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Tories pushing fall election to shut down probe, MPs say

CAMPBELL CLARK

From Thursday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 11:34 PM EST 20/08/08

Witnesses can't be held responsible for boycotting hearing if Parliament dissolved ...Read the full article

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  1. Jesse Winger from Calgary SW, Canada writes: Absolutely! This 'in-and-out scandal' would break the Cons for another decade. Harper wants to avoid this bloodbath at all costs: that's why he's OK with breaking his own laws..

    Again, I wonder, which Canadian citizen will make the arrest?
  2. Bobby Dy from Edmonton, Canada writes: This is just stating the obvious. By dysfunctional, Harper meant specifically that his MPs were forced to obstruct the function of committees because those committees were spending their time looking into unethical behavior and allegations of unethical on the part of the CPC (as Harper had them do to the LPC in the Martin minority). So, Harper will break his own election legislation in order to prevent further deterioration of his support. Meanwhile, where is the story on the $92,000 taxpayer-funded poll that was released yesterday showing that the government was getting a failing grade from Canadians on half of the questions they were asked and that satisfaction with the government had dropped significantly?
  3. mike sty - from Canada writes: A federal election would kill any attempt by MPs to cite for contempt Tory witnesses who ignored parliamentary summonses to election-finance hearings last week, and opposition politicians argue it is a key reason the government wants to rush to the polls
    -------------------------

    Connect the dots folks...............67 CONservatives behind bars

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

    380. 1- Every one who, by deceit, falsehood or other fraudulent means, whether or not it is a false pretence within the meaning of this Act, defrauds the public or any person, whether ascertained or not, of any property, money or valuable security or any service,

    (a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to a term of imprisonment not exceeding fourteen years, where the subject-matter of the offence is a testamentary instrument or the value of the subject-matter of the offence exceeds five thousand dollars
    -------------------------

    If found guilty'Conservative Party Fund Canada'of these 3 charges in a
    court of law, the court then has the power to de-register the Conservative Party and liquidate all its assets, and put its riding associations out of business.

    No wonder Stephen Harper is fighting hard to shut down committees looking into Conservative misdeeds, committing fraud and making false statements with-holding information and not cooperating with EC, in general Stephen Harper is doing everything that would be done in a undemocratic country. If what Harper is doing were happening in any other nation, we would call it a dictatorship or a banana republic.

    The Liberals stole money............

    Harper stole an election...........

    Whats more important???Democracy or money??

    Stop the cover-up Harper, come clean.
  4. mike sty - from Canada writes:

    RCMP Raid CONservative Headquarters

    RCMP targeted alleged Tory spending scheme

    Mr. Finley and Mr. Lepsoe fled from the Sheraton down a back set of stairs

    But it does confirm that the RCMP search was not related to a lawsuit launched against Elections Canada by the Conservatives after the Elections Commissioner had begun an investigation of the scheme.

    Why is Finley in the middle of every Consevative illegal Scandal???

    Next on the RCMP list???

    CCB Scandal, its got Finley's prints all over it.
  5. Kevin Desmoulin from Canada writes: Challenging times is the result of Mr Harper handiwork.

    Ya very plain and simple too see that their ship is sunk.
  6. Percy from NL from Canada writes: When the highest authority in our democracy, the Parliament of Canada, is being spit on by our own PM, it is indeed time for an election.

    It's so interesting that the 'ethical' Mr. Harper would rather go to the polls than try to clear his party's name first. Most revealing indeed.
  7. M B from Canada writes: Can anyone provide me with a link to the ridings that are affected? I know that I saw it somewhere a few months ago.

    Yes, this has to be Harper's main motivation. After last week's performance at the Ethics Committee, it's obvious they have much to hide.
  8. M B from Canada writes: mike sty - from Canada writes: CCB Scandal, its got Finley's prints all over it.

    I'm not familiar with this. Could you elaborate just a little bit?
  9. Brent O from Vancouver, Canada writes: Im sick of Harpers rhetoric and disingenuous comments and policies. Time for them to get out before they do more damage.
  10. Popeye Dillon from North Vancouver, Canada writes: And one wonders why this country is a joke? Harper may be a hypocrite but look at the poodles on the opposition!
  11. David Griffith from NS, Canada writes: Another non-story, a G&M Liberal Party daily devotional aimed at stirring up the troops before they are led to slaughter in the fall.

    The 'probe' is a sham, and deserves to be shut down. Canadians have grown weary of the opposition calling for an inquiry on a daily basis. The Liberals have painted themselves as a tabloid style, American-style dirty politics party, more concerned with mudlsinging and character assassination than substantive policy. Canada wants good, stable government in tough economic times, not the National Enquirer Party. This sad gambit of hijacking the committee system to generate newsbytes will in fact come back to BITE the Liberal Party by labelling it as a nasty, dirty, negative, even desperate party.
  12. D. B. from Greater Sask., Canada writes: Don't worry, CPC. The majority of Canadians are busy looking out for their miserable behinds, just as you are busy looking out for your miserable behinds. You'll get through this.
  13. D. B. from Greater Sask., Canada writes: Is the CCB scandal the Canadian Wheat Board scandal?
  14. West Virginian Albino Mexican from Canada writes: mike sty - from Canada writes: Conservatives, who were summoned, skipped the hearings, and one Conservative candidate's agent said a party organizer told witnesses not to attend. ------------------ Why do CONs violate the laws of Canada???? When will Canada's New Minority start obeying Canadian laws and start getting tough on.......... 1) Politicians who offer $$$$Million dollars BRIBES to dying MP's?? 2)Politicians who LIE and then STEAL $35 BILLION dollars from Canadian seniors??? 3)Flaherty who violated Treasury Board rules and stole $100,000.00 dollars form hard working Canadians??? 4) 67 CONservative mp's who broke Elections Canada rules and who now are being forced(kicking and screaming) to come clean Harper CONservatives, book cookers, liars, little men in little rooms helping rich crooks get richer or downright cheaters........ Dump Harper Nov 08 =================================================== 1) No evididence was found a brib was offered. 2) Flaherty stole nothing. The amount refered to was in violation of government rules and was 122K 3) A good portion of the 67 names are actually NOT sitting MPs. More lies from Sty the Liar Guy - no surprise there. Frankly, can we trust Aliar?
  15. M B from Canada writes: Mike Sty--Thanks for the list.

