Jon Stewart mocks Canada's 'Indecision Oh-Eh'

Comedian Jon Stewart tackled our crisis in Ottawa head-on Monday in a segment entitled "Provinces In Peril: Indecision Oh-Eh?" The host of the "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" appeared incredulous that ordinarily-low-key Canadians had stumbled upon what he called the greatest challenge to the country since our "controversial decision to re-shape bacon."

Stewart, known for cutting to the heart of political issues through biting satire, couldn't believe a coalition of opposition politicians tried to topple Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

"Force him from office? You can do that?," he asked, in an obvious reference to U.S. President George Bush.

"Because we've had no confidence in our guy for quite some time now. And he's taking forever to leave."

Stewart seemed bewildered by the crisis, considering some of Harper's poll numbers.

"I mean, this guy -- his approval rating is 46 per cent and they're trying to kick him out. You know what we call a 46 per cent approval rating down here? President Clinton," he exclaimed.

Stewart went on to explain Canada's parliamentary system to his American audience by bringing in his faux "foreign" correspondents from Britain and India. They mocked Harper for "running to mommy" by asking Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean, the Queen's representative, to prorogue parliament.

But it wasn't just the parliamentary process that fascinated Stewart. He was also intrigued by Harper's sturdy haircut.

"What kind of magical creature's hair doesn't get messed up in a hailstorm?" he asked, referring to Harper's outdoor press conference at Rideau Hall following his meeting with Jean last week.

Stewart didn't save all of his jokes for the politicians, though. Canadian voters weren't let off the hook, either.

Stewart noted how Canadians took to our "incredibly tidy streets" to protest, at one point showing a demonstrator asking Harper, "What are your afraid of, sir?"

"Sir?" asked Stewart, not missing the quaint politeness of the demonstrators.

"You're heckling him! It's not a job interview! Do you Canadians save all your obnoxiousness for hockey games?"

Comments are now closed for this story

Lost Cause
said
0 0

Speaking of Canadian political humour, I just came up with a surefire way to win the War on Terror:

Broadcast "Canadian Air Farce" 24-7 in all countries where terrorism is a problem. They'll be unconscious from boredom in no time and we can send the army in to collect the bad guys without firing a single shot!

Glynn in NB
said
0 0

Mike in Morris, MB wrote"
"Harper = Clinton?!?! hmmm... I knew Harper was popular, but THAT comparison I didn't see coming!"

Well Mike, Harper was kinda saying 'blow me' last week, so yeah, I can see it. HA!

Chuck
said
0 0

Looks like the outside world is finally beginning to notice how Harper's divisive leadership is grinding down Canada to banana republic status ...

Glynn in NB
said
0 0

Laureen wrote
"Raise your intellectual status....Turn off your TV
Anyone who listens to this drivel or chooses to report it needs to get involved in something more beneficial to society."

something more beneficial to society like ... commenting on a satirical television program you seemingly do not lower yourself to watch? Well, society sure feels benefited from that!

Real Canadian
said
0 0

The real joke's on the Americans. If they'd had Canadian's Parliamentary democracy, they could have gotten rid of Bush years ago and saved themselves from the Iraq war and the credit meltdown. It's when leaders can be dismissed when they're not doing their jobs that real democracy exists.

Greg
said
0 0

Thank you sir, may we have another?

Don't Tase Me, Bro!
said
0 0

Oh, thank you Stewart. For simplifying the ridiculousness of this crisis for us!

MiseryLovesCompany
said
0 0

Stewart is brilliant (or his are writers, not sure which). People who are all over this and the coalition nonsense should lighten up.
I can totally see how our neighbours to the south might find this funny.
It's the leader who everyone wants gone more than the party he leads (you decide which country I am talking about).

Alex
said
0 0

Jon Stewart is one of the best satirists out there. It's always good to see him talk about Canada.

M. Cameron
said
0 0

It's pretty sad state of Canadina-American relations when the only time we get any validation in the United States is when a political scandal happens and it makes headlines on a faux news show.

JP in Ontario
said
0 0

I am disappointed I missed this program last night. I will have to catch the re run this afternoon. Jon has always provided very intelligent/insightful comments when it comes to politics, and I am glad that he hasn't overlooked the situation in ottawa, which is ripe for the picking right now. I look forward to seeing if Stephen Colbert has anything to report on this too. Between the two of them, they are easily heading the most brilliant teams of Political Satirists in recent history.
Thank you for taking the time to point out that our politicians are as, or more, ridiculous than those south of the Border Jon.

Dustin
said
0 0

I love Stewart and Colbert's take on Canadian politics. Much more entertaining than and garbage Canadian news parody program (22 minutes...shudder)

Richard L. Provencher
said
0 0

Jon is very funny. And I'm pleased he brings our country to the attention of his very large audience. Canadians are so polite most of the time. It's good to laugh at ourselves.

