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Why Harper decided to take control of election timing

JANE TABER

From Saturday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 10:32 PM EST 29/08/08

Rather than waiting for Stéphane Dion, who had been musing all summer about defeating the government this fall, PM decided to take matters into his own hands ...Read the full article

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  1. Catherine Wilkie from Canada writes: Fear of by election results made Harper break his own promise.
    Partisan politics at work.
    Now, the CPC looks like promise breakers and 'fraidy' cats.
  2. Bobby Dy from Canada writes: The fixed election date legislation, as a result of this precedent, pertains neither to minority nor majority governments. It has only one function and that is to limit terms to 4 years instead of 5. That increases the cossts of elections to taxpayers by 25% or more.
  3. Catherine Wilkie from Canada writes: 'Roll the dice.' Like his mentor, Mulroney.
  4. D. MacKay from Atlantic, Canada writes:

    If Harper was to wait for Dion to make a decision to call for an election , we would be waiting until the year 2020.

    And they called Paul Martin 'a ditherer'.

    I'm curious.

    How did Dion vote on fixed elections?
  5. rick from river city from Canada writes: Dion... not worth the risk..... kinda catchy.
  6. The Wight from Canada writes: It's smart and dumb at the same time. Would YOU wait until Julie Couilliard's book comes out and/or the in-and-out scandal hits court for an election? It's the most ethical thing to do, but if your goal is to actually win said election, it would kill those chances instantly.

    So, he chose to break his own rule on 4 year elections to better suit his party. Calculated risk that the fallout from the above two will be larger and more damaging than calling the early election. Of course, he pitched it as a non-functional government, which we all know is BS, but that's part of the PR. Pin the early election on the Libs so that you don't have to admit to breaking your own rule.
  7. Catherine Wilkie from Canada writes: Love the reminder 'Conservatives Stand Up for Fixed Election Legislation'
    Priceless.
  8. Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: I prefer this as I am opposed to 'fixed' election dates. The current situation in Parliament is stale and this country could use an injection of new players in the Commons.

    This injection of new players is unlikely to happen, given the voting tendencies. There are 300 ridings across the county and maybe 30 of them are actually swing ridings. The rest put up a pig with the proper colour ribbon around the neck and it will get returned to wallow in the mudhole called Parliament.
  9. Bobby Dy from Canada writes: It is interesting that Harper wants to make this election about fiscal prudence but keeps announcing previously unfunded programs. The most significant of these is the massive commitment to military equipment (amidst a slow attrition of the operating budget for the DoD once corrected for inflation).
  10. Ed Long from Canada writes: CTV Vancouver Evening News ... Obama, McCain/Palin 24 minutes in for approx. 3 to 4 minutes: Harper and possible election followed for max. 30 seconds.

    CBC Vancouver Evening News ... Obama, McCain/Palin 28 minute in for approx 4 to 5 minutes with an interview of a local young person working on the Obama campaign because he believes it will change politics and no he has no such feelings about a Canadian election campaign: followed by Harper staged speech from which this article's picture was taken, no people, two RCMP and cameras in an Arctic town square contrasted with 80,000 plus at Obama last night.

    Bottom line .... PM Harper cannot even capture one minute on major network evening news.

    Smart, Steve, smart move .....

    Good luck in your next job.
  11. Catherine Wilkie from Canada writes: Interesting how many times these Conservative rascals mention taking the partisanship out of election timing.
    Retract. Backtrack. Scramble. Harper broken another promise!
  12. bob gervitz from United States writes: So now we know that this has nothing to do with dysfunctional government, and everything to do with avoiding the embarrassment of by-elections, exposure in the courts to the in&out racket, avoiding further embarrassments in the Couillard book, disregard of their own election timing legislation, wasting more taxpayers money, striking before the economy weakens and reveals Flaherty and friends to be completely inept, etc., etc.

    Just as the thoughtful elector suspected. Of course Reform idealogues will try to convince us otherwise. My goodness I wish there was a real 'Conservative' party that would warrant my vote or at least serious consideration. As it is I can't vote for anyone other than the Liberals, because if I and others don't vote Liberal, this Reform bunch will perhaps get a majority (a Reform or Liberal minority is fine by me; it keeps them both in check). And if you think they've been a mean-spirited, ideological, inept, disrespectful, religious right, conniving bunch so far(remember the how to disrupt parliament bible), just wait til they have a majority and are totally off the leash.

    Nope for me the only way to moderate Reforms behaviour is to show them that the Reform agenda is unacceptable, and that what the taxpayer wants is a true Conservative Party alternative to the Liberals. Harper and his disciples sure ain't it folks!
  13. Norman Ouston from Armstrong BC, Canada writes: Dion was waiting to catch the Conservatives off guard then bring down the government anyhow. Looks like Dion got caught in his own plot that backfired.
    Way to go Conservatives. That is exactly what the people of Canada want, (outside of a small group in Ontario that is.) It'll be an extremely interesting month coming up. Adios Amigos in Liberal land.
    Noim da Woim
  14. D. MacKay from Atlantic, Canada writes:

    Catherine Wilkie:

    How did Dion vote on fixed term elections?
  15. rick from river city from Canada writes: An election will given Dion the chance to explain the Green Shaft to Canadians instead of just to the converted of the LPT BBQ crowd. Liberal MP's, those that there are, have a lot of 'splaining to do'.
  16. June from Western Canada from Canada writes: Where is Dion?....we'll never see him out west again. Not enough time in short election period. Hope Elections Canada has the booklets ready for Financial Agents...which one are they using this election? At least they won't have time for stupid, useless, committee meetings and the Liberals/NDP can't use the in and out scheme either.
  17. rick from river city from Canada writes: June from Western Canada from Canada writes: Where is Dion?....we'll never see him out west again.

    Not much sense since all he did last time was lie to Albertan's faces ... no carbon tax.
  18. siren call from Canada writes: “Harper cares about Senate reform and Senate reform is the one issue where this Parliament hasn't made any progress on the government's agenda.”
    ...................................

    Mr. Harper would be better off to respect Canadians and outline his entire plan for senate reform. Then we could decide.

    As it is, the reform is held up in the senate AT THE REQUEST OF THE PROVINCES. The senate represents the provinces, not the electorate as individuals.
  19. Cassandra from Ottawa from Canada writes: Harper complaining about dysfunctional government when the conservatives used an acutal manual on how to disrupt and stall parliamentary committees? When he and his ministers such as Baird and Polivoire are the most relentlessly partisan and disrespectful in recent memory? No,the problem is that Harper's govenment was out of ideas, at least none they want the Canadian public to know about. Most importantly, the chickens are coming home to roost, and he wants to call an election before they do. Among other things, cuts to the GST mean that deficits will be back very soon, big time, the economy is weaker than it has been for 15 years; the slashing of regulations and inspectors in the meat packing business may well mean an inquiry in which the same lot who brought the disaster of Walkerton are deemed to be responsible for the Maple Leaf Meat packing disaster. Then there is a cluster of scandals and too clever by half schemes that will be back in the news after the summer break. There are no doubt things Harper would like to do and his hard core right wing supporters expect him to do, but there is no way he will tell the Canadian voters about those plans. He will instead cynically lament a dysfunctional parliament and take shots at Dion as a wimp in contrast to himself, the strong man. And then surprise the electorate and pay off his hardcore base when he feels he has his 'new mandate'
  20. siren call from Canada writes: rick from river city from Canada writes:
    Not much sense since all he did last time was lie to Albertan's faces ... no carbon tax.
    ..................................

    Nonsense.

    Dion was out west a few months ago, meeting with constituents and discussing his Green Shift idea. The fact that you missed the Calgary event is not evidence it didn't happen.

    And every leader from every party, every year, attends the Stampede.
  21. F E from ottawa, Canada writes: Harper should be fed up with the house of commons , it was he who set precedence on the house's behavoir when he was official opposition.

    You don't have my vote Mr Harper, as a former conservative myself I will never vote for the party as long as you are leader. That is a promise.
  22. D JL from Canada writes: So Mr. Harper wants an election. But he hasn't been defeated on any confidence bill. But he seems to find himself in an 'ungovernable' situation. What situation would that be? Have they no ideas left? Have they screwed things up?

    Call Parliament back and introduce a law/act that you don't think will pass. Then we'' judge you on that.

    It seems hypocritical to pass and enact a law with a fixed election date and then turn around and call an election without being defeated???

    But they are conservatives .
  23. Jack Simpson from Williams Lake BC, Canada writes: Interesting how many times 'Catherine Wilkie from Canada ' posts the Liberal Party 'line'.
    Looking at it objectively, is it really smart of Harper to wait for Dion to bring down the government, or does he go with his own timing? No brainer.
  24. BeerBelly Buddah from Wpg, Canada writes: It should surprise nobody that Harper & co. wish to make 'leadership' the issue.

    It's a lot easier than actually carving out and articulating a vision/platform that we Canadians can digest!
  25. Sanjay Singh from Waterloo, Canada writes:
    Same usual moonbats here... Wilkie, Dy, McPherson, etc.

    When the writ is dropped, I plan to vote with my dollars as well. I defy any of you to follow suit, instead of bleating like goats on boards like this. Contribute some money to the campaigns if you care so much about those damn Liberals.

    Its amazing how short people's memories are, at least the ones here.

    I am hopeful that the Liberals will be in the dog house for a while yet, where they belong. 'Move over, Rover.'

    I don't agree with everything Harper does, but he is not a stupid man, and he knows that he has to be as ruthless with strategy as the Liberals were under Chretien.

    Does anyone remember how only a few months after Stockwell Day was elected, Chetien called an election? He basically saw what disarray there was and knew that was the time to pounce. Well I remember it still, and fair is fair, folks.

    I hope Harper uses every last scrap of strategy to pummel every Liberal MP north of the 49th. The Liberals deserve nothing less than the very best drubbing that can be given to them for all the completely stupid things they have done.

    Joe Volpe and his getting contributions to his campaign from kids to get around the campaign spending limits was a classic. Thats a dyed in the wool Liberal for you. Do you REALLY want more of THAT back in government??
  26. B R from Canada writes: How can Harper and his Cabinet be afraid of a man (dion) they label as weak and not a leader ????
  27. B R from Canada writes: The Green Shift Plan is nearly complete but probably subject to necessary adjustments. The new taxes are to the polluters, the tax cuts are for the taxpayers.

