As rhetoric rises, parties inch closer to May vote

Canadians should be prepared for a spring election. The federal opposition says it's planning to bring the government down on Friday. The Liberals introduced a motion of non-confidence that could force Canadians to the polls in May.

Power Play: Panel of MPs on Parliament

NDP MP Megan Leslie, Liberal MP Ruby Dhalla and Tory MP Dean Del Mastro discuss Parliament's productivity and the need for an election.

CTV Winnipeg: Laura Lowe on parties facing off

The federal parties appear headed to an election in Canada. Prime Minister Stephen Harper doesn't want an election yet he still isn't making any amendments to the budget. What does a possible election mean for Manitobans?

CTV Toronto: Canadians most likely going to the polls

Tom Hayes reports on political parties as they get set to go the polls.

CTV Montreal: Kai Nagata on the wait

With a federal election looming, the Quebec Liberals and Bloc Quebecois are still waiting for the feds to cough up a $2.2 billion tax harmonization payment.

CTV Ottawa: Norman Fetterley on preparing for an election

Prime Minister Stephen Harper accuses the opposition parties of jeopardizing Canada's economic recovery, by rejecting the federal budget. Meanwhile, Jack Layton says the budget should offer more.

CTV Montreal: Caroline Van Vlaardingen reports

Conservatives may have some openings in Montreal and here's a look at three Montreal-area federal ridings that could possibly allow for a Conservative victory in the spring election.

Question period: Liberals and Tories debate

Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff says his party cannot support the budget because its priorities are 'bad for Canadians.' The Tories fight back, saying Canadians do not want an election.

Question period: Bloc slams the Tories

Bloc Quebecois Leader Gilles Duceppe says the federal budget does not support the interests of Quebeckers, and the government should compensate Quebec for harmonization tax.

Question period: NDP Leader Jack Layton

Layton says the government presented a job-killing budget that does not help Canadian families. He accuses the Tories of putting the needs of 'Bay Street' first.

CTV News Channel: Harper on the rejected budget

Prime Minister Stephen Harper says he is disappointed the opposition did not take time to read the budget before jumping to conclusions. He explains how an election may rock the country's economic recovery.

CTV News Channel: Liberal Leader Ignatieff

The Liberal leader says his party will introduce a motion of non-confidence against the Tories. Ignatieff says the governments priorities are not in the best interest of Canadians and they have failed to show respect for a democratic institution.

CTV News Channel: NDP Leader Jack Layton

NDP Leader Jack Layton says the Tories have had five years to fix what's wrong in Parliament, to deliver on his promise to make life more affordable for Canadians and to clean up scandal in Ottawa once and for all, but instead he has made it worse, which is why the NDP will not support the budget.

CTV News Channel: Nik Nanos, Nanos Research

The president of Nanos Research explains where each federal party stands in the polls and whether another election will result with another minority government. He also discusses whether Canadians desire to have another election.

CTV Edmonton: Scott Roberts on the fallout

The prime minister says it's not too late for opposition parties to avoid an election calling on them to reconsider a move that could bring down the government.

CTV News Channel: Craig Oliver from Ottawa

CTV's chief political correspondent says there was never any doubt that Michael Ignatieff would put forward a motion of non-confidence. He says both Harper and Ignatieff will immediately begin to persuade voters on which party should lead the country.

CTV Toronto: Budget dismissal means election coming

Tom Hayes reports on the fallout from the federal budget announcement and the reaction to a likely election.

Canada AM: Finance Minister Jim Flaherty

The finance minister says it is disappointing the NDP rejected the budget and he's looking forward to a spring election and the chance to form a Conservative majority government.

Canada AM: Michael Ignatieff, Liberal leader

The Liberal leader says the budget clearly shows Canadians are not a priority of the Harper government, and explains how there is no vision to meet long term challenges.

Canada AM: Jack Layton, NDP leader

The party leader explains why he cannot support the federal budget, and says his health will not affect his election campaign.

CTV Montreal: Caroline Van Vlaardingen explains

With three opposition parties set to dismiss the federal budget, an election is all but certain. Caroline Van Vlaardingen looks at several Quebec ridings that may be hotly contested.

Canada AM: Oliver, Taber on the rejected budget

The hosts of CTV's Question Period, Craig Oliver and Jane Taber, say Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff will attack Harper on issues of ethics if there is an election.

Canada AM: Bev Thomson on Parliament Hill

The co-host of Canada AM says many assumed NDP Leader Jack Layton would take some time to mull over the budget, so it was a surprise when he quickly announced the budget would not be accepted.

CTV National News: Robert Fife on the budget

A spring election seems inevitable after opposition parties rejected the government's budget. CTV's Ottawa bureau chief reports.

CTV National News: Lisa LaFlamme on campaigning

Federal politicians begin campaigning to gain votes in a looming spring election. CTV's national affairs correspondent reports.

CTV National News: Daniele Hamamdjian

Canadians react to what seems to be an inevitable spring election, after the federal budget was unveiled.

CTV National News: Robert Fife and Craig Oliver

Robert Fife and Craig Oliver speak with Lloyd Robertson to discuss the budget and a spring election.

CTV News Special Report: NDP Leader Jack Layton

NDP Leader Jack Layton says he does not support the budget because there are not enough programs for families in need.

CTV News Special Report: Michael Ignatieff

Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff speaks with Lisa LaFlamme and says the budget does not have the right priorities for Canadians, and his party will decide by Wednesday whether he will file a non-confidence motion.

CTV News Special Report: Gilles Duceppe

The Bloc Quebecois Leader says his party does not support the budget mostly because Quebec did not get HST compensation.

CTV News Special Report: Antonia Maioni, McGill Univ.

Do Quebeckers want an election? Maioni weighs in on political tactics from the Bloc Quebecois and its rejection of the budget.

Watch: See all Videos in the Player

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Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff asks a question during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Wednesday, March 23, 2011. (Sean Kilpatrick / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Wed. Mar. 23 2011 10:07 PM ET

The opposition parties have turned up the pressure on the Conservative government, with the NDP and Bloc Quebecois agreeing to support a Liberal non-confidence motion that could go to a vote on Friday and trigger a May election.

Initially, it appeared that the Conservatives would be toppled on the budget vote, which would have turned their financial plan into a campaign platform.

However, the Liberals managed to delay the vote in the House and make their non-confidence motion -- which focuses on respect for Parliament and democracy -- the election trigger.

The Liberal motion accuses the Conservatives of hiding the true costs of its crime legislation, tax cuts for corporations and jet fighter program.

Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff accused the prime minister and his government's new budget of being "out of touch and out of control" in Parliament on Wednesday.

One day earlier, all three leaders signalled their intention to reject the federal budget after it was unveiled by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty.

"The priorities of this government make no sense to Canadians," added Ignatieff, again pointing to spending on fighter jets and last summer's billion-dollar G20 summit.

"This is a democracy for heaven's sake. (Harper) has shown flagrant disregard for democracy. It's time to bring democracy back to Canada."

NDP Leader Jack Layton and Bloc Leader Gilles Duceppe both said Wednesday they would support Ignatieff's motion.

During question period, the Conservatives accused the opposition of blindly dismissing the budget without actually reading the document.

The Tories have also said that there is still a chance to avoid an election, despite a growing likelihood Canadians will go to the polls.

However, Flaherty stated firmly there would be no negotiations, despite Layton suggesting he was still open to more talks.

"Negotiations take place before the budget, not after the budget," he said.

House Leader John Baird added that the proposed budget has plenty of spending for key programs, such as new benefits for seniors and volunteer firefighters.

Baird said that the opposition were forcing a "reckless election" and accused the Liberals of plotting to form a coalition with the Bloc and the NDP.

Earlier Wednesday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper called on the opposition leaders to reconsider their plan to reject the budget and force a "useless" election.

He said it's not too late for the opposition leaders to change their minds and "put the interests of Canadians first."

When asked whether he would go to the Governor General and ask for the dissolution of Parliament, Harper said no.

"Our priority is the economy and that will continue to be our focus as long as we're allowed to make that our focus," he said, indicating it will be up to the opposition to bring down the government.

CTV's Chief Political Correspondent Craig Oliver said Harper's comments indicate he plans to make the economy the centrepiece of his election campaign.

Harper's message, Oliver said, is that "the economic recovery, which he says is vulnerable, may be at risk by the actions of the opposition parties in bringing down a budget which he says is an essential part of the government's plan for that recovery."

Harper listed a number of items in the budget that would benefit various groups of Canadians, such as veterans and seniors, and emphasized the opposition is killing those initiatives by rejecting the fiscal plan.

Election rhetoric heats up

The Liberals' non-confidence motion states: "That the House agrees with the finding of the standing committee on procedure and House affairs that the government is in contempt of Parliament, which is unprecedented in Canadian parliamentary history, and consequently, the House has lost confidence in the government."

All parties have been jostling for position in recent days ahead of an expected election call.

On Wednesday, the Conservatives launched a TV ad that accuses Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff of political opportunism and plays on their "he didn't come back for you" tagline.

"At a time of economic uncertainty, Michael Ignatieff, backed by the NDP and Bloc Quebecois, is bent on defeating the budget and forcing an election," the ad says.

The NDP and Liberals have each launched their own ads in the last few weeks, taking aim at the Conservatives and outlining their own priorities.

Both the budget and accusations of contempt against the Conservatives will offer the opposition parties the chance to bring down the government before the end of the week.

Most analysts predict Canadians would go to the polls in early May, likely on the second. It would mark Canada's fourth general election in seven years.

Comments are now closed for this story

Carl
said

There was nothing the government could have done to prevent this election. The Liberals and Bloc declared that they would vote against the budget months ago, without having any idea what would be in it. And the NDP's demands on the CPP and the tax on home hearing fuel are impossible: completely unaffordable and require the support of the provinces.

doug in BC
said

I like what John Said.
Although the budjet didn't help me much, I still feel that the Conwservatives are on track and trying to make a go of being loaded with a lot of dead weight on their backs.
I for one now want a majority government and we should put the trash where it belongs.

JamesHiggins
said

I am a Quebecer who will proudly vote Conservative if there has to be an election. Bring it! The Libs and NDP need to be taught a lesson.

Edmonton Scott
said

The way i see, last week Harper spent 1 Billion of Taxpayers money and an election cost us 300 Million... The election will take 6 weeks to complete, so we are saving 5.7 Billion dollars by not allowing Harper and Flaherty to throw our money down the drain on advertising useless programs... Time for Change, both in Canada's leadership and in Conservative leadership. As long as Harper is ruling the party, they have lost my vote...

handiman
said

an election is not a waste of money, it is an investment in our future

Dave
said

We don't need an election We need all 3 parties and the block to quite worring about each other like a bunch of grade school kids and START TO WORRY ABOUT OUR COUNTRY. They have been wasting our tax dollars long enough
Its time to Do What they get paid for!!!!!!!!!!!

trunk monkey
said

Hopefully a majority government comes out of this and we'll have 4 years of quiet from the 3 stooges, if any of them keep their job.

T
said

[X] Harper!

Cambob in Toronto
said

There's a doomsday cult down in the USA that thinks May 21 is the end of the world. If they're right, I guess that means there will be a Liberal Majority elected here to usher in the chaos and oblvion of Canadian society.

Old Ted
said

After an election we'll probably still have a Conservative minority government unless Ignatief commits political suicide by hooking up with the PQ or NDP. One thing for sure, we will be $300,000,000 farther in debt and that is already at obscene levels. Harper hasn't been doing too bad of a job considering the financial mess the world has been in over the last four plus years. The least the opposition could have done would be to let things ride until Harper's term is up. For all the bluff and bluster, none of the opposition have come up with any better ideas on how to run the country. Heaven only knows they have had more than enough time while sitting in opposition to come up with something.

wildcat 38 special
said

I rather have personal income tax cuts, and something down on the environment, education, healthcare, families,then corporate tax cuts going off to the rich.(X) Ignatieff or (x) Layton

Rodger in Calgary
said

Naveed, are you for real? Your diatribe is full of fear-mongering nonsense. Harper is the best leader that is available that won't run the country into bankruptcy at this point. Ignatieff has turned out to be as big of a dud as Dion, and although I do have respect for Mr. Layton, the history of ruling NDP is that of spending more money on social programs and over-taxing that stifles productivity.Your comments about who was in power during economic booms and busts has no bearing whatsoever, as these cycles form and gain momentum over decades, not single election cycles. It is what is done during these cycles that is important.Have a little Common Sense and don't be part of the uninformed, conclusion-jumping machine.Thank you.

Colin Gee
said

Same old posters, same old clueless rants. If these people are a true representation of the Canadian voter, it is little wonder that we are saddled with a never-ending kakistocracy.

dave
said

Canada should have an "Obama moment". Remove the sense of entitlement that the parties have and hold a real election. I'd gladly provide my share of taxes for the $300m in order to have a fair and healthy government that will put aside "politics" for the good of all Canadians.

Thomas
said

Jack and Iggy its all ego for them. To the two of you, please stop using 'for all Canadiens' because you don't speak for me or my family. What a selfess act to waste time, money, and the mood of people and companies whom hire. I am unemployed, its not the Convervative Parties fault I lost my job, that fault goes to the greedy company who laid off 45 people in January. People buy, spend money, invest, renovate etc etc when times are good and the mood of the country is good. MOST importantly companies hire when things are good. BAD decision by two men and their parties. WHAT a waste of time and money and for what result. LAST Iggy, stop using the word 'democracy' so much. The people will vote, we the people....I hear Havard is hiring!!!

Arnold
said

Phil, as far as I know, coalition in Britain includes party, which has the most seats in The House. If you exclude party with the most members, where is your fairness and respect for Parliament?

Prof. Sine Curve
said

Makes on suspect that the three clowns have already decided to form a coalition gov't is Harper doesn't win a clear majority. For example, if the seats are even as close as Harper - 154 and The Rest - 156, they would try to say "The Canadian people have spoken and have decided they want our coalition instead of more Harper". It makes sense - Harper is continually gaining strength despite their continual efforts to attack and discredit him and could soon be clearly polling in majority territory if they don't act now. He has been in for 5 years now and the longer he stays in the folks like him.

full instructor
said

Let us look at the facts:1. Liberals and NDP are behind in the polls.2. Liberals have a leader that can not lead.3. Best case scenario Liberals get a minority government, meaning more of the same.4. Liberals don't have a leader that can lead.5. A Liberal win would take us back to the scandals of the past, they would like us to forget.6. NDP will never form a government.7. Liberals and NDP want to spend 300 million of taxpayers money on an election during poor economic times.8. A Conservative majority win would mean a no more going to the polls for at least a term.9. A Conservative win would mean a new leader for the Liberals and perhaps NDP.No brainer, I vote Conservative majority and get these guys to work for their money.

Kurt (Montreal)
said

Oh come on. I know your goal is to oppose everything but there was some compromise on wants. We don't want another election. Same result - Conservative minority government. Liberals, Bloc and NDP should foot the $300M election bill if they fail. Not us the taxpayers. Let's hold those parties accountable.

Chris
said

I believe there shoudn't be an election. If the opposition really wants to defeat Harper they'll form a coalition and take power and representing the majority of Canadians.

Susie
said

This elections is just a waste of money for the taxpayers of Canada. Send Ignatief back to the US, get a new Liberal leader, Its time the politicans worked for the people not for the power.

Tim
said

I will vote conservative in hope of a majority just to stop the other two yahoos for good

Tara
said

Boy oh boy, the Liberals/NDP really do want a majority CONSERVATIVE government don't they?! What a stupid move, or in my eyes a great move actually (I'm voting for a majority government) - nonetheless it's a HUGE waste of hard to come by $ right now.

Deanna
said

2 Words....Sponsorship Scandal...or was it 3....Billion Dollar Boondoggle.

(x)Harper

Stu
said

The story excites me, the response excites me more, the odd comment regarding "Freedom from the Regime" scares me.These are comments from ignorant Headline Only readers.Educate yourself before voting, that's all I'm saying.

really ?
said

I find some comments that are posted here are laughable. For the better part most of you rant for the sake of ranting. Do you know that we were heading in to a structual deficit before the "recession"? This means Harpers government was responsible for the debt that was caused before the recession. They spent the surplus and more before the recession.As for an election and the cost did it bother you when Mr.Harper was being advantageous in asking for one? As for you bashers of Mr.Ignatieff ,he is Canadian. Are you ignorant of that fact or just blinded by the conservatives?Do your own investigation you might actually learn from it.

Dave in Calgary
said

I'm not really surprised by the large number of Conservative/Reform attack adds (comments) present within this forum. Some of them are pretty close to outright slander.

alistair metcalf
said

Canada remember this: It was the liberals who years ago brought in wage and prices freez. It was the liberals who decimated the armed forces, It was the liberals who balanced the bugdet on the backs of the unemployed. it was the liberals who brought in the energy program that raped the finances of the western provinces. It was the liberals who initiated the jets that are now big news.

TEA near Regina
said

Opposition clowns...not an original idea among them...

SocialismIsNoDirtyWord
said

[x] JACK

Scott
said

We need fresh leaders for each of the parties. I don't want an election and I don't particularly like the leaders of any of the parties.

Harper decided months ago to force this election, and has been activly recruiting people to run in specific ridings for months. This election comes as absolutly no suprise. The opposition didn't force this; Harper did.

The global economy continues to be very fragil and Canada has faired better than many of its counterparts. With whatever happens with the election, our leaders need to continue to be careful. (Being careful should include keeping us out of the U.S's wars, lets go back to being peace keepers.)

Not Pye Chart
said

I for one am really tired of this coalition government. You know the one I am talking about, the C.onservative R.eform A.lliance P.artyI hope all the folks that know Stevie is incompetent will come out and vote him down. We need someone who understands the world, not one that just reads out of the conservative born-again playbook.

Chris the average Canadian
said

Adding another donation to the Conservative Party.The coalition is nothing short of "at all costs power grab".Since I am not from Quebec or a visible minority, the coalitrion offers me nothing!

Marg in Calgary
said

Here's a thought: Since the 3 opposition parties want an election so badly, why not let them pay for one too? Then maybe they'll actually see the cost and expense that goes into that.

Plus, I don't know why the Bloc has a say anyway, I thought they were a provincial party, not federal. They are pushing to be separate from Canada anyhow, so they shouldn't get a say as to how to run either.

corey
said

(X) IGGY

Earl
said

The liberals will get their heads handed to them and smiling thru all this will be Bob Rae. Yes,he and his Quebec buddies will see this election loss as a chance to put the knife into Iggy's back just like they did to Dion. And yes the Quebec Liberals will eventually put the knife into Bob Rae's back. The Quebec Liberals think that all PM,s have to come out of Quebec.I for one have said and will always say 'no more PM's from Quebec',enough is enough. Oh,by the way Jack Layton is not beyond changing his mind and could side in with Harper. He's not up to any good...he just thinks of himself and the NDP.Not a good Canadian at all

Keith in Sechelt BC
said

Layton will back down at the last minute. He knows that if he triggers an election his party will pay dearly at the polls.

Bill from Kenora
said

A coalition of NDP, Liberal and Bloc would not be unconstitutional but Oh my word what a frightening mess having those three govern our country. Totally scary.

Eve
said

Harper government - all decisions have to be made at the top. What corporation could survive that way? Contempt for Parliament! Misleading Parliament and Canadians -the Budget Officer (Kevin Page) showed that. I am afraid that a Conservative majority would become a dictatorship!!!!! Will our Armed Forces intervene to protect our constitution?

Marg in Calgary
said

It wouldn't of mattered how good the budget was, the opposition would have rejected it anyway. They have no platform except to go to an election, something they've been pushing for. This is the only chance Ignatieff has to get his foot in the door. Plus, he's a fine one to talk regarding the controversy against the Conservatives, when one of his own is being investigated for fraud. Hmmmmm...pot calling the kettle black? Ignatieff is slimy and I really hope we finally give Harper the majority government he needs.

Norm, Ottawa
said

No change coming said "Looks like we are headed for a dip in our recovery" No, that's not a concern. The government greatly overstates their influence in the economy for political gains only. Notice when it's bad it's someone else's fault but when it's good it's to their credit? Election or no election, the economy won't be affected.

Linda
said

I will never vote for the three clowns that are so greedy for power that they will spend millions of taxpayers money just for the chance to spend more. The liberals are famous for leaving us in a terrible financial situation!Ego has no place in the running of this country. I am REALLY angry!

Andy in London
said

@Joe Spumolio : Really? The "natural ruling party"?there's that Liberal sense of entitlement again. Liberals just don't get it. Why do these guys think they should get to rule by Divine Right?I've got 2 words for you: Ad Scam - remember that?bring on the Conservative Majority!

Dave Ont East
said

As much as I deplore the actions of the Conservative Party with regards to election overspending and concealment, I must prefer to have them in power insrtead of the Liberals. They are worse and a Liberal Gvt will only put Canada behind like past Liberal Parties have done. This is not a case of who is better than who (parties) but who are worse than the others. I will never trust Ignatiaf.

Treason is unacceptable
said

@Naveed : Question - to try and form in a coalition with a party (Bloc) whose policy is the breakup of Canada is that not in itself treason?? That is the question these coalition of losers will need to explain to Canadians.

Kevin
said

I remember the last election, and I don't believe the promises that the other parties won't form a coalition.

Peter 1951
said

I have been looking at Jack Layton real close, and to me he looks pale and looks much thinner than before and tired. His collar fits loose when before he was snug with big shoulders. I am really wondering if Jack is being up front with Canadians. I believe he is sicker than he lets on to be. I hope I am wrong, but we will have to wait and see.

Ian
said

For those of you blaming the Conservatives, the Liberals announced they would not be supporting the budget before it was even close to being finished. There was probably a back room deal between the Liberals and NDP, where they played rock paper scissors to decide who would oppose it from the beginning and who would hold out until the budget was handed down. When it comes to the election remember if you vote for the Liberals or the NDP, you are voting for the same party. Regardless of whether forming a coalition is legal or not, it is unethical, and we all know who has been talking about ethics lately.

BA in The 'Peg
said

If I was the PM, I would simple call Jack to dinner, and say, "look, an election is going to cost $300M, so I'll spend $200M on what you want. But, you have to agree to support the budget and to not vote against the gov't in a non-confidence motion". Very simple in my mind, as the money will be spent one way or the other, it might as well be a little less, and for better reasons than to pour it down the drain on a useless election 90% of the country does NOT want.

Ranger
said

Well with seat projections today at149-73-34--52-0 (And this includes thee rogue Harris Decima poll today which has a 10% drop in Alberta going to the Liberals, ya sure)Anyway, what is the purpose of 400 million dollar exercise to bring back a stronger Conservative party and go through this bull all over again, its like groundhog dayAnd just what are the liberals drinking these days ?

Hot in the Peg!
said

Why Why Why! If the Liberals had a leader that appealed to the people, rather than just to himself & had a platform to base change on then go for it. The Economic situation cannot be judged on percentages, the real world situation is still very fragile. For those of you who doubt this then talk to real Canadians! I am down over 30k just this year and we are in an economic recovery? I do not make 100K plus thanksI have faithfully supported the Lib's for 25 years, now I am not so sure. No I am not a PC bloggerWhat are they thinking? I can't even call my local constituancy office to vent(to a Lib) because I now live in a PC riding. Woe upon us 300 mil could fix a lot of pot holes. Fuming in Winnipeg!

Ken
said

It's NOT the opposition that is bringing down the government. It is the governments unwillingness to work with the other parties in a minority parliament that is causing this election. Why do so many people blame an election on the liberals and NDP? This is not a Tory dictatorship folks (although Stephen Harper would prefer that).

The government will either fall on their refusal to cooperate with the other parties, or it will fall due to their contempt of parliament.

Canada will finally have a liberal government back in Ottawa to clean up the mess left behind by the Tories.

Anne
said

The liberal and NDP and Quebecois
-Already decided that no matter what was said in budget - no matter if it was to their liking

All want to sit on the throne

Because-These other parties would never lower themselves to any wrongdoing , never throw out undesireable programs like energy programs in 90s that threw country into depression and on and one and on

All the pots used over years are equally black.
Like kids - gang up and call names of anyone in power .

Ted
said

"NDP Leader Jack Layton and Bloc Leader Gilles Duceppe both said Wednesday they would support Ignatieff's motion." --->> this dirty threesome is responsible for most of the "trouble" with respect to effective government of this country.. NOT healthy opposition, as they would have us all believe... it is almost criminal!!.. and definitely sad as hell.

Don of the Rockies
said

I'm getting really sick of people posting terms like "neocon" "biggots"and "bully....and I'm sure I speak for many conservative supporters here. Believe it or not, most conservatives are actually very kind and mild mannered people. I love the outdoors , care about the environment and I am friend with people of all political stripe. And guess what....I voted Liberal many times in the past. I think if some of you met Harper in person, you might understand that he too is a pretty decent and genuine guy. Please stop with the name calling and write something constructive.