He likes Mr. Harper's sturdy hair, and Jon, the Conservatives will get a majority the next time. Yes...Eh?

Lost Cause
said
0 0

Something worth pointing out here... last time the gov't was toppled, Jon Stewart did a bit on that as well. The Daily Show had a report on the fact that the Liberal parties were being brought down over a 5 million dollar scandal (the Gomery thing).

The news graphic they used during the report showed a piece of Monopoly money. Stewart's writers found it incredibly funny that the paltry sum of 5 million was enough to outrage Canadians to the point that they'd take the government down.

Harper got into office that way, and in January he's going to get thrown out in a "scandal" that, once again, Americans are aghast to even believe is being considered as such.

No matter what side of the political fence you're on, this satire is ultimately a huge a compliment to our system. You might be against the coalition, just as I personally am against Harper, but we should all be glad that we have enough sway to keep our politicians actions in check to this degree... it could be a lot worse. Imagine how much it would suck to have as little control as the Americans do.

B. Kelley, Ontario.
said
0 0

Normally, I consider Stewart to be a complete idiot whose so called humour is shallow and predictable. However, Jon hit a home run with this one because he clearly demonstrates that Canada is largely invisible to the world until we do something really stupid. Thanks to the coalition conspiracy, we have regained our rightful place on the global stage, right up there with the Marx Brothers and the Three Stooges.

Gregg in Edmonton
said
0 0

Great stuff Jon. I'm sure he would have a hay-day with the daily fiascos that riddle the Liberals as well, but I would think the American public wouldn't have a clue what it's all about because it's so bizarre. Trying to topple a government with no political leader? This pack of clowns couldn't organize a dogfight let alone run a country.

Beancounter
said
0 0

hahaha Canada needed this funny take on our political situation, thank Sir Stewart!

Elizabeth S. Hutton
said
0 0

I love the remark about Steven Harper's hair...I was watching that news conference to. The wind was howling snow trying to fall ..But Steven's hair did not move! I have had many great hairdo's wrecked by the weather it is only natural.

Maybe Steven's image consultant should lighten up on the hair gel and spray.

Sorry Steven I do support you politically but your hair sucks.

James
said
0 0

It's pretty easy for a second rate hack job like Jon Stewart to make fun of any system instead of taking part in the system. Come on Jon, be like Al Franken and put you jokes on the line against a politician and run for office. I doubt you would have the stomach for it.

Jane Vachon
said
0 0

I'm impressed that Canadian Politics made it to an American Show. We've been laughing at ourselves for years - it's nice to have our neighbours join the fun.

Garth - Lethbridge
said
0 0

A great poke at the foolishness of our Canadian politicians. Thanks Jon.

Mario - Rockland
said
0 0

I love this guy - Good job, Sir.

Mike in Morris, MB
said
0 0

YAY! I was disappointed he wasn't making fun of us last week! Whenever we have an election, he always talks about us. So this situation was perfect for him and I'm glad he spent some time on this - it really is comical.
Harper = Clinton?!?! hmmm... I knew Harper was popular, but THAT comparison I didn't see coming!

Laureen
said
0 0

Raise your intellectual status....Turn off your TV
Anyone who listens to this drivel or chooses to report it needs to get involved in something more beneficial to society.

Ed from Nova Scotia
said
0 0

It's all a joke, just a goddam joke. Actually I like the bit about our streets being clean and the politeness. I don't give a hoot what the US thinks about our political system as long as people are civil to one another. Now, if we could only get the A**hole coalition to get a leader....

Jo in Gtown
said
0 0

The writers on "The Daily Show" are brilliant! Some call it "Fake News", but I disagree. They take current political events and expose the stupidity of politicians' actions or inactions. They have the guts to tell it like it is - confirming what most think about politics!

ADP Barrie
said
0 0

Jon Stewart always hits the nail on the head and I find it hilarious that, in comparison, we can remove a politician from office if he is doing a bad job! No one would be opposed to the Coalition if it were Bush in Harper's seat and I doubt any of your Anti-Liberal/NDP would have much to say about that! :-)
I love Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert! Their insight on Canadians always has me laughing.

Julia
said
0 0

"Do you Canadians save all your obnoxiousness for hockey games?"

Actually, we also save it for throwing pies in our leaders' faces... Can you imagine someone doing that to Bush? Brilliant.

Nancy
said
0 0

The Colour of Money - I once heard a stand-up comic at Yuk-Yuk's in Ottawa say: You know why our 20s are green, our 10s purple, our 50s red? It's because Canadian beer works!! LOL Keep it up, Jon, we need a ray of laughter in this dismal hailstorm... humour helps swallow the pill.

vince in trenton
said
0 0

Our politicians are better than watching old episodes of the 'three stooges'.We should be embarassed the way our elected representatives make us all look to outsiders.They fight like little kids and take the ball and go home when they can't get their own way. Too bad more people wouldn't open their eyes to the jokes in Ottawa and replace most of them come the next election early in 2009...

DGRose
said
0 0

Thanks for taking the time to rib us a little, Jon! This guy's hilarious and I hope he does more coverage of Canadian politics!

Ln(e)
said
0 0

Harper has joined the likes of Bush? Maybe you should read the article; Stewart was comparing Harper to Clinton! Man, people's irrational dislike of Harper is really making them crazy.

Scene
said
0 0

I love this! As a Canadian I find this whole political shamble were in pretty funny, the rest of the world must find it to be even better! I love the comment of "Force him from office? You can do that?," he asked, in an obvious reference to U.S. President George Bush.
"Because we've had no confidence in our guy for quite some time now. And he's taking forever to leave." Too bad he didn't know much about Dion, he could of done an entire segment on him! That Harper hair quote was pretty good too, and true, the guys hair never messes up! Does he wake up in the morning with that style, or does he get bed head like the rest of us?

Casz
said
0 0

Uh oh - those of us laughing with Jon and scratching our heads over this coalition are too "american"

Prof. Pye Chartt
said
0 0

Equally as comical as most of the mainstream "reporting" and "commentary" that has surrounded this parliamentary nonsense.

The Daily Show seldom misses the mark.

Glynn in NB
said
0 0

I laughed out loud at the bit. It really showed how goofy this all is. But the article didn't include the best line.... after a video of Stephane Dion speaking, Stewart said he didn't know Celine Dion had a sister!!! Ha!

Larry NL
said
0 0

We deserve to be laughed at. Even our political debates during the election were an embarrassment to Canada. The only one that kept his cool was our PM, he was the straight man and Dion, Layton, Duceppe and May were the buffoons that added to Canada's embarrassment.
What the buffoons and the PM put Canada through in the last couple of weeks made us the laughing stock of the entire world.
Jack Layton is the one that is pulling us down and now Bob Rae wants to get on the stage and make funny.
Oh, the comedians will have enough material to last a comics career.

Snowglobe, Canada
said
0 0

Very funny stuff. Not the least bit offended - nothing wrong with a little comic relief.

James in New Brunswick
said
0 0

Actually, it is nice to see that anyone other than Canadians even notices our "political crisis".

I did a number of searches of sites like CNN and Reuters and found very, very little about the whole thing. We are just too boring to be interesting.

Slumberjack
said
0 0

I see it as a good news story, if only for the educational value. At least now, with a little more research, the American viewers who watched this segment might be able to locate Canada on a map.

Chris
said
0 0

Its official, Mr Harper has joined the likes of Bush.

Keep lurking writers of the Daily show. It wont take long for you to find more humor in the present situation.

EJ Kay
said
0 0

Tidy streets indeed.

liz ottawa
said
0 0

I thought it was hilarious! Most Americans have no clue about Canada so anything to spark their interest and awareness in our situation is good. at least we can laugh at our selves, we are pretty good natured about that, one of the reasons our comedians are so successful. and he is right, in general our streets are cleaner and we are more polite - except at hockey games as he pointed out lol.

Cambob
said
0 0

I wonder how many 'Canadians' will be morally outraged that Americans are laughing at us.
Interesting to note that mixed in with the jokes is a lot of truthieness.

Joe C
said
0 0

Nicely done, Jon.

Mark- Fort Erie , ON
said
0 0

Jon Stewart is a genius.I get ALL of my political information from him. Everything he says MUST be true...right?

Samantha from Halifax
said
0 0

Brilliant! Thanks for the chuckle, Mr. Stewart!

Chris in Orangeville
said
0 0

Brilliant! Nice work Jon.

Mark - Vegreville, AB
said
0 0

Pretty funny stuff. Although Americans should give us credit for coming up with colour coded money. Far easier to quickly figure out just what to hand to your server after a few cocktails.

Wimpy
said
0 0

The coalition is a joke, so whynot have the number one comedy show on television make fun of them.

James in Ottawa
said
0 0

I hope we can all laugh at this, 99% of his jokes are about Bush, the economy and everything else about the USA. I do enjoy the Sir comment and the hair in a hail storm, as I re-watch the video, it is funny the same as our countries political situation. I believe he will have much more material in the new year.

CTV Programs

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart

Watch full episodes and find out show information.

Today's Politics Stories

Quebec student strikes, tuition fees, Montreal, Quebec

Most Viewed News Stories

View More News Stories

Most Talked about Stories

It is about time - as a grandparent I have watched our kids (who were allowed to fail although I do remember some nagging on our part) learn, I have watched our children now micro-manage their children. A big part of it is the fact that there are predators out there and an extreme reluctance on the parents part to alllow freedom that might result in the children becoming victims.

Harvey

Parents must learn to stop meddling, author urges

Got something to say? Share on CTV News

Pick your location

Politics -

News Sections

News Programs

Features

Browse: