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Home : Canada : Harper says recession is no time for an election

Harper says recession is no time for an election

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Thu. Jul. 30 2009 8:00 PM ET

Prime Minister Stephen Harper says a recession is no time to trigger an election, as political instability could undermine any potential economic recovery.

Harper added that the government's number one priority is to take care of the economy, which he said is still fragile after months of job losses.

The prime minister was speaking in Adstock, Que., where he announced a plan to make broadband Internet available in rural areas.

The comments come a day after Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff hinted that he would try to bring down the Tories when Parliament resumes in the fall.

Ignatieff told CTV News Channel on Wednesday that his party was tired of trying to make the minority government work with the Conservatives.

"I have always tried to work with the government, trying to put the country first, but it's getting tougher and tougher, and that's all I'll tell you right now," he said.

Tensions between the two parties over Employment Insurance reform threatened to send Canadians back to the polls for a summer election, but a compromise was worked out just as Parliament broke for the summer.

There has been speculation that the Conservatives will endeavor to hold off any Liberal attacks until the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver, where the government will likely benefit from positive publicity.

It's also expected that the economy will begin to grow again within the next year, and some strategists believe the Liberals will have to strike before then if they want a chance to form the next government.

For much of the past year, the Liberal's chief political strategy has been to hammer the Tories on economic troubles.

But a recovery while the Conservatives are still in power would offer Harper and his party a robust defence against the Grits, and potentially deflate some of the political momentum Ignatieff has worked to build since becoming leader.

With files from The Canadian Press

Comments are now closed for this story

Stu from London
said
0 0

Like Harper has any say in the matter...this is a minority government, if they want to bring you down, they will.


john Simpson
said
0 0

Who called the last election? Eat your words Mr. Harper....Cost the taxpayer of $400 million dollars for the same results. This man is son insecure to hold on to his Job!


Ian in Ottawa
said
0 0

I don't know who I will vote for next election. But I certainly hope I don't have to make that decision any time soon. Let this government work for at least 3 years. It takes time to get a feel for the issues once you're in power and come up with the proper decisions and policies. It's extremely hard to do that when you're constantly worried about losing your job because of an election scare every 6 months.
We also need to get rid of the Bloc and/or NDP so that we can finally returnt to the days of majority gov't.


Chris G
said
0 0

Then he shouldnt have called an election last fall. (Where the economy was at its worse) Going against his own election laws.


MAL of TO
said
0 0

The only concern about having an election should be if the government is unable to govern... and since Harper is finding a way [even if we don't like it] then I guess this time he's right.

But I'd sure like to have a surprise MUNICIPAL election this summer.


John L
said
0 0

Uhhh, didn't he call one last Fall when there was clearly a recession happening? What a hypocrite. Oh wait, there WAS no recession or budget shortfall...pfffffft.


Bev
said
0 0

The only reason I would want another election, is to give the Conservatives a much needed majority. The Liberals are only interested in regaining power and do not care about Canada or the economy. They and the other parties refuse to work with the government, and are only obstructing the conservatives in any way possible. The prime minister is right in saying that it will only cause further instability to have another election but the other parties don't care.


Kathy
said
0 0

I cannot believe that anyone in this country could possibly think that another federal election would be a fiscally responsible thing to have happen. Parliament needs to stop acting like children on the playground and work together for the betterment of the country.


rene
said
0 0

Does this mean that I'll get real high speed internet even though I live only one concession outside of a major city?


Kevin in Alberta
said
0 0

Keep up the good work Mr. PM. There is still lot's more to do. Expand the visa requirements to all country's. This will save us more money. I heard Iggy was back in the US, hopefully he will need a visa to get back into Canada since he is just visiting anyways.


Fred - Brandon MB
said
0 0

Very sensible, however I have no doubt that the Bloc & the NDP will vote against the government at every opportunity, and Iggy will threaten to bring down the government at least once a day unless he gets some meaningless concession, just so he look tough when we all know he has no cajones.