    David Griffith--The truth hurts, eh?
  16. F/A josquin from Canada writes:

    David Griffith, there is no saving you.

    You have lost your sense of perspective entirely, or perhaps you have never had one.
  17. David Griffith from NS, Canada writes: M B from Canada writes: Mike Sty--Thanks for the list.

    David Griffith--The truth hurts, eh?
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    I dunno M B, as I'm not a Liberal.
  18. D. B. from Greater Sask., Canada writes: I am convinced that I read somewhere that Mr. Harper wanted to purge his party of Red Tories. A purge or something very close to that. I do believe he will get his wish.
  19. Ricky for a Centrist Canada from Canada writes:
    For Harpercrites:

    Committee investigating LPC = 'culture of entitlement'

    Committee investigating CPC = 'kangaroo court'

    Alleged LPC corruption = outrage

    Alleged CPC corruption = media bias

    LPC misconduct = outrage

    CPC misconduct = blame LPC and media

    Media bias, blah blah blah, wah wah wah.

    Yawn.
  20. John Smith from Ottawa, Canada writes: Pat Martin is the embarrassment on this committee. As anyone who has watched knows, Martin didn't ask questions he just used his time to accuse the CPC of wrongdoings. Seems strange that the Opposition voted against a CPC motion to allow Mayrand to answer questions about investigations into the other Parties. This is the Canadian political equivalent to the Salem Witch Hunt.
  21. F/A josquin from Canada writes:

    And thus it begins to unravel, our sad little Canadian experiment in greed, fear-mongering and regression.

    At the risk of sounding a tad poetic, there is a fresh wind blowing across our continent, originating south of us. We will be in that breeze in no time at all.

    To all formerly disenchanted liberals, who voted conservative in the last election. Use your heads this time round, the Harper gang was 'not' the answer.
  22. David Griffith from NS, Canada writes: D. B. from Greater Sask., Canada writes: I am convinced that I read somewhere that Mr. Harper wanted to purge his party of Red Tories. A purge or something very close to that. I do believe he will get his wish.
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    You should be more concerned over how your own Liberal Party has been purged of its centrist elements, D B, having been hijacked by far left socialists, the likes of Dion, Rae, Kennedy, etc..etc. You guys make the NDP look like the far right!
  23. Dan H from Alta, Canada writes: It really bothers me when the Globe publishes accusations as a headline... reminds me of when I'm flipping by fox news and there are similar captions, or questions that serve more to influence the viewers than report the news. Why not have a headline regarding election speculation and have a thoughtful analysis of the many factors that may lead to a fall election, and not just a baseless accusation by an MP?
  24. David Griffith from NS, Canada writes: John Smith from Ottawa, Canada writes: Pat Martin is the embarrassment on this committee. As anyone who has watched knows, Martin didn't ask questions he just used his time to accuse the CPC of wrongdoings. Seems strange that the Opposition voted against a CPC motion to allow Mayrand to answer questions about investigations into the other Parties. This is the Canadian political equivalent to the Salem Witch Hunt.
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Pat Martin is one scarey guy. Seriously in need of anger management and a good sleaze purge. Martin and Sleazbo...Canada's answer to the Inquisition.
  25. F/A josquin from Canada writes:

    Heh Mr Griffith, if you are receiving Canada pension, or using medical services at the moment. I request you give it all back now.

    Obviously you disagree with the programs. I think it only fair. I wouldn't want you to get confused.
  26. David Griffith from NS, Canada writes: F/A josquin from Canada writes:

    And thus it begins to unravel, our sad little Canadian experiment in greed, fear-mongering and regression.

    At the risk of sounding a tad poetic, there is a fresh wind blowing across our continent, originating south of us. We will be in that breeze in no time at all.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Is THAT what I smelled?

    PS: No risk there at all, jos. You're no poet.
  27. John Smith from Ottawa, Canada writes: So I guess the real reason LPT will not defeat the gov't is because they doing such important work in committees, right? What a joke. The LPT needs to make as much mileage on this issue before the election because they have no policies outside of the Green Shaft(TM).
  28. Percy from NL from Canada writes: Well at least a previous Liberal leader appeared before an inquiry to answer questions; he even brought his golf balls with him I seem to remember.

    I heard that Harper doesn't want to reciprocate, mainly because he hasn't been able to find any balls to bring with him :-)
  29. F/A josquin from Canada writes:
    Yup Dave, the smell of common sense and fairplay. Something not wafting through your neighbourhood I would guess.
  30. M B from Canada writes: West Virginian Albino Mexican from Canada--Where are you from, boy? Speak English please.

    1) No evididence (sic) was found a brib was offered. How about the Harper tape saying 'There were some financial considerations.'

    2) Flaherty stole nothing. The amount refered to was in violation of government rules and was 122K. This must refer to the budget speach-writing. He exceeded what he was allowed to spend without sending it to tender.

    3) A good portion of the 67 names are actually NOT sitting MPs. More lies from Sty the Liar Guy - no surprise there. Frankly, can we trust Aliar (sic)? Most of the 67 names are NOT sitting MPs because the ones who were targetted for this scheme were those who were not expected to win--hence it did not matter if their monies went to support the federal party.
  31. David Griffith from NS, Canada writes: Percy from NL from Canada writes: Well at least a previous Liberal leader appeared before an inquiry to answer questions; he even brought his golf balls with him I seem to remember.
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    On the topic of...balls...is that what Dion is searching for whenever there is a vote in the House and he is on his hands and knees under the seats?
  32. Typical Toronto Voter from Toronto, Canada writes: Hey Dan H, I am from Toronto so I don't need to read past the headlines. It doesn't bother me that this story is based on non-quotes attributed to unnamed opposition members. It is enough to know that the G&M is continuing its' campaign against the evil Westerners from the Conservative party. All my neighbours feel the same way. We don't need actual quotes or actual journalism, as long as the G&M says it, we know it means we should believe it!
  33. F/A josquin from Canada writes:

    conservative movements inevitably crumble, their base is elitist and it can never be hidden for long.
  34. John Smith from Ottawa, Canada writes: Let me get this straight. The LPT is saying that the economy is going down the tubes, but they refuse to vote against a budget. They say that the CPC's immigration policies are wrong, but they refuse to vote against the CPC immigration bill. Those 2 isses take a backseat to a committee looking into $1.3M in money the CPC supposedly overspent in the 2006 election. Does the LPT really think the voters are stupid?
  35. sally stink from edmonton, Canada writes: --notice here that the pm has not called an election, but he
    has been goaded to do so by liberal stephan dion. also
    should be noted that this so-called committee has no
    judicial powers at all.....and this committee has used its
    influence with the media outlets to publibize the liberal
    party of canada's election platform...a good free way to
    advertise!!!!!
  36. David Griffith from NS, Canada writes: F/A josquin from Canada writes:
    Yup Dave, the smell of common sense and fairplay. Something not wafting through your neighbourhood I would guess.
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    What Canadians coast-to-coast-to-coast smell is a Green Shaft tax, jos, and it is a real stinker. Common sense and fair play? From the good folks who brought you Adscam? Indeed.
  37. M B from Canada writes: Percy from NL from Canada--Thank you sir for that great laugh in my day.
  38. John Smith from Ottawa, Canada writes: sally stink from edmonton, Canada writes: and this committee has used its influence with the media outlets to publibize the liberal
    party of canada's election platform

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

    Sally, I think the LPT (Liberal Party of Toronto) is pushing these committees because they do not have a platform. None that will win them an election anyways. In the end, the LPT will define a win as another CPC minority, so they can appear graceful in kicking Dion to the curb.
  39. F/A josquin from Canada writes: My guess, for what it is worth. Our next govt will be a minority with liberals in control, the greens will have gained a bit, the NDP, who knows.

    the conservatives will begin a slow slide to obscurity again, until the next time we feel like being greedy and frightened.

    the cycle is almost boring, it it wasn't for the mess we have to clean up after their tenure.

    In a democracy, conservatives always always lose out in the end. It is very difficult to keep the lies about prosperity, peace and safety going for too long.
  40. David Griffith from NS, Canada writes: F/A josquin from Canada writes:

    conservative movements inevitably crumble, their base is elitist and it can never be hidden for long.
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Do you have a clue at all jos, or are you Googling 'Liberal Talking Points' now? The Conservative base is far from the elitism that is the foundation of the Liberal Party. Librano$ are floundering now BECAUSE of the severed ties to their elitist fundraising sources. Ever notice also how most of the very affluent ridings like Rosedale vote Liberal. They know who butters their bread. The conservative base is the average Canadian, the working middle class. The ones who aren't going to appreciate that BIG Liberal tax hand violating their pocketbooks.
  41. F/A josquin from Canada writes:
    Dave---- adscam is nothing compared to the muck this bumbling regime is stirring up.

    Give me a break
  42. David Griffith from NS, Canada writes: F/A josquin from Canada writes: My guess, for what it is worth. Our next govt will be a minority with liberals in control, the greens will have gained a bit, the NDP, who knows.

    the conservatives will begin a slow slide to obscurity again, until the next time we feel like being greedy and frightened.
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Some excellent fiction there, jos. Ever consider getting it published? Genre: Fantasy.
  43. John Smith from Ottawa, Canada writes: F/A josquin from Canada writes: My guess, for what it is worth. Our next govt will be a minority with liberals in control, the greens will have gained a bit, the NDP, who knows.

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

    My guess is I will wake up tomorrow beside Angelina Jolie, I will win the lottery and I will named as the Superbowl MVP as quarterback for the Packers. I wonder which of us will be right?
  44. M B from Canada writes: sally stink--Sally, you know what really stinks?-- those 10%ers that the Conservatives are sending out across the country, being paid for by all us taxpayers, that are nothing but Conservative propaganda. Think about it--or are you part of the message?
  45. John Smith from Ottawa, Canada writes: M B from Canada writes: sally stink--Sally, you know what really stinks?-- those 10%ers that the Conservatives are sending out across the country, being paid for by all us taxpayers, that are nothing but Conservative propaganda. Think about it--or are you part of the message?

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

    You know what really stinks? The LPT receiving taxpayer $ to be a political party and yet offering nothing back to the Canada except more taxes. I'm still waiting for a cheque from the $7B the LPT misplaced from the UIC fund years ago.
  46. John Smith from Ottawa, Canada writes: Captain Ontario from Canada writes: Harper and his Cons really are slimy!

    Get your a.s.s. to the closing ceremonies stevie wonder!

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

    And I bet you voted for Bob (I ran up a huge deficit as NDP Premier) Rae.
  47. M B from Canada writes: David Griffith, I fear you have been brainwashed from birth. Have you EVER taken the time to see how financial benefits differ between the CPC and LPC. If you are one of the lucky few to make over $100,000 per year then stick with the CPC as they'll look out for your interests. But, if you're like most of us under that figure, then you'll fare better under the LPC.
  48. mike sty - from Canada writes:
    CONservatives In/Out Scandal pt III

    In..........Jan 2006

    Out.......Nov 2008
  49. F/A josquin from Canada writes:
    Dave Dave Dave, this regime has spent more of your money than any other in history, and in only a couple of years. Look it up !

