Canada stronger under Conservatives: Harper

In a speech to his fellow Conservatives in Ottawa Sunday, Stephen Harper gave himself a good review of his time in office. Harper said that in five years his minority government has made Canada more united, stronger, safer and more prosperous.

CTV National News: Craig Oliver on Harper

CTV's Chief Political Correspondent says Stephen Harper reduced taxes, handled a war, and the worst economic crisis in living memory competently. While Harper admits he didn't deliver on all of his promises, he says if he gets a majority government, he will.

CTV News Channel: Martha Hall Findlay

A Liberal Member of Parliament in Toronto says this is the least accountable and least transparent government Canada has ever seen. She says voices of dissent are being silenced like never before and that's fundamentally problematic for democracy.

CTV News Channel: PM Stephen Harper speaks

Prime Minister Stephen Harper speaks to supporters of the Conservative Party in Ottawa in celebration of his five years in office.

CTV News Channel: Harper speaks, part two

Prime Minister Stephen Harper speaks to Conservative supporters on the party's policies on crime prevention and the equipping of Canada's armed forces at a speech commemorating his fifth year as Prime Minister.

CTV News Channel: Harper speaks, part three

Prime Minister Stephen Harper speaks to Conservative Party supporters about how his party has governed over the last five years at a speech in Ottawa.

CTV News Channel: Olivia Chow, NDP MP

The NDP MP for Trinity-Spadina discusses Stephen Harper's accomplishments over the five years of his reign as Prime Minister and what he needs to achieve in the future on behalf of Canadians.

CTV News Channel: Dan McTeague, Liberal MP

A Liberal MP reflects on comments made by Prime Minister Stephen Harper during his speech to Conservative Party supporters in Ottawa and talks about what the Conservatives have accomplished thus far.

CTV News Channel: Keith Beardsley and Bob Richardson

A liberal strategist and Stephen Harper's former deputy chief of staff debate whether Canada is better off after five years under Harper as Prime Minister.

CTV News Channel: Ned Franks, Queens Univ.

Taking a look back at Stephen Harper's reign in power -- it's the longest-running minority government in decades. Franks attributes this mostly to a divided and not totally effective opposition party.

CTV's Question Period: Robin Sears & Peter Harder

Is Canada more Conservative now than it was five years ago? A former NDP national director and a former deputy minister of foreign affairs weigh in on Prime Minister Stephen Harper's challenges and achievements.

CTV's Question Period: Frank Greaves and Bruce Anderson

Poll experts weigh in on Stephen Harper's success, including unity within the Conservative party and maintaining popularity among Canadians.

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Prime Minister Stephen Harper gestures as he speaks to supporters of the Conservative Party during a speech in Ottawa on Sunday, January 23, 2011. (Pawel Dwulit / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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In Pictures: Harper's Reign

CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Sun. Jan. 23 2011 8:47 PM ET

Prime Minister Stephen Harper said he's proud of what his minority government had accomplished over the past five years, while adding there was more to be done if the Conservatives won a majority.

In a speech to mark his fifth anniversary as prime minister, Harper told an assembly of supporters in Ottawa that Canada was in far better shape than it was on the day he took office.

Harper's Conservatives defeated Paul Martin's Liberals to form a minority government on Jan. 23, 2006. Five years, one election and a number of dodged political hot potatoes later, Harper is Canada's longest-running minority leader.

"I said then that Canada's Conservative's would govern with hope, not with fear. We said we would make Canada more united, stronger, more prosperous and safer," Harper said. "And five years later I can tell you that we have made Canada more united, stronger, more prosperous and a safer country."

Harper said he is proud of what his government has accomplished, reciting a list that included safer streets, a reduced GST and re-equipped Canadian military. He told the Conservative supporters gathered on Sunday there was still work to be done that would require a majority government.

"One day there will be an elected Senate and we will get rid of that wasteful and ineffective long-gun registry," Harper said to thunderous applause.

Harper also said that Conservatives had no plans to raise taxes and would work to gradually bring down the deficit.

While Harper appeared satisfied with his accomplishments as prime minister, political analysts questioned what legacy he had left through his first five years in office.

Peter Harder, a former Conservative deputy minister who is now a policy advisor at Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP, said Harper has "bobbed and weaved" enough to keep his minority government alive for five years. But that has not left him much space to put his stamp on Canada's public policy.

"His challenge will be there is no legacy other than the political legacy," Harder told CTV's Question Period on Sunday.

Robin Sears, a former federal NDP director who is now a communications adviser with Navigator, said Harper had grown during his five years on the job, but was leading a very immodest government that had much to be modest about.

"Their legislative achievement record is trivial, although on some big files outside of the (House of) Commons, such as the war and the recession, they have done reasonably well," Sears told CTV's Question Period.

"But I think moving forward Mr. Harper needs to figure out what it is beyond being better than the other guy, that he is going to offer Canada for the next five years."

Comments are now closed for this story

John from Saskatoon
said

In a minority govt. how exactly is a PM supposed to put his stamp on things and leave a legacy. You can't even keep election promises because you reley on the opposition to vote for them. They won't do that because then they can't blame you for not keeping promises.See the Liberals on that one.

Prof. Pye Chartt
said

@ Jamie D: Thanks for the typical "personal" comment that pings off of the barn door. Is someone in their 40s an "old timer"? Is being a successful business person employed exclusively in the private sector living off of the "government tit"? Thanks for the chuckle. Take care. (P.S. I love the part that you "heard" whatever about me. I hope that your source doesn't guide your politics.)

Fiscally Left
said

Celebrating 5 years of incompetence:1) squandering a surplus they inherited from the Liberals2) inability to follow their own fixed election date legislation3) first government in Canadian history with no deputy PM because someone's ego is more than a wee large4) biggest spending government in Canadian history5) untendered aircraft deals (anyone else smell Mulroney in the air)6) government ministers not allowed to speak with Canadians because their leash is too tight (yeah why wasn't the Minister of Health allowed to attend the CDN Physicians Annual meeting, first time ever a Minister of Health was absent)7) highest deficit in CDN history (thanks recycled Harrisite Flaherty inflicting on the national level what he did to Ontario)8) an incompetent economist as PM who didn't even know the biggest economic downturn since the Great Depression was coming in the last election

Alicia
said

With the likes of eddytoronto open advocating mob violence and rioting (black bloc twit?), one has to wonder where the debate is going? BTW, eddy, the liberals are the only ones who have EVER put troops on the streets of Canada, or ever threatened to. Obviously nowhere, so let's just have the electiona nd get it over with. Results: Liberals - 18 % of the vote, Boc 3%, NDP 11%, Green 2%, other/spoiled 8%; Conservative: 58%. Conservative majority. Legislation to be expected: Senate Reform (which I am not entirely sold on the idea of an elected senate but like term limits), long gun registry gone - yes, update to the criminal code - yes, remove public funding for all political parties - HELL YES, pension reform for RCMP and Canadian Forces to remove clawbacks-HELL YES. There is no chance the Ignaetief will ever be PM.

CD from AB
said

As i have said in the past, the most entertaining part of participating and reading these blogs is that Chartt is so spot on politically from where I stand.As a person involved intimately with the Canadian business sector for decades I find that there is more truth to Alexander Pope's "empty vessels make the most noise" statement than ever. It is especially true when the liberals, ndp and the bloc run in (what they hope will be) an election. What the liberals, social democrats, greenies and the ne'er do well bloc do not acknowledge is that our future is being able to pay for what so many in Canada seem to believe is an entitlement.FREE anything seems only free to those who would not observe and recognize that there is a cost to anything in life. Michael, Jack and Gilles are so eager to spend the taxpayer's money (my money) on stupid elections with no political change it makes me sick. Face it folks - the political center with a focus on some kind of middle of the road policies does not mean that it will resonate with all people in Canada.The conservatives are doing a good job considering the divisive environment in Canada - shut up and wave the flag for once!

George Alberta
said

Harpers Legacy; Talks far right wing, spends like a Republican, governs like a Liberal, just not nearly as well.

Wendy
said

Can anyone P L E A S E explain to me exactly what, of any real consequence, was achieved by the Harper government and don't waste my time, and yours, with puerile hyperbole. After 5 years I see nothing that this man can point to as being part of his legacy. I have even gone to conservative sites raging from the center to the far right and still see nothing that this country will use as historical reference to Harper in the future with the exception of prorogation. 5 years of nothing but division and partisan politics that he blames on the opposition and he has the audacity to get in front of a podium and take credit for it? If this country gives him a majority then we deserve everything we get.......

Prof. Pye Chartt
said

@ RGBrook: Thank-you for your kind words, and for, inadvertently, making my point. You just dedicated your time and political energy to addressing ME, and tabling a PERSONAL issue you, apparently, have with ME. Isn't that interesting? (I witness this all the time: posters unable, or unwilling, to put forth a substantive argument in favor of their partisan cause, or a rational and specifically detailed critique of the party or politician they disagree with. Instead, just a whipped handful of darts at ME, in seeming frustration and anger. What "contribution" to a forum of discussion and debate does that constitute? Zip. In particular, I never fail to chuckle when one of these venomous souls accuses me of being "mean" or "childish." Really? Okay.) With all due respect, my friend, feel free to stick to YOUR cause, and argumentatively defend YOUR beliefs. I welcome it. I relish debate and discussion. As a libertarian, I'm not "in bed" with the Conservatives. I enjoy reading fiery posts from passionate opposers (ie. Liberals) who have some REAL to say and offer. Thanks.

Barry Wynn
said

Close is not enough in minority governments. They are wasting time trying to govern like a schizophrenic person wastes his life thinking a paycheck is coming but only in a dream. Bloc Quebecois, NDP and the Liberals are those "demons" that make PM Stephen Harper believe he can pass bills as if he was in majority government...its free, and the Bears in the air from Russia have no interest in us...I heard the old men where in the those old bombers to make Stevie buy big Cadillac planes without a welfare check from the Queen.

eddytoronto
said

Lets get real. Here is what the government is likely to do. Once Harper realizes that the dollar is at risk and that they can no longer finance their wars by borrowing the government will either levy a tax on private pensions or the government will require pension fund managers to purchase Treasury debt with our pensions. This will buy the government a bit more time while pension accounts are loaded up with worthless paper. Would a crook turn over a crook? Crooks taking government positions and using that influence power and control to effect the goals of the relatively few that want to take over everything and everyone. I can identify the crooks I have a list. Time to investigate the criminality and bring them to the fore.What precious time we have needs to be spent on exposing the criminals and the criminality that is right in front of us. Forget the distractions.As long as the market confidence is there the crooks know the suckers are still on the hook still ready to hand over their wealth to the banksters. As a G20 officer said to a protester in a youtube video This aint Canada right now.But as the economy continues to sour there is a good chance more and more people will stop listening to the rhetoric. They will stop buying the lies. If North America riots Bilderberg wins.They will have won because they will have fooled enough North Americans long enough to effect their plan.The street riots the police brutality the armies in the streets will all be signs they avoided true justice. We are just getting warmed up. If the courts wont expose these criminals then it is up to us. Birds of a feather flock together!

Bill in Calgary
said

One need only comprehend the negative and obstructionist environment the Conservative government has had to endure. The opposition has lost sight of the need to put Canada first, over partisan politics. In Quebec they are known as �La coalition des imb�ciles� (the coalition of imbeciles), and Iggy thinks he can win an election. There's some chance of that happening.

daid silvercloud
said

Stephen Harper insulted all Canadians at the beginning of his speech by suggesting that before the election of the Conservatives that parents sat at home swilling beer while their children ran about out of control.

Gary
said

If bashing the Liberals is the best thing that the Conservatives can do then maybe we need to look at someone else to lead the country,

Bruce from Alberta
said

I'm conservative but I think I'll vote NPD or Liberal because I'm coming to the conclusion the only way for people to get their head out of the sand is to crash the whole country. Then they will realize these coperations and goverments that they want to give more and more power to are incompetent.

Jim McB
said

There are two things that Harper did that will be part of his legacy. The Tax Free Savings Account will help the young purchase in the future, and income splitting for pensioners has been helping for the past few years. With both the RRSP and the TFSA those going into the work force have vehicles for providing supplements to the CPP for their retirement years. As the lefties age and their outrage at nothing fades, they will begin to see the light!

Cyrle Hammond
said

While I understand that this was a political speech, suggesting that we are stronger now than 5 years ago is just... unnerving. We have, once again under a "fiscal conservative", seen the largest deficit spending in Canadian history (very Mulroney-like). We have become a joke on the world stage which not even a partisan Conservative could deny without bringing on laughter. We're also stuck in a poor economy with little job growth. Now some Conservatives have pointed out we're the best in the G8, but since we have had the best economy on the G8 this entire time since things began collapsing, is there any doubt that Chretien's term as PM and Martin's stint as Finance Minister isn't at least partially responsible for our good fortunes - especially the banking regulations which world leaders are publicly lauding and that Harper once publically opposed... The fact of the matter is, while we may not be the worst off in the G8, we are at least stalled, but definitely not better than 5 years ago.

Roger
said

What Lyndon B. Johnson once said about the difference between the two American political parties offers great insight and could be easily applied as you read most of these comments. When asked what was the difference between the two parties he responded, "Nothing really, they are like twin calves. When one is sucking the other is whining." And the whining and sucking continues!

caper0115
said

Harper has a big mouth. I don't think he was ever trusted. there is something there that says he should go and live with George Bush , they seem to get along well. Yeah George and Steve, They both love the risk of taking information,turning it around to suit thamselves ie. gun control info held till after the vote! Having massive defecits , to arm our country to the hilt.Taking the time to foster some sort of hate in the world so that they booted us out on the security council. Christ we can't even land in Eygpt or the UAE. Yeah ,something is amiss here,I think we know what smells,and it starts withT-O_R-I-E-S

Sue
said

If I was the CEO of a large corporation & I ruined the companies reputation & brought the company from a 13 billion dollar surplus to a debit of 112 billion. Would you still let me run your company? Who in their right mind would let someone like this run their company. This guy needs to go, Ignatieff couldn't possibly do any worst than the current bumbler we have.

David in Toronto
said

All - much intense debate and many views. Yes Harper has his faults (as we all do), but he and they say what they do and fewer games than the others. I would wlecome and hope for a majority next time - solid politics and I for one feel better with Harper guarding the purse than the others.We are very lucky, and have the chance to be world class - the Iggy-Rae show is truly devisive and bad for us as a nation. I know what I will vote for and support.

Prof Sine Curve
said

These guys who say that Harper turned a surplus into a deficit fail to mention something. First, Harper ran a good surplus at first. At the same time he restored some of the funding to provinces for health care (the Liberals had earlier dumped all that cost on the provinces and then proudly claimed they had balanced the budget). ____ Then, the world wide recession hit which ran every western country into financial deficits. The Liberals certainly wouldn't have fared well there either. Harper then brought us through that crisis in better shape than any other country. He would also had less of a deficit if the gang of three hadn't earlier tried to highjack the country and forced Harper to spend many extra billions on their pet projects to avoid an election.

Not Pye Chart
said

Harper and his band of evangelical Reform/Alliance/Tea-baggers are telling us that life is better under them? What are they doing; trying to invoke Goebbels law? Telling a lie over and over again does not make it true. Harper is trying to take us down the path of the extreme right wing neo-cons of the south. Data does not matter to him; he already knows the answer. Why else would he be trying to eradicate the census? Slobodan Harper wants to keep is in a state of continual fear and conflict in order to distract us from the damage he is doing to our society. I hope the rest of the country wakes up to the reality of life under the Harpercrits.

Doug @ BC
said

If you like record high spending matched with ill timed tax cuts, well you love this guy. It is exactly what Bush did to the US. And while we may not like to admit it, it was the Liberals who refused to deregulate the banks. This one move meant we did not have the financial collapse seen in the rest of the world. I am one person who is very disaappointed in Harper. He came in saying he would be different. He was worse and I cannot stand the approach of pitting region and region or community against community, or any of the "create a crisis" approach to governing. Can you imagine how nasty his attacks will be if he ever gets a majority.

RGBrook
said

While I don't disagree with all that Prof. Pye Chartt offers in these forums, his manner of address does little (if anything) to help his conservative cause. The repetitive insulting demeanour is childish at best (tit-for-tat like), and the assumption that a non-conservative is automatically a liberal is extremely narrow-minded. While Canada may be regarded at being at its best in the past few years, the Conservative government cannot stand centre stage to accept the credit in its entirety. One must weigh a multitude of factors for the position that Canada now holds in the economic world, and there is far more to the "figures" we hear about in relation to economy, employment, crime etc, than what is being delivered to the ears of Canada by this government. Some love to hear themselves speak, other to see their words in print. I believe the Prof. falls under this category. I only wish that he'd drop the "holier than thou-ishness" of his messages to educate in a mature manner than the way he chooses. Too bad CTV finds his multiple banters so worthy of posting. It's getting rather tiresome.

TimT
said

sorry Prof. Pye Chartt...But the truth is, this conservative government had nothing to do, with putting Canada on a sound financial footing with strong banks. Harper took over from that excellent position, and immediately began spending wildly like drunken sailors before the recession even arrived. and that, is a FACT.

Jerry in Calgary
said

There is no great big political secret to the continued success of a government. Its about leadership......leadership......leadership.Did I say leadership. I congratulate our prime minister Stephen Harper on a job well done over the last 5 years and I wish him good speed towards another 5 years of the same. Only this time....with the majority government that he has so richly earned through his efforts in making Canada a great country. A great country as it's leader not only among the western nations but that of all the nations in the world.God bless Canada

Ruth
said

Marg in Calgary, I totally agree with you. Has any of us been involved with a needy person????? They are suffocating, clingy and suck all the oxygen out of the air, all take and no give. Well, in most of these types of relationships, they don't last very long. Iggy, in my opinion, comes across as very needy and, you guessed it, this relationship, too, will come to a speedy and timely end. Canadians will be only too willing to give this transient oxygen suffocating leader the boot.

A Real Conservative
said

Five years of Harper. I think we have seen it all, a coward running scared when the opposition banded together, talking about senate reform, and electing our members to the senate chamber and what has he done, appoint senators, something he said he would never do. All I can same is shame on you for what you have done and how you have lied to Canadians for the last five years. As a conservative myself I would like to apologize to all canadians for having helped putting the "liar and scoundrel" in office.

MARG MM
said

Personally, my family is better off after 5 years of a Conservative government with PM Harper at the helm, however the Liberal/NDP will continue to whine and complain regardless. I suspect some of you have taken advantage of the TFSA,and the income tax splitting,thus reducing your income tax. The military has certainly gained in the past 5 years. Hardened criminals will finally be off the streets if the tougher laws are allowed to pass by an obstructionist opposition. Crediting Chretien and Martin for any of this means you don't know, or prefer to blind yourselves to the facts of how they created their so-called "surpluses". Michael Ignatieff asked the question" Are you better off after 5 years of a Harper Conservative Government?". My answer is a definite YES.

Ruth
said

Karen if parents looked after their children properly, the children wouldn't be smoking pot; therefore, they wouldn't be arrested and could stay in school/university. And on the deficit, perhaps you'd like everyone who was laid off in Canada due to no fault of their own to go on unemployment or welfare. Where do you think that money would come from... At least the stimulus spending kept people employed and our economy and dollar strong. Make no bones about it, had Mr. Harper not done what he did, we would be facing an uncertain economic crisis because as the old saw goes, when the US sneezes, Canada catches a cold and the US is far from resolving it's economic woes. Check out the history of the fall of the Lehman Brothers to see just how much in trouble the US is really in. In conclusion, Mr. Harper has done the best he could in a minority government position for this country. Economically, we are the envy of many countries, especially those in Europe.

Laurie
said

Please fellow Canadians! Do not let this megalomaniac get a majority in the next election.

Jake in Burlington
said

The finest Prime Minister Canada has ever seen. Congratulations Honourable Prime Minister Harper. People with brains; now lets go get that majority and make this a truly great nation!

Jamie D
said

Again CTV: reducing the GST is now considered a failure move, the military upgrade is a single purchase of 65 jets (what about the other 30,000 boots on the ground what do they get?), and safer streets: We see that the parliment building reno's are a sign of the safe he is talking about. So all the things the guy is spouting is just wrong to anyone that is old enough to vote. CTV, get away from this part of the conservative party. It isn't conservative and it is going to make your news outlet a 'rag'.

Pip
said

It so boring to hear over and over the mantra that Harper is totally responsible for a deficit of $50 billion or so. It gets so tiring reminding people that it was the Liberals, Bloc and NDP that demanded stimulus spending, and had they been in power, it would have been a lot more than $50 billion. I also get tired of red herrings like the comment of one poster who states that "It was under Mulroney's watch where we saw 19% mortgage rates." Perhaps that poster was an infant in arms at the time, but in 1982 - under Trudeau - I had to renew a mortgage at 18% , a rate that came about after PET's freeze of wages and prices - where only wages got frozen; when the only way he could balance the budget was to raid Alberta's coffers. Had the Liberals not moved so far from the center, they might have maintained a majority under Martin. However, Martin's successors have been even more left-inclined, while Harper has moved his party closer to the center. I personally suspect that most Canadians (to borrow Layton's line) would prefer a centrist government, though that's all it is, a suspicion. In the meantime, Harper is doing an adequate job given the financial situation over the last couple of years. He has laid out plans, has basically stuck to them (except where his minority government was unable) and has a concrete plan for the future. I have yet to hear a concrete plan from the Liberals.

Ruth
said

Jamie D
said

Sorry Pye Chartt: Calling facts fiction is not offering your own conclusions. People are voicing their dissatisfaction, and you are voicing your contempt for these people. Seems we know where you opinions are. I hear you are an old timer. Served on this and served on that. yeah, you been on the government tit your whole life, it is no wonder you are such a staunch supporter of waste. It lines your pockets doesn't it?

Bob,Calgary
said

We have heard from Reece,Stewie and Gareth on this blog, all of whom really have little to add to the debate unless one equates debate with simply spewing invective against the Conservative government. If one really wants to put things into perspective you need to look at Stephen Harper in comparison to Jean Chretien who had the opportunity to really put Canada in a better place. Chretien had several majority governments which he could have used to improve things for Canada and Canadians but he did very little to improve the country. Liberals love to brag about Chretien/Martin solving Canada's financial problems and giving us a surplus. If one looks objectively at their record one can see that they simply downloaded Canada's fiscal problems onto the Provinces and Municipalities by cutting transfers. Harper, in a continuing minority situation, has steered Canada through a worldwide recession that has almost bankrupted our biggest trading partner, the United States. If I had to choose I would rather have Harper as PM as opposed to Chretien,Martin,Dion or Iggy. The continuing problem with the Liberal party is that they operate from the mistaken belief that governments can solve all problems and they hamper human initiative by taking away the ability of Canadians to use their own abilities to be successful.

AK
said

If the Conservatives get a majority they will do more. Such has spending billions on arms, engaging in pointless wars, they will reduce human rights, change our health care system to a private one so that only the rich will get adequate treatment and force provincial governments to increase taxation by cutting spending for basic needs.

Island Man
said

Spoken like a true Dictator...stronger power for Harper, less Democracy for the people

Zebulon Pike
said

Mr. Harper certainly is the most divisive leader Canada has had in years. He separated the country into "right" and "wrong" and, most importantly, "Toronto" versus everyone else. Most, I believe, can live with this.

Steve in Manotick
said

How can we be stronger with all the debt this man has dumped on us??

Elias Nasrallah
said

All the lefties are out today. Let me remind you folks that it was you who hounded the Conservatives to bail out our economy. Billions of dollars were used to fix the economy. Now you claim that the Conservatives have put our country in a deficit of your asking! Don't forget Leberals and NDPers out there, you will say and do anything to try to make the Conservatives look bad. You dingdongs are upset that Harper is still in power. Try to figure this out. Harper is the longest running minority in Canadian history. Is it because he is brilliant? Or is it because the Liberals and NDP are idiots. Either way, he is in power and Iggy and Layton are not!

Karen
said

@Gord. Robson, Nova Scotia Are you new to Canada Gord? We have been locking up serious criminals for years. The other commenter was talking about new laws Harper wants to impose on Canadian children. Harper wants to lock up kids for smoking pot, so rather than them finishing school & going to university they will go to prison, make some criminal contacts & learn to be violent. I personally would rather my kids go to university or college. I don't understand how any one could support Harper anyway. He took us from a 13 billion surplus to a 112 billion dollar debit. Did you know we pay an extra 16.8 million per day in interest on our nation debit because of his poor fiscal management.

Prof. Pye Chartt
said

Following an intense global economic recession, Canada's economy is the strongest in the G7. Our deficit-to-GDP ratio is the lowest. More Canadians, in fact, are working today than before the recession. These primary FACTS instantly melt the little political issue-candles that obstinate Liberal supporters light at every opportunity. These primary FACTS represent the big picture, and what really matters at this juncture. The majority of Canadians certainly don't "adore" Stephen Harper; however, a solid number have an appreciation for the steady hands of him and his Conservatives. Talking about Trudeau, Chretien, and Martin (and their bogus manufactured "legacies") is a complete WASTE of time, my Liberal friends. Talk about Michael Ignatieff, and why he hasn't been able to take down a government that is, allegedly, so awful. Tell us why your Liberal party is clinging to life, and not expected to win the forthcoming federal election. You folks need to refocus your gripes, concerns, and political attention. The whole juvenile "liar" and "dictator" angle has been getting you nowhere.

Prof. Pye Chartt
said

I always get a kick out of the seemingly desperate and downtrodden Liberal supporters who, along with continually propagating the silly myths that Chretien/Martin "saved" Canada's banking system and Stephen Harper is responsible for putting the Canadian economy on the edge with zero-down mortgages, endlessly flog the notion that the Conservative government is "divisive." Like a malfunctioning disc-player, they play this goofy tune over and over...with no supportive facts, reasoning, or unbiased rationale. It's just a hollow, and self-serving, partisan allegation disguised as informed opinion. Nonsense. Personally, I believe that the simple root of this bogus assessment is the political bitterness and resentment that many Liberals themselves cart around. It stems from entitlement, and not being of direct influence, and not being in control. It stems from political frustration, a refusal to acknowledge that the Conservatives are in charge in Ottawa (with a minority), and an unwillingness to concede anything. You have "divided" yourselves on the parliamentary playing field, my Liberal friends. Your loss.

Retired in Burlington
said

When an election is called you can vote for Harper and stand a good chance of having a reasonably run country, like we have had for the past five years or you can vote for either Curly, Larry and Moe and go to hell... minus the handbasket.

Helga Laval
said

Canadians have a right to know where their tax dollars are going:Do you average Canadians realize that your hard-earned tax dollars are going to French Disney Land to the tune of 60% to pay for nonsense like "free" in-vitro fertilization that comes at a price allowance of over $30,000.00 per Quebec wanna-be parents who refuse to adopt but want a genetically produced Quebec baby while they stiff Canadians with the price-tag.Is this a responsible way for Canadian tax dollars to be spent on a province that calls itself a 'nation', refuses to identify itself as "Canadian" and refers to themselves in a snotty way as "Quebecois(e), spits on the English language and English Canadians routinely. All your money goes to Quebec for free (expensive to 'you') in-virto and subsidized $7/per day daycare when people in other provinces have to pay out of their own wallets for these things.

TM
said

Stephen Harper: A legend in his own mind.

viral venus
said

Harper's record on uniting Canadians is actually a difficult paradox. Canadians are less united and cohesive on some of the polariing social issues because of Harper's more american style "confront, belittle, demean, devalue and insult" approach to all who disagree with conservative policy. It has gotten him in trouble and prevented a conservative majority because I don't think most Canadians want to hate their neighbour for having a more progressive view on some social issues nor do they buy into the notion that disagreeing with them automatically make you unworthy in every way. That said, there are some core issues upon which the conservative platform by far reflects more Canadians' feelings and therefore unites us. As an example, most Canadians are united on and applaud efforts to hold true criminals more responsible for their crimes and reinstate a punishment aspect to incarceration. However,in the same "law and order" platform are things like weaker gun control and heavy penalties for recreational soft drug use that have most Canadians roll their eyes and back off on support. There is no simple answer to whether we are overall more or less divided after 5 years of Harper only that he is just as likely to divde us as unite us on individual issues.

Jamie, Ottawa
said

Harper. Liar.

Gay EMEL
said

Did any one notice the Huge Canadian Flags on display everywhere - deceptively suggesting that Harper's Conservative Party is Canada? Seems like the reverse of his tactic in Branding Canadian Taxpayers own Stimulus Dollars as cheques marked with huge Conservative Party of Canada Logos - he thinks that the Phony Branding of this Event as Canadian is going to fool anyone.THIS MAN AND THIS PARTY ARE SUCH A BAD IDEA I CAN NOT BELIEVE ANYONE VOTED FOR THEM . . . A DISGRACE TO CANADA. Despite their best efforts to turn Canada into a Right Wing American Dictatorship, to turn Harper into a President modelled after George Bush, to turn our on a Dictaorial version of a Right Wing US President, and US Congress and US Right Wing environment - Canadians, our Parliament and the

Jay in Stoon
said

I guess I don't understand the Conservative concept of a country being stronger. I am just barely old enough to remember the country getting stronger under Mulrooney, and how long it took to dig ourselves out of debt after THAT. We have an enormous deficit, which did nothing to create jobs in Canada, and our international relationships may have been permanently damaged after modelling ourselves after the dying American empire. What exactly does Harper mean by "we're STRONGER???"

Kojak
said

The only thing that will prosper under Conservative rule will be our already record deficits. But keep on believing!

Ken Alberta
said

I was a conservative for 50 years this progressive conservative, reform coalition has turned my stomach. I'll be voting liberal come next election, they had us in a surplus the PM has created a massive debit for our country. This government is socially conservative and fiscally incompetent. Harper has failed miserably he let me down. He's taking our great nation in the wrong direction.

Marg in Calgary
said

I'm sorry, but I would rather have a majority of Conservatives than the alternatives - Iggy and Dion!! They are way too scary to run this country and they spend too much time strutting before the cameras but have nothing really to offer.

At least Mr. Harper knows what's going on with this country and can continue to run it the way it should be run.

Kevin
said

I feel like I'm working just to pay taxes that go to Quebec, not a province that I live in. Ooops, I meant country. Quebec calls itself a separate country. Canadians are being scammed to work just to send all their taxation to Quebec.

Gord. Robson, Nova Scotia
said

Prime Minister Harper has done an outstanding job. High school kids serving manditory sentences for petty crime ? What are you smoking? The fact is we want people that commit repeated serious crime like people who murder, commit serious crimes against children off the streets and in prison. I would think that most law abiding people would want this but by some comments here makes one wonder !

Gareth Hitchings
said

The man tells flagrant lies so comfortably he makes my skin crawl.

Liz
said

Let me guess...most of you think we are better off with the Liberals??? They already screwed up this country, why not let them finish it, hey?
You can thank the Liberals for the entire 'justice' system....

Hal
said

We need a Majority Conservative government!

The Liberals forced the Conservatives to increase out deficit but now at election time they say they had nothing to do with it.

The liberals drove our military into the ground and then had the nerve to enter a war in Afghanistan and send our troops over there so poorly equiped they had to share flact jackets and the troops had to buy their own boots.

Canadians are growing very tired of the Liberals complaining about every iniative the conservatives put forward yet putting no policy together of their own.

We have tried the conservatives out in a minority government and they passed. They deserve to have a majority.

Rainey-Ont
said

I used to vote Liberal (including Trudeau,Cretien).I didn't trust Paul Martin from day one.From there I voted Conservative.As long as Harper runs he has my vote.I totally trust him to do what's best for ALL Canadians not just Quebec.
I only wish he had an opportunity to run the country with a majority government.I think we'd see a lot more issues on the table get resolved than we have over the past 5 years.I say so far so good for Harper and his government.I have faith.

Peter in MB
said

alfred @ "WHAT ABOUT IGGYS HIDDEN AGENDA?" C-mon Alfed we both know that IGGY dose not have a hidden agenda� Because IGGY has NO AGENDA!!! LOL

GHW
said

Steven Harper is one of the best PM�s this country has ever had. I just want to thank you Mr. Harper for stepping up and sticking with it. Don�t let the partisan lefties discourage you. Many of them have made Liberalism their religion and have mistakenly mixed religion and politics. Governing a country is mostly about managing economics, services, justice from the balanced center. The conservatives continue to have my support.

Dave
said

I notice Harper says nothing about his broken promises of a new era of transparency and accountability. Not much to celebrate, that's for sure.

Leslee
said

stronger?? riiiight- fewer jobs, higher debt, an international laughing stock... seems to me like all he has done is leave us a huge mess! take a hike Harper, and take your Conservative attack-ads with you!!

John Daintree
said

Canadian economy may be stronger, but it is in spite of Harper NOT because of Harper. He is too big headed and self opinionated.

Cam
said

Wow, it only took five years to ruin our country. It took Bush 8 years to destroy the US, way to go Harper!

island man
said

Canada is Stronger?...sure smells stronger...like CRAP

Ken
said

Let me think ... Softwood lumber dispute where Canada wins legally and still loses BILLIONS when the Conservatives backed down to President Bush. Yeah the GST was reduced and with the HST more items and services are taxed, once again screwing over the middle and lower class income earners. And lest we forget about the G8 and G20 financial fiasco ... 1.3 BILLION$, I still can't get over the Conservative that OK'd the fake lake. And Steve, keeps on giving to our US friends with the untendered bid for the US stealth aircraft, with only 1 company in the race they can and did ask for whatever they wanted for their aircraft. Why didn't Canada open up the process, maybe China would have offered to sell their latest high tech stealth aircraft ... rather than 65 stealth aircraft from the USA we may have been able to purchase 130 Chinese stealth aircraft (just kidding). Harper still hasn't figured out that most Canadians simply don't trust him. If he has another election, he'll end up in the same minority or Canadians might surprise him and Harper may end up as leader for the opposition, wishful thinking! I hope Mr Harper remembers how the great people of Newfoundland and Labrador message was sent when Danny said vote ABC ... vote Anything But Conservative! All Canadians, all Cultures, all income levels should Vote ABC: Anything But Conservative!

MCW
said

Why are Canadians paying their hard earn tax dollars to the tune of 60% to Quebec when Quebec people refuse to identify themselves as "Canadian/Canadien", call themselves Quebecois(e) and a separate nation? What is the deal with this? And why are Canadians foolishly allowing themselves to be extorted as such? Unity in respects to keeping Quebec happy is too high a price at the rest of Canadian's expense.

Jason
said

Unity in Canada comes at the expense of Canadians handing more than 60% of their taxes for federal equalization transfer payments to Quebec alone while leaving only a mere 40% for 9 provinces and 3 territories to divide up. This isn't national "unity", it's "extortion" pure and simple.

Cara
said

Canada's stronger only if we gullible Canadian taxpayer's keep placating extortionist Quebec with 60% of our pan-Canadian collected taxes so they can blow the money on "free" in-vitro fertilization of over $35,000.00 per Quebec "wanna-be" parents and their $7/per day daycare. No other Canadian province has the nerve nor the cash to fund such things. They pay out of their own pocket for their own genetic baby making and day care. Quebec gets so much of Canadian tax dollars funneled to it that the rest of Canada goes without. Unity? Pretty expensive unity eh?!? The socialist utopia French Disney Land Quebec needs a fiscal reality check because Canadians are getting screwed over by placating the high-maintenance ungrateful separatist brats!

Ronald
said

I cannot believe that many people like this man so much after what he as done to the Canadian poor and middle class people of this country by giving huge tax breaks to rich Canadian corporations that in return exploit there worker{s} and could not careless as long as they get the tax breaks and the profits.

What about showing of at the two summits by wasting all that money to show how good he is as leader of Canada while our own people are sleeping in shelters and eating out of food banks that is humiliating coming from a very rich country like Canada. what about not keeping his promise on gasoline by not freezing the G.S.T. at .085 cents liter he his helping rich oil companies to get richer on the back of the poor taxpayer what a great leader B.S. he is not my leader and if many of you like this man may God have mercy on you souls.

ddssdd
said

Of course he says that what is he going to say "Canada is weaker?". Why is this man's face all over the news - is it election time already?

Paul ~ Kitchener
said

Yes Mr. Prime Minister ~ Canada is in a lot better shape than 5 years ago. Your Government hasn't done everything to all Canadians liking, but, you have given us a solid concrete government, in a struggling world economy. In a minority position, and facing (3) objectionist, so called political parties, & one fo them a "Seperatist Treasonist Party" to boot, you have guided a postive course for Canada. Just think how better things would be if all the "Good Bills" lost because of the stupidity of the Liberals & NDP playing partisan politics instead of suporting a positive forward looking national minority government. Mr. Prime Minister come the next election, (I believe in the Spring May-June), you will get the majority Canada wants.Keep the course Sir, stand up for Canada, (as shown with the U.E. Islamic Government). Give us the stronger military, give us new laws for the citizens, and not criminals, deport terrorists & illegals in our nation, help big business, (reduce corp taxes), to grow and hire, in a strong competative world market, expand our world trading with China & India, (great trade deals). Many of these initiatives are in your plan, and hold fast to them, regardless of the blithering banter of Iggy, and the stupid platform of the socialist (NDP-er's). THANKS MR PRIME MINISTER lead on !!

Jose
said

I certainly would like a Conservative government in power, but not with a majority. Harper is not very democratic and we need a Parliament that can stop him on some of his undemocratic ideas.

Prof. Pye Chartt
said

It is the assessment of most mainstream media pundits and pollsters that the success of PM Stephen Harper and his Conservatives has resided in their unexpected ability to govern from the political CENTRE with a parliamentary minority, and, in so doing, they have cut the legs of their Liberal foes out from under them, leaving the "enttled" folks led by Michael Ignatieff only to whine, nitpick, complain, and foolishly obstruct. Contrary to the endless fear-mongering and baseless assertions offered by bitter Liberal supporters, the Conservatives have not sported a "hidden agenda" and attempted to push Canada off to the "far right" like some crazed Christian bible-thumpers. It just hasn't happened. In fact, this past week, PM Harper clearly indicated to the CBC that, amongst a couple other items, the abortion and capital punishment issues wouldn't be on his table. (While Canada's overall crime rate has declined in recent years, it is a fact that the per-capita rate of violent crime has been increasing since the 1960s, and has intensified in recent years. A host of societal and institutional realities justify attention to our prison system.) The Conservatives have robbed the Liberals blind, and left them lost in the political woods. Anger and resentment have filled many of their frustrated souls. For his part, Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff has been without traction, an unmitigated letdown, and, in the minds of many, including media pundits, is headed off to pasture (Harvard?) after the forthcoming federal election. Without a legitimate series of solid planks in a respectable platform, he is destined to push his nemesis, Stephen Harper, the longest running minority PM in Canadian history, well into majority territory. What then? Anti-depressants from a Pez dispenser?

Yerhiness
said

Exactly how is Canada stronger since Mr. Harper and his Conservatives have been in power? We are weaker internationally, our economy is in the toilet, and a majority of Canadians are poorer with fewer health options, so how are we stronger?

Benny
said

Harper has had closed door policies, Bills like Bill s-10 that proposes highschool kids get mandatory sentences for miniscule crimes and beyond all that he told us we had no right to voice our opinion about the latest information sharing with the US.

HE HAS TO GO!

Peter in MB
said

I hope the Canadian people will see though the lies, tricks and deception of the liberal party and their leader in the next election and give the conservative a majority government. That�s the only way that we will be able to correct the Liberals mistakes of the past that the liberal will not admit they made. Like the useless gun registry that looks good on paper but in reality does nothing. Hug a thug Soft on crime B.S., And giving our military the tools they need to do the job. The liberals have royally screwed up all of these things in the past but they will never admit it. That�s why they oppose the changes to the gun registry, getting tuff on crime and the only reason they oppose the f-35�s. is they don�t want the conservative to take credit for what they started. Talk about cut off you nose to spite your face� the liberals would rather screw the country then look bad in the press.

Zebulon Pike
said

Thank you, Mr. Harper, for everything. By stopping Kyoto, you essentially saved the country from the massive economic burdens of a wealth transfer scam. Now a real solution to climate change can be found. By supporting our warfighters with new equipment, they can defend both Canada and the world from the menace of terrorism. By replacing partisan recklessness with sound diplomacy, you repaired relations with the US - even finding a solution to the sole remaining trade obstacle, the softwood lumber dispute. Quite simply, you are the best PM since of the post-WWII era. Thank you for everything.

reece
said

The economic policies of Paul Martin under Chretien kept us stronger. Chretien resisted the conservatives lobbying to have our banks from being exposed to American take overs. It was the conservatives who introduced the 40 yr mortgage. It was under Mulroney's watch where we saw 19% mortgage rates. It was under Harper we lost a security seat under the UN, lost influence in latin America and the middle east. It was Harper who wants to spend billions of our dollars to buy obsolete fighters. Obsolete? Yes, obsolete, since China and Russia both have stealth fighters. Russia even has the s-400 missile that is a STEALTH missil that can loiter and break into 10 smaller missiles hitting 10 different targets. This stealth missile is being availed to all Russian friendly nations. So with all this stealthiness going on, how is this new fighter to be used? Is everybody just flying around like keystone cops trying to lock onto a target that is not showing up on radar? Do we use these missiles on some Taliban drug cartel members?? If you ask me, this business of Canada being stronger under Harper is rhetoric alone. Try again, Steve, and resign at the earliest possible time before you do any more damage. Stronger? OMG!!

Red Delta
said

Insane political wackiness is for the morons down south. Minority government FTW!

Rick
said

Of course he's going to flap his wings - what else is he going to say ?
He's as corrupt and useless as any of them.

JEAN-GUY
said

Don't care what analyst think. Harper will leave a legacy in the next term.We still need the return of the Death penalty,Deficit reduction,Economic growth.And he'll get that on the next term.PLUS he will restore confidence in parliment,in the future.HE'S THE MAN

RSSA in Edmonton
said

Pretty rich coming from one of the most divisive leaders we've had for a long time.He is opposite to almost everything Mr. Harper claims to stand for i.e. opaque after a platform of transparency.After record deficit spending, to call the leader and party "conservative" is truly an oxymoron!Even before the recession, that he declared would not happen, he and his friends spent the surplus accrued by previous governments. You cannot blame that on the opposition either.

Jettle
said

Yes, let us just ignore how Harper has damaged Canada's reputation internationally. It will take us years to recover from that.....years....

Seriously he believes that?
said

Oh Mr. Harper, you are sadly misinformed. Canada is more divided than ever since you were unfortunately put in the PM chair. You and your band of merry minions have started a very sad shift from a respectful, community oriented, inclusive culture to a divisive, polarized, disrespectful place. You make decisions based on your religious beliefs that may benefit your "quiet" followers and yet you believe that those people who share your beliefs are somehow better Canadians than those who do not share your beliefs. Sad. And by the way-just because your supporters are "quietly" whispering in your ear that doesn't make them quiet. The fact that you accept and drive their bigoted agendas means that in fact they are actually creating much more noise than those who speak out against you.You are not a leader Mr. Harper, you have damaged our reputation on the international scene and you have hurt many loyal, hardworking, caring people that are citizens of this country with your divisive actions.

d.a.b.j. Calgary
said

Keeping the other political "3 Stooges" out of the PM's office is a legacy all-its-own !!!!!!

Steve
said

At no point in time has the majority of this country supported Mr Harper with a vote... and so it goes in a three party system. Personally I'll be pleased when they are gone and we can get back to strong leadership that are able to do things like eliminate deficit, not increase it. (remember when we ran a surplus and still had more services? Wasn't that long ago.)

alfred
said

can"t wait to hear from the media and liberals about harpers hidden agenda. WHAT ABOUT IGGYS HIDDEN AGENDA?

Alexandria
said

Good for you P.M. Harper. Most unbiased Canadians are very satisfied with what you and your party have done for Canada.To the Political Analysts get a real job and earn your keep.

Jim, Ontario
said

Nice speech.

JB in Ontario
said

No matter what Party one belongs to, I think it is no secret that Stephen Harper and his Conservatives have made Canada a much better nation during his minority Conservative term. Giving Canada hope and a strong future is what I feel from this government. No election now, lets wait and see the government continue to work for everyday Canadians. A Canada that is proud of our history, identity and with promise of prosperity for the future and a true friend to many different countries. This is the Canada I like to see.

Stewie
said

Thank you so much Mr Harper you have, ruined our reputation on the world stage. You have taken our great nation from a 13 billion dollar surplus & added another 112 billion to our national debit. Thanks to you Mr Harper Canadians now pay an extra 16.8 million per day in interest on our national debit. I was wondering how much longer it will take you to bankrupt our nation?

Laurie
said

Canada is most certainly better off under Mr. Harper. The stealing/incompetant fiberals under iggy would have had us close the the financial state of Ireland. Taliban jack is just totally untrustworthy. The Harper government has followed a sound course and was able to borrow enough to see us through the terrible financial troubles most countries floundered under. For the last five years Canada has had hope and promise for the future along with having safer communities to live in.

jim in manitoba
said

PRIME MINISTER HARPER ! getting ready for the election. come on coalition pull the trigger, we the voters are sick of the BS and will finally give this man his well deserved MAJORITY GOVERNMENT !

mike
said

It is pretty hard to leave a legacy when he has to beg, borrow or steal support from the Liberals and NDP on every issue he wants to move on. Lets give him a majority and then see if he follows through on his promises. Then we will know what type of legacy Mr. harper will leave.

Karl in BC
said

I was once Liberal a long time ago. The liberals and NDP have no plan to run Canada any more, and are in survival mode. For the past 5 years they preached about a hidden agenda every time there was an election. But there was none and Harper pretty much did what he said he would unlike most of his counter parts. I dont care what you liberals and NDP think but im voting for the conservatives in the next election, his values and common sense are in line with the best interests of this country. My Vote [X] Conservative

Go Packers
said

I am glad that this government was in power when the Global Economic issues happened. I cannot imagine what Iggy or Dion would have done aside from throwing 3 times the $$$ at the situation while raising taxes.I am a fence-sitting Conservative/Liberal and would love to see the Liberals find a suitable leader and a useful mandate. This would help both sides get better, but until then, Harpo is the man.

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