James Isherwood
said
0 0

Is the PM joking with this statement his Parliament take care of the economy. Do they even know there is a problem.


John
said
0 0

There was no need for an election the last time Harper called one and broke his own election law in the process. Apparently elections "need" to be called when Harper perceives an advantage to himself.


Leen
said
0 0

Hon. Mr. Harper, thank you for listening to us.


tyler
said
0 0

what if its the government who's the cause of the economic instability? not saying this is the case; however, im getting really sick of this tripe rhetoric that has little substance other than to skirt issues at hand. is there a politician alive who is able to talk and think for themselves - or are we doomed forever to these passive political cop-outs? id vote harper out on this basis alone - so bring on the election!


Gord. Robson, Nova Scotia
said
0 0

No I Agree with Prime Minister
Stephan Harper that we do not need a fall election.

A number of Liberals are reported
as wanting a fall election as they
miss the power.


R D
said
0 0

Of course we don't need or want an election this fall. My ears have just stopped ringing from all the election threats roaring since January. Personally, I don't want to see a Federal election at least until 2012 or later. What we need here in Ontario is a Provincial election so we can get rid of McGuinty and his band of bumpkins.


Mark C, Chester, NS
said
0 0

Harper knows that he is going down, so will say anything to stay in power. If he was up in the polls he would make up something like "parliament is dysfunctional" and call an election himself. I can hardly wait for the fall-better weather and a chance to vote Harper out!


Rick in NB, Ste Marie
said
0 0

Saying it doesn't make it so. It really sounds like wishful thinking to me. Harper wants us scared enough to not want an election. Example last week the BOC said we're out of the recession then Flaherty says were not.
Give it up Harper you're a minority leader who doesn't want to move on EI and you know Ignatieff will call you out on it. And to top it off, last year you told everybody that there was no recession. You're quite the economist.


Tim from Calgary
said
0 0

The Liberals will force an election when it is right for the Liberals and not when it is right for the country. Could you imagine what kind of damage the Liberal-NDP coalition would have done to this country?


OttawaGrit
said
0 0

And last October wasn't Economically Unstable?

Greg
said
0 0

Harper is doing a great job. The problems that the country is dealing with now are no fault of Harper but of the Liberal government he replaced. The only reason for a federal election at all would be to have a majority Conservative government. I've had enough with the Liberals. They do nothing but hamper Harpers ability to get things done. Way to go Harper.


Wurkinthru Dasummer
said
0 0

We know where the PM is, now where is Waldo....I mean Iggy?


Concerned Canadian
said
0 0

I agree with Mr. Harper. We don't need another Federal election at this time. Canada is slowly pulling out of the recession as the U.S. economy recovers. As more of the Canadian/American stimulus packages kick in, we can expect to see a slow but gradual improvement.

As long as the Conservatives continue to follow the coalition game plan for recovery, we should be alright. All a Liberal minority/majority government would do is implement the same plan, so why bother?

Mr. Harper is doing what's he told in order to hang on to power for a little while longer. Let him have his fifteen minutes.


Scott Gardiner
said
0 0

Ya, He's right, but I was hoping to decimate the Liberals so we could get rid of the 4 year long cry party they have had over loosing the election. The cry Unclean Unclean, isn't working. Harper turned out far better than what we were lead to believe he would. And the Economy will be OK without the Liberals. You know< I don't know if any other PM in Canada has had as much of a Global infuence on how the economy would turn out. I can only hope that we get an election so we can give this guy the stripes he deserves.


GAIL SUTTON
said
0 0

No he is wrong. One minute Harber,s man at Bank of Canda saids Canada is coming out of the recesion; his buddy Jim at Finance saids recovery is slower this time; when in actual fact Canadains are being laid-off and jobs are in short supply. Maybe Canda needs a new government to inject new ideas and better control of the situation.


V aka Layton in Moncton
said
0 0

"Prime Minister Stephen Harper says there is no need for another federal election in times of economic instability."

Because of course we shouldn't be given a choice in difficult times. There shouldn't be ANY dialogue of the issues before us. Say, have you actually delivered any of that stimulus money you promised yet? Last I heard, less than 20% of the promised money had actually been spent. So what will happen to this money if it is not delivered by the end of the budget fiscal year?

I will give the current government kudos for pretending to be cautious about declaring our recession over, especially given that we are a more resource based economy and if the world isn't buying... well the recovery will be slow to say the least. Add to this the fact that the jobs aren't coming back as this very network reported: payroll employment is at a low and EI claims at a high, so you have a jobless recovery. Does everyone know what that means? It means that the recovery is based on FINANCIAL recovery of major corporations, and banks. We won't be part of it. The rich get richer, the middle class takes a hit and the poor get poorer.

We need to get a grip on our government and the banks in this country. It's clearer and clearer that the average person is not of great significance to our 'leadership', and that the strings get pulled from behind the curtain. Harper was a Bilderberg attendee before becoming Prime Minister, Frank McKenna was an attendee and so was Martin. Lloyd Robertson reported on this secret club when they met in Ottawa. Look deeper than Wikipedia, google it. Ignatieff, Jack Layton and Harper? When you are choosing between the lesser of evils, you are still choosing evil.


Wise Wajid
said
0 0

What? Don't want to chance bullying the Gov-Gen two years in a row there Harpo???


Adam in Ottawa
said
0 0

That's pretty funny, since he called our last election because the opposition was weak (particularily the Dion Libs) and he smelled blood in the water. Now the tables are turning and he doesn't want an election. PM Harper needs to realise that the economy will recover whether he is sitting in the big chair or not. If he wants to keep his job he has to learn how to put his agenda on hold and play nice with the opposition. We'll see...


The guy
said
0 0

Too funny, this is coming form the guy who broke his own law last year calling an election in hopes he would get a majority, then he puts Canada on hold during the fall/winter session of late last year to hide behind the governor generals skirt when he was put up[ against a wall because he would not do anything on the economy. Now that the fortunes of the Lib's are turning around, there up in the poll's they have money to go into an election, now Harper thinks just because we have economic instability, which i might add we were in the same place last year when he prorogued parliament he doesn't want an election this fall. hmmm. can't have it both ways. If you were on the other shoe you would do the same as well.


5th Generation Canadian
said
0 0

Er, let me see. Wasn't it Steve who called the election last Fall -- all the while insisting that the economy was in good shape and refusing to acknowledge what was smack in front of our faces? Should we believe that he was just stupid and totally out of the loop or, rather, that it was all about partisan politics and keeping his job? Either way -- it's Lose / Lose for Canada.


Taryn
said
0 0

My approval for Mr. Harper has fallen sharply. I would like an election just so we can get him out of here. I believe that if we held an election now the result would be a liberal majority. Mr. Harper has made stupid decisions with regards to GM and Chrysler, and also embarrassed Canada on the world stage. He cares only about holding his job and not about DOING IT.


Kris Pittman
said
0 0

This is a farce. I believe that Harper is using the "Crisis" as a means by which to scare people away from the polls again. He seems to wield the financial situation in the same fashion Bush thrust an imaginary energy crisis in the Western U.S. prior to him being elected in 2000.

We have folks say that recession is over, and now Harper says it's not and we don't need an election.

This kind of fear mongering is all too familiar. American Conservative politics alive and well in Canada. When is Harper going to colour code the threat levels of financial crisis?


Kevin in Alberta
said
0 0

Keep up the good work! More to do to get more Canadians back to work but we are headed in the RIGHT direction.


Guy
said
0 0

Here we go again. more Harper bashing. Remember harper haters, this economic downturn must be all his fault because he's the PM. the multi billion dollar deficate must be his fault too, and while we are at it, why not blame all the job losses on him too. GET OFF OF IT ALLREADY!


Diane M.
said
0 0

I,for one, definitely do not want to have en election anytime soon. This is getting to be an annual event and I am sick of it.


simon
said
0 0

I must have read somewhere that the fundamentals of our economy were strong.
I also must remember hearing that there was to be no economic instability, that there was to be no recession.
I am sure this is correct.......