Give us the whole picture please
said

So is anyone in the Media going to report on the contents of the budget? Rather than help the public make an informed decision as to whether it was a good budget or not, the national media has decided an election is in the air and to heck with everything else! I don't like that this possible election is based on grown-ups acting like pouting children rather than anything to do with the budget.

Steve
said

I hope the Conservatives win a majority, if we must go to the polls, because no good will come from the 'Coalition' parties and certainly nothing that they have done so far has been good for Canadians - period. They don't listen to greater Canada, they are only serving their own means.We are in a recovery, and it takes time to recover. Also, there isn't a single Gov't in history that hasn't spent money foolishly or done something 'unethical'- but my support will always be with the Tories because they do what is right for Canada under prevailing economic conditions.

Jim in Ottawa
said

Let's all hope Mr. Ignatieff is resoundly defeated in the next general election whenever that may be. His unfocused leadership and reckless endorsement of using federal dollars to build an NHL arena in Quebec City--a deeply unpopular move everywhere outside of Quebec City--show just how undisciplined and unqualified he is to be Prime Minister. Mr Ignatieff's approach may be admired in some of the other countries he has lived in, but it is not the way we do things here in Canada. Mr. Ignatieff's way is not the Canadian way.

Ian
said

I would like to say that I view the NDP, Liberals and Green parties as idealists. (hopefully we don't have to listen to the annoying banter of Elizabeth May this election) The Conservatives are what I would view as realists. With the world in the unstable position it is currently in, financially and otherwise, I feel safer with realists making the decisions about my tax dollars and my safety.

Jack - AB
said

Sorry but the Cons have to go! They've mislead Canadians and spent money without accountability. They've shown not to be moral or ethical. Eventually Tories will downgrade gov't services to nothing if they stay in power. So the Tories were unable to make a compromise with one of the opposition parties? No surprise there since Tories run like a majority. I would be happy with a Liberal minority but because of vote splitting we will receive either a Tory minority or majority gov't in next election. Voters should find the popular, non-Tory MP in your riding and vote for them if you want this to change and avoid vote splitting! Better to give a seat to another left party than to the Tories!

Michael Carson
said

We have weathered to world financial crisis better than any in the G7.That is the result of sound fiscal policy.Harper is responsible to all Canadians ---cost to coast; and it shows in our economic and political stability. We will let the other parties pander to socialists, immigrants and multiple personality Quebecers.

Diane
said

Reading so many comments made me realize that people that want a majority Conservative Government were probably not effected by the ression and the financial crisis. After working for 20 years in the Real Estate sector I was laid off, and after 3 years I am now working at a low paying job at 20,000 a year. Wakeup people!Look on any empoyment sites, the majority of jobs out there are commission only or $10 to $13 an hour for office work. A friend of mind that works for a job placement mostly for Government positions pay salarys only at $10 per hour when cleaning staff are paid at hospitals $22 per hour. The Government as create openings at the Government by bringing down the salary, and now so many people are retiring at the public service, the conservative Government need to cut billions, they will not replace anyone at the public service. Being single and a babyboomer age, this budget will not help create new jobs, will not help older workers and seniors. I have paid taxes all my life and to end up being poor is due to the Government. Prime minister Harper has his priorities backwards he cares more about Corporations and showing off to other countries spending money like its his own. For all the seniors, single people, low income people please go out a vote back Liberal at least they have always been more towards the averege Canadian not for the rich.

Karl
said

I may be Liberal by nature but I have voted other ways when it made sense. While I might have considered voting Conservative in the next election to mitigate the constant bickering over new policy, I refuse to do so this time around. Why? Because they have not come through on their promises and what they managed to accomplish was against my principles. I did not want an end to the long form census. I did not want a ridiculous, unfair new copyright bill. I wanted an end to veterans' pension clawbacks. I wanted the tax cuts for corporations to stop. I expected a seat on the UN Security Council. I hoped for Canada to lead the world with emmissions reductions, maybe even meet our Kyoto commitments. I waited for the honesty, integrity and fairness that they promised. So, I got a lot of what I didn't want and nothing of what I did want. That's just the tip of the iceberg. As far as the GST is concerned, sure, getting a 2% tax break was nice, but it bankrupted our government! Now future governments are going to have to make hard, unpopular choices to get us back on track and I know exactly where the complaining will come from.

Drew in NS
said

You know between Iggy and Dion, I would have voted for the Citizen of France who didn't know how to speak English. Mr. Dion, I'm sorry you were not the dumbest in the lot, and Iggy "YOU DIDN'T GET THE JOB DONE!!!"

Sandi in Ottawa
said

Baird said that the opposition were forcing a "reckless election" and accused the Liberals of plotting to form a coalition with the Bloc and the NDP.Baird is ABSOLUTELY correct. No one can tell me that when each party is as far behind as these ones are in the polls that they feel they have a chance at winning an election. The ONLY viable reason is they are plotting a coalition, which Iggy stated, in the past, he would happily lead. If any one of you do not believe this is in the works, I believe you to be completely naive. The very thought of a coalition with these three parties scares the bejeebus out of me. Can you imagine the Bloc having a hand running this country when they have no interest in our needs whatsoever? I speak to all of you as intelligent human beings - if you care at all about our country please vote Conservative. At the very least we will have stability for at least 4 years and stuff will actually get done. Give them a chance. They have taken this country through an incredibly bad recession with ease and Mr. Harper has shown he is respected around the world. Please, please, please do not vote so that a coalition is an option. Think long and hard about it. [X] Conservative Majority.

Stan Dawson in Pickering, Ontario
said

The Liberal Party is the party of big government unions. It's days as the powerhouse of Canadian politics ended 10 years ago. The NDP will be a foot note in Canadian history after this as will the BQ. If nothing else Stephen Harper has done a masterful job of crafting the image Canadians need to see, not only of the Conservatives but also of the bunglers and fools leading the opposition. Jack Layton appears to be beyond useless, a living testament to the Peter Principal in Canadian politics and a man completely bereft of even a slight clue. Gilles Doucette cannot function within the framework of the federalist system and Quebecers are realizing a vote for the BQ is a vote for turmoil and a waste of effort. That leaves the Liberals, led by a man most Canadians had never heard of until he was parachuted into the Liberal Party leadership race a few years back. Who is he, where did he come from and why wasn't he living in Canada until a few years ago? With the rapid decline of boomers and unionists as the guiding forces of Canadian politics, the question becomes, between Stephen Harper and Michael Ignatieff, which is most open and transparent about their motives? This will be the first true 2 party election in decades and will reshape the face of Parliament for some time to come. Nice knowing you Jack. Don't let the door hit your party's butt as you exit Parliament. Gilles...arrivederci.

Drew in NS
said

Here comes the perfect Liberal scenario: PM Iggy and his "trusted"No.2 Buffalo Bob, Jack "it's time to reward the unions" Layton, and finally Gilles Bouchard "Minister of Quebec gets everything" Canada, there was no poision pill in this budget. The opposition is trying to steal power from the government for there own agenda. A vote for Iggy is a vote for Bouchard, and Layton.

adrianltg
said

Way to go Iggy. Your last great move in Canadian Politics. Don't let the door hit you on the way out and back to the USA, no doubt.Have you looked beyond the end of your nose lately? Have you heard what the rest of the world thinks of Canada and it's Government and the way they have run the economy while so many have floundered. If this country doesn't send you and Jack packing they will deserve what they get.

TheOtherLowellInBC
said

I guess alot of the folks submitting comments on this blog are not from canada. The vitriol you are spewing out about getting rid of the opposition, giving all the power to one party ... ad nauseaum is not something I would hear from a canadian born and bred in a democracy. Democracies always have choices and they always represent more than one party. Executing our democratic rights means going to the ballot box periodically and voting for a person/party who we think best able to represent us. There are a significant number given that conservatives are around 35% popularity that are not for the conservative party. I say again, Canada is not a dictatorship and if the day arrives where it becomes one, I will be moving elsewhere. In fact I don't believe in majorities because it concentrates too much power in the hands of one party. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Given that Harper has been acting like he has a majority even with minority status, think what he would do if he actually had a majority. That thought sends chills up my spine.

Pete
said

Mere days after the last election, Iggy was talking about if/ when he would bring down the government. Its time to send the power hungry Liberals a message and vote in a Conservative majority.

FibreMan
said

I, too, would never have thought I'd cast a vote for the Tories, but guess what? Gilles Duceppe is a non and shouldn't even be in the House. Jack Layton is suffering some effects of medication, I am sure. Believe me, I know about it. He said last week that he'd study the budget for 24 hours, was out with his decision before Flaherty presented the budget. His thinking is super foggy. I could never, ever cast a vote for Ignatieff even if I was somehow remotely apt to cast one for the Liberals. We seem to be doing better than most other countries in this crazy world, but the opposition babies want an election. I'd vote Green, but this one's for the Tories.

What is this
said

What do they hope to gain? Power????

mmv
said

Michael Ignatieff - farewell to you! You are not the person to lead our country! You don't know what middle class is!

Travis
said

For all those people telling the Opposition to work with the Conservative party open your eyes! If the "Harper Government" had worked with the NDP even a little bit to pass the budget then we would not be in this costly predicament. Please take a step back and look at this objectively instead of getting blinded by party politics.

Lynn in Ottawa
said

This is a well thought out budget. Too bad the other parties decided not to support it even before it was read. If the budget had all kinds of tax cuts and the large increases in spending to accommodate what the other 3 parties wanted Ignatieff would have said that our government was foolishly using our tax dollars in these uncertain economic times. Mr. Ignatieff, calling an election at this time is actually spending tax payer money foolishly! Ignatieff is not credible and is not here for us. He has lived outside of Canada for over 30 years and on many occasions he has referred to himself as an American. When questioned about it during an interview with Macleans Magazine published April 2006 he said he wanted to increase his influence over the audience by appropriating their voice and now says it was a mistake. So Ignatieff says what you want to hear and draws you in but doesn�t actually mean what he says! Ignatieff endorsed a coalition government once with the NDP and the Bloc Quebecois. That would have given the Bloc the final say on policies that would affect Canada. The 3 leaders were asked today if the Conservatives were to win this next election would they form a coalition government. The NDP and the Bloc answered yes it is a possibility and Ignatieff wouldn�t answer the question; that must mean yes otherwise wouldn�t he just say no. I think we now need a majority Conservative Government so that we can go on with business. I hope everyone that is entitled to vote will go to the polls. Our turnouts are not very good in this country when it comes to voting yet so many are willing to sit back and complain afterwards�please go and vote; it is so important.

Norm in Ontario
said

I see in the video section that once again Quebec is crying the budget doesn't do anything for them and they want compensation for harmonizing the taxes. There is no doubt in my mind that our current Gov't will bend somewhat to give these crybabies what they want. I would like to see aleader that has the balls to tell the Bloc to leave the country and take your G-D debt with you. Anything would be better than listening to them cry over everything. Oh Poor Quebec, blah-blah-blah-blah.

Niagara George
said

All you neoCons in Blinders had no difficulty in accepting the $1 000 000 000 price tag for a weekend get away for King Steve and a few of his overblown egotistical buddies. Now you complain that many Canadians are ready for a $300 000 000 exercise in democracy. Try to think a little. You don't have to repeat King Steve's lines constantly. We have had a minority government for 3 years. It is time for an election. Vote the way you think you must, but quit your whining about not wanting an election. At this point we have an economy moving steadily because the Cons have kept the Liberal bank laws in place. We have a government that campaigned on the promise of openness and inclusivity, but has become the most secret government in the western world. We have a government spending billions on prisons when all statistics are showing crime figures are down significantly. But, worst of all, we have a government that is guilty of Contempt of Parliament. Don't bother with the nonsensical line about the opposition pushed those charges through. There has always been an opposition. There have been other minority governments, but never in history has a government been accused of such serious charges. The fault lies completely with Harper and friends. Ignatieff and the others are only doing their duty as representatives of the majority of Canadians. It's time for the King to start to pack. Another election and no majority. The Conservative wolves are sharpening their claws already.

Janice
said

I can't believe the opposition has the nerve to vote down a budget knowing that this will result in an election. If they don't like the budget now, wait til they see that the next government, hopefully a Conservative Majority, will have $300M less to work with. Apparently that's the cost to run a federal election! Self-serving I think. Our country is in great shape while others are struggling. I say the people who have been leading the country during the world-wide economic crisis is doing a great job. I hope that the Liberals and NDP fail miserably in the election results.

Jay
said

Buckanear
Its not so much harper is unwilling to work with other partys its that those so called other partys not including the ndp are refusing to work with harper.

Jim
said

Why wasn't Harper in parliment today?When Harper was talking to the press he only answered about one and a half questions.! I don't want a leader who is afraid to face tough questions. When do you know when the conceritives are not telling the truth is when they open their mouths!!!

Jay
said

Naveed
The liberals did there fair share of damamge when they were in power and they did there share of scandals ther enot so clean as your making them out to be.Don't assume voting liberal will bring this country back to where it was look at ontario under the liberals they are in the worst shape they have ever been in not saying that would happen with the feds my point is the liberals are not all that great as soom think they are.

Prof. Pye Chartt
said

My goodness, the anti-Conservative whiners are a sad and misguided bunch. Our parliamentary democracy is functioning PRECISELY as it should right now. In political practicum, nothing compels the ruling party to adopt ANY demands of the Opposition, and nothing compels the Opposition to accept ANY legislative or operational policies (or performance "issues") of the ruling party. The parties of the government can cooperate, battle, or do both. Their parliamentary obligations are, quite literally, self-determined. ALL THAT GUIDES THEM IS THE "POPULARITY" OF THEIR BELIEFS AND ACTIONS. Ultimately, if agreement is not possible, each side has the opportunity to exercise their representative strength of number. In the case of a "minority" government, the parties can rightfully jockey for an election, and let the people decide who deserves to stay, go, die, or grow. Our parties in Ottawa have now made their encompassing and respective decisions. It is now falling to us, the Canadian people. We can now, singularly and collectively, make proper use of our democratic entitlement. We hold the ultimate power, not them. All your bitterness, anger, and temper tantrums are delightful expressions, yet, amount to a waste of energy. Nobody on EITHER side is listening to you. The parliamentary system that underpins our democracy doesn't work that way; it works entirely THIS way. Enjoy your opportunity to vote, folks.

J-D
said

The conservative will never get a majority because they are to stuborn and plus they are a bunch a crimininal

Brian
said

Okay, the NDP won't vote for the budget but will vote for the Liberal non confidence motion. However, if the Conservatives add another 1/2 billion dollars to the budget (in the right places) they'll back the budget and not vote with the Liberals on their non-confidence motion citing the Conservatives for contempt of parliament. So, for 1/2 billion dollars the NDP will let the Conservatives buy themselves out of the contempt of parliament charge. Interesting....who really has contempt for parliament?

Cynical
said

Donny in Edmonton: "If the Conservatives win yet again, whether a majority or minority, will Iggy, Jack, and Gilles finally get it into their head that they aren't wanted and either step down or shut up?". Ever heard of slow learners?

Mike in Montreal
said

We need a majority government. I would prefer to see a Liberal majority... BUT I don't want Iggy to be PM. Layton would be a good option, but he will NEVER get a majority and the BQ? Useless traitors. See my dilemma? As for the Reform... uh Conservatives... No thanks. Been there, done that with Mulroney... That worked out sooo well.Libs need to groom Trudeau ASAP!!!

Guelph Observer
said

Why don't we send e-mail to Mr. Harper and tell him that we do not want another election. Please work with the Liberal and NDP parties instead of against them !!!This might serve to remind him that he is running a minority gov't and is not in a position to bulldoze his way forward all the time.

Doug
said

Here we go. Another F'ing election.The "F" stands for "funding" since every comment made from every Liberal or NDP voting Canadian will be about why the government should pay less attention to the country as a whole and more attention to shovelling more funding into something they personally benefit from.Time to give Harper a majority.

EP in TO
said

I read the article and watched the videos and I'm not sure if I can trust any of these clowns. If you watch the debate, they are yelling at each other while the debate is happening like school children. It is about time that we have our government run by people that will listen to each others points rather than mocking each other, and shouting over each other while they speak....GROW UP MP'S !!! Not sure why we are going to go into an election to get yet another Conservative minority government. I hope we get a Conservative majority and avoid another wasteful election in another 2 years !!

Robert
said

The liberals accuse the Gov. of reckless spending.What have they just done? 300 MILLION to be flushed for their ego. Gimme a break..I'll just vote PC this time.

Nikkei
said

Harper OUT!!! Don't tell me you all can not see how Harper has been, behind your backs- ensuring this would happen to ensure a Majority- why blame the lesser parties?Are you all aware that many Canadians, as they go to claim their pensions- that they are NOT entitled due to the outdated citizenship laws He and Kenney use to turn elderly Canadians away? How many do not know yet- that they were born either over the boarder- out of wedlock- in wedlock- to a Female or had to ensure their citizenship before age 28? Slowly people are realising and they are being thrown out- YES THROWN- after paying taxes, having a passport, kids and contributing all their lives..Harper is ensuring gender discrimination too and refuses point blank to make things simple by using the LAW- (As he is breaking it) to ensure these people do not lose their citizenship and pensions...so many people do not know this.. You only have to read the VO Online to see the stories and the numbers are high of people in this position...a Man who willingly and knowingly refuses to correct something he claims to support..Human Rights. I feel sorry for those who find out...too late.

Paul
said

I am sick and tired of listening to everybody wanting a majority government for Harper. I for one dont want that. How does this budget help veterans in any way? They all can go and work in construction and not get any education what so ever. Why are volunteer fire fighters getting money? What about everyone that volunteers in the community with your sons or daughter hockey or soccer team? How can seniors survive on $600 or $840 when the price of everything is high? I say let the coalition run the government as it seems to be working well in Britian.

It's what it is
said

Margg MM, (James) "It's what it is" here... Help me understand something. We (me included) can chastize previous government from all sides for not doing "enough". Let's be honest though, if Conservatives felt that the misgivings of the previous Liberal "buffoons" needed correcting, such as education, health and senior issues, then why in the five years they've been in power haven't they addressed those concerns? I will be able to collect my pension soon. It will be a pittance of what I could have collected if I didn't have to leave work to care for an ailing partner, collapse my RRSP's to bury my mother and father, deal with being unjustly fired from my job because I was Gay long before we had any rights in this country. I'm not going to be a lucky senior. I've worked my rear-end off paying my taxes, contributing to my CPP, trying to sustain some degree of a retirement savings plan and my dignity. I see many seniors not as fortunate. I see students struggling to educate themselves to succeed in this competitive world where so much is now outsourced from this country. I feel taxed to death while The major investors who get the tax breaks in Canada are foreign owned. Health care waiting times remain shameful for many in need and the doctor shortage is no better. Crime prevention attention is all but ignored, and we've gone from being internationally recognized as a peaceful and respected nation to being one that compares to the those who's first reaction is conflict - literally inviting terrorism onto our shores. Why is this good? Tell me please.

No change coming
said

Looks like we are headed for a dip in our recovery and a 2 month holiday from parliment (paid of course) and we the tax payers get to foot the $300M bill and we end up the same ways we are now except maybe the oppositions will change their party leaders that actually can read and work with the current govt.

John
said

If you had told me 10 years ago that I would be voting conservative and for Stephen Harper, I would have laughed. I'm not laughing now and I think these guys are going to win a majority, not because they're that great, but because the opposition is completely useless.

Steph
said

@Jared: I would like to inform your that not everyone in Quebec are separatist! As a matter of fact a lot of them are putting their life in danger for the sake of protecting this beautiful country that we love! myself included for the last 23 years! Your comment is just a blatant example of how poorly informed you are about the state of this country. Lucky for you we do not select who we protect based on their intelligence!RegardsSteph

Majority Rules
said

Quebecer said" the budget is being used as a tool to call an election while pinning the 'blame' on other parties" ...That would be true if the opposition parties would have actually looked at the budget they had already shot the budget down before it was tabled. The conservatives even met with NDP to bring in their ideas which they did , but according to them wasnt their budget so they won't look at it either. What a bunch of garbage, budget or no budget the power hungry opposition want to force an election nothing more. Have your party leaders actually try to read through the budget before they vote it down. I think its time to clean out these opposition parties and maybe a minority govt would work ones that try to work with the current govt and not jump on every oppurtunity to vote them out.

len
said

it is time for iggy to get out he is nothing but an idiot .has no idea how to run or address anything . we need a majority goverment an the libs an ndp and that qubec guy should be all elimiated from parliment an removed from office.with no pay .

DC in AB
said

Tod: I think the fear that you smell is the majority of Canadian's fear of Ignatief winning a minority or God forbid, a majority.

TR
said

The only good Liberal is a defeated Liberal. Bring on a Conservative majority.

Wendy
said

Why don't we send e-mail to leaders of the Liberaland NDP party and tell we do not want another election.Please work with Mr. Harper instead of against him !!!

TLC
said

If given the opportunity, I'd like to ask our government one question: How does the costs of another election HELP Canadians?

I googled the cost of the 2008 election and this is what the CBC website had to say: "The cost of the 2006 election was slightly less than the 2004 election, $270 million, compared to $277 million." If we have an extra $277 MILLION floating around, surely we can agree on a budget. This is crazy! No wonder our young folks have no desire to vote!

The opposition should get their proverbial poop in a group and work WITH Canada instead of costing us even MORE money.

.... just sayin'

Steve in Vancouver
said

OK all you Liberal supporters on here. i'm going to buy your squawk about Harper a dictator and the conspiracy theory that he is responsible for another election. So why would l vote for you Liberal losers if you fall for his trap and call for an election. This guy Harper with his crew sure must be one pretty smart tough cookie. Holy banana republic lam voting for the guy. And after the Conservatives form a majority l would suggest to them to call a committee meeting to discuss whether you Liberal puff dragons should get banana leafs to cover your embarrassment.

ted aanssonn
said

where does the opposition parties think where all this money is going to come from to pay for all their promises .

John
said

What a bunch of idiots!!!!!!! The people "DO NOT" want another election. Look at the poles, we will be in the same position as now only $300 million poorer. What part of STUPID don't you understand!!!!!

Larry I Ontario
said

Had enough of Harper, or should I say king Harper..at least thats what he thinks. He only thinks about jhow to hang on to power and the middle class in no more than a bother to him. Its time to change him and his merry band of bandits!

Naveed
said

Some truths: A coalition is NOT a criminal undertaking as Harper wants to brainwash Canadians, but a legitimate part of parliamentary democracy.Harper wanted the election and the budget was simply a political means for him to put the blame on the opposition for wanting an election. Devious Harper.The election cost is nothing compared to what Harper has spent during governing (remember the summit, the cost of the fighter planes, his election ads before the election is even called etc), and an election will NOT put Canada's economic recovery in jeapordy, Did the last two elections?The economy is NOT in a good way due to Harper and his Conservatives. It is due to the more stable Canadian economic system and the Liberals in past government under Paul Martin who put our economy in surplus prior to the recession. In fact it is Harper who has increased our deficit way more than it would have been (through is rampant spending), and his Conservatives who have made the economy recovery less stringent.Michael Ignatieff is not just visiting, and is as Canadian as any one of us citizens. He is not an American, indeed it is Harper who has USA republican right-wing beliefs and tendencies. Stephen Harper is the most contemptible, double-dealing, ego-maniac and non-democratic Prime Minister, I would say in Canadian history so far.Many more truths, but I think that is enough to convince you that your (x) needs to be Liberal to get rid of the Harper government.

Vancouver Girl
said

Well, I'm about to make another donation to the Conservative party. Hope this time we get a majority.

MARG MM
said

Thor.....I won't be getting the $600 a year as I don't get GIS, however I'm sure that there are many seniors who do get GIS that will be very happy with their extra $600 a year, or as you put it 1.66 per day. Why didn't the Liberals give more to seniors when they were in power all those years? If they had we wouldn't need this debate now.

Captbob
said

Sheesh. I will be voting for a conservative majority government. The opposition parties are not acting the the best interests of the country. Let them lose, and get some new leadership, and in 4-5 years have a real election. Enough of this.

Buckanear
said

It's time to remove this government they are acting irresponsibly and with arrogance, and refuse to negotiate with the other parties who represent us - the people! When a ruling party becomes sloppy and refuses to follow due process and does not reprimand members for lying - That Party Must Go because history has shown that it will repeat over and over and the people suffer.I did not elect Tories on the mandate of buying $20 Billion on aircraft. This is a huge cost and decision and this alone needs the approval of Parliament / citizens and should go to vote. This money would be better spent on seniors who are living in poverty and squalor. Seniors after dedicating their entire life to toiling hard and building this country deserve to live with dignity. To be able to buy food, clothing and live in their homes as long as possible. The current CPP and OAS is far too little. These benefits should be doubled but only for seniors who show a definite need. It should not be increased for all, just those in need!I Support Jack Layton, he is the only MP who cares about people and especially the under privileged!

