Conservatives release pre-election campaign ad

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Conservatives release pre-election campaign ad

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Thu. Aug. 28 2008 8:50 PM ET

Though the election writ has not yet been dropped, the Conservatives have launched their first campaign-style television ad.

Rather than attacking Liberal Leader Stephane Dion, the commercial features Canadians describing what they like about Prime Minister Stephen Harper. It seems designed to portray a kinder, gentler side of the prime minister.

"Stephen Harper's the kind of person who knows where he stands. He's a straight up guy," says one man.

"He's doing a good job," another says. "He's the steady hand we need when the world's economy is so uncertain."

"I like the idea that he's a family man with young children," a woman says. Another says she feels Harper has toughened the justice system.

A younger woman also joins the chorus: "I'll be voting for the first time, and I'll be voting for Stephen Harper," she says.

The commercial ends with what may well become Harper's election slogan: "Stephen Harper. Strong leadership on your side," a voice says over a picture of a relaxed-looking Harper smiling at the camera.

Arctic campaigning

Harper has been using his ongoing tour of the Canadian Arctic as an opportunity to set the tone for the expected election campaign. Earlier Thursday he announced that a new Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker worth $720 million will be named after former Conservative prime minister John Diefenbaker.

Harper made the announcement in Inuvik, N.W.T. on the same spot where Diefenbaker himself dedicated the town in 1961.

The ship and funding for the project had been previously announced.

Dion defends the arts

Earlier Thursday, Liberal Leader Stephane Dion also stepped up his pre-election rhetoric. He portrayed his party as a champion of the arts during a campaign-style announcement in Montreal.

Dion pointed to Harper's plans to cut $45 million in arts and culture funding. He said a coming election would serve as a referendum on the arts in Canada.

He said the Conservatives are increasingly showing their stripes as a party that wishes to censor the arts and tightly control which programs receive funding.

"Promotion of arts is important, the defence of their freedom is very important to us," Dion said, pledging the issue would be a key campaign plank for the Liberals.

Harper is expected to drop the election writ between Sept. 2nd and Sept. 7th -- one day ahead of three scheduled byelections.

Comments are now closed for this story

Ray
said

The sooner the election is called the better, to give a message to the clowns in Ottawa that we expect better than what we see in committee rooms and HOC.

Go Stephen Harper

jason
said

Let's get the Librals back in so that over a dozen different public service departments can get a decent contract than the offer from the haper gov't who offer a 1.2% wage increase that doesnt even cover the infation of living cost. What will the public do if fed employee's go on strike all at once? Liberals are at least far when it comes to wage increase. Haper has no problem increasing his wages by more than 10%

DWTBC
said

The Liberals have abstained/sat on their hands/walked out on 41 votes in the Commons, yet still try to tell us that they are the party to lead the country.
I think not.

MW
said

People need to see Harper and the CONS for what they are. Lapdogs to the Bush gov't who want to take away our rights...as they have already started with women's rights! And let's not get started about making war abroad and now even trying to p*ss of the Russians with our supposed activities in the Arctic! Time to give a man with a vision, DION, a chance to show us what he can do!

Brian Henley
said

By calling an election with no real reason, i.e. the defeat of a bill, Harper is showing his inability to speak and act truthfully and with integrity. What about the "fixed" election date? Was no this put in place to prevent such shallow political manipulations ?

Ki-Som
said

Enough already, call this damn election so we can get on with our lives.

DCR-Toronto
said

I am a fan of the arts, but if Dion is going to go with issues that are not big concerns for most of the population, he will get beat even worse than I thought. Dion is very much out of touch with the average working Canadian. He runs with "feel good" issues, instead of seeing what effects people in every day life. Harper has proven himself over and over that he can lead, be a statesman worldwide, not run 10 billion dollar surpluses, but holds a tidey 1.5 billion surplus. This is proper management of a country. Canada has big issues that need to be dealt with and I can't imagine "howdy doody" even coming close to comprehending how to deal with them. Let us as a country see that we finally have true leadership in Harper. He deserves a majority.

James
said

I have not paid too much attention to federal elections before but that is about to change. I strongly encourage everybody to get out and not only vote, but attend debates, rallies, etc and voice your concerns. Become politically active. Tell these politicians how you want to be represented. If Canadians vote for a minority government, then these politicans should respect our wishes. This means cooperating and reaching consensus, not the foolishness we observed these last couple of years. I promise you this, the people running in my riding better be prepared for some tough questioning. Running a government is not about party politics but providing for all Canadians. These candidates are in for a rough time from me, and all Canadians I hope.

Norm
said

If Stephen Harper is predicting a minority government, and he quoted as saying this government is dysfunctional because it's a minority why oh why is he talking about a fall election.

JoeC
said

In the next federal election, vote for the party that shares your ideals.

There are, at this time, sixteen registered political parties. They are;

Animal Alliance Environment Voters Party of Canada
Bloc Quebecois
Canadian Action Party
Christian Heritage Party of Canada
Communist Party of Canada
Conservative Party of Canada
First Peoples National Party of Canada
Green Party of Canada
Liberal Party of Canada
Libertarian Party of Canada
Marijuana Party
Marxist-Leninist Party of Canada
neorhino.ca
New Democratic Party
Progressive Canadian Party
Western Block Party

Visit the Elections Canada website, which has links for all of these parties.

Not all parties may have a candidate running in your riding. Why not look into running as a candidate for a party that shares your ideals?

Do not vote for the party that you think most likely to win, or you are just wasting your vote.

Ads sway my vote!!!!!
said

I sure hope the ads are as witty and mature as the last ones. I'm so smart that I only pay attention to cheap gags and smoke screens.

Trent
said

MW - your memory isn't too good, the Liberals had sent our troops into the conflict, not the Conservatives! You are concerned with Russia's reactions to what our PM states on our sovergn land? Atleast Harper has shown he is willing to stand up for Canada on the World froum not like the string of previous Liberal Leaders who continue to make Canada look like a joke on the World stage!
At least the Liberals have one thing to look forward to if an election is called, they will have a new party leader in the spring!!!!

BC Boy
said

Harper said he would be different. He has been worse. He has shown a style of leadership that is arrogant and mean spirited. Dion has at least shown leadership in bringing ideas forward. Harper likes to pit people against each other. He disrespects the traditions of parliament and shows contempt for elections Canada. How will an election change anything? Another minority government does not give anyone a mandate. It is too bad the NDP and Liberals wont't form a coallition. We need a government that will represent all Canadians and not just their narrow ideology.

George
said

So much for the so-called fixed election dates the Cons enacted.

What a pathetic reason to call an election anyway, 'just because'.

He even acknowledges he won't get a majority, so why bother if only just to waste public money for purely selfish reasons.

GHW
said

Harper is smart to call an election now. The Liberals are attempting to set up the Conservatives to call an election on their timing. Harper is simply calling the election on his timing which he has every right to and I’d do the same thing. The current batch of Liberal politicians are a bunch of losers. Right now if I were an American I’d vote for Obama and as a Canadian I support Harper because these guys have the act together which is the same reason everyone should vote for a particular party.

J Burnaby
said

Flip flop flip flop flip flop

What's that sound?

Flip flop flip flop flip flop

It's Stephen Harper saying one thing and doing another - again!

So much for his fixed election dates.

Harper is an embarrassment - I can't wait to get rid of him!

Anthony
said

I can not wait for an election to be called not only has Harper done a great job for this country both at home and internationally. I also can not wait for the next Presidential elction in the USA so that people like MW can stop the calling Harper the "Lapdog" of Bush. Please tell me where Harper was when Bush was in China.... Come on Harper get that majority. Canada does not revolve around Toronto.

Ken
said

Maybe the CONs should launch an ad that shows Health Minister Tony Clement tastelessly making this Comment at a CON government-sponsored lunch reception down in Denver this week:

"I'm Health Minister Tony Clement, and I have to say I approved this food."

Another show of class from the ReformCON party who think it's FUNNY that 15 Canadians have died from Lysteria.

It's time to punish them at the polls for the repeated debacles and scandals that have shown that this CON party has NO RIGHT to govern.

norsky
said

By the time the Pollsters have had their say, re a virtual tie, We can all ask how, could they be so far off base?? Bring it on...

Mike
said

If the politicians did anything but campaign for the next election maybe this parliament would have accomplished something. It's a case of poor leadership across the board

Faramir
said

Why waste taxpayer money to establish another minority? Doesn't make sense to me, especially when Harper needs to address the attacks on free speech via the CHRC!

Marcel
said

The PM predicted yesterday we will have another minority government. So why have an election. The advertisement of the Conservative Parryt will not be swaying my vote at all. I will never vote for Mr. Harper and his party.

Socialism is killing us
said

I laugh at all the Liberal apologists who don't want an election because they speak of individual rights. Voting is a right, use it. I look forward to the election since I came from a country where the communist party got a 101% of the popular vote.

John S.
said

Really all Stephane Dion could muster was some lame comment about the art industry? Here's a news update for you Dion, the art industry should be able to support itself. We shouldn't have to pay 1 cent of precious tax dollars on art nobody wants, they should have to earn their own way like the rest of the business world... eg. in the manufacturing world if a toaster isn't selling the government doesn't bail out that company, they simply go out of business. So welcome to the real world artists.

susan taylor
said

I am so sick of Stephen Harper's whining. It's called karma, and payback's a bitch - he did the exact same thing to the Liberals under Paul Martin's minority government - seems all these guys do is jostle for power positions while neglecting the people they are supposed to be serving. Enough!

