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Dion pledges boost to infrastructure funding

STEVEN CHASE

Globe and Mail Update

Latest comment posted at 10:42 PM EDT 15/02/08

If elected, Liberals say they'd use surpluses beyond $3-billion to repair roads, public transit ...Read the full article

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  1. Cyrus Of Persia from Canada writes: As if a Liberal pledge means anything...
  2. Mean Machine from Bugtussle, Canada writes: Now that makes sense in any language.
  3. george mcfly from CALGARY, Canada writes: Looks like the Globe and Mail is gonna milk this story all weekend!!!!
  4. Michael Sharp from Crocus-Daffodilville, Canada writes:

    And has been pointed out BC is going to spend 14 billion in infrastructure.

    Anything over 3 billion is chump change.

    The LPC, shooting for the moon!
  5. Michael Sharp from Crocus-Daffodilville, Canada writes:

    Well, given that Martin fixed health care for a generation, we don't need to spend any money post-surplus on health care, eh?

    Or on the environment, the military, education and let us never forget the latest, greatest social program, Universal Day Care!

    The Liberal platform, one shaky rotten old plank that no amount of epoxy will fix.

    These guys are funny.
  6. spicydoc reconstituted from aahhh, that's better, Canada writes:

    A new thread on the same piece of fluff.

    Nice.

    So Dion is going to save the cities eh? That's his next big thing?

    Here's my read--the LPC are on the verge of losing the urban centres to the NDP, and this is the first of many city-friendly lies designed to try to retain the latte-lefty concrete jungle crowd. Dion is in trouble.

    Imagine this headline as a corollary:

    'Harper pledges to boost Alberta cattle and oil industries'.

    What would you think??-----Yup, Dion is in trouble in LibLand, and the scramble is on...
  7. talk to the hand from Canada writes: there are few things that fill conservatives with as much terror as the prospect of passing on a better world to their children.

    i think we should care for,a dn improve the country we inherited.

    they just want to cash out now and eat it all today.

    not very conservative in my opinion.

    that's why i call them 'false conservative' or 'liars'
  8. Michael Sharp from Crocus-Daffodilville, Canada writes:

    talk to the hand, here is a very conservative idea, one for the ages.

    There is NO greater social program than a job.

    That's the world I want my children to have.
  9. Nassar Ben Houdja from Canada writes: Out of idle curiousity, where is all the money coming from to do all these wonderful things. Hear tell that years ago the liberals wanted to ban horses because with the projected population increase the country would be burried under insurmoutable piles of 'hockey pucks', same logic holds true today, and being the reciepient of a better world passed down from liberals of former years. Bullkyoto.
  10. spicydoc reconstituted from aahhh, that's better, Canada writes:

    talk to the hand--

    Paying off our huge national debt is the best thing we can do for our children.

    Infrastructure, a provincial responsibility, is already receiving 33 billion from the feds.

    If Dalton et al say they need more cash, then Dalton et al can find a way to raise more or learn to be better managers.

    How many pot-holes could Dalton have filled with the million bucks he gave to a cricket club, e.g.?
  11. Cosmo Spacely from London, Canada writes: Why aren't developers required to pay more in terms of setting aside a portion of the price of a house/commercial building that goes into a fund to help maintain the infrastructre required for all this growth. Yeah, I know it will make houses more expensive, but hey you want to move into a new house help pay the true cost for this development
  12. elwyn jennings from Toronto, Canada writes: Once more, real leadership is shown by Stephane Dion.
  13. Tom Dodd from Edmonton, Canada writes: This is the stupid plan. Every time the federal goverment what to spend money and there not a less 10 billion surplus you going here 100's of mayor kicking and screaming until they get there money. No more cutting taxes for future job growth which in turn incease revenue. which can be use for healthcare. It take money to make money. This is only one of many example that going to handcuff the federal goverment from doing its job.
  14. Will Hoaccio from Toronto, Canada writes: Come on people, this isnt a 'liberal vs. conservative' issue. Canada needs infrastructure, every country needs infrastructure. The fact that Canada, a G8 country, has worse infrastructure than Eastern China or South Korea is a bit pathetic.

    Most of Ontario's infrastructure was built by conservative governments, so this really isn't an ideological 'left-right' battle. It is simple, businesses are attracted by 3 things: Human capital, infrastructure, and reasonable taxes. You cannot focus on one of those at the expense of the others.

    Business wont locate in Canada if taxes are low but the airport and road network are garbage.
  15. M Samuels from London ON, Canada writes: Ah, I wouldn't worry, I'm sure by Monday he'll have changed his mind, and there will be a different priority for spending of the Liberals' entitlements.
  16. Will Hoaccio from Toronto, Canada writes: Tom Dodd from Edmonton, Canada writes: 'This is the stupid plan. Every time the federal goverment what to spend money and there not a less 10 billion surplus you going here 100's of mayor kicking and screaming until they get there money. No more cutting taxes for future job growth which in turn incease revenue. which can be use for healthcare.'

    Supply side economics is a bit outdated. The idea that a 2% tax cut results in a 2% increase in government revenue, going to health care in you're example, has been thoroughly discredited. It is true that GDP does tend to grow, but the fiscal capacity is never recovered.

    Plus, nobody will invest in Canada if the infrastructure sucks. The only area with anything close to a decent sized airport is Toronto, and that will reach air side capacity by 2017. Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa and all the rest need infrastructure investments. You cannot ignore this.

    Given that large infrastructure projects tend to operate on the decade time frame, you have to deal with these things ahead of time.
  17. Douglas MacDONALD from Canada writes: Conservative govts dont understand infrastructure just look at Alberta the infrastructure out here is a mess and look at the money that this govt has had for years and nothing substantial to show for it total incompetence.
  18. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: Will Hoaccio:-- I despaired that there would be an intelligent post until I arrived at yours. The infrastructure built during Canada's post-war boom is at the end of its design life. Furthermore, Canada is becoming increasingly urbanized - one of the most urbanized nations in the world. At the same time, our nation is composed of jurisdictions that no longer make much sense, and the current division of powers (federal-provincial-municipal) doesn't reflect where the needs are. Municipalities are very limited in their ability to raise revenues - in effect, they must wait for provincial largesse. And, to complicate all this, conservatives here and there have been gerrymandering to give rural areas more representation than they deserve. We're stuck with arrangements that made much more sense a century ago.

    Perhaps someone who knows can tell us, but it is my understanding that the federal budget provides for debt retirement as a matter of course. What is under discussion here, I think, is amounts greater than the additional debt retirement provided for in unexpected surpluses. In other words, $3 billion is not the only amount going to debt retirement.
  19. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    How and why is this news or new policy? Why is it treated as if it is a revelation?

    The present government has a 33 BILLION dollar infrastructure program over 7 years as policy that has already started last year in 2007. Almost 5 Billion per year! Why is this not stated and congratulated?

    Why does this Dion 'idea' get great ink, while a very comprehensive plan that is in place, receives no mention-as if Don is a saviour! PLEASE!!!!

    Does the G&M have a Liberal agenda?

    .
  20. Grant Bowen from Canada writes: Yes, the Conservatives spent like drunken sailors and made wasteful cuts to the GST and they wonder why the cupboard is bare?

    It is spelt: 'poor fiscal management'
  21. spicydoc reconstituted from aahhh, that's better, Canada writes:

    Rob--

    Not to worry. I was thinking the same thing but have a theory:

    The gloab has an agenda, but it's not pro-Dion.

    They are giving Dion these freebies now, but when an election is called, they will hammer him.

    Articles like these are put in the 'pro-Dion' bank so they can call themselves 'balanced' overall.
  22. Will Hoaccio from Toronto, Canada writes: R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes: 'The present government has a 33 BILLION dollar infrastructure program over 7 years as policy that has already started last year in 2007. Almost 5 Billion per year! Why is this not stated and congratulated?'

    The Conservative 'Building Canada Fund' doesn't provide new funding. It is a re-bundling of various Mulroney and Chretien era policies. Consolidating the projects is a good idea, but this isn't new funding.

    Further, the funding is not to municipalities (who are responsible for the majority of our infrastructure) it is to the provinces, who then distribute it to municipalities as they see fit. The federal gov't dealing with municipalities directly would reduce the bureaucratic nightmare that is Canada, at least in the case of the major cities.

    Not to mention P3 requirements, which are a murky field at best.
  23. spicydoc reconstituted from aahhh, that's better, Canada writes:

    diane--

    'I despaired that there would be an intelligent post until I arrived at yours.'

    Oh, the loneliness of being you......

    There's an excellent comedy show out of the UK called 'Little Britain'. Look for it.

    One of the recurring skits has the fat guy dressed up in outlandish 'gay' outfits, hanging around and bemoaning the fact that he is 'the only gay in the village'. In fact, he is a virgin, but likes to play the role of conspicuous 'outcast'.

    Invariably, after lamenting his unique loneliness, everybody else in the pub admits to being gay. This upsets our hero greatly, and he does his best to sabotage their activities. Quite funny.

    Anyway, everytime you pose as the 'only intelligent person on these fora', you remind me of that character.

    Good for a chuckle. Thanks for that.
  24. Tom Dodd from Edmonton, Canada writes: Will Hoaccio you miss my point totally I'm not against infrastructure spending. I am against Dion plan it will cause nothing division in our society, just like the stupid federal and provincial feuds. Should people in Ontario pay Edmonton infrastructure or vice versa. If any infrastructure is needed in Edmonton my taxes should be raise not the people of Ontario pay for it or vice versa
  25. Jon Luft from Canada writes: The surplus does not belong to the government. It is merely an indication of over-taxation that should be returned to the taxpayers. The government earns nothing on its own....everything comes from individuals.

