CTV.ca | Dion finished race strong as a 'human being': Rae

Bob Rae speaks to the crowd at Ryerson University in Toronto after winning the riding of Toronto Centre on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008 (Jim Ross / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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Liberal Leader Stephane Dion pauses as he makes a speech during the Liberal election party in Montreal, Que., on Tuesday Oct. 14, 2008. (Sean Kilpatrick / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Dion finished race strong as a 'human being': Rae

Updated Wed. Oct. 15 2008 3:13 PM ET

CTV.ca News Staff

Liberal MP and former party leadership hopeful Bob Rae isn't suggesting Stephane Dion is on the way out after Tuesday's devastating loss, but he isn't ruling it out either.

After running an election campaign centred largely on an unpopular carbon tax during a time of economic uncertainty, musings about the Liberal leader's future began as soon as the polls started to lean towards a Conservative win.

When the dust settled the Liberals wound up with 76 seats, their poorest showing since 1984.

Rae stopped short of saying Dion's carbon tax was a mistake but suggested Canadians didn't seem to embrace the plan.

"It's obviously a good idea from the point of public policy. From the point of politics clearly there was a reaction and a response to it in a number of parts of the country, and that's a very natural reaction and that's something we're going to have to reflect on," Rae told CTV's Canada AM on Wednesday.

He said the campaign was Dion's first, and he was successful in holding Conservative Leader Stephen Harper to a minority government.

Rae also said the Liberal Party has a leadership review scheduled for May in Vancouver, and it will be up to party members to determine Dion's future.

He called him a man of principle and courage and said the fact he survived the bumpy ride that has characterized much of the campaign is a victory for Dion.

"He's led a very strong campaign from that perspective and I think it's to his credit that he's come through this -- the middle and end of the campaign was very strong. He came through it very strong as a human being," Rae said.

In the day-after post-election fog, CTV's Tom Clark was less diplomatic about Dion's future.

He said nothing is up for debate. Dion's failure to bring his party back to power, Clark told Canada AM, is the final straw that will seal his fate.

He said there is little chance he will remain at the helm of the party.

"Stephane Dion's era was over, you could say, the moment he walked out of the Montreal Convention Centre after he was elected leader and the reason I say that is because so many senior Liberal people walked," Clark said.

"He's at the point now where even his own people can't make an argument for him to stay on."

Stephen LeDrew, past president of the Liberal Party of Canada, said Wednesday he still stands by controversial remarks he made during the campaign that Dion was steering the party towards a desperately needed "drubbing."

He had called Dion's platform "incomprehensible or just plain dumb" and said the party needed a devastating loss in order to properly rebuild.

He told Canada AM there's little doubt Dion is on the outs.

"The Liberal party has to find its roots, it has to get a new leadership. I thought Mr. Dion's statements last night were absolutely ridiculous, saying the people had elected him to be leader of the opposition and he's going to stay to do that. He lost and he lost poorly," LeDrew said.

He said Dion, after taking time to reflect, is likely to take the decision himself to step down before the leadership convention in May.

Grit insiders told CTV's Beverly Thomson on Tuesday night that deputy party leader Michael Ignatieff -- a former contender for the leadership job -- was already preparing a run at the party's top job.

Those insiders also told Thomson that Ignatieff's team was getting ready for the Vancouver convention.

As dismal figures poured in from across the country Tuesday night, one party insider told The Canadian Press the results were an "epic disaster."

Please Add Comments( )

Acroyear

I wrote a letter to my local Liberal, who won re-election, first congratulating him on his clear victory and then told him that as a party member as far as I was concerned he has only one duty to me right now.

GET THAT PROFESSORIAL FOOL OUT OF OUR PARTY!!!!

We have at best hope about 24 months before it all falls apart again, and we have to have a strong leader in place by that time with a clear and concise platform in place.

I want Dion and his cadre out... NOW!!!

Chris

BYE BYE DION!!!

Any other leader and I MAY have voted for the liberals.

beachdude

Well, Bobby what are you going to do now?

Doug

Whats the connection between Bob Rae and CTV? It is very obvious that he is their 'Go To" Guy. They talk to him about 10 times as often as they talk to other Liberals.

TOM SHELLEY

The only disaster in Canadian politics is having a party run in a federal election that represents only one province, with intensions of breaking up the country!

Paul in BC

Dion's personality was attacked viciously by Harper and the Conservatives through expensive ads and by Harper on a continuous basis. Dion is definitely an honest and decent man. His platform was also honest and forward looking. What happens to the environment now that Dion will eventually have to step down is anyone's guess.

Harper wasted taxpayers money because he thought he could win a majority. Quebecers and the people of Newfoundland and Labrador saw through Harper and held him to a minority.

Dion is gone.

Nice spin Mr. Rae about Dion holding Harper to a minority government but if anyone deserves credit it's Gilles Duceppe and the Bloc and not the Liberals. The Liberals hardly put up a fight. Dion is gone.

mikoj w

yes the libs have to retool-just thinking of bob rae as the new liberal leader makes me sick. always remember rae days. rae is so far to the left,his ideology borders on communism. not that i would vote for the libs- a good choice for them would be j.manly. the libs received what was deserved in this election

John from Fredericton

For the Liberals to reconnect with Canadians Mr. Rae, there's an easy step to do:

TOSS DION!

DM in NB

Think maybe the fact that the bulk of this country is English, and that Dion can't speak it, was a factor in his demise?

Bluenose

I don't know what's more frightening. The thought of Bob Rae as Liberal leader, or the fact that 50 seats went to a separatist party last night in Quebec. Not only is the Liberal party broken badly, but the country has to stop this pandering to Quebec. It's time for the rest of Canada to have a referendum on whether we want to kick Quebec out of confederation, not the other way around letting them control the situation. I think we all know what the result will be. A good swift boot right out the door! Quebec has spoken, they want out of Canada, now let's give them what they voted for.

proud conservative

I don't really recall when Harper attacked Dions personality. It was every one attacking Harper personally. It was disgusting.

MHB

I am really glad that the Conservatives did not get what they wanted which is a majority. They made gains because of the weak leadership of the Liberals and not because of the strength of their party. A minority government will keep Mr. Harper under control and hopefully the next elections with a new Liberal leadership he will be out of power. We should all be thankful to the Quebecers for stopping the Conservatives!.

Mike in Ottawa

I am sick and tired of see Bob Rae plastered all over the news all the time. Anyone but a turncoat on his real love, the NDP, leaving because he had no chance with them. The only time I voted for Bob Rae in Ontario he put us over 10 BILLION$$$$$ in debt in no time at all and it took Mike Harris, another CONSERVATIVE to get us out of that mess. Bob Rae is a loser and I don't know how he can get a seat or any respect at all in the political world... one good thing though will come out of dion leaving, the Liberals are so dumb they will put Rae in charge and then he will get the beating he deserves next election around. Congrats to Mr. Harper, just wish that it had been a majority!

vince in trenton

You said it all BOB, DION as a 'human being', not as a leader put up a good fight. With all the fear mongering and media spin HARPER was very close to getting his majority. I guess it was hard for DION though when you have to keep one eye on the goal and the wolves in your own party nipping at your heels to take you out if you FAIL. Good luck Mr. Dion...

MHB

To Doug: CTV, like all our Canadian media, is not free as you think. They have an agenda and clearly Mr. Rae is on this agenda. An illusion that we have in the West is the concept of "free media" while in reality lobbies do control our media and determine what will be ignored and what will get the focus. I hope that this comment will not get blocked by the censorship in CTV :).

Brian in AB

The only time we should be thanking Quebec is when they all get up and leave this country. If the govern,ent needs aloan to get them all out, have no fear Alberta will gladdly help out.

eric

I am pleased with the outcome of last night's results. The government needs to get on with what they promised they would do. This time without the daily threats to be forced down and the refusals of some to vote on a given piece of legislation.

Dion's carbon tax was not what Canadians wanted to hear about and the leadership didn't kill it when they had the chance.

Now, a new leader of the Liberals is needed. One who will pay attention to the electorate. And, please, not Bob Rae. The man won by accident in Ontario, waking up to find that protest votes against the other parties had given him "his mandate" to destroy the province's economy and to give fistfuls of money away to everyone who asked. Don't be silly enough to replace Dion with another idiot who will tax and spend us to death.

Wendy In Montreal

In my opinion, the derogatory campaign run by Dion was his downfall. Harper is the only leader for Canada and he's his own man. As for the Liberals I think they are finished. They need to make room for another party. When Dion called the Prime Minister a liar throughout his campaign it clearly showed the liberals had no respect for the man that worked hard to save our country. Harper, Harper rah! rah! rah! Next time, look out I see a majority even without Quebec.

Clayton

Only in Canada. A Provincial Party that holds seats in the Federal System and their only mandate is to break yp Canada. it's time for the people of this Country to put a stop to this.

MTL

Bluenose, that narrowminded thinking is what keeps us continuing this arguement. Good thing it isn't someone like you in power.

Joe Szentirmay

It'll be interesting to see what kind of spin the three stooges (Stephane,Bob & Michael),along with CTV, will put on the demise of the liberal party.Good ridence !

Nancy

I don't know what the Liberals were thinking when they elected Dion as their leader. Now they are paying the price of their stupidity and Harper took advantage of it. Harper didn't win; it was Dion who LOST this election.

We need new, young, honest blood injected into the Liberal party and Harper and their Bush-like policies will be history.

D.K.

Agreeably Mr. Dion is probably a good man and a good professor but as a Federal Leader he constantly looks like a deer in the headlights, not sure what to do next . I feel for the liberals a new leader is the way to go.The job application should read " good command of both French and English a must" .

As far as the Block is concern they are not a Federal party and should not be involved in a federal election in this country. Most other nations would see their action as treason.
I was oppose to Elizabeth May being in the debates but after last night even with the Green Party not winning a seat they do have 6 to 7 percent of the popular vote across the nation ,almost as much as the Block which is concetrated in one province only. In my opinoin the Green Party has more right at the table than the Block in next year election.

DCR-Toronto

As long as the Liberals keep voting in left-wing socialist leaders, they will not be in power. I am hoping for Bob Rae as the leader this time. From there they can go to Kennedy. Harper is going to set the agenda now. A strong minority and a Liberal Party that would be bankrupt if another election were called.
Don't let the door hit you in the a** on the way out, Stephane. Bye!

Reece

Obviously a disapointing night for Harper. In my opinion this was an all or nothing night for him and suspect his own people are thinking carefully what to do next. Harper & Dion both will face a leadership review. Personally I would never vote for the man - he's to detached emotionally & for me I need a leader with passion. Chretien had it & no other leader had it since.

James

I'm sortof glad in some ways that it turned out to be a Conservative minority rather than a Liberal Minority (even though I voted Liberal). While I much prefer the platform and ideals of the Liberal (and even NDP) party, and as much as I think Dion is a nice guy, he lacks the charisma that is needed to lead his party strongly, and a loss surely means a new leader convention. I hope Dion stays on to work for his local riding, but it's definitely time for someone else to take the helm - and the sooner the better.

Liz Ottawa

well I would not say the only disaster in Canadian politics is the Bloq but it certainly is the bizarro world that it is even allowed! The fact that they have so many seats is a farce and will disrupt Parliament. Lets face it, if each province got to have a party like that, everyone in that province would vote for them just like what happened in Quebec. somehow Quebecers think they will get more out of it, but it will just be counter productive to doing things to spur this economy along. not good. It actually angers me that so many quebecers vote for them. So separate already, I am tired of being held hostage by Quebec, as are alot of Canadians. What scares me the most is Bob Rae potentially running for Liberal leadership, when, and not if, Dion steps down. Bob Rae nearly ruined Ontario and cost the province a fortune. Once an NDP always an NDP. No one will vote for Bob Rae similar to Dion and perhaps even a worse showing, prediction, libs are you listening?

this election sadly was a huge waste of money and an indulgence of the complacent and overly confident conservative party. This parliament will not work and will dissolve within a year, another prediction.

Jo in Gtown

Hmmm ...Bob Rae as the next Liberal leader sounds good to me, it would give Conservatives a record majority as Ontario as the entire province would vote blue.

KJ in Kingston Ontario

The real question for the left is how do they resolve the vote-splitting dilemma when going further left than the Liberals have ever gone before only lost them support. Rightly or wrongly, Dion is going to take the blame for the failure to reach beyond the core Liberal voter who would still support a turnip – if it carried the Liberal colours. It was quite an achievement to even place second with policy nobody wanted. Harper and the country have a more serious problem: how to govern fairly when there’s a powerful regional interest Block in Quebec that shows no signs of ever reconciling with the rest of Canada.

Concerned Citizen

To Doug and MHB. The CTV is a biased network plain and simple. The reports are all Harper supporters. Any past taped interviews will bare that out....This is why I will no longer be a viewer of CTV news.

John Smith

Leave it to Bob Rae and the Liberals to "sugar-coat" this as a "victory." Your party LOST seats in this election and the weakness within the current Liberal leadership is blatantly obvious. How about taking a realistic approach: Instead of "reflecting" and taking a "feel good about ourselves" approach on this DEFEAT, actually ask yourselves some tough questions, decide whom and what policies are at fault, and correct them. Then hit the National media circuit with your new people and plan for the next couple of years, rebuild confidence in your Party, and then try to win an election (whether it be 2 or 4 years from now). This type of affirmative action is required by the Liberals now!

To PM Harper: Congratulations! And, thank you for providing the necessary equipment to the CF as it is keeping members of my family safe on their rotations in Afghanistan. Keep up the good work!

George

The CTV has Bob Rae on so much because he will make an attempt at the upcoming leadership of the liberal party. They also do it because all media are left leaning. This is obvious especially with the CBC.

We have a minority and it is up to all Canadians to write all of the leaders and tell them to get to work. Get off their rear ends and just get to work. Stop the bullying, stop the bickering and in short if they are so "intelligent" then they should realize that they are not children anymore.

fred in pickering.

The poor showing is more a result of having Bob Rae in your party.No one wanted any more rae days !

Rob

Bob Rae will say whatever is convenient to him in the moment. He is consumed by SELF and would be another gift to the CONS if the Libs choose him.

Jon in the Peg

For a party that said they were a group that would govern, not just a one man show like Harper, the Liberal party showed it's opportunism.

As the Liberals trashed the confidence in the economy in an attempt to grab votes (opportunism). So do the various bigwigs in the Liberal party wait and cheer on the demise of Dion because finally their time has come.

Looks like we will have another lengthy minority government, where there is no real opposition, but rather a farce. This farce will exist as Liberals are too broke to have a separate leadership event, and need to actually go back to the drawing board to figure out what they stand for... aka what will get us back into power.

Liberals showed "No Class"

The Liberals usual American type "slur and slander" campaign backfired.

Harper had all the class and Dion, Rae and Ignatieff acted like high school student council reps with their chanting of "lies" "hidden agenda" "scary" and attacks which were a BIG turnoff. Liberals don't know the difference between the truth or a lie anymore.

Canadians have rejected the Liberal brand and their message and their leadership. Time for a MAJOR house cleaning and attitude change.

sue

Can you just imagine Bob Rae running for Prime Minister..that would be a sad sad day, as it was he nearly destroyed Ontario, but the folks who are less fortunate and on welfare love him as he really robs the middle and upper class and gives money away freely. He has no idea how to run a province let alone a country. As much as I am a conservative I would hate to see him run for Prime Minister. We need new blood for the Liberals so the next election can be honest full of integrity and about platforms, not a game of who did what to whom. As for May I think she got what she deserved as a Leader does not use words like Stupid and Fraud in a national debate. And I too would like to know how she will stay at the head of the party since she doesnt even have a seat in Parliment. Time for a change there. Get rid of her and bring in someone who can use bigger words.

Dion is a smart, amicable, caring man, who has had a remarkable career in public service that shouldn't be slammed. He may have lacked the communication skills and charisma to be a party leader, but I don't think he deserves such harsh comments.

Dan

@Doug

I agree Doug, Bobby seems to be CTV's choice for Liberal Leader. Even before the elections and for sure during the election Bob Rae was front and center on CTV. Sometimes for more then 10 minutes at a time. Free advertising I guess?

Alberta Proud

It is good Quebec didn't support us because now we can go after them. We have done a good job of working against Ontario. We will make the West the power broker soon.

Phil

I don't see this as a victory for the Cons or a defeat for the Liberals. A few seats have changed hands and Quebec again votes in a fashion reflective of the general mood of the majority of voters in this country.(left of centre) Harper is down in the popular vote as I understand, so the prospect of him ever forming a majority are slim. The only losers here are the taxpayer to the tune of half a billion and any poor slob who thinks Harper will save his job in Ontario. I think Harper should consider quitting. This is three times he has tried for a majority and three failures.

PrairieDog

Congratulations Prime Minister Harper. Well, I think the Liberal Party is in very deep trouble. If there is a leader left in the Liberal Party, it is John Manley. He is the only person in that party that will bring their brand back to the centre. Bob the commie and Iggy the professor will not save the party. I would suggest to all those voting for a new leader, to stop voting with your feelings and good will...and start voting for a leader with a spine and real vission. Stop the huge social programs and be realistic. Bob, Iggy, Martha, Kennedy are all socialists. I hope Harper pushes through his entire agenda. Right now, the Liberals will not dare go to the polls any time soon. They'd be bankrupt.

thinkingofgoingex-pat

proudconservative needs his head checked. Did you see the same ads I did? Did you hear the same attacks I did? They had puffins pooping on him, attacked him for his hearing problem and for being French....I could go on...

Mike S

Personal message tot he Liberal party from a Liberal faithfull. WE NEED A LEADER. Please get Dion out. he has proven that he can't do the job. He failed badly in my books

Rob

I wrote a letter to my Conservative MP from my local riding today. I congratulated him on a clear victory and I told him there are many many duties he has to attend to as he serves me, a citizen in his riding. Just for laughs, I said, "while you're at it, try to keep Dion around Ottawa for as long as possible. He's great for the party and really makes Harper look good."

Marcel

The Liberal Party of Canada will have a new leader by next summer. Mr. Dion will do the best thing for his party and his country, he will resign. Mr. Harper and the Conservative will never get a majority government, because many Canadians still do not trust them.

A little humility needed

"Liberals are too broke to have a separate leadership event, and need to actually go back to the drawing board to figure out what they stand for... aka what will get us back into power."

Liberal politicians and supporters have this ENTITLEMENT ATTITUDE to power as if they deserve to be in power instead of earning the trust of Canadians.

Until Liberals truly humble themselves they won't be in government because their arrogance really is obnoxious to most Canadians.
If they don't humble themselves Canadians will make them eat humble pie next election.

Liberal in Southern Ontario

Only 58% of registerred voters showed up yesterday. Looks like Liberal voters, mostly in Ontario, were the ones who stayed home. With Harper controlling the media for a year and a half (advertising), and no response from the Liberals, did we really expect any different result? Not responding at all was a serious error in judgement, and Dion should go. The green shift was NOT the problem. People had such a negative opinion before the campaign started, that it didn't matter what policy he came out with...he wasn't going to win.

Dan

@TOM SHELLEY

I don't like it either. But Quebec has the right to vote for anybody they want. Eventually they will come back into the Canadian family and things will get better. Their voting and control of the federal results may cause other parts of Canada to jump on the "separate" band wagon. I know there is a strong movement out west. This latest results may cause them to get even stronger. This would play directly into the Blocs hands.

Kelly

Bob Rae as Liberal leader would guarntee a Conservative majority.

Bob needs to go jump in another lake.

Wade: I am quitting the Liberals for good

The Liberal party is so wacky now I quit so they can have whatever leader they want no longer my concern.

Jean Pierre in North Saanich , BC

OK - All you liberals who were elected - be honest to yourself and the people of Canada-
Mr Dion was given a chnace- and failed.
If he is a true liberal - he will step down now- If he does not party members will and should ask him to step aside- I left the Liberal party when he was elected leader and wish to return to the Liberals under a New leader.

Mickey

The Liberals need a young, charismatic, virtually unknown person to lead their party. I nominate Justin Trudeau!

I am glad the Conservatives did not get a majority. With a minority Harper will be kept in check. I do not trust a leader, who has to do all the talking for his TEAM and keeps his own Ministers from talking openly. How do we ever get to really know what the Conservative TEAM/PARTY are thinking. As for Dion he was just to unknown, timing for Carbon tax idea was wrong, and just not strong enough.

