Day, Strahl won't run in next federal election

CTV's Chief Political Correspondent says he doesn't think it's a coincidence that Conservative MPs Chuck Strahl and Stockwell Day both announced on the same day they will not run in the next election.

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Federal Transport Minister Chuck Strahl is shown responding to a question during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday Dec. 7, 2010. (Sean Kilpatrick / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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It would not surprise me that alot of MP's from all parties will step down. With an election every two years, its exhausting trying to keep to do the work and keep the job.

Katie

Day, Strahl won't run in next federal election

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Day, Strahl won't run in next federal election

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Sat. Mar. 12 2011 6:43 PM ET

Conservative cabinet ministers Stockwell Day and Chuck Strahl announced Saturday they will not run in the next federal election, yet another sign that Canadians may be heading to the polls this spring.

Delta-Richmond MP John Cummins also said he will not seek re-election, bringing to three the number of British Columbia MPs who announced Saturday they are leaving federal politics.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is losing high-profile candidates just as speculation ramps up that Canadians will go to the polls in May, based on the likelihood that the government will fall on the federal budget, which is due to be released on March 22.

CTV's Chief Political Correspondent Craig Oliver said Saturday the announcements signal that an election is "pretty much a given."

"I think the prime minister is probably signalling that he knows what's in the budget, and that it probably isn't going to pass muster with the opposition parties, and so he's clearing the decks," Oliver told CTV News Channel. "And it won't be a help for him that he is losing these two very strong ministers, who are among the most competent and popular in his cabinet."

Day, who has held several high profile cabinet posts including his current role as treasury board president, said after 25 years in government, he was calling it quits.

"After 14 years in provincial government and almost 11 years at the federal level it is time to move on," Day said in the statement.

"I hereby announce that I will not be seeking re-election at the end of this mandate."

Day, who represents B.C.'s Okanagan-Coquihalla riding, was the first leader of the Canadian Alliance party -- which later merged with the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada to form the Conservative Party of Canada.

He has been a trusted member of Harper's cabinet, and has held the public safety and international trade portfolios.

Day, 61, said there would undoubtedly be "exciting and satisfying" days ahead if he were to continue his political career, but said he had made the decision carefully and with "prayerful consideration" along with his wife Valorie.

He did not specify what he will be doing next, only saying it was time to move on.

Strahl, the minister of transport, infrastructure and communities, played a key role in the federal government's response to the economic crisis by helping to implement, and tout, its Economic Action Plan.

Strahl's profile has risen in recent years since he was first elected to the House of Commons as a Reform MP in 1993. The MP for Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon was appointed minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food in 2006 and then minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development in 2007.

Strahl, 54, has battled a rare form of lung cancer for years, but did not indicate Saturday that his health was a reason for his decision not to seek re-election.

"While I am healthy, and though I still feel honoured and privileged to be a Member of Parliament, I have decided I won't be seeking re-election when Canada next goes to the polls," Strahl said in a statement.

Strahl went on to say that "for everything there is a season" and that he and his wife Deb are ready to "seek out the next, wonderful purpose that God has in store."

CTV's Ottawa Bureau Chief Robert Fife Tweeted Saturday that Harper is "losing two of the most competent and respected ministers."

Harper issued a statement thanking all three MPs "for their extraordinary dedication to public service throughout the years."

The prime minister added: "I look forward to working with them in the best interest of Canada until the end of their mandate."

In addition to Day, Strahl and Cummins, Tory MP Jay Hill announced last summer he will not seek re-election when Canadians next head to the polls.

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Steve in Vancouver
said
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The Conservatives are losing a few good men. These men have been in federal politics for awhile and felt it was time to go. They did a great job and Canadians have a lot to thank them for. Their retiring is actually a sign of strength and courage. The party will only get stronger as it becomes reinvigorated with new Conservative mps. Now if we could only get all the Liberal flakes who are sitting on their deck chairs on the Liberal ship titanic to do an honourable thing and go, the country would be better off. And that includes Iggy, the holder of the worse attendance record in parliament. The Liberals grab most of the top spots in skipping out of parliament. On the list of bad attendees is, the hmgggmm excuse, me guy from Vancouver south.