Jon in Alberta
said
0 0

People, get your facts straight. The economic crisis hit after Harper called the fall election.

And imagine what it would be like if he didn't call the election and by extension did not increase his seat count. Any two parties would be able to topple the government, whereas now it takes all three. Be grateful for the relative stability we now enjoy due to the last election.

Let's try and keep things accurate - it may not always be good for your argument, but it's the right thing to do.


meerkat
said
0 0

as much as i dislike the tories, please, let's save the $300 million for an election in 2012.

how much harm can they do with a minority anyway?

p.s. i'm none too thrilled with the liberals these days either... what choices (or lack there of) Canadians have eh...


don.h
said
0 0

i agree with the pms statment, but the problem is that king iggy and his liberal want to get into power before the cons get the country out of the red. once this happens the liberals wont be able to creat a bunch of new social programs to buy votes,scam money to their friends,thus driving the country deeper into debt and then blame the cons.


Sean Calder - Chatham ON
said
0 0

Chris & John, you may recall that part of the premise of that election was seeking a mandate from the Canadian people as to who should lead us through the recession when the posturing in the House of Commons made the government dysfunctional. The Conservatives came back with a strengthened mandate from the Canadian people.

Let the government finish it's work.


The other Lowell in BC
said
0 0

A Little hypocritical Stephen. You saw fit to call one last fall in order to keep your job. You had to break your own election laws to do it as well. I say lets have an election and start with a clean slate.


Marcel
said
0 0

Mr. Harper should be reminded that his government is in a minority situation. If he does not have the support of the house, there will be an election. I find it ironic that this is the same person who said during the last election campaign the economy was fine and now a year later does not want an election because of the economy. Mr. Harper does not deserve the support of the house.


Liberals Rule
said
0 0

Iggy will decide the fate of Harper when he chooses to, based on what he knows is best for Canada. Prime Minister Iggy will likely wait until the fall to become our Leader.


my take on this
said
0 0

Steve, like anything that comes out of your mouth, nothing, could be further from the truth.

Canadians or at least conservatives may not want an election but Stephen Harper will not be the Prime Minister of Canada after the next election.


Paul
said
0 0

Plse people STOP crying, this gov is doing a lot better then the previous Lib. The economy is coming along slowly and it's not the Liberal that would save us. Remember some of those election promises (Green tax if you elect the liberal) You can count on that, even if it differt from Dion's package, this is what the liberal will bring to the table. And if you can not calculate I think we spent enough on election in the past 3-4 years (1.5 Billions)


Scott
said
0 0

No body wants another election. The whinny liberals,and commie NDP do not have the balls to try and take the Conservatives down. And thats a fact!


Mike
said
0 0

Stephen Harper should be given a majority government. Canada suffers from what I call a "liberal-complex." Paul Martin was JUST as Conservative as Stephen Harper and the only reason he was voted out was because of the sponsorship scandal. If the scandal had not occurred, we would have a majority Liberal government today.

What is this "liberal-complex" I speak of? Canadians are comfortable with the term "liberal." As long as you are "liberal" you can bring back the death penalty, outlaw abortion, and restrict immigration--so long as you have the name "liberal" attached to yourself. Paul Martin exemplified this (he was more conservative in his outlook)

The minute a "conservative" comes into power though, watch out Canada. According to the prevalent Canadian mentality, a "conservative" should not be trusted and should only be given a minority government. A "conservative" only looks out for him or herself and nobody else. A "Conservative government" is not in Canada's best interests.

The "Liberal" brand truly resonates among Canadians. This is sad, disappointing, and childish. I wish this country would grow up and realize that both Liberal and Conservative governments are in Canada's best interests. In all honesty, there is very little to distinguish from either form.


Joe
said
0 0

Did Mr. Harper just say "No need for election during economic instability" funny how he said that we were in the surplus but then we have Mr. Finance Minister that can't add properly ...GO CONSERSATIVES ...GO RIGHT OUT OF PARLIAMENT.

