Dion calls meeting with Harper a 'charade'

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Dion calls meeting with Harper a 'charade'

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CTV News Video

CTV News: Graham Richardson on the imminent call

Stephen Harper and Stephane Dion failed to reach any agreements when they met Monday, clearing the way for the PM to ask for a dissolution of Parliament and a mid-October vote.

CTV Newsnet: Prime Minister's Office spokesperson with the outcome of the meeting between Dion and Harper

There was no 'common ground' between Liberal leader Stephane Dion and Prime Minister Stephen Harper, said a PMO spokesperson following a meeting between the two leaders on Ottawa on Monday.

CTV Newsnet: Stephane Dion addresses the media outside the Prime Minister's residence

Liberal leader Stephane Dion left Prime Minister Stephen Harper's residence on Monday calling Harper's meetings with opposition leaders a 'mise-en-scene' or 'charade.'

CTV Newsnet: Elizabeth May, leader of the Green Party

The Green Party leader was not asked to meet with the Prime Minister but says Stephane Dion calling it a 'charade' was likely accurate.

CTV Toronto: Christian Leuprecht, Royal Military College

There are several factors encouraging Prime Minister Stephen Harper to call an election including a new Chief of Staff who has been stirring things up.

CTV Newsnet: Keith Martin, B.C. Liberal MP, on Dion's meeting with the PM

Monday will be Stephane Dion's turn to meet with Prime Minister Stephen Harper ahead of what is widely expected to be a looming election call.

Watch: See all Videos in the Player

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Mon. Sep. 1 2008 11:19 PM ET

Liberal Leader Stephane Dion says he left a meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper Monday afternoon with a clear message: There will be a fall election.

"(Harper) doesn't want Canadians to have too much time to see he is ill-prepared to face the economy . . . he doesn't want to face byelections," Dion told reporters.

Dion called the 20-minute meeting a "charade" and repeatedly took Harper to task for his willingness to call an election before the fixed election date of October 2009.

Sources say Harper will dissolve Parliament by this Sunday and set an election date for Oct. 14 of this year.

The prime minister's spokesperson, Kory Teneycke, said that Dion was asked if he would support the Conservative minority government until the fixed election date, but refused.

"Mr. Dion could find no area of common ground with the government to move forward with a legislative agenda," Teneycke told reporters.

But Dion said that the Liberals have opposed the Conservatives from the start of the minority government in 2006 and said that the prime minister was being politically opportunistic in his election timing.

Teneycke countered that, "We are in uncertain economic times and there are a number of things that government would like to move forward on and it's fair to say that the atmosphere has become more partisan.

"The opposition clearly wants an election."

CTV's Mike Duffy said that Dion played exactly the way that Conservatives expected him to and said Harper will be able to say on the campaign trail that he tried to work with the opposition.

"There will be some Liberals . . . that say, 'Jean Chrétien would never have fallen into this trap,'" Duffy told CTV Newsnet Monday afternoon.

Election done deal

Harper has already met with New Democratic Leader Jack Layton and Bloc Quebecois Leader Gilles Duceppe to talk about the fall session of Parliament.

Both leaders said Harper will soon drop the writ, despite legislation introduced by the Conservatives that set the mandatory election date.

Dion had earlier refused to meet with Harper prior to three byelections scheduled for Sept. 8.

But in a statement before the meeting, Dion suggested he changed his mind in order to ask Harper why he was in such a rush to send Canadians to the polls ahead of the fixed election date.

"I will ask Stephen Harper face to face to explain why he is in such a rush to violate the spirit of his own legislation," Dion said in the statement. "I will ask him to explain why he wants to break his word, yet again."

Harper has maintained in recent days that Parliament has been dysfunctional and the opposition parties have been pushing for an election for months.

He also said the legislation that set fixed election dates -- a centre-piece for the Tories in the last election -- only applies to majority-government situations.

Harper's aides have suggested the prime minister is likely to drop the election writ on Sept. 5 or 6, with Canadians going to the polls on Oct. 14.

Comments are now closed for this story

Brad G
said

For those of you that believe that Harper is breaking his election law give that some thought before you make such silly comments. Think about what a fixed election date for a minority govt would mean. A Liberal loss will also mean the end of Mr. Dion which is ironic because he has threatened on several occasions to defeat them and force an election, now all of a sudden he wants Parliament to function?

Cyril
said

September 2nd is a work day. Why not drop the writ tomorrow and get the election over with in time for everyone to enjoy Thanksgiving.

Jerry O'Connor
said

In order to put this whole matter into perspective.....all one has to do is put yourself in Stephen Harper's shoes.

What would you do if every time you attempted to accomplish something as head of a company or organization, the people around you threatened you and your job?

Thats right! So now all Stephen Harper wants from the people of Canada (whether its by another minority or a new majority government... either way) is for the people to reaffirm his handling of this country.....once and for all.

This will go a long way to silence the constant threats from all the opposition parties of pending calls for an election. They have all yelled "wolf" once too often.

All Stephen Harper did is grant them (opposition parties) their wish......and now that they have it......they are whining and complaining of their wish come true.

LDU
said

It would be so nice to see a majority Conservative Gov't and we will not have to listen to the other three "leaders" constantly threatening to bring dow the gov't. I think Harper has (despite being hobbled by a minority gov't) done a fine job!

N Y
said

Although Harper is no superstar, he did not become leader of the Conservative party as a result of pure luck. Dion lacks:
1) Consistency.
2) Experience.
3) Charisma.
Until the young Trudeau takes the Liberal party by the reigns, we can count on the Conservatives to run the show.

Dean
said

The second Harper breaks his election date law, he MUST be arrested!!!

Dayton
said

An election call was inevitable. Dion and his friends are broke. Harper is showing how smart he really is and has finally had enough of the BULL!!!

CMQ IN NB
said

Ok, Harper is going back on his word... accroding to all other Leaders yet...

Dion: Plan A:"I think canadians are wanting an election." Plan B: How can Harper call an election now."

Duceppe: Plan A:"He is going back on his word." Plan B:"There is nothing I can support here."

Layton; Plan A and B:"While I do not want an election and Harper is quitting his job, there is no common ground between our party and Harper's, none that we as the NDP can support."

Quite frankly, this is the worst double speak I have seen in over 40 years of politics. If any of the 3 opposing parties had any legs to stand upon they would not be acting like Harper just called their bluff and would just say... "Bring it on!!!!"

Each of the 3 say we need to trust them while the liberals walk out of votes, which by the way is not representing me and the other two just take pot shots. Enough is enough. Time to silence the peanut gallery!!!

This country has only one real leader
said

Let's face it, the PM has a real problem trying to lead this country and undo the damage Jean Cretin has done woeld wide. WRT the election, I believe the PM is telling the oterh parties to let him govern as he should. And the ugly truth is that he is the only one with leadership, ability and vision to lead this great country of ours. Stephane dion is a sorry excuse for a leader of any party, Jack Layton has no chance of ever being elected as he is dreaming policies that are simply not viable and what's-his-ugly-face from the BQ should crawl back where he came from.

Ron in Niagara
said

The Only reason the opposition Parties are upset is simple...THEY ALL KNOW WHAT AN ELECTION WILL DO to THEM .

Do you all remember what the last Liberal leader did ...call an election when it suited he best..NOW the shoe is on the other foot !
GO FIGURE.

The LIBERALS WANT THERE CAKE AND EAT IT TOO.

