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Grounded?

JANE TABER

Globe and Mail Update

Latest comment posted at 11:25 AM EST 07/09/08

As the campaign lifts off, Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion may be stuck waiting for his plane ...Read the full article

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  1. Jake Skiffington from Ottawa, Canada writes: What I've always wondered is, since the Cons lie, cheat like no other government in Canadian history and potentially even stole the last election with the in and out scheme, why hasn't it ever dawned on any journalist to look into their current financial situation?

    Surely there's a good chance all that loot was acquired in a less than legal manner...
  2. NikolaTesla -the genius who lit the world from Calgary, Canada writes: Wow the CTV is out in full force attacking Dion. Fife is on a mission and Canadians should be scared that one of our National Media Outlets is so blatant about their bias.

    Really Taber, i think your stretching here, be a journalist not a partisan.
  3. Marty York from Canada writes: You mean like Canada's national network that has been so liberal friendly all these years Nikola?
  4. Jake Skiffington from Ottawa, Canada writes: The beluga headed freak is probably staying up nights dreaming of DUI records being expunged and senate seats being handed out.
  5. NikolaTesla -the genius who lit the world from Calgary, Canada writes: Marty -
    I don't watch the CBC much, but from my experience they don't even compare to what CTV is trying to pull off.

    What i want from our media is not to parroting political parties talking points but to hold our politicians accountable.

    Why won't the media talk about where Harper will take this country.
    Why won't the media talk about Harper using the same campaign as Bush - i.e 'Leadership'
    Why won't the median ask Harper for EVIDENCE that parliament is dysfunctional.
    Why is Harper getting a free ride?
    Why will the Media not talk about Harper's Cap and Trade Plan?

    Is Harper trying to steal an election as well?
  6. bill johnson from Quebec, Canada writes: Jane left out a few facts. The Liberal plane is much less fuel efficient than the CPC and NDP planes. It will burn much more fuel per hour and release much more CO2.

    Not to worry, however, as some Chretien Liberals have pledged to offset emissions with some marijuana plants.
  7. Mike B from Canada writes: Clearly the optics are not good for Dion on Day One. He plans to travel the country on a gas guzzling 30 year old plane and claims to have bought carbon credits to offset it. The Green Shift just got put in neutral.
  8. C. W. James Butler from St. John's, Canada writes: Canada is turning into a failed state. Under Harper is is becoming just like any other southenr American state - Mississippi or maybe Alabama. We were hoodwinked into joining this bunch of loser. I think we need to cut our losses and get out of here.

    The Republic of Newfoundland sounds good to me.
  9. Derek Blood from Canada writes: Are the Liberals so poor that they cannot afford to rent a good plane? Or is this about poor planning?
  10. G Chan from Canada writes: >>>

    On the thread Hot & Not,
    one poster had his to say ...

    'I think this has more to do with AirCanada than anything else.
    They managed to find A319's for both the NDP and the Tories,
    but told the Liberals they had too many bookings.

    Me thinks someone at AC is sending the message
    that they don't want a carbon tax imposed on jet-fuel.'

    <<<
  11. ah sails from Canada writes: It's OK, I've reconciled Harpo's majority...let the Cons ruin the country for the next 4 years, then we can enjoy 50 years of sanity while the Reform Cons are all sent to prison
  12. big picture from BC from Canada writes: The Liberals' explanation that they're using a bus 'to reduce their environmental footprint' makes perfect sense for a party that's serious about addressing Canadians' environmental concerns. I have 'green' friends who travel by bus or train rather than air for the same reason. Doing things the same-old, same-old way just isn't good enough anymore. That goes for reporters, too: get with the shift into thinking green!
  13. Sean Kelly from Guelph, Canada writes: 'The Tories, however, are awash in cash. This is evident from the pre-campaign ads they have been running, showing the Prime Minister as a warm and measured man, over the past week.' ... 'over the past week'?? If I had to judge from the TV and radio ads (not to mention the multitude of flyers from Conservative MPs whose ridings are actually on the other side of the country), I'd say they've been running these so-called pre-campaign ads for nearly the past couple of years now. Thank you, Mr. Harper, for reducing the Canadian government to a 24/7 campaign machine.
  14. James Tod from Vancouver, Canada writes: LOL, I didn't think my other comment would last.

    I'll just say this.
    Like Harper said, it's going to be an ugly campaign.
  15. Scare Crow from Canada writes: The liberals are offsetting this gas guzzler flying coffin by buying carbon credits. This is no different by saying I can pollute as long as I can pay for it. Which is so very contrary to the mantra of reducing ones carbon footprint. It is also very ironic to be flying out to a campaign espousing the green shift when you are not efficient yourself.
    The bottom line it reflects a not so organized libs.
  16. ronin x from oz, Canada writes:

    Planes, schmanes - who cares?

