Harper in command at end of fall session in Ottawa

As parliament comes to an end for the holidays, the contentious issue of detainee abuse is not going away for the Tories and a new motion but forward by the opposition could lead to an unprecedented constitutional fight in the New Year.

CTV News Channel: Tories hold news conference

Tory cabinet ministers gathered in Ottawa to take a look back at the previous session, making note of their emphasis on protecting Canadians from the global recession and boosting EI benefits.

CTV News Channel: Tories answer questions

When asked about the release of documents that are being investigated regarding the handling of detainees, the Tories say the will not offer any up, claming it is a matter of national security.

Canada AM: Graham Richardson in Ottawa

The House of Commons is expected to adjourn for Christmas Friday in a session that saw the minority Conservative government stave off an election.

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Prime Minister Stephen Harper answers a question during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009. (Sean Kilpatrick / HE CANADIAN PRESS)

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Fri. Dec. 11 2009 5:33 PM ET

The minority Conservative government has survived the latest Parliamentary session, a term in which election speculation slowly died out and Prime Minister Stephen Harper increased his lead in the polls.

The Liberals had intended to topple the Tories during the current term, which wraps up Friday, but that became a near impossibility when New Democrats agreed to prop up the ruling party to make sure that Employment Insurance improvements were made.

While that caused some discomfort in the NDP base, party leader Jack Layton believes he played his cards right when it came to reading the election tea leaves, concluding that voters did not want to head to the polls in 2009.

"We came to be, in the eyes of some at least, the effective opposition," Layton said Thursday.

Over time, it became clear that the Grits weren't going to push for another election.

And the popularity of Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff has fallen over the same period, said Harris-Decima pollster Allan Gregg.

The changes in the polls led Ignatieff to replace his inner circle last month, when veteran political strategist Peter Donolo was named as his chief of staff and other senior advisers were replaced or given new duties.

Those changes have given Ignatieff "a more mature approach to being leader of the Opposition," CTV's Graham Richardson told CTV's Canada AM from Ottawa.

And while the Stephen Harper-led Conservatives have gained some ground over the same period, they have faced heated questions over the military's handling of Afghan detainees -- a controversial issue that pollsters said may not be a major concern for voters.

"In some respects, it's equivalent to Lazarus's resurrection. This time last year, we were talking that Harper was done like dinner," Gregg said.

"It's been a tough year. There's a recession. There's still a lot of turmoil in the economy ... to still be hanging onto a 10-point lead is not a bad thing," said Ekos pollster Frank Graves.

But despite what the pollsters may think about the detainee issue, Richardson said it "has the attention of the senior levels of government ... because it is simply not going away."

Outside of Ottawa, Harper visited India and China, hoping to strengthen economic ties, as well as to connect with Canadian voters who hold ties to those countries.

The Tories also presided over a massive stimulus program that was criticized for showing favourtism to Conservative-friendly ridings. But attacks on this issue from the opposition parties failed to take hold in the House of Commons.

With files from The Canadian Press

Comments are now closed for this story

Rob the Canadian
said
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I had always believe that most Canadians were immune to the over-the-top style of simplistic rhetoric and partisan attack ads from Harper's Conservatives. From many of the comments and agreements here I see that I may be wrong (how can Canadians possibly defend such reprehensible actions?).At least it appears that they are not in the majority here! Big contrast with Ottawa, where only one opinion is allowed by our Dear Leader.

SpinMeNot
said
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You are right, Sue from Ontario, the posts are 3 to 1 in favour of the Conservatives but the first 13 have thumbs up/down in favour of the Liberals and the remaining 46 have mostly thumbs up/down in favour of the Conservatives. Earlier the first 13 had Thumbs up/down largely in favour of the Conservatives too. So there are mostly pro Conservative posts and thumbs up/down here but at some time the Liberal crew got on and thumbed the first 13 posts in favour of the Liberals. I guess they think no one reads any further or perhaps they are very lazy. But that's Liberals for you, all show and no substance. Pathetic.