Can you fix the weather Mr. Harper?

George
said
0 0

I don't want another election, at the last election I voted for the Green Party, and I'm happy with that.

The economy is getting better, so we should wait before having another election.

Regarding the Government, that's what I say:

the Government is weak

and,

the Government is scared of people

I say this because the Government needs to make the laws tougher

Garth, Winnipeg.
said
0 0

Time for a change. Call the election!


Steve the Pundit
said
0 0

So the Liberals "trying to work with the government" is represented by them wanting to give a full year of EI benefits for working only 9 weeks? For complaining not enough stimulus was given but then complaining when the deficit came in higher? For basically saying "white" whenever the government says "black"?

OK, bring on the election and give Harper the majority he's proven he deserves. And Ignatieff can go back to spouting this sort of nonsense to a (foreign) university audience...


Wayne
said
0 0

Speaking as a former Liberal (I left the party after the way they treated Chretien) and currently a dyed in the wool Conservative. I completely agree with the PM and to be prefectly honest I am getting annoyed at Iggy using this threat and pother political gamesmanship whn we are in the midst of the worst global recession since the great depression. I think it would be wiser if he took the high road and at least tried to come to some sort of consensus. I can think of a lot more important things to spend 350 million that an election costs us taxpayers especially when there is no issue involved but only the obtaining of power and I think if Iggy does force one and he doesn't have a very good reason it will backfire on him.


TimT
said
0 0

The liberals are only interested in regaining power? Really? You say that like the liberals are the ONLY party interested in gaining power. I'll have to assume you support the conservatives, and hat they, can do no wrong. Voters like that, are why we have terrible governments...


GM
said
0 0

An election call would be pointless I can tell the results right now. Lowest voter turnout of all time around my guess is between 50 and 55%, about three or four seats will go from the conservatives to the Liberals. Two seats from the NDP will go Conservative and one to the green. Two bloc seats will also change one to conservative and one liberal.In the end an even smaller minority and absolutely nothing will change.


darren
said
0 0

Harper is Correct this is no time for an election, now start playing nice and work together with the other parties and make this governmnet work.


Phil
said
0 0

To the people complaining about Harper calling last year's election, please remember that on a minute to minute basis Dion was threatening to pull the plug on the government for his entire term as leader. Liberals should be happy he did call the election when he did as now they have a half decent leader rather than the completely spineless previous one. In regards to an election now, lets hope not as in all likely hood we'd end up with another Conservative minority with the Libs have a few more seats. Lets wait until there's a real reason to have an election, which would probably still result in a Conservative minority or at the worst a Liberal one. Looks like the next majority government in this country is many many years away.


Marc in Calgary
said
0 0

Way to speak: Don't call an election!!!! You did!!!

And since that time you have changing your forcasts like I change my underwear .....weekly!

Although I don't know if an election would change anything... what would it accomplish if we got a liberal minority.... not much more. There isn't enough support or dislike out there to swing it all the way to a liberal majority.

However, Harper used most of his negative campaign on last time's fiasco.


MARG MM
said
0 0

I tend to agree, now would not be a good time to waste money on an election. However, the Liberals will need the $1.95 per vote( anyone remember that!!!)so I wouldn't be surprised if they bring the Government down in the hopes of a win (which is all they want, no matter what) thus filling up their coffers with election vote funds.

The Liberals/NDP aren't interested in the economy,only in their own selfish motives.


David in Ottawa
said
0 0

I was once a Liberal / NDP supporter. But, I do believe Mr. Harper, during these very difficult times has held steady and has done his best for Canada. I for one, will vote conservative if the Liberal attempt to call an election in the fall, as the conservatives deserve their term in parliment without the Liberal or NDP Party interfering. And if the Liberal do attempt to have an election in the fall and this contributes to further economic losses, I am sure this will back fire on them for several years to come.


Peter Rapsey
said
0 0

I would say to the PM, anytime is election time while you are PM.


