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Ontario, Ottawa to spend billions on infrastructure

KAREN HOWLETT

Globe and Mail Update

Latest comment posted at 11:25 AM EST 24/07/08

Province and federal government reach agreement on funds for roads, bridges, water systems ...Read the full article

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  1. I don't think... therefore I vote conservative! (common sense is back) from Canada writes: .

    Huh? Wasn't it 7.8 billion just a few hours ago?
  2. Greg Out West from Canada writes: Very good move as Ontario could use a little help as of late. Money well spent.
  3. Nathan Cool from Vancouver, Canada writes: If that subway extension ever gets built, I'll eat my hat.

    The buses, trains and 80% of the subway aren't even wheelchair accessible. It's like a time warp to the 50's.

    New money for roads and bridges though. 'World's greenest city'... hahaha..
  4. Opinion in Toronto from Toronto, Canada writes: Extending the subway is essential to connect most of Toronto with North York's largest industry (York University -- 55,000 students; 7,000 faculty and staff) and with the northwestern suburbs.
  5. Joe Palooka from Toronto, Canada writes: Just a subway extension for Toronto? The city needs at least two whole new lines. The TTC subway's reach is pitiful, especially when compared to other cities around the world. One need only look at Montreal's to see how inept Toronto's is.
  6. Tour de France from Canada writes: Money welcomed. But we need a long term change in formula to get that bloody subway done. I mean, China's subways are better. Singapore's better. Hong Kong's are better. Taiwan's are better. Why can't Canada get one's that deserving of 1st world status in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal?

    Oh rite. It is because it's a federal money grab.
  7. Paul Wallnutz from Canada writes: Before anyone in Ontario starts celebrating; and our friends in the rest of Canada start b!tching, please do the math.

    Canada has a population of 33 million. Ontario has a population of 12 million (or 36% of the countries population).

    Ontario is getting $6.2 B out of a $33 B fund (or 19%).

    Yippee! Thanks Jimbo.
  8. Keith Conley from Calgary, Canada writes: As per George Smitherman's statement on the www.ctv.ca network, Smitherman says ' today's announcement shows the two levels of Government are working together for a stronger Ontario'.
    This is part of the announcement, which the Globe and Mail's Karen Howlett did not mention in her article.
    I would like to think that this shows that the Feds and Ontario Government can work together, and this is very good for the Ontario Economy.

    Joyce Conley
  9. City Pig from Canada writes: The amount is 7.8 billion but David Miller put a tax on the amount so the balance is now 6.2 billion.
  10. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    What?

    Toronto's subways aren't world-class?

    This will not do.
  11. Greg Out West from Canada writes: Paul Wallnutz from Canada writes: Before anyone in Ontario starts celebrating; and our friends in the rest of Canada start b!tching, please do the math.

    Canada has a population of 33 million. Ontario has a population of 12 million (or 36% of the countries population).

    Ontario is getting $6.2 B out of a $33 B fund (or 19%).

    Yippee! Thanks Jimbo.
    --------------------------------------------
    Paul, I must have missed the part were they said this was all Ontario was going to receive.
  12. Action Jackson from Canada writes: Wow. They're giving us back a little of our own money, but are still hoovering lots of cash from our province.
  13. Claude Carriere from Canada writes: Nice to see that Jim is not following his own advice, for once, I can applaud.

    Although, if it were the Liberals or NDP in power making this move, the right wing folks would slam this as socialism out of control.

    Where are all you right wing supporters on this one, no slamming comments today? Oh right, it's the conservatives announcing this initiative, sorry.

    As for all the other posters today, Toronto is not all of Ontario.

    The municipalities hit by the downsizing of the auto industry need a lot of help and Ottawa could use some money to build it's little tunnel to get the public transit plan going there as well.
  14. god bless canada from Canada writes: as always ontario would complain if there ice creem was cold . and again alberta gets nothing so why the crying ontario

    Paul Wallnutz from Canada writes: Before anyone in Ontario starts celebrating; and our friends in the rest of Canada start b!tching, please do the math.

    Canada has a population of 33 million. Ontario has a population of 12 million (or 36% of the countries population).

    Ontario is getting $6.2 B out of a $33 B fund (or 19%).

