.
  162. Just In from Canada writes: tom g from upper ottawa valley, Canada writes: So, who's Jack Mintz, I asked myself, and where do these three principles come from? Part 1 is easy, Jack is a former director and CEO of the CW Howe Institute and present prof at U of Calgary. That perhaps explains where Jack's three principles came from as well. The principles are far from universal. A Japanese economist says that you can spend your way out of a recession, and Japan did it. Paul Krugman originally disagreed (because prices go up proportionate to the fiscal stimulation). Krugman now amends his position saying that you can spend your way out of a recession, provided there is public confidence that the government will reduce the money supply in the future. Nearly all notable economists, even studies by the IMF, say that a principal criterion for success of fiscal stimulation is timeliness. Jack's careful planning, well designed policy and implementation doubtfully mix well with timeliness--especially after the horse has already bolted. Joseph Stiglitz stated that timely fiscal policy would be necessary to stave off recession back in June. June would have been a time to act since according to Stiglitz, economic responses to fiscal policies take fro 6-18 months. Who are Krugman and Stiglitz? Why they're only recent Noble Prize winners in Economics. Perhaps that is why most G7 countries already have fiscal packages in place. Their leaders listen to Noble Prize winners while we in Canada still have leaders doing partisan silly bugger games, placing themselves and party above Country and Citizens. Somebody probably listens to Jack Mintz.

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

    Good post.
  163. charlie brown from Canada writes: Just In from Canada writes: Neo Cons = Brown Shirts. Just In. That's hate mail and only a fool would write it!!
  164. jer greene from New York City, United States writes: Mintz is another Harper studge, or maybe he helped to manufacture Harper as a neocon prof? Low grade stuff.
  165. Tom Paine from I'm your huckleberry, writes: Now just to deal with Con economic choices for a moment --

    1. Harper's government has spent money like crazy (polling and advertising etc.)

    2. Harper's government has over-extended the wrong kind of tax cuts and given away money to Quebec to buy votes. This was not a stimulus because even up to the election the government did not think there was a downturn coming. (Either that or they lied about it.)

    3. Harper's government produced a deficit in April, well before the impact of the downturn on revenues.

    4. There is ALREADY a deficit, that Flapper merely INTENDS to fix, as per the fiscal update.

    5. The plan to sell public assets into a deeply depressed capital market is so utterly harmful to the public interest that no opposition under any circumstances should be expected to let it pass.
  166. D L from Ontario, Canada writes:
    To the editors of this webpage: Who is Jack Mintz and why should I care what he thinks on this matter? Come on, get to work!
  167. Scrappy T from Canada writes: It will be interesting when you left leaning people get your wish.
    Governed by a Separatist, Socialist and Green Shift taxer.

    The rant here has been anti Harper BS and absolutely nothing concrete about the speech except political cutback. All you pretend economist lets see how you will react to the Illusive Three and what excuses you will be making when the $$$$ hits the fan.
  168. Fred Stubbs from Canada writes: Message to the people who don't want Harper:

    If you think Harper is not doing a good job just think about what kind of a 'Stoogefest' you will get with a coalition of the 3 stooges Dion, Layton and Duceppe.
  169. Eel Expert from Canada, Canada writes: Hey Stubby wont the stoogefest be better than Rona, Baird, Maxime & Flaherty on a Ritz cracker with lysteria?
  170. West Blowing Breeze from Canada writes: The new Holy Trinity will be good for Canada.
    -huge deficits
    -payments to the corporate welfare bums
    - a carbon tax on everything
    - large subsidies to Quebec in exchange for separatist votes
    -support of taxpayers for political parties
    -new corporate taxes and increased unemployment
    A new day is coming and it will be grand!
  171. Jonny Bgud from Vancouver, Canada writes: Good article and a factual entry into the DEBATE that should be going on in parliament. Our politicians play childish games when we need them to come up with real solutions.
  172. Kenneth Thompson from Brampton Ontario, Canada writes: Joe Canadian from Canada writes: Excellent article. At last some common sense. Thankfully there is one journalist out there who isn't using the economic statement as artifical sensationalism. I second Joe's remarks. Like it or not the Conservatives were elected to form the current government and it now falls on the opposition partys to support that government -- not try to blackmail it into supplying them -- the opposition with taxpayers money. Harper should not back down on the issue of the vote subsidy and thereby force the opposition to reveal their real -- self serving reason -- for threatening to force another election -- or seize control if possible. Can anyone imagine the financial disaster that bunch would create if they had a free hand to ruin Canada's economy. Throw billions at corporations that haven't been able to produce a viable product or make a profit just to keep them in business. Apply a new (carbon) tax on corporations that are struggling to survive, when Canada's total contribution to atmospheric CO2 pollution is about 2%? Or subsidize a party that advocates breaking up Canada? Jack Mintz is on the right track and the only significant issue he missed was the U.S. passing of bill HR 1424 revoking the tax on phantom income which now puts a few more billions into the hands of consumers. Canda could, and should follow suit. Ref. www.reformAMT.org and www.cfet.ca No one should be taxed on money they never received.
  173. L. W. from Canada writes: Tom Paine from I'm your huckleberry, writes: Michael Crowell from Halifax, Canada writes: Make no mistake if the Oppostion Parties engineer a collation and thwart the will of the people there will be a civil war in this Country.

    ====================

    So, it comes to threats of violence then.

    I'll tell you, if any of you rotten little fascists tries any crap, I'll volunteer my services to do whatever it takes to see you spend your life in jail.

    Parliament is supreme, and if it rejects the Cons, that is how our democracy works.
    Posted 29/11/08 at 1:55 PM EST | Alert an Editor | Link to Comment

    Agree with you 100%. Too many Vichy Canadians in this country. There are some in all the political parties as well but read up on the term Neo-Conservative on the internet and its founder Leo Strauss. Fascism is the right word to describe their beliefs.
  174. Scrappy T from Canada writes: I will never be able to call Dion Prime Minister who got this title to the handywork of Chretian, Broadbent, Layton and Duceppe.
    In Royalty there is a name for someone who is not a legitimate heir.
    We should come up with a title for someone who was not duly elected by the 'majority' and therefore not legitimate.
  175. elizabeth vann from victoria, b.c., Canada writes: Bloc-ndp-lib party? Is that what they'll call themselves. This unholy alliance.

    Seems like they all want to destroy our country.

    The only party that's honest about it is the Bloc.
  176. Not Married from Ottawa, Canada writes: GO HARPER GO!!!!!
  177. Hap Stokes from Canada writes: We just had an election.
    The CPC gained seats to 143
    The LPC lost 20 seats down to 76
    The Bloc has 50
    The NDP gained a few up to 37.
    And there were 2 Independent winners.

    Now the East wants some type of Coalition to replace who we legally elected. That's called unethical in some places. Sneaky in others, and the same ole, same ole, dirty eastern tricks in other places.

    143 76 50 37 2=308 Total Seats

    143 Con seats versus (76 Lib 37 NDP 2 Ind)
    =143 - 115 = 28 Seats short of this anti-Canada coalition.

    Unless 50 Bloc seats (SAY WAT?) come into the picture.
    If the Separatists and their 50 seats can over-throw elected government.
    Then by damn you really will have separatism BIG TIME.

    Replace our elected government from all Canada now you Eastern people, by sneaky tricks and greedy Quebec antics and you won't recognize the map of Canada 10 years from now. And I'm far from the only one that feels this way. Enough is enough.
  178. Taxed to the max from Toronto, Canada writes: What's wrong with this picture, 2 party leaders with primarily a Quebec support base are going to decide how the deficit that they are about to create will be spent. I guess the 1st question that they will be asking is how much more of ROC money does Quebec want this time and the 2nd will be how can we bury it in the Equalization Program (what an unfortunate choice of titles) so that the theft isn't noticed. It shouldn't though be to difficult from the party that brought us The Sponsorship Program.
  179. Shawn Mckone from Calgary, Canada writes: Of course a balanced budget should be a priority over what would end up being an ineffectual stimulus package. Any recession in Canada will be a consequence of the state of the US economy and a decline in natural resource prices. No stimulus package can fix this and it certainly isn't worth sacrificing fiscal discipline over. It is a scary thought giving the NDP any input on deficit spending. That my friends is letting one very bad genie out of the bottle.

    On the other hand, Harper is reaping what he sowed. If he wanted to advocate the need for fiscal discipline while working with the other parties through this tough time he could have tried to do so. Instead he put forward a partisan budget that was a direct attack on opposition political parties and public servants. The financial impact of taking away that funding is negligible and is completely consistent with Harper trying to gain an advantage, not on his ideas, but on weakening his opposition. Harper is simply too ideologically constrained to ever represent a majority of Canadians which is sad when the other parties seem to be throwing the importance of having a balanced budget to the wind.
  180. Just In from Canada writes: Seriously, if it wasn't for Harper's attack on arts and culture, the Bloc wouldn't be holding the balance of power today.

    Harper will destroy Canada, if we let him.

    Stand up for Canada.
  181. George Dubya from Richmond, Canada writes: While I agree something meaningful must be done, let's face it: we are tied to whatever the US does and that will not be evident until after the inauguration in January.

    A premature decision on our part could well backfire and fly in the face of whatever Congress decides. For example, say the Government (read our bureaucrats) decide to pump a billion into the tar sands, and Obama decrees the US is investing $15 billion in 'clean oil' or oil alternatives. We would be pi$$ing in the wind.

    Better we get a better scope of the lay of the land.

    In the meantime we should also be looking at major infrastructure projects that would, quite literally change the face of Canada - for example double tracking railways across the entire country; inter-connected windfarms on a national basis; national standards and the method of achievement of non-polluting waste incineration that ensures all waste is eliminated with no effect to the local region or environment. All I know is faced with a crisis man can prevail. In this case we know we have a crisis looming, so we are forearmed. We understand we have to overcome the crisis. Now, I think we have the opportunity to think, plan and build on a magna basis - not fiddle and tweak.
  182. West Blowing Breeze from Canada writes: This proposed unholy coalition will serve eastern interests only and abandon the west. Shame!!
  183. a brown from GoWest, Canada writes: So, we can listen to the views and advice of a second rate Chair at a fourth rate School of Business OR we can heed the advice of the many, many world-renowned economists (including recent Nobel laurette, Paul Krugman) that A VERY BIG infusion of capital into the system is the ONLY way to go with a problem of this magnitude. And that this needs to be DONE NOW with the biggest bang possible.

    To hear their advice, one would do the EXACT opposite of what Mintz, Harper and other adhererents to the discredited economic teachings of Milton Friedman and Freidrich Hayek. In fact, we've been warned AGAIN that slow, small, tempered responses (including simplisitc 'belt tightening', cost cutting and 'an over concern of deficit versus stimulus ' will result in EXACTLY what happened in 'the great depressin' as those are the tools government at that time used to fight a worsening situation...and they only made it worse.

    Steve Harper SAYS he's learned the lessons of the past but the actions of his governement this week prove othereise. He's learned nothing.
  184. charlie brown from Canada writes: Just In from Canada writes: 'Seriously, if it wasn't for Harper's attack on arts and culture, the Bloc wouldn't be holding the balance of power today.' Seriously, Just, PM Harper's Government raised contributions to arts and culture. I wonder what would have happened if they had really seriously attacked it.
  185. Plus 8 from Mont Tremblant, Canada writes: I think I see what has happened on these 'Comment' boards. The pro-Harper rhetoric is being stage managed here.

    The Globe and Mail hasn't mentioned it yet but CTV has just reported Harper has backed down on the campaign funding ploy. (So much for his bellicose threats yesterday.)

    At the same time, an emergency email has gone out from Conservative headquarters to all Conservative ridings to pump 'spin' any way and anywhere they can.