Richard L. Provencher
said
0 0

It's time for a Conservative majority, the next time around. They have proven they can govern during a time of crisis. Now let's give them an opportunity to govern. The Liberals have said enough about elections ever since they were defeated. They are not interested in helping this country through a global recession. Where are their innovative ideas, for which they can take credit. EI after 2 months work, then collect for a year is the best they can do? So sad.


James
said
0 0

I think he is right about that. The economy is improving. And of course, the other leaders in the House of Commons can make a decision also about the election. With a majority government things are different.

have a good day


zoltan28
said
0 0

get rid of
Bob Rae and find out how popular the liberals maybe become--all we need now is for pay back for him getting the position for the new liberal leader--DO YOU really want Mr Rae handling anything gov't--always remember the Rae days and what he did to Ontario


Pete, Burlington
said
0 0

I am sick and tired of listening to Ignatieff threaten to bring down the government. We elected them last year and he needs to accept that fact. It seems to me that the more often Iggy plays this game, the more blatently obvious it becomes to the Canadian people that he really doesn't give a damn about our country, only his own interests.

I can't wait for this guy to get fed up and go back home to the USA or UK.


E.I. doesn't work
said
0 0

I got laid off my winter job and could have used E.I. for a few weeks until I found another job (which I did) but that is not how the system works.
By the time the agents doddle around it's not even worth it. It seems as if the whole point of E.I. is to get people living on the system (after taking a month and a half to confirm their claim) rather than just using it for a week or a few weeks in between jobs.
E.I. should only be used for a little help between jobs, and not as a replacement for employment.


Chris Ottawa
said
0 0

It seems that libs here have a short memory!! Why Harper had to proroge the parlement?
Answer: Because libs, ndp and bloc wanted to do a coup and take the power like they do in Banana Republic! Do you remember that you libs? Do you really beleive that coalition would have done better?

So now! I would suggest that you leave the Conservative do their job and stop whining!! Yes we need a Conservative and it will come at the right moment!!


Jay-TO
said
0 0

He could pretend there is no recession and call an election just like he did last year. Nothing of any substance or truth ever comes out of his mouth.


Aaron in Toronto
said
0 0

It doesn't matter who you support, the fact is none of the party can provide the best for Canadian. All they are doing is trying to get power.

Tory has their strength and weakness but so is the Liberal. I don't think election now or later would make any difference.


the big gulp
said
0 0

Harper only has to fool 62% of the voters, 38% (minority government) will vote for Harper no matter what he says or does.

Canada, stop splitting the vote on the left, the 38% minority is running (ruining) the country.


tim
said
0 0

Elections, elections, elections.

How about this...

Elect the House of Commons to a static 4 year term, minority or not. (they have to learn to work together)

Elect the Senate to a 4 year term in the middle of the mandate handed down to the House of Commons (Every province and territory to be EQUALLY represented)

Elect the Governor General at the same time as the Senate is elected to a 4 year term. With real power, The GG can keep the House of Commons in-line and make sure the MP's cooperate.


Ki-Som
said
0 0

Oh please, this man would say and do anything to hold onto what little power he has. Mr. Harper is the most power hungry prime minister I have ever seen, and lord help you if you dare question him.


Haper supporters continue to display ignorance
said
0 0

about how parliament functions.

Read. A. Book.

Learn how the parliamentary system works.

Harper has to wait for the next ideas from NDP
said
0 0

and Liberals.

malingerer
said
0 0

As a life long conservative I am pained to say this, but Iggy-boy make sure that election gets called! Stephan Harper has only proved that he has no insight with or for fellow Canadians and definitely no longer backs up the family (no matter how that family is formed).

He and the (new) Conservatives are only supportive of the large corporations while the little guy (and who woulda thought that was me a year ago, man how times change) gets bent over! Stephan Harper has not learned a thing, it's time he got his butt kicked out of office :)


John of Ontario
said
0 0

I predict that by the end of December, there will be an election. And the criticism aimed at Harper will disappear after he wins a majority. Why? Because the economy is on an up trend and his image will be enhanced as one who is best to manage the economy.

Sounds ridiculous? Stay tuned. Remember, you first heard it here.


Ron
said
0 0

I see many are still flogging the lie that Harper called the election. The Librals and NDP stalled Parliament, hijacked committees with kangaroo courts and refused to pass any legislation that didn't come out of their own brain(less)trust. The election results (a significantly stronger showing for the Conservatives) shows people saw that the problem was the Liberal/NDP crews. Once again we have a Liberal leader more interested in his own agenda, huffing and puffing and willing to throw the Canadian economy under a bus if there is a whiff of opportunity to win an election. He came back to Canada because the backroom Liberals promised him the PM's office - he wants it and he wants it now - he couldn't care less what effect that has on us or our economy.


rob
said
0 0

Just a reminder for the short minded liberals, yes the PM called the last election, but only after repeated election threats from the Liberals, and a refusal from them to do any work.

The liberals treat this like a big game, and the only thing that matters is the Liberals must win! Well it is not a game, it is our Country, our taxes! Time for the liberals to sort themselves out and think what's best for the few people who actually vote for them, along with the rest of Canada!

Justin
said
0 0

I'm growing tired of Iggy whining about trying to make gov't work and this whole EI thing. For one the economy is starting to turn around and secondly I don't think the EI system needs any change. Stability in our gov't will only help us pull out of these tough times sooner. So tell Iggy to put a sock in it.


PepperPot
said
0 0

I am responding to the comment that Harper is the most power hungry PM he has ever seen. Well get ready as Iggy is the most power hungry man I have ever seen. He is here for one reason and one reason only and it's not for the benefit of Canada or Canadians. He wants to circulate with the muckymucks and that's it.
We need an election now about as much as we need another depression. Most of what the government is criticized for is because they are in a minority. Give them a majority


James from Vancouver
said
0 0

Kettle meet pot.


Robin
said
0 0

No more elections! How can anything get done when the politicians are scheming to get elected (or re-elected). Lock in the term so some work can get done!


Mike
said
0 0

I say let the governing party govern, keep them in check but let them govern. They were elected into power although by a minority. Give them a minium of three years and then lets see what happens. As for me if there is a election soon I will submit my vote as a protest vote, and hopefully a lot of other people will as well.


Roger
said
0 0

If it costs $400 million per election...

I think there are a lot better ways to spend our tax dollars. Healthcare, highways, services...

You need a microscope to see the difference between the liberals and the conservatives.

Lets not spend the $400 million and put it to better use. No one will get a majority anyhow.


Dennis
said
0 0

-All the comments above HERE-

So much spin not enough substance.

Your all being herded whether its the right or left. I think Canadians should be given the chance to vote on how they think the economy is being handled. What better opportunity than a vote for the highest seats in parliament. The MP in my riding has never once responded to any questions or concerns I have had. I'd be willing to bet shes not the only muzzled conservative in Canada.

Sandi
said
0 0

I will be SO choked if we have to go to the polls anytime soon !
This REALLY isn't the time for an election that will cost tax payers for what???? Another minority government, one way or the other.


Red X
said
0 0

The Economy was in Panic when we had the Early Election called by the Harper Conservative Gov't!

The Next Election will be a good time to vote out the bums, that is why the "Conservatives" have run the country only 57 out of the last 142 years...


Dick Richards
said
0 0

It seems anytime Steve is down in the polls it's a "bad time for Canada to have an election"


Walking Man
said
0 0

People like you Rob & all the other con men supporters of Harpo & gang, should remember themselves, just how mr reeeeeformer stole the big ‘C’ from a true conservative party. Nothing like stabbing true statesmen in the back just to get ahead, eh Peter?

PM Harper is now trying to do a larger con-job with the people of this fine country of Canada. Remember it belongs to the people, Libs & Cons alike……… Maybe they should resurrect Harold Ballard and really show you how to do the job. Have an election. I am tired of hearing people go on about their tax dollars.. You don’t have any tax $ they belong to the gov’t, so give me a break willya ! While we are on the subject, I think the billions wasted by Harpo far outweighs any discrepancy from previous Martin times, so fly me another one will you.