Keith Olson
said
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This is some of the Liberal record while in government. Signed the Kyoto accord to reduce greenhouse gases, but raised them by 35%. Had numerous cases of transferred prisoners tortured. Responsible for the largest scandel in Canadian history. Slashed health care to pay down debt. Allowed dangerous criminals to freely roam the streets. I think they need a change in policy.

No more
said
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Let's see now...the libs tried using prop cheques, Cadman, a loudmouth MP in Halifax, Climate change and detainees in a desperate attempt to make the CPC look like the scandal ridden party the LPC has become. But the only problem with that plan was most Canadians aren't stupid sheep like their core supporters.We recognize that even though these issues have merit, they still pale in comparison to the blatant theft perpetrated by the Liberals. They still don't compare with the outright lies from the libs, time after time, right from their promise to scrap the GST, national daycare, to the provincial libs that literally broke EVERY election promise they made.Gee, when was the last time a lib kept a promise? Not here in On, or in BC when the libs promised NO hst during the election campaign.Speaking strictly for myself, I think Harper et al has done a good job and I'll take them and their blemishes over a proven lie machine like the Liberals,Hell, Iggy hasn't won anything and he's already lied to us. I seen him on the news actually telling us that he didn't support the coalition. I guess he forgot that we seen him on the news telling us that it was the only way to go, he was behind it 100%.

John from Saskatoon
said
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Simon, The Liberals survived the 90's and early 2000's because the right was divided. Don't kid yourself. The Liberals thrived on that and in private they'll tell you. Why else do you think they demonized Manning, Day, and Harper while extolling the virtues of Clark and the PC's. They wanted to keep the right divided. It's not much different then what the Conservatives are now doing to Liberal leaders. Funny thing is Liberals whine and cry that the conservatives are using attack ads and fearmongeringwhen they wrote the book on it. Sucks when the tables turn doesn't it. Good job Harper and the Conservatives. No Govt. is perfect.

Kevin in Vancouver
said
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Linda in Vancouver as always your post is accurate well thought out and organized. I enjoy your thought provoking imput and would like to suggest you get involved more structually in politics in this country.Also if by chance you're 40ish I'd love to buy you dinner!

Peter in MB
said
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All you people who don�t like Harper can say what you will but name one good thing for Canada that Iggy or Jack has done in the last year? I will tell you what NOTHING. And this afghan issue is just the latest much to do about Nothing that the opposition has done to make it look like they are actually trying doing something. Hmm maybe some prisoners ware tortured in 2006 but there is NO Proof of that! the, I live in Winnipeg MB and the snow and � 30 c province climate change is a hoax, the econamy, homeless people and increase in gang violence especially shootings in my city I really could care less about how terrorist were being treated.Harper puts law abiding, tax paying Canadians first unlike Iggy who puts himself first.Say what you will about Harper but most Canadians think he has done a good job for Canada and the latest polls show just that.

MARG MM
said
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It is starting to look like more and more Canadians are supporting PM Harper and the Conservatives. Rightly so, as the Liberals are floundering more and more each day. It seems the more they open their mouths, the more their foot goes in. It is hard to understand why Liberals and NDP, can't see the good things that have come out of this minority Government. I guess none of you opened a TFSA account to save on taxes, or took advantage of tax breaks, I hope that you are all keeping track of the GST you've saved and will send it back to the Government. I guess you would prefer that our troops were wearing jungle uniforms in the desert, and trying to fight a war with little or no equipment(, I could go on, but you get the drift) if all this is so, then keep on voting Liberal, and you can go back to higher taxes, and they can send the troops some new jungle uniforms!!!

Ki-Som Victoria BC
said
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Looks like the bully still has control over the playground. To bad we don't have anyone who will stand up to him and force him out.