I for one is very happy of the outcome.
Now I predict that Harper will not be around for another election. He will be the same PM as before. He is what he is, and if he tries to change for the sake of change he will fail and be miserable. He will quit.
Dion maybe a good person. He does not translate as a viable leader.
Duceppe he will leave because he has enough of this stupid charade of the Bloc.
Layton, three strikes and you are out. With different party leaders representing the other parties Mr. Layton will not shine.
What I would like to see is a complete overhaul of political leaders. New faces and new aspirations. These guys have been around too long.

Shamaro

Mr. Dion in my opinion is a fine human being, a really good man.

However, the Liberal Party made a huge mistake, when they elected him to lead their party.

For one, he does not have the leadership qualities that it takes to lead this country, at least he doesn't come across as one who has that potential.

I'm sure the Liberal insiders would all say I'm wrong, but as an every day, lunch box toting joe, his perception comes across to me as someone who is weak as a leader and as someone who cannot communicate very well with me, who just so happens cannot understand his english very well.

I mean, I have no problem that he's French Canadian, heck my mother is French Canadian and I'm proud of that part of my heritage.

But if I were the Liberal party, I would start looking for someone who can speak to all Canadians. French, English, New Canadians, Inuit etc. so we can have a clearer undertanding of who they are, as well a platform that we can all understand as well. That would help.

francis fox

correct me if i am wrong but didnt mr harper go to the governer general and ask her to disolve parlament.throwing canada into another federal election.and he is right back to where he stated from but he wasted canada's time and 2.9 million dollars what a waste of time and money.

How to Make Canada the Best Place

Marcel : The reason Mr Harper didnt get a majority wasnt that Canadians dont trust him, its that Quebec is allowed is have their own leader running in a federal election when he doesnt represent all of Canada. That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen. As it was already stated maybe all provinces should be allowed to do the same thing. He only represents one province. People of Ontario are blind to the Liberals and have been for some time. When you look at the scale and see that the richest provinces in Canada are the Western provinces and the poorest are represented by the Liberals what does that say. If people were smarter they would see that. Unfortunately Ontario has become over run with alot of refugees and famillies on welfare who want all the socialist ideas and social programs so they still want the Liberals. Want many in Ontario dont understand is that the Liberals steal from the rich to give to the poor and Western Canada doesnt support that anymore. Thank god as I live in Ontario and will do my best to make others see that in the upcoming months. All it takes is one person at a time to turn things around, and Although the Conservatives did better this time in Ontario we have a way to go. Lets make this the best place in the world to live and help our government do that.

phauser

I said it early on 140 seats is a virtual majority and that fact rings true today.

The defeat of the Carbon Shaft and the drubbing Dion took is only the beginning.

How can this party once again sit on it's hands or even work with the government and be seen as a contender next round?

If I'm Dion I am jumping before I get pushed but the Liberals have bigger problems.

Where are they going to get the money to pay off their debt while leadership hopefuls from last time are still sucking their own supporters dry to pay their own debts?

People seem to forget that when Martin stepped down for some time they couldn't convince ANYONE to run.

Rae, Ignatieff and Dion were 3rd and 4th choice at best.

Their only hope is to give the reigns to the Harvard professor Ignatieff and forego the leadership mess.

I am not sure Ignatieff can pull it off but that is their only real hope. Ontario's Liberal woes last night have to be pinned partially on his college buddy Bob Rae. We have long memories and Rae is more stridently to the left then when in power.

Get back to the middle ground, even slightly to the right or opposition will look like a BIG prize in a few years.

Hmmmmmmm

To Francis Fox: Mr Harper only desovled parliment because he was continually threatened by Mr Dion that he was going to topple the minority governement that was in place. So in saying that Mr Harper took the only steps he could by taking the reins out of mr Dions hands and being a leader and calling the election himself.

And to the person who wants Justin Trudeau at the helm. I dont think Canada will fall for him as too many have bad feelings about his father and how he opened the flood gates and left his country in total disorder and with a deficit of more than 128 billion. The western provinces would really go all blue if that happened.

one country

I have to wonder, as much as I completely support the Liberals, unless Dion is replaced by Ralph Goodale will the west ever listen? We are a country that has representation everywhere, but many people from the west feel isolated. This is ONE country, and comments about Quebec are as ridiculous as those from the west. Lets all play together in the sandbox people. Remember, it was the Liberals who stood up against the separatists. Lets not go that root again, please. Congratulations Mr. Harper, lets keep you at on a short leash for the next few years, until the Liberals find someone who is better equipped to hold his/her own to you.

Franko

Let's not forget what Mr. Rae did to Ontario when he was an NDP Premier, before he changed horses.

APC

Greetings from Montreal, well at least the conservatives kept the seats they had +-1. I have voted for the PC in the last 3 elections. Dont worry western Canada...we are getting there!

Rich Mann

I agree with Bluenose! Dead on the money. If Quebec wants the Bloc (read: separation)so badly then let the rest of Canada decide if they should stay or go along with their share of the national debt. I am sick and tired of our country being controlled by the wants and never ending needs of one province. Either join in with the rest of Canada or leave, real simple.

Walter Green

What I love about you Liberals is your constant assertion that if we only had a different leader we would automatically defeat Harper because we are the Liberals. Well you had Paul Martin and Harper beat him, you had Stephan Dion and he too has gone down to defeat. Now let me guess Bob Rae? Oh please choose Bob Rae as your next leader, please! If you think 76 seats was bad, wait until the Liberals win 35 seats with Bob Rae. Every single Ontarian remembers well Rae's time as premier, don't forget Liberal's he was known as "Knob Rae." Bring it on, round 3!!

Narin

The Liberals deserve to lose that way. They didn't choose the right leader at the Convention. I was asking what the hell why they didn't choose Bob Rae for leader.

Liberal Supporter.

I'm sad but not surprised by the nature of the comments here. Canadians are finally revealed as the bitter, spiteful, ugly people they are. I feel that my fellow citizens were motivated more by vengefulness than logic and reason in this election and it makes me physically ill. Don't be surprised when the country has gone to hell at the hands of Stephen Harper.

CDM

Congrats Harper and the Conservatives. If it wasn't for the fake arts cuts uproar and the timing of the stock market panic, you probably would have had your majority.

"A minority government will keep Mr. Harper under control"

Not likely. Harper governed like he had a majority before and he will again. He will put his legislative agenda before the house and dare the other parties to throw him out. The Liberals will be in another leadership race, broke and rudderless again, so they will vote with Harper or start abstaining again.

I find it laughable that the top 2 picks to replace Dion for the next go around is a former NDP premier that devastated Ontario and a guy who, until 2005, hasn't even lived in Canada since 1978.

Judy

I for one am glad its over, and the right man was elected to run the country, now lets hope that the other parties will work with him to the best of the country instead of fighting....lets grow up boys and work together....we certainly don't want to go through this again..

Michael

Shamaro:
"Mr. Dion in my opinion is a fine human being, a really good man."

Fine human beings don't go around saying the Prime Minister of Canada is a LIAR repeatedly for weeks showing contempt and disprespect for the office of Prime Minister as he did. He also said he was the only one telling the truth - hardly a humble man in my estimation. Mr. Dion is what he is.

Dion should have stayed in school where he belongs. he failed the environment portfolio under Chretien.

Dion, Rae, Ignatieff, Hall Findlay and Kennedy turned the Liberal party into a socialist party like the NDP.

Lesson #1 - Canadians are not socialists... never have been never will be.

Move Along

Bob Rae is still the same person he justs chose to go to a team of a different colour. He still has no idea how to a province let alone the country. He is one of the reasons the Liberals did so poorly. Too bad the people in his riding voted him in. Guess they were the ones who decided lets vote Red just to stop a majority. The didnt realize what they were doing. To Bob I say this...its time for you and your ideas to leave politics. We have no room for someone who wants to bankrupt and really destroy Canada as you did to Ontario. As much as I dont like Mr McGuinty for messing with the healthcare system and removing certain aspects of it, the damage would have been far worse if that had been Bob Rae. So Mr Rae pack and move along. I hear there are jobs south of the border why not try there.

Don't worry liberals, your prince Trudeau is on his way. Then you can have the socialist country you've always dreamed of. Like Cuba...or Bulgaria...or Albania...or...etc.

John (aka I sat out this election)

Well the fat lady has sung. Now it's time for both the Conservatives and the Liberalsto step back and realizethey can't win a majority unless they have a new leader. Both leaders have alienated the voters. It's sad when "no one" gets 41% of the voters and the party elected only manages 22%. Therefore the "No ONE" vote doubled our PMs vote. Sad indeed, I would boast that Canadian gave anyone a strong mandate. Once again we failed to find a leader who can unite thiscountry. All the today leaders have learned from the US to pit one group against the other, one Privince against another and to focus on attack ads not a debate of the issues. Please new leadership is a must for the Conservatives and the Liberals. I gues for once I was with the majority who voted "No Name".

Connie

Rae is interviewed because he makes himself available. It may be a new concept for the Tory supporters.

Alain

All you people complaining about the way Quebec voted don't realize that a lot of non seperatist people voted for the Bloc like I did just to make sure that Harper did not get a majority. What choice did we have? Layton is dangerous Dion is not a leader and Harper is just to far to the right. Also the seperatist movement in Quebec is not that strong anymore that is why the ADQ is the official opposition and not the seperatist. The Quebec people, English or French, are just proud of their culture and their Province.

Bitterness unwarranted

Liberal Supporter:
You are really just describing yourself. Canadians voted with their eyes wide open and refuted your party and sent them packing.

To suggest Harper will do a bad job is YOUR BITTERNESS and misguided spin. Harper has already shown he is a good leader which is why today he is again our Prime Minister.

We trust Harper
We're glad to have him as PM
We're confident in Harper

Liberal supporters need to realize there are others in this world besides themselves who have opinions that differ as to how the world should be run. Deal with it and grow up!

Reece

@CDM: Harper is under a very tight leash this time around - he actually lost bigger than you care to imagine. If you read the other article on CTV you'll appreciate that better.