    In other news, who wants to buy the Harper Sex tape I just found? (have to warn you, though, there's only one person in it...)
  17. Ron Shaw from Toronto, Canada writes: ---ronin x from oz: THAT is funny!

    Use of a 30 year old gas guzzler is complete lunacy for a party that trumpets 'green'.
  18. Ron Shaw from Toronto, Canada writes: I just went to Air Inuit's website. Their fleet does not include any 737s...nor any jets for that matter. Strange, huh?
  19. Clem Brown from Metcalfe, On., Canada writes:
    The Libs bought carbon credits, who from, Al Gore? Could it be possible that whoever they bought the credits from will be kicking back the same in cash to fund the Libs' campaign in Quebec, a la 'Ad-Scam'. Nothing like cash for the old boys' club. Maybe Gagliano's Fed financed winery has carbon credits for sale. I couldn't imagine any 'kick-back' possibilities there. I'm sure it's all above board. The best the Libs could find, at the last minute, was a thirty year old, fuel guzzling, carbon spewing, ex cargo plane. What a plan! I can't wait to see the 'Green Shaft' painted on the fuselage.
    Lead on McDion!
  20. Misery No one from Angus, Canada writes: Not to long a ago McCain was riding buses and hitching rides.
  21. wayne ouellette from Canada writes: Just when you thought a party could not be less competent, they rent a guzzler from the Inuit. I understand dion has arranged for a fleet of SUV's for the ground troops. Apparently dalton mcguinty has a number available for a good price.
  22. CM Chen from Toronto, Canada writes: Mr. Dion must have bought the carbon credit from Ms. May, who is compaigning in her horse & buggy....

    Wait, the horse emits CO2 and drops Methane, so she will need to buy credits from the extinct Rhino Party.
  23. Michael Crowell from Halifax, Canada writes: bill johnson from Quebec, Canada writes: Jane left out a few facts. The Liberal plane is much less fuel efficient than the CPC and NDP planes. It will burn much more fuel per hour and release much more CO2. Bill great point. Good post!
  24. Al Bore from Ottawa, Canada writes:

    This is a party that has given up on themselves.

    The Liberals feel defeated.

    Can you imagine the Liberals running a country??

    Or should I say ruining.
  25. larry price from arnstein, Canada writes: 'Awash in cash!' Where does it come from? It's just loose change from the American oil companies.
  26. Al Bore from Ottawa, Canada writes:

    One of many Liberal blunders to come.

    Dion=Comedic Gold
  27. David F from Richmond Hill, Canada writes: Martin's plane ran out of gas, Dion's plane may not ever take off. Nothing changes.
  28. Harvey Mushman from cambridge, Canada writes: Leasing an old fuel guzzling plane proves that the Liberals are really no different from the average Canadian. When you're scrambling to make ends meet, your finances trump environmentalism ever time.

    Nice spin they're trying about the bus...I doubt it will fly.

    One last thing. All major media outlets will plant reporters with each campaign. Pity the poor souls who ride in economy with the Liberals while the Conservatives and NDP wine and dine their media reps in fine style. Right or wrong...that's got to affect their mood and tone of reporting.

    Looks like Liberal posters here have already resigned themselves to Dion's impending defeat. Another 'stolen election' coming up eh?
  29. David F from Richmond Hill, Canada writes: If the Liberals actually raised money from large numbers of middle class people and weren't so dependent on big business, they wouldn't be in this mess. Dion will lose, business knows it, so they don't donate. Now do you Liberal partisans understand why Dion is reduced to a substandard plane? You should be online sending money to Dion now.
  30. Dr Riff from Canada writes: David F from Richmond Hill, Canada writes: If the Liberals actually raised money from large numbers of middle class people and weren't so dependent on big business, they wouldn't be in this mess. Dion will lose, business knows it, so they don't donate. Now do you Liberal partisans understand why Dion is reduced to a substandard plane? You should be online sending money to Dion now.
    ================================================

