Skip navigation

 Login or Register | Member Centre

Cadman whisked out of Tories' candidates meeting

CAMPBELL CLARK

Globe and Mail Update

Latest comment posted at 11:04 PM EST 23/09/08

Reporters unable to speak to wife of Chuck Cadman, who is running as a Conservative ...Read the full article

This conversation is closed

  1. D F from Canada writes: One state
    one party
    one communist leader
    Stephane Harper
  2. Tor Hill from Canada writes: Kory Teneycke works for the federal government. His salary is paid by us, the taxpayers. I wonder who paid for his trip out to Vancouver for this campaign event? Probably the taxpayers. Well, he might have been there on official government business too, you never know. He probably was, in some obscure way.
  3. mike sty - from Canada writes:
    Dictator Stevie.....Muzzleman
  4. Ricky for a Centrist Canada from Canada writes:
    Last MP to get brown bags of cash - conservative.

    Last MP to bribe a dying man for his vote - conservative.

    Last MP with direct links to biker gangs - conservative.
  5. jack sprat from Canada writes: Intersting. Last night at the Dion event I overheard reporters saying that the harper team was impossible to deal with. they were stymying reporters at every turn. Its their way or the highway.

    the said all the other parties were respectful of the press and accommodated all reporters as much as possible.

    Censorship at its finest
  6. morningdew1992 digs it in vancouver from vancouver, Canada writes: this is what harper is all about...a total dictator mentality.....why doesn't he want his people speaking publicly? does he think they are stupid or incompetent or what? i dunno ...it sure does seem that he will do all kinds of nasty things behind closed doors and with as little transparency as possible...

    to all progressive voters this is my plea - VOTE STRATEGICALLY AGAINST STEPHEN HARPER
  7. Thomas D'Arcy McGee from Canada writes:
    We should all be thankful that the Conservatives are setting a high moral tone in this campaign.

    Imagine what Dion, May and Layton would do if they didn't have Syephen Harper showing them the ethical way to exercise democracy.

    Am I the only one that notices a similarity between the way the Republicans and the Conservatives approach campaigning?
  8. mike sty - from Canada writes: Reporters unable to speak to Cadman, who is running as a Conservative..................
    ------------------------

    Why is it the only time the Canadian public hears a CONservative MP speak is when they 'apologize'?????
  9. r b from calgary, Canada writes: Ricky Centrino - you forgot to add -

    last major political party to get nailed $3.5 million for slandering the PM - liberal.

    Even a first year student in logic could see the glaring trouble with the Cadman affair - the dead man himself apparently gave 2 completely different accounts of the same incident: to his family he apparently said he was affered a bribe, in a public interview, he denied it.

    Both cannot be true, therefore if he made both statements (and he definitely issued the denial) Cadman was a liar.

    And why would Cadman, who apprently despised Harper, go out of his way with the denial to avoid nailing Harper.

    $3.5 million - that's a lot of beer and popcorn.
  10. earl pearl from Canada writes: Steady as she goes.
    Stay on message
    Stay on course

    majority straight ahead.
  11. J Law from Canada writes: Ricky for a Centrist

    But I bet these wont be th elast lies the Centrists makes to get his thieving Liberal party elected.

    Remember, the last party caught red handed stealing taxpayers money was the Liberal party. They still owe the Canadian Taxpayers $40 million dollars. When will it be paid back?

    How come Elections Canada allows Stephan Dion to break the law and not pay back his debt from the leadership race while they send the Mounties into the Conservative offices? Reason: The Liberals have infiltrated Election Canada. Elect a Conservative party so we can rid our courts, civil service and parole boards of the Liberal party elite.
  12. morningdew1992 digs it in vancouver from vancouver, Canada writes: thomas d'arcy puts it perfect in his last sentence....the conservatives are the northern republicans and they will screw us over the same way that they screwed over the USA

    vote strategically against george bush of the north
  13. glinda goodwitch from T.O., Canada writes: Nice to see this finally getting a mention in the Globe. It normally only ever seems to get reported on the CBC, but reporters are frequently kept away from Harper and in some cases confined on their bus or restrained by the RCMP.

    Journalism is in a sorry state in this country when the reporters won't even report on their inability to report the news.
  14. jack sprat from Canada writes: J Law, take a look at Diane Francis' article on Harper/Flaherty thefy of $35 BILLION from Canadians and $2 billion from taxpayers and 2500 jobs.

    http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/francis/archive/2008/09/07/jim-flaherty-s-worst-nightmare.aspx
  15. A B from Saskatoon, Canada writes: D F from Canada writes: One state
    one party
    one communist leader
    Stephane Harper
    _____________________________

    Hey ...

    Don't insult
    ....

    Communists.
  16. Randy Hyland from Canada writes: glinda goodwitch from T.O., Canada writes:

    Journalism is in a sorry state in this country when the reporters won't even report on their inability to report the news.

    *Posted 23/09/08 at 11:00 PM EDT
    -------------------

    Maybe the Media are waiting for the last couple of weeks of the election and then they are going to let Harper have it with both barrels. I don't think they are going to put up with this much longer.
  17. mike sty - from Canada writes: Did anyone from the Conservative party, or connected to the Tories, offer Cadman a $1-million life insurance policy ?

    Harper refused to directly answer the question. Tory MP James Moore has repeatedly said officials only offered to take Cadman back into the party.

    What did Stephen Harper mean when he said in a 2005 interview that an offer that included financial considerations was made to Cadman?

    Conservative party spokesman Ryan Sparrow said Monday the offer Cadman mentioned in a TV interview was a repayable loan to the local riding association.Tory officials Tom Flanagan and Doug Finley offered a repayable loan, what was the amount and what were the terms of repayment?

    No answer.

    Why did the Prime Minister’s Office and the Conservatives first deny an offer had been made to Cadman, only to later say a repayable loan was offered?

    No answer.

    Why didn&8217;t Harper reveal last week that he told Dona Cadman more than two years ago that he didn&8217;t know about the alleged life-insurance offer?