    Double the fools we are, to be taken in by the likes of such tedious and dangerous boors.

    Bring on an election, we need boors of a different stripe now.
  50. M B from Canada writes: John Smith from Ottawa, Canada writes: You know what really stinks? The LPT receiving taxpayer $ to be a political party and yet offering nothing back to the Canada except more taxes. I'm still waiting for a cheque from the $7B the LPT misplaced from the UIC fund years ago.

    What in G*d's name are you talking about? Do you know that Flaherty recently STOLE most of the UIC funds and put them into general revenue???
  51. West Virginian Albino Mexican from Canada writes: M B from Canada writes: West Virginian Albino Mexican from Canada--Where are you from, boy? Speak English please. 1) No evidence (sic) was found a crib was offered. How about the Harper tape saying 'There were some financial considerations.' 2) Flaherty stole nothing. The amount referred to was in violation of government rules and was 122K. This must refer to the budget speach-writing. He exceeded what he was allowed to spend without sending it to tender. 3) A good portion of the 67 names are actually NOT sitting MPs. More lies from Sty the Liar Guy - no surprise there. Frankly, can we trust Aliyar (sic)? Most of the 67 names are NOT sitting MPs because the ones who were targeted for this scheme were those who were not expected to win--hence it did not matter if their monies went to support the federal party. ============================================== M B - my apologies for the spelling boo-boos. 'Aliar' is the way Stupid Sty spells it. Oh, and by the way - in your analysis of my post, you misspelled 'speech' - it's spelled s-p-e-e-c-h, not s-p-e-a-ch or 'speach' as you wrote it. :-) That aside, I agree whole-heartedy with your take on Percy's post - it was a good one. Cheers!
  52. Ricky for a Centrist Canada from Canada writes:
    CPC slipping in Ontario/Quebec.

    LPC hampered by well-meaning but weak leader.

    CPC mud-sling election campaign, combined with gentle reminders of the Reformatives dark side, ensure split.

    Harper hangs onto minority government.

    Goodbye Stevie.

    Hello Prentice.

    Goodbye Dion.

    Hello Ignatieff.

    $300M is worth it.
  53. Bobby Dy from Canada writes: D.B., your point about 'red tories' came from a Harper 'unite the right' speech. In that speech, Harper pointed out that the fiscally conservative agenda had already been implemented by the LPC. He then argued that the united right needed to advance a socially conservative agenda which he felt would attract certain immigrant groups (not surprisingly, the same immigrant groups that he has made official apologies to). So, Harper envisioned a social conservative coalition that would include the so-called soft-nationalists from rural Quebec. That is basically the party that he formed and that is precisely why there is good reason to be concerned about social conservatives implementing their social engineering plan with a majority CPC government under Harper. The remedy to this, of course, is for the Harper agenda to fail to obtain a majority. Harper will likely depart soon after. Whether he does or not, the message will be sent that social conservatism will not gain majority support in this country at this time in our history.
  54. M B from Canada writes: West Virgian--correction noted. Here's to Percy. Cheers!
  55. nick oliver from halifax, ns, Canada writes: as conservatives themselves are proud of saying 'if you haven't done anything wrong, then you have nothing to fear'. their behaviour on this committee looking into the in-&-out scandal proves they much to fear, not that the committee is a joke. if they didn't want it to be a joke, they could take it seriously, and if (as they claim) that no wrongdoing was done, then there would be none for the opposition parties to uncover.
    some conservatives seem to think the job of the opposition is to support this gov't. it isn't. it's to hold the gov't accountable, using all parliamentary tools at their disposal, including investigative committees. if the cpc had won a majority, there wouldn't be this much oversight. but they didn't win a majority and just have to suck it up as any other party in their shoes would have to do. when the public elected a minority parliament, they effectively said no one party has a mandate to do anything without lots of scrutiny. as harper himself inferred during the campaign, the only people who are afraid of scrutiny and accountability are crooks and liars. so what's his party's problem?
  56. Stephen Harper's Ignorant Tories from Canada writes: Tories know what they did was unethical and illegal, so of course they want to shut the probe down.
  57. West Virginian Albino Mexican from Canada writes: Ricky for a Centrist Canada from Canada writes:
    CPC slipping in Ontario/Quebec.

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

    Canadians warming to federal election, poll says

    http://www.canada.com/surreynow/news/story.html?id=2998a60b-1a20-4f6f-b881-d15c60126e40

    'On party popularity, the survey said the Conservatives maintained their substantial lead in western Canada, and picked up support in Quebec, Ontario and Atlantic Canada since early July so they are now in a statistical dead heat with the Liberals in those three regions. In Quebec, the Bloc Quebecois had 34 per cent of the popular vote, well ahead of the Liberal and Conservative parties which were tied at 25 per cent.'
  58. M B from Canada writes: Well said, Nick Oliver.
  59. Conservative for lower taxes, cheaper gas, less government from Canada writes: The hearings have offered nothing new other then that the Liberals and NDP have ridings under investigation too as that have not been signed off by elections Canada.
  60. J L from Canada writes: Seems to me like the Liberals are the lesser of two evils. It's time to get George W. Bush's newest poodle out of office!
  61. Bobby Dy from Canada writes: West Virginian, Ipsos-Reid, the number one producer of outlier polls. See Nodice.ca.
  62. CM Chen from Toronto, Canada writes: From Wiki 'Kangaroo courts are judicial proceedings that deny due process in the name of expediency. Such rights include the right to summon witnesses, the right of cross-examination, the right not to incriminate oneself, the right not to be tried on secret evidence, the right to control one's own defense, the right to exclude evidence that is improperly obtained, irrelevant or inherently inadmissible (e.g. hearsay), the right to exclude judges or jurors on the grounds of partiality or conflict of interest, and the right of appeal.'