Donny in Edmonton
said

At this point, I welcome another election. How else will the opposition know what Canadians want? If the Conservatives win yet again, whether a majority or minority, will Iggy, Jack, and Gilles finally get it into their head that they aren't wanted and either step down or shut up?

Naveed
said

Canadians take note: it is Harper who wants the election (leaking some content prior to its being read, and knowing fully well that the budget would be unpalatable to the NDP and the other opposition parties). Harper has manoeuvred that some token undertakings are in this purely political budget, so that he can argue that the Cons are supportive of these measures, while in reality they would not have followed through. The Harper government is playing politics as usual, a further case in point being his statement that an election will endanger economic recovery. What nonsense. He has also spent more in fact billions on a useless summit, and Canada is still intact. Though such waste is terrible for the average Canadian. Lies and more lies by this Harper government, A further one being the false scary tactic of summoning the vision of the Liberals backed by the Bloc in a coalition. Well let me tell you, even if that was true, this is one Canadian who would prefer that to what we have---a sleazy, hypocritical and non-democratic Conservative regime, (x) Michael Ignatieff, Liberals.

David
said

This is a mistake. Let the goverment run its course, then have the election as it would normally be if this was a majority. Nothing we have seen is that big of an issue or something we have never seen before with other Canadian governments. It is the opposition job to make the ruling party look bad. I think as we have seen above, most don't want an election.

reidjr
said

Firinn
What vote for freedon are you kidding me do you know how good you have it here.As for the conertives not getting a majority i am starting to think they will more and more on the left are gettign fed up with the liberals and ndp.

Disgruntled
said

Watching the current politics in Canada is like watching a 3 Stooges movie... + 1 extra Stooge (Harper). I am all in favour of shaking the political tree when required to change patterns of behaviour. But, present circumstances do not indicate that any change will occur from another election. The perception of our Federal Party Leaders by the Public ranges from Control-Freak (Harper), Irrelevant (Bloc), Namby Pamby (Ignatieff), and anachronistic (Layton).

Harper has a war chest, the others do not. I see no chance for political change.

reidjr
said

Phil
Its one thing if you have an election and the coaltion on the ballot its another to say kick harper out and hand give the coaltion the power now that would not go over well.

Kc
said

The end of the Government of Harper, welcome back Government of Canada with Iggy as prime minister. Maybe Harper will go to the governor general again and close parliament before he loses power. Even though the Liberals managed Canada through major growth, reduced our national debt and brought in social programs that benefited all, they were still defeated over the Quebec scandal because they did not have full disclosure while trying to save the country from Quebec declaring independence. This reform party government duped Canadians into believing they were the honest party and would be more open. Well here we are with a government that lied to Canadians and the very institution it represents, for this they have been found to be in contempt of parliament. Surely Canadians are not prepared to vote this reform party into power again, surely we are much smarter than that. I think once the Liberals present their vision for the country the tide will turn in their favour, to be honest its about time they did.

Raymond
said

[X] Harper

Lindsay
said

Super, now we can waste even more tax payers money on an unnecessary election, all to help boasts Iggy's ego...

reidjr
said

Tod
So let me get this right you claim you beleave in democracy yet you say any supporters is paid off and all polls are fixed that is one of the most anti demerotic thing to say you more or less aying those who you don't agree with don't have any rights and there say should not count.You may not like it but no matter who you support that does not mean someone you don't agree with vote has lesser value.As for beeing affraid why even if the polls are a bit off which is possible its not one sided as you seem to think keep in midn its alot on the left that seem more worried about an election then those on the right.

Cambob in Toronto
said

2 possible outcomes: Another Conservative minority or a Conservative majority. Either way, the NDP will gain seats and the Liberals will have to elect a new leader. Canadian Politics.

NOT ME !!!
said

We will see if the dumb sheeple in Ottawa South reelect a McGuinty again.

Quebecer
said

@Jared... Way to paint everyone with the same brush. You know there are people that live in Quebec who do not side with the Bloc or suck off the country and to say differently is insulting, arrogant, and ignorant. That being said maybe this is a time to look at our current system of government because the majority of the country (I use the term 'majority' as in the representatives We the people have elected) agrees that the budget does not benefit the people who elected them. The budget, in this instance, looks like it is being used as a tool to call an election while pinning the 'blame' on other parties. I cannot vote for a party who abuses the system as the conservatives have done over the past number of years. The way people ignore this fact is mind-blowing and I wish that Canadians in general cared more because maybe then we would not be in this silly situation.

Stanley
said

Thor: Perhaps seniors could take that $1.66 and treat themselves to a nice dinner out every month or two. They probably already have great coffee at home for much less than $1.66. Or perhaps they can buy themselves a new 42" tv with the $500-$600 they would receive in the year.

Judy in B.C.
said

here we go again, just like last budget, the boys didn't get what they wanted so they formed a coalition, this time they are all voting against the budget and forcing an election that none of us really want and the country certaily cannot afford at this time....what is wrong with you guys except that you are power hungry and going to ruin the country in doing this.....what a disappointment you all are and now of you will get my vote.....Conservatives will win.

Chris
said

We need the fighters, but the G20 was a waste just like Iggy..

Lynn
said

@ Marco De Lilis.... I'd vote for Don Cherry over all of the current leaders... What a great idea!!! Can we just add his name to the ballott- LOL.I also like the idea of Canadians boycotting the votes all together.Ultimately, I am not voting for the Liberal party- primarily because of Ignatieff... a vote for the other parties is really a wasted vote... and ultimately the conservatives aren't really doing any worse of a job than any of the previous governments.Perhaps instead of all oft his crap and a new election Canadians can hold a vote as to whether or not we want another election to begin with. After all, shouldn't that be up to us?

Joe Spumolio
said

The only way we Liberals will resume our position of "the natural ruling party of Canada" is to find a leader who has spent their life living in Canada working for Canadians. Unfortunately, although Michael Ignatieff was born here, he has spent the majority of his life living outside our borders. I will never support a party that has as it's head and opportunist who reclaimed his citizenship only when it appeared he might have the chance of adding Head Of Government to his resume. Michael Ignatieff has no vision, brings nothing new to the table and, frankly, has highly suspicious motivations for even returning to Canada after 25 years abroad. I'll be voting for the Conservatives simply because the party I have supported for 28 years has abandoned it's principles and hired a carpet bagger.

Anthony
said

As it appears Kaddafi may be without a country, we should let him run here as an independent. He is, after all from the outside as one of the leaders, his English is no worse than Gilles Duceppe's, his French not worse than Harper's and he loves to be on TV, like that fourth guy. Can't be any for worse..

Savvy
said

Come on!! Harper Majority!!

happy
said

The Reformers are more nasty than usual today! I smell fear.

TheOtherLowellInBC
said

So many folks on this blog want to get rid of the opposition. In other words they want a one party state. Another word for that is dictatorship. Maybe you are living in the wrong country. Why not move to one where is only one party. I am sure you will be much happier. I for one am glad there is an opposition. We need checks and balances and we need elections periodically to give people a chance to voice their options. It is always good to have alternatives. Even though there is a cost, it is a healthy cost to have a democratic process and I wouldn't want it any other way. I would rather spend 300 M on an election campaign than on a special meeting for a few select people like a summit for example. Elections also employ people.

Ken - Calgary
said

It is unfortunate that inept, power hungry politicians (as in the minority Harper government) seek to destroy the solid foundation the country is being built on.

Mike / Tired of the Whiners
said

Vote for the Liberals and if they get in all that will happen is they will just throw money away to the needy run up debt more and tax me more. I work hard for my money as I'm sure most of you on here due. Dont forget this debt we have is big because the Liberals didnt think Harper was spending enough on the stimulus package, so Harper gave them more. We are a strong country, yes thanks in part to Paul Martin and his banking system but lets face it if the Liberals were to get in it would cost us the taxpayer alot more than whay it would with Harper. dont for get the money that they spent on their campaigning was money that they generated from donations. the liberals probally cant afford another election and will expect us the tax payer to fund their election as well as the NDP. Im sure of that.

JANINE
said

This is crazy. Who may i ask is paying for this yet again. Why do we bother to vote. It doesn't seem to matter because if these overgrown children dont like it they will just make sure that nothing is accompished.

TheOtherLowellInBC
said

for all you who say we are having good government and don't need an election, you have to be harper supporters. Hopefully the campaign will highligh the misgivings of the current government and show some real alternatives. We can do alot better. Lets improve training and education opportunities for canadians. Improve the skills and make canada more competitive. Boosting the economy for the long run is not about building bridges and roads and buildings which kind of what the economic action plan is doing. Its very short term thinking. Open up new markets and improve support for small business to compete in those markets. In order for that to happen Canada has to become a key player in the global marketplace. We can do better there. This will be an interesting election campaign because so many folks are not satisfied with the status quo except a few of the conservative supporters on this blog.

Smackwater
said

Finally we get a chance to turf those arrogant incompetent conservatives out of government.The conservatives are already GUILTY of election and tax fraud. They shouldn't be allowed to run in this election.But what kind of fool would vote for a party that created the worst string of budget deficits in all our history, anyway?

Jason
said

@ JaredYour comments are not only completely offensive to the people of Quebec and the people of British Columbia, but they also lack the compassion and understanding that most Canadians possess. I suggest that you leave the country instead...we'll get along just fine without you!!!

Julian
said

Does anyone else feel like these people should stop acting like spoiled school children and actually run the damn country like they're supposed to?

I'm getting awfully fed up with these people wasting our hard earned money on premature elections, just because they aren't "adult" enough to get along.

I could give a damn about the Cons vs the Libs vs the NDP.
All I know is that anyone who thinks so little of my tax dollars that they're willing to waste so much on a needless election during difficult financial times, is certainly NOT getting a vote from me.

Carry on Harper. I'll begrudgingly go to the polls yet again to ensure hypocritical cry babies like Igna-ramous and Layton never take the helm of this great nation.

James
said

I have voted for the conservatives the last 3 times. I just don't think I can do it again, this time.
doubt that there isn't 2 cents of wisdom between them all. We are barely coming out of global recession. All three of the leaders of the opposition need a new vision plan so they can get glasses that correct their short-sighted vision.

James
said

I have voted for the conservatives the last 3 times. I just don't think I can do it again, this time.

Terri
said

Wake up Canada! Ignatieff and the Liberal party will never get my vote, they are a bunch of theives as they proved a few years ago, remember that Ontario?
The PC party is pretty weak right now but as long as neither party has a majority they keep each other in check. The NDP are just plain out of touch with Canadians!
So instead of just bashing each other maybe they could work together? Gee, what a concept, eh?

Grant in BC
said

[x] Harper. That is all.

david
said

It is unfortunate that inept, power hungry politicians (as in the opposition) seek to destroy the solid foundation the country is being built on.

Alberta
said

Holy moly not ANOTHER ELECTION!!Please Canada lets just get a Majority government, we've all had enough of this Minority one, as well as a stupid coalition with the BLOC. Please can someone explain to me what have any of these losers done for Canada, besides the one that wants to tear us apart? The saddest part of this unfortunately will be the WEST will be left out of who will actually win.. SIGH..

Jared
said

How in the world is that loser Duceppe in Quebec still the leader? It is because the people of Quebec are stupid and they offer the rest of the country nothing and they suck off the government any chance they get. How is Jack Layton in charge of the NDP? Because the people of BC are tree hugging hippies that have no grip on reality except yoga, tree hugging and saving the whales. Now as for the Liberals. their pathetic past speaks volumes and truly shows the people out east how stupid they truly are. OIL runs this country people. Deal with it!!! The Conservatives are the best of the 4 morons to choose. Our economy has not tanked in the the greatest recession in our lives and Canada still remains strong in the global community and forclosure signs don't litter our communities. Harper must be doing something right. Quebec, please leave canada and take your stupid language police and turn coat citizens with you. You are vermin to this great country.

robin hood
said

Re: coalition COAL�IOU LITE IT beat nuclear UN C LEARKing Lear is a tragedy by William Shakespear, considered to be one of his greatest dramatic masterpieces. The title character descends into madness after foolishly disposing of his estate between two of his three daughters based on their flattery, bringing tragic consequences for all.

Tod
said

The paid neocon reformers are out in force today, I can smell the fear. I'm starting to think maybe Harper was paying pollsters to give false numbers. It's a great day knowing democracy will soon be restored to Canada!!! Thank you opposition parties!!!

Phil
said

I wish people would learn that the possibility of a coalition government is an accetable option within our parliamentary system and would more fairly represent the people of this country. The British are in one now and it appears to be working well. It is only those who have no respect for Parliament and show contempt for their fellow Parliamentarians and therefore the people of Canada that get riled up about losing power when the people lose confidence in them.

Chris
said

An election is the last thing we need. The opposition never asked the people I talk to, but they all have jobs and pay taxes.

Firinn
said

Before the election in May , the TRUTH will come in droves. YOUNG PEOPLE OF CANADA , vote with your guts. What do you want Canada to look like in the years to come? VOTE for freedom , honesty and equality. THERE WILL NOT BE A HARPER MAJORITY I PROMISE YOU THAT !

Gord from Calgary
said

I don't want another election either.

What I do want is Harper to stop playing these kind of games he seems to enjoy and focus on leading the government. If anyone is responsible for an upcoming election: it is him. The last election came as a result of Harper trying to see what he could get away with/ how far he could push the opposition. Really? Isn't he supposed to be the leader of Canada. This isn't a playground to bully - this is a country that many people care about. Harper has forgotten why he wanted to lead this country and only seems to focus on himself. I have had enough. Conservative government maybe, but get rid of the real problem: Harper.

CHRIS
said

It's either one party or another. PC's have accordingly some scandals, spent excess monies, hid costs of jets, etc. Libs when in power, had scandals (Finance minister paul martin) spent excess monies, hid costs of subs, choppers, etc... hmmm ... seems to be every party's policy to screw the true Canadian in the end. every party does attack ads, every party wants 'the best for Canadians' yet it seems they only want whats best for them. I really wonder what would happen if NO-ONE VOTED all across Canada, would the federal parties even take notice? Who knows, but in the end, no matter who governs this country, they will have scandals, spend excess monies, hide costs of one thing or another - sound familiar ? Just another way to stimulate the economy - with the 300 Million price tag of an election.

Marco De Lillis
said

I am of Italian origin and have always voted Liberal because that's what the rest of the family voted for. However, I have no complaints about this government and am fed up that we have not had a majority government in a long time. I believe that Prime Minister Harper deserves a majority government. If he cannot lead our country to a prosperous 4 years, then an election is and should be warranted. Otherwise all you politicians stop whining and let Mr Harper run the country. Ignatieff is the last person who should run the country. I'd rather have Don Cherry run the country rather than Ignatieff.

`rAJ
said

Was there any doubt the three amigos wouldnt support one another.Iggy doesn't speak for me, I have not lost confidence, I think the Conservatives saw us `THROUGH A RECESSION, AND DID SO WELL!

Steve in Vancouver
said

It makes sense to move your vote from the Liberals to the NDP. The Liberals have had their chance and have shown they can easily out corrupt anyone, be more hypocritical than anyone else and bluster and huff red faced the best of all the parties. The Liberals are the party of special interest groups and they see their own interests above everyone else. To quote one of their own, the Liberals "are very inappropriate". Conservative majority! Yeah.

Angered Canadian
said

The Opposition has a responsibility to the people of Canada to work with the Government. They never tried to work with the Government but did what they do best - throw mud. Now we are faced prematurely with an election only the Opposition wants and the trigger? Contempt? Are you kidding me? It is the Opposition who have not fulfilled their duty who are the ones in contempt. We NEED a Tory majority to oust this corrupt Opposition party (Liberal). They are everything they accuse others of....everything and then some starting with immoral and unethical.

Thor
said

@ MARG MM I was just wondering what are y;ou going to spend that extra $1.66 per day on, half a bag of peanuts or half a cup of coffee. There won't be any money for your the way Harper throws our money at any thing that moves.

David James
said

The liberals are supposed to be looking out for you and me...meanwhile if they trigger an election my hard earned dollars will go to them funding an expensive election instead of paying off our debt.You stupid Liberals.I hope you lose all your seats.

Western Shaun
said

all u people complaining about big business tax breaks--WHAT MAKES JOBS--MORE BIG BUSINESS.Quebec, let them go, Need majority now, 2 options a real bad coalition or another election in 2013.GO MAJORITY!!

bleeding taxpayer
said

I am sick of these constant elections - we seem to live in a Banana Republic. Iggy you are an idiot, your cushy job is done. Ditto for LaytonI'm not a Harper fan, but he is the best we have for now. Stop these costly elections!!!

ACR
said

This is definitely the pot calling the kettle black.We've got the same Liberal cronies that were involved in many more scandals (and bigger dollar value) than here. The Liberals want to call an election because the Minister wrote "not" on a memo. The Liberals are spinning the numbers on the F-35 by their Liberal PBO. Ignatieff doesn't care about this - he just wants power; he could care less about any of us hard working/tax paying Canadians.Ignatieff's platform............new hockey rinks so that millionaire hockey players can play hockey and billionaires can make money off the millionaire hockey players. Kind of sounds aristocratic to me.... .hey Count Ignatieff.Count Ignatieff (if you aren't reading this, one of his advisers, please pass this on to him)WE (THE PEOPLE OF CANADA ) DO NOT WANT A $350 MILLION ELECTION(Yes I am yelling because I am sick and tired of Ignatieff and the rest of his band of merry cronies) trying to tell me that all 30 some odd million of us wants an election.

sdgreen
said

Enough of this MIniority government system, we need Majority governments. The Liberals, NDP and BLOC have not convinced me that an election is required. The Conservative budget is a good one for the times and the Conservatives have done well. Let us give the Conservatives a Majority this time around!

James Vancouver
said

This is great news, the world would declare this week a world holiday, get rid of your dictator week. It's not often that 2 dictators get told where to go in the same week!

Graham
said

Once again, the arrogant Ignatieff TELLING Canadians how we should feel. Sorry Iggy. This Canadian HAS NOT lost confidence in the Harper government.

Jason
said

Why can't these people grow up? When Harper has something that will help and is good for Canada the oppositions job is not vote no at all cost, save the no vote for what truly will not help our country. If Harper gets a majority we are doomed with no way to stop any bad decisions and were doomed if it's a minority (vote no for everything!). Liberals win same crap! Ndp win well we will never know (with Jack as head dog in that party). With know to vote for Harper to me seems to be the smartest one but not with a majority.

Carl
said

Thank God we're having an election. It's time to send that snide and smarmy Ignatieff back to his own country, the U.S.

Paul Dell'Anno in Toronto
said

The three opposition parties want a coalition government, plain and simple. This would be the worst possible scenario. Canada is a democratic country and our economy has been the best in the world during the global recession. Thanks to the Harper government. The Liberals have a bad track record with taxpayers' money and the NDP are socialists that would eventually bankrupt the country. Look at the great job Rob Ford is doing in Toronto! We need someone right leaning for our economic health. Also, we don't need the Liberals to starve our military and have that sense of entitlement we all remember. Let's give the Conservatives a majority so we can have the real Canada back! With a coalition government, we might as well be a third world country. Thank you.

H.T.
said

It is time for a change. Harper can not be trusted. Alot of the promises he made when becoming PM has not been done. He has people in his party who are in trouble and can't be trusted. Harper was the one who called for the unneccesary election which cost many dollars. He over spent on the G8, G20 summit. He is the one spending too much on he advertisements, he doesn't solve issues he only prolongs them and wastes time and money.It was also through Harper that the reccession occurred. Some of what he states the other parties request or want to do or did once request are not something they want now and mentions past time issues that have past and gone which don't need to be discussed or thought of in our present time. If this wasn't done there would be more money. If he would keep all parties up to date they would most likely be able to work together.

Dr. James Bradford
said

Ignatieff is "The" problem here, not the Prime Minister (despite flaws he may have). Ignatieff does not speak for the majority of Canadians when he accuses the Government of being in contempt of Parliament. This is an Opposition who outright refused from day one to act as an Opposition should act but instead acted themselves contemptuously toward the people of Canada by not honoring their elected choice of Government and agreeing to work with this Government....that is the truth of the matter. This smacks of the age old Liberal arrogance and entitlement issues. If they can't be the Government at center stage then they made damn sure it wouldn't work for someone else. This is classic Liberal manipulation and it frankly stinks and honest informed voters will not allow this to go on again if an election is called..

J.S.
said

What does Harper mean that he won't launch a campaign until after the budget is rejected?! Come on! He has been plastering the TV with Conservative campagin ads for months. Then there are the constant campaign ads attacking Ignatieff on top of everything else. Does he really think that Canadians are that stupid? I just wonder how much of his pre-election campaigning has come at the Canadian tax payers expense?

Catwoman 38
said

Let me ask you 2 good questions.1) Do you like crooks running your country?2) What would you prefer a corporate tax cut that you won't benefit from, or receive a personal income tax cut shortly after tax time?Well if you recall, Flaherty said there is no personal income tax cuts in the budget, and well so far the jobs they have created have been low paying, or short term contracts.Just so you know for seniors the extra 50$ you get a month from the GIS is so you can pay your home heating bill after Harper and his cronies brought in the federal tax on home heating.Still the govt will not remove it.And that is why you all notice your bills going up $50-100 a month.

RWR
said

S Harper has been spoiling for an election since December. He knew he could not get away with paroguing again. He has been running these 5 year old and tired attack ads for months on end. I cannot believe the number of people who have fallen for them. Why don't you all start getting real truthful information so that you can make an inteligent decision. Quit being a bunch of sheep. I plan to work very hard to make sure my useless Con MP is not elected again. And from the sound of things so are most in my area. This is one seat they will not keep. Silence and Secrecy do not get my vote.

Bob,Calgary,Alberta
said

Canadians should stop and consider what this election really means, another Conservative minoritybecause voters have some irrational fear of Harper's right wing agenda (which has been proven totally wrong by the last five years.) Such a minority will tempt the Liberals and the NDP into another coalition scenario which will be a disaster for this country. We will trade a competent government for the worst of both worlds. We would have a Liberal prime minister who believes that all problems can be solved by throwing the taxpayers money at them and an NDP Finance Minister (Layton) who is so uneducated about finance and economics that he thinks the government should just tax the successful and the corporations to pay for more and more social programs that will make us even less productive than we already are. We are at a crossroads in Canada and I fear that the Leftists will rule the day and Canada will sink into the quagmire that Socialist governments always eventually lead too. Be afraid,Canadians,be very afraid!

JustJeff1972
said

I wonder if anyone out there has contemplated this possibilty. The Opposition Liberals, plus the NDP and the Bloc will sabre rattle all they want about 'non-confidence' and 'rejecting the budget' and so on. Then, when the vote for the budget comes around, the leaders of the Liberals, NDP, and Bloc will be there to show there opposition to the budget, but there will be a large number of MPs who will be mysteriously absent from the vote, allowing the budget to pass. And the other parties will still get their 15 minutes of fame about not liking the budget.

Glenn C
said

Just as long as you know Iggy and Layton I for one will not vote for you pair of CHUMPS. My hope is for a Majority (for Mr.Harper). You lot have turned down a good Budget, nobody wants to listen to you pair (Iggy and Layton), look at your track record, Oh! Sorry there isn't one!!!!!

Picker
said

I don't agree with everything the Conservatives have done and are doing but I do support and applaud their efforts on extrememly difficult issues. While we struggle with an uncertain economy within our own households and our sons, daughters, brothers and sisters in harms way far from home along with the other issues of health care, seniors care etal, the other 3 "leaders" want an election. Mikey... take your ball and go back to Harvard (if they'll take you), Gilles.."Quebec sait faire..eh" - NOT and Jack get healthy and work with the PM. This country is worth saving and you may be able to help.

Joe
said

Maybe its time Canadians stop being so complacent and take some points from the people in Libya and Egypt. Someone has to put a stop to this stupidity. The Liberals, NDP and Bloc don't have the best interest of Canadians at heart it is only their greed and ambition driving their war wagon. If the Liberals get in, or a coalition, we will see the military budget cut again, moral will drop again, just like when they were in before. The planes our air force has now need to be replaced in the next eight years, Iggy wants our air force to walk. LISTEN UP, WE DON'T WANT ANOTHER ELECTION!!!!

