Skip navigation

 Login or Register | Member Centre

Analysis

Harper offers policy, not an empathetic ear for Canadian concerns

BRIAN LAGHI

From Wednesday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 6:47 AM EST 08/10/08

Nervous voters might be forgiven today for wondering whether they're on the same page with a leader who sees great buying opportunities in the carnage that is the current stock market ...Read the full article

This conversation is closed

  1. North Star from Canada writes: Harper's advice was that 'there are interesting buying opportunities' on the market illustrates how out of touch he is with ordinary Canadians' monthly living budgets.
  2. s like from Canada writes: The problem with the Liberals and the NDP is that they just want to throw money at everything.

    Who cares if it doesn't work. It's not their money and as long as it makes them look like they're doing something good then spend, spend, spend.

    Canadians are carrying a $400 billion plus debt from the free spending 80s and 90s and we have very little to show for all that cash.

    Listen to Layton...he sounds like he's calling lottery winners every time he announces another spending initiative. And Dion...I've voted Liberal many times but I could never vote for Dion.
  3. spicydoc of the spring from Canada writes:

    All Harper has to do is tell his make-up artist to put some mascara in his eye before interviews--he will cry like a baby.

    Then Canada will love him.
  4. pierre audet from Montreal, writes: 'I think there are probably some gains to be made in the stock market.' (Stephen Harper, 2008)
    'Let them eat cake.' (Marie-Antoinette, 1789)
  5. Scenic Sask! from Canada writes: For those who are waiting for a solution from Stephen Harper to the financial woes that are besetting them......THIS IS A GLOBAL CRISIS!
  6. Misery No one from Toronto, Canada writes: Harper has no clue. talking about buying opportunities in the market jeez. What does ordinary Joe Blow know about the dam market? He's to busy trying to pay his dam bills just to keep his head above water.
  7. spicydoc of the spring from Canada writes:

    Hmmm--

    People are dissing Harper for his 'silver lining' comment re stock prices....

    'How insensitive!! Joe blow doesn't play the stock market!!' etc

    If Joe Blow doesn't play the stock market, then why are the opps screaming 'DO SOMETHING!!' every time the TSE dives??

    Harper pointed out a simple truth and the media is grinding it to death.

    Granted, the CPC did the same to Dion with the 'hard to make priorities' jazz, but at least the CPC paid for the smear with their own money.
  8. spicydoc of the spring from Canada writes:

    Dion's plan:

    Completely overhaul the tax system, claiming the process will be as cost-efficient and effective as the gun registry.

    Layton's Plan:

    Help struggling industries by yanking 50 billion of incentives from under their feet.

    Harper's plan:

    Hang on tight, and tweak where necessary.

    Harper's plan is doomed for failure. You know why?? Because he won't cry on TV.

    If only he would cry now and then Canada would embrace him.
  9. Kim Feraday from Vancouver, Canada writes: s like

    Anyone who endured the frugal Chretien years (that would be everyone) would beg to differ. But then they had no choice as the IMF was putting real pressure. That said it's a fundmental difference in economic philosophy -- Keynesian versus Friedmanism. In these circumstances, and by that I mean both the gutting of our manufacturin sector and the current financial crisis, most of us would prefer a Keynsian approach. Harper's approach is more likely to land us in a longer and deeper recession.
  10. Love the arts from Toronto, Canada writes: Mr. Harper is offering actions that will help struggling Canadians. Concrete help. Not phony sentiments and crocodile tears. Mr. Dion is the expert at that.
    I think Brian Laghi is pretty shallow in saying 'emotion on demand' is a judgment that must be passed on a prime minister.
  11. Scott McDonald from Toronto, Canada writes: I found it interesting when Harper said he didn't take the credit when the stock market went up. Interesting because the market has never gone up while he was Prime Minister. In fact, Flarhety's Hallowe'en Surpirse marked the end of a five year bull market. It's been all bear since.
  12. W Mercer from Zurich, Switzerland writes: s like - your comments about the Liberals throwing money around does not hold up well with history. Lest we forget, it was a Conservative government in the 80s that set all the records for deficit spending and it was a Liberal government in the 90s and early 00s that balanced the books and reduced the National debt from over 500 bn to its present level. OK you can blame the Liberals of the 70s for starting out the deficit spending spree but then we should remember that following the oil scare of the mid-70s the country was in a deep recession where deficit spending is sometimes needed to stimulate economic growth. There was no such excuse in the 80s.
  13. David Gibson from Hamilton, Canada writes: What a moronic system and process. Brian Laghi should just get stinking drunk until the election is over.
  14. trevor roberts from Hamlton, Canada writes: This article had little to say about Harper or his mesage,
    Do You have any JOURNALISTS, never mind just reporters.
    Geez, folks, report , say something with a //////
  15. Steve Rounce from Canada writes: The problem with lefties, aside from the inaccuracy of the quote attributed to Marie Antoinette, is their blind hatred for anyone right of centre.
    In the UK the bulk of the press lays the blame for the current mess firmly at Maggy Thatcher's door. In the US it't the fault of GWB and after him Ronnie, conveniently omitting the 'I did not have sex with that woman' years. In the couple of years that the conservatives have operated with a minority government, unable to effect their policies because of their reliance on the Bloc, it has become their fault. The Liberal government of the preceeding nine thousand years is of course absolutely blameless.
    Apparently it is Mr. Harper who is out of touch.
    Priceless.
  16. Allan Livingstone from Canada writes: Scott McDonald from Toronto, Canada writes: I found it interesting when Harper said he didn't take the credit when the stock market went up. Interesting because the market has never gone up while he was Prime Minister. In fact, Flarhety's Hallowe'en Surpirse marked the end of a five year bull market. It's been all bear since.