    nobody in their right mind will send dion money willingly
  31. M K from Ottawa, Canada writes: Where did the Conservatives get their money? From me and hundreds of thousands of other party members whom donate a few hundred bucks a year, every year. The Liberal Party historically depended on big business for six-figure donations while the Conservatives depended on many small donations from their members. Chretien changed the political funding laws several years back and severely limited the maximum amount any person or corporation can donate. That left the Liberals without their major donors. So, Libs, you can thank Chretien and your tightwad membership for your money probelms. It shows that Liberals like to talk a lot but are too cheap to donate their own money to their cause - and do things like AdScam instead.
  32. Len West from Toronto, Canada writes: It would be satisfying to see Harper gain a majority. The Liberals will dump Dion rightly and Layton, the naysayer, hopefully will look for another vocation. NDP is out to lunch acting like Robin Hood, take from those who have and give it to others. Conservatives look to create an environment to grow wealth for the country and not simply redistribute what's already there.
    We will all be much better off with a Conservative government than with the corrupt ad scandal type Liberals or the negative attitude socialists of Layton and Chow.
    Let's go Canada!!
  33. G Chan from Canada writes: >>>

    * "GROUNDED" *

    Lot more than planes will be grounded
    with Harper induced deficit and recession.
    Deficit and Recession are failing grades in Economics 101.
    Four more years of Harper will translate into extended recession?
    Extended recession is called what?
    Make certain you have enough $cushion$ to soften the fall.

    <<<
  34. Lane Myers from Canada writes: Air Inuit's web site lists the following aircraft in their fleet.

    Twin Otters 7
    Avro 748's 4
    Dash 8's 6
    Kingair 3

    No mention anywhere on their website about a Boeing 737. Could explain the delay in the delivery of the aircraft the Liberals need for the election.
  35. CM Chen from Toronto, Canada writes: Lane Myers from Canada writes: Air Inuit's web site lists the following aircraft in their fleet.....No mention anywhere on their website about a Boeing 737. Could explain the delay in the delivery of the aircraft the Liberals need for the election.

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

    That may be one of those planes they mothballed and sitting in the dry fields of Arizona.
  36. Proud Canadian from Canada writes: We keep reading that the highest income earners generally vote for the Liberals while the simple uneducated country folk vote for the Conservatives.

    The hard facts indicate that the Conservatives have money because their supporters back up talk with cash. No party can be financed by special interest groups due to donation regulations brought in by the Conservatives.

    This is true democracy at work. One vote, one small donation.

    An equal "paying" field.
  37. Cur Mudgeon from Bahamas writes:
    You moronic Conservative hacks are taking flight like a swarm of termites blown about by the wind, direction unknown. Your lack of intelligence is a given and your humour is less than sophomoric.

    I come to the comments section to be entertained and end up reading comments that would make an 80's sitcom hilarious in comparison.
  38. Out of Toronto, finally from Montréal, Canada writes: What is going on with the media in these days. Harper has limited access to them from day one, muzzles his deputies and ministers and yet they hit on Dion like a ratpack. Is it so difficult to be a real journalist, and instead you go for the supposedly easy target with superficial stories like this?
  39. Anthony B from Maritimes, Canada writes: Harvey Mushman from cambridge, Canada writes: "Leasing an old fuel guzzling plane proves that the Liberals are really no different from the average Canadian"

    Meanwhile, Harper used a 4-SUV motorcade to CROSS THE STREET to the Governor General's residence. I guess Porky thought it would look too undignified to waddle over there.
  40. Proud Canadian from Canada writes: Cur Mudgeon from (the tax haven of the) Bahamas.

    Looks like a few posters hit a sore spot with you.

    Have you personally donated to the Liberals this year, or are you just talk as well?

    Please read your post again. I think you underestimate the intelligence of your follow posters in comparison to what you have to say.
  41. Wulfher SkullSplitter from Canada writes: The good thing is that while Harper may win his majority, Obama will win in the US. Harper won't stray too far from American policies and they will be of reform.

    Perhaps there is some truth about Dion performing best when he is almost dead, I hope so.
  42. Yvonne Wackernagel from Woodville, Canada writes: "NikolaTesla -the genius who lit the world from Calgary, Canada writes: Wow the CTV is out in full force attacking Dion. Fife is on a mission and Canadians should be scared that one of our National Media Outlets is so blatant about their bias.
    Really Taber, i think your stretching here, be a journalist not a partisan"
    =================================

    The situation is SHAMEFUL, but they are not fooling anyone this time with their manipulated polls.

    WE NEED A NEW LEADER OF THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY NOW! THROW HARPER OUT!
  43. Last one in's a rotten egg from Lethbridge, Canada writes: Wulfher SkullSplitter, you harbour hope from the prospect of Obama's victory. While he seems a whole lot smarter and self-controlled than McCain, he will be a big disappointment for those who hope for a better foreign policy. To stave off right-wing attacks he has been sidling to the right for weeks, and is now even supporting the surge in Iraq.