James
said
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I hate to have to write this, but after what I just seen, here in Canada of all places... Something has to be done! This is not the future I want for our kids.

James
said
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And for you unresonable landlords reading this, don't you have any talents that you need to prey on others that come after you. To most of us, a home is a serious necessity. Look out the window for your self you selfish prick! It's super cold! This is not some get rich quick game!

James
said
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Yesterday, a canadian family, 3 kids, husband and wife. Neighbors I didn't even know existed knocked on my door and asked if they could stay the night until they could figure out what to do next. They said they even tried to get government housing but did not qualify. They said they don't qualify for government housing because their earnings are too high as a family. They can affort alright, but barelly. The problem is that they don't have credit to qualify to rent or buy! And the rental prices are so high that even someone making a decent income can't affort. What the hell is happening with my country!?!

James
said
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When will these rich want to be individuals learn. They keep buying all our homes and renting them out at unreasonable rates. Exploiting those who cannot affort to purchase now pay even more in rent! Someone has to do something about the system when a low income family needs to pull every last penny they have together to pay an unreasonable landlord $1600/month to rent only the basement of their spare house. It makes more sence to buy the house instead and only pay $1000/month even if you can barely affort. The only thing keeping them from owning their home is credit approval. And now credit approval is required if you need to rent too? WTF!!

roy
said
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Ava I don't know how you are connected to the NDP but you know as well as I and everyone else that the NDp will not ever form a government in Canada,because we have some dilly dally provinces that elect them does not mean they will be elected federally.Have a Merry Christmas

Steph
said
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Congratulations to PM Harper for a job well done to stay on course even if Iggy, Jack and Jean did everything they could to stir the pot just for the sake of opposing! If Iggy is going south of the border for the holiday I would say have a wondeful trip and we'll see you in 30 years or so!

Sue from Ontario
said
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Look at how the votes for anti-Conservative comments gradually decrease as the number of comments increases. I guess Liberal supporters are much slower readers than their Conservative counterparts-too many big words, perhaps?

Linda in Vancouver
said
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Let me see.A war in Afghanistan,a global economy and monetary system on the verge of collapse,increasingly shrinking markets for Canadian exports,climate change debates coming to a head,longer lines of Canadians demanding more "free" services,immigration and justice systems left dysfunctional by the former government,a military both under funded and under appreciated as a result of former governments,and a population wanting higher pay,less taxes and lower debt.etc,etc,etc. I am glad I don't have to juggle all those issues at the same time.Former PM Chretien's terms in office were a cake walk by comparison.All he had to do was sit back and spend all the revenue generated by the hated GST and Free Trade deals. Oh yes.I forgot.Policies they threatened to scrap. These are tougher times than Canada has faced in decades.There are no Liberals who could handle this.Period.Do not mistake your desire to return to "the good old days" with a desire for more Liberals in office.The "good old days" are gone,and even Liberals cannot turn the clock back. Warts and mistakes nothwithstanding,this leader and this party is our best option.I do hope they moderate on some issues,and leasrn to communicate better,but I fear a return to Liberal socialism a lot more than I fear a Harper government.They will at least attempt to make the right decision,even if it's not the most popular position.Some one has to have the courage to say "NO,we cannot afford this",when lobbyists and specail interest groups line up to spend more and more of our childrens and grandchildrens future earnings. NO MORE SOCIALISM PLEASE.

my take on this
said
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Conservatives, rant all you want about Stephen Harper but he is none of those words you use to describe him. A lie is still a lie no matter how many times you tell it. He can sing and dance all he wants but he's not a good leader and is not a secure enough person to enable the changes in himself to become a good leader. Politics aside, happy holidays to all.

Rick
said
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I can't believe how much this drives the left leaning media crazy. If the reported facts, etc. and not their biased opinions we would all be better off. And the "masses' would have a better chance of making informed decisions.

Doug @ BC
said
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Actually "simon" made a good point.I also think PM Harper has moved slightly to the left.This government in less right wing than the original Reform Party,and even left of where the currrent Conservatives were when they were elected.In fact,PM.Haroer is in danger of losing the voters who are VERY conservative,because they feel PM Harper is not conservative enough. Having said that,I see that as a good thing.I never once thought the old Reform Party could be elected,because they were to conservative for most Canadians.The reason I quit the LIBERAL party was because they became a mirror image of the NDP.Socialists to the core.Until they get back t the political centre,I cannot even consider voting for them.For me,it is not about Mr.Dion or Mr.Ignatieff.It's aboout the litatny of socialists and lobbyists that make uo the party.They are the ones running the sdhow,not the parade of people they elect or appoint as "leaders". My point is,moving positions on the political scale may be a good thing.If,as "simon" said in his post,PM Harper has moved slightly left to survive,he is actually the one responding to the wishes of the people.He is the one doing the compromising.Why he does it is irrelevant.Just as long as those moves reflect the will of the voters,and and adjustments to policy reflect changes in conditions in the world.Not adjusting to changes in reality would be insane no matter who was the PM. I'm not all that fond of Mr.Harper's style.But he is clearly the best choice on the ballot.Learning on the job is tough given that he faces more tough challenges than any leader since Pearson.All that with the most hostile opposition I've seen in my 60 years. All that considered,I'm quite happy with this government,most of the time.

Steve the Pundit
said
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hate to be a broken record, but as long as the Bloc remains a force in Quebec, minority governments are here to stay. The only reason Chretien won his third majority with 38% of the popular vote is due to the split (at the time) vote on the right.Liberals are still toxic in Quebec, and non-existant in western Canada. And to those that say Conservatives are Republican cast-offs, give your heads a shake; Conservatives are more like US Democrats.Sorry guys, Harper's here to stay, and thank goodness for that.

Richard L. Provencher
said
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Mr. Harper is a great PM. Instead of the opposition looking at the very positive things happening, they haggle on about the rights of terrorists, thugs and suicide bombers. We are now going to have open borders for many of our cattle, new tourists from China, and possibly a nuclear reactor sale to India, as well as our economy straightening up, with so many more Canadians back to work. These are stories folks should focus on.

mike
said
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Personally I think that when history is written about this parliament it will be labeled the "do nothing parliament" Outside of making certain that no one in Canada really knows what they're thinking they've accomplished little or nothing, We need to examine why honest people with ability are not attracted to public office.

Kevin in Vancouver
said
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Someone posted stating "we need a return to true Canadian Values" I would purport that it is the liberals and the left in general that are the ones who have lost sight of our natural values.Democracy....The liberals elect a leader of their party without holding a convention or an inclusive vote. All three of the other parties try and take control of the government using back door tactics that have never been seen before in the history of our democracy.Inclusiveness.....The conservatives and their supporters have been passing legislation to the benefit of all Canadians. Are their many auto workers who support the conservatives? Yet we bail out their industry. It has been an about face in terms of open mindedness. Now it is liberals who refuse to even listen to the opinions of people who believe in values they don't share. In stead they fear monger and spout drivial like " the majority of canadians didn't vote conservative well no party got a majority of votes so what do you actually mean by that?Conservatism isn't scary...do some research and you'll find that they now represent the party of inclusion.Good Job Prime Minister....All the best during the holidays for you and your family and thank you for making this an enjoyable season for all canadians. We owe you!

Gord. Robson, Nova Scotia
said
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All in all our elected Conservative government have done a terrific job of getting us through very rough economic times,passing (trying to) get tough on crime laws,working hard to establish new trading partners and being loyal to our soldiers! Have a nice Christmas everyone!

Independently Minded
said
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Still waiting for accountability, fiscal responsibility, open government from the Cons.... Instead we are getting blame games, wild partisan and political spending and a government unwilling to get to the truth about afghan prisoners to clear the honor of our troops.Yeah, I think the Cons need a new leader if they ever dream to get the trust of enough Canadians to get a majority.Iggy, frittered away public support by taking too long to dump his chief of staff. The old adage of "What gets you there isn't always what keeps you there" became a bitter pill he had to swallow. Unlike Dion, he did. Now he has to rebuild and play catch up to a "liberal" Conservative government., who have co-opted the Liberal platform in vain hopes that Canadians are dumb enough to believe the Cons have changed their spots.Then there's Layton, the Parliament Hill street walker. Harper tosses him a scrap from the government's table and Layton presents it like some sort of banquet. Averting an election that the NDP can't afford. When the majority of your fund raising comes from union workers who are unemployed, its tough to pay for a campaign bus...The Bloc is a block. A regional party that isn't hiding behind a national banner and calling itself, "Canadian". The days of capturing Ontario and Quebec to win an election are long gone. Any party needs strong support nation wide to win a majority and at this point, none have that.This is mainly because none have demonstrated that they deserve it!

allan
said
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Of course he is in charge---can you just imagine a government of the "coalition of the stupid", NDP/LIB/Bloc? Canadians know good government when they see it. Layton policies are to shutdown the oilsands, tax banks and industries out of existence, pull out of NATO, Gilles Duceppe doesnt count, and Iggy is ineffective as a leader and has no policies

hahanna ali
said
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i,too,am commending our current government-they deal with real issues rather than conduct "goofy" experiments in the name of "doing good"...you know,like the faint hope clause and early paroll for violent offenders and the like.i keep seeing comments about the majority of canadians not voting conservative...well,when one party can poll 40% that means that the other 60% is scattered amoung three (four) other parties...for instance the libs are polling around 25% as a distant second...that is because the "non con" folks voted for a party of their choice...as opposed to voting against the conservatives.if that sector of the electorate wants to vote against the cons then they should vote for one party...as we can see they are not.........in short,the four opposition parties got soundly wupped in the last election.on another note,as long as the LPC continues to be dishonest with canadians and continue to play charades to try and creat turmoil in voter land than they will continue to sit in opposition...one recent example of dishonesty was their attempt to cover up s dion's major gaffe during an interview with CTV news late in the last campaign and failing that , tried to pawn it off as a hearing disability ...it would appear that the LPC refuse to change...we are aware of them...

Con Servative
said
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If necessary, prorogue parliament in January. Me and my golf buddies say we don't need no stinkin' government.

keen observer
said
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Sandy "thinks" right wing parties are "right" and left wing parties are "not right." They're just labels.

PDW
said
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I just wish that the opposition would understand their role is to provide a different perspective as to how to get a job done that has the Country's best interest in mind. It just seems that they only care about getting re-elected. It is like having a salesman who is trying to solve 'his/her' problem of needing a sale rather than doing what is best for the customer.Oh, and the joker who wrote that the Liberals lost quality leadership when Cretien and his cronies left? If that is the quality leadership you want you may want to move to Cuba.

Steve
said
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I believe that the issue regarding the detainees has little or no public interest. The reason - I think most people believe that war is ugly and nasty stuff happens during war. Simple as that. This is not the "biggest" issue that the Cons have to face to start off 2010. There are many other pressing matters for them to take care of.Merry Christmas All!Steve

Brett in Montr�al
said
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No surprise that all we see is the CON sheeple tooting their horns and complimenting their leader. Do none of these people have jobs or is this more misuse of public funds to post comments on all the public boards on news sites? This government is MINORITY and will never have a majority, and I am tired of the mindless rhetoric from the spinmasters. I am looking forward to watching Harper and his cronies crash and burn in 2010 and see some real Canadian values return to government.

