Liberals likely to support Afghan extension: Dion

Liberal Leader Stephane Dion told a House of Commons debate that his party is prepared to vote to extend the Afghanistan mission until 2011, with some minor conditions.

"If the government provides us with reasonable responses to our questions, and if they indicate they are committed to the letter and spirit of this motion, then the official opposition will support this motion," Dion said Monday.

Dion's questions include:

Why the government wants to leave in July 2011, not February 2011 as the Liberals suggest;
Why the government wants the 1,000 additional troops to serve as reinforcements rather than replacing Canadians in a combat role; and
Why the government even thinks 1,000 extra troops are enough, considering some military commanders suggest as many as 5,000 more are required in Kandahar province.

Extension of the mission has been contingent on more help for Canada's 2,500 troops in Kandahar province. The recent Manley panel called for an additional 1,000-soldier battle group from NATO and more resources like medium-lift helicopters and aerial drones. Prime Minister Stephen Harper has accepted that recommendation.

Defence Minister Peter MacKay kicked off the debate that will help determine the length of the Canadian mission in Afghanistan.

He described the mission to the MPs as "the right thing to do" and praised those within Liberal ranks who tried to find common ground with the government in making the mission a truly Canadian one.

"By putting aside our political differences and our party lines on an issue such as this, we demonstrate to our fellow Canadians ... that we can see the bigger picture," he said Monday.

This also shows others, "including the Taliban," that Canada is united, MacKay said.

In recent days, the governing Conservatives appear to have moved closer to the opposition Liberals' position on Afghanistan.

"I applaud the government for having taken reasonable steps is has to find the common ground between our two positions," Dion said.

Under the complex wording of the new government motion released Friday, Canada's military role in Kandahar province would end in July 2011. Dion said the motion recognized some key Liberal positions:

A change in the mission;
An end date to the mission; and
A greater commitment to development and diplomacy

The two parties combined can pass the motion, which the Tories have deemed to be a matter of confidence in the government. The NDP wants the combat mission to end immediately and the Bloc Quebecois wants to see Canadian troops out by February 2009.

Dion also emphasized there was no exclusively military solution to the situation in Afghanistan or the overall war on terror.

Robert Fife, CTV's Ottawa bureau chief, told Newsnet that a final decision from NATO on more troops likely won't come before an April 2 meeting in Bucharest, Romania. The Afghan extension is to be voted on before that meeting. This part of the debate will last into Tuesday, he said.

Military analysis

Adm. William Fallon -- who heads U.S. Central Command, which has responsibility for Afghanistan and Iraq -- told CTV's Question Period on Sunday: "We're looking to try to get this mission done as quickly as we can, but to do it right, be effective in providing security and stability. And again, I'm not looking for a 30-year commitment here."

The U.S. will be sending 3,200 Marines to southern Afghanistan in April, but only for seven months.

As to the need for combat, Fallon said: "You can't forget that. You have to do a number of things, and the idea that you can just focus on one area I think is one of the challenges that I see in Afghanistan."

Retired Maj. Gen. Lewis MacKenzie told Newsnet on Monday that one has to establish and expand zones of security for development to take place.

"Some people would call that 'non-combat.' You might have a different view of that if you were being shot at," he said.

"Other people would call it 'security for reconstruction'. And that's the type of dancing on the head of a pin that seems to be going on."

MacKenzie said it sounds like at the end of this debate process, the status quo will remain and military commanders in Afghanistan will still make decisions on how to run the mission.

MacKenzie, who once ran for the Progressive Conservatives, opposed the notion of a fixed end date. He said counter-insurgency fights don't work that way.

Some Canadians feel there's not much measurable progress after more than six years in Afghanistan and two years in Kandahar province.

"I don't know how you get across the detail," MacKenzie said, saying there's been "phenomenal progress" in 31 of 34 Afghan provinces.

In Kandahar, the Taliban isn't threatening to take over Kandahar city the way it was two years ago, he said.

MacKenzie did think NATO should supply 5,000 more troops for Kandahar -- one of the most violent regions of Afghanistan -- and a total of 10,000 more for other trouble spots in the south.