    If infrastructure needs to be looked after then budget for it properly and cut spending in other places.
  26. Sam Ruisser from Richmond BC, Canada writes: Liberals know how to make BIG promises to get votes, but their record delivering them is close to 0%.
    Do you remember scrapping the GST, universal day care, void NAFTA, etc?
    Only brain damaged people would believe anything a Libearal has to say.
    Nothing personal to the wishful thinkers Liberals in this post.
  27. R. M. from Regina, Canada writes: We don't have an election called. Dion tells us Canadians don't want an election and then he runs around making election promises! Unbelievable..only in Canada and not a pity!
  28. martha stewart from Canada writes: diane marie - You wrote that 'conservatives here and there have been gerrymandering to give rural areas more representation than they deserve'

    I could not agree less. Any lofty arguments about representation by population end at P.E.I.
  29. Peter Kells from Bytown, Canada writes: Mr. Luft - as you say 'The surplus does not belong to the government'. But who is the government? The government is us. So do 'we' through our agent 'the government' not own the surplus? I am not sure what your point is about 'the government' as though it were some distant adversary.

    We elected 'the government' to do our bidding and if that means putting it into infrastructure, giving it all back, buying lollipops for every man, woman and child - so be it. As you say, its our government and we can elect them to do anything we want. I thought that is what democracy was about.
  30. Will Hoaccio from Toronto, Canada writes: Tom Dodd from Edmonton, Canada writes:'I am against Dion plan it will cause nothing division in our society, just like the stupid federal and provincial feuds. Should people in Ontario pay Edmonton infrastructure or vice versa. If any infrastructure is needed in Edmonton my taxes should be raise not the people of Ontario pay for it or vice versa'

    Yes, Ontarians should pay for investments in infrastructure in Edmonton if they are needed. Obviously there are variables depending on the size and type of spending. It is in the interest of Canada, which includes Ontario, to invest money in Edmonton and vice versa. As an example, the federal government should fund the construction of a Calgary-Edmonton HSR as it would boost the overall economy of Canada.

    For smaller issues like sewage or power lines, the federal government should fund municipalities, who would then be able to spend their money as necessary.

    Outside of Alberta-Ontario-Quebec-maybe BC, most provinces don't even have the capacity to build decent infrastructure. P.E.I could not have built the Confederation bridge, Ontario/Quebec could not have built the St. Lawrence Seaway and BC could not have built the transcanada railroad.
  31. mike sty - from Canada writes: Ottawa is expected to run a surplus of more than $10-billion for the fiscal year ended March 31
    ------------------------

    From Stand Up for Canada
    www.conservative.ca/media/20060113-Platform.pdf

    In the spring of 2004 the Liberal gov't told Canadians the surpluswould be 4.9 Billion, in fact it was 9.1 billion.

    Stephen Harper said, government cannot be held to account if parliament does not know the state of public finances.

    Stephen Harper promised,'truth in budgeting'

    double digit surpluses????

    Stephen Harper broke this promise.

    Can We Really Trust ALIAR????
  32. David Bakody from Dartmouth, Canada writes: Not sure about the rest of posters but this countries infrustucture is indeed need of repair, and the sooner the better, evertime I hit a pot hole and notice the roof of bridges I drive under my heart shutters. Pay me now or pay me big time later that is is infrustructure man calling. Think if we do not do it now, who is?
  33. Dave Hodson from Canada writes: Dion's infrastructure plan, like most of his plans, is terribly misguided.

    This could have been a plan for infrastructure, defense, health care, or any other choice of spending (take your pick), and it would still be flawed.

    If Dion's infrastructure spending is so bloody important, then why doesn't he suggest that it be properly planned out, costed and allocated specifically in a budget. Instead, he suggests leaving it to chance, and wants to simply spend some unknown available amount of money resulting from a surprise surplus, if there is one.

    On the other hand, if you're of the opinion that infrastructure is something that the feds shouldn't be involved in, then why waste our federal tax dollars on it?

    Either way, his plan is flawed.
  34. J L from Canada writes: In my earlier posting I noted that in adding up some of the Liberal promises re the National Child care program the Kelowna and Atlantic Accords the 15% Carbon Tax on the Energy Sector which will in all likely hood by passed on to the consumer(the taxpayers of this country Individual and Commercial) the 25 Billion plus reversal of the Income trust Tax.It is not unreasonable to come to the conclusion that this will cost the government(that's us folks ) some 5O BILLION DOLLARS Plus.either in lost revenue or additional expenditures and substantial increases in the price of energy related products and services eg gas at the pumps and electricity price Increases. Plus the 3 Billion for Infrastructure grants mostly to the major cities in our country.PLus Billions to the Manufacturing Sector to enable them to produce lumber and paper that the forestry companies CANT SELL and automobiles, that the auto Industry cant sell either,A major handout to produce products that nobody wants.at this particular time and there is no indication that the market conditions will improve for quite a while. if ever. to the point they were in the past,Can you imagin,e the stockpiles of lumber and paper and automobiles at the plants or mills,With no customers to sell them to.Great, just great Billions of taxpayers hard earned dollars going to keep people working producing commodities that no one wants or is unable to purchase because of a down turn in the American Economy.They do make up some 75-80% of our buying market Insane and ludicrous are two adjectives that come to mind.Would you Invest your money in such sectors! I think not! but Mr Dion apparently will, if he ever gets the chance.
  35. Beer and Popcorn from Toronto, Canada writes:
    Stephane Dion and the LIEberals care not about infrastructure funding.