Harper had 3 chances and he blew all of them. To characterize this as a BIG WIN is a huge stretch. Ask the large majority of Canadians who voted for anyone but Harper how they feel & they'll say the same: Harper is under control & he will answer to the left. You say he won? Fine. Let's just say that & end the squabbling. You win...yaay harper!!

Mark

Ladies and gentelemen, that noise you hear is the Canadian economy grinding to stop if that Socialist Bob Rae EVER got in a position of power again.

God help us if that were to happen-I've not forgotten the last time Ontario made that mistake. Deficit to $23 billion-in one province.

Try to imagine the disaster that this man would be to our Country!!!!!!!!

JD in Alberta

To Mickey,

The last this Canada needs is another Trudeau. The last one almost destroyed Western Canada, for the sake of the east. P.E.T. is the reason you will NEVER see a Liberal elected in Alberta. If you want to see a real separation movement in the west; having J.Trudeau as the leader of this country
would seal the deal.

The liberals biggest problem is the arrogance and contempt they show to the west. They never have or ever will understand Western Canadians.

Tory blue, or an independent Alberta nation, either way I'm happy.

Susan From Toronto

All I can say is this....with another election over the media no longer has to compete for viewers. If everyone had to vote on a fact based system, and not on what the media tells you who is right or wrong, it may then be a different outcome. We should be able to vote by knowing who kept promises and if they didnt why, who helped the economy or did their best, who stimluated job growth and how has any leader helped the average canadian family. Only then will you get a fair and unbiast vote. Most vote on what they hear from the media and the leaders know this so they use it to their advantage. Its not fair but that is the way its done. I didnt listen to all the garbage that the media spewed out as most was not on what the leaders could and have done but on what they said about the other party and that is not what i wanted to hear. I read all platforms and made an informed decision. I didnt want to pay more in taxes when the rest of world, especially China isnt helping in the environment. It takes everyone to help not just us, so to raise taxes here only gives the Liberals more money to waste on social programs that generally arent used by all. We have the freedom to vote and I did it wisely. The Liberals need to find a way to help out all Canadians without raising the already large taxes. They need to change how they spend and realize that you dont get 2 bank loans and a new car when you are unemployed. You work and live within your means.

Colin

"Ask the large majority of Canadians who voted for anyone but Harper how they feel & they'll say the same: Harper is under control & he will answer to the left."

Oh yeah just like he was the first time around. That's hillarious. So this this time the oppostion is going to stand up to him and force another election? Give your head a shake. Anything to make the left feel better I guess.

Your Not Sounding too Happy

Reece: You sound a littel bitter about Mr Harper winning. He didnt lose he actually gained seats and yes I have read it all. Too bad the Libs lost more seats. Maybe they will put someone forward who can actually have a little vision and not just a tax grab. Harper didnt get a majority due to Quebec. And that is the only reason. I guess you wanted to pay more in taxes and not know what was being done with it. OH thats right Mr Dion said it was going straight to Welfare and Socail programs. Oh well I prefer to have the money in my pocket to help stimulate the economy..think I'll go and buy something fun since I know I wont have a carbon tax heading this way I can relax a little bit. Have a great day all. Oh and BTW Way to go mr Harper

Prof. Pye Chartt

Oh, sure, Liberals, "Progressives" and the Media didn't want to hear it way back then, but, those of us with more than an ounce of political common sense (a tip of the hat to CTV veteran Tom Clark) knew that Dion was doomed immediately following his party's leadership convention.

His campaign amounted to a rather sad and pathetic ride of false hope; policies and language issues aside. Rae and Ignatieff had Dion's demise in their pocket notes from the very beginning.

Watching the Media play-up the possibility of a Harper majority weeks ago, only to demonize the PM and dramatize the impending upward poll gains of Dion, as if he actually had a shot at winning, made this election race a mild farce to behold.

Speaking of farces, Elizabeth May and the Green Party proved last night what many sane Canadians already believed: she/they never belonged at the table and were given an undue gift by bleeding hearts.

The worst news, for all Canadians, was that the election spawned a record for lowest voter turnout.

Congratulations to Ontarians for shaking off the "Big, Bad Harper And His Mean, Uncaring Conservatives" nonsense. A shake of the head to Toronto, for still stubbornly maintaining its socialist fortress.

After repeatedly saying, "I love this country!" now it's time for Dion to work with Harper to manage Canada in the best interests of its citizens. Good luck, folks!

Phil

I find it interesting that Stephane Dion's little moment on CTV live with Roger Smith last night didn't get picked up with other media. If this was Stephen Harper, the media would have been all over this. For those who missed it, Dion was walking in the Convention Centre and didn't want to talk to CTV's Roger Smith even had his RCMP push the reporter out of the way and then said he didn,t want to speak "especially to the CTV"! Odd that CTV didn't show this over and over and over like they did with Harper when he had put aside the media. Who said Canada's media is a liberal media!!!!!

HUGE WASTE OF TAXPAYER MONEY

NL and PQ voters showed the only real intelligence this election.. how the majority did'nt see through this cynical waste of money of an election I cannot understand. Over $300 million for a few additional seats for Harper. Perhaps this too should be treated as the Conservative's sponsorship scandal. They should pay for it!.. why should the taxpayer??!

Jim in Edmonton

I'm sure Mr. Dion is a nice person, an honorable person. Canadian citizens didn't buy into his plan. He is no leader and has no vision. Don't feel bad for Mr. Dion, he will still collect his six figure income and his gold plated pension, unlike the most of us. Poor job.

K D

Unfortunately I think the conservatives have shot themselves in the foot. The liberals never planned on doing well in this election. They are setting themselves up for a win in the next election. Harper has helped the liberals by proving that Dion is not a leader. Once the liberals get Manley or Goodale in there then it will be a very close race.

John

Dion is a loser. His snub of CTV was simply rude and shows he's not only a loser, but a poor loser at that. Good riddance!

CDM

Reece:

You can believe what you want but I am only speaking from historical fact. The BLOC and NDP combined don't have enough seats to defeat the Conservatives and the Liberals are broke and heading for another leadership race again. Over the last 2+ years, this exact same dynamic resulted in the Liberals abstaining 43 times.

"Ask the large majority of Canadians who voted for anyone but Harper"

That's a lame arguement. In our FPTP system, that's how it is. The majority didn't vote for Martin or Chretien either but the latter got 3 majorities with a minority of the popular vote.

Green is out

We don't need a Green Party.

The Conservatives, NDP and Liberals all have environmental plans to deal with air pollution, water pollution. While they differ on the how and that will change in a minority Parliament the Green party is now a redundant political entity in Canada.

The Greens 15 minutes of fame is over. They should NOT be permitted in future leaders debates unless the CHP and other parties are also allowed.

Alan in Toronto

I am not a Liberal.

I thought Ingatieff's comments were intelligent, measured, and worthwhile.

On the other hand, Rae's behavior was completely unprofessional and unhelpful. While the world is reeling from economic turmoil all Rae could do was imply some nightmerish scenario where a shaken and battered Liberal team would gather the NDPs and Bloc to form a coalition of the divisive.

For a Rhodes scholar, Rae exhibited no leadership, no grace, and frankly, no intelligence. No wonder he almost bankrupted Ontario.

For the good of the country, PLEASE get rid of this has-been.

Pam in Waterloo

I don't know what is more frightening:

Bob Rae, former NDP and worst premier of Ontario EVER, possibly as Prime Minister...

or Michael Ignatieff, really, really scary guy who hasn't lived in Canada for 20 years, as Prime Minister...

or Gerrard kennedy, bleeding heart socialist, former food bank director as prime minister...

With all of that to look forward to...MAY STEPHEN HARPER BE PM FOREVER!!!!

Bob from AB

The Bloc(k)is NOT a national party and does NOT deserve national coverage by any of our national networks AND they certainly should never have a seat at any national leaders debate.

Randy

The reason the Conservatives didn't get their majority wasn't the Liberals, it was that separatist party from Quebec! Which by the way, would someone please explain to me how a separatist party from Quebec, who only represents the interests of Quebec, get to play on the Federal level? I agree with the comments that say goodbye to Quebec.

The Libs need another Trudeau. None of the other possible liberal leaders get me excited at all. It's hard to imagine that Mr. Personality (Stephen Harper) is still PM.

Reece

To the dude who said I sounded
"bitter" - I didn't even VOTE!
I was at home preparing turkey sandwiches for my work week. I win because we don't get the Green Shift thingy, and I win because Harper doesn't unleash his hidden agenda on you or anybody else in this country. What's happened now that the liberals lost seats is the fact that they can defeat Harper passing any bill without the pesky "confidence vote" issue. So, we lost a few seats yet we won more power. How's that for Canadian poltics for you? Bitter? Harper is now handcuffed, and Obama is soaring in the polls. I can't be bitter.

You Didnt Catch This????

Yes HUGE WASTE OF TAXPYER MONEY..it was unfortunate that Mr Haper had to call an election but if Mr Dion hadnt THREATENED him continually and had tried to work with the government instead of against them, then I dont think he would have called one. But if all you hear in parliment is you did this and that and I am going to call an election then Mr Harper had no choice. Didnt you not hear that at the begiinning of the election or did you miss that part of the media coverage. Oh well Mr Dion defeated himself with all his threats to topple a minority govenrnment and now they are broke and they cant implement the Carbon Tax to have more of our money to spend on what ever they want. The should learn to budget like we all have to and then they wouldnt be in this position.

CC-western Canada

I see the attitude of "entitlement" is still loud and clear. Unreal. I suggest that the Liberals start to look at themselves as one of two partys that can govern this country. Not the rightful owners that are simply on vacation. The arrogance stinks. Even in humiliating defeat, it isn't their fault. This will only serve to keep the Liberal Party in oppostion for a long time. Personally, I am quite fine with that prospect. Congrats to all MP's and the Prime Minister!

Judy Cormier Thunder Bay

What is wrong with us that we can't elect a decent honest man with ideas and courage.
I really liked Mr Dion and am so sorry he didn't do better.
Also.. why didn't the Liberal candidate in Thunder Bay- Rainy River even try???? The NDP ran a strong campaign and finally after 3 tries beat him.

trunorth

Jon in the Peg - "what will get us back in power" That's what it's all about with the Liberals, isn't it? Power! To hell with what is best for Canadians. Trash Prime Minister Harper (that title has such a nice ring to it) all you like, but he and the Conservatives have shown that they are the best to guide us through the difficult economic times ahead. Thank God Canadians were smart enough to reject the lefties and their disasterous agendas which would have ruined Canada for years to come. Too bad about .... Quebec. Had it not been for them, Mr. Harper would have received the mandate to really govern this country without the inevitable hinderance of the self-centered left. ...

MHB

To Huge Loss of TaxPayers Money: I fully agree with you. Mr. Harper made us go to elections and pay 300 millions for winning few extra seats for his party. I suggest that these 300 millions be divided on the number of new Conservative MPs and they should refund it!. May be if we do this, Mr. Harper would feel a little bit hesitant to call an early election next time!.

IronMan

What a joke this country is,when you have to vote for a separatist party ( which I did)so that that the oil Barons and the Bush puppet boy does not not destroy what is left of this country. Yes, Harper, we will go into Iraq, we will give the oil ceo s more money, we will make the middle class pay, we will have medicare for the rich and the poor, and all those that voted for you that have jobs now and wont in the future who are they going to come begging for help? Certainly not Harper and the REFORM Party, perhaps Mulroeny? I am begining to think that Quebec may be better off alone.

K Friedl

Have To Agree , Get That Party Out Of Quebec ,They Do Not Represent Canada And Should Never Been Allowed To Vote, I Say Let Them Go And Good Riddance, As For Dion ?
Who Cares , Back To France With Him ty

Trudeau socialism raises its head again

It's going to be fun to watch Liberals reach out to crown their new boy king Justin Trudeau son of the disliked Pierre Trudeau who brought us that terrible socialist document the "Charter of Rights and Freedoms" which opened the door to the destruction of our traditional Canadian family values.

Anyone who thinks Canadians are going to give this refaced Trudeau socialist a free ride better think again. He raises his head and pontificates just like his father did but its the same socialist leftist message.

Peter in Ottawa

IMO Stephane Dion, not Stephen Harper, was the one who ran the most despicable campaign.

If Canadians want to see the worst-ever example of personal attack politics they need not look any further than Mr. Dion, who denegrated the personality of Harper at every speaking opportunity.

Unlike Harper, who attacked Dion's capability, Dion chose to instead attack the person, using terms like "liar" 20 times/speech, and who tried to tell us Mr Haper doesn't care about Canada or Canadians.

Somehow Dion surivives this behavior with priase as being an honest lovable person with the greatest of puristic intentions.

What I saw was a despicable and sustained personal character assassination the likes of which have never been approached in Canadian politics.

Dion should exit with the shame he deserves.

Andy

Right back where we started. What a huge waste of money time and effort.

Sarah

Serves the Liberal Party right for rejecting Michael Ignatieff.

Proud Canadian-Not so proud voter!!

Well..I lost my vote...I wrote Frank McKenna's name in and placed a circle with an X beside it. I couldn't find a party/leader I wanted to vote for on the list!!
PLEASE Frankie Baby, we need your real, no BS, respectful,proud Canadian leadership in Ottawa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Peter

To Judy Cormier: we did elect a Prime Minister with courage, honesty and ideas. I like Mr. Dion too but I am glad that he will have to step down. He too is honest, has ideas and is courageous to; well as best as any politician is. In fact I would not hesitate to say that most if not all the MP's that got elected yesterday would fit those criteria. Where were you?

gd from ab

How can you vote for dion when he sounds like fossie bear from the muppets

Perspective required.

The reality here against all this left wing backdrop on your bulletin board, is that more people voted for the conservatives than any other party. I think the media should respect that.

As far as regional parties, how long now do you think it will be before there is a Bloc Alberta? Or a Bloc Newfoundland when their new oil comes on line? I can see a redrawing of what confederation is coming with this blind allegiance to regional parties. So much for Stephen Harper recognizing the "Quebec nation".

Warped thinking?!

Judy Cormier Thunder Bay
"What is wrong with us that we can't elect a decent honest man with ideas and courage."

Judy, we Conservatives voted for exactly that decent honest man with courage and ideas. His name is the Right Honorable Stephen Harper Prime Minister of Canada.

Comments like these are Liberal arrogance in the face of a sound defeat where Liberals lost ground virtually every region in Canada.

Canadins rejected the Liberal brand. What about that do Liberal supporters not understand?

We Tories had enough defeats of our own. It's time Liberals understood you have to EARN the priveledge to govern its not an automatic RIGHT just because you are called Liberals.

Robert Brise

Left Field

Well Mr Dion its been,so so,to know you.
Bob R. what now the lefties have lost do you go back to your old roots, and Taliban Jack do you jump on Chicken little and finally go away? Or Not? Mr Duceppe what ever happenned to your Seperatist agenda, Oh that's right it doesn't propel the PQ that well anymore.

Acroyear

to: HUGE WASTE OF TAXPAYER MONEY
...how the majority did'nt see through this cynical waste of money of an election I cannot understand....

I think they did actually...this was the lowest voter turn out in Canadian history.

I voted, but for once I can't gripe at those who didn't.

What choices were the major parties actually offering us? Wasn't a one of 'em I'd vote for to run the local SPCA! I stuck a bunch of Bozo the Clown stickers on my ballot and checked them all off...hope the guy who had to toss it in the spoiled pile got a laugh over it.

Shame on Dion & Liberal party 'war room'

"What I saw was a despicable and sustained personal character assassination the likes of which have never been approached in Canadian politics.

Dion should exit with the shame he deserves."

Exactly, I agree 110%.

J.C.

To Concerned Citizen:
I don't know why you think CTV was biased and in favour of the conservatives in its broadcasting since most of the attack ads I saw were Jack Laytons. His ads were driving me crazy. I just got so sick of them. I saw some with the Conservatives and a few of the Liberals but there is no doubt in my mind that the NDP ads must have cost them a fortune. Believe me, they were really getting on my nerves with their attacks especially on CKCO.

bruce nicolson

I agree with a lot of the comments about the Bloc.It,s time we took a serious look at thier involvement in our federal system.Allegience to Canada is not too much to ask of our Federal MPs.Havinf 50 MPs in the house that care only about what,s good for Quebec is just not right!
As far as Dion goes,he lost it with his green shift which would have placed a real burden on job producing industries at a time when they are struggling already.Remember,Rae and Iggy supported this.Until they renounce this plan they are toast.Canadians will do thier part on climate change but should be insented not punished along the way.
The PM is the only leader who look at this from the broader perspective and protect our economy while we develope the technology to improve our environment.

Ontario - George

I said it before and I'll say it again. If we wanted to pick up seats then Bob Rae should have been the leader. Hopefully this time our party will correct their mistake and choose him to lead us in May. Michael Ignatieff is a good MP but come with too much baggage from being away from the country for so many years to be our leader.

Mel P poco

Dion finished the race as "human being"...what did he start as?...poor way of titling a story....let's see I started off as a puppy this morning but worked my way up to a being human after coffee....

by the way, the West is tired of Quebec Prime Ministers anyway

bob the weasel rae.

Bob ( The Weasel ) Rae.

A Gordon

Dion reminds me of Joe Clark. Joe Clark had some good ideas but there is a time and place for everything and if you don`t get it right and it doesn`t catch on with the public you are out. So much for his Carbon tax.

Kay

THANK GOD Harper only got a minority or we'd all be sorry soon enough....we may be sorry anyway....

KMC, Markham, Ontario

There has been much talk about a "coalition of the Left" to gain power against "the Right", but it seems to me that any "coalitions" should be formed as a coalition of the four Federalist parties against the Bloc. That is to say, an agreement between the four Federalist parties, regardless of their political stripe, to cease pandering to Quebec, let Duceppe scream and protest all he wants, but do not accede to his demands. In other words, isolate the Bloc. This would, of course result in a sweep, of Quebec, by the Bloc, for a few elections, but sooner, or later Quebecers would realise that the Bloc cannot truly represent their interests, in Ottawa. It would require full cooperation of all of the Federalist parties; an unlikely scenario, I agree and just wishful thinking I suppose, but it would remedy the Quebec/Bloc situation. Just a thought.

Prof. Pye Chartt

@ "Reece":

"I didn't even VOTE! I was at home preparing turkey sandwiches for my work week. I win because..."

No question, Reece, you're a real winner. Anyone bragging about not voting and then shoveling their two cents upon those who did the very next morning is quite special and endearing.

Sorry. You don't deserve to be listened to, my friend.

From Afar

Cement headed Ontario which always knee-jerk votes Liberal has finally awakened to see the pork barrel empty and the grotesquely bloated bellies of the Quebec and Ontario liberals of the past and present. When you lose your moral compass you end up electing party leaders who can't speak the language of the country they want to infest and do cheesy things like name their pet dog after a foreign city. Let's hope he or someone like him (e.g. Bob Rae, Michael Ig - whatever) remains the Liberal leadership. They deserve it.

Faye,Calgary

We as Canadian's better get use to voting often as is done in Italy. We have too many parties fracturing the vote. We will not have a majority as long as Quebec is allowed a party that represents themselves only. (Shouldn't that be a provincial party) Quebec has too many seats that take away any chance of the rest of Canada getting a majority govt.
Canadians have no problem with the idea of them keeping their culture etc. but if the Bloc wants to be a Federal party it should have to run a canidate in all 308 ridings to make it a national party.
I want to see all Canadians get a fair representation.

Faye,Calgary

al from calgary

My Spin ON This

May: Yay no more May, and we won't hve to listen to her in the next debate as she has no seats.

Layton: It will be funny listening to Layton if Obama wins in the US. Will he be calling Harper Obama lite or will he now be saying what a great country the US is and how we have to have closer ties with them.

Duceppe: If Quebec wants to go let them along with their share of the debt, rip up all contracts (ie their hydro rip off of NL) no more transfer payments, 5 billion a year saved for bilingulism, they can pay for their own social programs, in this scenerio they will be back on their hands and knees in a few years begging us to take them back and then we can set our own terms for them.

Dion: When he went to bed he probably heard this song on the radio, "They smile in your face...the BACKSTABERS"

Harper: As Bum Phillips once said, last election they were at the door of getting a majority, this election they are knocking on the door, and in the next election they will kick that door down.

Concerned Canadian

I thought Dion did a great job he has the heart for Canada and wants Canada to stay Canada!
I would rather elect someone who cares about us canadians like layton,dion than elect someone who is trying to turn us into Little America as many have called this country. What happened to the heart of Canada?
I do believe Dion is a good person with a caring heart but do believe to govern the liberals he needs to step down and we need to find someone who has the same heart but stronger following. Where's Paul Martin when you need him I like him.

Mark Jacques

Dion may be a neat guy who pays his taxes, doesn't beat his wife, etc., but you don't expect a politician to blow it the way Dion mangled his English interview. One recalls BC NDP politician Bob Skelly's meltdown about 20 years ago, which was the end of his career.

Dion reminds me of the guy in some repair depot where you spend 5 minutes explaining to him what is wrong with your computer/VCR/DVD player or whatever, getting this deer-in-the-headlights look, only to be told "OK, come back, I fix!"

Pon Lanka, Toronto.

Congratulations Mr. Harper. You could carry on possibly for four more years or until you deem fit to seek another election.

Linda

I feel that Mr Rae was maybe listening to another election - not the one here. Mr Dion called Mr. Harper many names, many times a day as did Mr Layton. That is not the style of true statesmen - that is the style of desparate people knowing that they don't have a clue and only after the seat and the title - not the work that comes with it. And, you Mr Rae are really just a closet NDP who won't come out. Mr. Harper was the one who took the high road in this election for the most part - I will admit there were times when he didn't but if you HONESTLY compared you would find that the low road was taken by the opposition parties. Maybe you should take a look inside the Liberal party and in the mirror for the reasons for the disaster of yesterday. It's time that you and your party faced the truth, admitted it and quit blaming everyone else around you. It's time to grow up and take some responsiblity instead of passing the buck. That could also be a reason that you didn't win - people get tired of whiners in a hurry.

Acroyear

To Warped thinking?!
"It's time Liberals understood you have to EARN the priveledge to govern its not an automatic RIGHT just because you are called Liberals."

I am a Liberal, and I agree, at least in the sentiment.

The "professionals" who have seized my party have contempt for ME as well, not just for you conservatives. They feel they are smarter, better trained, better educated and have some natural right to govern the party (not just Canada) and that they don't even really have to explain anything to anyone because well, we Johnny Six Packs aren't smart enough to understand in the first place.

They have completely lost touch with the ordinary Canuck, which is why we lost, and why we DESERVED to loose.

I just hope the party understands that and concentrates on why we lost and not why Harper didn't...and there is a huge difference between the two.

Sorry, I know you like Harper, and fair enough, but it wasn't he who won, it was Dion and his cadre who lost, and the sooner we get rid of them and rebuild a real left of center Liberal Party, the sooner us REAL Liberals, your Conservatives and the rest of Canada's parties can have a REAL election with clear choices and SOMEBODY can get a majority that they deserve.

Vince M

The influence of the Bloc, a separatest party, on a federal election tells me it is time for the Rest of Canada to have a vote on whether we want Quebec anymore. We simply can no longer be pandering to a province that doesn't know if they want to be in a relationship but will "live in the house" yet "date other people" until they make up their minds.

George from Winnipeg

Mr. Dion fought the political battle and lost, but won as a person who puts the welfare of the people first. We will see if Mr. Harper will put the welfare of the people first. He should be consulting the other parties, labour, business and the non-profit sector about the economy. It will not be easy for Mr. Harper, as his style of management is autocratic. Autocrats stifle creativity and innovation and treat people unfairly who disagree with them.Mr. Harper has to remember he has a minority, and should be consulting, not dictating. He and his administration are to serve the people, not the U.S. or big business interests.

Jayson

lets follow in TRUE liberal tradition. EAT THE LEADER FOR LUNCH.

He failed, he's out.

why not just give the job to Justin T right now.

I voted NDP only becasue the rest of the parites candidates in my area were painfully dull.

Shannon

To have better election campaigns:

1. Keep people like Miss May out of the debate. This just resulted in chatter and did nothing to provide a more informed debate.

2. Provide a Quebec debate for all those competing in Quebec. BUT, do NOT permit Ducette in a national televied debate. This gives him stature he does not deserve. By his own words, Ducette will NEVER become the PM. Why include anyone in a National Leader's debate who will never become the national leader?

3. Ask Liberla supporters to please refrain a condescending and all-knowing tendency to evaluate the physical characteristics, mental prowess, intentions, personality, or demeanor of anyone but their own leaders. They scream bloody murder when anyone comments on their leaders, but know no bounds to their own critiques.

While I did not like Dion's Carbon Tax (Canadians do not want more taxes, and there is no such thing as "revenue neutral") Dion himself did a good job during the campaign.

I would like to know why we allow a separatist party like the Bloc Quebecois to run in a federal election. It simply fosters regional interests and if a party does not have candidates in at least 8 of the provinces/territories they should not be permitted to run in a national election. The Bloc will continue to divide the country and encourage minority governments.

We need electoral reform - before the next election in 2 years!

Matty

US has one too few parties in their system and Canada has Two too many. Independants for US President just get in the way and can upset the balance in a few areas for the good of the whole.

A party (existing or new in future) should be truly Federal in scope - running a candidate in each riding or at least in a minimum of 50% of each of the provincial ridings to qualify for being in Federal Elections.

No minority group should potentially be able to hold the total country hostage. Maybe seperation is a good option for both groups.

Independants, they also get in the way for the betterment of the whole. An independant has NO true impact for their consituance after the election in our system, so a wasted seat.

Larry, Vanciuver

Can you imagine Justin Trudeau ever becoming Prime Minister? His head would grow to the size of his ego, so much so he would insist Canadians call him Your Immense! I just woke up from a horrible dream...

Anybody but another Trudeau!

Sarah

As Canadians and environment destroyers we need to start paying the price for what we do to opur enviroment. We are all guilty for destroying our environment.

Jack - AB

Dion has to step down! His english is very weak and his carbon tax idea lost him votes and the election. The Liberals badly need a better leader but NOT Bob Rae. Ignatieff or Kennedy might be good choices for next leader.

Our election system is flawed and it really bothers me. Harper received 38% of the National Vote - yet he was given 143 seats which works out to 46%. This also shows that 62% voted against Harper but because of vote splitting Harper was able to capture extra ridings giving him an unfair advantage. It is crazy how we still use an election system based off the USA which is meant for and gives fair results only when used with 2 National parties. Proportional representation is the only FAIR way in a multi-party system like Canada's.

May did a great job overall with 32% but I knew she would likely lose. She had to get almost ALL of the NDP vote in order to overtake MacKay which was very hard because of NDP loyalist voters. Central Nova clearly shows where Green & NDP split the left vote allowing the Tories to win the riding with 47%.

Scott - Thorold ON

The Conservatives did to Dion exactly what the Libs did to Stockwell Day. They Tagged and Bagged him right out of the gate. Both are "nice" guys and Human Beings, but that is the arena of politics.
What's next? For the Libs sake it better not be Rae or Ignatieff, both will suffer the same fate - both too easy to tag and bag. They need to get the likes of John Manley, Brian Tobin and Frank McKenna back into politcs and put together a right of centre election platform that Canadians who earn a pay cheque will embrace. Meanwhile, Harper will operate our Country in a steady, smart fashion. Last night was a good result.

Scott in Truro, NS

Dion guided the Liberal party to an already crowded far left of center. We now have one party on the right (where about 35%-40% of Canadians are) and four parties on the left (splitting the remaining 60%). If the Liberals stay on the far left with Rae or Ignatieff, they'll continue to limp along with 25% in every election. If they pick someone in the middle, like Manley or McKenna, they'll be back in power in no time. That's where most Canadians are - in the middle.

CDM

"Harper doesn't unleash his hidden agenda"

Ahh, the tired old mantra of the desperate left. Harper's hidden agenda that is so well hidden that every lefty thinks they know about it.

"liberals lost seats ... they can defeat Harper passing any bill without the pesky "confidence vote" issue"

Do tell? If Harper wants something through, all he has to do is make it a confidence motion. The NDP and BLOC equals 87 nays and the Liberals will abstain or force sending us to an election again that they are in no position to fight.

Probably a good thing you didn't vote ;-)

Patricia

Stephane Dion must resign immediately and the Liberals must choose a new strong leader. Dion was weak and could not stand up to Stephen Harper. In addition, Dion kept pushing his green plan when everyone could see that the economy was faltering. He lost support in the rural ridings since people there rely on fuel to survive. I hope the Liberal party has learned its lesson and replaces its' pathetic leader. No more talk aboput carbon tax and a new leader should put the Liberals in a better position for the next election in about eighteen months or so. This election, unfortunately, was a waste of time and money. It also inflated Harper's ego when he has no reason to feel proud.

Liberals need a brand "New" leader.

Bob Rae is identified as the exPremier of Ontario who left the province deep in debt. Now, add to that Bob Rae is identifed with Mike Ignatieff as the pitch men for the failed Stephane Dion.

Personally, I think Bob Rae's chances of being the saviour of the Liberal party fortunes are nil to zero and same goes for Mike Ignatieff with his American Harvard roots.

The Liberals need a new leader and not David McGuinty author of the hated "Green Shift". It is going to take a new player who has the right stuff without all the baggage.

Doug

I think it is time for both Dion and Harper to go. Dion is not a leader, and in the nexy six months there will be a leadership convention for the liberals. As for Harper to just get another minority says something for his leadership powers after running against a weak Dion.
I will say before the next election Harpers leadership will come into question by some of the Conservative members.

bwilson

Best bet for new Liberal leader?

How about Brian Tobin?

Kenney in Halifax

Perhaps the Liberal party will wait until Dion steps down before recuiting the best leader in the country, Elizabeth May. To leave the Greeny weenies would be unlikely, but if she did, I believe she would take the Liberal leasdership and later the PMOs office. What do you think?

Jo in Gtown

I understand the majority concept of 50% + 1, but with so many active parties now I think that should be reviewed.
143 seats over 76 is a clear majority in my books.

Jonathan

And just 2 days ago all the liberals were saying that Dion was the stongest leader, the one to lead Canada into such a bold new direction. Man, those knives in his back must hurt....

