Tories pledge cash to manufacturing, arts

With just one week before Canadians head to the polls, the release of the Tory platform and a sizable gaffe on the Prime Minister's part make up a hinge day.

CTV Newsnet: BNN's Amanda Lang with details on what economic incentives the platform offers

Worries about what is happeneing in England send the market on a steep decline on a day when Stephen Harper released his platform.

CTV Newsnet: Actress Wendy Crewson on why the Conservatives may have canceled the controversial bill

Canadian actress suspects the Conservatives dropped the 'censorship bill' to regain some momentum after Stephen Harper's numbers began to slide.

CTV Newsnet: Harper unveils Tory platform, outlining all that the Tories have already to combat economic uncertainty

Conservative Leader Stephen Harper was interrupted by a protester as he discussed how Tories already have a fiscal plan in place to combat economic uncertainty.

CTV Newsnet: Harper unveils Tory platform, part two, saying the Conservatives acted earlier than the U.S. on the mortgage market

The Conservatives acted earlier and on a larger scale than the U.S. to cut excesses in the mortage market and regulate the banking industry.

CTV Newsnet: Harper unveils the Tory platform, part three, saying the opposition parties are calling for an increase in taxes

Conservatives say the opposition parties are calling for an increase in taxes and spending at a time when Canadians can least afford it.

Mike Duffy Live: Don Drummond, chief economist of TD Financial Group, on why Harper needs to focus on the long-term prospects for the economy

An economist discuses Stephen Harper's new announcements for his election platform and says the Conservative leader needs to focus on the long term prospects for the economy and not just trying to solve the short term difficulties.

Mike Duffy Live: Michael Ignatieff, Liberal deputy leader, explains why he doesn't think the platform offers serious suggestions for the economy

The Liberals have responded to Stephen Harper's Conservative platform saying it has no serious suggestions in dealing with Canada's economy and Harper is not willing to accept responsibility for the economic crisis.

Mike Duffy Live: Kory Teneycke, PMO communications director, discusses Harper's strategy and why he got personal during his speech

Stephen Harper released his election platform on Tuesday, which promises hundreds of millions of dollars for Canada's manufacturing sector, but the Conservative leader also opened up about a rather personal issue, when he spoke about his mother.

Mike Duffy Live Prime Time: Jim Flaherty, minister of finance, on how the platform helps industry

Jim Flaherty says the platform was created to ensure that they governement helps the struggling industries in Canada.

CTV Newsnet: NDP Leader Jack Layton discusses the economy

Moments after Harper unveiled his policy, Jack Layton blasted him on his economic stance, saying cuts for corporations does Canada little good.

CTV Newsnet: Antonia Maioni, McGill University, on why Quebec is such an important battleground

An analyst on Quebec politics discusses why this province is a battleground for all parties and which are losing support according to the latest poll.

CTV Newsnet: Graham Richardson on Bill C-10

The first surprise from the Conservative platform is that they are abandoning Bill C-10, which was seen as many as a form of censorship.

Watch: See all Videos in the Player

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Tue. Oct. 7 2008 10:36 PM ET

The Conservatives are promising to give $400 million to help Canada's battered manufacturing sector as part of their campaign platform, and would cancel plans to restrict which film and TV projects are eligible to receive tax credits.

Conservative Leader Stephen Harper announced the party's full election platform in Toronto on Tuesday, one week before Canadians go to the polls.

Harper is also pouring funds into Ontario and Quebec's technology sectors in an attempt to swing votes back in his favour in the vital battlegrounds.

Some $400 million will go to the Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative and the Automotive Innovation Fund, Harper revealed.

The money for the tech sector is intended to provide a boost for the flailing manufacturing industry. It would be injected over the next four years, and would be repayable.

The platform also makes changes to controversial tax eligibility legislation for film projects, which had been passed in the House of Commons as part of a larger omnibus bill. The changes allowed government to have the final say on which projects qualified for the exemption, and many in the arts community said it was tantamount to censorship.

The Conservatives had defended the move by saying it was designed to ensure taxpayers didn't foot the bill for pornography or for films deemed "offensive."

However, Harper appears to have changed his mind in an attempt to win votes in Quebec -- where opposition to the bill was most pronounced -- as poll numbers show a slide for the Conservatives in the province.

"We will take into account the serious concerns that have been expressed by film creators and investors," says the platform.

Steve Hoban of Copperheart Entertainment, who produced this year's Canadian film "Young People F---ing," told The Canadian Press it was "good news all around." The film became a focus for debate about the legislation, largely because of its attention-grabbing title.

Actor Wendy Crewson said Harper appeared to be boosting arts funding to shore up support.

"I think that as we've seen Stephen Harper's numbers begin to soften a bit this week, he's been struggling to regain some momentum," she told CTV Newsnet. "I think it's too little, too late. But, in fact, he does see that there's a problem and he is listening to groups who say we need more funding -- and stable funding -- for the arts."

Here are some more details from the Conservative platform:

The total cost of the four-year platform is projected at close to $8.7 billion.
The final year would be the most costly, at $2.8 billion.
It projects a cumulative surplus of $8 billion over the four years.
The platform pledges $20 million a year to help the forestry industry market its products abroad.
It also promises $1.6 billion to help manufacturing and resource industries.

It comes as governments around the world take action to protect their economies and private investors amid the fallout from the U.S. financial slowdown.

Harper also put renewed focus on the economy during Tuesday's campaign announcement, saying his government began taking steps early and decisively, over a year ago, to protect against the slowdown currently hitting the U.S.

"Due to these actions we are not in the position of having to bailout our financial sector," Harper said.

He even quoted himself warning that the economy was headed for a slowdown.

Rather than release his entire platform earlier in the campaign, Harper has rolled it out one announcement at a time, saying the media is more likely to cover the individual announcements.

The Conservative's 41-page platform is dubbed "The True North Strong and Free: Stephen Harper's plan for Canadians."

Comments are now closed for this story

Hef
said

The difference between his promises and those of the liberals is that he will actually follow through. Hey liberals, I'm still waiting for child care, the end of the GST, or you doing anything about the environment other than naming your dog Kyoto.

Stan Hayden Thunder Bay Ontario
said

At least he said something, not like the others, who haven't got enough guts to say or do anything. A 30 days of meetings, come on, it takes 30 days just to see who can attend. Another 30 days just to put an adgenda together, your getting the picture now. The crisis will be over before Dion can clear his throat. The NDP Ah lest we forget the Bob Rae days in power in Ontario. Enough already..
We have some serious problems ahead of us and I believe PM Harper will stay the course and protect Canada better than the others. As Canadians we do not listen to the actual political people running, but to the play-by play of the media as they do Hockey Night in Canada style of reporting. Leave the papers on the news stand and turn off the news, listen to what their actually saying and make up your own mind. Do you know who your canadate is??

edmchuk
said

After reading alot of these comments I actually wish for more voter apathy and a low voter turnout! ...The amount of people that make this sound like a popularity contest, or obviously only hear the occasional sound bite and haven't read & tried to understand the platforms, or base their decision on one single-minded purpose & perception...... If you can't bother to be informed and objective, do the country a favor and don't bother!!!

Lots of Conservatives in Ottawa.
said

Alberta resident:

Actually there are a lot of Conservatives in Ottawa. We also unfortunately are home to the two most disliked Liberals - the McGuinty brothers. One the Premier of Ontario whose policies have crushed the Ontario economy even before this credit crunch and David McGuinty architect of the insane Green Shift tax which would destroy Canada as we know it. Both are socialists under the Liberal banner.

We need a majority government
said

CFRA radio is indeed a very refreshing counter balance to most of the mainstream media which rarely provide a balanced account of what Conservatives stand for or believe.

Ottawa political followers are right about a minority government being a disaster at this time with a pending depression. Taxing the crap out of Canadians is NOT the answer plain and simple but that message has been lost on too many who think it's political games as usual.

David
said

It is interesting that so many of these comments appear to be nothing more than Harper bashing. Lets look back at the Liberals, they make a big deal of the Koyoto Accord which they signed. What did they do for the environment other than sign the accord, NOTHING. They did NOTHING and they say that if they don't meet the targets set out in the accord they could buy credits from other countries, who are tackling the environmental problems, in order to meet the guidelines. I can tell you that this does not make the air myself and my family breath any cleaner. And then to make matters worse they will buy these carbon credits with tax payer money. People should open their eyes and not follow their party blindly. I'm not saying I agree with everything Prime Minister Harper does but anyone who believes their party always makes the right decision is either naive or a fool.

B. Cook
said

If those who criticize Stephen Harper for just announcing the Conservative platform were to check Dion and Layton's "platforms", they would find that neither has done anything more than attack the Conservatives.
Jack Layton has 18 to 20% according to the polls and probably won't even form the official opposition BUT promises everything because he knows that he won't have to deliver anything!
Stephane Dion can't articulate the Liberals' platform in English and has Bob Rae make his comments in English for him.
Ontario remembers Bob Rae and his "Rae days", are voters going to give him a chance for more of the same?

B. Cook
Ottawa

canoe22
said

I am not debating, arguing or attempting to raise a ruckus, I am just asking a question...

Why do the vast majority of Canadians not like Harper ?

Janet
said

His platform speech was revealing especially when he compared himself with Noah. Prepared. Wonder who gets to be on his Ark?

Alberta Resident
said

Conservatives in Ottawa - Now that is the funniest thing I have heard in a long time.

Wake Up Call
said

If Stephen Harper does not form a Majority government, Stephan Dion may collude with Jack Layton to form a coalition government, then we would get the "best" of the NDP and Liberal Policies :
Green Shift
Shut Down Tar Sands
Eliminate the Capital Cost Allowance for the Oil Sands in Alberta and Saskatchewan, but not for Ontario and Quebec Industries.
Give Billions of dollars to the Lumber and Manufacturing sectors in key provinces.
Provide state mandated pediatric day housing, nursing and education facilities.
Provide state mandated geriatric day housing, nursing and therapy facilities.
Build luxury condo rehabilitation facilities to coddle criminals.
Build new residential schools to rehabilitate young offenders.
Provide free money to all kinds of parasites that do not want to contribute meaningfully to society.

Some may think this would be a wonderful new society, but I would rather quit my job and be one of the parasites than be one of the few remaining suckers who will be working to pay for it all.

Edd
said

To those of you that are ending your blog "ABC", remember where it is coming from. Danny Williams - Nfl.

It actually stands for "Anything But Canada".

Williams doesn't act like any Canadian I know. He is only interested in his own egotistical self.

Realist
said

The Harper platform at least makes sense and is affordable...not like some of the oral diarrhea we have had shoved down our throats by the NDP and the Libs
I am full expecting Jacko Layton to announce that following his majority victory we will all have a brand new cadillac in our driveways and our mortgages will be paid off for us,or four years free rent if we have an apartment....by taxing the rich,naturally!
Don't really matter what Dion says....half of us can't understand him anyway!
May will still be promising to close every factory and ban all cars and trucks,leaving us to live in caves and throw stones at passing dinosaurs!

Just hope people THINK before voting that it's about Canada,and not just what they can get out of it.

Jerry O'Connor
said

My only wish in this election is that the Conservatives "do only and just as"... other incumbent governments have done in the past in order to stay in power.

If the Conservatives have to promise the moon in order to appease and win over votes in all diversified and unique areas of Canada order to return to power in Ottawa.......THEN SO BE IT.

I would rather have it that way rather then to face the dreaded thought of having to face even one corrupt day of Liberal government in Ottawa again.

That is how disgusted I am with the Liberal corruption of the past and I refuse to even contemplate having to put up with it in the future.

JKP Ontario
said

Does anyone remember the over taxing, high debt, high interest rate years of the over spent Trudeau Liberal eara. Dion is a grandchild of that over spending, high tax grandfather government that the Mulroney Conservative party put in place the very GST (God Saveus Tax) to bail out our debt. that Jean Chretean promised to get rid of once in office, but refused to do so once he won the election and seen how good the GST was doing to pay down the debt. We all knew that the Mulroney government would only be thanked once out of office for doing it. We need to stay steady under a Harper Conservative leadership who has continued with the Billion dollar pay down of the debt. that the Mulroney government put in place. Could it be the very thing scaring the markets is a return of the Liberal government under Stefan Dion who can't control his outspoken gaffs. Even the uncertainty's of the USA election being so close could be sending the markets into tail spins. This is not the time either North American government should be influencing the markets by lowering interest rates or bailing out mismanaged corporations during an elections. Governments are to be seperate and not interfering in the markets.

Dan
said

I listened directly to Harper speak about his Platform. I did not allow the media to filter it for me. I find that is the only way to be properly informed. Harper�s plan is solid and will take the country in the right direction. All of the other parties want to raise my taxes. I already pay way too much, so please keep your hands out of my pockets.

The negative tone that Dion, Layton and Duceepe take against Harper tells me that if one of them gets into power Haper will be left out. What that means to me is that my views will be muted as I am a Harper supporter. They state that they represent all Canadians but this is only during the election. Harper is doing what he is doing for the whole country and not just his supporters.

[X]Harper

canoe22
said

When the election was first called I did not think the Liberals had a hope in heck of winning the election.

My opinion has changed, I now do think the Liberals have a chance of winning the election.

And for two very important reasons....

1. Dion kinda grows on you, the more you get to know him, the more you like him in a personal sense.

2. The more we get to know Harper the great majority of us just do not like him, in a personal sense.

Deborah
said

Gee, thanks for finally sharing your platform with us Stephen. Would have been good to know when I voted at the advance poll LAST WEEK! My vote went to a party who didn't announce their platform at the last minute.

Jay, Ottawa
said

"CFRA radio Ottawa online poll today."

CFRA is conservative radio. Of course they'd vote that way.

I wouldn't put too much faith in it being accurate.

Those who know politics best
said

CFRA radio Ottawa online poll today.

Question: In times of economic uncertainty, Canada would be better off with...

- Majority government
84.2%

- Minority government
15.7%

Ottawa folks know politics best and watch it carefully and they know a minority government in these times would be a disaster.

JP in BC
said

Thats it- I have finally decide who to vote for
I am Voting for MR FLIP FLOP of the Reform -Allience- Conservative Party
WOW- All these promises this week- just before the election- will he be this fast to TAKE IT BACK after the election

Hagios - Harper is my # 1 choice
said

Mr. Harper and his team have a good understanding on the issues facing us which is why he has been holding the line on crazy election promises.

The other leaders are free to promise anything because they don't have to come across.

Harper is the most responsible choice bar none.

.................

Now we have news about Stephane Dion stealing a speech from the US Senate sub committee in 2004!!!

How hypocritical is that?
Liberal supporters who have been bashing Mr Harper have some apologizing to do if they have any class at all. We'll see.

WM from Edmonton
said

The state of the economy is largely because of mismangagemt in the United States and the people on the left are putting all of this on Mr. Harper.
After listening to Harper today, I found him reassuring and focused. People may want to read the last few lines on Craig's list from today:"Perhaps, however, voters will be lured by the extensive spending programs offered by the Liberals and the NDP. Programs which promise protection -- and a long-term price, if the economy does not bounce back."

Ron Jefkins
said

So Harper has been planning for this economic downturn for a year ? You bet he has. That's why we are having an election a year before the next scheduled one as he saw this coming . He has a team ? Yes, of course, but none of them are allowed to speak without first being cleared by the PMO's office. He insults Ontario by allowing his finance minister to berate us ? Yes. He panders to Quebec voters ? Yes. So we may have a govt with no representation from NL or PEI and a scattering from other eastern provinces ? Just goes to show that this is not a Conservative party but simply the same ole same ole Reform party . Harper = McCain . Say anything in order to get a vote. Sad ! ABC

PM
said

MikeInVictoria,

This "decent" Prime Minister doesn't have a clue as to what he is doing. He spent millions of dollars attacking Mr. Dion and fighting the media instead of governing. Hopefully the Conservatives will have his head at their fall convention in Winnipeg and Ms. Ambrose replace this fool as leader of the Conservatives.

Brent
said

R.B. Bennett came to power AFTER the Great Depression started.

And to be fair Prime Minister King did not cause the crash of '29

WB
said

It's about time one party is willing to get tough on youth. The young offenders act etc should be tossed. Where did Dion, Layton and May check their brains. Keep it up Harper. 80% of promises kept so far. Show me another party with the guts to do what he has done.

Wayne
said

Harper was so anxious to call an election, yet he had no platform! It took him all this time to figure out why he called the election. Good luck! You sure won't get my vote. I hope most Canadian see Harper for what he really is or isn't! More promises that he will break!

Harper is in panic mode.
said

He'll promise anything this week.

DION's LIBERALS ARE HYPOCRITES TO THE MAX !!!
said

CTV affiliate CFRA radio (Ottawa) popular talk show host Lowell Green today was discussing a speech he read recently by Mr. Dion which is a direct plagiarism of a speech given before the US Senate sub committee on Global Warming in 2004.

In 2005 Dion stole the very same speech word.

Mr. Dion and his Liberals have a lot of explaining to do.....

Mike in Victoria
said

Bernadette/Windsor has it right on....DION WOULD BE A DISASTER. Finally we have a decent PM and people want to get rid of him? Wake up Canada. Vote Conservative. He did'nt announce his platform until now because the other leaders would just exploit it or steal it and trash him. Fear mongers with no real solutions.They are useless.I am so sick and tired of Dion and Layton-broken records. Right now I am worried for our country.

Layton B in Moncton NB
said

Hey,Jeff from Toronto! You said:
"I so love listening to every other party and their sheep like followers complain about Steven Harper....and his brilliant strategy...lets all just enjoy the pending Majority......"
Sounds like the words of...a sheep.

Um I am still on the fence but you know, once someone shovels enough poop down my throat, I begin to dislike the taste. And Stephen Harper has been using a steam shovel to dish out the poop. Have you noticed that it seems a little late to set out your platform? Have you notices that his platform is pocket change? The money pledged to manufacturing is little more than the margin of error on GM Canada's tax return. And its repayable. No imagination either. What about driving Green Manufacturing or I dunno trying to repatriate jobs from China and India? Sorry but Harper offers nothing. I am now HEAVILY leaning towards Dion.

Hozer in Sask.
said

Sure do love the way the politicians spend my/your hard earned money I don't believe any one of them think about anything except buying votes.

larry from waterloo
said

Say what you want you conservative bashers. Harper is running a responsible government not wasting our tax money like the liberals did. His platform has been the same all along, didnt need to hear anything new from him. He was doing a great job under a minority government, he'll do even better with a majority!!! GO HARPER GO DOWN WITH THE LIBS AND NDP THEY DON'T HAVE A CLUE just mud slingers.

The Blue Machine
said

I love watching the left wing squirm... You complaints about Harper ring hollow. As a young graduate student I don't want to be paying for the moronic social spending schemes of the Libs and NDP when half of you are gone.

Uncertain economic future = smart conservative spending. It is common sense.

Bill, Wpg.
said

Lets face it people, 95% of voters don't actually pay attention to what a party's platform is - they either vote for the party they've always voted for or they go on gut feeling based on their impression of the party leader (is the leader likeable or a doofus).

Complaining about the late release of the platform because it doesn't give voters enough time to consider it is giving most voters a lot more credit than they deserve.

BillyBob
said

I have not seen one impressive platform presented yet.

The vibes Harper, Dion, and Leyton are giving off is they'll trade you a few scraps for your vote and your financial security.

Plus I can't believe we are going to the polls already.

I'm sick of it and the only reason I'm going to go and vote is so these 3 turkeys do not get elected.

I am totally sick of the *&@#$$^ $&*#^.

BillDerBuilder
said

It is high time that Layton and Dion quite their attacks and criticisms. All they can do is cut up someone who tries his best and is succesful. Jealous?
As far as I am concerned there is no better leader at the moment than Harper. I would hate to put my confidence in any of hte other ones. They sling the mud that they made themselves. It is really beginning to look like hate propoganda. Smarten up and do your job (Dion, Layton and May.

jaymonton from E-Town
said

Give me break! How many of you actually have read any of the parties "platforms". We know what each party is all about. The conservatives don't have some hidden agenda to ruin the country. That's just crazy left-wing scare tactics. The only party and leader capable of running this country is the conservatives. I don't believe any of the other parties are capable of dealing with all the issues we are facing now and in the future.

Bruce 08
said

I agree Harper should have released his platform earlier. That does not excuse Dion and Layton for promising billions in spending when we are heading into a downturn. Would you go out for dinner and put it on your credit card if you knew you were going to be laid off in 2 weeks. Would you put it on my credit card if you knew you were going to be laid off. I bet you would. Thats what Dion and Layton are asking us to do.

Bob in Ladner,B.C.
said

I spoke to my financial planner at the Royal Bank and she reiterated what Prime Minister Harper has said all along and again what he repeated today. A good solid platform, sticking to tried and true economic principles and most importantly not spending beyond our means. As pensioners my wife and I are naturally concerned, but given the choice between panic and higher cost of living, or re-electing a true leader, the decision is clear and we support Steven Harper. I would like to learn more about the tax free, forever, savings account that the Prime Minister spoke of today.

Gord in Regina Sask
said

I am curious to know how many of those actually READ the Conservative platform instead of complaining when it was released.

I will bet that most of those who have complained of the release of the Conservatives platform had no intention of reading it anyway.

And I will also bet that the Liberal, Green and NDP platforms haven't been read in it entirety either.

Carol Krenz
said

I have never cared for the political parties -- Reform and Alliance -- which spawned this Harper guy from the get-go. His personal agenda, always hidden, contains elements for effecting social change derived from faith-based uber right beliefs, such as we see in the Bush administration.

So, now, he has lately said "we're not in an economic crisis" in the days following his call for an election (Dear Madame Jean, I ask permission to dissolve a "dysfunctional" parliament...) because he thinks Canadians are stupid enough not to know he's only trying to wrest control __before__ the major recession gets here.

Following this bouncing ball to its conclusion, now we have Steven Harper trying to curry favour with the arts communities who have turned away from him, and his pathetic attempts to cobble a "Plan" will simply not wash.

You know, the one thing all of us cannot lose sight of is another clear and present danger facing us. Climate change, environmental extreme and erosion, (like the Arctic) and the potential for more eco upset as Americans attempt drilling, and we engage in a war of control over the waters in the north.

What I see here is a very serious challenge -- we need government that forces our attention to getting on with environmental plans, and yet, how will this be possible, given the severe financial crises the global community now faces?

We need vision, strength and co-operation from Ottawa to us, and from us to Ottawa.

I think Stephan Dion may be the solution -- if only that he's clever, earnest, and can rally around him some pretty competent and able advisors, and not the flaky nut-jobs Harper seems to attract.

Ash - Ottawa
said

Suddenly, Harper decides to "Cut and Run" from Afghanistan.

Suddenly, Harper decides he was wrong in Iraq (What a flip flop).

Suddenly, Harper decides to establish a none partisan commitee for the economy (Plagarizing Dion's 30 days plan)

Suddenly, Harper restores Arts fund again, sorry I ment the "the gala crowd". (He is no longer "Staying the course")

Suddenly tax payers end up loasing 300 million dollars in election that was not warranted in time of economical crisis

Awake Nova Scotian
said

Surely interested people know that Harper has been rolling out his campaign platform plank by plank ever since the election was announced - why in the world would commenters expose their ignorance by saying he waited until now to make his platform public? Was everyone asleep or is this mass hysteria? Maybe what the first person to comment says is just copied by the rest???

TG
said

To all those who have responded to this article, it is good to hear the different responses, good or bad, positive or negative. But just remember what the real purpose of a democratic government is. It is to do what is in the best interest of the country as a whole. And while I may not agree with everything that the current government has done, and although I know they have gone back on a few of their promises, I do believe they are taking this country in the right direction. By the way, as for all the problems that we currently face in this country ( whether job, health, crime related, etc.),I think it is time we look in a mirror and see the who is to really blame for many of these problems.

Shannon
said

What is wrong with the people posting here and the voters of Ontario? Too little, too late? What are you talking about? Harper has been working for us all along!!!!!! Not just during the campaign!!!!! Do you all want the Green Shift? Do you want it during this economic mess? Now that is something to be afraid of!!

Harper for majority !!!!!!

KMC
said

In Ottawa there's the Conservative Party FIVE opposition Parties:
1. The Liberals
2. The NDP
3. The Bloc
3. The Greens
5. The National Media

James
said

I'm appalled that they are releasing their platform NOW. I placed my vote last Friday! I mean, the Conservatives called the election - you think they'd be the first ones to be ready with a platform. What a joke! Were they so blinded to the fiscal pressures on the country that they figured they could coast through the elections without even coming out with a budget platform??

Mike In Ottawa
said

Every thing else aside & I mean every thing, this is not fair to the Canadian people, who now have only a few days to make a decision. PERIOD!!! Way to Ruin a Long Weekend Mr. Harper!!! It�s not like we don�t already have enough to worry about I guess is it?

Rick from Edmonton
said

It may be a bit unnerving to some that the Conservatives waited this long to roll out their platform in it's entirety. People have a whole week still to review what they propose and don't forget Harper has been giving out pieces of it right through the campaign. As for me I like it coming out now because its coming from the governing party and that gives me something to solidify my vote. The other parties had their chance to reveal their plans, and yes they do have a plan, but just because they have one doesn't mean its a good one.

Liberal Plan:

Scare monger and make people believe that the Liberals are the messiah of Canada. Green shift businesses right out of the country(run them out through targeted taxation), so that you can make more people dependent on the state for support (EI after the jobs that these business provided evaporate into carbon tax.

NDP Plan:

Tax, tax, and tax more in order to return money to those who don't pay as much tax. That is called equality in the NDP dictionary. How do you make sound economic choices within your household income? Answer: give your money to the government and the government can make your choices.

Conservatives:

Stay the course, just as Harper PLANNED when he SAW this coming. He told everyone, but of course the other parties will call him a liar, dishonest etc. because they don't like that he has "a plan" already in place.

Its too bad that Canadians cannot see the unjust ridicule that is coming from the opposition. Calling names and acting like children. I don't want these kind of leaders and their unproven plans.

Let's give Harper a chance to do this right.

Paul out West
said

First Harper and his Conservatives pass regressive legislation to censor artists' artworks, and cut funding to artists, now when they are slipping in the election polls because Canadians see through their thin veneer they say, Whoops, better back off until we get a majority.

They also misrepresent the Dion Liberal Economic Plan which reduces income taxes for low and middle income earners as well as protecting savings and investment.

If you don't pollute and use cleaner technologies you will save even more.

Now that fuel costs are coming down to the $1.00 level, what's another 2 cents. We pay that in BC and our economy is doing well despite Harper, particularly with the current price of fuel.

To have a cleaner, healthier environment we get a reduction in our income taxes to help offset a possible increase in fuel expenses that goes toward investment in cleaner technologies. Sounds progressive to me.

Canada can rock again and lead the world in cleaner, more efficient technologies.

Mark G.
said

It is obvious that Mr. Harper listens to the people. Those who support the Liberals should remember all the scandals and fiascos such as the sponsorship scandal,the HRDC boondoggle,tainted blood,GST flip-flop,shawinigate and the list goes on.Canada needs a break from the Liberal"good ole boys club".How easy we forget how the Liberals have brought us this world of crime and poverty.Mr. Harper has my confidence and vote.

Diane M.
said

People can go ahead and vote for the team and not the leader.Just remember,a team doesn't do too well without a good coach.

Niagara George
said

The debates have been completed. The advanced polls have taken place.

Now is not the time to be releasing your platform. That should have happened weeks ago.

The leader has become the follower. The polls didn't show it at first, but the Cons have sputtered with each step of the campaign.

Harper and friends are going down. His arrogant, "Canadians are doing fine..." during the debate, demonstrates how out of contact this man is with the workers of our country.

I would hope that no one making less than $100 000 a year considers putting their vote on the Conservative candidate.

Greg - Signs and Wonders
said

Too little too late.....

The jobs are gone and not coming back.

This so-called rescue plan should have been launched 2 years ago. Had it been, Flaherty wouldn't have a pile of boots on his doorstep

Dave Williams, PhD.
said

H - Hidden
A - Agenda
R - Revealed
P - Please
E - Elect
R - Republicans

There you go ... the people have eventually caught the fraud!

Del (Victoria La La Land)
said

Well, as my old school marm used to say," a cool hand is a lot better than a shaky foot. Yes , I too have already voted . I just hope it's a majority Steve.

Chris in Edmonton
said

May I clarify, Harper did not add cash to the Arts. He simply backed away from a plan to try to censor film and television.

This was a good move, key to maintaining the industry. He saved thousands of jobs in abandoning his party's cultural control strategy in this.

But he added no cash, not even promising to revise his many harsh cuts. Let's be clear about this.

Stephen M.
said

This is typical of Mr. Harper, he is trying to buy votes. However, it is too little too late, and more importantly Canadians see through his desperate tactics. The current trends will continue until election day, and Dion will be PM. The Canadian economy will be saved.

Chris Crosswell
said

Harper in no way can be ever trusted he again has proven that by waiting till the last minute to show what platform ?I just hope that Dion can take this election he has worked hard for it and he will show that he is a good leader.

Wake Up Canada!!!!!!
said

The Conservative Platform is the same things that they been saying the whole election.
To those of you that all you do is B&C about the Conservatives and are going to vote Liberal/NDP check think about this:

CARBON TAX:
- kill the Canadian economy because we are dependant on diesel, natural gas, propane for barbques, etc. The cost will be passed down to us. And oh by the way, it won't do anything for the environment

- To the Newfoundlanders: voting Liberal is just going to cut your own throats. You finally have a strong economy. Do you think it will survive after a tax designed to destroy the oil/resource industry that is leading your economy?

ECONOMY:
- The last thing we need in the economic downturn is tax and spend governments like the Liberals and NDP

- I agree that the Liberals had huge surpluses but at what cost? High taxes, not paying down the debt, fantastic spending programs like the HDRC, Ad Scam, Shawinigate

- The NDP have never formed a national government. Provinical wise the NDP destroyed places like Saskatchewan, BC and oh yes Ontario (remember Bob Rae - who is now a Liberal)

LEADERSHIP
- Only the weak will call names, point fingers but won't tell the Canadian people why they should be the leaders

- I do not want a PM that still maintains his French Citizenship. Why is that Stephane? Is it because if you don't cut it as the Liberal leader you can take your side show to France?

- We also need a leader that will unite the country. Do you think that if Dion is PM that the Western Provinces are going to stay? They won't put up with a Carbon Tax

Harper for Canada

Ian
said

The conservatives don't get my vote. I voted today in advance polling and I didn't chose them because I didn't know enough about their plan

M B Ont
said

It's really sad that so many Canadian people have not realized that Mr Harper has been laying out his platform all along . I have voted NDP, Liberal in the past and never Conservative until I voted for Harper in the last election. I vote according to what the Leaders of the Parties are promising, not for me, but for the Canadian people. I do not want to be taxed to death, but I do want to have a job and I want to see all Canadians have jobs to support themselves. Poverty is rampart in Canada so to raise taxes is ridiculous. It will only increase Poverty.
Let's vote for a strong Leader that we have had the last 2 yrs . He is the best we have had in a long time. He is smart and is firm and it's too bad if those qualities don't appeal to all of you critics out there.

RobO
said

Well, it seems that the people here still love name calling aspect. But after reading the comments posted, I truely am wondering why I ever served in the Military for this country.

All I read here is how people want this country to be torn up and split apart. Can't the people of this country see that all the leaders are playing the EAST VS WEST.

Then we get the people from the left calling our PM, Bush junior. My god, have we no respect for anybody these days or did the manners that you parents should of taught you get tossed out the window. GREAT EXAMPLE FOR OUR CHILDREN!

This whole page of complaints and name calling is a disgrace to our nation. We are not children who write these post are we.

If people really think that we have it so bad that we as a nation must resort to this form of one upmenship. Then I as a member of our socitey am disgusted.

If everyone truely wanted to see change, try visiting a 3rd world country were they don't even have 10% of the rights that we as CANADIANS take for granted.

We should all learn to grow up and read between the lines.

SHAME ON THE CANADIAN PEOPLE!

EG,Toronto
said

Mr. Harper released his platform only after the advanced polls were concluded. In effect, he did not allow a substantial number of voters to clarify their position as to who would be the best party to run the country in these harsh economic times before they had to vote. Is this really democracy?

Advocate
said

So now taxpayers will be funding pornography once again. Just name your perversion and the Quebec arts community will demonstrate in support of federal funding to put it up on the screen...and we all must pay for it.

FreakAlert
said

History will eventually convict this Prime Minister, Harper, as being one of the worst PMs, next to Mulroney, that have done the most harm to this country

Roger
said

I listened to the Harper platform release on TV.
It was stunning in the greastest sense of the word how immediately after the event how reporters misquoted, misinterpeted, and bumbled the facts of what Harper just presented. This is not the first time, probably won't be the last. However, it is also stunning that upon review of posted comments (not just this article)that the comments have an erie thread of the same misquotes, same bumbled facts, and misinterpations created by these so called reporters.
It is one thing for these reporters to insert their opinions, it is quite another to distort clear facts. I am told that this is typical and if I were to look closely the common thread are the reporters own bias. As far as the media managers are concerned I think that it is shameful to pretend you have your news team reporting the facts when you are in fact participating in the polictical spin. The report I saw today immediatly after would had recieved not only a failing grade at the school of journalism it would have been rated substantially incomplete and missing the core of what was the news story.

L.A.
said

The only poll that counts is the one on election day. My parents came through the Great Depression. Imagine living in a time when there was no money, no welfare, no unemployment insurance, no tax credits....just live hand to mouth and survive by the sweat of your brow and your determination to save a dollar and stay in good health. There wasn't any healthcare at that time either. Canada has become too socialist, too many social programs. Seems like people want something for nothing and the mentality that the "government" should pay. Well, we the people are the government, and we all pay in high taxes, deficits and debts. Faced with an economic crisis you don't open your wallet or write cheques or charge up things on credit that you couldn't afford otherwise. I expect our government to do the same.

jorel64
said

GTA...
6000 artists "sharing" $58,673,000 over a period of 3 years tramslates to just under $9,800 each. A "welfare way of living"? Do you have any idea how much money an artist spends on materials, studio rental, recording time, editing, etc...or perhaps you think they only need a set of crayolas like the one you have.

Art in Alberta
said

How is one week before voting to announce your platform supposed to help those who had to pre-vote! Clearly a fine example of Steven Harper's inefficency and ineffectiveness to lead his party. How can anyone believe he can run our country!

Rick from Edmonton
said

I would really like to know from all the nay sayers what they do not like about this platform instead of complaining about when it was released.

Harper and the Conservatives have been saying all along that they have already been dealing with this "Wall Street" problem and putting measures in place to reduce the bleeding.

The only thing new here is the reversal on the tax credits for artists and film makers and $400M in loans to the technology and manufacturing sector.

Everything else had been previously announced if you had been listening.

I wish people would make decisions on the real issues and stop being little cry babies over when something was announced. At least they came out with it unlike Trudeau when the Liberals took down Joe Clarks minority.

Can anyone else tell me what Dion and Liberal�s platform on the economy is other than �we will make a plan within 30 days of being elected� If that satisfies you I have a used car for sale.

A Winnipeg
said

I can't see the reason for all these snide remarks and complaints about Harper releasing his platform late in the game. It's all strategic planning; isn't that what campaigning and politics are all about? If you want to win the political game, you'll better hope to be a smart strategist. Whether Harper's strategy will succeed or not will soon be determined, but it is certainly a trivial issue (if one at all) for voters or the other parties to complain about - or are they complaining because they wished they thought of the idea before him? If any of these people want to avoid this 'freedom-to-strategize' incident, then lay out some clear cut rules. Besides, there are much more important, true issues that we voters and the parties should focus on than stabbing each other because of such minor, downright insignificant, details.

Danny in Ontario
said

To Sid in MTL: nice phrase "snake in the grass",but I prefer to call him a "snkke in the bush." As for the rest of the voters I have 2 questions:
1) How much of Canada does Canada relly own?, and 2) Are you waitng to learn the American National Anthem?

andyzagg
said

Fraud

Mario
said

released his plan after the debates so he wouldn't be challanged

OR

realeased a plan because he was critized for not having one.

PICK WHICHEVER ONE YOU LIKE. HARPER IS PANICKING.

For his supporters, wake up and smell the coffee.

Harper was expecting to coast to a majority, keep his plans under wraps because he knows most canadians don't support his right winged agenda.

Now he is running scared.

I am not a big fan of Dion, BUT he was part of the team that balanced our books and nursed an ailing economy back to health.

I am voting LIBERAL because of the team, not the leader.

Jacqueline, Ontario
said

2 votes for Harper in our house! No new taxes!!!!

Asleep at the Wheel
said

May's argument is the weakest. If people voted Conservative in advanced poling, they would have done so no matter what, they had already made up their minds. If people did not vote Conservative I doubt that having a full platform would convince them to change their vote. If people did not vote for the Green Party, how does the conservative platform help her?

Sylvester De Souza
said

Harper is a wolf in sheep's clothing. This man promised that there would not be another election until the end of his term - he saw the ratings were in his favour and called for a new election to try and get a majority govt. Beware of this stooge of the US.

Brian from Manitoba
said

Well done Mr. Harper. A perfectly run election, above board, honest and to the point.
Congratulations as well for not sinking into the muk of the debates and appearing as the only person with Prime Ministerial appeal.
Releasing a platform, after releasing points from it all the way along, seems quite reasonable.
I haven't heard the word 'Kyoto' in some time from Mr. Dion. And let's not forget the Liberal legacy; the reason the Conservatives are in power in the first place: corruption, greed, mismanagement, overtaxation (huge surpluses were from your and my pockets), the Gun registry,... on and on.
I really can't beleive people would support a "Brand" with such a disgusting heritage.
I am looking forward to a Conservative majority with representation from the historical roots (west), Quebec, Atlantic Canada, and an Ontario that wants to be "in" not out...
Mr. Dion, your pandering and truly ungenuine falseness sickens me.
Mr. Layton, your Platform presents great difficulties in times ahead, but as a "conscience" to a Harper Majority government, I welcome you as leader of the opposition.
Mrs. May; sorry you won't win your seat but am hoping you can get a representative elected into parliment.
Mr. Duceppe; why do you debate with 'National Leaders' - your only hope it to split the vote and continue to resurect the need for Quebec to leave Canada. Canada is better off with Quebec and Quebec is better of with Canada.
Mr. Harper, congratulations in advance, for your majority.

M B Ont
said

To Ian from N.B.
I didn't know that people's savings turning to dust was Harper's fault, nor would it be the fault of any Prime Minister no matter which party. The stock market is controlled by Investors... not gov'ts. Sheesh, this is ridiculous to think everything in our country is Harper's fault!!

Pip
said

So, bloggers here objected when Harper did not put out a platform. Now they complain because he has. What do they want? Harper to turn into a Liberal?

O brave new world, that has such people in it! (apologies to The Bard)

PM
said

Look Steve. A real leader needs a plan and not panic. What you did this morning and releasing this belated plan was panic. If you didn't like being the leader of a Minority Parliament, it is time you head back to the opposition side of the House and allow a real leader run this country.

Garrett Lamb
said

People contributing to this website reaffirm the Greek's belief that the average person is ill-equipped to deal with democracy.

Just look at history people. Harper is at least moderately more virtuous than Dion. None of these leaders are perfect and our media is unabashedly left-wing bias. Historically this situation has given Canadians little or no choice.

So stop the petty name calling and at least make an attempt to understand the circumstances facing every Canadian voter.

Oh, and the arts have no place being funded by the public - that was a horrible Conservative flip-flop. But you could argue that they are listening.

Royal Canadian
said

Flippppp... floppp

Dude will do anything for a vote.

next thing you know, Harper will find his courage say we are not withdrawing from Afghanistan until the mission is done instead of cut and running.

JPF
said

Oh, he can change. He used to be a Reform party member, which changed to Alliance, which changed to Conservative. That man knows change.

Piper
said

TO LATE.

Mutt from Windsor
said

harper's platform has been his leadership over the last two years, leading by example, keeping most of his promises, and not yelling fire in crowded theatres like the Opposition. What good is a Platform if you have no intention of making good or having to answer to the electorate? Remember the Lieberals Red Book? Leadershp under fire, cool and collected, living within our means, without taxing Cdns to death. What do we get from the Lieberals- big spending and big taxes and a Green Shi(a)ft that will kill our ailing manufacturing and resource industry. From Layton- promise everything and let those with a job or business pay for it, because the NDP believe that Cdns are too weak or hooked on thier social programmes to fend for themselves, living on the dole like the Aussies say. Liz May - her hair' s on fire and I cant make out what she's screaming about. Her solution is to bash Harper for everything. Cdns deserve and have better with Harper's leadership.

Enzo DiVito
said

Vinny from Wpg

I have had both Liberal and Conservative governments Whenever there is a conservative government the country goes down - high unemployment, high interest the country seems to stand still. Liberal government tend to invest in the country and its people. low interest, low unemployment. Remember you have to spend money to make money.

E.P.
said

Harper has been telling all along what his platform is. Pay attention folks. Just starting worring about paying Dion's carbon tax that he is trying to hid hoping we have short memories then when is brings it in he will say "I told you I would"

H.D. Parker
said

How low can the Cons get? Posting a platform after the advance polls!!!! What next?

ON deserves better
said

I read this, and many of the responses, and they're really all over the board.
Fact is, I don't run with some Conservative ideals, and I don't trust Harper - I just don't. I know he's been pretty straight forward about 'not making big changes', and yes, he's basically been laying his ideas out for us... But even so, should his official 'Platform' not be released before voting begins? Not to mention his flip-flops on the arts issue... sure, see if he keeps that 'promise' after he's elected - and to those who supported his prior position and voted for Steve because of it... how do you feel now?

But I don't really trust any of them. I have little to no confidence in Dion leading the Liberals, and come on, we all know that if this 'Green Shift' plan happened, the consumer would be picking up the tab in the end. I wish that weren't the case, because I would like to see us do more for the environment...

While I have ideals that run well with many NDP/LIberal ideas, I have more common sense then to expect that we could afford what they want to do... and if you're going to vote Conservative, because you can't stand the taxes, hey, I get it... but I don't want to hear ANY of those people whining for any kind of social programming, and better medical care... Where do you think money for that comes from?

In reality, I can only hope the Cons don't get a majority. So, where does that leave me as a voter...?
Honestly, this will be the toughest choice I've had yet in an election... But i know I can't go for the party that says out loud "Don't invest in Ontario". That's all I know.

Phil
said

Yeah, like the Liberals plan- If elected we will hold meetings for a month to come up with a plan. Come on.

Will -Winnipeg
said

The reason Harper waited so long is so the two other "national" parties could not copy their policies as they usually do.

PVT
said

Changing policy on arts funding is NOT flip-flopping. Last I heard we lived in a democracy and in a democracy, leadership is supposed to represent the will of the people. Apparently the Conservatives feel that their original policy re: arts funding was not well received by the majority of the populace so they changed it to reflect the will of the people. THAT IS HOW DEMOCRACY SHOULD WORK. Unlike Liberal leaders of the past who promised to do things (abolish GST) or to not do things (gut health care), Mr. Harper is willing to forgoe his personal interests and properly represent the electorate. Bravo for a taste of true democracy. Bravo for Mr. Harper and the Conservatives.

Jim Mills
said

Flip flopping on Arts funding the hypocrite. How can you trust Stephen Harper???

Colin
said

"Now...time for the rest of us to try and help the gullible few that will look at Harper like bad boyfriend and hope to change him or love him for what he is."

Oh yes please come and try and "help" me because I don't share your assinine opinions. please. Come knock on my door and tell me how gullible I am. I can't wait.

I guessing your going to be shocked at how many us "few" are come election time.

Happy whinning Libs. Lets hope the NDP doesn't catch you.

READ THE PLATFORM BEFORE COMPLAINING
said

Did you all read the platform before opening your trap? There is nothing new in the platform, Harper has been releasing it all along, it is just now documented. So, for those of you who are mad about him releasing it so late, think again..he's already released it and stuck by it! VOTE HARPER FOR A MAJORITY...SAVE OUR COUNTRY...VOTE HARPER...HE IS THE ONLY ONE TO HELP US SURVIVE THE GLOBAL TURMOIL!

Phil
said

Conservative's $8 billion platform vs. the Liberal's $80 billion platform. Which do y'all think is better during a global economic slowdown?

Charles Reid, Nanaimo
said

Well, now all those who haven't been paying attention know that the Conservative platform is exactly what they have been saying all through the campaign. Stay the course, don't panic with scaterbrain knee jerk reactions made up on the fly, and keep spending under control, except for where it can help any slow down. Above all, no more debt.
Now, it's up to the voters. Stay the course with the man, who has already put us in the best position to ride out the storm, or go for some panic, made up, untried measure by someone else.

Sean - Chatham, ON
said

The Opposition parties can say anything they like, and promise the moon, the sky and the stars above knowing that they won't have to make good on anything. They KNOW they can't keep those promises. And if they were to get into power, they will wring their hands and wail that "things have changed", or they will blame the Conservatives for "leaving them with no money" or any number of excuses they've laid the ground work for during this election. Think back to Dalton McGuinty! Looks like his brother took their "kitchen table talk" to Ottawa there, cause it sure worked in Ontario didn't it?

And of course, the public will eat it up and graciously forgive them, because with the help of many media outlets, the Opposition has once again managed to demonize the Conservatives to the point that Canadians are willing to believe anything the Liberals care to say about the Conservatives.

Who expects the Government to do what every single Canadian family has to do in tough economic times? Who expects the Government to cut out the luxuries and focus instead on the necessities? Who expects the Government to be cautious and take small steps instead of jumping wildly into unproven and untested theory?

Oh wait. That would be Canadian Conservatives and the Conservative Party of Canada.....

M in Ottawa/Ontario
said

I truly hope the most Canadians would realize the following:

1- The worst-kind of decisions now would be to increase taxes (Carbon tax or otherwise) on corporations and businesses. Why? because: a) It will only strengthen the economical recession, b) It will do nothing to create new jobs and C) Eventually, It will actually lead us into a deep deficit. That's A B C Economics.

2- People do trust strong leaders during time of turbulences. Weak leaders cause more disasters. Mr.Dion is probably one of the weakest leader among the Western leaders.

Please remember to blame only yourselves when you see the cost of everything going UP as result of the "Green Shaft" and its own associated scandals.

ZH in BC
said

A solid and prudent platform for difficult economic times. Too bad he will not be able to implement it as we are undoubtedly heading for another minority government. Instead of making wise economic decisions, he will have to pander to the minority interests of Dion, Layton and the Bloc who will then turn around and blame Harper for the failure of his policies.

All the ABC people out there are so close-minded it obstructs rational thought. Have you even looked at what Harper is offering? This platform is not new - most of what he is proposing has already been said before so he has not given us one week to look at it. Moreover, compared to the green tax/shift it is leagues ahead and will be far better for Canada in the long run.

Dion had the opportunity to vote against numerous Harper initiatives but had no spine to do so in the last parliament. He is not a leader and he has no real platform. Most of the Liberal campaign has been simply mudslinging at Harper. What are we voting FOR if we vote for him? ...

norman31
said

Mr. Dion,

Harper has cancelled his plans to reduce arts funding.

Will you cancell your plans to eliminate pension splitting for seniors.

You promises sound like Robin Hood but are more in line with the Sherrif of Nottingham

Ram Punchington
said

Who cares about Quebec? They can't run an airport (Mirabel), they can't keep the Grand Prix, they used to be the financial centre of Canada but scared off biggest companies. Nothing the Federal Government can do will satisfy them, So. Why. Bother?

OntarioNeedsALeader
said

To those of you whining about being "in the dark" until now: get a grip. Tory positions on key issues have been on their website forever, and platforms are just paper. Platforms only became popular a few elections ago, and are largely a waste of time. Try doing some research. Or you can just vote ABC like other lazy lemmings.

OntarioNeedsALeader
said

Andrew
said

The Conservative Party of Canada HAS been releasing their platform incrementally since the beginning of the election. HELLO!

Dino from Burlington
said

Harper is THE leader

Dion, Layton and the other want to be him

Harper wants to lead us to greatness

The others want to lead us to greater socialism and taxation

They predict doom and gloom and tax and spending

Harper been on the offensive for 2 years doing whats right for Canadians, he's been running his platform

The others are weak

Harper is strong

Susan
said

So Harper FINALLY "decides" what his platform is. How interesting that one minute he wants to put the reigns on artistic endeavours and the next, when it looks like Quebec and others don't like that, well that's not so. He'll change his mind on other things as the fancy hits him (set elections fo example) if he is given a majority gov't. I hate to see what'll happen to Public Health Care, given his history (as Ms May pointed out in the debates), if he gets his planned for majority.

Think About This
said

Come on folks I mean do you really want to vote Liberal so that you can be taxed more?? Go ahead and read the platform for the Liberals and then tell me that all of the people of Canada including the elderly and the disabled can afford to pay more for utlities and the gas to get them to the Dr's. Its really not fair the way Mr Dion says you'll get it back at tax time. How many promises have been broken??? You know darn well that it wont happen, you'll pay more out but get nothing back. I cant afford to pay more for utilites than what we pay now. We are like so many out there who are scared. Be smart during this election. Read about he Liberals and NDP before you vote for them. Dont judge the Conservatives because you dont like Mr Harper, his ideas are good ones and stable ones to help not only the businesses but the small people like us who live paycheque to paycheque. We need someone who wont tax us to death but instead help us to stimulate the economy and what better way then to leave more money in our pockets, to spend on other things that we need. That is good business sense.

FLIP FLOP FOR THE ARTS!
said

Flippity floppity - it seems the ARTS are suddenly important to Harper now that he realizes he's lost too many Quebec votes.

Oh and now it seems that a deficit is a possibility down the road for Harper (his own words).

Nice to see a platform AFTER advanace polling has already taken place - that's what I'd expect from a party that was trying to evade/deceive it's electors.

GP/Montreal
said

Let me first write by saying all politicians have hidden agenda's and not one is better than the other. But the smug look and body language that Mr. Harper exhibits are a true indication of what kind of person and leader he really is. He is a very secretive person and when he wants to represent the Canadian public he better be sharing his ideologies with his constituents. We need a leader that is going to treat the government like a business and develop lean technologies to run it as efficiently as possible. Our manufacturing sector is devastated and that is what drives our economy, we need the companies to invest in factories that will produce 7000 jobs like the auto industry. It is vitale to bring the middle class back for they are the driving force to pay taxes that our government uses to attract business. Cities like Windsor are dying and we need a leader that will take the bull by the horns and drive change, staying the course will result in total failure. I believe in Mr. Dion's philosophy of bringing together a group of experts that way every Canadian will have the best people looking after our interests. A great leader surrounds himself with the best people.

John from Alberta
said

I don't believe that the current economic situation that seems to be affecting the world, not just Canada, can be fixed with knee-jerk policies that are being proposed by the liberals and NDP. There is no easy fix for this problem. Our current government has so far been able to handle the economy while keeping a balanced budget and that is good enough for me. Mr. Harper realized that he made some policy mistakes and appears to have tried to right his wrongs. I feel holding off until the last minute is a smart stragety move on the Conservatives part. As someone else said, people will remember until voting day.

Michael Purcell
said

Politicians can't win. If they make a bad policy decision people accuse them of not listening to Canadians. If they listen and change their mind they are accused of pandering. I think the Canadian electorate must bear some share of the blame for the abysmal state of politics in Canada.

Greg in the Hammer
said

"It wasn't raining when Noah built the Arc"

Beautiful. Paints an apt picture of Dion and Layton running around now screaming fire fire fire. The government began to take action on this almost a year ago.

No panic, no throwing money at an issue.

Measured reasonable actions.

God help us if the Liberals squeek one out.

JKW in Calgary
said

Hello people, most of the platform was outlines during the campaign and over the last 2 and a half years....I recall numerous platforms in past eletions put out by the Liberals, but mostly I remember the promises in them that WERE NOT KEPT!!!

John Winston (Ottawa)
said

That's not a leader...it's a YoYo in a sweater ;-)

Ron Fralick
said

The title says it all: "Stephen's Harpers Plan' (not the Conservatives).
A one man show !!! Where'
s the dmoracy ??

Bruce 08
said

Harper still has my vote. Dion will cancell income splitting for seniors and protect pensions at the same time.....I'm still shaking my head.

Ed Samson From NL
said

I'm just a little tired of reading that Mr Harper is a trained Economist. Read his Bio, he has a Masters Degree in Economics, and from what I can read he has had very little backgroung in practical economics. A degree dosn't make one and expert. Only experience does that. The fact is Danny Williams, a VERY successfull buisness, man has a stronger background in practical economics and more knowledge of what makes the Economic Engine of this great country run smoothly.
From what I can find in my research Mr Harper has very little experience at doing anything worthwhile.

Brett in Montr�al
said

Flip Flop Flip Flop -- all Harper tries to do is BUY my vote and it will not work. Canada knows the truth about Steve and his programs and we aren`t buying it.Too little too late Steve.

Chas
said

I voted yesterday (Oct 6) since I have to be in Ottawa on the 14th (punishment from an earlier life I think). Anyway, no plan from Harper - no vote for Harper.

Barb in Calgary
said

I hope and I am sure that Quebecers (or anyone for that matter) are smarter than to beleive his about face. If this man gets a majority he will do another about face with the Arts funding. It's insulting that he puts his platform out 1 week before an election is called and expects people to beleive he has had one all along after all he called this election. He waited to hear all the others so he could try and up them. Good try Harper but I voted already.
[X] Liberal

Disgusted at all the Blame
said

I am getting so frustrated at all you negative people. Can you not see that Harper is the best thing that Canada has ever had. BLAME BLAME BLAME is all you can do. He has diffused this economic situation better than any other leader could have. No matter how well of a job he does, we are NOT immune to the economic turmoil that is going on worldwide. Grow up and quit blaming him for something he cannot have control over. He is NOT god...but he is the best choice for Canada. You will all be negatively impacted far worse than today if you vote for the others. He is on the right track, slow and steady. You can't expect miracles overnight, but he's doing a fine job. He's calm and focused and thinks strategically before making his plans public. Think outside the box for once people! He is a common sense thinker and I hope he gets the majority he deserves. Shame on all you that are blaming him for what is happening globally.

GTA
said

The 3 year period from 2004-2007, some 6000 artists shared $58,673,000. These are not first time recipients and make up about 1.4% of all the artists. This is not a helping hand to get started it is a welfare way of life. Shame on them abusing our taxpayers money.

patricia
said

Harper is so arrogant and complacent that he waited till opposition parties revealed their platforms and now he is making up his own platform to reflect and copy from the other parties. He was too incompetent to do his own platform, he does not know what Canadians want and he lets opposition parties do all the work for him. And now he is changing his mind again about arts programs, it truly shows he has no idea how to lead. This is not a man Canadians need to lead this country, especially during these difficult times. This is embarrassing to have such a man attempting to lead us, when it is clear he is taking us down into the gutter. He is destroying the integrity of this country. He has no clear vision for Canadians, his plan is just to sit back and let the economy destroy us all. We need someone that has some passion and vision for this country, we need someone who will take action on behalf of Canadians. Dion is a great man, the most intelligent, with passion, has the best team, and has a vision in the best interest of Canadians and our country.

Ted
said

We have never had a PM with such arrogant contempt for voters, the press and free speach. He does he think he is. He's giving me a few days to digest his platform which I'm sure will never be implemented, especially the Ontario part. He works for his own Big Ego and Big Oil.

Trevor
said

This whole election campaign has been the pits. Canada and the Canadian media continue to divide the country piece by piece through slanting of information to the party of choice for the day.

I am completely not in favour of another minority government! And if the media keeps up this spin, the next government if it is a minority will not last as long and will cost taxpayers yet again more money within less than 2 years.

The country is deeply divided by party lines, and the cbc, ctv, and cpac should feel deeply guilty for the ridiculous handling of the debates. 5 leaders and basically a 4 against 1 free for all.

Yes, as a conservative, Harper's performance wasn't stellar during the debates, but other than Jack Layton's knock out punch on Dion, none of the party leaders performances were great.

This will be most interesting to see where the country goes and votes. I pray we end up with a majority to end this back and forth non-sense of going to the polls because Canadian's keep electing minority governments!

Paul in BC
said

It's obvious Harper is "panicking" with the much belated "platform." Many Canadians have already voted and the Conservatives had no plan, no platform to present to them.

Sorry Mr. Harper you have already crashed your campaign, backing out of the crash won't wash. Do you honestly believe the people of Canada, including our friends in the Province of Quebec are going to buy this banged up used car from you? Reversing the arts policy smacks of political opportunism; we see through it, so sad, too bad.

John Harris
said

There is obvious truth to Harper's assertion that the Canadian economy is better equipped to handle a downturn than the US.
The opposition leaders have charged that he is doing nothing while, in fact, he has already done a lot to ensure that we are in good economic health.Credit where due.

spaz
said

Layton and Dion are at their best being critical of others.
Layton's idea of helping the working man.......to the detriment of companies is a foolish idea. Does Jack have any idea of what it take to run a successful company ????
Unless those same companies he is critical of, make a profit, then how will they afford to expand the workforce ??????
Dion's green shift plan will tax the companies into moving off shore.....OOOOPPPS
Perhaps the NDP and the Liberals should talk merger.

It certainly will not be a big jump for BOB RAE

George ON
said

New Webster's dictionary defintion of flip-flop: cancel arts funding to those you don't like, then later change your mind when your lead slips in the polls.

Jay
said

"The Conservatives are cancelling plans to put government control over which artists receive federal grants..."

Last week at the debates he said Canadians weren't concerned about the econoncy and that the U.S problems wouldn't spill over the border.

In an interview today his indicators "may" now be pointing to deficit

Flip flop...flip flop...flip flop.

After all his accusations from him against the others it looks like these will come back to haunt him as he has underestimated the concern of Canadians.

As the polls start to dip this starting to take the tone of a clock ticking.

Al
said

What is the platform to deal with the economy for the Liberals? I don't trust them 30 days AFTER they are elected to give us a plan. That's not a plan.

What is the NDP strategy? More taxes to corporations? NEWSFLASH!! Corporations don't pay taxes if they LOSE money. Who you gonna tax Jack?

Matt
said

You know what I am sick of, the Harper Governments flip flopping on issues just to secure votes, especially those votes in Quebec.

One more week and hopefully Canadians will show him the door!

CAROL FROM MISSISSAUGA
said

Mr Harper is not arrogant, he's extremly intelligent. Scares a lot of ya don't it?
Go Steve Go!!! He's had my vote from the get go!

DG
said

Our country is in the best shape it has been in years, we have lower taxes, not in deficit, stable economy. If everyone who is complaining about the platform being delivered too late had been listening to the campaign since the beginning they would know what it would have said. If you want this country to continue to prosper in times that are sure to get harder there is only one leader to consider, Harper

Matthew in Ottawa
said

Who called for an election again?

And who was the last to reveal his platform? Did the election catch Harper by surprise?

Make no mistake, Harper is a lot of things, but he's no fool. This is a calculated move. May have been a MIScalculation but we'll see on the 14th...

Missy
said

It is funny how Harper now withdraws his former fund cuts to the Arts... No wonder... he made half the countyr upset about this, and now he has to take it back. He may promise to change his stance, but that's a lie... He will never invest back into the arts like the government used to... Since when does one man have this authority anyway? I thought he governed a body that represents the people... not tells the people what is going to happen. Not Impressed!

Dave from Calgary
said

For it to be 41 pages, it must have alot of pictures and really big letters.
Nothing more than thrown together at the last minute, pandering to get votes.
A platform based on polls.

Diane M.
said

Jack Layton had it right -the liberals supported the Conservatives 43 times in Parliament. They either sat on their hands,walked out,or didn't show up for key votes. Dion was a horrible oppositon leader,being that he wasn't one at all. You have it right,Jack, what is he doing running for Prime Minister? He made a mockery of Parliament and did not do the job his constituents hired him to do.Pathetic and irresponsible.

bella in ottawa
said

"The Conservatives are cancelling plans to put government control over which artists receive federal grants -- a move that enraged the arts community, especially in Quebec where the party is desperate to gain ground."

Desperate move by a desperate man. He's seeing what's happening in Quebec and thinks this is going to win him votes there? People aren't stupid. This is a "shore me some votes tactic". And according to his platform he's found some money for the auto sector?? Give me a break. Where was this when they needed it earlier. Now who's panicking?

Dd
said

Surprise, surprise. They waited five weeks to do this to gauge Canadian response and mold their platform to fit irregardless of their real intentions. Like last time, they'll forget or simply break half their promises.

Gee...which ones to believe???

Sorry, Steve. It isn't going to work.

ABC

Denis le Frog
said

Funny how the environment quickly takes a back seat when the all mighty dollar is in peril! Economics come and go while the environment problems just come and don't go unless we do something about it. Canadians have to realize that priorities will change no matter what. Keep pushing back real solutions for economy's sake and see what's left for your kids and grand kids in 50 years. Economy will slowly be replaced by basic survival.
Those of you still thinking this is doomsaying better wake up and smell the smog!!!
No, I guess it's better to maintain our north american enviro-reckless way of life at any cost! Beware the evil green shift designed to empoverish canadians... Let's not even talk about May who sounds like the only politician actually living in this century.

Jay, Ottawa
said

Jagger said, "His fiscal leanings are fine, but social ones are definetly not in step with Canada."

I think that's absolutely their problem. Until they offer a more moderate solution they're not going to have any major breakthrough east of the Ontario-Manitoba border. They're risking having a lot of former Progressive Conservatives vote Liberal and becoming accustomed to it. When you look at the numbers there is clearly a large number of former PC voters who, for whatever reason, can't support the CPC. Until they address that we're likely headed for Conservative minority governments, or Liberal majority governments for a long time.

This current party will have shown us twice now that they can't defeat the Liberals at their weakest.

Jack in Hamilton
said

Jeez, call me stupid, but in point of fact, the Conservative Government has been operating as a MINORITY government for the last two terms. Any issues anyone has with the current government can be equally placed with the other parties, who Harper had to pander to in the House in order to get things passed.

CW-KW
said

To me having a platform is important it shows us Canadians what harper stands for.
this is a difficult time for all Canadians, i just hope people actually educate themselves on what each party stands for who cares about the past look to the future to vote, if u seriously vote because of the past then i guess people dont' care about Canada after all, look at the mess the US made for voting bush in twice and now most US citizens completely regret it. So please Canada vote for the future not the past.

Katie M
said

Aside from the poor timing of releasing his platform when pre-voting is done (missed opportunities) I think it's smart for Harper to wait. The opponents have spent weeks criticizing him, he's defended his policies well, and NOW, he can introduce the future of the PC party. The focus is going to be on him, right before elections. Smart call, Harper!

David W.
said

Has anyone checked out the cost of both the NDP and Liberla platforms! Oh! my God are these wingnuts serious - whatever you do folks don't vote for these guys as they have no grasp of what is going on right now.

Glenn
said

How dare Stephen Harper postpone unveiling his so-called platform after advance polls have already openned.

Canadians deserve to have transparency in our democratic system. Harper and the Conservatives have once again proven that their only platform is to keep Canadians in the dark as much as possible and hope we just don't notice that we are being dupped.

Paul Mylowe
said

This is a make or break decision as to when to release the platform. I think it will break Harper. It should have been released earlier. I follow the news and catch his bits and pieces, what about someone who does not follow the news and it looking for a one stops platform package to see who they might vote for. Well everyone else has one except for the Cons. I think this miscalculation will cost Harper the election and possibly his leadership. And as others have posted, I would normally vote PC, but this party is really the Alliance party with some cronies like Flarhety hiding behind a different name to get a national audience.

paul
said

Wow, hard to believe that people will follow the doom and gloom advice of the Liberals and NDP. According to ether of those parties Canada is going down fast and hard unless there elected. I have watched closely the election campaign and so far all I have noticed is there is only one party that won't raise taxes. HMMM I'm Canadian which means I am one of the most taxed people on the planet already so I say no to more taxes.I do believe that the Liberal party was in power when most of the policies were put in place that are now affecting the economy, But hey if you like more taxes and more bad policies let's vote Liberal and NDP,with any luck we can drive the country into a deep recession make everyone feel good when they realise that it could have been avoided with a vote for the Conservative party.I find this to be typical Canadian lets not take a chance on a party that has lived up to most of it's past promises instead lets vote for a party that rarely keeps a promise(remember promise to get rid of GST if elected)or vote for a party that will make Canada a large welfare state kinda of like Manitoba under the brilliant leadership of the NDP.

moreofthesame
said

All I can do is echo the sentiments of what has already been said here. Sure gives valuable insight into how out of touch Mr. Harper is doesn't it?

MuskyBuck
said

I rest my case.

I'm very happy today. The fear I had that intelligent Canadians would fall into this goofballs lack of planning....

lack of leadership...
lack of international stewardship...

...all I can say is phew.

I knew it would be a matter of time before Harper would show to all Canadians that he was 'Bush-League', I'm just glad it's now so that the majority card is out.

Now...time for the rest of us to try and help the gullible few that will look at Harper like bad boyfriend and hope to change him or love him for what he is.

The bottom line is his government has and is already demonstrating a stranglehold on our rights for freedom of press and access to information.

You can add polluting the environment as well as myriad of little known bills that were passed during his short term as Captian.

We need to get the word out about the offenses committed so that this Reformer Crusade never happens again.

Ian from N.B.
said

"Harper says his government started planning for the economic slowdown over a year ago"

Interesting stuff and we're still headed towards tough-economic times. Why did you start planning and not start acting Mr. Harper? A great deal of Canadians are watching their savings turn to dust and you were planning?

Just like your platform you need to start acting before the deadline hits. We needed action yesterday Stephen, just like we needed to see your platform.

Rob (Northwest Ontario)
said

A few points that I have noticed on here and anywhere for the ANTI Conservatives and ANTI Harper.

1) NO LIBERAL WILL EVER TALK ABOUT THE GREEN SHIFT AND HOW IT WILL MESS THE COUNTRY UP FURTHER It will NOT be revenue Neutral because they WON'T cut income tax enough. Also they aren't saying that money will go to HELP the environment.

2) The NDP making promises that frankly who is going to pay for? Wait Tax big business. Yeah cause they will just take on the tax. IT WILL TRICKLE DOWN AND COMPANIES WILL LEAVE THE COUNTRY OR LAYOFF WORKERS THEN ADD THE COSTS TO EVERYDAY GOODS.

So any VOTE AGAINST Harper and the Conservatives is a VOTE for HIGHER taxes/ paying HIGHER for EVERYDAY goods and services and something that will CRIPPLE Canada.

DO YOU WANT TO BE RESPONSIBLE for crippling Canada? My Country Your Country OUR Country we call home?

I Know I don't. We need a STRONGER Mandate to bring Canada to where it should be.

D King, Halifax
said

As one writer put it, If Prime Minister Harper was waiting for the other parties to make known their platform so that he could copy it., well, he was out of luck there as well, because no other party has any platform, unless of course you call the "carbon tax" a platform !. The NDP has said absolutely nothing, other than say they can do better, wow, that's a platform. The Liberals will introduce more taxes, wow, thats a platform! The Green, just wow! No, the only choice here is the steady hand of a Conservative Government, to bring us thru these uncertain times. Its a nobrainer.

Allih Retsam
said

What kind of leader unveils a platform 1 week before E-Day - A leader who has no ideas of his own and uses other party platforms to cherry pick from. Surprise surprise - he plagiarizes speeches and copies his right-wing political allies ads (new add rolling the dice). He was too weak to put the platform out before the debates as he probably couldn't defend it. Stephen Harper CAN NOT BE TRUSTED - NOT WORTH THE RISK!!

roscoe
said

Pulling hats out of rabbits now are we!!Remember what he did not do,when he had the chance.

Denis le frog
said

You can kiss your majority goodbye Stevie! It's not happening and it will never happen as long as people get off their butts to vote. Too bad
the liberals chose the wrong leader to sway english Canada!

Bruce Zink
said

Why is it that all Harper supporters have this "me first, you later" attitude. Harper and his backroom boys (unelected) have been after that coveted majority since the beginning of 2006. That is why our government has been so dysfunctional. The Canadian people have told him once they don't want to give him a majority and they will tell him again on the 14th. If he doesn't stop trying to dumb-down the electorate, he'll be back where he and his backroom Reformers belong ... in opposition.

DREW
said

I think the Conservatives waited to release their platform now because it's probably politically smart. A) They relased most of it in the day to day announcements. B) Their platform couldn't really be attacked during the leaders debate because it hadn't been announced yet. C) Releasing their platform near the end of the election may give them a small upsurge right before people go to vote. Plus they'll get some good media coverage on it just days before people go to vote.

Heather
said

Revealing his platform only a week before election day shows exactly how back-room-secretive and arrogant Harper is. From comments about the debates, it appears people like this kind of holier-than-thou arrogance and even worship it, ("it shows strength" - sickening!) over taking a stand and fighting for what one believes in. I wouldn't trust this guy with my dog.

Jagger - London, ON
said

Conservatives better be happy with the minority they're going to get. The way things are going for them, if the campaign was any longer, I could easily see the Liberals winning this thing. Yes, basically Harper's platform has been dropped here and there, and is now being organized into one, consistant document, but I believe 2/3's of Canadians have already decided against it. At least we'll stay the course, butat least Harper will be kept in check. His fiscal leanings are fine, but social ones are definetly not in step with Canada.

hollinm
said

The column says Canadians want to see action now. What action would they like to see? Our stock market has declined because of the uncertainty in the U.S. and Europe. How does the government fix that? Agree to cover investor losses? I don't think so.
The economy is shedding manufacturing jobs. The losses are mainly in the auto and related industries. The reason..the U.S. market is not buying the cars and trucks Canada is building. What would you have the government do? Give billions to the auto companies to build cars, thus preserving jobs, while their lots fill up with unwanted vehicles. Is this really what all Canadians want their government to do with their hard earned tax dollars? People need to give their heads a shake and face the reality. If the government had not taken the action they did last Fall things would be a lot worse.
Then you have the Liberals advocating as a solution to the economic problems a meeting and then to introduce a new $40 billion carbon tax on virtually everything consumed by Canadians. Revenue neutrality is bafflegab. Is this the kind of plan Canadians want? When they see their standard of living decline because of increased costs for most essentials, new programs introduced which will turn out to simply wealth re-distriubtion. Coupled with this the Liberal party is led by a professor who knows little about the economy with the 2nd in command another professor who lived in the U.S. and around the world for 30 years. Top off the triumvirate with Bob Rae the failed NDP premier of Ontario who just about bankrupted the province. Is this the plan and the people Canadians want to lead their country. I hope not. Otherwise God help us all.

Conservatives are Not Progressive anymore
said

So many have been fooled (as a previous post mentioned the PC's) that the merger of the Canadian Alliance party and the Progressive Conservative, means that the Canadian Alliance is no more. On the contrary. The Progressive have been dropped to placate the Canadian Alliance members. PC's don't exist anymore. Only right wing Conservatives, the closest thing to PC's in this country are the Libereals (especially the pro-economy right leaning ones)

Someone would never vote current gov't
said

I don't understant why Mr. Harper doesn't has his own ideas regarding the economic downturn, and try to cover and paste other party's ideas and claimed his government has studied the economy over years. What a shame!

HNL Montreal
said

The Liberals, the NDP (the other parties I'm not sure) borrowed money from the bank to run this campaing, the Conservative had enough of their own money and did not need to borrow, If they can manage their own fiscal responsibilities without running to the bank, its a sign of good management. My vote is still with Harper. The Libs have not paid their last campaing debts. Whom will you trust with YOUR money.

Jack - AB
said

Harper waited till the last minute to release his platform so that he could examine all the other parties' platforms and probably take the best from each. Or maybe he was hoping to get elected on image rather than Conservative strategies and politics?

Why didn't he provide a platform when he made the election call? Why did all the other parties show their platforms except for the Conservatives? Why leave it till the very end?

This shows how Harper operates and people should be worried what type of government he will run. Also, how can I trust what is in his platform when he did not keep his promises in his last platform? And what if he promises things and then says he couldn't deliver because of the Economy?

The way Harper plays politics really scares me.

...

CC-western Canada
said

The Western Block Party's site has a constant growing number of people viewing their site. I do hope that the Liberals get in. If all you Liberal voters think that the western provinces are going to allow the Liberals to walk in here and grab 40% of this "carbon tax" money, you're fooling yourselves. Yes...40% of carbon comes from the west. But all you easterners sure don't mind using it all after we produce it. I am so sick of the lies, slander, spin, and BS that you "tolerant" liberals constantly spew. Harper is a leader with a plan. He has been saying for a YEAR that this was coming. To say he has no plan shows complete bias and ignorance. Dion has twisted his plan three times in the last couple months, but thats ok??? Give me a break! We will see where all the money comes from for your precious arts and social programs when Manitoba, Sask, Alberta, and BC say good bye. This country is completely divided. Harper releasing his platform now shows he is watching what is happening with markets. A PM must make changes as things of this magnitude make big changes, as it unfolds. Harper has kept this country in a surplus and is in better shape than any other G7 country. So, go ahead and vote your Liberal liar in. Then we in the west can finally have a true democracy.

Shane Prpich
said

Ya no suprise that the spineless Conservatives release their platform AFTER the debates. Once again Mr. Harper refuses to allow anyone to criticize him and his party.

Comon people WAKE UP!
How can you not see through this crap?

Tim from Calgary
said

It took him this long to release a platform? Come on...Harper does not want to be accountable for nothing. And early voting has already started. Since it took him this long to release a platform...all I can say is hidden agenda. I might have even voted conservative had he released his platform earlier.

reality man
said

Releasing a platform with 1 week left in an election? Hmmm, according to Harper's logic wouldn't that be categorized as "panicking"?

A.N. in Vancouver
said

Give me a break. Really. Let's get to the real issues that are not going to get resolved with the Conservatives. Taxation... it should be 10% flat across the board, no ifs, ands or buts. That means no corporate tax benefits, no deductions... and the same for people. That means gross income.... minus 10%. Not GST and PST. That will solve any economic crisis, would give us free education, and a no cost healthcare system. Healthcare and education are provided for free in numerous european countries... it's time to play catchup. You do well with grades you can stay in University/College. Crime? Easy. You do the crime, you're locked up. No easy road, no education, no 3 meals a day that a good portion of the population doesn't get, especially children. Let's make it difficult for those who commit crimes. People who violate the rights of others should lose their rights accordingly, no time off for good behavior, no internet, no T.V., no books, no education, and hard labour without getting paid. Lastly, people who come to Canada are more than welcome and should be considered an honor to live in a society that offers everything we do regardless of nationality. However, people who come here under false pretenses, or commit crimes, send them back on the first plane. Anyone who can do this has my vote. Until then the rich get richer, the poor get poorer, education for only those who can afford it, and criminals get to do what they want in the lap of luxury at the expense of the children and those who have nothing.

John K in the Rockies
said

Who cares about platforms anyway? We don't need them.

During election campaigns we hear enough of what a party says they will do. Often the promises in the platform book are broken anyway. Remember Chretien's red book in which he promised to get rid of the GST?

Chuck
said

In response to Gerald, the PC's (Progressive Conservatives) do not exist anymore at the federal level. This is the Conservative/Alliance/Reform party. There is nothing progressive about them.

Elizabeth from Ontario
said

... Mr. Harper has been saying all along that these will be troubling times over the next while but the best thing to do is NOT TO PANIC! He has said that his government has been working on solutions for the past year. Did it ever occur to you that the reason we are not in as bad shape is because he has taken steps to prevent the sky from falling completely in Canada? Is there anyone out there who is gainfully employed, could always get credit and currently cannot? Are people losing their houses like in the US? No!
Get a grip, and look at the opponents platforms! Carbon taxes? Is Dion nuts? Who can afford higher prices on everything? And Layton, he will tax the middle class to death to pay for his platform in addition to preventing corporate tax cuts. If corporate tax cuts aren't there, businesses won't be wanting to invest in Canada, and there go the manufacturing jobs permanently! So much for helping the people Layton thinks he speaks for.
...

Sid in MTL
said

Ha! Too little..Too Late, Steevie. I already voted and while I don't think one party is any better than the other once they're in power, at least the other guys put their best foot forward and divulged their platforms....not waiting and hiding just to see what the pollsters are going to say before plagiarizing ideas from the others in the hope of boosting their numbers.

Better the devil you know than the one you don't. I'd rather take my chances with ABC than this sneaky snake-in-the-grass.

Just in passing, we're all waiting for Harper to finally tell us what he's going to do about high gas prices, but do you really think that's going to happen now that prices are falling due to the fallout of the markets? But what about when the markets recover and speculators push the price of oil back up through the roof with the price of gas in tow?

Jack - AB
said

Harper did not cause the Recession we are now facing but he should have been better prepared for it.

Harper cut corporate taxes ( for banks & oil ) and removed the surplus system left behind by the Liberals to balance the budget as he called it.

Harper eliminated the Liberals $3 Billion Rainy Day ( Recession ) Fund.

Now that the economy is slowing down and likely to enter into Recession - the government will take in less income taxes, less business tax, pay out more unemployment benefits, etc.

Harper's balanced budget will start showing big deficits soon that will be added to the national debt.

He's made it so the next government, whether Tory or Liberal, won't be able to spend anything on new social programs and/or give any individual tax cuts to stimulate the economy because they'll run into big deficits if they do. Tax cuts/breaks & program spending are supposed to be done during slow Economic times, not in times of Boom, to give individuals and businesses more money and encourage spending.

One of the basics learned in Economics is the Economic Cycle which should have clued in Harper that an Economic slowdown or Recession was going to hit Canada after the Boom.

The Liberals had us better positioned to handle a Recession but in 2 1/2 years Harper was able to undue everything they had done - leaving us in a very weak position to take on a Recession.

Phil
said

What the hell? Why is it always the last week, when everything looks so good and then *poof* it all falls apart.

Concerned/Canadian
said

It is sad to read some ignorant comments against Mr. Harper. He is the only P.M. that delivered for all Canadians unlike the Liberals that only their friends and relatives benefited when they where in power. Doesn't take a very smart person to understand that Dion's Green Shift, Carbon Tax, is a schame. He said he is going to increase $40 Billion on taxes + another $12 Billion and is only primising $26 million in income tax cuts. Can you imanging how much taxes you have to pay during the year to get back on the end of the year few dollars. I say to Dion thanks but "NO Thanks" And for Jack Layton NDP we wouln't get anything because NDP's voted against everything Mr. Harper & the Comservatives had offered us. Weak up Canadians & Quebecers, Ducceppe never did anything for Quebecers the only thing he offers is criticize & empty promises.

The French are not defeated!
said

CB in Ontario said:
"BLOC:
Whatever... Go Move to France if it's so bad here."

CB, this isn't going to help the Conservative cause in Quebec and Conservatives need those votes in order to get a majority.
Your statement is wrong because France is already here in North America and (you must know), is not going anywhere. The French can be very powerful militarily under certain circumstances as Napoleon proved. Your writing reveals your fear of the French.
The issue here today however has to do with a significant number of French Canadians who will vote Conservative. We need the maximum number next week. Please get it together.

Bob
said

I'm a Conservative supporter but I'm concerned that Harper waited this long to unveil his platform. This has forced him to play defense while making reassuring but ultimately vague statements that he is prepared for a crisis here.

JMT from Fredericton NB
said

Speaking of documents, where is the Liberal's "Green Shift"? Seems that it is MIA these days...

KC
said

Harper presents platform
to Canadians!!

"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, ......."

Tom
said

Canada is very hard to govern due to the past history which affecting the present perspective. cor the conservative ideology that is always a hard sell. There is no credit given when the economy are doing well. Yet it is on the receiving end of all the wrath when the economy is tanked. The two major economic platform differernces right now is

let the citizens keep their money by,
a) lowering the tax.
b) cutting government spending.
c) cutting GST to help bring down the consumer goods by triggering a chain reaction from all level of goods and services. It makes all level of service providers and producers to save a 2% and likewise the consummer to curb the inflation. Which the economist won't tell you about this.
d) Let the citizens to wear the economic storm how they see fit.

The other theory is:
The government keep all the money.
a) hiking taxes.
b) Increase government spending on services for the general citizens who may need them. It also provides more goverment jobs. Which will cut down on the funds in the government coffer.
c) Hiking GST to generate another revenue to enrich the government coffer. Himing GST will increase all chains of goods and services and producers. It drives up the inflation. And the consumer will pay more for the goods.
d.) Let the government handles the citizens welfare in the economic downturn. The consumer can only afford the minimal because of the inflationary action and less money in the pocket. The increase cost may be able to subsidize through government subsidy.

Finally it comes down to a decision of:

You believe your own ability weather the storm. Vote Conservative.

You are more comfortable to have the goverment cope with the economic downturn. Vote the rest of the parties.

Chris
said

What great political strategy... let the others unveil their platform first to make fools of them, then unveil your platform and let the voters decide what's better. Harper is a true politician and leader. I already voted for the Conservatives, I hope you do to. ...

mike (kitchener)
said

Its obvious why he waited until now to release the official platform, and it has nothing to do with coming up with something at the last minute. Anyone who thinks that is delusional. He is a smart man, he knew he was going to get savaged in the debates with a 4v1 gank fest. Thats exactly what happened, and polls are slipping slightly because of it. Which, I beleive is something the Conservatives expected all along.

Releasing the platform now serves 2 purposes.

1. It allowed him to avoid having his platform relentlessly and unfairly destroyed in the debates.
2. It gives him some good momentum one whole week before voting.

In my opinion this move is genius in the making.

And to think some of you want so desperetely to beleive that its a last minute plan!

Opinion
said

WHAT A JOKE! too late, too late. I hope your arrogance bites you in the *** in this election. How dare you treat Canadians in this manner. So disrespectful. This is not a childs Birthday Party with a goody bag at the end.

Dave from Calgary
said

I voted already, in advance polls. Not for Harper mind you, because he didn't trust me to read his platform before I had to vote. Shame on him.
I bet I'm not the only one.

AR
said

The advance polls are over- for those who voted in the advance polls this is useless- pretty rude and insulting to "unveil" these now.

Michael Smith
said

How can the Conservatives have any confidence in their platform if they choose to release it one week before the election and the day after advanced polls close?

Stephen Harper will win a minority this time but will be gone next time when faced with a strong liberal leader.

Kevin from Nova Scotia
said

Do people not kow how to argue with out all the ad hominen comments. Look at facts.

People we have a Liberal Green Shift program that is destined to be the ruin of Canada. The "fairness" plan of this program, where we supposedly would be getting back all the taxes in rebates etc., was based on a projected 4.5% increase in the economy. That was never ever going to happen...instead the economy slowed down - what Harper predicted would happen; and Canada's TSX has seen a tremendous drop - in oil stocks, which is what Dion wants to tax; and in spite of all this we blame Harper??? Has anyone thought of how much worse it would be if Dion was running the show?

And for all of you who talk about Harper wasting a 13billion dollar surplus - He has "balanced" the books, which means they spend what comes in [which is what I do around my kitchen table Mr.Layton; I do not spend what I do not have], while reducing my taxes - not taxing us to death so they can have a 13billion dollar surplus and then look like Santa at the end of the year.

Al
said

Personally I think Mr. Harper is doing the right thing by waiting for the last minute to come out with a platform. The things that effect the economy are changing daily and no one can predict what will be happening leading up to voting day. The other parties have nothing to offer if the country goes into recession either, and no one in this country can save the world economy, we can only be prepared to ride it out.

canophone
said

It's too late - I've already decided to not vote Conservative. If they really had a plan, wanting my vote, they would have released it well before.

Will
said

No worries with the Conservatives.

I've already voted for them.

Go Steve Go...!!!!!

Shoe
said

WOW, what a leader... (note the sarcasm)
He finally decides to unveil his platform one week before the election. I still don't understand why people will vote for him.

Jeff from Toronto
said

I so love listening to every other party and their sheep like followers complain about Steven Harper....and his brilliant strategy...lets all just enjoy the pending Majority......

I cant wait...

PROUD CONSERVATIVE
said

oh come on people.
The other parties well planned out platforms?We are going to give you everything, it will cost you nothing.LOOK INTO MY EYES. TRUST US.TRUST US.WE KNOW WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU.
I liked what he has been doing since he has been Prime Minister,that is why we have already voted for him.Well at least it will give the boys on Libsteria lane something new to slander.

Jack Q
said

Releasing this "platform" so late is a diversionary tactic - a straw-man to bait opposition focus away from more strategic pursuits - an attempt to "control the agenda" - an attempt to "control & define the debate" ON HARPER'S TERMS...
...Not buying into it -- WHAT IS IMPORTANT HAS ***NOT** CHANGED!
Spin all you want cons...

Royal Canadian
said

So, the Conservatives and Mr Harper release their grand plan a whole three working days before the election.

How does this serve the electorate when we meet on October 14th to decide?

Not very well, I would say.

If Harper was a real leader, LIKE DION, he would have had the conviction and the courage to stand before the electorate weeks ago.

But, as in Afghanistan, Conservatives find it easier to cut and run then stand fast, easier to attack the other's, those with courage, platforms then have the guts to release their own.

Canadians deserve better.

Mykey, The Lakehead
said

Harper has played this election like a hockey team that gets a three goal lead then goes into a shell. His performance in both debates was lousy. I'm actually starting to take Stephane Dion seriously.

Ian Ottawa
said

What better time to announce his platform? Any earlier and the people will forget it and now it will be fresh on there mind. The other Parties copied the Conservative Lead in the past and didn't have the chance this time. These people know what they are doing and the other Party's are producing "Fluff & Stuff" though they really don't have a plan of there own. Except the raising of taxes by the Liberals AGAIN!. It is sad that Canadians just don't get that the political system that runs there Country is a farce because there are to many options and you end up with Minority Governments which over the long term cost you in money, time and the ability to get things done in a timely matter. We need to overhaul the whole system but because of the greed of Politicians it will never happen. They have early pensions and many perks that they won't allow to disappear. The one thing we could do is outlaw Party's that have Traitorous Agenda's and kick them back to France.

Bernadette/Windsor
said

Well, Dion, Liberal leader, Jack Layton, NDP leader, & Ducceppe Bloc leader, would take the country into a iconomic disater with Billions of promises. They can promise the world because they know they can't deliver. If Mr. Harper doesn't get the mandate to be able to do his job in the Parliament we'll have another Election in another year or two the most. Some Canadians doesn't understant that is waisting of tax payers money. Mr. Harper is doing a great job. The opposations are just trashing Mr.Harper good record out of desperation they don't care about us Canadians they just care about themselves. Mr. Haper is the best leader to lead the country in these times of economic difficulties. Remember all the bills that passed in the house NDP's vote against to it. The reason Mr. Harper manage to pass was because Liberals didn't show up to work. Other wise Mr. Harper counldn't pass anything. Some bills are still stocked in the senate because the majority they are Liberals.

Brett in Montr�al
said

This is the guy that called an election and he has nothing to offer but the same tired rhetoric and attack ads. For a party that said they would run Canada in all transparency the only thing that they have clearly shown is that they have a hidden agenda and no ideas that are the least bit progressive. Time to get this party out of parliament and get a real party with real ideas in place. Harper your time is up -- I can hardly wait to see your face when they announce a new Liberal government under Dion. We will see who will panic then won't we Steve?

Ian - KW
said

WOW!
I mean, who are these people that are voting for this guy? Unbelievable. He is so condescending! Leave Canadians in the dark unless absolutely necessary.
I sure hope that he learns a valuable lesson on e-day. Don't be ignorant to your boss (the Canadian people)!

Hos
said

He was waiting to receive it by mail from Australia........Harper, you should have used FedEx, DHL for fast delivery

Sam
said

Here are two of the major reasons why I have an issue with Harper releasing his Platform less than a week before voting:
1- Most importantly: Advanced voting has already taken place.
2- He had started his campaign well before an election had even been called....

PM
said

He had plenty of time to copy part of the other parties platforms.

SP
said

It should be made into law that all parties put forward their platform at the beginning of an election campaign. With Harper showing us at this time of the race shows me that he does not want any scrutiny of his plan. With only a few days left in the race, this seems to be what he will get. I am sure that when all is said and done, Canadians will see just how much his poor strategy will be felt by all.

peter
said

why did he wait so long? so he can copy the best from the others. Harper needs to be a leader not a follower

DB Cooper
said

Wow, a platform! What a novel idea. Steve, there's only a week left before the election; why have you been hiding your platform until now?

Gerald Skowronski
said

It amazes me that with one week left before the country votes the PCs decide NOW to let us know what their platform is. What of the other parties? I was educated to the ideal that parties told the people what the planks in their platform stood for, well in advance of voting day. Today we vote for face value rather than real value. How sad.

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