    Yippee! Thanks Jimbo.
  15. Anna Elizabeth from As you like it., Canada writes: It is called buying an ELECTION!
  16. keith c from london, United Kingdom writes: canada can't have asia's subways because our labour costs more. Which, you know, is a good thing overall! Chinese can offset the huge run up in steel and concrete with dirt poor peasants digging tunnels with no safety standards. Hard for any developed economies to do much serious infrastructure for the foreseeable future, or unless the commodity-price bubble bursts. Long term a lot of stuff is going to get privatized and more expensive for consumers in Canada. Not that that is necessarily a bad thing either, for the long term.
  17. J Hare from Saskatoon, Canada writes: Wait a minuite: why is the federal government funding provincial infustructure? I mean isn't that a provincial matter? Perhasp the feds should actually lower their taxes, allow the provinces to fill in the gap and then actually do it themselves instead of having to go cap in hand. This is ridiculas announcment. Here take money from Ontario residents, then get the priemier on bended knee to ask for it back. Thats the way to run a country. Humbug.

    James Hare
  18. James Tod from Vancouver, Canada writes: Agreed.
    This is a good time to engage in infrastructure projects in Ontario.
  19. keith c from london, United Kingdom writes: Well J Hare, to be devil's advocate, nothing is stopping ontario from hiking their PST by 3-4 percentage point and using that to build stuff. It's a perfectly legitimate platform to go to the electorate on .. isn't it? hehehe
  20. JM Work from Canada writes: Why build infrastructure in Ontario? The econmy is crashing and no jobs are to be found. We need to pump money into the oil&gas rich provinces so that people can move there and have jobs as well as prosperours lives. Build a subway in Ontario and you'll have to give out government subsidies for transit passes.
  21. Not the Alliance from In my opinion, The Harper Gov't is totally Incompetent, but excel at whining that it's ALWAYS somebody else's fault. Did I mention they lie constantly too?, Canada writes: Where are all the 'Bash Ontario' comments from the other day?

    theglobeandmail.com#comment2281042
  22. J Hare from Saskatoon, Canada writes: keith c, agreed but this is money already raised by the feds who obviously don't need it for truly federal areas of governance. Instead its being given back as pre-election vote buying. Why should they have raised it in the first place if it wasn't for their own programs?

    James Hare
  23. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    So.

    Everybody complains they aren't getting enough for infrastructure from the Feds and when they do get money for infrastructure, it's the Feds vote-buying.

    Two words for you people.
  24. I don't think... therefore I vote conservative! (common sense is back) from Canada writes: .

    Wow - we're getting back 1/3rd of a years worth of excess tax dollars that we give to Ottawa.... not only that, the 7 billion out of the 33 billion pot is only equal to less than 19% of the total - even though Ontario represents nearly 40% of the country. This deal simply proves that McGuinty is right, and that Ontarioans deserve their fair share.
  25. Old Sam Dark and Dirty from Republic of Newfoundland, Canada writes: J Hare from Saskatoon, Canada writes: Wait a minuite: why is the federal government funding provincial infustructure? I mean isn't that a provincial matter? Perhasp the feds should actually lower their taxes, allow the provinces to fill in the gap and then actually do it themselves instead of having to go cap in hand. This is ridiculas announcment. Here take money from Ontario residents, then get the priemier on bended knee to ask for it back. Thats the way to run a country. Humbug.

    James Hare=========

    James did you not read the arcticle? It says that they will be upgradign the Trans Canada highway which is a Federal road. Many roads are the responsibility of the federal government. Also the arcticle says the Feds will decide what their portion of the money will be spent on.
  26. only mikey from Canada writes: So sick of the whining from Ontario--maybe now they will shut up their mouths (likely not) What about the other provinces?
  27. Dr. Winston O'Boogie from Waterloo, Canada writes:
    ‘Federal representatives say the big investment will help cushion Ontario's economic woes, and that the new cash will mean construction projects and more jobs for the struggling province.’

    God forbid Bob Rae ever trying to spend his way out of an economic downturn, eh? Conservatives turned socialists or vote buying?
  28. North of the Border from Canada writes: Paul Wallnutz : wow! Do you expect to have the same percentage of roads, etc.., too? Drive through Montreal and see how lucky you have it driving through Toronto. Constantly hearing you complain about money going elsewhere no matter how logical but cheer when it goes there no matter how illogical is getting tiresome. I recently drove halfway across Canada and there are places that need money more (and which makes more sense too). If there was a bus, subway car, road, etc.., for each resident of Toronto all made from gold would we still be hearing this need for more? I doubt it. If you trash other places in Canada no matter what the issue don't expect people to sympathize with you or support you. Until you learn there is more to Canada than Toronto you won't get either one.
  29. Tim Bryson from Claresholm, AB., Canada writes: The shell game of having tax dollars flow up to the next level of government, then have the lower level of government have to ask for the money back is a well established Canadian tradition.

