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PM and Ignatieff set meeting as election threat looms
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Date: Mon. Jun. 15 2009 9:36 PM ET
Prime Minister Stephen Harper will discuss economic reform measures with his Liberal rival in an attempt to defuse a brewing political showdown which threatens to spark a summer election.
Harper invited Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff to his office for a Tuesday meeting, and Ignatieff agreed.
"I am always willing to meet with someone," Harper said in Ottawa on Monday, responding to opposition demands the government alter Employment Insurance and the stimulus program by the end of the week in order to avoid an election.
Still, Harper said the opposition's proposal to lower EI eligibility to 360 hours - a figure equal to only 45 workdays - is "irresponsible."
Instead, Harper said he is open to extending EI benefits to self-employed workers not currently covered under EI. But Harper stressed that reforming EI is a complicated issue that "cannot be done on the back of an envelope in a few days."
While Harper agreed to meet with Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff, he urged the opposition to support the government's summer fiscal update on Friday in order to speed spending aimed at creating summer jobs.
"You can't say you're concerned about spending not happening, and then vote against giving the government the authority to spend money," Harper said, responding to opposition accusations that the government has been slow to roll out the funds.
The opposition has threatened to topple the government over four issues: EI reform, stimulus spending, the growing deficit and the medical isotope shortage.
But Ignatieff appeared to take a step back on Monday afternoon.
Ignatieff also said he would go along with extending the current session of Parliament -- which is scheduled to end for summer break this Friday -- to deal with his quartet of demands.
"I'm not sticking to a Friday deadline, but I think we are coming to a crunch here," Ignatieff told CTV's Power Play, adding he's open to meeting with Harper.
"I'm willing to work with him if he's willing to work with me."
Still, Ignatieff said he still hasn't been given a straight answer about how much infrastructure spending has actually been pumped into the economy.
"That's a simple question, to which all I need is a simple answer."
Ignatieff spent the weekend poring over the economic report card that was presented by Harper last week, and speaking to his advisers. It was the second economic update provided by the Conservatives since they introduced the budget in January.
Harper is dragging his feet, says NDP
NDP Leader Jack Layton accused the Conservatives Monday of intentionally dragging their feet on stimulus spending in order to keep the money in Ottawa's coffers.
"The fact is, Stephen Harper doesn't really believe in all this stimulus stuff," Layton told reporters, adding that Harper only implemented the spending because of opposition pressure.
Layton said that municipalities across the country "are starving" and the Tories have only pledged "crumbs" to help create summer construction jobs.
"It doesn't look as though he intends to follow through ... That's our problem with the budget."
The New Democrats and Bloc Quebecois already vowed they will vote against spending estimates that will come before Parliament as a confidence motion on Friday. After Ignatieff made his announcement on Monday, representatives of both parties indicated they hadn't changed their position.
Bloc Leader Gilles Duceppe said he disagreed with the original budget and last week's update, and called Ignatieff's position "lukewarm."
NDP deputy leader Thomas Mulcair also said he would be voting against the spending estimates.
If both the Bloc and NDP reject the spending estimates on Friday, it will be up to the Liberals to support it, or accept that the government will fall and an election will be triggered.
Ahead of Ignatieff's announcement, Transport Minister John Baird warned the Conservatives would not be bullied into making changes to EI, suggesting a Liberal ultimatum on the issue would likely result in an election.
Ignatieff's announcement stopped well short of doing that, said Tom Clark, host of Power Play.
"I think Michael Ignatieff took a big stick and drew a line in the sand. And then he took that stick and erased parts of the line big enough that you could drive a prime-ministerial limousine through. Look, there's not going to be an election over this."
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I think he was pushed to take matters into his own hands. I have a teenage son and if he was involved with a drug dealer I would be furious and try anything to save him like this father did for his daughter. Why do police often say they can't do anything until it's too late? Whether it be a drug dealer or an abusive spouse, the police can't seem to do anything until something really bad happens. In this case they could have raided the drug dealers home and arrested him. The whole town knew what was going on in that house but yet the police chose to do nothing. Release this man and give him a medal for doing the right thing by his daughter. I can't wait to see the episode on W5, I will certainly be watching this one.
Shelley
W5: How far would you go to save your child?
Canada AM is a production of CTV News, and is Canada’s most-watched morning news program.
Comments are now closed for this story
Shelley Turgeon
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Peter 1951
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Rob Calgary
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Mike B
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Like many hard-working Canadian citizens, I go to work Monday to Friday 9-5 every week. If I am lucky, I receive two weeks off unpaid.
To hear of a "recess" is disgusting! It is time some HARD WORK was done around here, starting with Parliament Hill. Recess is over, children.
Why children? Easy: to see the name calling hurled during session, the "sexy" issues to boost one's career... I personally feel it's a free ride to get away with anything, erase by "I'm sorry".
What goes up, must come down. Bring on the election!
GG
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yogi
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At least dion looked human
W. Tryyki, Dinsmore, SK
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So basically , I say to Harper , your doing a great job given the circumstances , and PLEASE call the bluff from the Liberals . As for the other parties , the NDP and which is it ? Oh yeah , the BLOC , they are totally irrelevant , especially the Bloc .
THE Fatman
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Can't believe Iggy had the gall to refer to Canada as "my country". Is this from the lips of the same Iggy who at one time said the only thing about Canada he thought of value was Algonquin Park? Really!
He also referred to his "parliamentary career", leading me to ask...
Since when does sitting in the H of C for a couple of years and being anointed King of the Liberals constitute a 'career'? Would some good Liberal please step forward and tell their esteemed leader his 'career' is as a professor at Harvard in the good ol' U.S. of A. and his junket into Canadian politics is just that....a (self serving) junket, nothing more!
Brenda L
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kate
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If a candidate would stand up and strike down the auto union deal, break all the unions and make them live in the real world, and then make EI fair across the board for real hard working people that are losing their jobs - then I have no problem voting for them. Libs are NDP in sheeps clothing - I have no doubt that Iggy promised Rae something that will cost canadians a fortune in taxes so he'd step aside. I guess Canada is ready to find out just how expensive that secret deal will be.
Frank - Ontario Voter
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Pip
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I feel that Mr. Ignatieff is following the road well trodden by the unsuccessful Mr. Dion. Like him, Ignatieff keeps on threatening to "pull the plug" on the Harper government. It is so easy to follow where others have gone before, and so easy to end up at the same destination.
The big question is; will Mr Ignatieff ACTUALLY take that other road, and ACTUALLY pull the plug? And if he does, given the mood of the country, will he have the full backing of all his members in the house, some of whom sit in relatively marginal constituencies, and would possibly - horror of horrors - lose their seats?
And as for the poster who stated that the Liberal party was the centrist party in Canada: where has he been living for the last five years or more, as the Libs moved ever more to the Left, while the Conservatives filled the void?
mollyf
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Dan
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Now the tax payers will pay. Way to trade up the Liberal morals for an attempt at power IGGY!
US is that way ====>
T
JP in Ottawa
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Changing governments will do nothing to change this, so why waste the $250-300 million it will cost? As soon as the economy starts to recover, you can be sure all the parties will be ready to fight an election and everyone will get their chance to make themselves heard once again.
Kathy
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Keith Olson
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Wet Hen
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He is seldom willing to meet with the Canadian press instead choosing to pander to the American news networks. Harper has become Mr. America.
Emile Dufault
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Thanks S.R.
EED
Michelle
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Well unless it is the Canadian Media of course...
Barb
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Frank - Ontario Voter
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STEVE H.
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Richard in Ontario
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You wouldn't believe how much we posters get from the Reform party war chest. I'm sure your jealous, since your party has the ass out of their pants and can't afford you and everyone in their employ. My biggest problem is.. I'm not sure what I am.. that is a neo-con, reformer, alliance or any other name the Liebrals call anyone that supports Mr Harper. Your party can't wait to get back in power, to get their hands on the taxpayer's purse strings to fill the Liberal coffers, as they have done in the past. Go Steven Harper Go. Amount received from the Conservative party for posting here, Nil.. the payment for getting you Liberals upset and getting you to name call.. Priceless
Joyce
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Ignatief wants answers on EI; well ask your cohorts, they did the deed when Chretien voted on these outlandish EI Regional disparities.
The Conservatives added 5 more weeks of compensation, Ignatief does not like this he wants 360 hours of work, who pays for this, it is the taxpayer.
Deficit will soar.
