Opposition hints at 2008 federal election

They suggested in interviews with CTV's Question Period on Sunday that the spring federal budget could be defeated by a non-confidence vote, thus triggering an election.

Dion said Canadians have become frustrated with the Conservative government's policies, specifically their mismanagement of environmental issues.

"After two years of this minority Conservative government, the psychological threshold will have been reached," Dion said. "People may not want, necessarily, an election, but they will not be surprised if there is one."

However, Dion also told co-host Craig Oliver, "If there is an election -- I know you will ask me the question, and I don't know the answer more than you."

Dion spent much of the fall dodging chances to force an election. Liberal MPs abstained from voting on the throne speech. If the opposition had voted the speech down, a federal election would have been triggered.

NDP leader Jack Layton -- whose party did vote against the throne speech, along with the Bloc Quebecois -- blamed Dion for letting Harper stay in government.

"He has been propping up Mr. Harper all fall, and abstaining on a throne speech that's explicitly said we'll stay in Afghanistan longer, we will abandon Kyoto and we'll give huge tax reductions to those doing well," Layton told Question Period.

Dion said he personally found it very difficult to not vote down the government, but after discussing it with his team, he decided Canadians did not want an election in 2007.

Forcing an election on Canadians would have been detrimental to the party, he said.

"I'm a team player, I'm very collegial, I work hard and I listen to the people and I make up my mind. Sometimes I don't follow the view of my advisers, and sometimes I do," Dion said.

A recent Strategic Counsel poll suggests the Liberals and Conservatives are neck and neck, which could signal the time is coming for Dion to force an election. A new budget to be announced some time before March 31 could be the trigger, but Dion wouldn't confirm anything.

"Polls are, for me, an indicator, it's not a master," he said. "We need to see the budget, we need to see the bills that the government is proposing, and then we'll vote accordingly."

Bloc Quebecois Leader Gilles Duceppe said he will set out his party's conditions for the budget, but doesn't hold much hope that the Conservatives will implement his suggestions.

"I don't see how their budget will be supported by any of the opposition parties," he told Question Period.

He said the major campaign issues in Quebec will be Harper's stance on the environment, Afghanistan and the economy - none of which he shares with the province's public opinion.

Layton said when an election is triggered, trust in Harper will be a major issue. He said the Conservatives have taken Canada down the wrong path in terms of environmental issues and the war in Afghanistan.

Green Party leader Elizabeth May said the biggest issue in the next election will be "whether we want a livable world for our children."

She told Question Period that the odds were an election call would come from the budget, unless Dion toppled the government first.

An opposition day -- a day when opposition parties can move any motion, including a vote of no confidence in the government -- could be scheduled first, she said.

In an earlier interview with CTV News, Harper said the budget will be introduced "fairly early in the spring."

In terms of an election's likelihood, he said: "I don't see anybody chomping at the bit to defeat us for the last two years, so I think we feel pretty good about things."

Comments are now closed for this story

Val
said

As much as I don't want an election, it would thrill me to get rid of the Conservative government. I laugh when I read of the praise for the Conservatives in regards to global warming and climate change. Does anyone remember last January? The conservative government literally said there wasn't enough evidence to prove that humans contribute a great deal to global warming. Then when Canadians were polled on the important issues to them, the environment was the number 1 issue. Then low and behold, the Conservatives did a 180 and started campaigning for us to conserve and slow down global warming and yada, yada, yada. Talk about transparent! Their climate change agenda is a JOKE.

Michele
said

As I read down the list of comments we have the
usual partisan comments and the same repetitive ones, as well....Then I come accross the most intelligent one yet, from Frank Buchan and his 'none of the above
box' comment. Couldn't agree more.

I decided since the last election I will only vote for a an independent candidate or fringe party candidate.

I feel 'political arties' have 'hi-jacked' our political system; where MP's are not allowed to represent their constituents.

As it stands now we should just vote for PM and save the tax dollars on the rest of the 'baffoons'.

For those who think it's only Dion that think strategically about timing elections, better remember Harper is the most tactical/strategic of them all and most certainly will be time the election to his advantage as well.