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A soldier
said
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My wife has a soldier for a husband...and she too is against this meat grinder we call the A-stan mission.
Surprise!!!!

dvg
said
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Dion has done nothing, but prove he is spineless and in no way a leader that should lead a nation. His chances of winning an election are nil and he knows this or he would have forced an election. The longer he's in his current position, the more a majority Conservative government looks possible. When are the Liberals going to oust this guy.

Liberals everywhere, it's time to make Dion walk the plank!

Peter Adams
said
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Once again, Dion demonstrates why he will never be fit to run this or any other country! This guy changes positions more often than he does his underwear.

Basically, he will say whatever he thinks will make him polular on the day and that is not the attribute required to be Prime Minister where "Tough Love" is quite often the right way forward.

colin quennell
said
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i wish people whgo support the current government would wake up! If they win a majority then thats when the trouble will really start. People will be just as angered when they find out their true intentions. Did people forget about? fixed election dates...the war on terror, supporting corporations more than the people.....deregulation of the wheat board....if we keep being cozy with Mr. Harper and his colleagues...and the us, we will become THE US FASTER then we know it.

I would like someone to tell me how thats standing up for canada.

i find it really funny people trust a guy who never ever disclosed his donors when he was elected leader of the party...
oh the irony

Mike from Canada
said
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To Helena from Muskoka

You're half-right...soldiers don't think for themselves...they think for everyone that's on the ground, including the Afghans.

We write a blank check to the Government of Canada and the Nation that is payable with our lives, and we think alot about what we stand for. Perhaps you shuld choose your words more carefully before you suggest we are mere robots.

A. DeLancey
said
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Our participation in Afghanistan has nothing to do with peace. Canada is there only to show support for America. The lives or property of the Afghani people mean nothing to the American, Canadian and other soldiers fighting in their Country. Canada should leave immediately and not continue to be a lap dog for the US.

mag
said
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There are many roads that led to Kandahar. The Government that sent CF there were making decisions under duress of a political force willing to do or say anything to engage as many nations as possible to exploit what panned out to be a much deceptive in stated purpose. The next step was inevitable as the second casualty of war roared to the headlines. The face of the enemy was painted by a thousand different hands. The mission- intractable, the accounts- a torrent of information, designed to unite every vocal xenophobic couch commander on the planet. The campaign to control this part of the world has demonstrated to many armed forces to be careful what you wish for. Glib hawk politicians work tirelessly to make this look like a hockey game in which there is no final buzzer. These trolls are like dogs chasing cars that have no idea what they would do with them if they caught them. It's about what it is...divisive, purulent and expensive. That is what the proponents really want and have! Are the northern alliance, mujahadein, the Afghan government, the Afghan citizens, to become New Washington or what ever they're told to be?

Some soldier's wife
said
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For those that believe that soldiers can't think for themselves:
*You've been watching too many movies!
Soldiers need to be capable of forming their own thoughts and making decisions; lives depend on it.
Additionaly, you speak as though "soldiers" are not real people.
They are also capable of making decisions regarding raising their children, paying their bills, and balancing their chequebooks.
*My husband spent almost seven months in Afghanistan, "outside the wire"; if he was unable to think for himself or formulate a decision or plan, he (and his fellow soldiers) may not have made it back home.

Muskoka Helena
said
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To Soldier from NS. Thank you for explaining to everyone on this forum why the PM and his cronies have the opinion they have about the East coast. Speaking of the "height of ignorance"..did you endure the Harris gov't? Thought not!!

Joyce
said
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I hope support for the troops continues when they come home disabled after being in combat. That's what I hope.

Jimmy
said
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To Allan Eizinas:

We were only on the winning side in WW2 in the last 3 yrs. The first 3 we were getting destroyed. Only when Hitler decided to invade Russia (a mistake Naploeon made also) did the Commonwealth have time to re-group. We would have lost that war if not for that change in Hitler's tactic. We also needed the US for the last year or so. The other thing is, back then people didn't whine like they do today! We lost more people in 1 hr than in the 6 yrs in Afghanistan. I think people need to put it in perspective. The reason why people can whine was already said. "Cause your grandfather died in Normany, so that you could be such a coward!"
Peace isn't free, or easily obtained. It must be fought for over and over again. The world would be an awful place if people generations ago were so pathetic as they are today.