    Stephane Dion and the LIEberals lust after power, and will talk out of both sides of their mouths and sit on both side of the fence on every issue to pick up votes to further the interests of their party at the expense of Canada.
  36. spicydoc reconstituted from aahhh, that's better, Canada writes:

    Mike Sty--

    You keep on posting the same litany of Harper 'lies'.

    Frankly, I'm not sure if all of them can be called 'lies', but even the ones where there is 'proof' (eg IT flip) don't bother too many people IMO.

    Evoking capital punishment is simply out of line.

    I'm not a big Harper fan, but I will take Harper and his list of 'sins' over Dion any day of the week.

    Dion is incoherent, but he appears to be trying to be all things to all people. Martin tried this, and it failed. I don't trust Dion for a second.

    Point is this, Dion will never be a choice for me, even IF everything you said about Harper were true.
  37. Abby U from Dartmouth, Canada writes: Make promises already being addressed by the current Government, but assign no real cost to it? Yep...you have thieving Liberals. The present government has a 33 BILLION dollar infrastructure program over 7 years as policy that has already started last year in 2007. Almost 5 Billion per year! To get rid of them, don't support them.
  38. martha stewart from Canada writes: mike sty - Aren't they all liars? What else is new? But appreciate your ability to remember all of the latest ones.

    I recall a Red Book and a core election promise to abolish the GST. You really think Dion or whomever it is you'd prefer will be any different?
  39. Tom Dodd from Edmonton, Canada writes: Will Hoaccio the Calgary- Edmonton HSR is stupid and not needed. A rail line from Edmonton to Fort Mcmurray is definitely needed and will save alot money and lives That the problem with Dion plan half on the infrastucture plan nice to have built but money could be spent on needed infrastucture someqne from Ontario will not know the differents. If the money come Ontario the Calgary- Edmonton will be built even though it not really needed. If Albertian are paying for it Edmonton- Fort Mcmurray will be built long before the Calgary- Edmonton will be built
  40. Randal Oulton from Canada writes: >> mike sty - from Canada writes ETC

    Got a one-track mind, mate? Couldn't afford to get your prescription renewed?
  41. martha stewart from Canada writes: Off topic. That photo of Linda Keen... or is that Dennis Kucinich (sp?). In any case, if that photo is any indication I think we know why she got fired.
  42. martha stewart from Canada writes: spicydoc - Dion. Anyone who could so easily cosy up to Elizabeth May cannot be trusted. But maybe he's changed his mind about that too?
  43. spicydoc reconstituted from aahhh, that's better, Canada writes:

    martha--

    Dion cozied up to May because she is one of the few politicians in this country that makes Dion look GOOD in comparison.

    Yuck....
  44. Mervin Hollingsworth from Saskatoon, Sk., Canada writes: Of course the mayors applauded Dion. Why wouldn't they. He appeared to opening up the federal treasury to them. Lets remember infrastructure funding was part of the 1993 Liberal Red Book. We all know how that worked out.
    Look at the caveats put on by Dion. If there is an unexpected surplus. If the surplus is above $3 billion blah, blah. The cities need money now not a pie in the sky promise. Harper has given them $33 billion today for infrastructure with probably more to come over time. Its available today if they meet the requirments of the program i.e. spend on infrastructure, not other things.
    We also know that the Liberal record is one which understates surpluses and then when it comes they hide the money in foundations etc. So the mayors will never see the money. Instead of congratulating Dion they should be scolding him for being devious and dishonest.
  45. bill johnson from Quebec, Canada writes: This is a sham.

    Look what Chretien, Martin, Harper have done. They all adjusted spending in the last quarter to spend $ before the year end arrived. Thus, they varied the amount of money that eventually went to pay down debt. Liberals and Tories both played the same game. If Dion were ever to be elected- highly unlikely in my view - he and his pals would spend almost all of the anticipated surplus on ethnic vote buying etc., sponshorship games, etc., just like Harper has done with Quebec voters. Thus Toronto's welfare king, with his expectations and exhortations of grandeur, would be exasperated when the cheque for 100K arrives rather than 1 billion.
  46. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: martha stewart:-- Very unkind comment about Ms. Keen and a new low for you.
  47. bill johnson from Quebec, Canada writes: What disappoints me most is the tragic position the greens will find themselves in should an election be called. They have what I view as a reasonable platform but are saddled with a nutty leader. I suspect many Canadians will note vote rather than support kooky Lizzy. I would like to see environment play a much bigger role in Canada, but it will not happen not with her at the helm.
  48. martha stewart from Canada writes: spicydoc - That makes complete sense. Never thought of that. But he does look good, relatively speaking.

