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CTV News | Election date likely to be October 14

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Home : Top Stories : Election date likely to be October 14

Election date likely to be October 14

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CTV News: Rosemary Thompson on the timing
CTV Newsnet: Duceppe reacts to meeting with PM
Canada AM: Jack Layton, NDP Party leader, with his thoughts on the Democratic convention

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Fri. Aug. 29 2008 5:13 PM ET

Officials in the Prime Minister's office say that Stephen Harper will likely call an election next week and send voters to the polls on Oct. 14.

These officials told The Canadian Press no decision has yet been made, but they indicated he will go to the Governor-General sometime between Sept. 2 and 7.

Bloc Quebecois Leader Gilles Duceppe met with Harper Friday morning and said Harper "absolutely wants to call an election."

"It gave me an opportunity to see for myself that he absolutely wants to call an election even if it doesn't jive with his legislation and even if he has to cancel the (Sept. 8) byelections," said Duceppe.

Harper has sought meetings with all three opposition leaders to discuss whether they can agree on an agenda for Parliament's fall session -- set to begin Sept. 15.

"I asked him what the priorities of the government were -- it wasn't very clear," said Duceppe. Duceppe said Harper should be seeking common ground with the opposition parties instead of trying to trigger an election.

The Prime Minister's press secretary, Dimitri Soudas, claims during the meeting Mr. Duceppe said he had no confidence in the government.

NDP Leader Jack Layton is supposed to meet with Harper Saturday but Liberal Leader Stephane Dion has said he can't meet until after the three scheduled byelections.

On Thursday, Conservatives launched their first campaign-style television ad.

Rather than attacking Dion, the commercial features Canadians describing what they like about 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."

Dion has also stepped up his pre-election rhetoric. On Thursday, he portrayed his party as a champion of the arts during a campaign-style announcement in Montreal.

He 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.

With files from The Canadian Press

Comments are now closed for this story

jaspf
said

And to now think, the opposition is trying to blame the Goverment for a obvious upcoming Election....wow. Might be just me, but I understood this is what the opposition wanted, and it looks like Harper called their bluff. Seems like the Oppositions bark is obviously louder than their bite!!


chico
said

there should be no question about an election it was duceppe who is going to table a confidence motion as soon as he can anyway. Dion has been saying that every one is ready for an election. I'm getting sick of these 2 talking out of both sides of their mouths ..Go Harper


Trent
said

Why is it that when the Conservatives decided to meet the Opposition party's calls for an election head-on, the Opposition Party's backpedal and seem surprised that the Conservatives would want an election?
Although it won't amount to much of a change in seating in the House, it will be good to see the Liberals get knocked down further and balance on bankruptcy due to an election and pending new Leadership race.


JOE
said

In any cases, could we get a leader to which middle class can relate? If not, we'll get the same as we have now for $250,000,000+. Not worth it.

BTW: Harper's not it.


Rick
said

Every party has been suggesting that the goverment should be brought down. Now that it seems imminent, they are all against it. What a bunch of two faced hypocrites.

If they intend to bring the government down they should agree that there is no point in wasting taxpayer dollars on by-elections just a few weeks before.


Annie
said

My personal opinion of PM Harper is a good one. He has done more for this country in the past 2 years than has been done in the last 20 years. Just because he is a no nonsense type of guy, does not mean he does not have a kind side. He wants to get things done. Think back to Chretien and Martin...who could not make up there minds to go up the street or down the street. Mr. Harper shows dedication, decisiveness and determination to make Canada a better country. To date, he has done a good job.
Thank you Mr. Harper. You will always get my vote!


Robin
said

Just more lip service from the transparent opportunist known as Harper. We get it, Stevie, we're going to have a federal election due to your perceptions of Parliamentary dysfunction. So, why waste their time with pleasantries when you've never been pleasant before?


Marcel
said

It is quite obvious that the Prime Minister wants an election because he knows the economic situation of the country is getting worse. All the Prime Minister can do is play the blame game and say it is the fault of the opposition parties that parliament is not working. Well, as I stated before on other posts the PM and his reform/alliance party will not be receiving a majority government from the Canadian public. I still believe that the majority of the citizens of this country do not believe in the hard right wing views that the Reform/Alliance Party want to impose on us. Mr. Harper will never receive a majority from the smart Canadian public. Thank you


Chris
said

I'm glad to see that Dion is tackling the important issues...like the arts. I mean really...that's what ALL Canadians are worried about!

He's so out of touch with the average Canadian it's laughable.

And Duceppe saying jive...Epic win! Don't even bother with the election, give this guy the job!


EJ
said

Is it me or do other people see Dion's snub of Harper's request to talk as an elitist attitude by Dion?




MarcO in Ottawa
said

Not so coy about calling an election now, are we, Gilles?

Seems to me like Mr. Duceppe fell into the trap Stephen Harper has set for him hook, line, sinker and copy of 'Modern Fisherman'. If an election does indeed happen this fall, Gilles Duceppe will face his ultimate leadership test: win a minority Flipperal government, and his leadership is assured. Maintain the status quo, or worse, lose seats, and Duceppe's head will end on the proverbial chopping block.

The pundits are circling...