Roand Godin
said
0 0

The world brought on the recession according to Harper and company, now an election would cause instability it is like Iam hearing him sing...We are the world.
I would vote bloc Québecois if I could.
Numéro-Brunswick


TVic
said
0 0

There is already instability due to a minority gov't so it's best to try to resolve that with an election.
Nice to see that the Prime Minister actually made a statement on the economy in Canada. I don't like watching Fox news to find out what our PM thinks...


Kevin
said
0 0

Does anyone actually believe that Harper is looking out for the economy rather than his own political survival? Harper is one the worst underhanded dishonest politicians in the business. And yes, the Liberals will do whats suits their ineterests as well but I still believe Harper is the worst there is by far. Regardless of political partisanship he is a not to be trusted to run our country. I wouldn't call myself a conservative supporter, I am somewhere between the two sides depending on the issue but I would rather have any other conservative leader over Harper anyday.


Kyle from Vancouver
said
0 0

I made the mistake of voting conservative this past election. I think Harper knows what he is doing with the economy yes, but I am still so horrified that he does not give global warming any recognition. If he worked on global warming issues significantly I might still approve of him. Until then, he is a fool and I want him out of here.


Edward
said
0 0

To all you left wing loonies out there who want an election - go ahead get Iggy to try PS: he doesn't have enough seatsx to force the gov't to do anything he would need Jack and Gilles on board - and that aint gonna happen! ROFL


Sean
said
0 0

Mabye the Liberals should come up with realistic plans instead of offering up all the promises in the world. Typical Liberal nonsense.


Paul in PG BC
said
0 0

GW Harper is scrambling for his life in 24 sussex,time to move blubber boy!!I've had enough of yer mug!!
One last thing is ya ain't conservatards,REFORM-ALLIANCE.
remember that when ya go to the polls!!


Robyn
said
0 0

Harper would whine that NO time is good for an election.

Cambob in Toronto
said
0 0

An election in the fall, would lead to a Liberal MINORITY government.

An election in spring 2010 would lead to Conservative MAJORITY government.

The Bloc doesn't want either of those options, but given the situation with Liberal polls rising in Quebec, they will prop up the Conservatives until 2010.

Politics isn't hard to figure out if you know who has the power.


Dogears
said
0 0

Mr. Harper is forced by the opposition parties to finally address the recession he didn't even see coming, he brings in a Liberal budget and proves he and his finance minister have no idea what is going on, and then his supporters congratulate him on his handling of the economy. Finally, Harper is constantly running election style ads and then says, 'please don't make me call another election...'Know matter how hard the Cons work at it, they will never get a majority with Steven Harper at the helm and so he and the party continue to do everything in their power to hold onto their offices. Sad.


Len-Calgary
said
0 0

I hope we will get rid of Harper - The Dictator for good. Can't wait foe fall election to give my contribution to his "retirement"


IL
said
0 0

A majority Reform Government would be a disaster for all Canadians and you too his brain washed supporters. Harper can't even work with any party let alone his own. Wake up and smell the coffee.

It seems that libs here have a short memory!! Why Harper had to proroge the parlement?
Answer: Because libs, ndp and bloc wanted to do a coup and take the power like they do in Banana Republic! Do you remember that you libs? Do you really beleive that coalition would have done better?

Wrong, because he wanted to stop funding to the parties and he wanted to squash the fair play of women. Go back, google this and maybe you can find the truth. And do you remember Harper attempted to do the very same thing while Martin was still Prime Minister. How one tends to forget the stuff they don't like and make up stories on wishful thinking. I am all for an election this year. Can't wait to see the back side of this current leader. he is a liar and you people just eat it all up. You are all obviosly still employed and give beans about anyone else. About EI, 360 hours and no where have I heard from the Liberals that this would be for a full year. Only from Finely, Harper and the rest of the Reform goons.


norm gauthier
said
0 0

What recession? Last week his finance minister was telling us that we were out of the recession,according to the Bank of Canada


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