    The Harper comments here are pre-prepared by his party.
    Check out the text of the Conservative email at http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20081129/coalitiongovernment081129/20081129?hub=TopStories a few paragraphs down.. You will notice that the text matches comments here. Wow! How creepy.
  186. jal jal from vancouver, Canada writes: The final Capitalist strategy ... get gov. to go so much into debt that all that survives are the capitalists.
    No more having to give up their profits to support social programs for those dumb masses.
    Yep! Turn all societies into a (failed) model of Haiti.
    jal
  187. Just In from Canada writes: charlie brown from Canada writes: Just In from Canada writes: 'Seriously, if it wasn't for Harper's attack on arts and culture, the Bloc wouldn't be holding the balance of power today.' Seriously, Just, PM Harper's Government raised contributions to arts and culture. I wonder what would have happened if they had really seriously attacked it.

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

    After wasting $3 billion to buy hearts and minds of Quebecors, Harper policies resulted in a stronger Bloc.

    THAT is the bottom line. No spin can change that.
  188. Greg King from Ottawa, writes: I agree that we can wait until the budget for the economic plan considering Canada has weathered the storm well thus far. I think it is silly that the opposition parties are demanding action right this minute. However, I disagree with the proposals offered by the author once an economic package is decided upon. The GST cut didn't do much of anything and I would rather see spending on infrastructure (hopefully with environmentally sound principles) and creation of jobs (in more green industry, even if that means helping out the automakers if they agree to certain stipulations) if the economy becomes tight.
  189. M. Mark from Victoria, Canada writes: I'm not Conservative supporter but I agree with the decision to go slowly on spending. We need some spending but a well thought out plan is better for us in the long run than throwing around billions of dollars now just because the rest of the world is. The next two years are going to hurt, no matter what. Some poorly run companies need to fail so that the best emerge from this crisis in a position to do well. People are cheering the trillions being spent by the USA and European governments. I don't understand where they expect this money to come. Eventually it needs to be repaid. These countries are going to be saddled with huge debt for many years to come.
  190. Dany Srem from Montreal, NON-, Canada writes: Unbelievable, Harper's right wing, dictatorial attitude! This and much more pushed me to the 'other side' here in Quebec, hence I just voted (in anticipation) for the Parti Quebecois in our provincial elections. And I'm a first time voting, being a non-francophone immigrant! The more nonsense coming out of that conservative, scary, right wing, stinky mouth, the more I'll support Quebec's independance from a derailed, imploded country called Canada! Vive le Quebec libre!!
  191. charlie brown from Canada writes: Just In from Canada writes: 'After wasting $3 billion to buy hearts and minds of Quebecors, Harper policies resulted in a stronger Bloc.' Wrong again Just. As noted by the Toronto Star on election night 'The separatist party's 50 seats is just one fewer than in 2006. However, the party has seen a steady slide in its share of the popular vote. Last night the party garnered just 38 per cent of the popular vote in Quebec, compared with 42 per cent in 2006, and 49 per cent in 2004.'
  192. Tom Paine from I'm your huckleberry, writes: Scrappy T from Canada writes: I will never be able to call Dion Prime Minister who got this title to the handywork of Chretian, Broadbent, Layton and Duceppe.

    ===================

    Why should anyone give a rat's rear if you can't handle the way our democracy is constituted?
  193. Tom Paine from I'm your huckleberry, writes: Taxed to the max from Toronto, Canada writes: What's wrong with this picture, 2 party leaders with primarily a Quebec support base are going to decide how the deficit that they are about to create will be spent.

    ===================

    LOL, you rotten cons and your constant spin!

    As you well know, Harpo and Flapper have ALREADY created a deficit.
  194. Just In from Canada writes: charlie brown from Canada writes: Just In from Canada writes: 'After wasting $3 billion to buy hearts and minds of Quebecors, Harper policies resulted in a stronger Bloc.' Wrong again Just. As noted by the Toronto Star on election night 'The separatist party's 50 seats is just one fewer than in 2006. However, the party has seen a steady slide in its share of the popular vote. Last night the party garnered just 38 per cent of the popular vote in Quebec, compared with 42 per cent in 2006, and 49 per cent in 2004.'

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

    OK. Harper spent $3 billion dollars to buy Quebec votes and the Bloc only lost one seat. That is a huge failure. This at a time when Quebecors are less interested in separatism than before.

    Harper is Duceppe's best friend.
  195. Dany Srem from Montreal, NOT-, Canada writes: After reading all these comments, it seems clear to me the West gets their own region with a conservative gouvernment (boy, would that make them happy). We'll take care for our own business here in Quebec and keep all our federal tax money (25%) in the province, to build our own nation towards indepence! Away from that die-hard, disgusting, neo-conservative bull crap from the West!! If Ontario and the Maritimes wish, they can get together with us in a joint venture. Vive le Quebec libre!! Our time has come, while the Canadian federal state goes down!!! :-)
  196. Just In from Canada writes: Social conservative policies will encourage Quebec separation.

    Harper will try to give more pork projects to Quebec. Even increasing 10 times from $3 billion to $30 billion still won't change the politics. Already, Don Adams a known Conservative supporter has been talking about vastly expanding James Bay power/infrastructure project, funded of course by Canadian tax payers.

    Harper government is a catalyst for Quebec separatism. Harper is the best friend to Quebec separatists. Give Quebec more money, and embolden the Bloc.
  197. Joe Dick from Kingston, Canada writes: Just In from Canada writes: Seriously, if it wasn't for Harper's attack on arts and culture, the Bloc wouldn't be holding the balance of power today.

    Harper will destroy Canada, if we let him.

    Stand up for Canada.

    ============================================

    With informed and intelligent political opinions such as this, I'm just so proud of Canadians.

    BTW, Harper hates Canada too...right?
  198. Just In from Canada writes: Joe Dick from Kingston, Canada writes: Just In from Canada writes: Seriously, if it wasn't for Harper's attack on arts and culture, the Bloc wouldn't be holding the balance of power today.

    Harper will destroy Canada, if we let him.

    Stand up for Canada.

    ============================================

    With informed and intelligent political opinions such as this, I'm just so proud of Canadians.

    BTW, Harper hates Canada too...right?

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

    Harper hates Canadian democratic institutions. That is well known. Is that clear enough for you?
  199. charlie brown from Canada writes: Just In from Canada writes: 'Harper is Duceppe's best friend.' How can that be Just? PM Harper just tried to cut of taxpayer fund of the Separtist Bloc and the Opposition went ballistic. Seems to me that the Oppostition is more of a friend to the Bloc than the CPC Government.
  200. Comments closed, censored, deleted or made to disappear from Mini Bushland, Canada writes: West Blowing Breeze from Canada writes: This proposed unholy coalition will serve eastern interests only and abandon the west. Shame!! -- Kishore Mahbubani: 'The Irresistible Shift of Global Power to the East'...

  201. Just In from Canada writes: charlie brown from Canada writes: Just In from Canada writes: 'Harper is Duceppe's best friend.' How can that be Just? PM Harper just tried to cut of taxpayer fund of the Separtist Bloc and the Opposition went ballistic. Seems to me that the Oppostition is more of a friend to the Bloc than the CPC Government.

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

    If Harper ONLY cuts funding of the BLOC. That will really work. Yeah right. That is the kind of no-brainer that only Cons can dream up. Problem is, that will immediately provoke a Quebec uprising. That is why Harper's stupidity makes him the Bloc's best friend.
  202. Joe Dick from Kingston, Canada writes: Just In from Canada writes: blah, blah, blah...

    ============================================

    Would those democrat institutions include forming a socialist coalition and overthrowing a government against the will of the people with a hostile political coup?

    Is that the democracy to which you refer?
  203. jimmie rabbit from toronto, Canada writes: i read elsewhere that the gov't deficit could be as large as $45 billion in 2-3 years. james o'flannery says no. it seems someone is not telling the truth. based on his history, i suspect that is mr. o'flannery.
  204. charlie brown from Canada writes: Just In write: ' Harper hates democratic institutions' In what way Just? He was leader of Her Majesties Loyal Opposition as a democratically elected MP. He was democratically elected in the last election and (democratically) was appointed PM. He wants a democratically elected Senate rather than the undemocratically elected version we have now. Some democracy hater! However, I may have missed something. Please send verifiable quotes by PM Harper stating that he hates democratic institutions.
  205. Just In from Canada writes: Joe Dick from Kingston, Canada writes: Just In from Canada writes: blah, blah, blah...

    ============================================

    Would those democrat institutions include forming a socialist coalition and overthrowing a government against the will of the people with a hostile political coup?

    Is that the democracy to which you refer?

    =================

    Democratic institutions like Freedom of Information Access, like having an opposition parties with a research capability independent of donations so that there is an informed debate in the House of Commons.

    Harper is trying to dismantle democracy.

    Your SOCIALIST talking point is getting a little tired. Don't you think?

    The will of 62% of the people must count, since Harper is clearly not able to deliver on his mandate of cooperating with ANY of the remaining parties in the House of Commons.
  206. Just In from Canada writes: charlie brown from Canada writes: Just In write: ' Harper hates democratic institutions' In what way Just? He was leader of Her Majesties Loyal Opposition as a democratically elected MP. He was democratically elected in the last election and (democratically) was appointed PM. He wants a democratically elected Senate rather than the undemocratically elected version we have now. Some democracy hater! However, I may have missed something. Please send verifiable quotes by PM Harper stating that he hates democratic institutions.

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

    Action speak louder than words.

    This latest attempt to gain Absolute Power by destroying all opposition is loud and clear.

    Your Great Glorious Leader is busy back pedaling. Why aren't you?
  207. The Bubble from Canada writes: It's only against the will of the people of Alberta, no big deal.
  208. charlie brown from Canada writes: Just In. Please send details re PM Harper trying to get rid of the Access to Information Act. PS. He is not any one's 'Grea Glorious Leader'. That silly moniker was one Chairman Mao gave himself. To date you have made numerous wild accusations but have provided no facts, only emotion.
  209. Just In from Canada writes: Worth repeating:

    Harper's stupidity makes him the Bloc's best friend.
  210. Joe Dick from Kingston, Canada writes: Answer the question my young partisan instead of glomming onto some obtuse talking point.

    I'll phrase it again...Is overthrowing a democratically elected government with a political coup part of the sacred democratic institutions to which you refer?
  211. Just In from Canada writes: charlie brown from Canada writes: Just In. Please send details re PM Harper trying to get rid of the Access to Information Act. PS. He is not any one's 'Grea Glorious Leader'. That silly moniker was one Chairman Mao gave himself. To date you have made numerous wild accusations but have provided no facts, only emotion.

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

    I thought that was Stalin, Putin, my bad. But what the hack, Mao, Stalin or Putin, no different.

    I am not a party hack, so I don't have access to research but I saw this on Globeandmail, and some one posted a petition.

    Here's the Save CAIRS Petition:

    http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/saveCAIRS/?e

    ===============

    The petition

    The Canadian Federal Government has quietly killed the Co-ordinated Access to Information Requests system. The system had served to make the government more open. With the death of CAIRS, the federal Conservatives have shut the door on transparency and accountability.

    We want the government to know how important it is for our democracy that the CAIRS system is maintained and improved. Access to information is absolutely vital to holding our governments accountable and the loss of CAIRS is a step backwards that CANADIANS DO NOT WANT.

    Keep Canada strong, accountable, and transparent.

