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Canadians support government's handling of economy: Flaherty

JULIAN BELTRAME

The Canadian Press

Latest comment posted at 1:39 PM EST 06/09/08

Conservatives up in the polls even as anxiety grows over job security and the duration of the economic slump ...Read the full article

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  1. Is there anybody out there? from Salt Spring Island, Canada writes: Are Canadians stupid enough to vote for Bush/Harper?
  2. D G from Canada writes: Seriously - what planet is Flaherty on?
  3. David Hogg from Victoria, Canada writes: Mr. Flaherty and his cabinet colleagues are economic heroes and legends in their own tiny little minds. The biggest difference in the US economy and ours is reflected in the mortgage market and housing market. We don't have Mickey Mouse mortgages here where people with absolutely no income can get a mortgage with no downpayment. As the US economy started slowing down, the big US mortgage lenders started having big problems. Only a part of the total picture but an important one.

    Now we have the start of an election campaign with the Conservatives already throwing out nearly $9 billion in promises to various levels of government. The average voter is forgets that he/she is being bribed with his/her own hard-earned tax dollars. In fact, usually these promises are not 'new' money but just reshuffled budget items previously announced as future projects.

    Smoke and mirrors! David Copperfield should take lessons from them!
  4. Peter Wojnar from Hamilton, Canada writes:

    Conservatives are not the best for the economy, but the Liberals would be even worse.
  5. Bill G from Calgary, Canada writes: Tories have been doing just fine, thank you very much. Keep up the good work I say.
  6. Vern McPherson from writes:
    ' The Prime Minister's announcement of $80-million in aid to the Ford Motor Co. engine plant in Windsor, Ont., did not qualify as a bail-out, he said, because it will go to future jobs, not protecting current ones.'

    What does that mean ? That current jobs are worthless ?

    Flakerty knew in February the Ford proposition was for a new V-8 engine that was more efficient and used less fuel. and for other more modern engines FOrd has on the drawing boards Now the COns say the Ford grant is for some R&D thingy. Those facts havn't changed.

    COns = liars

    It's real simple friends. And painfully obvious.
  7. Dakota K from Canada writes: This election will financially cripple the Liberal party. Dion hasn't even paid off his leadership debt yet and will most likely be removed from his position before he does. Without corporate kick backs and payoffs, the Liberals will soon be as financially bankrupt as they are morally. Sadly for them, a Conservative majority is probably the best thing that could happen. That way they will have a least four years to try and pay off their ever growing debt before having to go begging for more.

    Is this the kind of group of people that Canadians want running the county? They can't even keep their own house in order let alone manage Canada's economy.

    We need strong leadership. We need Harper!
  8. David Hogg from Victoria, Canada writes: Bill G. - Don't eat any Maple Leaf meat. Your conservative pals in Ottawa gutted the meat inspection program to try and sell more meat to the US. Now several people are dead.

    Must make Conservatives really proud of the consequences of their thoughtless actions.. Sometimes the profit margin just isn't worth the human cost.
  9. Bill G from Calgary, Canada writes: David Hogg, not true. Try again.
  10. Terry Quinn from Canada writes: Mirror of mirrors...flaherty was saying the same things about the Ontario economy just before the election he helped lose there. when Mcguilnt opened the books thye found a $5B deficit staring at them. vote for Flaherty and Harper at your peril.
    Eight years of conservativ e type government in the US has raped the american economy. Mulroney did the same things to Canadians. 'Tory times are tough times' is a very true statement.

    Add that to the cultural disaster Harper will attempt to foist on us if he wins and we will have a major disaster on our hands. Idealogues should not lead governments.
  11. Dakota K from Canada writes: David Hogg -

    Trying to use the deaths and suffering of the victims for political points is a typical Liberal tactic. The only thing your post shows is how low the Liberals will go to try and get their hands back into the cookie jar.

    Shameful.
  12. Vern McPherson from writes:
    Peter Wojnar from Hamilton, Canada writes:
    Conservatives are not the best for the economy, but the Liberals would be even worse.
    Posted 06/09/08 at 1:12 PM EDT | Alert an Editor | Link to Comment

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

    That is not what the facts say Peter.

    Especially the facts since 1993 through 2006. Right ?
  13. Sober Second Thought from Toronto, Canada writes: Flip-Flop Flaherty does not know what economic policies he stands for anymore. The economy is back in the tank just like Mulronney left it.
  14. Bill G from Calgary, Canada writes: Terry Quinn, cultural disaster? How so?
  15. B I from Toronto, Canada writes: There has been a steady but noticeable drumbeat of non-neutral and overly glorifying Conservative stories in the Globe and Mail election coverage - particularly in the last 4 days. Did the grownups take a long weekend leaving Marcus Gee and Rex Murphy to run the paper?
  16. Mr Ottawa from Ottawa, Canada writes: 'Is there anybody out there? from Salt Spring Island, Canada writes' Bush isen't going to be in office much longer so I don't think Canadians are worrying alot about that. More then likely it will be Obama who Harper will get along with just fine given the Dems in the U.S and the Conservatives in Canada are closer to the same side of the political spectrum then the Republicans who there is no equivlant to in Canada.