    But don't count out Stephane Dion. The very fact that the Tories are awash in money and the Liberals are in a tight squeeze means that big money is banking on Harper and it will show in the platforms and campaigning; let's hope that the electorate sees through it.
  44. David G from Toronto, Canada writes:
    G Chan from Canada writes: >>>

    On the thread Hot & Not,
    one poster had his to say ...

    'I think this has more to do with AirCanada than anything else.
    They managed to find A319's for both the NDP and the Tories,
    but told the Liberals they had too many bookings.

    Me thinks someone at AC is sending the message
    that they don't want a carbon tax imposed on jet-fuel.'"

    Probably not. Air Canada isn't even using its A320 Jetz fleet, which is dedicated to charters. And even though the Jetz aircraft will so be doing professional sports charters, they could have accommodated the Liberals until pretty much right up to the election (especially now that we know the official date). But AC would have charged more than Air Inuit because AC has to comply with its union contracts and pass those costs through to its charter customers.

    As for those who note that the Boeing 737 in question is less fuel efficient, that's certainly true, but the Liberals can also buy offsets to mitigate that, and if they use their plane less than the other parties use their aircraft, then the Liberal's carbon footprint for the entire campaign will be smaller.

    My eight year old Chrysler is less fuel efficient than a Toyota Prius hybrid, but because I rarely drive my car now and use mainly public transportation, my carbon footprint for transportation is much smaller than the person commuting to work each day in a Prius.

  45. Phillip Huggan from Wpg, writes: I contrast the warm ad of S.Harper and his lovely family, with the world he is leaving his children by stomping the Green Shift.
    I contrast his respectful Veterans ad and their WWII sacrifice, with his boomer generation's consumer greed and unwillingness to pay a carbon tax.
    The Conservatives are awash in cash but hollow in morality. Do they really want the world to end in fire? Sure acting like it. Our country must lead the USA, then China, then India, out of the cold war era and into a world that values quality-of-life. From what I understand of the Conservative's meaning of life: Consume as much as possible in this world, underfund research, pray heaven has a sustainable economy and a good R D budget and wind turbines. The other Partys tend to support platforms for creating heaven on Earth, like a great philospher once teached...
  46. pierre lefebvre from Brossard, Canada writes: First impression: LPC was ready to fight an election any time. Well, Kyoto King will fly on Air Inuit old 737 aircraft. Don Quixote has a wind mill to fly on. Pay up your $800,000 leadership campaign debt now and you will restore some credibility. More taxes mean fewer votes Stephane. And don`t expect francophone quebecois to support your party of cheaters.
  47. Still Learning at 78 from Canada writes: I liked the way Mr Dion expressed himself in his press conference after the election call. This man is as honest as they get and not the least bit arrogant. He is not a My way or the Highway type of guy, self importance is not his way.
  48. Ed Long from Canada writes: A thirty year old B737 which unless it has been modified will have spewing Pratt and Whitney engines and they probably picked up the charter for a song. Mind you, he is supporting a local Inuit initiative probably subsidized by Dept. of Indian Affairs.

    Air Inuit shows no B737 on their aircraft list so this will be a lease from the desert, or third party, carrier.

    AC's practice has been to provide these political charters with dedicated crew members for the whole campaign and .... you forget .... half the aircraft is taken up by press who are wined and dined on the party bill.

    Gyro Gearloose hits the campaign in his Mom's car.
  49. Al Bore from Ottawa, Canada writes: Still Learning at 78 from Canada writes: I liked the way Mr Dion expressed himself in his press conference after the election call. This man is as honest as they get and not the least bit arrogant. He is not a My way or the Highway type of guy, self importance is not his way.
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Your moniker says it all.

    Do you want to buy some swamp land in Florida?
  50. Still Learning at 78 from Canada writes: Al Bore from Ottawa, Canada writes: Still Learning at 78 from Canada writes: I liked the way Mr Dion expressed himself in his press conference after the election call. This man is as honest as they get and not the least bit arrogant. He is not a My way or the Highway type of guy, self importance is not his way.
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Your moniker says it all.

    Do you want to buy some swamp land in Florida?

    What are you trying to say, why not come out and say what you mean.
  51. Brian C from Canada writes:
    This campaign is going to be hilarious. Between Dion's communication skills and lack of money and lack of sound policy and lack of spine, it's going to be one laugh after another.

    I'm really looking forward to it.
  52. Still Learning at 78 from Canada writes: Al Bore from Ottawa---are trying to tell me you know it all? My option is just as good as yours, no better no worse
  53. Jesu Pifco from Canada writes: Well now! If only the partisan ad hominem warriors would devote their energy to supporting their political parties something useful might be accomplished.

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