Rob Z
said
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Dion and Harper are definitely out of step with most Canadians. If I'm not mistaken, more than 2/3 of Canadians are opposed to extending the Afghanistan mission beyond February 2009, according to a statistic a month or two back.

Also, there is no guarantee that we'll be out by 2011 as Dion and Harper say they will with this motion. What if by then, the Liberals and Conservatives extend it to 2013 and so on and so on? The only sensible stance is to get out in 2009, which is shared by both Duceppe and Layton! If an election is called, I just hope Canadians (en incluant les Qu�b�cois) do the right thing and vote in an NDP government and end this Liberal-Conservative duopoly!

John
said
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It's funny how some people on here accuse the Liberals of playing politics. It was the Liberals that reached an agreement with the government.
The NDP and Bloc are playing politics.

Chris
said
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People,

Remember, there's only 2 events in the world's history that has improved and driven economic growth, and they are:

1. Natural Disasters; and

2. WAR

This is realism. This is humanity. We are trying to deal with it as best as we can, the Canadian Way. Those who do not understand, learn to deal with it!!!

Shawn Bull
said
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I am very pleased to see Canada's twp top parties working together on this file. I am 100% behind the just and compasionate Afghan mission and want to see our government act as one voice in supporting the mission. Kudos to General Hilliar for his input on the debate.

Irving Schwartz
said
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What's the point of this debate? Anyone who reads the news has seen that the outcome was decided last week in a backroom deal, the one in which Harper's schedule was acquiesced to by Dion, thereby killing the possibility of Canadians having a say in Canadian policy.

GM
said
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Re: Criticizm of Gen Hillier's comments.

What have we become as a society and as citizens of a free country if we wish to gag, mute or censor our military leaders from conveying their perspective, the very people that we rely on to defend our country and protect our freedoms- one being freedom of speech.

In the last century our soldiers and our allied soldiers have paid an unspeakable price defending us from "military states".

It is disgusting and insulting that some have suggested that our military leaders even desire political power.

JJ
said
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Support from the government to the manufacturing sectors? Do the maufacturing sectors plan for bad times when they are in profit?

Artillery Officer
said
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With regard to Muskoka Helena's comment, I (and I'd imagine most people who serve in uniform) resent the comment that we cannot think for ourselves and that is why we are soldiers. To paint all soldiers with such a brush demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of the profession of arms. By Helena's logic, the entire corporate world, save for the CEOs and presidents of corporations, does not think for itself. In our profession, we are given a directive and it is up to the officers to make decisions based on the commanders intent. A bad decision on a low level costs soldiers their lives. I do not pretend to make the higher level decisions but I live by them. I work within the framework set out by the system. More to the point, if General Hillier was simply reading what the Right Honourable Prime Minister gave him to read, why is there a disention in voice between the PMO and the CDS? Give your head a shake.

ArmyWife
said
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I never thought I'd be happy to see a Liberal stance being taken on this war, but I'm actually glad the Liberals and Conservatives are thinking of working together as long as it means some consistency in the debate and mission.

Also, there is no oil in Afghanistan. There never was.

Soldier from NS
said
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From a Soldier in NS -
To Muskoka Helena.
Who are you to know what a soldier is, or what a soldier does? You've obviously never been one because it doesn't sound like you could cut it. Soldiering and being in the service of your country is honourable and gratifying. I wonder what boutique you work in? Just for starters, soldiers are taught from the very beginning of training to be able to think for themselves and to lead, no matter what the rank. I find your "we here in Ontario" comment to be at the height of ignorance and typical of someone who has no idea of what they are talking about. Why don't you keep your head buried in your comfy little rosie world and everything will be OK with you.

Shamaro
said
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Sure, the military solution never alone solves all of the issue's that we are facing, however a strong united military presence is required in this part of the world to bring stability back into a region of the world, that doesn't remember what stability is! Unless of course your Jack Layton who can single handedly go to the Taliban and stop the blood shed by just sitting down and negotiating with them. Wait to go Taliban Jack!! In all seriousness, all our political parties must and should show the proper responsibility by being united at what we are doing, other wise the Taliban will look for a weakness in our chain and will attack it causing more unecessary casualties.