    Strategically thats going to be brutal for the Liberal supporters who use that as their main argument. They are going to have nothing to say anymore. Thats the problem when your whole argument is focused on one or two main points, one being Harper is the boggie man which is losing stock given hes been in office for so long now and the world hasen't ended. And the other usual mantra is hes Bush's poodle which is about to end given Bush is about to leave office with more then likely Obama taking over.
  17. Vern McPherson from writes:
    Dakota K from Canada writes: David Hogg -
    Trying to use the deaths and suffering of the victims for political points is a typical Liberal tactic. The only thing your post shows is how low the Liberals will go to try and get their hands back into the cookie jar.
    Shameful.
    Posted 06/09/08 at 1:21 PM EDT | Alert an Editor | Link to Comment

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

    It was shameful for the dear leader to call Liberals taliban lovers.

    It was shameful for van loon to call Cons the only real Canadians.

    It was shameful to hoodwink Canadians by stealing refund money after the last election for candidates' expenses that did not exist.

    It was shameful for harper to lie about Income Trust taxes.

    It was shameful for harper to lit about Equalization.

    It was shameful for harper to lie about creating 125,000 day care spaces.

    Need I go on ?

    And all that happened in the first year of their government.
  18. Dr Riff from Canada writes: it was shameful for liberals to bankrupt canada in 1938
  19. Derek Blood from Canada writes: The green shift would plunge Canada into a deep recession. Inflation would spiral out of control. We all need fuel to get to work, or to heat our homes. These are necessities, not luxuries. I already pay too much for these necessities and I am not willing to pay more. How could anyone - beyond the most extreme partisan hack - support Dion?
  20. Robin of the Hood from hammatown, Canada writes: do people already forget thirteen years of balanced budgets and reducing the national deficit by the Liberal party? Sure there was corruption, but it didn't interfere with ensuring that the budget was balanced, and the corruption was exposed by the proper checks and balances.

    We now have a government that has created the biggest budget ever, taking us into deficit spending, increasing our national deficit. Let's not forget about the promises of open and accountable government by Harper. If anything he has made the PMO more closed and secretive.

    I don't any party really deserves a majority, and that maybe another minority government would be best for the country at the moment.

    cheers.
  21. Dakota K from Canada writes: Vern -

    Was it shameful to steal millions of taxpayers dollars and hand it to your friends?

    Was is shameful to then except that money back from your friends and call it donations?

    Was it shameful to hide behind your hand picked legal system and pretend nothing happened?

    The Liberals have the market cornered on being shameful. The biggest shame is that it'll be another few monthes before te go bankrupt.
  22. muriel z from Canada writes: D G from Canada; I agree,

    Vern; Flaherty who criticised the Ontario government for giving 30 Million to Ford when they were pulling some models from the Canadian production lines,and sending them back to the Stares, is now going to throw millions at Ford and more to be announced later (during the election campaign) for GM when its obvious that the auto industry here, and in the U S is in trouble.

    They will take the money and run. It's like closing the barn door after the horses have escaped.
  23. Liberals don't know their butt from a hole in the ground, Canada writes: Robin of the Hood ' do people already forget thirteen years of balanced budgets and reducing the national deficit by the Liberal party?'

    It might have something to do with the fact that the debt was caused the liberals in the first place? And that far-left Dion of France is no Paul Martin? Martin may have been a tax-dodging crook and liar, but at least he could add. Dion can't even do that.
  24. Vern McPherson from writes:
    Derek Blood from Canada writes: The green shift would plunge Canada into a deep recession. Inflation would spiral out of control. We all need fuel to get to work, or to heat our homes. These are necessities, not luxuries. I already pay too much for these necessities and I am not willing to pay more. How could anyone - beyond the most extreme partisan hack - support Dion?
    Posted 06/09/08 at 1:30 PM EDT | Alert an Editor | Link to Comment

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

    COns lies. The Green Shift will cut taxes across the board for business and for every citisen in the country - working or not - and encourage less use of fossil fuel.

    The price of diesel has already increased 60 %. The Green shift will increase it 2.3 cents and 11.8 cents over 4 years while cutting consumer's personal income tax 10 %, business taxes, and increasig Seniors ' income. The COns plan called Turning the COrner has nothing N O T H I N G for the very same inflationary cost increases of cleaning up the environment.

    COns lies won't work. COns are stupid if they think lies like this will work.

    COns = liars.
  25. evelyn robinson from Canada writes: Flaherty; CANADIANS do NOT support the conservatives on the economy. Why would they. The economy was running at the head of the pack until the conservatives came into power with spending on everything but the environment; healthcare; womens groups . Harper is spending on war toys for afghanistan and nothing for HOME security. spending Canadian soldiers lives too ; so he can play with the big boys.
  26. Richard Hawrelak from Sarnia, Canada writes: During the winter, Mr. Flaherty launched a campaign-style attack on the economic policies of Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, a Liberal, saying the province's high business taxes were discouraging investment.

    So, this is called managing the economy? Draw tax $ from Ontario, pay have nots provinces, give back less than what is needed to Ontario. I may not agree with everything Dalton has done, but, a magician he is not. At one time Ontario was the economic engine of Canada. No more. I can't wait till we are a 'have not' province and other provinces have to get off the gravy train and support us for a change.