    -------

    OK, let's try this again - the G&M seems to prefer emotional comments rather than comments with actual facts in them. This isn't the first time this has happened to me but let's give it another go.

    On 2006-06-13, four months after Harper took office, the TSX was at 10,904.32. On 2008-06-18, Harper was still Prime Minister and the TSX was at 15,073.13. That's an 'up' of 38.2%. He didn't take credit for it, nor should he. He also should not take the blame for a global financial crisis.

    On 2006-10-30, the day before Flaherty's announcement, the TSX stood at 12274.40. From there to 2008-06-18 represents an increase of 22.8%. Is that how you define a bear market?

    Now, an income trust is an INCOME investment, not a CAPITAL investment - i.e., it is designed to produce income, not capital gains. All those folks who are condemning Flaherty (and, sadly, many of them call themselves financial planners/advisers) have the wrong end of the stick. For example, in October of 2006, before Flaherty's announcement, the income trust that I own (BA.UN) produced a monthly income of 22.83 cents per unit. Last month, that income stream was 24.17 cents per unit. That's an increase of 5.9%. Anyone who sold their income trust investment because of the drop in capital value either bought the investment for the wrong reasons and/or received poor financial advice.

    All of the figures that I have used are a matter of public record - you can look them up if you are so inclined.

    I do wish people would get their facts straight.
  17. Piet F from Canada writes: What we need now is a government that is adaptable. Harper has proven that he is the least adaptable of the lot!

    While Dion may come across as a geek - I would much rather a guy with no social skills who has a brain and an ability to change to be running my country.

    Harper is completely out of touch! It's quite something to watch!!!
  18. Maynard G Krebs from Toronto, Canada writes:

    Memo to Allan: Great comment, however the G&M - The Gormless & Maladroit - have absolutely no interest in printing the truth. Their only interest is promoting a socialist state in Canada. You will never find the truth at the G&M.

    The G&M was founded by George Brown to promote the platform of the Clear Grits – the precursor to the LPC – socialists all.
  19. left leaning ontarian from Canada writes: I think what a lot of the posters here hate is the fact the GM is basically saying that Harper has not sympathy for Joe Canadian six pack and they know that is basically true. If Harper was really interested about the welfare of Canadians his party should have been the first to realease a platform. NOT THE LAST. NOT AT WEEK BEFORE THE VOTE. HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE FIRST. WHAT THIS STRATEGY SHOWS IS THAT THIS ELECTION HAS ALWAYS BEEN ABOUT ACQUIRING CONTROL OF PARLIAMENT AND NOT ABOUT SHOWING A VISION OF WHERE HE WANTS TO TAKE THE COUNTRY.
  20. J Law from Canada writes: I think I would rather a PM who doesn't panic before the time to panic comes along.

    I wish Dion and Layton would stop running around in a screaming panic over our economy and asking that our tax dollars be passed over to the banks.
  21. Happy Go Lucky from Canada writes:
    Brian Laghi -- this is your second consecutive morning Harper-bash. What gives? What sort of journalistic credibility does the Globe have these days?

    When you posted photos from the campaign trail, we saw all sorts of NDP, Liberal, and Green supporters cheering on their candidates. Among 14-17 photos, there wasn't a single photo of a Conservative candidate.

    This morning's ribbon is just as weak as yesterday's. Have a look at the reader comments--you're analysis is pretty thin soup.
  22. edward prior from Montreal, Canada writes: I echo a previous sentiment: WHERE is the report on Afghanistan?
  23. Garth Staples from PE, Canada writes: The G&M is up to its old tricks. It has hundreds of pics of the PM but chose the one which does not cast him as the strong and trusted leader he is.
    Would the G&M really take the chance of trusting Dion with their
    financial planning and operation of the paper? I think not.
  24. D F from Liberal Calgary, Canada writes: vote for big red tent
    the name of big red tent is liberal prty of canada
  25. A B from Calgary Area, Canada writes: Harper Cannot Be Trusted
  26. Kevin Desmoulin from Toronto, Canada writes: The Harper challenge is over, way over. He ummm tried and failed. Redundant question.
  27. Blaque Jacque Shallaque from Canada writes: Let's see - I can have an economist in charge during these tough times (Harper).

    Or a sociologist (Dion)

    Tough call.... NOT.

    We have been in tough times before, and not that long ago. In the 1980's and thereabouts we had 14% interest rates, Ontario close to bankrupt, 10% or higher unemployment, gold prices that are higher than today's adjusted for inflation, and a housing bubble that saw prices drop by 50% or more, and where in many cases even now prices have not returned to those highs. This was courtesy of a Liberal government, by the way.

    Currently, our banks are in better shape than back then, our economy is stronger, and Canada is the strongest economic state in the G8 by far. Harper has paid down the deficit to record lows and nearly thelowest in the Western world. That is the one most important thing to help us avoid the same troubles as he heavily indebted US and Europeans.

    Look, panic is the biggest enemy. Look who is panicking, and stay away from them.
  28. D Le5 from Canada writes: J Law : well your leader panicked when he saw his poll numbers dropping and so tried to throw goodies at Quebec and Ontario (whom he has shown nothing but contempt for since day one).
    But it isn't a bad thing when it is your party.
    It's ok you can admit your bias (and perhaps stop parroting your beloved leader to try and make untrue statements seem true e.g. 'panic').
    Wonder if we open the books on the budget if we'd see the same numbers Flaherty is spinning - the PC party he worked for in Ontario seemed to have a problem with math when their book were brought to light.
  29. West Virginian Albino Mexican from Canada writes: Scenic Sask! from Canada writes: For those who are waiting for a solution from Stephen Harper to the financial woes that are besetting them......THIS IS A GLOBAL CRISIS

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

    That has been pointed out many times by many a poster.

    Unfortunately when it comes to facts Liberal lemmings prefer to keep their heads in their @$$e$ so they don't have to deal with them, pulling them out only for their daily feeding of red pamblum and kool-aid.
  30. Fred Draper from Kingston, Canada writes: It's all over for Archie, I'm afraid. Harper has lost this election, either outright or to a minority which will not garner the confidence of the House.

    He's really flubbered it. Taking every Sunday off. Releasing the platform AFTER the advance polls.

    The Economy flubbered him too. But his cool, calm and collected approach would have worked better if he hadn't pulled the plug on himself, and had tried to govern.

    Unlike the libbies, I will accept this democratic result. I won't call the Canadian electorate stupid. But I do predict PM Dion will have a short leash and a shorter result.
  31. vic w from Canada writes: Harper just doesn't care. He may promise this and chuck that, all for political expediency. But right after being elected, after 'discovering' a massive deficit which they will blame on 'economic downturn' they'll have to regretfully cancel most of those promises.

    What a crock.
  32. Al Bore from Ottawa, Canada writes: http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/election-2008/story.html?id=866505
  33. prospector from blackfly country from Canada writes: Allan Livingstone from Canada writes:
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Save your energy trying to explain the Income Trust situation. The partisan posters don't want to hear it, and won't believe it, even if it is true.

    Hatred is an evil chemical that muddles the mind. Unfortunately we still let these people vote.
  34. mike sty - from Canada writes:

    The Harper/CONservative Plan.....big tax cuts for big oil and big business

    The Green Plan.....eliminate income tax for those earning under $20,000.00

    Dump Harper

    www.voteforenvironment.ca/
  35. West Virginian Albino Mexican from Canada writes: mike sty - from Canada writes:

    Harper Economic Plan ............

    Don't worry Be Happy

    Harper/Flaherty stole $35,000,000,000.00 dollars from Canadian seniors..........

    TSX down 34 % under Harper dictatorship

    Do we really want more of the Harper/Flasherty financial wizardry ???

    Dump Harper

    Dump the Liar

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

    Speaking of lying @sshole$....

    You also convieniently overlook the fact that the markets reached their highest point under Harper, and the market now is on the same footing it was during the best Liberal times.

    But of course it's to be expected from someone who keeps posting that Flaherty left Ontario with a 5.6B dollar deficit when it was in fact Janet Ecker.
  36. Truth in Trusts from Mississauga, Canada writes: As of yesterday the remaining 191 income trusts are down $64.323 billion from their close on October 31, 2006.
    Thanks Jimmy and Stevie.

    30 income trust takeovers by non-taxable entities since October 31, 2006 has eliminated the annual tax revenue on $1.37 billion in annual distributions. Canadian taxpayers have to make up the difference.
    Thanks Jimmy and Stevie.
  37. Blaque Jacque Shallaque from Canada writes: Stephane Dion still hasn't paid off his leadership debt, missing two years worth of repayment and reporting deadlines.

    If he can't manage his own finances, should he be trusted to manage Canada's?
  38. JC Kelan from amherst, Canada writes: Canadians are understandably shaken by these events ... particularly where they have no control over what is happening. The natural reaction is to recoil against the government of the day.

    However, Canadians are also quite fiscally prudent. This would suggest that they will avoid the big spending plans of the Liberals and NDP, opting instead for the Conservatives.

    As well, they will wisely REJECT the CARBON TAX. This is clearly a non-starter during troubling economic times.

    JC Kelan (Amherst, NS)
  39. KT Ocean from Canada writes: www.voteforenvironment.ca/

    Either Harper or Dion will get a minority on Oct 14. Harper cynically called an unnecessary and expensive election (after unnecessarily calling extra by-elections) just to urge Canadians to 'stay the course'. He deserves to be dumped and Dion deserves to be given a chance.

    Things are tightening up, so let's vote strategically and make sure Harper vacates the PMO.
  40. West Virginian Albino Mexican from Canada writes: mike sty - from Canada writes:

    The war cry of the turd coloured glasses gang used to be 'its the Liberals fault'............

    Its now morphed into 'its the rest of the globes fault'

    The blame it on everyone but Harper gang is really getting desperate.