John
said

I find it hilarious how quickly some right wingers jump on attacking Dion. Dion didn't say what he said just because of one poll. He said it because Harper has made so many bad decisions, it's time he's replaced. And grow up, and stop living in the past. "For 13 years...", a real leader looks into the future, and that leader is Dion.

And to Lillian on Dion's english. It's hilarious how instead of listening to his ideas, you reject him just on his English. Language shouldn't matter, it's what his ideas are!

It sounds as you right wingers are getting a bit scared.

Brad
said

Karen you can't just pick select bits and pieces out of those issues and twist them to suit your own purpose. If you ever had to debate those issues fully you would be in a fair bit of trouble. You're of course entitled to your viewpoint as we all are but spare us the angry & condescending tirade.

Mike
said

Karen J. Cao, Canada has one of the highest GDP per capita of all developed nations, not lowest. We far surpass the USA. The only country that is more in debt on a capita basis than us is Japan and Italy. All the debt we pay off saves us interest payments so there are advantages to paying off debt. Just because we've managed to avoid a recession for over a decade now does mean its not coming soon. Once a recession hits, well be back into deficit spending. Keynesian economics calls for a fiscal policy of paying off debt in good times and deficit spending in bad times.

Anne M
said

No one wants an election, so why don't the opposition, on the other side of the house,learn to do their jobs by supporting the gov't when it is a benefit to all Canadians, and questioning when there are things going on that need to be questioned. This would show that they are actually doing their job and impress us more.

Oabrey
said

I think this minority government has been good for Canada. Has it really been 2 years already?

I think Mr. Dion might be right about a shift in the political winds... it does seem like the conservatives have been a bit off their stride lately, but then I suppose if I were he I would be worried that perhaps they wanted it to seem that way.

Lord knows, Canadians both right and left have been unhappy with the corruption uncovered under the Liberal government of decades past...

So if you can't offer us clean-ness in the sense of integrity, perhaps the show of it on issues of the environment really will come down to the nitty-gritty of it.. .(pun-pun) ;)

Dayton
said

Show me a leader who can secure seats in all provinces and the territories. An effective leader who doesn't antagonize our largest trading partner and keeps our economy on track. Takes a balanced approach regarding the environment,health and foreign responsibilities. That person and or group gets my vote!!!!

David A. Byrne
said

Dion has no vision but self, no plan but to regain power, and has not the pluck to attain such.

The chance of him causing an election in 2008 is about as likely as an earthquake resulting from the flatulance of a flea.

aric
said

It seems the only issue at hand with any of the leaders is to take control. I am happy to see a government for once following through with what they promise. And if you want to complain about Mr. Harper only taking 1% off the gst and how it dosnt help at all, I would love to hear you all when Mr. Dion raises it back. Minus 1% is a whole lot better than nothing.

Tom Vilkov
said

So Jason-no one ever mentions how Stephen Harper cannot deliver his own province, which is Ontario, not Alberta. Being born and lived in Alberta all my life I will say that Harper is not one us and never will be. By the way, Dion is doing exactly what Harper did when he was Opposition Leader. People forget this. Ron J- Harper is not any brighter than any of the other of the Opposition Leaders-if he were he would have a majority by now.

Moreover, all of a sudden Conservatives are claiming that an election would not be in interest of Canadians. Where is the bravado of the fall? Despite his million dollar ad attacks against Dion Harper is not any further ahead. While many on this site have predicted Dion's political downfall, they should be perhaps looking to Harper. Even if he wins a minority in the next election his political career is over.

Alex McPherson
said

Stephane Dion seems to think he speaks for all Canadians when he says that we've become frustrated with the Conservative government's policies.

The real frustration stems from the constant rumours of an upcoming election partially fuelled by Mr. Dion's repeated 'warnings' to the government. If the third election in four years is called, I hope it backfires completely on Mr. Dion and the Liberal Party. Too many a time in thirteen years did the Liberal Party mess up on the environment and now they are blaming their successors for a problem Stephane Dion did nothing to stop when he was Environment Minister.

By now, we all should know that Kyoto is a dog.

Confused and Stunned, in London
said

Dear Karen J. Cao

In case you have forgotten already Paul Martin also used massive surpluses for debt reduction. Every year we are saving billions of dollars in interest payments due to the Conservatives debt reductions. This money is then used for tax relief and program spending.

The Right Honourable Stephen Harper is doing a wonderful job and will win a majority government in the next general election.

Fred
said

Its just once again the opposition going berserk over poles... Mr. Dion has no credibility when he said he didn't vote down the government in 2007 because Canadians didn't want an election, its because he looked bad in the polls he doesn't give jack if we want one or not. The minute one poll gives the liberals the slightest chance of getting a minority government he starts taking tough... He is another opportunist. The only province he can deliver seats in is Ontario, no support in Quebec or the west.

Jim Lad
said

Mr. Dion may be arm twisted into bringing down the minority government but the suggestion by opposition parties that Canadians are not content with the Conservative Government is simply rhetoric.
This minority government has done a fine job of keeping the opposition on their toes.'Strange turn of events, that.

larry
said

Having watched Harper on Saturday's CTV interview, I have to say that he is really impressive. Not the emotionally charged B.S. we get from the other leaders, but a clear and defined approach.. A leader; what a change for Canada.
Apparently he is not seen to be as strong in large urban centres and with female voters.. I can't understand why; this guy has great integrity and has proven by his actions that he is not some right of centre nut.. but is a centrist. Hopefully people will not fall for the empty promises of the liberals, as I once did.
Canada is doomed if we get any of the other leaders as they clearly represent the 'thoughtless left' wing.

Steve Daly
said

The "election" Dion is talking about will be a Liberal Party leadership convention.

Let's face it, the man's only Kyoto emissions plan was to carry a plastic baggie while walking his dog.

Phil
said

Opposition parites complain when the government spends money.

Opposition parties complain when the government doesn't spend money.

Opposition parties complain when the government pays down the debt to reduce the burden on taxpayers.

Opposition parties complain when the government cuts taxes across the board in stead of for just a favored few.

Opposition parties want to spend money on an unnecessary election.

The Liberal Party, if it gets into power, wants to spend more than the current surplus and actually increase the national debt.

Go figure.

Jay
said

There aren't just two poll showing these trends but a myriad showing the conservative fortunes dwindling with just the latest showing the liberals overtaking them or tied. The timing is right for an election. Harper has had two years doing nothing but making up pseudo liberal policies or outright rehashing liberal policies to fool people into thinking he is a moderate. We have not seen any true policy from our government thus far. "The Harper Party" is out of touch with the majority of Canadians and the people who were elected as conservatives have done nothing, they have no voice except through Harper. This isn't democracy. The complete capitulation to the US at Bali is a mark on our reputation that will take years to fix and never under "The Harper Party". To those naysayers, The Liberals numbers in the polls for Ontario are such that a majority could be possible due to the number of seats it represents in the province. Scream and cry all you want but governments actually defeat themselves and the current one has no life left in it.

Dan in Ottawa
said

Let's get real folks - you're all being lead around by the nose-strings. For those of you that think the 'new conservatives' are all that, take another look (cause you're not politicians, and you sure as H#%$ don't understand them) they're in it to get re-elected and maintain power. You have to love a PM that restricts his cabinet/MPs from speaking to the media; hmmm, last time I checked, we live in a democracy, which should ensure representation and access of and by the people (not to mention real accountability). Notwithstanding, it was pretty apparent Harper wanted nothing to do with climate protection until Dion got elected on a 'green' ballot. As for the Liberals, a real statesman is needed to lead. Sorry, the rest of the parties don't even figure. You people need to question what value you really get for your vote.

Jeanne
said

I have been a Liberal supporter forever - but even I cannot see Dion in power. It has been said many times in many ways - what did he do to help the environment when he was in power - nothing. I personally cannot see him as leader of Canada. I don't think Harper is an environmentalist either - but he is trying - in spite of himself. I personally would like to see Harper have at least another year at governing and then we will talk about elections.

Marie
said

Karen J. Cao, at least someone here has some common sense. I admire Mr. Dion a great deal for waiting for 2008 to bring down the Harper government. An election last fall would probably have meant another 2 to 4 years for Harper & that is not acceptable in my humble opinion. Actually, Mr. Harper did everything he could to instigate an election and Mr. Dion didn't give in to his bulling.

The polls are showing that Canadians are not trusting Harpers government and will never give him the majority he is seeking. The longer Harper is the PM, the more they dis-trust him. As for another PM from Quebec, does it really matter where he comes from if he's the best man for the job? There is nothing wrong with his English either.

Hunter Mars
said

As Stevey Blunder and the rest of the cabbage patch kids continue to stumble and fumble every piece of legislation they propose.
The Liberals actually have a plan to restore Canada's image on the world stage.
All the neo-cons are losing support at an alarming rate -- proof of how fragile their support base actually is.
If we voted tomorrow the neo's would be reduced to twenty seats .
Dion is much more likeable than Harper and actually has a brain that functions .
All this attacking is going to result in zero growth support for the neo-cons.

Raymond
said

Well, I certainly know who I would rather have running the country. This is no contest. Harper, for all his perceived shortcomings, will eat this pseudo-academic-politician like yesterday's lunch.

Allan K. from Vancouver B.C.
said

Gah... I have never seen so much extreme-sided debate before. Everyone is either saying Liberals or Conservatives.... Come on people!

I fully support what Karen J. Cao has said earlier. A very brave and encouraging stance. At least I am not alone in what I am thinking.

Anyways, Harper was and still is bad, especially for the environment issue. Sure, they can go on forever arguing that the Liberals caused them to not reach targets, but that doesn't mean that they do NOTHING progressive that cuts emissions during their time in power! Also, their budget spending has been deplorable. Can they spend more of our money on underfunded areas like health-care and education rather than on tax cuts and the military? Bribing people with their own tax money doesn't work in the long term... and what happened to the saying that the pen was mightier than the sword? And people who say that Stephane Dion's English is horrible are teetering on the line of racism and discrimination in this multicultural country. Do not stray into that area.

Having said that, I know the mistakes that the Liberals have (Sponsorship Scandal and inaction on environment as examples) and if I had some power as to decide the next government, I wouldn't even vote for them. Of course, that would leave me to the NDP or the Green party, and that depends on their policies. Too bad no one has considered adding youths to the voting list. >.< Hopefully the NDP has that still on their minds. =

Anyways, my thoughts.

DVG
said

Hopefully Mr Dion forces an election. This is the only way we're going to see him step down and allow for someone with leadership skills to carry the Liberals in the right direction. Another good reason for an election is to see the old boys club that elected him as leader step down as well.
The next election may not be in the Liberals' favour, but it will be the beginning of something better for the party.

Dustin
said

Typical Liberal rubbish! Funny that only now Dion talks about a possible election when he sees a positive result in one poll. Never have i seen such a whiner in my life, not someone I want representing the greatest country in the world

Look folks give Harper a chance, at least he is getting things done even if he has to take it on the chin from time to time.

Ryan P.
said

Dion as PM, I don't even think he believes himself when he thinks aloud. Canada has a strong, well spoken individual as PM. Stephen Harper is the most down to earth PM we as a nation have had in recent memory. For the first time since I have been able to vote, (10 years) I am proud of the head of the government. Losing Harper as PM to Dion would be a disaster in my eyes and would signal that Canada is a weak nation.

Steve G
said

Looking at the postings here, it would appear the Harper cheerleaders sure don't want an election any longer. While the latest polls are the first ones in a while to have the Liberals in the lead, the Conservatives have been trending downward for nearly a year. I'd say a fall election would be a good time to ensure Harper and his yes-men are sent packing.

Canadian
said

Why are the Conservative supporters complaining... It was OK for Harper to keep threatening Liberal minority government, but its wrong for Dion to bring down the government? Hypocrites!

PaulB
said

For Karen J. Cao.

Elizabeth May is NOT an elected MP, and The Sierra Club receives it's financing from who?
The fact Harper is ruling as a majority is because Dion and the Liberal's either sit on their hands for votes or don't bother even showing up. Is that what elected politicians are supposed to do?
Another problem you posted. Jack Layton DID NOT vote to keep the troops in Afghanistan, in fact enough Liberal's did to allow the vote to pass.
As for your infrastructure funding, do a little research. The provinces, including Ontario, recently announced Billions in federal funding on infrastructure for the next several years. Ontario also got about $1 billion extra under the new equalization formula. As for Alberta's oil industry, $700 million in tax credits is a bargain when you consider the $40 billion+ they put into federal tax revenues, don't you think? Those same tax dollars fund things such as health care , and yes Karen, infrastructure.
I could pick apart the misinformation on your other points, but most on here are educated enough to know the real truth from your supposed "facts".

R.R.J.
said

Why do lefty loonies ignore all the crap and dishonesty the Liberals put us through when they were last in power?

Can you say "living in denial"?

It's like living with a dead beat brother-in-law for 3 years, and then making excuses for him by saying he's "in between jobs".

Dan
said

I am tired of hearing the threats from the Opposition. Either bring down the gov't or get on with governing. Enough of the empty threats.

Stan R.
said

A lot of partisan hacks here, but the truth is clear to many of us who don't identify with a party. The Conservatives will never win a majority under Harper. He's tainted by his censoring of his MPs, the flip-flopping on the environment, etc. (Oh, and a lot of women find him creepy). I predict another minority government in 2008; Liberal or Conservative, I'm not sure. However, after that both parties will ditch their leaders and try again.

Victor
said

Dion vs. Harper, anyway you slice it the minority will continue to be a minority.

I can't see why these ego maniacs in opposition can't just wait till October 2009.

Canadians need to stop this need for a daily explosion on every issue. Perhaps if we could let an elected government do it's job without a circus every day it would be better for the country.

An election should only be triggered on important issues or if folks are doing a bad job. I don't see any of that at the moment.

Ben Parsons
said

The Conservatives cannot and never will be able to win a majority in this country. Their radical ideology is not anywhere near the mainstream in this country.

The Liberals will return with a minority in 2008 and Harper will be relegated to the arcane annals of Canadian history.

Sandi
said

This guy is ridiculous! I think Harper is the best Prime Minister this country has seen in a long time. There is no doubt that not everything is going to make everyone happy, but he's been truly great.

IF Dion were to ever become Prime Minister of this country I will have to seriously consider moving. This man can't make up his mind about anything. His party doesn't care about the job they were voted to do. Abstaining during votes is not speaking for the constituents, but rather speaking for themselves and their own self interests. A party like that in power would frighten me.

Wake up people ... Open your eyes and see what a terrific Prime Minister we have and give him a majority during the next election.

With regard to the environment. Harper has it dead on. IF everyone is not on board then all of our hard work at making things better will be in vain. It would be like us trying to empty a sinking ship with a thimball while the other guys throw water back in our boat with buckets. THINK PEOPLE!

Harper has set targets that are able to be met, which in itself will cost, but at least can be met and WILL make a change. He's not saying I will do this and then turn around and do nothing. People, really, you need to use logic and common sense.

Why are you all so afraid of a party, a man who has gotten A LOT of stuff done? Why are you all afraid of a man who represents our country so well abroad?

I personally am proud to have Harper as our Prime Minister and I sincerely hope you all see what a great job he's doing too.