    CAIRS must stay intact!
  212. Sassy Lassie from Canada writes: The Liberals and the NDP want the money now to buy back their corporate buddies and big business friends. Instead of waiting to see what Obama is going to do they want us to bail out American companies now, and if Obama reopens Nafta and gives Canada the shaft we could be throwing billions of dollars at American companies that will close up shop and take our taxdollars and reopen their assembly lines in Mexico or some other third world country where the cost of doing business for mere pennies on the dollar. The NDP and Liberals don't care if the money leaves this country, they don't care that there won't be extra money to help those who lose their jobs retrain for new employment. Like good pimps they want us to prostitute ourselves for their Merican Big Business buds.

    If we wait Harper can see that our money is spent with prudence and good governance, but alas the Coalition of Communist Scum want the money now to prop up Ontario and Torona and Quebec.

    Good thing we'll have another election soon and the people of Canada will get a chance to voice their opinion on the Unholy alliance of the three extreme socialist/communist parties wanting to throw our money away for the vote.
  213. David Browne from Toronto, Canada writes: Wake up G & M, tax cuts do not stimulate economies. There is no economic evidence that such cuts result in in increased economic growth. Government spending on necessary infrastructure investments maintains and creates employment and it provides infrastructure renewal that will foster future economic growth. Corporations will not invest the savings from tax cuts in expanding their operations if there are no demands for additional production. If there are demands for additional production, they will expand without tax cuts. The tax cuts are converted to dividends paid to large shareholder to give the impression that the company is more profitable than in reality. Harper's position confirms that he is not an economist. Almost all the world's leading economist dispute Harper's economic agenda.
  214. Just In from Canada writes: Joe Dick from Kingston, Canada writes: Answer the question my young partisan instead of glomming onto some obtuse talking point.

    I'll phrase it again...Is overthrowing a democratically elected government with a political coup part of the sacred democratic institutions to which you refer?

    -----------

    What you just said was straight from the Conservative talking point, as in Harper's speech, as is your question, slanted in a partisan manner.

    Readers can judge who is a party hack.

    A democraticaly elected government is one that has majority support in the House of Commons. I am no constitutional study, are you? Here's the experts views in the Globeandmail:

    'G-G would have little choice but to accept coalition, experts say'

    theglobeandmail.com

    All I see today from Con hacks are:

    Threats for civil war

    Threats for Western separation

    So...ooo pathetic.
  215. charlie brown from Canada writes: Sassy Lassie. I agree with your comment that 'If we wait Harper can see that our money is spent with prudence and good governance'. However, the rest of your post in nonsensical hyperbole.
  216. R. M. from Regina, Canada writes: I am afraid Mr. Mintz is being far too logical and rational. These ideas will never fly with Jack Layton and the 'boys'.
  217. Just In from Canada writes: R. M. from Regina, Canada writes: I am afraid Mr. Mintz is being far too logical and rational. These ideas will never fly with Jack Layton and the 'boys'.

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

    These ideas have been de-bunked many times over. Who cares about Layton.

    See the post copied below

    ================

    tom g from upper ottawa valley, Canada writes: So, who's Jack Mintz, I asked myself, and where do these three principles come from? Part 1 is easy, Jack is a former director and CEO of the CW Howe Institute and present prof at U of Calgary. That perhaps explains where Jack's three principles came from as well. The principles are far from universal. A Japanese economist says that you can spend your way out of a recession, and Japan did it. Paul Krugman originally disagreed (because prices go up proportionate to the fiscal stimulation). Krugman now amends his position saying that you can spend your way out of a recession, provided there is public confidence that the government will reduce the money supply in the future. Nearly all notable economists, even studies by the IMF, say that a principal criterion for success of fiscal stimulation is timeliness. Jack's careful planning, well designed policy and implementation doubtfully mix well with timeliness--especially after the horse has already bolted. Joseph Stiglitz stated that timely fiscal policy would be necessary to stave off recession back in June. June would have been a time to act since according to Stiglitz, economic responses to fiscal policies take fro 6-18 months. Who are Krugman and Stiglitz? Why they're only recent Noble Prize winners in Economics. Perhaps that is why most G7 countries already have fiscal packages in place. Their leaders listen to Noble Prize winners while we in Canada still have leaders doing partisan silly bugger games, placing themselves and party above Country and Citizens. Somebody probably listens to Jack Mintz.
  218. Eel Expert from Canada, Canada writes: To all of you Albertans threatening to leave:

    Go Leave and good riddance to you

    Nothing but leeches on Ontario and the east for the last 35 years and when you finally do make some money you let it go to your head.

    Go Leave and take your filthy province with you!

    You are not welcome in My Canada!
  219. AJA M from Canada writes: a note for the Globe and Mail:

    Where are the 674 comments which are identified on the net as having been raised for the article - Tories Reverse Decision on Political Subsidies - NO COMMENTS APPEAR ON THE NET.
  220. a brown from GoWest, Canada writes: Mr. Mintz is right: a well-shaped package would be worth waiting for. Unfortunately, as most economists of renown are saying right now. time is of the essence. Waiting isn't a option. And, in addition to that, even if Mr. Harper and his ex injury-lawyer Flaherty believe Canada has the time (while the rest of the world doesn't) their precription is dyametrically opposed.to what eminent economists NOT from the Calgary School of Business and therefore not fawning fans of Freidman and Hayek recommend. As argued elsewhere: 'What the hawks don't get is what John Maynard Keynes understood: when the economy has as much underutilized capacity as we have now, and are likely to have more of in 2009 and 2010 government spending that pushes the economy to fuller capacity will of itself shrink future deficits. Conservative supply-siders, meanwhile, will call for income-tax cuts rather than government spending, claiming that people with more money in their pockets will get the economy moving again more readily than can government. They're wrong, too. Income-tax cuts go mainly to upper-income people, and they tend to save rather than spend. Even if a rebate could be fashioned for the middle class, it wouldn't do much good because people tend to use extra cash to pay off debts rather than buy goods and services. Besides, individual purchases wouldn't generate nearly as many jobs as government spending on infrastructure, social services, and green technologies, because so much of we as individuals buy comes from abroad. So the government has to spend big time. The real challenge will be for government to spend it wisely -- avoiding special-interest pleadings and pork projects. We'll need a true capital budget that lays out the nation's priorities rather than the priorities of powerful lobbies. How exactly to achieve this? That's the debate we should be having now.'
  221. fred gagne from Verdun, Canada writes: For me conservatives is still reform party... only the name as changed. Steven Harper act like a despot surrounded by puppets. He is well financed by oil$ from the west. I just hope he back up sit down and eat is socks.
  222. stan roper from Ottawa, Canada writes: Stephen Harper. Not a leader.
  223. Kat Wilson from Canada writes: It's no secret that the Globe editors support the tories. Who the frack cares? What matters is the electorate, citizens, workers, industry, not a bunch of paid hacks in the conservative press.
  224. Kat Wilson from Canada writes: Oh yeah, and let's not forget that while the world knew of the impact of the crisis, Harper was, in August running a deficit (which he concealed) and during his campaign advised Canadians to buy stocks 'cuz they're a steal.' Don't hold your breath for a 'well developed package' from th liars and incompentents in power. It's been Bush Deux since 2006.
  225. Kat Wilson from Canada writes: I'd echo the sentiments of the person who cheers Alberta's desire to leave Canada and join the United States except I know of good people there who can't stomach the tories (they just don't have a voice).

    It would be good riddance, really. I'd love to watch all those Western yahoos who vote Reform enjoy US style Republicanism and private health care. Good riddance, take Harpo with you, and don't let the door hit you on the way out.
  226. Eel Expert from Canada, Canada writes: And take the Quebec seperatists with you!
  227. Sober Second Thought from Toronto, Canada writes: Sorry to disagree with you Jack -Harper did not have a platform until 4 days before the election (and it was full of pictures of him in a sweater), they had a lot of talk in their throne speech, but when it came time to announce the plan they told everybody about at the G20 conference in Lima, they had nothing to show for their hot air.

    They are clearly Incompetent and unfit to run this country. I have a friend who works for the feds in Ottawa who declares this the stupidest bunch of politicians he has worked for in his 25 year career.
  228. Guy Stevens from Canada writes: Mintz Meat Myopia. Spending on Green infrastructure is Canada's best way forward. While we are entering rough patch in the economy, it is NOTHING compared to what the next generation will face due to climate change. Putting Canada's economy on a sustainable footing is the only course of action that truly makes any sense, both for us and for the future. The Harper govenrment is in complete denial of our growing environmental problems. Either we act vigously now, or through our arrogance, ignorace, and inaction it will truly be, 'Apres nous, le deluge.'
  229. J Scully from Ripley, Canada writes: What is being lost in this fine political discussion is that the title of this articale is very, very funny. Carry on ..
  230. J. Michael from Canada writes: Harper and the Conservatives are making a mistake to modify their sound policies, so that they are corruptly in-line with Liberal, NDP and Separatist aspirations.

    All this will do is turn off the Conservatives grass-roots support and eventually prepare the way for a leftist majority.

    Harper should have held his ground and let this mob have their way.

    At some point the 37 percent of Canadians that are looking for honourable and competent government will increase - certainly according to the last election, it is increasing gradually.
  231. Jay S. from Canada writes: I think that 37% will lose a few points to the Liberals unless Harper is replaced.
  232. AJA M from Canada writes: Sell Crown property? Sure why not. It was such a success selling (Ontario) provincial properties under Mike Harris when sell outs were made at low value and made some people very rich. Question - who was Finance Minister of Ontario under the Harris government? He has the same stupid ideas today. We got rid of Harris but some of his cronies still live attempting to ruin the whole country.
  233. Bill Smith from The Wilds of the GTA, Canada writes: I think Jack Mintz is on the money, pity he is not the finance minsiter.

    There is a fair amount of 'chicken little' syndrome out there and seeing how things shake out before acting makes sense. Canada is in better shape than a lot of other G7 countries, things are going to be rough but not as rough as say down south in the US or the UK. This time around we have the cold, they have the flu.

    Now if a stimulous package is needed, infrastructure works breaking ground or in progress should be targeted for funding to get the maximum effect.
  234. Robert Lepage from Canada writes: So let me get this straight. In the face of worldwide economic turmoil, Canada said that our system is pristine. A little while later, he said he would put some money towards the economy, but he told us he would not bail out the banks. A little while later he said he would put some money towards the banks, but that it was not a bail-out. Then he said that under his watch Canada would not see a deficit and a recession was right out, but we were in a deficit situation in August and it is predicted we'll have huge deficits in the upcoming years. Then he said that he would put together a stimulus package infront of all the world leaders, but he only cobbled a measly plea for an autocratic country.

    Honestly, what's going on and why should I ever pay this man any further attention? Why do people vote conservative? He cut taxes and increased spending more than any other party in the history of this country but he is still viewed as fiscally prudent? How?! What are you smoking and how can I get some?
  235. Just In from Canada writes: Bill Smith from The Wilds of the GTA, Canada writes:

    There is a fair amount of 'chicken little' syndrome out there and seeing how things shake out before acting makes sense.

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

    Fiscal stimulus is a funny thing. It takes 6 months or longer for it to take effect. If you don't have it, investor, business and consumer confidence goes down, especially when every other country has it. Then employers will accelerate layoffs, and a vicious circle ensues. The E.I. fund will also deplete faster than it should, as there will be less contributions and more benefit withdrawals. All this would not be lost on employers. There is a reason why practically all of the G7 are proactive. Canada has chosen to signal to the world that we will be the last one getting out of the recession. That will hurt investments.

    Chicken Little Finance Minister Flaherty doesn't have the courage to take on the challenge and map out a plan for fiscal stimulus. Flaherty has it backwards. Never before in the last generation of 60 years has the evidence been so obvious and compelling when it comes to the need for a stimulus. Truth be told, this is the time to err slightly on the side of stimulus than restrain. Stimulus too late means deflation with very few policy options. Stimulus too early means there are plenty of options to adjust course to fight inflation. There will be signs should the economy recovers faster than once thought and deflation will suddenly turn into inflation, but that is no reason to be afraid. That is more reason to be nimble, and not be tied down by text book ivory tower thinking.