....
said

"The Liberals have abstained/sat on their hands/walked out on 41 votes in the Commons, yet still try to tell us that they are the party to lead the country."

You know what, when the Conservatives were the Opposition Party, they have done the same. That's hypocrisy.

Ken
said

Dion thinks the election will be fought on funding for arts and crafts? Wow. I think not.
If Harper looks like he's going for a majority I predict a total collapse of the NDP vote with Layton losing his seat. You heard it here first.
I encourage everyone to vote, remember, at the very least you're giving the party you vote for approx. $1.80 every four months or so.

Alex
said

I just wish the parties would put aside the partisan tactics on this one. The NDP and the Bloc showed their true colours by voting against bills. The liberals merely abstained, which is not the best way of showing you're ready to run a country. If the Conservatives and Liberals would accept joint responsibility for an early election (as we all know to be the case) I would appreciate that a lot more as a taxpayer.

As far as violating the fixed election dates, I wish people would realize that only applies to majority governments to prevent what Chretien did when he was in power. He called a snap election when his polls were favourable or the other parties were in disarray. Hardly fair or ethical. In a minority government, every party should be allowed to take measures to trigger an election- that's the way our system works.

Ryan
said

I have one comment and then a question for anyone out there.

First, with the fixed election dates, those are really only good for majority governments. In a minority it is still fair game with plenty of "reasons" to ask for an election.

As for the by-elections, what happens to all the votes already cast in advanced polling? Do those carry over to the federal election or are they all destroyed and people get to vote again?

I want to vote.
said

Lets have an election.
Hopefully we will have a majority govt.
This minority govt. has worked so-so.
PS I still believe in a fixed election date. Hopefully we will keep to this, after this election.

Ex Liberal
said

Mr. Harper is just being humble when he says he's predicting a minority..when in fact we all know it will be a majority. I LIKE IT! I LIKE IT VERY MUCH. Go Harper. Unite the Country! Take charge and continue doing what you've been doing...slow and steady progress...one issue at a time. Liberals will fall, and fall hard. I for once am very excited about voting to let Harper take charge.

Justin
said

No matter who the Prime Minister of Canada is, people will complain, they will make decisions that a majority of people don't agree with.

Just vote for who you think will screw up the country the least.

Phil
said

If Harper gets his way, there won't be ice to break in the Arctic...maybe they should get an oil-slick breaker!

Dean
said

RE: Jason's comment - public sector raise...it's tough not getting what you think you should get, but if you were in the private sector, many are getting 0% raise this year, and many are also getting laid off. So be fortunate you have a job with benefits. As for paying our politicians well, I don't begrudge them -- if we want the best & brightest leading our country, we've got to pay them well. MP's have very little family life, and deserve every penny. Harper accomplished more in his short term than 13-years of Liberal Rule. It's nice to have a Prime Minister that makes a stand on various issues, rather than walk the fence like the last two PM's. I hope Harper wipes out the Liberals. Look at the political comments in this section the past few weeks -- the majority are in favour of Harper. As far as leadership goes, Harper is the only real choice. He has strengthened our armed forces, created a greater sense of pride in our nation in doing so. GO HARPER GO!!

Bill
said

Mr. Harper campaigned while saying he cared that there was too much taxation. Mr. Harper has no justification for calling this "Quickie" election at great expense to the Canadian taxpayer. Harper and the Conservatives will cost the Canadian taxpayer millions of dollars in September/ Oct. just so that they MIGHT gain a few more seats for their party. That is irresponsible and makes more Conservative promises into just more Conservative lies! Harper and the Conservatives cannot be trusted.

Matt
said

jason,

If the fed employees go on strike because they're not given oversize raises the taxpaying public will be furious.

While non government employees are not only getting pitiful raises but being terminated by the thousand, it's unacceptable that we have to pay ever increasing taxes for government employees who are already overpaid.

John who likes art
said

Dion is right, of course. Our art and expression define us as much as, if not more than mukluks in the Arctic or whatever grandiose scheme Harper is distracting voters with.

Arts make a huge contribution to the economy of Canada. If we are to compete internationally, it will be with creative innovations that begin with a culture that accepts free thinking and expression.

We need art. I hope Dion sticks to his guns and the issues that he is addressing, and does not fall in to the trap of trying to out-testosterone Harper in macho stuff like military hardware and being a bone-head (which apparently has more appeal that one would reasonable think).

Dion will get back to the minority opposition benches, probably with a few less seats, but Harper will not get a majority, and that is the main thing.

I want a prime minister that doesn't just stand up for Canada, as Harper's bluster is supposed to have us think. I want a prime minister that stands up for Canadians. Harper has shown that he will not do that willingly if at all. Everything Dion has said indicates that he will stand up for Canadians.

I may vote Conservative one day, but never while Harper is leader of that party. Dion looks and sounds great by comparison.

MK
said

Let's not forget that when the Conservatives left power in 1993, the left the country with a $41 Billion deficit, which the Liberals eliminated in 4 years. And now, after roughly two years and eight months, we're teetering on the brink deficit once again. And too, doesn't the reason we've got the listeriosis problem have something to do with the Conservatives de-regulating food inspection services? And mostly what I hate about the cons is their moral superiority "Father Knows Best" approach to governing.

Mike
said

Here's an idea, why not give another party other than the cons or liberals a chance to govern, based on these two parties track records we don't have much to lose.

Why do we continually vote for these 2 parties and then continualy complain about how they are screwing us.

Allan Eizinas
said

If he really wanted that icebreaker to remind people of John Diefenbaker then he should have named it “The Avro Arrow”. He could also have named it after himself and his current government – Titanic!

Nikolas J. Parris
said

I really wouldlike an election to be called, to see the Conservative have a most anticipated second term, and this time a majotity, and the NDP increase in seats, I think rhat's the last election that we will see the Bloc, and that's not a lost.

The biggest loser will be the liberals and Stéphane Dion will step down, that will be the most intelligent move he would make. And yet another leadership campaing for the Liberals.

If the NDP loses seats it would mean the we'll have two parties with leadership campaing.(NDP and Liberals)

In the case of the Bloc, nobodu but Duceppe is serious in that party if he goes, no one could take his place. No one fron the level of Duceppe. Maybe François Legault from the PQ wouldlike to take his place?!?

Martin from NS
said

Bring on the election! I support Harper fully! Dion will not win the hearts of Canadians with issues like the ... arts? Okay so I thought that the greenshift was a bad idea, but to make arts a MAJOR issue in a federal election? That doesn't make sense! The arts are like any other business, if it doesn't sell in a free market, it should fizzle out because there is no demand for the product.

Craig
said

Despite what the media and the Liberals are saying, funding for the arts has INCREASED under the Conservative governments.

Yes, there have been cuts in places, but that was to eliminate wasteful spending in areas. Namely providing free flights to disreputable entertainers. Other arts and cultural programs have been greatly expanded.

How is that a bad thing? This is how you run your household. You find out where you money is being wasted and you end that, then you put your money where it is best spent.

Then again, I thought Dion thought this election was a referendum on the Environment. He sure likes to change his mind.

Trent
said

Hey Jason how much money do public service require? They went on strike 2 during the liberal run in office? so get with the program everybody wants more money so it does not matter who's in goverment.

MRC
said

Yet again I feel compelled to repeat:

Time & time & time again I am continually disappointed to hear Canadians whining & crying about the fixed election dates law! IT ONLY EXISTS TO CONTROL MAJORITY GOVERNMENTS AND **GUARANTEE** REGULAR ELECTIONS DURING ANY GOVERNMENT. It works wonders in the U.S.A., by the way. Regardless, a Prime Minister should always have the power to call an election. Get it straight!

P.S. Even more taxation and unconditional funding for the "arts" are going to be key election issues for the Liberals?! Oh my...

Not a liberal just Anti-Satan
said

RE;

DCR-Toronto and John S.

Not shocking comments from Conservative supporters, but sorry guys! thats what Democracy is about! representing ALL the people! there are MANY canadians who whole lives/income revolve around the arts? Can you explain what makes the the auto/farming/oil sectors soooo special that only they get support from our country!

Really is sad that people actually live in Canada, and STILL only think of themselves and their small limited worlds....

The Art have historically been teachers of the world and educators of times past....maybe you should pay a little more attention to that instead of strengthing our military (seeing as we are only peace keepers not war mongers). Maybe then the billions Harper is spending on arming the Artic instead of helping the Canadians who live there...

Oh yeah! by your theory their population is too low for Canada to support them! what was I thinking!

I may not think Dion is the strongest leader, but at least he is a voice for those who need it! Not for those who can afford to BUY it!

The Trusty Tory
said

A "referendum on arts and culture" in Canada?? Boy, the Liberals are really scraping the bottom of the barrel for issues, aren't they?

KC
said

Well, since the Americans are having their election is it any surprise that Harper wants one as well. I mean, everything America does on foreign policy is what Harper wants to do - thankfully as a minority gov't his choke chain get's wrapped around nice a tight and he can't. I personally don't care if he finds himself as a minority ruler yet again...that collar ain't coming off anytime soon.

I'm certain I will find myself voting strategically yet again...for the NDP in my riding unless the polls indicate I should do different.