    Support for the cons handling of the economy? Handling us right into the sewer is more like it. Technical ression? My foot! This claim belongs in the Laugh-of-the-day column.
  27. John Smith from SUPPORT ONT BILL 93, Canada writes: While Canadian's may not fully support the CPC's economic management, we do not want the LPT to have the keys to the cash drawer. This election will be a testament to that fact. Very few outside of the Toronto will trust or believe the LPT's social engineering, wealth redistributing Green Shaft(TM).

    Can anyone image what would happen if Bob (I ran up a huge deficit as NDP Premier of Ontario) Rae was allowed to start writing cheques with taxpayer money, again.
  28. George Smith from Canada writes: Derek Blood from Canada,

    Relax there is no tax on gasoline in the greenshift plan. Plus you get a big tax cut.

    I get almost $2000/yr in tax cuts and my cost only go up about $200.

    Check it out.
  29. M. Owens from calgary, Canada writes: Mr. Dion and the Liberals plan to attack Alberta & the oilsands with the green shift, because they think it will win them votes in Central Canada.

    I read in a magazine this week that 16% of GDP (and jobs) generated from the oilsands will actually be created in Ontario, due to manufacturing required to supply the oilsands.

    The same article stated that $860 Billion will be invested in the oilsands prior to 2020. Of this money, something like $160 Billion will invested in Ontario.

    Including the oilsands Canada's oil reserves dwarf those of Saudia Arabia, but we currently only produce less than 2% of the world's oil. In comparison, the USA produces more than 5%. The current reserve life index of the oil sands is > 200 years!

    In my opinion, Mr. Dion is jeopardizing Canada's future, in a desperate attempt to get elected. But that is to be expected, because that is what Liberals have historically done. Just ask any Albertan who has lived here for more than 25 years.
  30. Don Portz from Trochu AB, Canada writes: To the Liberal supporter posters; I can appreciate that you may not like what the Conservatives have done in the past two years. However can you specifically list what the Liberals are proposing to do other than increase Taxes and use the money for day care?? It is always easy to complain and object to every thing but there must be a better alternative.
    As a side note, I noticed that the Liberals voted for all the legislation put forward by the Cons, so it obviously must have been good legislation. Right? Otherwise if it was bad legislation and they had a much better alternative they could have forced an election and got back into power.
  31. John Smith from SUPPORT ONT BILL 93, Canada writes: Derek Blood from Canada...The best way to deal with a Vern is to ignore it
  32. Saskatchewan Seal Hunter Club from Canada writes: Is there anybody out there? from Salt Spring Island, Canada writes: Are Canadians stupid enough to vote for Bush/Harper?

    DUH........Thanks for reminding me to vote for Harper.
  33. Mark S Noel from Canada writes: Canada's economy would be in a lot worse shape if it had not been for the cuts to the GST and the reductions in personal income tax by the Tories.

    In comparison Dion wants to raise taxes on jobs through his Green Shaft tax. Which option do you want a well managed economy or reckless spending on Liberal patronage firms like we have seen in the past?
  34. B. Goode from Canada writes: In another G & M story, ' the Conservatives have doled out a whopping $8.8-billion since June — including a $2,000 grant to commemorate a UFO sighting.'
    Apparently the Conservative government believes aliens in flying saucers may be another source of votes. While the aliens who visited Sheet Harbour N.S. could well have conservative leanings, I would like to point out that Alberta also has had even more of these 'visits' and I would hope that Harper is not taking them for granted just because he already has the Alberta vote locked in.
  35. Kan Tankerous from Tronna, Canada writes:

    Bill G from Calgary, Canada writes:

    'Tories have been doing just fine'

    Huh?

    The Tories are extinct.

    I must admit I am shocked.

    I thought the PM would lock Flim-Flaherty and Tony Clement in the basement until after the election.

    They are CCRAP's vote-losing dream team in Ontario.

    ABC
  36. Bill G from calgary, Canada writes: Robin of the Hood, let's recap.

    1) debt started by and grew under Trudeau
    2) debt growth stopped by Mulroney and debt reduction started
    3) further debt reduction by Chretien primarily due to reduction in transfers to the provinces and the compounding reduction (inverse of compounding interest) of the debt.
    4) further debt reduction by Harper in 2.5 years, $25B

    Not only has Flaherty paid down the debt further, he has reduced taxes and allowed for budget growth in areas that sorely need it (DND, Security, etc.) and is still are target for a surplus! Sound fiscal management where the government trusts you to spend your money better than them.
  37. John Smith from SUPPORT ONT BILL 93, Canada writes: George Smith from Canada writes: Derek Blood from Canada,

    Relax there is no tax on gasoline in the greenshift plan. Plus you get a big tax cut.

    I get almost $2000/yr in tax cuts and my cost only go up about $200.

    Check it out.

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

    What is of concern to me is that according to the calculator on the LPT website everyone (in every tax bracket) gets money back. For me, that is cause to be suspicious.

    Also, when Dion announced the plan 3 months ago he called it 'revenue neutral' and said every tax dollar taken would be returned back to Canadians. This week Dion added $1B extra in tax cuts to farmers, truckers...ect. If the original plan was 'revenue neutral', where is he getting the EXTRA $1B from?
  38. Vern McPherson from writes:
    Dakota K from Canada writes: Vern -

    Was it shameful to steal millions of taxpayers dollars and hand it to your friends?

    >> That did not happen ..... COns = liars.

    Was is shameful to then except that money back from your friends and call it donations?

    >> 1.4 million was identified as suspect donations and the libs returned that money to the donators.

    Was it shameful to hide behind your hand picked legal system and pretend nothing happened?

    >> Paul Martin called the inquiry. Everyone knows that. He appointed Gomery. The enquiry was open and public. Where is the Mulroney inquiry ?? Where was the investigation into the NAFTA leak ?? Where is the Inquiry into Cadman bribes ? Where is the inquiry into the thievery of phoney refunds form Elections Canada the COns tried to steal ? Where is the bernier/biker chick inquiry ?

    >> COns = liars. Facts confuse COns. COns = pure stupidity.

    In the Fall of 2008, Canadians are not interested in adscam.

    They are interested in the above. Get it ?
  39. George Smith from Canada writes: To see how much you get back under the plan:

    http://www.thegreenshift.ca/default_e.aspx

    More money in the pocket of the average Canadian.
    Real action on the environment.

    Better deal then the conservative plan.

    What is the conservative plan?
  40. Mike Bowen from Blandford, Canada writes: 'Canadians support government's handling of economy: Flaherty'

    LMAO. Uh, well I certainly don't.

    Engaging in economic policies (such as reducing GST) rejected by almost all economists as foolish, removing ANY financial cushion through surpluses we might have had (not to mentioning running in a deficit situation this fiscal year...a mere 2-1/2 years after being handed surpluses that were being used to pay off OUR debt), handing out money nilly and willy all over the place once it was clear an election was soon to be had.....

    We should never forget that MOST major deficits, both provincial and federal, have been run up by 'conservatives' (or republicans in the US) in the last generation....in part, because their financial policies have generated massive economic downturns (like the current downturn driven by oil greed (aka Iraq) and banking (i.e., the mortgage crisis).

    Not to mention that Flaherty is the same clueless idiot that wrecked the economy in Ontario AND laid the groundwork for the current economic downturn through Ontario Conservative fiscal policies.

    I'd rather keep my money under my pillow than trust the economic sense of these clown-channelers.
  41. Babbleon ! from Sarnia, Canada writes: In these desperate times voters look at the leaders,that is why the Liberals will not even be the opposition party come October.
  42. M. Owens from calgary, Canada writes: George Smith from Canada writes: Derek Blood from Canada,

    Relax there is no tax on gasoline in the greenshift plan. Plus you get a big tax cut.

    I get almost $2000/yr in tax cuts and my cost only go up about $200.

    Check it out.

    George, the price of everything you buy will go up, and if you believe that the Liberals will actually follow through on their promise of a tax cut, I've got some swamp land to sell you..... Check out their Red Book promises from the last 5 elections.

    Making it more expensive to produce, ship, and refine oil & natural gas, WILL make it so the price of gasoline goes up dramatically, regardless of whether or not they tax it. Most Canadians apparently already realize this, and this is probably why the green shift is already a flop.
  43. John Smith from SUPPORT ONT BILL 93, Canada writes: Bill G from calgary, Canada writes: Not only has Flaherty paid down the debt further, he has reduced taxes and allowed for budget growth in areas that sorely need it (DND, Security, etc.) and is still are target for a surplus! Sound fiscal management where the government trusts you to spend your money better than them. \

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

    maybe the LPT's issue with the CPC's economic management is that they cut funding to artists....lol....
  44. Mark S Noel from Canada writes: Hey are you Liberal Party hacks paid time and a half or double time on weekends? Does the cash still come stuffed into brown envolopes?
  45. JM The Habs Fan from CalgaryToronto, Canada writes: Vern McPherson from writes:
    ' The Prime Minister's announcement of $80-million in aid to the Ford Motor Co. engine plant in Windsor, Ont., did not qualify as a bail-out, he said, because it will go to future jobs, not protecting current ones.'

    What does that mean ? That current jobs are worthless ?

    Flakerty knew in February the Ford proposition was for a new V-8 engine that was more efficient and used less fuel. and for other more modern engines FOrd has on the drawing boards Now the COns say the Ford grant is for some R&D thingy. Those facts havn't changed.
    ________________________________________________

    I would be willing to bet there have been talks between the feds and Ford. They probably have some kind of deal in place that makes this viable. All in all though it is a good thing for Windsor and for a struggling sector. I would just like the feds to do something to help protect the independant auto rep[air shops who are being squeezed buy the automakers. Only time will tell I guess.
  46. Vern McPherson from writes:
    Liberals don't know their butt from a hole in the ground, Canada writes: George Smith 'I get almost $2000/yr in tax cuts and my cost only go up about $200.'
    And if you believe that, I have a magic red book of broken promises to sell you!
    Posted 06/09/08 at 1:41 PM EDT | Alert an Editor | Link to Comment