    Harper/Flaherty (and Mintz) have bean counter mentality, siege mentality, garrison mentality. They waste time making excuses instead of developing solutions. They are like deers freezing in the headlights. They are so frozen they are unable to act. No. They are not leaders. They are losers.
  236. James McDowell from Kitchener, Canada writes: I don't know if it was Harper or Flaherty who had the bright idea to trip their classmates when the teacher's back was turned (referring to the cancellation of the per vote subsidy for parties), but it was a very bad idea, and will be been costly for the party.

    Yes, the smart boys are right about the need to take their time on the question of stimulus, but their nasty little trick largely has nullified any chance to be respected class leaders.

    I don't expect parliament to function like a 7th grade class. Apolgies to 7th grade classes everywhere--because I don't expect them to act like a house of commons should.

    As for the opposition, I see them essentially running a 3-man 4 legged race. That's one more man than might be able to run and not fall.

    Everyone has messed up!
  237. Zando Lee from Vancouver, Canada writes: .....ah yes....it's satisfying fo see a bully get his just deserts....
  238. Zando Lee from Vancouver, Canada writes: .....by limiting Stevie to just a minority....Canada escaped from the valley of the shadow of a dictatorship.....
  239. Jeffrey Poulin from Calgary, Canada writes: This Harper dude is about to get spanked. I hope it's real hard.
  240. Werner George Patels from Calgary, Canada writes: Canadian households lose 45% of their annual income to taxes, which doesn't leave much for the bare necessities of life (food, shelter, clothing). It shouldn't surprise anyone, therefore, that Canadian households are always on the verge of a recession when it comes to spending and putting their disposable income back into the economy.

    Prof. Mintz must be applauded for seeing the merit in income-tax cuts, something that our PM, the 'economist', has blithely ignored. Tax credits don't count -- tax credits are the biggest scam in the fiscal game, and Mr. Harper should stop praising the 'tax cuts' of his government, because there have not been any real tax cuts. Newsflash: despite the same income, I am now paying more in taxes than last year and the year before.

    We need substantial tax cuts, because taxes should never consume more than 10-20% of an household's income. Forget GST cuts (GST should actually be increased); what we need is major income-tax relief!
  241. Hound Dog from Canada, Canada writes: Mr. Mintz You have presented a very thoughtful essay about the need to plan and prepare for the future given the very real possibility of a severe global recession or even depression. Even Mr. Harper agrees that the world faces a serious economic challenge not seen in more than 70 years However the current Harper Conservative government has never shown any example of the skill or ability to plan and prepare when it comes to economic issues that affect the livelihoods of the average Canadian taxpayer. Everything they do is either political motivated or a simple kneejerk reaction to some event. The latest budget statement is just another example of the long string of similar reactions and actions of a government focused on everything else other than governing. So while you essay has plenty of merit, you have made one critical assumption. You have assumed that the people in this government are thoughtful, intelligent and have the insight and understanding of serious economic issues that faced average Canadian taxpayers. This assumption is wrong, thus your suggestions and advice has no value for this particular government. This government has continuously demonstrated that it is not capable of understanding how to even start using some of your ideas let alone developing and executing a plan that would work.
  242. charlie brown from Canada writes: Zando Lee wrote: .....'by limiting Stevie to just a minority....Canada escaped from the valley of the shadow of a dictatorship' Really silly comment Zando. No rational, thinking Canadian believes that PM Harper was leading us to 'the valley of the shadow of dictatorship. Gad, what are you smoking?

  243. Tom Paine from I'm your huckleberry, writes: Charlie Brown, Harper's plans for some time have been publicly known. For some reason he believes his purpose as Prime Minister is to eradicate the Liberal party, no matter how much it may cost Canadians to acheive this peculiar goal.

    Now, while I have little love for the Liberal party, I don't quite see what makes it proper for one party to use the levers of my government to carry out one man's vendetta.

    Now, in pursuit of his peculiar and illegitimate objective, Harper has tried to establish a one-party state in this country. That is certainly dictatorial enough for me to say no thanks, but your mileage may vary.
  244. D Peters from Alberta, Canada writes: Lets see, OK, how many people are really in tough shape? Are any of these people in tough shape because of circumstances beyond thier control? Do any of these people shop at the dollar store? Do we all buy regular gas? Do you pay to wash your car? Is KD a staple in your house or a luxury? Have you started to roll your own smokes? Do you have a vegetable garden? Have you started to grow your own smokes?

    Just curious....btw...if we end up having an election....I am running as a write in candidate...D Peters...none of the above
  245. INTERNET DEBATING LOL from Toronto, Canada writes: So now 'tax cuts' = NEO CON??

    The amount of mouthbreathers here is unreal.

    Amazing we still have so many Keynesians around too.
  246. Philip Smith from Burnaby, Canada writes: Excellent article.
  247. Gisele Theriault from Canada writes: A well-shaped package would be worth the wait if Harper could be trusted to come up with one. Given his recent behavior I have no confidance in his ability to do so. Rather than running a sober government he decided that this was a good time to try to decimate the opposition and erode women's rights instead of behaving in a non-partisan mature fashion.

    Clearly, the man cannot be trusted.
  248. Mr. Bojangles from Canada writes: Harper is the one who concocted this situation out of thin are and he deserves to feel its effects. A week ago all the opposition was in line and willing to help the MINORITY government deal with the looming financial crises. Unfortunately, Harper hasn't visited either Ontario or Quebec for a long enough period of time to notice that the 'looming crises' was already here. This neglects to mention how the maritime provinces or BC are being hit by it at the present moment. A quick look at shipping data will give any astute individual enough information to realize that our problems have already begun. To ramp up the rhetoric about going into deficit and then not delivering the goods is similar to telling a child that Santa doesn't exist. What upsets the child initially is the lack commodities, but the lies that were continually told in the first place are the lasting scar. Hard times are beginning to show their face even in Harper's golden goose Alberta and once it hits it's gonna hurt. Watch out Stevie, you dug your own grave on this one! Canada can not afford to wait while the rest of the world acts because once this thing begins to grow the consequences will be rapid and disastrous. Personally, I'd like to give the opposition a chance, at least then something will be accomplished!
  249. Eel Expert from Canada, Canada writes: INTERNET DEBATING LOL from Toronto, Canada writes: So now 'tax cuts' = NEO CON??

    IDLOL must have had his head shoved up a dark damp smelly place for the last 8 years not paying attention to Bush and his tax cuts, which worked great!! just look at America's econom ... uhhhh
  250. Plus 8 from Mont Tremblant, Canada writes: The Mintz article is so bizarre and out of place in the context of this global crisis that it can only have been written to bolster Harper and his distasteful Commons kiddie crisis and inaction.

    The eerie thing is that after seeing the G&M; columnists and analysts wade in solidly against Harper, only this insipid article, of all the zingers written, is kept at the top of their front page for days! Methinks someone higher up still loves Harper.
  251. garlick toast from Canada writes: Harper couldn't restrain his instinct for playing the bully. Too bad for him.
  252. Percy from NL from Canada writes: An interesting article which chooses to ignore much of the new reality the world is facing. The fact is that Harper cannot bring himself to accept certain major violations of what is proving to be his fake ideology. He cannot bring himself to accept the fact that his is the first government in years to bring the country into deficit. He cannot bring himself to accept that he has over-spent at record levels. He cannot bring himself to accept that a major government stimulus (government injection into the economy) is needed to respond to the recession and world financial crisis. And he cannot bring himself to accept that he has a minority government and therefore must maintain the confidence of Parliament in accordance with the Canadian constitution. Harper's game is to wait, at our expense, for Obama to take power. Then he will say: 'In order for our country to remain competitive with our largest trading partner and neighbour, the Government of Canada has no other choice than to follow the lead of Democratic President Obama and introduce a major stimulus package. This package will cause us to fall into a deficit.' In other words, Harper is willing to keep us waiting so that he can say 'Obama made me do it'. A coward and sadistic politician sums Harper up perfectly. Canadians are on to his games and we are sick of them. We need cooperative and good government right now. Clearly Harper is not up to the job. The man is clearly 'dysfunctional'.
  253. garlick toast from Canada writes: Harper was following Tom Flanagan's play book which was dedicated to the destruction of the Liberal party. Now they are out of moves. Flanagan still has his job, safely hidden out of the public eye. His puppet Harper is exposed for all to see.
  254. charlie brown from Canada writes: Tom Paine. All parties try to eliminate thier rivals. Look what the Liberals did after Mulroney, reducing the PCs down to two seats. Harper should be so lucky. Remember, like it or not, politics is a blood sport and unfortunately, perhaps, nice guys finish last. Most of your post is just pure nonsense.
  255. Jake Smith from Canada writes: Geez, so much emotions, this sounds like something from high school. Why don't we look at this maturely? I may not agree with the writer on everything, but he made some valid points. Infrastructure spending needs to be planned , which takes years. Moreover, it takes time to get underway, unless it is a Liberal scam like sponsorship scandal, gun registry scandal, etc. Do people seriously think we just start building a new highway tomorrow? Another fact: Global recession is out of Canada's control Another fact: Canada's economy has weathered the storm so far, so why burn thru cash as if Canada is in critical condition? If we were stranded on an island, would you consume all our food in the first week? Some common sense: Prior to taking significant action, why not wait to see how other economies are responding to economic stimulus being applied there? Would you want your doctor to rush treatment, if he is unsure, and he may run out of options if he rushes treatment? Everyone claims Harper is playing politics, yet this whole economic stimulus debate is more politically driven than the public funding issue! I do agree, Harper's timing on the funding was bad, since his detracts from the thoughtful analysis the Conservatives are doing regarding the economy. If everyone just chill, and then about this rationally, I am sure that people with more than 2 marbles rolling around in their heads would concur with the Conservatives approach, although they may dislike Harper due to some emotionally driven grudge as opposed to the merit of the Conservative policies.
  256. Percy from NL from Canada writes: Jake Smith from Canada:

    Aw yes, the rest of the world and the vast majority of Canadian economist are wrong again. It seems there is only one economist that some choose to believe. Sorry, but Canada cannot afford to lose its favourable economic status while the rest of the world pulls us back in with their own stimulus packages.

    How some can choose to follow the lead of a man who still believes that a stimulus package he introduced over a year ago to address a 'mild downturn' (no recession) he expected in the Canadian economy for the 2008-2009 fiscal year is beyond me.
  257. Geoffrey May from Canada writes: How does Mintz determine that the opposition parties are only pretending to be concerned about the lack of economic stimulus,but are really only concerned about party funding ? What moral compass tells him that the Bloc's political aspirations are less worthy of public funding than other political parties? Maybe the CPC shouldn't receive public funding since they support power and privilage .
    It stands to reason that the CD Howe Institute opposes any government stimulus package , since they oppose all government action .
    No surprise that a fascist institution supports the position of a fascist political party .
  258. Jake Smith from Canada writes: Percy,

    You very maturely are putting words in my mouth. I never said the rest of the world is wrong, rather, I said since we have some time to plan , we should utilize this time in order to ensure our actons are effective.

    The severity of the global downturn apparently caught the world by surprise, so you should be fair in your assessment.

    If you recall during the election, Dion stated he would introduce an economic stimulus package, however, when asked, Dion was lost for words.
  259. Rich fisher from Canada writes: So we're gonna need to throw out our government that we just elected because they DON'T spray our taxes at some poorly run corporations fast enough?
    While the world economy is in peril , we should start throwing tax dollars around more.???
    Really!