    diane marie - I don't really care that much about the nationwide picture. I am more concerned with the urban rural split. There's already far more than enough urban thinking being inappropriately forced on rural people. So the increasing urbanization could lead to the tyranny of the majority... and a very poorly informed majority it often is. If its OK for PEI to be disproportionately represented, its OK for rural ridings too.
  49. martha stewart from Canada writes: diane marie - Ms. Keen. Well, she does look like him. And she does look like someone who could become a real pain, if you know what I mean. And sometimes one must call them as you see them.
  50. martha stewart from Canada writes: bill johnson from Quebec - As far as I can tell the whole environmental movement has been hijacked by 'kooks' but smart kooks with their own self-serving agendas. Combined with their 'advocacy scientists' - and I'm sure you know who I mean - they have been crying wolf so much for the past 20 years that the credibility of genuine environmental science is eroding just when we need it the most. I consider this a complete betrayal. In case you haven't noticed.
  51. Sam Ruisser from Richmond, BC, Canada writes: To mike sty:
    Nice try, but Conservative record of achievements in 2 years of a MINORITY government is by far greater than the Lieberals in the last 13 years of MAJORITY governments.
    I see you are one of the brain damaged who still think Lieberals will keep promises.
    BTW Just misguided people or people who play into deception argue about Harper would institute the death penalty, this is just a misguided an unfounded statement like the others you made.
  52. spicydoc reconstituted from aahhh, that's better, Canada writes:

    diane marie says:

    'martha stewart:--

    You don't know Ms. Keen and you don't know what she is like as a person, whether at home or at work. You nevertheless felt free to judge her on the basis of a photograph.'

    I know...isn't it terrible when people do that?

    So, when you make very pointed insults about Mr. Harper's personal traits, are we to assume that you've had direct and intimate contact with him, at home or at work? Or do you just parrot the pro-Dion talking points like the rest of the woozy weft?

    Sigh, isn't it terrible being the only gay..... I mean smart Dion-loving person in this village/fora, diane?

    PS--google Little Britain and youtube the 'only gay in the village stuff'...you will love it.
  53. spicydoc reconstituted from aahhh, that's better, Canada writes:

    diane marie from calgary, Canada writes:

    'Sam Ruisser:-- I am a bit curious - what do you consider to be the CPC's record of achievements - the things that really stand out in your mind and about which you are the most pleased?'

    Allow me to interrupt and offer a simple answer on my own behalf:

    Harper has kept the Dion/Chretien/Adscammers out of the PMO and away from the public purse for two years and counting.

    Everything else is gravy.
  54. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: spicydoc:-- But, I don't and haven't made fun of Mr. Harper's personal traits. You cannot offer a single example, pointed or otherwise. I have commented on his behaviours - these are presumably within the locus of his control and are a fair subject of commentary.
  55. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: spicydoc:-- Your standards are very low and your perceptions are limited by your biases and prejudices. I await Sam Ruisser's answer. My experience is that people generally can't say (specifically) what they like about their own side, only what they think that they don't about the other. Read your own post.
  56. M Samuels from London ON, Canada writes: A high speed rail link between Windsor, London, Hamilton, Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec might kick start the Ontario economy and give one of the parties some green points.
  57. spicydoc reconstituted from aahhh, that's better, Canada writes:

    diane--

    I am unabashedly partisan and make no attempt to pretend otherwise.

    However, some people will wax poetic about being learned, open-minded, and civil (usually while trying to imply others aren't).

    Then, a few posts later, the same sagacious specimen will be vicious and toxically biased themselves.

    Hypocritical? Maybe.

    Intellectually dishonest? Probably.

    Unintentionally amusing beyond all measure? Most definitely.

    PS I will try to find you a link to an 'only gay in this village' clip.
  58. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: spicydoc:-- If you have a criticism to make, have the cojones (or, as you said earlier, the testicular fortitude) to make it directly. Don't bother with the 'only gay' clip.
  59. martha stewart from Canada writes: diane marie - Let's start with: 'You may feel that you have cleverly discredited both Ms. Keen and Mr. Kucinich...'

    That is your perception of what I wrote. I liked everything that Kucinich said. They do look similar. On Saturday Night Live the person who always 'plays' Kucinich in skits is also a woman.

    Then: 'in reality, you've diminished yourself and rather effectively.'

    Only in your reality.

    Then: 'Unfortunately, Ms. Keen isn't enjoying it.'

    Isn't enjoying what? What I wrote? Hardly. What happened to her? C'est la vie. She was fired because all she was caspable of was following rules when what was needed was reasonable flexible executive judgement in what was arguably a critical situation. Any clone can follow a rule book.

    I'm sure she has a too fat pension and, as I mentioned once before, I predict she will use her well publicized victimhood to become an NDP or Liberal candidate. Would be extremely interesting to know how she got that job in the first place.
  60. Will Hoaccio from Toronto, Canada writes: Tom Dodd from Edmonton, Canada writes: 'Will Hoaccio the Calgary- Edmonton HSR is stupid and not needed. A rail line from Edmonton to Fort Mcmurray is definitely needed and will save alot money and lives'

    The point wasn't so much 'lets go right now and build HSR', i just threw that out as i had heard the Alberta gov't pondering it, hence i assumed there was a reasonable demand for it. If the Fort Mac line is as important as you say (obviously with a bit more study) then the Feds should fund it.

    'That the problem with Dion plan half on the infrastucture plan nice to have built but money could be spent on needed infrastucture someqne from Ontario will not know the differents.'

    If i am interpreting this right... Obviously the federal government shouldnt just throw money around if the infrastructure isn't needed, but if there is a reasonable demand then the Federal government should play a role. If there is a legitimate need, or justification, for a piece of infrastructure then most Canadians wouldn't care. There certainly weren't riots over the Confederation bridge.