James
said

Our ice breakers are our protectors of the north and it is only fitting that one of our own huge ice breakers be named after Prime Minister John Diefenbaker. The sevice he provided to Canada as Prime Minster in uncertain times was awe inspiring. We should nto change our national anthem for a long time!

Non Funded Artist in B.C.
said

If promising to reinstate funding to the arts isn't vote buying what is? I guess that funding was going to Liberal artists that were awarded it by the previous Liberal government. I'll bet it was all going to Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. Try voting for CA and it might get your funding back you diehard Liebrals.

R D
said

I know I'm repeating myself, but I still recommend that Mr. Harper postpone a general election as long as he can. Most Canadians really don't want an election yet.Does anyone know why chairs were invented? So Dion can put BOTH feet in his mouth at the same time. Wait for that moment, Mr. Harper.

Al
said

Jason must be a liberal staffer. The liberals gave the public service a 7 year wage freeze!

Jeff S.
said

Dion says: "Promotion of arts is important, the defence of their freedom is very important to us," Dion said, pledging the issue would be a key campaign plank for the Liberals."

How pathetic. This guy is so out of touch with the real issues that he's trying to bribe votes from the arts community. I myself am a musician/artist (no, not a left-winger like most of them)and I don't think the Canadian Government should be spending a dime on the arts. Especially when our military is so minimial (hence our reliance on the U.S. to protect our borders), our economy is beginning to reflect a global recession (which has nothing to do with the current Government) and the price of gas/oil is going through the roof.

Dion is by far the worst leader the Liberal party has had in a 100 years. He can't communicate properly to the English majority, he bashes the Conservative's policy/legislative agenda at every turn only to support directly or by abstaining on votes, and he is mostly a one-trick pony (the environment/green shaft).

Is there really another option besides Stephen Harper, who despite having a gun held to the head of his minority government for 2.5 years, has managed to keep it alive for as the second longest in minority government in Canadian history?

I don't think so.

And you Liberal hacks out there know all this to be true. Your party's time may come again, but it will not be anytime in the near future.

Thank you all for electing Dion as your leader in 2006.

RRO
said

J Burnab

If you think Harper is a flip flop I would love to hear what you have to say about Stephan Dion. The Canadian people want and election, oh wait no they don't. This legislation is bad or Canada but my party won't show up to vote against it.

My Carbon tax is revenue neutral and will not hurt the average Canadian....do you really want to risk finding out if he is telling the truth.

Edmontonian
said

Go NDP and Greens! The Liberals and the Tories are just two heads of the same monster.

Jacqueline
said

to J Burnaby
Fixed election dates for MAJORITY governments!! It has been a breath of fresh air to have a PM who is articulate, smart and decisive. And finally a PM who isnt from Quebec!! I hope Stephen Harper gets more seats in this election. I am sick of the Liberal dominated senate holding up bills that real Canadians want passed.

M. Cameron
said

I will never vote Conservative and I would never vote for a Prime Minister who breaks his own election law.

Ian
said

Getting back to the context of this story, I would love to see all the news and media outlets NOT run any parties ads till the writ is dropped. It's fair to all and maybe we can avoid another in and out scandal (love to get the results from the first one by the way) Plus, all expenses then become Election Expenses and we as Canadians will be able to see where the money for these ads are coming from. They can right now be bought by any interests (corporations, oil, banks, you,know Harper's Buddies)It is another way Harper get's around election financing and shouldn't be allowed.

Will
said

Harper is risking everything here (Dion is too) but Harper has much more to lose here. If Harper loses more seats (which is very likely - the by-elections would have given the libs 4 more seats), Harper stands to lose his minority for a Grit Minority. It's likely to go either way here. We'll see which party will come out with the biggest "scandal" during the election to really sway the vote. Remember the Grits were winning until the RCMP were called last election. If something happens here to the Tories, we can kiss lying Harper goodbye. I'm so sick of his dishonesty. Dion may not seem like an excellent choice for the Libs but at least he's honest with the public, he's got integrity, and he's got a good team with him. I'd rather a "nerd" as my PM than a leader who goes back on his promises like Harper.

Dennis
said

The answer to me is very simple. If you want to pay high taxes, live off government programs, watch your government do a whole host of social experments, and live in a country that has absolutly no respect on the world stage vote liberal. I you want to pull up your socks and find enough backbone to control your own destiny vote conservative. Stop blaming the government for all your woes.

Will
said

"The Liberals have abstained/sat on their hands/walked out on 41 votes in the Commons, yet still try to tell us that they are the party to lead the country."
------------------------
What did Harper do when he was in opposition? "Harper said it’s not a Conservative budget, that he didn’t like it, but Canadians didn’t want an election, so he had his caucus abstain"

Baba Booey
said

Going into a campaign Dion has nowhere to go but up. The bar has been set so low for that guy that anything mildly interesting may catch the public's attention. And with those low expectations both parties are in a dead heat. Harper has peaked so expect a lot of ugliness from his party this time around.

Robin the Hood
said

This is the most cynical waste of money I have ever seen by a Govt. and we've seen allot but this takes the cake!. Harper knows he can only really hope for another minority yet is willing to spend the 100s of millions $ on a useless election. Its blatantly obvious he is trying to get another term before he loses the Fall bi-elections big time and before the economy really turns sour and he is kicked out permanently. I for one will not be moronic enough to fall for this.. my vote will go elsewhere Mr. Harper! He must think Canadians are a bunch of idiots! No doubt there are many in this category he can count on (aka: supporters) but I think he over-estimates their number and will pay for his mistake. Remember that Ontario Premier David Peterson made the same mistake and the NDP's Bob Rae won. Curious to see if the majority of Canadians today are still smart enough to see through this guy's cynical tactic and his party.

DRH
said

Judging by some of the posts, I can see clearly that the intelect of the Liberal supporters leaves much to be desired. You don't seem to be able to read/understand anything about the political situation going on here. For those of you who continually ask about fixed election dates, those dates only apply to a "MAJORITY" government. Oh..wait a second......you can't read. Sorry about that.

Jacquie Boileau
said

Another 4 years of Harper, Canadians will get what they deserve, lost of their CPP, higher precription prices, Cafta which is why our manufacturig is heading south, please bring back anybody but Harper.

MM
said

I agree with J Burnabey. Harper says one thing and does another. Like the whole income trust fiasco. He allowed billions of Canadian tax payer's hard earned money to vanish, which I remind you he said he wouldn't do when he was elected. He bold faced lied. Bring on new vision!

Roland Walsh
said

After reading the comments and watching Ontario Premier talk about who he would vote for and why all peoples in Ontario should vote Liberal I ask myself why Canadians would vote for a party that sends our solders in to war ill equipped and STOLL great sums of money from the Canadian tax payers. As for the auto industry problems, is it the provincial government or the former federal government that put all their eggs in one basket? The problems in Ontario are real and it’s going to take real solutions to fix these problems and I personally don’t think Mr. Dion is the guy. Let take back our country and stop bitching and get involved and VOTE.

Roland from Alberta

Jim McB
said

The left is flinching, backpedalling and making excuses. They should know by now that you can't goad a guy like the PM without getting a measured response. This time it is an election, and the level of preparadness of the opposition is suspect. I love it when the left shoots itself in the foot.

Good government and good times should lead to a good majority for the CPC.

Pete
said

Stop for a moment and picture a country as strong and proud as Canada with a guy like Dion at the helm.

Does that seem right to you?

Not me!

RCR from Ontario
said

I think the Liberal posters on this site that always refer to Brian Mulroney driving the country in to debt, should take a history lesson. It was actually the Trudeau Liberal socialist government that ran up the greatest debt in history. Yes I agree that Chretien and Martin balanced the budget but it was on the back of the Military and the Health system. To keep on saying that we are in a deficit position at present is untrue. The Harper government is running a surplus of 1.5 billion now and not hording huge piles of money to pay to Friends of the government like the Liberals are wont to do.. Go Harper Go

Leslie
said

Stephen Harper has done more for the working Man and Woman than any Liberal gov't has done lately. With the Liberals, we can expect stupid tax hikes, (like the carbon tax),patronage appts, more deficits and less accountability. With Dion, they will never lead.

Valentin Erikson
said

If we want to destroy or strongly weaken the Liberals, we need an election this fall. Although the Conservative Party of Canada does not have a good chance of securing a majority; we finally have a unique opportunity to throw the Liberals into chaos and advance our long-term strategy of destroying Canada's ‘’natural governing party”.

Agreeing with Stephen Harper, I think that an election will give us a fresh mandate that will give the government another couple of years to proceed.

Being defeated, the Liberals will dump their ‘’leader’’ Dion. A costly leadership campaign will have to start before most contenders from the last campaign have paid off their debts. The already cash-strapped Liberal party would get less money in election expenses rebates and in its annual public subsidy. Tom Flanagan, a former chief of staff to Stephen Harper and a political scientist at the University of Calgary, also believes that it would be very difficult for the Liberals to pay off any debts from the coming election campaign and harder to secure bank loans for a future campaign. Hence, he says, another Tory minority "would be enough to throw the Liberals into turmoil and give Harper . . . a virtually free hand in Parliament for quite a while and really handicap his main opponent."

In order to destroy the Liberal party of Canada, Stephen Harper has to call a fall election himself, because rather than being at the mercy of others, it is better to be in control.