    Does a committee chaired and consists of mostly opposition parties members in election mood possibly constitute such a court? Or should it be left to a judiciary court, also in sitting.
  63. D Epp from Vancouver, Canada writes: Either way, the CPC cannot win this one; if they call an election and get another minority government, the opposition will simply have another committee restart the inquiry. If the LPC wins, then they'll have a committee restart the inquiry.

    I personally really DO want some answers.

    I want to know if this whole thing is a scheme cooked up by the CPC to challenge election spending laws that we know Harper doesn't agree with.

    I want to know if they're deliberately flouting the law because they don't believe in having an arm's length body monitor election spending or tactics in Canada.

    I want to know if the candidates who did go along with the scheme had any misgivings about such a tactic; in my own business dealings, if I was ordered to allow a transfer of money into and then right back out of my bank account and then told that I could claim a tax refund for 60% of that money when I knew I didn't spend it, I would think long and hard about participating in it. Perhaps they were all convinced that if they formed the government, they would be above such laws.

    As for 'everyone' did it - no one in the CPC has offered any proof whatsoever that other parties overspent their spending limits using such a scheme, or altered invoices to make it look like various ridings spent specified amounts of money on advertising.

    And, if the committee didn't allow the CPC their 80 or so 'witnesses' to speak to the committee, well, the CPC has only their 'dirty tricks manual' to blame. The committee would have gotten nowhere at all if hand-picked CPC witnesses were allowed to disrupt it.

    I want answers. And, I don't want the CPC to turn this country into something I 'won't recognize' when they're through with it.
  64. Counterspinner tells the truth from Canada writes: The libs are responsible for this kangaroo court and the public knows it and will punish them in a fall election. Goodbye dion and hello harper majority!!!
  65. jake and pete from Canada writes: A mouse in a maze.
  66. Mrs. Whiggins from Canada writes: CM Chen, good points. By the same token, would an open and accountable government sit until said judiciary court has ruled? Apparently not in this case.

    The CPC seems to think it is above Parliament.

    What good will a second crooked election do for the voters and taxpayers of Canada who play by the rules, pay their taxes and respect Parliament?

    The Prime Minister of Canada should be leading the parade of good governance.
    Apparently not in this case.

    Sad.
    -
  67. Bobby Dy from Canada writes: D Epp, the examples that the CPC have given were nothing like what they are accused of doing (transferring expenses which is illegal and doing it in a systematic way). There is absolutely no reason to call 'witnesses' from parties other than the CPC (which is what the CPC were doing and the sole purpose was to confuse the public) to study the CPC 'in and out' scheme. These were not 'defense' witnesses. These were not people who did the same thing as the CPC. These were other MPs and their agents who were involved in legal transactions (e.g., transferring money to a local riding to pay for local expenses which can include purchasing campaign signs from the national office). The CPC was counting on the ignorance of Canadians and the 'complexity' of the issue to use these witnesses to confuse the public. The CPC, as always, relies on Canadians being 'slow' for their propaganda to succeed. Judging by the repetition of their talking points, they succeeded on some level.
  68. Anthony Giamboni from Canada writes: David Griffith is a desperate, pathetic troll who tries to overrun a board by posting other people's posts again along with a tries-too-hard-to-be-witty-and-doesn't-succeed comeback.

    Get a life, halfwit. Your sweat is streaming down your face with your attempt to be nonchalant.

    LOL in your face.
  69. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: nick oliver:-- Excellent post, and as I also recall, Mr. Harper suggested that any Canadians fearful of giving him a majority could be reassured by the fact that various institutions - the civil service, the Senate, etc. - would serve as limits and/or oversight. Now Mr. Harper is rankled by the limits on his power, whether constitutional or as delivered by voters.
  70. D Epp from Vancouver, Canada writes: Now that you mention it, Bobby, I realize you're right - the CPC didn't want to call their own obstructive witnessed to the stand, they wanted to heckle other party members by insisting that their (legitimate) activities were just as bad as what the CPC did. So, what they wanted was to hold up the proceedings by twisting the truth and attempting to embarrass opposition members.

    Good thing that wasn't allowed.

    I still want answers from the people who dreamed up this scheme and those who participated in it.
  71. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: D Epp:-- Recall the Elections Canada is said to have the CPC's (future) elections plans under lock and key. Perhaps those plans indicate that the CPC planned an In-and-Out Redux.
  72. SL S from Saskatchewan, Canada writes: The Conservatives are just as much the thieves that the Liberals have been proven to be. As a citizen and a tax payer I'm pretty fed up with the Governments of this country ripping me off. I guess somehow, we're not making this clear enough to these parties that we won't sit back and take this. I wish I had an idea of what to do but clearly, all the parties in this country need a HUGE wake up call that we are not idiots and we will not sit by and have them use us the way they are. One thing I can guarentee, I'm certainly not going to see if the NDP do the same thing. I am so sick of this crap.
  73. peter E from Montreal, Canada writes: No surprise: The Cons are just following the Republican playbook. These thugs are mean, petty and churlish but not creative. Vote them out now so they crawl under the rocks from which they surfaced.
  74. D Epp from Vancouver, Canada writes: diane marie writes: 'Perhaps those plans indicate that the CPC planned an In-and-Out Redux.'

    That would certainly explain why the CPC didn't turn all relevant documents over to Elections Canada in the beginning, and why they were so incensed over some of the documents that were removed by the RCMP.

    As it is, the CPC has probably already come close to or exceeded their election spending limits with all the nasty attack ads, radio spots, polls, and '10-percenters' mailed out across Canada. They haven't stopped campaigning since they got into office.
  75. Stephen 62 from Vancouver, Canada writes: In 1926 Mackenzie King, then leading a minority gov't, tried to evade a motion of censure in the House by calling a snap election. The Governor General, Lord Byng, refused to dissolve Parliament, whereupon King resigned and Byng invited the Leader of the Opposition to form a government. Perhaps history will repeat itself. In this case, the existence of the fixed date election law would give Michaelle Jean stronger grounds to refuse Harper's request for an election.
  76. SL S from Saskatchewan, Canada writes: peter E from Montreal, and vote who in, the Liberals? Why not, then they can tax us to death while they dip their hands into the coffers so they live high off the hog. The Liberal delegate in my riding just quit. Turns out he's under suspension with the law society as well for fraud and misreprestentation and probably a few other charges. There is always the NDP. They put Saskatchewan back 100 years while they were in power here. The infrastructure was almost destroyed by the time they got voted out. Not that I'm saying the Conservatives are any better. This proves that they don't want to play by the rules either. So what does that leave us with? It leaves us with the chance to show that we will not take this garbage anymore. I just wish I knew how I could go about doing that at a national level. I really feel that the people of this country need to unite and make our voices heard since the Governments in this country seem to have forgotten that they work for us. They think they have free rein to do whatever they want and that we're to dumb to figure it out.
  77. Mrs. Whiggins from Canada writes: diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: D Epp:-- Recall the Elections Canada is said to have the CPC's (future) elections plans under lock and key. Perhaps those plans indicate that the CPC planned an In-and-Out Redux.

    * Posted 21/08/08 at 1:44 AM EDT

    There's the Mulligan! It is in writing, evidence from the hands of the PM and MPs about the In and Out Scheme; and that they fully intend to do it again I bet.

    PM Accountability, trying to cost Canadians $300 million to hide from Parliament rules. Even Lord Black hadn't such hubris, or if he did at least paid his own way for most of it! Or his lawyers. That reminds me, Stephen Harper is paying lots of lawyers out of his own pocket, and lots of lawyers out of Canadians!

    No Election Until Canadians Can Be Assured of a Fair Election!
  78. martha stewart from Canada writes: D Epp from Vancouver writes: 'Either way, the CPC cannot win this one; if they call an election and get another minority government, the opposition will simply have another committee restart the inquiry. If the LPC wins, then they'll have a committee restart the inquiry.'

    I think you are correct. Therefore the premise of this story - that the CPC would force an election to avoid this - seems entirely absurd. Just some self-serving theorizing by those quoted.
  79. ah sails from Canada writes: can we all be deputized and throw the Con sleazeballs in prison
  80. Stephen Harper's Ignorant Tories from Canada writes: In such a short time, the Tory scandals have put the Liberal ones to shame. By the time Harper is done, these scandal-plagued crooks will have ruined all that is admired about our country.
  81. SL S from Saskatchewan, Canada writes: Can we just fire the whole lot of them in Ottawa and start fresh?
  82. SL S from Saskatchewan, Canada writes: Stephen Harper's Ignorant Tories from Canada, too late. Between the Liberals for 13 years and the Conservatives for the past 2 1/2 all has been devistated....repeatedly
  83. Dr. Strangelove from Edmonton, Canada writes: Definition of Politics -- the willful manipulation of facts and rumours to ensure that you are wealthy for the rest of your life at the taxpayers' expense.

    See 'Thief', 'Liar', and 'Criminal'.

    .
  84. Tim Bryson from Claresholm, AB., Canada writes: Hey, David...what would constitute a story in your mind? Face it, your heroes are up against it on this one and they don't like it (neither do you, it seems).

    You need to face a few FACTS

    1) The head of EC was appointed in 2007 by Harper.

    2) The other parties have all been invetigated by EC and have a clean record. It is only the tories that something smelly.

    You right wingnuts are a real joke. You get caught with your hands in the cookie jar, then scream about 'evil, liberal media'. Which page of the tory playbook are you reading from now?
  85. Tim Bryson from Claresholm, AB., Canada writes: Didn't Harper set fixed election dates to stop this kind of stuff?

    Sharpie...what is your point about Dingwall? If all you've got is 'they're as bad as us', what does that say about your hero, Dear Leader?
  86. Orest Zarowsky from Toronto, Canada writes: Open! Transparent! Accountable! governance. That was the election plank. But what is the reality?

    Not even close enough that a thermonuclear weapon would do any damage.

    This is how these goombas behave and perform with minority.

    Contemplate their performance with a majority.
  87. Ricky for a Centrist Canada from Canada writes: The Canadian Press
    August 13, 2008 at 6:58 PM EDT

    OTTAWA — A new poll suggests there could be trouble ahead for Stephen Harper's Conservatives as the governing party prepares for the possibility of a fall election.

    According to The Canadian Press, Harris-Decima survey, the Liberals have pulled ahead in Ontario and Quebec, crucial battlegrounds that will determine the outcome of a nationwide vote.

    Should those support levels hold during an election, said Harris-Decima senior vice-president Jeff Walker, the Tories could have difficulty maintaining their minority government, much less winning their coveted majority.

    “They're really having trouble,” Mr. Walker said.

    In Quebec, the Liberals appeared to be benefiting most from a collapse in support for the Bloc Québécois. Liberals were at 30 per cent, virtually tied with the Bloc at 29 per cent, followed by the Tories at 24 per cent, the Greens at eight per cent and the NDP at six per cent.

    In Ontario, the Liberals enjoyed a healthy lead with 40 per cent, compared to the Tories with 31 per cent and the NDP and Greens with 14 per cent each.
  88. Ricky for a Centrist Canada from Canada writes:
    Whatever poll, the point is that the CPC used to be rolling high in Quebec. So Harper pandered to that, opening the vault for millions in vote-buying gifts.

