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Harper pledges to widen NAFTA leak probe

BRIAN LAGHI AND CAMPBELL CLARK

From Friday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 11:10 PM EDT 06/03/08

Top aide will face scrutiny, PM says, as opposition MPs call for the dismissal of chief of staff ...Read the full article

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  1. mike sty - from Canada writes:

    Conservative NAFTAgate Scandal

    Conservative In/Out Scandal

    Conservative/Harper bribery Scandal

    Baird Ottawa election interference Scandal

    The Stephen Harper Conservative make work program for the RCMP
  2. Oswaldo I from Canada writes: I'm no Harper fan but I don't think this is his fault. Brodie made an offhand comment about a Clinton aide phoning to smooth things over. The CTV investigated and found an Obama aid had done a similar thing. It only became an issue because Obama lied and said that the aide never met with the Consulate two days after the CTV published Goolsbee's name. Obama should have just said the meeting had been misrepresented then the whole thing would have blown over.
  3. spicydoc the great non-partisan truth seeker, (a name stolen from diane marie), Canada writes:

    Repost--the last thread was killed:

    Watched Jack on Lou Dobbs.

    Jack was a little tight, but did a good job.

    He focused on trade issues shared by the US and Canada--ie loss of manufacturing jobs to Asia.

    Dobbs was almost deferential to Jack and treated him well.

    Dobbs asked about Brodie at the very end, and Jack said he would continue to hold Harper's feet to the fire.

    Dobbs thanked Jack, repeated the 'we share similar problems' theme, and asked him to return to the show in the future.

    Jack made us proud--an opposition leader who was well-spoken and statesmanlike.
  4. Dr Demento from Canada writes:

    I don't recall the Liberals interfering in either of Bush's election wins.

    Too bad . . . .
  5. Johnny Canuck from Canada writes: Anyone remember the Liberal lady that kept slamming the USA? The Liberals cheered thyen? What's changed?
  6. charlie brown from Canada writes: Oswaldo. Nicely said.
  7. Jabber Wocky from Canada writes: Brodie's a Fraser Institute loving neo-con hack... read some of his work. No great loss if his head were to be found on a platter for this bad form.
  8. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    mike sty, you wish.
  9. D BARTA from Canada writes: - What a waste of time - Too bad the chicken-sit liberals don't have the balls to call an election - All we get is bla, bla, bla, etc, etc, etc.

    - As for Jack Layton well, ahh, well, ahhhh - oh ya 'nice tie Jack
  10. forty sum from Canada writes: What about Canda's ambassador to th USA Michael Wilson, another of Harper's plum jobs, sheesh did I say that.
  11. Johnny Canuck from Canada writes: I saw Taliba Jack on the Loe Dobbs R E D N E C K show and thought he Jack was pretty awful and pretty untruthful. It was a waste of viewers time.
  12. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    Desperate for a scandal.
    Neglecting their duities.
    Not opposing.
    No platform.
    No candidates.
    No money.
    Loathed in the West.
    Loathed in Quebec.

    The LPC.

    No chance.
  13. spicydoc the great non-partisan truth seeker, (a name stolen from diane marie), Canada writes:

    This updated article refers to Dobbs as 'Conservative'. This is misleading.

    Dobbs attacks everybody, including/especially the Bush administration.

    Dobb's treated Jack with respect, and encouraged him to come back on his CNN show to comment as NAFTA/trade issues evolve.

    Layton did NOT embarrass anybody--on the contrary, he was a credit to his party and his supporters.

    I never thought that I would say this--I'm proud of how Layton has been conducting himself lately.
  14. The Last Honest Conservative from Western, Canada writes:
    Johnny Canuck from Canada wrotes:
    Anyone remember the Liberal lady that kept slamming the USA? The Liberals cheered thyen? What's changed?

    Answer:
    Whats changed is that she has been proven right.
    ............ and a large majority of Americans now agree with her.
  15. P Jones from NB, Canada writes: Hey, what do you know, the LPC DOES have a platform after all. Take whatever seems like a CPC scandal and run with it. It's a bonus too that the MSM goes right along with it.
  16. The Last Honest Conservative from Western, Canada writes:

    Johnny Canuck from Canada wrotes:
    Anyone remember the Liberal lady that kept slamming the USA? The Liberals cheered thyen? What's changed?

    Answer:
    Whats changed is that she WAS slamming Bush and you changed it to the USA.

    She has been proven right.
    ............ and a large majority of Americans now agree with her.
  17. V ADS from Canada writes: If this is what passes as 'news' these days, I'm getting old.

    Next, it will be stories about Lou Dobbs and Jack Layton in cahoots to stop the covert formation of the free-trading nation, MexiCans-R-US.
  18. Zando Lee from Vancouver, Canada writes: ....bye bye Brodie....back to the Fraser Institute I guess....
  19. Bert Russell Paradox, BC from Canada writes:
    Just proof that the CTV GMs agenda is supplying smut and smear to the disfuctional Liberals. Free Press ....
    Jack on Lou Dobbs??? what is Jack going to build a wall around Toronto like Dobbs wants to do on the Mexican Border - Jack and Dobbs make a good pair - both rant and make rash promises. Interesting but Dobbs wants to send all Latins back to their poverty, do away with NAFTA .... so I suppose Jack wants to bring the Latins to Canada??
    Meanwhile the Opposition wants the RCMP to investigate all these malicious charges they are making against the Conservatives (which end up unfounded) .... and the Conservatives want the RCMP to be out there doing their job of protecting Canadians. The point is the Liberals dont care about Canadians .. they just want to save their own skin. Problem is even modern technology wouldn't save the Liberals from their spiral to the bottom of their pork barrel. Time for an election.
  20. Jason Kinney from Canada writes: Evangelical Christians having full access to the justice minister and quietly rewriting tax laws.