    No answer.

    What motivation would Dona Cadman, a Tory candidate in her husband&8217;s former riding, have to fabricate a story about the life-insurance offer?

    No answer.
  18. G L from Thunder Bay, Canada writes: ctv'Some two weeks after the alleged offer Mr Cadman on the Mike Duffy show told Mr Duffy he had NOT been bribed.He repeated that statement in a interview with a major Toronto newspaper.He left no written statement on the subject.The ALLEGED statements by Mr Cadman made to his family is not credible nor admissible in a court of law.The only evidence that is credible is Mr Cadmans interview with CTV's Mike Duffy and hjs subsequent interview with a major Toronto newpaper in which he contradicts Mrs Cadmans and the daughters statements.allegedly made to them by Mr Cadman who is not here to either confirm or contradict his PUBLIC STATEMENTS to the news media.in which I repeat He said THERE WAS NO BRIBE MADE. This is a non Issue unless some one can come up with a written document in Mr Cadmans writing confirming Mrs Cadmans and the daughters statements to the media.
  19. jim reed from dungannon, Canada writes: good for you rb
  20. Hairy Wrangellian from Saltspring Island, Canada writes: Whew, that was close, the muzzle almost slipped off again...

    So when is it going to become a campaign issue?: PM candidate promises to speak to reporters without questions submitted in advance.

    Transparency... accountability... remember when those were campaign slogans?
  21. Chris R from Ottawa, Canada writes: 'RB Calgary: last major political party to get nailed $3.5 million for slandering the PM - liberal.

    Even a first year student in logic could see the glaring trouble with the Cadman affair.'

    You asked what was wrong with your assertion?

    Dion has not been nailed $3.5 million for slandering the PM. He has been sued for slandering the PM. Do you see the difference? It's subtle, I know. One... being sued... two... losing the case.

    I would've thought a 1 year student of logic could've figured that one out.

    By the way -- Harper's law suit would be before the courts right now if he hadn't begged the judge to let him off the hook during the campaign because he is afraid of the bad press.
  22. Dwayne Allan from Canada writes: Says volumes when Conservative candidates are so inept,the party won't allow anything but scripted comments. So afraid their hand picked hopefuls will embarrass the Harper Party when they speak their own mind, the War Room puts a sock in their mouths.

    Kinda hints towards thinking Harper only wants the seats and cares little about the people who expect representation from a MP charged with looking after THEIR concerns. When the candidates can't answer questions, it shows Harper has no respect for the locals.
  23. canadian forideas from Canada writes: Another Republican move by the Harper Conser...... Ahmm Republicanadians.
    Ha they follow the GOP so well, every move. Fascinating.
  24. NikolaTesla -the genius who lit the world from Calgary, Canada writes: Canadian Association of Journalists
    Statement of Principles
    Approved at 2002 Annual General Meeting

    Preamble

    It is our privilege and duty to seek and report the truth as we understand it, defend free speech and the right to equal treatment under law, capture the diversity of human experience, speak for the voiceless and encourage civic debate to build our communities and serve the public interest.

    Freedom of Speech

    The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees freedom of expression and freedom of the press. A free flow of information sustains and vitalizes democracy because understanding emerges from vigorous discussion, openly reported. Our legal traditions give media privilege and protection. We must return this trust through the ethical practice of our craft.

    The Public Interest

    The right to freedom of expression and of the press must be defended against encroachment from any quarter, public or private, because we serve democracy and the public interest. Journalists must be alert to ensure that the public's business continues to be conducted in public. Journalists who abuse their power betray the public trust.

    Just would like to remind the Journalist of their principles, it appears they need a refresher.

    The Conservative's Public Relations Campaign must be exposed by the media. To not inform Canadians of this devious manipulation is to denounce everything that the media exist for.

    Harper is a disgrace to Canada.
  25. Bobby Dy from Canada writes: Perhaps they were going to ask about the affidavit that Ms. Cadman filed stating that CPC members approached Cadman with the $1 million offer. Or perhaps they were going to ask about Ms. Cadman's testimony last month where she confirmed that the Zytaruk tape she was played immediately after the original interview with Harper was identical to the one in the public domain right now. Lots of reasons to keep her away from the media.
  26. Chris R from Ottawa, Canada writes: RB - Since Mr. Cadman has died -- we actually have no proof that he made two different accounts of the same incident. FACT.

    Since the Tory party will not let the two Tory operatives who actually spoke to Mr. Cadman -- publicly comment on these innacuracies -- we have no proof that two different accounts of the same incident occured. FACT.

    Since the Tory party will not allow Donna Cadman to speak publicly about this -- we're no closer to the truth either. FACT.
  27. My Humble Opinion from Canada writes: The conservatives sound a lot like a nazi party.
  28. r b from calgary, Canada writes: Try following the argument Chris R, or have your mommy tuck you in: the assertions in question are clearly the ability of both 2 contradictory statements to be true.

    So let us try this again:

    1. Media reports state that Cadman's family claim that Chuck Cadman told them that he was offered a bribe.

    2. Cadman, or someone who looked and sounded exactly like Mr Cadman, publicly denied that he was offered a bribe.

    So tell us - if Chuck Cadman indeed gave both accounts, was he a liar, or not?
  29. Chris R from Canada writes: RB - Since all the who spoke personally to Mr. Cadman about all this are being muzzled by the PMO -- I see no logic to your argument. Why is Harper afraid to let the Tory operatives or Donna Cadman speak out on this, RB?
  30. r b from calgary, Canada writes: Chris R - if Cadman did NOT tell his familiy that he was offered a bribe, that what the hell are you slandering Harper for? Apparently, a non-incident.

    The entire accusation of bribery levelled at Harper is based on the claim of bribery that Chuck Cadman is SAID to have made to his family, a claim that you now say may not have happened at all.

    Uh-huh.

    So which is it? Did Cadman tell his family he was offered a bribe, or not? And if you pull the usual 'I have no idea' coward's response to that question, how in good conscience can you accuse Harper of bribery?
  31. Philip Yu from Toronto, Canada writes: Seems our Corganesque leader doesn't want to face 'the Britneys of the world' to me. Dona Cadman's not D'Arcy; let the woman speak, already.
  32. G. Veneta from Calgary, Canada writes: Why in heaven would Canadians leave all decisions to one man who is so out of touch with his own humanity it is sickening. Divide and conquer bitter man who seeks to set the so called 'ordinary man' against artists, environmentalists seen as the enemy etc..

    Who is this ordinary man Steve refers to. Surely he knows none of them. He speaks down to the ordinary man by suggesting ordinary people have no interest in the arts or creative communities. Even if they do 'come home and watch t.v.' to quote him doesn't he get that it takes creative people to put together such tv content.

    This man is so unfit for the job. His dictatorial secretive operations is not Canada.

    WHERE IS YOUR PLATFORM SECRETIVE ONE????? Why will Canadians vote for MP's they can't even talk to??????
  33. Oilers Rock from Edmonton, Canada writes: Liberal fodder

    This is where Green Shi(f)t comes from.
  34. Chris R from Ottawa, Canada writes: RB -- I am only criticizing Harper for muzzling the only people on the planet who know the truth about this.

    I never accused of him bribery. Just as you can't outright let them off the hook for bribery.

    Cadman may very well have lied to his wife or whoever about this. I don't know!

    The only people who know the truth are not aloud to talk about it.

    I don't think we will ever know the truth about what was offered or not...

    As I mentioned ... ad nauseum... and this was the whole point of the article by the way ... is that Donna Cadman is getting whisked out the back door of a meeting so that she can't talk to the media.

    Agree to disagree?
  35. Chris R from Ottawa, Canada writes: Dan makes a good point, RB.

    Are you calling Donna Cadman a liar?

    Well, are you?
  36. Brian Smith from Ottawa, Canada writes: This is a newsorthy story?

    Usually local reporters are hungry to interview the visiting lerader. If they want to talk to the local candidate all they need to do is go to the local campaign office.
  37. A READER from Canada writes: r b, since he voted with the Liberal government, the context of his answer would be that the Liberals did not bribe him for his vote.

    Your assertion that Cadman was not bribed by the Conservatives for his vote would make more sense if he voted against the Liberal government.
  38. Vote ABC at all costs from Canada writes: This is just another example of Republican style politics infecting the Canadian election.

    In the same way Republicans are terrified of Sarah Palin actually having to talk to the press, we see Harper likewise keep Cadman away from the media.

    How much more proof do Canadians need that the Conservatives are running a Republican-style campaign?

    Which is all the more reason why Canadians must vote ABC.

    abcparty.org
  39. Bobby Dy from Canada writes: r b from calgary, Harper says the tape was doctored. Dona Cadman testified that she heard the same conversation immediately after the interview with Harper (i.e., before there was any chance to doctor the tape). The only way that Harper can claim he had no knowledge is if he could claim that the tape was doctored. If you take the tape as accurate, then guilt is implicit in his reply to the question. The tape has been validated by Dona Cadman, Harper's candidate. So, who is lying. The CPC candidate or the CPC leader?
  40. Tor Hill from Canada writes: Chuck Cadman's May 2005 interview with Mike Duffy is ambiguous. He acknowledged that CPC did offer him the chance to run unopposed and that it was the first offer he received ('there were no offers on the table up to that point,' he told Duffy). Perhaps it was the first such offer he received. Perhaps he was being gracious by leaving out the details. He knew he would face public scrutiny for his decision to stand with the Liberals in the non-confidence vote. Maybe he left something out, out of respect for himself and his family. But he did meet with the media.
  41. Chris R from Ottawa, Canada writes: Brian Smith - I'd say local candidates getting whisked out of meetings by the back door to avoid answering questions is newsworthy.

    My guess is Donna's not fielding calls with the national media from her campaign office either. Call me cynical.

    Harper allows the media to ask him 10 questions per day. 8 from the national media - 2 from local. That's it. Of course that's 10 more per day than he ever allowed before the election was called.
  42. siren call from Canada writes: Whisking a candidate off the stage in her own riding.

    Having the RCMP shadow the media.

    Way to trounce the 'hidden agenda' worries.
  43. Bobby Dy from Canada writes: Brian Smith, the other thing that usually happens is that the leaders of political parties let their local candidates field questions to increase the local candidates exposure. Usually, the leaders of political parties aren't fearful of what their local candidate will say. After all, who is being elected if not the local candidate?
  44. Bobby Dy from Canada writes: siren call, this isn't the first time that the RCMP formed a barricade between the press and the PM. They did it right after the Ritz story broke. Apparently, Harper can't think on his feet so he needs the RCMP to rough up the press when he finds himself in an awkward circumstance.
  45. Chris R from Ottawa, Canada writes: RB's pretty quiet. Must be drafting up a doozy.
  46. Oilers Rock from Edmonton, Canada writes: The widow of former MP Chuck Cadman has contradicted public accounts by author Tom Zytaruk of what happened the day of an interview that is pivotal in Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s lawsuit against the federal Liberals.

    In a sworn affidavit submitted in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice yesterday, Dona Cadman says the journalist did not meet Mr. Harper in the Cadmans’ house and was not introduced to him by her.

    “Nobody came inside my house while Mr. Harper was in the house with me,” she said. “I did not introduce Tom Zytaruk to Mr. Harper on Sept. 9, 2005.”
  47. BJ Homes from ontario, Canada writes: Why do we bother to elect local candidates? They're not allowed to speak to the press or in public unless cleared by the PMO, and they don't speak in the House of Commons unless reading from a PMO script. I'm not sure what tax payers are paying them to do.
  48. Oilers Rock from Edmonton, Canada writes: Bobby Dy from Canada writes: siren call, this isn't the first time that the RCMP formed a barricade between the press and the PM. They did it right after the Ritz story broke. Apparently, Harper can't think on his feet so he needs the RCMP to rough up the press when he finds himself in an awkward circumstance.

    It's to keep the crazy libs away.
  49. Chris R from Ottawa, Canada writes: RB from Calgary said: 'Try following the argument Chris R, or have your mommy tuck you in?'

    Where did you go, RB? A lot of people are asking you questions?

    Ah, well. Night night!
  50. Closely Watching from Canada writes: Harper only needs local candidates to get seats so he can rule as dictator. His goons ensure no ones speaks out of turn or has any chance to speak to the press or constituents. Harper is killing democracy. I find it hard any Canadian supports his behaviour.
  51. dan vanman from Canada writes: But guys...didn't you read what Oilers Rock said? A sworn affidavit to the contrary of everything we have all been saying. And it was submitted to court yesterday!

    Please...prove it. The truth is you CON posters will put whatever lie you want to up here just to make a point.

    The fact that its a lie is irrelevant!

    Just like how Harper stands on lies.

    Whatever gets him in power.

    Thats the kind of leader we should all be scared of...one willing to lie and do anything to get in power.

    Peace
  52. Anti Fascist from Canada writes:
    This has all the stink of a fiberal smoke screen. Screw Harpo, same crowd, the cons.
  53. G E from Ottawa, Canada writes: Why anyone would vote for a party that shows absolute disdain for the public is beyond comprehension. How can anyone support such anti-democratic efforts? This parade of puppets controlled by CPC operatives should never be elected.

    The media is complicit. If they had any decency, they would stop covering the CPC until complete transparency is restored.
  54. Tor Hill from Canada writes: In the same interview with Duffy, Mr. Cadman said there were 'no offers from any other party' (apart from the one from CPC).

    When James Moore came out to defend S. Harper, he cut out the 'from any other party' in his audio presentation.

    So, this story goes nowhere.

    There was at least one real hero in the country yesterday (Tuesday)- the high school principal in Regina. Now scoff at that, all you mean-spirited folks. I know how you can do it, but it won't work.
  55. Bill Woodcock from Canada writes: It's too Bad that Mrs. Cadman doesn't have the conviction or scruples that Chuck had. She's just trying to make a leap into politics on her late husbands good name. This also shows that Harper is afraid of something. Could it be the truth, maybe? I bet this is her reward for shutting her mouth....
  56. siren call from Canada writes: Bobby Dy, I don't think Harper can think on his feet.

    The answer he gave re. arts funding today was painful. He stuttered over the word, 'gala' at least 3 times. Although perhaps his focus groups have told him that word really irritates conservative voters.
  57. dan vanman from Canada writes: Anti Facist...its very funny...you support the party that is closest to real facism. Maybe look the word up.

    But no...all you can do is blame the other party...saying its a smoke screen.

    You are as sad as rb...who we have all noticed has scurried off to some dark hole to contemplate his next post based on lies.
  58. r b from calgary, Canada writes: What happened Chris R? What happened danny vanman?

    Cat got your forked tongues?

    Is Cadman a liar, or not?

    Oh yes, peace, danny.

    How sweet.
  59. dan vanman from Canada writes: Thats it rb...you are officially a troll. I will not respond to any more of your hateful namecalling.

    We have all politely and sensibly tried to show you your error.

    But you are just some namecalling punk...and would probably run from that too.

    Don't post back...you are only embarrassing yourself, and I won't respond to any more of your hateful invective.
  60. PANIC! At The Ice Floe from Ottawa, Canada writes: The fact that she is running for the Conservatives says it all.
  61. Bobby Dy from Canada writes: r b from calgary, there is no reason to claim that Cadman lied publicly because he never said what the CPC claimed that he said. When he said that 'he had no other offers' he was referring to specific offers from other parties (i.e., the LPC). In a separate interview that he did at the time, he specifically stated that the CPC candidacy was 'amongst' what was offered by the CPC. He didn't elaborate on the remainder of the content of the offer. So, we don't have to assume that Cadman lied publicly to conclude that he was honest and told his wife the truth.
  62. Brian Marlatt from White Rock, Canada writes: The Cadman affair just won't go away and, as I have said previously, claims that Tom Zytaruk doctored tapes concerning Mr. Harper's interview on this subject are just not credible ('Can't imagine Zytaruk doctored tape. The Hill Times, (http://www.thehilltimes.ca/members/login.php?fail=2&destination=/html/index.php?display=story&full_path=/2008/june/16/letter3/). Why trust the attack ad party? We need integrity. Progressive Conservatives offered integrity. Progressive Canadians continue to do so. And, yes, I was finally persuaded to run as a PC Party candidate in this election.
  63. D W from Kingston, ON, Canada writes: Oh, please. This is not news... this is the media using its position as a public medium to get back at parties or individuals who refuse to grant interviews. The fact that this happened to relate to 'the Cadman Affair' is a mere side point; like it or not, this has consistently been Harper's policy across the board. The bias in this 'story' is clear.

    Can we please get back to discussing the issues of the day? Even the silly puffin poop ad gaffe had more substance than this.
  64. Bobby Dy from Canada writes: Brian Marlatt, apart from that testimony as to the character of Chuck Cadman by others, the most important piece of evidence in support of the integrity of the Zytaruk tapes is Dona Cadman's testimony on August 12, 2008. Under cross-examination by the LPC lawyer, she confirmed that the tape played for her in the cross-examination was identical to the tape that Zytaruk played for her immediately after the interview with Harper.
  65. Brian Marlatt from White Rock, Canada writes: The Surrey North PC Party candidate is Nikolas Langlands, a Progressive Conservative who stood by his principles, something Chuck Cadman would respect...that at least was the impression I was left with when I met him....by serving as a Progressive Canadian, a loyal Tory, in this and the last election.
  66. Harbinger from Out West from Canada writes: Anyone know the name of the insurance company approached to set up this insurance policy? The premiums must have been a pip with a pre-diagnosed condition.
  67. R Miller from Canada, Canada writes: Is there actually a story in this article ?

    Or is the real story the lack of any story ?

    Nice of the G&M to leave it upto the reader's imaginations.

    Cheers
  68. graham g from Canada writes: Running and hiding are two
    defining behaviours of Steve
    and Donna.
    They definitely have trouble telling the truth
    and keeping their stories straight.
    Con Canada has hit a new low
    with politicians such as these two.
  69. J M from Canada writes: I understand Ms. Cadman's dilemma; it's harder to accept a payoff when you aren't on a party's accounting books.

    As for agendas, everyone has them (otherwise we wouldn't be writing on this forum) and the all the major parties are great at hiding their intentions and lying to us about their agendas and the agendas of other parties.

    I am not worried about hidden agendas, I am worried about Canadians, who either don't vote or don't think for themselves.

    Here's to another 140 years of dysfunctional democracy!
  70. aging oldtool from Canada writes: It has finally become clear. Harper, despite his many critics, is not another GW Bush. He's got Stockboy Day to play the Texan commie hunter, and conquerer of half the word's oil supply. No, Steve's closest image in the U.S. would be Dick Cheney. He's sneaky, dances around 'media access'and forces candidates to look like bimbos to their potential constituents besides following a parallel desire to offer up all things public (like health care), to the gods of greed. But I digress: I could give a damn what Harper, Dion or Layton have to say about local issues, but I certainly want to know, in clear language and tangible form, what he/she candidate will do for local folks on specific issues. I f I do want to learn what the various leaders have to say, I'll read party literature, watch and read in the news media. What I want to hear are answers from the local candidates, who should be willing to vary a little from the national campaign to tackle issues that make us each anomalies. If my local candidate is handicapped by serious restrictions, imposed by others, how am I to determine whether she/he is capable of independent thought or simply not strong enough to stand up for themselves? And I'll bet you thought this election was about you, eh?
  71. Brian Marlatt from White Rock, Canada writes: As a Tory interviewed by Tom Zytaruk, that is to say as a Progressive Conservative interviewed by Tom Zytaruk and therefore a genuine Tory, I can offer first hand evidence that Zytaruk was frequently generous in his latitude toward the Reform Party even after it changed its name to Canadian Reform Conservative Alliance and later the 'Conservative Party'. As to the suggestion that Dona Cadman's testimony had any bearing on the incredulous claim that the Harper tape was doctored, dragging the widow's name into this is disgraceful...using her name in this way is a shameful thing. Let her be and in matters of public policy let her speak, something the disgraceful party of Stephen Harper continues to show it is not willing to do. Shame and dishonour are their lot. Punish them at the polls. I was persuaded to run against them as a PC at the last minute, after reading the shameful comments here I am now glad that I agreed to step forward to throw these people out of office. Decency, integrity, honour: these are virtues we need always to aspire to.
  72. Marc S from Canada writes: D W from Kingston, ON, Canada writes:Can we please get back to discussing the issues of the day?
    ------------I realize you cons consider talking about birds or sweater's to be pivotal to your victory in this election...............anything to avoid the (obvious) important issue's...........like the stink coming out of your party despite your attempts to hide every candidate in your party from questioning.
  73. John Gzowski from Canada writes: Here are the disputed Duffy Cadman lines.
    In it Cadman admits that the CPC offered the nomination and campaign funding as part of the only offer made him for his vote. He does not deny he was offered life insurance as part of this offer. All he says is that the only offer he was given was by the CPC and included the nomination and campaign funding. He was not asked about whether life insurance was offered in this same offer and did not answer. Therefore there is no proof that Cadman was lying in either the Duffy interview or comments reported by his widow.

    r b?

    Duffy: Chuck, earlier tonight Craig Oliver reported on our network special that the Conservatives were prepared do offer you an unopposed nomination if you would vote with them, and also help with campaign funding and so on. Was that offer actually made?

    Cadman: Well there was some talk about that. As far as the unopposed nomination, you know, the discussions did come up. The talk did come up, yeah.

    Duffy: So they were making an offer to you, and in the end you refused?

    Cadman: Yes. Well, that was the only offer on anything that I had from anybody. So there was no offers on the table up till that point about anything from any party.
  74. Bagkitty in Calgary from Canada writes: I will apologize for the shouting in advance.

    THE STORY ISN'T ABOUT CADMAN, THE STORY IS ABOUT THE CONSERVATIVES REFUSING TO ALLOW QUESTIONS FROM THE MEDIA.

    I don't particularly want to get drawn into this pissing match between Liberals and Conservatives, but I am beyond tired of the Conservatives refusing to address the media.

    I am not counting on the local Conservative candidate making it to my doorway... the only candidate I ever saw was the Green, two elections ago. I also am not counting on my local Conservative candidate appearing at any open forum... he was a no show at the 3 that were held in my riding last election.

    I am getting a very clear message from them though -- they have no respect for the media, they have no respect for the electorate, they have no respect for anything other than their own petty ambition -- I guess they take their clue from their leader.

    Mr. Harper, during his run to get a seat after winning the leadership of the his party expressed his contempt for the NDP candidate, former United Church Moderator Bill Phipps saying he 'despised' Phipps. The press never spelled out why, but I will hazard a guess... he despised Phipps for having the gall to run against him... for interfering with the coronation Harper thought was his by some kind of divine right, for trying to have Harper run an actual campaign -- Harper was also a no-show at the all candidate forum set up for that by-election.

    He is treating us, the electorate, in the same arrogant fashion.

    Harper and his Conservative party have passed there best buy date, time to dump them into the trash with the rest of the moldy stuff cluttering up the fridge.
  75. Mike Keith from Saskatoon, Canada writes: How could anyone vote for one of these clowns, how can you be a representative for this country when you can't even handle talking to some local media!
  76. Phil Gardner from Canada writes: This absolutley unbelievable in a democracy ! Harper is not running as a candidate in a democratic election at all. Harper only speaks from a script, he does not allow his local candidates the right of Free Speech to speak to the Free Press, and uses the National Police (RCMP) to keep the Free Press away from these candidates. This account states that : 'Reporters tried to reach her (the local candidate) as she and other candidates were rushed off the stage by Mr. Harper's aides after the rally in Surrey, B. C.... but RCMP officers shielded the media. Mr. Harper's spokesman, said it was not the local candidates' priority to speak to national media, but rather to get elected. When it was pointed out that local reporters were present, he said he has not said it was their priority to speak to local media, either. “Local candidates' priority is campaigning in their local ridings and not talking to the national media,” Mr. Teneycke said. While local candidates for most parties are usually willing to speak to reporters at campaign stops, Harper's Conservatives usually appear on stage at rallies, but don't speak to reporters following their leader. Do these local condidates show up and answer questions at other events like All Candidates Meetings ? Why is Harper afraid to let his people talk ? Why is Harper muzzlling his candidates if they are supposed to be part of his 'team'.
  77. R. M. from Regina, Canada writes: You know it is VERY CLEAR to me that if this woman really believed all these allegations etc that she would NEVER run for the Conservatives, not in a million years.....and if she is doing so regardless than she is worse than those who have been accussed.
  78. Stephen Harper's Ignorant Tories from Canada writes: Conservative MPs are not allowed to think for themselves. All of their thoughts, words and deeds must be approved by the dear leader / micromanaging bully boy. Individual ideas and expression must be crushed!!!
  79. evelyn robinson from Canada writes: Her silence has been bought by allowing her candidacy and Harper's new tough measures are another part of the pay off.

    Why would one run for office or be allowed to when there has been
    allegations from her of a bribe made to her husband.
    She is a grieiving mother and wife so I will cut her some slack;
    but she does seem to be lacking her husbands character.
  80. anoni moose from Ozoneville, Canada writes: WOW!!!
    THE PRESS BARRED FROM INTERVIEWING a candidate for election by the State POLICE!!!

    Where have we seen this picture before?

    Party leaders trying to have tight control over their candidates interviews is one thing.
    To have the RCMP used as what amounts to PC party security is another.

    What kind of message is der 'Cardigan' trying to convey to Canadians. Has the der 'Cardigan's' advisers deemed the 4th estate to be an unruly and obnoxious element to be blocked from their democratic functions?

    What kind of national police force do we have that bars freedom of the press? Are they not there to provide security for the candidates against unknown intruders?

    What does the head of the RCMP have to say about his force members being used in this manner?

    I hope this issue dogs der 'Cardigan' for the rest of the election. I hope the press is relentless on this issue to bring it clearly to the publics attention.
  81. Shane Jordan from Winnipeg, Canada writes: r b, clearly first year logic was a long time ago for you and you didn't pay close attention to it at the time in any case.

    If Cadman lied about the insurance offer to his wife, as Harper is sueing not a dead man but Dion, then the only way Harper can win is case is if he can prove that Dion either knew Cadman lied to his wife (good luck proving that) or that Dion knew Dona Cadman lied (which means she intentionally provoked this whole thing in the first place)

    As you seem to be fond of saying, which is it? Did Dona lie about her husband telling her an offer was made? Answer that one simple question if you can.
  82. Mrs. Whiggins from Canada writes: Zytaruk was supposed to testify September 22, 2008, and the report from Quantico as to the veracity of the tapes was to be given to the judge that day or shortly after. But Harper pleaded for an extension. Curious, eh?

    Now Dona Cadman gets hustled by Harper aides in her own riding? More curious.
  83. Blue Magic ...... from Mississauga,, Canada writes: Hey liberals. Harper and the CPC was already cleared by the RCMP on this back in april. Next up is 3.5 million from the liberals for making dumb statments .

    You Harper haters are going insane. It is so funny to read some of these post, rats in a corner.
  84. Randy McClure from Canada writes: jack sprat from Canada writes: Intersting. Last night at the Dion event I overheard reporters saying that the harper team was impossible to deal with. they were stymying reporters at every turn. Its their way or the highway.

    Which is why the cons won't win. The press is going to put the smackdown on the frat boys. Wait for a very bad week in the press starting about ... oh ... Thursday. Trust me on that.
  85. Bobby Dy from Canada writes: Blue Magic, Harper was not cleared. There is a big difference between insufficient evidence to lay charges and being cleared. The one interesting thing that came to light in the LPC cross-examination is that Cadman kept a diary. Once that becomes public, we may have a more complete story with names and all.
  86. Mrs. Whiggins from Canada writes: Politicians might lie; they're politicians after all... But what would motivate Jodi Cadman to say her dad told her about an offer? For a while there, both Dona and Jodi public words were the same. Now, Harper mouthpieces say one thing while Dona says nothing.

    The courts have been put on hold so sworn testimony and the truth is delayed.

    Any lawyers on here want to answer what would happen if an ordinary hard-working Canadian decided to put the Zytaruk-Harper interview, or the Dona Cadman 'bribe' phone-inteview, on a boom-box and play it where-ever said Canadian wants?

    Stephen Harper isn't suing the media who carry the tape, nor the author.

    Anyone have an answer?
  87. Randy McClure from Canada writes: Blue Magic ...... from Mississauga,, Canada writes: Hey liberals. Harper and the CPC was already cleared by the RCMP on this back in april.

    You can't just make stuff up.
  88. anoni moose from Ozoneville, Canada writes:
    Another question is this affair need answering, media are you listening.

    Why would Donna Cadman be running for a party that not long before she held openly in contempt?
    What has changed in her relationship with Le 'Cardigan' that she can stomach being on the platform with him and his advisers.

    This affair from beginning to end stinks and the smell won't go away. Harpie can use all the Ivory Snow Gentle Care He wants, it won't get rid of this reek.
  89. morningdew1992 digs it in vancouver from vancouver, Canada writes: where's gerry ritz?
    is he in hiding?
    stepehen harper's policies contribute to the death of 18 Canadian's, then gerry ritz laugh's in our face about it and now the intellectually incompetent minion of harper is in hiding..who votes for these people?
    the only commentary i've read from the right about the situation is that worker's in ontario don't know how to clean meat cutting equipment...to all the people that are considering voting conservative - what if it was your gramma that died from listeria? ...do us all a favor and change your mind and not vote for the guy that will ruin our economy, screw us over on many fronts and then laugh in our faces about it...
    STOP HARPER AND HIS REPUBLICANIZATION OF CANADA
    JUST SAY NO TO GEORGE BUSH OF THE NORTH
  90. Raymond Rutledge from Canada writes: I really enjoy reading the defence of this evenings debaucle... knowing that each and every person has missed the point completely.

    The Cadman affair itself very unsettling, but an entirely besides the point.

    What we have is a governing parties representatives, ordering the National law enforcement officers to prevent the FREE PRESS from pursuing and asking questions of party members... in effect controlling the media.

    We have Kory Teneycke TELLING Canadians and the press how to do their job and what they will and will not report on. This is absolutely UNACCEPTABLE!

    And think about this... reporters are only allowed ONE question...meaning that reporters can NEVER challenge his answers. In effect... all we the people will ever hear is PROPAGANDA.

    If you can't ask questions of the party candidates, where is accountability? The conservatives in the last election swore up and down they would be the ACCOUNTABLE party and would clean up Ottawa politics.

    Does that mean they have to control the media to do so?
  91. Mrs. Whiggins from Canada writes: Don't forget: Dona Cadman and Penny Priddy are good friends. Ms. Priddy retired from politics earlier this year, leaving the Priddy NDP riding open. Another case of NDP/Harper collusion? You decide. Curious, though, that the NDP fielded a weak candidate this time around.
  92. morningdew1992 digs it in vancouver from vancouver, Canada writes: yeah i never understood why cadman's widow would run for harper...obviously chuck didn't support harper but dona does...odd

    Chuck new full well that keeping the liberal gov't afloat with his tie-breaking vote would ensure that the legislation allowing gay marriage would pass....nobody will ever know for certain but i do believe that that was why he did it...
    Chuck Cadman did the right thing by supporting legislated equality for gays and lesbian's and he is a fallen hero...THANKS CHUCK
    oh yeah i think he jammed with jimi hendrix once, too...pretty cool..
  93. dan vanman from Canada writes: Blue Magic...why oh why can you not make a point without smug insults.

    The facts are that Harper called an election to deny the public a fair chance to get explanations on this and the many other scandals your golden boy has gotten himself into.

    This one is the most serious...because laws have been broken.

    The 3.5 mil will never be paid, because the evidence shows that the Cons have lied on this (BIG SURPRISE!).

    The RCMP never released a statement clearing Harper.

    Can you come back with another lie there buddy?

    Love to read them...its so entertaining.

    See that? A whole post and no insults. Try it...come on Blue Magic...show us all how very mature you are.
  94. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: Meanwhile, I drove by a large sign parked on the side of a busy road here in Calgary. It invited passers-by to meet Mr. Dion at the Greenwood Inn in Calgary (last night). Several posters have reported that Mr. Dion took questions from the audience for an hour. It seems that attendees were not hand-picked, frisked, or their questions vetted.
  95. C R from Canada writes: HARPER DOESN'T LET THOSE WE ELECT SPEAK. WHY DO WE ELECT THEM? WE MIGHT AS WELL BE ELECTING CARDBOARD CUT-OUTS OF PEOPLE.
  96. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: Randy McClure:-- Not quite. The RCMP didn't clear the CPC, it simply announced that there was insufficient evidence upon which to base any charges.
  97. Bobby Dy from Canada writes: Raymond Rutledge, if the current government was any more accountable, we'd be living in a police state. You are right, of course. This story is not new. The only thing that is new here is that, as government, the PM now has an entourage of RCMP to keep the media at bay. Previously, he had to rely on CPC muscle to shuttle the candidates out the back door.
  98. Mrs. Whiggins from Canada writes: Raymond, remember when 'the press' was reporting that the Harper party was going to the small-town papers, radio and reporters to get their news out?

    They were talking really small.

    High-school cub reporter small.

    Juveniles and hometown reporters get the scoops, not the highly-paid press. Investigative journalists? What investigative journalists? Harper will set up an interview with a homey and tell him what to write. Simple, really.

    Sad.
  99. morningdew1992 digs it in vancouver from vancouver, Canada writes: so is the RCMP just for hire to anyone now? or just harper and WHY?
  100. Mrs. Whiggins from Canada writes: Good question morningdew1992! Does the Stephen Harper campaign factor in the cost of the RCMP 'Operation Media Watch and Contain' as campaign spending or bill it on the taxpayers' dime?
  101. D Epp from Canada writes: Kady O'Malley's blog has a link to the transcript of Harper's testimony Aug 22. It sounds to me like he's contradicting himself in places about what he knew about who was talking to Mr. Cadman and when.

    I'm not surprised at all that Harper won't let Dona Cadman be interviewed by the media.
  102. Marc S from Canada writes: Expect more of the .........lie, lie, lie, sweep, sweep, sweep, deny, deny, deny, ............strategy !
  103. True North from Canada writes: Harper cannot be trusted.
  104. dan vanman from Canada writes: diane...you mean Mr Dion actually acted like a normal human being? Wow...refreshing. Mr Harper must have thought it funny in his hometown that his adversary was more open than his entire government.

    Seriously folks...vote for the best Canadian. The one that makes you proud to be a Canadian again.

    Because most of us are not proud any more after what the Cons have done the past two years.
  105. True North from Canada writes: Harper's MPs are all just a bunch of trained seals, each representing a blind vote in the House.
  106. Phil Gardner from Canada writes: Tuesday night, Sept. 23, 2008 in Surrey, BC. Here is what occurred at a Conservative Rally: Reporters attempted to talk to local Conservative candidates after Mr Harper had finished speaking.. When the press tried to reach one local candidate she and other candidates were rushed off the stage by Mr. Harper's aides ... RCMP officers were ordered to shield them from the reporters. Mr. Harper's spokesman, said it was 'not the local candidates' priority to speak to national media, but rather to get elected.' When it was pointed out that Local reporters were present, he said it was their priority to speak to Local media, either. “Local candidates' priority is campaigning in their local ridings and not talking to the media,” Mr. Teneycke said. While local candidates for most parties are usually willing to speak to reporters at campaign stops, Harper's Conservatives usually appear on stage at rallies, but don't speak to reporters following their leader. Tight message discipline was ramped up by the Harper Conservatives in the 2006 election and has remained a Conservative party mantra ever since. In particular, attempts to speak with socially conservative candidates have been aggressively thwarted by Conservative Party aides and now the RCMP ! Why is Harper muzzling his own candidates and ordering them gagged in this election? Why is Mr. Harper, acting so paranoid ?
  107. morningdew1992 digs it in vancouver from vancouver, Canada writes: basically it begs the question to be asked - why is the rcmp taking care of harper's security plan instead of private security and what are the legal ramification's of this? personally i am unsure about the legality of a beefed up police contingent being bossed around by stephen harper... obviously he wants to limit what his minion's get to say publicly because they usually spout off about belief's that are so abhorrent to Canadian's as to make one want to run to the washroom, etc. ...however, having a taxpayer funded entity such as the rcmp acting as thugs for the pmo is entirely different...
    Vote strategically against harper....
    the list of reason's why is exhaustive...
  108. Phil Gardner from Canada writes: Tuesday night, Sept. 23, 2008 in Surrey, BC. Here is what occurred at a Conservative Rally: Reporters attempted to talk to local Conservative candidates after Mr Harper had finished speaking.. When the press tried to reach one local candidate she and other candidates were rushed off the stage by Mr. Harper's aides ... RCMP officers were ordered to shield them from the reporters. Mr. Harper's spokesman, said it was 'not the local candidates' priority to speak to national media, but rather to get elected.' When it was pointed out that Local reporters were present, he said it was their priority to speak to Local media, either. “Local candidates' priority is campaigning in their local ridings and not talking to the media,” Mr. Teneycke said. While local candidates for most parties are usually willing to speak to reporters at campaign stops, Harper's Conservatives usually appear on stage at rallies, but don't speak to reporters following their leader. Tight message discipline was ramped up by the Harper Conservatives in the 2006 election and has remained a Conservative party mantra ever since. In particular, attempts to speak with socially conservative candidates have been aggressively thwarted by Conservative Party aides and now the RCMP ! Why is Harper muzzling his own candidates and ordering them gagged in this election? Why is Mr. Harper, acting so paranoid ?
  109. Mrs. Whiggins from Canada writes: I wonder what 'SurreyNOW' will get to report on Dona Cadman's latest visit from Stephen Harper? Let's look, shall we?
  110. BeerBelly Buddah from Wpg, Canada writes: SIEG HEIL!

    NO ONE SPEAKS AFTER THE FUHRER!
    (CPC 2008 election booklet, Section 1-a)

    p.s. Is there any chance she is being held as candidate against her will? How will we ever know if she isn't allowed to speak for herself?

    BTW, what are the RCMP now? Harper's very own Stormtroopers?
  111. morningdew1992 digs it in vancouver from vancouver, Canada writes: basically the time to get angry and take the argument against harper and his fascist creep is now...
    send the logic out to all your facebook friends...talk to people(i do and sometimes it's not pretty but we are being forced to right now as a means of defending our freedom's and civil liberties....do you think anyone in the states thought that they would have all of there's stomped on and extinguished??....say like in 1977? no but it happened there and we mustn't sit by idly and let it happen here...we all have far to much to lose with a Harper majority...
    ya know even if u put it down strictly to cold hard cash i think of it this way...thanks to harper i get an extra 2cents back every time i buy a coffee...do i still leave the xtra change back to the tip jar? usually....however since harper has taken over minimum wage is the same, the ferry from van to the sunshine coast is 52bucks instead of 42, gas is 1.40 instead of 1.00......it goes on and on......is the 2cents a litre cut to the diesel fuel excise tax ever gonna help me out? NFW....is it gonna make the owner's of the restaurant's that i go to lower prices because their supplier's passed on the savings from the 2 cents a litre tax break? get real....all this at the expense of the overall finances of the country? No American in 2000 ever woulda thought that bush could bring the U.S. economy to it's knees the way he has just like most people don't believe harper could do it here even though the 2 losers are playing from the same playbook and employing the same tactics....we mustn't let harper form a majority gov't if we value our civil liberties and economic security...
  112. Marc Muhammad from Surrey North, British Columbia, Canada writes: Hi Everyone,

    My name is Marc Muhammad, I am the Liberal candidate for Surrey North, British Columbia; therefore I am currently running against Ms. Dona Cadman.
    If anyone is interested in bringing this absolute travesty of democracy to the doorstep of not only Dona Cadman, but every Conservative MP and candidate across the country. Please let me know, and we can work on it together.

    I can be reached at:
    Email: info@MarcMuhammad.com
    Campaign Office: 778-229-8009
    URL: http://www.MarcMuhammad.com

    I am looking forward to bring Canada back to Canadians - Vote Liberal On Oct 14, 2008

    Regards,

    Marc Muhammad
    Federal Liberal Candidate
    Surrey North, British Columbia
  113. Orest Zarowsky from Toronto, Canada writes: Open! Transparent! Accountable! was the slogan. But to whom? Certainly not the citizens. That arrogant disdain for the press that Harper displays, especially during an election campaign, speaks volumes. And none of them positive.

    If he has nothing to hide, why is Harper - and his crew - so disinclined to have any real converse with the press? And why is so much energy expended to keep local candidates incommunicado - even with local media? Let alone national media?

    Makes one wonder, indeed it does. It seems that Harper and the CPC are using a very obscure dictionary to define the terms in that slogan: Open! Transparent! Accountable! Their definition reminds me of the thinking and logic of the likes of Joseph Goebbels