Larry
said

Interesting that Mr. Duceppe now faults Harper for apparently intending to do what Mr. Duceppe five days ago threatened to do - trigger an election . Ain't politics wonderful?


john
said

Well, now that we have the term limits for parliament, we can coincide with the U.S. elections. This would be the next step for the North American Union which should be available to all citizens of North America.
Good-bye Canada.
You served us well!


R D
said

Dion would make an election promise regarding wherever he happened to be at the moment. If he was in P.E.I.,he would promise more support for lobster fishermen, if he was in Oshawa, he'd promise more financial support to GM and if he was touring a dog pound, he'd promise if the Liberals are elected, his party would pay for all dog owners to have a dog license and help pay for off-leash puppy parks. Go gettum Steve.


Norm
said

Why is the opposition squawking about this? They have been saying for months how they wanted an election. Could they have been all bluster and no substance on this issue?


Crazy Jim
said

So like Dion, for the first time since the last election Duceppe does not want another one? If people actually paid attention to these opposition leaders their credibility would be in shambles.


Rob
said

I remember Duceppe threatening to topple the government, calling the Liberals cowards. It is time for Duceppe to face the music. Hopefully he will lose some seats in Quebec. Go Harper GO!


stan wright
said

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

Knows where he stands and won't tell anyone where that is.


Gail
said

If Mr. Dion thinks that the next election will be a referendum on the arts in Canada, he's dead wrong. Canadian's care about the economy.
To Conservatives, principles matter more than just the party line. We need someone like Mr. Harper who controls unnecessary spending. He presents a strong no-nonsense image and he has the EXPERIENCE needed to run this country.


bj
said

I'd agree with the comments so far ... hasn't it been the oppositions parties that for months have been clamoring for an election and threatening to defeat the government at every turn? Now when Harper calls their bluff and says enough I need the ability to manage the country without opposition parties threatening election in the House every time the government attempts to put forward a bill and then back-peddles to only created chaos and conduct kangaroo courts in committee bent more on fabricating issues then dealing with real issues that impact Canadians, the opposition parties cry foul. An election is coming this fall regardless … either Harper calls it before the session begins or the opposition will force it by defeating the government before the end of the session. Whether you agree or not with Harper’s policies and the current government’s direction, an election is needed to simply clear the air and put this political maneuvering and joisting to rest.


Jason
said

With all the problems this country is facing, the Liberals claim themselves as champions of arts funding. This is the least of our worries. Stephane, what colour is the sky on your planet?


kyle
said

Balanced the budget, spends my money wisely, plans for the future of this coutry, not just the current political season, The conservatives have done this country proud, enough of the overtaxing, overspending NDP, and no more corrupt liberals


James in Calgary
said

Canada has prospered in spite of no because of the Conservative Reform Alliance Party (C.R.A.P.) In our nations history 100 years of Grit leadership with the balance split between PC, CRAP, Social Credit etc.

Harper is not focused on leading Canadians into a prosperous future but is instead focused on destroying the Liberal Party.

He also swore he would not call an election prior to four years. His latest campaign adds; will he pay for them with CRAP money or does he figure he can steal tax payers money?


Bob, Calgary
said

This is to "Marcel". If you think Harper's policies are right wing you must live on some planet far removed from earth. I'm a conservative and, in my opinion, Harper hasn't even scratched the surface of right wing policy. You are however right that Canada is, in general, a left leaning country and that is why we have never and will never reach our potential.The moaning and groaning of the lefties like yourself will always stop Canada from any real progress. We are lucky that we have the resources of Western Canada or we would be a third world country.


Dave, Ottawa
said

Every time I hear Dion speak, the image of Steve Martin as Inspector Clouseau pops into my head. "I would like to buy an amburger! Amburger!"


Canadian not wanting an election
said

The only reason Harper wants an election this Fall is to ensure another term for his minority government. Why? Because the economy is slowing, Canadians are losing their jobs and inflation is on the rise.

As Canadians we tend to vote according to our "pocket books". If the economy is doing well, then the status quo prevails. If the economy is not doing well, then we look at other options.

Should Harper hold off until October 2009 (his own law), he has no guarantee of even a minority government.

To suggest he does not have a mandate by Canadians is just another political ploy to garner another term in office.



Sean
said

Mr. Duceppe is an intelligent yet completely irrelevant politician as his ONLY concern is what will benefit Quebec. As a lifelong Ontarian I can honestly say that Quebec is pretty much irrelevant in most of Canada and the waste of tax dollars supporting the quasi French language is and continues to be a complete waste except for the extreme minority.


Ian
said

What the hell was the urgency to call a meeting with each opposition leader by Harper. They all know he will say either you let me do whatever I want or I'm calling an election. Harper never wanted to make any compromises but needs to put up a smokescreen to the Canadian public that he tried. He's not trying and I certainly hope the GG turns him down and turns the power of this country over to a coalition of the opposition. Watch who back peddles then. Harper will and so fast he'll probably run right over Peter Van Loan behind him.


Michael
said

It would be fascinating to see regular Canadians posting their comments here instead of paid tory staffers.
What this comes down to is Steven Harper is a quitter. I hardly think Canada would be well served by someone that quits when times are tough.


KC
said

A leader can bring people together and compromise. A poltician polarizes parliament and by design or flaw paralizes parlament. Harper is no leader...he plays politics and that makes him "the decider" - he said it himself, he doesn't care what the polls tell him (like Bush), he will do what he wants to do. In otherwords, he doesn't give one wit what Canadians want. If he's not motivated by the wants of Canadians then what part of "Canada First" is he speaking of? Canada is a label for Canadians...it is not some inanimant object.

Enough with politicians, bring in LEADERS. If we need to bring back PM Chretien then lets do so, I see nobody else that can inspire us.


Duceppe: Leader of the peanut gallery
said

Mr. Duceppe's agenda is clearly to destroy Canada.

Why would anyone regard what he has to say with any degree or truthfulness or authority?

Duceppe stands to gain seats if he can destroy the image of the Prime Minister in Quebec.

Why CTV would even give this rogue any space is beyond comprehension.





Proud Liberal!
said

I'd like to point out some things to people, i think with all the scandals which party is really to trust, ive always been a die hard right on liberal, they are more for social programs and social spending. Once a party begins to get tooooo comfortable we know for sure they don't get the job done. Look at Chretien, look at mulroney. They both had thier failures. I'm going to say that harper promised before elected he would lower the GST 1 percent every year, we havent seen a cut this year coming folks simply the money isn't there, boom, broken promises already, cut to social programs, hiv/aids research which is a big problem, health care, and oh look he has people from the province of ontario cabinet under harris under his arms, jish go figure, will people ever wake up and realize, the PC's play the same ole game, and so do the liberals, but overal things do get better in life, if you look when the liberals are in the economy is strong!, same with the democrats in the US, so lets say a democratic US and a liberal canadian minority at least they can work with the opposition better then the PC's. GET EM GOOD DION!!!! and no dont act like Celine, we mean be the man you are and tell harper as it is, even if it's in french and translated, then people will understand your point.!!!!


Paul Vancouver Island
said

When we compare the quality of leadership in Canada with the current leadership talent in the USA there is no comparison. All leaders of all Canadian political parties should resign now and hold leadership races instead of putting Canadians through yet another election.

Harper is just another George W. Bush, Dion is poor leadership quality, Layton should be an evangelical preacher, Duceppe resigned about a year ago then came back after Quebec said they didn't want him as a Provincial leader and the Greens, a well intentioned bunch but do you know the name of their leader?

We need an inspiring leader like Barack Obama.


Sean
said

Prime Minister Harper is not a leader. As Canadians we gave him a minority government to lead us ahead and he is afraid to work with others. Hmmm... do we want a leader like that? He is uncomfortable in this position of power. Do we want someone to be our Prime Minister who wants to give it up? Stick to your law and keep the fixed election date. Prove what kind of a leader you are. Please lead us or step out of the way and give the job to someone else who does want it.


John in London
said

I know the number one issue on my mind is the arts.

Who cares about the struggling economy, gangs, drugs and crime running rampant in our cities, and a broken healthcare system. These issues just don't seem important when compared to the prospect of losing funding for the arts.
(sarcasm)

Dion ... I have never seen a "canadian" so out of touch with the needs of the country. You need to crawl back into academia where your sheltered stupidity blends right in.


David
said

Parties planned this fall! "So long George and so long the Wanna-be American, Bush-Whacko Steve"

Not only has this emperor lost his new clothes, he appears to have lost his mind. He WANTS/DEMANDS an election, regardless of his self-imposed fixed elction date, regardless of the exorbitant and needless expense to the majority of taxpayers because of his total inability to be able to work with anyone but himself. Like the old fable of the Oak and the Willow. The willow learns to bend in the strong winds whereas the mighty oak breaks. It would have done Steve well to have learned to emulate the willow. The guy's turned into an out-of-touch and thoroughly alienated and foreign Prime Minister. I WANT my Canada back!


Closely Watching
said

Why is Harper in such a rush? If he resumes the house he'll get his chance for the opposition to give him his wish. Then he can blame the election on them.
The only reason for Harper to call it early and break his word and the law is he must be afraid of something. Maybe it's the outcome of his Cadman tape, his In-Out Financing scheme, Biker Girl's book, the Mulroney Affair, the poison food and his involvement in changing food inspection or maybe it's the economy and his squandering of a $10 billion budget surplus.


DM in Ottawa
said

Another reason not to vote for Dion and/or the Liberals... Not only do they want to raise our taxes with their Green Shaft plan but now, as futher proof that they just-don't-get-it, Dion and the Liberals think the coming election will "serve as a referendum on the arts in Canada"...

I seriously doubt "the arts" will be on the average Canadian's mind come election day.



luke
said

Re: MarcO in Ottawa

I don't think you know who Gilles Duceppe is.

Hint: he is not a member of the Liberal Party


James
said

An election call a week from today is what Mr. Duceppe is saying Stephen Harper wants. It is time for the Bloc, NDP, Liberals to get ready.

A week is not a long time for anyone to prepare for an election in the fall. The Conservative Party of Canada will be ready, I am certain of it!