The NNP just blame every one else for world problems
and complain like little spoiled children

..That other party WHATS There name... You know the ones who hate the rest of Canada. O'well we all have a cruch to bare

Jake K.
said

Lets get on with the show...for the Liberal voters out there - you should do what your party has been doing for the last 2 1/2 years...abstain from voting.

Wes
said

Just vote for anyone but Steve

Lynda
said

Ok let me get this one straight, under 2 terms of liberal gov we did so well as canadians is this right, and our government is so dysfunctional as a conservative minority right,, liberals have belly ached for elections and canadians are ready to go to the polls as they say, right. Ok the ndp say that same thing, bloc says the same thing, and when harper does start to call an election they start screaming, ok here is my question, what the heck do you guys want, are you test driving to see what harper will do, or do you think you can honestly win the pm seat, libs,ndp, or bloc, well libs screwed it up for 8years, havent had the ndp in pm office for years, but they would make a hell of a mess, bloc i am not to sure about but betting that the quebecers would celebrate that one,, so best as i can see, well ok, you all shot your mouths off and stevie has now called your bluff, we dont like it now do we.. ok,, so here we go, into elections, way to go steve, guts and determination to make things work, i like that one. you called them on it and the flocks are flying. well man i pray you get your majority, or at least another minority and then make em work with ya, either that or tell them to take the highway, unemployment looks like a great alternative for the works of them,, see how they like that one..thank you steve you are by far the best,, now the rest of you put up or shut it.!!!

Mo
said

If Harper thinks with some teporary income tax returns he can buy my vote, he's completely wrong. I can garantee that if Conservatives get majority in this election, our budget will go into defecit and we will surely suffer economicly with the failed polocies of this government in every aspect.

TheOracle
said

one more time people...

there is no provision any longer under the new law for a minority or majority government to pull the plug on it's own mandate...

What Harper is doing now is the exactly the tactic that the law was designed to prevent... when the serving P.M. calls an election for their own reason and benefit at their own convenience.

there are only 2 ways an election can legally happen...

1. minority government falls to an opposition non-confidence vote.

2. majority government exhausts it's 4 eyar mandate (this is where the fixed 4 year election date kicks in)

try to understand this, it is fundamental to this issue...

Steve
said

After voting Liberal my whole life, I will be voting conservative for the first time.

I have not left my party, my party (LPC) has left me.

What a disgrace Dion is.

Steve
said

I am not a lover of Stephane Dion. I vote for the principles of the Liberal Party and for the Liberal canidate in my riding.If I dont like the candidate I dont vote for him.I was sickened by the actions of the Conservative Party to disrupt the recent Parliamentary Committies.These actions alone show a total lack of respect for Parliament,for all Canadian citizens, for canadian Democracy.If the election is called we will never know the details of the Bernier affair. I suspect the details are shocking to say the least and the present gov. is not anxious for the Canadian Public to hear these details anytime soon.The Prime Minister of the day did not support our Olympic athletes by not showing up for the opening ceremonies and at the same time disrespected the Chinese gov.and the chinese people.We have a Canadian citizen in the US whose human rights are being violated every day.We could go on for ever about Harpers gov.But we wont.The next election vote anything except Conservative.

Cathy Kerr
said

I'd have to say the only "charade",is that the Libs chose Dion,as their leader.
"it's hard to make priorities."
Or how about,"I AM the leader,and I will not accept indiscipline".
Meek and weak,with little plan other than to raise taxes.
We saw what the Libs did for the Environment.
After 13 yrs. in Govt.,all they did was sign a piece of paper named Kyoto,then we saw GHG's rise by over 30%!
They even,later admitted that Kyoto was never attainable.
And now,they propose to place a new tax on us,that will afffect absolutely every purchase we make.
..With not even a single target for GHG reductions!
Like the $2 million Gun Registry,that quickly allooned into over a BILLION,and was useless,they expect us to just fork out more and more money,with NO results.[Did people ACTUALLY believe,that criminals were going to line up to register their guns???]
No thanks Libbies.
You had more than enough chances,to last at least a decade.

Moi
said

Hmm..let's see. Harper muzzles his cabinet, Maxime bernier screws up not once but twice (Afghan istan and Julie Couillard), he's george bush-lite. Dion will certainly get my vote. Enough is Enough with Harper and his cronies.

DC
said

Please! CALL AN ELECTION ASAP!! its about time we elect the Conservatives into a MAJORITY GOVERNMET. if the liberals come to power the Canadian Forces will be cut down to nothing and we will completly lose our voice in the world. Mr Dion can not lead this country!

Ian Ottawa
said

Dion is a pencil necked PRO-French puppet who cares only for his own part in histury. Those that bad mouth Harper are blinded by a false view of the Liberals. Did the Liberals drop the GST? Did they help our military? Did they behave responsibly to Canadian's NO THEY DID NOT. They bought Quebec through favoritism at the expense of the other 90% of Canada. The Liberals have threatened how many times over Non-confidance votes? Way to many. Dion is not a leader and his Party is filled with the wealthy elite who have proven through history of taking care of themselves through everything from outright theft to stacking the Senate and the Supreme Court with handpicked Liberal friends.

RCR from Ontario
said

To all the Liberal and NDP backers. It's about time Mr Harper got around to calling an election. The Opposition parties have been threatening to bring down the government for months now and really haven't had the courage of their convictions. I would also suggest that you be careful about what you folks wish for. You just might get it... Dion or Layton... ouch

rRose
said

Go Go Steve ... You are the best I used to vote for the libs but never again since I woke up and smelt the coffee. I am doing this for my children and grandchildren.

Steve
said

Harper's got my Vote!! - That's all we need Dion running this country!!

Tom Kaberle
said

To all of you that are complaining that Harper wants to break his own law........ Wakeup !!! .... and Smarten Up !!! ..... How can the election law apply to a minority government ? ..... the point of the law is to not allow politicians to manipulate the election date for their own ends..... in a minority situation the opposition can bring down the government pretty much anytime they want.... thus to be fair to Canadians.... the government must be able to do the same..... thus no advantage for either.... it is so simple... how can you not see this

B.W.
said

Yes! its time to have that election Dion kept threatening for nearly 2yrs, I guess Harper was one step ahead of Mr Dion when he said he alone will decide whether to call an election not Mr flip flop Dion.

So Mr Dion don't blame Harper for doing what you failed to do.

Fish or cut Bait

JOY
said

Two weeks ago Dion said canadian are ready for election and a week later he got one but is complaining.Dion for the sake of your party just step aside.Harper u are the man and we are ready for majority

jpo
said

How is it that Parliament can be said to be dysfunctional when it is currently in summer recess? Harper has clearly taken control of the messaging, framed it, and spit it out. This is a prime example of the Conservatives deceiving Canadians for their own agenda. Harper is afraid that because Canada is in a deficit at the moment, and those figures will come out in Oct. 2009, that he can receive a mandate, weak as it may be, to carry himself through it.

While committees and backbench MPs from all parties have been working well together and collaborating on many issues, Harper seems to think Parliament can no longer work. How is it that a chamber which is currently in recess is dysfunctional? Perhaps the PM should try calling back Parliament early to see if it can work. Harper has proven himself to be a bridge breaker, not willing to negotiate with other parties and MPs who represent, collectively, more people than do the Conservative MPs!

Jason in Ottawa
said

It's about time. I like what Harper has been trying to do and tired of Dion and Talaban Jack disrupting Harper's vision. It's time for a Harper Majority, it time for progress.

Glenn in the 'Peg
said

The only charade here is Dion pretending to be a leader.

can'thelpmyself
said

going through the motions ...my way is the only way...if you don't do as I do, you are at fault...if you don't do as I do, you are the problem...see election come...go election go...