Lou The Battlefords
said
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Thank You CTV for giving us our Canadian Politics on TV.For the publics interest CBC isn't running ANY political news on the news network (maybe minimal). There isn't even any running ticker info on our Canadian politics, very unsettling! I hope these MP's quit because they are fed up with Harperland.

Mike vdB - Chatham, ON
said
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Whatever your views or your politics, I thank all three of these men and their families for giving up so much to serve our country. I remember my first time voting in a federal election and I (like so many others) voted for Chuck when he first ran for government under the Reform banner. He is a fine, upstanding gentleman and even though my politics no longer follow his, I still respect him.

Joe Szentirmay
said
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We're going to have some big shoes to fill,along with focusing on the upcoming election.I'm sad to see you guys go but proud of how well you have served Canada.God bless and best wishes!

peter
said
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Hail harper You can called the conservatives a lot of things but fiscally conserative they are not.They have spending like a sailor that has been sea for a year. I must admit i like Chuck but I have no time sea dooer Day. I am sure some right wing group will scoop them up.

John
said
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All I can remember was Day on a jet ski...and that he sold out his party...anything else?

Bob Calgary
said
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That's great they both should not have been in the government in the first plase. Now maybe they get a real job and pay taxes like the rest of us.

TM
said
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If only Harper would say he won't be running again ......

danR
said
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.
Day, a fiscal conservative who had taxpayers cover his 3/4 million+ lawsuit settlement. Straight-talking, no-nonsense, fiscal conservative.

No wonder Harper thought so highly of him.
.

Frank in NS
said
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I had the pleasure of meeting Stockwell Day during his campaign as Canadian Alliance leader and have no doubt that he was instrumental in bringing a victory to the Tories in later years. A fine man, a dedicated man who will be sorely missed in politics.

Ronald
said
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I am happy that many members of Harper's party are resigning and leaving that shows that Harper he his a control freak and dictator. I would not want to have this man as my boss and who would?, a man that controls everything you say to the press and to the Canadian people and to me that sounds like a dictator.

themacguy
said
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Hey Will...you should have started your post with "Speaking as someone who writes a lot of words and says basically nothing" Next time try to make a point please so that you aren't wasting readers' time.

Bob
said
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Maybe they all hope to follow Jim Prentice into big bankland on Bay Street and earn some serious coin.Imagine Stockboy Day with his dinosaurs running your mutual fund - egad!

STC
said
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"Speaking as a Professor of History, whcih includes politics"...And a pretend Professor who can not spell, and who lacks the impartiality and academic neutrality required by academic research, you seem to be simply a poor junior staffer babbling nonsense.Quit pretending to be what are so obviously.

Alberta Dude
said
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Now that they are quiting politics, postive words are said. I for one don't know why anyone would enter politics, given their abuse by the media and the people.

David
said
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This departure will help Harper to a conservative majority government.

William (Bill) Jones
said
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As usual, there are many opinions out there regarding the people leaving their government jobs before the next election. However, I found out some 40-odd years ago that the "fairful" are unable to separate opinions from facts - in any respect. I know from experience how important "party loyalty" is and I can accept that. However, when that faith is blind faith simply because there is no intellectual capability of seeing how dangerous such faith can be, it becomes a very serious problem. I have spent a lifetime near that arena and have publicly debated with many of those in office over the years but I alway remembered one thing -- The Office has my absolute respect -- BUT, THE OFFICE HOLDER MUST EARN THAT RESPECT -- it does not come with the office. In our political system one should take time to intelligently assess and reason out their position on all subjects of the day and not jump off the cliff with the rest of the lemmings.

RMB niagara
said
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Is this actually a retirement or pre positioning for a leadership run if Harper fails (for the third time) to get a majority? We all know the knives will come out if Harper fails to obtain the golden ring.

Citizen
said
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Wonder if Stockwell is thinking of making a return to Alberta Politics. Given that the PC party is currently leaderless.......interesting possibility

David
said
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Both men will be missed and I hope the best for them. I have read the remarks and cannot believe that those are actually working people that want the Liberals or NDP in office. Thier remarks sound like persons that want to be carried by others, they like to have a free ride life, it seems. That is why they are insensitive to our government.