    'If the money come Ontario the Calgary- Edmonton will be built even though it not really needed. If Albertian are paying for it Edmonton- Fort Mcmurray will be built long before the Calgary- Edmonton will be built'

    You are painting this as an 'ottawa forcing the provinces'. I just threw out the HSR idea because the Alberta government has expressed interest in it a number of times. If you have issues with that, deal with you're government. I have yet to hear the Feds even mention the idea.
  61. martha stewart from Canada writes: diane marie - Part two... You wrote 'Is this is an example of the 'rural thinking' that needs to be protected from the tyranny of 'urban thinking'?'

    No. My point there has to do with land use and, primarily, issues related to wildlife and habitat management. Urban dwellers tend to be so far from any real contact with the natural world that they believe anything that any TV enviromentalist tells them, or whatever is fashionable this week among the Starbucks 'intellectuals.' Then they vote, march or dress up as bears or whatever, based on that urban wisdom. They don't have to live with real wolves and bears but rural people do.

    Save the Burglars! Save the Gangsters! Get it?

    Not sure what's with you tonight. Began with your first post: 'I despaired that there would be an intelligent post until I arrived at yours.' Really. There used to be another character on SNL called the 'Church Lady.' Lectured everyone, humourlessly. Life is too short to be so serious.
  62. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: martha stewart:-- Your posts of 11:17 and 12:17 speak for themselves and about you, and it is your prerogative not to care. I know that I no longer do.
  63. Sam Ruisser from Richmond, BC, Canada writes: diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: Sam Ruisser:-- I am a bit curious - what do you consider to be the CPC's record of achievements -----
    -------------------------------------------------------------------
    To start survived 2 years as a Minority government with the Liberals in Parliament, the Liberal Senate and Liberals burocrats sabotaging as most as they can. 2 budgets passed and counting. This by itself is a great achievement.
    The C-2 bill (crime bill) has been stuck in the |Liberal Senate for more than 2 months (they passed a uselees Kyoto bill in 45 seconds).
    This is just obstructionism of the worst.
    However despice that the GST has been cut from 7% to 5%.
    The military is rebuilding.
    Our economy is at the best, despice is lowering around the world.
    The National Debt has been paid faster than ever.
    Unemployment is at the lowest level.
    The CAD is strongest than the last 35 years.
    The softwood lumber dispute was settled.
    Relationship with the US is more respectfull and much better.
    Relationship with the EU countries is better and more open.
    The Government is clean of scandals (others than invented by the Liberals).
    These are just on the top of my head.
    Now you will try to object to all these FACTS.
  64. Will Hoaccio from Canada writes: Sam Ruisser from Richmond, BC, Canada writes: 'The Government is clean of scandals (others than invented by the Liberals).' HA! what a croc. There are alot of good Conservative policies. But anyone who buys into them thinking they are getting 'responsible government' really is gullible 'However despice that the GST has been cut from 7% to 5%.' Despite every economist suggesting it shouldn't be. Even the OECD argues we should raise our consumption taxes. 'Our economy is at the best, despice is lowering around the world. The National Debt has been paid faster than ever. Unemployment is at the lowest level.' As a result of.... Paul Martin actually balanced our budget and set in place the system which Harper is milking. 'The military is rebuilding.' I would hardly call spending 7.8 billion playing a zero-sum game in Afghanistan 'rebuilding'. 'The CAD is strongest than the last 35 years.' You do realize that isn't necessarily a good thing right? Most countries actively try to lower their currency (China, Japan, South Korea) 'Relationship with the US is more respectfull and much better. Relationship with the EU countries is better and more open.' I have no idea what 'relationship with the EU countries' you are referring to, most of them just treat us as an appendage to the USA. The Cons are more restrained than the bible thumping fascists many on this board would suggest. But you REALLY bought the party line. How do you reconcile this government being the highest spending in Canadian history?
  65. Sam Ruisser from Richmond, BC, Canada writes: To Will Hoaccio:
    So all the good things that are happening now is because the last Government? But the bad things are the Conservatives fault?
    This shows your biased Liberal arrogance.
    You wouldn't give credit where credit is due.
    Perhaps I am wasting my time, but I will try to teach you a couple of things:
    A strong currency is a sign of trust in the Country's economy and their Government.
    Liberals wasted our tax money in useless programs. Now we are paying down the debt instead.
    Liberals promised to scrap the GST when they became Government in 1993, but they kept it because THANKS to the GST, introduced by the Conservatives, they were able to balance the books.
    Exactly the same happened with NAFTA. They promised to `revised`it, however they didn`t because they recognized was a good things for Canada. Thanks to these measures, brought by the Conservatives, Martin was able to balance the books (no taking in consideration the cuts they did to our healthcare, military, taking the money from the retirement funds, etc.).
    You have to admit that Treudau brought the biggest deficit in Canadian history before Mulroney took power.
  66. Sam Ruisser from Richmond, BC, Canada writes: I forgot to add the country is more united in the last 50 years.
    The Separatists are in disarray and loosing support thanks to Harper`s policies.
  67. Gerry Dunnhaupt from Toronto, Canada writes: Dion can pledge anything now. He is not in power.
  68. Lane Myers from Canada writes:
    All this Liberal largess sounds great. However, the Federal Government must deal with the provincial governments not municipalities directly. If this is the case how can Dion ensure that provincial governments will use these funds solely for infrastructure projects? This announcement is like all other Liberal prattle. Sounds good until you scratch the surface.
  69. The Duffster from Canada writes: Top three reasons -err justifications you will hear from Liberal supporters if this is not done:

    3) We were too busy cleaning up the mess left by the previous government/It's all Harper's fault.

