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NDP Leader Jack Layton asks a question during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Thursday, March 10, 2011. NDP Leader Jack Layton appears on CTV's Question Period on Sunday, March 13, 2011. President of the Treasury Board Stockwell Day appears on CTV's Question Period, Sunday, March 13, 2011. NDP Leader Jack Layton appears on CTV's Question Period on Sunday, March 13, 2011.

Layton says no indication gov't met his budget demands

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CTV News Video

CTV National News: Richard Madan on the budget
If you're among Canadians betting against a federal election, growing advice from Ottawa says don't risk your money. Several developments over the weekend are adding to mounting speculation that we are indeed heading for a spring vote.
CTV's Question Period: NDP leader Jack Layton
As an election looms, Layton says he does not want to support the Conservative government; he does want to 'get things done' and implement practical programs.
CTV's Question Period: Minister Stockwell Day
The Treasury Board president says after 25 years, he and his wife decided it was the right time for him to leave public office, saying 'it's not retirement, it's re-alignment.'

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NDP Leader Jack Layton asks a question during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Thursday, March 10, 2011. NDP Leader Jack Layton appears on CTV's Question Period on Sunday, March 13, 2011. President of the Treasury Board Stockwell Day appears on CTV's Question Period, Sunday, March 13, 2011. NDP Leader Jack Layton appears on CTV's Question Period on Sunday, March 13, 2011.

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NDP Leader Jack Layton asks a question during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Thursday, March 10, 2011.

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Date: Sun. Mar. 13 2011 7:41 PM ET

NDP Leader Jack Layton says he has received "no indication" from the federal government that any of his suggestions have been included in the upcoming budget, ideas that were a condition of his party's support.

Layton said Sunday he hasn't heard from Prime Minister Stephen Harper since the two sat down several weeks ago to discuss the NDP's key demands for the budget.

Layton told CTV's Question Period that Harper has not said whether any of his ideas have made it into the budget's final draft, which could kill his party's support for the budget and kick-start an election campaign.

"I don't want to support this particular government. I do want to get things done," Layton said.

"However, the fact that we've really had no indication from the government that they're doing anything significant, you've got to assume that that budget document's probably been sent off to some printer somewhere already being printed. So, the prime minister has either made his decisions, or he's about to make them, and he essentially has the choice to make here about whether we end up in an election or whether we have parties working together to get results."

Layton has been calling for budget provisions that would boost CPP and GIS payments for seniors, increase funding to get more doctors and nurses into family medicine and end federal taxes on home heating fuel.

"We've called for these steps…they are reasonable, they are practical, and we want the government to follow through on it," Layton said Sunday. "But we're not hearing much of a sign that they will."

Finance Minister Jim Flaherty has not committed to any of Layton's ideas, and has dismissed some of them as too expensive. However, Flaherty told CTV's Power Play recently that the opposition parties "will find that there are some measures in there that they would like."

Layton said despite having hip surgery little more than a week ago, he is ready to hit the campaign trail.

The NDP leader said he is following a physiotherapy regimen and is working the phones "and using these modern technologies that are available to us in order to get the message out and preparing for a campaign if we have to have one."

On Saturday, announcements by three Tory MPs that they will not seek re-election when Canadians next head to the polls ramped up speculation that Harper is clearing the decks and making way for new nominees in those ridings, signaling he is expecting his government to fall.

Treasury Board President Stockwell Day, Transport Minister Chuck Strahl and MP John Cummins all announced their intentions not to run.

"I think it says that the Harper administration has said to their MPs, ‘we're going into an election so if you're not running again you'd better announce it now,' otherwise there's really no other explanation for it, that I can see," Layton said.

However, Day said Sunday that while the government believes the opposition parties "might be trying to force an election," Harper did not pressure his MPs about whether or not they were committed to running.

"Absolutely no pressure from the prime minister at all," Day told Question Period. "As matter of fact he told me he was surprised, as clearly we enjoy our relationship together, it's a very good one, and he was surprised and disappointed but he respects the decision me and my wife have made."

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MikefromQuebec
said
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Jack, what did you expect? C'mon, do you really think anyone in the country outside Toronto, let alone the Prime Minister, cares about you and your demands? You are part of a party that given it's way would bankrupt this country with your social programs. (See Nova Scotia and think back to Bob Raes Ontario for what to expect from NDP) I expect that we'll get an election called sometime in the next week or two, because the Liberals are scared to death that the Harper government will bring down a budget that shows a smaller than expected deficit and if that happens they won't be able to condemn the Conservative policies. You on the other hand are a fringe party that will probably never gain any more power than you have right now, as a balancing point propping up a minority party. If you bite that hand, you will lose all the clout you do have, so why don't you take your demands and go pound sand. Let the government govern.


Thumbs
said
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Would love to see"thumbs" for those who expect governments to be perfect. Thumbs up for expectation of perfection - thumbs down for this current government despite their hiccups. I ask this because I believe some Canadians have unrealistic expectations out of their governments. They project their own dissatisfaction in life to some degree onto their elected MP's. Thumbs??


Linda in Vancouver
said
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I have to laugh at people who think we can stop overspending by turfing Harper.Are you out of your minds? If he goes,just who do you think is going to cut spending? Surely not the Liberals or the NDP.They are the champions of free programs.Bribes to people gullible enough to think they really are free. I'm not totally satisfied with this Conservative government either.But we are in a global recession,and it was,after all,the politcal left that screamed for even more stimulus spending and more free social programs.Squaking about the deficit now is hypocisy in the extreme. Besides,if if you really want to talk about money and influence,ask the lefty winers in this country about the special interest groups and lobbyists that they love to support.All those environmental activists and lobby groups that get most of their money from charitable foundation is the good old USA. Yep. American "charitable foundations" paying enviro groups in Canada.If tht doesn't give you cause to ask questions,you are just not paying attention.These envro groups are influencing policy in Canada by lobbying against every pipe line,every oil tanker,every fish farm,and Lord knows what else.And trust me,it is NOT Harper they are lobbying. Is it a coincidence that the Liberals are led by somone who is at least as much American as he is Canadian,and that their policies around oil and fish benefit the USA,and cost Canada? Was it Americans who caused Dion to sign a flawed Kyoto deal? If you are not wondering about how the USA is influencing the political lefties in Canada, you should be.


Uncommon Sense
said
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Naveed, you're still thumping for the party with only like 12% in the polls and never been a favorite choice by Canadians and never will because the NDP philosophy doesn't resonate with "working Canadians" who understand they are the ones who have to foot the tax bill for all of Jack Layton's socialist proposals. It's not really about left or right but it is about right or wrong for Canada.


Laurie
said
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I cannot understand why anyone would pay attention to the ndp or jack when they talk about financial matters. The ndp have proven they are fiscally irresponsible and inept. The only reason jackie boy makes outlandish promises of help and extra money for everyone is because he knows very well he will NEVER be Prime Minister. That is why he took his only slim chance of having a cabinet seat and partnered with the iggy and a party whose sole purpose is to destroy Canada in the vain attemp to gain power. bob rae and his ndp almost put Ontario into bankruptcy, that is simply the ndp way is it not!!Saskatchewan is now a HAVE province under sound fiscal management by the Sask Party. Had we been silly enough to continue with the ndp party in this province we would have continued the no growth and mass exodus of our citizens to Alberta and Ontario. layton is simply a bad joke.


Spence in Ontario
said
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People remember that in a minority government the governing party does not have a mandate to do everything on their own. In order to stay in power they are required to get the support of a majority of MPs, meaning that they usually need at least one other party to vote with them. That in turn usually means compromising both through dialogue and by giving the other party something to vote for. Harper has not really done this and has in the past never negotiated with good will towards the other parties. He isn't making a visible effort to compromise with any of the other 3 parties (mind you I would be tempted to exclude the BQ for having the most erroneous demands in $5 billion extra for Quebec). This means that if there is an election it is largely Harper's responsibility for not negotiating. I personally think the opposition requests of the NDP and liberals are not really erroneous either and would help the country in the long run.


Eileen
said
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perhaps what the Canadian Government - and I mean all parties - should be focusing on assisting their fellow humans in Japan as opposed to posturing for the next election.I am sure most Canadians would rather see their hard earned election dollars supporting human disaster relief than fulfilling the egos of our politicians.


Brian
said
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Aren't budgets supposed to be secret? Why would the government tell opposition parties what the document contains?


truck driver man
said
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To talk about conservatives or liberls being good economic stewards is a bit laughable. Both parties beleive in neoliberal economics to the point where on a graph they're neck and neck. No this election would be about corruption and how money's been miss spent. $300 grand bribes to ex PMs, The next PM was $100 million dolar thief in the minds of many canadians , protection and business for Jaffer and his friends, We haven't forgotten Dingwal, mega prisons, an even worse free trade deal with the EU then NAFTA, ect ect ect It all adds up to the same thing. Both parties are moraly bankrupt on the issues of economics and corruption. Nothing they can say to the 48 - 52% of Canadians who have opted out of voting in past elections will matter now.. The election will go to the NDP unless something catastrophic happens to the world.


Doug ^^^ BC
said
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The tax cuts can only come from borrowed money as we have such a large debt and deficit. Money to seniors, people with disabilities and the poor will be spent and instantly help the economy. They have no choice but to spend their money as right now they decide month to month on whether to buy food, pay rent or heat their homes. For my conservative friends, please keep in mind that helping those in need will in fact help you to make more money and is a better use of your tax dollars as you are investing in people and our future as a country.


Doug ^^^ BC
said
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The tax cuts can only come from borrowed money as we have such a large debt and deficit. Money to seniors, people with disabilities and the poor will be spent and instantly help the economy. They have no choice but to spend their money as right now they decide month to month on whether to buy food, pay rent or heat their homes. For my conservative friends, please keep in mind that helping those in need will in fact help you to make more money and is a better use of your tax dollars as you are investing in people and our future as a country.


Wayne in HRM
said
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Layton comes and truthfully says "We will support this government and keep them in power, if they will just help the elderly. That's all, just a little help for the elderly" And what do we hear from the Con posters? Nothing but dismissal and disrespect for the concerns for the elderly which he has brought forward. Cons supporters are so narrow minded and self centered that they will dismiss help for the elderly because it wasn't Stephen Harper's idea. It will never be "Stephen Harper's idea" because he is the Bernie Madoff of politicians to these elderly people. 10 years of this guy and the elderly will wake up to find they have nothing left, that the government has taken it all and they must fend for themselves. That may be perfect in the Con world where turning on your own is second nature and a coveted trait, but in the real world we care about our grandparents and elderly friends in need and don't desire or deserve to live in your Neo-Con fascist version of democracy and fairness.


Wayne in HRM
said
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Not hard to pick out the planted CPC posters on this site. From elderly people who just love Harper and hate those pesky Liberals, to the average man who thinks Harper does such a great job and the opposition is there to rubber stamp his policies and not oppose them. CTV really needs a new system to keep the Party loyalist and "planted" average person off the site.

Richard and Esther Provencher
said
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My wife and I are seniors and we believe our PM Harper and his party have done much good for our country. Yes, there have been missteps, yet nothing so terrible as to warrant some of the gibes from some folks {Mr. Chretien and Mr. Trudeau had their share of serious slips).Mr. Layton, in my opinion is very sly, and knows he will not support the budget no matter what is in it because the Conservatives will not cut out the Corporate cuts, which everyone knows creates jobs. I wish Mr. Layton would stop playing name-games. He is the one who will determine if there is an election, and not PM Harper. Now if the Liberals would only stop trying to be the righteous police (they're not ethical giants either) and vote one way or the other on the upcoming budget. We believe PM Harper has earned a majority. For those Liberals who believe they are the only party in this country, give someone else a majority chance to prove you wrong.


Naveed
said
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I can't believe some of the comments here. While I am not an NDP supporter and fan of Jack Layton, whatever he proposes to be included in the budget is GOOD for the average Canadian, and all Canadian seniors. You have to be daft not to agree. The fact that Harper has not given him any indication at all, proves that the Conservatives are now yearning for an election. This is due to what the Harper government sees as favourable polls lately, and that their indiscretions and corruption won't resonate with Canadians. Instead of slamming the NDP and Jack Layton you should criticize the real culprits--the Conservatives and the government.


Kevin B
said
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Agree with those who say it would be odd if Layton knew even a single part of the budget beforehand.This is now the longest we've ever gone with minority government in Canada ... over 6.5 years so far. I don't get anyone who says majority gov't is less accountable than minority rule: the governing party is fully responsible for the gov't agenda in a majority, as they can't blame any of the opposition for holding them back or forcing them to do things. Plus we get four years of peace and quiet in between deciding whether the gov't deserves to continue, or to be replaced by an alternative.


danR
said
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.You cannot stop a government juggernaut founded upon monosyllabic words, and short vocabularies:tax, cut, tough love, wealth.People are so dumbed-down now by manufactured consent they just get confused by:union, fairness, social capital, regulation, whistleblower, accountability, transparency.


Gord. Robson , Nova Scotia
said
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Layton and Ignatieff both seem to think that opposition parties are supposed to oppose everything the government does when in fact that is NOT their job. Their job is to keep the government in "check" and to move things along like the crime bills. The opposition does not really care about you and I !...All they care is about power !.....They want to bring the government down BEFORE the budget because they know that the Conservatives had done a fantastic job on the economy and that the deficit is much lower than what many have been saying !!.... We need to give the Conservatives the Majority that they have earned !


shawn from brampton
said
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Everyone please consider that the only reason we didn't suffer through the world economic melt down. Is because there's always been the NDP to vote for if either the liberals or conservatives became to corrupt..


Dave in Edmonton
said
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We need to stop this borrow and spend Harper Government before it is too late... They are spending 26 Million on wasteful partisan ads using our tax dollars... With all the events going on in the world we can't sit back and allow reckless spending and reckless disregard for our democratic procedures... Harpers 'oh well' response to Election Fraud, Lying to Parliament, With holding key financial information for his policies and the F35's doubling in cost shows he has no idea what he is doing or doesn't care... Both are scary and something all Canadians need to think about, especially those who support Harper need to ask themselves if this is how they would want future governments to work and react? Remember, the Conservatives won't be in power forever, so if future Liberal governments do the same, will you be silent? I know I won't be...


happy
said
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Never before in our history has a government been found in contempt of parliament until the Harper government. Not once but twice! It's absolutely shameful behaviour and the Reform Regressive Conservative do not deserve the honour of being our government. They have to go! Now! This is the final time they can be permitted to embarrass and shame us and play Canadians for fools and idiots. It breaks my heart to see them destroy Canada.


vince in trenton
said
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Just another chance for Jack to think he controls the outcome of Budget day.....if we make it that far.....this is another example of why we need a majority government in Canada, so we don't have people who will never be PM thinking they can control everything......the NDP and the Bloc are road blocks and will be until a majority is had again....if Jack were told his requests were met can you imagine his reaction to that...........it would be worse that Watergate.


Jack Who?
said
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I hope this sideshow in Ottawa ends soon. The Conservatives need a clear majority. I shudder to think what the state of the economy would be if Layton or any of those other left wing bozos were ever put in charge. Mayor Ford is knee deep in cleaning up Toronto's shattered economy after a decade of left wing pork barreling which Layton and Chow had more than a hand in creating. Did you know those two lived in subsidized housing while both sitting on Toronto City Council? Talk about communist entitlements that would make Stalin proud. There is no way Jack Layton or any of the dippers can be allowed to have a say in the budget. I would like to see the NDP eradicated in Ottawa and Layton made to pay back all those decades of housing subsidies.


Patricia
said
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It is very ovious that this page is being taken over by Harperites and although I think that Jack should cool his jets, I do not think that a Harper majority is the way to go. There has been too much deceit, lying, gamesmanship and arrogance on the part of Harper that even some of his party hacks are running for the doors to get away. Certainly tells me that even his "loyal" supporters cannot abide the politics of the man, a would be king. And by the way, it is not the Harper Government , it is the Government of Canada.