Vince
said

Strategy dictates the most important thing is to throw the liberals into complete disarray, and an election will do it.

They haven't voted against Harper in the House because they can't afford an election right now. That makes them look weak and uncommitted to their causes.

The Green Shaft is a time bomb for them if the public can be pursuaded it will be money out of their pocket. Fear is a better motivator than any other emotion.

They will likely lose representation in large parts of the country that simply aren't comfortable with Dion... I can imagine no seats in Alberta and Sask and getting only a few in the sandal district of BC. Dion is not loved in Quebec. Conservatives might even break through in the Maritimes.

If the Liberals cannot get a majority they will undoubtedly be faced with another leadership contest when most of the previous candidates haven't even paid off the debt from their last one.

End result is Liberals will fade away and some NDP/Green alliance will take over opposition.

Harper doesn't have to win big to make this happen... just get another minority.

Its brilliant.

We need real change in Ottawa!
said

Last night I had a dream that Hilary Clinton is our new Liberal Prime Minister... Now that would be something!

Interesting that majority of people posting here are men. Perhaps older men.

Alberta Believer
said

Those of you planning to back the Liberals are wholly ignorant.

The Conservatives saved us from the decriminalization of marijuana which would have seen our large cities become instant sewers (this is NOT Holland).

The Conservatives are trying to restore balance to our criminal justice system so that unlike under the Liberal regime, people don't just come here from abroad to engage in criminal activity. Torontonians remember the summer of the gun real well. That was 2005, Paul Martin's year!

The Conservatives (hopefully with a majority) will save us from the so called human rights commissions which have all but turned freedom of speech and freedom of religion into a joke in this country. Only Cuba and Canada in the western hemisphere has government bureaucrats who can question what people say or right or how they worship God.

The Conservatives are restoring Canada's dignity the world over by not cutting us out of Afghanistan on a coward's retreat as the Liberals with their socialst friends the NDP would have us do and by reclaiming our arctic, and by standing with the US and Isarel against Al Quaeda and Hezbollah.

The Conservatives are cutting consumption and other taxes which the revenue hungry Liberals didn't do.

Why would anybody want to support the Liberals? Is being a second tier, weak at the knees socialist country reall something to be proud of?

I swear, the left and dignity do not match.

Vince M
said

Will some of you folks PLEASE read the Fixed Election law before commenting here that Harper is "breaking the law".

It states the fixed dates only apply in majority governments.

This is a reasonable rule as a minority government can be brought down t any time by the opposition.

If Dion were to cause the government to fall (which he said he would do) would you call that "breaking the law"?

dissapointed Conservative
said

I was a life long conservative supporter until Bill C61 [copyright] was put forward. Shows what a sellout to big American business this government is. These guys have no clue about digital technology and innovation. I wonder how many cabinet ministers can even program a VCR?

stockwell night
said

Lets see voting for Harper and his break up Canada agenda or for Dion and his Green Shift tax

not really a hard choice is it

DO
said

I'm not sure who to vote for because they all say the same thing and do another thing. Waste the taxpayer's money! Give themselves a nice hefty wage increase(Stelmach). Give our money away to other countries when they should be helping our people from this country first. Don't care about people with "disabilities" or "low income families." The rich get richer meanwhile the middle and lower class get screwed...Right now no one looks good to me or worth my time. Because they all act like children: arguing, pointing the finger at one another, can't agree on nothing, some don't show up for meetings and still getting paid(while they're vacationing). Must be nice! They should all be accountable for their actions and do their job!

Mike Webster
said

@MK....we also need to remember that before Trudeau and his Liberals came to power in 1968, Canada had no deficit and virtually no debt. By the time they got tossed out in 1984, we were up to hundreds of billions in debt and deep in that massive deficit that you want to blame on Mulroney and the Tories. Hate to burst your partisan bubble but it was the Liberals who created the national debt and left us with a massive deficit.

Shannon
said

I hope to God that Stevey Harper and his Con(men) get the same rude awakening Brian Mulroney deserved and got when he was soundly booted to the curb. The liberals aren't perfect, and Dion may not be the most charismatic leader out there, but I believe he at least has an idea of what most Canadians think of when it comes to our country's image. We believe in free speech, (and don't want our arts programs funded based on whether they support the party of the day). We believe in women's rights and equality, and want them to have options when they are being abused.. I could rant on and on about the damages the CONServatives have done to our country's programs, but I'll just end by saying that I'll be praying hard for a Liberal majority. It'll be a miracle, but that's what I'm looking forward to.

Inform Yourself
said

Committee rooms Ray? Did you forget that little report on constipating committees the Tories sent out?

Give me a break and think before you speak.

Hedayet Ullah
said

If I was able to vote this year my cast is for Mr.Harper.His government has lowered the tax , trying to decrease the university tuition cost.. and many more...from 15% to 13%.. hopefully in near future it will be less.Liberals are acting as foolish since they do not see any hope in near future to be in power.people in general vote for change and tax cuts... not some one who will put more tax on low income people..

My blessing to Conservatives...

PB
said

To MW -

Im not sure what your idea of a country is but I have no problem with Canada standing up for itself. As for Rights, give me a break! We are so far left on rights we have become morally corrupt with out attitude of "its all about me". Criminals are laughing as they run the streets due to a legal system that cant touch them and the answer for the "feel good" types is to give them another chance or rehabilitate. Victims no longer have rights here and our country wouldnt know "justice" if it was hit in the face with it. This all because of "rights". The answer to most far lefties is to enact more laws on those who obey them and not punnish those who break them. Ironic that those that argue about rights have no issue with taking them from law abiders. If I had to make a choice Id rather live in a police state than a lawless Somalian type one. It neither now but Id rather keep in that way. If I new election is coming Im curious as to see if the oppositions campaign in prisons.

dan
said

"He said the Conservatives are increasingly showing their stripes as a party that wishes to censor the arts and tightly control which programs receive funding."

If Dion is syaing this then he must believe the opposite, which roughly translated menas:

No control over which programs receive funding...

Marcel
said

I would like to Nikolas J. Parris. Before making such a statement, you should verify your facts. There was CROP/La Presse poll released yesterday indicating the BQ one point ahead of the Conservative Party. I'm not a supporter of the BQ, however, Quebecers as well as majority of Canadians know that the Conservative Party is directed by hard right-wing elements of the Reform Party, who have a very narrowed minded view of the world. Therefore, I respectfully disagree with you, but the Canadian public will not be giving a majority government to Mr. Harper and his party. Thank you

MHB
said

Down with Harper!. Canada's international image is in ruins. Most nations see us as American puppets with no real interest in promoting democracy, human rights, or even protecting the environment. Canada deserves a much better PM. Say "No" to Harper and help restore Canada's lost good image!.

Shane Prpich
said

Wow, Harper and the Conservatives were commited to fixed election dates and now they are planning to call an election? I am not suprised. Harper and his party have proven that they go back on their word. Really though, the Conservatives have been running Pre-election ads since they were elected. If there is one party making Canadians sick of elections and their ads it would have to be the Conservative party of Canada.

DWB
said

Good ads showing what the Prime Minister is really like and what the folks who don't participate in polls or talk to journalists like about him.

The ads do an end run on the Liberal media that filters everything we see and read and that deliberately portrays Harper as something he's not.

He's a shy, private family man that has the same concerns about the future - crime, the economy, taxes, defence of our freedom, health - that all hardworking Canadians have.

dan
said

To: MW,

MW, you know who sent the troops to Afghanistan?

Liberals.

Do you know who was part of the Liberals when the troops were sent to Afghanistan?

Dion.

So, I am left to think what you are saying is that you want Dion to flop and bring back the troops. If that is the case then I understand and agree Dion would be good at that, hummmm, (flip flop)

Nathan
said

Heavy thoughts on my mind today - thank you all for considering my words as we discuss our future together ...(or apart maybe) ...

After perusing all the usual, upsetting, blind-love-of-Dictator/Harper comments, I have come to the conclusion that Canada has been hijacked by Alberta-&-area-interests (& perhaps allied associates who constitute an opportunistic-bandwagon minority in other regions).

I know some of you Harper "loonies" (loony as in "canadian") are from coastal, river-, & lake-front parts of Canada ...but not enough of you to ever form a government without the help of Alberta and its wild-west, ethically-unsophisticated satellites & ideology. (I've been living in the west for 15 years -- I find it morally bankrupt and I've found that social justice is IMPOSSIBLE here -- it's like the roots of society here just don't go back far enough -- society here is too unsettled, wild, & transient for ethics to dominate ...& no I'm not from Ontario. I realize I'm being brutally honest, but I think an injection of honesty is what this debate needs.)

Mark my words: Harper will bring about either the downfall or the break-up of Canada one way or another -if- the liberals don't RAPIDLY become a WHOLE LOT MORE SOPHISTICATED & CALCULATED.

I have a request for Albertans:
Leave Canada -IF- your intention is to continue to denigrate & destroy Canada (as seems clearly to be the case). I've had quite enough of your bullying ways (& support of bullies).

Please back off soon or we'll have no choice but to defend ourselves against your aggressive tactics by becoming politely insistent. (We're sorry about the NEP! ...but Canada supported you for a long time when you were "have-not" and we need to get past something that happened 30 years ago. There comes a point when harping about the distant past becomes a pointless, counterproductive nuisance. Sensible people choose to disengage in favor of good-will moving forward. Sometimes if you give a person a chance to save face it makes all the difference in your relationship with them moving forward...)