Bernie
said

In three months time, the issues that influence people today will no longer factor into the polls. Unless there is something more substantial than Dion's present position, Harper will rebound to at least where he has enough support to maintain power. The contest in Toronto scheduled for March 2008 should be a trial run for Dion. If he can hang on to what he has outside of Quebec, then a fall election might be viable. At the moment, Dion has very little support in Quebec. Rather than waste time and money in Bali, Dion would have done way better for the party if he devoted his energy to restoring the party's stature in Quebec. I am not inspired by, and am not impressed with Dion�s performance. He just doesn't understand what's important. If he cannot devote every bit of energy he can muster to rehabilitating his tattered image in his home province of Quebec, then how will he be considered as useful to the Liberal party? He must build a creditable base of support in Quebec or step aside and turn over the leadership to someone who can restore faith in the Liberal Party in Quebec outside of Montreal. Harper seems content to govern. Holding a general election in March 2008 will likely finish Dion off. He isn�t ready, notwithstanding his phony confidence in winning one now on the strength of a couple of pseudo-scandals plaguing the Conservatives in recent polls.

John
said

When will the elections end? How much is this costing taxpayers to have an election this often. Canadians voted for this government for 4 years. How about everyone in Ottawa just grow up and accept that they lost and stop acting like 4 year olds.

R. Paul Kneeshaw
said

Liberal Leader Dion is like the "Scarlet Pimpernal" ~ He is here - He is there - He is everywhere !
He will get his chance at an election not at his calling but at the choice of the "Government" (they will set him up).
Canadians are more intelligent than the liberals and others think.
We have had the best positive affirmative government under Stephen Harper that we have seen in this country since John Diefenbaker.
"Dion Bring It On" and then he can be a part of making his successor the next liberal leader (Bob Rae).

Ian
said

The best thing for the environment, is for the opposition to go into hibernation until Oct 2009.
I can't think of anything more wasteful in this world, than an election.
Stop fighting and start leading you wankers.

Jason
said

Dion, being about as French a Quebecker as you'll ever find, couldn't even deliver seats in a by-election in QUEBEC! What in the world makes the Liberal party think Dion can deliver a government on a national level?

If the Liberals are banking on a perceived dislike of the Conservatives, then they are banking wrong.

Nobody wants another French Prime Minister from Quebec. I certainly don't want a PM who can't speak English without soundling like a boob. At least Chretien could form a chohesive sentence in English even if it was laden with a severe French accent. Dion thinks English is a kind of muffin.

Face it, even Quebeckers don't want Dion.

So long as Dion is the leader of the Liberals, the Conservaties are very, very comfortable which is A-ok by me since the Liberals are proven crooks, insiders, patronage appointers and the list goes on....

R/H
said

Sorry Mr Harper! If the Cons go through with the increased "tax" on iPods and MP3 players and Digital storage cards, then I for one will NOT be voting for Harper! We pay, pay, pay and then pay some more. Forget it Harper you have to GO. Plus with the issue on the environment, the lack of tax relief for low income earners, the WAR and so many other issues that they have screwed us on, it is time for them TO GO! The problem is, WHO SHOULD WE ELECT IN THEIR PLACE???????????

Gregory Boudreau
said

I wouldn,t be so quick in bring down the Gov,t. It could backfire in Mr.Dion's face. People seem to be just happy with the way things are going.

barry
said

Jack Layton and Gilles Duceppe are both guity of "propping up" this government at times. I think the majority of canadians are tired of the image this government leaves with it's american type politics.

Jason (Gatineau)
said

Well so be it!!! if Mr. Dion wants to call an election then just get on it and do it... Stop telling us this and then telling us that, we as Canadians are sick and tired of these politiciens pretending to care when we ALL know they don't!!!

Canadian
said

My 'psychological threshold' for listening to anything Stephane Dion says, passed a long time ago...

Frank Buchan
said

And yet...most of the actual taxpayers who support these self-important buffoons don't find an election of much value...because they seldom, if ever, do anything they should.

The next election should have a "none of the above" checkbox, and if "none of the above" wins the candidates should be prevented from ever running again, or holding any public office. Imagine how many new faces we'd see shortly thereafter.

dana
said

The threshold is the one Dion is on as a lame duck leader on the edge of getting turfed,Dion is in the wrong league, it is not time for a bush league pitcher now that Canada is performing like no other western econony .

Norm
said

The Conservatives drop a little in the polls and suddenly the opposition gets brave. They still haven't told me what they will do differently, so I assume they will just be going for power

Liberals-- no plan

NDP---clean air, but everybody loses their jobs.

Green Party---who are they?

Bloc--yeah right.

Karen J. Cao
said

you know all the "right-wingers" will jump on this and say this and that about dion, may and layton

the reality is this:
- Dion and May are working together as politicians which are ELECTED officials are suppose to do for the common good of everyone
- while the Harper government REFUSES to let even his OWN ELECTED MPs speak out about issues in their riding that matter and for the Conservative party of which they were elected as unless its "within party lines"
- he is ruling as if he has a majority government, ignoring the very FACT that 70% of the MPs in the House ARE NOT CONSERVATIVES, threatening every policy with a confidence vote, taking advantage of the fact that the majority of Canadians do not pay attention to politics and don't want an election

- we need politicians that can put their partisan politics aside, unlike NDP leader Jack Layton who sided with the Cons to vote in favour of retaining the troops in afghanistan, if he had voted yes with the Libs, and the Bloc - our troops would've been on their way out of there by now, instead, he justifies it with a unrealistic position of "all out now or never"

- give me a f**king break here people

- harper is out of step with the majority of Canadians, he calls cities "whining" when they ask for more cash for infrastructure, there is currently a $1 billion deficit in that area..

- spending all the government's surpluses on "debt repayment" - sure it looks good on paper and sounds good, but the reality is that DEBT REPAYMENT WILL NOT MAKE OUR LIVES BETTER ONE BIT, CANADA HAS THE LOWEST DEBT PER GDP IN **ALL DEVELOPED NATIONS**

- paying of the debt will not prevent bridges from collapsing and killing people
-paying off the debt will not help provide affordable housing and public transit to the majority of working Canadians
-paying off the debt will not protect the environment - let alone meeting Harper's measly GHG reduction goals under a baseline that NO OTHER COUNTRY in the world uses (2006)
-the rest of the world except us must have it wrong then
-NOT ONE economist has stepped forward to say that the GST cut or Harper's environment plan (if you can all it one) was a good idea and will actually create concrete cuts, or even meet his own pathetic targets

partisan politics has got to stop
- the alberta oil sands get $700 million in "carbon credits" while ALLOWED TO ACTUALLY INCREASE THEIR TOTAL EMISSIONS, while ONTARIO GETS $0 for closing their coal fired power plans, which creates a PERMANENT CUT IN HALF OF GHGs in the province...

-Elizabeth May has been leading the Seirra Club (not some "leftist group" - but one of the most recognizable and respected research, academic evnrionmental NGOs in the world) for 30 years
- the fact that she doesn't get representation in debates despite over 70% of Canadians demanding it and despite running a candidate in all ridings across the nation while the Bloc only represents Quebec -- is a sad part of our current partisan democratic system

Jessie D
said

Given the Liberals concerted attacks on the Conservatives in last few weeks on Mulroney, the isotope reactor shut down, and the Bali climate conference, I think they have fared pretty well in the polls.

Let's also not forget that Christmas is a time for reflection - I am saying this in the hope that Canadians are intelligent enough (I am keeping my fingers crossed in saying this) to figure out these three issues have nothing to do with the new Conservatives.

Let�s look at them:

The isotope reactor shut down - Anyone who's been following the news will know that the Liberals were in power when the replacement reactor was due to come on stream in 2002. Furthermore, the Liberals were in power when the existing reactor was scheduled to be closed in 2005 - the replacement reactor is another year away from completion, which is a full 8 years behind schedule. Anyone with half a brain should be wondering by now, given the importance of this facility, why the Liberals didn't inform the public and global medical community back in 2002, and then again in 2005, about the potential jeopardy to the supply of isotopes. Evidently the blame lies squarely with the Liberals.

The Bali climate conference - It was the Liberals that ratified Kyoto and did nothing to address emissions during their long tenure in power, so why should the public believe them now? Furthermore, it was under the Liberals (and in part under Stephane Dion's esteemed leadership as Environment Minister) that our emissions went through the roof and made us the 2nd largest emitter (per capita) on the planet. The blame for our appalling environmental record over the last decade and a bit lies squarely with the Liberals.