    When Ralph Klein was in power in Oilberta, there was the fascinating spectacle of a province awash in billions of dollars in surplus cash reluctant to hand over much cash to Calgary, which was growing so fast. When Calgary had to come up with ways of funding extra police, firefighters and EMS, and the province played Scrooge, Calgary city council would be forced to raise property taxes by upwards of 5% per year. Everyone in Calgary would be peed off at city council. Ralph would laugh his way to another overwhelming election victory, often with very strong support from Calgary voters.

    Be it local vs provincial or provincial vs federal, lower levels of government just don't have the clout of the upper level. When politicians in subseviant positions have to make a fuss to get a fair deal, they suffer the wrath of indignant posters everywhere.
  30. Not the Alliance from In my opinion, The Harper Gov't is totally Incompetent, but excel at whining that it's ALWAYS somebody else's fault. Did I mention they lie constantly too?, Canada writes: Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes: 'So.

    Everybody complains they aren't getting enough for infrastructure from the Feds and when they do get money for infrastructure, it's the Feds vote-buying.

    Two words for you people. '

    But Michael Sharp/Todd Spencer and whatever other alias you use - the other day you said, and I quote:

    'We see right through your socialist eyes, Dalton.
    Get stuffed. '

    Shouldn't your harsh words be reserved for Harper and Flaherty for NOT seeing through Dalton's socialist eyes as you suggested?

    Look in the mirror Mikey and repeat those two words out loud....
  31. George S from Toronto, Canada writes: I hope that a large percentage of these monies go to public transit in all cities in Ontario. Public transit will help Ontario stay mobile and economically viable for more business to invest here if they know that their workers will be able to make it to work without breaking the bank. As an added bonus public transit- especially all forms of electric rail, don't hurt the environment as much as private automobiles in every driveway mythology do. I am so glad that all three levels of Canada's government are putting public transit as a priority.
  32. Paul Wallnutz from Canada writes: god bless canada from Canada writes: 'as always ontario would complain if there ice creem was cold . and again alberta gets nothing so why the crying ontario'

    Why don't you try reading the article...
    'Ontario is the latest province to reach a so-called framework agreement with Ottawa, which will set out how it will use its share of the funding.

    British Columbia was the first province to reach an accord. Only three provinces – Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec – have yet to sign deals.'

    Does this mean that Alberta and Quebec in particular are just holding out for more than their fair share? Or perhaps the Alberta Tories can't get along with their buddies in Ottawa?

    I can't wait to see the final split on this funding. What are the odds that Quebec gets more than any other province (per capita)?
  33. Tim Bryson from Claresholm, AB., Canada writes: Michael Sharp...that's the first really intelligent thing I've heard from you; keep it up.
  34. spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:

    Not the--

    You quote Sharpie from a few days ago. Mike Sty likes to quote stuff he said a year ago..

    You guys keep records/notes of what people said on a chatsite??

    That isn't just odd, Not the....it's downright creepy.

    Anyway, Dalty is co-operating with Harper, just like Danny ended up co-operating with Harper, just like Charest co-operates with Harper.

    The Premiers do the 'huff-and-puff' stuff, but it's just for show. Harper wants to help the provinces become more autonomous in areas of provincial jurisdiction, and this is a good step forward. Soon the Harper feds will let the provinces raise and spend more og their own revenue.
  35. Bill Harrison from Canada writes: I wonder if McGuinty said 'thank you' or like Oliver simply took his bowl and said 'more, please!'
  36. Vincent Clement from Windsor, Canada writes: Old Sam Dirk: The Trans-Canada is not a federal road. Very few roads are the responsibility of the Federal government. The Trans-Canada Highway is nothing more than a cost-sharing agreement. The maintenance of the road lies with the province.

    Paul Wallnutz: Actually, Ontario is only getting $3.1 billion from the Feds. Ontario is matching that figure which raises it to $6.2 billion.
  37. Not the Alliance from In my opinion, The Harper Gov't is totally Incompetent, but excel at whining that it's ALWAYS somebody else's fault. Did I mention they lie constantly too?, Canada writes: spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:

    'Not the--

    You quote Sharpie from a few days ago. Mike Sty likes to quote stuff he said a year ago..

    You guys keep records/notes of what people said on a chatsite??

    That isn't just odd, Not the....it's downright creepy.'

    Ahh Spicy - the quote from Sharp is from yesterday. Your short-term memory can't handle 24 hours? Also - I took a lot of heat in that thread because I warned the hacks to temper their criticisms of Ontario because Harper HAS to make amends. The style of today's announcement shows that this is just the beginning. When was the last time Flaherty criticized McGuinty through the hated MSM?