    Too bad Jean Charest took all that cash and gave out tax cuts instead - LOL.

    Then Bernier burned up any remaining political capital the CPC had.

    The CPC were too stupid and arrogant to realize Quebecers didn't actually like them - they were just pi$$ed at the LPC (and justifiably so).

    Then Flaherty and Harper teamed up to embarrass, belittle, and sneer at Ontario's economic troubles.

    POOF - bye bye, majority.

    Centrist voters in Canada need to get the knuckle-dragging evangelical nutjobs out - so more moderate voices can be heard once again.

    Tough days for Griffiths, Adams, Counterspinner, and the Albino Loser....knowing their party will never gain majority power, even with a fractured opposition and a weak opposition leader.

    All the CPC talking points and gutter-style attack ads in the world won't change that.
  89. Wandering Willy from Kelowna, Canada writes: Keep saying the Cons did nothing wrong you fruit cakes that voted this liar into power.
  90. Ricky for a Centrist Canada from Canada writes:
    Bert Russell Paradox, BC from Canada writes:
    Another Liberal probe, like a prostrate examination is butt to grin and bare. I remember Martins prophesy that the Liberals would get to the bottom of it. Their obession now creates conspiracy after conspiracy with tabloids like the Globe and Mail sensationalizing the falsehoods.

    TRANSLATION:

    'WAH, WAH, WAH, WAH - THE MEDIA'S AGAINST US - WAH, WAH, WAH, WAH'
  91. Ricky for a Centrist Canada from Canada writes:
    STEPHEN HARPER ON ELECTIONS:

    'We want fair, fixed election dates, not dates chosen simply for the partisan political interests of the Prime Minister.'

    'Fixed election dates stop leaders from trying to manipulate the calendar. They level the playing field for all parties.'

    'The only way we can have justice is to have a fixed election date, because an election without a fixed election date is a tremendous advantage for the party in power'

    http://tinyurl.com/5fl2jo
    http://tinyurl.com/64s5vc
  92. Ricky for a Centrist Canada from Canada writes:
    Bert - I'm not the one whining like a four year old about the media all the time.

    Funny how you're so disgusted by the GM's supposed bias, but yet you're one of the most frequent posters on here. All those newspapers out there, yet you're here. All the time.

    Paradox, indeed - if by paradox, you mean 'whiny hypocrite'.
  93. NWT Knifer from Yellowknife, Canada writes: These are desperate times for the poor Liberals. They will do anything to gain power!

    Harper has been choosen by the Canadian people to lead this nation. That is one thing the liberals can andnever will understand. It is time for Harper to take this nation to the polls and we can end this liberal threat to our freedom!

    Funny the liberals claiming Harper is breaking the law! Harper and the Consevatives can never be unethical they are far above that. When was the last tme you saw a Liberal MP in Church?

    Too bad the liberalsare so eastern based! That is another reason why they should never be allowed to lead this nation ever again!
  94. wayne ouellette from Canada writes: My oh my the liberals are snitty this morning. Face it, your party is lost, except in Toronto & Vancouver (perhaps). You have no leadership. Understand, Canadians, and most liberals, think stephane dion is a walking disaster. He would be a walking/talking disaster but he can't speak english. It's bad but it gets worse.....there is no B Team.
  95. Brenton E. from Canada writes: Harper breaks his own laws.
    Harper tries and to some degree (Clements and Flaherty aside) mutes his
    party for fear the sexist, racist, anti-gay element embarass him further
    Harper sues everything and everyone who holds him accountable for his
    slimy activities
    Harper is certainly not above doing what the libs suggest
  96. Brenton E. from Canada writes: wayne ouellette :he can't speak english. It's bad but it gets worse.....there is no B Team.
    ---------------

    How's your French Mr. Ouellette?
  97. Misery No one from Angus, Canada writes: There up to their old tricks. Soon they be gone.
  98. spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:
    This probe would make Joseph McCarty proud.

    The question of legality re the spending is before a proper court. Can the LPC wait for a ruling?? No way!! They want to strip search everybody oin the CPC now, under the lights and camaras.

    CPC biring its own witnesse? Nope.

    CPC allowed to challenge their interregators? Nope.

    Mention Mayrand, McLelland, et al's finances? Are you kidding??

    This is about smearing the CPC.

    Don't show up--we will smear you.

    Show up and refuse to answer questions about an issue before the courts?--we will smear you.

    Say anything at all? We will twist what you say, and smear you.

    The verdict is in, according to Part Martin and Szabo--all that missing is the faces of the accused in front of the chair.

    Actually, Stalin would be proud too.

    BTW--you guys want the election to be about 'In-an-Out'?? I thought the GreenShift was your fre pass to the Magic Kingdon. Guess that didn't work out to well, and now you're stuck with this piffle.

    Go for it....
  99. Bill M from Canada writes: Vern McPherson from writes: 'For Harper, fixed terms, like fixed promises, go only so far.' COns = liars sleazy liars ........... What adjective would you use for Liberal liars Vern?
  100. garlick toast from Canada writes: It's all lies,fabrications,mere pap.In short, it's a pap smear.Will I need to wear disposable gloves to cast my vote?
  101. Bill M from Canada writes: J L from Canada writes: Seems to me like the Liberals are the lesser of two evils. It's time to get George W. Bush's newest poodle out of office!

    And replace him with Obama's lap cat.
  102. Expert Eal from PettaOttaOshawawawawa and Wawa, Canada writes: spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:
    This probe would make Joseph McCarty proud.

    The question of legality re the spending is before a proper court. Can the LPC wait for a ruling?? No way!! They want to strip search everybody oin the CPC now, under the lights and camaras.

