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Tories to delay by-elections

BRIAN LAGHI

From Monday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 2:17 AM EDT 23/07/07

Empty seats will remain to avoid overlap with vote in Ontario this fall ...Read the full article

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  1. Michael H from Edmonton, Canada writes: John Reynolds, we will have to see how long Harper sticks around after he loses the next election and then I will expect you to make the same statement questioning Harper's sincerity. How about Myron Thompson's sincerity. Is that also in question? Both he and Graham commented on CBC radio that there has been a serious loss of civility in the HoC. We can trace that back to Angry Steve.
  2. Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: Surprise, Surprise! When Harper allowed the people of Vancouver-Kingsway to languish under the oversight of a traitor, Canadians are to think that the Harper Party will be in a great big hurry to bring 'democracy' to other ridings.

    The Harper party wallows in non-democracy. The Harper party would prefer people to be un-represented if no flat out mis-represented.

    The Harper party is afraid to let Canadians decide.

    The Harper party is undemocratic, and unwilling and uncertain when or if to let anyone but 'their' people decide.

    The Harper party are very much afraid. The only truth in them, IMO.
  3. Jimmy K from Toronto, Canada writes: Anddddd cue the comment board fake moral outrage.....

    You know what guys, all these politicians are the same. Mr morals Jean Chretien did the exact same thing. So did Brian Mulroney. So did Trudeau. The problem is not with the politician that takes advantage of the rules, the problem is with the rules themselves. Giving the Prime Minister the power to set by-elections and even general election dates? That's pretty third world banana republic. I don't think Mugabe has that power even. If you want to get mad, don't get mad at only Harper, get mad at all the politicians in the house that don't think changing these rules is important. The only group of politicians who ever tried to change these things was Mr Manning of the Reform party, we used to laugh at him. I think he gets the last laugh, because he was right about this stuff then, and he's still right now, but now his party is defunct and he's retired, so I guess we're stuck with an antiquated election system and a centralized executive 'friendly dictatorship' Prime Minister, no matter who we elect (you guys really think Dion, Layton, or anyone else would do this any differently? Heh, I guess you were born yesterday).
  4. Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: Apparently, Harper-party people like Jimmy K advocate not voting, or advocate voting for the sake of it. Apparently, exercising a democratic responsibility like voting is rather stupid, if not completely ineffectual. Nice.
    Who voted for Manning? And why is his name bandied about in current policy circles? Who voted for him?
    Oh. Right. It's not about voting. Voters don't count.
    So, Canada gets some Manning with the Harper, and too bad about those ridings, too bad about usurping democracy. Too bad Canadians can't trust politicians.
    Voting is a fools' game.
    Next time, don't vote.
  5. Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: Pshawww. Get your leader to put up his dukes: hold some democratic by-elections. People deserve representation, chosen by them. Who does Harper think he is to deny Canadians of freely chosen representation? How long does he think he can go on denying free people representation to further his own skewed political machinations? How long will Harper pretend to live in an un-democratic country? Will everyone cry when the people show him the door? Doubtful.
  6. Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: Harper went on and on and on about unfilled positions when he was in opposition. Harper was absolutely rabid about letting the people choose, and Harper was forever standing up in the HoC demanding democracy for the ridings he felt were neglected or being put on hold by the powers-that-be. Now. Comme se comme sa. Ces't la vive, eh? Easy come, easy go. All good when it comes to what rights voters have.
    Stephen Harper is nothing if not elastic.
  7. Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: You laugh about that KK, but underneath you wish it were true. You wish that all dissenting Canadians could be rounded up and hidden, quashed, stashed, silenced... you wish for a squad that could be commissioned by a government to quell all dissent. You wish for a government with the power to override the will of the Canadian people. Yet you think of yourself as a) Canadian, and b) sane.
    KK, do you know that most of Canada abhors that sort of thing?
  8. Wang Woo from Toronto, Canada writes: To the sore loser Liberals spreading their sour grapes:

    Realize that your corrupt party of thieves lost the last election. Although you felt 'entitled' to steal taxpayers' money as if it were your very own, you now don't get to call the shots anymore in this country, and thank goodness for that. Your Liberal party garbage of 13 long years has finally been taken out.

    Your Liberal MPs decided to quit early, in droves I might add, instead of serving out their full terms as honourable public servants. Your flailing party doesn't have any right to demand byelections when it suits you best! You Liberals are the losers, thieves, and quitters - deal with the game as it's played from the opposition side now. You lost the election, remember??
  9. chris jenkins from Free the West, BC, Canada writes: Tomorow's G&M headline: 'Harper reported to hate puppies!'
  10. Diego Monico from Mississauga, Canada writes: Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada - You can't spin this one. Its not the go'vt fault that Liberal MP's are either resigning or retiring en masse. If they don't like where there party is going or their current leader, that's one thing BUT they owe it to their constituents, like you, to represent them at least until the end of their term. Leaving now is not the honourable thing to do.
  11. Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: KK, perhaps you should wonder if you ever got a blood transfusion in the 80's... it may explain a lot to you. Or about you. Perhaps a loved one (o.O) of yours had a transfusion then. Who knows? It could happen. I guess.
    Do you think you get a lot of traction out of walking on the backs of people afflicted with AIDS, or bitten by a snake? Your ignorance is appalling. I think you have bats in your belfry and are a prime candidate for rabies shots. Keep it up.
  12. Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: Pshaww, tell me and David Emerson about honourable, and representing constituents. Michael Fortier too. Who is he accountable to? Just let the people vote, okay? Quit playing around with accountability and representation: let Canadians have it they way they vote. This is not a difficult problem. Harper keeps dithering around granting voter rights and freedoms.
  13. Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: Is that all you got? Looking around for another straw man? It's just me. Me and me alone. Deal or fold up like a busted lawn-chair.