    That's the reason we should get rid of our economist Prime Minister and hand the countries check book to a bunch of big government tax and spend thieves and communists?

    Yeah right.

    Cut taxes, cut spending.
  260. charlie brown from Canada writes: Jake Smith: Good, thoughtful, rational posts.
  261. The Wight from Canada writes: Stop the presses!

    The CD Howe institute lines up with the furthest right party in the political landscape, day in and day out. It always has. You can count on it's nearly annual report urging privatization of health care, almost like clockwork. Is it really so odd that the CEO of this institute comes up in support of Harper, especially when he's also the chair of public policy at the U of C, where Harper went to school?

    I'm waiting for the article where the current head of the NCC comes out in support of Harper. Now THAT will be news.
  262. Jake Smith from Unionville, Canada writes: The Wight,

    Can you debate the issue on it's merits as opposed to mud slinging?

    Just because you disagree with other issues, it doesn't diminish from the points made.
  263. Jake Smith from Unionville, Canada writes: I think the media is doing a disservice to Canadians by not providing a analysis of the performance of the parties over say 10-15 year period.

    The average citizen votes on emotion as opposed to thoughtful analysis. How else do you explain Bush being re-elected to ruin the USA further?

    Likewise, Dion proclaims he is more green than the Conservatives, yet look at Dion's track record as environment minister!

    The media scares the public regarding the gloom & doom of the recession, and the masses scream to be saved!! Dion proclaims he will save everyone, yet when asked to explain, he is stun like a deer in headlights!

    I also believe the government can communicate the challenges to the media, since the media lacks the professionalism to provide the public a deeper understanding of the issues as opposed to the sensationalism served up daily in order to sell papers!
  264. justa carpenter from Kelowna, Canada writes: Time for some old fashioned common sense here people! Put the politics aside and let’s get OUR country back on track. No politician will gain an ounce of respect by choosing subsidies to their own political agendas over the needs of the country as a whole.... nor by bailing out industries that have no chance of ever being competitive. Time for some tough love here people, the party is over and for those who didn’t exercise restraint, the hangover may last awhile.
  265. Percy from NL from Canada writes: Jake Smith from Canada,

    You post here in a very rational way, yet you ignore the opinions of so many experts, as does your leader. That is truly quite convenient of you. You also conveniently choose to ignore the partisan politics that was played by the Conservatives in their economic update.

    That type of smooth partisanship will not be bought anymore. It's admirable in spin but lacking grossly in substance. The fact is that your Conservatives have lost the confidence of this parliament. They did so by playing political games with our economic well-being. They also did so on an issue that they did not even raise during the recent election ... political party financing.

    The game your leader plays has come back to bite him. He has twice now clearly demonstrated that he cannot govern in a minority parliament. Now it is time for someone else to prove that it can be done through cooperation.
  266. Jake Smith from Unionville, Canada writes: Percy, again you are putting words in my mouth. I did acknowledge Harper's bad timing on the subsidy issue, so drop it. I request that everyone stick to the issue, and regrettably, some of you continue not to refrain from mud slinging. Interestingly, it took you considerable time to compose a response that still doesn't address the issues discussed in the article. I don't believe Conservatives lost the confidence of parliament, rather, we are witnessing political opportunism at it's finest. At the same time, Canadians had more confidence in the Conservatives than the others, that is exactly why Harper is PM and not Dion or Layton. Facts that somehow escape your reasoning. In any other country, I perceive that the Bloc would be treated as traitors. The Liberals will say anything to get elected. take for example, Bob Rae. Wasn't he an NDP leader, and now he has changed political colours ? Did he fundamentally change his political beliefs or is he pursuing power for power's sake? Last, we have the NDP. Does anyone remember how Jack and his wife lived in municipal subsidized housing during the '80's while they were city councillors? If the family income is $120 K and Jack comes from an affluent family in Montreal, does living in public subsidized housing demonstrate integrity? Relatively speaking, I see more integrity in Harper than any of the alternatives, so put that in your pipe and smoke it!
  267. Jake Smith from Unionville, Canada writes: I almost forgot to mention that I understand Paul Martin is said to have complained Chretien for leaving him to deal with the mess of the sponsorship scandal.

    I can't put my head around how I perceive Chretien allowed his finance minister to continue to run his sizeable, private company, the Canadian steamships based out of a foreign country in order to avoid Canadian taxes while simultaneously receiving significant business from the Canadian government.

    Am I the only one that perceives something not right here?

    Perhaps I am not following the news, however, I don't see the Conservatives behaving in this manner or at least to the same degree.
  268. lloyd macilquham from Nanaimo, Canada writes: To all those that think that this is all about the Conservatives eliminating the subsidies to the political parties . . . ............ 'It's the People Stupid!' ............ I can only suggest that you meet all our fellow Canadians who lose their jobs, or otherwise suffer sever economic injury, between now and the Conservatives decide to implement a meaningful and effective stimulus package and explain why it was right for Canadians to wait. ............ Every economy based major political entity in the world is acting immediately to attempt to reduce the damage caused not only to their economy but, much more importantly, to the people in their countries. These actions are all being taken since the Federal election. They are based on current and currently projected economic forecasts, not on something based on the situation a year ago. ............ Harper and Flaherty ought to have introduced a meaningful and effective stimulus package last week in their update. It was worse than negligent to do otherwise. ............ That Harper and Flaherty would abstain from performing their duty and instead attack public servants and the Opposition parties, is bizarre , indicative, not of a Prime Minster seriously addressing one of the worse crisis in Canada's history, but of a politician and party trying to take advantage of the serious situation to undermine the opposition parties. ............ This was not a miscalculation by some advisor. This was a well thought out scheme based on the Harper and Conservative extreme right wing ideology to take advantage of the serious economic crisis to further their right wing agenda. ............ Lloyd MacIlquham
  269. geri c from Calgary, Canada writes: The economic crisis has been forming over the past year and a half. Why weren't the Conservatives formulating a plan in that period of time? Harper calls himself an economist? They govern by the seat of their pants. It's all a chess game for Harper. The sooner he's gone, the sooner I get rid of Rob Anders.
  270. Jake Smith from Unionville, Canada writes: Lylod,

    How do you measure that this is worse crisis in Canada's history? I understand that according to the statistics, Canada hasn't been hit yet as hard as USA. The domestic auto industry has been hammered, but why should we bail out incompetant industry?

    I agree with some in US congress that state the auto industry should file for bankruptcy, and re-emerge after re-negotiating with unions and dealers more realistic terms in order to survive without public funds!

    How can a factory worker earn a sizable salary when his counterparts are earning significantly less?

    Let's be realistic. If you don't want to pay $ for domestic vehicles, then why should we support domestic auto industry with public funds.

    Ed Broadbent said let's stop the corporate welfare! Exactly, let's stop corporate welfare, and public subsidies to political parties.

    I doubt many of these posters are well read on the various topics they have opinions on.
  271. charlie brown from Canada writes: The Wight from Canada writes: 'The CD Howe institute lines up with the furthest right party in the political landscape, day in and day out. It always has. You can count on it's nearly annual report urging privatization of health care.' Nonsensical hyperbole Wight. The CPC is a centre right party. The Howe Institute is a conservative think tank. Would you close it down because it is not left wing enough for you, and only leave left wing think tanks such as The Canadian Centre for (failed left wing) Policy Options? I also have not read that the Howe Institue touts privitization of the medical system. As I recall, correct me if I am wrong, it supports a two tier system similar to those used by most European countries which provide better care at less cost than the broken Canadian model.
  272. lloyd macilquham from Nanaimo, Canada writes: This is a continuation of my recent post, above, entitled:

    To all those that think that this is all about the Conservatives eliminating the subsidies to the political parties . . .

    'It's the People Stupid!'


    To tell people to wait until sometime next year for their budget is something like saying to the people of New Orleans to wait until after Katrina hits to see where the weaknesses are in the restraining walls in order to decide what to do.

    What about all those people that suffer because of the delay in action when the dam bursts.

    Lloyd Mac Ilquham

    PS: Reply to “Jake Smith” who wrote “I doubt many of these posters are well read on the various topics they have opinions on.”

    So do I.

    The name is spelt “Lloyd” not “Lylod”
  273. Marie Marie from Canada writes: Sorry Mr. Mintz - You're way off on this one. While Harper was playing politics - calling an election that he had previously promised us would not happen so soon - that was the time to be figuring out what to do. THEY HAD PLENTY OF TIME. Oh right - That's when Mr. Harper was busy trying to convince us that there was no recession - that the Americans would suffer that one alone - and that we should vote him in a majority! Well we did not. We overwhelmingly voted in everyone else EXCEPT him. Count the votes!! This week - when Harper is busy spending EVEN MORE money trying to convince Canadians that he shares our agenda - IGNORE HIM! Just more of the same - trying to con us all into believing he has got the will and expertise to do the right thing. NOT. The conservatives do not share the agenda of the Canadian people. We need to have an effective and innovative government so that we have a good, productive and safe Present and Future! The coalition will provide that. Oh - And they need to use Ms. May for a resource. Elizabeth May has an edge no one else has - a very concise and comprehensive understanding of the ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS AND OPPORTUNITES. This will provide the very best of democracy!!
  274. Upper Canadian born and raised in Western Canada from Canada writes: Ahh.. the value of a good Governer General...

    The real question is: 'Will she, or won't she?'
  275. Marie Marie from Canada writes: SUPPORT THE COALITION!
  276. Paul who is from Vancouver, Canada writes:

    @Conservative for lower taxes

    The Vancouver Sun?

    They are even more of a conservative rag than this tabloid.

    Vancouver Sun editorial
    -------------------------------------
    Canada needs a steady hand in Ottawa

    The Vancouver Sun
    Published: Sunday, October 12, 2008
    ------------------------------------
    ... That's why we are endorsing Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Conservatives and urge voters to give them a majority on Oct. 14, a majority incidentally that should include stronger representation from B.C.

    Canadians need a majority government to give themselves and global investors increased confidence in our country's economy as we face new global market challenges.
    ------------------------------------
    They not only endorsed Stephen Harper like this tabloid did, but they even told their readers to give him a majority.

    No wonder Canwest Publishing Inc. shares have dropped 95% since last year.

    I'm glad I don't have shares in the company that owns this tabloid.
  277. Marie Marie from Canada writes: Would you take the chance of saying NO and then ending up with another Minority Government?
  278. Upper Canadian born and raised in Western Canada from Canada writes: Marie Marie:

    If it wasn't found to be in the interests of the Canadian People (and from what I'm reading it's really all about POWER and less about what is in the people's best interests), then yes, yes I would.

    It's the principle of the matter that counts.
  279. Marie Marie from Canada writes: This is a democracy.

    A coalition definitely supports that.

    We have a democracy so that Canadians as a majority can decide.
  280. Upper Canadian born and raised in Western Canada from Canada writes: Marie Marie:

    We're a constitutional monarchy that uses parlimentary debate.

    Nowhere is there actually a concept of democracy mentioned - it's a 20C idea jammed in there along the way... ;)
  281. Upper Canadian born and raised in Western Canada from Canada writes: Question One:

    How have these 'coalition members' demonstrated their committment to Parlimentary Debate?