Trent
said

Hey James what goverment ever helped the west? Ontario always wines get there ways the rest of Canada pays for it. I'm sick of it.If the French want to seprate why not the west? If we can't get a fare goverment which have know.. Why should i care about ontario? Thats what I thought all about you guys getting money for free...

Jorja
said

Even though Harper has a lot of faults, I'll vote for him over Dion. Dion is a joke...he has no public personality at all, he can't speak proper english, he'll pander to Quebec, and his Green Shaft policy is a bunch of garbage, just like the carbon tax in BC. Unfortunately Harper is the one I hate least. Pretty sad, hey?

intelligent_girl_montreal
said

Could we please have some sophisticated analysis from our politicians?

Basic election realities
said

Dion can squawk all he wants the facts are:

1. The Liberal Party has little or no money yet they keep calling the governments bluff for an election.

2. The Liberal party is the defendant in two multi million dollar lawsuits.

3. The Liberal party "borrowed" (stole?) the patented name "Green Shift".

4. The Liberal party has no real policies except for their veiled tax and spend agenda using "Green" as the bait.

5. The Liberal party has no real leadership and no priorities except to gain power.

6. The Liberal party is ideologically bankrupt.

Mark
said

Clearly if this reporting is to be believed, Mr. Dion is way over his neck in so many ways.

Mr. Harper, let us end this pain and suffering for Mr. Dion. Let us have an election whereby the poor unfortunate soul may be put out of his and our misery.

The poor man.

Dick Varley
said

The posters to these CTV news items seem to be ignorant in the truest sense of the word or they just stir the pot for self gratification. Most do not check their facts before making ridiculous statements. They also have a blind bias which ignores reason.

Commentators at all levels usually miss the fact that Canadians do not elect minority governments. Such a choice is not on the ballot. Recent Canadian elections demonstrate that Canadians are divided with regard to the type of government they want. This division is caused by regional, ethnic, religious and economic issues.

You cannot govern unless you get elected. The Conservatives held more seats than any other party after the last election. Therefor, it is their right to govern. However, just because it is a minority government this does not mean that they must abandon their principles. Parties should not be expected to compromise on principles that got them elected in the first place. It is not unwise for these parties to look for areas of commonality but to expect that they should abandon the principles that got them elected is foolishness. Areas of commonality appear to have run out and the Conservatives and Stephen Harper now finds themselves in a position where they must call an election. Stephen Harper is doing the right thing if he calls this one.

Anthony
said

24 Sussex Drive Dreamers:

2 guys who can't speak
English and a socialist

Trent
said

Well Dion you wanted an election well your getting one. I hope your riding throughd you to the wolves.. Your wage is ont us tax payers should not have to pay..

J from Winnipeg
said

Jennifer said:
How quickly people forget what happened the last time we had a Conservative majority. I have one name for you: Brian Mulroney.

What about the Trudeau legacy of the NEP, and one-finger salute? Or the Chretien legacy of shawinigate, and adscam? So much for Liberal majorities.

CDN in USA
said

Is anyone else here sick of other posters using horribly exaggerated (and incredibly uninformed) terminology like 'neo-con' to describe the Conservatives and referring to Harper as a puppet of Bush?

I think these same lefties should go back to their fantasy land, where the unicorns roam freely and there's always a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. They're clearly so far removed from reality that they're happier living in delusion.

Bring on the Conservative majority! Good job, Harper!

Ian
said

It's true that the fixed election date provision only applies to Majority governments because there still is the provision for votes of non-confidence, which obviously only happen with a minority government. He wanted this law (not really a law) so that future majority governments wouldn't pull the same stunt that Jean Chretien pulled a few years ago when he called an early election with about a year and a half to go even though he had a majority. Chretien sent us to the polls early because he saw it as an opportune time to get another majority. So you Libs should remember your history before spouting off the rhetoric.

Nathan R
said

If the Governor General makes a decision with which two-thirds of Canadians disagree, what is going to protect her from calls for her removal from her post? She is not protected by vote-splitting like BULLY Harper is. I encourage the GG to:
a) not be corrupted.
b) not be bullied.

I will be the first to call for the GG's resignation if she FAILS to respect the view of the MAJORITY of Canadians. I hope she has not been threatened by conservative agents.

Buck
said

Stephen knows when the U.S. elect a liberal this fall he is done along with his party. so he is scared and has no other choice but to call an election now. Good luck Mr Harper you need it.

Brad
said

Oh cry me a river liberals! Obviously you forgotten Cretien once called an election (when Stockwell Day slipped out the word 'election') only to suit his own leadership. The only reason Dion hasn't brought down the gov't is because his liberal party can't afford an election.
Also I think all prime ministers should be only be Canadian citizens (Dion is an official citizen of France).

spencer
said

In Dion's own words, "he repeadidly took Harper to task as to why he is breaking his own words and calling an election"

Let's see...... the meeting was 20 minutes and Dion was "asking repeadidly".... or should we say begging harper to save his job and not call an election.

How do you beg in broken english ????

Layton, Duceppe, Dion
said

DUMB..
DUMBER...
& DUMBEST....

Max
said

Ya Finally we can get rid of Dion. This man who can not make up his mind on anything needs to be removed. Even the Liberal MP's are embrassed by him and say he has no direction for Canada or his idiotic Green Plan. The Liberal carbon tax in B.C. has done nothing but raise prices on everything and gave our politicians and their beuracrats a 43% raise while average tax payers are struggling to make ends meet and winter is not here yet.
I hope Canadians do not fall for this trap.
Lets have the election so Mr Harper can move forward with things instead of playing games with this idiot.

Ian
said

Dion says that the Liberals have opposed the Conservatives since they took power in 2006. Sorry but have we missed something here for the past 2 years? Opposed them in the media for sure. They've done nothing but slam every policy without even knowing much about it, but when it came time to actually oppose them in the house, they turtled. What a joke, this guy is a leader? YIKES!!!!

Noel in NB
said

Again, the problem is this: NO ruling government should have the ability to call an election and cause and election unless under a vote of no confidence. Harper is just showing how sneaky he is by trying US style of ploitics..all cloak and dagger, smoke and mirrors. The minority factions decided not to bring down the government so Harper plays the trump and will do it himself and blame the Liberals etc... To me,I am nor either Con ,Lib, NDP, Green etc...I vote for the person I think best for Canada...party aside. Harper is definately not good for Canada. Harper is good for Harper and his croonies.He talks the talk but behind closed doors makes deals and thinks we are stupid enough to believe him...from a lot of these posts...it seems to be working.

Concerned Canadian
said

Harper is not a leader, has proved by breaking his own word, many times and if he was a leader this would not be happening. He can't even control his own members of the house.
Harper has done nothing for this country. Why spend the money.

JoeK
said

Go for it Mr Harper,the opposition parties and their leaders don`t want to give you much room to make your government work possitive.The Liberals are power hungry and will do anything to undermine your legislation.

Josh M
said

It seems to me that just a few months ago Dion was carrying on about forcing an election. All Harper is doing is calling Dion's bluff; clearly he's not nearly as ready for an election as he was boasting.

DCR-Toronto
said

Johnny Ramsoda::
Would it be ok for any other party to bring down the government before 2009, oct? They all voted in favour of it. It can't be both ways. ALL partys voted yea on it! But it is pointless in a minority. The "spirit of the law", is for majority governments! But I doubt if you and others like you will understand that.

