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Harper touts ‘open federalism' in Quebec

JONATHAN MONTPETIT

The Canadian Press

Latest comment posted at 2:27 PM EDT 24/06/08

‘We are the true nationalists,' PM says of Conservatives as he hails government efforts to recognize Quebec's place in Canada ...Read the full article

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  1. Catherine Wilkie from Canada writes: Wishing all Quebecers a happy Fête Nationale and St. Jean Baptiste Day.
  2. Atlantica Party.ca - worked for the Bloc from Canada writes:

    It's hard to believe that Harper with a minority govt. has accomplished so much in such a short time.

    Good job,Steve.

    Canadians thank you.
  3. Barrie Collins from Long Sault, Canada writes: If it'll help the Tories, Quebec is easily recognized as being just to the right of Ontario, and a little bit left (dirty word that!) of New Brunswick. You're welcome!
  4. Shawn Bull from Canada writes: I never thought I would see the day when the Conservatives would be accepted by Quebec again. Yet they currently have a handful of seats, run second to the Bloc province wide and many say will pick up an additional 10 seats in rural Quebec. How would have thunk it.
  5. Gardiner Westbound from Canada writes:
    Really dumb thing to say Stevie. This will come back and bite you in the butt. Quebec is never satisfied for long.
  6. Billy Bee from Go Team, er, what are we playing again?, Canada writes: Great, yet another PM who will kiss Quebec's @ss for votes! Telling Quebec that they're a 'nation' just gives the separatists the ammo they need - Quebec is a province; I wish we had a PM to tell them to shut up, put up or ship out!

    Don't worry Stevie, we in Ontario didn't forget the $900 million vote-buy you threw at Quebec; now that Ontario's having trouble you have the nerve to kick and insult us while we're down. I doubt anyone will forget that during the next election!
  7. Beer and Popcorn from Toronto, Canada writes: Harper is a bridge builder
  8. Haiden MitHand El from Canada writes: Atlantica Party.ca - worked for the Bloc from Canada writes: It's hard to believe that Harper with a minority govt. has accomplished so much in such a short time. Good job,Steve. Canadians thank you.

    AP-- please take a few moments from your fawning over Steve to revise your post. I'm a Canadian -- please don't presume to speak for me. PS -- it really bugs his mom when you call him Steve.
  9. Robert Lepage from Canada writes: Pucker up Stevo!
  10. Shawn Bull from Canada writes: Secretariat T from Kap: In a small minority the PM has been able to:

    Get the Afghan resolution passed.
    Get his crime bills passed.
    Get the immigrations changes implemented.
    Get the budget and throne speach passed.
    Apologize for the Chinese head tax.
    Apologize for the native school issue.

    You may not like the Harpe government but you can't say he hasn't done anything...and in a weak minority. The brink of defecit accusation is just that...a Liberal accusation. It's the difference between big surpluses and big Liberal programs and small surpluses and a defined federal/provincial relationship.
  11. P. Pobega from Canada writes: Harper builds bridges with LEGO'S. And the bridges will be built as it suits him. Quebecors should see by now what kind of a CON man he is. He pulled the wool over Charest's eyes... only once.
  12. Al Bore from OTTAWA, Canada writes:

    You can't deny that since the Conservatives have been in power, Quebec separatism is at an all time low.
  13. Professional30smthg in TO from Canada writes: Secretariat -- you going to blame Harper for your bad breath too? Let's see, to your list... Environment. Harper HASN'T gotten us bogged down in Kyoto, and thus avoided sending billions of our dollars to China and India while they pollute all they want in magnitudes 100x what we do. Afghanistan. Harper (and Martin) have returned RESPECT to our Armed Forces, rebuilt our alliance with Britain and America and has provided the troops the commitment they need to get the job done that both the Liberals and Conservatives supported in the first place. Income Trusts. the Cons closed a dangerous tax loophole that more and more corporations were taking advantage of unfairly, thereby costing the common taxpayer more in the long run. Brave political decision that has ultimately been borne out as the right one. Economy. So far so good for Canada considering the state of the U.S. Religious Schools. He sucked it up and apologized for an egregious wrong committed by Canada, in the hopes of helping our natives better acclimate with the rest of society. Carbon Tax. He is trying to avoid adding yet another tax burden on Canadians for questionnable environmental benefit. Thank god. Hopefully that helped you out a bit, you seemed confused. You're welcome.
  14. D G from Canada writes: And once again Shawn Bull is living up to his name.
  15. Shawn Bull from Canada writes: D G from Canada writes: And once again Shawn Bull is living up to his name.
    ------------------
    DG, I noticed that you didn't refute any of my points but decided to take the slander route. Can't shoot my points down now can you DG?
  16. Bob Lawblaws from Canada writes: And then Stpehen Harper exclaimed that all Quebecers were screwed anyway, and that the world is crazy as he went running throught the streets as if he were stark, raving mad, and in the distance you could hear his cries, 'We're all screwed.............'
  17. siren call from Canada writes: Shawn Bull, those of us who don't like Harper's form of government rarely complain that he does nothing, rather what he does and how he does it.

    Get the Afghan resolution passed.

    Yes and align us in an unwinnable war, try to cover war crimes regarding detainees, spent billions on un budgeted and no bid contracts for military hardware ....

    Get his crime bills passed.

    Yes, and corrections officials are already noting that an increase in incarceration is straining the prison system. NO problem as Steve wants privatized prisons, anyway. Some of these laws are just on the books for the sake of looking tough on crime. Street racing is now illegal. Well, that should cure raging hormones in young males.

    Get the immigrations changes implemented.

    To what end no one knows as the decisions will be made behind closed cabinet doors.

    Get the budget and throne speech passed.

    Duh. We'd have a new government if the speech had not passed.

    Apologize for the Chinese head tax.

    Good but muted by all the other 'apologies'.

    Apologize for the native school issue.

    Part of a process begun in 1998 and which Harper couldn't ignore. Diluted by racist policies in the past (Reform. Alliance) and by the Ontario MP's comments to the media.

    Quebec as a nation was simple pandering and again, who knows where it might lead?
  18. pik scott from Canada writes: Anybody that is offended by the word ''screwed'' just baffles me. It is alright for the libs to screw you ,but not all right for the cons to say it. I would assume that was the word on everybodies mind when dion came out with that policy.
  19. Greg Out West from Canada writes: Bob Lawblaws from Canada writes: And then Stpehen Harper exclaimed that all Quebecers were screwed anyway, and that the world is crazy as he went running throught the streets as if he were stark, raving mad, and in the distance you could hear his cries, 'We're all screwed.............'
    -------------------------------------------------
    I feel your pain Bob. A lot of other people besides yourself have a hard time dealing with a PM that tells it like it is and doesn't sugar coat it. My guess is that 'You can't handle the truth'. Loved that line.
  20. Greg Van Zandt from Canada writes: Secretariat T from Kap, Canada writes: For starters, the National Unity Act was written by Stephane Dion and adopted by Harper as his own.

    What National Unity Act was written by Dion?
  21. Shawn Bull from Canada writes: siren call: Thank you. That was an honest response. Point taken regarding the methods used by Harper. To me it comes down to the following:

    Conservatives: Smaller government (they haven't done very well with that one), very clear provincial/federal responsibilities, less tax in the coffer and more to the people.

    Liberals: Big surpluses, big government, big programs that have proven to be administrativly expensive and inefficient. (I shudder at a forcasted $5B child daycare program run by the Liberals....remember the $2B gun registry was only suppose to be $2M...do that math with a starting point of $5B).

    I guess it comes down to how one prefers to be governed. Me, I prefer the right.
  22. mike sty - from Canada writes:
    In a small minority the PM has been able to LIE how many times??

    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 promised to increase Canada's capacity to protect Canada's Arctic Sovereignty and security.

    Stephen Harper broke this promise.

    Stephen Harper and the Conservatives ran in the last election on a platform of accountability, they have not implemented their promise and now the Harper government is making it more difficult for Canadians to get information out of their federal institutions, cutting off a free database that helped journalists, politicians and others to find publicly available documents.

    Stephen Harper broke this promise.

    What is Stephen Harper hiding???

    Why is Stephen Harper hiding the truth????
    Stephen Harper promises not to reinstate the death penalty

    Frankly,.....
    Can We Really Trust ALiar?
  23. Kathleen Degelder from Canada writes: How's everyones short term memory? There were troops placed in Afghanistan by the Liberals (before the Conservatives) John Manley (liberal) attests to that.-------LOL: Ethonal Corn lobbyists (special interest groups) subsidized by US Congress. Is causing economic distrortions in world food prices such as Corn and wheat (supply and demand) economics 101.--Affecting the poorest. Witness to the mexican food fight (tortilla)---
  24. Billy Bee from Go Team, er, what are we playing again?, Canada writes: For all you Harper-crite supporters out there here are a few quotes to remind you on his opinions on Quebec and the French Language:

    'Make no mistake. Canada is not a bilingual country. In fact it is less bilingual today than it has ever been.'

    'After all, enforced national bilingualism in this country isn't mere policy. It has attained the status of a religion. It's a dogma which o-ne is supposed to accept without question. '

    'As a religion, bilingualism is the god that failed. It has led to no fairness, produced no unity, and cost Canadian taxpayers untold millions.'

    'Whether Canada ends up as o-ne national government or two national governments or several national governments, or some other kind of arrangement is, quite frankly, secondary in my opinion.'

    Funny now that Harper needs seats in Quebec he's changed his tune. I guess he's just another spineless politician....
  25. Shawn Bull from Canada writes: mike sty - from Canada .....write your posts like they were song lyrics man!!! That's the only way you get people to read them.
  26. Antonio San from Canada writes: Mr Harper is proud of showing his record on Quebec... translation: here is the amount of the Bribe paid by the west, please remember me when you vote. We will Stephen, we will...
  27. Haiden MitHand El from Canada writes: pik scott from Canada writes: Anybody that is offended by the word ''screwed'' just baffles me. It is alright for the libs to screw you ,but not all right for the cons to say it. I would assume that was the word on everybodies mind when dion came out with that policy.

    pik -- it's unbecoming for the Prime Minister of Canada to prattle on like a 13 year old school boy. It's demeans us all when the Prime Minister of Canada speaks in this manner. And no, that wasn't the word on everybodies' mind when Dion announced the policy -- most sane, rational people think that something needs to be done to combat climate change. At least Dion is proposing a policy. That's a good starting point. What did Mr. Harper offer up as an alternative? Oh yeah, his glib retort.
  28. Greg Van Zandt from Canada writes: siren call from Canada writes: Shawn Bull, those of us who don't like Harper's form of government rarely complain that he does nothing, rather what he does and how he does it.

    The Harper government is the longest sitting Canadian minority since the election of 1921. The Liberals have had 42 chances to bring down Harper.

    Layton said it best..

    'For the first time in Canadian history, the Official Opposition decided to prop up the government even as it spoke against the government on so many occasions --42 different confidence motions,' Mr. Layton said. 'It essentially gave Mr. Harper something Canadians will never give him, in my view, and that's the equivalent of majority support.'
  29. Kathleen Degelder from Canada writes: Mike Sty: You are obviously into the nanny state. (Liberals) What about the insider of Goodale?
  30. mike sty - from Canada writes: Billy Bee from Go Team, er, what are we playing again?, Canada writes:

    Funny now that Harper needs seats in Quebec he's changed his tune
    ------------------------

    changed his tune = mis-speak = mis-remembered = LIE

    If harper stopped lying he'd have nothing to say.
  31. Greg Van Zandt from Canada writes: mike sty - from Canada writes: Billy Bee from Go Team, er, what are we playing again?, Canada writes:

    Funny now that Harper needs seats in Quebec he's changed his tune
    ------------------------

    changed his tune = mis-speak = mis-remembered = LIE

    If harper stopped lying he'd have nothing to say.

    How old are those quotes? So you are equally as angry about Dion changing his tune about a carbon tax he was against just 2 years ago? or that many of his MPs are on record as being against just a few months ago?
  32. siren call from Canada writes: Shawn Bull from Canada writes: Conservatives: Smaller government (they haven't done very well with that one), very clear provincial/federal responsibilities, less tax in the coffer and more to the people.
    ..............................

    Classical conservatism but I'm not sure that's the brand Steve is selling --?

    Harper talks about clear fed/provincial responsibilities but seems to tread all over the boundary as he chooses. See his picking of winners (Wall in Saskatchewan) and slandering others (McQuinty in Ontario).

    Or more to the point in this article -- his pandering to Charest and then double cross to prop up Dumont.

    But I agree, it comes down to Canadian choices for government. I'm grateful for big national policies like health care.
  33. Atlantica Party.ca - worked for the Bloc from Canada writes:

    Mike sty:

    I was trying to remember Dion's stance on Afghanistan when he became leader of the Liberals.

    Wasn't it something about 2009?

    With your accurate memory of past events in politics , could you enlighten us?
  34. siren call from Canada writes: mike sty -- you missed the broken promise of wait time guarantees in health care.

    But charting Harper's failures is a rich field so I know you can't get them all.
  35. siren call from Canada writes: Greg Van Zandt from Canada writes:The Harper government is the longest sitting Canadian minority since the election of 1921. The Liberals have had 42 chances to bring down Harper.
    ..........................

    And Layton is correct.

    Do you imagine those of us who dislike Harper's bullying form of 'governing' are pleased with the current Liberals???
  36. Billy Bee from Go Team, er, what are we playing again?, Canada writes: mike sty - from Canada writes: 'If harper stopped lying he'd have nothing to say.' Agreed. LOL - Which is pretty much the case for any politician!

    Why keep a promise when its so much easier to break it? No wonder this snake can't get his poll numbers into majority territory.

    You can see the bewilderment in Harper's eyes - he just can't seem to get that Canadians don't want to have a Republican style govn't in Canada - look how well it worked for GWB and our good friends to the south (huge debt, record number of home foreclosures, bogged down in Iraq, alienated most of their allies, torture of prisoners, etc., etc.)
  37. Fake Name from Canada writes: ' mike sty - from Canada writes: In a small minority the crazed paranoid leader has
    FIRED the president of CNSC
    FIRED the president of the Wheat board
    FIRED the ambassador to the Environment
    FIRED the Ethic Commissioner
    FIRED the Law Commissioner
    FIRED the Director General of Elections Canada
    FIRED the Information Commissioner
    FIRED the Defense Ombudsman
    FIRED the Language Commissioner
    FIRED the Immigration Board president
    FIRED the Chief Electoral Officer'

    I'm pretty sure at least one of the DG of Elections Canada and the Chief Electoral Officer haven't been fired yet, only intimidated. And the defense ombudsman was just told to ignore prisoner abuse, not actually fired.
  38. Steve Just Steve, That's All from Canada writes: siren call from Canada writes: mike sty -- you missed the broken promise of wait time guarantees in health care.

    But charting Harper's failures is a rich field so I know you can't get them all.

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.

    13 years of Liberal rule.
    Back-to-back-to-back majorities.
    NOTHING got done (if you don't count enriching your pals)

    When it comes to broken promises, THIS record speaks for itself.
    At least these guys did SOMETHING other than rip us off.
  39. Liberals Steal from normal hardworking, Canada writes: Keeps Canada Together and prosperous.
    Best PM in a generation.
  40. Atlantica Party.ca - worked for the Bloc from Canada writes:

    Mike sty:

    I'm trying to remember Dion's stance on Carbon taxes from a year ago.