    Dump Harper

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

    Right up there with Liberal dimwits blaming Harper for a global crisis, oil and gas prices set on foreign markets, and hurricanes that have been happening since the begining of time....
  41. Sandra L from Canada writes: Market opportunities, you must be kidding. Dictator Harper has never had a clue about average Canadians and still does not get it. It might be time for him to muzzle himself.

    www.anythingbutconservative.ca
  42. David Bakody from Dartmouth, Canada writes: The best predictions south of the border is that the DJ will settle around 8500 or less! the TSX should settle lower....and this clown wants Canadians to invest.....fine.... let him invest....is that is best advice...that's Harper Leadership, throw taxpayer money at it hell he threw $14 billion at his friends and our $3B reserve fund to boot? America is rejecting McCain as Bush 44... Do you want oh stick your head in sand BUSH/HARPER 44 in Ottawa.... Think, Think and Think again.... Danny Williams is 100% correct vote ABC. and vote for change.
  43. Zack Fair from Canada writes: What's an average Canadian? or rather, what are the characteristics of the average Canadian?
  44. Kevin Desmoulin from Toronto, Canada writes: I think it is most honest picture of Harper I seen, He look worried and stressed as he should be, not good to see people under duress, in his case what goes around comes around, the grime and glory.
    Conservative, gambling for a majority and trying to be coy about it.
    After the long list is misdeeds and mistakes and bullying, extremely questionable ethics and out right lies, He thinks to call an election?
    This a leader? Everything is questionable about the guy now.
    His Judgement is in doubt, if everyone needs a 'leadership' review, it would be the Conservatives.

    Still the threat is still here and time for righteous retribution my fellow Canadians.
    Vote against the Harper Conservatives
  45. Ryan Ginger from Canada writes: To say there are bargains in the stock market today--as Canadians face an uncertain financial future, and brace for coming economic shocks--is like saying during a typhoon that it's a 'good day to fly a kite.'

    Harper just does not inspire. Yes, he wants to speak to the 'Timmies' crowd, but at the end of the day, Canadians are unlike Americans in that we expect our elected officials to be smarter--not better--than us. That's why we elect them. Paul Martin, by contrast, was a sound fiscal manager who had the big ideas for the world. Martin has started to look pretty darn good right about now, I must say.
  46. Angelo from Kingston from kingston, Canada writes: While folks call progressive people 'lemmings' and have nothing constructive or instructive to say, let me try to stay civil and point out the following errors of harpers followers: it was the LIBERALS that slayed the deficit, and IN SPITE of economic conditions elsewhere (ie, the US), we were at the top of the OECD statistics in every measure while the Americans were sinking. We are now flirting with deficits. And after Harper, THE BIGGEST SPENDING PRIME MINISTER IN HISTORY, our OECD stats have all deteriorated, and even though our 'fundamentals are sound', we are LAST in producitivity growth... measured against G7 partners. I'm tired of hearing about selfish one-issue 'lower my taxes bunch'.. Want to pay less tax? Move to Angola. There are very low taxes there (also no roads, schools, etc. but you should be happy there). Any one who seriously studies these things will know that there is a DIRECT CORRELATION between taxation levels and standard of living. Go ahead and build that library by yourself. Any serious economist who DOES want to cut taxes would cut INCOME TAXES, NOT CONSUMPTION TAXES such as the GST, where you only save tax if you spend the money. Savers (like me - a 'lefty') are NOT rewarded. I am a fiscal conservative, and CONSERVATIVES HAVE NEVER MANAGED THE BOOKS WELL -- remember the present Mulrooney left us? A 52 Billion deficit. Remember what Harris did to Ontario's books? So you right wing folks can cry in your beers, because Canadians are turning away from this mean-spirited, selfish, vision-free, unimaginative and manipulitve man, who has run a one-man show for far too long. Now that he's reversing his ideas on arts, etc., we see how the bully crumbles when he doesn't get his way. Leaders. Yeah right.
  47. KT Ocean from Canada writes: JC Kelan, did you read the open letters from the scientists and economists? Harper's cap and trade will cost us even more because it is cumbersome, regulation-heavy, and open to manipulation by big emitters. The Green Shift is more cost effective and prudent for these economic times. Staying the course will not see us through and Harper knows it. That is why he called an election because if he waited he knew it would become obvious how poorly he is handling the economy.

    If Harper was the leader he claims to be, he would not have called this unnecessary and expensive election now only to tell us not to make any changes.
  48. Mike Stymied As Usual from Canada writes:
    Dion will tax you to death
  49. Mike Stymied As Usual from Canada writes:
    Dion belongs in the school yard.
  50. Norm Albert from Canada writes: Let's face it politics is all about perception.
    Harper attempt to give voters the perception that he is Mr. Warm and fuzzy, steady as she goes, firm hand on the wheel has run into some rough weather. A leopard cannot change its spots.
    He has and always will be a control freak. His own party has said this on many occasion. He has never been about compromise. It is my way or the highway. Under more positive conditions this may have been a good approach. Give the currant conditions in the economy that may not be the best image. I personally have no respect for a pig headed attitude given the uncertainty. This one man band image
    is troubling to say the least.
    No time to panic but I think his job as party leader is also in question
    should he fail to get a majority. Another well paid CEO in the making.
    Vote ABC for Canada.
  51. Skeptical Realist from Canada writes: Why is he being assailed for telling the truth? It is a good time to buy, if you play in the markets. Also, what would happen if he said it is time to sell? That would initiate panic throughout not just the markets, but the entire Canadian economy. Geez, some of the people on this board are ridiculous. To avoid panic in the economy, the leader of the country must not panic. It is contagious.
  52. Mac- GLG from Canada writes: Vote in Dion or Layton and you'll be cyring in your red wine as they hand millions to all their special interest groups.

    The current world situation isn't Harpers doing. Give him a clear mandateand in 4 years there won't be any speculation. We'll know if he deserves another term.
  53. Philip McRae from Vancouver, Canada writes: What the left want and have always wanted is is strong dictator. The very last thing these people want is the responsibility for their life and decisions. Whining is not a past time. It's a life choice for the left. The sky is always falling. They much prefer Dion's 'Crisis. OMG. Crisis' To a calm and ordered approach reacting to Canadian interests and not American or European news of their poor management.
  54. Sin Akal from Toronto, Canada writes: Every other world leader has gone on national TV to explain their country's economic situation, to reassure and to empathize. I haven't seen Harper doing that. With investments and pension plans down by 33% in just a few weeks, it's not enough to mouth mealy words like 'stay the course' (don't even know what that means) or 'don't panic' (true but not helpful). It's just like his reaction when he attacked income trusts...didn't care.
  55. Tom Beckett from Canada writes: Steve's unnecessary election call reminds me of the parable of the dog with the bone. Remember, when crossing the bridge he saw another dog with a bigger bone and wanted both bones. But when he opened his mouth to bark his own bone fell into the water and was lost.

    Our George Bush wannabe is in very serious danger of losing this election as people get to know him better [despite the sweater]. Or maybe we now know he tries to wear sheep's clothing but remains the wolf.

    We must also remember parliament was dysfunctional because the big red machine refused to show up for votes and Steve [Yo] Harper pretty much had his own way with the legislative agenda - he really did not need a majority despite his crocodile tears.

    Orange and green seem viable alternatives - maybe we should give them a chance to rip off the Canadian taxpayer as the Liberals did with adscam and the Tories [sorry, Reformers in sweaters now called the Conservatives] did with the in and out scandal. Then again Jack and Elizabeth seem to have integrity and may actually do something for the average Canadian as well as all other Canadians.
  56. Mike Stymied As Usual from Canada writes:
    Does Dion have the ballz to fire Dryden?
    He wants to cut off to all aid to Palestinians..
    Dryden wants to starve the Palestinians
    Arab federation calls it racist.
    Fire Dryden.
  57. West Virginian Albino Mexican from Canada writes: Angelo from Kingston from kingston, Canada writes: CONSERVATIVES HAVE NEVER MANAGED THE BOOKS WELL -- remember the present Mulrooney left us? A 52 Billion deficit. Remember what Harris did to Ontario's books? So you right wing folks can cry in your beers, because Canadians are turning away from this mean-spirited, selfish, vision-free, unimaginative and manipulitve man, who has run a one-man show for far too long. Now that he's reversing his ideas on arts, etc., we see how the bully crumbles when he doesn't get his way. Leaders. Yeah right. =============================================== Oh really? Gee last time I checked, Mulroney left a 42B dollar deficit. If you had also bothered to look further you would have found that by his third year in office the Mulroney government had eliminated the federal government's operating deficit and would in fact run operating surpluses for every year thereafter. The only thing preventing a budgetary surplus was the massive service charges on the public debt, at the time courtesy of one Pierre Elliot Trudeau. If you had bothered to research further you would have found thta federal government spending under Joe Clark actually declined to less than 20% of GDP and by 1980 recorded a corresponding reduction in the federal deficit of slightly more than 4% of GDP. Nice try.....
  58. Mike Stymied As Usual from Canada writes:
    Does Dion have the ballz to fire Dryden?
    He wants to cut off to all aid toPalestinians..
    Dryden wants to starve the Palestinians
    Arab federation calls it racist.
    Fire Dryden.
  59. Kevin Desmoulin from Toronto, Canada writes: Skeptical Realist from Canada writes: Why is he being assailed for telling the truth? It is a good time to buy, if you play in the markets. Also, what would happen if he said it is time to sell? That would initiate panic throughout not just the markets, but the entire Canadian economy. Geez, some of the people on this board are ridiculous. To avoid panic in the economy, the leader of the country must not panic. It is contagious.

    Agreed Panic not good, but not taking concrete action is not worse, being in flexible in changing times and unwilling to consider any possible recourse is not prudent.
    Things are changing quickly, everyone sees this but Harper and the conservatives are still electioneering.
  60. Just a pimento from inside the olive, Canada writes: Dear Harper,

    I like the idea of investing right now. You are right. The thing is, I don't have money to invest. I was thinking, maybe I could get a loan and then take the money and invest it. That seems like a good idea.

    I might not be able to get as much as I'd like, but if I lie about my salary and take out another mortgage on my house, maybe I can get an extra $50k or so. Interest rates are so low, the money is cheap! In fact, the BOC just dropped the overnight lending rate by 50 points. If all goes according to plan, I'll make a 100% profit and return the loan, all the while doing my part as a good citizen that is trying to keep liquidity in the markets.

    And if it doesn't go according to plan? Yeah, right!!! Like that's ever happened....
  61. Zack Fair from Canada writes: On another article from an interview with Mr Chrétien:

    While Wall Street titans succumb to a credit meltdown, spreading their contagion to Europe, the Canadian banking system has emerged as the most stable and best performing in the world.

    Mr Chrétien also said: 'While the rest of the world is in turmoil, Canada is not in turmoil'.

    The point here is that our market cannot escape the global trend, but we can endure because our fundamentals are sound. Mr Harper said it, Mr Chrétien said it. Yes it will hurt, but to play the blame game is a bit superficial. As far as I can see, everybody is asking for a plan, but not one came up with a brilliant solution (government or opposition parties). So no quick fixes we are going to regret please. We will have to ride it out and make sure we continue to strenghten the basics of our economy.
  62. F/A josquin from Canada writes: Conservative regimes, world wide, are representatives of big business, of entrenched institutions, of the status quo.

    Their interests do not coincide with 'everyman/woman' and his/her needs..Soothing words and empathetic soundbites can't be put in the bank, and won't pay for groceries and fuel.

    these regimes are the guardians of special interests only, and why we fool ourselves is the real mystery.

    The damaging years of conservative rule have ended in Britain, been wiped out in Australia, and are winding down fast in the US. We are, as usual, a little behind-----------bring it on.
  63. Steve Just Steve from Canada writes: Zack Fair from Canada writes: What's an average Canadian? or rather, what are the characteristics of the average Canadian?

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.

    Not sure

    ....but according to Jack they sit around kitchen tables a lot.

    Not having a kitchen big enough for a table, I guess that lets me out.

    ;-)
  64. mike sty - from Canada writes: Allan Livingstone from Canada writes: in October of 2006, before Flaherty's announcement, the income trust that I own (BA.UN) produced a monthly income of 22.83 cents per unit. Last month, that income stream was 24.17 cents per unit. That's an increase of 5.9
    -----------------------

    ba.un was trading at $36.00 prior to the Flaherty/Harper Income trust slaughter

    That $36.00 dollar stock dropped to $27.00 within a week and currently sits at $22.24

    With a current yield of 13% it will take you almost 6 years to regain your lost capitol.......just to break even.....glad you're happy with your investment.

    For the real truth about IT's, don't believe the lies of the paid Harper hacks.......get the truth and facts for yourself.....

    network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/francis/archive/2007/12/09/carney-flaherty-harper-sell-out-canada-deloitte.aspx
  65. Angelo from Kingston from kingston, Canada writes: West Virginian Albino Mexican from Canada writes that I got my facts wrong.

    The $52 was a typo. I know it was $42. But what's $10 billion to a conservative? Not even enough to bribe Quebec!

    I stand by the rest of my post. I saved $20 grand on a downtown condo with that GST cut. My secretary would have to spend her entire salary for years to 'save' that kind of money.

    tax policy has become mean spirited and is designed to pad the pockets of the rich while not doing anything to help the economy.
  66. Mike Stymied As Usual from Canada writes:
    Pay attention Muslems
    Pay attention Arabs.
    Does Dion have the ballz to fire Dryden?
    He wants to cut off to all aid to hurt Palestinians..
    Dryden wants to starve the Palestinians
    Arab federation calls it racist.
    Fire Dryden.
    Fire Dion
  67. mike sty - from Canada writes: Truth in Trusts from Mississauga, Canada writes: As of yesterday the remaining 191 income trusts are down $64.323 billion from their close on October 31, 2006.
    Thanks Jimmy and Stevie.

    30 income trust takeovers by non-taxable entities since October 31, 2006 has eliminated the annual tax revenue on $1.37 billion in annual distributions. Canadian taxpayers have to make up the difference.
    Thanks Jimmy and Stevie.
    -----------------------

    Why did J Flaherty and Canada's New Minority steal $35 BILLION dollars from Canadian seniors?????

    network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/francis/archive/2007/12/09/carney-flaherty-harper-sell-out-canada-deloitte.aspx
  68. DC Moncton, NB from Canada writes: Stevie boy, is way out of touch with us normal folk.... Firstly he broke his own rule of fixed election date only to serve his purpose....Its all about Stevie boy, never mind everyone else. Seems like he snubs everyone who does not like his policies ... well its time to sent Stevie boy packing....Here is a person who is suppose to be a a leader who sees great buying opportunities in the carnage that is the current stock market. After the carnage there is no money left to buy unless of course you have money....

    Stevie boy, cannot be trusted therefore I will not vote Con...
  69. Just a pimento from inside the olive, Canada writes:

    Mike Stymied:

    One could point out things that Harper (as well as leaders from the past) did that were offensive to the Palestinians, but that would only support your poorly veiled effort to hijack this thread.

    One could point out how your statements themselves could be perceived as ignorant and insensitive, but again that would only support your poorly veiled effort to hijack this thread.

    Now please, stay on topic.
  70. Steve Just Steve from Canada writes: Socialist regimes, world wide, are representatives of big business, of entrenched institutions, of the status quo.

    Their interests do not coincide with 'everyman/woman' and his/her needs..Soothing words and empathetic soundbites can't be put in the bank, and won't pay for groceries and fuel.

    these regimes are the guardians of special interests only, and why we fool ourselves is the real mystery.

    The damaging years of socialist rule have ended in eastern Europe, been wiped out in France, and are winding down fast in the EU. We are, as usual, a little behind-----------bring it on.

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

    See Sparky?

    Mindless empty rhetoric works both ways.

    Get a clue.
  71. mike sty - from Canada writes:
    The Harper/CONservative Plan.....big tax cuts for big oil and big business

    The Green Plan.....eliminate income tax for those earning under $20,000.00

    Dump Harper

    www.voteforenvironment.ca/
  72. Barry Johnstone from Canada writes: Mr. Harper is a strong leader. He knows exactly what he is doing and he doesn't need advice. He's going to 'stay the course' until the end. Apparently the captain of the Titanic was also a strong leader who didn't listen to advice and decided to 'stay the course'!
  73. Mike Stymied As Usual from Canada writes:
    The Canadian Arab Federation is piqued at Ken Dryden for allegedly saying 'Stop all aid that flows into Gaza. While that may seem a harsh measure that will hurt Palestinian civilians… it is the right thing to do at this time.'

    The CAF says 'This call for collective punishment of Palestinian Arab civilians in the Gaza strip amounts to racism and encouragement to commit crimes against humanity.'

    Ken Dryden now faces accusations of racism and all eyes are on Dion. Will he leave the fate of Mr. Dryden to the CAF?

    Fire Dryden
    Fire Dion
    Fire the Liberals
  74. West Virginian Albino Mexican from Canada writes: Angelo from Kingston from kingston, Canada writes: West Virginian Albino Mexican from Canada writes that I got my facts wrong. The $52 was a typo. I know it was $42. But what's $10 billion to a conservative? Not even enough to bribe Quebec! I stand by the rest of my post. I saved $20 grand on a downtown condo with that GST cut. My secretary would have to spend her entire salary for years to 'save' that kind of money. tax policy has become mean spirited and is designed to pad the pockets of the rich while not doing anything to help the economy. ================================================ I didn't say you got your facts wrong - only one - and if it was a typo no problem - happens to the best of us>>>>>>>>>>>>What I did point out is in fact the majority of the steps taken to eliminate the deficit were inmplemented by Mulroney/Wilson - hence the elimination of the operating deficit for the first time in 2 decades, as well as the major decline in spending under Clark.>>>>>>>>>>>In fact the same gas tax in the budget Clark was defeated over would have eliminated the budgetary deficit within 3 years.>>>>>>>>>Trudeau not only implemented the tax himself, but ran the opposite way with it, continued uncontrolled spending so that by 1984 spending was greater than 24% of the GDP along with an all-time record fiscal deficit of almost 9% of GDP.>>>>>>>>>>>>Mulroney/Wilson planted the seeds - paid the political price - and Chretien/Martin got to harvest the crop.
  75. Casual Observer from The End of the world as we have known it., Canada writes: It is difficult to find an objective analysis of the economic platforms of any of the parties amid the hysteria and partisan hyperbole. I am not a conservative, but frankly, Harper's plan is the only one, so far, that makes sense in the current situation. This is not the time to be hollering me, me, me! We need to be taking a reasoned look at what is needed for the country and which party is coming closest to that. If it means another area will benefit more than mine - so be it. Is this the time to send individual cheques to families for daycare? Or should our government be investing in industries that might well ensure that those same people actually keep their jobs?
    There are no perfect plans. You can't please all of the people all of the time. But a national leader has to look at the bigger picture and make their plans with the information at hand. We are in dangerous waters now and we are all in it together. The captain of the ship must make decisions based on the needs of the ship, not just the noisy passengers on Deck 'me'.
  76. Uncle Fester from Canada writes:
    Canada doesn't have a financial crisis.
    Canada doesn't have a credit crisis.
    Canada doesn't have a sub-prime mortgage crisis.

    Canada's markets have been heavily impacted by the credit crisis in the US and Europe. Markets go up and markets go down. That is their nature.
  77. C R from Canada writes:

    I didn't know that being PM meant you had to hand out tissues to the folks crying because of the rants of the opposition. The policy is fine, its inexpensive and should work...if it doesn't, Harper will likely change direction.

    If your crying in fear b/c of what Dion, Layton and the G&M said; cheer up...this is what normally functioning economies do.
  78. Uncle Fester from Canada writes:
    Simply reacting out of hand for the sake of reacting is always bad policy.

    Dion's kneejerk reaction was to increase spending. He has already promised close to a hundred billion in spending. Over 50 billion in the first 4 years alone. Now he proposes accellerating it because of the credit crisis outside of our borders!

    On top of the massive spending spree he wants to hit our carbon intensive industries: manufacturing, electricity generation and resources, with of 15 BILLION in carbon taxes.

    Dion will remove the competitive edge that is allowing us to survive the international financial storm.
  79. West Virginian Albino Mexican from Canada writes: mike sty - from Canada writes: Allan Livingstone from Canada writes: in October of 2006, before Flaherty's announcement, the income trust that I own (BA.UN) produced a monthly income of 22.83 cents per unit. Last month, that income stream was 24.17 cents per unit. That's an increase of 5.9 ----------------------- ba.un was trading at $36.00 prior to the Flaherty/Harper Income trust slaughter That $36.00 dollar stock dropped to $27.00 within a week and currently sits at $22.24 With a current yield of 13% it will take you almost 6 years to regain your lost capitol.......just to break even.....glad you're happy with your investment. For the real truth about IT's, don't believe the lies of the paid Harper hacks.......get the truth and facts for yourself..... network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/francis/archive/2007/12/09/carney-flaherty-harper-sell-out-canada-deloitte.aspx ================================================= Did you even bother reading Allan Livingstone's ENTIRE post or just being the blinkered fool you are only what you wanted to see? He explains quite clearly the difference between ITs and actual stocks and specifically quotes figures for IT units, not publicly traded stocks. Thank you once again for just re-enforcing how stupid and blind you really are.
  80. scott thomas from Canada writes: Why would we trust Harper's finance minister, Jim Flaherty, when Harper doesn't trust him (or any of his cabinet and caucus for that matter) to speak for themselves?
  81. earl pearl from Canada writes: the idea that this is a made-by-harper economic problem is all you need to know about why people are losing money and their homes. They don't give much thought to their lives.
  82. Uncle Fester from Canada writes:
    As I have been saying all along, Harper's strategy was to release his policy one item at a time, spread it throughout the campaign, and then wrap it up with a complete policy package in the last week of the campaign.

    That is exactly what he did. Anyone who thinks he put that package together over the weekend in reaction to Dion's outrage relapse is mistaken.
  83. David Bakody from Dartmouth, Canada writes: The Harper plan contains 44 pages. In it there are 100 references to Stephen Harper, and 22 photographs of him. For the rest of us, virtually nothing. (GT Blog)

    Watching Harper it appears this man has never passed a mirror he did not like.... and now it appears camera with a self taking portrait feature!
  84. Jane Y from Canada writes: Sigh. I hope the conservatives win. God help us if they don't.
  85. Pepper Gee from Toronto, Canada writes: Well, Haper will most definately not get my vote! I don't think he is in touch with the realities of our situation here in Canada. I don't believe what he says - he is a proven liar.
  86. F/A josquin from Canada writes:
    heh steve, ofcourse I see, 'The damaging years of socialist rule have ended in eastern Europe'

    However, they have not, as you say, ' been wiped out in France, and are winding down fast in the EU. '

    Socialist rule in eastern europe was right wing authoritarian rule at its essence. power hungry members of the elite, entrenched special interests.

    In the EU, the french will not, and are not allowing Their new president any leeway in his reforms, and he knows it. The British will always have a fairer way to do things, no matter how many lady Thatchers appear.

    In fact, Europe is quickly, and decisively stepping in with very 'socialist' medicine trying to shore up their financial systems and banks, as are Iceland and many others. Closer to home, we have the Americans desperately trying to save their, hence our, entire framework with very 'social' techniques.

    There is nothing wrong with a little 'regulation' Steve, it saves our skins each and everytime.

    Someone once said 'free enterprise will never die, socialism will save it everytime'
  87. Philip McRae from Vancouver, Canada writes: Barry Johnstone, actually the Captain of the Titanic altered course before having any idea of icebergs in the area. Much like Dion wants to alter course now with no clue to what lies waiting in the financial world. Dion would be a Titanic in waiting. Harper is doing the right thing by reducing the tax load on people and business to encourage investment.
  88. Rob Scott from Canada writes:

    Mike Stymied:

    Who cares about what Ken Dryden said?

    This article and discussion thread have nothing to do with that. Even if there was any truth to these comments I am sure that right-wing nutters like you would quote out of context, lie and distort in an attempt to distract, deflect and deny.

    Because: that's all right-wing nutters ate good at: distract, deflect and deny - and lying.

    This article and discussion thread is about President Steve and the Reform Party Republicans being out of touch with reality and average people.

    This article and discussion thread is about President Steve and the Reform Party Republicans blowing their chance for a majority and going back to work with either another minority, or maybe even an opposition role.

    This article and discussion thread is about President Steve and the Reform Party Republicans doing a nose dive and going down in flames.

    Try talking about that instead of changing the subject...
  89. Uncle Fester from Canada writes:

    Mike Sty:

    Anyone who buys income trust units for the capital appreciation of the trust units deserves to lose money. Unit appreciation is intentionally kept flat by most boards to maintain distributions.

    In fact, CEO's will tell you that they avoid rapidly appreciating unit prices because it implies risk to investors.

    Distributions are as solid as ever and will stay that way even after the tax on distributions starts. It is business as usual.

    The only people that lost money on IT's are to poor fools that listened to the liberal fear mongering and sold.
  90. R OBryan from ottawa, Canada writes: His foot in the mouth again...... 90% of canadians aren't saving except for a portion of that 90% having RRSP's.......... which are usually in mutual funds.

    Our great leader is so aware of the common person. He says it is a great time to get bargains in the stock market.................. This is a leader to help guide Canada's role out of this mess???

    Harper .... that was a losing comment... stacked up with all the other Con comments over the election.

    I just can't believe he still has 31% of the vote..... guess people just don't know where to place there vote this time.
  91. Chris Sigurdson from Canada writes: DOESSTEPHEN HARPER WANT HIS OLD JOB BACK

    I think he misses being leader of the opposition.
    Personally, I think he's better suited to that job than the one he just left.
    He's much better at holding people up to a higher standard - while ignoring his own shortcomings.
    He is much better at criticizing rather than inspiring.
    These qualities are much better suited to the leader of the opposition.
  92. Uncle Fester from Canada writes:
    The EU is being hit so hard because of their heavily subsidized industrial base.

    Their old industial backbone is being crushed under the yoke of carbon taxes and their cap and trade system.

    Their new 'Green Economy' is not solvent and is heavily subsidized.

    They have dug themselves into a big financia