    Why would you, in your position, wish to bring in or up someone else?
  14. Geoff Virgo from Canada writes: 'Conservative campaign official John Reynolds said Canadians will be disappointed with the resignation of so many Liberals so quickly after the last election. Voters will wonder whether those who are retiring were sincere about representing their constituents or whether they quit because they are no longer in office, he said.'

    Is this tool Reynolds serious?!?!?! This coming from the same man that engineered David Emerson's defection to the Conservatives within days of being elected a Liberal in a riding that gave only 18% of it's total support to the party that could barely form a minority in the face of the worst gov't scandal in decades? Perhaps when he condeems Emerson's self-serving defection and Harper boots that pathetic cowardly syncophant from caucus then we'll take Reynolds comments on MP's sincerity about serving the interests of their constituents seriously. Until then he'd best shut his lying face because he hasn't a leg to stand on...... but he is right, Canadian's will not forget the betrayal of this country by his precious little 'Stevie' Harper and the trolls he leads.
  15. Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: Again, you run into the hayfield and erect a straw man. Can you simply deal with the simple idea of a country allowing free elections?

    Why won't the Harper party allow free elections? is the question.

    Let's not get into criminal investigations: the Harper party has a few cooking on the back burners...
  16. Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: KK, you're really grasping for straws. The people you quote aren't even on this thread, or topic. No matter to you, though, eh? A thread talking about how machinations of a ruling party usurping the will of the people... KK brings in some balderdash about he said/she said and the topic goes away...
    Are you sure you haven't got bats?

    Let the people vote! Let the people be represented by their choice! There is no excuse for a government to deny a riding an election. Why does the Harper party deny democracy to some of it's people?
  17. Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: KK, I think you are an ignorant and toxic person. You accuse people of being gay as if that was some sort of sickness, you try to ride to success on the backs of AIDS-afflicted persons, you try to besmirch people with little or no proof: you say it, or more weaselly, quote someone else and think that equals truth. I think you are a nut. Certifiable. Also, I think you are a phony, a fake, a poseur and a coward. You hide behind quotations of others to shield yourself from the rightful censure of thinking Canadians and the applications of hate laws.
    KK, In my opinion you are a hateful, vile, mean and cowardly person who would quail in the face of the most mild-mannered anonymous people you think nothing of insulting every day.

    Tell me once and for all why Harper should be allowed to play fast and loose with the people's right to representation and timely voting.
  18. Karol Karolak from Canada writes: Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: KK, you're really grasping for straws.

    Let the people vote! Let the people be represented by their choice! There is no excuse for a government to deny a riding an election. Why does the Harper party deny democracy to some of it's people?
    Posted 23/07/07 at 3:58 AM EDT |

    Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter, people voted and elected their representatives. It is not that their representatives died in office or are too sick to perform their duties, they are quitters. Since it costs money to hold bi-election it makes sense to leave quitters' ridings unfilled for some time so people can sober up and consider who do they want to elect??? Do they want another set of quitters or someone who is willing to stay on full term??? Look, election is a contract between electorate and candidate, if elected person quits there has to be negative consequence of some sort or everybody will start quitting.
  19. Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: David Emerson didn't quit. David Emerson drew his pay NOT representing the people who voted for him.
    If an election is a contract between electorate and candidate, then Emerson breached that contract.
    Your words.
    Why won't Harper allow the free voting and representation of the people that Canada is built on?
  20. Alexander Slimnich from Canada writes: 'The big problem is the Toronto ones,” said a senior source. “No one wants by-elections in the summer, but wait until Labour Day and we're into the Ontario provincial campaign. So [there's] good reason not [to rush] these ones.' What a big load of bull$hit. I voted Conservative in the last election, and (for the most part) I support what they do.. but this just defies any logic. Why not have the elections in the summer? Who says 'no one' wants them? Just hold the election, and be done with it. OTOH, perhaps something should be done about these MPs who decide to leave part way through their term in office..
  21. Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: KK, I never said you hid behind a moniker: I said you hide behind unsubstantiated quotations taken out of context in a bid to smear another person in your feeble attempts to mount a cogent argument for your position, which is still untenable.
  22. Expert Eel from Canada writes: Since the Steve Harper visit's Haitian slum message board was closed, I'll mention my comment here.