    Why does Harper or any CON Cabinet member not pick up the telephone and call Dion to ask for clarification ? Is this too simplistic ? Is it more productive to knock the Green Shift Plan instead of finding answers to questions you may have if you do not understand it ?

    I do not hear Liberals talk about MPs questioning Dion's plan ? I only hear Quebec newspapers and Conservative spokesman about MPs questioning the Green Shift Plan.
  28. Marvin Fabulous from Victoria, Canada writes: Wow, if it didn't say otherwise in the byline, I'd almost swear this fluff piece was written by Mr. Flanagan. Nice little touch with the photo of Harper in the CF18. Does this qualify as a 10% pamphlet?
  29. B R from Canada writes: I think I understand why Harper wants an election now:
    The ethics committee enquiry about the 'in and Out' Money Laundering scam is really hurting and will be squashed if and when an election is called.

    The Conservatives are hiding from the truth.
  30. Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: Sanjoy from Waterloo - Should the Conservatives pummel every Liberal above the 49th - you will likely see another minority government.

    Toronto and Montreal being situated below the 49th - along with the Atlantic provinces.

    I understand your sentiment, just work on your geography.
  31. Geoff Virgo from Vancouver, BC, Canada writes: D. MacKay from Atlantic, Canada writes:'

    Catherine Wilkie:

    How did Dion vote on fixed term elections?'

    That's hardly relevant. The spirit of that legislation was to prevent the PM, regardless of whether they enjoy a majority or minority gov't, from calling snap elections to profit from political circumstances. That's it, period. It was never intended to remove the opposition's ability to defeat a minority gov't via confidence motions, that would have required a constitutional ammendment. Yet what does that Harper do? Breaks his own legislation at the first moment that it looks politically advantageous to do so....... exactly what he touted it would prevent. Want to talk to us again about bringing accountability and ethics back to Ottawa? Ya, I thought so.

    It boggles the mind that anyone with more than 2 brain cells would ever call themselves a Conservative supporter considering the current state of that that party. Harper, Flaherty, Emerson, Baird.... how exactly does the Conservative Party expect Canadians to trust them with the running of our country when the best they have to offer is sleazy untrustworthy two-faced scum like that? It's pretty sad when the shining star performer of that party is the man the country wanted to rename to Doris.
  32. William In Ajax from Canada writes: So Dion thinks he can win this election by re-funding the arts..
    This is how Dion and the Liberals have funded the arts in the past.

    Culture.ca has died.
    Culture.ca was a collection of over 20,000 LINKS to 'cultural' sites.
    Their funding 'partners' included:

    Canadian Heritage
    Library Archive
    CBC Radio
    National Art's Centre
    Virtual Museum
    Historica

    Tax-funded Arts groups funding other tax-funded Arts groups funding other tax-funded Arts...etc, etc.

    See the pattern...?

    In mafia circles this would be considered money laundering.

    In Liberal circles this is whats known as BROWN BAGGIN it.!

    Carry On...
  33. William In Ajax from Canada writes: Yes lets have that election, I can't wait to get out on the hustings telling Canadians all about Dions NEW GST(green shift tax).

    How Liberals have been planning for years to buy Carbon Credits from China(to help prop up their military) in the name of helping the poor..er..sorry save the planet..er sorry again..to make certain Liberals rich.

    Notice how there are no GhG reduction numbers in Dions NEW GST(green shift tax), Notice how Liberals have never even tried to lower GhG emissions...

    Why..? Its all about buying Carbon Credits..Thats why..!

    Carry On...
  34. Geoff Virgo from Vancouver, BC, Canada writes: Sanjay Singh from Waterloo, Canada writes: 'Joe Volpe and his getting contributions to his campaign from kids to get around the campaign spending limits was a classic. Thats a dyed in the wool Liberal for you. Do you REALLY want more of THAT back in government??'

    Do you really sure you want to have at it election financing ethics? What's more unethical? Joe Volpe getting $10,000 in donations from kids to get around the limits or Harper orchestrating a $1.1 million dollar in-and-out scheme to do the same and then trying to DEFRAUD the Canadian taxpayer for 66% of that money by claiming it as tax credits from Elections Canada? Volpe was completely in the wrong, no arguing that at all. However what he did pales in comparison to what the Cons did, coincidentally as they were all the while going on about returning accountability and ethics to Ottawa.
  35. B R from Canada writes: William In Ajax from Canada writes: So Dion thinks he can win this election by re-funding the arts..
    This is how Dion and the Liberals have funded the arts in the past.

    ======================================================
    Why are Conservative simpletons constantly raking up the past ? Is the past going to help Canada in the Future ?
  36. Doubting Thomas from Canada writes: Harper met with some of his most powerful ministers? Who, pray tell, might that be? I thought all the ministerial positions were filled by Wonder Boy himself.
  37. D. MacKay from Atlantic, Canada writes:

    Geoff Virgo:

    Relevant?

    In the past 2 years , Dion has accomplished nothing but sit on his hands and cry for an election every other month. Jack Layton [ can't believe I'm saying this] is more principled.

    When his bluff is called , Dion is unprepared. Political Science professor ? So much for higher learning.

    Dion , Stronach , Brison , Turner ..... two -faced ?

    I believe Liberals want this more than anyone else.

    The only way they can rise from the ashes.
  38. Misery No one from Angus, Canada writes: Uneasy is the head that wears the crown.
  39. warron yu from Canada writes:

    So nobody pointed this out yet.

    This is a good way to bankrupt the Liberals. While Dion is struggling to sell his carbon tax, some of his own MPs want changes to the breathing tax plan.

    Meanwhile Harpers Conservatives can spend and spend untill the writ is officially dropped and the cap on campaign promotions is in effect.

    Quite brillant timing. The reason Harper is breaking his own rule on fixed election is because he CAN. How could he not?

    Any politician knows that campaigning with a new federal tax is suicidal.

    If you ask me Dion is doomed and thats how the Bilderberg group wants it.
  40. Spending our money from Canada writes: In the past year and a half,Duceppe wanted an election,Layton wanted an election.
    Dion wanted an election,didn't want an election,wanted an election,didn't want an election,wanted an election,didn't want an election,wanted an election,didn't want an election,wanted an election,didn't want an election,wanted an election,didn't want an election,wanted an election,didn't want an election,wanted an election,didn't want an election,wanted an election,didn't want an election,wanted an election,didn't want an election,wanted an election,didn't want an election,wanted an election,didn't want an election.
    Now Harper wants an election and Dion doesn't.If only Harper had caught him at the right moment everybody would have been in sync.
    With Mr.Dion,sometimes you just can't get it done.
  41. B R from Canada writes: D. MacKay from Atlantic, Canada writes:

    Geoff Virgo:

    Relevant?

    In the past 2 years , Dion has accomplished nothing but sit on his hands and cry for an election every other month. Jack Layton [ can't believe I'm saying this] is more principled.

    When his bluff is called , Dion is unprepared. Political Science professor ? So much for higher learning.

    ======================================================
    I can understand your ignorance. Dion has been ready for an election since earlier this year and since he announced his Green Shift Plan. He has said over and over again that he and nobody but he will determine when it is time for an election.

    And then we got CADMAN, BERNIER/Couillard, 'in and Out' money laundering and Harper wants to sweep these under the carpet, whilst Dion, Duceppe and who knows Layton, do not wish to sweep these and other scandals under the carpet.

    But don't think for a minute that the Liberal Party will let the public forget the scandals. They cannot be swept under the carpet.
  42. Doubting Thomas from Canada writes: Misery No one from Angus, Canada writes: Uneasy is the head that wears the crown.
    _______________________________

    Sleazy is the head that wears the current tiara.
  43. Bernie Mettbach from Canada writes: Perhaps Mr. Harper has learned that his previous Reform Party CRAP wasn’t as well conceived as the grass roots had thought. Furthermore, Flanagan may have missed the part where Harper learned about the folly of Senate Reform. Harper might be learning more valuable lessons than the misguided Flanagan has to offer. On the other hand, some might insist that Harper is simply a capricious opportunist with little substance. Harper and his Secretary of Defense have failed to do their utmost to ensure that our troops aren’t slaughtered on the roadways. Dion spent more time accusing our best of torture than he spends demanding our troops are properly equipped to prevent such needles casualties. The problem is Harper is walking around prodding a pathetic excuse for a Liberal leader. Everyone knows that Harper ran out of ideas long ago. That’s why he is regressing back to his Reform roots confirming that Reform Party mentality is still alive and well in the Harper tool chest. Things certainly are worse today than they were before the Reform party took over Canada. It will be a great day when a real Liberal leader takes over and rids Canada of this disastrous Harper government, which has virtually destroyed the economy in less than three years. Congrats Jimbo, you surpassed all expectations to blow the Paul Martin success and drive the economy into the dirt in no time flat. Up to now Harper hasn’t demonstrated any penchant for advancing Canada’s interests at home or abroad. The Conservatives haven’t really accomplished anything worthwhile. Cutting funding to the arts is classic Reform CRAP. Writing law that pertain to pregnant women shows where the roots are. The people of Quebec will awake from their nightmare screaming Harper told use we are a people caged within Canada and had the nerve to call it a nation within a nation. In conclusion, I can only say that it will be hard to imagine making the effort to get out and vote for any of them.
  44. B R from Canada writes: warron yu from Canada writes:

    Warren , the Liberal Party has all the money it needs to defeat the Conservatives.

    Another thing the Liberal Party has is INTEGRITY which the Conservative Party is sorely lacking.
  45. Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: warron yu - Dion was at a Bilderberg meeting in the late '90's.

    I share your concern that a consortium of cheap, badly run hotels are about to take over the world.
  46. warron yu from Canada writes: B R from Canada writes: warron yu from Canada writes:

    Warren , the Liberal Party has all the money it needs to defeat the Conservatives.

    Another thing the Liberal Party has is INTEGRITY which the Conservative Party is sorely lacking.
    Posted 30/08/08 at 12:26 AM EDT

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

    HARPER AND DION ARE BOTH BILDERBERG PUPPETS.
  47. Greg E. from Canada writes: So much for the much ballyhooed 'principles-based approach' to governing. In choosing to end Parliament before he takes heat for the economic downturn, Harper will break his own election law to trigger a vote when it suits him best. If anyone needed more evidence that this PM is a cynical, calculating, politican, here it is.
  48. warron yu from Canada writes:

    HARPER AND DION ARE BOTH BILDERBERG PUPPETS.
  49. Mike W from Calgary, Canada writes: The dysfunctional parliment that Harper talks about really is there. Sure that's not his true motives, but it is true. These guys all came together in the last session and agreed on one thing - war. The rest of the time its just a bunch of men, acting like children, with their partisan bickering.

    We need real leaders in this country and frankly on an ballot I wish there was a box that said 'None of the Above'. Harper, Layton, Dion...is this really the best we got?
  50. James Tod from Vancouver, Canada writes: It's very simple why he did this. When parliament is in session and everyone becomes aware of what Harper and his inept team are up to, his numbers dip.
  51. Tom Paine from A.B.C., Cape Verde writes: Just... wow.

    I don't think I have ever heard a more strategically deranged and ethically inappropriate analysis. It's clear the Cons feel a sense of desperation that is driving this lurch into an election. But their decisionmaking process seems to have all the hallmarks of 5 teenagers with a 12 pack.on the edge of a woods late on a Saturday night. And these people think they are a government!
  52. Spending our money from Canada writes: For every 'scandal' the Liberals will mention,the Conservatives will remind Canadians of two Liberal scandals from the past.
    For every conservative 'lie' the Liberals will mention the conservatives will mention four.
    For every 'inaction and waste' the Liberals will bring forth about the Conservatives,the Conservatives will bring forth ten about the Liberals.
    The Liberals burned the Conservatives badly with the fear mongering strategy in the past,the Conservatives have learned a lot since then,and it was all learned form the Liberals.
    The pupil has mastered the Professor and and the election game will show by how much.
    Let the Game begin.
  53. Last First from Canada writes: Sanjay Singh from Waterloo, what a pathetic/lame post.

    'When the writ is dropped, I plan to vote with my dollars as well. I defy any of you to follow suit, instead of bleating like goats on boards like this. Contribute some money to the campaigns if you care so much about those damn Liberals'

    Oh yes, we are very impressed and intimidated by you saying here in the forum that you will donate some dollars. LOL! I defy you back! LMAROTFL!
    I will donate 728 million dollars with fifty two cents how is that? who wins? LOL! do you even realize how lame your comment is challenging people here?

    'Joe Volpe and his getting contributions to his campaign from kids to get around the campaign spending limits was a classic. Thats a dyed in the wool Liberal for you. Do you REALLY want more of THAT back in government?'

    Oh yeah? and how about the 1.1 million dollars election fraud, In and Out? who has the short memory now you hypocrite?
  54. Doubting Thomas from Canada writes: Why would any independent thinker waste a vote on a mean-spirited, arrogant, ignorant, cold, vindictive, uncouth, boorish, divisive tinpot wanna-be dictator such as mr harper? Why, he is the bona fide and original Hollow Man.
  55. Tom Paine from A.B.C., Cape Verde writes: Norman Ouston from Armstrong BC, Canada writes: Dion was waiting to catch the Conservatives off guard then bring down the government anyhow. Looks like Dion got caught in his own plot that backfired.

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

    You Cons are going to do your repetitious talking-point best to spin this that way, but the truth is Dion's strategy produced an excellent result. Harper got so cheezed that he blundered. Breaking your own laws will not sit well with Canadians. The Harperites will enter the election with all the baggage they hoped to avoid. Because they were so blatantly trying to avoid it, people will rightly assume it's true.

    Bye Steve! Maybe Presto will find a space for you at the Institute of Manning.
  56. Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: Mike W - there is no box to vote for a party leader. You vote for the local guy that best represents you.

    In an ideal world, your local representitive would not be shacled by the party. Sadly, we don't live there; we vote for our local candidate based on what the character and charisma of the national leader has to offer.

    This is our collective problem - vote national or local.

    However we do vote, we are likely to return the same players doing the same things.
  57. warron yu from Canada writes:

    Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: warron yu - Dion was at a Bilderberg meeting in the late '90's.

    I share your concern that a consortium of cheap, badly run hotels are about to take over the world.
    Posted 30/08/08 at 12:26 AM EDT

    ------

    Haw Haw, funny stuff!

    HARPER AND DION ARE BOTH BILDERBERG PUPPETS.

    No matter who wins, Canada loses.
  58. Tom Paine from A.B.C., Cape Verde writes: Jack Simpson from Williams Lake BC, Canada writes: Interesting how many times 'Catherine Wilkie from Canada ' posts the Liberal Party 'line'.
    Looking at it objectively, is it really smart of Harper to wait for Dion to bring down the government, or does he go with his own timing? No brainer.

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

    Yeah, no brainer, in some sense anyway.
  59. B R from Canada writes: Spending our money from Canada

    Scandals have a shelflife. For instance ADSCAM is in remote storage. If you know where it is you're welcome digging it up by nobody will be interested.
  60. B R from Canada writes: Tom Paine from A.B.C., Cape Verde writes: Jack Simpson from Williams Lake BC, Canada writes: Interesting how many times 'Catherine Wilkie from Canada ' posts the Liberal Party 'line'.
    Looking at it objectively, is it really smart of Harper to wait for Dion to bring down the government, or does he go with his own timing? No brainer.