Gary
said
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Remember ths "soldier in alberta" It's the politicians that dictates what the soldier fights for ..And I'm ex-RCR friend but let's keep things in perspective

Andy in Cambridge
said
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to soldier in Alberta:

You make an excellent point, and although there are some on here that won't say it, I will. Thank you, on behalf of Canadians for everything that you soldiders do for this country and its people.

May we never forget

kevin
said
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It always impresses me that some Canadians seem to have no ability to see the big picture and the linkage between issues. It must be nice to look at life in a micro way. Here's the reality. Corporate tax reductions keep jobs in the country it's that simple. There was a time when we could boast that companies would pay extra to locate here, there was a low dollar and corporations were concerned about providing a good quality of life to recruit and keep workers. Those days are gone! It's a global economy just listen the next time you call a customer service line chances are it's located in India. Manufacturing is so automated that workers from third or second world countries can operate the equipment think Mexico! Engineering is even being outsourced. Wake up and smell the coffee if we want to keep jobs here in Canada and generate more investment we have no choice but to lower taxes on corporations.
It's the same with the war on terror. Canadian liberal thinkers always boast about our great human rights record and liberal policies on immigration and refugee rights and it is true we are way to the left of our big brother to the south. Our policies have led to terrorists and criminals operating in our country, raising money and planning attacks on the U.S. this is fact. If we did not support the war on terror the americans would close the border tighter than scrooges purse which would dry up exports and lead to a collapse of our economy. We have to understand that in order to pursue our social agendas we must support corporations and the U.S. goverment. Life is not a playground, it's work and you have to take the good with the bad that's the reality. So wake from your dream, continue to make progress and stop whinning that things are not all red (liberal colours) roses.

A Pacifist in Ottawa
said
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One of the commenters said the following;

* It's the soldier, not the reporter, who gives you the freedom of the press.
* It's the soldier, not the poet, who gives you the freedom of speech.
* It's the soldier, not the campus organizer, who allows you to demonstrate.
* It's the soldier who salutes the flag, serves the flag, whose coffin is draped with the flag that allows the protester to burn the flag!!!

Only one of these assertions is true.

* It's the soldier who salutes the flag, serves the flag, whose coffin is draped with the flag that allows the protester to burn the flag!!!

The rest are highly debateable.

If the press did not demand freedom the soldier would not defend it.

If the poet did not speak there would be no speach to defend.

If no one protested the soldier would have no one to billy club.

Let's not forget these facts either.

Neither this comment nor the previous one have anything to do with the article at hand.

Allan Eizinas
said
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By 2011, Canada will have been at war in Afghanistan for longer than the TOTAL of World War I and World War II � and we were on the winning side of those wars!

Madness!!

L-P Comir�
said
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When it comes to the Afghan mission, Canada has a duty on the world stage to help the properly elected government to not only survive but make sure it is a safe and stable location.

That goes for any country on the planet.

Since Canadian soldiers have proven themselves probably the best in the Great War through WW2 and the Korean war and even today, then all the more reason to continue.

We cannot ever let criminals - that includes terrorists) - ever win the day. We have to hold up until all who wish to destroy the freedom we enjoy either realize their mistakes or they cease to be a problem. Politics or no politics. It's a matter of life and death for the majority of the planet since death has been wished upon us all.

Let's not kid ourselves, we are not fighting a country, we are fighting an ideology by insane people.
I am raising my kids to be ready for their turn at this war. We are probably still 20 years before it will end. I would rather live in peace, but others have decided I won't get to.

William
said
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I am 100% behind the extension and the addition of an additional battlegroup and NATO partner in the south. I have never been as proud to be a canadian as I have the last few years. After 911 and the loss of 24 canadians in those towers I came to see that this is not a USA imperialist action but a defense against a radical philosophy that offers it's followers paradise in return for the death of innocents. This type of philosophy can not be condoned by modern society and must be rooted put and purged from our collective psche.

soldier in alberta
said
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Great to see the spectrum of opinion.
Let's not forget:

* It's the soldier, not the reporter, who gives you the freedom of the press.
* It's the soldier, not the poet, who gives you the freedom of speech.
* It's the soldier, not the campus organizer, who allows you to demonstrate.
* It's the soldier who salutes the flag, serves the flag, whose coffin is draped with the flag that allows the protester to burn the flag!!!

Mrs. Hein
said
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They should extend the mission. I speak as a soldier's wife who husband is there for his second tour in less then 2 years! My husband volunteered to go back to Afghanistan because he believes in the mission!
My husband is a frontline soldier! I support the mission as well and know first hand what goes on in Afghanistan and there is more that Canadians Soldiers do then just combat but the news coverage on those stories are hardly ever covered!

Abdul
said
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JPC you said
"To the 'liberal' opposition: please stop playing politics with our soldiers' lives...you are providing comfort to the enemies of freedom..."

As the liberals want to remove Canadian soldiers from harms way and the conservatives would like to see them remain, who is playing politics with soldiers lives? Also, are we allowing Afghani's the "Freedom" to chart their own destiny away from that of the west, even if we don't like thier choices?

Muskoka Helena
said
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Another star for Hillier who read what Stevie prepared for him like the good little soldier that he is. Soldiers don't think for themselves, they follow orders. That's why they're soldiers. We here in Ontario know it's going to be a terrible budget, we endured yrs of slash and cut Flaherty. Get used to it Canada, it's your turn to hurt.

Ryan in Winnipeg
said
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Hey Curt in Vancouver, RIGHT ON! I couldn't agree more!

I would never question the patriotism or intelligence of anyone who I politically disagree with, yet find myself being labeled a terrorist sympathizer and un-Canadian all the time. This is an immature and destructive form of politics. Go Curt!

J-F (Ottawa)
said
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It's about time the Conservatives realize that the Liberal stance on this issue is the correct one.

As long as the Conservatives are in power I not only fear for our soldier's lives, but the well being of our entire nation.

Elly
said
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Could not agree with you more Curt
Patriotism is something you feel in your heart!

2 helicopters just doesnt cut it for me ...where are the extra troops Canada has asked for.Unless Nato steps up to the plate with more help in the dangerous zones I say bring our troops home!

Doug
said
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The only thing that makes the Afganistan issue a debate it Dion's effort to define Liberal policy, and how it differs from that of the Conservatives. I doubt he can do it unless he takes a more NDP position.
I'm not fan of the current government.And,in fact I have been a Liberal most of my life.But I cannot support the mess we have in that party now.I would point out to "TJP",that the Liberal/NDP were in power for 79 of the 100 years of the 20th century.That's how we got into this mess.And also,I suggest that there are so many NDPers in the Liberal caucus now,that they could rightly be named "NDP Lite".
As much as I dislike Mr.Harper,and some of his to far right policies,I will not return to the Liberals until they get their house in order.Back to a "centre-left" party and away from the "far-left" ideology imported from the NDP.
Sadly for Canada,all that is going on in parliament is a struggle for power.It makes me think of "Rome burning while Nero fiddles".
None of them really deserve support.Again I will be forced to vote for the party I dislike the least,rather that one I can really believe in.
It's just like the Cretien years.They won because there was no one else to vote for.It now looks like they interpretted these wins as a sign Canadians were actually embracing socialist ideologies.

Lee-Ex Army
said
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Dear Bob L your opinion is long and repetitive so I must say who cares.

To Curt, I'm an ex-soldier too and probably would be the guy behind you at the hotdog stand as I've never been a rah rah kind of guy but in this case I must respectfully disagree with your conclusion. The point I believe JPC was trying to make is that the Taliban if it senses discord here in Canada will step up its attacks in Kandahar to attempt to sway the debate against extending the mission as they know very well that they would have much great success against almost any other enemy. I've spent two years of my post military life working in Afghanistan and have come to believe that the anti-government elements in Afghanistan of which the Taliban and Al Qaeda make up the majority are the most hateful people on the planet...I used to think the hate I witnessed in the Balkans was it but I was wrong.