    Did anyone else find it a little creepy that Harper was surrounded by slum dwelling residents in his photo-op photo and was the only person smiling??
  23. Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: How many fat people were there in the photo-op, Expert Eel? Just curious.
  24. Karol Karolak from Canada writes: Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: KK, I never said you hid behind a moniker: I said you hide behind unsubstantiated quotations taken out of context in a bid to smear another person in your feeble attempts to mount a cogent argument for your position, which is still untenable.
    Posted 23/07/07 at 4:25 AM EDT |

    Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter you hide behind moniker. When it comes to Bill Graham I quoted lesbian website. If there is anybody trying to smear Bill Graham it is gays and lesbians doing it. All that I have quoted is public information, just use Google and you can find it for yourself. That info was there for last couple of years and nobody was getting upset over it.
  25. Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: KK, playing fast and loose again, eh? KK: 'Look, election is a contract between electorate and candidate...'
    Is it a contract? Or is it not?
    Did people want a Liberal? Or not?
    Did Emerson get up there as a NO PARTY candidate? No. He did not.
    When Vancouver-Kingsway wanted him ousted, why didn't that happen?
    V-K didn't vote for the person.
    But, the lesson has been well-learned. No matter what party colours some candidates are flying under, there will be hard questions as to their loyalty before voters will trust them again.
    Woe betide the people who vote for their party anymore when people like Emerson, Harper and KK say a contract is a contract, except when it's not a contract.
    And people wonder why young people simply do not care for politics as she is done.
    Stupid rebuttal, KK.
  26. Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: Is an election a contract between electee and electorate, KK, or is it not? Can we at least nail down one single principle that you put forth? It's ever so much easier to have an argument without a lot of moving of goalposts.
  27. Expert Eel from Canada writes: Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter, there was only 1 fat person in that photo.

    Karol Karolak from Canada writes: If an election is a contract between electorate and candidate, then Emerson breached that contract.

    Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter, you seem to suffer from some mental blockage, Emerson did not breach any contract with electorate.

    Wow Carol, I can't believe that I am actually asking this, but do you understand what the 'if' means in Votor's context?
  28. Karol Karolak from Canada writes: Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter please do not try to bame me for your own ignorance of Canadian electoral system. Just trying to state that my argument is stupid does not make it so, cheers.
    It is only your own ignorance that lead you to vote for 'Liberal candidate'. If you want to blame anyone blame LPC for getting Emerson on Liberal ticket.
  29. Karol Karolak from Canada writes: Expert Eel, you too get it thru your head that in Canada you vote for a person and not for a party.
  30. Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: Oh good show KK! Smear all the V-K people who voted for Emerson as a Liberal. It's a given that won't happen again anytime soon. Where oh where will Emerson run next election? Vancouver-Quadra? As a person who once was a Liberal, but who switched quick as a lamb's tail?
    These sort of antics are what drives quality away from the political arena and will make Canada third-rate as Harper espouses.
    No. Emerson will likely not run. Why should he?

    KK, you did not answer the question based on your own argument: is a vote for an electee by electors a contract?
  31. Karol Karolak from Canada writes: Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter a vote for an electee by electors a contract that electee if elected will represent electors for a full term (disregarding unforseeable circumstances like death or ilness). Now you should know, cheers and a good night.
  32. Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: Here you have it folks: one of the reasons the Cons are tanking in BC: they simply cannot be trusted; from one day to another they could be blue or red, or green or even orange; they are mostly stupid if KK is any indication (remember, you vote for the person...); and they wouldn't know a contract or a promise if they tripped over one.

    Cons supporter vote argument: It's a grab bag!

    Vote ABC. It's a simple as 1-2-3, just vote ABC!
  33. Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: Well, Emerson represented his voters for about two weeks, before he stepped up to be sworn in to the Con camp. He's been a rare bird in his riding ever since. People who live in V-K swear that sighting their elected representative is right up there with Nessie sightings. Stupid voters, eh?
  34. Zando Lee from Vancouver, Canada writes: ....gee Stevie, scared to face the electorate?.....posponing tne inevitable only increses the desire to rid this country of you and your gang on neocon misfits....
  35. Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: KK, you weaseled out of your own question. Typical.
  36. Rex's Experiment from Canada writes: Despite the mud-slinging above, I don't see a problem in the article. There are two seats in Toronto that need filled. Harper has stated it may have to wait until November to fill since Toronto, and Ontario, will be ripe with provincial politico's campaigning until the October election. He's trying to prevent confusion. Last thing you want is some crackerjack spouting he meant to vote one party locally and a different nationally and got confused. Let's be honest we howled when that happened in the US with the Bush-Gore fiasco.
  37. Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: Phhhhhtttt Rex, pardon me but that argument so sucks. No-one confused, oh let's say Emerson in Vancouver-Kingsway, with someone else... How many ridings are up for by-elections, and how many people are running with the same name? But I'll give your argument some truck, and wait to see if Harper calls an election or by-elections when BC is calling theirs. Wouldn't want to get Gordo confused with Liberals, now would we?
  38. Lawrence Hutchinson from Houston, United States writes: Jimmy K from Toronto, Canada writes The problem is not with the politician that takes advantage of the rules, the problem is with the rules themselves. Giving the Prime Minister the power to set by-elections and even general election dates? That's pretty third world banana republic.