    Mulroneygate - what did he know and decided to ignore.

    No changes to taxation of income trusts.

    Flaherty settling old scores with the provincial Liberals.

    Elimination of the gun registry, when?

    Supported sending troops to Iraq.

    Focus on the Family/Anus is a political advisors.

    And where's Peter MacKay's dog?
  21. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Why don't we just also refer this matter to another toothless Ethics Committee or something?

    It's not like Canada's New Government is not rolling in taxpayer's money to waste...

    Isn't Lou Dobbs that anti NAU/SPP guy on CNN?

    Wonder why the sudden interest in Layton?

    Geez, Jack is suddenly looking better than Stephane! Whoa!
  22. T H from Canada writes: Is it just me, or does that pic of Brodie remind you of a character from 'Eastern Promises'?
  23. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: spicydoc:-- For you to suggest that Mr. Layton 'did us proud' shows that, contrary to your stolen moniker embellishment, you are just a partisan shill. Mr. Layton has no business interfering in the election south of the border. It is for Americans to have an election dialogue about the merits or demerits of NAFTA without our political interference. Thanks to Mr. Brodie, enough of that has already taken place. If Mr. Dobbs wished to have a discussion about either NAFTA or our government's role in leaking diplomatic back-channel chat, then he could have invited someone a bit more arm's length from our official government, which includes the NDP and Mr. Layton. He might have invited a pundit or senior political commentator. Mr. Layton should not have accepted the invitation, which he obviously did in a misguided attempt to enhance his own political standing in Canada.
  24. Laylah Bee from Los Angeles, United States writes: I am a dual citizen and an Obama supporter. Interesting that the original CTV (not CBC) report came out 5 days before the crucial Ohio (and Texas) primaries, and the memo was handed to Hillary less than 24 hours before the polls opened. She made a lot of it--even created radio ads and ran them all day and all night. Obama's neck and neck race resulted in a landslide for Billary.
    After all this, the comment came from her. Of course this update will not be picked up by the American media, since they have already moved on to something else. I found one little article on the back pages of msnbc.com. Nothing on CNN, nothing in the New York Times or LA Times. Not the Cleveland, Cincinatti and Columbus papers.
    From what I've read about Harper, he's an ultra conservative who kisses the ground that Dubbya (Bushie) walk on. His little stunt probably just handed the Presidency to John McBush. Probably what this Harper low-life wanted.
    Pierre Trudeau would never have done anything this.
    I am livid, and today I am ashamed to be a Canadian.
  25. Randal Oulton from Canada writes: >> Laylah Bee from Los Angeles, United States writes: From what I've read about Harper, he's an ultra conservative who kisses the ground that Dubbya (Bushie) walk on.

    The Canadian Conservative party is to the left of the American Democratic party.
  26. J L from Canada writes: Mike Sly- Mike Alleged Scandals. If your in possession of FACTUAL EVIDENCE, or any Information Not rumored,or theories or my husband told me that etc ect and then the victim of the ALLEGED bribe tells THREE Different News outlets including Mike Duffy, shortly thereafter that that there was NO SUCH BRIBE!! BUT SUBSTANTIVE EVIDENCE,that can be used in a court of law.Bribery is a serious crime. Please turn this evidence over to the RCMP.I'LL tell you what a real scandal is, and acknowledged by the Liberal Party of Canada is the MISSING and unaccounted for 40 MILLION DOLLARS of taxpayers money which Judge Gomery said he could not account for in the Ad scam affair.The money apparently just disappeared! The Liberal Party in effect admitting wrong doing to date has returned only ONE MILLION.of the Forty.
  27. Andrew P from Toronto, Canada writes: Wow .... the Liberals and the NDP going to bat for the American people. Saviour this moment, it might be a long long time before this happen again.

    But seriously, why would any Canadian, especially the 'left' want Obama to win? The 'left' is supported by the unions (mostly manufacturers). If Obama is serious about killing NAFTA, Canada's manufacturing sector will go down the drain - as most of the exports (like it or not) goes to the US ... that would mean lost of manufacturing jobs.

    Like it or not, Canada is dependent on the US for our exports. We can make arguments about diversifying our trade partners, so we are less dependent on the US. But for the foreseeable future - the next 15 to 20 years - Canada's economy is dependent on exports to the US.
  28. biggar thomas from Guelph, Canada writes: If i really expressed what I think the ,lobe would not print it. My shortform is that Brodie has got to go. That's the bottom line. Here we have the chosen right hand advisor/helpmate to the Prime Minister making the sort of blunder that might lead to your or my execution - what's the debate - off with his head!!
  29. The Last Honest Conservative from Western, Canada writes:
    D BARTA from Canada wrote:
    - As for Jack Layton well, ahh, well, ahhhh - oh ya 'nice tie Jack

    ........ and its nice that you don't spend near as much time at the buffet as Stephen Harper appears to.
  30. Ron Judd from ex Toronto, Canada writes:

    Layton is right in this case and this case may be the greatest scandal yet Harper has faced. Think about this: Carolyn Parrish made a terrible anti-American statement and was quickly removed from the Liberal caucus. Harper therefore needs to act with the same degree of promptness. If he doesn't, if he stonewalls, it implies he had something to do with the leak and if this is so we can conclude that he was trying to influence the outcome of the American election. This could be a very concerning situation.
  31. Sam Ruisser from Richmond BC, Canada writes: Sice when you Lieberals are concerned about Canada-US relations?
    When Martin and Chretien were running full campaigns in anti-americanism sentiments you did not care at all, what changed?
  32. Action Jackson from Canada writes: '...today I am ashamed to be a Canadian.'

    Then renounce your Canadian citizenship. You can find out how to do so
    at http://tinyurl.com/2kfrj4. Good riddance.
  33. The Last Honest Conservative from Western, Canada writes:
    Robert Miller from Halifax wrote:
    Geez, Jack is suddenly looking better than Stephane! Whoa!

    Jack has always looked better than Stephane..............
    Stephane Harper may be the fatest Prime Minister in Canadian history.
  34. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    Laylah Bee from Los Angeles, United States, says, with a straight face, 'Pierre Trudeau would never have done anything this.
    I am livid, and today I am ashamed to be a Canadian.'

    Pierre Trudeau put this country hundreds of billions of dollars in debt.
    Pierre Trudeau wined and dined Castro, a Communist pig if ever there was one.

    If Pierre Trudeau is your pinnacle of idealism then you have set the bar very low indeed.
  35. David Griffith from Canada writes: Johnny Canuck from Canada writes: Anyone remember the Liberal lady that kept slamming the USA? The Liberals cheered thyen? What's changed?
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Simple: Conservatives are held to higher standards than Liberals. Thats why you hear all about Cadman but nobody is asking about Bindy Stronach. Its ok to behave badly as long as you are a Liberal. In Canada, it is the way of things, so you should accept it. See? Simple.
  36. Anuradha Bose from ottawa, writes: I think our Jack is giving the PM's chief of staff too much credit for the defeat of the jr. Senator from Illinois who sounds suspiciously like our Jack! All hat and no cattle.
  37. D. B. from Greater Sask., Canada writes: I guess now that Mr. Harper and Mr. Layton have joined forces, Mr. Harper has no choice but to accept Mr. Layton's recommendation to dismiss Mr. Brodie. That would be due to the intervention of Jack Layton- a new but short-lived blue-ribbon committee of one. Actually, regardless of Mr. Layton's intervention . . . is Mr. Brodie's job as chief of staff on the line? It would seem so. Mr. Harper will surely let him go. I don't know enough about what kind of fallout this would bring. But surely there has already been some fallout already.
  38. Rob G from Calgary, Canada writes: Fire the sob and then prepare to go down in flames. Tories, this will cost you dearly. I hope it was worth it.
  39. spicydoc the great non-partisan truth seeker, (a name stolen from diane marie), Canada writes:

    diane--

    You called me a partisan shill for praising Layton's statesmanship on Lou Dobbs?? Now I'm an NDP partisan?? One hour ago you called me a CPC supporter. Are you mixing me up with another great non-partisan truth seeker?

    Did you watch the piece??

    Layton focused almost entirely on the loss (from Canada AND the US) of decent manufacturing jobs to Asia. He and Dobbs agreed on this.

    The leak stuff wasn't mentioned until the very end, when Lou threw in a Brodie question as a 'by the way'. Layton answered tactfully.

    Jack was invited back.

    What's your problem with this??
  40. Denis R. from Belle River, Canada writes: What am I missing? Where's the scandal here?

    Two Americans vying to become the Democratic nominee to become the next President of the US both state during their campaign that they will re-open NAFTA and re-negotiate trilateral agreements. Obama in particular makes this wild statement in front of a crowd of supporters in Ohio, a state that has a struggling manufacturing industry much like Ontario that has lost many jobs overseas.

    Turns out a simple phone call reveals this was political posturing on his part, a show, for his supporters and, according to Obama's campaign staff, has no intention opening up NAFTA agreements.

    The Canadian government has a responsibility to react to such position since any talk of re-opening NAFTA would have a profound impact on Canada and Canadians, no matter whether one favors NAFTA or not. The current government had and has every right to state publicly that re-opening NAFTA would imply that EVERYTHING would be back on the table, including Canadian oil supplies. If Obama thinks he is immune to criticism even from his Northern neighbors, then he should be careful how he attempts to score political points. And this applies to Mrs. Clinton and any others who think they can say anything and not be held to account.

    This issue is a non-issue.
  41. Gail Thomas from Canada writes: Jack has never found a camera he didn't like. Wasn't he on Lou Dobbs at CNN? When the Liberals were running for office, they ran on a platform to put down the US and Republicans in general and then quietly called the US to tell them 'don't worry, we don't mean it, it's just politics to garner votes'. The Libs seems to like the Dems though. They bring up speakers from the US like Howard Dean to speak at their conferences. Whoopdeedoo!
  42. David Griffith from NS, Canada writes: Its really quite amusing listening to Liberal sheep expressing such concern for the same American neighbours they make a regular habit of attacking and belittling on these threads. Not very convincing. Hypocrites.
  43. R. M. from Regina, Canada writes: To those who commented on how well Jack Layton handles himself...you are right, even the PM commented on that !! ...but look at the competition......Cinderella really wasn't that pretty it is just that her sisters where that homely.
  44. Andrew P from Toronto, Canada writes: Denis R. from Belle River, Canada .... VERY WELL said. I agreed with you. As in lawyer talk, Obama/Clinton 'opened the door', as such any vested stakeholders have the right to ask questions about it.
  45. Watercooler Pundit from Regina, Canada writes: Why in the world would Harper fire Brodie? Brodie did exactly what Harper told him to do. They want to have an impact on the American Election. Cause any little ripple possible...just like throwing a pebble in water. Pathetic, corrupt and dishonorable. Good job Harpo!
  46. D. B. from Greater Sask., Canada writes: So Mr. Layton goes on air south of the border to criticize NAFTA, thereby putting Mr. Obama into an even tighter spot. Meanwhile, back at home, we have Mr. Harper saying that re-opening NAFTA would be a bad thing. Mr. Harper and Mr. Layton make an interesting team. But Mr. Harper is ahead on points, even though they are a team. Mr. Layton, it seems like you are doing Mr. Harper's bidding by contributing, however modestly, to the building up of doubts in the US about Mr. Obama's campaign.
  47. Akarsh M from Canada writes: Desperate for a scandal.
    Neglecting their duities.
    Not opposing.
    No platform.
    No candidates.
    No money.
    Loathed in the West.
    Loathed in Quebec.

    The LPC.

    No chance.

    I just thought it must be repeated.
  48. The Conservative Centrist from Canada writes: I'm amazed Dobbs even wanted Whacky Jackie to appear on his show.....his show's not comedy shtick, wild and weird once and awhile, but it does get serious sometimes, however Jacko's a comedian, provides us with a laugh a minute. I mean, all one has to do is look at him, let alone listen to him, and you just start chuckling and shaking your head. Maybe he had him on for the wierd part...'look kids, this is what you might grow up to be if you don't eat your carrots and broccoli'.
  49. The Conservative Centrist from Canada writes: Now Jay Leno brings all kinds of people to his show....he does do comedy. Maybe we should tell him of Canada's newest comdey duo, the Jack and Stephane Gong Show. Be good for lots of laughs.
  50. David Griffith from NS, Canada writes: Akarsh M from Canada writes: Desperate for a scandal.
    Neglecting their duities.
    Not opposing.
    No platform.
    No candidates.
    No money.
    Loathed in the West.
    Loathed in Quebec.

    The LPC.

    No chance.

    I just thought it must be repeated.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    They should rename themselves the GTA Party...thats about all they can depend on now.
  51. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Laylah Bee from Los Angeles, United States:

    It is certainly quite possible that Stephen Harper did influence the outcome of the Democratic primaries.... However, do you really believe that Obama was really going to do anything about NAFTA? He would have been completely nuts to touch it...

    In fact, Obama had quite recently referred to the 'President of Canada' in one of his speeches about NAFTA -- just to give you an idea of how up on the file that he was. In my opinion, it was likely political posturing on Obama's part to appease the Lou Dobbs crowd south of the border.

    Hillary was the one who used this to her full advantage.

    Why not blame Hillary if you must blame someone!
  52. Dave of the North from Yellowknife, Canada writes: Jeez Jack! Let's find a little plot of reality that's your own and let's see if others think the way you do. If others agree with you then only in fighting for what is real will you get anywhere. This spotlight you keep trying to be seen in.... the light that shines on the mediocre.... get over it! Then maybe I'll believe in you too.
  53. mike sty - from Canada writes:

    Must be a complete disappointment for all these Conservative sheep having to continually cover up for all the lies and scandals Canada's New Dirty(not clean) Minority keeps getting itself into, day in day out. All the little Harper trolls running around the dam plugging all the leaks, after leaks , after leaks. The sounds of the Harper minority.....
    Leak, Leak
    Lie, Lie
    Sweep, Sweep
    Bribe, Bribe
    Lie, Lie
    Sweep, Sweep
    Mis-speak, Mis-speak
    Lie, Lie
    Sweep, Sweep
    Lie, Lie
    Sweep, Sweep
  54. Mister G. from Canada writes: I agree, if Brodie had anything to do with this, he'd better be fired and soon.
  55. spicydoc the great non-partisan truth seeker, (a name stolen from diane marie), Canada writes:

    Somebody asked why LD had Jack on his show. I think there are a few reasons--

    a) Layton's attacks on Harper in QP have made the youtube rounds

    b) The American blogosphere has been referring to Layton as the 'liberal opposition leader' (Dobbs modified it to 'major political figure' or something like that)

    c) Layton is coherent when he speaks English.

    I know that the last sounds like a partisan swipe at Dion, but admit it...would you blame Dobbs if he watched a few minutes of Dion (the 'real' opp leader), winced, and said 'Is he speaking English??'.

    Dion will never be a guest speaker on TV outside of Canada.

    On the other hand, Ignatieff........
  56. The Wight from Canada writes: Randal Daulton: '[Some of the] The Canadian Conservative party [are] to the left of the American Democratic party.'

    I fixed that for you.

    Harper belongs to an Evangelical church. Stockwell Day is a Creationist who also belongs to an Evangelical church. Fiscally they may be to the left of the Democrats, but socially, they are much, much further right.

    McKay and the rest of the old PCs I would completely agree with you. I like my progressive with my conservative.
  57. David Griffith from NS, Canada writes: Hey mikey sty: reality check. How many of these so-called 'scandals' have been proven? Thats '0', mike (count 'em). Unlike the Libs little sponsorship which was a real scandal. None of these have legs, but you'll be hearing more about sponsorship still. See, thats a real scandal,mikey. So stop drooling...there's nothing there mikey.
  58. T M from Canada writes: What a week for the root beer swilling Harper!
  59. True North from Canada writes: Harper is playing this up even more to keep it in the media and the heat on Obama - he is still supporting his Republican bedfellows.

    Harper cannot be trusted.
  60. True North from Canada writes: David Griffith from NS, Canada writes: Hey mikey sty: reality check. How many of these so-called 'scandals' have been proven? Thats '0', mike (count 'em). Unlike the Libs little sponsorship which was a real scandal.

    ***
    Please name all the Liberals indicted for the sponsorship scandal. That would be '0'.
  61. bob london from Canada writes: Hillary and Obama's positions, Hillary twisted the comment and played dirty like Chretien did in Canada for 13 years.

    Ironically Layton is as smart as a loaded diaper. Gives hope to everyone asleep in the back of the class.
  62. Just A Guy from Toronto, Canada writes: The Last Honest Conservative from Western, Canada writes:
    Johnny Canuck from Canada wrotes:
    Anyone remember the Liberal lady that kept slamming the USA? The Liberals cheered thyen? What's changed? Answer:

    Whats changed is that she WAS slamming Bush and you changed it to the USA. She has been proven right.
    ............ and a large majority of Americans now agree with her.

    ---------

    Wrong! Check your facts:
    'Damn Americans--I hate those ba$%^&*#' - Carolyn Parrish - Liberal

    Denis R. from Belle River - Nicely said and I agree.
  63. Fuzzy Bare from Ontario (Not Toronto), Canada writes: Laylah Bee from Los Angeles, United States, you wrote; '.... From what I've read about Harper, he's an ultra conservative who kisses the ground that Dubbya (Bushie) walk on. His little stunt probably just handed the Presidency to John McBush. Probably what this Harper low-life wanted.
    Pierre Trudeau would never have done anything this.
    I am livid, and today I am ashamed to be a Canadian.'

    I completely agree with you closing sentence; I too, am ashamed that you are a Canadian! Repeating smears and the lies of others does make create truth. Your juvenile smear 'from what I read' is not only a LIE, it is an unbelievable lie that has not a shred of truth to it. To say that 'Pierre Trudeau would never have done anything (like) this' is an even bigger Lie. Pierre Trudeau was anti-American to an extreme and used anti-Americanism to his advantage to curry favor with our anti-American left voters. You, Laylah are completely 'out to lunch'.
  64. The Wight from Canada writes: Denis R.: 'Turns out a simple phone call reveals this was political posturing on his part, a show, for his supporters and, according to Obama's campaign staff, has no intention opening up NAFTA agreements.'

    The exact quote is this:

    'Consistent with CHCGO/WSHDC's analysis, he cautioned that this messaging should not be taken out of context, and should be viewed as more about political positioning than a clear articulation of policy plans. He also suggested that of the Democratic candidates, Obama has been the least protectionist.'

    That's a little softer than 'has no intention of opening up NAFTA agreements', isn't it? Of course, this isn't an exact quote from the Obama staffer, simply the after the fact transcription of the events from notes made during, so there is no real way to know if this is the writer's interpretation or the actual tenor of what was said, either.
  65. Fuzzy Bare from Ontario (Not Toronto), Canada writes: David Griffith from NS, Canada, you wrote: 'Akarsh M from Canada writes: Desperate for a scandal.
    Neglecting their duities.
    Not opposing.
    No platform.
    No candidates.
    No money.
    Loathed in the West.
    Loathed in Quebec.

    The LPC.

    No chance.

    I just thought it must be repeated.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    They should rename themselves the GTA Party...thats about all they can depend on now. '


    David Griffith; I thought you comment was worth repeating again. It has the ring of truth to it and truth is something we see too little of in this forum.
  66. mike sty - from Canada writes: David Griffith from NS, Canada writes: None of these have legs,
    -------------------

    I dunno...........??

    Rob Russo(CP) thinks they have big hairy legs.
  67. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    'True North from Canada writes: Harper is playing this up even more to keep it in the media and the heat on Obama - he is still supporting his Republican bedfellows.
    Harper cannot be trusted.'

    Sure he can.
    McCain is going to open a big ol' tin of whoop-a$$ on Obama.
    I support the Republicans.

    Democrats are flakes.

    The Democratic nominees consist of racist vs. sexist.

    Wow.
    So liberal.