Mark
said
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That's good because the government has no obligation to meet the demands of those not making up the government.


Mike
said
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Just who does Jack Layton think he is. No, do not answer that question as I know the answer. He thinks he is the next PM in waiting and the Mr. Harper has to get back to him and tell him that the NDP demands are being met in the budget. Jack never thinks straigh, he is so out of touch with reality that he has no idea what Canadians want. Jack, I dare you to vote the budget down and force an election. I can see the head lines right after the election now. NDP to vote in new leader....


Reece
said
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Definition; "Arrogance: overbearing pride evidenced by superior manner towards inferiors." - - my question to the conservatives is how you became arrogant to begin with considering you haven't held real power in Parliament since Brian Mulroney left office? The majority of Canadians do not vote for the right in this country and that is evidenced by the fact that Harper failed to form a majority many times - so many times I've lost count. If you are arrogant it needs to come from a position of majority otherwise you behave exactly like an 8 yr old child talking back at his father. Harper can't go to the bathroom without asking the opposition for permission. Again, where does this arrogance come from?


Doug ^^^ BC
said
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When it comes to Layton and the NDP,"Calgary Craig" has it right.He whines about the budget deficit,yet all his programs and demands call for even more spending on social programs.He whines about tax cuts and "corporate welfare,at the same time as he demands that tax dollars be used to bail out his union buddies.In all of his budget proposals,EVERY idea is about more spending.NOT ONE proposal that does anything to actually increase wealth,and generate the money it takes to fund all that spending.The man and his party are a hypocritcal joke when it comes to economics.According to Jack all our wants and desires should be FREE.Even as we speak,Olivia Chow is pushing to have more elderly family re-unification immigrants,and Ruby Dhalla and her Liberal coherts are working to make them eligible for OAP in only three years.If you accept the reality that nothing is FREE,who do you think is going to pay for all this generosity? Every dime the government spends on one person,has been confiscated from some one else.Or,the next generation of Canadians.I fear many greedy voters will vote for the FREE programs,because those are things they really WANT.But when they get them,of they do,they will find there is no money left to pay for the things we really NEED.Defense,crime,immigration, health care and economic development come to mind right away. All three left wing parties in this country are conspicous by their silence and any of these issues..Just more FREE prorams.


shawn
said
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ha ha to all the conservitive lovers in here. this is the election where all the people who've ever stayed home come out to vote NDP liberal and conservative governments and politicians i think will only have their bases voting for them the rest of us understand the the only reason Canada is true strong and free is because of the NDP. we understand the the only reason Canada came out of the world economic melt down was because of the NDP the world is speaking very loudly. everywhere people are trying to oust their corrupt leaders and governments.. say goodbey to your conservative and liberal masters.. on election day Canadians will vote NDP


Darrell In Calgary
said
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Average Canadians know that releasing budget details in advance of the budget being read/released in the House of Commons would be an extremely serious breach of the law Mr. Layton, but who really cares anyway? Even if the opposition parties vote against it and force a another needless federal election, the outcome will be virtually decided before the vote count even crosses the Ontario/Manitoba border. Time for some electoral reform to better reflect the evolving economic contributions of the Western provinces (which will NEVER happen ... and is the single greatest fear of the established ruling parties in Ottawa and Toronto). And if you folks in Eastern Canada think that Quebec seperation isn't a real threat, just wait until you hear the rallying cry from Western Canada if the federal Fibberals somehow manage to form even a minority government!


dwol
said
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This is where I think that a minority government is a good thing when it comes to keeping it honest as politics get. What ever the budget is, its not going to please anyone that is for sure. Layton just regurgitates what the average Canadian thinks with no intention of carrying any of the rhetoric he spews out. Typical NDP (no hope of ever being elected)


rose
said
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Japan is having all types of problems and all jack layton cares about is his demands?


Rob Canadian
said
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Im sorry Layton when you reach a major vote in this country you don't have much say,all your party is doing is milking the tax payers of Canada for a hand out for a party that barely exists.


Brenda
said
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Jack my boy, Prime Minister Stephen Harper does not answer to you so there is no need for him to get back to you. You will find out on budget day like the rest of us what is in the budget. You are so full of yourself that you think everyone including the PM must answer to you. Think again! At no time did the PM say he would ensure the NDP's key demands for the budget would be use. Jack, when you see the budget, if you do not like it then you have to decide if you will go against the peoples wishes and defeat the government. If you do then be prepaired for the fall out.


Alexandria
said
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Dear Mr. Layton: Maybe the way you started the conversation about the budget has a bit to do with you getting no reply. How in the name of heck did you get the idea you could DEMAND anything?If you put forward good fiscally reasonable requests(not demands) I am sure they will be taken into consideration.Your insistence that Seniors need a big bundle of cash and compensations are far from the truth. Most of us on a pension do quite nicely.Health care, medications and some receive supplements for rent. What else could we need?


Drew in NS
said
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I'm pretty sure there are a lot of Nova Scotia NDP MP's worried about being re elected after their provincial counterpart's very short history of screwing the province up.


Paul ~ Kitchener
said
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If Jack Layton just read the comments listed here, the message to him, and his useless party, would be loud and clear. Like Tonto said to the "Lone Ranger", ~ better saddle up kimmo sahbe, and lets get outta town!" If one just sat down, and thought what the NDP & BLOC cost we the pople ~ we would run them outta town ourselves. Millions and Millions of $'s lost on these 2 parties of non-producers & grafters. This is a 2 party Nation and it should be so by law. Canadians wake up, and vote intelligently, and let the unions have the NDP, & French Separatists their Bloc. Canada has a future, but, not with these fringe, money sucking loosers, hanging onto Canada's coat tail. Vote Liberal or Progressive Conservative or "STAY HOME"!


hollinm
said
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As others have said the budget has to remain confidential until it is released. So Layton will have to cool his jets until March 22nd. If a non confidence vote comes up before that he will have to decide if its better to play parliamentary games or maybe just maybe there will be some of the things he wants included in the document.However, he is not well despite what he is saying and his polling numbers are terrible. He could lose seats with the numbers he has. Layton and the rest of the opposition know the Conservatives are going to win the next election. Anybody looking at Iffy's polling numbers knows that Canadians are not accepting him as a potential PM. Iffy out there everyday for 36 days in his arrogant, condescending and lying ways will seal the majority for the Conservatives. If that happens Layton will have lost seats and have no influence on a majority Conservative government. Could be the end of his leadership of the NDP.


Michael
said
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@ Scottish Terror, before you start calling CPC members rats who are jumping ship, maybe you should sit back and wait to see how many liberal MPs that will decide they do not want to run in the next election. What, there is already 2 that have stated they will not seek relection. I guess you must be including these liberal MPs in that statement of rats jumping a sinking ship. As for Jack not voting for the budget, I wonder how he even knows what is in the budget. It has not been released yet and he along with Iggy knows that if they force an election the NDP and Liberals will take a beating at the polls. Canadians have stated they do not want an election.


Doug ^^^ BC
said
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If you actually look at what the NDP is proposing, it is reasonable and measured. It certainly doesn't include 26 million in advertising.


allan
said
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To Layton/Ignatieff/Duceppe, you complain regularly about money to be spent on needed equipment for our military, and not on more important things, like medical, but I suggest that we save the $400,000,000 that you would waste in an unnecessary election, and spend it on our medical or social systems--but I will bet that your selfishness would not agree to that!


ouifyg
said
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It isn't up to the government to put forward a budget that will pass, it's up to the opposition to accept and vote for whatever the government wants. That's why we have an opposition. It certainly won't be the Harper Government's fault if the budget doesn't pass.


Mike in Ontario
said
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BTW Scottish Terror, what about the Liberals that have stated they will not run in the next election. Are they also rats jumping from Iggys ship wreck called the Liberal Party. No my friend, these people are not rats jumping ship. At a certain point in time people say it is a time for a change. That is why people like myself retire from one job (my case 25 years in the army) and start a second career.

Ian in Calgary
said
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Go ahead Layton, force another election. And be prepared for the consequences. Canadians are getting tired of you and Iggy. You are both power hungry buffoons that bring nothing to the table.


Dean in Abby
said
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Who gives a flying rip what Layton or Iggy wants. Both do not belong on the Canadian stage. Neither represents what any logical thinking taxpayer wants. Good riddance to both after the next election.


Jason from Lindsay
said
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Jack Layton, just like all MPs, must wait until the government brings its budget to Parliament - it wouldn't be fair or accountable to the electorate and their MPs if he or any other opposition party leader got a "sneak peak." I do hope that some of Layton's suggestions make it into budget, namely removing the tax on home heating. It would be a fair political compromise and very helpful to make Canadians. If this or his other suggestions make it in, Mr. Layton had better think real hard on whether to defeat the government - doing so despite this compromise could be disastrous.


Prairie Dog
said
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There's just too many cooks in the kitchen in Canadian politics. I don't even care who wins the next election already, we just need a party running this country with a majority so things can get done. It's always the NDP stopping anyone from getting anything done. They're a perpetual roadblock to progress with next to no chance of ever actually coming into power. And don't even get me started on Quebec being allowed to water down our chances of a majority government even further with their Parti-BlahBlahBlah. They're only there for Quebec, why are they even allowed to run in a federal election? /end rant


brian hancox
said
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Imagine. Jack Layton and his partner Olivia Chow, aka THE MILLIONAIRE COUPLE, are getting ready for a spring election.Nealry 1.4 million each and every year, both of them charging for living expenses while living at the same residence in Ottawa, Jack himself taking more money than any politician in Canada for expenses even though he lives in Toronto and they are going to stand up for the middle class. That is the very class of people that are paying his huge bills and salary. Also jack will now have the opportunity to tell Canadians why he shoved the senior citizen out of the camera when Team Canada scored the winning goal during the Winter Olympics. That was someone's grandparent, and parent he shoved recklessly aside just so he could be in front of the camera.Can;t wait to never vote NDP. Harpers expenses last year $280,000 last year, Iggie's and Jack's practically the same at $560,000 and $580,000.00 each.


Lane
said
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Hey, Layton - leaking a budget is a serious violation of parliamentary rules. If you found out anyone else had been given advance knowledge of its contents, you would slam the government - yet you expect to receive advance info yourself? You'll have to wait for budget day like everyone else.


David in NB
said
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And why should the government do what Mr. Layton "demands"? Last I saw, it's up to the people. To the government, enough of giving into the opposition, I say. Just put forth a budget based on your principles. If it fails in parliament, we'll go to the polls and let the people decide.


Will
said
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Actually, Jack, the majority of Canadians don't really care for the party you represent. While you might have a good idea once in a while, your demands are foolish. Why don't you try doing what an opposition party is supposed to do: working with the government for the benefit of Cananda and acting as a "check" on the governing party instead of being a pack of dogs trying to pull down its prey? You will gain greater respect with Canadians that way-remember one of your predessesors: Ed Broadbent? He understood his role, you don't.


Mike
said
0 0

Ok answer me this how can Jack know what is in the Budget, did he get it already when it has not even been produced and submitted to the house. NO. So Jack, you and Iggy only want one thing and that is spend millons on an election that is not needed. Work with the government for once and not against it. This country is better off without you and Iggy trust me on this one. For those that think we do not need the fighter jets think again. The F18s are old and time to retire. Oh lets buy new F18s not as the Americans are getting rid of them as well. To Jack and Iggy retire and let someone that really cares about this country and someone that will work with the government and the people run your parties. Jack you and your party will never run this country so just fold your party it would be best for all.


AM
said
0 0

We should protest to abolish the NDP.


Calgary Craig
said
0 0

Canadians should educate themselves about marxism, to understand EXACTLY what layton represents.


J.C.
said
0 0

I think with all the current events and tragedies happening in the world the opposition MPs should be more concerned about them than pursuing an election. When will these parliamentarians grow up and start working together to solve major issues instead of feeding their own egos? We do not need to spend money on an election as the results will likely be no different than they currently are.


JR
said
0 0

This man is a dangerous fool. I have had it with these power hungry politicians who waste our tax dollars by forcing elections every 2 years or so. The outcome has always been the same every time with the cons in a minority gov. I think this time Canadians will and need to give the cons a majority to stop the non-stop childish antics from all opposition parties. We have been forced into massive deficits,insane bailouts all due to all opposition parties posturing for power plays. The worst of it is we have a federal party with a large number of seats whose sole purpose is to seperate from Canada. We are a joke in the eyes of the world. The losers are Canadians. It is time for the people of this country to put an end to this insanity. I would rather have a Harper Government in a majority than see our taxes continue to excalate due to these idiots in Ottawa who care nothing about Canadians, only their political ambitions.


allan
said
0 0

Layton is an impractical, socialist, beaurocrat, with no logical suggestions for Canada other than spend endless dollars. He has been in politics far too long and is completely out of touch with the modern world. I think Jack should move on and his party has to change as it is not in tune with a modern industrial country. We need an election now to let the people decide who will lead this country, and we need a majority government, one way or the other, liberal or conservative--the others are becoming irrelevant


Carl
said
0 0

Of course Layton has not received any indication of what is in the budget. If the PM told him anything that will be in the budget, it would be a breach of parliamentary privilege. Then the NDP and other opposition parties would be crying foul. Layton will have to wait until the budget is tabled just like everyone else.


TRex in BC
said
0 0

OK Jack. You are quoted as saying that essentially Harper has the choice to go to the polls. Sorry, but no he doesn't. Both you and Mikey are the ones that essentially have the choice to call an election. The Canadian public have spoken and do not want to waste milions of dollars on yet another election that will end in one of two ways; another Conservative minority or both you and Iggy will be shown the door with your bags packed and a big size 12 boot on your rear differential. The NDP and the Libs have done nothing but DEMAND that the Conservatives do this or do that. We have not forgotten that the opposition demanded that the Conservatives spend billions to support employment during the recession; then the opposition turn around and blame the Conservatives for the deficit. STOP FLIP FLOPPIN~~ The Liberals also were the ones that started Canada down the path to purchase the CF-35 Lightning; investing hundreds of millions in development and research, then they turn around and slam the Conservatives for finishing the deal. I know where my vote will go should we go to the polls!!


Peter in MB
said
0 0

(Layton says no indication gov't met his budget demands)… duh Jack that's because your demands are out to lunch just like you are. Did you actually read the budget? I guess it does not matter because you already said that your party is going to vote against the budget anyway. So drop the act Jack!!!


alfred
said
0 0

The coalition should see what's in the budget first before jumping the gun. If they(coalition) defeat the government then they better be prepared to face the tsunami from the voters. I BET A CONSERVATIVE MAJORITY GOVERNMENT WILL BE IN THE MAKING.


Scottish Terror
said
0 0

The Rats are bailing the ship of the Harper Regime. Even Cabinet Ministers have had enough of the Dictator and his Bully Tactics, Lies and Cover-ups.


Fastmoney
said
0 0

Jack you want to get things done what a joke. Uou have spent the last five years voting against everthing this goverment has put forward. As for Iggy he should have stayed at Harvard and kept his cotton picking fingers off Canadian politics.


David
said
0 0

Layton will not be happy, no matter which party forms the next government, unless he is apart of it. He is not in politics for the people he says he represents, but rather it is self motivational. He has no thoughts of voting for the budget, all he is doing is setting himself up as the one that did not let the people of Canada down, when he votes the budget down. I would hate to see this country, if Layton got any power in government. We would then be classified as a third world country after he gets done with his agenda.


Steve in Vancouver
said
0 0

How about all those Liberal MPs who have the worse attendance record in Parliament? Why don't they quit? Check out the list voters. If they won't do the honourable thing and retire kick them out at the next election, which will be soon I hope.


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