There don't have to be any hard feelings. I'm only advocating what is sensibly best for all of us, mainly since I get the very clear impression that almost all Albertans are intent on leaving Canada if they eventually discover that they cannot force their vision upon Canada.

If Albertans want to convince me that Alberta is not a land of narrow-minded folk: Vote in a non-con government in your next provincial election. (Please understand that your provincial voting patterns appear to "outsiders" (such as myself) as proof of a dangerous lust for & love for extreme imbalance (& this is internal imbalance, not federal protest). There are ALWAYS at least 2 sides to ANY story and silencing alternative perspectives is a CLEAR sign of intolerance.)

To true Canadians: Let's take back our country and root out reform-extremists who are TEARING DOWN our society. If you want to rebuild the old PC party, I suppose I can try to live with that, but the reform-extremists have to go (...even if Harper leads Alberta with them ...as I expect he will try ...& I think he has the talent to succeed, so we ought to be ready for that possible development).

Alberta, if you decide you want to stay, that might be cool if you can just chill out a bit and cease with the irresponsible bullying (for example: supporting Harper). I was raised by good people in the Maritimes. We Maritimers have had plenty of frustration with Ontario over the years, but nothing like the out-of-control hostility you guys parade (with pride, no less, to which I cannot relate in good sensibility). Understand that hostility is not the sensible way to go about achieving TRUE reform that is LASTING. Bullying may seem to bring about a short-term win for you guys, but I urge you to think about how you can earn long-term respect from neighbors. I mean maybe all some of you care about is profits & savings & bottom-lines, but I'm guessing at least some others of you want friends in the world, not just oil customers. Maybe I'm just trying to suggest lightening up - after all, things are going well ...aren't they?

Dennis
said

Oh man some of you surely do not know how to read the bills, as many people will point out the fixed vote date was for majority gov's, a minority can go down any time so it does not fall into that mandate. To Jason, MW, Brain Henley (not misspelt), BC boy, JBurnaby, Ken, Marcel etc how did you become so bitter during all those years of liberal rules?? how could you miss the point or mark by so much?? do you just hate the world or yourself?? Do you not remember the socialest why the lib's run the country for all thou's years?? they where more ndp then anything else back then, my way or the hi-way p.e.t's fashion of a leader!!!

Roadrobber
said

Harper is absolutely right. Canada does not need to go back to the era of Trudeau economics which turned out to be a policy disaster.

For those who are saying that Harper is spending more money than Trudeau, let's put in into perspective. Under Trudeau, the national debt rose 1,100%, from $18 billion hen Trudeau in 1968 to $200 billion in 1984. Because of his economic illiteracy, Trudeau's solution was to rapidly impose significant tax increases combined with huge spending increases.

Trudeau also presided over the worst peacetime inflation in Canadian history. $100 of goods in 1968, when Trudeau took office, would cost $324.09 in 1984, when he left office. That represents an annualized inflation rate of 7.63%. How would you like that today? Remember the communistic wage and price controls legislated by Trudeau? An absolutely terrible policy.

Under Trudeau, unemployment nearly tripled, from just over 4% to peaking at around 12% to falling just above 11% before Trudeau exited. Trudeau's response? He raised unemployment benefits, which decreased the incentive to find work; increased taxes and regulations, which decresed the incentives to create jobs and gave greater power to the unions.

Economic growth also struggled in Canada under Trudeau. This is a combination of Trudeau's statist expansion of the government into the economy and his protectionist bent. His protectionist policies not only included the F.I.R.A., which killed investment into the energy industry in Alberta, but also included the adherence to the status quo favoritism given to Eastern manufacturers. A most famous example of Trudeau expanding the state into economy has to be the National Energy Program. The National Energy Program controled free market prices, which caused the energy industry to be devastated in Alberta. The economic growth in Alberta was destroyed. Albertan homeowners defaulted en masse as they became unemployed and the value of their homes decreased - all thanks to Trudeau and his N.E.P.

Trudeau was an economic illiterate. His policies saw debt and taxes rise, inflation rise, unemployment rise and economic growth falter; these results were the logical consequence of his illogical ideas.

Does Canada really need to return to the economic policies of the Trudeau era? I think not.

DC
said

MW: How are the Conservatives lapdogs of Bush? I always hear this from Liberal/NDP circles, but never have they shown any proof. It is in Canada's best interest to maintain good relations with our largest trading partner in order to continue to have a strong economy in Canada.

Also, how did the Conservatives take away women's rights? Again... please present proof before rattling off at the mouth with something you know little about.

Also please tell me how Dion has a vision? He seems to be one of the only leaders without a vision... even the dreaded Jack Layton has more of a vision.

Brian Henley: The fixed election dates are there in order to stop governments (like the Liberals) from stretching out a majority government to terms longer than 4 years in order to wait until the public opinion polls are in their favour. There is nothing saying they can't call an election prior to the fixed election date.

Josh
said

what does Mr. Harper want to do? Form another minority government as he predicted by just increasing a few seats for the Conservative Party and wasting the taxpayer's money? He should think more about the country's economy but not just his party's interests.

mediahack
said

According to Dion,the election will be a referendum on the Arts in Canada.
Here's an Kyoto idea to open up the arts funding flood gates: choreopraph a global warming ballet, write a global warming symphony, conduct a global warming pottery workshop and finally commission a global warming water colour exhibition.

Stephen
said

Just watched the new Conservative Ad and it is pretty funny. Some one says that they know where Stephen Harper stands: I do not. What is his stand on abortion? He won't say. What is position on fixed date elections? He had one and then when it suited him he - flip flopped - or maybe it was just an outright lie to begin with. You get the point.

tony
said

A Conservative government will probably win in Canada and the Republicans will win in the US.

Guelpherino
said

Ask the 500 Linamar employees that lost their jobs in Guelph what they think. They'll have to wait another month now to tell you at the ballot box.

Election time? Who wants one?
said

Bizzare as it may be, it seems that the consensus on here (Libs and Cons inclusive) and on other websites seems to be that the Conservatives will win another minority government given an election.

So what happens after another Conservative government is elected?

Does Dion resign? Hand over the reigns to someone people will believe in?

I am generally of the opinion that an election is a good thing, a chance for Canadians to make the changes they want.

But if the last three years (the longest sitting minority gov't in our history)are any indication, it seems that we already have the government that we need.

This government's ability to survive several non-confidence votes and last as long as it has is very telling. They have stood by their legislation, and yes, in a way dared the opposition to "oppose". They did not.

If a Liberal government is elected as is, will we enjoy the same stability? Will we enjoy the same leadership? Will they stand up for their morals and their beliefs, as so many times in recent parliament they have not?

These are hard questions, ones that we Canadians will have to answer at the polls very shortly.

To the obvious Liberals on the forum...Is there time for the Libs to hold a party leadership vote before the election?

In my humble opinion, we may see a surprise Majority Conservative government for another four years.

Please post responses, in election times nothing is more important than discussing the issues from all angles.

A Out West
said

The HOC should be non-partisan.

Once you elect a local representative, that person should be legally bound to act in the best interest of those whom he/she represents. Not the party's interests.

Party lines only serve the interests of the party - not the citizens of the country.

As long as we elect professional politicians to run the country, we will have this antiquated system of talk without action.

Canada needs a change of epic proportions. Sadly, none of the leaders - and few of the MPs - we have today are capable or willing to be the voice and mind of change for our country.

Wayne
said

Hey DWTBC : Dion has had his MP's sit on their hands and do nothing in the House except complain and spread all the usual Liberal Fear and Shmear points 44 times and not 41 now there is a track record you can be proud of! how Dion can possibly ask Canadians to vote for him when he has time and time again shown that he has absolutely no integrity is quite beyond me and those who are supporting him should be ashamed of themselves. The Liberal Party has imploded and is going downhill fast and I for one am starting a ABL movement " Anyone But Liberal "

gerry
said

"get the Liberals back?"
Why return to the Dark Ages? This is the obvious
wish from those in the
416 and 905 areas of so
called enlightenment.

Paul Vancouver Island
said

How many of us remember Harper's campaign slogan during the last election? It was accountability.

And how many of us remember on his first day in power what he did? Harper appointed Michael Fortier, his money bagman a non elected person from Quebec, a Minister of Public Works and Government Services.

Imagine, not even an elected MP. Fortier said running in an election was too much trouble. Harper, after preaching accountability, defied the will of Canadians and gleefully appointed a NON ELECTED person to the Canadian cabinet.

There has been a couple of bi-elections since in Quebec but it is still too much trouble for Harper or Fortier to bother getting Fortier elected.

Canadians should know Harper breaks all kinds of promises. Remember INCOME TRUST? Harper cannot be trusted.

Harper cannot even be trusted to follow his own law, no election until 2009.

Bring It On
said

So, Dion will be running on a platform of Arts & Crafts and a Carbon Tax. Brilliant!!!!!!!

Steve in Fredericton
said

As we are about to cast our ballotts, let us not forget the Liberal Sponsorship Scandal of only a few short years ago. More than any embelleshed or trumped-up Conservative scandal, the previous Liberal gov't literally stole money from you and I. These recent Liberal-generated perceived Conservative "missteps" pale in comparison to the systemic lies and theivery of the Liberal Party.