    Oh, the bedfellows bit?
    I'd only sleep with a Republican if she were my wife.
  68. J L from Canada writes: Boy Oh Boy are the Socialists knickers in a knot or what.How many unionized workers,jobs are tied directly to NAFTA? I suspect a lot.How many of those plants and mills have been closed for the following 1- A substantial reduction in sales do to the American economy and(2) the rising Canadian Dollar and perhaps just perhaps because of(3) EXCESSIVE LABOUR and BENEFIT COSTS!! in other words pricing yourself out of a job.by demanding more and more,What would you do if you were the owners,and looking at the Chinese Labour pool and their considerably lower operating costs.I suspect if you wanted to stay in business for any length of time you would do exactly what many have done,THEY MOVED THEIR OPERATIONS.to take advantage of their (Chinese?) substantially lower labour and benefit operating costs,That's why you pay 80-100 Dollars for a jacket made in China and not 150 for a similar jacket made in Canada or the US.I suspect that if the unions and their membership, had made any attempt to make some concessions in wages and benefits packages, that many of those workers just might have a job to-day.These decisions made by companies to close mills and factories was done for strictly business reasons,They(the employer) don't make a profit, or start losing money, and you go where it's likely you can without having to raise the price of your commodity to the point where you can't sell enough of l what you produce.Any competent businessperson would make the same decision,and move their operations to those countries that have favourable labour pools. availability at reasonable operating costs.Many have done so and I for one can't blame them,It begs the question Why did the unions not make some reasonable concessions in order to keep their jobs?
  69. bob london from Canada writes: The news agency quoted that source as saying that Mr. Brodie said that someone from Ms. Clinton's campaign called and was 'telling the embassy to take it with a grain of salt.'

    The story was followed by CTV's Washington bureau chief, Tom Clark, who reported that the Obama campaign, not the Clinton's, had reassured Canadian diplomats.
    ___________________________________________________
    The Jornalists can't Even get their shi* together, how could Dion or Layton.
  70. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: The point is this: Our politicians, who represent us, should take care not to interfere with an election elsewhere. They should keep their counsel, which includes opportunistic appearances on American TV. Outside of an election, they may feel free to comment, but should obviously comport themselves in a manner appropriate to their position. If Mr. Dion had appeared on Lou Dobbs, I would have been disappointed in him for the same reason that I am disappointed in Mr. Layton. Apparently, Canada has entered the 'big time' (entering the American consciousness) but some of our politicians just could not resist a stroll down the red carpet.

    The At Issue Panel on CBC was just superb this evening. Even-handed. Articulate. Remarkable non-partisan. Makes Mike Duffy Live look like a side-show. Which, of course, it is.
  71. J L from Toronto, Canada writes: How many scandals can the Conservatives have...? This is getting ridiculous!

    Harper keeps on screwing up.
  72. spicydoc the great non-partisan truth seeker, (a name stolen from diane marie), Canada writes:

    diane marie--

    1) The election is in November--all that's happening now is selection of party leader.

    2) Layton was INVITED on the show.

    3) Layton comported himself with poise and dignity.

    This should be 'okay', shouldn't it?

    Afterall, the LPC 'invited' Howard Dean to talk during their 'leader selection', didn't they??

    The difference between Dean and Layton was that Dean was violently partisan and toxic during his speech.

    I know you will try to find some 'variable' to negate this comparison, but face it--this isn't why you are irritated.

    The truth is that it KILLS the LPC to see the NDP get this kind of high-level attention and respect.
  73. Fuzzy Bare from Ontario (Not Toronto), Canada writes: diane marie from calgary, Canada, you wrote: 'The point is this: Our politicians, who represent us, should take care not to interfere with an election elsewhere. '


    diane marie; Completely agree with you. It was and is absolutely disgusting the way Liberal politicos are smearing George Bush and the Replublicans. We may not like what he does, but he was elected by and represents the people of the USA.
  74. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Conspiracy theory follows...

    If I wanted to help unify the GOP who despite the media spin are currently in disarray because they have selected another spending neocon leader that probably 50% of all American conservatives despise, how would I do that?

    I would pit him against someone that almost 100% of American conservatives despise!

    Nice choice for small c-conservatives south of the border in the next election-- who do you hate less?
  75. Ivana Tinkall from Victoria, Canada writes: Hello J L From Canada: First, a bit of constructive criticism... When submitting a post, you may want to lay off the sporadic use of capital letters. Very distracting. In your post (which I had to read 3 times to get the message) at 10:48 pm, all I intially saw was: blah blah blah blah FACTUAL EVIDENCE blah blah blah blah ALLEGED blah blah THREE... Second, Mr. Gomery was / is not an accountant, forensic or otherwise. His position was to look at the evidence placed before him and convey an opinion and recommendations. That he was not able to account for $40M is not his issue, but that of the Auditor General, whom if I recall correctly, has not obtained any evidence to assign blame to the Liberal party (outside of the referenced $1M). If you have the smoking gun that places the $40M in Liberal hands, then by all means, let's get it out in the open shall we?

    Hugs,

    Ivana
  76. scott thomas from Canada writes: Cadman.
  77. jamie yavis from Canada writes: Oh no, I bet there will be another commision over this one!