Axion
said

The result of the next election, early or not, will make little difference in this country. Whether Dion's Liberals or Harper's Tories are behind the helm in Ottawa, it's a case of same expletive deleted, different pile. I'm all for a speedy election - it just gives me another chance to vote for Jack Layton and watch him lose again... only this time around, a few months sooner than usual.

JP- Mile O , BC
said

Mr Harper - Call and election-PLEASE
As a citizen of Canada and a voter and tax payer- iI am sick and tired of how You , Mr Dion and the rest of the MP's act like a bunch of Spoiled Kids-
PLEASE GROW UP !!!!!!!!
We NEED A TRUE LEADER-
Mr Harper-Mr Dion Step aside- neiteh rof you are LeadersIf an election is called - People make sure it another Minority

James
said

What is the party that came to the rescue of the native Canadians and airlifted them off their reserves to communities far away for clean drinking water, shelter and food? That would be the Conservative Party of Canada. This is a government that cares about being responsible for all citizens and Canadians.

Rob Robson
said

It is good to have an election and clean house, hope everone gets what theywant. I for one would like to see canada split in two. That way they would leave the west alone, go green, pay lots of taxes and with a devalued dollar and get back those lost manufacting jobs

ray
said

Almost daily Dion threatened to take down the Government. The separatists want to, the commie NDP's want to so what's the problem Celine?????

C.D Green
said

Possibly J the M might want to consider the Free Trade "mess" Mulroney negotiated and that sustains our country's economy might be part of the reason not the exception our economy is outperforming the U.S.

Baba Booey
said

DCR-Toronto:
"It has been weeks now and still, the ignorant say that Harper is breaking his own law. It shows the complete lack of true interest in the laws that are enacted. Harper is NOT breaking the law. If the PM can't call an election, then the opposition would NOT be able to bring the government down. This is A MINORITY. Are there that many people voting who do not even grasp what a minority is??"

DCR-Toronto, actually I think you're missing the point of the legislation. It is to stop the PM from calling an election at a whim. At least that is how Harper sold it originally. So yes, he's expected to be allowed to ask the GG to dissolve parliament as per tradition, but only after losing a confidence vote. By that even orchestrating your own defeat is contrary to the spirit of the amendment. By your logic the amendment was only to appease Reformers and actually has no powers. That's possible too.

Edmonton John
said

Steven Harper has continuously inserted a poison pill in just about every piece of legislation to ensure that he keeps the opposition riled up.

I, for one, am glad to have all the members of the opposition acting on my behalf against all of Harper's policies because I don't agree with a singel one of them, from unilaterally siding unconditionally with Isreal, to refusing to help Maher Arar and calling him a terrorist, to wiping out the Kelowna Accord, to subsidizing mothers to stay at home instead of supporting high standards for daycare centres, and the list goes on.

Even his get tough on crime mantra is phoney as he refuses to help out with police funding so we have people to tackle the gangs and drugs issues. He want to chase teenagers who smoke pot instead of real criminals - give me a break.

Anyway, Harper has done everything possible to get the opposition to trigger an election, and they have refused, so now he has to do it himself and still has the nerve to try and blame them for the inconvenience and expense he is causing Canadians.

OOO-ohh, he makes me so mad I really hope we can teach this arrogant and hypocritical control-freak a lesson by returning him to parliament in the opposition benches. Then he'll just stonewall and obstruct every good thing the government is trying to do - like he did before.

Mike
said

Let's just have them, otherwise it'll be constant name-calling and taunting for the duration of the parliamentary session. And those guys are supposed to be grown up men?

A month of attack ads. I think the TV will be off most of the time.

Graham Henderson
said

It's acknowledged that a fixed election date is for a majority government situation. However, in a minority gov't situation it is irresponsible, and perhaps even illegal, for the Prime Minister to contradict the law that his own party brought in. It is the right of opposition parties to bring down a government before a fixed election date, not a governing party to bring themselves down.

As a Canadian voter, Harper is full of lies and broken promises, and we aren't even into the campaign yet. Come mid-October, Im going to be casting my vote for an individual who is sincere, humble, patriotic, smart, loyal, hard-working, and deserving...Im casting my vote for STEPHANE DION and the LIBERAL PARTY OF CANADA!!

James
said

Mr. Harper will say he tried to work with opposition.

I don't think Canadians are that gullible. They know that he asked M. Dion to give him free rein asking him to support the Conservative agenda.

The answer would have been that the Libs would do their job and ensure the legislation would get the review it needed and would not be unconditionally supported.

I guess the PM couldn't accept that.

Sure it was a charade on the part of Harper, one Dion had to play to expose it.

Noel in NB
said

Conservatives have to realize there is no Conservative party...remember the Alliance? The Merge?...
Harper is nothing more than an American with Canadian citizenship.If he had his way (majority) Canada will(would) be indistinguishable from the US in 4 years. This will be a total waste of our money again...another minority government as there are enough people who see Harper for what he is...an American/Alliance puppet for rich corporations.

Jennifer
said

How quickly people forget what happened the last time we had a Conservative majority. I have one name for you: Brian Mulroney.

Fred
said

Please have an election, anything to put Dion out of his misery

Richard
said

ONE QUESTION? Why is it that under the current fixed election date law, and an minority government, the opposition has the ability to call an election on their terms at anytime, while the elected government of the day, does not. This is why Harper is right when he says that the FED law only applies to majority govenments. The law prevents a government that has a majority and therefore can not fall, from taking complete advantage of politival opportunism and forceing an unecessary and expensive election. Anyome remember Chrieten - what ego. I think Harper has an argument.

In the end, the writ can only by dropped by the GG and she will do as instructed by the PM. That's the way it is.

Sorry - Go Harper Go!

Gary
said

The only "Charade" I'm seeing is Dion & the liberals and there lack of any substantial contributions to enhancing Canada & Canadians way of life cause thus far they only seem to be pre-occupied playing politics & undermining the current Gov't with nothing more then political maneurving for there on job's. They have totally disbanded any notion that their existience as MP's is to serve the people they were elected to serve. That high ideal has escaped them for some time.

Dion has
said

The measure of a man isn’t defined by the road he travels but by the choices he makes along that road and Mr. Dion has repeatedly flip flopped for two years on the issue of having then not having an election.

Anyone who'd vote for Dion either doesn't follow politics closely or is blinded by following traditional family voting patterns without doing their homework first.

brian
said

For all of you folks who think there is "obstructionism" in the house, you are wrong. The disfunction is in the Committees and the obstructionists are the people who are refusing to show up and testify. Those refusing to respond to a subpeona are not from the opposition. Check out the CPAC website and watch the committee meetings and see for yourself what has been going on. Only the brainwashed will fail to see the truth.

Raymond
said

The only 'charade' I've seen is Dion's leadership.

Colin
said

If an election can rid us of Harper and his right-wing coterie, lets have it. I think Dion has more integrity than Harper has ever shown.

To All Libreal and NDP Supporters
said

To all Libreal supporters you must be as dumb as your leader to think if Harper was changing the election law to suit him it wouldnt go threw.its up to the Gov. General to desvole parlement after the pm requests for an election, if his election date law was ment for both minority and majority governments he would be denined his request its as simple as that.

I as a Canadian think that dion and his party sitting out on confidance votes is a charade all by its self and commend harper for calling the bluffs of the oppostion since they have clearly stated they dont want government to work.

Harper 08!