If we're going to have a strong country, we need a strong leader. We need Stephen Harper to lead this country.

A gov't under Mr Dion and the Liberal will set us back at least 20 years and quite literally ransack the public coffers for their own benefit and enjoyment. I wouldn't let Stephan Dion control a piggy bank let alone the National Bank.

I for one will not permit my tax dollars to be stolen ever again and to that end the Liberals ought never be given a mandate to govern. They simply aren't competent and are very devious.

Dave
said

Craig, how could you come on here and spew such horrible lies without any backup? Exactly how has funding for the arts increased? Or are you just swallowing up and then regurgitating more of Harper's lies?

MIke from Ontario
said

MW
People need to see Harper and the CONS for what they are. Lapdogs to the Bush gov't who want to take away our rights...as they have already started with women's rights! And let's not get started about making war abroad and now even trying to p*ss of the Russians with our supposed activities in the Arctic! Time to give a man with a vision, DION, a chance to show us what he can do!

Lapdogs to the Bush gov't Eh? I don't think the Bush regime will be too happy with our arctic plans.

Vote Harper!

GET RID OF HARPER
said

It infuriates me that our fed. politicians play this game with each other rather than actually CARING about the country their represent. Just sick of it!

Though I'm a Liberal thru and thru; they need to get their act together to acquire and maintain enough support for an eventual majority.

I cannot STAND Harper and his cronies. Canada is too liberal a country to have these NEO cons running it!

jeffw
said

bye bye LPC!! the nightmare is almost over now. the thought of Dion practicing his english skills on the world stage for us would be one step worse than what Chretien was doing. sheesh, and i thought THAT was embarrasing. go home to your mansion Dion and cuddle with kyoto under your beautiful paintings.

Ex conservative and a soldier.
said

I used to vote Conservative but since the Reform party took over me beloved PC's and backtracked on the income trust file,screwed up on the Cadman fiasco,and Bernier made an embarrasment of our country i will now vote Liberal.

johnn
said

jason said:
Let's get the Librals back in so that over a dozen different public service departments can get a decent contract than the offer from the haper gov't who offer a 1.2% wage increase that doesnt even cover the infation of living cost. What will the public do if fed employee's go on strike all at once?

I think you must be one of those civil "servants", jason.
The first thing you're dong is advocating increased taxes to pay civil "servants" yet higher wages; the second thing you're doing is threaten a general strike if the higher wages don't happen.
And I'm supposed to vote for that??

AJ
said

Acctountability act...the cons have recently displayed their gross distain for their own elected platform.

Film tax credits...what a better way to kill an industry. You may have to lose your credits after you spend the money. What other prime minister is poised to kill an entire industry.

HOC being a circus???...every vote was laced with a malicious confidence motion, how can you have a proper debate when you are respecting canadians wishes for not going to the polls.
There are those that complain that Dion is weak for not forcing an election, but out of the other side of thier mouths those people are the ones to complain the most about having an election back-to-back.

Everytime Tony Clement is the at the medical helm there is an outbreak of some sort. Just coincidence?

Liberal control in the 90's = economic prosperity.
Democrat control in the 90's = economic prosperity.

Recent conservative control, and republican control in the white house = economic hardships.

Go ahead blindly support harper, remember he said that we would have went to iraq if he was elected.
DON'T FORGET THAT.

Ex-Liberal
said

DCR-Toronto

You hit the nail right on the head regarding Dion the Buffoon being out of touch......

I think it would do the liberal party the world of good if they could convince their totally out of touch leader to roll down the tinted windows on his tax payer provided limo and check the prices we working Canadians have to pay for gas and food in order to get to work and feed our families...

Maybe drop a little hint to him as well that we grunts at the bottom of the food chain do not earn $212k a year with a mansion thrown in to go with the driver and the limo.

If our clueless opposition leader had to worry about such base and stupid things such as clothing the kids and getting the old clunker in the driveway fixed so hopefully it will last another few months maybe.....just maybe...he would not have so much time to come up with these idiotic brainwaves to take even more money from our pockets with such assinine plans as his "Green-Shift"

I live in a rural village about 100 km south east of Ottawa.I have been trying to organise a car pool system to take people into Cornwall once or twice a week to try to save money on gas.

There are several people I drive that are TERRIFIED of the idea of Dion's plan to add his extra tax to their already maxed out budget.Last years long hard winter was a killer to many of these pensioners,two of them still owing money on their oil bill,and Dion wants to tax them more to discourage them from using fossil fuels!

I have a close friend who is in upper management for a large chain of supermarkets, one of which is a 24/7 store here in Cornwall.There was an executive meeting this company held to see what the effects would be if the Liberal Messiah actually got elected and his green-shift plan was implimented. The first concensus was that Dion would get the idea that as Canadians had voted him in and had therefor fully approved his plan,he would more than likely increase the amount deducted at the pump and on domestic fuel oil sales. This would lead to a dramatic increase in transportation costs and seeing as all products you see in a supermarket get there by truck the bean counters estimated a wholesale cost increase of between 9% and 16%. In order to offset this the retail costs would have to be increased proportionately and to keep this in line with the competition the company would probably cut back on staff.

Maybe Dion would like to explain to us lesser mortals how this is going to help the enviroment...Oh...sorry...I forgot....there will be a dozen people unemployed and not wasting gas driving to work. All it will do is increase prices and cause unemployment,and the same amount of gas and oil will be used.

Why don't the Liberals send His Excellency up to the Artic following in Mr Harper's footsteps....maybe he will get the brain-wave of taxing the snow the Inuit have....or maybe explain to them that in their 60 below winters they should learn to save money by turning down the thermostat to prevent smog in downtown Vancouver.

Until the Liberal party get rid of this idiot Canada will remain Conservative.

Stephen Harper may not be perfect,but he has the rest of them beat by the proverbial country mile.

You have my vote,Mr Harper, and most people I know.

waste of money or what
said

Why is it I see this election (that is pretty much a done deal, lets face it) as a gigantic waste of money? Does anyone really think anything will happen but that the Cons will again have a minority govt? Why should the outcome be different than the last one? If we still end up with a minority, again nothing will get done at a time we badly need it. Wish the libs had someone with more credibility than Dion though. English Canada will never go for him, sorry. On another tack, I would like to see treasury board for the current government offer federal employees a decent wage increase during these times when everything is going up so monumentally. The ones we are being offered are a freaking joke, they would not compensate for inflation over the past 3 years and actually put us behind. Why is it the leaders in govt can vote themselves big raises in the neighborhood of 10% and then give us bupkis, way less than 2%?

dave in Que.
said

How can anyone vote for a guy that looks so uncomfortable when he puts on a smile.looks more like he is actually sneering at the Canadian public.most arrogant PM since Mulroney.Then again these ads are being paid for by the money from the in out scandal.

The Voice of Reason
said

I can't wait to hear the new Conservative campaign promises. We all need a good work of fiction once in a while.

Crazy Jim
said

It surely is a dark day in Canada with $45 million less spent on... grants for "independent" films. ???

Thank you Dion for highlighting that $45 million in prudent cost savings.

Ann
said

Re the CONS ad. A kinder Stephen Harper. He's a family man. He's got that little boy smile.

All fluff. Wake up people!

All I can recall is the bad attitude, and brutish tactics that has eminated from that party in Parliament.

Steve in Fredericton
said

It's a referendum on the environment, it's a referendum on arts spending. The only referendum attached to this election will be the referendum on Mr Dion's leadership.

Good luck in the civil sector Mr Dion. I hear Maple Leaf foods may be looking for a new pitch man.

Carmel Divine
said

PM Harper is one of the best PMs Canada has ever had!!!

PrairieDog
said

TO MK: You say it took 4 years right??? Very amusing that the Liberals think that it was their policy that got this country out of a deficit. The GST, which the Liberals said they would rid the country of (Red Book 1993), is the tax that allowed the government to pay it off. If I remember right, ahem, it was Mulroney, a Conservative, that made that happen. Now, again back to the four years. If the Liberals did as you say in 4 yers, why did they keep taxing this country to death for the next 9 years?? The answer my friend, is that they were buying votes, lining pockets, and screwing the public over. That's why. This country is waking up, and the socialistic ride is over. Social programs are there for people who need them, yes, ..but they are abused. The government is not their to dictate everything as the Liberals did. State run child care??? That is written in the Communist Manifesto!!!
GO HARPER!!!

former conservative supporter
said

That's amusing to see that Harper needs to pay people to praise him. Harper has stolen enough taxpayer's money... Enough is enough.

DCR-Toronto
said

TO Not a Liberal ...
Typical Liberal propaganda. We are NOT a peace keeping country, "traditionally", Open a history book and maybe you will see truth insead of what you wish would have been. The arts are not being gutted. The spending has gone up in the arts, just not in the areas that YOU think is right. The funding is still there. Again, look it up. As for oil and farmers, ...these are things that would cripple a country if they didn't exist, like it or not. Our farmers feed the world. That is the difference! Our oil keeps our prices lower than the countries that don't produve it (ie, all of europe!).

"I may not think Dion is the strongest leader, but at least he is a voice for those who need it! Not for those who can afford to BUY it! "

There are many other people in this country that need that money you are whining about, other than the "arts" people! Anything else???

GW
said

STEPHEN HARPER, THE GREATEST CANADIAN BULLY! IT'S MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY! WHY ELECT HIS MEMBERS WHEN THEY ARE UNABLE TO SPEAK UNLESS HE TELLS THEM WHAT TO SAY!

B. Lang
said

After getting a phone call yesterday evening from my Conservative MP's office (Barrie Riding) asking me if I'd support him in a fall election, leads me to believe Stevie may have second thoughts once the results of his party's phone poll are known.

It wouldn't surprise me to learn that they are doing this in most of there Ontario and Quebec Ridings just to see where they stand.

And for the record I gave them the "Haven't decided" answer, even though I am positively certain I will not be voting for my current MP.

Will
said

I'm hearing so many Conservative voters here defending the PM for breaking his promise about fixed election dates. They claim that it never applied to minority governments?!? Where was this written in the legislation? If Mr. 'Flip flop' Harper suddenly says he never meant it to apply to minorities, he's pretty stupid not to put that in the legislation. If it's not in the legislation, he's breaking his own law. Plain and simple.

Alberta Resident
said

jason - Quit your whining! Many people in the private sector have not had raises in over 5 years. I have no sympathy for the over payed left wing public sector.

BW
said

TO MW,

Do you even believe the crap that your talking about?

First of all what women rights has the P.M. taken away. If anything the government by trying to introduce Human Rights legislation on native reserves is increasing women rights.

Secondly if the P.M. was the Bush's "lapdog" he wouldn't pressing Canadian sovereignty in the Artic because. The U.S afterall does not recognise the N.W. passage as Canadian territory.

Thirdly what war did Canada start? The war in Afghanistan? Seems to me war started because of the Taliban's refusal to hand over Osama. Seems to me that the war was and is sanctioned by the U.N.

Go back to reading comicbooks because politics may be over your head.

Marcel
said

To Jeff S. As a francophone, I do not appreciate your comment on Mr. Dion english. Mr. Dion speaks better english than the PM when he speaks in french. I would like remind the PM, who said in the first few months of his mandate that his cabinet ministers were more bilingual than Mr. Martin's cabinet, he is completely wrong. Thank you

Brian
said

To Brian Henley,

Let me explain it too you slowly so you can understand it.

The 3 opposition parties have indicated that they do not have confidence in the government and have indicated their desire to have an election.

Given that he has no other option but to get a new mandate.

IT Manager from Edmonton
said

Wow! it only took the 4th post to get someone who has drank the Kool-aid regarding the neo con, Bush-Cheney babble.

DWTBC is dead on, Dion has shown no leadership by his parties actions, it's is time for an election. As much as I don't care to vote right now the Liberals have really given the government no choice.

Mr. Dion, you simply can not claim to represent certain values then abstain from votes becuase you are afraid of the outcome. Leadership is not defined by those traits. Say what you mean and mean what you say, it's a simple thing.

Dave
said

PrairieDog - You (and everyone else who votes CON) need to get yourself an education.

The GST replaced the MST which was a hidden manufacturing tax that was at 14%. So in reality, the GST was a means to CUT government revenue, therefore, saying that the GST allowed the Liberal party to pay down the deficit is just plain incorrect. It was the sound fiscal policy and responsible management of the country's finances that allowed the Liberals to balance the budget, eliminate over $100Billion of the debt that Mulrooney left us, and give Canadians the largest personal income tax in Canada's history in 2000.

Like I said... get an education, instead of just jumping on Harper's little "bash the left" bandwagon. You CONs are always SO amusing.

JP
said

@Nathan
That is a GREAT post about Alberta! WOW man you hit every nail on the head.
Being from Ontario myself (living in Alberta) I am of course not allowed to discuss anything AT ALL with anyone here in regards to making CANADA strong. You are so right about the ethical and moral bankruptcy here. This place is sick...it is all about how much money you've made on your property and how many 100's of g's you make a year and how many women you can support with your salary...it's a gold diggers paradise and that's ALL you find out here. I SO miss those Ontario girls who actually TALK TO YOU DIRECTLY and look you in the face and acknowledge your existence and have something interesting to say, other than asking you about your property and your job. Sick sick sick...I'm going back to civilization (i.e., EAST Canada) AS SOON as my contract is over here. Yah....notice Alberta needs us Easterners to come over here and work things out for them eh.

George
said

Re: Paul Vancouver Island ....

Oh, right, the Income Trust fiasco ..... saying one thing and doing another, causing 45 billion $ to evaporate just like that.

Have people forgotten about that already?

I certainly haven't!!!

George
said

International investment in Canada has already started to dry up with the CONS in power. The income trust fiasco proved that Canada is on the same stage as Venezuela and Peru.
Any accrued respect from international fiance went out the window with that one.

MHR
said

Response to Trent's comment:

"Trent
MW - your memory isn't too good, the Liberals had sent our troops into the conflict, not the Conservatives!"

Hey - Don't forget that Harper is one who screaming for troop to IRAQ before we saw Bush's lie.

Educate yourself on difference between these two conflicts.

Stan
said

Go Harper! It's great to have an adult in charge in Ottawa for a change.
We don't need the thieving liberals any where near our tax dollars.

Bucks
said

The Arts?

I'm sure there are more important things to make false promises about in this country than the arts!
I believe that Harper is "more" intune with what this country needs than Dion.

SickOfPoliticsAndLies
said

I thought Harper wanted to put an end to the manipulation of election timing by Government leaders who were more concerned about their own agenda than anything remotely to do with the public good...

Calgarian
said

The NEO-CONS… wasting tax payers money on a election that will only put us at the point we are now at. Accountability… my arse. Accountable to who is my question? He's definitely not accountable to Canadians (well maybe the Oil Sector).

WMN
said

If you love your freedoms, vote Conservative!

northbaytrapper
said

Jason:

If you are a public service employee then I am scared. Nice grammar.

Dan
said

I hear a lot of comments about how the Conservatives are lapdogs of the US. Has anybody been watching the current US Democratic convention?

The room is full of Liberals and NDP. I have even seen an NDP strategiest interviewing US Democrats for CPAC. Remember Dean at the Liberals leadership convention?

SO lets look at this one a little closer.

What I believe the Liberals and NDP mean when they refer to our relationship with the US is:

If you agree with them, (NDP and Liberals) then you are OK to talk to the US, as long as it is the Democrats, but if you don't agree with them, (Liberals and NDP) then you are not allowed to talk to the US.

Hummmmm....

Do as I do not as you think you should do.Don't agree with me, then you are bad...

Canada is a free nation is it not? You are allowed to have your own view are you not? I don't have to agree with you right? If I don't agree then I am allowed to speak anyways right?

Can smoebody from the Liberal and or the NDP camp explain to me why it is OK for the Liberals and the NDP to be in bed with the US but it's not OK for the Conservatives to be in bed with them?

Will
said

I like his sign in the photo "A strong UnCanada" That's exactly what he's doing. Dividing the country!

Alberta Realist
said

I was going to bite my tongue in the face of all the Conservative babble, but Alberta Believer finally got my goat.

I vote Liberal when there is a good reason, and Conservative when there is a good reason. For now, there is no good reason to vote Conservative.

Alberta Believer likes the idea that Harper wants to fill our courts and jails so full of pot smokers that the justice system will be paralysed. I don't smoke the stuff, but I know there are worse crimes that need fixing. Focus!

Alberta Believer believes Harper's rhetoric about getting tough on crime, but fails to notice that the police are not being given any additional resources to do so.

Alberta Believer thinks the Conservatives have the balance on human rights and meanwhile they allow the US to extradite our citizens and sit idle while our citizens are tortured and rot in foreign cells without being charged of any crime.

Alberta Believer thinks that the party that sent our soldiers to A-stan will cut and run. Enough said. Doing it better isn't the same as not doing it, and the Liberals will have a better approach. Any ideas what we are supposed to do when the US pulls out of Iraq in two years and the insurgents take Afghanistan back? We need a party that uses all its resources to come up with a plan, not just a stubborn PM.

Alberta Believer thinks the Conservatives have cut taxes, well, they haven't. Cutting the GST was popular, but it was fiscally irresponsible. Now they are taking credit for chipping away at the national debt, but the Liberals got us there first.

All the Conservatives are doing is chipping away at the surplus.

We need a Prime Minister that stands up for all Canadians and doesn't pick and choose who is worthy enough. Harper is not that man.

Not by a long shot!

Keith
said

If Harper wanted to avoid the Obama wave, he is too late. The left is fired up.

Concerned Canadian
said

Can't stand Harper and his "closed" to the public attitude. After all it is the public that got him there, but can't really stand Dion and his wishy washy ways either. Hey I have an idea...Let's give the NDP a chance, it's not like they can get any worse??!!
I have never voted NDP in a federal election before but am definitely considering it this time. One thing is for sure HARPER will not get my vote. He is a lamb right now, but if he ever gets a majority government we will see the lion emerge. Don't be fooled stand up for Canada and our rights!!!

Sheila
said

I would like to add my voice to those posting that they support the PM. I think Harper has been one of the best PM's that we have had in a very long time and he certainly has my and my family's support in the upcoming election whenever that will be hopefully sooner than later.

George
said

Why oh why is Harper calling an election? You can be sure there are three reasons:
First, he knows about something that will happen in 6 months time. Perhaps it is a major economic downturn, perhaps the situation in Afghanistan is on the verge of collapse, perhaps it is another scandal about to break.
Secondly, the Cons must be terrified that Obama could win the election. That will be certain to give the Liberals a push.
Thirdly, the polls must be telling him they will not have the success they wanted in the by-elections.
He was the one who asked for a set date. He has a minority and should not expect to have his own way with legislation.
The Liberals need to run a much better campaign than they did in the last election, but hopefully most Canadians will see the shallow, 'give them what they want,' campaign message of the Conservatives. You can be sure, if they ever have a majority we are in for some drastic changes.

d in bc
said

If you vote Liberal, you vote for NDP Bob who nearly banko'd Ontario, American wantabe Mike who is out of touch with Canada, and lastly DeeYawn, who has to be the most boring political leader in Canadian history. If nothing else, the Liberals will have new leadership

David
said

Dion is an ineffective leader of the opposition and the Liberal Party needs a strong leader to take on Harper. I voted Liberal before but am now looking at the NDP as jack Layton is far more of a oppostion leader than Dion who has wasted the the last two years sitting on his hands as has been said.

Jake
said

Note to Liberals: The fixed election date legislation was passed by parliament, and that includes the Liberal party. The fixed date can't apply in a minority government situation because in a minority government either the government or the opposition parties can precipitate an election at any time. (Which is what Mr Dion has been threatening to do many times since he became Liberal leader, but hasn't had the nerve to do). So the exasperated Prime Minister finally says "If you really want an election, let's go." The bad news for the Liberals is that they can no longer get huge donations from their big business friends so they're a bid short of cash compared to the Conservative Party. Is that because Liberal supporters are less generous than Conservative supporters or because they are not very happy with Mr Dion?

Andy
said

Jason... Federal civil servants are well paid compared to private industry.

I am appalled that someone who spells in the manner exhibited in your note actually works for the civil service.

I, and millions of taxpayers, would have hoped for better.

Baba Booey
said

So many half-truths and misunderstandings on here today. Where to start.

When DRH said, "I can see clearly that the intelect[sic] of the Liberal supporters leaves much to be desired" and claimed that the fixed election date only applies to majority parliaments I thought I should look it up. Here's what it says,

---
Date of General Election

Powers of Governor General preserved

56.1 (1) Nothing in this section affects the powers of the Governor General, including the power to dissolve Parliament at the Governor General’s discretion.

Election dates
(2) Subject to subsection (1), each general election must be held on the third Monday of October in the fourth calendar year following polling day for the last general election, with the first general election after this section comes into force being held on Monday, October 19, 2009.

2007, c. 10, s. 1.
---

So, there's no mention of it only applying to a majority government at all. That law seems to have no teeth at all.

William W
said

This is how Dion and the Liberals fund the arts.
Culture.ca is nothing more than a collection of over 20,000 LINKS to 'cultural' sites.

Culture.ca has died.

Their funding 'partners' included:

Canadian Heritage
Library Archive
CBC Radio
National Art's Centre
Virtual Museum
Historica

Tax-funded Arts groups funding other tax-funded Arts groups funding other tax-funded Arts...

In mafia circles it would be considered money laundering.

In Liberal circles this is whats known as BROWN BAGGIN it.!

I AM CANADIAN
said

I can't believe some of the comments on this site. I for one am proud to call Stephen Harper our Prime Minister. As some of you have said he has done more for our country than the Liberals ever had. It is nice to see him take an interest in our North. I lived up there for quite a few years and it is so beautiful and the people of the north are so friendly and they deserve to have a Prime Minister show them that they are just as important as the people of Ontario. Canada's borders far exceed that of Ontario & for those who think that you are the only ones who count, then think again!! I have many wonderful friends in Ontario and none of them think like that so I can only assume that you are a minority.

As for the Public Service employee, I too was one at one time and had to endure the wage freeze as did my husband while trying to raise 4 children. And who was in government at that time---The LIBERALS!!! So you can't say they will give you a better raise!!

As for Harper calling an election on his time table, why shouldn't he?? The LIBERALS are planning on doing it after the bi-elections after spending millions of dollars on that and then voting out the government. What kind of fiscal responsiblity is that??? As for HARPER breaking the law, it is for Majority Governments as many bloggers have stated. For some of you who say that it's wrong for Harper to call an election and spend millions but it's okay for the Liberals to bring down the government and spend the same millions on an election, what kind of logic is that???

For the Ontario person living in Alberta maybe you should go back there sooner than later. Albertans don't need you here as much as you need Alberta. I have lived all over Canada and loved all the provinces & territories that we have lived in and can honestly say that Alberta is one of the best provinces to live in. So much so that we have retired here. Canada is a wonderful country and we should be thankful for having each and every province & territory, not just one or two.

So all I can say is GO HARPER GO and get a MAJORITY and stop all this foolishness by the Oposition!! Bring on a truly United Canada!!

Dan from Surrey
said

Gawd this ad makes me want to barf. The sooner this thug is gone the better.

Donald
said

People are stupid… especially those who comment on the fixed election dates and have not taken the time to do their research. I don’t know all the rules around this but I know that it only applies to majority governments…. Duh don’t think we have one right now, so, no fixed date.

For all those IDIOTS who keep harping on this, bet there the same ones who were against fixed election dates claiming that was too American. If you all think fixed election dates are so important, get out and push the politicians in your area to push for fixed election terms, 4 years like the Americans, or 3 years like civic politics in Alberta.

Either way get over you own ignorance by do your research or shut up. There’s a famous quote that goes something like this, “better to remain silent and thought of as an idiot then to open your mouth and remove all doubt.” There is no doubt that all the comments about fixed election dates come from idiots who should keep their mouths shut. Probably from Liberal voters who can’t understand the difference between what their leaders say and what they do.

What happens at 3:00am?
said

So Dion is so concerned about Canadians and says the necessity to do the Green Shift is to save the world,he can't fit it into his busy schedule to see the PM until Sept.9th.

We can see how important you think Canada is,by your actions(past and present).....ego,I'm afraid seems to be your priority.

Mr.Dion what kind of leader will you be when the urgent call comes at 3:00am?

IT manager from toronto
said

Nathan-- drive away from Toronto so that your head gets out of the smog. You are a perfect Dalton Mcguinty liberal. You think high taxes means a nice, kinder ,gentler canada. The liberals sure have you brainwashed!

Joe C
said

Well... It looks like Harper just started to dig the grave on his political career. He has only been in office for a year and a half. How can anyone even say that he has done alot for Canada during that time in office? Lets get real people. There is going to be yet another minority government, with what I am predicting that the liberals will win some extra seats. Over the course of the summer Harper messed up BIG TIME with various speeches and events in British Columbia and it will cost him dearly.

Harper said that when he was in office he was going to change the course of parliament to have a government that is in control, but his commitments have since failed because he refuses to work with any of the other parties. Mind you Dion doesn't know what to propose nor does he know how to proper ask a question or end a sentence (how he even got into politics is another story). In the mean time you have the NDP and the Bloc Quebecois sitting back looking at both Conservatives and the Liberals fight on who is more corrupt. Infact the Bloc Quebecois has been proposing various idea's , ideology's that would make sense in government that never occured before.

Its going to come down to 2 things here. Both the Conservative and Liberal Parties will have no other choice but to elect a new leader. Mind you the next 5-8 years of canadian politic's will again be very interesting...

John G
said

The ads will solidify the coverted and alienate the non-converted. Liberalsa will still be liberals at the end of the day and Conservatives/Alliance will be Conservatives/Alliance at the end of the day. The sad part is there are few if any thinkers out there. Therefore another minority. Oh! How I wish there was someone out there with one ounce of leadership. I would vote for him or her in a heart beat. Right now I see voting as an utter waste of my time and effort. Who can reaLLY TELL THE DIFFERENT BETWEEN Dumb and dumber.

HckStck
said

Whats up with the ice breaker photo op?

As the story goes with global warming those weather guys say you'll be able to canoe up north. PM should get some cruised liners commissioned straight away before the Danes, Russians and Americans.

Lets at the very least have the ability to show the Danes, Russians and Americans our vast nothern lands and waters.

Andrew Z
said

I hope nobody forgets about the Income Trusts robbery. Seniors put their money where the Conservatives' mouths were, only to have it robbed. They 'promised' not to tax that, and then they did.
Americans lost faith in Canadian energy investments after that.

This reminds me of the 'Charlie Brown' lady during Mulroney's years ... was nail in his coffin.
Bye.

Vote NDP
said

Voters should be voting NDP so that way they can form government and working for all Canadians. I've seen the platforms, results, speeches, etc... from the major parties and the NDP is the only one that can stand out. Whether fighting against bank fees, text message fees, or promoting investments in public transit, education, housing etc..... the NDP is the way to go.

Outraged John
said

OK, I only have one question.

Mr Harper, your government is under scrutiny for defrauding the public in the aftermath of the last election. You will not permit your ministers to attend the committee hearings and are showing absolute contempt for the taxpayers, including me.

Please be assured that I take no pleasure in the thought that my tax dollars are subsidizing your campaign expenses, when I find your administration to be incompetent and unworthy of leadership.

Why are you holding this election when you haven't legally cleared yourself of wrongdoings in the last one?

Bill
said

Gee that's nice. Did they have to use actors or were they able to find enough Conservative Party members to play these roles for the commercial ?

Believe NONE of it !

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