Iggynoramus
said
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EJack Layton says:"We came to be, in the eyes of some at least, the effective opposition,".The NDP think they are the official opposition based on their SUPPORTof all the crazy CON motions? What does the word oppose mean to the NDP?Iggy has given notice that The Liberal Government of Canada can no longer support the incompetent Cons. Harper's time is UP! After the Christmas break.

jason irwin
said
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way to go harper! glad to see you have MY best intrests in mind and not the talibans! keep me working!

Ava
said
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I can't wait for an election cause these clows need to get out of office all they care about is big business and giving them money and tax breaks but what about us consumers and our money in our pockets?? when it comes voting time the HST will already be in play and we'll see who votes for them in office NOT..all candains need to vote to make change just like the USA we can make a change too and i think that is needed here NDP NDP NDP all the way !!!!

The Real Fred
said
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The biggest problem with politics in Canada is that the Liberals have learned how to stir up emotions against anyone who isn't a Liberal. They orchestrate people hating the Conservatives like the WWE choreographs a wrestling match. People so bent on bile and hatred can hardly be counted on to assess performance fairly. That is no way to lead a nation, I don't care what philosophy you believe in. It's nasty behavior that makes people turn away and give up in disgust. If we don't out the haters, the whole process suffers.

Sandy
said
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Well done PM!! only the left think you are not doing a great job, but when the right is right, eveything falls into place

mrvenice
said
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If the Libs had perhaps provided ANY indication as to what they would DO with power, rather then tell us they DESERVE it, maybe they would poll better. Just a suggestion, Iggy

Bill in BC
said
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I'm going to be politically incorrect here: PM Harper has done a good job in balancing the realities of a minority Parliament with those of the country. Although some are shrilly voicing their vitriol against him, it does not detract from the work he has done. While I do not share his personal beliefs I can appreciate an honest man, who does his best for the entire country. Although, I am not a christian, I will take this opportunity to wish him a Merry Christmas and a hope for a majority in the new year. Keep up the good work!

Jay, Ottawa
said
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Allan Eizinas said "The Harper regime might have survived for the session but it has locked itself into a minority position until the Conservatives elect a new leader. Harper has shown an intransigence, stubbornness, secrecy, meanness, intolerance, and dishonesty..." I've been saying this for a while now and I'm happy to see I'm not alone. The Conservatives appear popular when no one cares, but once an election campaign starts and people hear them talk suddenly those poll numbers plummet. Even though this keeps repeating many Conservatives don't want to face the obvious. There are MANY former Progressive Conservatives out there who won't vote for this Conservative party. Until Harper is replaced and a more progressive tone is adopted it's going to be difficult to get those people to vote blue on any election day to win a majority government. I'm pretty sure the Liberals are happy having Harper in there because he's amassed so much political baggage.

LB from Edmonton
said
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Personally I'm glad that we are in a minority government situation. Granted, the looming spectre of election hangs ever in the air, but minority governments generally force all parties concerned to... -gasp- Heaven forbid.. compromise and work together. Yes there are incidents of malicious opposition when the opposition parties block anything and everything out of spite but those are increasingly rare. It is in the best interests of all the players to least appear to be effective and productive. No-one wants a parliamentary rep who can't get anything done. After all we are all paying their wonderful salaries and we want to get our tax dollars worth.Though I am not a Conservative or a Liberal, but an NDP voter, I can not overly fault Harper's leadership. They are getting things done and he is projecting a good image on the global stage. It seems though that the most effective player in this little dance is Layton. He's making just enough deals to get want he wants while staying just enough out of the spotlight to avoid most of the media flak.Either way, I'll be happy with no majority government for the next few years.

brian
said
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I can't believe that there are so many positive posts for such a manipulative, disrespectful, and devious government. The 37% of you who think you constitute a majority are off your rocker. Harper is worse that even Mulroney.It's nice to know that the rump of the Republican party is alive and well and living in Ottawa, practicing the politics of deceit and division.Telling lies enough times does not make the lies true, it just makes their believers appear that they are unable to think for themselves. Step up and drink the Cool-aid folks!Its time for an honest government that actually cares about Canadian citizens. Lord knows that there doesn't appear to be one on the horizon yet.

Catwoman 37
said
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Well see what happens when the information in the documents about the detainees comes out.Things look like they are starting to change.

Martin
said
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What a partisan headline! "In command" is hardly the word - the first paragraph "survived the latest Parliamentary session" is the truth, as well as the "New Democrats agreed to prop up the ruling party". If anything, Harper is leading the polls due to the dirty non-election Conservative attack ads on Ignatieff and the Coalition - a Republican Party strategy that Canadians have foolishly fallen for.

John In Edmonton
said
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While we look good for a while, the whole House should be ashamed of the incompetence they show in dealing with thier folios. The stupid mistakes and the way things are handled by all parties lead me to believe that some of the MP's are ill prepared for the job that lies ahead. The furor raised about detainees is a prime example where the government has handled it right -the opposition should be quiet about the whole thing for they would not have done things any different.I hope for a better session when the Holiday foods wear off.

CHad
said
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I think the Conservatives have done a good job, despite the opposition parties opposing for the sake of opposing. The Liberals need to start offering ideas and solutions instead of opposing everything. We know where Jack Layton, Harper, and the Bloc stand, but the Liberals have no policy. Opposing everything the Conservatives propose is not a policy.

STEVE H.
said
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It just goes to show you that Canadians don't like negative politics. All the negative dung that was flung at Harper during this session of parliament from both the NDP and the Liberals is not sticking to him. In the meantime he has broken through the ice in India and China as well as proven he is a good statesman. He has handled the recession like the pro economist he really is. The bonus in all this is that he can also play the piano and entertain. All in all he's an A Prime Minister. Now on to the Olympics and then let's have an election.

simon
said
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Harper SURVIVED because the opposition is DIVIDED. These are not credentials that one should be proud of! And another thing. Harper survived because he was forced to abandon Rightist Conservative ideas and move to the LEFT or perhaps the center. The MAJORITY of Canadians DID NOT VOTE for Harper!

Chris in Ontariariari-Oh!
said
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When you see the improving economic sign's such as the hiring's at Toyota and the trade surplus with the U.S. it's easy to see why the Conservative's are polling higher.It also explain's their success in the latest bye-election's as Canadian's are looking past the rhetoric of late and see the positive developement's in our economy.Canadian's want a responsible,quiet and steadfast government to deal with the issue's of the day. They have made solid commitment's toward's the future of our country whether that be taxation change's to improve our competitiveness globally ,changing law's to better reflect the concern's of Canadian's on crime issue's,better step's to improve consumer protection and investment's in the military to make their job's safer and more efficient.The opposition,i.e.especially the liberal's are desperate as their stonewalling legislation in the senate isn't enough the excessive display recently with the so-called Afghan detainee issue has placed them on the side of the same people we are in Afghanistan fighting.Their continued attack on the governing party on this issue is not proving to have the effect on the conservative's as they wanted and as there really is" no smoking gun". In the eye's of Canadian's we have done what we could at a difficult time to overcome the concern's regarding the detainee transfer's and anymore attack's on the government's credibility only serve to undermine our troop's effort's and aid the Taliban propoganda.They need to take the time to talk to their constituent's on their Christmas break's,not the party hack's or spin machine and see what the people on the street are concerned about as this will show them how out of touch they are with the average voter.Canadian's want a government they can afford and the liberal's have too high a price as their promise's of late have shown.

Edmonton Vic
said
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Way to go Mr. Harper, you have shown all that you can do the job and get it right the first time!

dusty - ottawa
said
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Well, we ended the year without an election and still have the best man in charge of our Government. Stephen Harper has managed to keep all the promises he made like reducing taxes, representing us on the World stage as a true leader. He has been calm and cooperative throughout many adversities imposed by the Liberals, and has managed to do us proud that Canada now has an Honest PM in charge. Lets give him majority next election.

Shirley - SK
said
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Yeppie! Lets get into celebrating the holidays, hope the New Year brings Canada into a more prosperous, constructive parliament.

annie
said
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I personally am pleased the conservatives remained the leading party through these last difficult years. I shudder to where we'd be if they weren't. Common sense is needed in times of misfortune.

Ian Ottawa
said
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The fact that the opposition parties are grasping at any and every straw to discredit the Government in power at the expense of our security and safety is a testament to the competence of PM Harper. The Conservatives would save us much more money if they had a majority because less time would be wasted on Stupid threats from the Three Stooges.

Fred
said
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The only reason why the Cons are still in power is due to the ineffectual Liberal leadership. Most of the good talent in the party left after Chretien retired, and the CONS can still only muster up a minority government. If Chretien were still around he would have cleaned their clocks.

daveyboy
said
0 0

People see he's the only best choice for Prime Minister. He's The only present leader of any party with integrity and Canadas best interest at heart .Good job Stephen. Hope your around for a while at least we'll know Canadians are getting a fair shake. You can't play it any better in politics than he has...

Egons Lasis
said
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We're getting incredibly good goverment from Mr. Harper and this is in stark contrast to the incrediblly irresponsible opposition we have in this country. Opposition for the sake of opposition makes a mockery of the democratic process.

James T Murphy
said
0 0

Peter Donolo has given Ignatieff "a more mature approach to being leader of the Opposition?" What does that mean and what does it look like? Someone needs to explain to Canadians the difference between Ignatieff and Dion becauise there sure doesn't appear to be. Both a lot of hot air (green house gas emission) but no action. CTV can try to spin a positive for Ignatieff all they want but Canadians know his character: just visiting.

Greg-MB
said
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Ignatieff is all hot air. There was no chance of an election at any time this year. Conservatives are doing a good job. Keep up the good work Prime Minister Harper!

Allan Eizinas
said
0 0

The Harper regime might have survived for the session but it has locked itself into a minority position until the Conservatives elect a new leader. Harper has shown an intransigence, stubbornness, secrecy, meanness, intolerance, and dishonesty that will never allow a majority to vote for his party while he still heads it. Until a Prentice or Flaherty replaces Harper, the Conservatives will continue to battle from a minority position.The Harper Conservatives have indeed survived but more importantly Canada has survived a Harper minority but yet again.

Don
said
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Ignatieff has proven himself an amateur politician--not even a close match to a PM who is getting even better as time goes on.

RPK ~ KITCHENER
said
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A tough session, a spirited session, a progressive session (just by the number of bills passed and issues addressed.) Our minority Government has done a super job of holding onto the reins of governing the nation. Mistakes many, errors made yep, but, overall it has been a good session for we the people. Stephen Harper is the only leader we have, of any party, at this juncture, and has proven his Leadership at home, and espcially internationaly. Canada is a world leader ~ just read the news of the other G-20 countries. Thank you Mr. Prime Minister, and hold the line, and keep our ship facing into the wind, and good sailing into the next sitting of the house.

SpinMeNot
said
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Well done, Mr. Harper. While you took care of business for the people of Canada the opposition harridans screeched their vicious vitriol day after day and left an impression of themselves in the minds of voters that will stick to them for a long time.

Michael from Calgary
said
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Santa, could be get a majority Conservative government for Christmas?

Michael W. (Ottawa)
said
0 0

Of course PM Harper is in charge! He is the only political leader getting anything done for Canada. The Liberal opposition leader hasn't done anything but threaten to call an election just like his failed predecessor and he is destined for the same fate. Western NDP Judy Washaleezaleis congratulating Greenpeace for breaking through security on CTV News recently recently also is illustrative of the kind of nut bar politicians we have on the hill. Harper is doing a great job by comparison and is likely to remain in power for a while yet.

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