So hopefully you can cut our patriotic friend some slack and enjoy another dog.

Allan Eizinas
said
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To �finish the job� and �do the right thing� and �kill those scumbags and murderers� and �fight them there or fight them here� and �support the troops� we do not need 5,000 additional troops we need 50,000 over there. With rotations, that means that we need another 150,000 in our Canadian forces and with support services add another 75,000.

Put the Generals in charge, give them a blank cheque and impose conscription!

Not.

MCO
said
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I believe that a minority government is the way to go, it keeps the politians as "honest" as a politian can be. We need to remember that we currently have many Canadians overseas, not only in Afganistan but many other places. They need our support they are risking their lives so that we have the freedom to sit in our homes, offices, or work places and type our comments. I don't believe this is hiding behind our soldiers, there are more than soldiers overseas, there are also the RCMP and NGO's. We need to remember how much has been achieved with this government compared to the last. An election now would be pointless, just time and money wasted.

Mutt from Windsor
said
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Prime Minister Harper has continued to demonstrate why he is head and shoulders above the others when it comes to leadership. His accomodation of the Liberals position on Afghanistan clearly demonstrates that despite what the opposition and the Media say they want, an election, Harper continues to govern as we should expect him to until the fixed election date. If the Liberals were in power and had enjoyed the recent polling numbers that the Conservatives have, they would be ramming an unnessesary election down our throats, like they did with Chretien. With the Liberals it's only ever been about winning and keeping power, no matter the cost to Canadians. I expect the Liberals will either support or sit on their hands on the budget vote. As long as Harper continues to lead and Dion continues to flip-flop, there will be no election until October 2009. I don't see the government falling on the crime bill either, they would only verify as it what what most Candians beleive, the Liberals and the NDP are soft on crime, despite what they said during the last election
when Jane Creba was gunned down on Yonge Street. If the major Tory bills get passed in the next couple weeks, Dion should watch his back, those in the Liberal party who are unhappy with Dion will be sarpening their knives. The Ides of March are almost upon us. Et tu Brute.

GSF
said
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Jack Layton is once again opposing a motion simply becuase it was started by the Tories not condidering whether it is good for Canadians. Being an oppposition party doesn't mean you have to oppose everything. Someone should remind him that Canadians didn't choose the NDP as the official opposition and he should act accordingly

Gary
said
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It's about time the 2 central parties start to compromise and get to work. This long standing bickering and partisanship is NOT what Canadians want. The latest move towards an agreement on Afghanistan, is a case in point, of good governance when both/all parties decide to work on behalf of Caandians and not for their own political interests. As for an upcoming election I think it is clear again that Canadians do not want an election at this time. We prefer that the current MINORITY government that we Canadians elected to Ottawa will work together until the fall of 2009. My only concern with respect to the budget is the propensity of the Conservatives to match tax cuts with program/spending cuts to programs Canadians want ie. certain social programs. I am worried not what is in the budget as much as what is not in the budget ie. what the Conservatives will do with existing programs. ie. spending cuts to good programs/services.

Socialism is killing us
said
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Layton is just background noise, Dion will just sit on his hands or walk out. I'm just waiting for the election to be called in 2009 so Harper gets his well deserved majority.

V
said
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The problem with our government is, they are all very well off. Some might even call them rich.
So they do not understand what their budgets and over taxing does to the average person.
They have never put on a uniform so have no idea what our soldiers are doing or what this war is costing them.
The Canadian government has no idea what it is like to live on welfare, to stand in line for food or have to beg for a coffee.
Our government is so out of touch with the everyday Canadian that the only way they can run the country is by standing on the backs of our soldiers and stepping on the hearts of the rest.
Our gas is so over taxed now most of us cannot afford to take our kids for a Sunday drive. They had to impliment a subsidy for people who let their kids play sports just so some could afford it.
This whole entire country needs to be restructured but no one is ever going to have the guts to do just that.
What we have now is better than what we had with the Liberals. Not that I am happy with the Conservatives, I am just saying it is better...but honestly not by much.

GW
said
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Why is it that most Provinces occasionally elect NDP governments but our Federal NDP party can�t even come close? Could it be that Jack Layton is a poor leader? Could it also be that the party is full of shallow people who only now how to wine and complain instead of leading with smart progressive idea�s and strong leadership?

Come on NDP party members. Stop electing comfortable leaders with no intellectual depth. This is not a club it�s Federal party that�s supposed to win elections.

Cynic
said
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Ahhhh! Such bickering! Such a wide variety of opinion! Such Canadianism on display for all the world to see.

Isn't freedom of speech nice! Who cares who causes an election; who cares who wins; they are only in it for themselves anyway. So long as whoever wins does not impede freedom of expression with more unnecessary rules regulations and tribunals I shall be happy.

Wes
said
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Come on we all know that Jack Layton is out to lunch, so his spewings are simply back ground noise. If the budget is prudent and seems to be erring on the side of caution in the face of a potential economic slow down we can only expect that MP's of all party's will do what is best for Canada. With regards to the Afghan mission I think a firm abandon date is unrealistic planning. As much as I want to see the government hand a list if objectives to the military and not caveats and handcuffs; maybe the Liberals will stop being obstructionist.

David fm NS
said
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I'm not a business and I'm enjoying the benefit of lower taxes thanks to the Conservative Government keeping it's election promises. The Liberals ran on a platform which promised to get rid of the GST. After 13 years in majority power, it was still there. People say that the Conservatives are pro rich/big business all of the time, but they made the tough choice to get rid of the Income Trust program which was costing Canadian tax payers millions. At least we know that whatever is in Flaherty's budget will actually happen.

Greg
said
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Well said Curt!! As a army brat, I agree with you whole heartedly, nothing but a photo op irritates me too!

bob
said
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ok here is how I would do it.

Find middle ground on the Afgan issue.

Approve the budget.

but let the government fall on what is a US 3 striks your out mandatory minimum crime bill. I'm not saying we dont need reform but not this type.

So let the crime bill bring the neocon down.

Frank Buchan
said
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As I read...

"If you live by a lie, you'll likely die by the lie," said Liberal MP David McGuinty about the Tory attacks.

I thought, well, considering his brother's performance in Ontario, he would be wise to reconsider such statements.

Greg from Kitchener
said
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It would not be wise for Mr Dion to trigger an election, a Canada under the liberals would be the worst thing for Canada, and For taliban Jacko, he is a disgrace to Canada.
I only see one option, and that is for Canada to be under a Majority Conservative governemt, a Party that has showen to be strong and run on a clear vision.
I am very impressed with Harper, he deserves a Majority.

Toronto Stevie
said
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I bet the Liberals will be "absent" when it comes time to vote for the budget.

While some may deride this as being carless, I think it's only fitting. The Liberals have been absent in nearly all departments (vision, morals, leadership, and character) for quite some time.

Here's to a Conservative majority!

Gail
said
0 0

I'm glad that cooperation is happening in Ottawa. It's about time we did things on behalf of Canada and not along partisan lines. An earlier comment by TJP wishing for a Nanny State, move to Cuba and enjoy black beans and rice, and one name on the "election" ballot.

Matt
said
0 0

I'm happy with the government today.
Despite the politics most Canadians are relatively satisfied with the government today.

If anything with the solved Afghanistan issue, and crime bill the Conservatives are very ready for an election.
We know that it will be a boring budget, not really an item to fight an election over.

An election today is a we win Liberals lose situation, and nobody really thinks Dion has the personality to turn that around. Some people don't like or trust Harper, but more people feel Dion just isn't up to the job.

Bob Lobblaw
said
0 0

Who cares if Canada continues to support the US led war of terror. We do not need a proper investigation regardless if the laws of physics ceased to exist on 9/11 regarding the US position of that day.

Who cares if a proper investigation was not done of 9/11. Who cares if we set deadlines for the end of the mission that Hillier does not want to meet, despite Hillier being a servant to the state.

Who cares if most Canadians do not and can not support Canada's support of the US war of terror. As long as the west continues to profit from fabricated evidence and baseless assumptions about alleged terror acts right wing governments are happy.

Accept democracy or die is the philospohy of the west. Who cares if it is immoral and based on corporate profits and inflated oil prices.

Liberals under the waffling Dion are spineless and the Tories are being run by oil companies and an ego maniac that gags the party.

Jack Layton opened the door for the Tories to stumble into power.

Who cares if corporations run democracies in the west, it is all about profits anyways. Who cares if there is no party that reflects the majority's repulsion of the Tories' mission of aggression and lies.

Who cares if democracies continue to fail the west and be run by corporate influence. Who cares if Canada continues to be an abuser of human rights on a massive level, hypocrisy is the name of the game.

Who really cares what a piad military servant has to say? Hillier takes orders from Canadians - not the other way around. Who really cares about PR from Hillier written in the offices of the Tory government. Propagand is still propaganda. Democracy is failing Canadians and we want to kill anyone who will not accept this type of failure, who really cares.

Curt - Vancouver - ex-soldier
said
0 0

To JPC

Stop acting so Republican by hiding behind soldiers. I myself am an ex-Canadian-soldier and nothing pissed me off more than a politician who used us as a photo-op. We don't all vote for conservatives ya know. Nothing annoys me more than people who wrap them selves in our flag and fly their political colours along side it. Canada belongs to no one party but belongs to everyone. If you want to Americanize our citizens you'll see people drapping their lawns with flags up and down the street with neighbours accusing each other not being as Canadian as they should be, or people questioning your patriotism when you don't hold your hand over your heart when the anthem is played. I myself don't need to display my patriotism to feel pride for my country. I will be the dude at the concession stand ordering my hotdog during the national anthem and there is no way you and the conservatives can exploit my hotdog loving moment and claim you are a better Canadian than I. I served my country and allowed you the privelage to say ridiculous things...so, you're welcome, and stop being so American and take pride in Canada. Quiet pride is better than the loud and insincere pride you find south of our borders. Let's not go down that road.

Sonny in Ontario
said
0 0

The Conservatives should be delivering a budget that helps the ordinary taxpayers rather than the corporate class!

If all the opposition parties cannot support the budget then the Conservatives should pay in lost seats especially in the Eastern provinces who have asked for funding for programs related to the lost of manufacturing jobs...

TJP
said
0 0

I would love to see a Liberal and NDP coalition government so that the Conservatives are kept out of power.

Jan
said
0 0

It seems that what is played by all political parties at the present is pure politics.
An election on about any issue in vogue is bound to be resulting in a repeat of the present parlaiment configuration.

UBC Student
said
0 0

The recent consensus between the Liberals and Conservatives on Afghanistan and other issues are indicative of increasing cooperation and negotiation between the two parties. This a very positive development after years of heavy partisanship by all parties, under both Liberal and Conservative governments. If an election is held, this recent progress towards a more cooperative government will be lost. As such, I hope that an election is only called if there truly is something objectionable in the budget.

In that sense, Canadians are very divided along idealogical and political lines. While it may seem that some are for change and some are against change, the reality is that all sides are for change (change is inevitable), just different ones. The current political and economic situation would make any major reforms tough without moving support away from one area of government to another (e.g: tax cuts would require excessive budget cuts). An objectionable budget would be one that does such in a partisan way or is contrary to past promises.

However, the major reforms (e.g:heavy tax cuts)of the Conservatives previous budgets leave little opportunity for change. As such, whether an election is held or not, government action will be somewhat restricted for a period of time. Better to use that time to continue forging cooperation between the parties and have a more peaceful, less repurcussive election later than to reopen rifts and have an election now.

Michele
said
0 0

"This is going to be a prudent budget for uncertain economic times." Maybe Flaherty shouldn't
have handed out so much tax relief to business in his fall mini budget.
It went from what, 22% down to 15 over a few years. Sounds to Friedman like to me.

JPC
said
0 0

To the 'liberal' opposition: please stop playing politics with our soldiers' lives...you are providing comfort to the enemies of freedom...

Earl Robert
said
0 0

It can't wait to see if the Bloc and NDP attack the Liberals rather than stick to the issue. Let the games begin.

Gerald Skowronski
said
0 0

More schoolyard bickering to come. One must wonder if the maturity gland disolves when one is elected to parliament; what with the threats and bluster.

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