Gregoryd
said

Another waste of money. Why don't all parties get on with running the country. Thats what we elected them for and that is what they are paid to do. At one time parties would do what is best for the country but now they are only interested in their own gain whether it be power or ego. None of the parties are worth voting for but what choice do we have. It is no longer which party we like the most that we vote for, it is the party we dislike least. This is sad. The conservatives need to act more responsible and include the opposition in decisions. The other parties need to get leaders that know what Candians want and act accordingly. Actually all parties are out of touch with Canadians. They operate in a bubble and have now Idea what the average citizen thinks.With that who do we vote for? I guess right now the only party that I dislike least is the Conservatives. so if I bother to vote at all it will be for them but it is sad. There just is not an alternative. We know Iggy is just going to raise the GST or form a coalition and layton "well" that is just not an option. Sometimes I wonder why people even bother to vote.

Remember when...
said

To "All" the Canadians living in the West remember when the "Liberal" party ignored the Great Canadians living beyond Ontario..something to think about when and if we go to the polls.

We have heard absolutely "zippo" what the Liberals will do if they are to form the next Government..absolutely "no" plans whatsoever, for the Liberal Leader who after living and working in the USA for over 30 years and now back in Canada for 6 years and wants to become the Prime Minister...many of us think "NOT"

Melanie
said

Like we would put any one of the three opposition leaders into the Prime Minister's office, that's a good one. Just forcing an election won't guarantee these jokers anything. Talk about power trips. I vote non-confidence on them!!

viral venus
said

The conservatives first defeated the liberals on a platform of accountability, transparency and integrity but have utterly failed to live up to their lofty claims of superiority. They have proven certainly no better than their predecessors in this regard and in some ways worse and I don't want them to think it does not matter. I don't like the thought of an election and I do feel it may be more of distracton than anything else and I don't really feel there are any leadership alternatives for us that would be any better BUT I do want Harper and his cronies held accountable for their contemptable actions. I wish there were some way to punish the government for their dishonest actions in an effort to force them to clean up their act but not invoke the whole election debacle. Is there a door number three for weary Canadian taxpayers who are at the same time reluctant to force an election but disgusted with the arrogance of this government when it comes to playing by the rules?

Skollie
said

The Bloc is against whatever, the Libs want power at all cost and NDP leader Jack wants to spend. Good reason for an election.

Angry Tory
said

[X] Anyone but Harper

Citizen
said

If Mr. Ignatieff and Mr. Layton truly believe they are doing what is in the best interest of the Canadian people, both should make a pledge right now. If either of them fails to gain seats in the next election or if Mr. Harper gets a majority government, they should both resign because they are clearly out of touch with Canadians.Layton has made a huge tactical error. First of all, its very rare for an opposition party, especially the third ranking party, to get anything in a budget, let alone three of their priorities addressed. So he is throwing away a chance to get something for his supporters in exchange for an election in which he will likely lose seats to the Liberals. The only trick to all of this, is that Layton has no choice. Ignatieff is going HARD LEFT in order to pick up seats, which means Jack has to protect his party base. If he propped up the Conservatives he would risk losing that base. So despite what he will say, he has no interest in making Parliament work, only protecting his own interests.The opposition is out of touch with Canadians. Its time for a Harper Majority Government so Canadians can have a break from the polls for a while.

KevinD
said

To Robin Hood I am an active serving member of the military. The current PM has donr more for us in the last 5 years than anyone ever has, in my 26 years. Are there thiungs I do not like yes are there things that I feel could be done better yes. Is the new program that was anounced a good idea, in my opinion it was the wrong execution of the right idea. Do I trust the Liberals or NDP to do anything about it that is a resounding NO. The only thing the Liberals ever did was starve us to the food banks, steal from our pension fund twice and call it reallocating pension surplusses and start the F-35 purchase. Well at least there they did one thing right.

Roy
said

I wonder what all the opposition members of parliament who will be unemployed after the election be thinking good bye Mr. Ignattief,Good bye Jackie boy and your chow chow you will have to start paying your own rent from now on,Mikie will be heading back to the republic he so dearly loves and all we have left Is Harper with a majority yeah.

Paul, NS
said

Harper along with this budget has lost my support, they got it the last 2 elections, they will not be getting my vote this time. At least the Liberals know how to make a budget without plunging our country into a downward spiral. [X] Liberal

KevinDriver
said

He does not speak for me at all, I can honestly say no Liberal ever has.Some have done good things many were just flakes and self serving neophytes.

lynnees
said

Nor does Iggy speak for me. Nor the thousands and thousands of Canadians who do not want this election. This despot Iggy is foaming at the mouth to be Prime Minister no matter what the cost. He is a dangerous person for Canadians and I really hope they wake up and see just how dangerous he is.

Suki
said

Another election.....Well I'm pretty sure the outcome will be this:1)Conservative 2)NDP3)LiberialDrum Roll.... MINORITY GOV .... again Serious thought, I think most Canadians are comfortable with a Minority Gov.

Brent
said

Ignatieff: go back to Harvard. We don't want you nor do we need you. You are, however, not a total waste of time -- you serve as an example of what not to be.

dante vancouver
said

Contempt of parliament, prorogued government, outlandish severance for integrity chief who did not do her job and quit [special treament?], doctoring official documents and secrecy about spending? Well it is not brain surgery that there needs to be a reckoning, and if you ask me non-confidence are the only words that make sense. How can a thinking human being argue this is about this budget?

ElbowesMTL
said

I hear a lot of whining about the government plans for the F18s. As a person who has a family member in Afghanistan right now, shame on you. Our government should be giving our boys and girls the best of everything.One person said it right. The parties are all telling you why you should not vote for the others, but they are not giving any good reasons for voting for them. I really believe that, no matter what budget the Harper government came up with, it would all be heading in the same direction. Talk about spoiled children. No one party is perfect, but at least the Tories are trying with a very difficult situation of the others blocking them in every possible way. It's very difficult to please everyone all the time, but between the PQ, NDP and Liberals, no one will ever get anything.

Amardeep Kanwar
said

CTV please do online polling of how many %age of Canadians want to have elections?Also another poll with question Which party will you vote for?X My vote goes to Conservative.Can't vote NDP for obvious reasons, Can't vote Liberal because Iggy is not a PM material, for whatever reasons I have. Let us all give Conservatives Majority this time.

terry
said

I am so disappointed with the childish actions of these opposition leaders. They act like little children rather than cooperating and get the business of the country going. If they continue to force an election, I for one will never support them at the polls. Grow up and get on with business.

I wonder
said

This action just proves that the Liberals like to spend money. This is going to cost us MILLIONS and make the deficit even higher and further away to pay down.Iggy just can't handle the fact he and his party are NFG and Canadians are not interested in his lack of Canadian knowledge and our needs. He hasn't lived here for HOW LONG????Liberals spend, lie and spend some more as we learned in the past. They don't care about Canadians just themselves which Trudeau and Chretien proved time and time again. Immigration problems stem back from them as well as lax crime laws!Go get them Stephen and kick their ugly butts!!!!

reidjr
said

Patrick
To be fair as much as i am not a real big fan of thge budget it does have what many on the left and right have been asking for for.

Larry
The issue is there is no party that the people trust.

don.h
said

the coalition is alive and kikking, the three stooges are at it again.

DM
said

Go Ignatieff go.Go Ignatieff go.No, really, I mean go.Leave.We don't need the likes of you in Canada.

GB
said

It's already embarassing enough as a Canadian to have a foreigner as the head of state....I will have to wear a paper bag over my head if another foreigner (Iggy the Yank) is elected as the PM.

Will
said

Glancing over all this nonsense, I am reminded of the old saying that "you can lead a lad to knowlege but you CAN'T make him think!" So much mindless drivel so let me simply contribute this once again, for the simple fact that truth cannot be stated often enough, especially when the lies are repeated constantly: Let's just go to the election, I for one am sick of the constant attempts by wannabe's to hijack the business of government. Here's an idea/proposal for the PM: Today in the house, stand up and state: "Mr. Speaker, it is apparent from the manuevering and statements both in this house and outside that the members of the three opposition parties wish to depose the duly elected government with a vote of non-confidence. Therefore, I invite them to make the motion now. This government will allow any member of the opposition who so wishes to place a motion of non-confidence before the house and it can be voted on immeadiately. It's put up or shut up time - either make the motion and vote it through or not- but Canadians will remember exactly what happens in this house and they will also reward opportunism in the manner it deserves. Will any member of the opposition stand and make such a motion?"

Denise
said

Ignatieff does not speak for me when he claims that Canadians have lost their confidence in the current government. Perhaps he should just be honest (for a change) and admit that he is running out of time as an even slightly viable leader of the liberals. Therefore he MUST send Canadians to the polls if he has any chance of seeing his (pompous) family's ambitions realized. The NDP haven't got a hope in hell of EVER being elected so this is all about, once again, trying to ram a "coalition government" down Canadians' throats.

robin hood
said

Now that I've fixed my mistakes take this copy--please I hate mistakes Mr Harper if you want to play on a global scale ie become a world leader in the eyes of the world then the ingredient for the rescipe you�re missing is �look after your own back yard� set an example for the world show them you care about the country you represent! The only way you can set an example like that is for the world to see a content people, you don�t have that! There is no excuse you can come up with to explain the homeless, our vets and the poverty of our children and aging. Canada desperately needs a govering party to addess these issue. From this point on forget the past lets instead look to the future our world is a mess globally! If every government around the world truly had compassion for the people they represented they would focus close to home. A content people are a creative people there is so much we could accomplish by working together. As long as governments only interest is playing on a grand stage; resources become limited mistakes are made when participants are spread too thinly; nothing gets accomplished. You�re surrounded by the evidence! I want off this merry-go-round I�m real dizzy. I�m tired of watching a chosen few have a life at the expense of so many. I�m tired of hearing the desperation in the voices around me. When you say the economy is getting better which one are you referring to? Canada has a lot to offer this world investing in us as a whole is well worth the time and effort! When we as a people can compete on a level field the sky is the limit! Then and only then can we have real quality of conviction to offer this world you want so much to be a leader of.A good parent takes care of all their children there are no favorites! If it�s an example you need I�ve just provided it for you!

ann
said

why is this a surprise, all 3 opposition parties have been yelling they wanted to bring down the government since the last election. watching them last night was disgusting, they sit there and look the reports in the eye and say well i am not sure. i need to read the whole package with my caucaus(liberal leader), there is nothing in it for Quebec (guess who)and NDP wanted more for this and more for that. Give me a break, did our Country just come out of a really bad time and came came out of it not bad compared to other countries, we don't need or want an election so that these egos can be stroked.

short68
said

the best thing that should happen if there is an election is that the Canadian people give the conservative government a bigger major so that we can go at least a full four years without an election.i will not be voting for the party that i voted for before (NDP). i am tired of their ignorant tatics that cost the Canadian people money. i will vote for the PC's just because.

Patrick
said

As a western Canadian I cannot wait for harper to be gone. He's inept, unwilling to meet the needs of real canadian. Tax cuts for doctors and nurses? What about all those young professionals working in rural and northern Canada? You know the ones that help create jobs?

John
said

Really don't feel like going to the polls.Im all for removing the liberals from official opposition, as the NDP is a-lot more willing to negotiate with the conservatives.

Malcolm
said

This election will cost $300 million of the tax payers pockets. We have one of the strongest economies in the West. Our money in above the U.S. currrency. But NOP lets stall the economy so the 3 stoogies can do what? What are they going to run on. Higher taxes, penalize large corporations, increase the gst, that's just the libs platform. Then there's good old Jack. Lets stop mining, shut down the oil sands, take more money from the west to pay for special interests in the East, How about increasing welfare payments, and where will this money come from?? Well maybe we will just borrow money like the Americans from China. That's working out great isn't it. Then there is the bloc, and why are they running in a fed election?? If there was a seperation party in the West would they be allowed to sit in Parliment? So why should the bloc have anything to say about what happens outside of Quebec. But I guess it's easy to call elections when the libs, ndp or bloc don't have to pay for their election campaign. Every party should have to raise their own money in a campaign BUT NOP the tax payer has to pay for it. That should say it all. But again like all the election we wait to see what the East will do. Will they be suckered into voting for the 3 stoogies or not.

Paul B
said

This is stupid!A good budget, a good government for once, a recovery underway, and a bunch for want to be leaders want to wreck everything. Leave things allow until his term is up and then let the people decide not the opp. leaders. How much is this little stupid move going to cost the people of this country?

Ray
said

It doesn't matter who we vote for we are always going to get the short end of the stick. The Liberal have tried to forces an election for the last couple on budgets. They are crying about the amount of money Harper wants' to spend for the new fighter jet but they seam to forget how must the liberal made us pay for the last helicopter project ,they double the price of each helicopter and we had to pay 790 Million to cancelled the original order just to end up with the same amount of birds later. Maybe someone should check under the carpet before launching accusation of over spending.

Remi aka firstproudcanadian
said

To continue from my last post as I mentioned.After living in all of Canada and really listening to the Canadian people, there are a few suggestions that can really help our Canadian population. All of these so called representatives should learn that to be in their position should be a matter of honor and servitude to the Canadian people, and therefore should take a 55% pay cut and be willing to work like the rest of Canadians till age 65 in order to gain their pensions. Then the Government can allocate 35% of that money to our Elders to allow them a respectful way of life, allocate another 35% to the education of our future generation to prepare them for honor and pride in their/our country, the next 15% to the health and humanitarian housing in this our fine Country, the last 15% could go to the debt. this is just one of many solutions that we as Canadians demand from our elected officials. There are many others but then no one in their positions are willing to listen to others and work out what is best for all Canadians. Full disclosure is the key to proper communications but hidden agendas are too damaging to the future of Canada. We could post more of our idea's if it is the will of all Canadians. Maybe with many voices they would be more inclined to listen to the Majority of the Canadian population.

Good bye Mr. Iggnatief.
said

We have the opportunity to elect a stronger conservative minority with the NDP as the loyal opposition. Best part is that Iggnatief will be gone back to the states or England or wherever. Bring on Bob Rae to complete the destruction of the Liberal party. Then they can eat some humble pie and actually meet some Canadians and listen to them. In four or five years the Liberals might be relevant again.

MARG MM
said

Apparently a lot of you want to be looked after by Government(taxpayers) from cradle to grave. My husband and I, both now retired, have worked hard to raise kids, and retire comfortably. The Conservative Government has helped us in our retirement in regard to our taxes by raising the age benefit, letting us split pension income, giving us a pension income amount and also brought in the TFSA account so we don't have to pay taxes on any interest or dividends gained. These measures have certainly helped us. I don't mind paying taxes to help those less fortunate, however,there are those that demand more social programs, but are unwilling to work to help pay for them, and think that the Government should just give more and more. We have never expected any Government to come to our rescue on any matter. We all know that health care and education are important issues, however they are run by the Provinces with the help of transfer payments from the Federal Government. Those of us old enough know that it was a Liberal Government that CUT those transfer payments to the Provinces, thus cutting health care and education budgets, and they did it so they could claim so called surpluses. I would expect that they would do the same again if given the opportunity.In my opinion, this Government (although not perfect) has done more for Canadians of all stripes in the past 5 years, than the Liberals did in all their years in power. As to the so called scandals, there have been no criminal charges, and no taxpayer money has been stolen, so although the Conservatives are not perfect, the Liberals still have much more to answer to regarding scandals. We are all entitled to our opinions. [X] Conservative.

robin hood
said

Mr Harper if you want to play on a global scale ie become a world leader in the eyes of the world then the ingredient for the rescipe your missing is �look after your own back yard� set an example for the world show them you care about the country you represent! The only way you can set an example like that is for the world to see a content people, you don�t have that! There is no excuse you can come up with to explain the homeless, our vets and the poverty of our children and aging. Canada desperately needs a govering party to addess these issue. From this point on forget the past lets instead look to the future our world is a mess globally! If every government around the world truly had compassion for the people they represented they would focus close to home. A content people are a creative people there is so much we could accomplish by working together. As long as governments only interest is playing on grand stage resources become limited mistakes are made when participants are spread too thinly; nothing gets accomplished. You�re surrounded by the evidence! I want off this merry-go-round I�m real dizzy. I�m tired of watching a chosen few have a life at the expense of so many. I�m tired of hearing the desperation in the voices around me. When you say the economy is getting better which one are you referring to? Canada has a lot to offer this world investing in us as a whole is well worth the time and effort! When we as a people can compete on a level field the sky is the limit! Then and only then can we have real quality of conviction to offer this world you want so much to be a leader of.A good parent takes care of all their children there are no favorites! If it�s an example you need I�ve just provided it for you!

Diana Z., Calgary
said

I am so tired of the NDP and liberals wasting the taxpayers' money with elections every other year!It was THIS government that led us through the recession so Canada was the first one out of it with flying colors. And some tough love sometimes is necessary, that's what the budget is all about...I guess the NDP and the liberals think that now the storm is over(recession) they can get back to their games...on our expense!Outrageous in my opinion!I'd really like to see them working FOR US not just for THEM!After all, we're paying for all this...maybe we should not...anymore!

Nate from Ontario
said

Time to give the Conservatives a majority and see what will happen. Nothing will ever get done with a minority government. Especially when the oppositions' stance is to vote against pretty much anything that they can. As for the contempt of parliament "bull", of course the opposition that is running the committee is going to find that. If the Chretien government was a minority, do you not think "Adscam" would be considered contempt of parliament?

Rick from Ottawa
said

4 Elections in 7 Years? Gimme a break! Ignatieff fancies himself a noble rebel-leader standing up to the establishment. Why doesn't he go back to his fellow Americans and help them with their budget - that would be a real success he could brag about! I am disappointed in Layton - this was his opportunity to take the reigns and actually negotiate for some more of what he wanted. Ultimately, the government will fall even thought the budget is full of reasonable measures during a time frought with uncertainty.

Allan
said

And we have lost the confidence of all of you blood sucking leaders. Especially for Mr Ignatief, I have never seen a bigger cry baby when he does not get his way. What a leach on the tax payers. Please bring on the election so they can shove it down his throat with a majority government. Please crawl back under your rock.

OUTRAGEOUS !!!!!
said

Looks like Liberals are already cooking a deal in their backroom to form a coalition of the losers again. They can do that if they want civil war in Canada. Any coalition should be with the party that wins the most elected seats and one other to form a coalition not a coalition of the losing parties including a treasonous Bloc. No way period. That is treason.

Larry R Yockell
said

It is time to get rid of Harper and HIS Government and put it back into the hands of people we can trust and believe. We are cleaning house in Nova Scotia so why should we stop at just the provincial level of government.

Greg from Kitchener
said

Enough of this......HARPER [X] MAJORITY

Terri
said

The country has NO interest in an election. I have had enough of the grandstanding by opposition parties that have no chance of leading the country anyway.

Brian
said

It was easy to see this comming;Harper wants a majority & just might get it. If he doesn't produce a majority he will have to pack up and go home, maybe McKay will take over.Duceppe is retiring and knows the Bloc is doneLayton will have to retire for health and if his numbers don't improve in the house he goes anywayLiberals want one election with Iggy and if he doesn't win, he is gone and the Liberals move on which is what they want anyway

William (Bill) Jones
said

"...spending money like a drunken sailor"???? And, in an attempt to satisfy personal vanity on a 'chance' one could become Prime Minister????? Is that calling the kettle black -- or what?????

Vern
said

Iggy wants to be PM so bad, he can taste it. It will never happen Iggy, so pack up and go back from where you came. The NDP will never form a government here in Canada, there aren't that many crazies out there to pu them in power. I hope the liberals go the way the old PC under Mulroney and Campbell went...out!
We don't need this election, but if Harper can get a majority and show the East what good government is, Canada might have a chance.

cantuc
said

If it takes a $300,000,000.00 election to get rid of Layton and Ignegative and their eternal whiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiining , that amounts to about $10.00 a Canadian . Well worth the price for 4 years peace and quiet . Harper ( X )

Jason King
said

I don't know which political party is more corrupt anymore. It seems like both the Liberals and Conservatives have had their fair share of ridiculous government

BPG in NB
said

Hey I have idea!!! Let's have equal representational government! That way the "WEST", "CENTRAL", nor "EAST" control our country! Let's all have a seat at the table and work together! Common Sense I know but common sense is not always so common! I will not be voting "Red" or "Blue" this time round...Enough is Enough People - Let's take back our Country and start working together!!!

Chris
said

Time to make the Liberals and NDP pay for this. A conservative majority on the way.

Elbowes mtl
said

It seems to me a lot of work is being put on the shelf because 3 groups of politicians insist on having tantrums. It's not being done the way they want. How dare Layton say that Canadians have lost faith in the Tories? Whether I have or not, he does not know what I am thinking. Obviously, there's not a lot of faith out there for the NDP or Liberals or they would be in government as a majority now.

Senior Citizen
said

Where does Iggy get off talking
about truth, moral or ethical issues. Have the Liberals not done
enough damage when they were in power? And now we have Mr. Clean?
Not so, people should read his book "The Russian Album" in which
he writes about his family being
high-ranking ministers in the govt
of the czar, etc. He, with Jack &
Gilles have tried to tear down our
present govt from the very start
but for my money I honestly will
cast my vote for Harper any day.
Thank you very much.

NorthAlberta Jay
said

Hey Don,Does acting responsibly mean adding billions of new spending initiatives just because the Opposition wants them? Does acting responsibly require the Government to give into every possible demand when it comes to the budget?If the Liberals and NDP want to implement their agenda, they should win enough seats to do so. Based on the generally positive response that this budget is getting, I doubt that will happen and that means another Conservative government. They're not perfect, but I'll take them over any one of the other parties.

Joe C
said

All of the parties have done a very good job in explaining why I should not vote for the other guy.However, none of them have given me a good reason to vote for them.[X] None of the above

Shawn Connelly
said

First, I think it is important that I point out that originally, I wasn't a support of Mr. Harper but over the years, he has proven his value and leadership. He represents Canada very well and in terms of controversies, the conservatives probably have less than the liberals. Most importantly, Mr. Flaherty has done an amazing job! Kudos for earning the respect of the world's economists! Do we really want to waste money and ruin a good government?The rest of those opposition 'leaders' have completely and utterly lost my respect! They are clueless as to what Canadians want! I think I speak for most Canadians when I say, we don't want an election! Do you agree or disagree and if you disagree, please enlighten me as to how Duceppe, Ignatieff, or Layton plan to make Canada a better place?

Jen
said

Canadians have not lost confidence in the conservative government. but I am 100 percent sure majority of canadians are losing their confidence in the opposition parties. If an election goes ahead as they are planning then its time for all canadians to stand together and elect a majority conservative government.

GB
said

Well I guess as the Liberal machine (LMAO) is revving up the election bus, Iggy will be privately packing his bags to head back home to the Republic. Good riddance...he doesn't have the know how to run a outhouse successfully let alone a country...unless of course he is running for President in his own country.

Dr. Kamil
said

Canadians overwhelmingly agree that the Opposition Liberals are in contempt of Parliamentary democracy, by refusing to cooperate under obligation to do so with the elected Government of the people for the benefit of all Canadians, and consequently, Canadians have no confidence in the Opposition Liberal party of Canada and will seek to elect another Conservative government for another term should the Opposition force an election.

Strongand free
said

Once all the "drama" of this Parliament is over we get into the election for whatever the real motivations are of each party. It might just turn out the same but I will not be surprised if the Liberals collapse. They just appear to be more tired, worn and annoyingly elitist. I can see a Conservative government with a few more seats and the NDP forming the official opposition (never mind about coalitions).

Don Aitken
said

Harper is in the position to avoid an Election. He could do what any reasonable ,responsible Prime Minister in a MINORITY GOVERNMENT would do. He could allow amendments to the budget, however even before it was introduced they proclaimed this is a take it or leave it budget. Flaherty said flat out there would entertain any amendments to this Budget (election platform).Essentially Harper has said it is my way or the highway, so hit the road Jack. The ball is the "HARPER GOVERNMENTs" court now.For a change Stevie, start acting responsibly, and stop blaming every body else for not agreeing with you closed mind.

J.C.
said

To those Liberals complaining about the corporate tax cuts, and that they should not be. Tell me then why did the Liberals vote for them instead of going against them when they had the chance to? why are they doing such a flip flop now? also if they did not want the fighter jets and the cost (which they obviously knew would not be cheap at the time) involved then why did they put so much money into the research for them, when they were in power? Now they want us to lose all that money already spent and if they get in power likely cancel the contract which will only cost a lot more again and likely spend more on another jet. In the end paying out far more than the original costs just like they did with the helicoptor deal when Chretien was in power!!! I'm sorry but I cannot understand their reasoning about this purchase. Besides I am sure the armed forces know what is needed to do the patrolling and other jobs far more so than the politicians, and they back the purchase of these jets. I would also like to point out that the total cost also contains the maintenance costs over the long run and is not a direct cost of the jets themselves. When we purchase a vehicle for our personal use we do not take the later years of maintenance as a part of the purchase price.

