Skip navigation

 Login or Register | Member Centre

Liberals predict Tories will try to block probe of election spending

The Canadian Press

Latest comment posted at 3:53 PM EST 06/07/08

Commons ethics committee scheduled to start hearings on the so-called in-and-out scheme July 15 ...Read the full article

This conversation is closed

  1. P Scott from Canada writes: 'Mr. Harper has a long history of feuding with Elections Canada, despite the agency's international reputation for ensuring fair elections.'

    Why would the Prime Minister be so beligerent with such a respected organization if his party did nothing wrong?
  2. John Connor from Canada writes: Liberals are very familiar with this tactic.
    They used it quite often.
    That's why they fear it so much.
    It works.
    Harper should not use it loosely, like the Liberals would.
    This may not be the time for it.
    But if so, that is their perogative.
    What's the big deal?
  3. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    'Liberal predict-Liberals Claim'....states the headline and the story.....

    G&M says posters should not make inflammatory comments! A quiet and beautiful summer day provokes an 'inflammatory' article, because the
    'Liberals predict' something...

    Bring on 785 comments to come about a story that will hang around for a week......and the offensive and inflammatory comments by the usual
    uber Liberal suspects......if there is anything 'PREDICTABLE,' it is the comments to come.

    Bye-Bye for now, much nicer looking out onto the ocean, watching the humming birds, than......

    .
  4. M M from SK, Canada writes: Mike sty - I'm curious on your rationale for how Harper 'stole' an election - by spendng more money??? Where is your data that shows that spending more money is a sure win for a politician? Could it just possibily be that Canadians were fed up to the gills with the unethical Liberals and that Harper ran a very focused campaign (which Paul Martin didn't even get into the game until after the Xmas season)? Elections Canada has no business in deciding how much or where a political party that raises its own money (as opposed to stealing it from Canadians as the Liberal Party of Canada did through the sponsorship scandal) - there is no difference in the vast majority of ridings between voting for the local candiate and the federal party since we have a first past the post system. Instead of the Liberals trying to re-fight the 2006 election I would think that they would be more concernded about developing policies for the next election - after 2.5 years all they have come up with is Green Shift - which rips off the work of a small local business and screws Western Canada. No emission targets, no clear indication on how much money is going to be spent from the tax on cleaning up the envirnonment - oh but we get a national day care program - be still my racing pulse - I'm going to sign on for that. Are the Liberals counting all the money they are spending trying to convince people that Green Shift is the next thing as part of their election spending - probably not, because if there is one thing that Liberals are good at is cooking the books.
  5. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    Looks like I was 2 comments too late-The games have already begun!

    .
  6. S Boatright from Canada writes: 'But Pierre Poilievre, the Tory point man on the issue, blamed the opposition for the committee's dysfunction. He said the Conservatives would have been happy to air their election financing tactics — as long as MPs also looked at the books of all the other parties.'

    That seems quite reasonable, even due diligence on the part of Elections Canada.

    I can't see why they would object, unless of course this isn't necessarily about election spending - more about giving it to the CPC.

    Come on Elections Canada - lets look at all parties, or no parties. Let's have rules that apply to everyone equally.

    If you would agree to that, the CPC will happily open its books up.

    Why exactly, are you balking at that? Who, exactly are you protecting - the taxpayers of Canada, or certain political parties that shall remain nameless?

    Enquiring minds want to know. :)
  7. Ricky for a Centrist Canada from Canada writes:
    Jonathan - take off your blue sweater.

    Gomery - at the behest of a Liberal PM - probed Adscam. LPC paid back the money. Closed.

    You had me intrigued until you puked up the predictable CPC talking points about cameras being at the raid of the Con hacks' office.
  8. S Boatright from Canada writes: Ricky for a Centrist Canada from Canada writes:
    'Jonathan - take off your blue sweater.

    Gomery - at the behest of a Liberal PM - probed Adscam. LPC paid back the money. Closed.

    You had me intrigued until you puked up the predictable CPC talking points about cameras being at the raid of the Con hacks' office. '

    Not closed. $40 million in tax dollars still missing. Where did that end up? Because regardless of WHO has it now, it started in the hands of the Liberal party. They were the government at the time. Taxpayers paid their taxes to the Liberal government in good faith, expecting that they would be responsible with it. $40 million still missing - Liberals did not pay back the money - only part of it.
  9. Grandma Fed up from Canada writes: Isn't this issue with Elections Canada before the Courts? Why would any sane person/party go before the stacked partisan opposition controlled committees...we have seen how they so compassionately treated witnesses in the Malroney/Schreiber fiasco...like the chef was stealing tomatoes? (where was the hidden safe?) Liberals, you are desperate and these so called scandals to smear the government are getting old. Now, why don't you write something positive like, how wonderful Dion looked in his Calgary hat & jeans?
  10. Fuzzy Bare from Canada writes: It appears the opposition parties are ganging up on the Conservatives by investigating Conservative election spending and not opposition election spending. What are the opposition parties afraid of? That they would be found to be using the same election spending tactics, they accuse the Conservatives of? How hypocritical can the opposition MPs be?



    Meanwhile, our 'non-partisan' Elections Canada condemn the Conservatives and choose not to investigate the election spending practices of the Opposition.
  11. Big Wayne Kerr from Canada writes: I can't wait to see the Lizb schemes that are identical - that should shut the criminals up.
  12. Derek Holtom from swan river, Canada writes: good timing on this story. Dion's taking a lot of heat during his trip to Alberta. Politics 101 - turn the heat up on your opposition.
    this story is nothing more than speculation, is it not?
  13. Martha K. from Canada writes: R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes: 'Liberal predict-Liberals Claim'....states the headline and the story.....Bring on 785 comments to come about a story that will hang around for a week......'

    Hello R. Carriere - beautiful day here in Ontario - hope you have the same out east.

    You are so right about this. It's a slow week for Conservative knocking so something had to give.

    I wonder though how many more months Election Canada will give the Liberals to pay back their loans. Several members went way past the deadline but were given an extension weeks ago. I don't really remember the G&M reporting on that one and if they did, I wonder if comments were allowed.
  14. Badges? We don't need no stinking badges from Canada writes: Harper and his ilk are sooooo damn sleazy. Can't wait to see the end of his administration. Too bad there's no outstanding candidates currently within any political party.
  15. Honesty is the best Policy from Canada writes: Jonathan Mejia from Rexdale, Canada writes......Elections Canada (who's headed by a person appointed by the Liberals)....
    ================================================
    Marc Mayrand’s appointment as Chief Electoral Officer of Canada was unanimously approved by the House of Commons on February 21, 2007.

    This makes him a Conservative appointee.

    The rest of your post is also crap.
  16. Jonathan Mejia from Rexdale, Canada writes: Ricky, the sweater is off it's too hot for it this time of year. My t-shirt is actually green (take that to mean whatever you want) and I'm tempted to join R. Carrierre for bird-watching on the beach, but first want to defend my earlier rant. Yes, the video thing is a predictable argument, but it's predictable because it actually is a pretty interesting and an unanswered one. However, if you're accusing me of being a Conservative you have me twisted, because i get just as vehement when talking about the millions of dollars Brian Mulroney wrongly sued us for because we said he knew Karlheinz Schreiber. If you want to talk about a Conservative cover-up let's talk about that. Let's have more articles on that. Let's have more inquiries on that. But this? This story of the Liberals saying that they think that the Conservatives might possibly maybe try to prorogue the committee even though the Liberals and other opposition party members (Jack Layton is on the committee for crapsake) control the committee, and could get their jobs done if they stopped trying to point the finger at the Cons and not at themselves. This, isn't a coverup by the Conservatives. It's bull***t from everybody.
  17. Honesty is the best Policy from Canada writes: Jonathan Mejia from Rexdale, Canada writes.....bull***t
  18. Ricky for a Centrist Canada from Canada writes:
    Harper has had numerous opportunities to inform the public this weekend. But he remains silent.

    Why doesn't our PM feel he is publicly accountable to Canadians?
  19. True North from Canada writes: Page 1 of the 200 page Conservative Guide To Sabotaging Democratic Processes manual.

    Harper's government cannot be trusted.
  20. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:
    Martha K. from Canada writes:
    Hello R. Carriere - beautiful day here in Ontario - hope you have the same out east.You are so right about this. It's a slow week for Conservative knocking so something had to give.
    I wonder though how many more months Election Canada will give the Liberals to pay back their loans. Several members went way past the deadline but were given an extension weeks ago. I don't really remember the G&M reporting on that one and if they did, I wonder if comments were allowed.

    Hello Martha: Just came to sneak a peak! Wonderous here today also!

    First, I enjoy your battles with a certain UBER liberal partisan. You must get tired of constantly winning a debate with common sense.

    What I also find interesting is that the story:

    'Dion heads to heart of oil country to push green strategy' with 483 comments is closed and the comments DISAPPEARED!

    Hmmm. wonder WHY? Is it because almost all comments, pundits, newspaper columnists and editorials, are against the Little Big Horn Plan?

    Yet, the story, ' Tories lose ground with women, Quebeckers, Ontarians'
    Posted 1 1/2 days earlier, with over 300 comments, STAYS OPEN for comments!

    Curious!
    .
  21. Fuzzy Bare from Canada writes: Honesty is the best Policy from Canada, you wrote: 'Jonathan Mejia from Rexdale, Canada writes......Elections Canada (who's headed by a person appointed by the Liberals)....
    ================================================
    Marc Mayrand’s appointment as Chief Electoral Officer of Canada was unanimously approved by the House of Commons on February 21, 2007.

    This makes him a Conservative appointee.

    The rest of your post is also crap. '


    Honesty, how can you be so dis-honest? You really have to stretch the facts and the truth to claim Parliament appointing a former Liberal appointee is really a Conservative appointment. What a bunch of hogwash. Your handle is really an oxymoron.
  22. neil b from edmonton, Canada writes: The G&M is running hard for the lieberals.

    I didn't see an article on Garth Turners latest rant. If he were still conservative an article with 800 comments would have remained for a week.

    Premier Cambell of B.C. informed CTVs question period today that dion has cut a side deal with him and will not impose the tax grab on his province. Interesting...I suppose Alberta can collect and keep their carbon tax as well. Did the screaming puffin from nufie land also cut a deal with dion behind closed doors? That would explain his lack of comment on dions tax grab scheme.

    Were did the results from the morgentaller poll disappear to? Why were 485 comments on dions trip to Alberta deleated?

    The reason I ask these question here is because this is the only place it will be seen. Free electioneering by the globe on behalf of the lieberals. Tsk Tsk.
  23. S Boatright from Canada writes: R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes: 'What I also find interesting is that the story: 'Dion heads to heart of oil country to push green strategy' with 483 comments is closed and the comments DISAPPEARED! Hmmm. wonder WHY? Is it because almost all comments, pundits, newspaper columnists and editorials, are against the Little Big Horn Plan? Yet, the story, ' Tories lose ground with women, Quebeckers, Ontarians' Posted 1 1/2 days earlier, with over 300 comments, STAYS OPEN for comments! Curious!' I thought so too. I even posted a comment into the 'hidden' comments on that article to the G&M Editors - pointing how that it seems odd for a newspaper who APPEARS to defend freedom of speech by INVITING their readers to participate in a discussion forucm - to oppress comments on some articles, and allow others to continue on without any apparent control. What is the reasoning behind that? It can't be because the discussions contravene the terms and conditions - because they leave many comments up forever that contravene the terms and conditions. So what is the reasoning? Perhaps the G&M Editors will enlighten their readers on the logic behind it. Maybe if we knew - we wouldn't feel that we were manipulated by biased editorial staff. In the end - if there was a good reason - it would be in the interest of the G&M (in an attempt to keep a loyal reader base) to come clean on that.
  24. The Bull from Canada writes: in a related story, the Liberals have returned the millions of dollars they stole via Adscam.

    oops.

    my bad.

    we're still waiting for that.

    but here we are once again - Tories are 'accused' of crimes.

    Liberals actually commit crimes.

    big difference.
  25. Fuzzy Bare from Canada writes: S. Boatwright... Could it possibly be that the majority of the Canadian media, including the G&M, is owned and operated by Liberal supporters?
  26. Save Canada from Stephen Harper, Canada writes: I still find it hilarious that all the while the Tories were ballyhooing about transparency and honesty to the public they were committing fraud under the table. It's hilarious watching their moles on this board squiriming as they try to spin their way out of this one. Even their multi-million dollar Minsitry of Propoganda can't manage it.
  27. Save Canada from Stephen Harper, Canada writes: These Tory moles really are hilarious. Their best defense they can come up with to defend their undermining of democracy is that the Globe is biased against them. The same Globe that endorsed Harper the Crook to begin with? Pretty weak.
  28. mike sty - from Canada writes: in a related story, Jim Flaherty has returned the $100,000.00 dollars he stole from hard working Canadians

    oops ..........Ethics Committee still investigating Flaherty violating Treasury Board rules and regulations........
  29. D. MacKay from Canada writes:

    Liberals predicted that Harper's minority govt. would fall within 6 months.

    OOPS , wrong again.
  30. Honesty is the best Policy from Canada writes: Fuzzy Bare from Canada writes: Honesty is the best Policy from Canada, you wrote: 'Jonathan Mejia from Rexdale, Canada writes......Elections Canada (who's headed by a person appointed by the Liberals)....
    ================================================
    Marc Mayrand’s appointment as Chief Electoral Officer of Canada was unanimously approved by the House of Commons on February 21, 2007.

    This makes him a Conservative appointee.

    The rest of your post is also crap. '

    Honesty, how can you be so dis-honest? You really have to stretch the facts and the truth to claim Parliament appointing a former Liberal appointee is really a Conservative appointment. What a bunch of hogwash. Your handle is really an oxymoron.
    ==============================================
    http://pm.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?id=1529

    Prime Minister nominates next Chief Electoral Officer
    9 February 2007
    Ottawa, Ontario

    Prime Minister Stephen Harper is pleased to announce the nomination of Mr. Marc Mayrand as the new Chief Electoral Officer.

    The truth .... not your bare faced lies.
  31. bill bocher from Canada writes: it's soooooo obvious this guys is a liberal. Just look at his comments. He can only see liberal red and has no desire to have a fair inquiry. I can't wait for the truth to come out about this guy and he gets his butt fired. These committees that want to 'investigate' are simply meant to make the government look bad by stacking them with the opposition asking silly questions that are meant for the media to suck up and print with no facts to back up their assumptions. In some cases the questions were actually supplied by the media so they would get the right Conservative bashing headline. The opposition speant this whole session wasting our money by trying to make the government look bad with weekly fabricated 'scandals' and then 'demanding' and 'blasting' the government in the papers who are all too happy to print rumours spread by the opposition. Then when it came time to actually vote, when it really mattered, the libs sat on their hands. If that isn't a blinding sign that the libs have nothing on the COnservatives, then I don't know what is. We should be demanding the opposition get on with doing some actual work instead of simply wasting our time and money with slinging constant accusations that consist of about as much truth as you could give a liberal credit for. So many people think that minorities are so great 'keeping the parties in check' but I think they are a complete money waster that slows the government to a crawl. We need a COnservative majority. They have proven to be the most competent party in decades, moving this country out of the leftist liberal dark ages and towards a better future.
  32. bill bocher from Canada writes: it's soooooo obvious this guys is a liberal. Just look at his comments. He can only see liberal red and has no desire to have a fair inquiry. I can't wait for the truth to come out about this guy and he gets his butt fired. These committees that want to 'investigate' are simply meant to make the government look bad by stacking them with the opposition asking silly questions that are meant for the media to suck up and print with no facts to back up their assumptions. In some cases the questions were actually supplied by the media so they would get the right Conservative bashing headline. The opposition speant this whole session wasting our money by trying to make the government look bad with weekly fabricated 'scandals' and then 'demanding' and 'blasting' the government in the papers who are all too happy to print rumours spread by the opposition. Then when it came time to actually vote, when it really mattered, the libs sat on their hands. If that isn't a blinding sign that the libs have nothing on the COnservatives, then I don't know what is. We should be demanding the opposition get on with doing some actual work instead of simply wasting our time and money with slinging constant accusations that consist of about as much truth as you could give a liberal credit for. So many people think that minorities are so great 'keeping the parties in check' but I think they are a complete money waster that slows the government to a crawl. We need a COnservative majority. They have proven to be the most competent party in decades, moving this country out of the leftist liberal dark ages and towards a better future.
  33. S Boatright from Canada writes: neil b from edmonton, Canada writes: 'Premier Cambell of B.C. informed CTVs question period today that dion has cut a side deal with him and will not impose the tax grab on his province. Interesting...I suppose Alberta can collect and keep their carbon tax as well. Did the screaming puffin from nufie land also cut a deal with dion behind closed doors? That would explain his lack of comment on dions tax grab scheme.'

    Well that's an interesting twist isn't it?

    So BC gets a 'get out of jail free' card - and they get to keep their provincial carbon tax dollars in their own province.

    But here's the real question: do BC residents get to benefit from the tax credits promised by Dion in his plan - even though they won't be paying into it?

    If so - it won't be a revenue neutral program anymore will it? It will be in the red. Who pays for that? The rest of the country?

    Wonder how Canadians in the other provinces will like that.

    Someone should ask Dion about the BC exemption - and how that changes the numbers.
  34. Fuzzy Bare from Canada writes: Save Canada from Stephen Harper, Canada, you wrote: 'These Tory moles really are hilarious. Their best defense they can come up with to defend their undermining of democracy is that the Globe is biased against them. The same Globe that endorsed Harper the Crook to begin with? Pretty weak. '



    Save Canada and Stephen Harper, your comment is pretty weak. If you had any knowledge of the Globe management and ownership, you would know that two of the top three at The Globe are Liberal supporters. The editorial 'endorsement' of Stephen Harper was pretty weak, but what newspaper, other than the Star, could endorse Mr Dithers and the corrupt Liberals and have any credibility or claim to be non-partisan?
  35. Honesty is the best Policy from Canada writes: 9 February 2007
    Ottawa, Ontario

    Prime Minister Stephen Harper is pleased to announce the nomination of Mr. Marc Mayrand as the new Chief Electoral Officer......

    “A strong and energetic manager with a proven background in operations and regulatory oversight, Marc Mayrand is particularly well-suited to take on this important position”, said the Prime Minister. “His significant qualifications and experience will benefit all Canadians. I am pleased that he has agreed to be nominated for this important role”, added the Prime Minister.
  36. Save Canada from Stephen Harper, Canada writes: Fuzzy Bare from Canada writes:
    Save Canada and Stephen Harper, your comment is pretty weak. If you had any knowledge of the Globe management and ownership, you would know that two of the top three at The Globe are Liberal supporters. The editorial 'endorsement' of Stephen Harper was pretty weak, but what newspaper, other than the Star, could endorse Mr Dithers and the corrupt Liberals and have any credibility or claim to be non-partisan?
    ----------------------------

    Obviously endorsing Harper didn't avoid the quagmire endorsing somebody corrupt now did it?

    So the third one supports who then?

    Whatever bias you want to paint, I don't see how it means that the Tories are innocent of defrauding the democratic processes of this country. Of course, you have no real defence in this one. Even a good ole fashioned attack ad won't help this time.

    Keep digging Tory sheep... keep digging, we're all having a good laugh over it.
  37. R. M. from Regina, Canada writes: When things are dull there is nothing like Ottawa rhetoric, this time from the LPC to juice things up.....fear, stop at nothing, desperate.....quick where is my valium.
  38. Martha K. from Canada writes: R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes: Yet, the story, ' Tories lose ground with women, Quebeckers, Ontarians'Posted 1 1/2 days earlier, with over 300 comments, STAYS OPEN for comments! Curious!

    --------------------------------------------------------
    Yes indeed it is curious but nothing new.
    --------------------------------------------------------

    Still, as partisan as the G&M is these days, it's nothing compared to the new Toronto Star comments they are allowing. There was a little bit of a rundown on it in today's paper - a list of so many things they will not allow, particularly 'hateful comments' which can mean anything if you get on the wrong side of the issue they are supporting, that's my worry - even if it is not offensive or racist, which would make sense if they deleted those, but I would never offend anyone knowingly and even I'm too scared to even post there now!

    Not only that, the editor explained that she really campaigned for people including their REAL names, but it was decided that would be impossible to check for.