Manley is manipluating for the NWO

Oh gosh NOT Brian Tobin that walking EGO on two feet!

NO WAY JOSE FOR TOBIN..

John Manley is essentially a traitor for his involvement in working with the TriLateral Commission and Council on Foreign Relations for trying to usher in the New World Order with his participation in orchestrating the North American union. Look up his publication "North America the Beautiful" ...
Not a good choice.

Liberal from montreal

conservatives should enjoy it will it lasts. We'll have a new leader next time, till Trudeau Jr comes to power and stays there for 20 years or so.

Canada is liberal, Canada is center, regardless of last nights results regardless f the junk HArper spewed during the campaign

Disgusted Trini

I am a liberal and am ashamed to say that they deserved to lose the election. Mr. Dion won the Leadership fair and square from those who thought they were entitled. See guys entitlement is one of the things that got you into trouble...you not only lost what you thought was owed to you, but you turned on your new leader. You deserve to lose because of the back biting and in-fighting...and then proceeded to load a gun with those bullets, gave the gun to the Cons and NDP and said shoot us. Mr. Dion did not loose sets by himself, you all helped. When a Leader has been chosen, everyone rallys behind him/her, not leak their discontent to shows on CTV, especially tabloid maker Mike Duffy. This man brought class, courage and a new agenda to the Liberals.

Brian- AB

KMC, Markham, Ontario
There has been much talk about a "coalition of the Left" to gain power against "the Right", but it seems to me that any "coalitions" should be formed as a coalition of the four Federalist parties against the Bloc. That is to say, an agreement between the four Federalist parties, regardless of their political stripe, to cease pandering to Quebec, let Duceppe scream and protest all he wants, but do not accede to his demands. In other words, isolate the Bloc. This would, of course result in a sweep, of Quebec, by the Bloc, for a few elections, but sooner, or later Quebecers would realise that the Bloc cannot truly represent their interests, in Ottawa. It would require full cooperation of all of the Federalist parties; an unlikely scenario, I agree and just wishful thinking I suppose, but it would remedy the Quebec/Bloc situation. Just a thought.
----------------------------- Very well put could not have said it better myself i agree with this totally. :)

Harper couldn't win a majority

Harper was only going against Dion and another minority was the best he could do.

Lee

The Conservatives don't have a hidden agenda, stop being brainwashed by Liberal media. They are the only party that makes and keeps their promises.

How is Dion going to ensure that he's going to bring back the F1 to Montreal? He said he'd do it. How would Dion expect the average taxpayer and local farmer to pay for his carbon tax when he wants to tax corporations? No one will have a job.

Bottom line, the Liberal party is bankrupt which is why they cant turf Dion. If they can run their own party into bankruptcy, I don't want or need them corrupting Canada.

Glenn

Why does this article cite one of CTV's own reporters (Tom Clark)for expert commentary and insight? This is standard practice in CTV journalism and smacks of cheap self-promotion or lazy journalism.

Concerned Citizen

To JC. Don't what to spend too much time, but this had to do with the studio interviews nothing to do with the ads themselves.

Dave

Regardless of how I feel about the policies of the Liberal Party of Canada, Stephane Dion was it's leader and, for all intents and purposes, he did his best. If he'd made it into office, I guarantee none of you would be bashing him right now. Take the loss with dignity and stop bashing this man who honestly tried his best. He's a human being for crying out loud, not your own personal scapegoat. If this is how the majority of Liberal supporters are, I'm glad I vote Conservative.

Acroyear

"....I believe she would take the Liberal leasdership and later the PMOs office. What do you think?"

That I'd move to England the day after THAT election.

Joan

OPPORTUNItY MISSED What about Hapers leadership he missed the opportunity for a majority against a weak Liberal leader. Dion was a great Canadian with a lot of dignity and courage against the nastiness of the bully Harper ads.

Martin Keyworth

When I get back to the 905, where I grew up, I see the Walmart-ization, I hear the increasingly American twang in the accent. They are so close tot he US border they can't help but absorb that culture (for lack of a better word) The Reform Party is just the a northern off-shoot of US neo-con republicanism. You can't blame Steven Harper for his short-sighted US style populism. It's what the 905 is buying now. Why would he sell anything else?

Reece

@Prof Pye Chartt;

The only difference between you and me is this: I prepared some tasty turkey dishes while you voted for one into office. If anyone has anything new to add today after $250 million of taxpayer money was blown on this election is me - I have turkey receipes! Do you have anything new to add today? I rest my case.

Mark 5

I agree Bluenose. Quebec has to go.Harper actually got a majority if you remove the number of seats the Bloc holds in parliament.I can`t understand how a provincial party can hold seats in a national government, especially when they claim to want to seperate and are not really a part of this country.If they had any honour at all they would leave and form their own country.Quebec is causing an entire nation to be dysfunctional.Shame on them.

A Sad Day

To Kenney in Halifax: Oh great just what we need a Prime Minister who uses the same words as the kids in the playgroud. She has no clue, she needs to go back to being a lawyer. She will have no place in the next debate. And why would the Liberals want her? Oh wait they took Bob Rae....is that where all the failed from other parties go? I hope she doestn join the Liberals, it would be a sad day if she did.

Don in BC

If Mr Rae is thinking of becoming the Liberal leader that party should give their head a shake. He drove Ontario into debt and they are still paying for his leadership. We don't need a repeat for Canada.

Shan

The only hope for the Liberal party is to replace Dion and find some way to win the hearts and minds of the West. The Liberals have completely ignored the west and the results show it. They need a strong liberal leader that understands and perhaps is even from the west. Gone are the days of winning the election by catering to Ontario and Quebec.

Dave, Calgary

The liberal Party needs to decide what it wants to do. Rebuild the party or get elected. When the last Liberal leadership race was on Dion was chosen because people believed he could help rebuild the Liberal party, not to get elected as PM on his personality. The party still needs to be rebuilt with well thought out policy alternatives.

Gail (Hamilton)

It is quite clear that any party that espouses far left policies is not in Canada's best interests financially, economically or any other way. When people don't vote, they take their country for granted, but you at least have that right in a free society. I don't understand the Quebecers that voted Bloq. Voting only provincial party MPs doesn't give them a proper seat at the national table, and that is a waste of our tax dollars. As for Obama supporters, he's more left of Bob Rae, and probably a distant cousin of Doucette. I hope that the Americans wake up before it's too late. Obama's tax breaks to 95% of the population, is word smithing for socialist welfare cheques being provided by the top 5% of tax payers.

Mark

Bob Rae is a fine man who became premier of Ontario when he was barely 42 before he or his party were ready, at a time of free trade adjustment, swingeing interest rates, and deep recession.

I for one believe that passing the finest steel through the hottest flame is the best conceivable preparation for a future prime minister. What a shame that politics tends to denigrate that as "baggage". I have never seen a former provincial premier who is as well-versed in international affairs as Bob Rae.

A Better Leader

To Liberal From Montreal::

I dont think people are foolish enough to want the son of Mr Trudeau in office. Pierre was popular until he left and people realized the dificit of the country stood at 128 billion, and he opened the flood gates and made a mess of the OHIP healthcare. We dont need another Trudeau in office. He can sit with Bob Rae in the corner, I am sure the Liberals will come up with a better leader than that.

Too much politics

In a few years we should be able to vote over the Internet. Meanwhile the Libs and NDP should just get on board. I don't want to see it (or them) on T.V. for a while.

CR in BC

Do not blame Mr Harper for wasting taxpayers money with this election. It was Mr Dion who made parliament impossible! And I believe the people of Canada have spoken!

Lorne

This is a sad day for me. I am a lifelong Liberal and we lost an election today but the people have spoken. Fortunately the Neocons were denied a majority. All is not lost however. There is a star rising in the east and his name is Justin Trudeau. Here is a future Prime Minister of Canada.

K. Johnston

Bob Rae ...couldn't find anything nice to say about Dion because he is a two-faced lefty (to the core). I hope he becomes the Liberal leader. He'd say anything to get headlines or ahead of political rivals. By that time Canada will have fallen in love with PM Harper and his great leadership - and we'll be lucky 3rd time round with a majority.

GO HARPER GO

That sounds like a great thing to work toward.

Mandosa in Sarnia, Ontario

Terrific. He successfully moved up the evolutionary food chain to 'human being'.

BB in B.C.

It starts already. The CBC pundits are reporting Harper FAILED to get his majority. If they could they would not even report the Liberal numbers. The Liberals themselves are looking for a new leader this morning. Someone suggested Danny williams but I'm sure he is a Conservative. Rest your hopes on Trudeau and he should be ready in about 15 years. I wouldn't be surprised to see enough Liberals cross the floor to give Harper a majority. Maybe some from Quebec and Eastern Canada and they can be rewarded with cabinet posts.

nc in alberta

I think the election results say a lot about both of these men and how they fought their campaign.

I don't think anyone expected Dion to do any better than he did so if there is a "meets expectations" grade to be handed out, it goes to him and he can leave the leadership role to someone else as was always the expected outcome.

A "needs improvement" goes to Stephen Harper who cost himself a majority through his own words and deeds.

I believe there are more questions surrounding his future than anyone elses.

He seems unable to stop insulting segments of the population in an attempt to win over others.

The most notable example in this campaign was his attack on ordinary people who value the arts.

My husband and I save up from our modest earnings so we can attend cultural events - there are no ball gowns or $1000 black tie suits in sight.

To me his attitiude about this topic demonstrates the "pigeon holed" thinking of someone who simply doens't know enough people who aren't exactly like himself.

In spite of putting forward some good policy ideas, Stephen Harper just can't convince me that he is man of moderation who really understands everythng that is important to me and my family.

He has blind spots that make me reluctant to hand him the reigns of power without a strong opposition to remind him that there are curves in the road that are not marked clearly in black and white.

Maybe the best thing to come out of this election will be 2 new leaders and a reduction in politcal arrogance.

SuzieB

...It's too bad that the 60+% of Canadians who voted not conservative can't find a way to make their voices truly heard. I for one am going to keep working wiht the Liberals in preparation for the next time Harper breaks his own fixed election law.

Nick in Gatineau

I'm not a seperatist but Duceppe and the Bloc have every right to exist and be in the house of commons. They won their seats fair and square unlike the so-called 'appointments' that every leader has always resorted to to obtain more presence in the senate.

Maybe Albertans should create an Alberta party instead of always voting for political parties that throw Canada into financial ruin (sorry but history speaks for itself).

John from Saskatchewan

Stephen Ledrew knocking Stephan Dion is like calling the kettle black. Neither one of them is very bright and to me Ledrew comes over the same way Dion does. In a galaxy far far away

Prof. Pye Chartt

@ "Reece":

Thanks for the question. Actually, I contributed to the loss of a certain Liberal yesterday. Now my riding is Conservative. That's new. The party I voted for picked up some seats from Ontario Liberals. That's certainly refreshing. A nice guy that graduated from my high-school ahead of me became Prime Minister of this country again. That's pretty neat. Happy day.

Enjoy those turkey sandwiches. That's all you've got to snack on. Maybe next time you'll vote...and make a positive contribution to your "cause."

R/H Ontario

To, 'IronMan'
"What a joke this country is,when you have to vote for a separatist party ( which I did) ---------
I am begining to think that Quebec may be better off alone."
I agree with part of your comment, the LAST part where you think you would be better off Separated from Canada. I am sure a whole LOT of CANADIANS FEEL THE SAME WAY. I am going to email all politicians and explain that it is time for Quebec to GO.

R/H Ontario

To ALL Politicians; We Canadians from the Provinces other than Quebec, insist on a Referendum to decide if Quebec should leave and take their baggage with them, ie debt. We have pandered to them long enough. They have caused so much division in OUR Country and it is time to end it. The Bloc is a PROVINCIAL Party NOT a FEDERAL Party, they should have NO say in Federal Elections what so ever. End of Story. ...

John from Sask.

Maybe Stefan just needs some more practice. I suggest he run against Gilles Duceppe. It would be tweedle dum against tweedle dee

Some Liberals simply delusional

"Canada is liberal, Canada is center"

False!

Maybe you haven't been paying much attention the last few elections but the Liberals have become a socialist party like the NDP and Canada has NEVER gone socialist and didn't this time either and won't the next election.

FACT:
The Conservatives are now the party which represents all Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

The Liberals are at best a just regional pocket party (Quebec/Toronto) but they certainly do not represent most Canadians. That is simply delusional.

Liberals used to share the center but they have been replaced by the Conservatives who hold all the center ground now.

Nova59

Hey CTV:
Despite your best efforts, with that piece of yellow journalism on the Steve Murphy-Dion interview where you agreed to a redo and then proceeded to air a clip to make Dion look bad, you still weren't able to procure a Harper majority. But you did help make sure that Dion is shown the door.
Did you guys ever hear of the word ethics?

I find it laughable that the Conservatives have had so many kicks at the can to get a majority and they still can't. More than half of Canadians don't want them. The only problem right now is too many parties to the left sharing the votes of the majority of the will of Canadians.

g to the o

Exactly DM, when a mostly English speaking Canada is voting do you think they will vote for someone who can't even speak the language properly? For us out West, there is no way in Hell that would happen (just who is he representing anyways?). BTW I am 100% French, but come on speak the language of the nation and speak it properly.

Windsor/Kelowna connection

Rob

Glad to see Karen Redman, Ujjal Dossanhj and Garth Turner gone. Today it is a good day

CAK

I agree...the Bloc is not a party that represents the nation...why are they a national party? It should be stopped before the next election. Tired of Quebec running the country. If you don't represent every province and territory you have no right to be in the national election.

Vicki in Saskatoon

The saying is true--"Nice guys finish last." Isn't it sad that a truly genuine and honest man with such a devout love for Canada has to be persecuted with such venom as seen in the comments here. If voters had cared as much for our country and the environment as Stephane Dion and Elizabeth May it would a red and green parliament--what an early Christmas present that would have been!! Does anyone remember the billboards proclaiming "What Would Jesus Drive?" Well,it should have been asked - Who would Jesus vote for?

luckyladdy99

Why do people speak of Bob Rae as a possible leader of the Liberal party. Doesn't anyone remember "Rae days" -- unpaid days off, the social contract, countless tax increases, deficits for the provincial government of Ontario? You want this person to step up and be the leader of the Liberal Party? Why not think first before speaking!

Ignatieff, an American who comes back to Canada to rule the country -- sorry, not interested. You're smart, articulate, but in the end, I'm not all that comfortable with your recent return to Canada only to push to be PM.

The Liberal party needed a leader. Yes, Stephane Dion has passion, but the Green Shift came at a bad time. Yes, he's a good guy, but in the end, you want charisma, strength, and leadership skills.

The question with the Liberal party now is whether to give Dion another chance to win over voters. Maybe pick a more solid platform to work from.

If a change in leadership is needed, then look for some real candidates. Gerard was a good candidate, he'd be a good one again.

For now, I'd give Dion a chance not to mention our newly elected government. After all, they've got some leadership there. Granted, they've also got a lot of back-stabbing campaign folks that trash opponents, but we won't have to see them for a while.

Rob in On

To Brian in AB..."and your comment about Quebec."
It's that kind of ridiculous,uneducated,stupid and irresponsible rhetoric that is divisive to this great nation. When exactly did so many Albertan's (like you) become so insulting and arrogant towards the rest of Canada exactly and why? Canada would suffer a great loss without Quebec, as it would if it lost any other Province ot Territory. Good fortunes have bestowed wealth onto Alberta indeed, but smug little red neck weasals like you, are exactly why wild rose country is fast becoming a thorn to the rest of Canada. Remember one thing if your narrow mind can comprehend it..."United we stand, divided we fall!!!"

Raymond St-Martin

Re: Bloc Québécois

Though the Bloc promotes sovereignty, a vote for the Bloc has a lot more to do with protecting Quebec's interests than separation from Canada.

Many Quebecker's don't want to separate from Canada and don't want to deny their Canadian heritage which has become an integral part of their distinct cultural heritage.

It is referendums that determine the percentage of Quebec voters that show-up to vote for the birth of a nation, it is not a vote for the Bloc that determines separation from Canada.

MRC in Hamilton

After reading everything in this article, I am reaffirmed in my gut feeling that there is some secret hidden plan brewing deep within the Liberal party (why in the world did they let Bob "Rae-Day" Rae and Michael "30yr-out-of-country" Ignatieff waltz into the party?). A few top insider Liberals are pulling the strings (why in the world did Gerard Kennedy quickly drop out of the Liberal leadership race to support Dion...?), weaving a huge tale that will seem to span nearly a decade...into what? Who knows? But I can take a good guess.

Jack - AB

Dion is a good guy who is honest and has integrity but he's a weak leader. I could tell that Dion felt strongly about the environment, why else would he name his dog Kyoto and push so hard for a carbon tax? He just didn't realize that Canadians would be strongly opposed to higher energy costs in a looming recession and this caused his downfall. And with weak English skills he was unable to explain his ideas and platform effectively. I was disappointed on how he was elected with other possible leaders pushing their supporters in favour of Dion when they lost. Anyone that gets knocked out of a leadership race should tell their supporters to choose for themselves who to support. I really can't wait for a better leader to take charge and hopefully re-energize the Liberal party.

The way out of a recession is to spend lots and cut taxes. Harper has already given many tax breaks during the economic boom and does not want to spend much either since there is no extra money. I'm waiting to see what happens when people start losing jobs, times get tougher and see how Harper is able to handle it. I believe in 3 to 4 years time people will be happy to switch back to Liberal if they have a good leader and platform. I really don't like Harper and apparently neither do the other 62% of voters.

Larry L

I am chilled by many of the comments above because of the double standard they reflect: when folks in Calgary decide they will be better off after voting for a Conservative candidate, well that's just fine, but; when the folks in Ramouski vote for a Bloc candidate because they believe doing so is in their best interest, they should be kicked out of the country.

I respect each individual's decision dropped into the ballot box, regardless of where they live in Canada. To those who do not share the same degree of respect, I have but one word. SHAME.

Joel from Nova Scotia

A government is only as good as its people. From the comments posted here, I'm impressed we had such good choices.
I think we as Canadians need to learn to be more patient with differing points of view.

Rosemary

A carbon tax is a difficult thing to explain and Dion didn't do it well but some kind of carbon tax is critical to Canada's future (and the world). We are on track to reach 400 ppm of CO2 in our global atmosphere by 2013/2014 which is the majority of scientists consider to be a "danger" level. That's only 5 to 6 years away!

What is Canada going to do reduce its carbon footprint and become resilient in the face of this crisis? It will cost a lot more money and pain if we wait until it's too late. In that regard, Dion is something of a hero for championing a policy that makes sense for our children and their children.

Sweden has made a commitment to go fossil fuel free by 2020 and emphasize renewable, low carbon sources of energy. Now that's a smart thing to do!

Matt

Bob Rae, Buffalo Business Boasters Man of the Year in 1991. I think he captured it again in 1992, 93, 94 and lost it in 1995...after all he had to call an election and lost. The drain of GTA businesses across the border stopped and Buffalo was not happy.

Lets all return to those happy times. Whats good for Bob Rae is good for Buffalo!

phil croft

Chretien was right, but wrong name.

Bye Bye Dion!

Niagara George

If Dion should leave because the Liberals did not get what they wanted, then Harper should not be far behind.

For 3 years, he said he wanted a majority. He spent $300+ million of OUR money to try and get that majority. He spent that money a full year earlier than his own law allowed.

Again, the collective wisdom of the country knew that a Harper led majority was an invitation to disaster.

Steve, be a man and say, "Bye, bye!"

Louis

As a French speaking Quebecer, I am very disappointed in the election.

After more than a decade of liberal rule, we finally get a federal government in place that respect Quebec and that take real step toward solving the federal/provincial separation of power. Election time comes around and we had a real chance of sending people to support that government and could work with them on building a country were we all could be happy…. Noooooo, we prefer to be keep crying and not try to solve anything.

Just remember that there is 22% of Quebecers that did vote conservative (and among those, many are French speaking too… English/Others vote mostly liberal here). I just hope mr Harper don't give up us and realise that yesterday's vote in Quebec was largely due to scare tactics by the bloc and total media barrage by the "art" community.

bobby bodacious