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Liberal Leader Stephane Dion speaks to reporters as he tours a farmers market during a campaign stop in Orillia, Ont., Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008. (Adrian Wyld / THE CANADIAN PRESS)
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Conservative Leader Stephen Harper greets supporters at a campaign rally in London, Ont., Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008. (Tom Hanson / THE CANADIAN PRESS)
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NDP Leader Jack Layton laughs with Alain Pitre while looking over pumpkins at Atwater Market during a campaign stop in Montreal, on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008. (Nathan Denette / THE CANADIAN PRESS)
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Tories, Grits make final push in Ontario, Quebec
Updated Sat. Oct. 11 2008 9:46 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
With polls suggesting a majority government might be out of reach for the Conservatives and Liberals, the two party leaders made a final sprint through Quebec and Ontario Saturday hoping to pick up supporters in key swing ridings.
During a campaign stop in southern Quebec, Harper fired a salvo at the Bloc Quebecois, who have managed to steal away much of the Conservatives' early-campaign momentum in the province.
He said that when the Bloc's "demagoguery of the moment" passes -- referring to their claims a Tory government would be harmful to the province -- "Quebecers will look at their pragmatic interests."
At the campaign's outset, the Conservatives had hopes of grabbing more than a dozen seats in Quebec, which strategists pegged as an essential step towards winning a majority government in Parliament.
However, Tory policies like arts cuts and a crackdown on young offenders haven't played well in Quebec, and the party has watched support swing to the Bloc Quebecois.
Still, Harper remained optimistic.
"I'm confident Quebecers will listen. I'm confident that the attempt of the Bloc to demonize me really belittles the intelligence of Quebecers," he said.
Harper also slammed Liberal Leader Stephane Dion for conceding that implementation of the Grit platform could take longer than expected because of global economic turmoil.
"Today, Mr. Dion said he may not actually do anything he promised in his platform -- not health care, not child care, not anything else -- for years. But he is going to do the carbon tax now, no matter what. That, friends, is why we have to stop him."
Dion, meanwhile, worked to block Harper's bluster by saying his platform would be brought in over four years -- no matter what.
He also sharpened his attack on the Conservatives and said their campaign was based on lies.
"It's a four-year plan, and we'll deliver it despite the economic mess that will be inherited from the Conservatives," said Dion, adding that the Green Shift amounts to sound policy.
Though Dion and the Liberals have rebounded after a dismal start to the campaign, the Green Shift has been met with antipathy and confusion among voters, and Harper has managed to portray it as a risky tax grab.
"We know that Stephen Harper is trying to win this election on a lie. His lie is that he pretends we will raise taxes. Not at all. We'll cut your income taxes - by 10 per cent for most of us."
Speaking at a Saturday afternoon rally in Oakville, Ont., Dion said his party was the "clear choice" when contrasted with the Conservatives.
"It's Stephen Harper and his right-wing agenda that will deteriorate our economy, do nothing for the environment and do nothing for the social fabric for this country," he said.
"Or you have a progressive government for all Canadians ... with strong members of Parliament that will not be muzzled and will speak for the interests of their communities."
Meanwhile, NDP Leader Jack Layton also took aim at Quebec voters on Saturday, telling them they can "do better" than the Bloc Quebecois.
Layton, campaigning in Montreal, said Bloc members are "good people" but are ineffective and that the NDP are a viable alternative to the Conservatives and Liberals.
Bloc Quebecois Leader Gilles Duceppe was campaigning in western Quebec, working to increase his lead in the province.
Green Leader Elizabeth May remains in Nova Scotia, where she's continuing her fight to unseat Conservative candidate Peter MacKay in the riding of Central Nova.
Comments are now closed for this story
For somebody with such a big mouth, Dion sure doesn't have much to say. If he wants my vote, he needs to stop telling me why the Conservatives are bad and start telling me how he can do it better.
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the liberals had to bring that relic jean chretien out to prop up dion. here's hoping for a harper majority.
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I traditionally supported the Progressive Conservatives and the new Conservatives but what really turned me away from Harper was how he tried to muzzle the parliamentary press gallery into being able to choose what questions they asked.
Harper than said it was bring some order to the press gallery. This is something only a dictator would say. I would vote Progressive Canadian if it were not a wasted vote.
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| Puzzled About the Liberal Plan |
I have been asking a very serious question for two weeks now on all the blog sites and have yet to have one person answer. Would someone please, tell me what Stephane Dion's plan is to address the economy, other than the part where he holds meetings to consult people. What are the 5 points he is talking about? Anyone can hold meetings. He must have some idea about what action he would take. I really want to know what that is before I vote.
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Stephen Harper will destroy the economy? Please, Mr. Dion, you cannot even come up with a good lie.
As the world tumbles, Canada feels it too. No government could totally avoid this. Having said that, Mr. Harper has set us up for success, eliminated the BAZILLIONS in surplus (read: overtaxation), yet isn't pushing us into debt (which was started by Mr. Trudeau et al, not Mr. Mulroney, by the way) and in fact is a face of calm in a sea of panic.
Sure, Mr. Harper probably isn't the most exciting thing to come along since "The Clapper", but in tough times, tax and spend Liberal policies do nothing but scare away foreign investment and kill Canadian jobs. No thank you, Mr. Dion!
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Regardless of whoever wins this election, we lose. All parties will spend into recession, and then depression.
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I would agree that under the current circumstances Harper is correct. There is no doubt Dion would have to delay any carbon tax and could not do much as far as the economy is concerned. But the fact remains... it was right wing economic policies of bandit, unregulated capitalism in the US that created this mess which is the same ideology shared by Harper and the Conservatives. We are likely entering an era of stagflation combined with a deteriorating climate which would be better managed by a more pro-active, socially oriented Govt. that the rest of the World will now be moving toward. Re-electing Harper is movement away from that and will put Canada behind in terms of such things as Green job creation and financial controls through responsible regulation - both of which WILL require hands on Govt involvement. People in hard times are better off with a Govt. that will be more sympathetic to their problems which is contrary to right wing ideology of live and let die. The finanacial crisis is not over and I warn Canadians to be very mindful of this and of the ideology of the party they vote for!
ABC!
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I don't understand what Canadians want the government to do.
The global economy is in a downturn. Yes, it is bad and it is affecting everyone. There is nothing any leader can do to reverse it right now in the short term.
However, people are believing Dion's hogwash that talking to economists is going to help. His plan is to talk to people? Discussions have been going on for months now between the government, business leaders and economists and this still happened.
But now look at the facts: Record job creation in September, a prediction that Canada will have the highest growth in the G7, a universal agreement that Canada's banks are in great shape.
Why all the doom and gloom from the Liberals? They are trying to toss all that away with their misinformation and deception.
Canadians should ignore Dion, he obviously does not know what he is talking about. All he knows how to do is refer to his talking points and rhetoric. Whenever he is asked his opinion or think on his feet, he get's flustered and in a huff and offers nothing.
This is not how a leader operates. This is not how a Prime Minister should operate. The Prime Minister should recognize what he can and cannot do and do what is best in the long run.
He should not make short term policies and whine when things are bad.
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Up until the stock market meltdown my family has done better under Harper than previous Liberal gov'ts. My children have good jobs right here at home. I hope these good times return. I fear they will not under the Liberals.
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I wonder how many dinner tables will be discussing this evidence now that Harper may not have been totally truthful under oath. That, plus the plagiarism meant this campaign didn't turn out as he hoped at all. This will be the third time that he can't win a majority right? Has any other Conservative or Liberal leader kept their job after that kind of record? None that I can think of in the last few decades.