H.F.Rick Robson
said

The Bloc Quebecois focuses on Quebec,The Liberals focus on Ontario and Quebec,The NDP witch I must admit I have not paid much attention to there refrendum seem at least to focus on all of Canada.Then we have the Cpnservatives that from my point of view try to serve this country from coast to coast.What this country needs is for the voters to sit down and do some soul searching before the election;Then vote for CANADA not some whiny political party


Michael (Ottawa)
said

"He (Harper) has done more for this country in the past 2 years than has been done in the last 20 years."

I agree.

Duceppe doesn't know what he is talking about and is without credibility.

As a onetime Liberal supporter, I find Mr. Harper demonstrates substance and a steady and reasoned approach to managing the affairs of government and hasn't been a puppet for the media to manipulate like Mr. Dion has been.




Louise
said

No matter when Canadians go to the polls, I hope they don't forget the old days of the 'culture of entitlement', the scandalous misspending or our money, and the lack of focus on Canada's interests. We are fortunate to finally have a leader who conducts himself with dignity and integrity - a leader who stands up for what he believes in.


David
said

Most of the pro-Harper posts sound like they were written by the same guy, and it's not hard to guess where he's sitting and who's paying him.


Wayne
said

I for one would love an ooportunity to go to the polls as I think that Harper is one of the best PM's that we have had in quite some time. Let's face it Dion is simply no match for him in a political fight and maybe it is time for the Liberals to elect a leader who can actually stand up to Harper as Dion has threatened 44 times (now there is a record)to pull the plug and then ends up sitting on his hands what a way to earn a pension. How anyone can take this guy seriously is way beyond me.


Max
said

I think the coolest thing would be if the opposition parties ganged up on the cons *right now*. Wouldn't that be amazing!?

It would sure change the game.

They could bring in anti-poverty/anti-homelessness legislation and then allow the law-bound election to occur as-scheduled for October 2009.

Man that would be SO cool if that happened. They wouldn't have to make long-term commitments to one another ... and they wouldn't have to tackle the stuff on which they disagree -- it could just be a coalition to address a very few important things on which they agree over the next year.

It would be so cool to see such a game-changing move. All would benefit except for the cons.


Cliff
said

Well....I guess the opposition is now getting what they want...ALL three opposition parties have been claiming that they want to fire Harper...well...now they are getting what they asked for...lets see what the people have to say...my bet is that they will be pleased with the direction that Harper has taken the country.


Ki-Som
said

The only reason why Mr. Dion won't call an election is that he knows his party won't win. That is really sad, because Canada does not need bully, like Mr. Harper, calling the shots. Mr. Dion is weak and will never form the next government. It has been truly a sad moment, for the Liberal, when they made Mr. Dion the leader.


L.
said

I don't know about you guys, but as a canadian, i am sick and tired of having to go to the polls every 1-2 years. We will end up with another minority government and then what... in another 2 years, another election? Give me a break.. If our politicians can't play nice in the sandbox, then its time for them to get out... I believe that under the circumstances that the liberals left the government, Harper had some cleaning up to do..Now that things seem to be cleaned up, here we go again, another threat for election.. Hey Dion and Duceppe, do you believe that you can do a better job? I listen to your rebuttles and quite frankly, most of the time, its hogwash..


William W
said

Yes lets have that election, I can't wait to get out on the hustings telling Canadians all about Dions NEW GST(green shift tax).

How Liberals have been planning for years to buy Carbon Credits from China(to help prop up their military) in the name of helping the poor..er..sorry save the planet..er sorry again..to make certain Liberals rich.

Notice how there are no GhG reduction numbers in Dions NEW GST(green shift tax), Notice how Liberals have never even tried to lower GhG emissions...

Why..? Its all about buying Carbon Credits..Thats why..!

Carry On...



Dan
said

Robin,

Hows the Harper hunting going?

I don't see any direct hit but you must feel better.




Mamad
said

Well since the conomy's doing pretty good compared to other countries, Harper is trying to take advantage of the situation and win another ellection. Liberals aren't really ready, and people are still asleep toward conservatives' ruining plans. If harper wins again, just wait for our budget to go under and essential social programs bieng cut off and our money going to Afghanistan and a pointless war. I'm never voting for harper even if he buys me with cash like other people.


RED & WHITE
said

What is with these opposition guys. They run their mouth that they want an election. They run their mouth because there is going to be an election. The more they talk the less reputable they appear. The worst is Dion. I believe his victory speach boasted how he would force an election.
He has been playing the same tune every day. Except the days there were votes in the HOC.
A couple weeks ago he was all excited the Canadian public was eager to go to the poles. Now he is running scared again
GO TEAM HARPER!!


The Voice of Reason
said

Precious little will change here.

The best case scenario is that the CONs get kicked out of the government seat and back into opposition. Giving them a majority means ultra-right legislation (they haven't given up on banning abortion, and if you think I'm lying, Bill C-484 is STILL on the table) and more lies.

But, even in the best case scenario of Dion becoming PM, it will be a minority government, likely short-lived - because Layton is spending more time Liberal bashing than he is trying to convince left-leaning Canadians that he actually has a platform that has some value, so he'll topple the Liberals just as quickly as Duceppe and Harper will - and then we're back at square one.

In a worse (but not worst) case scenario, Harper wins another minority, and then it's back to the lies, backpeddling, scandals, hidden agendas, and political games making confidence bills out of things he has NO BUSINESS making confidence matters, and slandering the opposition until he gets his way.

Some of you call this leadership. Those of us who actually know what a leader is call it bullying, and acting like a spoiled little child. Harper has NEVER ONCE even attempted to work WITH the opposition. All he does is "Either you do what I want, or we go to an election." If this is leadership to you, I feel genuinely sorry for you.

I honestly hope that all TRUE moderates in this country realize that booting Harper out of power is more important than whether or not Dion is perfect. Of course he isn't. But he is a FAR better option than a PM who has trouble with telling the truth, and who has modelled all of his personal principles on extreme right wing ideologies.

A Harper majority means the END of freedom for Canadians.


Dan
said

Marcel,

Have you read the other news story on CTV this morning?

"Economy rebounds in second quarter: Statscan"

Just wondering...



WMN
said

Duceppe? Who's he...?


From the West
said

More of the same...it will be a minority government anyway.

Vote for the Mr. Harper, a "bully", or Mr. Dion and his liberals, who will no stand up and vote in parliament.

Admittedly, I have been a liberal all my life, but I must now look at who will represent my interest best, in my own riding because none of the Party leaders appeal to me as PM.

Time for reform ?


William W
said

So Dion thinks he can win this election by re-funding the arts..
This is how Dion and the Liberals have funded the arts in the past.

Culture.ca has died.
Culture.ca was a collection of over 20,000 LINKS to 'cultural' sites.
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...etc, etc.

See the pattern...?

In mafia circles this would be considered money laundering.

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

Carry On...


Torontonian
said

Although none of you conservatives would admit it, Harper has one uphill battle on his hands. Consider this: the CPC has been constantly and publicly bashing Dion and his Green Shift. However, the latest polling trends have them statistically tied. Thus, this proves that their maximum performance capped and is equal to their 2006 election results. And once the campaign "officially" gets underway, at least part of the Liberal's campaign will be negative (as all previous Official Oppositions' have). There's just too many negativities of the CPC for them not to.

And the cuts to arts programs will hurt them, especially in Quebec. Their arts sector is much more political and influential than in other areas of the country. Dion has already began to exploit that.

Duceppe doesn't want an election because he knows that he has lost the sovereignty war and will lose seats in this election.

It's going to be an interesting couple of months.


Crazy Jim
said

"Duceppe? Who's he...?"

He’s that comedian from Quebec, who often satirically portrays a political figure. ...isn't he?



Dan
said

You lost me at:

"The Voice of Reason"



Ryan
said

I'll admit right off the bat that I'm not the biggest Harper fan. But I will also admit he has done a good job on a number of fronts. And truth be told, you can't deny there are a couple questionable/shaddy actions.

However, I will 100% agree with many of the others on this discussion board that it has been the opposition for months, if not a year, screaming for an election and constantly playing this will we or won't we bring down the gov't. I can't blame Harper for being fed up and calling their bluff! Now they're screaming bloody murder that we're going to the polls!

So when I cast my vote, I think I'll be voting for Harper.

Robin
said

Dan,

You must be from the youth wing of the Clownservative party as evidenced by your sophomoric personal attacks. I suppose they’re paying you per post and not per word. Is calling a spade a spade now referred to as Harper hunting? If so, I guess I waz.



Ryan
said

To Proud Liberal:

To correct you, Harper only pledged to cut the GST to 5% over the course of his mandate, not 1% each year. Get your facts straight.


RED & WHITE
said

The reason Dion won't/can't call an election is because the Liberal party HAS NO MONEY. They have no money because they have NO SUPPORT from average hard working Canadians. You know, the ones who go to work every day and are happy to provide a good Standard of living for their family. The same ones that will take money from their already overtaxed pocked to support the best leader this country has seen in a long time.
GO TEAM HARPER


Conservatism is
said

I am humoured by the die hard Liberal spinmeisters who show up here and repeated bash Harper under different guises.

What these poor misguided waifs don't realize is that the country has turned Conservative blue.

I can't wait until election results come in and they find their 'esteamed' Mr. Dion
has been decimated by a Prime Minister who has outfoxed the foxes (liebrals) at their own political game.

Warren Kinsella eat your heart out.







Rick in NB
said

This is going to get interesting. I'am sitting here posting while watching PC campaign comercials. If anyone in the Tory government thinks that i belive these are candid video clips they must be smoking medicinal weed. I hope this campaign will not take the same direction as our friends down south. I love their rallies and conventions but i can't take the deception. This election is going to be a black day for Canada and the Governor General as Harper has put her in a difficult position. Her call could cause irreversible damage to the Governor Generals position in Canadian politics. This could kill the Queens image in our Country as well as our money.
So instead of blindly backing whatever party we back. We should be telling Harper and the Governor General to hold the eleection at the appointed time Oct.2009.


CWS
said

Why would we be concerned about what Duceppe said. His party's sole purpose is to destroy Canada by having Quebec seperate. All the oppsitiom parties are now having cold feet after saying that the conservatives should hold an election.


gar
said

Do these idiots in the opposition think we have forgotten how you have threatend to bring the government down. sometimes you get what you wish for.conservatives 165 seats next election the rest split between opposition


Doug in Stratford, Ontario
said

If everyone thinks (including Mr Harper) that it will be another minority goveremnt why are we wasting time and money on a election ?? I think the public as a whole would rather these 4 parties find common ground as NO ONE PARTY has more then 30% of the vote. Work together and move ahead not waste our money and our time. Mr harper, remember what happened to Mr Peterson


dvg
said

This election is what Canada needs. It will secure another minority gov't for the Conservatives. Then after the election the Liberals choose another leader and we can all relax knowing anyone will be better the Mr Dion.


concerned Canadian
said

There is only one man good enough to run this country and he is currently our Prime Minister.


David
said

When Little Stevie Blunder stomps his little foot, Little Stevie Blunder WILL get his way and there WILL be an election, needed, wanted, or otherwise.

Poor Canada - we have become a farcical county under this PM who seemingly hides from both the press and the public. What is he afraid of? Transparency?


harry harper
said

OK - "He (Harper) has done more for this country in the past 2 years than has been done in the last 20 years."

This is just laughable. Just because he "does things" does NOT mean he is doing the RIGHT things!!!


Bill A
said

Once again we are talking about the immanent election. The right wing folks have launched into how “out of touch” Dion is and the left are after Harper for breaking his promises for fixed election dates etc…I won’t even get into the wild how great Harper is doing nonsense, as both parties know that what ever is passed now is a compromise. Both the extreme opinions left and right in this debate are OUT OF TOUCH with reality.

The armchair critics seem to forget that all the parties are playing a game with this. It is a game of election chess, and is being masterfully played.

Dion is right Harper wants to avoid a collapse of popularity should the by-election make the Liberals look good so there is no way Dion will meet with Harper before the by-elections.

Even though Duceppe and the Bloc are ready any time for an election anytime, although they will most likely not agree to an early election, it might be to their favour if the Liberals don’t do well in Quebec as most of what they will lose will be to the Liberals.

Layton doesn’t care because from his perspective the NDP will hold a powerful card in any minority government, which sorry to say to all those that see a conservative majority in the future is most likely.



Marcel
said

Dan, Have you read the news lately. Tell the people who have lost their jobs recently in the automobile, transport, telecommunications and other job "Economy rebounds in the second quarter". If the economy is going so well, why did the Harper Government announce a deficit for the first two months of the new fiscal year. Thank you


Kevin (MONTREAL)
said

The opposition parties have been threatening to force an election for months. This creates dysfunction. Now they get called on it and it's Mr. Harper's fault.

Quote from the article "Duceppe said Harper should be seeking common ground with the opposition parties instead of trying to trigger an election"

The election is common ground since they all keep threatening to force one. Mr. Duceppe, you just shot yourself in the foot.

Dion wants to be champion of the arts. How can anyone take that seriously. Federal government shouldn't be funding the arts. It's a business like all others. 45 Million $ cut from one program while there were increases in others and Mr. Dion thinks he can win election based on that. Mr. Dion you are a clown.

Mr. Harper, you got my vote.





Eric
said

Duceppe is a seperatist politician who represents the interests of Quebec seperatists only. His salary is paid by all Canadian taxpayers.


William
said

Let's have an election it is about time. I think the best thing that could happen is if Harper wins as he he is a much better leader and then what we Liberals have right now (yes I am a Liberal unless Dion stays on)we need to get a better leader.


Don
said

How much more laughable can it get? The opposition parties (all of them) want an election. The sooner the better they say. Now Prime Minister Harper is giving them what they want. What Gives?


Noim da Woim in Armstrong
said

Michael You are something else. I am not a paid Tory. I sure give donations to them though. The Conservatives are doing exactly what the people of Canada want. It's going to be very interesting in the next few weeks, watching the libbies wiggle and squirm from under D'yawn.
Adios Amigos.

Kevin (Montreal)
said

Mr. Duceppe got his 2 seconds of fame on the national news. Even in Quebec we hear nothing about him. Does he actually work? What does Duceppe do exactly?


RED & WHITE
said

Dion proudly claims,"I will be the one to decide when there will be an election."

Oooops.

I guess that did not work out so good.


Keith
said

Kyle writes "Balanced the budget, spends my money wisely, plans for the future of this coutry..."
(1) The Liberals were running surpluses for years; this year we're in danger of a deficit thanks to the Harper government's ill-advised budget.
(2) Everyone has different ideas about what constitutes wise & foolish spending; it would take too long to detail where I think Harper has gone off track, so let's just say I beg to differ.
(3) Insulting the Chinese government; a head-in-the-sand (or is that oilsands?) approach to environmental issues, etc... WHAT plan for the future???

As to EJ's "Is it me or do other people see Dion's snub of Harper's request to talk as an elitist attitude by Dion?" - Harper is famous for snubbing others, esp. if they challenge him in any way. Just ask, oh, Danny Williams for example.

It's one thing to defend Harper and his policies - but please at least have some intellectual honesty when doing so!


Leslie
said

If some people think that the economy in Canada is struggling blame Geo.W.Bush. The Iraq war brought the US. dollar down to below the Canadian there is were the trouble lies and it has cost the average Canadian in the area of $fifty thousand. Harper has been doing much better than previous PM's. He is straight forward and has nothing to hide,besides that they have money in the bank.


Brian A
said

My view is that Harper is not the worst Prime Minister Canada has ever had, but we could do better. Bring on the election!


MHR
said

For those badmouth Trudeau, national debt grew considerably while he was PM of Canada. He did many things for Canada even made Canada is what it is Today. Be proud of that PM even if he has some flaw but that goes same for every single PM in Canada history. I would like to remind you all redneck that debt grew along with most of world at that years. Remember that Canada and USA just came out of WW2 during that time so that time was very tough time for everywhere. Trudeau did great job and he owe YOU all nothing.

Thanks,
CTV probably won't post this because they never post any comment good about Trudeau.... Thus they're not Liberal MEDIA like CONs always complained about CTV.


Roadrobber
said

No wonder the Liberals are in such disarray. "A Proud Liberal" states "...harper promised before elected he would lower the GST 1 percent every year, we havent seen a cut this year coming folks simply the money isn't there...".

Harper promised to lower the GST from 7% to 5% over the mandate of his government. He has delivered on that. He didn't promise to lower the GST 1% every single year.

No wonder the Liberals are so confused. With Dion and followers like "A Proud Liberal" they will not win the next election.

Also, if the Liberals are going to focus on "cuts to the arts" as an election platform, this is indeed a mistake. The Conservatives are spending more money on the arts now than when the Liberals were tossed out of office three years ago. Harper will have a field day with this if it's the only thing Dion has going for him.

Some of the Liberals leadership candidates, including Dion, haven't even paid off their debts from their last leadership election. This shows that Dion is not very good with fiscal management. An election now will only drive the Liberal Party further and further into debt.


Dan from Toronto
said

What does Harper hope to achieve by meeting with the opposition. It's not likely to change anything. Does he actually think people are going to believe this is all because of the opposition. Poppycock!

I hope he lives to regret his decision to force an election.




Geof from Alberta
said

Who the heck is this David guy who is so paranoid? Does he really think that any intelligent argument for the Conservatives has to be written by someone paid to do so? Let it be known right now, I'm not paid to write anything--I just so happen to have a brain. Let it go David, many smart people so happen to appreciate our present leader and for obvious reasons. Please don't be so arrogant to think that only Liberals are intelligent. You may dismount your high horse now. Thank you


Joe Bonvie
said

Of course Harper's the one who wants an election. Meeting with the opposition leaders is just an excuse to blame it on them. Heck he had election ads ready BEFORE the meetings!

He calls parliament unworkable? Translation: He can't do what he wants unopposed in a minority government. I for one don't want to give this Republican lap dog a majority to see how bad things can get.




TallCurtis
said

Anything Duceppe says is a joke to the rest of us west of the Quebec/Ontario border. Perhaps when he has a real national party, and the Bloc runs a full slate of candidates acorss the nation then I'll be interested and concerned about what he has to say.

As it stands right now, his party is an abomination in this country and should never have become a legitimate excuse as a federal politcal entity when the Bloc only represents the interests of Quebec. He and his cronies are a national disgrace. Something should be done to prevent this kind of "politics" from ever happening again in Canada.

Gilles, if you want to have a national party getting paid for by Canadian Taxpayers then you need to represent ALL Canadians. Until then, as far as I'm concerned you and the Bloc are irrelevant to this country.

Oh, and by the way, I'm NOT anti Quebec in the least - I love my country coast to coast. I am though, against traitors who would see us destroy Canada and demand taxpayers money to get paid to do so.


Paul
said

So many of the comments here surprise me. I keep seeing people mention the fixed election date and how that paints Steve Harper as a liar. At first I didn't like the idea much either but since learned there is provision for an early election in the legislation for minority governments. If he calls an election he will have broken no rules or law like so many are saying. Any one who says he is simply is telling a lie. Since learning this, it’s now a wash for me... all parties have called for an election at one point in the last few years. You blame one then you have to blame them all.


Brian L
said

Decisive -Decisive- Decisive, that's the only way to decribe Mr .Harper our current and next Prime Minister . He can't please all of the people all of the time .However ,he has accomplished more in 2 1/2 years than the Liberals did in the the prior 10 years . A vote for the conservatives is a vote for progress


eager voter
said

Harper, muster some courage and call the election . . . without all the cover story maneuvering.

Stop dithering!




This Canadian Taxpayer
said

This Canadian Taxpayer is still waiting for the Conservative scoff-laws to respect their subpoenas and Canadian Taxpayers by showing up for the committee hearings looking into illegal campaign expensing by the Conservatives.

It seems the point of this election is to effectively abolish all the committees that are looking into Conservative wrongdoings on behalf of the Canadian Taxpayer.

It is likely Harper will get to have another minority government. Now that he has had so much practice thumbing his nose at the Canadian Taxpayer he will be an expert at obstructing any meaningful investigation into the deceit, mismanagement, incompetence and outright theft of this Canadian Taxpayer's money that has characterized his administration so far.

I'm still waiting for answers about the last slurp you gulped out of the public trough, and here you are wasting more of the Canadian Taxpayer's money. Shame on you, Stephen Harper!


Mike Webster
said

It really makes me sick to continually read the childish, petulent posts of the liberals and lefties around here. Every one is littered with school yard trash like "CONservative" or referring to the Prime Minister as "Stevie" or other derogative names. Of course, there's also the ususal denial of reality tinfoil hat "Bush conspiracies/fantasies" to go along with it. Grow up people if you want to help your cause. Canadians are generally a polite bunch and that sort of churlish behavior doesn't sit well with most of us.

Here's a dose of reality for you:

The Tories will win and will probably win with a majority this time. They will do so because:

1) Dion is a pathetic leader who is completely incapable of running his own party let alone the country.

2) The Liberal party wants to run on a platform of economic ruin for all Canadians in the form of their massive tax grab scheme (for which they stole the name) "Green shift".

3. The Liberals are broke.

4. The Liberal party is divided and on the very of a virtual civil war.

5. The Tories have done an excellent job of running the country and Mr. Harper has provided us with real leadership for the first time in a very long time.

That's called reality. get used to it and drop your paranoid fantasies and school yard potty mouth tactics.


David
said

If Dion's smart he'll try to associate himself to Obama. The general Canadian public prefers Obama over their own political leaders. The only issue is that Obama will probably withhold himself from talking to any Canadian candidate for fear of GOP smears in the States


DELSHILO
said

Weird Opposition!
All three opposition parties wanted an election now it seems they don't.
Let me get this straight...Dion wanted one BUT.. only if he could win it, next we have the leader of the useless party (BLOC) who have been voting Non confidence and wanted an election now cheesehead isn't so sure. We have yet to hear from Layton however he also has been trying to bring the government down.

My perspective is an election YES, More of the same NO


Peter
said

Why are all the opposition parties afraid of elections?? They're saying they don't want elections, does this mean they like what Harper is doing in parliament?? If they don't like what he's doing, then stop complaining and be happy there is an election!!


Calling A Spade A Spade
said

Robin: What do you call 'Clownservative party'? You are constantly posting 'sophomoric personal attacks'. Before you make your next post, make sure you aren't guilty of the same thing your accusing someone of. To use an appropriate quote 'take the plank out of your own eye before you look for the splinter in others.'


M. Cameron
said

I know who I am voting for and it's not the Conservatives.


Vahan
said

First thing first. I am a Canadian living in Montreal Quebec. Gilles Duceppe DOES NOT represent us. He is an idiot out to fill his pockets. He has not done a thing to advance this province or the country. Stop giving this bag of bones airtime,it is simply a waste. All the BQ does is stir up fear in the least populated areas of the province (the English boogeyman will eat your brains while you sleep, get out your pitchforks and follow us).Really stop wasting time with this sideshow freak and let us get together and build a strong Canada from coast to coast. The Russians are coming. The Russians are coming. We have bigger fish to fry.


Just one vorte at a time.
said

Oct. 14th.

Now I can reduce my post to just one letter.

X

Right on!


Chris
said

I love how there's so many people here assuming that every pro-Harper post can ONLY be from someone who's paid to do it. Are you people that clueless that you can't understand someone having a different point of view than you? I've got a newsflash. The liberals are NOT the be all end all of Canadian politics. And here's another one...people can HAVE different opinions than you, and not be paid to have them. Seriously, some of you really need to get your head out of your own ass and realize this.


....
said

Of course Harper wants an election now. He wants it when the liberals are much less ready. And the liberals have been "getting ready" for an election, and Harper wants to win against them before the liberals are fully prepared for an election.

If the election in fact happens, this is what may well happen: another minority government, lead by Conservatives, which (because it was foolishly called early) will not last long, liberals will kick out Dion as leader, and instate Ignatieff, and then another majority government for the liberals.

What I see in the liberals and conservatives is both sides being hypocritical: both want to be the first to trigger the election, yet both will accuse the other of not abiding by the "fixed-election" law. And yes, if the NDP gets elected we will end up having a horrid tax.


Yo, Harper
said

I can hardly wait to vote against you.




GTA
said

Layton will be meeting at 24 Sussex on Saturday. He couldn't make it any sooner because the anti everything American, U.S. hater and States basher was holding up an Obama sign at the DNC in Dayton. Typical two faced lefty. As for Dion who has never taken a stand on anything he is hiding out waiting to see which way the wind is blowing. I don't like Ducette and the Separatists but at least he has enough backbone to meet with Prime Minister Harper.


Keith, Halifax
said

The opposition parties can see Harper is panicking and desperately wants to have an election why he can still cling to a minority. So of course they are going to make him break his word and do it on his own.

To many Canadians it is going to look like the Conservatives are trying to avoid all the investigations of fraud and irregularities. But we know that is only part of it.



LJ
said

Why bother with an election that will likely and hopefully end in another minority government - why put us throught the cost of a federal election when the outcome will not change anything and the government could be toppled with a confidence vote 2 months later. Why doesn't Harper keep to his own set scheduled election dates. If there is a Harper majority we will see life as we have known it in Canada to be gone, never to return again. A minority government is the only government that is and has to be in tuned with the voters!


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