    So thank goodness for the G&M - at least we get to debate the anti-conservative headlines before they get deleated! :-)
  39. Well, I'll Be A West Virginian Albino Mexican from Canada writes: mike sty - from Canada writes: ethics committee scheduled to start hearings on the so-called in-and-out scheme
    ------------------------

    CRIMINAL CODE ,PART X FRAUDULENT TRANSACTIONS RELATING TO CONTRACTS AND TRADE , FRAUD

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

    Sigh - one more time:

    Under Canadian law an individual/party MUST be charged first

    Once charged, under the Charter, innocense is assumed until proven otherwise.

    NO charges have been laid, therfore there is no guilt to prove.

    Understand now Homer, or like the episode where SS BOb tried to kill your sister-in-law do we have to break out the finger puppets and stick figure drawings to explain it to you.
  40. D. MacKay from Canada writes:

    Liberals predicted that when Garth Turner joined their ranks, the Liberal Party would be taken to new levels.

    OOPS , guess they were right on this one.
  41. Older'n Dirt from Belleville, Canada writes: Ricky for a Centrist Canada from Canada writes:
    Jonathan - take off your blue sweater.

    Gomery - at the behest of a Liberal PM - probed Adscam. LPC paid back the money. Closed.
    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
    40 Million still missing and the libs aren't talking....go figure that one out!
  42. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    S Boatright from Canada:

    Martha K. from Canada
    -------

    Because I wish to continue to write about the Liberal Party scandals and hokus -pocus policy on these fora, I would like, but cannot share with you, what transpired this past week with myself and the G&M editors............It was beautiful, It was pretty, it was.....unbelieveable!

    If you need or want further info, I could suggest something...

    .
  43. J. Bergin from Canada writes: Well I 'predict' the Leafs will win the Stanley Cup next year....but until that happens, it's not news.....just like your headline. Why does a Liberal prediction make the news?
  44. Percy from NL from Canada writes: Some Liberals were corrupt and they were proven to be so. Why? Because there were initial investigations done by parliamentary committees and in dept public inquiries were called.
    The current Conservatives on the other hand are determined not to be 'proven' corrupt. How? By preventing investigations by parliamentary committees and by preventing public inquiries from being called.
    While that may ensure them the ability to go into the next election free of proven corruption, it speaks volumes about their violation of their own self-proclaimed right-wing idealogy of openness and accountability in government.
    The Conservatives two favourite reasons - the partisanship involved in having the people's representatives do such work, and the cost to the taxpayers.
    Well, I guess that virtually ensures that corruption will never again be investigated by parliament. After all, when will both, or even one, of these Conservative reasons not exist?
    It is so interesting to see the very same party that cites the Liberal corruption which was uncovered by parliamentary commitees and public inquiries now insists that such investigations should not apply to them.
  45. Is there anybody out there? from Canary Islands, Canada writes: Harper peddled ethics and won by fraud. Go figure.
  46. RJ McCrae from Canada writes: The Liberals are depending on a 2007 handbook and Mr Kingsley's memorandum is ignored. The Liberals had no problem challenging pay backs to the leadership campaign when they thought Elections Canada was wrong. Why the different standard? Let the court again decide who is right. If Mr Leblanc's riding has nothing better for their MP to do than this they are very fortunate indeed. Mr. Leblanc does not realize that in the hunt for the leadership of the Liberals, he is too far down the food chain, and not from the correct part of the country.
  47. Al Bore from OTTAWA, Canada writes:

    Liberal predictions are as useless as a carbon tax to prevent climate change.
  48. S Boatright from Canada writes: ok Rob, I'm intrigued now ... lol
  49. Bill Harrison from Canada writes: On the issue involved in this story, it is interesting how some people try and be judge and jury before there has even been a trial. And Elections Canada has not brought charges against anyone. Yet the likes of Mike Sty says 'Flaherty stole Money;' or Save Canada who says ' the Conservatives committed fraud.' Fortunately in Canada, gentlemen, proof is required to convict in our Courts of Law, even if innuendo seems to suffice in Parliamentary Committees, or the G&M blog. If a Parliamentary Committee wants to investigate election spending, let them examine spending by all parties.
  50. Well, I'll Be A West Virginian Albino Mexican from Canada writes: J. Bergin from Canada writes: Well I 'predict' the Leafs will win the Stanley Cup next year....but until that happens, it's not news.....just like your headline

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

    I predict the LPC will actually show up for a vote in the HOC one of these days...

    Wanna bet which happens first? :-)
  51. P. M. from Ottawa, Canada writes: Liberals used similar tactics when they were in power. I guess that they are crying wolf now that the tables are turned.

    One other point to note, if Parliament's start date is pushed back later in fall (Nov) then Dion will have a very tough time calling an election with his carbon tax when the heating bills start rolling in.

    In any event, Harper is doing a great job... carry on!
  52. John Hertz from Ottawa, Canada writes:
    The way I see it the In/out scheme really doesn't pass the smell test.

    You have to remember that the Conservative Party is suppose to be the party of integrity.

    What other purpose was there by transferring money in to local ridings and then transfer it out other than to deceive Elections Canada and then to defraud the people of Canada for election expenses that were never incurred?

    This was no simple mistake. It was simply fraud.

    This is very serious stuff and attacks the basic tenets of democracy. All Canadians should be concerned by this type of activity and the Conservative should suffer the consequences if found guilty.

    At the very least it should show Canadians how low Harper and his boys will stoop to gain power.
  53. Chuck Berry from Canada writes: News based on speculation belongs in the National Enquirer. This is in the National Enquirer.
  54. Percy from NL from Canada writes: So now the Conservatives are judging their conduct to be acceptable based on comparison to similar tactics by the previously Liberal government they cite as having been corrupt. So what does that tell Canadians?
  55. Vern McPherson from writes:
    P. M. from Ottawa, Canada writes: Liberals used similar tactics when they were in power. I guess that they are crying wolf now that the tables are turned.
    One other point to note, if Parliament's start date is pushed back later in fall (Nov) then Dion will have a very tough time calling an election with his carbon tax when the heating bills start rolling in.
    In any event, Harper is doing a great job... carry on!
    Posted 06/07/08 at 6:54 PM EDT | Alert an Editor | Link to Comment

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

    Look at this little piece of COns fluffball...........

    Someone give him a blue star for his forehead so he can run home and show mommy .........
  56. Well, I'll Be A West Virginian Albino Mexican from Canada writes: Vern McPherson from writes:
    COns and all their bloggerboys = liars .

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

    Similar to Libs, you included at times, and all their bloggerboys = liars?
  57. Skeptical Realist from Canada writes: Vern, is blogging on the G&M site your full time job? You seem to be on all of them. Does Dion himself cut your paycheck?
  58. Wilf Kruggel from Canada writes: It's funny but this whole issue is quite OK when the liberals do it but just let some other party try and immediately you can hear the cries of 'scandle' comming from the liberals. The liberals are at the point that they'd kill to saddle the Conservatives with anything. So far, they have failed, miserably! Wilf
  59. Fuzzy Bare from Canada writes: Bill Harrison from Canada. Mike Sty never lets the facts or the truth get in the way of his spin, when he can't come up with something plausible, there is always the childish name calling to fall back on.
  60. Hendrick Larose from Canada writes: It seems every Sunday evening the G&M publishes another speculative story about conservatives or government concerns that end up being much ado about nothing. Its like feeding piranhas. There is a rapid response and much splashing but in the end it is just fish food for the liberal sharks that haunt these posts.

    This week's edition is a regularly used procedure to clear the dockets for the summer is really about avoiding some hearings. Another Sunday, another conspiracy theory. Swim my liberal sharks, swim but be careful you do not bite each other's tails.
  61. Well, I'll Be A West Virginian Albino Mexican from Canada writes: Skeptical Realist from Canada writes: Vern, is blogging on the G&M site your full time job? You seem to be on all of them. Does Dion himself cut your paycheck?

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

    Dion cannot pay his own LPC bills - nevermind being able to pay Vern.
  62. Older'n Dirt from Belleville, Canada writes: Just remembering the way libs used to label Joe Clark 'the wimp', 'spineless wienee', 'Joe Who' and wondering if they see similarities with Pinky Dion? With that coyboy hat in Calgary, he looked like a bit player in Brokeback Mountain but his image guys must have worked him over to get rid of the backpack as it didn't make him look manly. Woud anyone go camping with that country dress up dude?
  63. Don Adams, The Conservative Centrist from Canada writes: If the Libs have used this loophole, or a similar one, in the past, precedence has been established, so there's no reason the Cons shouldn't use the loophole. The Holier Than Thou's won't agree, of course :-) If they haven't used it in the past, if it's a NEW loophole the Cons have discovered, why shouldn't they use it? After all, when we find a loophole in tax laws that can be to our advantage, we use then, don't we? Well, most do.... there's always a few Holier Than Thou types who wouldn't. :-) Up to them. In any case, have the Cons been charged? No. Is there a good possibility the opposition could try to gang up on the Cons in a committee? Yes. So, why would the Cons put up with it? They shouldn't. Just perogue Parliament, let the comittee die. The Opposition has been trying to gang up on, to discredit the Cons right from the get go. No alternatives, just crap to try to get them out of power. Yet, when they have the chance, The Libs sat on their hands. Mr. Martin, as finance minister, built up brownie points with me even though he was a Liberal. Doofus Dion and the current Liberal MP's have totally spent, wasted those brownie points, to the point I won't even listen, consider, anything they bring up. They have a LONG, LONG, LONG way to go to bring themselves back to any semblence of respect and consideration, IMO. :-)
  64. Well, I'll Be A West Virginian Albino Mexican from Canada writes: Here ya go lefties:

    http://www.comcast.net/articles/news-world/20080706/INTERNATIONAL-USA-VENEZUELA-SCANDAL-DC/

    'Chavez Implicated In 'Suitcase Scandal' '

    Try no to slip and fall on your self-righteous drool as you rush to defend him!
  65. Stude Ham from Outremont, Canada writes:

    the liberals are lying (like the cons always say) because everyone knows that the harper con-men brought in the era of open, accountable, and transparent government... so transparent you can see right through these cLoWns.

    DUMP HARPER!
  66. Fuzzy Bare from Canada writes: Percy from NL... It was the Auditor General, not committees of Parliament that uncovered Liberal theft, fraud and corruption. The Liberals had majority government and control of the committees. Investigating government fraud was a non sequitor. Present Committtees of Parliament are controlled by the Opposition and are mainly used for partisan politics and smearing of the government. Any investigation of government corruption was subject to white washing before it was terminated. The Pepper Spray Enquiry was terminated when the Commissioner mused about calling witnesses from the PMO. It took a minority Liberal government to call in Judge Gomery to have a limited investigation of the Adscam crime.
  67. Dan Shortt from Toronto, Canada writes: What a headline!

    And I predict that before the end of the summer, the Liberals will accuse the Cons of being involved in yet another outrageous scandal, and will demand yet another public inquiry.
  68. Skeptical Realist from Canada writes: It is the backroom powerbrokers of the Liberal Party, those faceless and red eyed men and woman that pull the strings that make Dion et al move, talk. They have been busy. They are the ones that really run the party, and they have been doing it for years. Their sole responsibility is to make sure that TV, newspaper and internet coverage is always directed away from Liberal controversy towards any conservative issue, contrived or otherwise. Deception tactics 24 hrs a day, 365 days a year. I think Vern works for them.
  69. Bill Harrison from Canada writes: Whether Vern works for them or not, when he enters the discussion, the quality of debate collapses and the name calling begins!
  70. John Connor from Canada writes: Percy from NL from Canada writes: So now the Conservatives are judging their conduct to be acceptable based on comparison to similar tactics by the previously Liberal government they cite as having been corrupt. So what does that tell Canadians?

    That the conservatives were right about the Liberals, they were amd are corrupt. It is well know that absolute power corrupts absolutley.

    Since the Conservative have a minority, the Liberals, by their own inaction, are corrupting the Conservatives by allowing them to remain in power.

    Either way, the Liberals are proven corrupt because they allow this 'corruption' to continue. Or it isn't corruption and Dion is just useless.

    Stuff your righteous indignation you leftist moonbats. It serves no purpose.
  71. Is Dion from France or from Canada writes: Percy from NL from Canada writes: Some Liberals were corrupt and they were proven to be so. Why? Because there were initial investigations done by parliamentary committees and in dept public inquiries were called.
    ---
    Wrong.
    They were caught by the auditor general.
  72. Is Dion from France or from Canada writes: John Hertz from Ottawa, Canada writes:
    The way I see it the In/out scheme really doesn't pass the smell test.

    You have to remember that the Conservative Party is suppose to be the party of integrity.
    ---
    What are you saying here, that the Liberals are NOT supposed to be a party of integrity?
  73. Honesty is the best Policy from Canada writes:

    Scheme

    Says it all.
  74. Conservatives Bribe from Canada writes: the Harper government is preparing to cut off parliamentary business for the summer rather than endure an inquiry into allegations of election spending fraud by the Conservative party
    ----------------------

    Does this sound like 'open, transparent and accountable'????? or is it just another one of Stephen Harper's lies???
  75. Older'n Dirt from Belleville, Canada writes: Lefties are in trouble worldwide..Libs down and near out in Canada, France, Germany and Italy have swung to the right, Brit Labour Party lamenting about their low popularity and likelihood of losing next election, Poster Boy Chavez has hands all over the suitcase full of money for friends just like the libs but classier, they only used brown envelopes. And here at home, we have the libs shooting theselves in both feet with their attempts at a scandal a week to hide the leaders tax grab schemes. What happened to the comments section on Garth (the mouth)Turner's country fracturing tirade against PQ and the west? That was the true face of liberalism in Canada that shows why he wasn't welcome as a Conservative and kicked out to a welcoming Liberal camp. Even in opposition the libs are screwing up the workings of parliament...time for an election that will highlight the tax grab king and stalwarts like the mouth!
  76. D sharman from calgary, Canada writes: Lets open up the books of all parties as the conservatives want in commitee. If the conservatives are right and they are being singled out I can understand why the Liberals don't want that aired . What do the liberals have to hide ??....another instance of do what I say not what I do. You cannot investigate one party and not all the others at the same time.
  77. Martha K. from Canada writes: R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes: S Boatright from Canada:
    Martha K. from Canada-------Because I wish to continue to write about the Liberal Party scandals and hokus -pocus policy on these fora, I would like, but cannot share with you, what transpired this past week with myself and the G&M editors............It was beautiful, It was pretty, it was.....unbelieveable!If you need or want further info, I could suggest something...'

    Do! I'm all ears and have come back on this beautiful Sunday evening to see what you propose. What happened???
  78. bob london from Canada writes: Centrist Ricky, still waiting for the Adscam Money. Promisted to be paid back on a corner of a brown garbage bag. IOU Canada - will pay back once in power.
  79. Honesty is the best Policy from Canada writes:
    D sharman from calgary, Canada writes: Lets open up the books of all parties as the conservatives want in commitee. If the conservatives are right and they are being singled out I can understand why the Liberals don't want that aired . What do the liberals have to hide ??....another instance of do what I say not what I do. You cannot investigate one party and not all the others at the same time.
    =================================================
    I agree

    That's what the committee is for, it has representatives of all parties so all questions can be asked.

    The Conservatives have played procedural games with this and other committees to prevent the truth coming out.

    The Conservatives also refused to hand over documents to Elections Canada necessitating an RCMP raid.

    Now they may prorogue Parliament to prevent the committee hearing testimony.

    What do they have to hide?
  80. spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:

    Why do the LPC care if there's a prorogue until November? It's not as is they've done anything but abstain.

    Actually, there is a reason, and it has nothing to do with the in-and-out silliness.

    It has everything to do with the US election.

    LPC strategists are planning to run an election campaign in parallel with the Obama-McCain showdown. Their hope is that they can 'link' Dion with Obama (who is very popular in Canada).

    The idea is that the LPC will convince people that a vote for Dion is a vote for Obama by proxy.

    Not a bad plan, but Harper is on to it and will prorogue until after the US election. By then, the ferver will have dies down, Harper will have made the traditional welcome to the new POTUS, etc.

    The headline today is just the beginning of the LPC campaign to 'slapdown' a prorogue.
  81. Martha K. from Canada writes: Interesting that the G&M is not allowing comments on the 'Bait and Shift' article that somewhat denounces the Liberal Carbon Tax strategy.

    How do these things get decided?
  82. John Hertz from Ottawa, Canada writes: Is Dion from France or from Canada writes: What are you saying here, that the Liberals are NOT supposed to be a party of integrity?

    *********************************

    Well my friend Harper ran on integrity.His government was going to be better than the Liberals. Well lets looks that the record:

    Harper said he would never tax income trusts - lies income trusts will be taxed

    What about the Chuck Cadman Affair!! How could you get lower than that - offering a dying man a $1,000,000 insurance policy if he voted with Harper.

    Now we have the in/out election fraud attempt!! This attacks democracy at its core.

    Harper and his crew of incompetents have no integrity and there is the record to prove it.

    The worst thing that Canada can do is to give this control freak a majority government.

    As on earlier commenter said so aptly ,..

    DUMP HARPER!

    or suffer the consequences
  83. A Concerned Canadian from Vancouver, Canada writes: So long as the politians in this country can bold face lie during an election and get away with it, who cares how much they spend? Unless they are held to their word it doesn't matter who gets in.
  84. John Hinkley from Canada writes: Why should the Tories do anything different from what the Grits have done in the past as well?

    None of the Canadian political parties have a lilly white reputation when in comes to protecting their self interests.

    And, the Grits are the worst of them all.
  85. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    Liberals predict a Leaf dynasty.

    Predicting is easy.
  86. Derek Holtom from swan river (only cowards attack others using fake names), Canada writes: John Hertz
    some of your post could get you sued.
    at the very least, I expect the Globe to strike your comment.
    if it hasn't been proven in court... well, ask Dion and the Libs. It might get you in court
    I also see the Globe once again allows comments on certain stories, especially on the weekend, and not others,
    it's something which happens too often... doesn't look good on the Globe
  87. Derek Holtom from swan river (only cowards attack others using fake names), Canada writes: bob london
    pretty tasteless post. stay out of the gutter. people, take the high road please
  88. Derek Holtom from swan river (only cowards attack others using fake names), Canada writes: Vern McPherson from writes:
    Cons are the only ones charged with attempting to defraud Canadians with phoney rebates.

    i might be wrong here, but what are those charges? are you talking criminal charges? i must have missed that story
    I understand Elections Canada and the Conservatives disagree on their returns from the last election, but I wasn't aware criminal charges had been brought forward
    Vern, you recently showed some great class on this site, making the point that people deserve the benefit of the doubt.
    Lets you and I lead the charge to clean this site up. I know you can make your points even if you take the high road.
  89. Older'n Dirt from Belleville, Canada writes: John Hertz from Ottawa, Canada writes: Is Dion from France or from Canada writes: What are you saying here, that the Liberals are NOT supposed to be a party of integrity? Harper said he would never tax income trusts - lies income trusts will be taxed What about the Chuck Cadman Affair!! How could you get lower than that - offering a dying man a $1,000,000 insurance policy if he voted with Harper. Now we have the in/out election fraud attempt!! This attacks democracy at its core.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Fact: Tax on Trusts broke a promise and is inexcusable even if it was necessary. They didn't make any money on this as some insiders did when the libs decided not to tax at the last minute but that's no excuse! Cadman issue: RCMP cleared Harper. Harper sued Libs. Awaiting court date and decision. Libs will likely lose this one as they have no evidence that anything was done improperly, unless they have one of their lib appointed Judges hearing the case. BTW, seems more plausible that Stronach got the big payoff with a portfolio and front bench for crossing the floor. Add Scott Bryson and you have a real scandal in the making. In & Out issue: Stll lots of information to be unearthed here on all parties as well as determining how the RCMP and press arrived with Elections Canada officials. If it looks like liberal skunkworks and smells like one it likey is one. Cons have said they would welcome a committee review as long as it covers all parties...Why won't the Libs agree? What are they hiding. So far, Harper broke his promise on trust funds and shame on him for that, but nothing else has been revealed about anything to date unlike the litany of scandals by his predecessors. How does one explain that not a single accusation by the liberals has stood up to scrutiny or been vindicated? Possible that they have a lot of practice fabricating stories to cover up their skulldugery. Harper looks like a keeper to me!
  90. John Hinkley from Canada writes: John Hertz from Ottawa, Canada writes: Harper said he would never tax income trusts - lies income trusts will be taxed. ********************************* Well my friend what you and most Canadians don't know is that the Federal Finance department in Ottawa had been recommending those changes to the way 'income trusts' were taxed to Paul Martin and Ralph Goodale for 3 to 6 months before that January election. They had