How many of those Green / NDP supporters who listed the Liberals as their second choice are going to make that jump this weekend with indicators pointing at a Conservative uptick?
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The liberals will ruin this country if they are brought back. The tories have shown they can fix the economy and keep this country moving forward. The NDP is led by a man who has experiance as a city councillar and would ruin this country by spending to much creating deficit. We do not need that.
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Mr. Dion has once again made statements, with no information to back up his rhetoric.
I say to him - prove it.
Mr. Harper has made statements, and has backed them up with facts and figures.
When is Mr. Dion going to tell us how much his carbon tax plan will actually cost us - instead of telling everyone to go to the website. Does he not know?
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Yeah because the Conservatives aren't doing a Carbon tax or taxing BIG business which will trickle down to everyone. Because the Conservatives believe we should spend our hard heard money. Dion has it right. **Wakes UP** what planet am i on. Dion and Layton are Jokes. Harper told us it would be tough times. Layton and Dion said it was causing Fear and NOT true. Have it 1 way or the other Dion and Layton.'
[X] Conservatives and Harper
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So Mr. Dion your MP's will not be muzzled. Why is it that only your Maritime candidates dared to question the carbon tax effects on their area? Why doesn't Ralph Goodale defend Saskatchewan against the effects of the carbon tax on their economy? Maybe it's because the maritime candidates would only be back benchers and Mr. Goodale doesn't want to jeopardize his front bench status. Why did two of your prize party have to backpeddle on their remarks that a Liberal government might have to rethink implementation of the carbon tax. Is it because it is always your way or the highway? And what makes you think the economy will wait 30 days before you can develop a plan?
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| Jason Daniel Baker, Toronto |
The lead the Tories have in the polls doesn't necessarily mean they'll win.
It could very well be an NDP-Liberal coalition. If so then Dion will have 16 vacant senate seats to fill (because Harper still has delusions of senate reform) with loyalists and bolster his leadership of the Liberal Party.
People are asking whether Jack Layton will offer a coalition agreement to Dion. In fact Layton has to. If getting Harper Tory minority governments twice in a row is the aftermath of voting NDP that party is finished.
Even if Layton does enter into coalition with the Liberals, I still think that Conservatives everywhere owe him a huge debt of gratitude for splitting the Lib/Left vote so well in these past three elections.
Any Harper government would have been impossible otherwise.
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I think the Greens should change their name to something that better represents reality - for example, "Liberal Lite".
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I strongly disagree.Right now the very last thing w e need, is a 7% tax on everything.I have a business, and this would cause me great angst
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Dion is correct. Partly. We do have a choice between experimenting with a whole new form of taxation that COULD produce some benefits but also COULD send us into a disaster. Or we take Harper for his word and let him adjust policy as the need arises. That seems the most sensible, if not the most spectacular way to run a government. In times like these I prefer to place my vote for the guy who hasn't panicked.
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I don't think that the economy would deteriorate. But, the free-market would not shift the economy to an environmental-friendly and energy efficient economy. This is because the price of crude oil is dropping and so does the free-market incentive to find alternative energy sources. A carbon tax is the appropriate intervention for when the crude oil price is dropping.
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This may sound really wierd,but you know who I really like?
Duceppe.....
I do not agree with separation or Quebec nationalism,but as a political leader I see him as very intelligent,approachable,affable and able to get his message across clearly and to the point in both languages.
His politics I disagree with 100%,but as a party leader to me he seems to have the others all beat to blazes....
Pity he wasn't a conservative.....
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The outstanding financing left by the Liberals under Chretien and Martin is a tough act to follow. I have confidence in Liberal economic management and there is a legacy of success to show for it. Any implementation of the Green Shift which is also a progressive economic approach, will be done incrementally and responsibly. Don't learn about it from Stephen Harper. It's not in his interest to represent it accurately. He won't even debate it. He just says it is this and that, and refuses to have real engagement, real exchange and understanding (it's my way or the highway). This is not leadership. Don't be fooled. And it won't fly internationally. This is partly why Republicans have had a notoriously bad reputation on the international scene. I don't want our new government to sit stiff like a scared animal, during tough times; I want our government to be actively engaged economically, I want our new government to care and show empathy towards ordinary Canadians, I want a government that cares about the other creatures and plants that occupy this nation. I'm voting for the Liberals because they have a complex and progressive plan for a complex Canada.
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I find a greta deal more comfort in the Harper Goverment then I would in a Dion run country.
Did we in Ontario not learn from that other Liberal Bob Rae that we cannot spend our way out of debt.
I belive slow ansd steady in these uncertain times is the way to go
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I have to say that one of the most outstanding qualities of our society is our socialist system. Let me explain. In Mexico, where I live 2 months of the year, people live in constant fear of losing their jobs & under their system when you lose your job, there is no socialist safety net to give you a hand up. There is no provisions that protect your job such as severance packages or the right to sue for wrongful dismissal. People live within their means because it's a constant walk on a tight-rope. Mexico is a PURE capitalist system in all it's glory. In Canada, we can be a bit more risky in how we walk that tight rope and consquently we can spend more, and often than not we can spend beyond our means because we could always declare BANKRUPTCY which is also not found in Mexico. There you go to prison
for such mistakes.
It's ironic how many people who praise 100% capitalism don't actually realize how socialism helps them in their day to day lives.
If you want pure capitalism...be careful what you wish for because you might just get it - or you can move to Mexico or another 3rd world country where they don't have the benifits to have socialism. Socialism is a swear word for the wealthy who want more but what a difference it makes for 99% of the population!
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I think the last week of an election is the best time to turn off the TV and ignore what all politicians have to say. With everything getting down to the wire, I think all sides will say anything to get your vote.
If you haven't decided on who you're going to vote on my now, then maybe you shouldn't. It's better to waste a vote than to throw it away on an uninformed decision.
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Dion has been steadfast to impose his Green Shift Carbon Tax. That would be a certainty. However, Canadians would not know, how much or if at all, they would see some compensation at the end of a taxation year. Would you qualify? Did you keep the right receipts? Were the "green" upgrades you bought certified under the program. How many more pages will this add to our Income Tax forms? Yes there would be new jobs, in Ottawa, for an army of bureaucratic mandarins dedicated to saving the government money by selecting why you are not one to qualify for deductions or assistance.
Don't trust any government that takes first, and "promises" to maybe give back later.
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"Either we win a mandate or (the Liberals) win a mandate, and that will make all the difference ...."
Huh? Did he really intend to say that if the country will emerge stronger if either party wins? Is Mr. Harper having a bit of a language problem or is he endorsing Mr. Dion?
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All three leades speak in the same rhetoric. "We are better then the others, vote for us."
Vote for the local canidate, instead of the party.
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In my household, our greatest expense is food. Almost all of our food, and for most part all of every Canadian's food staples, are trucked into the country from warmer climates (USA, Mexico). Adding the carbon tax will double my food bill, nevermind our utilities bills which will also go up. A ten percent reduction in my income tax will not make up anywhere anywhere near the loss of money I will need to feed my family. The carbon tax will return the surplusses to the federal budget, and that is it. Ask the people of BC how much they love the carbon tax. Where are all the newly created jobs in BC that reigned in from the heavens upon the implimentation of the carbon tax? Seriously, it will put all of us average Canadians in the poorhouse. Implimenting the carbon tax will be the only promise the liberals will keep.
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The reason we need a strong conservative govt.is to avoid a lib/ndp coalition.This would be the worst case scenario.The libs. would have to give in to some of the wonky ideas of the socialists and we would wither on the vine.
We need a strong conservative govt.capable of taking the hard decisions that are going to be necessary in the near future.Only Stephen Harper has the ability and conviction to move us forward!!