Carol in NB
said

The way I see it...if all the concessions were acknowledged by Flaherty and put in this budget, it still wouldn't be good enough for the Three Stooges. They would still find something wrong with it. They are looking for ANY reason to call an election. Am I a Harper fan? By all means no...but considering the other 3 I get to choose from, he is, by far, the lesser of the other evils. Do I want to see another election? No...but I would rather have an election to get a majority government in so we can stop all this 'cockandmamy' bullcrap, so that our elected leader can get on with running this country without having to worry about nonconfidence motions for every little thing. Enough is enough.

Ed from BC
said

As for Attack Ads, Harper has been showing these on TV for the past couple of months. Don't tell me he hasn't planned this election all along and deviously blamed the opposition. He's a schemer for his own benefit. [X] Anybody BUT Harper

darren
said

I for one think that all 5 leaders (including Elizabeth May) would be dangerous if any one of them get a majority government. I for one pray for another minority until we get someone as charismatic as Trudeau or Chretien to run a proper majority. These 5 fools would just ruin a good thing with a majority. A minority forces all the parties to work together. And Harper is just as much to blame as the others for not working with the opposition and letting his government fall. The only reason he is letting the election happen is because he thinks he will get a majority (I pray to God, Allah, Buddha, and any other Deities out there that we do not have a majority)

Ottawa Pundit
said

Most Liberals I've talked to want an election, but they plan to vote for other parties. They see an election drubbing by the Liberals as best way to get rid of Ignatieff.

tryfreedom
said

Who gets to decide when an election is necessary? In our system, if there is a minority government, there is always a chance of an election. That IS the system. Are the opposition parties supposed to vote against their beliefs just to prop up the government. I think not.

Gord. Robson, Nova Scotia
said

The opposition leaders were all asked this afternoon on TV (ctv & cpac) if the Conservatives were elected with another minority government would they (the opposition) get together after the election and form coalition so that they would become the ruling (party/coalition)....Mr. Duceppe answer..whatever is best for Quebec which I take is yes (because he could get the Liberals and NDP to give money to Quebec) for supporting coalition....Mr Layton said he would work with any parties (before/after)election whatever is best for Canada (his party) he would not say no to a coalition after the election...So this is taken as yes....Me. Ignatieff would not comment so that may be taken as yes. If you are against something you say so !........I feel that all parties should be very clear about if they would form a coalition after the election...We as voters want to know now...I do not care about whatever might have happened in the past...I want to know now b e f o r e the election !!!

CYL
said

no-confidence to ALL of them

BCDarr
said

We CAN afford an election. What we CAN'T afford is an inept government showing contempt for Parliament and the Canadians it represents. Goodbye Harper government, hello Canada (we've missed you).

Ann
said

I didn't vote for Harper the last time BUT I sure will be voting for him this time. The other parties are made because he won't let them bully him. I like that he is not wishy washy and stand up to the other parties. Canada is in better shape than other countries so how can he be doing so bad. Liberals have alway lined their own pockets and will continue to do so.

T
said

Even more important that it is an unwanted election, it will most likely produce exactly the same results as the last one. Harper does have a chance at a majority, but for the most part I think the results will still still be a minority. Then we see another election sooner rather then later because of all the politicians refusing to work together. I think Harper is trying to take some of the other parties ideas into consideration. But only if they produce some. I have not heard many suggestions from any parties other then the NDP. The liberals aren't putting anything on the table other then costly cancellations of what is already underway, they cancel deals rather then produce them. Dealing with Ontario Liberals (Mcguinty) is enough for me, and i would vote any party other then them. My wallet can't afford a Federal Liberal government.

Overtaxed
said

Mr. Harper had no consideration for the middle class families that are paying thru the roof in taxes. I am a single parent, trying to hold onto my house (property tax in Montreal is over the roof) 2 kids in unversity, my salary has not gone up in 3 years, gas is up etc.... where is the consideration/understanding for people like myself that keep footing the bills for extravagant spending at the Parlimentary level? Have they forgone a raise increase? How about their expense accounts? Mr Harper, enough is enough. When tax reduction is in place, and the expense accounts of MP's, Senators and yourself are cut you will not have the respect of the middle class people of this country.

Doug
said

This budget was better than we should have expected during these times.I can't beleive the three "dummies"leading the three oposition parties can't put "their" personal agenda away and do what's right for the countyr.

Paul(wpg)
said

The Green party are way better fiscal conservatives than the Harper regime. If you live in Elizabeth May's riding please give her your vote.Watching her school Harper in a leader's debate will be a real eye opener for his diehard supporters.

Lz in Edmonton
said

A very unwanted election. If this goes back to the status quo, the budget will be passed minus 300 million spent on the election plus all the goodies that were on the table will now be off. Yes, there are LOTS of goodies if you read the document but the opposition didn't read them. Funny, they wanted the government to SPEND MORE AND MORE AND MORE. How do most posters here not see that? We are in deficit not because of the government, but because a minority goverment gets forced to spend BILLIONS keeping us out of an election. So, if its an election the opposition wants, the electorate will be speaking loud and clear I hope. Please educate yourselves before you post as it shows your true level of education on the matter.

al from calgary
said

let me see Iggy said he will get more than 1 bid for the fighter jets. Lets say he does not save any money and this is the best bid, so no savings. How much will he save on tax cuts to corporations and small business and did hefactor up how many will go bankrupt or move to another country. So factoring all this in, just exactly where is he going to get the money for childcare, education, arenas the arts etc. and what is the price tag. Oops he is going to also eliminate the deficit, and you say cons are delusional REALLY.

Gordon Davis
said

In spite of their best efforts, the opposition has not been able to find an issue that even hurt the Conservatives in the polls, let alone gave them ammunition to call an election, considering how poorly they themselves show in just about every poll taken in recent months. Indeed, both the Liberals and the NDP have lost ground recently.And yet, they are going to bring down the government over a budget, and a somewhat contrived “Contempt of Parliament: charge?Given the low ebb of Michael Ignatieff’s own popularity, We all would be quite right in wondering if he has lost it completely.There has only been one time, since the fall of the Martin liberal government in 2006, Where it seemed that the Conservatives might not be able to govern, as a minority, and that was when the Liberals, NDP, and Bloc Quebecois signed a ”coalition” agreement, and tried to hijack parliament.Now, given the low poll ratings and low personal ratings, one must wonder how it is that Mike Ignatieff thinks he is going to form a government this time?Could it be, that Mike, Jack and Gilles have been scheming once again, hoping no one (that would be us, the general public) will think that is what is going on?We know they think we are all very stupid, and that we don’t pay much attention to them, but do they really think we are that DUMB, to fall for it again?The idea of a Lib/NDP/Bloc coalition is at best unappetizing and unsettling, but at most downright dishonest, if they don’t come right out and say that is what they want.To most Canadians, judging by the polls, the re are only two reasons for an election right now: the coalition possibility, or just blind greed and ambition by the Liberals, to be the ruling party once more, as they feel they are entitled.Either way, hold on to your wallets, because if they do pull it off, the price of the election is going to be the smallest cost we will face, if it occurs.G. DavisMarch 23, 2011Calgary

Ajay Vee
said

Mr. Harper, the new Governor-General is a personal friend of yours; he is still beholdin'. To heck with the Opposition, prorogue!

Prof. Sine Curve
said

The Liberals forcing an election now is understandable.They are losing ground and are desperate. The fact is that despite their incessant attacks and exaggerated accusations against Harper they haven't been able to accomplish anything. The longer Harper stays in the more the voters like him.

Dixie from Alberta
said

Spending $300 million to permanently get rid of Iggy & Jack and achieve a majority gov't with 5 years of stability..........priceless.

Len
said

Seems strange - some are complaining about the cost of an election. There are other ways to waste money. Chretien gave away about $225 million in the sponsorship scandal and the Liberals paid for it, even though his intention was to try and win the separatist vote in Canada's favor. He did waste the money as it turns out. Last June Stevie 'wonder' in Ottawa threw over 5 times that amount away for the G20 fiasco where nothing got accomplished and many are still feeling the effects and shopkeepers are yet suffering from their losses. We don't hear anything from Stevie about that. Maybe the money spent on an election will be a good thing.

Jay of Alberta
said

It always amazes me; how short minded we Canadians become and don't realize what transpire red by earlier elected governments. Does anyone remember the Liberal red book and the promise of get rid of the GST? Complaints were made regarding military spending however it should also be noted that while we were under the Liberal escapades the military was not supported and had to make do with the antiquated equipment. Federal contracts help the economy by creating jobs within country and wasn�t that what the opposition parties demanded. Two years ago the oppositions demanded federal spending to stimulate the economy which the Conservatives did and now they are being criticized for the deficit. An election will only slow recession recovery.

Jim - North Saanich, BC
said

Last evening I listened to the leader of the New Democratic Party rant on about Prime Minister Harper claiming that the CPC approach to government was "My way or the highway" . It was followed up by comments that he, Jack Layton, had told Stephen Harper how things were to be done - his way - and the PM hadn't listened to all the NDP demands. Do I sense a contradiction here? There were concessions in the proposed budget to demands of the other parties but Jack didn't get all the marbles so its his way (Jack Layton's) or the highway.The sad things is that over 80% of Canadians don't want an election and I am one of them but in the minds of Messrs. Layton and Ignatieff, my opinion and the majority of Canadians count for nothing. It's their way or the highway and the opinion of the majority be damned! For the next six to eight weeks I will have to listen to a cacophony of braying jackasses tell why they should be in charge of things while important matters of real importance are shelved. The wheels of government are not broken and do not need to be fixed at least for now.

Karl BC
said

I am so sick of all parties playing these games. Sadly I may not like what some are doing in the Conservative government, but I am willing to give them a majority this time around. Also Jack Layton would no rule out a coalition with the liberals, neither would Iggy, sooo i made my choice already. [x] Conservative.

Ed Mississauga
said

Maybe if we had a rule that the political party who makes the motion of non-confidence has to pay for the election, we would not be goint to all this expence to elect the same government.

GCB Oromocto
said

It is time to clear the air. Have this election which the Cons have been campaigning for since the last one and if people use their heads they will see that the budget was a set up so the opposition would oppose it and we could have an election. Attack ads are really stupid and childish.

Dave in Orleans
said

PLEASE VOTE! I don't care who you vote for because everyone has their beliefs, but all of us Canadians need to vote! It is our duty as citizens of our great country. We Canadians need to turn the blinders off to politics because these issues affect us all. Anyone who says that they don't vote because it doesn't make a difference is just ignorant and lazy. If you care about our country then VOTE! If you DON'T vote, then you don't have a right to complain!

Steve in Vancouver
said

l have breezed through a lot of the comments here and some misguided people see a Conservative conspiracy. Its a great budget considering the times especially, There is more than a nod to sectors of our society that have been ignored over the years by the Liberals when they were in power. The special interest groups catered to now are children, seniors, our armed services and others and, its a big and, they are paying down the debt. The Conservatives are ready for an election, how astute of them. This is the longest serving Canadian minority government in history. Such a Conservative party l would want to run our country. They don't want an election but are prepared for it. They now need to be rewarded with a majority.

Matt
said

300, 000, 000 Million to count the 'X' of 30 Million. This is a prime example of how democracy is broken. And with less then 40% voter turn out and falling each election, you realy do need to ask yourselves. Is our country so broken, is your life coming apart at the seams that you would spend 300, 000, 000 million dollars of our own money? This is absurd.... all of it, and everyone here screaming for an election. Give your heads a shake.

Fed up in Mtl
said

We neither need nor want another election in Canada. The only up side would be if Iggy got so few votes that he lost his deposit !! Then he could go back to USA. He could advise Obama . Obama seems to be surrounded with idiots . Iggy would fit right in .

don.h
said

the people should give the cons.a majority gov. with the bloc. as the offical opposition, then maybe these morons will quit their games and start doing what is best for the country and not their party, much like ontario did when they got fed up and elected the ndp into power. but i do not think this same senario would have the same desaterous results. ( x) ?

Paul(wpg)
said

Harper is responsible for causing an election! The opposition(representing the majority of Canadians) made it crystal clear that another reduction to the corporate tax rate wouldn't fly!Why should working class Canadians pick up the tab for big businesses owned by a handful of multi-national billionaires?

Alan
said

I wish we could get rid of the party hacks in these comments. A lot of the statements are just plain silly and have no merit and are just tub thumping. I guess as one gets older you've seen it all. There are however some very thoughful points being made. Personally I find it unfortunate we are into another election as I am not really comfortable with making a change at this point in our economic comeback. Mr Ignatieff has done nothing to suggest to me that he is a capable alternative and represents a risk factor.I do smile at the continued use of the word dictator in describing Mr Harper. It takes me back to Mr Trudeau suggesting perhaps that it is a badge of honour because quite frankly it takes a strong leader to run things in difficult times. The only difference perhaps is arrogance because Mr Trudeau would win that in a flash., no contest. I suggest rather than dictator the better word is confident and that is what I want my leader to be afterall he represents me on the world stage.

It's what it is
said

I just received this through the email, I don't know who wrote it, but I had to laugh! Perhaps every poster here should take the time to realize its humour too...A driver is stuck in a traffic jam going into downtown Ottawa. Nothing is moving north or south.Suddenly a man knocks on his window. The driver rolls down his window and asks, "What happened? What's the hold-up?""Terrorists have kidnapped Michael Ignatieff, Dalton McGuinty, Jack Layton, Gilles Duceppe, and Prime Minister Harper. They are asking for a ten million dollar ransom... otherwise, they are going to douse them with gasoline and set them on fire. We are going from car to car, taking up a collection."The driver asks, "On average, how much is everyone giving?""About a litre!"

Jim in Ontario
said

Let's hope we make this count and get four years of a stable majority government.

TheOtherLowellInBC
said

Dave in Ottawa. Here is a reality check for you. Harper has been running attack ads on and off since he was elected. Given that attack ads are usually run in a campaign, has Harper been campaigning all the time he was the prime minister of Canada. If that is the case, then Harper is truly an opportuntist and a sleazy one at that. Its time to throw Harper out.

Len
said

So, we get an election this spring. May God help and assist Canada and Canadians if Harper gets a majority. We'll need help from on high!

Dan from Ottawa
said

So how does releasing attach ads help defend the budget.It just seems like our PM will not fight an election without going into the gutter. Here's a thought, why not put out ads that articulate your position and what you will do for the people instead of ads that call into question a persons motivation and the let the people decide.Personally would think more of the person if this was the action that was taken.

Frank in Russia
said

Maybe my move to Russia wasn't that crazy after all - Good luck my fellow country people as I watch from afar what you all have to deal with.

Rosanne
said

From a very young age I was taught that it was not only a priveledge to vote but, my responsibitly. Unfortunately, I look at all the party leaders and am absolutely disgusted with my choices. Government wonders why young people don't vote... Who is there to vote for?Seriously, get over your egos, the sound of your own voices and grow some balls! enough is enough! Come to the table either as a party or a collective with a plan that Canadians can be proud and lets move forward. I so, sick of tired of the 'my stick is bigger than yours, he/she did this' mentality. When as Canadians, did we decide to head back to nursery school?!?! PS - since an election is almost inevitable, why not reform our whole voting system? let us, as Canadians actually have a say in who becomes party leader/ Prime Minister!

happy
said

Mr. Harper has never stopped campaigning and he's been using our tax dollars to do it. He has got to go, now!

Eileen
said

I normally vote NDP or Liberal but because of the lack of cooperation in Ottawa, I will be proudly voting Conservative. Imagine what the 1 billion dollars we have spent in the last 7 years on 4 elections could have done for education, healthcare, and stimulating the economy as opposed to fulfilling political leader's egos??

JB in Ontario
said

Why are we having another Election? It will only result in another minority government. Tax payers are not going to want to spend millions on another Election. I think the opposition parties should try and work with the new budget. It seems like a good budget and there is something for everyone!

Pete
said

Iggy is now displaying contempt for the will of the Canadian people!It will soon be time for his return to Harvard

Remi aka firstproudcanadain
said

I have listen to the remark from The Right Honorable Steven Haper, claiming that the leaders of the other parties did not even take the time to read the budget. Well this is a very simple read it is only 352 page and can be accessed on-line and is avaiavle to everyone. I read this entire document in less then 1 hour. The number crunching took me just a little over 1/2 hour. So I am asking all Canadians to please read this and then ask yourself are you really willing to be worst off by allowing the government (our representatives) to take more of your hard earned dollars now to allow you a credit for the future that you will never get to use. While reading this document please carefully read the section on the changes they want in regards to your RRSP and RRIF, wow what a tax grab now against your future earnings. I believe that this is enough of taking from the working classes. We need people that have pride in Canada with a vision for our future as Canadians.We have major issues in this our beautiful Country and they are as follows: Debt, lack of respect for our Elders, lack of focus for our future Canadian generations, lack of sharing knowledge from our present generation to the next, lack of education in cultureand history of Canada.i will continue this on the next post.

Linda In The Valley
said

Nice to see the "Three" little boys can't play in the sand box. An election at this time is not warranted nor wanted by 80% of Canadian's and at a hugh cost. I guess the "Boys" just don't get it. What a waste!

Albertaboy111
said

Well the Copyright Act will fail if this election happens. That alone is reason enough. A chance to turf a government that promised openness and accountability, but has given us more secrecy and less accountability, is also worth the vote. I don't know how anyone can vote for a party that failed so miserably on their core promise. They promised us better. If we give them any longer, they will have their own adscam to deal with. They are already charged with cheating in the 2006 election, along with a plethora of other charges of unethical or illegal behavior. They cheated in the very election they promised to be better in. And people believe what they say...

Stan
said

When Stephen Harper cut the GST a few years ago it resulted in two things. He got elected Prime Minister and we ended up with a huge deficit and mounting debt. It shows that he is a very smart man but do you really think his priority is the economy?? He will try to bribe us again and you know, he might just get his precious majority this time. I just hope we can afford it.

D Lounsberry
said

After listening to the senseless winning of the opposition parties,I now hope we do go to vote "again" This time MAJORITY!I can't stomach the thought of another Coalition Coup d'�tat "again" Prime Minister Stephen Harper please stand your ground!Don't let these 3 stooges take you down!

melanie
said

A ruse.

Bill
said

ENOUGH!!!! No matter who gets in they are about themselves. All they think about is themselves and how to spend our hard earned money. It costs approx 3 million dollrs to run an election. It is about time the public said "NO"!!!! wait a minute what the hell is going on!!!! Ignafia, who ever the heck is he has no clue about Canada and nor does he car, POMPUS individual. The Quebecer---well stay there --he also does not care about Canada. Layton---again looking out for himself and does not have a chance in winning----POLITICS in Canada is in big problems.!!!!!! Stay with a majority party for the term for a change!!!!! It is time we the public say enough is enough---quit spending out HARD EARNED MONEY!!!

Dina
said

We need this election... Holding the current economic situation on our throats as weapon of reconsidering election is ridiculous..guess what this is a government we talking about not a corporation.... sometimes states do function and we need to change that... considering all citizens...

Steph
said

I can smell a coalition coming! Very unfortunate, if Quebec thinks that they will advance their cause by slipping with the Liberals and NDP they are bound to a very rude awakening! Canadians in general need to put partisanship aside and realize that of all the leaders only PM Harper has the skills to run this country. Lets give him a majority government!

Kim (GTA)
said

@ Jefferson - your comment suggests you haven't read the budget details for if you had you would realize the expenditures you quote are NOT in the budget and thus irrelevant to the debate.

MK
said

Every Canadian knows what is going to happen. the conservatives will get voted back in but will not get a majority. that or Canadians will get radical and Vote the NDP in because they may look like there not corrupt like the conservatives and Liberals.

Brigitte
said

It is all a game for power! Not what is important to the Canadians

edward
said

I think there will be deflated egos for a couple party leaders , after the results of the unwanted election.

Mike
said

Last election cost $300 million. All Canadians are watching what they spend. The opposition parties are are not thinking like Canadians, who are watching there own wallets. Too ALL Canadians, weather you like PM Harper or not. Lets send a message to all parties that spending money during this time is irresponsable. WE ALL want 4 years of political stability.

Jefferson
said

Mr. Harper has the nerve to criticize the opposition for wasting money on an election when he is throwing billions at the Correctional system during a time of record low crime rates? Why is Harper doing this, you ask? So he can throw potheads behind bars; otherwise peaceful, tax-paying, productive Canadians who are no different than Joe Average drinking a legal beer or smoking a legal cigarette - substances that cost our health care system billions of dollars while there has never been a recorded overdose or traffic fatality attributed to marijuana. Regardless of your opinion on marijuana, is it really worthwhile for our country to throw users behind bars? I guarantee someone you know smokes it. It could be your doctor, your lawyer, your dentist, your accountant or your mechanic. What they do in their personal time is none of your business.(Yes, potheads need to stop lighting up in public, legalize and REGULATE!) I don't trust Harper as far as I can throw him; I'm not sure about the other leaders either, however. There's no happy ending for Canadians in sight. Harper = liar and out of touch with most Canadians. Ignatieff = pompous arse. Layton = no chance. Bloc = irrelevant outside of Quebec. *sigh*

Evan in Athabasca
said

Lol, only the Province of Ontario wants an election, that is hearing you all right.... sorry you are not the only people in this nation. You guys are so pissed off at your current provincial government that you want to take the rest of Canada down the drain with ya, sorry not going for that ride.

MSH
said

Harper planned this all along - don't you people see this? He wants an election so bad because he thinks maybe, just maybe he can get a majority ... so the Conservatives made a budget which they knew the opposition wouldn't agree to. He set them up - this was his plan - this way its the opposition's fault that there would be an election - not him - so he would come out of this "smelling like a rose"

Daniel
said

Harper won't campaign until his government is defeated? Maybe I'm missing something, hasn't he been running campaign-style attack ads? And he released one hours after the budget yesterday, didn't he? Not campaigning though, eh?And that budget was clearly designed to be rejected. Harper wants an election - surprise, surprise that he's telling us otherwise and expecting us to be ignorant enough to believe it. Though I see that many people are 'choosing' to believe him - I say good for the ostrich crowd.Harper is like the sour milk that's been sitting in the fridge forever that everyone is too lazy to throw out. He just needs to go home so someone else can fix everything he broke.My biggest problem? Who do you replace him with? Ugly choices, very ugly.

ACR - Calgary
said

This budget was doomed from the beginning. The opposition isn't taking into consideration that the world economy is shaky - ours is relatively strong and needs to be tended to.All the opposition is is a bunch of political opportunist that feel that this is there last opportunity before a Conservative Majority to have a kick at the can. All I have heard our the the Liberals and their cronies is that they can do better than the Conservatives. OK, WHERE IS YOUR PLATFORM? I have heard nothing out of the Liberals other than trash talk and pure arrogance (remember my fellow Canadians its the same Liberal party that criminally stole billions of dollars from us). Also my fellow Canadians; Ignatieff's lust for power by calling this election now is going to cost us $300 million and to get what??? A Conservative minority government?

Ian in Oshawa
said

Ugh, don't like to agree with the Prime Minister, but I do here. We don't need an election, it's a waste of time, money and quite frankly, I'm not blindly partisan enough to think that it will go well for the Liberal Party.Just no, get to work you slacking wind bags, all of you.

Dave in Ottawa
said

To those who find that it is curious that there were attack ads ready the day after the budget had been tabled, and think that this is a sign that PM Harper had planned for the budget to fail, you really need to stop and think about this. Do you think that the conservatives or any other parties would not have done any planning based on the perceived outcome of this budget? There is only two possible outcomes. The first is that one of the opposition parties supports the budget, the other is that none of the opposition parties supports the budget. Anyone familiar with risk management would have identified these two outcomes and planned based on the perceived risk. The only thing left to do is to wait for the outcome, which in this case is that none of the parties support the budget, and action the mitigation plan.

John
said

Oh woe is Harper. If the Conservatives get a majority, get ready for five years of pork. Harper (and he's the only one making decisions there) will pay off all his favourite groups.

I don't get it
said

I believe we will still have pretty much the same thing after the May Election. The only difference will be that we don't have leadership until then and we'll be out of pocket $300million for the inconvenience. Why can't the Liberals take advantage of this time and regroup/rebuild and then come on strong when the election should come? They'd be in a much better position then.

Remi
said

I wish that all this mud slinging would stop in the comments section of any article. With that said, I am hoping that all Canadians take the time to really read and look at the numbers in this proposed budget. The seniors increase is a joke when you look at the amount of dollars they are allowing $306 million to be split among 680,000 people will give these poor and abused senior about $50 dollars per month more , but then this government increases everything else include the staple item for life by higher taxes. ( gas taxes and sale taxes as example) Thus leaving them with less to live on then they have now. As far as tax credits, these are bread crumbs, they do not leave the Canadian people with more money to live on, they only allow you to to live in a delusional live expectancy that one day they might help. The Child' Art Tax Credit is only worth about $75 dollars per year in credit, when you look at it 15% of $500 maximum ( providing they qualify ). As for the Retrofit tax credit rebate will only help the upper income earners that can afford to do these Retrofits, what about the lower to middle income earners, the must qualify and prepay all these repairs/retrofit.

jeff
said

what a waste of money. this money could be better spent then to elect people for another minority (that is what i think will happen).in my opinion.. all three of the opposition people should be fired and reprimanded for wasting all this money. if you were in a private company you would be out on the street.

Peter
said

I will be happy to vote for Steven Harper and the Conservative Party of Canada yet again. The alternatives are a complete joke.

Ryan
said

Liberals have a very rare gift....they can literally talk out both sides of their mouthes at the same time.....we want this and that in the budget, they get it then say no we meant something else...The Conservative ads are so on the money-Ignatieff didn't come back for Canadians he came back to add a line to his CV. As they're saying: [X] Conservatives.

Jamie D
said

It is no wonder Canadians need an election. The current government spent all their time dodging scandal, and buying votes that they only managed to put out the following garbage legislation, which in my opinion helps everybody but Canadians:Bill S-6, which eliminates the chance of parole after 15 years for people convicted of first-degree murder;C-21, which imposes a minimum two-year sentence for people convicted of fraud over $1 million;C-61, which allows the government to freeze the assets of foreign dictators with less evidence than is currently required;C-42 on aviation security, which allows airlines provide passenger information to countries they're flying over without the passenger's consent;C-48, which allows judges to make people convicted of multiple murders wait longer for parole eligibility.S-5: Vehicles from Mexico, which makes it easier to import used cars;C-14: Fairness at the Pumps, which makes gas station owners ensure their pumps measure gas accurately;C-22: Online Sexual Exploitation, which requires internet service providers to report child porn;C-30: Response to R. v. Shoker, which allows judges to demand blood and urine samples to enforce a prohibition against taking drugs or drinking;C-35: Crooked Consultants, which sets up stronger rules for people who charge money to help others immigrate to Canada.

RZ
said

Another reason why the Conservatives must be booted from office. They continue to give big businesses tax cuts when we have a deficit expected to be at least $40 billion this year and ordinary Canadians are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet. They spent over $1 billion on the G8/G20 summits and $16 billion on fighter jets, when tuition fees are going through the roof and assistance for seniors remains underfunded.This is unacceptable. Period. Guess we will have to abandon the NDP/Bloc and vote Liberal if we are to get rid of Harper.

Rose
said

This is not time to have an election ! Why don't they work together for the good of the country. The money spent on the last 2 elections could have gone to health care or education. This country needs to learn how to live within a budget. Would do us all good to do so till we are out of this recession. By the way one good start would be to walk instead of drive every where good for your health. Also save gas and won't be relaying on so much oil. Live green in the house of commons as well. of course thats hard to do with all the BS going on. By the way us baby boomers are the real affenders.

Jo Anne DePauw
said

Not everone is well off and can afford high gas prices, utilities and anything else they want to raise in prices, or keep adding dollars to so the tax payer keeps digging into their pockets.... that it gets harder for poverty level working people to be able to get ahead. Seniors deserve much better. The budget was planned to fail so Harper could get an election. Didn't vote for Harper then, won't vote for him now...didn't vote for McGuinty then and won't vote for him now. No sense in writing them....you just get some aide to answer you back and not the person to whom you directed the letter to. My name really is Jo and I really am Canadian...maybe some day I would like a politician to ask me what I think. Oh but wait...that will never happen because politicians say they know what's best for the Canadian people. They don't know what's best for me because they never asked me. I would like to see them live the way I live and work.

Norm in Ontario
said

My 2 cents: Get rid of the Governmental system as we know it and put a businessman in charge to run the country as a business. Not only would this get rid of the 3 Stooges in Ottawa, but it would also rid the country of at least 60% of the public servants who are overpaid, underworked and job secure. In the real world, this bullshit is non-existent. In private enterprise, those who cannot or will not do the job are fired and replaced by those who are willing. Everytime crap like this surfaces, the people speak but Ottawa (or most Provincial Gov'ts, Ontario for sure) does not listen. They just trundle along to their own agendas pissing away more millions and billions without a care for the people who have worked hard to supply these bozos with their never ending supply of money.

David
said

Hear Us, Hear Us, we do want an election!

MR. Douglas Roy Weeks
said

I hope the opposition party,s realize what a election cost and they would quite acting like little children

Cody
said

Is there another party that I can vote for? All of the political parties are in it for themselves and not for us Canadians. Maybe we should start a party focused on the Canadian Values that are highlighted in the Tim Horton's commercial (minus the roll up the rim part).

Michael (Not Ignatieff)
said

I agree with Prime Minister Harper. Of course he is partisan but he is quite correct. A change in government direction now would likely scuttle any economic progress and advantage Canada has made to date and with the LIberal's proposed slate of carbon taxes alone we could be into a severe recession almost overnight. Besides, the Liberals are not ready to govern they have not demonstrated themselves to be an effective opposition or worthy of assuming the reigns of government.

Prof. Pye Chartt
said

In their lopsided, partisan assessments and understandable desperation to forge the necessary spin of justification, Opposition supporters appear unwilling to account for the critical fact that our PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY also obligates the Opposition to work with the governing party (the Conservatives) -- those who garnered enough votes to establish a ministerial cabinet and RUN THE COUNTRY on behalf of, and for the benefit of, all Canadians. The Liberals, NDP, and Bloc Quebecois have the vested power, authority, and privilege to bring down the government of the day if they feel that such an undertaking is appropriate, necessary, and POPULARLY SUPPORTED (which, of course, translates into a resulting victory at the polls). Therefore, the whiny "dictatorship" angle flogged ad nauseam by Opposition supporters is silly drivel that has never held water. Kindly spare us.

Scotty
said

I always have a good laugh reading these comments about our "elected prime minister." Newsflash: Canadians don't elect prime ministers; we elect members of parliament. Parties elect leaders who become prime ministers when they gain support from a majority of members of parliament. That's how our parliamentary system works. Like it or not. As for the election. Finally, a chance to get rid of Harper, one way or another. Either he'll lose outright, or get another minority, which will prompt all those closet reform/Tory backroom boys to axe him.

art
said

I see Harper is now plagiarizing the liberal playbook of the 1990�s. He plans major cuts to our armed forces.

Niagara George
said

Going back to King Steve's roots in the Reform movement, one of their favourite platform points was that they supported a referendum for important issues. You can be certain that would cost as much as an election. I know the neoCons would say that is different because the Cons want it, but actually it is the same as an election. It has been three years of minority government. It is time for the people to have a say. I think the Con whiners out there are afraid their Steve will once again fail to achieve the majority he feels is his rightful reward. When he once again misses the mark, the Conservative wolves will start to circle. It will be time for the King to find the door. Perhaps Bubbly Baird or one of the other extremists will be the new leader. I would much rather have a PM who was able to rise to the top of academia and represent Canada at one of the world's most prestigious university.

janfromnorthvan
said

Political bickering is getting sooooo lame.It is not a bad budget considering the economic times. Many Americans are envious of what we have been able to maintain in Canada during this time. I for one do not think the Liberals are up for the job. They pontificate but offer very little in actual practical vision. I agree we need to see this thing through with the conservatives. And Stephen is not the worst PM all PM's have good and bad points. I like him personally i think he has integrity something most politicians know little about. I agree Mulrooney wasn't great but neither was Jean Cretien in his final go round.If it comes to another election "sigh" I will be voting Conservative and praying for Canada's well being.

The Bookkeeper
said

I find it extremely funny reading the posts made by Harper's supporters. Listen up!!!!!When more than 2/3 of the country DOES NOT vote in an election, then the winner of that election is NOT the leader of this country! Harper in ONLY the leader of a minority government. I for one, have never called him Prime Minister because the MAJORITY of this country DID NOT vote for him. The majority of this country would rather stay home than give him their vote.I only hope that this time, everyone realizes that staying home does not prevent a dictator-wannabe from gaining the upper hand.

David
said

"Canada enjoyed a surplus when the liberals were in power."

Deficit was created by liberal government before Mulroney, Mulroney didn't pay interest on it basically (interest rates were high back then).

Mulroney added the GST tax which made paying debt off easier by taxing canadians more.

Martin government balanced in good ecconomic times partially by giving less money to provinces which means they have to tax more, not really a reduction.

Harper gave more money back to provinces as his biggest spending increase which isn't really increase.

Both liberals and conservatives have cut corporate taxes as way to reduce unemployment.

First Harper budget in recession did not have big deficit spending, and opposition threatened coalition government to force more spending.

Overall I think biased/one sided to claim one side is mainly reponsible for debt, like blaming only Bush or Obama when they both do very similar as far as debt and stimulus.

Craig in Calgary
said

No matter who's side you are on....the MOST important thing is to GET OUT AND VOTE!!

Dave in Calgary
said

Since adds take a couple of weeks to prepare, the Conservatives obviously knew they were forcing an election with this budget. I call that just plain manipulation of the masses that they obviously consider too dumb to think for themselves.

J_albertan
said

Amazing how fast everyone seems to have forgotten the sizeable "mis-deeds" of the previous Liberal gov't. Want that again Canada?

Tired
said

This whole thing is ridiculous. I think that any intelligent person can see that Steve (he loves to be called that by the way) is REFORM...not Con. I am embarrassed that this man is our leader. I know Iggy is not charismatic, but I think he will at the very least listen to the people. He is a very smart man and definitely smart enough to know if he does not do what the people want he will be out asap. What is the big deal that he went to the States to work...that does not make him anti-Canadian!! There are thousands of Canadians that go to the US to work every year simply because that is where the job is...I will vote for the party that actually has something to say. Attack ads prove that your leader is a bully and nothing more!

dontbeblind
said

How will a change in government harm the economic recovery...?I do not understand that?Harper instilled the same economic stimulus that most of the countries in the world have done. Both Bush and Harper had to hold their noses and implement a very LIBERAL policy to a very conservative problem (conservative created that is)And it helped here, not so much in the US, does that mean that Harper did it right. I live in T.Clement's riding, there are action plan signs everywhere but most do not have any activity surrounding them.Anyone that drives on Mayfield rd. knows what I mean.We have the structures and standards in place (thanks to previous liberal governments) have kept us in good financial shape.Stephen Harper on the other hand has spent or committed to:1.2 Billion on G2035 Billion on fighter jets16 Billion in tax cuts to rich corporations15 Billion in JailsTally that up and tell me where sense can be made from these spending numbers?This is precisely the reason (including a lack of democracy) that we are going to an election. Can any one person say that they support 75 BILLION in unnecessary spending.[x] Iggy - please stop this mess.

j.brown
said

I would dare Elections Canada to put one more box on the ballot. It would simply say "None worthy of my vote". It would be interesting to see the reaction of our politicians when they win their riding and see there is a block of 15 - 20% or more who make the rational decision that none of the candidates is worth voting for this time around.

Dave-O
said

As our troops are fighting corruption around the world this is our chance to do the same at home on the homefront.

Never in our lives have Canadians faced the chance to fight for Canadian values and to send a message we are Canadians first and foremost.

Send the Harper Government packing.

TM
said

The fact that the CONservatives released an attack ad so quickly after they presented their budget indicates that they expected the opposition parties to reject it, and that they too are ready for an election campaign.

[X] Ignatieff

John from Saskatoon
said

This is a minority govt. Don't think that every party was not ready for an election at all times. It would be irresponsible for any party not to be. To come down on to Conservatives for being ready is idiocy. It's funny but the opposition have also said they don't want an election but when asked the question "are you ready" they say yes. Hmmm. Attack ads are part of politics. All parties use them. It's hypocritical to cry when another party uses them against you. The Liberals cry about the personal attacks on Iggy because they work. Can anyone remember the attack ads the Liberals ran about Manning, Day and Harper? They worked too. Get over yourselves. The real problem the Liberals have is the people don't believe the attacks on Harper anymore and they have nothing else. is it not an attack to call the Harper govt. a regeim with all that's going on in the world with true regeim's? What about saying the govt. is guilty of election fraud and stole an election? Four people have been charged with election overspending which is a civil matter. Influence peddling by the PMO. just because Harper knew the guy. Remember the sponsorship scandel. The Liberal party actually did steal tens of millions of taxpayer dollars. Iggy has spent most of his adult life out of Canada. Iggy spouts about this record deficit but he demanded it and voted for it. The corporate tax cuts were in a previous budget that he voted for . he would have to ' raise taxes' to change them. He says we cant afford these jets. Well what is he going to spend on jets? Or does he not have a problem with soldiers dying? These are all facts.

Jamie D
said

Ads do work on the simple minded, and easily swayed. So you are saying the the conservative base is easily swayed? I would like to think so. Conservatives don't have an understanding of finance, economy, or protecting the vulnerable in our society. They only know populist themes, and how to stay in power at all costs. We see this in the conservative government of Iran. All the same motions. Everything to stay in power, and nothing for the people. Steady hand on the tiller? Only if that tiller is pointing at clinging to power, and suppressing dissent. We need a new government in Ottawa. Not this self serving corrupt one.

Mike-Dunnville
said

Noticed one comment about Harper being a Spoiled Brat and not being able to work with others. Who in hell's name does he have to work with that isn't a Spoiled Brat who will take their ball and go home, if the game isn't played by their rules????

Lorne
said

Why launch an attack ad?Just explain to the people why you think the budget is so good. A proper explanation will enlighten the voters and they can form their own opinion.

Paul Sarnia
said

X conservative majority

PBW
said

Given that an election brought about by confidence votes this week will fall at the height of the flood season in Manitoba (and elsewhere, I guess), when many people may be evacuated, my concern is that thousands of people may have their Charter Rights under article 3 denied. I would love to know if it is possible for evacuated persons to vote outside their constituency - remembering that some constituencies may be 100% under water. Perhaps a knowledgeable person can post an accurate answer. I guess NONE of the parties considered that in their plans! Mother Nature strikes again! I suppose they will ALL say that it is better that some be denied their Charter rights so that the majority can decide the future of government. Funny, most charter cases have gone the other way, supporting minority, not majority, rights.

Ronald
said

What budget?, this was phony budget
to con the other three parties to vote against it and then Harper could blame them for forcing an election. The Canadian people are not all that bright and will believe what Harper says and do because the Canadian voter loves him and that is really too bad.

shane black
said

so my thought it this, anytime there is any sort of an election, it really is only ever between the pc's and the liberals so been that the pc's have been under scrunity lately why bother wasting the money on an election and just give it to the liberals.

dontbeblind
said

Cons supporters on this board only state that they want parliament to settle down...which I agree. But, ALL of the political issues which are causing parliament to be disfunctional are caused by the conservatives. And why are people complaining about the liberals raising taxes on people (when they have not said they would) and cutting jobs by raising corporate taxes (which most of these companies have made large profits already). Are the liberals the spenders? Surpluses anyone?Or are the conservatives the agenda spenders? We currently have the largest deficit in history. And it will grow once we get the F35's that can only partrol 60% of the country (can't fly in the arctic!), grow further when we build more JAILS, and give SUNOCO, ESSO, tax breaks.Note on corporate tax breaks, if we lower the taxes on a US company operating in canada, that tax break is absorbed by the US government. They are given a tax credit for the taxes paid abroad. Therefore giving and extra 1 Billion dollars to the oil companies will get aborbed by the american economy instead of boosting support for seniors which a majority of our population would be catergorized as in a few years.Harper = Big agenda spending Big governement (designed mostly for tactical responses to situations rather than compassion) Big DeficitEvery single conservative government has left us with a huge deficit, and this government is not better. Please stop the blind support.Why do not people list what the cons will actually do for them?Late 90's (good times) - Liberals under J.C.Early 90's (recession) - MulroneyThis is a pattern that repeats itself through canadian historyWill US style conservative policies work up here? Did it work down there. Remember 2008, that showed that reganomics/stephenomics does not work.

Alexandria
said

Gifts to Seniors from the Conservative Governments Budget$600.00 for single Seniors That will pay Telephone and Cable for 1 year excellent$840.00 for married or common law SeniorsTelephone, cable and almost 3 weeks groceries More than excellent.Why in the name of all that is reasonable do the opposition not want us to have this?Jack and Iggie better get their head out of the sand and talk to Canadians other then people working for them.Gilles he does not give a tinkers damn for any thing but a Quebec becoming a nation on to it's self.

Fed Up
said

The problem in Canada is that we have too many parties. The first one that needs to go is the BLOC. It is not a national party, but a quebec only party, and does not even want to be part of Canada. So why are they sitting in our federal parliament?? This was engineered by the Liberals, I'm sure.

Intelligent Liberal
said

PRIME Minister IGGY holds all the cards, and now he will start playing them for the good of ORDINARY Canadfans because IGGY is doing what is best for the ordinary.

Mike-Dunnville
said

Let's face it, the opposition all wasted valuable time in parliament arguing over the most piddly of issues just to appear to their supporters that they were doing their jobs and would be a better candidate. Reminds you of a bunch of spoiled Brats not getting their own way when you watch it.The problem here is that none of them have a solid, common sense plan of their own to replace it. You have one candidate who doesn't know if he wants to be American or Canadian, Another who will promise Unions everything they need to further price themselves out of the market, and Another that whines about wanting more Canadian tax dollars, but doesn't want to be part of Canada? I don't cling to any party because they all have their own agenda picked, and it doesn't include what's best for all of Canada. Right now, like it or not Harper is the closest thing Canada has to being on the right track, so I think I'll leave it alone, and chip away at changing things as we go. Until they are sentenced to jail for out and out lying when promises made that aren't kept, they all will do it.

JRH from BA
said

I am loving Jack Layton. I work with many seniors and I feel for their struggles, but money does not grow on trees Jack! Geez, let's just triple our deficit when the economy is fragile by pouring money we don't have into social programs. It makes me glad the NDP as currently constituted don't have a sniff at ruling our country.

PJR
said

If this election comes in Spring, I am not sure who to vote for. The Conservatives have shown a lack of respect for this country's democratic institutions and civil service which I find disgusting and have a abrupt and confrontational demeanour that puts me off. On the other hand, what choice do we have? I am also surprised that any of these parties want an election considers Canadians as a whole don't want any of them to have a majority.. plus all these elections are not only a huge waste of money but are quite honestly embarassing!

Air Force Guy Overseas
said

It seems to me all of the parties have attack adds. If they actually concentrated on the issues and not each other, they might get a higher voter turnout. Regardless of who or what party you stand behind... Canadians need to come to the polls... that MAY end the minority government cycle. As for the pre-made election style adds... it doesn't mean the parties wanted an election (except the Libs), but there is nothing wrong with being prepared. Planning is always a good thing... it sets priorities and guidelines that are always fluid and bound to change over time. None of us have all the facts and never will and the spouting off we read on these blogs is a lot of diatribe that, if we actually knew ALL of the information may have to re-think what we say. We might be close, but w/o all of the info, we could never be sure.

RSSA in Edm
said

How can there be no negotiation after the budget's release when there was none beforehand.Furthermore, every time I've worked with anyone, we always had to talk. In other words, the Conservatives never wanted to introduce a budget that would pass and lie when stating they worked with the other parties, let alone want to make parliament work."My way or the highway Harper" deserves to trip on his own cleverness and outsmarts himself this time to discover Canadian voters are not stupid (at least a majority of them).

Chris
said

Iggy will never be PM. The libs are dead and will not have a majority!

Kevin B
said

Being accused of ethical breaches by the Liberals is like having Tiger Woods accuse you of having a wandering eye!!![ X ] Conservative Majority[ ] Lib-NDP-Bloc Coalition Majority

Scottish Terror
said

Sage Said" The Liberals have spent the last 5 years trying to bash our elected Prime Minister"Yo Sage...we don't elect our Prime Minister in Canada. He is elected as an MP in his riding and he is made leader of the Con Party by party members. 70% of Canadians actually voted for other parties...hardly a resounding vote of confidenc for Harper.

steve in wildrose country
said

And this little "attack add" thing tacked on to the end of the article has what to do with anything? The Liberals and NDP also have "attack adds".

Scottish Terror
said

Harper is now involved in the 'War' Coalition. That is a real coalition. Any Coalition in Canada is only in Harper's mind, like the one he tried to set up in Canada with his letter to the GG just prior to the 2006 election....signed by Harper, Layton and Duceppe.

M.M.B. Ont
said

Why would Harper not be prepared with attack ads the day after budget. All Canadians have known for the last 6 months or more that Ignatieff was NOT going to support any budget that Conservatives prepared. He made that very clear along with Duceppe. So it was made clear to everyone that and election was coming as Ignatieff was out campaigning last summer with those bus tours of his. This was all planned by Ignatieff and Layton and Duceppe! We are not stupid. The writing has been on the wall for months ! If the stooges want to form a coalition, then their names should be on the voting ballot at election time as such. One name- Coalition - and pull a stunt after the election ! That would be corruption and contempt.

Strongandfree
said

I say: Get on with it! All the politicians are saying stuff that just doesn't resonate. Since we have to have an election now, get them out off the Hill and back talking to Canadians so they can hear and hopefully "get" what we care about.

Gary_AB
said

My only comment is how can you support a party that says they will vote down the budget before it is even tabled. It seems like every year, since the Conservatives have been in power, that the Libs, NDP.s and Bloq have raced to be the first to say they will vote against.Maybe I'm wrong but in our current economic situation, isn't this a pretty good budget?

steve
said

the longer the cons are in power the harder it will be for our younger generation to deal with the debt that these guys will put us in. like always the liberals have to come in and clean up the cons mess. and beleive me it will take years to clean up just like last time they were in power.

Anne M
said

Hear us, oh hear us, WE DO NOT WANT AN ELECTION !!!!The three stooges have done it again, they are rejecting the budget without debate, study or anything. All this can best be described as, is political pandering and grinching on the part of the three stooges. I hope Canadians are smart enough to make all three of them suffer at the polls.

Pierre of Kanata
said

Harper played his cards well. Now he has the election he wanted and a good possibility of a majority government. Then he has four years to work on his party's defreat.

Redfern
said

This past government has taught me several things: 1. all governments are corrupt-sponsorship, Shawinigate...etc is no different from what is going on now with the conservatives; 2. Minority governments are a dreadful way to run a country--NO MMP FOR US PLEASE!!! I'm tired of elections and I want a government that will be able to get things done and pass a bill in a reasonable amount of time; 3. The Liberal and NDP don't understand what Loyal opposition means: while they have the right to question the government, they should not be behaving like spoiled whining brats who didn't get what they wanted (note to Libs and NDP--You LOST the last 2 elections--get over it!) ; 4--all prime ministers are dictatiors--remember what Paul Martin did to Sheila Copps? Chretien, Mulroney, Turner, and especially PET were all notorious dictatiors. So was Rae as a premier. And Iggy would be too if he ever got elected. 5: at the end of the day, the country is running well, I like the conservatives overall policies, I have no idea what Libs believe because they don't seem to have any policies, and I have no trust whatsoever in Iggy or Jack to run this country. I'll be voting CPC, and crossing my fingers for a majority.

Ken
said

Seriously speaking, our opposition parties need to be more focused on the people rather than just trying to get more seats in Parliament! The budget is what it is and the economy is chugging along just fine right now. I understand it costs around $350M for a Federal Election to be held and playing with our hard earned monies given to the government as tax revenues is simply IRRESPONSIBLE!
Jack Layton talked about taking some time review the budget and then decide his support...and he did so in two hours? Really, Jack, I'm not sure if speed reading or even critical thinking skills in the area of fiscal responsibility are your strongpoints!
Giles D....well, all he wants is a separate Quebec and a new NHL stadium funded by Canadians who are struggling to make ends meet and the divide between rich and poor getting even wider. But does he care? Not really.!
Ignatieff...well he is just visiting and obviously he has skills no one else has. He could prophetically see what would be in the budget so, he decided before it was presented, that he would not support it.
Harper et al - get your internal act together. If your leadership is relying more on those non-elected employees in government, make sure you know what is going on and ensure accountability. The numbers do not lie but people do. Canada is where it is because you can only squeeze so much out of the taxpayers. Be transparent and you may just get a majority this time if an election does get called.
My prediction - I do not think the two main players, NDP or the Grits, will gamble with the will of the people especially if the outcome may be another minority AGAIN, even if it is Conservative!

glen
said

with 4 elections in 7 years at 300mill a pop. and seeing the polictal blackmail of the opposition bloc wanting 2 billion,ndp wanting 1 billion.dont the leaders realise the debt we have?seeing all the backstabbing in the last parliment and partisan polictics. its been sickening to watch and not much leglisation passed. its time for canadians to elect a majority government for a change

jay
said

I think we are currently doing better than the other countries and would like to keep it that way. I don't follow politics and never voted for Harper in the last election. I will however be voting for Harper in this election. I think it's great that he does not allow the other parties to bully him. In the past it seemed that the liberals were always out for themselves and their buddies and are just upset now they cannot control.