    Again spicy, I'm confused.

    All of the right wingers are calling this a 'Kangaroo court' parroting Harper, yet you are comparing it with the McCarthy hearings into Communists.

    Funny that you compare what the Liberals are looking into with that right wing witch hunt. (I wonder now if the McCarthy hearings found any actual communists?)

    My question to you is, If the C.R.A.P. did nothing wrong, then why not just go along with the Liberals??

    IMHO it would be a better strategic move for the Cons to do as much of Canada is bored with talking politicians, also the worst that any Con would face in the hearing would be an uncomfortable question or 2, ever watch Question period??

    These people (and I use the term loosely) lie for a living, they get asked great questions and then they blab and blah and yack and quite expertly sound as though they are answering the question without ever even coming close.

    That's what being a good politician is all about and if the CRAP can't even do it at a harmless Liberal hearing then the Libs must be getting very close.
  103. Lane Myers from Canada writes: This committee is just a sham and is intended to do little more than take the focus off the incompetent Mr. Dion.
  104. Don Adams, The Conservative Centrist from Canada writes: Wayne Ouellette, Libbies are always snitty :-) not just this morning. They really are an unhappy bunch when they're not in power :-)

    Let's see. 2 1/2 years minority Gov't.... the longest in fed gov't history. A dysfunctional parliament....opposition not caring about Canada, about making Parliament work.... just wanting to mouth off, looking desparately for issues with which to embarrass the Cons. An oppositionleader who's not a leader.... an OK debater in French...but forget English. A leader who comes out with another ridiculous tax, at a time the economy is heading down.....and not only that, but LIES about the so called 'plan'.

    Yepper, time to go to the polls. Another Cons minority? Ok... but stronger than before. And an opposition that's totally broke...won't be able to go to the people again. That'll shut them up. :-)

    But probably not the partisans on these threads :-)
  105. Bobby the K from Yahk, BC, Canada writes: If Harper gets in again, even forming a minority gov't - we would have no one to blame but ourselves.

    His great good fortune is in the fact that there's nothing inspiring about the opposition.

    But I wonder if he and his supporters realize that many people didn't vote for the Cons as much as they voted against the Libs.
    I'm quite certain they don't see this at all.
    They're in denile and call it 'support'.

    They don't realize this negative 'support' will swing the other way back against them.

    I've asked this before, given the circumstances and the players, shouldn't the Cons be way, way ahead of the Libs in the polls?

    His confidence is touching. But he (Harper) doesn't understand that a great many people don't like him. As a person, as a politician and as a 'leader'.

    The reason he smiles through it all is because it has been that way all his life.
  106. Don Adams, The Conservative Centrist from Canada writes: Vernie..... it's the LIEbbies that have something to hide :-) their incompetent 'Leader?' :-) The more noise LIEbbies can make elsewhere, the more headlines they can grab with their antics, the less chance there is of the media noticing something stupid (knife and fork for a hot dog?) that Dion has done :-) Makes sense.... they REALLY don't want the media to focus on Dion...ESPECIALLY since he came out and advocated another tax grab :-)
  107. garlick toast from Canada writes: So,if the opposition doesn't want parliament to work, who wrote the book on disrupting committees,where the real work gets done[or not]?
  108. Steve Crocker from Moncton, Canada writes: I always thought of dysfunctional as being unable to get anything done. It seems to me that Mr. Harper's government has passed almost every piece of legislation that he has presented. You know the 5 or 6 planks of his original election platform. Since that first year the Conservatives have had no new ideas. The only new ideas that seem to come out with, seem to be, new ways to denigrate their opposition. To be truly dysfunctional the government would at least need some new ideas for the opposition to tie up in parliament. I think that Mr. Harper should just clam up, govern as he was elected to do, and make his MP's testify. The Liberals took their beating when the Gomery Inquiry was in process, so now lets look at the Conservatives, and I think we will all realize that this is just a leopard with different coloured spots. Just think if you were to give this CIRCUS act a majority, what kind of nonsense they could conjur up. And with Mr. Harper and that ludicrous makeup he wears, as the lead clown, we could have quite an act in town.
  109. Steve Crocker from Moncton, Canada writes: Over the last 30 years of politics around the world, isn't making the other side look like crooks the way to avoid having everyone figure out that you are crooks as well. With the way the government is conducted with this dictatorial style of Mr Harper, we could call are self a Monarchy. All Hail King Stephen.
  110. Crusty Curmudgeon from Ottawa, Canada writes:

    Well Vern was Dion Lying when he said Kyoto was good?

    There is a huge difference between lying and adjusting your policies based on current political realities.

    I doubt that you ever change your mind on anything and will fight to the death in spite of all known fact pointing to the contrary -- all because you want to make sure that no one calls you a liar -- right?

    And that makes you smarter than anyone else -- right?
  111. garlick toast from Canada writes: The cpc was founded on a lie,tainted from birth.Can anything good come from such a beginning?
  112. Don Adams, The Conservative Centrist from Canada writes: Uh, Vern...Dion also lied when he said his Green Shaft would be revenue neutral :-)
  113. Zack Fair from Canada writes: Garlick toast. Can you expand on your affirmation. I don't see what you are referring to, can you explain. Thanks.
  114. dan vanman from Canada writes: Of course they want to distract us from their criminal activities.

    The Conservatives are so crooked they screw their pants on every morning.
  115. Richard Lovegrove from Calgary, Canada writes: Of course he wants an election for political purposes, all prime ministers who get to call elections do. But with the confidence this minority government is starting to show in cutting crucial cultural programs - $44 million worth - we should welcome this election. The conservatives are becoming as arrogant as the liberals once were. Case in point:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0GS_X9hYII
    • Posted 21/08/08 at 7:43 AM EST |