Carl
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@Dave in Edmonton: Before calling me a liar and spreading misinformation yourself, read Sections 38(1) and 42(1) of the Constitution Act (1982). Reforming the powers of the Senate, the selection of Senators or the number of Senate seats for a province requires resolutions of the Senate and the House of Commons and resolutions of the legislative assemblies of at least two-thirds of the provinces with at least fifty per cent of Canada's population.

back and to the left
said
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Conservative cabinet ministers Stockwell Day and Chuck Strahl... I wish you well.

Wayne
said
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It amazes me that everyone seems to know the reason behind these ministers resigning. This forum is consistently full of stupid people trying to sound smart. Personally, I wish them all the best, whether or not I agree with their views or policies. They have served their country to the best of their abilities. Hopefully their replacements will too.

Ajay Vee
said
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Day, Strahl won't run in next federal election----------------------------Oh well, the world keeps on turning and the sun also rises. Don't let the door hit you on the way out.

Will
said
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Speaking as a Professor of History, whcih includes politics, I am amazed at the arrogance and ignorance of many of the posters here. This shows the utter failure of our public education system (k-12) in this country. Who holds the blame for that, you might ask? Why the "natural ruling party" hold about 80% of it with the rest on the provinces. Specifically, that demi-god of the liberal party - PET. (trudeau for those too dense or young to have any idea.)

Alvin m, Lac La Biche
said
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The only problem with small miracles like this, is that someone even worse will take their places.

Mac1
said
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wishing them both well as they move on ..Stockwell was one of the best Trade Ministers we have had - cross party lines... why - he listened - why - he was out there promoting Canada.. why - he cared about the trade staff in the department..Sure he had some style - sure he did crazy things... - some liked it - some did not but at least he had substance with his style !

Dave in edmonton
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Milliken is retiring as he has reached that age in life... Martin is retiring with plans to use his skills to advance innovative solutions in development and economics.... No Liberal is 'retiring' and still young and healthy enough to run again unless they have a plan or goal, unlike Strahl and Day who are just leaving... Big difference...

Rocky
said
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The pettiness of the nasty posters here is likely matched only by their self-righteousness. Stockwell Day never forced anyone to tithe to his belief in a young earth, but our planetary saviours would impose a carbon tax on all for reasons that have no better a scientific basis.

Mark Vancouver
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Gerry from MB not NDP,I went to a private school in Vancouver and have been elected to serve in local BC politics twice. Not a friend of the NDP or Cons.I have always said "put up or shut up" and hope that more of these arm chair politicians would get involved and find out how frustrating and rewarding public service can be. I am going to run again in the next few years. Rest assured that I would leave my religious beliefs at home and not try and push it on the people that you are elected to serve. That's why it is good to see that Day will be gone and hopefully Harper is not far behind.

Leo Hillairet
said
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Are they headed for B.C?

Matt
said
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To all you Liberal posters with your "rats fleeing a sinking ship" comments: Is it the same with your Liberals? Liberal MP's Peter Milliken and Keith Martin have announced they will no seek re-election. Liberal MP Maurizio Bevilacqua left in the summer to run to become Mayor of Vaughan.

Proud Westerner
said
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Mr Prime Minister.....please appoint both of them to the Senate when possible. This way, you can "preserve" your majority in the Upper House !!

Dan Laurin Windsor
said
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Rats abandoning a sinking ship. Definite signs of a split in the con Party.

Americanization
said
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Three more whose conscience can't take any more of Harper's Fascist rule.

Niagara George
said
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Conservative cabinet ministers Stockwell Day and Chuck Strahl are both honest, upstanding Christian gentlemen. Very interesting that they would both decide to end their political careers. Could it be they have seen the error of their ways? Perhaps they have realized the far right is ready bounce if the party should remain in party after the next election. My feeling is that King Steve has had enough of this moving slowly with a minority. Harper knows the Canadian public will not stand for another election if the next one leaves the status-quo in place. At that time, the neoCons will push for all their policies... ie: the infamous Hidden Aganda. Could it be that even Day and Strahl were uncomfortable with that possibility?

Vancouverite
said
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These comments are yet another example of how partisan many folks have become. Just because I may support Liberal or NDP (which I don't necessarily) does not suggest I should slam someone personally after giving 25 years to public service. Some are quick to say he didn't give much and personally gained from his post.... I doubt the gain of any kind can compensate for the constant judgement, rhetoric and abusive blah blah blah they have to deal with. Many of you can't see past your own nose most of the time. Anyone giving 25 years of public service deserves a pat on the back, regardless of their political or religious views. GROW UP CANADA! I fear for future generations.

Dave in Edmonton
said
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@ Carl: No the opposition parties do not oppose Senate Reform, what they oppose is ignoring the rules of the land in reforming the senate. In fact the Bloc & NDP are calling for the Senate to be abolished. Also, the government does not need parliament or the senate approval for senate reform, they only require 7 provinces containing 50% of the population in order to reform the senate... Please keep the debate honest...

Michael
said
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Two classy Ministers from the Harper caucus and a whole lot of silly bashing Liberals who will never make the ranks of a Ministerial appointment. Some Liberals will never get it.

pippa martins-st onge
said
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This is the best news I've heard in a while! I always maintained that Stockwell Day was incompetent and not fit for public office. Now if the Cons could just convince Mr. Harper to step down, they could actually get a majority.

Jason Daniel Baker, Toronto
said
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When an overly autocratic leader is successful and has probably a good 10-15 years left in his career it can be rather difficult for him to keep people around him who might someday want to lead the party. Trudeau found that out quickly. Since the PMO is behind all the significant decisions and statements being made there can also be this sense of essentially being puppets, not merely to the prime minister but to his pet special interests.

David
said
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I agree with William. Go Harper! Please! Go!

Dave in Edmonton
said
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Day leaving spells the end for Harper, it shows the christian conservative movement no longer supports Harper... Stockwell is hearing this behind the scenes, and is seeing that Harper is going to lose the next election which will force him to resign as leader, leaving it open for either MacKay or Day to make a run...

Katie
said
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It would not surprise me that alot of MP's from all parties will step down. With an election every two years, its exhausting trying to keep to do the work and keep the job.

David
said
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I have no great admiration for these two, Day and Strahl, but whoever replaces them is bound to be far worse, because they must be true Harper disciples ready to bow to the Great Leader.

happy
said
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It's a start!

millbaymonk
said
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Both day and strahl were brave Canadian citizens who stepped up to bring change in the 90s when status quo in all the Canadian political parties was the high bar. I respect them even if I do not agree with their political views and the implementation within the Harper-led PMO.

Instead of being couch political critics jump off and get involved in the process to bring the change you want to see.

Carl
said
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@Norm: You're right. The House of Commons alone cannot reform the Senate. But the House does have to approve any Senate reform (along with the Senate itself and seven of the provinces containing at least half of Canada's population). So without a Conservative majority in the House of Commons, there will be no Senate reform - because the opposition parties are opposed to it.

J. Prentice
said
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Rats fleeing a sinking ship. Harper has to go!

MableSpam
said
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I think focusing on who belongs to what party takes away from the actual debate. The issue is the policies that are harming the majority of Canadians and small businesses while benefiting the top 1% of wealth holders and transnational corporations. Proponents of these treasonous policies should be our focus.

Carl
said
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Chuck Strahl is one of the finest gentlemen in Canadian politics in my lifetime. His departure will be Parliament's loss.

Gail Ottawa
said
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Good Luck Mr. Day and Mr. Strahl..two men who deserve kudos. At least the money on the Conservative in and out came back.. where is the Ad Scam Money the Liberals gave away..Have yet to see that come back to the Canadian Taxpayers and no doubt never will.

Barry
said
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Come on people. Why is it all the Liberals these days don't know how to act anymore. The post from Liberal supporters show how low they have sunk and will do nothing but throw insults at anyone who does not agree with their agenda. At one time I supported the Liberal party even to the point of working for the local Liberal MP. Not anymore, I find the Liberals today act to childish with the attacts on everyone who is not Liberal. I also have a hard time when they shout for memebrs of other parties to resign when they screw up but I have not heard a word from them when a Liberal Senator was found guilty the other day. Now there they should be shouting loud and clear for him to resign but nothing from the Liberals or their leader heard. I do not know who I will vote for come the next election but right now I can not see myself supporting the Liberals.

Mike in Mississauga
said
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Although I am not currently a Conservative party supporter, I feel that rather than be insulting or crude, I want to wish both honourable members, Mr. Day and Mr. Strahl the best of luck with their future endeavours. Their constituents and their fellow Parliamentarians will miss them. I may not agree with some of their party�s modus operandi, but these gentlemen specifically were motivated by integrity and they will be missed.

Havelock Heavy
said
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Too bad!! These were the only two guys I trusted in Mr. Harper's cabinet. They were competent, they always tried their best, they kept above the political fray because they knew only too well that their job was to serve the public and not waste time hurdling abuse back and forth with the opposition. Mr. Baird, Mr. Clement, why don't you leave too, you aren't doing anything useful And Mr. Harper maybe its time for you to leave too, you've been around far too long...

Gerry from M.B. but not N.D.P.
said
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Mark what left wing school made you into a socialist?

mahanna ali
said
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i can't help but notice the venom spewing from the "lefties"...it's almost as if they realize that their party(ies) of choice don't stand a chance in the upcoming election.....(by the way - they don't!)

Brett in Montréal
said
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Like rats fleeing a sinking ship, the CONS have started to see the writing on the wall and now it's time to see how many others will follow. The CONS are morally bankrupt and Canada deserves better government than these clowns. Don't let the door hit you on the way out.

Art in Ontario
said
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My Lord, what is wrong with all the Liberal posters. Even if you did not agree with Mr. Day you have to at least respect the fact that he put 25 years of his life into public service. I do not understand why you have to insult or attact anyone who disagrees with the Liberal policies. I find it very hard to support any party that can do nothing but insult others that do not belong to the Liberal party. I'm sorry but I will not lower myselt to those standards

George Alberta
said
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It's long past time for all conservatives to step down, they have been a huge failure, time to make way for Prime Minister Micheal Ignatieff. The liberals have always been much better fiscal managers.

Scottish Terror
said
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Any gone Con is a good Con

David Williams Vancouver
said
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I have had the priviledge of conversation with Minister Day. I found him to be a very courteous classy gentleman and often thought of him in terms of Prime Minister of Canada. Not a Conservative, but as a well wisher, I wish all three departing MP's the very best in all future endeavour as well as prime good health. All of you have served us Canadians well while in office. Thank you.

danR
said
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No, William, the liberal senator is not a fraud. The 'senate' is an (unelected) fraud. And the more Herr Harpler sends there the more fraudulent it will become.

Herr Harpler was going to democratize the Senate, but we are becoming increasingly aware that democracy takes a back seat to getting the trains running on time with the Harpler Government.

When he is deposed in the polls, we will perhaps get our CANADIAN Government back.

As for Day, he wasn't exactly from B.C. anyway. With prorogation, falsifying documents, in-and-out-funding, what does it matter who comes from where?

Paul in TO
said
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Hey Brian, look what Bob Rae cost Ontario as the Provincial NDP leader. Then you Liberals excepted him into your your and voted him a seat in Ottawa. How come not one liberal question why he was not running for the Federal NDP party. Because he knew they did not want him with his track record in Ontario. I trust what Mr. Day says more then I ever will trust anything Rae says or does. Lets face it, Rae is just waiting to take over once you kick Iggy back to the states after he loses the next election. I for one am sorry to see Mr. Day go but after 25 years dealing with the cut throat Liberals I fully understand. Good luck Mr. Day!

Mark Vancouver
said
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Great news - he and his like are not fit for governing. One can only hope that Harper will not be far behind.

Steve in manotick
said
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My dream would come true if it was Harper that was not running again... But hey Dictators don't resign their unless the military or a public uprising forces them from Office.. I await for the mass exodus of current Cons who qualify for their pensions..

Paul
said
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Iggy fans: When is your leader and some of your clowns stepping down. I'm still waiting for Iggy to resign for his racial slur this week. The tax payer mother ship ignored Iggy's slur, hmm. wonder why??

Will
said
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Seems all the trolls from the basement of the University of Toronto are leaping over each other to post thier insults today (pun intended). While I did not really care for the man, I respect him and his work. Sorry to see him go. As for the trolls, back into the dark recesses of Josef Stalin U. for you lot.

Bumpy Road
said
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I won't complain

Colin Gee
said
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When Stock & Chuck waddle off into the sunset, it just means there's space at the trough for a couple of more greedy, incompetent oinkers.