Isotopes, where were the Liberals when the reactor needed upgrading in their 13 year tenure- they were out to lunch.
The Reactor needs work, we cannot keep resealing old breaks and then expect to have Isotopes being produced when there has been a minimal fix job. I hope Ignatief does not deal with half fix measures in his own home, regardless of half measure fixes, the problem is still there.
When have we heard any concrete measures come forth from Ignatief's mouth, Oh we will have to tax[ Kitchener Waterloo], next morning he said this is NOTt what I said.
The Liberal Party only appeased the Atlantic Provinces for the EI and told the rest of the Country to shove it, when they brought in their changes to the EI,only to garner the Atlantic Provinces vote, but nothing for the rest of Canada. So who is the Culprit now.
Mr. Ignatief's own bunch of MPs.
Shame.
Sean in Calgary
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Ignatieff, could you please just go back to Harvard? Us real Canadians would like to have our country left alone.
Reece
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$150 and $200 annually is what the average savings is - no more than $16 per month. And it only caused billions in deficit spending. Maybe Harper could stimulate the economy even more and just forsake the GST - something the Conservatives created all by themselves. How about 0% GST - that'll stimulate us to spend, right? It'll cost us our country but...
Concerened Canadain
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Although Mr. Harper recently praised Mr. Obama's stimulus package in the States, he is well aware that nothing will happen here in Canada until the American economy recovers.
If he can hold back the stimulus money until then, he can post a lower than expected deficit, and try to lever that into amunition for an election claiming somehow that he was "right all along."
To make this plan work, he has to convince enough of us that the recession here in Canada isn't too bad, that we are recovering nicely, that the stimulus money has already kicked in, that the deficit isn't too large, and that he will compromise with the Liberals to ensure a healthy economic future, while simultaneously hanging back to see what happens.
He is gambling, of course, that the U.S. will recover, hopefully by the time the Parliament comes back from summer break. Then he can claim victory while riding Mr. Obasma's coattails.
If the gamble fails, however, then thousands more Canadians will be out of work, while the stimulus money that could have saved their jobs goes unused.
Does this seem to be what he is doing? How do you feel about being manipulated in this fashion?
If you are a Conservative supporter, are you willing to be fooled in this manner?
Or do you have some self-respect left?
Michael
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Maureen
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JIM F
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Winnie Halifax N.S.
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As far as Iggy's threats (which have been going on for 8 mths now)I don't think he is in a position(as he hasn't been in the spotlight for a long time lately to let us see what he is or is all about) Why are you hiding Iggy? I do find that our Conservative Govern't is doing a great job and did not CAUSE this economic downturn and are doing all humanly possible to help Candians to get through
Keep up the good work Prime Minister Harper. He and his caucus are all hard workers working for Canadians and not themselves.
comments
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realistic Natty
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Folks need to realise that DEFICITS translate into Natl DEBT.
Last time Conservatives incurred more Debt than all PMs previously, over TWENTY SIX Cents of every Revenue Dollar went in INTEREST on Canada's DEBT.
Flaherty has No Plan and Harper keeps prooving incapable of handling High-Heat of Governance.
This Govt is on same path as Harris' common-sense-revolution which had to sell off Crown Assets to minimise shortfalls. A Toronto TOLL Highway is now owned by Spanish Interests.
Nothing short of an Election is required for a Clear Mandate.
Ian
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Independently Minded
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I am an Independent and I am thankful we finally have an effective opposition!!
Dion was Harper's whipping boy and now the government MUST be accountable to the "BOSS" = Canadians!
The onus is on this government to keep parliament working, NOT the opposition parties.
By getting the big chair Mr.Harper has to "lead" parliament, not dictate to it, as he did when Dion was Official Opposition leader.
That doesn't give him carte blanche to do what he wants. The Cons had two chances to form a majority and both times WE the voters DENIED THEM that priviledge!
I for one, am grateful for that, thank you fellow citizens.
To those who like to speak for me, let it be known, I did not vote for this government, neither did 64% of Canada. They may be elected MPs who have formed the minority government, but they do not hold the majority of Canadian support.
Keep that in mind the next time you wish to include us in your number of Con supporters.
Iggy is asking what many are asking, it isn't unreasonable or a trap question. But it does require an answer. If this government is truly looking out for the best interests of its citizens, the answers should be easy to provide.
After all, WE ARE THEIR BOSS...
Don in Dundas
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Alex (proud Albertan)
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You should spend some time living and working in Alberta before you accuse Albertans of being misguided.
Your arrogance is exactly why the Liberal party is continually shut out in Alberta. Liberals, and lefties in general, seem to think that everyone who doesn't vote for them made a mistake and are "misguided." The fact of the matter is, through equalization payments, Albertans have been paying for Eastern socialism, that doesn't reflect our cultural views and beliefs, without much representation in the house of commons.
Who wants to guess where taxation without representation leads?
J. Townsend
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The Liberals like to talk a good talk, but in the end when they get in, taxes start going up, services are cut & low income seniors especially , suffer. Look whats happened in New Brunswick with a liberal government. Free ambulance service was taken away, which really hurts seniors who need it the most. Taxes have skyrocketed. Hydro rates have soared & fees & taxes for everything have soared. For those on fixed incomes its more difficult to even afford nutritious food. Soon as the Liberals settled in their campaign promises went out the window & taxes started going up on everything.Harper has done some very good things to keep taxes in check, & help seniors our most vulnerable citizens. And every one of us is going to be a senior sooner than we would like.
Let Harper keep doing the good job he is doing. The economy will straighten out under him.
Larry
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Johnny Bravo
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Conservative in Canada
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Bring it on. The sooner you loose, the sooner you can run back to America.
Then maybe someone who actually cares about Canada can replace you.
Les in BC
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I Care
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Carol - Edmonton
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RickJ
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The attitude is right, let's work together, sing kumbaya and we won't kick you out of government.....at least not today.
None of this jockeying for position helps the average canadian out, other than it lets the daycare we call parliment, throw another temper tantrum. This then gives us "Joes", more stuff to laugh at and worry about at the same time.
Way to go Michael, nice way to start summer in Ottawa.
Liberal hater
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Frank - Ontario Voter
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Bert
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MARG MM
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We are on to you Mr Ignatieff.
My guess is, even if the Conservatives don't give in to HIS demands, he will not have the guts to call an election over it, as it may not go in HIS favour right now.Watch for a lot of Liberals to be conviently absent for any vote!!!!
Matt.Lariviere
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I would pay to have him go back home!
Matt.Lariviere
Bob Tyndall
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Elizabeth, Ontario
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Paul Mb
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Harper is to Alberta as Bush is to Texas
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And no, I am not voting and never have voted Liberal. I vote Green Party every time because they are the only ones I know I can trust with regards to positive environmental policies. Also, once/year they will fly all MPs to Jamaica for a 'joint' session of parliament to mellow out. Then finish off the day with a bottle of fruitopia and a lazy game of hacky sack, man! :)
Pete, Burlington
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Mike
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PM
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What a loser.
Paul B Vancouver
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Nick in Gatineau
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'Let me tell you about the 100.00 per month per child ...'
I don't have kids. From what I hear, unless you live in Quebec, that is 2, maybe 3 days of daycare.
'...3 weeks earlier that we now achieve our tax freedom day.'
And how do you notice it exactly ? I don't wake up on a saturday morning and thank my government for a full 3 weeks. Maybe they should start paying their bills instead of making people wait 120 days and more.
'...about the billions already committed to economic recovery in infrastructure already in the cue.'
Where are the shovels ? Where are the projects ?
What projects ?
Where is the money ?
Look out your window.
'...the 2% reduction in GST...'
That lowered revenues for the government - therefore lowered its capacity to pay its bills.
'... saving every normal household at least 500.00 probably closer to 750.00 per year right into my pocket.'
And out with your provincial and Municipal taxes hiked because the feds cut transfer payments.
Family of 4 = 2 groceries.
Food stamps come to the same thing.
'...the crime bill,...'
Gangs in BC, Gangs in ON, Hmmm ? Nice crime bill.
'... and oh, by the way the long gun registry attemps to deregulate it.' and '... This is a Liberal road block for decent people who hunt!
I don't hunt. We have stores for that.
'... never be a registered gun used in a holdup that has not been stolen from an innocent citizen!
Responsible gun owners such as yourself should not have his guns stolen. That's irresponsible. So when they are stolen , serial Numbers scratched off, forensics find it in ... a Registry.