    Harper should be able to put this out of sight and out of mind for at least two years, and by then who really gives a .... .
  78. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: spicydoc:-- No, it's not OK in my books. I don't care how well Mr. Layton 'performed'. It was a performance he should have politely declined to give. The At Issue Panel correctly noted that this matter has the potential to stick to Mr. Obama. The American press may have moved on for now, but NAFTA-gate (for want of another term) will be used by Mr. Obama's foes to undermine perceptions of his character, etc. The campaign staffs of all of the American candidates must be huge and, whether deserved or not, each candidate is stuck with what any member of his or her staff either engineers or is painted with. The At Issue Panel also noted that Canada's Foreign Service will now be perceived with some suspicion in circles where discretion is the order of the day. It is not Canada's finest hour and Mr. Layton erred, in my opinion, in taking part in the circus.
  79. spicydoc the great non-partisan truth seeker, (a name stolen from diane marie), Canada writes:

    Lot's of people calling for Harper's ouster. Okay.

    The NDP are using an opposition day tomorrow to introduce a non-confidence motion against the CPC.

    It includes, I believe:

    a) disgust at the CPC for abandoning Kyoto and the Clean Air Act C30.

    b) disgust at the CPC for ruining the countries finances, all the while abandoning the poor and disadvantaged

    c) disgust at the CPC for being, well....digusting.

    CPAC had a panel discussing this.

    The LPC guy said the LPC would not topple the government with this motion. Why???

    The first thing out of his mouth was 'Harper would love to have an election before the Mulroney-Screiber Inquiry is finished, and we're not going to let him!', or something very close to that.

    I am not kidding.

    Dion is a disgrace and needs to resign NOW!!!
  80. dan vanman from vancouver, Canada writes: Micheal Sharp, please stop trying to convert us to your CPC party liine. You go on ALL these threads and attack the Liberals, but this is about 3-4 scandals piled one on top of the other.

    You should be happy with this one, it is distracting us from the real one. The criminal bribery scandal that will result in the downfall of your precious CPC.

    They are done. They have lost all rights to call themseleves the clean alternative.

    But dinosaurs like you will continue to come on a story about Conservative malfeasance and attack the Liberals.

    You are a sad , passe voice that will NOT be listened to any more. Canadians are just waiting for the writ to drop so we can get rid of these criminals and Harpercrites.

    Steven Harper should do the honourable thing and resign. He won't, but that would be the only honest move he has made in years.

    These criminals make ALL previous scandals pale in comparison. This from the government that ran on accountability and ethics. What a joke.

    OK Micheal Sharp, you can proceed to attack me now....
  81. Simon Simon from Vancouver, Canada writes: It's funny how similar this story is the the leak that won the conservative party the last Canadian election: the VERY fishy letter someone in the RCMP suddenly sent to NDP member Judy Wasylicia-Leis just before christmas, supposedly in reply to a question she'd asked months earlier. The letter declared that the RCMP were investigating Ralph Goodale for corruption.

    As you'll recall, when she didn't immediately call a news conference, the RCMP released the letter as a news release, guarranteeing it would get massive airplay right before the christmas break.

    That's what blew the election wide open and lead to the conservative victory.

    However, either the investigation never really existed, or there was never nothing to it, because no more was ever heard of this story.
  82. Bradly Wiebe from Canada writes: Diane Marie, well said. If Stephen Harper and the Conservatives are being criticized for interfering in the US election, we cannot condone Jack Layton for doing basically the same thing, or very similar.
  83. spicydoc the great non-partisan truth seeker, (a name stolen from diane marie), Canada writes:

    diane--

    Howard Dean, by your 'logic', should have declined to speak for the LPC. BTW, the LPC asked Obama FIRST, but he decided against it--ironic, huh?

    I guess Gore shouldn't diss the CPC GHG plan either---isn't this a little meddlesome??

    You can't have it both ways, diane.

    In a minority situation, an election, with 8 weeks warning, can be called anytime.

    Unless you agree that Dean, Gore, and others are completely out of line for their incredibly partisan interference in our issues, then you have no business being annoyed with Layton.
  84. D. B. from Greater Sask., Canada writes: d-m: It seems like Don Martin and Chantal Hebert are close to joining the ranks of the CPC doubters! Andrew Coyne, well . . . that's another story. But this is very heavy business. I submit again (something another poster said as well): 1. Ian Brodie had access to sensitve information. He told CTV reporters about it 2. CTV goes with it, but emphasizes Mr. Obama's suggestion that he wouldn't touch NAFTA. 3. A memo is leaked, to support the Obama admission. This memo is leaked, despite Mr. Harper's tightening hold on diplomats around the world. This memo cannot be seen in any way to have been leaked to harm Mr. Harper. Mr. Brodie had access to the information; later on, a memo is leaked to substantiate what he said. Yet, Mr. Harper himself said there were thousands of such memos. I don't think a disgruntled gov't. employee leaked this. On the other hand, Mr. Harper had control of the diplomats to quite an extent. I wanted to say to you, d-m: sorry for that cryptic post last night. Shall try to be less cryptic in future! But this whole business is so cryptic. I can't believe Canada might affect the US election. They had better move on and put this behind them. Go Obama.
  85. dan vanman from vancouver, Canada writes: What is it with you Harpercrites...reading above, you all just attack. Attack the messenger...attack Pierre Trudeau, attack anyone who disagrees with you.

    Just because you were never hugged enough as children I guess.