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As usual you can see that the CONS war machine is hard at work spinning their rhetoric non stop. They may think that by repeating the same tired things over and over again will change the minds of the majority of Canadians, but it is a lost cause. The Canadian people have seen the truth about Harper and his lies. I can not understand the herd mentality of these sheep following the hypocritical, flip flopping dictator Harper.The policies put out by the CONs are terrible and some of the worst ideas for the citizens and the environment. Thankfully these people are only the minority and not the majority. I am thinking of the future and voting for Dion, a man who will do something.
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Ken Parker said, 'I think the Greens should change their name to something that better represents reality - for example, "Liberal Lite".'
Progressive Conservative might be a better choice.
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Well it's better then the do-nothing approach of the Reform-cloned Party
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Someone was pleading to know Dion's plan for the economy.
Simply put, it is to consult with the best minds for 30 days and THEN come up with a plan.
This is what he stated in the well published statement with CTV Atlantic. Because of the starts and repeats, this item was missed by most of the listeners.
Do you really think that Canada could wait 30 days to get a plan. If it is like their "repeal" of the GST, the 30 days could be years!
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Personally I think they are all deceitful but in the 50 odd years that I have been voting the Liberals are by far the sneakiest and I might add the most dishonest. Promising this and that while the whole time their only game plan is to get their hands into your pockets. Dion's biggest mistake this time round was announcing the "Green Shaft" as a policy. So folks if you want increased taxes and I guarantee little or no effect on the environment that is who you want to vote for. As for me I'm still sitting on the fence but the liberals will definately not be getting my vote.
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Dion says the Liberals have strong members of Parliament? I don't remember "strong", I remember Liberal MPs not voting numerous times.
[x] Conservative
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Dion hasn't proved to be a dishonest, untrustworthy leader like Harper has proved in spades.
I would believe and trust Dion over Harper anyday...just based on facts alone.
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! More Comment
We as Canadians Cannot afford another minority or coalition Govt.
We need one that can make decisions and get things done or we are all paying for nothing!
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RE: "Dion says economy would 'deteriorate' under Tories"
How soon we forget that the Tories were elected because of anger over previous Liberal scandals and the gutting of health care to pay for deficit reductions!
While I disagree with Mr Harper's judgment in numerous instances, his turn at government has left Canada in the best shape of all G7 countries to ride through the coming economic difficulties. Why would the electorate gamble on smilin' Jack or "where's your plan" Dion?
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I refuse to vote for someone who is never open and honest with the Canadian people on any issue-Harper!
for someone who lacks compassion and actually makes fun of a man whose hearing is disabled to get more votes
I have not decided as yet who I am voting for but its defintely not Harper and thats my choice in a democracy
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Funny Harper has been great for the economy thus far..Fact is Canada's banks have been named the most solid of all world banks..unemployment is holding steady..and the current "World Crisis" isn't Harpers doing yet because of the Consevative policies under Harpers term, Canada will probably weather the storm better then most..So with respect to Dion's doom & gloom scare tactics, I say where's the beef?
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As a person who has the carbon tax in B.C. I have seen daily the higher rates we pay for everything and the carbon tax is going up every year till 2012 and we know the government will not stop there. The Liberal government in B.C. is (thank god ) in real jeopardy of losing the elaction in the spring because of this tax.
Higher fuel higher utilities higher prices on food and every day necessities and winter not even here yet.
Seniors, people on fixed incomes and low income families can not afford these increases.Believe me when I say the amount that people will get back on income tax will not cover these costs.
Canada is doing better than many countries in this global crisis and even unemployment figures are up. Mr Harper has done a great job and deserves to continue . The Liberals with there Green Shaft (and that is exactely what it would be) would serve no purpose at this time but to put Canadians in the poor house. More taxes is not the solution at this time. The Liberal and NDP promises of billions in spending is not the answer at this time either.
Congratulations Mr Harper for keeping your head in these troubled times and giving Canada one of the best records in the world. Continue the good work you have all my families support and we are proud to call you our prime minister.
Sorry Dion and Layton all I can see you doing is spending lota of tax payers money.It's so easy to promise everything and deliver nothing. You both have proven yourselves as nothing more than bobble head want to be's.
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I like the fact that the cons are expanding provincial and federal parks, Nature sanctuaries, protecting our water, hiring more forestry people. They have a plan in place to lower green house gases and to create new technology. That’s just part of their environmental plan. Or I think this would count for an environmental plan but I’m not a liberal.
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Let's be sensible Canadians. Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Conservatives have led a very prudent and sensible government. They have been far from perfect, but they have certainly raised the standard of leadership, pride, and respect that should be expected of elected politicians.
For many years, this country hasn't experienced the kind of renewed patriotism that we can now again take pride in. We are now beginning to use our true north to ensure that it remains free. Our military is slowly strengthening their resources and personnel. As well, Canada's recent budgets have been balanced with smaller surpluses, an indication that the government is acting to prevent over-taxation.
Liberals, NDP, Bloc, and Green supporters finally all have a party to unite under - The Conservative Party!
God bless Canada next Tuesday!
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Of course Dion says The Conservatives are bad for the economy; likewise the Conservatives say the Liberals are bad for the economy. My take on it is that politicians are bad for the economy. However, it does track that three years ago we were all sitting pretty. A healthy surplus, a confident population, things were great. Now with Mr. Martin gone, we are going into a deficit position, and when the numbers are crunched in the next few weeks we'll find ourselves in a recession,my RRSP is only worth 60% of what it was and I have to start drawing down in three years so I'll never make up the lost, my brother-in-law loss his job after 16 years, the markets are down, down, down and there is despair all around. How can anyone be happy with how far our Country has spiralled down in the last few years. And it looks like we might be making the same mistake we made when we returned Mr. Mulroney to office for a second term. Sad days indeed
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Dion keeps talking about how Harper got rid of the surplus while the Liberal's created a surplus. What he fails to mention is the enormous amount of dept the Conservatives have paid down in the past few years. That where the surplus went. Are we to then think that Dion is not pleased with this? Look at the americans and the debt and deficit.
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| Ex Liberal, voting for whats best for Canada |
Best economic performance of the G8.
Best banking system in the world.
Surplus budget,
Only country with increased jobs.
Only country with actual growth forcast for next year.
Sounds like Harper is doing a pretty good job to me. Harper is getting my vote.
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I'm voting for Dion because I am confident that he will develop our nation into a progressive economically viable green nation. He's the man. He has integrity, he cares, he values the environment, job creation, local, national and international investment, and he is intelligent. No one can deny these qualities about Stephan Dion. Dion will bring together the best of the talented. I know this. By the way, this is the first time in my life I'm voting Liberal! On an international level, he will be respected and when we get through the "tough times" Dion will continue to inspire us forward. He has vision.
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Dion says the economy "would deteriorate" under the Conservatives. But under the Liberals it would collapse into a quivering mess.
Well-intentioned (?) as the "Green Shift" might be, not only would the new tax increase the price of everything (fuelling inflation AND unemployment), their budget numbers just don't add up. How are the going to find "12 billion in operational savings" when they jump all over anyone who cancels programs deemed to be ineffective?
And, heaven forbid the carbon tax actually works and people use less carbon-based fuels; how are they going to make up the revenue shortfall without running a deficit? Yup, more taxes.
Once a tax-and-spender, always a tax-and-spender...
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I am really getting tired of certain people commenting on "the cons war machine". Clearly they don't understand anything about the economy or how government should be run. Instead of your vicious attacks, why don't you study the policies laid out (at least the Conservatives have a plan which they are already implementing!!)and maybe you would see who is best able to lead our great country in these trying times.In other words take your blinders off!!!!!There are real issues out there.
And NO, I am not paid by any party. I am just relying on facts as they unfold and clearly the Liberals/NDP would by VERY bad for our economy at this time.
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People, especially young people forget how the conservatives put us in a recession. Conservatives history is spend, spend, spend. Two years ago we had 12 billon profit in the coffers. What's left...what's that again...? Chump change. Thanks Steve.
This Thanksgiving. Great time for an election..the only thing Canadians can be thankful for this year is that no matter who you vote for..you will get a Turkey!
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Bob Rae and Pierre Trudeau say it all when it comes to tax and spend economies. They don't work.
Dion's tax and spend "Green Shift" will simply add a 30% tax increase to every working Canadian. Heating, gasoline, food, goods will all increase and he has yet to commit to how much personal income tax will decrease. 1 maybe 2% at best.
The IMF said it all...Canada is in the best position to weather this deep recession. Thanks to Harper.
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If Canadians want to prosper, they will vote for the ONLY party in the middle. If they want government controlled everything (higher taxes) and privatized profits for the few, they will vote for one of the other parties on the far left. The best is what we've got now with a capitalist economy, and socialist education and healthcare. Too much of anything is bad for you and the health of a democracy. The one thing I like about PM Harper is he is not a dictator but a true leader who wants Canada to be strong and free participating in but not taken over by globalization.
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It is obvious that the Conservatives are the only choice really. Sure he made a few bad choices but remember the Liberals in the decade the had power? It was agonizing. So much wasted money on needless garbage and let's not forget the scandals either. Remember the gun registry? I don't know any criminal who registers their gun(s). Harper took the bull by the horns and said we will get tougher on crime and holy crap he did. He wants us to be more free and wants us to be able to elect our own senate...Well damn he is helping impose freedom. When you look into every thing and remember the past and why we needed Harper and the Conservatives I am more then sure you would vote for him again as he needs to get his work done with a majority instead of having to fight all the time with parties that wish to make us more green during a global downward market crisis. Harper said our system is fine and what do you know it is. Our banks are better regulated then the one's around the world. We are #1 and yes we will not suffer like other countries will. Don't forget Harper is an economist, he knows what he is doing. Don't let the desperate fear tactics fool you. Harper is the best choice we could ask for at this point and time.
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To those who think that Dion isn't dishonest, remember he was the opposition leader who should have supported his MP's and constituents over the last two years. He didn't, he just sat on his hands and ignored his voters demands.
Harper, for all his inequities, at least set priorities and tried to keep all he said he would do. All this as a minority government.
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Puzzled About the Liberal Plan
You asked so here is your answer: Get Canadians back to work. It may be a different job but it will be a job helping rebuild the infrastructure of Canada. Not the plan Harper has is to give his cronies jobs and tax breaks so that they can move their businesses to third world countries. Also to fix the formula for EI which as it stands doesn't help you one bit so I hope you keep your job as on EI you'll loose the ranch. Oh yeah EI is now based on Region not what you were making. Good Luck!
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Under the liberal rule under
Jean Chretien;
Record number of surpluses.
No deficits
Substantial decrease to national
debt.
Best performer of G8 - 8 years
running.
All this during over 8 years of
liberal rule.
Under the Harper gov't;
Over-spending - now flirting with
deficit.
Hiding the $18 BILLION Afghanistan
bill....actually, doesn't that make us now in a deficit?
Counting chickens before they are
hatched...you can't even make an
omlette with that.
Liberals & socialism for the people by the people.
Capitalists...for the banks, by the banks...they can actually make people believe that 100%
capitalism is for their own
good & some people bite into that
chicken sandwich.
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Any carbon tax paid by large corporations will be passed onto the consumer... period. Look how the cost of everything went up just from high oil prices. This means you will pay more for electricity, gas, heating oil/gas, groceries, and just about anything else you can think of. On top of that, YOU will also have to pay the tax.
How anyone can think a carbon tax would be good for the economy (or the environment for that matter), has tunnel vision. It doesn't help the environment. When companies are fined or taxed, they simply increase the prices for the consumer to offset the costs of doing business and they make no changes to benefit the environment.
What the government should be doing to help the environment AND the people with the cost of energy is to set up a Home Solar Assistance Program. This would reward those who DO make changes to benefit the environment instead of penalizing those who don't (ie. real incentive vs. no incentive).
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You know, 20 years from now, when Canada finally does move to a Green Shift kind of plan with a carbon tax out of necessity, people will look back at this election and say "Why weren't we smart enough to do this back then?" Dion may not be popular, but he is smart. Canada has a chance to be ahead of the curve here, and to do something good for the environment at the same time. It is too bad that Harper has done such a good job of making the plan look bad. Such a good job in fact, that this issue will be dead in the water for any party taking power for the next 20 years.
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Vote ABC if you want:
Hebron to stall before it's barely started,
Watch many direct flights from Fort McMurray to St. John's get grounded along with those oilsand workers who come back to Newfoundland every 2 weeks with huge coin in their pockets.
A vote for Liberals, NDP or Green is like cod fishermen supporting European fishing vessels trawling off their coast.
Green Shift will penalize oil producing provinces the most by putting a hefty price on carbon emissions and that WILL stall the entire Canadian economy, as the federal government is the single biggest beneficiary of Alberta's oil and gas industry.
Every government in the world is rying to pump liquidity into their markets to offset the credit collapse going on right now. The only people going in the opposite direction are the Liberals, NDs and the Greens. They want to attack the one industry in Canada that is lubricating the entire country from sea to sea to sea.
If you value your job, lifestyle and your country, vote Conservative. If you do not, then vote ABC. As for me and my family, we will vote Conservative.
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Not just the economy but all of Canada would deteriorate under a Liberal government.
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With the global economic crisis currently upon us, the only clear choice is the Conservatives. The actions they have taken so far have been persistent and organized.
The Liberals carbon tax will destroy Canada's economy, especically in economic turbulance. It is easy to attack the conservatives on having "no plan", yet the plan I have seen from the Liberals is discuss the issue for 30 days then make a plan after you are elected.
The NDP promise of eliminating the $50 Billion tax cut to corporations will make us less competitive globally and drive business and foreign investment out of our country. Mr. Layton's stance on Canadians not concerned about the stock market is a typical socalist response. Sorry Mr. Layton, I do not have a gold-plated government pension like yourself and like most Canadians, have RRSP's as our retirement tool which is effected by the stock market. Jack, you would give me no comfort coming to my home at my kitchen table telling me to drive business out of our country will solve our economic crisis.
The worst thing that could happen to Canada would be a Liberal/NDP coalition. If in the last week we have seen big drops in the TSX, that would be nothing compared to the impact a Liberal and NDP accord would have. Imagine Bob Rae our Finance minister and Jack Layton at the helm of Foreign Affairs. This would drive a regional wedge in the country and be the start of our demise. A carbon tax implemented will create a separatist movement in the West. It will be a sad day to have 2 regions of the country wanting to separate.
I hope for all our sakes that the conservatives win a majority on Tuesday.
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I don't know who with their right mind would vote for Dion. He is such a weak person, cannot pull out one good phrase. Such a liar, liberals with Paul Martin started to destroy this country, they have stolen so much money. Dion is just talking, couple days ago, he needed to be asked 3 times the same question about the economy cause he did not know what to say. Come on people, be realistic, he cannot lead this country.
Right now, Harper is the best person even though he is not perfect. Well he already brought some changes. None of candidates would be able to do a half of the job as Harper does.
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Save YOur country vote Liberal. Except in Alberta of course where these guys think there is only one party running...
LEt the true money manager restore fiscal balance to this country beforE Harper messes it all and it takes the Liberal another 4 years to balance it again like they did last ime after a CON government... VOTE LIBERAL 4 a GREENER FAIRER and PROSPEROUS CANADA
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Maureen
Mr. Dion has once again made statements, with no information to back up his rhetoric.
I say to him - prove it.
Mr. Harper has made statements, and has backed them up with facts and figures.
When is Mr. Dion going to tell us how much his carbon tax plan will actually cost us - instead of telling everyone to go to the website. Does he not know?
Now go do the math Maureen on the Conservative plan and you will see you will pay almost 40% more for them to be where all the other parties will be in 4 yrs WITH NO tax cuts or incentives to the taxpayer. That isn't fiction, that is a fact. Please take the time to look before you post bogus statements.Both Dion and Layton will tax pollutors at about $40 per ton in 4 yrs and on page 23 of the Conservative plan they will tax at $65 per ton. Now go look it up before you spew garbage
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Living in Edmonton over the past few years I have seen the effects of a conservative governemnt and free market capitalism first hand. There is money to burn here, and that is what we as consumers have done, spend and spend, and are we any happier? We get the opportunity to live in sprawl, shop at the annonymous and inconvenient big box complexes, and all the while become stressed, grumpy and distatissfied. So what if we have to pay more for gas and food, then it would bring about changes. Mass transit would progres more rapidly, we could get food from our own gardens and local producers...the list goes on. Change doesn't happen overnight, but if we really think about what makes us truly happy, and think of others in addtion to our own selfish desires, then maybe in the end we won't have to be constantly in pursuit of happiness, because we will already possess it.
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Just rereun the CTV Atlantic interview and that should make everyone realize how terrible a leader Stephane would be for all of us.
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I feel there may be some hope when I read the posts of Mark,SO,Maureen(beautiful Irish name!)Rob and Sassyvet et al
The problem arises when I hear locals only talk about Jack Layton giving them this or Jack Layton tripling child care allowances and what Dion is going to do....tax all the big polluters and give the money back to Canadians...GM will do great if either of these buffoons get elected as will will all have new Cadillacs in our driveways by month's end ...right?
Will someone please explain to people that all these billion dollar promises actually come with billion dollar price tags and it just ain't gonna happen!
We are doing good right now compared to the rest of the world and this is NOT the time for crippling social programs or experimental tax grabs!
Forget the doom and gloom and the NDP promised gravy boat and vote for stability!
That means only Harper
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Dion won the leadership by accident. Iggy and Rae were in a death spiral with each other and he slithered by them. He is percieved to be weak so "We Liberals" are marching out the "Team" to prop him up. I can't believe they haven't called on Trudeau to evoke some history. It couldn't possibly lose them any more votes than Chretien horning in. Here's hoping Jack Layton is the leader of the opposition this time around. The Liberals need to fix themselves again.
Go Jack
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just how short do the Liberals think Canadians memories are. Dion says Harper will ruin the econmy, me thinks we are doing ok so far, its a global problem Silly, we cant control events elsewhere. But the Liberals under Trudeau let Canadians pay 24% on their mortagages- Thats when they lost their homes!
Anfd Mr. Dion, your using your poor hearing as an excuse for blowing the interview with Steve Murphy, lets face it you cant answer any question intelligently, your in the same league as Layton and the NDP- answer to any question boils down to constipated neurotic tripe.
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torie times are hard times
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What else would Dion say? He has not plan himself so all he can do is condradict Harper. Seriously, Dion can't even argue with Harper - the only weapon he has is saying the opposite of what Harper says. Not worthy of my vote...
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DM:
Once again you are misinformed. I am one of the young people you are talking about. I was a child during the last recession and even I know it was not limited to Canada. It hit the USA and Japan the hardest in the 90s.
Now, a government is not supposed to run a "profit". A government is not a corporation.
Profit means that revenue>expenses. In governmental terms, it means that taxes>spending. How can you support that? How can you say that you are okay with the government taking more tax from you than they need?
Also, a budget surplus is not some kind of bank account that the Conservatives raided. The balance does not roll into the next year. The previous surpluses are independent of each other and only represented continued years of overtaxation.
The budget surplus is currently at about $3billion, rather than $13billion. It's lower because last fall the Conservatives reduced taxes by cutting income taxes and the gst.
Do not continue to deceive voters with your misinformation. Large surpluses are bad! They represent mismanagement and overtaxation.
Otherwise, you might as well ask the Liberals to raise taxes and then point to a $50billion surplus and say "look what we did".
One more thing to think about. According to the Liberals, supposedly the Conservatives are to blame for the current world economic meltdown. Yet, two years ago, Canada was enjoying a healthy economy. Logically then, the Conservatives should be praised for that huh?
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the world economy is a mess yet...
Canada created 107,000 jobs in September
Our trade surplus rose in August (last month available)
Our banking systen is rated best in world.
Interest rates are low.
Taxes are lower than ever.
Pensioners can income split
Our national debt is below 30% of GDP from over 70%.
We still have a surplus while more funds have been sent to provinces and less taken from my pocket.
PM is acting responsibly even during an election.
Thats a pretty good record. Would not want Harper as a buddy but as PM he looks good.
Liberal and green want more taxes and more spending. Main item of platform is environment which he failed when he was minister. He'll have Bob Rae in cabinet!!!!
Jack Layton is trying to spread panic and promises to spend over $50 billion that has evaporated if it ever exixted. He wants to increase taxes on businesses who are creating, most of these jobs. His only asset is that he would make Bob Rae's record look good.
I voted liberal last time, Conservative this time
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Dion, the liberals have the worst plan of all parties. You have a bunch of fluff when you speak but no meat with your potatoes. Quit cutting down Harper so much and try explaining your ideads to the country because I am still trying to figure out what you stand for not want you will say to get a vote.
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Harper lied about the Cadman Affair.
Harper said our economy was strong yet he pumped 25billion to banks..
Harper attacks people's character.
Harper times is tough times for canada.
{x} Vote liberal
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Yes, the economy could deteriorate under Harper as a result of worldwide pressures that we Canadians had no part in. But look at it this way, I rather see deterioration with sound fiscal policy - ie NO GREEN SHAFT - thaN bankruptcy under D'Yawn!
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layton wants to shut down the oil sands dion wants to green shaft the west and shut it down man I love these lefties ideas on how to fix the economy
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Attention Liberals-
"The Conservative war room is working overtime"
The Conservative war room is NOT woking overtime -- more people support the Conservatives.
Liberal Toronto is surrounded by a sea of blue. Sheep, Sheep, Sheep and sheep!
Bye Bye; Bye Bye
God bless Canada
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| Confused About the Liberal Plan |
C Martin
Thanks for the explanation. You've been the only one to answer my question. If Dion's solution to the economy is to give people different jobs and fix the EI system, then I am really confused. I thought he had a 5 point plan. Is this it, the plan for the economy? 30 days of discussions, different jobs and a better EI payout? I was kind of hoping for more.
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If the Liberals were smart, they would all vote conservative. This way it would give the Liberals a wake up call to get there party together and get a real leader not Dion or Rae. Conservative majority is the best thing for Canadians at this time.
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Until Harper stops acting like a child with a baseball bat running through the china shop thinking he can smash things to get attention, he is never getting my vote.
Time for Red Tories to take back the Conservative Party. Sensible conservatism wins majorities, not dogmatism. Harper seems to forget this repeatdly.
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There's only one choice to lead through these tough global economic times.
[X] Conervative
We voted in the advance polls last week.
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The conservative party is a joke. They are Reformist/alliance goofballs who hate the French heritage of this country. That's why they speak of Dion in such condescending terms and constantly attack his ability to speak English. The fact is that historically speaking the Liberal party has been the most popular and successful political party since confederation. The reason is simple. Their centrist/left-of-center approach gives everyone a voice in the political process. They are not elitist anglophones with a screw the french attitude, and a holier than thou approach to morals and ethics. What they seem to forget is that theirs is the party that brought us NAFTA and greatly diminished our manufacturing sector. They were strongly rebuked for that gaffe and their reviled headman Mulrooney was the architect of their near eradication by the electorate in the nineties. Their stooge Harris in Ontario constantly attacked and disparaged teachers and the poor, and presided overs years of labour strife. Theirs is a party that always looks to divide rather than unite, that is why we can't afford to give them a majority. ABC
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Election Day may turn out to be quite confusing for most voter's, especially for the ones who when given there ballet won't find Harper on it.
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J-man in Calgary
Have you been asleep for the past two months? Harper started the bad mouthing before the election was even called. Wake up and smell the roses. Harper is the worse thing that could happen to Canada. We don't need a dictator.
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| nc in alberta (an average canadian) |
WOULD deteriorate??
HAS deteriorated!!
"Buying opportunities" mean nothing to someone who has lost their modest life savings in the flailing markets.
Such an arrogant statement is also an insult to everyone who has never had the money to invest because all they have has been tied up in staying alive.
Pure capitalism does not work any better than pure communism.
It polarizes wealth and leaves too many people without adequate resources to survive.
Society as a whole doesn't prosper if there is a small segment of society with all the money and everyone else labours to just barely survive.
Social Democracy, as it has been developing in Canada since Lester Pearson's time, offers the best hope for a balanced society where the most citizen's prosper modestly but those who don't are not in danger of lacking even the most basic of necessities.
Unlike the Conservatives have been preaching, I am not ashamed of Canada's record of looking after the vulnerable of our society.
I am not bitter that my tax dollars are used for these programs and I want to see social justice continue to be a cornerstone of our way of life.
Some of you shouldn't be so ready to abandon this vision of fairness and compassion and opt for a return to the "every man for himself" days of the past when simply lacking money amounted to a death sentence if you became ill or unemployed.
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We should be worried about heating our homes this winter. The economy is tanking and Dion is going to tax us to heat our homes. Then if we survive the winter we might qualify for a tax rebate the next year. Are Canadians fools????
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Dion can't answer a simple question about what he would have done if he were Prime Minister at this time to dealing with the current economic situation. It's been 48 hours since the question was asked by the interviewer and still no answer. Does he still not understand the question ? The only conclusion can be that he doesn't have an answer or a plan other than to have meetings for 30 days and impose a carbon tax. Now that should scare any normal person from voting for Dion.
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I cannot really see how the economy would deteriorate under the Conservatives. Harper did all the right stuff when he came to power; he cut income taxes, cut corporate taxes, allowed pension income splitting, cut the GST by 200 basis points. These actions allowed Canada to fare better than other Western economies. What would the professor from Quebec do; he would bring in carbon taxes to take money from Alberta,Saskatchewan,Newfoundland and B.C to give it to Quebecers who already use heavily subsidized hydro power (non-CO2 emitting). These carbon taxes would decimate the West which is the engine of Canada,s economy.We cannot afford another Quebecer running our country. Not only has Quebec been a millstone around Canada's neck but they have given us Trudeau,Chretien, Martin and now Dion. When will people see that this country is designed to screw the West and aggrandize Quebec and Ontario. The only thing I see from both Dion and Layton is an intense hatred of the success of Western Canada. This jealousy pervades both the Liberals and the NDPers who would like nothing better than to shut down Alberta and Sakatchewan's oil industry.
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Does anyone read the papers coming from your candidates in your local ridings? Liberals and New Democrats are addressing many issues including economics and environment. The Conservative paper with Ed Fast here in Abbotsford is one issue only. The one issue he is addressing is drugs and drug related crime! I would like to know how representative this is in the ridings across Canada.
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Mr. Harper and his party have proven to be up to the task of looking after the interests of Canada. I bet other countries wished they had a PM like the one we have. Mr. Dion is a talker; Mr. Harper is a doer. Majority for the Conservatives!
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Dion is a fool, and anyone who votes anything BUT CONSERVATIVE is the same
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Dion has not said how he would fight this crisis
Harpers plans over the last 12 months have done this:
In just the last 4 days ...
Sept had record job creation in Canada 113000 new jobs, half in Ontario, and 10 times the forecast. Over 200,000 in the last 5 months.
CMHC - Canada is expected to build over 215,000 new homes this year
International monetary fund - Canada to lead GDP growth in the G7 countries in 2009.
Royal bank growth forecast for Canada for this year and next - Worst province this year is Ontario, at just steady. The Canadian average outside Ontario is nearly 2% growth forecast this year. All provinces forecast to have better growth for 2009 lead by Saskatchewan!.
The World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report- lists Canada's banking system as the strongest in the World!
Canadian Taxpayers federation give the strongest marks to Harper's "Cautious" election platform. After reviewing the platforms, It will have the most benefit to the Canadian economy.
A CIBC report today that despite several countries going into recession, they don't see a worldwide recession. That is good for Canada's resource based exports.
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Dion thinks he is the answer to the economy? If you what to hear his plan for the economy watch him tell you directly here:
http://watch.ctv.ca/news/mike-duffy-live/thursday-oct-9/#clip101442
Do you like his plan?
[X]Harper
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I voted for the liberals in the last election because I was afraid to vote Conservative because of Mulroney, I won't make that mistake again. Although I don't see anything from any of them for the middle aged people. My vote will go to the Conservatives. Go B.C. go and make sure we get a voice in parliment
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| John in bitterly cold Calgary |
I believe in Harper and his decision making because he is not a dictator, he is a leader who makes decisions. Look at when he had the Premier's meeting, he invited them all to his house, had dinner and drinks, and listened to what every province had to say. He then deliberated with his people and three days later major changes were made that took into consideration what every province had said.
This is the type of leader we should all want. One that does not make rash decisions, one that listens to all sides and deliberates with numerous people before making decisions that will effect millions of people.
All I've seen from Dion is a man who would act/speak before thinking. And this is history repeating itself, when the liberals got power 15 years ago the said they would cut the GST, didn't happen until Harper. They said they would put a plan in action to fight climate change, didn't happen until Harper (seriously Harper is expected to follow Kyoto after 13 years of Liberal inaction). Said they would cut taxes, didn't happen until Harper.
Liberals are nothing but talk, at least Harper's talk has thought involved.
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I keep hearing people talking about coalition governments. If I am not mistaken, you cannot constitutionally have a coalition government after an election. You can only have coalitions when a minority government falls and then only if agreed to by the Governor General.
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In any riding where the votes are close with the conservatives and they gain a seat in this election in English Canada, ask the Green party why they ran in that riding...where I live in Mission, the NDP has lost by a margin that is smaller than the Green party vote for the last 2 elections in a row. The Green party here is insuring Tory seats...thanks to the Ralph Nader's of Canada, speaking loud, lots of ideas, but giving the Tories seats...
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Dion's new Green Shift plan
Cut health care promises
Cut Child Care promised
Impliment the green shift right away. (We liberals need the money now)
Time for Green shift phase two. Ms. May betray your minions and send them over to the Liberals as in the original plan.
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Pay attention and remember that if and when Mr Dion gets in I for one should not have to pay the tax hikes as I dont want him in office. Only the people who vote for him should have to pay the increases that he is going to incur....take a look at BC and their gas prices...that is one example they are always almost 10 cents higher there than they are here in Ontario...so what about utilities.....they will rise too if Mr Dion gets in. Lets be smart about this and send Mr Dion a message that we the people of Canada can not afford his kind of tax hikes. Lets see him make 45,000 a year and then pay all the increases that he is going to add in taxes. Bet he wouldnt vote for himself either.
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Listen up and listen carefully! The Liberal MP's are going to sit on their hands under the next Tory Minority Government. A Tory Minority government with 80 - 90 Liberal Mp's is as good as a Majority Government for Steven Harper and his cronies. If you want your local MP to have a vote against Harper, you'd better vote NDP...(I'm no NDP supporter but I want my vote to mean something). Think it through please. Vote NDP for a leftist vote that will actually do something.
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Does anybody understand how corperate tax cuts work?
You cut the corperate taxes to make it cheaper for companies to stay in the country and expand within it. This brings jobs, this does not make it cheaper for the companies to go to another country.
If Harper cuts the corperate taxes this is not "helping his corperate buddies". This is keeping jobs in the country.
Harper wants to make big companies pay for their pollution, Dion wants to make the people pay for pollution. How is Harper's plan bad?
Harper wants to let the market stablize on it's own, and get stock holders to stop freaking out, driving the markets deeper into a hole. Dion wants everybody to beleive that we are a good for nothing country that has no economic stability because of other country's termoil. How is Harper's plan bad?
Harper wants Canadians to finally start believing in their capabilities to have their own stable economy no matter what other countries markets are doing. Dion wants us to know that with out the U.S.A. we are nothing. How is Harper's plan bad?
You see the pattern here?
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Why all the secrecy, Mr Harper? You work for us and we have freedom of speech in this country.
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If I was a liberal supporter I'd do for the liberals what they did for me 85 times when it came time to vote in the last parliamen . Either sit on my hands or not show up. Dion , the man with no plan for thirty days.
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ONTARIO
................. remember MIKE HARRIS
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The Liberals tried selling the Green Shift no one bought it or Mr.Dion so since the past few weeks it is the PM's fault for everything and Mr.Dion doesn't have answers just the PM is the devil. I am tired of the Liberals real lack of vision and they need another term on the opposition
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I guess if you can say lies 8 times at a Rally in Vaughn Ontario, what does this say about the Liberals.In Parliament the Liberals would be objecting to this word, however when you Liberally use this word the Liberals have forgotten they did not do well themselves, by not keeping their promises when they took over in 1993.
Green Shift is not out of the picture and will be implemented in the first budget of 2009, after the Election according to Dion's interview on Global TV this afternoon,with another word "lie" being spoken, if the Liberals are elected to govern.
The long and short of this is the total costs to the Businesses, Agriculture, Transportation and Municipal and its costs passed on for the Golfcourses Pools Libraries etc. and Provincial and Federal Government Depts. etc. lessons for our children and Grandchildren for Skating, Piano and the sports they play, it is the taxpayer who gets to pay the price.
The Taxes added to some foods etc. and livelyhoods i.e. Cultural, Theatre, Symphonies etc., their costs will definately see another cost to the taxpayers.
This is not a good Policy which the Liberals are dangling in front of the voters.
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Mr. Dions four year plan brings up memories.
I remember while living in East - Germany the Communists
made - up four year plans.
Of course they never ripend.
Who was responsible: america.
like Mr. Dion blames everthing on Pres.Bush.
Do I beleave what Mr.Dion
promises? No.
When Tuesday arrives I know
where I will make my mark on the ballot.
HJM NDG.
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The fact is that the NDP are the only party that has focused, focuses, and will focus on bettering things for the average person and family.
My MLA Peter Julian always has his office open for his constituents and whatever their questions will help. He is a nice, educated man and works hard for all of us. Sounds like a fantasy through rose colored glasses? It isnt and it's the reason why he keeps getting re-elected. The conservatives are actually hiding candidates from the press in BC.. they are obviously more interested in the seat numbers than with a genuine interest in serving the voters.
That's what government is supposed to be... politicians working hard for the people that voted them in.
95% of the population that own 5% of the wealth are those 'average' people. Why do we keep voting in parties that give obscene tax cuts to huge corporations and lay the burden squarely on the backs of that 'average' person? And why do we keep voting in parties that promise more taxes?
We're coming up on some hard times and I really hope we can see a government that is going to give a damn about you and I.
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Larry L, I think YOU are having the language problem. He is clearly saying there will be a big difference between him and Dion.
Lay off the kool-aid.
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What this country needs at this time is a strong Conservative majority. A minority or coalition govt. would only serve to put fear for investment in Canada. I cannot believe any empty headed individual who would even consider voting for Dion. This man is totally incompitant. The CTV interview this week confirms this. I would not want him running a local gas station let alone our Canadian government. My friends from the east, wake up!
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It looks like if not enough people vote Liberal, we're maybe going to have a Liberal-BQ coalition government, if you pay attention to the messaging.
My impression of the NDP has never been lower. I've always been mildly inclined towards them, but what they've proven to me during the present election is that Jack is still in Stephen Harper's back pocket. Now was the time for UNIFIED opposition to stop Harper's extreme agenda, some of which remains hidden & some of which we've already seen to be megalomaniacal. Jack has proven he is willing to settle for ONLY PROTESTING Harper, rather than taking DECISIVE action that GUARANTEES Harper's destruction of Canada will stop FOR SURE, IMMEDIATELY.
65% of us oppose Harper, but we are not united. We all lose. Thanks NDP.
My LIFE is NOT more important than stopping Harper, let alone my vote in JUST ONE election.
I can barely sleep at night I am so worried. I am literally becoming physically ill, with convulsing headaches - sweating, shaking, & nearly passing out - I am *SO* worried about what lies in our future. Harper could declare a financial emergency and gut our healthcare system or pledge support for the invasion of Iran as early as a few days from now if we cannot find a way to unite to stop him. MUCH WORSE things could follow.
To all non-con parties: Please! Please, please. The right thing to do is UNITE to stop Harper **NOW**. Yes, I'm resorting to BEGGING. This is TOO important. I WILL **NOT** GIVE UP ON CANADA!!!!!!! even if it means I resort to begging.
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My brakelights just went on in my car - Must be Harpers fault, better elect Dion. I still have a few bucks in my wallet too so I want the Carbon Tax. Hopefully, Dion can the raise the GST to 12% while he's in there and take care of those extra dollars. Even though the Liberals sent our soldiers to Afghanistan, that is Harper's fault as well. What was he thinking letting the Liberals do that. Maybe Dion will take Layton up on his offer to charge more taxes to Corporations, that will create the jobs we need.
And to think there is an anybody but Conservative campaign out there. I think I'll start the L.O.N.G. Campaign. Anybody but the Liberals or NDP & Green Party as the only ideas they have are listed above and WILL NOT be good for the country. It's that simple.
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Vote Liberal and the country will perish! Vote Conservative and there will be soldiers in the streets! Vote NDP and wear a stylish new barrel! Vote Green and perish in your barrel! Vote Bloc and ....oh, no candidates here in BC. There will be no joy in Mudville, because we are only reconfirming the Conservative minority. Waste of time and money.
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So all of your viewers that vote NDP are no longer of interest to CTV? That seems to be the result from a totally slanted article that barely menitons the NDP and pretends there are only two options.
Good Lord I am getting tired of this horse race coverage crap. Could we once have an election when the stories are actually about policies, rather than this simplistic stuff.
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What I would have liked to have had asked of the Liberals is this: are they planning to tax carbon fuels exported from Canada. If they plan to tax fuels at a level high enough to make us stop using as much it -- 20% -- 30% less which is really individually more like 40% to 50% less given population growth since the carbon target year, will they tax the coal going to China and oil and natural gas sold to the USA..? Canada is after all the number one foreign oil suppler to America. If we don't tax our carbon fuels going off-shore it's nuts -- since a company will close down in Canada and go to a country not paying our carbon tax to operate using Canadian fuel purchased carbon tax-free. Why would a manufacturing operation sit in Windsor and pay a life-style altering carbon tax if they can go to Detroit and operate at lower base cost.... Especially if they are energy intensive like auto plants. Why wasn't this question asked and answered -- it's 3 days before the vote and it is the core policy of the Liberal policy they're campaigning on. Nobody seems to even know this.
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As I was reading the list of comments, I thought the one concerning Bloc Gilles Duceppe was interesting. Has anyone ever wondered what life would be like if Bloc was nation-wide and Duceppe won a minority or even a majority government? What would he do with THAT kind of responsibility?
As for Dion's comments about Canadians needing a progressive government with strong members of Parliament who will speak for the interests of the people: From what we've seen these past couple of years, that seems to have been demonstrated most profoundly by the CONSERVATIVES, *NOT* the Liberals. Even the NDP did a better job in Parliament than the Liberals did.
In the end, all parties seem to have their strengths and weaknesses. In the end, while the Liberal and some other governments may offer to play Robin Hood by taxing the rich and giving to the poor, the Sheriffs of big business will only pass their losses on to us, the poor consumers, who in the end will up the losers.
If governments want to control and lower bad emissions, they need to invest in a different strategy that will see more trees planted (especially in cities), new low- or zero- emission technologies implemented (including AFFORDABLE hybrid vehicles), new materials developed to replace pavement, cement and other road and building materials (which contribute to global warming), better power sources developed and implemented (wind power generators built across Canada, transparent solar panels integrated into all outside windows across Canada, etc), better pollution control than pumping it underground (how about developing a system that uses algae, etc, which thrive on carbon dioxide and produce oxygen as a byproduct?), and other innovative technologies that are more environmentally friendly than what we have. As for young offenders: Boot camp may be better for them!
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Imagine if Dion applies the same accounting rules from the gun registry system to his carbon tax plan, watch out Canada!! To me Stephan Dijon doesn't cut the mustard.
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I'm voting for Mr. Harper because besides his leadership and competence running the country for two years - Dion has NOTHING to say but negatives and negatives don't get my vote.
Harper is professional, businesslike and mature compared to the 4 socialists in the race.
As a woman I like Mr. Harper he has done the least personal bashing and has shown grace under fire I like that in a leader. His policies cover a broad range of topics without irresponsible spending and crazy tax increases which I cannot afford.
Harpers my man!
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The Cadman tape results are just another example of Harper's arrogance Who's he going to sue now ?
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Harper wont get the majority. His biggest short fall is that he lacks the trust of ordinary Canadians. They could have easily grabbed the majority if they kept the ship slow and steady and had patience.
They just couldn't wait, they were so close, and they jumped the gun. Subsequently as a result of rushing conservativism on Canadians, they've made a bundle of mistakes: In-out campaign spending, attempted bribery of Cadman, Bernier leavng the briefing notes with his ex-girlfriend who has biker ties. The list goes on and on.
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Three viable choices.
Liberal or Conservative or NDP.
Time to think outside the two sided box.
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We seriously have to consider that it is time for a change.
Harper's laissez-faire, status quo attitude merely preserves a system that the current crisis is proof positive does not work.
We really need to have the collective cojones to forego our comfort levels proactively now while we can instead of waiting for it to be forced on us.
Now, Dion's plan will not ruin the economy. Period. It will result in tax cuts for most, and payment for pollution for those who pollute. But there is so much slack in the system that any company or operator careless enough to pollute their way into a tax event can straighten out their act and gain more through efficiencies than they will ever pay in taxes.
It's called innovation, people, and it's something we have to get good at, but something we won't do without some incentive. Even if we have to impose the incentive ourselves, through regulations, standards or fiscal penalties.
Be mature. Be brave. Be responsible. Vote wisely.
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Puzzled About the Liberal Plan
I have been asking a very serious question for two weeks now on all the blog sites and have yet to have one person answer. Would someone please, tell me what "Stephane Dion's plan is to address the economy, other than the part where he holds meetings to consult people. What are the 5 points he is talking about? Anyone can hold meetings. He must have some idea about what action he would take. I really want to know what that is before I vote."
Here it is so now vote for Dion.
From the Liberal Platform:
That all citizens, even those who do not file an income tax return will receive a cash rebate: for a family of four earning $20,000 or less the amount will be $2500, for
those earning $60,000 $1200.
Seniors will receive a income tax cut on their pension income. Income splitting would continue, and the tax regulations regarding RRSPs would be relaxed.
There will be annual Child Tax Credit worth $350 per year per child on top of those benefits already in place..
Also there will be a $150.00 Green rural credit for each rural tax filer whether or not they pay taxes and this is above the rebates above.
A refundable tax credit of $2000 for volunteer fire fighters.
Mr. Dion is also going to implement a 18 month E.I. maternity leave plan to give greater flexibility to families.
Guaranteed Supplements for Seniors, will be increased by $600 per single person and $800 per couple.
A $10,000 interest free loan that will help pay for insulation your homes to cut heating costs. Money will also be available for installing other, non poluting forms of energy..
I read it at athttp://www.liberal.ca/story_14098_e.aspx if you want to read the info yourself.
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Layton, is always good for a laugh just a couple of days ago, he promised he'd get the Grand Prix back. Doesn't know the cost but hey when in Quebec lol. When in Ontario it's minding but out in Alberta well he's shutting down the tar sands heh heh. Can anyone really take him seriously, he needs to read Harper's plan he does have one you know heh heh.
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To Mark - Vegreville, AB
The carbon tax policy is not an experiement. several countries have adopted it with uneven results. None of them good though. Norway did not reduce emission at all. Sweden had much better results which greatly reduced carbon tax intake for government, and they ended up increase personal income tax and other taxes. Now tell me, which result would you prefer?
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J-Man,
You need to take the cotton out of your ears and listen. Dion has been telling how he is going to do it better many times over now. Part of your problem maybe is Dion's voice is being drowned out by Harper's incessant ranting.
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You harper conservative fools are all wasting your votes. This man is going to BROKE this country just like bush did his. The only person that will ever have my vote is NDP. I remember late 80s early 90s what a struggle it was to find desent work then and how low the economy was and also run down with that conservative GST TAX which is still there now. I give liberals credit for fixing that mess in the 90s. But they have the wrong kind of leader now. I challenge all you GEN X voters who had the ruff time back then to give to give these conservative basterd fools a good kick out of office to the back lane. Weather your NDP OR LIBERAL show up and vote these fools out. GO JACK GO
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Video
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CTV News: Roger Smith covers Dion's Ontario push
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CTV Newsnet: Stephane Dion speaks in Orillia, Ont. and discusses how he plans to implement his platform while dealing with the economy
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CTV Newsnet: Dion, campaigning in Orilla, Ont., takes question on the Cadman affair, the 'Green Shift' and Green Party Leader Elizabeth May
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CTV Newsnet: Tom Clark, with the Liberal campaign, discusses the Liberal plan for the economy and environment
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CTV Newsnet: Conservative Leader Stephen Harper speaks at a rally in Guelph, Ont., campaigning alongside Jim Prentice
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CTV Newsnet: Craig Oliver, with the Tory campaign in Guelph, Ont., says the Tories feel like they are on a roll
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