    In May the government passed legislation setting fixed election dates every 4 years starting October 19, 2009.
  39. Terry Quinn from Canada writes: Jmac...the fact of the matte ris that most of the resignations are due to legitimate ritirements and these people have the decency to ensure their ridings are well represented by new blood. The quality of candidates running or planning to run in these byelections is outstanding.

    That's waht harpercrite and 'Lightning' Reyonlds fear the most.
  40. J. Mac. from Canada writes: Typical Liberal, jump from the sinking ship when the money trough runs dry.
  41. Stude Ham from Outremont, Canada writes:

    Harper is right to leave ontario alone for now because of its scheduled provincial october elections.

    But then again...
  42. Don Adams from Canada writes: OMIGOD! Stewed Ham actually posted a comment that made sense! But, of course, blew it with the last line.
  43. Not the Alliance from In my opinion the Harper Gov't is incompetent - this goes triple for Stockwell, Canada writes: Yes, Harper would NEVER want Federal matters to interfere with a Provincial election - just ask Charest. LOL!!

    Of course, if the Harper 'conservative' internal polling numbers were different, he'd call an election the same day as Ontario, for all he really cares....
  44. Not the Alliance from In my opinion the Harper Gov't is incompetent - this goes double for Fortier, Canada writes: I guess Harper needs more time for the negative ads to have an effect. He's still scared of Dion. Why?.... only Harper knows. They think the ads are money well spent, even though there's no election. Don't believe this stuff that the Harper 'conservatives' care about democracy. It's all about polling numbers....


    Of course, this delay will give John Reynolds more time to pre-approach liberal candidates with sweet offerings. John Reynolds loves this underhanded subvert the will of the people stuff. Emerson was the highpoint of his career.
  45. J. Mac. from Canada writes: Not the Alliance writes: He's still scared of Dion.
    Bird brain! How could anyone be scared of a pasty face funny looking man who can't speak English? Now if you said the Kyoto the dog thats another story,especially if you work for Canada Post
  46. Not the Alliance from In my opinion the Harper Gov't is incompetent - this goes double for Fortier, Canada writes: J.Mac - Exactly. So why are the Harper 'conservatives' wasting money on the ads? I guess this only makes sense if you are a Harper 'conservative' moonie. That would explain the slack mouthed drooling acceptance of the so called 'conservative' budget too.
  47. Not the Alliance from In my opinion the Harper Gov't is incompetent - this goes quadruple for Flaherty, Canada writes: Would any of you Harper moonies care to explain why Harper is wasting money on these ads when it's well known (at least amongst the J Mac types) that Dion is not worth the time? I mean if the guy's such a light weight, why not just have the by-elections immediatey and get it over with? Why would it interfere with a Provincial election when the choice is so obviously clear? (if you're a Harper mooooonie that is...)

    The sad truth is, once again, the electorate is faced with choice of choosing who you despise the least......
  48. Michael Enright from Toronto, Canada writes: Oh joy, oh joy - first I have to listen to that windbag Smitherman campaign for the provincial election, then I can immediately look forward to another six-weeks of the same stuff from Bob Rae.
  49. Not the Alliance from In my opinion the Harper Gov't is incompetent - Harper conservatives can't get elected on their own merits., Canada writes: Would the Harper 'conservatives' ever be elected to govern if they were up against a viable opponent? I don't think so. Anybody else think this?
  50. Gerry Pankhurst from westport ontario, Canada writes: Once again our Prime Minister, Mr. Harper, will demonstrate that he will not act according to the will of the media and the opposition. He knows exactly what he is doing and he is doing it well as will be seen by way of the results of the 2009 election. Eat your hearts out disbelievers. It is inevitable.
  51. Catherine Wilkie from Canada writes: The timing of the byelections will be when the polls tell PM Harper that his application of taxpayer's money, at buying votes in Quebec in particular, has peaked and it is a favourable time for him to go to the polls.
  52. B R from GTA, Canada writes: Catherine Wilkie, exactly.

    Why would Harper call by-elections just to fill the Liberal Seats ? He has absolutely nothing to gain from calling by-elections anywhere even in Alberta where the empty seat will be heavily contested once a by election is called there.

    By the way is Reynolds the Karl Rove in the Canadian Government ?? No , of course not, one thing Harper does not need is a speech prompter. He already uses one very time.
  53. Gerry Pankhurst from westport ontario, Canada writes: Catharine Wilkie: Makes sense to me. How about you? When would you go?
  54. MJ Patchouli from Regina, Canada writes: When will Fortier run for a seat?

    Oh yeah, he doesn't need one to be a cabinet minister in steve's kangaroo cabinet.