    2) Every party makes promises (well the LPC does anyway - the rest jsut lie) they cannot possibly keep in order to get elected - but rest assured it was necessary because we had to get back in power to save the country from Harper.

    1) We'll promise it again during the next campaign and the one after that - afterall, it already worked once from 1993 - 2004.
  70. prospector from blackfly country from Canada writes: So let me get this straight.

    Any surplus resulting from my paying taxes, could possibly pay for the repair of roads in Moncton, Sudbury or Moose Jaw???

    What's wrong with their provinces?

    Why do I have to indirectly pay municipal taxes in Moncton, Sudbury or Moose Jaw???

    IT'S NOT FAIR!!!
  71. Joe Loria, card carrying Conservative from Calgary, Canada writes: With Paul Martin, everything was very, very important

    With Stephane Dion, everything is very, very temporary

    With the Globe, everything is very, very, very, very ... repetititive
  72. mike sty - from Canada writes: Sam Ruisser from Richmond, BC, Canada writes: I will try to teach you a couple of things:
    -----------------------

    Conservative's guide to defending the undefendable, rule number...

    13) I'm the only one here that knows anything.(the rest of the public are too stupid, and believe anything, defense.)
  73. Catherine S. from Canada writes: Here's an idea for the City mayors - stop funding special interest groups and stop hiring high priced consultants! The City mayors don't have a 'cash revenue' problem. The City mayors have a SPENDING problem! They are addicted to gouging the taxpayers.
  74. S M from Canada writes: Why is it the tired old gang of Liberal haks keep trotting out the same old BS promises everytime an election starts to loom.

    What's Dions next promise going to be a National Daycare Program?
    Scrap the GST
    How about a high speed rail link from Toronto to Quebec..oh yeah thats infrastructure.
    A useless Gun registry that will only cost a few million and is now at 2 billion !

    Every Governemt has tough decisions to make, promises that will get broken or stretched ..but the Liberals had 13 YEARS to honour these big election promises that they kept making oiver and over again and didn't deliver any of them.

    Liberals make promises their record proves they will never keep.
  75. mike sty - from Canada writes:

    S M from Canada writes:
    Liberals make promises their record proves they will never keep.
    ---------------------------------

    Conservatives make promises their record proves they never keep.

    Stephen Harper promised 'to preserve income trusts by not imposing any new taxes on them.'

    Stephen Harper broke this promise.

    Stephen Harper promised 'I will take immediate actions to ensure Canada fully upholds its commitments to women.'

    Stephen Harper broke this promise.

    Stephen Harper promised 'truth in budgeting'.

    Stephen Harper broke this promise.

    Stephen Harper promised 'to never sign side deals on the Atlantic Accord'.

    Stephen Harper broke this promise.

    Stephen Harper promised 'to create 125,000 day care spaces'.

    Stephen Harper broke this promise.

    Stephen Harper promised 'to restore representation by population for Ont, BC and Alberta in HOC while preserving seat counts in smaller provinces'.

    Stephen Harper broke this promise.

    Stephen Harper promised 'to create a public appointments commission to ensure appointments are merit based and independent from the cabinet.'

    Stephen Harper broke this promise.

    Stephen Harper promises 'not to reinstate the death penalty'

    Frankly,.....

    Can We Really Trust ALiar?
  76. Joe Loria, card carrying Conservative from Calgary, Canada writes: To those wanting the CPC's list of achievements, check this out ...

    http://jacksnewswatch.com/2008/01/11
    /reminder-the-harper-govt-record-so-far/
  77. Joe Loria, card carrying Conservative from Calgary, Canada writes: For the LPC acchievements (under Dion), check this out ...

    http://www.liberal.ca/pdf/docs/071129achievementsen.pdf
  78. Joe Loria, card carrying Conservative from Calgary, Canada writes: Ooops, the LPC link above should have underscores, which don't show up, so try this link ...

    http://tinyurl.com/233aqf
  79. Brian C from Canada writes: And, Dion's infrastructure plan is as leaky as Paul Martin's plan to fix our health care system with budget leftovers. That means it doesn't even rate on the priority scale. This means that once all of our priorities are taken care of as outlined in the budget, if there is money leftover over $3,000,000,000, then we'll do something about it this massive problem that the LPC made from years of neglect.

    Might as well say that they don't care about infrastructure. Because if you did, you would make it a priority.