    Could you open your archives vault and give us a few Dion quotes on carbon tax?
  41. Chris Halford from Ottawa, Canada writes: Harper is totally shameless and doesn't give a sh*t about Canada as long as he can stay in power. The last politician that played this dangerous game with Quebec was Brian Mulroney who failed to break the country up the first time he tried it, so had another go too! It took years to get over the damage that Lyin' Brian inflicted. I guess this is the first time since Mulroney that we have had the combination of a PM with a massive ego and a complete absence of morality and responsibility who is willing to drop the country back in the swamp again for his own political gain.
  42. Percy from NL from Canada writes: You mean Harper still didn't highlight his early involvement in the Clarity Bill when he was in Quebec again this time. Wow, how principled of the guy.
    Harper is simply using Dion's lack of popularity in Quebec as a result of Dion having taken the lead on the Clarity Bill, placing the interests of Canada first. Now Harper is trying to hide his own participation by never mentioning it.
    He touts himself as a national leader? I think not. A poltical opportunist willing to compromise on principle in order to gain power? I think so.
  43. Atlantica Party.ca - worked for the Bloc from Canada writes:
    Mike sty:

    Wasn't the language commissioner a term position of 3 years and then someone new is appointed?

    Couldn't check this with your records for me?
  44. siren call from Canada writes: Steve Just Steve -- pointing out Liberal weaknesses and past failures (and never successes) just doesn't make Steve Harper a better PM.

    Firewall Alberta Steve Harper is now the 'true nationalist'?

    Compared with whom; Dumont? Duceppe?
  45. mike sty - from Canada writes: Billy Bee from Go Team, er, what are we playing again?, Canada writes: it worked for GWB and our good friends to the south (huge debt,
    --------------------

    Clinton left Bush a 230 Billion surplus..............and Bush has run a 400Billion plus deficit 7 straight years...........similar to Mulroneys 8 years consecutive deficits.

    Didn't Martin(Lib) leave Harper a 13Billion surplus????Flaherty left Ontario with a 6Billion deficit and has mismanaged the Canadian finances to a near deficit.

    Whats with Republicans and CONservatives..............fiscally irresponsible and incompetent when it comes to tax payers $$$$$$$$
  46. Dominique Cote from Montreal, Canada writes: Catherine Wilkie from Canada writes: Wishing all Quebecers a happy Fete Nationale and St. Jean Baptiste Day.

    Thanks Catherine! Just came from the parade, just a wonderful afternoon.

    Wishing all French Canadians a great St. Jean Baptiste Day!
  47. Percy from NL from Canada writes: Atlantica Party.ca - worked for the Bloc from Canada, which do you respect more ... Someone who changes their mind on policy before an election and explains why to the public, or, someone who goes into an election and changes their mind on policy immediately after they have been elected by the people to govern based on their platform?
    Just wondering where you stand on that principle if you please? Seems there's a lot of flexibility on principles by the self-proclaimed party of principles these days :-)
  48. Joe Dick from Kingston, Canada writes: Atlantica Party.ca - worked for the Bloc from Canada writes:

    Mike sty:

    I'm trying to remember Dion's stance on Carbon taxes from a year ago.

    Could you open your archives vault and give us a few Dion quotes on carbon tax?

    =============================================

    LOL, please don't embarrass Mike and interject facts into a good partisan temper-tantrum.

    There is nothing funnier then watching a liberal not get their way.

    But, but how can this be?
  49. Steve Just Steve, That's All from Canada writes: Percy from NL from Canada writes: He touts himself as a national leader? I think not. A poltical opportunist willing to compromise on principle in order to gain power? I think so.

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

    And he's different from EACH & EVERY other Canadian politician HOW???
  50. Daniel Cunningham from Victoria, BC, writes: (cough cough) Bullsh$t.
  51. roger samson from Montreal, Canada writes: Imagine the Quebec government abandoned corn ethanol as a policy in November 2007 because it couldn't find appreciable environmental benefits. Meanwhile the federal government just passed legislation to mandate 5% ethanol use for quebecers. Seems Steven Harper didn't study his history books well enough about old school federalism.
  52. Steve Just Steve, That's All from Canada writes: siren call from Canada writes: Steve Just Steve -- pointing out Liberal weaknesses and past failures (and never successes) just doesn't make Steve Harper a better PM.

    Firewall Alberta Steve Harper is now the 'true nationalist'?

    Compared with whom; Dumont? Duceppe?

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.

    Wasn't my point. How come you only see the OTHER side's failures but cannot even acknowledge your side's? THAT's my point.
  53. Steve Just Steve, That's All from Canada writes: Joe Dick from Kingston, Canada writes: Atlantica Party.ca - worked for the Bloc from Canada writes:

    Mike sty:

    I'm trying to remember Dion's stance on Carbon taxes from a year ago.

    Could you open your archives vault and give us a few Dion quotes on carbon tax?

    =============================================

    LOL, please don't embarrass Mike and interject facts into a good partisan temper-tantrum.

    There is nothing funnier then watching a liberal not get their way.

    But, but how can this be?

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.

    But But hit's not heeeeezy to make da prioriteeeeeeeeze!!!

    LOL
  54. Shawn Bull from Canada writes: mike sty: Let's look at the ledger shall we:

    Liberal leaders who ran a defecit: Trudeau, Turner, Chretiens first few years, Peterson and McGuinty.

    Conservatives who ran a defecit: Mulroney and Harris in his last year.

    Ouch!!
  55. Greg Van Zandt from Canada writes: mike sty - from Canada writes: Billy Bee from Go Team, er, what are we playing again?, Canada writes: it worked for GWB and our good friends to the south (huge debt,
    --------------------

    Clinton left Bush a 230 Billion surplus..............and Bush has run a 400Billion plus deficit 7 straight years...........similar to Mulroneys 8 years consecutive deficits.

    Didn't Martin(Lib) leave Harper a 13Billion surplus????Flaherty left Ontario with a 6Billion deficit and has mismanaged the Canadian finances to a near deficit.

    Whats with Republicans and CONservatives..............fiscally irresponsible and incompetent when it comes to tax payers $$$$$$$$

    What did Trudeau leave? How about Peterson?..... Rae?

    /crickets....
  56. A B from Calgary Area, Canada writes: Yes... And In Other Words:

    Our El Presidente, Dictator King Steve, has bought a lot of votes in Quebec with YOUR TAX MONEY
  57. Liberals Steal from normal hardworking, Canada writes: siren call 'Firewall Alberta Steve Harper is now the 'true nationalist'?

    Absolutely! He always was.

    Strong healthy provinces make for a good federated Nation.

    Just like a strong independent minded spouse makes for a better marriage rather than a weak dependent one.
  58. 100% Conservative from Victoria BC, Canada writes: All I can say is Thankg God that we had Harper sitting in the PM's chair the last 2 years as he has achievd more for Canadians than the liberlas did in 12 years. Let's face the facts as they stand = we have lower taxes, lower national debt, lower level of soveriegnista's, higher income, higher chances of weathering the storms down south, higher military morale, higher prestige in NATO and other international organizations and the list goes on and on. Hopefully Dion and crew will actually do their job in opposition and vote against something this fall and I mean anything! Then we can have an election and clear the air and drive all the usual suspects (Foaming at the mouth Harper Haters) crazy : which is turning into my hobbie - Has anyone out there noticed how the Harper Haters apparently have lost their sense of humour it must have gone to the same place that Dion got his brilliant idea of taxing carbon - jeeeesh!
  59. L.B. MURRAY from !! from Canada writes: Too bad that the Golden Couple who were supposed to be ready at a moment's notice to travel all across the province of Quebec are now ''out'' of the plans... forever... Too bad MaxAndJulie are no longer available.... they were such a ''shoe-in'' to win a ''hearts and minds'' of the people majority in Quebec.... Oh, well... Now, it's Plan B in action on June 24, and if that doesn't work, it's Plan C....LOL
  60. Bob Smitherman from Ottawa, Canada writes: Les quebecois vont sans doute reliaser que M. Harper n'est qu'un opportuniste qui ne veut rien savoir du Quebec mais qui veut neanmoins leur vote. Sa promesse de federalisme 'ouvert' ne fut que des mots inutiles. Regardez comment il s'est affronte contre McGuinty et Charest lors de leur recente declaration de cooperation sur l'environnement. (excusez moi de ne pas utiliser d'accents, mais le G&M ne les permet pas!)
  61. Alan F. from Vancouver, Canada writes: Gee, I wonder what Harpers syncophants in Alberta and the West think of this wooing of Quebec. After all the base support of the Western Canada Concept/Reform/Alliance Party is made up of anti Quebec, 'no French on my Corn Flake boxes', too much power in Ottawa in the hands of francophones, 'don't cram French down my throat' too mamy MP's from Ontario and Quebec. The list goes on and on. Please explain this to us all!
  62. Percy from NL from Canada writes: Steve Just Steve, That's All from Canada, looks at his last election campaign and you'll see Harper touted himself as being different in regards to the old political opportunism games that had been played in the past.
    Oh, I get it, you're saying he lied about that too. Good point :-)
  63. Greg Van Zandt from Canada writes: These are some of the highlights of the current Harper government record.

    Federal Accountability Act;

    Universal Child Care Benefit and tax credits for kids sports and public transit;

    Implemented a Taxpayers Bill of Rights and a Taxpayers Ombudsman;

    Ombudsman for Victims of Crime;

    “Tackling Violent Crime Act;&8221; & raised age of consent from 14 to 16;

    Reduced federal debt by $37 billion and implemented a tax back guarantee;

    Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement;

    Enacted Nunavik Inuit Land Claims agreement;

    Approved Manley Report on Afghanistan and extended mission until 2011;

    Apologized for Chinese head tax &8211; $20,000 for every Chinese immigrant or survivor;

    Agent Orange compensation package of $96 million ($20,000 per person affected);

    Air India public inquiry and memorials unveiled across Canada;

    Implemented income splitting for retirees;

    Initiated a new tax free savings account;

    Cut the GST from 7% to 5%;

    Formal apology on June 11, 2008 to Native peoples for residential school abuses

    Mr Harper, on behalf of ALL Canadians....THANK YOU!
  64. Alan F. from Vancouver, Canada writes: 100% Conservative from Victoria:

    too bad you are sucha syncophabt that you cant tell the truth from the lies that Harper and his gang spread. Quoting from the latest 'lie Sheet' from the Reform-Alliance Party proves you can spew crap as good as Harper!
  65. D. B. from Greater Sask., Canada writes: Mr. Harper gave Quebec something like a billion dollar gift on the eve of the last election in Quebec. The votes he might have won with that have frittered away since then. But Beauce is probably a safe CPC seat.

    Mr. Harper wants to shut down 'Insite' in Vancouver but is showing no eagerness to confront Quebec with regard to its plans for similar sites.
  66. 100% Conservative from Victoria BC, Canada writes: Hey Alan speaking as one of the Harper supporters from out west, here is my explanation for what Harper is doing in Quebec = ' a great job ... kep up the good work Strevie my boy : there is that good enough?
  67. Bob Smitherman from Ottawa, Canada writes: 'Open federalism' would imply that the prime minister would actually support the provincial governments instead of constantly bashing them. This is the PM that opposes first minister conferences, and when he did have one, it was over dinner and everyone had to be tucked in by 10:30. It was all show, no substance.
  68. siren call from Canada writes: Steve Just Steve, That's All from Canada writes:
    Wasn't my point. How come you only see the OTHER side's failures but cannot even acknowledge your side's? THAT's my point.
    ...................................

    Please don't assume that I'm a Liberal. As in 'your side's' type of arguments. We live in a parliamentary democracy (theoretically) and I am much interested in good ideas from all political segments. In fact, the black and white, left and right thinking is a huge detriment to our successful political functioning.

    Of course past Liberal government's experienced failures.
    I have never had the worry though that past Liberal governments were not nationlistic at heart.
    Maybe questionable in Martin's case regarding the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP).

    Is Harper a federalist? His many speeches and actions previous to becoming PM would suggest not. His current penchant for destroying Canadian institutions (like Elections Canada) would also suggest, not.
  69. Billy Bee from Go Team, er, what are we playing again?, Canada writes: Liberals Steal from normal hardworking, Canada writes: 'Best PM in a generation.'

    100% Conservative from Victoria BC, Canada writes: 'All I can say is Thank God that we had Harper sitting in the PM's chair.'

    Really? Two budgets ago we had record spending by a drunken-sailor Flaherty, then we had huge 'equalization' payment (aka bribes) to Quebec. Now we have a govn't that is dangerously close to running a deficit after being handed a huge surplus by Paul Martin...

    You're entitled to your opinion but I suggest you look at Harper's track record versus his promise for 'accountable, transparent and responsible' govn't.

    Harper's done the complete opposite of what he promised! (and please save me the 'blame the Liberals' rant - they're not in power)
  70. Haiden MitHand El from Canada writes: Greg Van Zandt from Canada writes: ...Mr Harper, on behalf of ALL Canadians....THANK YOU!

    Greg -- don't be so presumptuous. I don't like Mr. Harper and the only time I'll be thanking him is when he decides to ride off into the sunset.
  71. Alan F. from Vancouver, Canada writes: I am so sorry that the educational system failed in this country that there are those who are so blind to think that a hyprocrite like Harper is acceptable. However, 68% of Canadians see him differently and will not vote for him. Harper will suffer the same fate of his idol, Bush and will soon go down in flames and it will take years to repair the damage. Sorry, anyone who cannot see the damage that Harper is doing to this country, I feel sorry for them!
  72. Joel Girard from Calgary, Canada writes: 100% Conservative from Victoria BC, Canada writes: All I can say is Thankg God that we had Harper sitting in the PM's chair the last 2 years as he has achievd more for Canadians than the liberlas did in 12 years. Let's face the facts as they stand = we have lower taxes

    Hello? Is anyone home? Not likely.

    Liberals were in power for 13 years, not 12. Don't you partisan hacks get your handout mentioning 13 years of nothing under Liberal rule? Don't thank God, thank the few Liberals that were involved in Adscam.

    We have the SAME taxes as before our current government, not less. Some people are so easily fooled that it makes you wonder what kinda messed up people we've become. Did you so easily forget that the Liberals lowered taxes before the election and the then the CONs raised it only to lower later on to delight of the sheeple that follow one party regardless of direction.

    Imagine this. People argue for politicians, some argue against. It's like hitting your head on a brick wall to benefit the brick layer. wtf ppl? How can you be so partisan? HOW? It's disturbing.
  73. Shawn Bull from Canada writes: Alan F. from Vancouver, Canada writes: Harper will suffer the same fate of his idol, Bush and will soon go down in flames.
    -----------
    Alan, then you have nothing to worry about.

    I should also point out an error: You say Harper will suffer the same fate as Bush. Didn't Bush win both his terms and governed for as long as you are legally allowed to in the US?...then whatever do you mean Alan?
  74. Hugo Hall from Calgary, Canada writes: I'll be the first to admit that the Conservatives have made their share of missteps in government, but some of the knee-jerk Tory-bashers on here show little rational thought, and utter disdain for those with a different point of view.

    Evidently it really bothers some people that, firstly, the Conservatives did what would be unthinkable 5 years ago, and formed a government; and secondly, that 2 1/2 years later, if an election were held, they would stand a very good chance of being re-elected.
  75. J S from Toronto, Canada writes: It's always good to give yourself praise, especially in the absence of other praise...
  76. Abby U from Dartmouth, Canada writes: The New Fascist Liberal Party of Canada under Dion's leadership (cough, cough) would, if ever elected to power, bankrupt and split-up the country with their wealth transfer schemes (Kyoto and Carbon Tax). The Prime Minister, Mr Harper, has restored the 'great' in The Great White North. He is the best Prime Minister who has accomplished more in his short time in office than I have seen in my 50 years. Well done Mr. Harper and happy St. Jean Baptiste Day to all of our Quebec friends.
  77. Save Canada from Stephen Harper, Canada writes: More stale opprtunism from the Tory Ministry of Propoganda.

    And Harper keeps his promises? Two words: Income Trusts
  78. Boreal Moose from Canada writes: But wait all you Cons out there are always going on to soothe us concerned anglos about how the `Quebecois as Nation' was substantively meaningless. Meant nothing for federal/provincial division of powers, money, bargaining power at first ministers conferences etc. And the last time I checked, Quebecers are not stupid. Offer them something which in the end means nothing, and they'll demand what it SOUNDS LIKE you gave them but didn't - the powers of nationhood!
  79. Save Canada from Stephen Harper, Canada writes: Hugo Hall from Calgary, Canada writes: I'll be the first to admit that the Conservatives have made their share of missteps in government, but some of the knee-jerk Tory-bashers on here show little rational thought, and utter disdain for those with a different point of view.
    -----------------------------------------------------------

    If you don't like the ugly mud slinging in contemporary Canadian politics, you can thank the Tories for getting it all started.
  80. Pete H from Canada writes: I just wasted ten minutes of my life reading the drival in these posts. This place has turned into a sandbox full of partisan hacks with a real nasty edge.
  81. Shawn Bull from Canada writes: Save Canada from Stephen Harper, Canada writes: If you don't like the ugly mud slinging in contemporary Canadian politics, you can thank the Tories for getting it all started.
    ----------------
    I have to laugh when a Liberal fires off a slander that says that it is Harper who slanders.
  82. Billy Bee from Go Team, er, what are we playing again?, Canada writes: Liberals Steal from normal hardworking, Canada: Please explain these Harper 'gems'

    'I do not intend to dispute in any way the need for defence cuts and the need for government spending cuts in general.' Stephen Harper

    But Stephen Harper has increased defence spending...

    'If Ottawa giveth, then Ottawa can taketh away. This is one more reason
    why Westerners, but Albertans in particular, need to think hard about their
    future in this country. After sober reflection, Albertans should decide
    that it is time to seek a new relationship with Canada. .Having hit a wall, the next logical step is not to bang our heads against it. It is to take the
    bricks and begin building another home - a stronger and much more
    autonomous Alberta. It is time to look at Quebec and to learn. What Albertans should take from this example is to become 'maitres chez nous'. Stephen Harper

    But Harper continues to butt-kiss Quebec for votes...
  83. siren call from Canada writes: Liberals Steal from normal hardworking, Canada writes:
    Actually, Federalism means that the Federal government takes care of things for which IT has clear jurisdiction and the provinces take care of things for which THEY have clear jurisdiction. I know this is a total shock to meddling lefties, but it actually works. Provinces don't need 'support', they need the medding to stop. So far, so good.
    ...............................

    I'm sure McQuinty and Danny Williams and former Saskatchewan premier Calvert would agree.

    Unfortunately Harper can't stop himself from meddling like the little busy body he is.

    The folks who support Insite in Vancouver would also likely support less meddling from the Harper Cons.
  84. Greg Van Zandt from Canada writes: 'Joel Girard from Calgary, Canada writes: 100% Conservative from Victoria BC, Canada writes: All I can say is Thankg God that we had Harper sitting in the PM's chair the last 2 years as he has achievd more for Canadians than the liberlas did in 12 years. Let's face the facts as they stand = we have lower taxes Hello? Is anyone home? Not likely. Liberals were in power for 13 years, not 12. Don't you partisan hacks get your handout mentioning 13 years of nothing under Liberal rule? Don't thank God, thank the few Liberals that were involved in Adscam. We have the SAME taxes as before our current government, not less.' -------------------------- Anyone home indeed... Ever heard of the GST? or the Tax Back Guarantee (a plan to use interest sayings from national debt repayments to reduce personal income taxes, each and every year) Other tax cuts and savings: Eliminated the corporate capital tax, serior income tax splitting, increased the Guaranteed Income Supplement form $500 to $3500, Tax Free Savings Account, Canada Employment Credit of $1000.00, new tax credits for public transit, $2000 child care tax credit, new tax credits for kid’s sport (up to $500 per child under age 16), textbooks, tools and apprentices, eliminated income tax on student scholarships, fellowships and bursaries, made the gas tax fund permanent, Cut taxes on small businesses and ended marriage penalty — for single-earners by ending the marriage penalty;
  85. Save Canada from Stephen Harper, Canada writes: Shawn Bull from Canada writes: I have to laugh when a Liberal fires off a slander that says that it is Harper who slanders.
    -------------------------------------

    Yeah cos it's not as though Harper is running smear ads when there's no election campaign going on, he'd never do that. Ha ha ha
    Guess you've been too busy laughing to see reality.

    So typically Tory, you can dish it out but you can't take it. That's why the majority of Canadians see them as a bunch of weasels.
  86. Bob Smitherman from Ottawa, Canada writes: Liberals Steal from normal hardworking, Canada writes: Actually, blah blah blah...
  87. Pete H from Canada writes: Save Canada from Stephen Harper, Canada writes: If you don't like the ugly mud slinging in contemporary Canadian politics, you can thank the Tories for getting it all started.

    Ever heard of the rat pack Steve. They set the bar for mud slinging as low as it could go and has long been the standard by which the liberals measure the opposition tactics.
  88. Greg Van Zandt from Canada writes: siren call from Canada writes: Liberals Steal from normal hardworking, Canada writes:
    Actually, Federalism means that the Federal government takes care of things for which IT has clear jurisdiction and the provinces take care of things for which THEY have clear jurisdiction. I know this is a total shock to meddling lefties, but it actually works. Provinces don't need 'support', they need the medding to stop. So far, so good.
    ...............................

    The folks who support Insite in Vancouver would also likely support less meddling from the Harper Cons.

    Exceptnot really a provincial issue as it violates federal laws and also violates UN treaties that we have signed.
  89. Save Canada from Stephen Harper, Canada writes: Pete H from Canada writes: Ever heard of the rat pack Steve. They set the bar for mud slinging as low as it could go and has long been the standard by which the liberals measure the opposition tactics.
    -------------------------------------

    I don't recall the rat pack having a multi-million dollar 'war room' devoted to 24/7 mud tossing. The Tories have taken dirty politics beyond anything ever seen in this country.
  90. 100% Conservative from Victoria BC, Canada writes: Hey Joel : I gave the Liberals a year for grace it was a gift what can I say as I am the generous type: Hey if anyone out there wants to know more about Dion's ginormous tax grab check out the study by the British Taxpayers Alliance (their analysis of their carbon tax - revenue neutral promise - plan ... sound familiar) well gee willikers guess what? ... they don't seem to be getting all the promised tax cuts and get this yes indeed virginia there is a santa unexpectedly prices are going up faster and more than planned or figured and productivity is going in the toilet : to really top it off carbon usage is not decreasing as much as planned : DOH!!!!!!!!
  91. Save Canada from Stephen Harper, Canada writes: 100% Conservative from Victoria BC, Canada writes: British Taxpayers Alliance
    -----------------------
    Yeah, check out the study by some right wing think tank that tells wacko righties what they want hear! So reliable!
  92. alex just a canadian from montreal, Canada writes: Thank you Albertans for giving Harper the votes needed to have him govern. I especially love all the special treatment, and especially your hard earned cash to buy a few seats. Can't forget and thank also my southerly Ontarians for that support.

    Isn't it great living here, we want to seperate and break up the country but in two years we have been showered with your tax money, allowed our inept premier to give us tax breaks, and the big kicker HE BASICALLY SAID WE ARE BETTER THAN THE REST OF YOU CHUMP PROVINCES and you let him. I can't remember a politician that has ever given us so much $$$ Hey Quebec city's 450th is here more cash please. You need more quebec representation now that Bernier is out, more cash pease.

    To think Chretien and Trudeau were friends of quebec, Harper's our man and Alberta and its workers are our bank. Brown Envelopes, that's as they say old school. PM H he's the man and no one can go against him.

    I love you guys, Albertan tax payers and those few Ontarians and a super hug to the new conservative party.

    La bierre desend telment bien avec votre argent et ma journee de conge. Vivre M. Harper $$$ et tous les autres citoyeenes qui ont voter pour lui, UN GROS GROS merci
  93. Joel Girard from Calgary, Canada writes: Greg Van Zandt from Canada writes: Ever heard of the GST?

    What's your point Greg? That you're partisan? That's already quite obvious so spare us all. Your rant about GST is hollow and meaningless. Many economists said reducing GST was bad and it should be income tax that should be lowered. Only rich benefit from a lower GST. All I said was that Conservative partisan hacks (you) are beaming about nothing, i.e.: Income tax. 100% conservative was so blindly partisan that he/she thanked Steve for lowering income taxes when in fact, he raised income taxes inly to reduce it later. Imagine the waste of money that it takes to raise / lower a tax for zero reason.

    I don't care who is in power, I'll always hold them accountable. That's where partisan fools disagree because they can't see the poo when it's right in front of their noses. Harper has done very little and yet you make it sound like he's the second coming of Christ.

    Have you forgotten the DMCA? You know it right? The government has taken a playbook from the right-wings in the US and adopted a US-style anti-piracy that failed from the outset. If this passed (or has it?) it will be illegal to transfer music from a DRM CD to an Ipod. Even stuff you legally bought. That's altogether a different topic.

    I bet you won't answer without mentioning a previous political party. After all, bashing the party you don't agree with probably came from your parents and if so, you will never change.
  94. Pete H from Canada writes: Save Canada from Stephen Harper, Canada writes:I don't recall the rat pack having a multi-million dollar 'war room' devoted to 24/7 mud tossing. The Tories have taken dirty politics beyond anything ever seen in this country.
    If that's how you measure 'dirty politics' then it won't matter much whether you remember the tactics of the rat pack will it? As I recall the 'war room' was set up in anticipation of an election call based on a vote of a much anticipated non confidence fr