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

    big whine, how many names do you post under here anyway ??
  47. B. Goode from Canada writes: Babbleon ! from Sarnia, Canada writes: 'In these desperate times voters look at the leaders,that is why the Liberals will not even be the opposition party come October. '
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Harper leader? Ha! If Harper was a leader these times wouldn't be 'desperate' as you put it.
    No, Harper is no leader. Dictator maybe, but certainly not a leader.
  48. Vern McPherson from writes:
    Mark S Noel from Canada writes: Hey are you Liberal Party hacks paid time and a half or double time on weekends? Does the cash still come stuffed into brown envolopes?
    Posted 06/09/08 at 1:45 PM EDT | Alert an Editor | Link to Comment

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

    No. We submit phoney expense reports to Elections Canada and claim refunds. That's all there is to it ..........
  49. JP M from Canada writes: quick, somebody call Tony Clement! I think that Flaherty has been hanging out at inSite!

    ....how else could you explain such hopeful hallucinations!
  50. muriel z from Canada writes: Dr Riff; Shameful for the liberals etc....

    I love it.You have to go back to 1938 to criticise the liberals, I don't have to go back that far to find fault with the con's. Todays government, and Brian M .
    He brought in the GST remember that Stevie baby is busy cutting back to get votes.
  51. Is Dion from France or from Canada writes: Liberals don't know their butt from a hole in the ground, Canada writes: George Smith 'I get almost $2000/yr in tax cuts and my cost only go up about $200.'

    And if you believe that, I have a magic red book of broken promises to sell you!
    ---
    His costs only go up 200? Drastically misinformed. I don't think he realizes that it isn't just his heating and electric bills that will be going up. Everything he spends money on will be going up. That 200 bucks will be a pittance compared to his actual costs. And just wait until year four when the tax has quadrupled. I have to wonder why that little calculator thingy on the green shift website doesn't show progressive costs over the full four years. Magic red book indeed, and a magic green shift it seems.
  52. Peter Kells from Bytown, Canada writes: Mr. Flaherty inherits Paul Martin's surplus, lowers taxes and blows the whole wad on onetime vote buying initiatives leaving us on the verge of deficit finances yet again and he calls that sound financial management. He did the same thing in Ontario and now he is doing it to Canada.
    Of course Mr. Harper needs an election now, he has no more of Paul Martin's surplus to blow, so it has to be now before the results of their fiscal mismanagement hits the fan.
  53. George Smith from Canada writes: M. Owens from calgary, Canada

    I can't control the rest of the world economy, so I just plan around what I see around me. If I can afford something I don't buy it until it goes on sale. (Supply and Demand concept)

    The Liberal plan looks good to me. Let the rest of the voters figure out what's best for themselves and their families.

    More money for me is good.

    I'm sorry but that's what the past 2 decades of neoconservatism has taught me. Greed is good.
  54. Liberals don't know their butt from a hole in the ground, Canada writes: Vern McPherson 'We submit phoney expense reports to Elections Canada and claim refunds.'

    Well that explains why the libz refused to bring their books to the ethics committee and blocked all the witnesses.
    Breakthrough, breakthrough!
  55. forty sum from Canada writes: Be nice to get back to the Liberal Surpluses, like the ones the conservatives spent us out of. Every time you get a conservative government in this country we end up with no surplus more debt. Mulroney doubled the debt when he was Prime Minister,
  56. North Star from Canada writes: Canadians do not support an $8.8 billion, three month spending spree just prior to an election and then have the same party pretend to claim 'fiscal responsibility' or even that this election call wasn't decided months ago when the wallets opened up. Harper is trying to buy majority - market value has it at roughly $500 million for each percentage point at the polls.

    Harper cannot be trusted.
  57. Liberals don't know their butt from a hole in the ground, Canada writes: George Smith ' the past 2 decades of neoconservatism'

    Huh?

    Just plain weird.

    Chretien, Clinton? 'neocons' Weird, weird, weird...
  58. John Smith from SUPPORT ONT BILL 93, Canada writes: George Smith from Canada writes: To see how much you get back under the plan:

    http://www.thegreenshift.ca/default_e.aspx

    More money in the pocket of the average Canadian.
    Real action on the environment.

    Better deal then the conservative plan.

    What is the conservative plan?

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

    george, I can gaurantee, iof elected, Dion will do a McGuilty 3-step. If your from Ontario you're familiar with this dance move.

    Step 1) Make a promise to voters about no tax increase
    Step 2) Get elected then tell the voters you can't fulfill promise because of previous gov't left deficit that was never disclosed
    Step 3) Wait a few years, then deny the original promise

    Dion will be dancing all over us, I gaurantee it.
  59. Peter Wojnar from Hamilton, Canada writes: >>Vern McPherson from writes: Peter Wojnar from Hamilton, Canada writes: Conservatives are not the best for the economy, but the Liberals would be even worse. >>That is not what the facts say Peter. >>Especially the facts since 1993 through 2006. Right ? Sure.....let's talk about facts, and not partisan hack rhetoric like you usually engage in. The Trudeau government that preceded Mulroney was very 'liberal'. They spent big and racked up huge deficits as a result. They then handed the largest budget deficit in Canadian history to Mulroney. Mulroney did not do any better. His government was more liberal than it was conservative. He was only conservative in name. Paul Martin as finance minister changed things. He did what the Trudeau nor Mulroney government's ever did, he started to cut the budget. Even though he did it by cutting transfers to the provinces, nonetheless, he cut the budget. Paul Martin was more 'conservative' during those times than the Mulroney government ever was. The Harper government is closer economically to Paul Martin than it is to Mulroney or Trudeau. Dion on the other hand wishes to return Canada to the Trudeau/Mulroney style of big spending. He wants to implement a misguided Green Shift that will hurt people and not help the environment. He wants a 5 billion national daycare program that will end up costing way more than 5 billion. The list goes on and on. Vern, you seem to think that I'm a staunch Harper supporter. Well, I'm not. I've never voted for the federal conservatives. The fact is I don't really care for the Conservatives or Liberals, but since the Harper conservatives are less likely to increase overall federal spending, they are the better choice of the two.
  60. Vern McPherson from writes:

    Liberals don't know their butt from a hole in the ground, Canada writes: Was it shameful to steal millions of taxpayers dollars and hand it to your friends?
    Vern thinks 'That did not happen'
    Then why did the liberal party pay back millions of dollars to the taxpayers of Canada?
    (there's lots still to go, mind you)
    You are seriously deluded vernie. And a flat out degenerate liar.
    Posted 06/09/08 at 1:48 PM EDT | Alert an Editor | Link to Comment

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

    A few admen in Quebec swindled money out of a federal program intended to promote Canada in that province. The 'liberals' you reference are a figment of your imagination. The 'liberals' did not swindle anyone. When the issue was uncovers the 'liberals' founf 1.4 million - NOT MILLIONS - in untoward donations and returned them.

    Now you lie about whatever you want. Those are the facts.

    how many names do you post under here big whine curr ? ?
  61. Phil Gardner from Canada writes: The Conservatives, most notably Finance Minister Flaherty, repeatedly denied last year that the Global Economic Crisis would affect Canada. Everything was going to continue to be rosy because we were somehow 'insulated' from the financial havoc occurring south of the border in the USA. While the financial situation was deteriorating all around us, the Harper Conservatives told us Canada would not be affected ! So the Conservative government essentially sat on their hands and did not act in any way to bolster, preserve and protect our Canadian economy. Well a year later things look quite different. Look at manufacturing in Ontario. Look at the lumber industry in B. C. Look at the Canadian financial markets and look at the job losses that are on the rise. The Harper Conservatives know that we Canadians are headed for a very serious downturn and Recession in which many Canadians will get hurt and they want this Election over before the Canadian people 'wake up' and see this Economic mess coming ! Anyone but the Harper Conservatives this time.
  62. Is Dion from France or from Canada writes: muriel z from Canada writes: Dr Riff; Shameful for the liberals etc....

    I love it.You have to go back to 1938 to criticise the liberals, I don't have to go back that far to find fault with the con's. Todays government, and Brian M .
    He brought in the GST remember that Stevie baby is busy cutting back to get votes.
    ---
    Yup, that same GST that Chretien promised to cut back to get votes, yet didn't. 1 for Steve.
  63. MJ Patchouli from Regina, Canada writes: They can say anything they like, but in about a month or so, Canadians will vote in the only poll that matters.

    They're going to say a lot over the next 30 days, but do not forget the nasty tone harper has injected into our country -- he's divisive, he's willing to lie to get his way (ie corrupt), and he'd rather put $20 million into x-ray machines for inmates than for hospitals.

    Don't buy into the lying, repetitive rhetoric -- it's enslaving.

    They've got it all wrong and there's no vision. Parliament is dysfunctional on purpose. -- their purpose.
  64. John Smith from SUPPORT ONT BILL 93, Canada writes: People don't encourage the Vern. The best way to deal with the Vern is to ignore it.
  65. Wally Grisold from Toronto, Canada writes: He's doing to Canada what he did to Ontario.
  66. George Smith from Canada writes: Once Canadians find out the Conservatives have been lying about this GreenShift plan they will punish them at the poll.

    The scare tactics and lies won't work.

    The taxpayers need a break.

    The Liberals are the best deal for me. (this time)
  67. Mark S Noel from Canada writes: Vern I forgot you have to be in government to give out contracts so the Liberal party can actually receive donations. Good luck on faking your expense claims but I am sure you have lots of experience. By the by, how is Dion doing at paying off his leadership loans? I mean if the guy can't even pay for his leadership loans how creditable is he for PM?
  68. Kim Morton from Canada writes: The question is not are the Conservatives the best party to lead the country, but who is the lesser of two evils? Or more to the point who will do the least amount of damage to the economy.
  69. David Lorne from White Rock, Canada writes:

    Not only is 'Harper the Man'.

    The Liberals don't expect to win.

    I think that indicates that they know 'He's the Man'.
  70. B. Goode from Canada writes: Bill G from calgary, Canada writes: 'Robin of the Hood, let's recap.

    1) debt started by and grew under Trudeau'
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Actually it was Diefenbaker who turned a surplus into a deficit and increased the debt enormously.
  71. Vern McPherson from writes:
    Liberals don't know their butt from a hole in the ground, Canada writes: Vern McPherson 'We submit phoney expense reports to Elections Canada and claim refunds.'
    Well that explains why the libz refused to bring their books to the ethics committee and blocked all the witnesses.
    Breakthrough, breakthrough!
    Posted 06/09/08 at 1:51 PM EDT | Alert an Editor | Link to Comment

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

    Don't be a fool big wayne. 'The books' are audited by EC and are already an open book - in accordance with the law in this country.

    of 15 parties in the 06 election only the COns attempted to steal phoney refunds by transferring expenses to candidates clearly against the law - overspend their limit under the law and steal the election. That big whine is why harper is calling this election - so he can avoid being exposed over those facts. Plus others like Cadman Bernier, the economic mess we are in etc, etc , etc.

    And he will call this election under false pretenses. Which means we've had 2 elections now that are phoney by the dear little dictator/misfit.

    How many names do you post here under ?
  72. Is Dion from France or from Canada writes: Hey Vern, looks like the Conservatives aren't the only party being investigated for the in and out scheme.

    http://stevejanke.com/archives/270744.php

    And, Dion has broken other election laws as well

    http://www.gloriakovach.ca/Other/Pages/Stephane-Dion-Debts-Come-Due.aspx

    I wonder why the so very non-partisan Globe and Mail hasn't reported on the Liberals and NDP use of the in and out scheme.

    Go ahead everybody, read this page and see that the Conservatives aren't the only party to have done it.
    http://stevejanke.com/archives/270744.php
  73. Dakota K from Canada writes: Vern -

    If you don't think Canadians care about adscam you are actually as stupid as you seem to be.

    It's people like you that make it so hard for others to vote Liberal.

    Nothing but lies, smear, and fear.

    Pathetic.
  74. SL S from Saskatchewan, Canada writes: Political party is irrelevant at this time with regards to jobs. It's the high CDN dollar that is causing US corps to pack up and move back south. Taxation is pretty much comparable in both countries but incentives due to low US economy is driving companies to employ back home. Post election may yield an entirely different picture in both countries. Personally, I feel Canada is far too dependant on US corporations for employment and should focus on developing Canadian employers instead, for just such reasons as our current situation.
  75. Dave Medich from Windsor, Canada writes:

    Vore Liberal. No brain required.

    .
  76. Mark S Noel from Canada writes: George the only people lieing about the real intent of the Green Shaft Tax is the Liberals. It is about taxing the middle class and spending the money on the lazy. The only way it will help the environment is by killing the currently weak economy. I guess if are forced into a depression by bad Liberal policies that would reduce fuel consumption.
  77. A good Canadian from Canada writes: Gee..I type in 'Green Shift' into Google, and what do I find...?

    A company founded by Jennifer Wrightwho who has been stomped on by Dion and his Liberal party.

    They take her companies name, incroach on her web domain, and offer no apology.

    Nice to see how the Liberals treat hard working enviromentally conscious Canadians. Nice to know Liberals can change the world with someone elses money.
  78. Vern McPherson from writes:
    Peter, this much is more or less accurate:

    'Mulroney did not do any better. His government was more liberal than it was conservative. He was only conservative in name. Paul Martin as finance minister changed things. He did what the Trudeau nor Mulroney government's ever did, he started to cut the budget. Even though he did it by cutting transfers to the provinces, nonetheless, he cut the budget. Paul Martin was more 'conservative' during those times than the Mulroney government ever was. (finally you say), The Harper government is closer economically to Paul Martin than it is to Mulroney or Trudeau. '

    But your conclusion about harper being close to Martin does not follow given the spending facts we know over the last 2 COns budgets does it ?

    Wanna re-think your conclusion ?

    As far as voting I don't bother much either Pete. In fact I'll be on a boat for the next 6 weeks and could care less ...............

    Lets just try and get the facts handy to correct OK ??
  79. Liberals don't know their butt from a hole in the ground, Canada writes: SL S 'Personally, I feel Canada is far too dependant on US corporations'

    Foreign investment in Canada is a bad thing?
    Should we stop Canadians from owning businesses in other countries, too?
  80. joseph Cheng from Toronto, Canada writes: Flaherty should keep a low profile this time. There are thousands thrown out of a job by GM in his own riding. He won't have an easy time in this election. The PM should distance himself from this big mouth in his campaign!
  81. Mark S Noel from Canada writes: A good Canadian from Canada writes: Gee..I type in 'Green Shift' into Google, and what do I find...?

    She is sueing the Liberals also, seems pretty much everyone is. Maybe Canadian's should start a class action suit to get the rest of the Sponsorship money back.

    Vern - you never mentioned how Dion was doing in paying off his leadership debts?
  82. Dakota K from Canada writes: The Liberal desperation to get their hands back into the public cookie jar is reaching a fanatical level. The lies and fear mongering is rampant.

    I guess the bill collectors must be hounding them already. I pity the bank that lends these crooks money for their campaign.