    And again, I ask where all the Ontario bashers from the previous thread have disappeared?
  38. Dr. Winston O'Boogie from Waterloo, Canada writes: Not the Alliance from In my opinion, The Harper Gov't is totally Incompetent, but excel at whining that it's ALWAYS somebody else's fault. Did I mention they lie constantly too?:
    Good work exposing two-faced conservative lies – keep up the good work . Pay no attention to spinny-doc, he’s just nervous that you will remind everyone of the pure, unadulterated crap he’s spewed too.
  39. Grumpy The Grump from Canada writes: Can we blame this on Quebec somehow?
  40. Right is Right (and I'm always right) from Canada writes: It's a shame this money has to pass through McGuintys slimey fingers. I don't know how Mr. Flaherty could be on the same stage as Duncan and Smitherman. They are both toads.
  41. Not the Alliance from In my opinion, The Harper Gov't is totally Incompetent, but excel at whining that it's ALWAYS somebody else's fault. Did I mention they lie constantly too?, Canada writes: Dr. Winston O'Boogie from Waterloo, Canada writes: 'Good work exposing two-faced conservative lies – keep up the good work . Pay no attention to spinny-doc, he’s just nervous that you will remind everyone of the pure, unadulterated crap he’s spewed too. '

    I don't think Spicy's a 'he', not that it matters. Usually she can do better than she did above. When she's having an off day she pulls out stuff like the 'creepy' defense - I've seen it before. I also have the distinct feeling she knows exactly what I was talking about - especially since I provided the link to yesterday's thread above. That's why she ignored Sharp's hypocrisy and chose to label my pointing it out as 'creepy'. All part of the game here on the Globe and Mail forums, I suppose...
  42. spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:

    Boogie--

    You are uber-creepy too.

    In fact, most (if not all) of the full-time Harper-haters are creepy.

    People like you are the reason sensible people don't use their real names. Telephone harrassment and email-lifting are very serious breeches of privacy. One of you creeps did this to me years ago when I used my real name.

    Maybe the LPC should give you guys tips on how not to be creepy. On second thought, forget it. They have no clue....
  43. Dr. Winston O'Boogie from Waterloo, Canada writes:
    Lame
  44. Not the Alliance from In my opinion, The Harper Gov't is totally Incompetent, but excel at whining that it's ALWAYS somebody else's fault. Did I mention they lie constantly too?, Canada writes: spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes: 'In fact, most (if not all) of the full-time Harper-haters are creepy.

    People like you are the reason sensible people don't use their real names. Telephone harrassment and email-lifting are very serious breeches of privacy. One of you creeps did this to me years ago when I used my real name.'

    Oh give me break Spicy. You KNOW that there are as many, if not more 'creeps' on the Dion hater side. And harassment and email-lifting - do you REALLY believe that you're the only person, or that only 'Harper Haters' do this? Again, get real.

    This type of one-sided thinking from a person who should know better IS creepy. Is that really the best you can do?
  45. spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:

    Not the--

    'This type of one-sided thinking from a person who should know better IS creepy.'

    Look at your full name and the content of your posts.

    Now re-read your assertion.

    Anything occering to you yet?

    Recognition of the problem is step one, Not the. Congrats if you get that far.

    Once you have your epiphany, let me know--I'll arrange an intervention for you...
  46. L'actualite Conservative from Canada writes: Nice to see. Kudos to both the province and the feds. But it's just a start. Wouldn't it be nice to put aside the politics and keep the good policy rolling. Alas I fear this stupid creature is too self involved.
  47. Rick Z from Canada writes: dont understand why so many people in Toronto support Liberals. Raise taxes so much and did nothing.
    dont understand why so many people hate Harper, I really appreciate many of his policies that support hard working family across Canada.
  48. jim in London from London, Canada writes: finally the people of Ontario get as much for infrastructure as we spend on Afganistan
  49. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    I wonder who has more of my quotes saved?

    Not the Alliance or mike sty?

    It's either flattering or I'm being stalked.
  50. June from Western Canada from Canada writes: Did any of you read Lawrence Martin's article today? Couldn't believe this was the G&M. money for infrastructure from gas taxes (federal) that's novel...always promised by the Liberals, never delivered or remove the 1.5 cents per litre defict reduction tax since 1995. Takes a lot to get things moving in 2 1/2 years when nothing moved in 13........and those were the prosperous years.
  51. Not the Alliance from In my opinion, The Harper Gov't is totally Incompetent, but excel at whining that it's ALWAYS somebody else's fault. Did I mention they lie constantly too?, Canada writes: spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:

    'Not the--

    'This type of one-sided thinking from a person who should know better IS creepy.'

    Look at your full name and the content of your posts.

    Now re-read your assertion.'

    Once again Spicy doc - you can do better. You KNOW I was not talking about political affiliations. I was talking about your assertion that 'Harper Haters' are creepy and then your tangent over to email harassment etc. What are you trying to imply Spicy - just come right out with it.

    I agree with Boogy - you're very lame today.
  52. Eric B from Ottawa, Canada writes: To all you complaining that Ontario's not getting it share at 6B$, the article states that the Feds are only putting in 3B$ and Ontario matching....so essentially getting 3 of 33 , so about 9% of the money for the province with 40% of the population and over 25% of the land mass (if you don't include the nearly-bare territories).

    I think its time we start-up our own regional political party here in Ontario, like they have in Quebec (Bloc) and in the West (the Harper Cons). Maybe then we could stop being bullied around...
  53. Dr. Winston O'Boogie from Waterloo, Canada writes:
    No Sharp, it’s because you come on here and write lies and ridiculous things, then when you get busted on it, you lie again and claim to never had written it. Your lack of honesty and integrity is what’s stocking you.
  54. Not the Alliance from In my opinion, The Harper Gov't is totally Incompetent, but excel at whining that it's ALWAYS somebody else's fault. Did I mention they lie constantly too?, Canada writes: Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    'I wonder who has more of my quotes saved?'

    Idiot - the Globe and Mail saves them. The thread was from yesterday and I provided a link to the entire conversation above. I guess you've conveniently forgotten how you dumped all over Ontario yesterday, but are strangely quiet about that TODAY. Your hypocrisy stands out like a sore thumb - not too hard to remember, so don't flatter yourself.
  55. Dionsa Dork from Canada writes: I can see it now, a year or two from now after Dalton has pissed away all the money the G&M will have a headline that reads

    Premier says 'Ontario deserves better infrastructure and Ottawa should pay it's fair share'

    I hope Harper has attached some accountability strings to this dough!
  56. Paul Wallnutz from Canada writes: Eric B from Ottawa, Canada: You are correct.

    Ontario sent 40 Conservative MP's to Ottawa in the last election (or ~1/3 of Harper's total), yet they seem to forget which province sent them as they nod their heads on each vote like so many Drinking Birds.

    Flarhety, with his bitter hatred of his home province, leads the pack of course.
  57. spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:

    Not the--

    Your obsession with Sharpie is rather alarming. You claim that it simply your recall from yesterday's thread, but your defensiveness about your obsession bilies the truth.

    mike sty pulls stuff from years ago. I suspect he saves stuff on his hard-drives, cross-references the files, and has weird names for them. You must admit that this is creepy.

    Perhaps you don't have the same weirdo-obsessive-creepo habits that some of the other Harper-haters exhibit.

    That being said, quoting old posts from old threads is, by any reasonable assessment, creepy.

    Boogie doesn't worry me. He's just a goose. Anybody who writes 'lame' as a rebuttal to an ad hominem isn't worth the electrons.
  58. J Law from Canada writes: Dr. Winston O'Boogie from Waterloo,

    You're just mad because Michael is more popular than you.
  59. michael luger from montreal, Canada writes: '(...)The cost of renovating and rebuilding the historic Parliament Hill buildings has climbed to a minimum of $1 billion, according to Public Works ' The Canadian Press, OTTAWA - 20 Jul 2008

    You can just imagine what 6.2 will buy; a billion's not what it used to be.
  60. Not the Alliance from In my opinion, The Harper Gov't is totally Incompetent, but excel at whining that it's ALWAYS somebody else's fault. Did I mention they lie constantly too?, Canada writes: spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:

    'That being said, quoting old posts from old threads is, by any reasonable assessment, creepy.'

    Yeah whatever Spicy. I guess 24 hours is too much to expect a 'Dion Hater' to remember. That explains a lot. I guess that's how you guys deal with the constant lies coming out of the dear leader. 24 hours later, you've forgotten.

    I guess when you get old and REALLY start to lose your memories, nobody will notice....
  61. true conservative from Canada writes: spicydoc - it's always been a dog-and-pony show is between Dalton and Stevie. Most Canadians like adversity between prov and fed govts (Cdn version of the US checks and balances). So, the premiers are always at the PMO. Stevie and Dalty are going to exchange potshots in order to rally the troops but when an election (or election threat) looms, you are going to see deals like this. Or the previous deal that was reached when Dion was previously threatening an election.

    Alberta gets nothing, no. That's politics. Alberta will be plundered until it starts voting Liberal or NDP in significant numbers to threaten the CPC stronghold.
  62. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    Dr. Winston O'Boogie from Waterloo?

    Everything I write is true.
    You can't find one untrue word.
    That was a lovely typo, by the way.

    Apparently, stocking is what is occuring to me.

    Argyle, I hope.
  63. M Poland from Calgary, Canada writes: I think that this is a good investment by the federal government in infrastructure. Why some Ontarians complain about it is one of those mysteries in life, I guess.
  64. D G from Canada writes: Really Rick Z - you can't understand why people hate Harper and Toronto won't vote for him?

    Let's see.... he's mean spirited, vindictive, petty and petulant. He holds grudges, points fingers, lays blame, strongarms and refuses to ever accept responsibility. He has proven he can lie like the best of them. He seems to care less about running the country then for his pathological desire to ruin anything Liberal. He has embarrassed Canada on the world stage several times by bashing the previous government which shows no maturity or statesmanship whatsoever.

    For starters.
  65. Big Wayne Kerr from Kumbaya, Canada writes: Vincent Clement ' few roads are the responsibility of the Federal government. The Trans-Canada Highway is nothing more than a cost-sharing agreement.'

    Exactly like the Interstate system in the US.
    Now contrast and compare.
    We don't even have ONE four lane coast to coast.
  66. spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:

    Not the--

    I am not a 'Dion-hater'. I actually like the guy, and think he would be an excellent ambassador to Guyana, or somewhere like that.

    I simply don't want to see him become PM. Ever.

    You know who I prefer (PS...it isn't Harper).

    Anyway, you were a good sport for responding to my troll-bait. Troll-bait only works on... well... you know ;)

    Anyway anyway, back to work.

    PS--If you start quoting stuff I said ages ago I will believe that you are genuinely creepy....
  67. Not the Alliance from In my opinion, The Harper Gov't is totally Incompetent, but excel at whining that it's ALWAYS somebody else's fault. Did I mention they lie constantly too?, Canada writes: true conservative from Canada writes: 'Alberta gets nothing, no. That's politics. Alberta will be plundered until it starts voting Liberal or NDP in significant numbers to threaten the CPC stronghold. '

    You know, there's a lot of truth to this. But remember, that Ontario is still a net contributor - this announcement doesn't change that. We're not a have not Province YET...

    Still wondering where all the Ontario bashers have disappeared. Crawled back into their holes??
  68. Big Wayne Kerr from Kumbaya, Canada writes: D G ' mean spirited, vindictive, petty and petulant. He holds grudges, points fingers, lays blame, strongarms and refuses to ever accept responsibility. He has proven he can lie like the best of them. He seems to care less about running the country then for his pathological desire to ruin anything Liberal. He has embarrassed Canada on the world stage several times by bashing the previous government which shows no maturity or statesmanship whatsoever.'

    And despite liberals holding these hypocritical views, he's still the best PM in decades. Tells you how bad the crimLibs PMs were!
  69. Dr. Winston O'Boogie from Waterloo, Canada writes:
    J Law thinks that telling lies and following bitter right-wing dogma is what makes people popular these days. The percentage of popular vote suggests (and will suggest) otherwise.
  70. Not the Alliance from In my opinion, The Harper Gov't is totally Incompetent, but excel at whining that it's ALWAYS somebody else's fault. Did I mention they lie constantly too?, Canada writes: Sorry Spicy, but what are you talking about? Did we have some sort of disagreement? You're creeping me out with stuff like that....

    LOL! Just trying the 'forget anything that was said in the past that contradicts today's actions' mentality of all the Harper loving hypocrites.
  71. Klaus Gieger from Moffat, Ontario, Canada writes: Paul Wallnutz writes: 'Ontario sent 40 Conservative MP's to Ottawa in the last election (or ~1/3 of Harper's total), yet they seem to forget which province sent them as they nod their heads on each vote like so many Drinking Bird'

    So true. I've voted Conservative since I came to this country over 40 years ago, but no more. As our economy fails Flarhety just points fingers and happily transfers funds out the province.

    I won't vote Liberal or NDP. I'll try the Greens next time I guess.
  72. Not the Alliance from In my opinion, The Harper Gov't is totally Incompetent, but excel at whining that it's ALWAYS somebody else's fault. Did I mention they lie constantly too?, Canada writes: W. O'Boogie - J Law is confusing being an easy target (which Sharp IS, because he such a lying dolt all the time) with being 'popular'. This is ALL about being 'popular' by the way.... LOL!
  73. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    Not the Alliance?

    I love you man.
  74. Dr. Winston O'Boogie from Waterloo, Canada writes:
    I remember the time Sharp said that he thought that Canada should abolish Parliamentary Democracy and adopt the U.S. system. I.E. the same system that GWB uses to subvert democracy with signing statements and executive privilege, and has pushed that country to the brink of ruin. Then when he gets called on it, he denies it I.E lies.