I'll think about that the next time some guy shoots his wife and kids and then himself. Stolen gun ? Nope.
Peter
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I have collected E.I. in the past and can tell you from experience that the NDP and Liberals have no clue what they are talking about. And that goes for anyone else on here who has never collected E.I. including Ignatieff Who has not lived in Canada for 34 years. You simply don’t know what you are talking about.
Anyone who has been employed for the last year and played into E.I will able to collect E.I. that means all of the people who worked for GM will get E.I.
If you would like to know about E.I. go to
www.servicecanada.gc.ca
Rob
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JD
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DS
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Iggy you are far from being a Obama. You say Yes you can - I say NO you cannot. People of canada who are Liberal supporters - please be careful how you vote the next time and NEVER FORGET that it was the Liberal govt who stole 100's of millions from us. And i do think that some of the trials are still going on. Iggy do not demand anything that you cannot come up with yourself - by the way, go back to america, your home land and leave our country to the powers to be. Go Harper go - wishing you the best.
Lisa, SK
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Diane
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FedUp
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Gord. Robson, Nova Scotia
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Politics! He is complaining about the 50 odd regional
variations in the EI regulations!
The LIBERALs brought in and have defended these regulations for many years!
Ignatieff wants more money for EI but he does not want the deficit to go up. When asked by the media how this could be done he said he could think of several ways but he would not reveal them.
(Higher taxes and program cuts?)
He wants the CONSERVATIVES to CLEARLY state that the DEFICT aquired during this crisis will be paid off in five years. NOBODY HAS A CRYSTAL BALL! THIS has been a world wide crisis!!!!!
IGNATIEFF FORCED THIS DEFICT
and complained about NOT SPENDING MORE and now he is complaining about SPENDING TOO MUCH.
IGNATIEFF does not seem to know what he wants and seems very indecisive!
Bob in Harley
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Mike from Georgetown, ON
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It really doesn't matter which party forms the Government, they are all as bad as each other. Take Pierre Trudeau, for example, he defeated Joe (Who) Clark over an 18 cent a gallon increase in the price of gasoline. Once he won the election he changed our system of weights & measures to the metric one and blindsided us on the gas price increase, which ended up being far more than the 18 cents a gallon Joe Clark's government budgeted for. But, Pierre had charisma and Canadians loved him, even non-liberals.
Mr. Ignatieff you do not have Pierre Trudeau's charisma and, although you are a Canadian, you have spent the majority of your life living outside Canada. What country are you going to govern us from should you ever be elected PM?
GM Driver
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on a real note: I don't care if an election is this Summer of this Fall , I for one want to tell Iggy that I do not want him as PM .
It looks to me like Iggy wants to have an election over EI
DC in AB
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Graham in Ottawa
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D J in Manitoba
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WESTERNER
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Susan
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Elaine in Devon
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I just emailed my MP asking him to encourage the Prime Minister to "call his bluff".
I for one am sick of Iggy's pompous posturing. If you feel the same contact your MP.
DC in AB
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Mr. Ignatieff: If you truly deep down in your heart believe we should be forced into an unwanted election, then do it. I'm still undecided who I will vote for (you or the Cons) but you'd better show some spine, because I don't vote for cowards.
albertaclipper
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Gunnar
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The rest was politics. GST cut didn't help a lot, but it certainly didn't hurt that much either. Reopening the vote on gay marriage - the result was a foregone conclusion. He just needed to show his supporters in the West that he did *something* about it, and lost fair and square. It would be pointless to try to get everything his way in a minority government situation. Wake up, Mark!
Jonathan
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The only reason we have a deficit, is because the Liberal, NDP, Bloc Coalition forced the Conservatives into spending. Remember, the first economic update had no sitmulus spending and that is what got all this rolling. The Liberals, NDP and Bloc got what they wanted...now they complain about it. Typical.
Tamara
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Kathrine (Edmonton)
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Harper is doing the best job he can with what he's dealing with. If he had a majority, maybe things would be better. But we need to let him try first. NO one else has done nearly as good a job up until now.
Things don't and can't happen overnight, and he hasn't been "in power" long enough to get blamed for all the stuff he gets blamed for, nor to be able to answer all the problems right away. That's just reality people.
Mark
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Alain Letendre Greely ON
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Steven B
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However, I do not believe any organization or person should be held at gun point. Ignatieff's demands are a game of political chicken at the wrong time. I am now fired-up and hope Harper refused to negotiate as a hostage at gunpoint.
Ignatieff is turning a "undecided" vote into a conservative vote if his actions result in a summer election.
Uli
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Diane M.
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Jojo says nope to Mr. Lib Iggy
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He's demanding as CTV puts it, answers for EI.
I remember a little thing the Libs called a 'surplus' from their governing days...which turned out to be extra $$ they set aside while the country still ran a deficit. ALSO the 'CONS' as so many good folks like to call them, released info last fall that the LIBS had taken $$ away from the EI plan to ADD TO THIS SURPLUS PILE! And Mr. Canadian Lib wants accountability!
I remember the LIBS being in control. It would be a bad thing to let them in at this time...
Jim in Ottawa
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Ryan the Calgarian
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Richard L. Provencher
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Linda
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The NDP got it right: Everything Mr. Ignatieff is complaining about is as a result of the Liberals only he doesn't know it as he was down in Boston at the time. True
The Liberals had power for years and years and all these problems started years ago. Canadians want facts so said Mr. Ignatieff, well get the facts yourself and realize you are more or less complaining about the party that was in power for years - Liberals.
Politians count on the voters never getting any facts and having very short memory.
How can you complain about the deficit and in the next breath demand another 1.5 billion be spent on EI?? Who implimented EI as it stands? Liberals Who collected EI premiums illegally and put that huge sum of money against the deficit? Liberals
The voters really do suffer from very short memory if they believe any of this nonsense.
NO summer election is not Tory hype - even the poll on this site - the answer is NO.
rob in trenton
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Harper I voted for you last time, because i thought you were not scared to stand your ground and show your teeth, Iggy is making you look like the lion from the Wizard of Oz. Stand up and put him in his place. I don't want a summer election, but I don't want to have a government that is scared to piss off the opposition! If it comes to an election, hopefully someone gets in that forms a majorit. I think everyone has ad enough of a government that does not know how to stands it own ground, show some back bone!
As for the stimulus spending, it's not going to happen at the snap of the fingers. Hopefully Iggy will stop trying to make points for himself by belittling the government constantly. If you want to take them out of power, do it now, or crawl back to boston with your tail between your legs.
By the way (to all political parties), no-one in Canada really wants a summer election, you really want to take family holidays away from your salary payers! Stop acting like babies, my 10 month old daughter does not throw temper fits like you guys do!
Jerry from Yellowknife
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Kevin in T.O.
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I thought Chretien, Trudeau and Mulroney were arrogant but this guy takes the cake!
Laura Langstaff
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AMG - BC
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Let's have a new beginning.
RRO
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All the Cons have to do is hold onto their Minority Government for Iggy to be in big trouble. Then there will be questions about his leadership, stories of back room bickering and the sort.
Martin for Canada
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Let me tell you about the 100.00 per month per child going directly into the pockets of the everyday normal family.
Let me tell you about the 3 weeks earlier that we now achieve our tax freedom day.
Let me tell you about the billions already committed to economic recovery in infrastructure already in the cue.
Let me tell you about the 2% reduction in GST saving every normal household at least 500.00 probably closer to 750.00 per year right into my pocket.
Let me tell you about the crime bill, and oh, by the way the long gun registry attemps to deregulate it. This is a Liberal road block for decent people who hunt!
Let me tell you there will never be a registered gun used in a holdup that has not been stolen from an innocent citizen!
Oh, let me also tremind you that the only reason a previous Liberal government had a surplus is that it was built on the backs of the GST implimentation and the Free Trade agreement by previous Conservatives.
Do you need more???? There is lots to be thankful for, and if it were not for those power hungry self serving Liberals and their media spin, this Country would even be better than it currently is. We would receive more than A's it would be A++ on our rating world wide!
Trevor Wade
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Jay-TO
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Peter
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Mr. Ignatieff S--t or get off the pot!!! Your flip flopping, Dithering and B.S. Are not helping Canada’s economy or the unemployed that you clamed to care so much about. Or maybe you only care about adding the title of Prime Minister next to your title of Count on your résumé.
Go home Mr. Ignatieff, your visit is over.
GM
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Facts
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Call their bluff Harper, lets go to election so we can punish the Liberals and NDP back into the stoneage.
Wet Hen
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These are the issues we expect our Parliament to resolve before heading to the lake front estates. Canada and its citizens are plummeting into an abyss of dissension. A Parliamentary Recess will only exacerbate the disgust Canadians are already experiencing at an all time high and could very well spell political suicide for many of our politicians. The champagne and caviar will still be there after they have secured the fate of Canadians…
Craig in Alberta
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Tom
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kitt ontario
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The other Lowell in BC
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Tim J
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Dave S Calgary
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Maggie
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Linda in Vancouver
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Mr.Harper cannot possibly win a majority government without support in Ontario.A fear of a Conservative majority is unwarranted.We must not,however,do anything to contribute to a Liberal majority if we ever expect to be heard in our national government.Liberals must be forced to consider a reform of the Senate as an absolute bare minimum requirement for western support.Without that we are all going to be the colony of Ontario and Quebec socialist governments.We will never have a say in any national policies because our voices will be drowned out by central Canadian socialist values.Ontario life styles and values will always be IMPOSED on all of us.
Like him or not,Harper still represents the best choice.I very much look forward to a Liberal Party,with policies I can for for.Their time in opposition should have had them developing policies,not simply attacking Harper and his policies.
Mr.Ignatieff is not leading the Liberals.The same tired old socialists in that party are leading him.It was Mr.Trudeau who once said "beware of anyone who wants,to badly,to be the leader of your country".I think he had Mr.Ignaieff in mind.
Western Canadians MUST stand united against those worn out Liberal ideas.They did not work under Trudeau and will not work under Ignatieff.
cam
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As someone who would love to see a new leader for the Libs I hope he folds again.
Can't think of a more depressing election than having to chose between 2 American adorers who seem in a race to turn us into a U.S. satellite state.
Dave from Edmonton
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earl
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Bill in BC
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What a shmuck!
Rob
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Independently Minded
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The "elected" government of Canada was elected with 36% of the vote.
The "unholy alliance" as you call them, represent the "majority" of the country. In a parliamentary system the winner doesn't take all unless they have the support of the majority of the electorate.
Fortunately Cretien didn't turf the GST. As much as I hate the tax, it has proven to be necessary to pay down the debt and deficits. One thing Mulroney can take credit for. Whether he intended it to work that way or not...
As from learning from history one only has to look at the tenure of R.B. Bennett, another Conservative Prime Minister with a government devoid of imagination. All their policies came from south of the border--sound familiar?
Like them or not, at least the PC's had a vision for the country, once upon a time...
Carol
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Al
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BigD Out West
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Bruce in BC
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Jim
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Well damn the torpedoes and full speed ahead!
Mike from the peg
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Stephan
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I say give Iggy a chance. At least he's a new face with a new perspective.
Rodger in Calgary
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I am not saying this doesn't happen in every party and every cabinet in Canadian history, but I don't recall ever really hearing a party leader speak as if his voice is the only one that counts? USUALLY, I think the leaders at least say "we" or refer to the Party in question, even though everyone knows MPs have always been required to tow the party line.
Anyway, just an interesting observation and another reason why the "party" system is probably the single most important element for reform in our government.
Thanks for your time.
G. Gravelle, Ottawa, Ontario
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hollinm
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Frank - Ontario Voter
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fedup in Toronto
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And he wants to waste an expensive election in the process.
Get a real job Ignatieff!
If you are complaining about Stephen NOW,
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Either of these two parties will be even WORSE than Harper!
It's better to LEAVE THINGS ALONE! This recession is happening AROUND THE WHOLE WORLD!
No need to ROCK THE BOAT and WASTE MORE MONEY ON ANOTHER ELECTION WITH WORSE RESULT!
Edmonton Jim
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Dan
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If he does not like waht Harper is doing then pull the plug and stop looking for free air time in the media...
Hey Iggy, Canadians are smarter then you give them credit for. Pull the plug or sit on your hands like the Liberals have being do for the last two years.
Comon!
Dave Edmonton
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cmt
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Perhaps Iggy and his thugs should back off and let the government elect run the friggin country!!!
We are in a recession and he is pushing for an election...ya ok that's good for Canada. Perhaps less vacation and more governing may be the answer to the problems.
I am getting so sick of the Liberal, NDP & PQ pushing their will on the nation..call an election and see who gets the votes!!
Anne
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Jayme
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First it really was not by choice an election was called.The oil companys are canadian and with out them not only would thousands of people be out of jobs but canada would lose out of $$$ millions.I am glad you did bring up the stimulus.First the liberals wanted it our asap so harper gets it out then the liberals say wait one minute we need detailed info.So if it was not for that it would have been out alot sooner.
Bo in BC
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It's time for us Canadians to revisit on how the governement is running our country. We have a bunch of elected people sitting on different sides of the House, arguing about problems they dont have an answer for. Looks like a school recess. Us Canadians have to pay for a parlimentary system that doesn't reflect the needs of today's economy of all levels, provincial, federal and world. Its time to run this country as a business vs the ways it was done 100 years ago and no one is accountable for the work they do in Ottawa. Each major porfolio should be run by competent personnel knowlegeable in their own fields, finance, medicine, agriculture, justice. Lets not appoint a person in charge who has no clues how a combine works, never been at sea defending your country or fishing to feed your family. We should have each major portfolio run by a team of professionals vs appointees. Each department will be accountable on how they use their set budgets. Use the Senate to oversee each department. Everybody will be responsible for their actions and budgets. They have to come up with solutions onhow to save the government money. If an increase to the GST rate is required for the next 3 years to cover shortfalls, make it happend. If the forestry needs new international deals, make it happend. If new public works projects are needed, make it happend. If a department is always over budget, find out why and trim the fat.
Then Canada will be open for business
Concerned Canadian
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"In all their years of budget surpluses, how much did the Liberals pay down the debt?"
Much of the debt reduction over the last 15 years has been accomplished by the growth of the Canadian economy more than by actual repayment, at least as measured by the percentage of debt to GDP.
Our debt has fallen in real terms from a high of over 500 billion in 1997 to just over 400 billion today.
Doesn't sound like much, but as a percentge of GDP, we have dropped from a high of 80% in 1998 to a low of about 27% today.
In contrast, American debt under Mr. Bush's free market, tax-cutting policies has climbed to over 90% of their GDP. And that's without universal health care.
Under Mr. Mulroney our debt rose from a low of 300 billion in 1985 to a high of over 500 billion in 1994. Some of this debt was also accrued from Mr. Trudeau, but grew more rapidly under Mr. Mulroney.
Mr. Chretein and Mr. Martin stabalized the growth of the debt (through cutting transfer payments and slashing 50 billion from social services). Their governments managed to accumulate surpluses from 1997 until Mr. Harper took over.
His government has continued to cut the deficit, until now, at about the same rate as the previous Liberal governments, due mainly to increased economic growth (the rate of debt to GDP has remained constantly declining).
The facts seem to indicate that the Conservatives have managed to maintain the same good fiscal policies that were begun by the Liberals.
It is unlikely that Mr. Ignatieff would stray far from this formula, and claims that he would push the deficit higher are mere partisan speculation.
Canada's mixed-economy hs fared the recession better than any other G8 country.
Les in BC
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The polls coming out of Ontario and Quebec show that Ignatieff is almost even with Harper's boys. The problem is however, the Maritimes is still pro PC and the west is almost 67% in favour of Harper. We won't be seeing an election this summer unless Harper is the one who dissolves parliament.
Alysha Ont
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Mr Harper, don't back down this time! Stand up to this Bag of hot air who wants so badly to screw Canada before going south!
Will
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Les
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Patriot
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Joelle in Alberta
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simon
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It is now all up to Harper.
His report card appeared to be too ambiguous.
Canadians need answers and assurances.
B. Kelley, Ontario
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SpinMeNot
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Andrew (Albertan)
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Hank
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"Most of us already know the Harper government is terrible for Canada"
Typical Liberal BS. Where are you getting this 'most of us'? Did you do a poll or are you just speaking about your Liberal friends?
Iggie is just concerned about Iggie and will only force an election when he feels he can win. The economy is not his main concern but rather the Prime Minister's title.
Peter
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JFK
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Where does that leave us?
JB in Calgary
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What have the Liberals changed since the 90's? The face?
All I've seen is scrambling, "ahhh let's try Martin, ahhh ok that didn't work, hmmm, let's try Dion, damn that didn't work, ok let's see, maybe the people will like an American, DAMN, we might actually have to look at our core beliefs and change them to get a majority again."
Not a single thing is different from the Liberals of the 90's, it's the same old party that wants to tax the life out of us and spend inefficiently. The answer to every Liberal problem...raise taxes and throw more money at it.
You want to talk about a 12 billion dollar surplus and say that they can manage money? Where do you think that 12 billion dollars came from? Their pockets? They took a paycut to get that money? Come on, it's overtaxation people.
If you think our lives haven't gotten better since the Conservatives took power, than your not paying attention.
lizzy ottawa
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RDUNNE
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Alex (Toronto)
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With their tax breaks for the oil patch and their untendered contracts, Conservatives also don't get to talk about corruption. Back in the '90s a few low-level officials failed to monitor a program to support Canadian unity; this is nothing compared to the tens of billions Harper has taken from taxpayers to give to the oil companies.
The BQ know they will lose at least ten seats to the Liberals if an election happened. They don't want that so they will support the government.
The Liberals are focused on the economic crisis, including the impact on the unemployed. Good thing at least one party is paying attention to the critical issue of the day. If it weren't for the Liberals, there would be no job-creating stimulus spending and the Conservatives would still be talking about how well Canada was doing, no matter what the actual facts were.
Craig Smith
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I can't think of a better way to end the recession than to get the government out of the way. Believe it or not - the government is not the answer to all of life's problems.
Brian in TO
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There's a big difference between stealing $50 Million of taxpayers money and siphoning it off into your party's coffers and being forced to generate a $30 Billion deficit for economic stimulus that has ballooned into $50 Billion due to unexpectedly low government revenues.
I don't know how you can sleep at night supporting a party of thieves and hypocrites but I bet it's on a big pile of Adscam money.
Anne M
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James Raider
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Have we forgotten Chretien's deal with Zaccardelli to close the Hong Kong immigration office investigation. The ramifications have been enormous.
Bear in Sask
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Frank - Ontario Voter
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jenna
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Political BBQ Fundraiser event is fun
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Think of all bbq fundrasing events will be happening in summer.
That is fun! Yummy Yummy BBQ season here we come!
Pete, Burlington
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It is ironic that Ignatieff wants plans on how we spend yet more money on EI and bailouts etc and in the next breath wants to know what is being done about the deficit!
You can't have it both ways buddy....Of course he already knows that and anyone who follows his actions and words enogh also knows that for Ignatieff, the only global crisis worth thinking about is working out how to get himself elected as PM. If he fails, he will run off home to the USA and will not be seen again in Canada. Hopefully he will have room in his suitcase for Mr Layton as well.
Doug BC
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The questions I have for Liberals remain unanswered.I want to see your policies Mr.Inatieff.Not liking this government is not good enough!! You have to table a policy book that shows you can do better.So far,you have shown me a big,fat NOTHING.
On day you want a smaller deficit.THe next day you want more spending.One day you support our military,the next day you want us out of Afghanistan.One day you talk about national unity,the next day you refuse to discuss that joke we call a Senate.
The advantage that the opposition has,is that we do not demand policies from their side of the house.They can CLAIM to have better ideas without actually having to produce either the policies,or the cost of those policies.
SHOW ME THE BEEF "Iggy".If you cannot,them I urge all Canadians,and especially Canadians in the west,to punish the Liberal Party severely for forcing yet another election on the people of Canada.While I have issues with the current government,the only thing I fear more than a Harper majority is a return of the Liberal Party.(aka NDP Lite)
Do not be fooled by the Liberal "spin".We have heard it before.They have failed in the duties we assigned them in the last election.I see no reason to believe they deserve a "promotion" to government.
Tired of the games!!
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Robert Smith
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J.P.
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Carol
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said
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Valerie
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Shannon
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Fed up with Politicians.
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Remember who forced the stimulus package early?
Here we go again. Its not about holding the Government accountable is it Iggy? It is about the Liberal agenda and their sense of entitlement.
I recall the last time the Liberals overturned a minority government,on a gas tax issue. Guess what happened? Once in power the conservatives proposed gas tax seemed miniscule.
So go ahead Iggy. Lets have an election.
Ron F, Orleans
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Summer is for relaxing not stroking egos
Prof. Pye Chartt
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Too chicken to call the election he craves. No answers or solutions for his contrived "issues" with PM Harper's government. Just a bunch of wimpy, hollow questions that perpetuate the man's desperate quest (need) to fulfill his self-righteous destiny to be the leader of a country he's never really cared about until more recently, after formalizing a political scheme to get seated in Parliament.
THE POLITICAL WINDBAG HAS SPOKEN
No genuine assessment of his enemy's budget, or of the Conservatives' "stimulus package." Instead, the assertion that the money hasn't hit the ground yet (which is true)...while refusing to acknowledge that the Canadian economy continues to recover ANYWAY. What would he do differently? Who the heck knows?! Iggy's too afraid and unsure to say.
Just a bunch of rhetorical gobbledygook about E.I.
Thanks, Mr. Ignatieff. Thanks for gracing us with your devine media presence, and your infinite political wisdom. Thanks for nothing. Now, go back outside, stand on Parliament Hill, stick your finger into the wind once more, and let us know what you think in a couple weeks. We'd all be so grateful.
Binny
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M M B Ont
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Stop trying to run the gov't and making deals Iggy. You are to decide on the report card as presented !
GHW
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Just remember Mr. Ignatieff that because of the Block, the NDP and the reunification of the Conservative Party most governments in the future will be minority ones and what goes around comes around.
What would be best for our county is if all these politicians began a more cooperative spirit in parliament. It’s not about being in power or opposing for the sake of opposing, it’s about serving your constituents.
Norm
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Tina - Cornwall
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Willow B
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The Man
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If Ignatieff was smart, then he would wait until the recession is almost over, take power, and then when the recession ends, take all the credit for the Conservative's plan. With the media's help, he could pull it off.
Scary, isn't it?
Helen
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Ron J.
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Edmonton Vic
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Cindy from Sask.
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Mike M
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tony ducey
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Judy
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MP
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Sandi in Ottawa
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God help us all if he should ever become Prime Minister.
I would love to see ONE policy idea he has. He has said nothing because he is all about tax and spend, the same as every other Liberal.
Listen to the People!
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Chris Ont
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I think Iggy likes acting as a puppet
graham from TO.
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Johnny
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KMC (ON)
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This should have been dealt with decades ago, when the Bloc first emerged.
This also goes for issues which exclusively concern other provinces. (e.g. Nfld oil resources) Such issues should not be within the purview of the Bloc Quebecois and they should not have a vote.
Harper should put the matter before the SOC for a decision on whether the Bloc can bring down a Government duly elected with a majority in the rest of the country.
BMM
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The PM should just not even answer him. Let him bring in a confidence motion. The Bloc and NDP will find a way to not support it. Iggy will look like a fool and then maybe he will quit all of his “on probation” and “I’ll bring you down” nonsense. Call his bluff P.M.
BIG-JIM
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So what Canadians are you speaking to there IGGY??? Canada does spread further west that Quebec and Ontario buddy!
You best not call an election as I think you may get the shock of your life and LOSE seats because you are irritating Canadians with your holier than thou American attitude.
Politics may be played that way South of the Border but I think Canadians are a bit smarter than that.
We are more laid back BUT when pushed the shove back harder.
You do not have the know how to fix the recession you are just stabbing in the dark trying to steal Stephen's job that WE as Canadians gave him.
So sit down, shut up and listen to ALL Canadians!
Mike
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Diane
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I hope that if they go for a summer election people avoid voting for them to teach them a well deserved lesson.
Where is the common Sense here?
Dumacracy the NDPer
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The average family does NOT have 3000 more to spend a year, contrary to your party's silly propaganda.
-GST reduction
---This only makes it tougher for us to pay off our debt we owe, and has contributed to the massive deficit we're facing. Congratulations.
-Tougher sentences for criminals
---When did Canada become Nazi Germany? By the way, this gives us no extra money.
-Home Improvement tax credit
---Not as great as you might think, I work at Home Depot, I would know. But nice try!
-Tax free savings accounts
---Almost all economists have said this is useless. But hey, I wouldn't expect a Con to listen to anyone but himself.
If the government were to take that 3000 that you think we all have, an invest that into infrastructure projects, which provide jobs and help improve the mobility and accessibility of the economy, families would have far more money.
Jayme
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Part of the probleam is we need stability.We do not need a election every year or less.They cost massive amount of money to run every time and if we keep having them then does that help no.
bellainottawa
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Canada Goose Whistler
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I believe Harper has once again lied to us.
Now is the best time for an election.
The money spent for the election is stimulus, history tells us the liberals are better economist than the cons.
Lets vote! it take 15 minutes, better now than christmas.
Prynce
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Ryder
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Canada, according to outside financial agencies worldwide, will be the FIRST to depart the recession. Some claim as early as the end of this year!! The steps that the Conservatives put into place before the recession was full blown prevented Canada from falling deeper into the recession. Harper and his team have done a fantastic job of keeping things rolling. If some of you try to blame to present government for the loss of jobs in the auto sector, you are WRONG!! The only ones to blame for that is the greedy unions! Them and only them caused the demise of the auto industry.
You claim that you want a Liberal government to run the country when the Libs cant even run Ontario!!! And dont think for a moment that the rest of Canada is not watching that FACT! Look at the change in Atlantic Canada, the NDP thumped both the Libs and the Conservatives!!
Oh, and more thing, stop stating that ALL OF CANADA is ready for a change. That is only YOUR opinion, not that of ALL OF CANADA.
I for one shudder at the thought of the Liberals getting back into power and taxing my savings away!!
GO HARPER GO!!!!
jay
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Rob
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some of you are really missing the point. if you really believe that our federal government can have any impact on the global recession please reload and broaden your horizons. out pultry 50 Billion in stimulous will do nothing if the near two trillion stimulous from the US has not fixed it on a global scale.
I would like "IGGY" to put forward his platform and how much it is going to cost tax payers before he triggers an election, that being said lets see all the platforms and projections so that we can support or not support an election on a platform and the credibility you can give to each.
There is a lot of rhetoric on this site today and I wish that some of you would give have as time to researching your point then spewing unsubstantiated talking points.
Teri BC
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I do not want any man to come to Canada after being away so long and think he knows what is best for me.
Alysha Ont
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Looks like 'His Royal Highness Iggy' wants to get elected in time to announce that "HE is the Saviour of the World recession".
It's all about POWER for Iggy and his EGO folks before he goes running back to the USA to help Obama.
GF
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If he did, all he would need to do is vote against the approval of spending estimates when they come to a vote on Friday, since all financial bills are automatically confidence votes.
Brent from BC
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Elizabeth
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If an election is called, I'm giving up on this round of ridiculous politics. As Robin Williams said it last fall in
Toronto, "Congratulations Canada! $300 million dollars for no change."
Create a party Canadian can be proud of, before calling for a third election in 4 years. Enough!
Joyce
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Ignatief would add to the Deficit as he wants to introduce a 360 hour work time for people to draw EI, which will skyrocket the Deficit.
We will then be like many European Countries where the State keeps those who do NOT Want TO WORK and it is the Taxpayer which foots the bill.
The Netherlands already has it that those who do not want to hold a steady job, live off the Taxpayers and those who do work they end up carrying someone on their backs all the time, as per the Taxpayers we have met on Holiday here in Canada.
The Liberals, who themselves are not able to forecast what the actual Deficit would be as they have not said so and can not say so, because the Economy drivers are also the USA if their people do not help stimulate the Economy, neither will ours flourish, which helps drive up our Deficit.
I would say as per the Poor Infrastructure by Dave from Cobourg Ont., I can only say that it is the Liberals, if he has any knowledge of them having been in Government longer, have been contributors of this Poor Infrastructure themselves, as it was the Liberals who took away Transfer Payments and Health Care Funds etc. when Martin was the Finance Minister, and left the Provinces High and Dry and are the masters of the Adscam.
cr
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economic problems,and he dosen't, guit giving him precious air time that we pay for. Stop being so bias CTV. Drop it. Let the smut magazines work this over, not a so called reputable tv station....You are losing alot of credibility with your bias attitude...Stop the sensationalism and be honest in your reporting. Quit trying to stir Canadians up to get your ratings up..
Walking Man
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What about, the new numbers in the billions, squandered since Harper took power. One or two of the comments had the issues right where this election is concerned. The longer the cons stay in power, the deeper the hole will be to climb out of down the road.
Call iggy what you will, after all he is a character, but can he be worse than a keep it close to the vest PM Harper? Harper makes sure he is the mouthpiece and woe betide anyone who forgets it in his party. With so many people wearing Harper blinders, it’s no wonder you can smell their fear whenever a mention of election is made. Time for a change & never mind the summer vacation.
mhanna
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TG
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Larry I Ontario
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Mark Smith (Montreal, QC)
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I don't like Harper's GST cut and anyone with a basic economic knowledge knows that cutting the GST was actually fairly stupid thing to do when you could have cut the income tax and actually put money in the pockets of canadians (saving by spending IT NOT FAVORABLE to larger pay cheques). But I like Harper's idea of baby steps when it comes to fixing the economy. Rather than the US throwing trillions at once, Harper threw pennies (by comparison) to see what would happen when he did.
But then I need to think of some of the things Harper has done while in power that were just dirty.
For starters, he reopened the vote on gay marriage. Right away that tells me Harper is not a supporter of equal rights. When he tried to remove public funding from political parties, this was simply the most outrageously dirty politics Canada has seen in a generation, and he completely lost control of parliament because of it. Him and Flaherty were so naive to the economic problems that, even though I think their handling of stimulus spending is decent, it was also too late. Not only that, but had Harper had the foresight that many other economists had over the economy collapsing (it was an economy based on debt alone, what did you think would happen?), then the income tax cut would've come and not the GST tax cut.
Harper has strong points to him, this is without question. But he plays such dirty politics, and makes some really bad moral and financial decisions.
A REAL Canadian
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I would not trust this clown at the wheel...
The liberals are all about the destruction of personal freedoms and the perpetuation of splintered, special interest groups.
They have no proper vision of this country in a global perspective
NO GOOD at all for my Canada!
GF
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What would Ignatieff be doing differently?????
Would he have let GM and Chrysler fail???
Are you Lib Lovers angry that Canada is running a deficit, or are you just angry at the fact it's not the Liberals in power making the decisions???
I'm betting the latter.
MJ
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Go for it Iggy - it might bite you in the behind but then maybe not.
Personally I don't want an election.
David in Sudbury
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And by the way, an election "costs" us nothing. If an election is called, approx. $300 million will be spent. Where do you thing that money goes? It doesn't evaporate - it's another $300 million dollars being pumped directly into our economy, just like all of the other stimulus money Harper claims is being spent. Only this money is spent almost immediately, creating all kinds of short term jobs and injecting cash to businesses around the country.
conductor274
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"Zandy" Harry Zandbergen
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Enough is Enough - London, ON
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John in Ottawa
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Any one of us should be able to be called upon to head a few blocks away to drop in a vote on a day's notice. We should all always know who we support.
It's those 3 stupid weeks of ads that's the annoying part.
Tucker
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The Royal Bank, JUST TODAY released a report predicting Canada's economy will begin coming out of the recession by the fall of this year. THAT IS THE ONLY REASON IGNATIEFF AND THE LIBERAL'S WANT AN ELECTION NOW. So they can be in office when the economy recovers.
It really is ALL ABOUT HIM. He doesn't cive a crap about Canadians. Depending on which poll you look at that has asked the question, between 64% and 80% of Canadians said they DO NOT want an election. Even Harris-Decima, the most pro Liberal polling company in Canada said that only 25% of respondants think EI is an issue worth going to election over.
The Liberals: No money to fight an election with, and no platform to fight an electio on.
Shirlee - SK
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iphoneu
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Iggy is just grandstanding. He knows damn well that the Bloc will not hand him their own defeat in Quebec. You watch, if he doesn't support it, the Bloc will support the Conservatives. Besides, the Conservatives almost have a majority anyway without most of Quebec.
Frank Bankuti
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Iggy take your ego and go back to the USA where you belong. You admitted on TV yourself that America was your home and country. You are not for the people of Canada. You are so hypocritical. And, if you do win an election it will probably be with a minority government and then you will face the same "Let's bring Iggy down".
You might just end up eating your own words down the road.
It seems like Mr. Layton is so angry about everything. Instead of putting the interests of the country at hand, he is so obsessed with bringing the government down.
I find all 3 opposition leaders in total disrespect of Mr. Harper. He is, after all, still the Prime Minister whether people like it or not.
Bob,Calgary,Alberta
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Dave in Whitby
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he might be ready . However He just Took over the Liberal Leadership this year
and Stephen Harper is a good speaker in Debates . IGGY has a big decision and he may becoame PM latter. I personally am UNDECIDED on
who to vote for and hope the BLOC loses lots of seat's next Election.
Edmonton Vic
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Jim in Ontario
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Charlie
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Andy Kanata
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Face facts - An election will be called if:
1) Liberal party has enough money in its' coffers to cover the cost of an election.
2) Liberal support is deemed strong enough to form a majority government.
3) Recession is clearly over.
All 3 of these must come back positive or no election will be held. The Liberals do not want to run a minority government as that would put them in the same position as the Conservatives - unable to govern as they wish. The recession is still around so it is not time to jump in and say 'Look - the Liberals have saved the country from ruin'.
Sadly, when a call does come, it is likely the Liberals will return with a majority and then turn on their tax and spend agenda which will push more people out of the middle class and destroy whatever is left of our programs such as Health Care.
It is sad to see so many people supporting a party which just a short time ago robbed us blind, stole the EI fund, mired us in scandel, overtaxed us and gutted many important programs - the main one being Health Care. And even sadder, all of those people called this good fiscal management.
Alan
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Oh puke! Is anyone else sickened by the media's comments "What will Iggy do next?"
Ian in the West
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exhausted Canadian
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Frank Buchan (Vauxhall, Alberta by way of Ontario)
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Ignatieff is a man who wants power so badly he is willing to roll dice rather than work toward proving himself. For all his faults, our present PM acted within the scope of his promises more often than not. To those with a left leaning view that makes him bad, but what it will not ever make him is wrong; not any more than the small-L liberal view is inherently wrong.
To those who say conservatives fear an election, you are projecting if you think that. Ignatieff is no threat, and the LPC is still crumbling at every turn. If an election is forced, not much will end up changing in the House of Commons. The LPC may think they can make major strides in Quebec, but between the Bloc and NDP that will simply not materialise; and in Ontario, while they may indeed make strides, it's doubtful they can snatch enough seats to unseat the conservatives, because at the end of the day we still have not heard a single variant policy from the LPC. Not once has Igntieff spoken, stood on a point, and made it into a policy statement.
For those who want Ignatieff to be Obama, you must be terribly naive. The two haven't even a shred of similarity, not in how they speak or think. Again, that doesn't necessarily make Ignatieff bad, but give the nonsense a break. The man is nothing more than an arrogant, wealthy schoolteacher; and about as close to being a Republican as we can get in this country.
No one needs an election now. It isn't about want. The fact is we have no new policy from the LPC to judge their intent.
David
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Sylvain in NB
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Andrew
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Lets face the facts!! Since
Since october, Harper has stated the following:
1. There will never be a deficit under the conservative government
2. Zero deficit quickly turned into over 30 billion dollars in January
3. Now, the defict will run over 50 billion dollars.
I have no problem with the Canadian Government going into deficit in these tough economic times. We all know that without stimulus spending, or going into deficit it would be very difficult for Canada to recover economically. It seems that the conservative government is having a difficult time communicating with Canadian tax payers the ammount of money being spent. Harper and the conservative government have a problem using the "D" word... deficit.
In addition, when looking at the past, the Liberals were able to clean up the deficit from past Conservative governments and create a record government surpluses.
Any government can spend money on infrastructure, EI and other social services that will have a significant impact on the lives of all Canadians.This election should be about who should manage our economy coming out of this recession an issue that has no been brought up yet!
Rick in Ottawa
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-Tougher sentences for criminals
-Home Improvement tax credit
-Tax free savings accounts
The average family has 3000.00 more dollars to spend during this recession. It's time we start spreading this message and leave Iggy with his huffing and puffing!
Martin
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Adam in Ottawa
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James in New Brunswick
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However, I do not think that the Liberals have the resources or the political will to carry out an election at this time. I will bet you dollars to donuts that they are knocking on doors and calling everyone who has ever given a nickle to the Liberals, seeking donations. Without a warchest they can't do a darn thing!
The funny thing is, the opportunity will never be better. Soon (within 6 months) economic indicators will start pointing to an improving economy here and in the US. If that happens before or during an election campaign, the Conservatives are the only ones who will benefit from it.
LF
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I recall an expression from history. No taxation without representation.
Another leader telling Canadians we are too stupid to think, so they do it for us.Those we elected to represent us must sit quietly on the back bench and keep their mouths shut.
Raj
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Larry NL
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Wake up seniors, we cannot afford a liberal government.
Steve the Pundit
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In other words, DOING EXACTLY WHAT THE CURRENT GOVERNMENT IS DOING!
What, pray tell, can the Liberals offer that's any different? Crazy, unsustainable changes to E.I. (that will pile further onto the deficit)? EVEN MORE stimulus spending (the spending alreaady approved will create inflation in a very short time)? Other new social programs we couldn't afford when times were good?
In the absence of a clearly-articulated alternate plan, LET THE GOVERNMENT DO WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE, and stop talking about elections whose only purpose is to blow half a billion dollars we don't have.
A Koster - BC
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Harper digs his own grave with every day he is in office.
Steve
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M M B Ont
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I Know the Liberals or NDP will never get my vote again. They are too Power hungry ! And every party has their little scandals amongst their MPs, not just the Conservatives.
Canada needs stability now, not and election!
BA in The 'Peg
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As for the Liberals, if they think they can win the election, then try and bring down the government. Put up or shut up. It's time Professor #2 had to actually explain to the people of this country why we are in the 4th election in 5 years. And, once we hear how he would have all the corrective measures for a world-wide recession, then we'll get to vote for/against what this guy actually stands for (since we have no clue to this date what he actually does stand for).
No, it's time to give Mr. Harper a majority so that the nonsensical spending, and granting people a year of EI after working 45 days never sees the light of day.
Having said that, I drool at the possibility of a Liberal win, and the true formation of a truly committed Western Separation. Enough is enough in this country. And, with all due respect to Quebec, separation based on language will never happen. But separation based on getting the short end of the stick financially and politically for over 100 years will cause separation.
Ray Jacques, Glen Robertson, ON
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1)We keep haring the Conservative mantra - cut taxes. Harper has finally cut taxes to the level that Paul MArtin would have implimented had Harper not toppled his minority Government 3.5 years ago.
2) Eventually, somebody has to repay our debt. We spent it, we have to pay for it - it will invlove increasing taxes at some point after the recession - that is a fact
3) Some conveniently forget that the Liberals for some years now have become the Party of the Center and strong fiscal managers (Paul Martin etc)
4) Som continue to post that Ad Scam was an official Liberal program to steal money. TWO PROBLEMS with that assertion
a) the oroginal plan (supported by the House including the Conservatives), was to try to "sell" the benefits of Canada to Quebecers after that very close referendum result. It was not a pogram to steal money from Canadians
b) Judge Gomey found no Liberal wrong-doing (And he was a hard-nosed Conservative judge)
4) Many do not agree with the GST cuts as they stopped about $ 35 Billion dollars in revenue to Ottawa (i.e $ 5.0 billion per reduction in GST tax rate x (2) points x 3.5 years = $ 35 B in lost recenue
5) Harper became the single largest spender that Canada has ever seen.
6) Mr. Harper has no vision nor any mew policies at all - only ideology which Reagan tried, Gworge W. Bush tired - all failed idrology /policies.
COCLUSION:
Time for a return to competence and good policy. Time for truthful Goverenance - Time for Haprper to go
André in Ontario
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opinion
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What a bunch of CRAP, I am so tired of this Conservative nonsense, ENOUGH!
Bring on the election. Enough already.
Scott/Hfx.
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al from calgary
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Since you love the liberals so much and hate the conservatives so much I have a few questions I would like answered by the liberals first
1) How much of the 40 million have they paid back to the taxpayers
2) Has Martins ship company paid back the loan the liberals gave them yet.
3) In the past 3 years the conservatives have cut taxes and paid down over 40 billion of the debt, in all the liberal years of budget surpluses exactly how much did the liberals pay down on the debt and where exactly is the left over money from all those surpluses as they did not pay down the debt by that much
4) How is Iggy going to pay for all the promises he is making, will he raise taxes, will he gut the forces, will he cut health care, will he cut transfer payments again etc. etc
Since you love the liberals so much and they are very transparent and accountable I'm sure that you could provide me the answers to these questions in a matter of a few minutes.
Oh and one last thing about Cons all we want is good government, if the liberals would have provided it before Harper would never have been voted in, we don't vote with blinders on like a lot of these posters we look at all things before casting our vote
vinny
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William McKinstry, Toronto
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Prof. Pye Chartt
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As your dependent-thinking, zombie-like royal subjects who worship your imposed sense of intellectual superiority and political self-importance, we await your learned judgement, your highness (hind-ass).
Grace us with your righteous decision. Guide our lost souls to a new Canadian frontier; one which is morally, ethically, and economically "liberal."
--- The Liberal Crowd
________________________
END NOTE:
Since much of what drives Liberals is media hype and spin, and their own misguided sense of governmental entitlement, as opposed to common sense and critical thinking, it will be interesting to see how the Conservatives' "stimulus package" is spun.
By virtually every objective economic account, the Canadian economy is turning the corner...in absence of most of the stimulus money! (PM Harper is fudging.) Would Ignatieff throw MORE money into the pot?! (Dumb.) Or, will he just blow some weak and cowardly hot air about implementing it all sooner?
We'll see.
Emily - Toronto
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Sean
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The government is a bunch of lawyers. Lawyers can't fix business problems. Business men fix business problems.
Until the government stays out and stops meddling with the economy we're not going to have any recovery.
All the government will do is add additional regulations, additional taxes and more rules. None of which make business cheaper for business men.
What it WILL do is stifle business further and lead to even higher levels of stagnation and unemployment.
All the government can do is create government jobs and print funny money. Bigger government will lead to higher taxes, and a smaller "real" economy.
Jason in Calgary
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Jane
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Ted
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Jon in London ON
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Pathetic......I mean....I'm still pissed at Pearson...it's okay......reach deep into yourself and make friends with your inner Conservative. Enjoy your summer fellow Tories!
Elizabeth, Ontario
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Margaret
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Who on earth would want the job anyway? I bet Harper doesn't even want it.
Catwoman
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Patrick222 Halifax NS
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Peter Rapsey
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Spence in Ontario
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I because we are in a democracy it is our right and responsibility to vote. Despite what many people will say taking a bit of time one day this summer to look at what each party advocates and then less than half an hour at the polls to vote is not a waste of their time. It is a way for them to choose who they want as a representative in our government and it isn't something they should blow off because they aren't in the right mood for an election.
Dan
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Naveed
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He is lying about the economic stimuluses and updates right now. Its all a Con job.
Incidentally Brian from Cobourg, It was Kim Campbell who got 2 seats for the Conservative party. Brian Mulroney fooled Canadians to get a majority Government in 1984.
Back to Iggy and the current situation. The Liberal leader must take the initiative and implement an immediate election. To quote the classics, Iggy's standard call would then become "Veni Vidi Vici". (I came, I saw, I conquered').
annie, ontario
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I can't see how the liberals could do any better, but they sure will do worse.
geo
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He may delay the election,but the media hasn't asked him the $50 Billion dollar question.
If you don't like Harper's economic plan,what's your solution? What's your plan?
I think everyone knows Ignatieff's plan for the economy is no different than Harper's.But Ignatieff better watch himself,as the economy starts to get better,his opportunity will turn into just being another Dion with nowhere to go but down.We may have 8% unemployment,but 92% are employed,and most of these want to keep their money in their pockets,and not give it to a Liberal government.
keir bernard
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Michael (Ottawa)
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Bring it on Ignatieff! Put up or SHUT UP!
Gmac
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Richard from New Minas
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Dr. James Bradford
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This sort of political grandstanding is what causes Canadians to hold politicians in such disdainful regard.
There will be no summer election and we all know it.
Shaking head.
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The liberals went from a majority to a minority to the oppostion within a few short years. How soon we have forgotten and are willing to overlook all they have done. We deserve the parties we have in Canada.
Allen
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Mr T, Ontario
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Please do not waste any more of our money. Lets have a little bit of political stability for a while.
Thanks
Joe Public
Jonathan
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Joe Szentirmay
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Barrie Jones
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terri
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If it is only conservative supporters that don't want an election then why didn't they vote in the poll to say they did want one. More liberal spin.People are sick of the bs from our politicians. Let Iggie or (beadle from sesame street as I like to call him) take the chance. He may not like what he gets.
Russ, Halifax
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Maurice Nunas
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For all the tripping on their feet and stepping on other appendages, the PCs have had little choice but to try to spend out of the recession, although I don't agree with this approach. They were bullied into heavier spending at first by threat of a non-confidence vote by the combined opposition. Then, having bought into this economic approach, had little choice but to follow the US down the abyss to 'save' the big, domestic automobile makers.
The average Canadian does not want another election and is generally disappointed in government performance in general, as evidenced by the poor voter turnout. Thus the Liberals would probably be punished for forcing an election, and another PC government would be voted in.
Derek
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you asked over what reason so I will give you a few 1)He said Canada would not see a recesion during the last election(humm maybe he called the election when he did because he new it was coming and was his fault).2)despite the situation of finaces he cut the gst putting canada about 12 billion further into debt every year.3) he gave a 50 billion dollar tax cut to one of the worlds richest oil companys(humm isn't that the amount of money Canada is going to go further into debt this year)4)Harper is now taking credit for the stimules packing he tried not to do and was forced to do by the opposition.5)The cons have done nothing but lie about our financial problems.6) the burned through billions of dollars the Liberals had saved up though years of hard work.(and to all the cons about to say they stole from ei, ect ect they took over from Harper senior oh sorry Mulruny in a situatoin were that con government had left canada in just as bad a situatoin and the next government to take over will once again have to make hard choices to prop canada back up.) I could give you a bunch more reasons to call an election now but i gotta go to work remember everyone keep an open mind we are the people who choose what we want our country to be so we should all stand united and let all the parties know we want them to all do better.
Call ELECTION NOW!
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Call election and I will donate my money to Liberal party for first time in my life.
Go Go Liberal Go Go!
bellainottawa
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Durham Resident
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I don't know what "good job" you're talking about. I haven't seen my life improve since he took power in 2006. Canadians gripe about having a summer election, but haven't you noticed that Canadians gripe about an election at ANY time of the year? Canadians may complain at first, but they'll get over it as they always do.
And there are countless issues that an election can be fought over (EI, stimulus spending that is NOT TRACKED, poor fiscal policy, ministers making a fool of themselves and at the same time insulting cancer patients...need I say more?)
In my opinion, have an election during the summer. Why do they deserve a summer break? The rest of us (except for teachers) have to put in a hard day's worth of work.
DCR-Toronto
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THE Fatman
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Willie Everlearn
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Parliament takes a holiday, not the government. Ministers, their aides, etc. stay here in Ottawa and keep at it regardless of the status of the House of Commons.
Reener
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E in Ottawa
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It's sad that Canadians like you do not know how our parliamentary system works. The three month break is for the House of Commons, NOT for the government as a whole. MPs (at least the majority) still work during the summer in their home ridings and the executive branch works 24/7.
C. WEBB
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art archer
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No they will wait until the economy is starting to improve, that way they can take the credit for it.
Davey
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Mike MacNeil - Avondale, Nova Scotia
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The stimulus package is NOT working. Bits and pieces of it pop up here and there, but as a major program it suffers from ignominious failure and too much Tory spin.
Mr. Ignatieff has a difficult choice, but overall he would be wise to put the country out of its present misery, and consign the Conservatives to the Opposition benches.
Jon in London ON
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It's okay though, you can admit you really love the job Harper is doing.
Denny in SK
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Jim Lad
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Dave in Cobourg
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If Harper had spent his time and our money on the real issues confronting us, and not his slimy slander campaign, maybe we would be in a better state today. His cabinet seem to spend most of thier time stabbing each other in the back or tripping over themselves for glory, and blaming the Liberals for all the faults in the world, when we know that his 2 terms in office, however brief, have cost us jobs, production cuts and now perhaps a costly election.
" Throw the bums out " attitude doesn't work. Let them hang themselves I say. Give them 2 more months and then bring them down.
Anyone remember that other famous P.M named Brian? What was it? 2 seats he managed to get?
Remember that the first 3 letters of Conservative are?
YUP!!
MarkC
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