    ====================================================
    Jack, Maybe Catherine likes the Liberals more than the CONs

    The last thing Harper wants is a bloody nose on Sept 6th when there are supposed to be 3 by-elections Harper hasn't a hope of winning.

    No problem though, he hasn't got a hope of winning them on October 14th either.
  61. G Chan from Canada writes: >>>
    Under this PM's watch ...

    1. Disseminated manufacturing sector.
    2. Almost a 'technical' RECESSION which still could be with a revision.
    Likely a recession on the horizon.
    3. Oil fueled INFLATION.
    4. Scandals.
    5. Health issues in disarray.

    Lost marbles?

    TIME FOR A CHANGE

    <<<
  62. Loki Wils from Canada writes: If Stephen Harper denies those ridings a bi-election, he will be severely punished.

    More $$$, more hustings, more door-knocking for two months.

    As a member of the electorate, I will let him know that....
  63. iPhone from Canada writes: .
    I think Dion is his own person.

    You folks should watch Mr. Dion at Gath.ca his presentation makes sense. Who cares is Global Warming is CO2 driven or not... we win by reducing energy requirements... and if we are warming the planet, then maybe that will be dealt with but I doubt it.

    URL =
    www.garth.ca

    I would bet on Dion in a debate with Mr. Harper anyday. Dion is believeable as Mr. Harper is not.
    ~
  64. Bernie Mettbach from Canada writes: The exact date of the next election is something not even worth speculating about. Harper is itching for a chance to assail Dion mercilessly to the point where he himself suffers from an image problem. Harper will be seen as the antitheses of the Weak Dion; Harper is perceived as the super leader who rules with an iron fist. The contrast is between an academic fixated on green shifts and the authoritarian right wing extremist who would love to make this independent country into just another American state. The latest venture into the realm of big brother is intended to protect pregnant persons. The country survived up until now without such ridiculous nonsense. Harper has the anti-abortion mafia at his heels wanting to see some value for their money. That’s the problem with the Harper fear-mongering program. It just works politically. The hard on crime act might fool the gullible. Federal grants to the Province to provide sufficient court and enough prosecutors to process the large numbers of criminal cases would do more to keep career offenders incarcerated long enough to protect the public from them; for at least that time span. Harper is slick when it comes to instilling fear when reported crimes are down. Too many criminals take advantage of the back-logged courts. The system must function in a manner that could truly be referred to as swift justice. Otherwise, we all pay the price for what is completely avoidable. Instilling fear into people in an effort to persuade them to vote Conservative by pretending to help by setting penology back 200 years and by writing harsher laws that cannot penetrate the impassable limitations under which the present court systems is lugging. Only the infusion of large transfers to the provinces to boost their overburdened courts and penal systems will properly address the crime problems Canadians are concerned about. That’s the problem with the Harper fear-mongering program. It just works on dummies.
  65. June from Western Canada from Canada writes: BR....you are right...Canadians are so sick of scandals and accusations of everything that doesn't have anything to do with governing except destroy the ability to do so...and that is Canadian politics and why we will never have the politicians, the engaged populace, the national pride evidenced by our neighbors to the south...so held in disdain by the Liberals. Well, wait til Iggy gets back on the stage and brings his 30 years of Americanization with him. Any attempt. Hope some of you saw the CBC THE HOUR tonight.. interview with a man on climate change. Very refreshing approach. Governments shouldn't waste and spend enormous amounts of money on what they can't control....spend on what they can..like poverty, crime, health, AIDS, and the natural disasters that affect us. Prepare for change...
  66. Neil Tessler from White Rock, Canada writes: There is no legitimate reason for an election at present. The idea of government dysfunction is simply not true. So really why so urgently now?
    Look south: the conservative party will look so 20th. century against the back drop of an Obama presidency, and will likely get blown away.
  67. KT Ocean from Canada writes: So, just when the news comes out that Harper's lawyer is trying to delay his own libel suit so that we won't get to hear whether the tape is legitimate or not until after the election, then, lo and behold, Harper finally comes out with some explanation of why he has to have an election at this particular time. Shouldn't Harper's strategists have thought it would be better to release this explanation before people were already writing about how Harper was trying to have an election quickly before we could learn about the authenticity of the financial considerations tape?
  68. KT Ocean from Canada writes: Since Harper's lawyer is pushing to delay the testimony about the tape's authenticity, why don't we start a campaign: Harper must stop delaying his own libel suit if he wants an election. He can have an election now or he can delay his libel suit now, but he can't do both. Otherwise, it just seems like we are a banana republic with some authoritarian government that both tries to critically time elections and at the same time politically manipulate the courts. He started the libel suit, so he should follow through or stop the election.
  69. stephen mcintyre from Langley, BC, Canada writes: Conservatives stand for fixing elections (a little trick they picked up from the Bush family).
  70. Joseph Freeman from Vancouver, Canada writes: What? I'm confused. I thought there was some horrible crisis in parliament.

    You mean Harper the master strategist was just playing chess?

    Wow! You hardly ever see raw leadership like that anymore. If he spent even a fraction of his time actually thinking about the issues of the country rather than stomping his feet and carrying out vendettas, he might actually be able to accomplish something positive.

    Vote out this clown act.
  71. Trillian Rand from Canada writes: It is difficult to argue that Mr Harper is controlling the election date when he has spent the past year claiming that every piece of legislation is a confidence bill and having every piece pass in the House. In fact, that strategy having failed and the need to go to the polls being overbearing, Mr Harper has taken the only avenue open to him, defeating himself.

    As a piece of 'strategy' this is misguided. It shows a determination to gain an election rather than a considered action to attain his true goal: a majority government. Calling the election is definitely a gamble, one that might backfire. What we as electors must decide is if such gambling is a prime ministerial quality.
  72. muriel z from Canada writes: D. MacKay; If Harper waits for Dion to call an election etc:
    It's not for M Dion to call an election.

    I understood the Harper govt' legislation for a fixed election date, had decided it would be Oct 2009. To avoid the party in power from calling a snap election for political gain.

    Now Harper swimming in oil company donations, has decided to sidestep his own legislation because he's afraid the latest scandals will show us how incompetent his government is.

    Of course the election call is not his fault
    "the opposition made me do it"
    Or perhaps fear that the by-elections would expose his weakness.

    You will notice even before he actually calls the election he's running vote for me commercials, because he's a 'family man with young children' now if thats a reason to vote we really do have a problem. I thought it was to elect good government, and we certainly can't get that by re-electing the bunch of incompetents we have now.
  73. Vancouver Island Voice from Canada writes: i voted conservative last time around and it was actually the first for me. not again.
  74. Jimmy K from Toronto, Canada writes: It was only one year away. He could have, and should have, waited.

    All he had to do was survive another 4-5 months (easy), then Dion wouldn't have brought down the government with only half a year to go.

    Ah well, such is politics. To the polls, then.
  75. Charles Smith from United Kingdom writes: Wow, the next couple months are going to be very entertaining - both Canada and the US going to the polls. North America may never be the same again after 2008!
  76. William Robertson from Hamilton, Canada writes: Senate reform? Is this truly the burning item on Mr. Harper's agenda that would trigger an election? The sinecure of the Senate is a Canadian tradition. It's the one government institution that doesn't do any harm and the case to change it would likely incite fewer people than there are in the Conservative caucus. Talk about a snoozefest! If Mr. Harper does pull the plug, good for him, we still have a parliamentary government system and that style doesn't demand a fixed election date - notwithstanding the parliamentary "recommendation" to the contrary - which BTW Mr. Dion does not respect any more than M. Harper, otherwise he wouldn't talk about defeating the Government before October 2009. M. Dion could stop all of the election talk right now by standing up and saying that the Liberals will support / not defeat the Government until October 2009. If M. Harper does pull the plug, M. Dion can still save us from an election by advising the GG that the Liberals can and are willing to form a Government (which he could do with the help of Taliban Jack and the Separatist Party). If the GG in her wisdom decides we should have an election (a point which most people forget, it's her call, not the political leaders) then the Conservatives are right to make it about leadership. That will spotlight the fact that we're sadly lacking any at the present time and perhaps stir one of the parties that has a hope of governing to do something about it.
  77. Cognitively Cogitative from Urbia, Canada writes: Isn't it the leADER OF THE OPPOSITION'S JOB in a minority TO muse about bringing down the gov't? Thats the way it is in a parliamentary system. Thats what keeps the gov't in check no?
  78. john doe from Canada writes: this is purely motivated by $$$ harpers conservatives are flush with money while the liberals are broke and an election will only worsen the LPC.

    An election now has would strategically be very smart but politically may be a big mistake. All dion seemingly needs to do is promise a few carbon tax dollars to find there way into the manufacturing sector out east and it will seal the deal. The west could be blue from victoria to winepeg but that won't stop the liberals from treating western canada like an ATM to bye votes out east.

    Also rather then call an election harper should just keep bulling the weak liberals and dare them to make them fall the government, making the LPC blink first will not only allow harper to keep his fixed election promise but also put the LPC in a bigger hole. Especially if he starts putting motions through the house that are opposite to what the liberals will put in there campaign because if any of them were past harper could point to the voting record of the party during a campaign because after all not voting against a motion basically means that dion and the liberals would support conservative motion and that may in the long term hurt there chances.

    Anybody going to vote for the LPC should consider the green party to move away from older parties and old party politics unfortunately the conservatives don't have a fresh alternative so for all you right wingers you are kinda stuck with the same old but then again you probably like it like that anyways.
  79. prospector from blackfly country from Canada writes: Finally a real election.

    Bring it on, and let the chips fall where they may.
  80. Don Adams, The Conservative Centrist from Canada writes: LIEbbies across the country really have their nuts in the grinder now. No way they want an election...just wanted to keep mouthing so people thought they were actually doing something. Now, they have no choice..got to go...and not enough money.

    Yesterday I asked the partisan LIEbbies posting here how much they've donated to their party...or how much they were going to donate..... suddenly, most of the LIEbbies quit posting! And the ones that did....refused to answer!

    Why? Probably because they realize there's no sense donating money to a lost cause! :-)
  81. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    B R from Canada writes: I do not hear Liberals talk about MPs questioning Dion's plan ? I only hear Quebec newspapers and Conservative spokesman about MPs questioning the Green Shift Plan
    ------------
    Really? Go google Wayne Easter, Robert Thibault, Hedy Frey, Ken Boshcoff to name a few. Along with that, the Ignatieff and Rae, and Findlay, and Dryden, and Brison Silence is DEAFENING.

    While Dion is on record that there will be no changes, these other are either promoting conflicting views, or have gone public that changes are needed.especially Thibault and Easter who come from the Maritimes and are getting blasted.

    Boshkoff calls it a raid on the oilpatch and a shift of money to central Canada to solve poverty.

    Quote: "The 'shift' will transfer wealth from rich to poor, from the oil patch to the rest of the country"...." The "shift marked the most aggressive anti-poverty program in 40 years."

    So what is it? Status quo? (whatever that is?) Changes? What exactly? Carbon Tax Poverty plan? What?

    This is no environment plan.
    .
  82. muriel z from Canada writes: If the prime minister prefers to control the timing, rather that allow the opposition to decide, but admits that we will we will probably get another minority government, whats the point?

    We will waste a great deal of money, to get back to the same place.

    I think it's more likely that as professor Flanagan says he is intent on destroying the liberals, which is not a very noble ambition. It might just work against him, most people don't like bullies, certainly not to have them govern our country.

    If he wants a majority government he needs first to increase his popularity, which is hard given his ability and personality, and, also get some more efficient people in his cabinet instead of the idiots he has in charge now.
  83. Kilgore Trout from So it goes, Canada writes: This is really funny, in a sad, sad way. Harper upset at the behaviour in the house, when he's largely to blame for unleashing Baird, van Loan, etc. and their barrage of derogatory remarks...

    But I guess anything to try and distract from the fact he, while perhaps not breaking the letter of his new law, is definitely breaking the intent for his new law. But what else do you expect from a politician, honesty, integrity, accountability? None to be seen here, none at all. A sad but true commentary on the state of Canadian politics indeed when Harper is seen as the best "leader".
  84. Kilgore Trout from So it goes, Canada writes: To William Robertson: An interesting and enlightening comment, thanks. Pity we see,as usual, a lot of trash blogs from the hard core partisans, but as that seems to be what passes for discourse amongst our politicians these days, and I guess, "monkey see, monkey do" still is rampant on these blogs.
  85. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes: B R from Canada writes: Spending our money from Canada
    Scandals have a shelflife. For instance ADSCAM is in remote storage. If you know where it is you're welcome digging it up by nobody will be interested.
    ----------
    Oh really? Perhaps you are unaware that this Septmeber, 14 ADSCAM civil trials start where the government is attempting to recover another
    $49,000,000 allegedly stolen by Liberal related ad firms and individuals in this monumentous kick back scheme as Judge Gomery described it. It's all on the Public Works site of Govt. of Canada.

    The RCMP has FAR from closed the books and the investigation is ONGOING! Appears thay want to nail the real criminals and not only the patsies that " took one" for the Party.

    And I personally cannot wait for the RCMP to make public what they found in the van full of documents and hard drives of Jacques Corriveau's computers seized 13 months ago. You may wish to inform yourself who this guy is, and who were his connections in the govt. between 1993 nand 2003.

    The shelf live has far from expired.
    .
  86. forty sum from Canada writes: Doesn't matter how Dion voted on fixed elections, his job is to keep Harper's feet to the fire, Harper's job is to show he can get the job done without going back on his word. Harper has gone back on his word at every turn of the screw. Harper is only interested in his, thoil companies and his parties butt, he could care less about the real taxpayers that pay his wages.
  87. muriel z from Canada writes: Read "The Conservatives Stand Up For Fixed Elections" in todays Globe, complete with pictures, its hilarious. Poor Harper he should have muzzled these party members, Its sad when your words come back to bite you. I especially liked Peter Van Loan's contribution.

    I notice in a lot of the posts, the conservative supporters seem to think the G & M's articles are slanted against Mr Harper, however they also note that last time they were 'for' Harper......Strange, perhaps they are telling it like it is NOW..
  88. Dan Shortt from Toronto, Canada writes: Joseph Freeman from Vancouver, Canada writes: "Vote out this clown act."

    And elect an even bigger buffoon named Stephane Dion?
  89. Neil Rankin from Toronto, writes: If I was the PM, I would set the election date at least 2 months from now. Mr Dion is his own worst enemy. The more time he has to talk the better the chances the conservatives will have of forming a majority government.
  90. albert latreille from Canada writes: LOL, You know you libs,especially in the Toronto area are Canada,s new comic relief eh!...We all come here to read the typical hysteria of scared jackals,and slanderous fools.Its so funny i never miss coming here every morning to see the fear in the Lib supporters and their reaction to good Conservative Government over corruption.Whats amazing is the fact that most Toronto City voters prefer CORRUPTION AND LIES over honesty.C,mon now,tell us the truth,this is just the comic section eh!Or are you all on drugs??Get into the real world you libs,corrupt libs bad,,lying libs bad,,slander bad,,tax increases bad,,stealing bad,,brown envelopes bad,,these are but a few of the things the MSM and Libs say are good...Dont believe them..C,mon you can do it TORONTO,you can smarten up and become like the rest of Canada .Just move out of the city for a few days to clear your GD heads of Liberal MSM BS fear mongering and see what other Canadians are talking about.You may never move back.
  91. Orest Zarowsky from Toronto, Canada writes: Harper a yellow line painted on his spine.