Blaise MacLean
said

Here are some truths:
1. We have a minority government that has been in office almost twice as long as any other. It is time for an election, and everyone knows it.
2. The Conservative and Liberal parties have diametrically opposed ideas on "carbon tax" and "green footprint" issues. It is completely reasonable to put this issue, and others, to the voters.
3. There is nothing wrong with the government of a minority parliament seeking a majority. Paul Martin didn't wait 2 1/2 years to try and get HIS majority.
4. Canada is a democracy. Democracies have elections...a lot of places don't and, on balance, I prefer to have the opportunity to vote.
5. Canada has a Parliamentary system. Fixed election dates run contrary to this concept of government and should never be/have been adopted (at least until we decide to become a republic). I have no problem with the PM choosing the call an election. In any event, it's time (see No.1 above).

Ex liberal, Conservative for now
said

I must admit I am saddened by the number of people who have little or no idea of the legislation regarding the "fixed" election date. It was enacted to prevent a "majority" government ruling past 4 years. Read the fine print people. If the Liberals et al are basing their election platform on Harper breaking the law, the Liberals et al will get the stupid vote.

As an ex Liberal, I look at Dion and listen to Dion but see and hear the most boring Liberal leader, ever. If he is at his best then the Liberals are doomed. And I think Harper knows it.

We need new leadership in the Liberal party. The sooner the better.

Same old same old Dion... boring!
said

I too am sick and tired of Mr. Dion who NEVER has anything reasonable or intelligent to say.

Please Mr. Harper call an election and let us have our say in the matter. We the people will silence the opposition real quick.

Paul in Vancouver
said

Dion needs to face the fact that he will NEVER be Prime Minister of Canada. Everytime I see him on TV all I see is a spoiled child. He has the old Liberal mindset that just because he is the leader of the Liberal Party he will inevitably become Prime Minister. But this is no longer the case. Whenever the opinion polls swing in the Liberal's favour, although briefly, it is only because of the biased polling organization or a biased story in the press, it is not a reflection of Canadians warming to Dion. This shows in the latest leadership poll where Mr. Harper is leagues ahead of Dion. Sorry Stephane and the rest of the Liberals, you can't split the right-wing vote anymore to get those majority governments. Those days are LONG gone!

Magster
said

What is the difference in Harper calling an election and Dion shutting down Parliament with a confidence vote which he could have done a year ago. The only difference is that the Liberals aren't ready for an election. Bring it on Steph!!!

CL
said

Dion is a bafoon. Where did we find this classless piece of work? We need to ship this nut barr to the USA because the Republican party needs a mascot ones Bush steps down.

Melanie
said

To those who are whining about the cost,how is a general election now any worse than having four bye-elections,and then having the opposition defeat the government??
They should have either "put up,or shut up" when they were in the house.Now it looks like they got their wish.
I'm glad.I hope Mr.Harper wins.Maybe not a majority,but a stronger minority might work well for us.We are not really excited about Conservatives,but we hate socialists.And besides,we are enjoying the spectacle of a dollar worth more than 64 cents,a falling national debt,and even modest tax cuts.Much more preferable than the reverse.
I don't always agree with Mr.Harper,but I am glad he didn't "cave in" to opposition on the left,just to stay in power.

Ed Samson
said

Ed from NL (Danny Country)
In the words of George W. "Youuuuuuuuuuu Steve" but I add "good riddens buddy, we hope we never hear of you again."
A Danny ABC supporter.

CWS
said

Let's get rid of Dion once and for all!!

Brian OC
said

Mr Dion,
You spent the entire last session making threats to bring down the Government. You didn't carry out the threat so Harper has called your bluff. Either decide your destiny or somebody will decide it for you. Either way, because people vote for parties who will never have a hope to govern, we'll be stuck with another minority going nowhere. Danny Williams, where are YOU when CANADA needs you!

DJ in Manitoba
said

I personally think that a minority gov. is good for Canada. A lot does get done without any one party having the numbers of votes to force things on the country that are not good. This is the longest minority gov. in history. There will be another minority. The liberal dropped the ball big time by electing Dion as leader. "He couldn’t or wouldn’t make a decision if his life depended on it". As long as the Liberals have him as a leader they do not have a chance of forming the next Gov. I await the fun and games!

Cam in BC
said

Finally Mr. Harper called M. Dion's bluff. Now the PM will win the election (even though I won't vote for the Tories) and the Grits will oust their totaly ineffective and ridiculous leader. Maybe this will show the Liberals that M. Dion was the biggest joke in Canadian politics.

Samuel Ooi
said

The real "charade" here is the Opposition parties trying to blame the PM for calling an election when in reality THEY WANTED SO BADLY end this government for months.

They have just proven why the current parliament is DYSFUNCTIONAL.

Dan the socialist
said

Harper is nothing but a thug and bully and when he does not get things his way, he quits.

DR
said

How can a fixed election date be compatable with a minority government? As the bill indicates, it cannot trump the democracy of a parliamentary vote and the PM's right to call an election when the government is defeated on a confidence vote. Thus the PM has the right to seek the support of the opposition or call an election. My sympathies to the students sitting under these genius professors in Ottawa whose logic is blinded by their partisan rhetoric.

Buddy kat
said

Another example of conservatives failing to interpret the law correctly...First was the bribe ..then the elections canada act..now the election day law. A government that cannot uphold the law should be fired tho. So yeh "Bring it on Neocon". Maybe this time the cowardly people who vote for them will go fight their war in Afghanistan instead of sending everybody elses children.

Linda in Vancouver
said

Those who want a REAL fixed election would have to covince the opposition to give up their right to defeat a minority government.If not,then parliamet has the opposition with all the power.If that is not somewhat clear in the current legislation it should be made clear via an amendment.
For months now,Dion has been threatening while Layton and Duceppe urge Liberals to "bring this government down".Well,it looks like Mr.Harper will honour their request.
The opposition does want to run things.They pretend they want to co-operate,but only do so by working on bills that are so far to the socialist left that they know Mr.Harper,or any other party that is not socialist leaning,could possible support.
Mr.Harper and his party are a bit to conservative for me.But Dion and Layton are WAY to socialist for me to even consider voting for.A return to the Liberals would undue our modest progress in reducing taxes.And surely put an end to any real reduction of our national debt.And I do not want my grandchildren saddled with taxes for our fiscal imprudence.
Mr.Harper,while not my ideal,clearly has many of the right (oops) correct priorities.
HaHa.Dions expression looks like someone who's just had all his marbles stolen.I guess he didn't expect Harper to call his bluff.Well Mr.Dion,you ca still lead your own band.I'm looking forward to the next hit by "Dion And The Abstainers".

M. Cameron
said

I'm still voting for the NDP.

WMN
said

Actually, Mr. Dion, you're the charade...

Henry Wysmulek
said

Politically opportunistic?

Which politician or political party isn't?

How many snap elections were called by the liberals in the last 10 years prior to this government?

Dion is looking more and more like a lap dog than a leader.

Mike
said

Well again, deception and opportunism. Stephen Harper has broken every value that made him elected.The timing of this election is clear signal that Harper is gambling and very well responding to what is/would happen in the US. The DP and RP will soon start the reall campaign for the white house and Stephen Harper has been very cosy with G. Bush and his rightwing agenda. harper knows that soon the vigorous asualt on the RP by the DP will have a great influence on the CONS, so Harper wants an election in the hope of getting majority Gov than facing a minority Gov with Obama whom Stephen Harpers close Office advisers leaked the info about Obama on NAFTA gate. Harper wanted to help the Republics by trying to say bad things about Obama and it backfired.

SClarke
said

Dion is the charade...
Harper is far beyond him...
The Liberal party needs a no-PQ leader for the first time. One that represents Canada...not a province. The only reason Dion is head of Lib party is his francophone history and province of origin. If we want Ad-scam and backdoor politics to thrive the Liberal party is the only way to funnel dollars into Quebec.

Mark E
said

Let us go to an election. I am tired of listening to the opposition threaten to bring down the government every week and am sick of the partisan attacks coming from all sides. Dion was threatening to bring down the Tories as soon as parliament convenes so he is in no position to play the victim. As for the Bloc and NDP, they have good reason to be worried because separatism is fading in Quebec and the Greens have to be considered a threat to the NDP and Liberals.

What people fail to give Harper credit for is how long he has managed to hold together a minority government. He has had to out maneuver all of the other leaders and strike when the timing was right. An amazing strategist and an incredibly intelligent man. Love him or hate him, no one can accuse him of being a silly nitwit.

JD
said

Canadians need to wake up!
The Conservative Government has done good things for the needy, not great but better than former politicians. Mr. Harper is doing what a wise man would do, when he is kept on the shelf, unable to move further in the citizens best interests and to survive a possible recession. This way he is leaving it up to the Canadian Citizens, a majority Government to get things done without schoolyard tactics by the opposition. This way Canadians need to pick wisely and not turn things back to the Liberals, which we know is corrupt.

Johnny Ramsoda
said

DRC,Toronto:
We get it---Harper is not breaking the law!

But I think you have to agree he is breaking "the spirit" of his law.
How many times in the past year have you heard Harper or one of his minions say "we don't want an election, we want to govern until Oct. '09"?

Now suddenly all thats out the window. It makes me wonder whats coming down the pipe for Harper and his gang to make them so suddenly be willing "roll the dice".

Again, you're right, he isn't breaking the law; but he certainly is breaking his promise to Canadians.

Disgusted
said

Harper will break any rule, any law or anything that pleases him. He rules with an iron fist and total secrecry. The only thing that is important is his Harper's ego.
I'll never vote for the Cons again as long as I live.

Mike
said

For those who want to believe that Stephen Harper has broken his own law regarding fixed election dates, think about it for a minute:

You cannot have fixed election dates with a minority government! To do so would only ensure that time, and money are wasted while the opposition stalls, abstains, etc.

This 'fixed election date' legislation can, realistially, ONLY apply to majority governments, and is designed to ensure that elected governments fulfill their mandates, unlike Chretien, who never once managed to do so.

Scot
said

Let the Elections begin
and end Dion once and for all. Its Majorty time for Stephen Harper.

Chris D.
said

The fact that Layton and Dion repeatedly keep saying Stephen Harper is "quitting his job" is a joke.

He isn't quitting. He's calling an election to hopefully gain a majority government without having to deal with the cry babies in the opposition parties who won't let him do this job.

I'd break my own set election rule too. It's in the best interest of Canadians that parliament be able to work and function. The opposition isn't letting that happen, and in turn, not respecting the Canadian people.

Go Harper!

Randy
said

Sterling Undem
So why meet with Opposition leaders, just break your own election date law.
---------

Oh Harper intends to do just that. He just wanted this charade with the opposition members so he can call his own little photo op press conference putting an election call blame all on their hands. Unbelievable this so called PM is.

BP
said

I have been a die hard Conservative all my life, till now, why? He has broken as many premise's as any PM ever has. You may call his actions leadership but it is a dictatorship even among his own party, never has a PM so restricted even his own members. Harpers dedication is only to big business, even there he is erratic. Its corporate welfare to help Ontario industry but economically wise to help Quebec aerospace, noting political about that is there.

How about all the US ass kissing we are doing, change our laws to their way of doing things whether be it crime, drugs, terrorism and now our proposed sell out to
the entertainment industry making it illegal to tape TV programs and keep them.

No real public debate especially if it interferes with his vision, not even his own cabinet ministers can speak their free will, it is as if he feels that he has divine vision to decide for us all. I would not be surprised if some of his own candidates will sabotage the election to get rid of him.

Remember when you have a minority government you represent a minority of the people not all, to those that believe what he says about not being able to work with parliament should look at the real record, it is him that will not compromise.

Lets have some real discussion from people that can think and research the truth and not just bark because the big dogs do.

Fedup
said

Our governement is a joke. Nothing will change untill the system changes. We will continue to elect minority governments that are unable to accomplish anything for Us the people of Canada. Someone do something about the system so it can work for the People.

Pieter Kooiman
said

PJK

Thank you very much Doug BC.
Couldn't have it said better myself. Hope all those uninformed people read your comments.

Layton (not Jack) in Moncton
said

Income Trusts, the privacy act, fixed election dates, the list goes on. Harper breaks promises. His partys, LAST election spending may be fraudulent, or so says Elections Canada. Harper has been systematically gutting the checks and balances that make this a truly great democracy. Toss 'im.

JAY
said

WAY TO GO MR.HAPER! LOWER TAXES,COFFIDENT GOVERNMENT,INVESTMENTS IN OUR NATION(MILITARY ECT..).A TRIU GOVERNMENT FOR THE PEOPLE! YOU'VE GOT MY VOTE!!!!

Rick in NB
said

For those of you that are concerned about how the opposition commented after seeing Harper.
You have missed the point. At least the opposition has a statment to inform the public. Something that will keep us up on whats going on. The media probably doesn't even try asking Harper anymore.

Bob
said

Harper is the clown in this political circus. The bully must be defeated, so other politicians are allowed to speak their mind again.

kg
said

listen ppl, when it comes to fixed election dates are for majority governments only, for the reason when it comes for minority government, they can have a vote of non-confidence and bang we are going to the polls and the fixed election date law would not apply to this. hopefully this will clear some stuff.

AylmerBob
said

As usual, Dion is desparate. His party can't stand him, he's deeply in debt, can't raise any money, and devoid of ideas. If for no other reason, let's have an election so this bozo will be dumped.

Rob
said

Good let's go. Dion has been playing a stupid game for months. He says he will defeat the government, then the Liberals make sure enough of them are absent for the vote. The next day he says this time he means it only to once again skip the vote. Reminds me of the words of the old song "first you say you do and then you don't then you say you will and then you wont...." Let's stop the nonsense and get on with an election.

Want higher taxes? Vote Liberal!
said

I love reading the GLIBeral comments here!

Call the election and put the Liberal Party into the economic tailspin that will force them to re-evaluate how they plan to conduct themselves in the 21st century.

Oh, and calling Harper a 'big bully' is a laugh, or have we already forgotten what a bully Cretien was while he was in power.

Ronald Brown
said

The only one obstructing parliament that I have seen is Harper with his refusal to cooperate with committees he is afraid of.

n bowers
said

harper is the bigest liar that canada has ever seen, he cant even rememer the the lies he has told and the flip-flopping he has done

vince a
said

It's funny how the '3 blind mice' went in and probably kissed butt, then came out and did nothing but tell tales about their version of what went on behind closed doors. They tell it like they want it to sound and the gullable again beleive the side mouthed talkers. Canada what a country, where you can run the leader into the ground at your convenience and try to get what you want any other time. Go get them MR PM HARPER...

Pete
said

Dion got what he asked for. Certainly hope he gets buried in his crying wolf charades. Don't know why he gets paid, he never showed up for a vote, and always critized the government for exactly what he wished he had the spine to do in the first place. Not the type of man I want as a leader.

G,W.Dyer
said

Mr. Harper, I recently remember a Ontario Premier who went to the people earlier than was necessary to hopefully gain a Majority. As I recall he lost his seat and the election. David Peterson faded from public life after that.Hopfully the people can expect the same of you !!!

KP
said

Of course the fixed election date is only for majority governments! Do you think the opposition would not topple a minority government before that date?

Fixed if necessary, but not necessarily fixed
said

To those who claim that the fixed elections law applies only to majority governments, please ask yourself this question: Why did this Harper minority government state in the law itself that the next election will be held on Monday, October 19, 2009?

Jeff
said

@Andrew

Dion can't "call an election" because he's not the Prime Minister. All he can do is force an election by overturning the government through a failed vote in the house.Only the Prime Minster can call an election, and Harper passed legislation forbidding that, legislation that he's now violating. So much for Conservative claims to law and order.

Ohhhhhhh Canada
said

What a mess! As a true conservative I cannot in good conscience vote for Harper (who is not a conservative, by the way....he's a reformist)Unfortunately the true Conservative Party ceases to exist. so what are my options? I certainly can't vote NDP, and the Bloc should not even be there nor should they be recognized as Her Majesty's opposition. So I'm stuck with a fringe group like the Green party (yeah, right!) or Dion. Though I think Dion is a more honest person than Harper is, he's leaves much to be desired as leadership material and there's still too many Cretien-era dinosaurs hanging around.

Like I said.....What A Mess!

Western Cam
said

Why are the Liberals criticize Harper for calling an election while they have been threatening to do this for the last 2 years? This sounds insane.

Lynnees
said

Stephen Harper is only calling Dion's bluff and about time too.

I shudder to think fo Dion as prime minister. We just can't afford him!!!!

DH
said

Too bad the 3 opposition party leaders didn't have the courage to meet with the G-G and tell her they had agreed to form a working coalition - and were ready to govern until the Oct 2009 election date. In the event that Harper tells her he can't govern anymore and tries to pull the plug
wouldn't he be surprised? Remember 1925!

Earl Robert
said

The Prime Minister met with ALL opposition leaders to avoid an election and to get on with the business of governing (that’s why they were elected). Dion said that he had no time available because of the “Liberal Victory Fund” that started before Aug. 21. He finally met with the Prime Minister because as the leader of the official opposition, it was his duty to meet with the Prime Minister and try to work things out. The Liberals are desperate and will do anything to get rid of their leader. Let’s give Harper the majority needed to stop the obstructionists from ruining our country.

Brian
said

I don't like you Mr.Dion
you are a trouble maker and you think your the best ?, I hope Mr.Harper gets Majority

Wanna Election
said

Who does Dion think he is.This opposition leader who thinks he's running the country and has been badgering Canadians for the last two years about bringing the government down,but never doing it, especially this summer by stating that "Canadians are ready for an election and so are the Liberals".
As a Canadian I've had enough of your threats.Let's get this election over with.
Mr.Dion,you're good as gone.

Shamaro
said

Oh please Mr. Dion. Is everything a charade to you?

I think you are more worried that you won't get it and what will come if you don't achieve ever becoming PM and personally, that will be a blessing to me.

Mr. Dion, for the sake of Canadians now and for the future to come, I pray to GOD almighty that you never become PM, because of those lame brame tax scheme's of yours will backfire so badly, we the taxpayer will end up paying for your incompetance.

Doug BC
said

"Andrew" asks the right question.I was not big on fixed election dates.It ow seems this bill passed because it failed to consider how a minority government could deal with an opposition's constant threats to force an election.In fact,it gave all the power to the parties not in power.
That said,I know this normally Liberal voter will be voting for Mr.Harper whenever an election is called.He is a bit to far right for me,but I have a lot more to fear from the socialists than I do from Mr.Harper's goal of reducing debt and getting taxes under control.THese may not be glamorous or easy goals,but they are a necessity for our long term sovereignty.
The real hypocracy in this country comes about mainly because the political left spews out all the crap about independence and sovereignty,but refuse to either recognize,or take the steps to make that happen.
I'm not a big fan of Mr.Harper's.But he is totally on the money in addressing our debt,our Arctic needs,and our need to be more involved in NATO and world affairs.Unless we do all those,there is no way there will be a sovereign Canada at the end of this century.
Until the Liberals, (aka NDP Lite) realize that socialism,massive debt,big taxes,and a scarcity of allies will be the end of Canada,I will continue to vote for Conservatives.And work to move them a little closer to the political centre.
I am a bit more Liberal on social matters,but we need to be very prudent on fiscal matters.I will do my best to see that our grandchildren do not get stuck with our debts.

G Holden
said

If Steve wants to quit - he should quit.
We can find someone equally as arrogant to replace him.
GWH/Kelowna

Baba Booey
said

Here's my theory: Harper is ready to quit.

Looking at the current situation I bet he sees that after being in power for a while now his numbers (the the party's) have stagnated and started to slip (particularly with women). He's seen by many as creepy and alienating. He doesn't want to appear weak or lame as leader so he commissions some commercials to promote himself for the time being.

He knows the party needs a new leader to move forward with Canadians. However, if he steps aside now he risks the turmoil of being in a leadership campaign and having the opposition topple the government setting up a Liberal win.

To avoid that he calls an election, without any real reason, making up excuses about the House being dysfunctional. Such a nebulous excuse that it's difficult to counter. The hope being that he can eek out another minority government and soon after resign from leader. This allows the party to choose a new, more popular leader knowing that the opposition parties won't trigger another election so soon after having just had a general election. Then the Conservatives let the new leader settle in promoting more moderate Progressive Conservative views and hope they can push the party into majority territory in the polls before engineering their next defeat.

You read it here first.

Les from Ontario
said

Dion's been picking a fight ever since he won the leadership. Now that we have an election, it's him, not Harper, who's panicking. Obviously, Dion's idea of a "functional" parliament does not include showing up to work to vote in the House, which is one more reason he doesn't deserve to govern.

Harper, you're not perfect, but you have my vote. Just don't break any more promises.

DCR-Toronto
said

It has been weeks now and still, the ignorant say that Harper is breaking his own law. It shows the complete lack of true interest in the laws that are enacted. Harper is NOT breaking the law. If the PM can't call an election, then the opposition would NOT be able to bring the government down. This is A MINORITY. Are there that many people voting who do not even grasp what a minority is?? If minorities couldn't fall, we would have complete chaos and a deadlock in Parliament half way through every minority term. The fact some do not grasp that shows that it is complete partisanship. I would rather go to the polls than have a minority Parliament in Canada looking like a bunch of idiots in front of the world. The Liberals have openly said they would take down the government after the bi-elections. huh?? Why?? It is them who would have those constituents go to the polls twice...not the Conservatives. I think when the smoke clears there will be a very strong Conservative minority or a small majority for the Conservatives. Dion is still "tweaking" his Green Shaft, and the Quebec arm of the Liberals are in shambles. By the time the election rolls around gas will be higher, and people will have started heating their homes again. They will not be wanting to pay more with Mr. Kyoto's wonderful tax. Go Harper

Sterling Undem
said

So why meet with Opposition leaders, just break your own election date law.

SunnyOkanagan
said

The Canadian Government will never be fair, responsible, and functional until we have electoral reform - some form of Proportional Representation.

I will support *whichever* Party will enact electoral reform.

Volodya
said

I sure hope the Governor General tells Steevee to go back and do his job. Answering tough questions in the committees and compromising with the opposition are all parts of PM job in the minority government by the way.

only the truth
said

Bob and JK and anyone else that is going to jump in with Harper is breaking his own law. the legislation says There will be an election on that date--UNLESS THERE IS A MINORITY GOVERNMENT. Looks like all you Liberals are just jumping on the bandwagon because Dion said it so it must be true. It isn't, if he can come out with a misrepresentation like that how can I believe anything he says. Don't accuse me of being a conservative, I'm not.

R D
said

As of this moment there are 16732 votes in today's poll with this page. The "NOs" have it by 68 votes. So, of the 8332 for the "Yes", there must be a few 1000 pro-liberals who want to get rid of Dion, since he won't even get to form a minority gov.

Bill O.
said

....Harper is calling this election now because he knows the Republicans are going to get slaughtered in November. As much fun as it would be to see Mr Harper grovel before Obama like he has done before Bush, I'd much rather he be ousted from power.

G.J.MEE calgary
said

the fixed election time( every four years) can not apply to a minority situation, if it did them the minority government could not be defeated.... thefore harper has all the right to call an election and the oposition has the right to bring down the minoirty government of the day.. this would also apply to a majority government as well, as it too can be defeated.. so a legal challenge would be only a money maker for the lawyers..(as usual)

Gerald
said

Prime Minister Harper and his Government enacted legislation setting the time for the election as the fall of 2009. That law is for all parties not just the Conservatives. If the Opposition Parties can topple the Government and have an election at their convenience, then the Prime Minister should be able to do the same. A fixed time for an election can work only when there is a majority government. Bring on the election.

James
said

A minority government is ALWAYS in the best interest of the people! A "majority" government, formed by getting 40% of the popular vote, is never going to represent that will of the Canadian people. Only a minority, with the checks and balances that go with it, offers anything close to that opportunity.

bob eaton
said

Very sad. The country is teetering or already slipped into recession. People dying because they trusted that the food they ate was safe. A PM who confuses leadership with bullying and a Finance Minister who warns Corporations not to invest in Ontario.

Hundreds of millions spent on an election that Canadians don't want could be better spent on infrastructure,education or even food safety...

Brent - NB
said

The PM should let the by-elections play out on the 8th. What a waste of time and money if he doesn't. Probably doesn't want to risk being defeated in all of them which the polls suggest will be the case.

GaryinWpg
said

Now if memory serves me correct, wasn't the Liberals and the NDP (not sure about the Bloc) were anxious to defeat the newly elected government as soon as Parliament resumed?

It has now been over two years and still no defeat of the current government, even tho there has been ample opportunity.

Parliament is working, but not as efficient as it should be for the simple reason the opposition parties are more interested in creating 5 second sound bites, than actually contributing.

Let there be an election, it is time for the opposition parties to either put up or shut up.

Jack
said

Harper has no respect for Canadians. It's Labour day for goodness sake. Can't we have one day off before school starts. Harper has no respect for working Canadians. If he is going to quit his job then he could at least wait until Tuesday...

Andrew
said

Why is it, that when Dion was going on and on about calling an election, no one accused him of breaking the law of fixed election dates?

C. Martin
said

Let the GG fool them all and ask the opposition to form a coalition government that would fix Harper. Show some guts GG use your power to ask it. it would look good on the Big Bully we now have!

DM
said

You want disillusioned!! Does anyone realize that since 1948, except for ten years that Lester Pearson led the Liberal Party, all the Liberal leaders hail from Quebec. Hey Liberals, what about the rest of the country?

James
said

The Liberal MP doesn't even know that the economy was contracting, not in a deficit. Someone should really read their economic briefing notes a little closer before shooting off his mouth

John G
said

Sorry my comments should have read
"Parliament is indeed dysfunctional, unfortunately an election will not change this."

Without vision and leadership (I mean leading NOT dictating) from any of the parties..... Canada will remain in a political and leadership vaccum regardless of what commericals will try and tell us.

I'm totally disillusioned with all parties and I'm still trying to find a reason to vote if an election is called."
Is there anyone else out there who feels this is all a waste of time effort and money?

William
said

Bring on the election...please bring it on.

Message to all politicians: NO NEW TAXES save the poor or the planet or whatever with the TAXES we ALREADY pay..!

If you can't do that, Your're FIRED and we'll hire someone who can.!

some guy
said

The result of an election know would probably be another minority and millions of tax dollars wasted. Funny how a party claiming to be conservative is so liberal with our money.

John G
said

Parliament is indeed dysfunctional, unfortunately an election will not change this.

Without vision and leadership (I mean leading and dictating) from any of the parties..... Canada will remain in a political and leadership vaccum regardless of what commericals will try and tell us.

I'm totally disillusioned with all parties and I'm still trying to find a reason to vote if an election is called.

Trent
said

Go figure the Liberals change there mind again? Lets get on with the election that most of us want.. I'm tierd of my tax dollars paying for people who do not show up for work(Liberals). Stop the complaining we all new this was going to happen i'm surprised it took this long.

The Liverpudlian
said

Anything Keith Martin says you take with a grain of salt. Dion and cohorts were planning on taking down the government in October anyways. Kudos to the Prime Minister to take control of the timing for the election. What would you do if you are in the same circumstance.

G.V.D.
said

Let's have an election, the one that the Liberals have been threatening to force on us as soon as parliament is called back from the summer recess. The gov't has been polarized and dis-functional ever since the Conservatives formed a minority gov't. We have had nothing but nit-picking and total obstruction of parliament during this time period. The majority of Canadians are happy with our present gov't, this will be proven with the Conservatives receiving a majority gov't in the upcomming election

Bob, Calgary
said

This whole situation is a load of baloney. Harper passes the fixed election date act and then tries to say it's only for majority governments. Dion, Layton and Duceppe have constantly threatened to bring the government down and now they ask why Harper would bring on an election now. The basic problem is that when an individual enters politics it is almost impossible not to be overcome by the sleaze that is rampant in Ottawa.

Some politicians remain above the fray but they are few and far between. Canada really needs someone as PM who doesn't need the job and only wants to help his/her country but I don't think that will ever happen. Harper is the best of a bad lot but even he lacks the basic integrity needed to govern. He has to constantly modify his basic beliefs to appeal to a population that believes that the government can solve every problem by simply pouring money at it. And when government acts (usually too slowly) Canadians complain that their tax bills to pay for said action are too high.

Rick in NB
said

PLEASE READ
Have you been watching CTV's Today's question ( Is Stephen Harper doing the right thing by calling a fall election ). I have been following it since last night. At the time there had been less than 6,000 responding voters. It was 51% for election ,49% against. When i checked at 7,900 it was tied and has stayed there. Over 15,900 votes and we still are tied.

This is as good a poll as any, because everyone that answers is self motivated, and we represent the West, the East and the Far East ( Atlantic Canada ). Offical polls usually ask 1,000 people. Plus or minus that one Angus Ried!

This should tell us that the electorate can't form a majority on this issue. So how can anyone think that an election is a good thing? ....

PS: This has been the largest response to Today's Question in 2 weeks

Wise Wajid
said

It won't be October 14th, B'nai B'rith won't allow it and Harper will bend for them.

J the M
said

aaaahhhh think I'll just sit back and enjoy the sun here in Alberta and think about the future. If Steve and the cons only get a minority Steve's gone in a year. If they get a majority, heaven forbid, the silver lining is in 4 yrs the cons will be gone for decades and maybe for good. Big mess but it's been cleaned up before...

jk
said

Once again a polician changing the rules they set up in order to keep power. Why make legislation and waste time and money if you don't honour them? This could apply to anything with government, but in this I am referring to the fixed election date. Harper sees his opportunity to keep his job and will bend the to do that.

ME
said

Please Mr Harper call an election!! I am sick of listening to Dion. Does he even know about the things that go on in the government. His statement that you are violating your own law is ludicrous. Even I could tell him that it is only in a majority that the firm date applies...