Niagara George
said

So King Steve tried to work a coalition with the socialists and it didn't work. Of course, if it would have worked out, none of you Con supporters would be complaining about being in bed with the commies. Once again, you demonstrate the double standards of a party desperate to hang on to power and a leader who feels he has reached his rightful position. Thankfully, a majority is out of his grasp. we've had three years with a minority government. It is past time for an election. Will it be the neoCon/PC coalition or the Lib/NDP coalition in power, when the dust settles?

yogibear
said

Iggy has threatened for the last 2 years to take Harper down Harper your time is up.Iggy said he would vote the budget down without looking at it & he did.Iggy promises Arena's to everyone all over Canada with no proper estimates of cost, how many billions for that?Iggy promising full time day care to everyone across canada, no estimate of costs again how mant billions for that?Pretty expensive baby sitting I paid for my own kids baby sitting & I am not happy about paying for everyone elses now.Iggy promised low cost housing no estimate of costs, again how many more billions & all the rest of the social programs.Yet Iggy still wanting to punish our troops by not getting any decent equipment for them.Iggy in it just for himself, not for the good of Canadians.Chretien did the same thing promised us to get rid of the GST & Lied to us.Liberals are good at promising & not coming through.Liberals left us with a gutted out Health care System & robbed the EI program.Gutted our military.LIberals taxed us to death.Iggy had just said a few days ago 15% on carbon taxes our gas fuel is high enough now with out carbon taxes or HST taxes

Ads do work
said

"Using personal slurs is American politics all the way. It's mean, childish and ignorant".....and it all started first when the Chretien Liberals first introduced them in the 1993 election. What goes around comes around I guess. If the Liberals don't like attack ads why are the Liberals using attack ads now? Does that make them childish and ignorant too. The pot calling the kettle black? Ads work that is why they all use them ...good bad or indifferent. It's Canadian politics now.

Skollie
said

I guess the Conservatives had their ads ready as they listened to the rhetoric of the last years since Iggy came on the scene. They would be foolish not to. Well, may the election campaign be very short. We had enough of it already. The politicians and the wannabees want one, but Canadians don't. We would rather see that money pay for something else.

TEA in Regina
said

If you love paying taxes, then vote for Iggy...

Wondering - Ottawa
said

Hopefully the "Election" ballot will have on it whether "all Canadians" want the country run by a "Coalition" Government...NDP, Liberals and Bloq...when asked by a radio host this a.m. no one from the NDP or Liberals denied that this would "NOT" happen .. so get out and "vote" and make sure it "counts"

Sage
said

The Liberals have spent the last 5 years trying to bash our elected Prime Minister calling him every name under the sun. That is the way Liberals have always liked to campaign for decades, they slander and make slurs until the unthinking public begin to believe the media lies. Well, I am not fooled by these Liberals who have not earned the respect nor deserve my vote. Had they taken the right approach it would perhaps be different but I never vote for anyone who0 spends all their time bashing their opponent and not building their own credibility. The Conservatives have done a decent job and will get my vote if we are forced into an election which appears to be the case.

Kim in Calgary
said

The only political posturing is being conducted by yourself Harper. You are truly an embarrassment to me as a Calgarian. I hope to see you gone soon so that Canadians do not have to continue to pay for your childish ads and overseas trips for you and your family.

Kuya Minogue
said

I know this is naive idealism, but what happened to intelligent and reasoned debate as a method of informing the elecorate. Oh, I remember - Harper's Conservatives destroyed it when the adopted USA style election campaigns. Keep the electorate ignorant so they'll vote Conservative seems to be working. How sad!

J.C.
said

I am on a fixed income and certainly know how difficult it is these days with costs continually rising etc.However I am also aware that the government cannot double the income of all seniors etc all at once. It will have to be a gradual process as the deficit is paid down. The government cannot constantly give into the whims of the opposition without the deficit rising more. Most seniors realize this. As far as the Bloc is concerned they are always crying that Quebec doesn't get enough. The NDP and the Liberals would not be able to do any better without raising our taxes and making it even harder to make any kind of living, or taking us deeper into debt. I am glad to see the conservatives finally take a stand against this type of behaviour.The opposition talks about ethics yet they do not practice it themselves as they constantly try to "blackmail" the government to bow to their demands. The ploy of the ethics commitee was to set the stage for an election and nothing else just in case one party decided to go along with the budget so they could still put a non confidence through to defeat the government. these are tactics formerly used by Liberals in the past. What do they care about spending another 300 million on an election as it is the taxpayers that have to pay for it in one way or another, plus they get to refurbish their political pool with money for every vote they get. I do not relish another election.

jimmy
said

A vote of non-confidence should automatically mean the party is too dysfunctional to lead the country and should be banned from the next election. Period.

vince in trenton
said

Why is it when PM Harper speaks the truth it is an attack ad, but when Iggy and Jack call our PM a traitor and a person bent on destroying Canada it is OK??? Remember that when this Coalition of idiots gets its grip on power and is running this country into the ground that they were the ones who had a hidden agenda.....a socialist, an American and a leader who doesn't even want to be part of Canada....what a great mix.....I for one will not be voting for these 3 enigmas.....PM Harper is the right person to continue to lead this great country.....sure he has slipped up a bit but I trust him a lot more than the other 3 idiots...

Prof. Pye Chartt
said

There is nothing in, or about, this particular budget that is so economically outrageous, fiscally intolerable, and politically unacceptable that an election, and the associated cost thereof, is justified. (Pretending otherwise is just partisan prattling on the part of desperate Liberal and NDP cheerleaders.) Polling, and the sweep of public sentiment, consistently underscore the notion that most Canadians don't really want an election, and don't really feel that one is going to radically shake up the mix on Parliament Hill. As polls, pundits, and predictions stand, the Conservatives are seemingly destined for another minority. While countless delusional Opposition supporters will disagree, a Conservative majority becomes, arguably, the only legitimate question. In other words, Ignatieff and Layton have, for some inexplicable reason (ego?), shot themselves in the foot, and the former gentleman, the leader of the Liberal party, has likely written his own ticket of post-loss resignation. A huge number of Canadians have NEVER been enamored with Iggy, and Happy Jack has taken his NDP sideways at best. PM Harper isn't entirely beloved, but, he's clearly the preferred and trusted helmsman. (Deny all you want, folks. Credible polling research reflects this.) Some people only learn their political lessons the hard way. ...Bring on Election Day.

Brett in Montréal
said

As usual, the CON sheeple are here regurgitating their propaganda about how we don't need an election and how well Herr Harper is doing. This is the biggest bunch of crap that I have ever heard, no one that I have spoken to feels the same way and we would much rather see our tax dollars spent on an election than Fighter Jets and prisons for criminals that don't exist. I can hardly wait to see Ignatieff annihilate Harper in the debates and Canadians will see past all the attack ads that the CONS love to produce. I think Harper is pretty scared of Ignatieff and I can hardly wait to watch him shake in his boots and fuzzy,warm sweater.

GHW
said

I see the LPC faithful are out in full strength this morning. I enjoy elections and this one should be interesting. If only we did not have to endure all the disingenuous rhetoric and slanderous remarks that come out of the politically religious zealots. How about we have a civil and honest debate this time? Did anyone see that add Ignatieff ran about how his dad came to this country with only the shirt on his back like other poor immigrants and worked his way up in this land of opportunity? His dad was Count George Ignatieff in Russia and fled Russia with about 2 million in current day funds. Nothing against George but his son is stretching the truth. In contrast my grandparents also fled Russia back in those days and were indeed very poor. My grandfather started off working as a farm hand and eventually became a teacher. As for this election, our current government is experienced and doing a good job. I am staying the course this time around. Good luck to all the candidates.

Stanley
said

I think that not even the witch-hunt for Harper's hidden agenda can change the government. There's just nothing to complain about that any government could change for the better.

Dean in Calgary
said

Election, huh? I thought this was a bad dream.
OK, let's have a Liberal/Bloc/NDP platform about no jets, let's then explain about the vast number of jobs and technology in Canada that will be lost because of manufacturing being moved elsewhere.

R Murphy
said

I look forward to seeing the end of Glorious Leader Harpie and his merry band of smilly, finger shaking trolls. I resent having another election the 4th in 7 years.Attack ads! Good old yankie politics, at least the cons haven't painted targets on Jack and Iggy.... yet.

Jim-Surrey
said

We don't want an election so the only way to send a message to the three amigos is kick them where is hurts and not give them any substantial votes.(X) Conservative majority on it's way!Iggy keeps saying things are not what Canadians want, how would he know as he is way out of touch and should go back to the U.S.

Will
said

Once again: So much nonsense, so little interest in reading it all. Let's just go to the election, I for one am sick of the constant attempts by wannabe's to hijack the business of government. Here's an idea/proposal for the PM: Today in the house, stand up and state: "Mr. Speaker, it is apparent from the manuevering and statements both in this house and outside that the members of the three opposition parties wish to depose the duly elected government with a vote of non-confidence. Therefore, I invite them to make the motion now. This government will allow any member of the opposition who so wishes to place a motion of non-confidence before the house and it can be voted on immeadiately. It's put up or shut up time - either make the motion and vote it through or not- but Canadians will remember exactly what happens in this house and they will also reward opportunism in the manner it deserves. Will any member of the opposition stand and make such a motion?"

TheOtherLowellInBC
said

For the conservatives to say an election is a waste of time, is demeaning to all canadians. It is a democracy and canadians need a say in who is going to govern them. In many parts of the world these days, democracy is a cherished principle. People are are willing to lay down their lives for it. How can we be so smug about it. We have choices in how we want our vision of canada to be. Harper has been running attack ads for months now. In fact has he ever stopped since he got elected. I want to see the vision from other parties. Canada is not a leader now in the global community. Our image on the world stage has been tarnished. Evidence of that is losing the vote on the security council. Harper shrouds his leadership in secrecy and holds grudges like no leader I have ever seen. Manipulation and control are not endearing values that I place on a leader. He is constantly in image mode. Should a leader need to be so concerned about his image. We need a compassionate, strong, forward looking leader who not only knows how to balance the books but to do it in a way that it does not harm canadians. Wasteful spending like pouring billions of dollars into a two day summit meeting that was forgotten about almost before it was over is one example of the conservative's bad spending choices. There are many more.

mining guy Jim
said

OK math time again...Greg, Wendy...$1.66 per day per senior works out to about $605 per year. Given that there will soon be more seniors than wage earners in Canada, that means that each of you will be supporting more than one senior. Each of you will have to pay, oh say $700 to $800 per year from your paycheck to support the seniors. It makes me laugh to see you blogging how little that amount is per day "can't even buy a coffee" when you haven't taken the time to figure out what the impact on your own income will be. If the Government told me I had to pay an extra $800 per year in tax I know what I'd be blogging!! Oh, and the next time somebody walks up to you and hands you $600, don't scoff and say "I can't buy coffee with that all year" say "thank you very much." Some people have spent too much time tied to their Momma's apron strings.

Matt in NB
said

For any one who can't see the fact that the CONs put out the worst budget in history just so they could blame the opposition for triggering an election. Here's some food for thought. Why did the "Haper Regime" have this attack ad all ready to go?

Wanda
said

I, for one do not want another election. Mr.Harper is sincere and I believe he is doing his best job.
Stay the course Mr.Harper...I am praying for you and your family. Amen.

Donnie
said

An election will cost 340 million.

Harper announced 3 times that amount on Friday past in additional spending to garner a few more votes. It was ONE BILLION is additional funding !

Throw in 16 billion for 35 fighter jets, billions in corportate tax cuts .........
and then to offer our poorest seniors an additional 1.66 per day ??????????

Bring on the election.

mac1
said

I just about choked... good honest Liberal ... like Michael Ignatieff ??? - he is an angry frustrated man looking for anything to try to get elected as PM- The Conservatives have made some really dumb mistakes... and have missed the ball on the Committee issues big time... but they havent stolen $150 million- why is this important - its the prinicpal of the matter AND because some of the people who were responsible - elected and backroom boys of the LIberal party are still around.Greg et all - what is the Canada you love ? We dont have a PM who flips the bird - who tells the Cdn public "just watch me" when they have a difference of views - They havent cost the Cdn public almost $1 billion on cancelling a contract for helicopters - out of spite not economics, (we have several dead serviceman as a result of not having safe planes!) Shawinigate... Gagliano - Fox, Lang, Copps, Dingwall ..... etc etc etc why has no one gone after the money owed by MaryLou Finley, Ken Dryden - Joe Volpe for their failed leadership bids - they are constantly being given extra time to pay off their debts - you and I would have lost everything by now if the bank had called in our loans etc - why is the Press not picking up on this nor you the public ?... but oh no - the Liberals can do anything they want .. they assume they are the natural governing party ... that is a bunch of bull ! On the other hand - smarten up Mr. Harper et all - do lose this on arrogance... win it on the good economic record you have had !

Redneck Vic
said

Poor Greg; once agn you have all your figures wrong! They spent $5, million on the lake, they would spend $2.5 billion on new prisons to keep Canadians safe & as for the planes we are not spending a dime until they are ready in 2016 and only if they have met the price on the agreement. So please Greg befor shooting off your mouth check the facts.

John C
said

I think Mr. Harper has done a credible job so far in a very tough economic environment. The liberals and NDP scream about the deficit yet which two parties demanded the spending and threatened to bring down the government if they didn,t. The complaint about the road signs with tory blue in them what about the liberals who with coniving manipulation and a minority government under Pearson called a meeting of parliament that only certain of their members were aware of and as it was not considered a confidence motion branded our country with liberal red the Canadian flag. Canadians of the day protested but the liberals said tough its passed. This contempt of parliament charge would have never happened under a majority government as they would have been the majority on the commitee not the opposition. Ah, the politics of convenience. Ignatieff has nothing but contempt for Canadians they are not up to his academic standards and therefore incapable of making a proper decision unless they vote liberal and support more nanny state. Jack Layton is honest but appears a bit out of touch with reality. He should look at both Ontario and BC and what happened to them physcally under the NDP with their great tax and social spends. Business fled to other parts of the country and the US. Gilles Duceppe of the Bloc is the only true to his roots and honest leader the problem here is he only runs in one province. I could vote for him if he had a national party not one dominated by seperatists. If this goes to election I hope at this time that Canadians give Harper a majority and lets see how he performs when he has the power in the house to do so.

Jake in Burlington
said

Honourable Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the silent working majority supports the job you and your colleagues have done on behalf of honest hard-working Canadians. Let the sloths vote loudly for the other sinking parties, the rest of us will support you if you continue with your quiet, prudent, and steady fiscal approach.

Norm
said

There's some irony in having an election-style campaign ad ready to run claiming that someone else is forcing an election.

John from Saskatoon
said

Let's put partisanship aside for a minute. The results of this election are going to end up pretty much the same as we have now. Nobody should kid themselves. The fun part is that these same parties will then have to pass this same budget because they wont vote it down a second time. This same poison will still fill the house. Same old same old. So is there really any point to this? Oh yea, go Conservatives.

conductor274
said

Harper and his attack adds place us in a situation where we might as well have the US Tea Party and people like Sarah Palin or Glen Beck running Canada. Using personal slurs is American politics all the way. It's mean, childish and ignorant.

Eric
said

Strong pro- or anti-Harper voters have their minds made up already, and have for quite some time. However, the majority of Canadian voters need to wade through the rhetoric and decide where their priorities lie in what will be a choice between imperfects. We have witnessed governments of all parties, both federally and provincially, and need to decide what is important today. Is the Conservative tendancy to play loose with parliamentary protocol the issue? Is it economic policies? Do we raise taxes to better fund social programs? Do we lower taxes to attempt to stimulate business, with the hope of more job creation? Whatever our priorities, we first need to decide if the election is about personalities, or about issues. I, for one, will choose based on the issues, and I challenge all Canadians to avoid the rhetoric about evil Steve, or just-passing-through Mike, or jester Jack.

donnie
said

Everything points to a Lib, NDP, Bloc coalition... party leaders are already hinting at it. It will be a shameful day when we have a separtist party in power. Canada is doing better than any other country on the planet and there are people who still don't think its good enough. Well...be careful of what you ask for my left of centre friends...you might just get it. Get your wallets ready.

theletterM
said

The Conservatives have been buying votes since they got elected in '06. If they get a majority, they won't pander to anyone.

Say goodbye to fairness, human-rights, and everything that is still good about this country.

(What their Tea-Bagger counterparts call "socialism" LOL)

It will be all about Harper�...as if it isn't already.

Endgame.

Matt in NB
said

What Harper thinks Canadians want is millions of dollars spent of attack ads!

Elise
said

Who is deserving to be voted a majority government by the people they so abandoned for huge expenses in the G8 G20 expenses, embarassements after another, and a deft ear to the needs of the taxpayers NOT ONE OF THEM! So, why do we need an election one bad apple is just as good as the other.

It's what it is
said

The attack ads are absolutely disgraceful, but not a surprise given their source. The fact that they were ready for a launch today truly indicates that the budget defeat was planned all along by the Conservative government.Canadians need a government that is willing to ACT NOW on the needs of our seniors. We need a government that cares about our pensions. We need a government that believes in keeping the promises they make to Canadians in order to gain their trust and votes. We need a government that is willing to put the needs of this country ahead of its own needs. Is this the government led by Stephen Harper? Only a fool would believe it is. The time for change is NOW! Let's make it so!

DSask
said

Harper setup this Budget to FAIL, I don't care what anyone says. The fact that all 3 opposition parties voted it down and then holding a last minute meeting with the NDP is a clear signal of CON tactics. They did nothing but play with their optics to make themselves look good. Now they are going to use this budget as their platform??? Clearly this budget is not looking after all Canadians it's mostly looking after all the Harper Corporate Business Gangsters. I sure pray to god that people see between the lines. I really don't want to give back the reigns of my country to criminals who think they are above the law. My taxes are paying their wages and I certainly won't stand for this. Sadly, most of Saskatchewan will probably vote these guys in... sigh.

glenn
said

attack add one day later. sounds fishy to me.
wonder why cons would have one ready to go.

Michael
said

Well folks get ready for another miniority government. Not because people do not like the Cons or Liberals but because there are too many parties splitting the vote. You have the Liberals, Cons, NDP, Block and the Green parties. When you look at the number of seats that are in Quecec that the Block will get most of that does not leave a lot of seats to be split between the other parties. I feel that any party that only runs people in one province only should not be called a Federal Party and should not be allowed to elect members in a Federal election. Who will win is anyones guess but I would put my money on a miniority Concervitive Governemt and we will be right back to the bickering and childs play with in a couple of months of the election with another election within 2 years.

Prairie Dude
said

Harper Govt. aka Reform/conservative had the commercial ready to go the day after the Budget, hmmmmm so they were sure they would force an election over their flimsy budget.Well they can pur forward their economic plan for the next four years, 4 DEFICIET BUDGETS as per Mr. Finance Minister said yesterday.Last election it was no deficeit budgets at all and if there was going to be an economic recession as the rest of the majors countires were already accepting, Mr. Harper said we would have had it already.I sure as heck wouldn't want any of these guys running my business.Sometimes to balance the books, it causes a little pain, but i am not going to mortgage my home to live it up for a few years. It has to be paid back sometime. It HAS TO BE PAID BACK SOMETIME.Time for pay back to Harper govt.

Bookkeeper
said

I have only one wish for this election. I wish that EVERY Canadian who is eligible to vote looks at what is happening in the Arab world. Canadians have the RIGHT to vote for anyone. Canadians also can vote without worrying about being killed, beat up and/or intimidated by thugs.PLEASE!!! Everyone get off the couch and vote as is your right! Don't let this country be governed by a party that wins because two-thirds of the country's population is TOO LAZY to do their duty.If you are concerned about our country then take a stand AND VOTE!

Nancy BC
said

People, you all want want want -- where do you think the money is coming from for all your wants -- your taxes. If you want to pay a lot more in taxes by all means vote in Jack or Iggy -- personally I don't like paying exorbitant taxes.

Jamie D
said

I would like the Conservatives to campaign on protecting Israel. They should get behind the idea that ended up sending Bev Oda to the front wheels of the bus.Or maybe they can campaign on how they invested $20 Billion on G20/G8 and got nothing back for it at all.Or maybe they can campaign on the $100 run and hide money they gave families to help with daycare, instead of using the money we gave them to solve our daycare shortage problems. Or maybe they can campaign on buying 65 useless jets that seems only the UFC armchair warriors hail. (because they flew one in the Battlefield 2 game).How about campaign on nothing, and get your fundraiser done by a quebec construction company boss like Sauve. then use the money to finance 'National Attack' ads, using a perfectly legit scheme to move money from one account to the other to give the impression it is on the up and up.Maybe we can even do the income trust tax thing. Then tip off long time conservative Ted Rogers (sorry Ted for doing this when you can't defend yourself) to not do an Income Trust IPO for Rogers Cable just a week before the tax announcement.Finally, harper if you lose the election, you can always sue the taxpayers, courts, and elections canada. That seems to be your style - temper tantrum when you even think someone is better than you.[x] Liberal Party of Canada. Always was, always will be. Which is more that I can say for the CRAP party. It always wasn't CRAP, but now it is.So Harper cheerleaders, when Harper is gone, who is going to be the next leader? Flaherty? Tony Clement? ha ha ha!

Jason67
said

The "he didn't come back for you" tagline that the Conservatives use is a personal attack and is not worthy of any political party that seeks respect in Canada. If you must, attack Liberal policies and ideology. But, stay away from the smear campaign.

Lise
said

If the majority of the taxpayers do not want an election and the government works for the people, than why are we heading for one? If their are so many seniors suffering and families than why so little in the budget for them. Is this not a government working for people? Why an election when the outcome will be the same because no one is working for the people and we know that so we do not want an election. No one on our side to vote for, no one who is listening to the people or helping the ones who need it most. Same old...same old

CMQ
said

So the opposition wants accountability and holds the Cons in Contempt. OK Jack, the money for seniors, how much will it cost and where will the money come from to pay for it and all your demands. How can you expect anyone to support your ideas without knowing the total cost. As for Iggy, how many jobs will axing the corporate tax cuts cost and how much will be paid out in E.I. premiums to support the jobless or will your Liberals do as Martin did, increase E.I. premiums while making it harder to get the benefits? It was your two groups especially that demanded to know everything ahead of time so you would know if you would support this. You two are as in contempt as the Cons when the rules you two applied are used. Bring on an election, we need one to clear the air in Ottawa because it stinks pretty bad right now. Oh and by the way Iggy and Jack, Canadians are smart enough to know we will be footing the bill for your ideas as well as this election.

Bob in Comox
said

Harper and the Cons have said repeatedly that they don't want an election. Yet they have already spent a small fortune on election ads, including $23 million of our tax dollars to promote the Economic Action Plan, even though that program no longer exists.The Cons are so used to lying to us I doubt they can even tell the difference any more.

Michael (Ottawa)
said

That Tory ad is accurate. We don't need an election and it IS about Ignatieff and the Liberal lust for power. Call it attack if you wish but it's at least truthful which is more than can be said about the Liberal ad with Ignatieff talking about the Ignatieff family history.

spaz
said

Cry WOLF long enough.....one will eventuly show up at your door. The problem is Ignatieff has built himself a house of straw, and when the huffing and puffing starts we will all witness "Michael Ignatieff Exposed", a short film based loosely on some of Rick Merser's shows...."Talking to Americans".The star of the show Michael Ignatieff is filmed searching for dollar bills....buying gas in gallons....reading the french side of a can of soup, and for the grand finale.....searching for lost luggage at Air Canada.And when it is all over the $64,000 question.....would you want this man as your Prime Minister ???? If he was in the USA he would be "professor material".

CyBeRjUnKiE
said

I'm sick of this, Harper, please win a majority and rid of these big spending parties. We need to rid of the Gravy Train like we are trying to do in TO.

Fed up in Manitoba
said

Harper, as Leader of the Conservatives and Prime Minister of Canada, has lead us into deficit for the first time in eleven years. But, "we have to do what we have to do to protect Canada" says old Jimmy Flaherty as he steered our nation 85 Billion Dollars into the Red. "Our deficits will be large" but "as a country, we can afford it". Does this sound like Conservative Policy to you? Where has the Right gone in Canada? An 85 Billion Dollar Systemic Deficit forecast, some analysts say, to get worse further is not "Right" by any stretch.Canadians lack proper representation from the Right and Ottawa is in dire need of more voices in order to properly represent all of it's people. Our slow migration towards a two party system must cease immediately or we as a nation face mirroring our neighbors to the south.Join a Party that will help protect your rights, not actively seek to diminish those rights in favor of the collective. A Party that seeks to find it's way into Ottawa and help Canadians acquire that missing voice from the Right.Join the Libertarian Party of Canada

JROC
said

"ABC"!!! its easy as 1-2-3! Goodbye Steve-o

B.J.
said

Thanks Jack for the wee bit of money you got us seniors. Well done. If thats the best you can do you had better pack it in now. You and Iggy have no chance, you blew it, you should have agreed to go with the budget . You have now created a situation where we will be into an election, you will not win and neither will Iggy. So, we will be back where we are now. Thanks so much for nothing, you are all talk, no action.

Mark
said

Go Harper Go! Go down to the USA & join the tea party that you love so much Mr Harper. For 5 years this dictator has been destroying Canada & Americanizing our great country, removing Harper from office is the only way to restore democracy to Canada & return to Canadian values.

Fed up in Manitoba
said

Michael Ignatieff will do whatever it takes to become our next Prime Minister. After all, Ignatieff has been handpicked by Liberal Insiders as the Party's Messiah. Crowned Leader without a single ballot being cast, Iggy is poised to pull the plug on the Conservative's. But there may just be a snag in these most carefully crafted plans. Mr. Ignatieff has a history of taking some very strange positions on topics such as torture, imprisonment without charge, targeted assassinations and even pre-emptive war.Iggy has spent a surprisingly large amount of his adult life away from Canada and has repeatedly referred to himself as an American. His support of Bush Jr and his now apparent fast friendship with Obama demonstrate that this Liberal Leader will do whatever is necessary to further his agenda.Michael Ignatieff clearly demonstrates Psychopathic Tendencies, showing lies to be as easy to tell as the truth. A series of broken relationships and friendships can be seen in the wake of this man's path. Why would Canadians vote for this man?With Michael Ignatieff, the ends justify the means.Isn't it time for a new voice in Ottawa?Join the Libertarian Party of Canada

mike
said

Harper is a joke.

Rick N in Quinte West
said

Don't wish to see an American lover at the helm, why is he here anyway, seems he's a glory hound******************************************************You are talking about Harper right? He did everything Bush wanted and now he follows Obama's commands. Harper follows the Republican play book to a tee. Harper sure does not do things for Canadians, he does everything for him and his party, period. Harper not a leader!

James B. (Toronto)
said

"I find it apauling (appalling) when poeple (people) say it's a waste of time and money to have an election. It's part of our democratic process!".....I find it appalling kids today can't spell and since they pay little in taxes, don't mind advocating for a 4th election in 7 years. Those of us who work hard for a living and pay lots of taxes object to a wasteful unnecessary election to appease the mud slinging Liberals whose leader is dishonest with Canadians about his own background in TV ads. Slippery Liberals no thanks.

BIGTREE
said

I get tired of election. The Country seems to be recovering well. No need for one now. It just doesn't make sense.

j. brown
said

It's amazing how the Tories can present a budget, discuss possible amendments to it with the NDP, have the talks not come to fruition AND then come out with attack ads all basically within 24 hours.ORDid they know in advance that negotiations would fail because that's what was intended.Personally I think minority government is just fine. We've rode through a rough recession on it, been to war on it etc etc. and things get done, with a bit more thought and moderation. I shudder to think what Harper would be like with a majority.As for attack ads - are we as Canadians that mentally deficient that we believe them. Apparently yes. Wake up Canada and do your own political research instead of getting it spoon fed to you in 30 second clip by paid for actors and talking heads. We put more effort into getting our morning coffee than we put into understanding our political future.

David
said

This budget has divided people into two groups: Those that are thinking of the country and those that are thinking of ....

Chuck Resigned to another election
said

The most common thread on this medium is that passionate followers of the different parties are going to post thier often viterolic comments about the others. And yet we wonder why our MP's act with such childishness in parliament. This annoyed vet has one wish for all of you. Get out and spend your energy aiding the candidate or party you want to be in power. Tone down the BS and show some tolerance and respect to other canadians who are just as passionate about thier beliefs as you are. you can't yell them down or force them to agree. A little respect please. Maybe our politicians would actually pay attention and govern instead of churlish posture.

Spence in Ontario
said

This is just embarrassing. I guess the new knee jerk reaction for the conservatives when they aren't spending public money on partisan ads is to hit the opposition parties with attack ads every time they have a disagreement. This is akin to a child running up to the school roof with a megaphone and yelling at everyone because over half his classmates disagreed with him. The conservatives need a lesson in reality, they didn't compromise very much in their budget. Most of their extra things like the new tax credits and senior income supplement is trinkets compared to what the NDP wanted, and they refuse to budge on the corporate tax issue (which is not actually a direct tax increase on people as the cons would claim). Unlike their ad the conservative attitude is closer to what Harper wants, a majority without having to actually earn it.

larry in the peg
said

Other than the spending at the time of the recession (generated by US bankers), we have had very sensible economic policy in Canada for the last 5 years. That spending was insisted upon by the opposition parties when the conservatives wanted to wait and see what happened before spending a lot of money. Of course afterwards they can say the Conservatives mismanaged finance and caused huge deficit. I shudder to think what it would have looked like if the Liberal/NDP/Bloc coalition had actually happened. Can't imagine Mr. Layton with cheque signing authority for Canadian taxpayer money. And Iggy - has anyone actually heard why the Liberals aren't supporting the budget ? Probably not as they already said they wouldn't before they knew what was in it.

Mike (Brampton)
said

I want Prime Minister Harper to receive a majority government so we can stop all this raucous Liberal non sense and get government working again. The Liberals need to step into an extreme makeover anything less will not do. In the meantime lets the Conservatives can run the country and we can hopefully have some peace. We should get rid of the Bloc and not allow them to sit in our House of Commons since their interests are treasonous to the interests of Canada.

chel in the Peg
said

Yesterday afternoon I tuned into PowerPlay with Don Martin. First a clip of Iggy, then a clip of Duceppe, both responding to the budget. I lasted about 3 minutes before I changed the channel (sorry Don). Criticize them all you want, but at least Harper and Layton are patriotic Canadians. Duceppe shouldn't even be part of the conversation, and Iggy, well, I just don't get why the LPC annointed this guy.

Stand up for Canada
said

When I think of what Harper said prior to the election and then what he did following the election, the disrepect he has shown to our institutions, the very personal attacks on individuals who have a different opinion than his, the 35 billion spent on jets and then we are told no to needed supports for our most vunerable, and the complete waste of money on expanding prisons, I am very concerned about what he would do if he ever gets a majority. Before voting for this man I urge everyone to learn more about him.

lynnees
said

It's about time to get rid of Iggy once and for all. He is not in the least interested in what is good for the people of Canada. He is only interested in coming back after 35 years of living in the U.S. and England and taking over the leadership of our country. Talk about who wants to hand our country over to the U.S. Iggy leads there.This was a decent budget considering the times but neither he nor Layton had any intentions of supporting before either knew what was in it. Both of these guys will go on tax and spend sprees if elected. That just cannot be allowed to happen!!!Harper, who is not perfect by any means, is the best thing for Canada right now. He needs to get a majority government so we can move on with what needs to be done to be fiscally responsible and move us ahead to finish coming out of this recession.

Mr Not a Pye Chart
said

With Harper ALREADY having these attack ads ready, how can anyone not see he was trying desparatly to provoke an election he thinks he can blame on the opposition. He has clearly tried to engineer his own defeat because he needs to be able to put the blame for his bad government onto anyone but himself. WAKE UP CANADA,,,,THIS IS A SCAM.

Greg
said

Harper was mighty generous to the seniors, $1.66 per day is suppose to help the seniors do what? You can't even buy a coffee for $1.66 Harper had no problem spending a billion on a 3 day fake lake party. How much did it cost to destroy the fake lake & fake canoes? The seniors could have used big buck like that. Harper is giving his American buddies 6 billion in tax breaks even though they farm all the work to India & China. Harper is spending 15 billion on new prison & prison officials say we have no need for new prisons. Harper is writing a blank cheque that will be in excess of 30 billion for plane that are inadequate for our air space. Pathetic Harper giving the seniors a measly $1.66. Another year of Harper & we will be the 51th US state. We need a good honest Canadian at the helm like Micheal Ignatieff. [X] Liberal majority to get the Canada I loved back.

Matt in NB
said

I find it apauling when poeple say it's a waste of time and money to have an election. It's part of our democratic process!

Marcelliss
said

Well if you want Quebec to have an icerink with your taxdollars, you know how to vote. Otherwise...

Peter in Thunder Bay
said

I am doing something I never thought I would do[X] Jack

Anti Pye
said

This Parliment has run it's course and it is time to exercise our democratic rights and responsibilities. Harper has governed the whole time as if he has had a majority and as a result completely ignored the voices of the majority of Canadians. In fact he and the Conservatives have displayed a complete and utter disregard for our democratic process. The frustration of those Canadians whose voices have been ignored has been building and we are ready to vote to have our voices heard again. After this election I suspect Harper will be gone, Iggy will have the knives plunged in to his back and Jack will leave gracefully as a successful NDP leader. Once new leaders have settled in to their new positions we will go to the polls again. It is called democracy and it is messy and dirty but better than any alternative.

Charlie C
said

I am not in favour of an election at this time either, but lay the blame for its possibility at the feet of all. Have said that, I feel strongly that this Conservative "AKA Reform" Party must go. With so many issues to consider:- Not taken care of the Country's vulnerable, the elderly and Veterans.- To Pirogue Parliment when they felt vulnerable.- Spending large sums of money on such things as fighter jets, prisons and the G20 and G8 conferences.- Personal attacks against anybody who stands against them.- Making rules, then breaking them. - The list, unfortunately, goes on.All this with a minority government. It scares me to think what they would do with a Majority. I do not know who would be better to run this Country at this time, but I do know who will not...the Conservative Party of Canada. I just can't trust Stephen Harper.

MIke
said

I listened to both Iggy and Jack yesterday afternoon talk about what they would have put in the budget and why they would not support it. As for Iggy as per noral he talked around the issue and did not say anything at all. I would have loved to ask Jack how you would get the poor and seniors out of the low income bracket they are in and where is all this money was going to coming from. I find both Jack and Iggy are fast to say this is a bad buget and they would have done better and I guess it is easy to say that when you are not the government and don't have to back your words up with action. As for the scandles that the Liberals will fight this election on, I feel from talking with a lot of people that this is a non issue. Most people are more concerned with their jobs, taxes, family income and the economy. The other issue people will look at is who do they trust the most to lead Canada into the future and all the polls are pointing to the Harper Government. I for one will vote for the Harper Government as I feeel he has done a good job with a few stumbles but show me a government that has not stumbled in the past.

Don Diego
said

This coming election is really not about party politics or issues. It is about arrogance and self serving politicians. The Rogue gallery is getting too many too often.. corruption and huge severance packages are some examples, about face on election issues like income trusts where the voters lost tons of cash stand out. The blame for the expense of and election falls directly on the Conservatives nobody else.

Norman Smith
said

The Conservatives are going to try to take credit for Liberal policies that saved us from the worst of th economic turndown. Why we have to go through ugly periods of Conservative negativism, then turn to the Liberals for relief is beyond me.

rivet
said

Attack ads! Bullying is all they know. Since when is that a "MADE in CANADA SOLUTION" Harpo? As far as Iggy is concerned good luck youll need it. So as far as Im concerned that leaves no one competent to lead but what else is new. That leaves Canadians with nothing for them.

GCB Oromocto
said

Mr. Not a Pye Chart hit the nail on the head. So com on Canadians see the budget for what it was meant for "to have an Election".

V,I,Brad
said

Great, more wasted tax dollars. More wasted time and effort and it will not change a thing. This non-confidence crap should be thrown out. The reality is that a minority government will be the norm for years to come. These clowns need to figure that out and make it work.

Paul in NS
said

I like many others do not want an election that is a waste of money, however the time has come for a majority government to run this country. I am tired of all of the political games and posturing. I do not like Harper, I believe his attitude does not inspire, however, I like the other leaders even less. I think the Harper government deserves a change at a majority government , they have lead this country through one of the hardest times in this countries economic history . He has had the back bone to do what is right for this country. He is at core a Canadian first . Mr. Harper , if you read this , get your act together and stay cool , don�t do anything stupid. I believe may Canadians believe in you .

Di
said

Hopefully the Conservatives get a majority. I just wish it was a provincial election so we can get rid of McGuinty.

BuzzerKiller
said

It's what these Liberal "Ignatieff" supporters want. "Let's support this man who came up from the States dictate Canadian policy and think he knows that the majority of Canadians want him to funnel 350 million of our own dollars so the crybaby Quebecers can get their NHL arena." Have you guys not learned your lessons from Chretien or Martin? They practically single-handedly damaged our entire infrastructure and military to the point where our military was LAUGHABLE. Remember the war in Afghanistan, when we first got there?! The Liberals crippled our military so bad, we went into a Desert with FOREST CAMOUFLAGE, and we were the LAUGHING STOCK there!

ThinkingMan
said

Canadians will have to accept that the majority of our elected leaders in parliament cannot work with this cheating Conservative government. Contempt of parliament charges, criminal investigations, committee stalling tactics are only some of the reasons why they cannot make parliament work. Canadians end up getting cheated. Another Conservative minority will never work, Canada needs a complete change of government.

Glen
said

Last time I was this peed off, I voted NDP and unfortunatly, so did a lot of others. I think we all remember that one. So, do I follow form or do I vote peed again?

Marion in the Creek
said

What a waste! Looking into my crystal ball I can see the Liberals winning - we are disappointed in how the Liberals are running this country - we call another election - then we all vote Conservative again. 'round and 'round we go!!

George Alberta
said

Seniors must be tickled pink with this budget they get a $1.66 per day. Can you buy a bag of peanuts for that? Harper was much more generous to his US buddies, he gave one US company 140 million to make action plan signs, no Canadians got peanuts from that deal. The budget in irrelevant, this government in in CONtempt of parliament, they have no respect for democracy or the Canadian people. When Harper is removed from office he will more than likely move to the USA & join the tea party, that's where his heart is, if he cared for Canadians he would do the honorable thing & step down. Harper has cost Canadians billions, if the liberals would have been in power they would have maintained the surplus they worked hard to create. Paul Martin saved Canadians millions per day by using surplus EI funds to slay the deficit. Because of Harper's mismanagement we now pay millions per day in interest on the borrowed money he has thrown away. A great day for Canada, democracy won't be restored until this dictator gets the boot.

dontbeblind
said

$35 BILLION to Boeing$16 BILLION to the richest companies$15 BILLION for US style jails.My question to you is how come spending $75 BILLION that is BILLION dollars on the aforementioned items that we really do not need is OK?Is $75 BILLION dollars really acceptable?But only 300 Million for seniors?@Grandma I agree some is better than none, but you do understand that if it was a liberal or NDP governement that figure would have been easily doubled (which is what they requested)Please understand that if the conservatives were in a majority you would NOT be on the radar at all.A conservative majority would only serve the banks, oil companies.My mother and mother-in-law are both seniors and will benefit from the $50, but like Iggy and Jack have been saying it is not enough, and it isn't.I am helping with their taxes and both of them have to pay back, because the governement does not tax all benefits as an aggregate of funds paid. Realistically, they could have used $100-150/mth additionally...OH I forgot, even though their income is low they are not below the extremely low threshold set out by the budget. So if you are a senior in a low to middle class bracket sorry. Lets spend the $300 Million so that we can save $75 BILLION.We need REAL support for seniors, vets, healthcare, and low and middle class.Is the opposition parties playing games?Bev Oda lied to parliamentHidden costs of the budgetElection fraudPMO top advisor linked to influence peddlingIs any of this being made up by the opposition?Other than complaining on this board about the actual election, has anyone stated what a conservative majority would do for us, other than wanting the parliamentary games to go away?What would a conservative majority do for us?75 BILLION in wasted money is a start right?

Zircon
said

While the budget will be the catalyst for a imminent spring election and will garner a significant share of media attention, I would urge Canadians to understand those issues that are fundamental to every other that we find important; national sovereignty, economic reform and democratic political transparency and accountability. All of these things have been under assault recently and this government seems unable or unwilling to truly address them. Effective policies on Health Care, Education, Jobs, and every other issue that matters is a function of one or more of the above. The particulars of the present budget are somewhat of a smoke screen. Social issues and the funding (or cuts) they receive are meaningful, but in reality they ebb and flow with each new budget and government, over time. However, issues that diminish our sovereignty necessarily will affect not only the policies we can implement on things like health care now, but will affect the effectiveness of those policies in delivering what we intend, in the longer term. REGARDLESS of who forms the next government, DEMAND that they be transparent and accountable. No more Sponsorship Scandals...no more closed-door/closed-contract F-35 deals. it's OUR Canada!

Will
said

So much nonsense, so little interest in reading it all. Let's just go to the election, I for one am sick of the constant attempts by wannabe's to hijack the business of government. Here's an idea/proposal for the PM: Today in the house, stand up and state: "Mr. Speaker, it is apparent from the manuevering and statements both in this house and outside that the members of the three opposition parties wish to depose the duly elected government with a vote of non-confidence. Therefore, I invite them to make the motion now. This government will allow any member of the opposition who so wishes to place a motion of non-confidence before the house and it can be voted on immeadiately. It's put up or shut up time - either make the motion and vote it through or not- but Canadians will remember exactly what happens in this house and they will also reward opportunism in the manner it deserves. Will any member of the opposition stand and make such a motion?"

Roman
said

Don't wish to see an American lover at the helm, why is he here anyway, seems he's a glory hound

happy
said

I welcome the opportunity to vote in an upcoming election because it's time for everyone to set aside their greed for a few more dollars and look at the big picture. There's more at stake here than just the economy and our country is in dire need of an ethical leader. I can't wait to vote Liberal. The budget put forward was engineered to fail and it's just another case of Harper trying to manipulate Canadians by tangling a few of our own dollars in front of us.

William (Willowdale)
said

I resent having another election the 4th in 7 years. We all know well that this Liberal opposition has never tried to cooperate with the government. They have threatened an election almost daily since they were defeated. This is more about a raucous uncooperative opposition than misdeeds this government may have made. Overall the Conservatives have done reasonably well for Canada and this nasty name calling by the Liberals has to stop. They have destabilized our entire political process deliberately in an attempt to paint this government in a light they do not deserve and gain an advantage the Liberals have not worked to earn.

J. Andrew
said

The only downside I see to calling an election right now is that the Conservatives dirty laundry (the Contempt of Parliament, and the Bev Oda scandal) won't be dragged out onto the floor of the Commons for all Canadians to see. --- I want the NDP to vote for this budget, just so that Canadians will get a chance to see Harper squirm when all his dirty secrets are brought to light. Knowing Harper though, he'd just prorogue Parliament again...

Tyler in Trenton
said

Bob Rae wrecked Ontario, if he hates the budget we Iuv it.

thomas
said

Once again this coming election will prove democracy in this country can never be achieved when you have 75 seats (24% of the Commons) in a province that wants to form its own country. The Bloc vote will make it virtually impossible for any party to win a majority.

Barb 4 Conservative Majority
said

Conservative need a majority and Canada will give it to them!

Gerald
said

I'm not into politics much at all , but I can say this . Our economy for the last couple of years has been shakey to say the least and the Canadian Armed Forces are now entering a second world conflict , not to mention helping out in Haiti , Japan and on and on. Love them or hate them , I think that the government in place right now has done a pretty good job in keeping things afloat and I don't see any reason to change what we have . Iggy and Jack..sorry guys but you just don't do it for me and the only thing that you can accomplish now by having an election is waste $300 million , maybe lose your titles , and strengthen support for our current government , but if it has to be , it has to be , so let's get on with the show !

Yankee Doodle Dandy -Good Bye
said

Great after the election the Liberals can dump Iggy the Yankee Doodle Dandy, go back to the USA Iggy.

jay
said

Mr Not a Pye Chart The probleam is more are up set with the liberals and ndp then harper and company.It would not shock me to see the liberals lose a lot of seats.

Not-Quebec
said

Hate the thought the tax payers have to pay for another election, but if it will put Mr Iggy back under the rock he crawled out from then bring it on. They are all out for themselves and the rest of us are their puppets.

Fact Check
said

Best Budget for Canada yet. Jack never never won the election so he got lots he should vote for it.

zork zintron
said

Perfect play by Mr Harper, calling the election himself! The contempt charges by Iggy will be gone, he will be gone back to the USA, Jack will be gone nursing his ego and we finely have a conservative majority !

Concerned Senior
said

Jack Layton talks about helping seniors out, well Jack it looks like the budget has help for seniors, and since he is calling for an election the seniors will miss out on that help that the budget has for them. So Jack are you really concerned about seniors or your political career?I think that Jack Layton needs to learn from that old saying “A bird in the hand is better than two in the bush”Can't you politicians get it through your heads that we do not want an election, that money can be much better spent.Who wants to listen to another dirt slinging election.

Sue
said

It's was only a couple of years ago when Harper forced the last election. Now he has forced another, Harper is like a spoiled brat, he can't work with others & dictates to his MP's, conservative MP's have been dropping like flies, even they don't support this dictator. Democracy will finally be restored to Canada [X] Liberal majority please.

Kamil (Toronto)
said

Canada needs to stabilize our politics and we need a majority government to settle down all the acrimony constantly being churned from the Liberal opposition benches when they actually show up in the House of Commons. My choice is to stay the course preferably with a majority Conservative government so we can get some peace from these daily "tempest in a liberal teapot". We have bigger issues in life and Canada is doing fine in this world. We just don't need a change of government at this time nor an election to waste our time and money..

Wendy
said

It's a great day for Canada, I'm so proud the opposition parties to stand up against the dictator we have in Canada, democracy will be restored when Harper is removed from office. Harper has been Canada's worst PM or up there with Mulroney. Canada enjoyed a surplus when the liberals were in power. Harper spent the surplus before the recession hit. The opposition parties agreed to 13 billion in stimulus spending, Harper spent over 100 billion. We pay 16 million per day in interest thank to Harper's mismanagement. Great budget, pensioners get $1.66 per day. Harper's American buddies get 6 billion in tax breaks. the billions on prisons when prison officials say we don't need more prisons. Then a blank cheque over 30 billion to an American company for war planes that are inadequate for our air space. Harper gave his American buddies 140 million to make those big lottery style cheques & action scam signs. So 300 million to rid ourselves of this dictator is peanuts. Our elderly need more than the peanuts Harper is throwing them. $1.66 won't even buy a coffee. We will save billions by removing Harper from office.

Joe C
said

Come on, Jim. Stop with the "they're voting against it before reading it" line because you and I both know it's not true. They were in lockup all day actually... wait for it... READING it. Sheesh.

PEI Fella
said

What a waste of money, we would have had one next year anyways.I agree the current government hasn't done everything right, the pension plan for instance. But I think Iggy is committing political suicide by fighting this election on the fighter jets. Its time to replace them so our armed forces are using the best and safest equipment. Its thinking like his that caused our fleet of helicopters (the Sea Kings) to be used so far beyond their intended lifespan. As for the rest they won't see power so let them say what they want.

Mr Not a Pye Chart
said

Finance Minister Jim Flaherty said he's looking forward to a spring election and the chance to form a Conservative majority government,--------------------------------------------------------------------Considering that you had this planned the whole time Jimbo, why does this not surprise me in the least. You couldn't of provoked a budget defeat any better if you tried and I hope and pray that most Canadians see it for exactly that. It was you and your cohorts that wanted this election all along and I half expected Harper to prorouge once again but he knew that wouldn't sit well with the voting public so you engineer a defeat. Smart, but also very risky if the public wakes up and figures it out. But then again, will you even survive the contempt charges which get voted on FIRST which makes this ploy mute????? I doubt it.

Adam, Alberta
said

Bring it, I just cant wait till a competent leader is finally in charge of the Cons. With another minority, harper will be out. I welcome that.

grandma
said

The only people to benefit from an election is the News Media. The taxpayers will have to foot the bill. As low income seniors, the raise for our pensions is better than nothing. It's head shaking time!

Mark Fort Erie ON
said

I for one, do not want an election. The Country seems to be recovering well. No need for one now. It just doesn't make sense.

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I feel that if certain organs were in demand, less effort would be made to revive people. Am I being silly? Not really. I had a bad experience in hospital when my heart stopped, the doctors tried to revive me and failed. They stopped and said I was gone. I came around on my own when the nurse was giving a final BP reading of 'zero'. I heard her declare me dead! It was all I could do to shake my head but they never caught on til I was able to open my eyes. You should have seen them scramble then! I thought the nurse was going to faint. The thing is, I think we may write people off too soon when there is something of value to be gained from them.

me

Should all Canadians be automatically considered organ donors?

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