    Stocking was on porpoise, goaf.
  75. D G from Canada writes: Um - Big Wayne - it's pretty much anyone who isn't already a CRAP supporter. And I never said I was a lib btw but it is pretty clear that you are one of those rabid con supporters of Harper who believes he walks on water and can do no wrong.
  76. Nick Bibassis from Toronto, Canada writes: Eric B from Ottawa, Canada writes: ...I think its time we start-up our own regional political party here in Ontario, like they have in Quebec (Bloc) and in the West (the Harper Cons). Maybe then we could stop being bullied around...

    We do have a regional party, the federal Liberals.

    What I'd like to see reported is the amount of NEW money announced. I'm tired of new announcements that are based on a bunch of old ones.

    I hope the rail line from Toronto to Peterborough is still dead. Too much of a coincidence that it runs through a bunch of PC ridings, including the finance ministers'. It's also conveniently close to the potential Pickering airport site.
  77. Greg Van Zandt from Canada writes: Dr. Winston O'Boogie from Waterloo, Canada writes:
    I remember the time Sharp said that he thought that Canada should abolish Parliamentary Democracy and adopt the U.S. system. I.E. the same system that GWB uses to subvert democracy with signing statements and executive privilege, and has pushed that country to the brink of ruin. Then when he gets called on it, he denies it I.E lies.

    Stocking was on porpoise, goaf.

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

    Yes I recall that also, according to my notes that was on March 15 2006 under a story titled 'Dr Creepy Goose'
  78. spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:

    Not the--

    'Just trying the 'forget anything that was said in the past that contradicts today's actions' mentality of all the Harper loving hypocrites.'

    Not the, you know better than that.

    How many Dion contradictions in the last 3 weeks???

    'I love Kyoto!!'----now: 'What's a Kyoto'.

    'I hate carbon taxes'----now 'Carbon taxes will save the world'

    etc etc.

    At least when Harper adjusts/changes his mind there is a vaguely plausible explanation for it.

    Dion stumbles around aimlessly, as if swinging a stick wildly, like a drunken, blindfolded, ataxic buffoon at an imaginary pinata.
  79. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    Oh crap.
    I hate having to defend things out of context.

    I said the US system of government, with it's checks and balances has much to offer the Canadian sytem.
    In the US the executive, the judiciary and the legislative are all equally balanced.
    The US has an elected senate, which is anathema to a Liberal.

    In Canada, they are not.

    We should look at aspects of the US system and apply them to our own.
  80. Pete H from Canada writes: Eric B from Ottawa, Canada writes: To all you complaining that Ontario's not getting it share at 6B$, the article states that the Feds are only putting in 3B$ and Ontario matching....so essentially getting 3 of 33 , so about 9% of the money for the province with 40% of the population and over 25% of the land mass (if you don't include the nearly-bare territories).

    I think its time we start-up our own regional political party here in Ontario, like they have in Quebec (Bloc) and in the West (the Harper Cons). Maybe then we could stop being bullied around...
    I don't think it will change your opinion, but you do realize that it is up to the provinces to present the infastructure projects for approval, and that the 33 B fund is available through 2014. Unlike liberal initiatives, perhaps you were thinking in liberal terms, there is no negotiated blank cheque, available to the highest political bidder. So it is entirely up to the province to justify the expenditure and commit to the project by matching investment. So your beef should be with McSquinty for not getting a bigger share for Ontario. This plan has been around for a whole year, and thats all they could come up with?
  81. Not the Alliance from In my opinion, The Harper Gov't is totally Incompetent, but excel at whining that it's ALWAYS somebody else's fault. Did I mention they lie constantly too?, Canada writes: Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    'Not the Alliance?

    I love you man. '

    Oh, me too Michael, me too. Right back at ya. But that Todd Spencer guy - he was a REAL lying A-hole, don't you think?
  82. spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:

    Sharpie--

    I'm glad you're a stoner/Haiku kind of guy.

    Boogie, sty, Not the do this (uber-creepy) citation of stuff you said ages ago, and you slide with it.

    I admire that.

    I would be going ape-poo and emailing the editor to straighten these weirdos out.....
  83. Dr. Winston O'Boogie from Waterloo, Canada writes:
    Still denying it I.E lying. So if I had saved and reposted your words, and proved that you are lied on this, that would make me creepy? That ol’ crappy neocon trick, eh? Not sure what’s wrong with you conservatives that you always feel the right to be above scrutiny, and above the lofty ideals that you expect everyone else to behold. You lied and got busted – be a bigger man than your precious party and accept responsibility for your actions.
  84. Not the Alliance from In my opinion, The Harper Gov't is totally Incompetent, but excel at whining that it's ALWAYS somebody else's fault. Did I mention they lie constantly too?, Canada writes: Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes: 'In the US the executive, the judiciary and the legislative are all equally balanced.
    The US has an elected senate, which is anathema to a Liberal.

    In Canada, they are not.

    We should look at aspects of the US system and apply them to our own.'

    How does their system provide any advantages? Their system is currently as dysfunctional as ours, maybe more so because of the even more ultra partisan splits.

    The BIG difference between the States and Canada is the power of their Constitution, which is definitely worth admiring.
  85. Not the Alliance from In my opinion, The Harper Gov't is totally Incompetent, but excel at whining that it's ALWAYS somebody else's fault. Did I mention they lie constantly too?, Canada writes: Dr. Winston O'Boogie from Waterloo, Canada writes: 'You lied and got busted – be a bigger man than your precious party and accept responsibility for your actions. '

    C'mon be realistic. That would NEVER happen. When caught they scurry back into their holes and disappear. Then they re-appear later as if nothing happened. Spicy has explained how it works - the key timeframe is apparently around 24 hours.
  86. Jimmy K from Toronto, Canada writes: Pete H from Canada writes: I think its time we start-up our own regional political party here in Ontario

    ----------

    It's called the Liberal Party of Canada. Unfortunately, although it is our regional party, as a region, it doesn't care for us much.
  87. Tyler Phillips from Seattle, writes: What's so great about this news? Ontario taxpayers send billions to the federal government each year, and now they're getting back a lousy $3 billion? 13 million Canadians out of 33 million only get $3 billion to spend on infrastructure.

    Shame on Ontario's MPs and shame on McGuinty for accepting this.
  88. Darren In TO from Toronto, Canada writes: I hope they dont fund the Sapdina extension into Vaughan! Why should the TTC be forced to extend to the 905 while we are stuffed into packed streetcars on Queen street? The TTC is an urban transit system and should not even come close to linking the 416 to the 905. It should not go one inch north of Steeles.
  89. Not the Alliance from In my opinion, The Harper Gov't is totally Incompetent, but excel at whining that it's ALWAYS somebody else's fault. Did I mention they lie constantly too?, Canada writes: Darren In TO from Toronto, Canada writes: 'I hope they dont fund the Sapdina extension into Vaughan! Why should the TTC be forced to extend to the 905 while we are stuffed into packed streetcars on Queen street? The TTC is an urban transit system and should not even come close to linking the 416 to the 905. It should not go one inch north of Steeles. '

    Agree completely. Buses can handle the flow from the suburbs more cost efficiently than building a subway line.
  90. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    Mr. Booger?
    No, not lying.

    As it turns out, it is you who is lying.

    Karma, thy sting is swift.
  91. Not the Alliance from In my opinion, The Harper Gov't is totally Incompetent, but excel at whining that it's ALWAYS somebody else's fault. Did I mention they lie constantly too?, Canada writes: Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    'Mr. Booger?
    No, not lying.

    As it turns out, it is you who is lying.'

    With YOUR record Michael, I would tend to believe O'Boogie.
  92. Darren In TO from Toronto, Canada writes: Not the Alliance, those buses shouldnt be TTC buses either. The 905 has GO transit period. The TTC is Toronto's urban system, and no one else's.
  93. true conservative from Canada writes: Michael Sharp - the US system wouldn't work in Canada because Canada is not as centralized as the US. The balance to federal executive power here has to come from the provinces. The Fathers of Confederation understood this and created an 'equal' Senate BUT they messed it up in that they did not anticipate the definition of region would change over time - the provinces within the West and Maritime region becoming more fragmented and there is no way for provinces to choose their Senators meaning that no Senator represents their province - not even Brown - but rather they represent the federal parties that appointed them or that they switched allegience to.
  94. true conservative from Canada writes: Michael Sharp - Karma can only be perceived by the soul. Since people from Victoria have no souls, you are not qualified to talk about karma.
  95. Alistair McLaughlin from Canada writes: Claude Carriere, I think you would find most right wingers (such as myself) in favour of infrastructure spending. Just like we favour boosts to the military. We quite like to see the feds investing in tangible goods within legitimate areas of national government. The military and infrastructure certainly qualify. What we object to are massive new social programs.
  96. true conservative from Canada writes: Alistair McLaughlin - like the tax rebate (aka socialist engineering) for having children under 6?
  97. Bill Thompson from Calgary, Canada writes: Another Tory promise kept. This government just keeps getting better and better.
  98. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    true conservative?

    You are very perceptive.

    I sold my soul a long time ago.
    Got a lovely 3 piece leisure suit for it.