    But, we know about Dion and his priority making abilities.
    From his own mouth.
    On National TV.
    During an election.
    In Canada.
    I can't make this stuff up.
  80. Vern McPherson from writes: The infrastructure issue and solutions therein was addressed by the libs long before the COns discovered it sometime last year.
  81. Dipper Darper from Canada writes: diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: martha stewart:-- Very unkind comment about Ms. Keen and a new low for you.

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    All Martha Stewart says is that Ms. Keen looks like Dennis Kucinich. What's unkind about that? Is there something that bothers you about Dennis Kucinich's looks? I have no idea what this Dennis person looks like? What are you saying about his looks here Diane Marie?
  82. Dipper Darper from Canada writes: Vern McPherson from writes: The infrastructure issue and solutions therein was addressed by the libs long before the COns discovered it sometime last year

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    If the libs already solved this issue, why does Dion want to spend more money on it? Why would someone want to fix what has already been discovered and solved or is it solved and discovered?
  83. mike sty - from Canada writes: Brian C from Canada writes: I see that the G&M has censored my comments once again. My crime? Not being pro-Liberal.

    The G&M, bought and paid for by the Liberal Party of Canada
    -----------------------------
    Conservative's guide to defending the undefendable, rule number...

    10) The Globe and Mail is a commie Liberal propaganda organ. (The paranoid defense).
  84. Vern McPherson from writes: Dipper Darper from Canada writes: Vern McPherson from writes: The infrastructure issue and solutions therein was addressed by the libs long before the COns discovered it sometime last year-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If the libs already solved this issue, why does Dion want to spend more money on it? Why would someone want to fix what has already been discovered and solved or is it solved and discovered?

    ------------------------------------------------------

    stripper drooler, a plan and financing has already been announced but the COns changed the name and called it their own.

    COns = liars
  85. Vern McPherson from writes: I was talking to 3 million mothers of school age children in Canada last week and they all praised the COns for the 125,000 child care spaces they were promised.

    What child care spaces I asked ?

    The ones harper promised !!

    Oh, ..... I said..............
  86. Dipper Darper from Canada writes: Vern McPherson from writes: Dipper Darper from Canada writes: Vern McPherson from writes: The infrastructure issue and solutions therein was addressed by the libs long before the COns discovered it sometime last year-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If the libs already solved this issue, why does Dion want to spend more money on it? Why would someone want to fix what has already been discovered and solved or is it solved and discovered?

    ------------------------------------------------------

    stripper drooler, a plan and financing has already been announced but the COns changed the name and called it their own.

    COns = liars

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Vern, I still don't get it. Whether it was the Libs or Cons, you said it was addressed. So why address it again?

    I think the better title summary is Libs=Confused, but at least you and your leader are of a like mind.
  87. rick from river city from Canada writes: Since Dion only sees only two provinces in this country, and has support in only three cities, well, his party has support in three cities, I suspect all this proposed largesse will be used to build monuments to Liberal oracles in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. Nothing here for the ROC.
  88. Vern McPherson from writes: Stripper drooler that is intellectualy lame and that is about what I expect .................

    COns = liars
  89. Dipper Darper from Canada writes: Vern McPherson from writes: I was talking to 3 million mothers of school age children in Canada last week and they all praised the COns for the 125,000 child care spaces they were promised.

    What child care spaces I asked ?

    The ones harper promised !!

    Oh, ..... I said..............

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    That intitative was in the Government's Child Care package that was passed in the first year of their mandate. In fact, I think the Liberals voted for it, or did they abstain, or did they not show up, or did they walk out, or we're they just confused....

    Oh he said....
  90. Dipper Darper from Canada writes: Stripper drooler that is intellectualy lame and that is about what I expect .................

    COns = liars

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    COns = liars......deep thought or is it thunk.......best not to expect too much.......
  91. The Duffster from Canada writes: mike sty - from Canada writes: S M from Canada writes: Liberals make promises their record proves they will never keep. --------------------------------- Conservatives make promises their record proves they never keep. Stephen Harper promised 'to preserve income trusts by not imposing any new taxes on them.' Stephen Harper broke this promise. Stephen Harper promised 'I will take immediate actions to ensure Canada fully upholds its commitments to women.' Stephen Harper broke this promise. Stephen Harper promised 'truth in budgeting'. Stephen Harper broke this promise. Stephen Harper promised 'to never sign side deals on the Atlantic Accord'. Stephen Harper broke this promise. Stephen Harper promised 'to create 125,000 day care spaces'. Stephen Harper broke this promise. Stephen Harper promised 'to restore representation by population for Ont, BC and Alberta in HOC while preserving seat counts in smaller provinces'. Stephen Harper broke this promise. Stephen Harper promised 'to create a public appointments commission to ensure appointments are merit based and independent from the cabinet.' Stephen Harper broke this promise. Stephen Harper promises 'not to reinstate the death penalty' Frankly,..... Can We Really Trust ALiar? *********************************************************** Program spending for women's issues has gone up 42% under this government. Harper NEVER promised to 'not reinstate the death penalty' Mike Sty claims he is not a Liberal. Mike Sty only hates liars who are not Liberal. Mike Sty writes posts praising Chretien, Martin and Dion and turns ablind eye to Trudeau. Mike Sty must be...'aLiar'! Frankly... Can we really trust 'aLiar'?