    Ah well...your party is going down in flames...so I guess that must be what is so frustrating for you...knowing they had their chance for a majority, and now will be lucky to call themselves the Opposition.

    But hey, keep it up...Canadians are on to you...and it just makes you guys look worse...so...by all means...attack.

    Heck..I know I'll get attacked for my statements on here shortly, but ...what can you do? Free speech and democracy has its price.
  86. spicydoc the great non-partisan truth seeker, (a name stolen from diane marie), Canada writes:

    dan vanman--

    You made a post inviting Sharp (and presumably other CPC hacks) to attack you.

    You were ignored. In fact, all the posts after yours were anti-Harper.

    Now you post outrage at all the pro-CPC attacks.

    What pro-CPC attacks?? Methinks you protest too much, and are possibly sad about being ignored.

    I haven't ignored you, so I hope you feel better....
  87. Fuzzy Bare from Ontario (Not Toronto), Canada writes: Ivana Tinkal; It will be very difficult to get to the bottom of the Adscam scandal. The Liberals had a very well planned and executed strategy. The main key was the 'No Paper Trail'. Phone calls and one-on-one meetings leave no links. Having the payment details handled by trustworthy confederates who wouldn't rant on their handlers was another key part of the plan. Providing generous rewards and future would help keep those confederates trustworthy, perhaps even take the rap rather than 'rat' to protect the people responsible for the scheme makes convicting those responsible for the grand theft very difficult..
  88. Julien Masterson from Ottawa, Canada writes: Dan Vanman, I am now a fan of yours, and wouldn't dream to attack you. I am in psychology and agree that they must not have been hugged as children.

    I don't know how people can even agree, or try to defend Harper in any of these scandals. There is nothing right or truthful about what is going on. Yes, most politicians lie, but a minority government with so many problems in so little time must admit defeat at some point.

    You could see it as admirable for someone to fight for what they believe. But now it's ridiculous, just admit defeat and move back out of Ottawa. Leave the educated people to prosper and bring the country back on the right track.

    I am part of the youth generation who will fight and bring the world back to a right place. Hopefully more youth will unite.
  89. Bradly Wiebe from Canada writes: Dan vanman, would you not agree that your post constitutes the same attacks that you accuse others of? 'your party is going down in flames' 'lucky to call themselves the opposition'

    I hope you expect to pay the same price as everybody else, because you are buying into the attacks too.
  90. Bert Russell Paradox, BC from Canada writes:
    Simon Simon: Your name should be Simoom ... as your Liberal spin goes to the ridiculous - it was the NDP who complained to the RCMP (Period) and it wasn't Goodalls corruption but his incompetence and the Sponsorgate that brought down the Liberals. As for the Liberal smearing that is going on now - the Liberals are only trying to detract the Canadian public with unfounded accusations which Harper will turn on them and show them up to be the pathetic dysfunction group they are.
    Dion is really getting into his thespian role, I saw him on TV in the House and he was really quite animated.
  91. Julien Masterson from Ottawa, Canada writes: I made a mistake and misread. Disregard my last.
  92. Just A Guy from Toronto, Canada writes: Wow...pretty partisan comments and a clear showing of lack of basic common knowledge about allegations and those allegations being proven.

    Sad when emotion gets the better part of reason but is seemingly a typical response with the 'there is a scandal and he is guilty and here comes the downfall but there is no proof but the sky is falling and I know it's true because I read it and I hate him so we will kick him out because he is not honest and I am original so I will call them Harpercrites and you are a dinosaurs if you attack the Liberals and don't agree with me ....' crowd.

    The only thing these allegations are doing is keeping certain parties from having to come up with any platform and keeping the public eye off of the pure incompetence of other parties.

    Before the braying starts...this is not a Conservitive supporter or Liberal supporter stance. Some of us can actually think outside party ideology.
  93. Bill Woodcock from Ontario, Canada writes:
    The Cadman thing keeps popping up and the fact that no Insurance company would sell a $1 million policy to a dying person. My question is this. Would it have too be a company policy or an amount guaranteed by the CPC if he voted with them? Maybe they just called it insurance in a general manner of speaking? Either way it looks bad.
  94. spicydoc the great non-partisan truth seeker, (a name stolen from diane marie), Canada writes:

    Everybody who has an LPC MP in Ottawa--call them and

    DEMAND THAT THEY TOPPLE HARPER WITH THE NDP MOTION!!!!

    Introduced and debated Friday March 7, confidence vote is Tuesday March 11.

    This means a May election!!!

    How can the LPC possibly support Harper with everything that is happening....

    You can be rid of Harper NEXT WEEK!!!! What are you waiting forÉÉ
  95. Fuzzy Bare from Ontario (Not Toronto), Canada writes: dan vanman, do you deny that the Conservatives took over from the most corrupt government in Canadian history, an organized gang of politicos who used government to steal from the Canadian people by means of Adscam, a corrupt self-serving government that took their entitlements whether they were entitled to them or not?
  96. Kenneth Yurchuk from Toronto, Canada writes: Diane Marie, you seem to miss the point ( repeatedly, and therefore probably intentionally) that Layton was not on Dobbs, talking about the leak, or Obama, or Clinton. He was talking about the loss of jobs in the North American Manufacturing sector in general. Dobbs asked one question at the end of th