    (IE: Did they try in earnest to work within the construct of Parliament or did they merely block it in order to make it look dysfunctional?)
  282. Comments closed, censored, deleted or made to disappear from Mini Bushland, Canada writes: 'The Harper government is right not to rush'? -- Nothing to worry about anymore: it is surely not rushing now... rather climbing down, retreating forward, indulging in all such daring moves.
  283. G L from Thunder Bay Ont, Canada writes: Marie Marie from Canada says a Coalition definitely supports that. Well Marie Marie your partially correct but when the electorate of this country and particularly those, that showed i any interest in the governance of country ELECTED BY BALLOT a Conservative Government some 6 WEEKS AGO.That's not 6 Months or a year but 6 Weeks Marie Marie! They have not even brought down a budget in the TWO WEEKS the parliament has been sitting. Then to have the Socialist Movement supported and propped up by those who would separate and divide our country,and who's origin began by kidnapping and murdering a British Diplomat and stuffing his body into a car trunk in downtown Montreal some decades ago, decide that their agenda is more important than the electoral system in our country. I CALL THAT A BLAINTED HI-JACKING OF THE ELECTORAL PROCESS IN BROAD DAY LIGHT.I hope Canadians will not allow to do so.
  284. Percy from NL from Canada writes: Jake Smith from Unionville, Canada:

    You whine about mud-slinging, and you are a Harper supporter? We just went through an entire year of 100s of thousands of dollars being spent on character assassination by your beloved leader and you talk about mud-slinging ... that is priceless!

    Your going to have to team up with Mr. Harper soon and take you comedy show on the road. You can call your act 'You Know You're a Hypocrite When ...'
  285. Alistair McLaughlin from Canada writes: Yvonne, are you dense? Martin had a cabinet of 39, not 28.
  286. Paul who is from Vancouver, Canada writes:

    Stephen Harper doesn't have the confidence of the House of Commons so he is going to suspend parliament before December 8.

    What a coward.

    Stephen Harper now has the stink of weakness and panic on him, and like most bullies when confronted, has chosen to wimp out.
  287. The Wight from Canada writes: charlie brown:

    'The CPC is a centre right party. The Howe Institute is a conservative think tank.'

    Exactly my point.

    If the Sierra Club makes a public statement in support of Elizabeth May ... it isn't news. Neither is it news if the head of the CD Howe makes a public statement in support of Harper's fiscal policy. It would only be news, really, if they came out AGAINST type, right?

    As for CD Howe's health care stance ... we'll have to agree to disagree on this one. Do you see a trend at all behind the fact that all four major reviews of Canada's health care failed to meet the institute's standards in their 2006 paper, or that the only ostensible bright spots the 2006 report listed of any of the four were the Kirby and Romanow report's suggestion for the addition of private services?

    They want to privatize Canada Post, privatize the CBC ... but they want a hybrid health system? I don't buy it at all.
  288. Compos Mentis from Toronto, Canada writes: What a breath of fresh air as opposed to all the hot air we've been hearing the last few days. Of course news that slick Jack has been working the backroom deals with the Bloc of all parties should put an end to the nonsense of a coalition government, after all the Bloc aren't the party looking to run Canada, are they?
  289. The Wight from Canada writes: Jake Smith:

    'Ed Broadbent said let's stop the corporate welfare! Exactly, let's stop corporate welfare, and public subsidies to political parties.'

    Why do you even remotely think this is equivalent?

    Automobile manufacturers are private entities. Political parties are at the very least, semi-public, and when they are in power, they have 100% control over the public purse. That changes the ball game completely because they are setting public policy.

    Why? Because they can set public policy to benefit themselves and their party instead of the nation as a whole. The entire purpose of public funding for political parties is to ensure that there is a healthy, viable opposition in place to provide somewhat of a check on government abuse. Without it, the governing party has too large of a benefit because of the public purse they hold, the public airways they have access to, and because they hold the power to create laws that benefit themselves unduly.

    That power and the abuse it ALWAYS causes, is why guaranteed funding exists.
  290. Percy from NL from Canada writes: Compos Mentis from Toronto, Canada'

    You would do well to worry very much about the fact that the Conservative government is tapping into opposition telephone conversations, and are talking about preventing the democratic confidence vote from ever happening. It seems fascism may not dead after all.
  291. Paul who is from Vancouver, Canada writes:

    OMG

    The Conservatives were unethically eavesdropping into and recording an NDP caucus call?

    The G&M; and CTV actually ENDORSE this kind of behavior?

    Is CTVglobemedia Publishing Inc. really that stupid?

    A conservative logged into an NDP caucus call without saying anything and proceeded to record it.

    Even I didn't think that the Conservatives would be stupid (or desperate) enough to publicly release something like this.

    They should get a new leader before they totally destroy themselves.

    Suspending parliament before December the 8th to avoid a showdown is only going to make them look weak and desperate.
  292. G L from Thunder Bay Ont, Canada writes: Mr Layton to caucus members in Oct 17 2008, Where having discussions with the Bloc(Separatists) things are going well. Having 50 Bloc members in Quebec is good for Canada. Really Comrade Layton? Discussions are going well with the separatists? Really Comrade Layton? What where those discussions about? Forming a coalition perhaps? Having 50 Separatists in Quebec actively working to have Quebec separate our country and divide it.Good for Canada Comrade Layton?. ONLY IN CANADA YOU SAY Again I repeat the Liberals acertainly the NDP and Bloc are HIGH JACKING our ELECTORAL PROCESS IN BROAD DAY LIGHT! and it may have started as far back as OCT 2008 17
  293. Carol C. from Canada writes: Jack, you've hit the nail on the head! Now, if you can only convince our opposition and separatist parties that the Conservatives do indeed know exactly what they are doing and we should let them go ahead and govern our great country. An attempted coup by the opposition parties at this time only shows how little they actually understand about running this country in these turbulent times. Great article, lots of thinking done to put this one together - I only hope that some of the people who should be reading it, actually do read it!
  294. Percy from NL from Canada writes: Carol C. from Canada, Please state a few facts, that way your post will be more substantial. First of all, this is not a coup. A coup is a sudden unconstitutional overthrow of a government. For your information, under the Canadian constitution, a minority government can only govern if it has the confidence of the majority of the HoC. If they lose that confidence then two things can happen, a new election can be called, or, as is the tradition soon after an election, another party is afforded the opportunity to demonstrate that they can gain the confidence of the majority of the HoC in order to govern. That is what is happening now, our constitution is being followed. So stop your outright lie about a coup. Second, the Conservatives know what they are doing? In this unprecedented time of global economic crisis, they are sticking to a stimulus package they announced more than a year ago. They said over a year ago that stimulus package was to address a 'mild downturn' in the Canadian economy expected for 2008-2009. They knew nothing at the time about a world-wide recession that would also hit Canada, and they knew nothing at the time about a global financial crisis. But even today they are saying that more than a year-old stimulus package aimed at a 'mild downturn' is good enough. And you suggest they know what they are doing? Here's what Harper wished to do. He wished to avoid being responsible for a deficit caused by his overspending and new need for a major government stimulus for the economy. Harper was waiting until Obama took power. And here's my version of the lines I expect he was going to deliver in his budget ... 'As a result of Democrat President Obama's stimulus actions in the US, we have been left with no other option that to do our part in a matching stimulus for the Canadian economy. This stimulus action will unfortunately cause us to fall into a deficit situation here in Canada.' In other words, 'Obama made me do it'.
  295. jack ellefson from CALGARY, Canada writes: RID CANADA OF THE BLOC. HERE'S HOW AND ITS SIMPLE REDUCE QUEBECS EQUALIZATION PAYMENT PROPORTIONAL TO THEIR PERCENTAGE POPULAR VOTE FOR CANADIAN FEDERALIST PARTIES. Quebec should aggressively and meaningfully have its equalization payment reduced. It’s bad enough that we pay $1.75 per Bloc voter to a separatist party, but additionally equalization should be factored/reduced by the number of Quebec voters voting against Canada. There is a saving available to Canada by cutting equalization payments to Quebec by (8.4$bil x .62). The Blocs 48 seats were garnered by 38% of the popular vote. The federalist parties received the other 62% of the popular vote. Equalization payments to Quebec should be factored by the 62% support the federalist parties receive in Quebec. Why should Quebec be paid full computed equalization payments when more than 38% do not want to support Canada and its Federalist Party system. A more severe system would be factoring equalization by the number of Quebec MPs who were not federalist. IE the factor would be the ratio 25/75 meaning Quebec would receive 1/3 of the planned 2009 Canada giveaway program. . This system has the benefit returning normal equalization payments to Quebec as they reverse their vote for the Bloc separatist party. Equalization payments to Quebec should be proportional to Quebecs’ popular vote for federalist parties; period. J.Ellefson CGY
  296. Paul who is from Vancouver, Canada writes:

    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
    Also signed by Duceppe and Layton
  297. G L from Thunder Bay Ont, Canada writes: I opologize to the posters on this site.The date I gave of the meeting between Mr Layton and his caucus WAS NOT OCT 17 2008 but prior to the fiscal update.I wish some people would get their facts straight before posting. Particuarly a GL from Thunder Bay
  298. Rt. Revd. Malachy Egan from Halifax, Canada writes: Percy from NL from Canada: for the record, how long do you think it will be before the coup?
  299. C R from Canada writes: Percy from NL from Canada writes: Carol C. from Canada, Please state a few facts, that way your post will be more substantial. First of all, this is not a coup. A coup is a sudden unconstitutional overthrow of a government. For your information, under the Canadian constitution, a minority government can only govern if it has the confidence of the majority of the HoC.

    Technically you are correct. However, consider that the parties on the left have long been heavily polarzed and without basis to unite. This cannot happen over night or even within a few short weeks.
    Even the most left wing observers must smell something fishy.

    For the sake of her integrity, if the gov loses confidence in the house, Canada must have another election. Anything else would make us a joke.
  300. Rt. Revd. Malachy Egan from Halifax, Canada writes: BTW Percy, facism never died... Von Trudeau was a declared facist and pretty much all sucessive Canadian governments have been cast in that mould. Problem is they can never get better than 30% of the electorate to support them.

    Just wait until the whole charade breaks wide open: Harper's the fuhrer designate... If only... If only...
  301. Rt. Revd. Malachy Egan from Halifax, Canada writes: C R from Canada: Sir, you are in error. There is only one party in Canada that is left of centre and that is the Communist Party of Canada.

    Layton's raggety-assed, union supported crew are right on the fence and as opportunistic as the day is long!
  302. C R from Canada writes: Rt. Revd. Malachy Egan from Halifax, Canada writes: C R from Canada: Sir, you are in error. There is only one party in Canada that is left of centre and that is the Communist Party of Canada.

    Layton's raggety-assed, union supported crew are right on the fence and as opportunistic as the day is long!

    Well I do agree with you that all politics are corrupt, you should also understand that an open discussion board is not the place to argue the political spectrum as Canada sees it (unless that is what the article is about). The discussion is about the financal position of the country and the proposed coup (or whatever you want to call it).

    Stop wasting your time correcting my posts on the basis of your personal opinion and start contributing intelligently to the debate at hand.
  303. Rt. Revd. Malachy Egan from Halifax, Canada writes: CR your problem is your your hidden agenda. Feminism. While I support that agenda to a great degree, I find people like you who live in a somewhat uneducated closet... tiresome.

    Come out, come out whoever you are and take a name and a sensible stand.
  304. C R from Canada writes: Rt. Revd. Malachy Egan from Halifax, Canada writes: CR your problem is your your hidden agenda. Feminism. While I support that agenda to a great degree, I find people like you who live in a somewhat uneducated closet... tiresome.

    Lol...you are a sad case. Any more guesses about my personality or political affiliations? First you call me a 'sir', then label me an uneducated femanist. Too funny...I am neither, not that it matters.

    Like I said, try not to hurt yourself by figuring everybody out...stick to the debate.
  305. J M from Canada writes: Thankyou for the article.
  306. Rt. Revd. Malachy Egan from Halifax, Canada writes: CR... Take a handle that says who you are 'lol', are you a little boy CR no... You are a little girl CR. Women have a different and valid perspective!

    I maybe a 'sad case' but I have nothing to hide.

    You, madam, can only contribute realistically to the debate when you haul down your flag of convenience!

    Explain this statement if you will: '...consider that the parties on the left have long been heavily polarzed and without basis to unite. This cannot happen over night or even within a few short weeks.
    Even the most left wing observers must smell something fishy.'

    It shows that you know not of what you speak! What 'parties' to the left? Be who you are, and stop posting nonsense!
  307. jim slade from canada, Canada writes: It's so easy to spend the taxpayers money-restraint is unpopular?
  308. Just In from Canada writes: Paul who is from Vancouver, Canada writes:

    OMG

    The Conservatives were unethically eavesdropping into and recording an NDP caucus call?

    The G&M; and CTV actually ENDORSE this kind of behavior?

    Is CTVglobemedia Publishing Inc. really that stupid?

    A conservative logged into an NDP caucus call without saying anything and proceeded to record it.

    Even I didn't think that the Conservatives would be stupid (or desperate) enough to publicly release something like this.

    They should get a new leader before they totally destroy themselves.

    Suspending parliament before December the 8th to avoid a showdown is only going to make them look weak and desperate.

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

    Remember Watergate?

    Did Harper hire the crew?

    Is this Harper's idea of distracting from the Cadman tapes?
  309. Hap Stokes from Canada writes: Eel Expert from Canada, Canada writes: To all of you Albertans threatening to leave:

    Go Leave and good riddance to you--Mr Eel-Won't just be Alberta, but Sask, BC, The Yukon and NWT--probably Manitoba and some of N.Ontario too.---Yes I said N.Ont, they have been as unhappy with S.Ont greed and we westerners have been.

    Time is fast approaching when the wealth and population will no longer be centred S.Ontario and E.Quebec.--

    Nothing but leeches on Ontario and the east for the last 35 years and when you finally do make some money you let it go to your head
    ----
    In 2008, the HAVE Prov's are NF, SK, AB and BC--Notice Ontario is not on that list for the FIRST time. But both BC and AB have been on that list continually since the 60's.--Quebec has never been a Have Prov, since I've been an adult.---When it comes to 'LEECHES' suggest you do some reading about who is always losing their blood and where that great big BLOOD BANK is in 'My Country' and who is getting the biggest benefit of most of that blood (money).

    Go Leave and take your filthy province with you!

    You are not welcome in My Canada!
    ---
    OK A/Hole what was your Regimental Number?---Mine was SG12427
    How many yrs did you wear a uniform for 'Your Canada'?
    Your Canada huh?--Mine too baby!
    And just what is YOUR Canada Mr Eel?
  310. Just In from Canada writes: I guess MCain was right.

    'I only see three letters when I look at Putin'

    'K G B'

    Harper's idol is Putin. Exploit economic down turn to destroy democracy, by eliminating opposition parties' funding for research, so that there won't be any meaningful debate in the House of Commons.
  311. charlie brown from Canada writes: The Wight from Canada writes: 'They want to privatize Canada Post, privatize the CBC ...' No they don't Wight. All these 'what they wants' are just figments of your fertile imagination.
  312. Percy from NL from Canada writes: The arrogance of some Conservatives is amazing. They believed and supported Mr. Harper when he said he had lost the confidence of Parliament without a confidence vote having ever occurred, which resulted in the recent election. Suddenly they wish to ignore the fact that Mr. Harper has stupidly lost the confidence of Parliament again even when an actual non-confidence vote is about to occur. And now they also wish to ignore the supreme law of the land, the Canadian constitution, which affords any party the right to demonstrate that they have the confidence of the majority of Parliament to govern. And I thought they were law abiding citizens, each and everyone of them.

    Mr. Harper's arrogance and sadist political gamesmanship has caught up with him. I suggest that something similar to a coup occur within the Conservative Party of Canada. It's time for the more balanced 'Progressive Conservatives' in the ranks to show some backbone.
  313. weird world from Calgary, Canada writes: Wow..this is better than Conrad Black's piece in the National Post yesterday telling us what a 'rather sussessfull president' Bush was.. ,as he snivells up to Bush for a pardon..how low can you get.. talk about putting lipstick on a pig...here we go again, Harper calling in his marks with the Jack Mintz piece.. former President C.D Howe slush tank..which advocates market orientated economic policies...I would say pretty good chance he will advocate the same policies that got us into this mess...nice try Harper....hope you don't mind the opposition...it suits your policies..
  314. Karen Cheyne from Campbell River,BC, Canada writes: I agree totally with this article written by Jack Mintz. Everyone is assuming that because the economy is at rock bottom in the US, it is equally as bad here in Canada. Although some sectors, in Canada, have been hit more than others, other natural factors in the economy are also at fault; i.e. the drop in the demand for oil and resultant postponement of major projects in the industry in Alberta.....a) Alberta imposed new increased royalty taxes to take affect in 2009...b) the rallying cry to 'think Green' caused hordes of Canadians to abandon gas guzzlers for fuel efficient vehicles c) natural disasters on global neighbors caused OPEC to raise prices..which also affected us d) BC imposed carbon taxes on fuel causing a decrease in usage... Every industry seems to be affected in its own way by external events; there is no 'one size fits all' stimulous package that will solve all our problems. Problems in the housing sector in the US have to be corrected before our forestry industry can be resurrected; adjustments to our export policies have to be made to ensure we are getting the most value from our forests ourselves. Canada has always shipped raw resources; now, we are feeling the pain of that policy. Our manufacturing companies can't compete with Chinese imports. Main reason......wages. Another reason, people elect to 'buy cheap' instead of 'buy Canadian'. A stimulous package will not rescue all our hurting industries. Face it. And, it is not Harper's fault that all these factors converged on us at this point in time. But, for the grace of God, this could have happened on Liberals' watch...or that of the NDP. When your house of cards falls, everything is affected at once. Members of a coalition will do nothing but spend time propping up their own province's industries to the detriment of Canada as a whole. Without adequate thought, money could be shuffled to incorrect areas of the economy. An entirely new concept for our industries must be formulated.
  315. Lie Detector from Canada writes: Jack Mintz has no credibility whatsoever. From being a serious professor he has become an apologist for the Conservative Party. Remember? He was the one who went out of his way to publicize the tax leakage allegedly caused by income trusts. Although he later admitted that the Conservatives were wrong in attibuting no tax revenue to RRSP and RRIF holders of trust units he never had the courage of correcting himself and Flaherty. Look at the huge tax revenue losses now created by the ill advised destruction of income trusts. Now Mintz is defending the Harper 'do nothing' approach to the financial and economic crisis. The distinguished professor should know that due to time lags fiscal measures can easily become counterproductive if they are delayed too much. In fact, fiscal measures meant to address economic recessions should be introduced at a very, very early stage otherwise they start producing their effect when the recovery is already on its way. Delays in introducing fiscal measures and time lags for their effect to be felt have often led to a situation where they feed inflationary pressure that tend to accompany the recovery. In such cases monetary policy has to be activated to counter the inflationary pressure caused by the delayed fiscal measures, In such case fiscal and monetary policies are working at cross purpose. One foot on teh acceleartor and one foot on the brakes. Is this a way to manage an economy?
  316. Tom Paine from I'm your huckleberry, writes: charlie brown from Canada writes: Tom Paine. All parties try to eliminate thier rivals. Look what the Liberals did after Mulroney, reducing the PCs down to two seats.

    ================

    Absurd thing to say. It was the Canadian public who did that to the PCs, not the Liberals. All the Liberals did was run a campaign -- without any particular intent to eradicate the PCs completely.
  317. G L from Thunder Bay Ont, Canada writes: I opologize to the posters on this site.The date I gave of the meeting between Mr Layton and his caucus WAS NOT OCT 17 2008 but prior to the fiscal update.I wish some people would get their facts straight before posting. Particuarly a GL from Thunder Bay
  318. Just In from Canada writes: G L from Thunder Bay Ont, Canada writes: I opologize to the posters on this site.The date I gave of the meeting between Mr Layton and his caucus WAS NOT OCT 17 2008 but prior to the fiscal update.I wish some people would get their facts straight before posting. Particuarly a GL from Thunder Bay

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

    Any proof? If not, it is conservative fabrication and misinformation campaign.
  319. Cadillac Rancher from Harper authorized his henchmen to try to buy Cadman's vote., writes: There is a slim chance that the Cons could avoid defeat, but not with corrupt Harper at the helm.

    So the question becomes: Which do the Cons value more, their government more than their leader?

    Do the Cons believe that Canada needs a Con government? If so, it's their duty to do what it takes to hold on, that is, TURF HARPO.
  320. Honesty is the best Policy from Canada writes:
    Same crap from the same source:

    Professor Jack Mintz, former president and CEO of the C.D. Howe Institute

    Not worth reading.
  321. charlie brown from Canada writes: Tom Paine: Absurb comment. It is usually the voter that eliminates political parties (although sometimes they merge etc). Their rivals try and set the scene and parties often stumble on their own, but one party cannot just 'eradicate' another. It was the voter that eliminated the Creditistes, the United Farmers Party, Social Credit etc. etc. But your comments that the CPC is trying to 'eridicate' the Liberal Party is just plain nonsense. Prey tell, how would they go about this? Your premise is just plain silly.
  322. Percy from NL from Canada writes: Well, according to the CBC News website the deal is done. Finally Canada, in this time of great economic stress for so many, will not have to waste one more minute dealing with Mr. Harper's sadistic political games. It's finally time for cooperation and good government.

    Now hopefully the more balanced 'Progressive Conservatives' within the ranks of the CPC will finally show some backbone and do the right thing.
  323. lloyd macilquham from Nanaimo, Canada writes: Am I reading this right.

    - Jack Mintz, author of the G&M; article “A well-shaped package would be worth the wait” the former president and CEO of the C.D.Howe Institute.

    - Steven Harper asking the Governor General to dissolve parliament and (Paul who is from Vancouver, Canada) “as constitutional practice has determined, to consult the opposition leaders and consider all of your options” (= appoint Harper as Prime Minster without an election) under the Martin minority government.

    And this after Harper’s Black Friday Promulgation that “Stephane Dion does not have the right to take office without an election”.

    - Irving Gerstein, the chairman of the Conservative Fund Canada, is appealing for “emergency donations of $200 or $100” from party faithful to avert what he says is the hijacking of Canadian democracy.

    (theglobeandmail.com)

    - Overtones that Harper will suspend Parliament to avoid a non-confidence motion.

    This is outrageous.

    Lloyd MacIlquham
  324. Kipling Hedley from Nanaimo, Canada writes: As the ship settles noticeably deeper into the frigid waters, the passengers argue what the orchestra's next selection should be.
  325. Georges Drouin from Montreal, Canada writes: Mr. Mintz's comments are diluted by the fact that he is a Tory strategist teaching at the U. of Calgary.

    The G & M failed to notify readers of his background. I shouldn't have had to google his name to find out who he really is.

    Too bad a so called 'national' newspaper is shifting more and more to the right.

    I expect more from the Globe.

    Georges Drouin
  326. charlie brown from Canada writes: George. It's an essay for god's sake not a news piece. You imply that, if you had known the author's background you would have discounted it from the outset and not bothered to read it. George. That is indicative of a closed mind. A thinking person should make a point of reading disparate views, with a view to widening ones horizons and (god forbid), maybe changing ones views. You do not seem to fall into this category. Pity.
  327. Bill Needle from Canada writes: A mighty wind
  328. lloyd macilquham from Nanaimo, Canada writes: . . . Georges Drouin from Montreal, Canada writes: Mr. Mintz's comments are diluted by the fact that he is a Tory strategist teaching at the U. of Calgary. _____________ Great work George . . . A similar thing happened last August – September when the Globe and mail published an article by Patrick Monahan “The request the G-G can't refuse, If Stephen Harper comes calling, and wants an election, Michaelle Jean will have to dissolve Parliament “, 29 Aug.'08 . . . The Globe and Mail was quite conscientious about pointing out that Mr. Monahan is Dean of Osgood Hall Law School. But, apparently, overlooked other connection – vis.: __________ R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Slightly off topic, but as an academic, would Professor Monahan have to publically disclose whether he has had an association or financial assistance from any of the following groups ? -The Civitas Society, -The Fraser Institute -The Atlantic Institute of Market Studies -The Donner Institute It would seem somewhat relevant before presenting an opinion piece arguing that a Governor General cannot refuse a Prime Minister's request for an election which is certainly far from clear from precedent, Bill C-16 or this discussion. . . . If Professor Monahan was printing this article for a reputable legal journal, would he not have to disclose possible conflicts of interest as is done for publications in medical journals ? __________ [me:] And, of course as everyone knows, the Fraser Institute has boasted amongst its ranks, Preston Manning and Mike Harris (Senior Fellows). . . . This trend is too much to be by accident. . . . Lloyd MacIlquham
  329. Rick Zelhem from Victoria, Canada writes: I think a week will be just the right amount of time for the NDP and Liberals to put this coalition and financial planning together (while the conservatives are knee jerking their way with only more anti-NDP innuendo).

    It does not make sense to keep a minority party in power when the majority of Canadians can't stand the Conservatives and their backward policies. Most taxpayers undoubtedly understand the logic behind government subsidized political parties. These subsidies ensure a more just democracy, less compromised by donors. What's wrong with Jack Mintz, does he not believe in democracy, or is he too stupid to understand the meaning of the word? Why does he have to be so un-Canadian?

    But he's right on one thing: a well-shaped COALITION stimulus package would be well worth the wait.
  330. Petras Vilson from Ottawa, Canada writes: from BusinessWeek:

    WARNING to Canadian taxpayers BAD BAD News !!

    To survive until the end of 2009, GM would need $100 billion, unless sales sharply revived.

    Congress gave Detroit 10 days to prove their case for immediate aid, .. responses are due Tuesday. If they don't sway Congress, GM could be forced into bankruptcy..

    The recovery plan..will be full of plant closings, layoffs, glitzy promises like the plug-in hybrid Volt, a few executive pay cuts and corporate-jet sales.

    GM CEO spoke of a 'catastrophic collapse.' Chrysler boss warned '2.3 million-to-3 million in lost jobs [at the car makers, dealers, suppliers and associated businesses], $265 billion-to-$400 billion in lost wages and $100 billion-to-$150 billion in lost government [tax] revenue.'

    Proponents say that the companies would get the bankruptcy courts' blessing to trim labor costs, change work rules, revise health-care and pension benefits, trim their dealer networks, shrink their North American operations quickly

    BUT WHAT FORM WOULD A BANKRUPTCY TAKE? Chapter 11,

    The problem: A bankrupt company typically borrows the operational funds it needs to keep going. But getting loans might be impossible -- The guarantees, which probably would have to be at least as big as the $25 billion the car makers have sought as outright aid, would have to extend to dealers and perhaps suppliers, too

    Absent operational funds, GM would quickly slide from Chapter 11 into Chapter 7 bankruptcy -- liquidation a 30% probability. The repercussions would be global, affecting GM's huge operations in Canada and elsewhere. Ultimately, the most attractive bits would be bought by other vehicle makers, but some operations would be closed, eliminating many thousands of jobs abroad, too.
  331. D BARTA from Canada writes: -

    - If this band of opposition misfits put the same amount of time and effort into running the country as the are wasting by trying to get power thru the back door - the country would be in better shape!

    - Call an election or get back to work........

    ~
  332. Plus 8 from Mont Tremblant, Canada writes: Outside Canada, today's top story reads as follows;

    "The United Nations says the world economy faces its worst downturn since the Great Depression.

    This would mark the world economy's first year of contraction since the 1930s, the UN said.

    "It seems inevitable that the major countries will see significant contraction in the immediate period ahead and that recovery may not materialise any time soon, even if the bail-out and stimulus package succeed," it says. "

    What cracked crystal ball is Mintz looking at again? What is wrong with Harper and Flaherty? Are they completely blinded to reality by ideology and petty underhanded politics?
  333. David Coulson from Toronto, Canada writes: There a billions of dollars of hospital reconstruction projects waiting for government approval in Ontario and probably across the Country.

    We have model of private sector financing that supports this reconstruction.

    So why not move ahead with these projects. They have been planned, are needed by the people of the province and the private sector would finance them, not the government. Seems like a win-win solution to the economic problems facing the province.
  334. TIME FOR CONS TO WISE UP from and DUMP DESTRUCTIVE HARPER, Canada writes: .

    IF the Conservative Party are a real political party they should want to retain the confidence of Parliament.

    On the other hand --

    If they are a twisted cult of personality desperately devoted to their leader, they will defend Harper at the cost of losing government.

    This, more than anything will show what the CPC really is.
  335. Keating Gun from Canada writes: Our banks are not failing and the automatoive sector is undergoing a massive reorganization that must play out without interference, lest we cause even more upheaval. To wit: 1. The automotive industry, during good years, was a modest earner , of money invested, year over year, of about 10%. 2. Non-fuel burning engines, are simple, inexpensive, and will lead to less expensive cars, at a time when boomers are pulling in their horns for the retirement-saving push. Boomers driving $10,000 cars and expecting them to last a decade, at least, is going to gut the automotive industry as we know it.
    3. It is only a flurry now, but it is clear that small entrepreneurs and even do-it-yourself car owners, plan to make a large dent in the industry by inventing and converting city cars to run on electricity.
    4. Inventors have already invented the 100 km/hour enclosed bicycle that does not require Herculian efforts to propel forward. 5. India is mass-producing a $3,000 vehicle. 6. |No bailout can change this overwhelming change which is going to improve and enhance all of our lives and create hundreds of thousands of jobs in new industries, and especially in service industries which will receive the savings of money now spent, some say wasted, on gas guzzlers.
  336. Keating Gun from Canada writes: Continuing from above.
    What is needed is is rational government. Deducting 20% of earnings from someone making $10 an hour is insane, yet it is the norm in Canada. Allowing employers to create entire workforces of 39-hour part-time employees, merely so they can avoid the benefit issue that kicks in at 40 hours, is just plain callous and inept government. Clearly benefits, sick days, and disability plans must be rationalized to end abuse, mostly in drug plans where pharmacists process prescriptions for over the counter items just to convert the tums or aspirin, etc., into a drug claim, and overblown disability claims. Unneccessary non-sick "sick day"credits must end. But benefits must be pro-rated or provided through medicare etc. for all workers, on a pro-rata basis. With this requirement in place, workplaces would then tailor work forces to the work at hand and not just to slide under the 39-hour rule.
  337. ivan rowley from Canada writes: The Mintz article resoundingly supports a measured approach to our economic issues. He is absolutely correct in his assessment. First, Canada's economy continues to perform better than expected given the world problems to act precipitously without well thought solutions to help us weather the storm could create the wrong type of stimulus. Making the wrong moves now could undermine all the positive aspects put in place over the past decade by both the Liberal and Conservative governments that have kept us in a much better position now than any other country. Further, all experts around the world have stressed that it is important for all economies to work together and avoid unilateral actions that could undermine someone else. In no economic scenario is this more imperative than the Canadian/American trading relationship. We are collectively too tightly tied to the American economy to act for the political expedient of appearing "to do something now". Finally, there are no simple answers that eliminate the economic problems overnight. Some will act more quickly than others and all initiatives; short, medium and long-term need to knit together. A proper plan will take some time. If the Feds and provinces meet over the next few weeks they should be able to come up with a sound implementable integrated package rather than a patchwork quilt. As taxpayers that is what we should be demanding of our politicians. Let's not ralley to the vacuous simplistic cry of the honorable opposition parties. They do not have our best interests at heart, only their own desire for power.
  338. Michael Budd from Canada writes: It is odious that so many Canadians are so willing to have governments dive into their wallets. We have single digit unemployment in Canada. That means over 90% of us are working, paying E.I., C.P.P., and taxes to fund the social safety net. The ONLY things that make our lives better RIGHT NOW is when taxes are lower and when the government spends less money. Conversely, huge spending on economic stimulus generally tends to benefit a whole bunch of businesses a long way into the future, AND costs more in taxes NOW. Let the social safety net work. That's why we pay for it.
  339. Gerry Kamps from Vancouver, Canada writes: I'm not unhappy with the way the Conservatives have handled government or the economy, but it's painful the way they play the political game. They should have known better.

    That said, it's quite revealing that a cut in public funds to political parties is what motivates the Liberals and NDP. I can understand the NDP. They would never stand a chance to govern on their own. But the Liberals, with some re-organization and a new leader, could again be a legitimate force in Canadian politics in a few years. In my opinion, they're throwing that away with this ill-conceived coalition.

    It is unfortunate that poorly considered political moves by the Conservatives and a desperate grab for power at any cost by the three other parties have brought the country to this. I hope that the GG does not allow this coalition and instead sends us back to the polls. The new Lib-NDP coalition can put forth a platform and run on that. I have a feeling that they would be rejected soundly.
  340. N. Ontarian from Canada writes: It's refreshing to read a sound, reasoned argument, by someone qualified to offer an opinion on this matter. Unfortunately, articles like this will only be read by a very few, and the huge decisions facing our country will not be decided by reason and qualified opinion, but by rhetoric and media spin.
    Poor Canada, is all I can say, if the GG allows this farce of a "coalition" to usurp the reins of power.
  341. Don Allan from B.C., Canada writes: It is unfortunate that people didn't read the essay and the question and answer segment before sounding off with the neo conservative diatribe. There is some good info here especially some of the lessons that can be learned from the U.S.'s approach to their crises.

    There is obvious a leadership vacuum in Ottawa, but there also seems to be an I.Q. vacuum in some of these comments. I suggest that there is a lot of very reasonable points in Mintz's essay that could be implemented to assist the Canadian economy regardless of your personal ideology and whomever gets to implement the stimulus package.
  342. ORB8 ORB8 from Carrying Place, Canada writes: I FULLY AGREE WITH JACK MINTZ , AND I REALLY BELIEVE IF THE
    LIBERAL AND NDP CAN ADD SOME GREAT IDEA'S TO THE CONSERVATIVE PACKAGE , THEY WILL BE ACCEPTED AND USED.
    ALL THEY HAVE TO DO IS DISCUSS IT LIKE REAL HUMAN BEING'S
    INSTEAD OF ACTOR'S, WAITING FOR SOME GRAND APPLAUSE .
    THE DRAMA IS OVER BOY'S NOW PLEASE GET TO WORK.
  343. Brian Jones from Vancouver,BC, Canada writes: We have an economy that is nearly 100% dependent on the spending habits of citizens & governments of other countries. No amount of stimulus is going to fix that fact. All we can do is try and stimulate our domestic economy and make sure that our safety net is there to catch those that loose their jobs.

    We cannot make car companies more competitive when the issue is the buying habits of consumers and a substantial decline in car sales that may not recover for years.

    In addition the lumber industry has been on life support for years. There is no quick fix there or it would have happened already.

    In short there is no magic bullet.
  344. Brian Jones from Vancouver,BC, Canada writes: Paul who is from Vancouver, Canada writes:

    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
    Also signed by Duceppe and Layton

    That was a wrong thing to do then and its wrong now.

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