    Meantime, all the Canadians in the vacant ridings are unrepresented.
  55. D. B. from Greater Sask., Canada writes: I think it would be safe to say that the attack ads are on hold, indefinitely. Of course they would come out during a general election, but to run any more would be a total disaster for the CPC. Why? I guess it's because . . .
  56. Norm Neil from in the Hot 'n Wild West..., Canada writes: Wang Woo from Toronto, Canada writes: 'To the sore loser Liberals spreading their sour grapes:...' Sour grapes? Funny how when Mr. Harper (while in Opposition) criticized the Liberals on this subject, you were in full support but now since the Conservatives are in power, you are happy with the status quo? Does the term 'hypocrite' have any meaning to you? Apparently not. '...Although you felt 'entitled' to steal taxpayers' money as if it were your very own, you now don't get to call the shots anymore in this country, and thank goodness for that...' Congratulations Wang, you have officially joined the illustrious ranks of that bastion of logical thinking: the conspiracy theorists (among whose members believe that Elvis is still alive, and the Apollo lunar landing was faked by Hollywood)! Which Liberals stole money Wang? Names, please. You cannot continue to get away with laying blame and slander without being called on it. I realize that Justice Gomery's findings were a huge dissapointment for the partisan Conservative supporters but it is time to face facts - there was no national-level party policy organized around stealing tax payers money. You can keep repeating your lies until you are blue in the face, but that doesn't change the reality. 'You Liberals are the losers, thieves, and quitters - deal with the game as it's played from the opposition side now. ' Libellious statements aside, the role of an Opposition is to 'oppose' (get it?) the government. That's how the 'game of politics' is played, Wang.
  57. Michael H from Edmonton, Canada writes: Wet Back, you've alluded to some sort of criminal conspiracy in BC a few times now. I'd like some details so I can find out exactly what you are talking about. What were the crimes? Who was involved? What is the evidence?
  58. should check government web site for the facts from Canada writes: Karol :

    Please list specific cases reform alliance harper positive attitudes , actions or accomplishments . I was promised open , accountable , good government .

    I know how wrong , stupid , crooked , thieving , incompetent , misguided the non harper reform , alliance are .

    Will harper harmonize bankruptcy laws at the 3 amigos meeting ?

    Will harper top up Canadian disaster relief fund to cover nuclear plant accidents that insurance companies are refusing in fine print to cover ?

    Will the defense minister do everything he can to accomplish his job and debate war policy as promised in PARLIAMENT ?
  59. Michael H from Edmonton, Canada writes: Norm Neil, I think the right wing has learned well from the US Republican approach of: if you repeat a lie often enough, people will start to believe it. It's quite interesting how many of these people object to the basic functioning of a democracy. For example, when the press does its job by criticizing government policy, they are concluded to be part of a left-wing conspiracy. When the criticize something that Layton or Dion propose, they're just being honest but they are still part of a left-wing conspiracy. I think that most of the major newspaper chains have been far too easy on Harper. The (un)Accountability Act is a perfect example. It took the Sun Media chain, of all people, to finally blow the whistle on this complete sham. That analysis should have taken place when the act was introduced and being debated. Maybe then there would have been adequate public pressure to introduce a real Accountability Act instead of new mechanisms to abuse the public purse.
  60. B R from GTA, Canada writes: Joe Loria from calgary, Canada

    Can't you do any better ?
  61. Karol Karolak from Canada writes: It seems that Liberano hacks never learn and keep spewing nonsense every chance they get. Now, all that they are left with are sour grapes and posturing. All that we need for next couple of months are bunch of Liberano hacks taking Torontonians for granted and we could be sure that Bob Rae will lose his snowball in Hell chance to get into HoC.
  62. Wang Woo from Toronto, Canada writes: Norm Neil -

    Are you saying that the sponsorship scandal was a 'conspiracy theory' and that the Liberals DIDN'T steal our money?? My, you Liberals are even more 'entitled' than I thought, if you are currently in denial that such thievery even occurred. Perhaps I should now add 'liar' to losers, thieves, and quitters for a bald-faced comment like that!

    Obviously, you shameless Liberals have learned nothing, if you continue to try and deny that the Liberal thievery of taxpayers' money ever occurred. Maybe this is why your shameless Liberal party has not yet apologized to the Canadian public for stealing our money and passing it around to their Liberal candidates in brown paper envelopes... because this would be an admission of guilt. In fact, the 'entitled' Liberal party has not yet paid back the stolen $millions$, nor have they named the names of the MPs who used this stolen money to win their ridings. Maybe one of these candidates was STEPHANE DION himself!
  63. Norm Neil from in the Hot 'n Wild West..., Canada writes: Michael: Agreed.

    You know, this would be much more interesting if the Cons supporters were able express their opinions in a coherent manner. It is getting boring responding to conspiracy theories instead of (rational) ideas and facts.

    Libel, name calling and ad hominem attacks are not my idea of a sensible discussion.
  64. Wang Woo from Toronto, Canada writes: Karol - thanks for the link about the new fast-breaking story of the Liberals stealing money from their own patry coffers -- once a crook, always a crook, I guess. At least it's not our money this time, but it speaks volumes about their ethics.

    The London Free Press is carrying this story -- I think it will be telling if the national news has the guts to follow this story (or will they try and protect their Liberal friends by trying to suppress it??).

    http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/News/Local/2007/07/20/4354266-sun.html
  65. should check government web site for the facts from Canada writes:

    Karol & Manning tag team : You don't have permission to answer above questions in 10 : 40 post ?

    Will harper harmonize home land security legislation at 3 amigos meeting ?
  66. Not the Alliance from In my opinion, The Harper Gov't is Incompetent., Canada writes: Wang Woo proves, once again, that the best thing about the Harper 'conservatives' is AdScam. It's the Harper 'conservatives' biggest selling feature. In fact it's their only selling feature. So they smear and repeat old exaggerations over and over in the hope that, one day, people will believe them enough to give them more than a slim minority.

    Wang Woo and his other fake name colleagues in the 17,000 square foot Campaign (when there's no campaign) HQ (aka the Ministry of Propaganda) know this.

    Vote for the Harper 'conservatives' - their campaign ads tell us that they stink less. It MUST be true!
  67. B R from GTA, Canada writes: Wang Woo from Toronto, Canada

    No use spouting here . I suggest you contact a lawyer and have, whatever it is. out in the courts.

    No use constantly repeating the same nonsense here.
  68. Wang Woo from Toronto, Canada writes: Hey, Not the Alliance, long time no see!

    I see that you're still trying to downplay the significance of the sponsorship scandal. Why has the Liberal party not yet paid back this money, or at very least apologized to Canadians for having betrayed our trust in stealing from us? Maybe their entitlement and arrogance prevents this from happening.

    Perhaps if your Liberal party won't apologize for stealing our $millions$ and using it to fund their own candidates in the Quebec federal election, will you at least apologize to Canadians on their behalf?
  69. Not the Alliance from In my opinion, The Harper Gov't is Incompetent., Canada writes: Wang Woo continues to hold onto Sponsorship like a drowning man clinging to the last life ring.

    Once again, he proves that the only possible reason to vote for the Harper so called 'conservatives' is that they're not the liberals.
  70. B R from GTA, Canada writes: Wang Woo from Toronto, Canada

    Theft of millions belongs in the courts, take it there.
  71. B R from GTA, Canada writes: Wang Woo from Toronto

    You are extremely boring. Adscam is a concept in the minds of Harper-followers only. It is done it is over , fini, basta. It won't get you anywhere. Have you not noticed that Harper has not advanced one iota on the adscam wave ?
  72. Not the Alliance from In my opinion, The Harper Gov't is Incompetent., Canada writes: Wang Woo - a little presumptuous aren't you??

    Who's blaming you for the sponsorship scandal? The fact that you're employed by the conservatives doesn't mean I blame you for anything other than 7/24 propaganda.

    Who said I'm a liberal? Just because I despise Harper, his party, and his hangers on and his brain dead moonies (not you though, I get a kick out of your fake name...)
  73. Wang Woo from Toronto, Canada writes: Look, I've got two Liberals who are blaming ME for the sponsorship scandal, instead of taking responsibility for their party's actions. This reeks of arrogance, guys.

    Let me ask you again, Not the Alliance, and B R (aka Garth Turner) - if your beloved Liberal party refuses to apologize to Canadians for having stolen our millions, will YOU apologize to Canadians on behalf of the Liberal party for having stolen this money?
  74. D. B. from Greater Sask., Canada writes: Adscam caught on with the voters outside of Quebec to some extent, precisely because it involved Quebec. Nothing like a bit of Quebec bashing to make a small segment of the population feel a bit better about itself. All the parties have their lapses, when it comes to handling other people's money. So, now the question is- how long are the CPC going to try to make mileage out of Adscam? And a complementary question- what does Adscam have to do with trying to set policy that Canadians might be comfortable with?
  75. Not the Alliance from In my opinion, The Harper Gov't is Incompetent., Canada writes: From the mouth of 'Wang Woo' (i.e. straight from the official Harper so called 'conservative's' party line): Adscam is THE reason to vote for Harper. No other reason.

    Without Adscam Harper is back shilling for a right wing think tank, and bad mouthing Canada and Canadian's from wherever possible....
  76. Wang Woo from Toronto, Canada writes: Not the Alliance - I meant that you and B R have the gall to criticize me for even discussing the sponsorship scandal, which I think is abhorrent. We still have free speech in Canada! Of course you guys know that a fairly conservative-minded and ethical guy like myself would have nothing to do with a Liberal party ploy to steal taxpayers' dollars.

    I'm still yearning for an apology from the Liberal party. Not the Alliance, although you hate Harper and always defend the Liberals, you deny being a Liberal yourself. I find this strange, but Liberals are not always known for being forthright.

    So if you won't apologize on behalf of the Liberal party, will card-carrying Liberal B R (aka Garth Turner) at least give us a little 'I'm sorry'?
  77. B R from GTA, Canada writes: Wang Woo from Toronto, Canada

    If you are so obsessed with 'it', read about 'it' over and over again, then take it to court.

    Or better still, go cry in a corner.
  78. D. B. from Greater Sask., Canada writes: I felt very bad that a few people in Quebec subverted the federal govvernment's work to promote federalism in that province. Kind of defeated the purpose. Even stranger, I still don't know what the CPC really thinks about Quebec's status in Canada. It is certainly sending mixed signals (past and present). All that said, moral lapses are found in all the other parties, federal and provincial. Time to clean things up for real. How is the accountability legislation and policy of our minority gov't. coming along, anyway?
  79. Joe Loria from calgary, Canada writes: B R from GTA, Canada writes: Joe Loria from calgary, Canada 'Can't you do any better ?' One of the challenges for the NDP and Liberals at election time is how to sway voters from the other party to vote for them. In the last election, Layton used the 'lend me your vote' strategy. Martin used the 'scary Harper' strategy. What I'm suggesting here is a possible strategy for Layton to use at the next election campaign. The problem with negative ads in a multi-party environment is that if Party A attacks Party B, then there is a danger that votes will swing to Party C. For example, if Layton repeats the Liberal spin that 'Harper is scary', then he risks driving left-leaning voters to the Liberals, in order to stop the 'scary' Harper from getting a majority. This is all well-known. And it also helps understand why the Tories have been focusing on Dion as 'not-a-leader' tv ads, so that voters will make the comparison between Dion and Harper as Prime Minister wanna-be's. Thus leaving out any question of Layton (or May or Duceppe) as an alternative. Anyway, let's see if Layton gets better at finessing his message. The Liberals have the upper hand, because they generally have stronger candidates and get more press coverage. But Layton is clearly a better political player than Dion, and can pass himself off as a more effective, more ethical, more nationalist Canadian than Dion. And Harper will do whatever he can to help Layton move up the food chain, closer to official opposition. For more on this, listen to Steve Paikin interviewing Jamie Heath (ex NDP strategis) here: http://www.tvo.org/cfmx/tvoorg/theagenda/index.cfm?page_id=7&bpn=379021&ts=2007-06-20%2020:00:19.0
  80. Elmo Harris from Niagara, Canada writes: Wang Woo from Toronto, Canada writes: 'Realize that your corrupt party of thieves lost the last election. Although you felt 'entitled' to steal taxpayers' money as if it were your very own...'

    To say things like that you are either sadly misinformed or an outright liar. Ad-Scam was a little misguided scheme devised by bureaucrats, some appointed by Liberals and some Federal appointed by the Progressive Conservatives, to funnel a little over 1 million dollars into the Quebec wing of the Liberal party to fight separatism in Quebec. Certain Ad executives saw an opportunity to make some easy money and took advantage of the system. Let me point out that no Liberal politicians or Federal Liberal officials were ever connected with this scheme. It was Paul Martin who discovered the malfeasance and commissioned the Gomery Commission to get to the root of the problem. Stephan Harper took advantage of a very honourable decision by Mr. Martin to twist the investigation into a blanket condemnation of the Federal Liberal party. Admittedly, Mr. Martin's team handled the fallout poorly and the labels have stuck but it is no reason for you to continue the lie. Gomery acquitted the Liberal Party of Canada and all Liberal politicians of any wrongdoing.

    As Ian St. John wrote in an earlier post some days ago: 'One man was convicted of fraud in the handling of contracts by his company. He was sentenced for his crime. No party or politician can ensure that nobody cheats ever. It was clearly proven to neither be supported by the Quebec liberal party nor a widespread problem despite the media hype surrounding it. It was facilitated by a few 'rogues' in the civil service who ignored fiscal prudence based on their 'crisis mentality', not the politicians.'

    However, Wang Woo seems to have another source. I and others have asked repeatedly in these threads for the names of those politicians who benefited from adscam. Go ahead, don't be shy speak up, or shut up.
  81. Norm Neil from in the Hot 'n Wild West..., Canada writes: Wang Woo from Toronto, Canada writes: 'Norm Neil - Are you saying that the sponsorship scandal was a 'conspiracy theory' and that the Liberals DIDN'T steal our money?? My, you Liberals are even more 'entitled' than I thought, if you are currently in denial that such thievery even occurred. Perhaps I should now add 'liar' to losers, thieves, and quitters for a bald-faced comment like that!' I implied nothing of the sort. Nice try though, Wang. Wang, you conveniently neglect to mention that the Gomery Inquiry was initiaited by (then) Prime Minister Martin. The Liberals were found to have missapropriated $1.4 million, which they subsequently repaid. The pessimist would call this stealing, the optimist: poor accounting. Your call. '...Obviously, you shameless Liberals have learned nothing, if you continue to try and deny that the Liberal thievery of taxpayers' money ever occurred....' I wrote that there was no 'national-level party policy organized around stealing tax payers money'. Wang, the reality was that a few senior level beaurocrats were caught embezzling money for misguided purposes. No Liberal MPs were charged. But I guess to conspriacy theorists such as yourself, that simply 'confirms' their guilt. '...In fact, the 'entitled' Liberal party has not yet paid back the stolen $millions$, nor have they named the names of the MPs who used this stolen money to win their ridings. Maybe one of these candidates was STEPHANE DION himself! ' Wang, the Liberal party has repaid the $1.4 Million. And in typical Conservative playbook fashion, you accuse M. Dion. Prove it Wang. No more accusations without proof please. Wang, I know the Cons supporters love to milk the Sponsorship scandal with lots of innuendo, half-truths and outright lies, but the Gomery Inquiry's findings has thrown cold-water on all your conspiracy theories. But don't let the facts get in the way of good smear campaign, eh Wang?
  82. Brian Marlatt from White Rock, BC, Canada writes: 'Give Steve the Heave!' And Reform Party crackpot John Reynolds too. That must be the cry of anyone who wants to see a viable alternative to the Liberals.
  83. Catherine Wilkie from Canada writes: Speaking of accountability, where is Daniel Paille? The guy who was hired to embarrass Liberals. When do we get to hear from him to prove that this gov't hasn't (again) wasted taxpayer's money?
  84. Catherine Wilkie from Canada writes: The Conservative gov't hired Daniel Paille to hunt into (invented) Liberal sponsorships and polling problems. Taxpayer's money to do this. Where is Daniel Paille? Why haven't we heard from him?
  85. D. B. from Greater Sask., Canada writes: Mr. Harper will be more comfortable when he is 'back shilling for a right-wing think tank.' Those right-wing think tanks need good progressive governments to survive. I shudder to think what would happen if government policy actually coincided with what they are shilling.
  86. Wang Woo from Toronto, Canada writes: Maybe you guys are right. If two Liberal supporters (B R and Not the Alliance) can't say they're sorry for the Liberal thievery, then of course the Liberal party itself won't be ready to apologize any time soon. I shouldn't hold my breath.

    Demanding an apology from Liberals is like beating a dead horse. Besides, apologies need to be sincere... or in the Liberals' case, at least give the impression of being sincere. Given the Liberal party track record, it would be pointless to wait for apologies for all of their documented transgressions.

    Hopefully Canadians will remember that this has-been party has not yet apologized and will keep them out of power until they own up to this thievery and finally pay us back the money. Then again, the Liberals are broke. Maybe this will keep them away from taxpayers' money for a long time. That would be a good thing.

    I think Harper is doing a good job, getting things done, and keeping the government out of scandal for a change. I imagine that most Canadians of all political stripes (aside from you Liberal die-hards on this board) are breathing a sigh of relief to be away from the thievery and scandals of the dark Liberal era.
  87. Guillaume Afleck from Happy Town, Canada writes: Catherine Wilkie Clod Fraser from libtardland 'The [..] gov't hired Daniel Paille to hunt into [..] Liberal sponsorships and polling problems.'

    I am glad that the government is following up on the commitment made to the Audito General to check into this.

    I understand that many of the years of activity that he is reviewing include the last time the conservatives were in power, is this not so?
  88. mike sty from Canada writes: Why did Canada's New Minority Gov't and J. Flaherty steal 35 BILLION dollars from Canadian seniors??

    When will Harper apologize for stealing 35 BILLION dollars from Canadian seniors??

    Can this PM ever tell the Truth??

    Can't Trust Harper
  89. B R from GTA, Canada writes: Wang Woo from Toronto

    Boo Hoo Boo Hoo Boo Woo Boo Woo

    Instead of advice from a lawyer, you need help from a shrink. Don't wait too long.
  90. Norm Neil from in the Hot 'n Wild West..., Canada writes: Wang Woo from Toronto, Canada writes: '...I think Harper is doing a good job, getting things done, and keeping the government out of scandal for a change.'

    OK Wang, what has Harper actually done that warrants such partisan cheerleading?

    Accountability Act? Nope.

    Public Appointments Commission? Killed at the first sign of criticism.

    Income trusts? We're still waiting for the evidence of 'tax leakage'?

    Increased Law & Order? Minor tweaking of existing laws.

    Environmental policy? This has been quite the roller coaster ride, hasn't it? Remind us Wang, what's their position today?

    Clean Air Act: A shameless re-branding of previous Liberal policies.

    1% drop in GST? Hurrah! Yes! A slam dunk by the Harper Conservatives!

    But I would be remiss if I failed to acknowledge Mr. Harper's leadership skills as evidenced by the acrimonious and partisan bickering that took place in the HoC this past year, led by none other than our exemplary statesman - P.M. Harper.

    He has really taken partisan mud-slinging rhetoric to a new low. Congratulations Wang.
  91. Norm Neil from in the Hot 'n Wild West..., Canada writes: Wang: I forgot to mention the creation of the Conservative playbook that lists such nation-building activities such as: how to derail a committee and how to leak innuendo and half-truths to discredit an opponent, etc., etc.

    Yes Wang, there is certainly a lot to be proud of in your employer.
    • Posted 23/07/07 at 12:27 PM EDT |