Mulroney's scandal - Just how exactly can the new Conservatives be blamed for something that happened 13 years ago - at a time when most of the cabinet were practically still in diapers? Does this then give the Conservatives and other opposition parties the license to relaunch an inquiry into the Liberal Ad Scam a decade from now?

Let's hope Canadians have the intelligence to figure this out - otherwise we are all doomed if we invite back the Liberals.

Marc
said

So in October Dion said Canadians do not want an election. Now a little more then 2 months later he says there will be one in 08. Where does this man stand on issues?

Barb
said

It's sure plain to see the liberals under Mr Dion are the same group of people who ruled for 13 years and didn't care about what people wanted only power they done nothing and figured that they were Gods gift to all canadians. Hopefully people are not that forgetful. Mr. Dion had the chance to do some thing for climate change for 13 years and done nothing, and if he gets elected again he still will do nothing he acts like a little spoiled boy, also I hope people don't forget Mr. Dion has duel citizen ship to France,people better thing twice

kirk
said

Bring on an election. It is about time that the ivory tower elitist socialists are told to sit down and get out of the way. Canada needs to be governed by a person that knows what life is all about. CCP majority all the way

Bob Loblaw
said

I'm not sure why there's so much election talk going on. Regardless of the polls, the Tories are guaranteed a minority. Dion is just setting himself up for the end of his own career.
One might surmise that the Liberal strategists are just waiting until the least opportune time, so as to send Mr. Dion packing.

cantuc
said

One poll out of 50 that looks a little bit better for the liberals and Dion decides Canadians want an election. oooooook .

LS
said

According to Mr.Dion they graciously did not vote the government down because the people didn't want it. Yeah right! It was because your advisors said you would lose. Too bad you didn't, I would have loved to see the Liberals lose even more seats. I used to support the Liberal party but I have changed as the Conservative Party has a leader who leads.

Hines
said

Threashold - be darned!!... the lastest poll suggested the liberals might have a chance, so they have had enough negative comments on "glueing their hands to their seats," they figure they can't do it any longer.... If Canadians want an election or not... that was just their excuse because they were so far down in the polls, they didn't dare go for an election.... They only care about their chances.... no one elses!

Bruce G
said

As soon at the poles change which they will in a few weeks after the whole Schreiber thing dies down as the current government has nothing to do with what happened 12 years ago. We will see how brave Dion is then about voting down the current government. Lets face it the Fiberals did nothing to flight global warming in while they were in power. At least Mr. Harper is trying to take a difference

roy
said

Mr. Dion didn't vote down the government in 07 because the people didn't want an election . well Mr. Dion the people don't want one in 08 either.and if you force one you will be in the same position you are in now.

Tony
said

I like Mr. Dion's approach of being a team player and working in a collegial manner.

The approach of-divide and conquer - that seems to be the
approach of Mr.
Harper does not resonate well with me.

I like to see a
government that will think things through and then respond to current challenges
in a reflective manner.

Mr. Dion and his team have my suppport. I wish them well in the coming year.

Xmas in Ontario
said

Dear Mr. Dion. Please force an election so that Mr. Harper can get a majority government.

Lillian
said

I watched and listened to Mr. Dion very intently today but I still did not get any idea of his"plan". His English is deplorable.
Did anyone see a real leader on CTV last night with Lloyd Robertson and Robert Fife. This might be a good news item on which to have comments made.

Ron J.
said

If we were to base an election purely on the intelligence of the leaders, the Liberals and NDP would have no chance at all.

IQs of lettuce!!!!

Harper is far brighter than the rest.

Eric
said

I was always under the impression that parliament's job (this includes the opposition) is to do what's in the best interest of Canadians... Not wait for the opportune moment to try and defeat the government to bring your own party back into power.

Seems to me like its just become a contest now, rather than an effective method of governing a country. Dion himself admits most Canadians probably don't want an election, yet still he's threatening to push one now that he has half a chance of winning. Sad.

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