Norm
said
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William said "If you want real reform elect a conservative majority and watch them reform the senate." Wiliam, William, Willam. . .do you seriously not realise that the House doesn't have the power to reform the Senate?

Robert King
said
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Stockwell came along during an exciting time in Canadian history. it was a time where the people took back their Country from the morally bankrupt left.Thank you for your service Mr. Day, and God Bless!!!

Jim Kane
said
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It appears that a number of Conservatives have had enough! Now what about Bev Oda, is she going to resign or get fired? What about Jason Kenney?

Joyce
said
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Thank you for your service Mr. Strahl and Mr. Day. Wishing you both well in your future endeavours.To the naysayers, your comments are nothing more than belittling yourself as your endeavours are only to make insulting remarks on those who have given up their private lives, to serve our Country by being there to make a difference to our daily lives.

Bob
said
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Time to change course, Even the high profile tories are leaving the one man party where only Steven Harper speaks and get away with bad things. Time to bring the Liberals to power.

Audra Splepper
said
0 0

Who cares whether he runs or not because the world is headed for doom. We're all gonna die!

Elias Nasrallah
said
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Once again the Lefties are on the attack. If you don't agree with them, they will attack you, insult you and degrade you. The Left always attack your way of life such as religion. Such is the life of a Lefty. It is the only way they think people will listen to them. As for those who claim that Mr. Day is in it for the money, I don't see or hear of any Liberal or NDP say they don't want thier pension!

stevo
said
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With Stockwell retiring there seems to be, for Canadian voters at least, light at the end of the Day. A few more retirements would make it even brighter.

William
said
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Why don't all the venon spewing people crawl back under your political rocks. Politicians on both side get the pensions etc. If you want real reform elect a conservative majority and watch them reform the senate. What about the convicted liberal senator who has taken 700,000.00 plus dollars along with his fraudelent ways. Enough said.... Go Harper!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brian
said
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Have all of you Day fans forgotten he cost Alberta taxpayers $800,000 when he opened up his mouth and compared gays with pedophiles? I'm a Conservative but it astounded me how the party faithful could forgive this

LaurieL
said
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Hurray!

Bob,Calgary,Alberta
said
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Well, today the comments in this blog have sunk to a new low. It is a sad situation when one reads comments from the Lefties vilifying people who have spent a large portion of their lives serving their country. It seems there is something in Liberal voter DNA that can't stand anyone with views that differ from their own. It is true that the pensions these gents will receive are out of line with the norm but this no reason to scoff at what they have done. Good luck Chuck and Stockwell and thank you for your service to a generally ungrateful Canadian public.

Alethia
said
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Mr Day is well loved in his Okanagan riding. Not because of his party or political affiliation so much as he works very hard for his constituency.

I thought it took a lot to hang in there despite the political wringer.
He is a hero because of that in my mind.

A politician can say aliens created life on the planet, if they demonstrate the kind of integrity Stock did for us--any day of the week. I see parliament diminished somewhat with his retirement.

Gord. Robson, Nova Scotia
said
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Stockwell Day is a hardworking honorable M.P.I thank him for 25 years of service to Canada !.........I am very ashamed of some the the commentors here !...We should give credit where it is due.

Steve in Vancouver
said
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Stockwell Day certainly is a character who added to the Canadian fabric. He is what you would describe as staunch and represented his beliefs well. The Conservatives have stood up very well to the bluster and lies and hidden dirt of the federal and provincial Liberal parties. His legacy will continue to shine on the hypocrisy of self interest politicians and also on the elitist catering to special interest groups of the Liberal party.

Robt. D. Miles
said
0 0

Pension, before you give ( Day ) credit for knocking down Pension's , etc... look at( The Golden " P e n s i o n " ) D A Y will leave with !!!He's not saying he is waving his Pension , because he is Not , almost $200,000 a year in Pension , & allot of other Perc's go to these Guy's that are Retiring !!! All Politician , Line thier Own Pocket's , Municipal, Provencial, & Federal ...They learn Early in Life , how to Change to Rukes, Award Contract's, etc...

reece
said
0 0

Stockwell Day was the funniest of them all - I still can't forget the time he used a seadoo to convince Canadians that he was the better candidate than PM Jean Chretien. I LOVED every minute of that campaign. Thanks for the laughs, Day - nobody can ever claim a conservative is without a sense of humour.

not-nuff-said
said
0 0

They are looking forward to senate seats and the heafty salary and pension it will bring.

Joan Kerrigan
said
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Let's hope some other Harperites join these guys.

andrei
said
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No doubt that Mr Day has put in the hours and earned his pension, and is due some measure of gratitude. Somehow, though, I feel a measure of our battered democracy has just been restored. For all his hype about wanting small government and more transparency, he has merrily collaborated to form the most fascist government in Canadian history. Good bye and God bless you Mr Day. Enjoy your retirement and kindly do not make a come back!

Vancouver Girl
said
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Stockwell Day will be missed! He's been a wonderful representative for BC.

bruno
said
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And will they take a tax payer funded pension? Didn't they come in as reformers saying that they wouldn't?

chrisinOntariariari-Oh!
said
0 0

It's too bad as the government is losing two hard working and dedicated minister's.I hope they do well in any future endeavours as any change from the current cut throat scene in Ottawa has got to be an improvement.

another opinion
said
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As one of the many who joined the Alliance Party simply to vote for Stockwell Day to rid him from our province of Alberta, I can only guess Mr. Day will return to his roots of being an auctioneer, who until now by virtue of that experience Mr. Harper entrusted him with the Treasury Department. Makes sense to me. BC please keep on your side of the mountains. We'll be forever grateful.

happy
said
0 0

A perfect opportunity for them to get their high school diplomas!

John
said
0 0

I Would like to see Stockwell Day as the next leader of the BC Conservative Party and future Premier of the Province. The next provincial election is in 2 plus years so the timing would be right for it to happen. He would be great with managing the taxpayers money and trade with the asian pacific as well as being a Reformer to pull back on public sector unions and their blodded pay and benefits packages. I for one would vote for Stockwell as I am a conservative who would not be able to vote for either main parties in the next election and believing that the need for a strong and right leaning party is essential for our province's future. With Mr Days 25 years of proven political experience I would only ask the he consider perhaps another 6 or 10 years of service to his fellow BC brothers and sisters wanting some sanity in provincial politics and return to some fiscal accountability for the taxpayer. I would see a leader like Mr Day as Premier of the province developing a stronger se ondary valued added industry for the province's natural resources and not leading a government gambling the future on gambling. I will leave this to your consideration Mr Day

B. Kelley, Respect in Ontario
said
0 0

It's interesting that so many Liberals are incapable of separating the man from the politics. Because he holds certain personal beliefs that they take issue with he is vilified by many as a nut case unworthy of respect. His defense of family values is seen as an attack on the leftist socialist agenda. His attempts to bring back a measure of true justice to our country makes him a Neanderthal. The fact is that he has been a very dedicated individual who has survived the snake infested political swamp for 25 years. Very few of us could handle the personal and professional abuse that goes with that territory and still retain our senses of humour and self-worth. I hated Jean Chretien's politics but I admired his toughness and tenacity and his unmatched ability to lead his party. It's called giving credit where credit is due and respect where respect is due. Those are things almost totally missing from today's political climate

SW Calgary Guy
said
0 0

This Albertan is not sad to see him go. I'm hoping he doesn't have political ambitions in Alberta

Mike in Pembroke
said
0 0

@ Redneck Vic, well said and you are right. I see the CPC haters are stooping to a new low as per normal. This man has given 25 years to public office and even if you do not agree with his ideas you should still wish him well for his years of service to Canada. Then again I forgot that the Liberal supporters do not care about anyone that is not Liberal. What does that say about Liberals like Scottish Terror, angela in Toronto, Paul and others who have posted insults to Mr. Day.

Richard in New Brunswick
said
0 0

What's this "thank you for your long service..." stuff? The way some people talk you'd think Stockwell volunteered his time all these years! The man's made a fortune at the public trough and I'm sure even he's been able to calculate that he's got enough years in to collect a nice fat pension for the rest of his life that likely exceeds by far the total income of the average working Canadian. Politicians and bureaucrats make big money, have full benefits, and life-long big pensions and I don't think it's for what they actually do in their jobs... I think it's mostly a reward for all the BS and boredom they have to put up with in those jobs.

Jamie, Ottawa
said
0 0

Finally some good news!

17Biscuits
said
0 0

Stockwell Day will be missed. He is a good man with impeccable integrity, all too rare in political circles these days.

anonymous
said
0 0

'Stockwell's political life won't live to see another 'Day'?

GWWH
said
0 0

Well I can't say I am sorry to see Mr. Day leave politics. The more of these ultra radical Reformers leave the better. However .... a thank you for your service to the people of Canada and best wishes are genuine.

Peter in MB
said
0 0

It is a sad day when Stockwell announces his retirement! He was the one back in the Canadian Alliance days that led the western grass roots movement of MP�s pension reform, senate reform and Crime control NOT Gun control. He also started the general western discontent towards Ottawa to recognize that Canada dose not end at the Manitoba Ontario border. If was not for your hard work Mr. Day we would not have the good government we do today and the west would not have the level of respect in now has as being just as important as any other part of Canada. And soon we will stop blaming the law abiding citizen for the crime and start putting the person responsible (the criminal) when they belong (in jail). Thank you for your years of hard work service to this great country Mr. Day. And I wish you all the best in the future.

angela in Toronto
said
0 0

Yes!!!...outta here. Goodbye!!!!

Dave in Qc.
said
0 0

I heard he is going to become a jet ski instructor.

Jared from T-dot
said
0 0

Now he'll have more time to think about how the world is only 4000 years old, and dinosaurs and humans were once pals. One less ideological nut bar in the CON stable

Mark in Richmond Hill
said
0 0

Maybe he'll ride into the sunset on a jet ski

Paul
said
0 0

Looks like Stockwell finally wised up and realized Harper and his red tories have no use for any members who were more associated with the Reform Party than with the P.C.s before the hostile takeover of the Reform Party wrongly called a "merger".

Greg in the Hammer
said
0 0

When the Titanic sank it wasn't the women and children who got off first - it was the rats

Redneck Vic
said
0 0

It is too bad to see such a nice guy retire but who can blame anybody in politics now wanting to get out with the way they are treated by the opposition.

Scottish Terror
said
0 0

In the Harper Regime the Rats don't get any say in the running of the ship...might as well jump off.

john
said
0 0

he participated in the in and out scheme so it makes sense.

Rational Thinker
said
0 0

Oddly competent in some ways yet basically viewed the Flintstones as a documentary. I liked him better than most of Harper's gang.

PAUL ~ KITCHENER
said
0 0

" CONGRATULATIONS MINISTER DAY " ! Your dedicated service to Canada has been one of Honesty, Conviction, Principle , & Dedication to the positions you have held over the years. Your "Chiristian Valus, & Principles", can be your lasting " Epitaph " to others, sitting in the House of Commons. You have earned your rest, and your family who have stood beside you all these years in politics, now deserve your full time & dedication. We Canadians can only say "THANK YOU ! You have earned the "RESPECT of the NATION " ~ May GOD grant you longevity , and the knowledge you have done your best. Aurevoir mon confrere et bonne voyage !

bill
said
0 0

stockwell is probably fed up with the way politics are today. he always seemed like a decent guy and i wish him the best

Stu
said
0 0

It's hard to see the coolest political name slide from our sights....Best of luck with future affairs Mr. Day, you've had a busy career thus far.

Tom
said
0 0

The article is written as though anyone would care. We do not.

Jared
said
0 0

a man that had great integrity

George from Labrador
said
0 0

I am not a Conservative or Alliance supporter but when someone gives 25 years of themselves to public life, I have to say thank you and my hat is off to you!!!!!

Doug ^^^ BC
said
0 0

Interesting. Maybe even Stock is getting tired of the hypocrisy and arrogance that surrounds him.

James in Toronto
said
0 0

Good, this guy and his religion in politics, along with his other insane views will be one small step towards a better government.

allan
said
0 0

S. Day is a bright, valuable asset to the government and to Canada, and I am sad to see him go. But, I dont blame him as 25 years is more than enough of that political b.s.I am afraid we will not attract talented people such as him to public service as more and more of them are low calibre idiots.

Raymond
said
0 0

Most unfortunate. Mr. Day has been a hard-working, highly effective member of this government, as was he at a provincial level.

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