    How much longer will Dion take to repay his debts? Is he hoping to receive a few stuffed envelopes soon?
  83. muriel z from Canada writes: My final word, instead of voting for One Man,we can't afford a One Man Government. They only happen in South America and Asia, (dictators).

    Look carefully at your local candidates and vote regardless of their party affiliation. we need good people in parliament, not puppets.

    For all you guys who say you're not voting because you are disgusted with both leaders.

    VOTE VOTE VOTE, don't just complain about the leaders, the way to express your opinion is to send the most qualified MP's to parliament.
    There are a lot of good men and women out there who can watch your back.
  84. A B from Saskatoon, Canada writes: I think, Harper is a great strategist. Sues LPC for 3.5 Million, then puts his own judges, wins (his retirement) in the court the money and kills LPC. That's brilliant - and all on based on his masters from U of C, since he knows the best pre-election Gov't spending, as well as what is coming for the country. That sounds like a very honest and trustworthy plan to me.

    A man like that, can run our economy without any problems as well as country.

    Oh yeah, I forgot, bringing elections will delete in Canadian minds all Bernier, Cadman, Schreiber etc, since this is a time of Con Government. Brilliant.

    I did not mention Flaherty - since he is just a finance minister, he is not in charge of anything in this Gov't. Just pushing the numbers around as he is told.
  85. Is Dion from France or from Canada writes: I wonder when the Globe is going to report on Liberal MP Lorne Mayencourt, who is seeking the Conservative nomination in Vancouver-centre, to take on Hedy Fry.

    Ouch.
  86. Liberals don't know their butt from a hole in the ground, Canada writes: Vern McPherson 'As far as voting I don't bother much either Pete. In fact I'll be on a boat for the next 6 weeks'

    The liberals can't afford a campaign plane so they got a boat instead.
    Everywhere that will be voting liberal can be reached by boat: The slums of Toronto and few leftovers in the Maritimes. That's actually a sensible cost savings vern. Two breakthroughs today!
  87. born a cynic from Canada writes: B. Goode from Canada writes: Bill G from calgary, Canada writes: 'Robin of the Hood, let's recap.

    1) debt started by and grew under Trudeau'
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Actually it was Diefenbaker who turned a surplus into a deficit and increased the debt enormously.

    Never confuse the cons with facts....
  88. a salajan from To, Canada writes: Is Flaherty on drugs? Or he thinks we are?

    What a fool!

    Wanna bet he won't be Finance Min again?
  89. A good Canadian from Canada writes: Vern McPherson from writes:
    The price of diesel has already increased 60 %. The Green shift will increase it 2.3 cents and 11.8 cents over 4 years while cutting consumer's personal income tax 10 %, business taxes, and increasig Seniors ' income. The COns plan called Turning the COrner has nothing N O T H I N G for the very same inflationary cost increases of cleaning up the environment.
    -----------------------------
    So while the plan will cut my income tax by 10%, I am going to have to pay much much more for all those things which have to be trucked or flown into the remote region I live in? And what benefit does low income Cdns have, the ones who only pay a small portion of income tax, but still have the same food cost?

    Or did Dion think of people who do not live in a major port. Increase fuel (Diesel fuels trucks and trains) costs will be transfered DIRECTLY upon the consumers. That means higher food costs.

    Just more proof Liberals do not care about average Canadians, only thier rich city dwelling friends.
  90. Vern McPherson from writes:
    Is Dion from France or from Canada writes: Hey Vern, looks like the Conservatives aren't the only party being investigated for the in and out scheme.
    http://stevejanke.com/archives/270744.php

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

    From your link:

    ' Karen Redman has managed to do something that the Conservatives have had only limited success at doing, and that is establish that when it comes to transfers between the national and local level to fund advertising, all the parties do it.'
    Thanks Karen Redman!'

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

    All parties transfer funds to candidates to cover advertising. True.

    THEY DO NOT TRANSFR '' X P E N S E S'' in order to increase their national spending limit.

    And they transfer money to ridings they have a chance of winning not to ridings where they have absolute duds running and not a chance in hell of winning - just to hike their area NATIONAL ad spending.

    What part do you not understand ?
  91. Kan Tankerous from Tronna, Canada writes:

    Dave Medich from Windsor, Canada writes:

    'Vore Liberal. No brain required.'

    I wasn't planning to vore Liberal, but hell, I just might now.

    ABC
  92. M. Owens from calgary, Canada writes: George Smith from Canada writes:

    More money for me is good.
    I'm sorry but that's what the past 2 decades of neoconservatism has taught me. Greed is good.

    George, there's something we can agree on. While the green shaft might save me $862 on taxes, IF (BIG 'IF') Dion keeps his promise, it will cost me significantly more every time I fill up my car or pay my heating and gas bill. I suspect the (MY) money given back to me from the green shift, will be a small (really small) fraction of what the tax will cost me for day to day living expenses.

    Any extra things I might like to purchase, will cost more as well, but heating my home, paying for electricity, and driving my car, are big expenses. Regardless of whether there is an additional tax on gasoline, the price of gasoline will go up as a result of the increased costs to produce, ship and refine oil.
  93. Vern McPherson from writes:
    Dakota K from Canada writes: