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Tories vow $400-million for ailing manufacturers in battleground regions

STEVEN CHASE AND TU THANH HA

From Wednesday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 2:21 AM EST 08/10/08

Hard-hit aerospace and auto sectors in Ontario and Quebec to benefit the most. ...Read the full article

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  1. M Warren from Canada writes: Holy crow, look at the Hang Seng & Nikkei go....

    The CPC better start betting on a market on another planet.
  2. North Star from Canada writes: Harper told Peter Mansbridge in a CBC interview that people should be 'buying stocks now' - even though most Canadians struggle to make ends meet. Harper is truly out of touch.

    And if Harper says it's 'time to buy', then he is saying we've reached the bottom of the market (which Harper said we already reached a month ago).

    Harper cannot be trusted
  3. Kat Wilson from Canada writes: 'Can Harper turn it around?' If you're asking can he spin, the answer is yes, of course. If you're asking has he persuaded me to vote for him, the answer is NO. His response to the economic turmoil in the US last week cemented my opinion of him: he's not a leader anyone can trust.
  4. C R from Canada writes: Harper, when asked about the economy, tells us it's a buying opportunity! The stock market crashes with record numbers for a one day drop of our country's market index and Harper says... good time to buy stocks? Well, thanks Harper! That makes Canadians feel great. I'm sure the average family whose RSPs are going into the toilet after working all their lives while they try to cope with higher food and energy costs love to hear, 'what a buying opportunity!' Are you really that disconnected from the pain of Canadians? Or is your heart simply that small? Oh by the way... WHERE IS THE REPORT FOR THE BUDGET ON AFGHANISTAN? WE WERE TOLD THAT THE COST WOULD BE RELEASED. WHY IS THIS GOVERNMENT HIDING THE NUMBERS? DID THEY GO OVER BUDGET? WHERE IS THE TRUST?
  5. Darcy Meyer from Canada writes: Well, our job numbers look good (30 year record), our housing markets are stable and our banks and credit markets are adequately capitalized.
    Of course, not much of this can be politically credited to anyone in particular. The market has dropped, which is required in a functioning cyclical market, and is welcomed by many who were concerned with the huge amount of 'cheap' money in the economy. Luckily, this will provide a needed correction and we can continue on our way. It is important that we do not introduce major increases in gov sprending or taxation at this point, to ensure that we can fully utilize the rebound out of recession. Most astute investors can make some serious cash over the medium term off this opportunity, as they saw this coming over a year ago. The final prescription in terms of political action is to stay out of the way, and not introduce taxes, or spending that will only indebt us as individuals or as a collective nation.
  6. Ron Pacific from Victoria, Canada writes: M Warren - I saw the overnight market, too. Indeed, the Asian market are opening on Wednesday down 5% or so each. It is going from bad to catastrophic. I don't think it was very good advice by Harper to advise buying stock right now! The comments by Harper today remind me of comments made by Conservative supporters just after the income trust disaster when they were bragging about buying up trusts at cheap prices after Flathead worked his 'magic' on the markets.
  7. Working Commercial but Active from Canada writes: After ignoring the collapse of the Western forestry industry, now the plan is to support dead-in-the-water manufacturing directly instead of proactively stimulating the Canadian economy. How about a tax incentive for manufacturers and consumers to switch to hybrids? We are the home of Bombadier ... why not a high-speed train between Montreal and Toronto (France has the TGV & you can do Paris-Marseille in no time flat. Create jobs to move some of the manufacturing labour over in a proactive way. Put a tax incentive to get small cheese factories going & geld the Dairy Board's non-stop price increases on milk artificially restricting supply. Drop the Liberal quotas that were put in place in the 1970's for all dairy products that are not made in Canada (ie) keep a quota on cheddar and Brie, but why ban Stilton & Gruyere? How about reviving the SBDB program that was used the last time there was a recession, allowing special lower interest rates for businesses buying property for use in their business. These ideas and more are proactive whereas the election-oriented $400 million support package is a bandaid. Missing the point PM ... time to mobilize small business in Canada by removing the shackles ... forget about the multinational corporations for a while and concentrate on the grass-roots businesses. Oh, and get a Finance Minister that cares about Canadian Business while you are at it. The abject arrogance of the Finance Minister as the entire West Coast Forestry Industry tanked is inexcusible.
  8. C R from Canada writes: Maybe the question is, will Harper tell us what we wish to hear? Will he say anything? Will he flip flop on more issues as more polls come out. Will he try to bash the opposition harder with more fear mongering? Will Harper try to hide more info from us until the election is over? Oh, by the way... WHERE IS THE REPORT FOR THE BUDGET ON AFGHANISTAN WE WERE PROMISED? Harper, stop panicking and tell us the numbers on Afghanistan. Our economy needs to know the truth of your spending.
  9. Blake Johnston from vancouver, Canada writes: North Star...not familiar with the stock market I take it? This is the time to buy. The problem is more Canadians are uneducated and think it's not. It's just like the real estate boom in BC...so many Joe Six Packs bought at record highs are now getting killed. Buy low sell high mate! Maybe you're one of those uneducated Canadians!
  10. Andre Carrel from Salmo, Canada writes: This is another example of taking a comment out of context. Harper's comment about 'this is a good time to buy' was made in the context of an overall statement about too many people buying stock when it is over-valued and selling it when it is under-valued.
    I don't care for the Conservative Party, and Harper is not my idea of a good Prime Minister, but in all fairness to the man, to take one comment and pull it out of its context is precisely what makes it so bloody difficult for all politicians - Harper, Dion, Layton, the works - to carry on an intelligent conversation. They have to watch and measure every single word and eliminate anything that, taken out of context, might be thrown back at them. So we end up with a whole bunch of spin doctor produced meaningless 10 second clips and instant 5 word solutions to intractable problems.
    There is much talk about leadership, and I think that us guys (and guyettes) are going to have to start showing some of that leadership too. Hrumpf.
  11. Not the Alliance from In my opinion, The Harper Gov't is totally Incompetent, but excel at whining that it's ALWAYS somebody else's fault., Canada writes: Yeah, Harper can turn this thing around. But he's going to have to do something drastic - and face the 'steady hands' jokes. Here is what he should do: Between now and the election, Harper needs to pre-announce that proven incompetent, Jim Flaherty will be transferred to something - maybe Industry - maybe put him in charge of paperclips at PWGSC - and that the ONE competent Minister, Prentice will take over Finance. At the very least, this will show that Harper is genuinely concerned about the economy. So long as Harper continues to let the village idiot pull the levers, he will suffer with every bad headline.

    Yes, Harper will have to face jokes about panicking, about his steady hands being off the wheel - but the alternative is to keep going down and ending up with a weaker minority or worse.
  12. Voltaires DistantCousin from Toronto, Canada writes: Too little too late.

    Danny Williams has said that Harper called Ontario's economic problems a 'PERMANENT STRUCTURAL ADJUSTMENT'!. In other words, he wants to let Ontario manufacturing wither. Laissez faire. I don't care!

    We Ontarians should look at the bigger economic picture surrounding our manufacturing problems. Normally, when a country's dominant industry undergoes a downturn, the country's currency drops, making the country's goods more affordable to other countries. That's not happening right now, because the tar-sands developments are causing our dollar to surge. That might be fine if some of that oil revenue was coming back to Ontario. But any large shift of wealth from the west to the east seems impossible under a Harper government.

    Thus, we in Ontario are screwed, while Alberta swims in oil money. And we are thinking about electing a PM from Alberta??!!! Wake up Ontario and give your head a shake!
  13. spicydoc of the spring from Canada writes:

    'A report by the International Monetary Fund obtained by Bloomberg News says that Canada will lead Group of Seven countries in economic growth next year – an opinion that contradicts Liberal claims that the country is in fact the G7 laggard.'

    This of course assumes that Harper will be PM.

    If Dion wins, then Canada will indeed become the laggard, at which point Dion will say 'See?? I told you Canada sux!!'

    Then he will cry a bit, because crying is what Canadians want from our PMs.
  14. Misery No one from Toronto, Canada writes: This guy is disparate get rid of him.
  15. Angry West Coast Canuck from Canada writes: Actually, that's a really good difference between NDP and Tory. The Tory government would give taxpayer money to mainly foreign owned, poorly run corporations, who would then pass on no more than 10% of that money to Canadians. The NDP would give taxpayer money to the people of the country in the form of better health care, daycare, and other truly family-friendly initiatives. The Liberals... who knows.
  16. spicydoc of the spring from Canada writes:

    Not the--

    I like your 'Prentice for Finance' suggestion. I believe we've discussed it before. Besides, Flaherty might get bumped by that LPC guy who compared the CPC to Nazis (and whom Lizzy endorsed).
  17. C R from Canada writes: Was Harper's plagerized speeches out of context too? It's not Canadian people's fault for what comes out of his mouth. Was it out of context him saying that it could be a good opportunity to buy stocks? I was listening to him speak and the wince on my face when he said it was genuine.
  18. Scrabulum Babulum from Kipling, Canada writes: crybaby nanny state supporters want the pm to 'do something to turn this thing around.' the best thing he can do is keep a tight fist on the govt checkbook and let bad markets/companies die. We'll all be better off for it. What exactly do you think the pm can do magically solve this? Chowderheads.
  19. North Star from Canada writes: Blake Johnston from vancouver, Canada writes: North Star...not familiar with the stock market I take it? This is the time to buy. The problem is more Canadians are uneducated and think it's not. It's just like the real estate boom in BC...so many Joe Six Packs bought at record highs are now getting killed. Buy low sell high mate! Maybe you're one of those uneducated Canadians!

    ----
    I worked in management at a financial services firm for over a decade so precisely know that most Canadians are not positioned to take strategic advantage of any markets, let alone markets experiencing unprecedented volatility.

    You propose that Harper's position is only astute investors should be rewarded by the current economic turmoil.

    Cheers!
  20. The Bubble from Canada writes: ABC
    Alberta Bound Conservatives
    Allopathic Ba$tard Capitalists
  21. D Epp from Canada writes: Yo Steve! What's the name of that cologne you're wearing? 'Fear'? hmm, smells good on you...
  22. Huey Freeman from Mississauaga, Canada writes: Harper and the Cons don't know a thing about how to build a economy they know how to create deficits like most Conservatives. If Martin was running for the Liberals this race would be over. Dion has to prove if he can seize the brass ring this is been a big opportunity and he has to embrace and own the issue like Barack Obama is doing. Funny but no one thought he had a chance to win the Liberal leadership either and know the Liberals are only 5 points down in the latest poll.
  23. North Star from Canada writes: Andre Carrel from Salmo, Canada writes: This is another example of taking a comment out of context. Harper's comment about 'this is a good time to buy' was made in the context of an overall statement about too many people buying stock when it is over-valued and selling it when it is under-valued.
    --------

    Harper's comment illustrates that he thinks all Canadians are somehow positioned to take advantage of markets experiencing unprecedented volatility and also that, if Harper advises that the time to buy is now, then he thinks the market has reached the bottom.

    Harper cannot be trusted
  24. Not the Alliance from In my opinion, The Harper Gov't is totally Incompetent, but excel at whining that it's ALWAYS somebody else's fault., Canada writes: Scrabulum Babulum from Kipling, Canada writes: 'crybaby nanny state supporters want the pm to 'do something to turn this thing around.' the best thing he can do is keep a tight fist on the govt checkbook and let bad markets/companies die. We'll all be better off for it. What exactly do you think the pm can do magically solve this? Chowderheads. '

    I think you're confused. This discussion and article are about turning around Harper's election prospects, which are fading rapidly (at least his prospects for a majority). Try to focus.
  25. C R from Canada writes: What can they do? How about first what they won't do? Or how about not continuing in the direction of deregulation which is why the USA is where they are today. Heck, if I felt Harper was only as bad as not doing anything, then things would only be half as worrisome with this guy. The problem is not just that he is disconnected from Canadians financial pain, and won't use levers of government for the economic safety of the people of this country, but he also was taking actions that will leave us more in a disaster down the road with deregulation. Oh, and by the way... WHERE IS THE REPORT FOR THE BUDGET ON AFGHANISTAN WE WERE PROMISED? YOU KNOW, THE NUMBERS THEY SAID THEY WOULD RELEASE ON THE CURRENT COST OF THE AFGHANISTAN WAR? Our economy would like to know.
  26. Scrabulum Babulum from Kipling, Canada writes: I know what ndp will do buddy, they will pay families to not work. Great solution. How can anyone take that party seriously?
  27. Not the Alliance from In my opinion, The Harper Gov't is totally Incompetent, but excel at whining that it's ALWAYS somebody else's fault., Canada writes: spicydoc - the upside of Harper doing something drastic is that he will also demonstrate his love of 'the arts'.

    Dance Harper, Dance!!
  28. C R from Canada writes: With Harper, how can anyone afford not to work? Oh, I'm referring to the people who were planning to retire but now can't afford to retire. Gee, if only they could buy more stocks in such a great opportunity we have before us! I wonder if there are any stock picks that our PM can suggest to us? That will solve all our financial woes! Is it really a good time to buy? Yeah, maybe our government just thinks Canadians spend their time not working but daytrading.
  29. Free The West Free The West from Free the West, Canada writes: The following comment from from an above Toronto person is the sole reason that Dion is getting votes in Ontario - 'But any large shift of wealth from the west to the east seems impossible under a Harper government. ' That's what this election is all about for Ontario, how do they get their hands on money that doesn't belong to them?

    And then you all ask 'where, oh where, does all that Western Separatism come from?
  30. North Star from Canada writes: @C R from Canada: been waiting for the Afghanistan war costs too - all parties gave approval for its release some weeks ago. This economic crises is a good time to review the tens of billions of dollars being spent in Afghanistan to see if, to quote Harper, 'we are getting the bang for our buck' on a war which some commanders on the ground are now calling 'impossible'
  31. spicydoc of the spring from Canada writes:

    Not the--

    Harper 144.
  32. Scrabulum Babulum from kipling, Canada writes: Most of you guys = Noise
    Me, righteous westerner with unwavering, non-pinko convictions = Signal

    We will govern again and we will be fair with our eastern brothers and sisters, even if they do try cast themselves in all ways superior. We will govern for the good of Canada.
  33. Not the Alliance from In my opinion, The Harper Gov't is totally Incompetent, but excel at whining that it's ALWAYS somebody else's fault., Canada writes: Free The West Free The West from Free the West, Canada writes: 'That's what this election is all about for Ontario, how do they get their hands on money that doesn't belong to them? '

    Are you implying that Ontario is not a net contributor?

    And note - Dion is getting a boost simply because Harper has had a very bad week. That's not Dion's fault. That's not Ontario's fault. It's Harper's fault - his 'tactical genius' must be on vacation.
  34. C R from Canada writes: North Star, In the previous election it was like... Hear YE Hear YE... we will be TRANSPARENT!... We will be ACCOUNTABLE!... We will run and ETHICAL GOVERNMENT! Everyone sing it out loud... a responsible, transparent, accountable, ethical government! And now for this election, not a peep, not a squeak on any of this. You can hear that pin drop on the accountability and transparancy.
  35. Not the Alliance from In my opinion, The Harper Gov't is totally Incompetent, but excel at whining that it's ALWAYS somebody else's fault., Canada writes: spicydoc of the spring from Canada writes:

    'Not the--

    Harper 144. '

    No predictions from me. Duceppe's probably right, but it's going to be a lot closer than I expected. I've always said that this election is a crap shoot. Literally.
  36. spicydoc of the spring from Canada writes:

    The Afghanistan mission extension was dead in the water until Dion caved in and gave the okay to an Iggy re-write.

    Dion's defining moment was his agreeing to the extension.

    Now several Harper-haters are wondering why there's a delay re the expense report. 'That'll hurt Harper', they suggest.

    Listen guys, it's the LPC who are afraid of the report--Jack is ready to massacre Dion for backing the extension, especially if the cost overruns are high.

    Why don't you guys think now and then?
  37. Patrick Matheson from Canada writes: Why can any political party present their full policies during the last week of an election?

    How can the Canadian voters make knowledgeable choices when one does not know the direction and policies of all parties when this information is not presented in a timely and accurate manner?

    It is curious to see the CPC announcing their election platform at Toronto business luncheon. I cannot imagine too many 'ordinary hardworking Canadians' were in attendance...

    Seems a bit elitist to me.
  38. spicydoc of the spring from Canada writes:

    C R--

    'And now for this election, not a peep, not a squeak on any of this. You can hear that pin drop on the accountability and transparancy.'

    Yeah, just like how the 'next' election was supposed to be all about Kyoto. You know, the one that was supposed to happen a year-and-a-half ago??
  39. Linda Dial from Calgary, Canada writes: Can he turn it around? Not with a scowl like that on his face. Is he nine sheets to the wind or what is that technician doing to him? The obstreporous know-it-all aside advising people to jump into the market for some bargains right now is going to cost him, esp. since Asian markets are all tanking briskly as I type. This remark just makes him seem more distanced from reality and out of touch with Canadians. Insensitive doesn't even begin to describe the monumental callousness of this remark. I would say no turn-around but rather a nose-dive.
  40. Ricky for a Centrist Canada from Canada writes:
    Either Harper planned to run a campaign about nothing - no platform, only a series of confirmations of things he already announced long ago....and is panicking, scrambling, and rushing something together (that is really more of nothing)....

    ....or....

    He assumed he'd be in a much different position right now than he is - and was planning to use today's 'platform release' as the coup de grace.

    Either way - El Floppo.

    Prepare for another minority.
  41. canadian forideas from Canada writes: Its time the people who want to vote for Harper understand this:
    If a family mortgage is $450,000 and their net income is cut by $50,000...
    They are in trouble, and they end up like the millions of Americans in the subprime fiasco which triggered the melt down of the entire US economy.
    With Harper wanting a 50 Billion tax cut with us having a $450 billion debt,
    he is proposing an impossible repayment scheme, exactly like a subprime
    example. He is proposing to subprime the entire nation.... A proven failure
    which will cost the US economy trillions. Our debt will skyrocket, replicating the catastrophe South of the border a few years later. Try to understand, be responsible, vote for the party who will not repeat
    the massive failure unfolding in front of our eyes.
  42. C R from Canada writes: spicydoc, the other parties are doing better than that. You support the only party with it's head in the sand on the whole issue. How you feel you can even touch that subject while criticize is laughable. By the way... WHERE ARE THE NUMBERS AS TO COST OF AFGHAN MISSION? THEY SAID THEY WOULD TELL US. DID THEY AT LEAST KEEP THAT IN BUDGET? Our economy would like to know.
  43. Bill Williamson from Canada writes: Now IS a good time to buy stocks or mutual funds.... if you're an 'investor'. The market probably hasn't bottomed out yet, then again, maybe it has. At least there's been a huge downturn, so once the market comes back, those that have bought will make money.

    As will those on plans....monthly purchase plans....they'll cost average out to nice gains.

    Many 'investors' in stocks got out, or reduced their holdings in order to better their cash position, awaiting buying opportunities.

    People like poster CR from Canada don't understand the markets, or investing, so should probably stay out. There's always an element of risk when investing, and if one can't take the heat, one should stay out of the kitchen.

    Harper was bang on with his comment about buying opportunities...they're there.... just not for everyone.
  44. P F from C'est La Vie, Canada writes: What a strange headline! This is an election. It is up to the Canadian people. It has nothing to do with Harper turning it around. The people will decide based on the record not some gimmick rolled out by Tories in final few days of the election campaign ... an election launched DESPITE a fixed election law.
  45. C R from Canada writes: Bill Williamson, I have done a lot of investing in my life. I even bought my house on money made in the stock market. Having a PM tell us it could be a good time to buy is one of the most irresponsible things I have hear in my life with regards to commenting on the country's financial well being and the state of personal finance. If you are so astute a stock market player, haven't you at least heard the saying, 'don't catch a knife while it's falling?' It's what market players say as things nose-dive as they watch idiots try to catch a bottom while a crash is in motion.
  46. spicydoc of the spring from Canada writes:

    Bill--

    Thanks for the support.

    When Harper was looking like a lock, I was going to give my buck-eighty-two to Jack, just for being so entertaining.

    However, now that a Dion win is even remotely possible, I'm backing the CPC. A CPC minority is the only sane choice for the next 2 years.

    I wonder how many million people might vote like me, and for the same reason??....

    ooooh...inverse/reverse psychology/hidden rope-a-dope. Whatever.
  47. Bill Williamson from Canada writes: One thing I do think we can count on...if Harper says he'll spend X # of $$ on this, or that, he will. He proved that last Parliament.

    However, these huge spending 'plans' ie. read 'bribes' from the LIEbies and Dippers, does anybody honestly believe they'll carry though and actually do it?

    We know from LIEberal past history, there's a 90/10 chance they won't.

    With Dippers..... looking at other Dipper Gov'ts across Canada, including Boob Rae's, yeah, I believe they'd spend and fulfill they're election promises....put us in a deficit to do it too! Dipper philosophy is just plain DUMB. Idealistic and unrealistic.
  48. Bob Bobins from Calgary, Canada writes: I just wanted to say .. this plateform is not even what hard core conservatives normally approve of in economic downturns. The logic is .. normally when the economy is good gut social programs and spending.. when the economy is bad use the capital you've saved to redistributionist policies. But Harper isn't even doing that.. he's offered nothing but a balanced budget and its questionable in this recession that he can even do that. So harper gets the 'most hardcore conservative' award. I was really quite surprised personally and thats something considering at one time I used to be small c. But this is too much the federal conservatives are willing to watch the people of canada suffer and refuse to do anything to help us. Quite something really considering these conservatives are our paid servents. You'd think they'd leave their partisian politics and just bloody well do the right thing. But the logic is cut taxes and reduce the size of the government as well as public dependancy on social programs like healthcare. All the while becoming more and more subservient to big buisness. Tax breaks for the rich, just about makes me sick. The wealthy have made their profits from the people and its looking like its high time they gave some back.. The conservatives need to be removed before they turn us into America north.
  49. Bill Williamson from Canada writes: CR...if you knew what you were doing, you'd know there's no absolute way to know (until afterward) where the bottom is.

    How much did you lose in IT's, by the way?
  50. C R from Canada writes: Yeah Bill, and when Harper says that the numbers for the Afghan mission will be released weeks ago, they were released right? Yeah sure, Harper has been true to his word on stuff right? How many broken promises does it take for you? Can you tell me when those numbers on Afghanistan will be released so the public can be informed? Our economy wants to know.
  51. Hugh M from Canada writes: Harper might actually lose this election. It at least seems likely he won't get a majority.
  52. C R from Canada writes: Bill, you just said it was a good time to buy stocks. Now your saying what I've been saying as to not knowing a bottom yet. You just contradicted not only Harper but yourself! Um... what is that word? 'Flip flopper'.
  53. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: I asked the Globe's Mr. Greenspon to pursue the matter of the missing Afghanistan cost report. It has been promised, there are supposed to be no objections to its release, so where is it?
  54. Bill Williamson from Canada writes: As I said earlier, you're a one trick poney. They'll get released when they get released.

    Personally, I wouldn't want to see him release them now... both you Dippers and the LIEbies would probably jump all over them, obfuscating other issues,.... yet you guys have as much blame to take as Harper does.... you voted FOR the extension.

    There's just so many items a plate can hold, and Canada's plate is full right now...lots of ammo for Doofus Dion and Whacko Jacko (May-May just doesn't matter) so no sense in giving you idealists more, is there? :-)
  55. Steve I'm Not an Alberta Redneck from Canada writes: Harper has just released his plan when the other parties have had them out for months? This is probably what we can expect if a large enough minority is stupid enough to vote for him. Too little. too late. And a lot of borrowed ideas from the RepubliCON (lack of) brain trusts. Ideas that were stupid, self serving and irresponsible 20 years ago and are now bringing down the world economy.

    Oh, and he'll fill the jails like that bastion of low crime rates, the US.

    Look in the mirror before you vote folks. If you see a cretin, please stay home!
  56. simon doiron from on a cross country tour, Canada writes: Wow I am glad i didnt buy in the Asian stockmarkets after Harper told Canadians to buy.

    If he is such a smart person he sure does say a lot of stupid things.

    I will vote NDP, screw the banks and oil companies. Take the 50 billion that they would have used to give themselves bonuses and options and put kids in half decent daycare and take care of our seniors.

    I really dont see how people would want to give these corporations this HUGE tax break.
  57. Fred Johnson from Canada writes: liberals and socialists would have us believe they can and should control stock markets were they in government. even putin cant do that in russia. good luck to canadians who swallow this incredible lie.
  58. Bill Williamson from Canada writes: CR, As I said...you're no investor :-) If you know the Companies, buy now. Not all your cash, but some...save some for other purchases...there'll be more. A GOOD investor knows the Companies he wants a piece of.

    I don't buy stocks, just mutual funds and real estate.

    You still haven't told us how much you lost on Income Trusts
  59. Bill Williamson from Canada writes: Diane, Dippers and Dip Libs don't have the mental capacity to understand it, so why bother releasing it right now?
  60. Steve I'm Not an Alberta Redneck from Calgary, Canada writes: Where is Rob Anders? I'm certain a few well chosen comments from him would turn things around. Well, we could all use a laugh, at least.
  61. jeff franklin from Canada writes:

    Ironic how our current P.M., a shrub (wanna be Bush), who would like to be a fruit, because he is sweet and colourful, has declared WAR on a plant (cannabis).

    Can Canadians afford Mr. Harper and his Failed USA Drug War Policies?

    Does Mr. Harper use the same telephone as Bush to talk to God?

    Yo Harper! Nice Rug.
  62. spicydoc of the spring from Canada writes:

    simon doiron--

    The cut to corporate tax rates affects all businesses, not just banks and oil companies.

    Ontario is losing manufacturers and they're taking the jobs with them. Jack is demanding that Harper cry a bit then 'do something' about it.

    Bizarre.

    The only thing that the government can do for companies is motivate them to stay in Canada ie lower taxes than other jurisdictions.

    And Jack wants to repeal these incentives to pay for his daydreams.

    Sorry, simon---Layton won't have 50 billion to spend---companies that head for the hills don't pay taxes in Canada.

    The CPC warned Ontario that unless taxes dropped, companies would ditch and go elsewhere.

    Next thing we know, Volvo abandons Welland to set up in Pennsylvania (tax incentives).

    Jack then shows up and boo-hoos for the poor workers and blames Harper.

    yeesh.
  63. Mike McFae from Canada writes: Harper is being dragged down by economic problems but I can just sense the GW gang waiting to take the credit.
  64. Hugh M from Canada writes: Rob Anders is a member of the Conservative Party of Canada and has represented the riding of Calgary West since 1997. He is currently Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs. Anders is infamous for being the sole parliamentarian to vote against making Nelson Mandela an honorary citizen of Canada in 2001. This prevented the act from passing unanimously. He defended his actions by stating that Mandela was a communist and a terrorist. Stephen Harper has indicated his support of Anders, stating that 'Rob is a true reformer and a true conservative. He has been a faithful supporter of mine and I am grateful for his work.' In 2003, he voted for a Bloc Québécois proposition which stated that the Québécois form a nation and could withdraw from any federal initiative.
  65. simon doiron from on a cross country tour, Canada writes: you are leaving some very important things out

    One, Canada is a leader in resources so no those companies wont leave and if they do their loss someone will come up behind them and be a good corporate citizen (and to think of it the resources are the ones driving the ecomomy)

    TWO, canada has one of the most educated workforces on the planet, so like it or not the corporations need us just as we need them

    Three, we live in a country that is continually rated in the Top 5 places to live in the World

    Four, canada has the largest supply of fresh water which is a must in any industry to survive.

    So, I respectively disagree with you on all points.

    I just think that Harper is a bonehead and he will never get my vote.
  66. Derek Blood from Canada writes: Bill Williamson from Canada writes: One thing I do think we can count on...if Harper says he'll spend X # of $$ on this, or that, he will. He proved that last Parliament.

    However, these huge spending 'plans' ie. read 'bribes' from the LIEbies and Dippers, does anybody honestly believe they'll carry though and actually do it?

    We know from LIEberal past history, there's a 90/10 chance they won't.

    With Dippers..... looking at other Dipper Gov'ts across Canada, including Boob Rae's, yeah, I believe they'd spend and fulfill they're election promises....put us in a deficit to do it too! Dipper philosophy is just plain DUMB. Idealistic and unrealistic.
    ==========================================.
    Amen brother.
  67. Gerhard Jackson from Belgium via Ontario, Canada writes: The point should be driven home that the best recent economic performances by North American governments occurred under Chretien and Clinton...like it or not. Both were able to clean up conservative messes. The practical trumps the ideological every time. Perhaps the changing polls indicate that Canadians, for the most part, understand this.
  68. Rabidsenses > from Good gawd, a latte-swilling Westerner, Canada writes:

    Different observation: Dion may not be done as LPC leader.

    Several reasons:

    1) he has momentum, where it came from I don't know

    2) he looks prime ministerial for the first time; articulate, confident and forthright

    3) LPC needs to save money

    4) LPC ain't got no money

    5) Whither Iggy and Rae(?) . . . it isn't because they know this ship is gonna go down; it's because Dion is more fiercely independent

    All of this is known/has been observed by the LPC.

    Storyline: After CPC minority (which will last 24 months, btw) LPC will give Dion 9 more months as opposition leader to see if he carries the momentum and grows into job. All good leaders do. Especially Canadians. Oh, and this approach saves money, did I say that yet? After 9 months LPC decides if there will be a leadership race for December 2009. This gives Iggy 10-12 months to prepare.

    A worthwhile speculation.
  69. J. Michael from Australia writes: If not already, I suggest that Harper put his job on the line - no majority, then he agrees to step down.
  70. Derek Blood from Canada writes: Gerhard Jackson from Belgium via Ontario, Canada writes: The point should be driven home that the best recent economic performances by North American governments occurred under Chretien and Clinton...like it or not. Both were able to clean up conservative messes. The practical trumps the ideological every time. Perhaps the changing polls indicate that Canadians, for the most part, understand this.
    ===========================.
    And in Canada we had no national debt until Trudeau came to power. The Liberals benefited from the GST revenue (something they said they would scrap) and the free trade agreement (something they promised to rip up). Oh yeah, Martin down loaded the debt to the provinces. Pure genius. Now the Liberals want to intoduce a 55 billion dollar platform, and send inflation into overdrive with their carbon tax. I vote no to that.
  71. Bill M from Canada writes: 'Mr. Harper said Canadians should be worried about the more ambitious spending proposals of his opponents, including the Liberals who would enact a carbon tax and propose more than $50-billion in spending over five years. He did not mention that the Liberal carbon tax is to be accompanied by matching income tax cuts.'

    Matching income tax cuts? When did that change? I thought it was some minor income tax cuts along with more spending on social programs. And based on past Liberal promises, I really don't expect an income tax cut. I still pay the GST after all. They had 13 years to replace it, and never did.
  72. Gerhard Jackson from Belgium via Ontario, Canada writes: Derek Blood has given credit to the PCs for enabling Paul Martin's stellar stewardship of the economy during the Chretien years. One would hope that in a few year's time the Conservatives will claim equal credit for Mr Goodale's stellar performance.
  73. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: An article in the Calgary Herald suggested that Mr. Anders has been spending so much time body-building that he's barely recognizable.

    Bill Williamson:-- I can't reflect on your mental capacity, but I can say that you would benefit from a course in civility.
  74. benjamin barr from Canada writes: he has nothing to turn around. He has spoken like a leader. not i feel your pain just to get elected and through good money after bad ideas.
  75. Mr X from Canada writes: Bill M from Canada writes: He did not mention that the Liberal carbon tax is to be accompanied by matching income tax cuts.'
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Uhhh, It cost the Liberals over $1 Billion to implement a gun registry how many billion will it cost to administrate greenhouse gas tracking for every industry and producer in Canada. I bet at least 20% will be chewed up in administration.
  76. Mr X from Canada writes: Derek Blood from Canada writes: Gerhard Jackson from Belgium via Ontario, Canada writes: The point should be driven home that the best recent economic performances by North American governments occurred under Chretien and Clinton...like it or not.
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Actually Chretien just had some good luck. The Americans also had a balanced budget around the same time. The only thing his government did was cut transfer payments so people like Mike Harris and other provincial premiers took the heat for and did the hard work. Globally low interest rates allowed us to refinance maturing debt and lower our single biggest payment which was interest. And finally demand for resources from China inflated our GDP. So what did Chretien do other than cut health and education?
  77. Mr X from Canada writes: 'simon doiron from on a cross country tour, Canada writes: I will vote NDP, screw the banks and oil companies. Take the 50 billion that they would have used to give themselves bonuses and options and put kids in half decent daycare and take care of our seniors.

    I really dont see how people would want to give these corporations this HUGE tax break.'
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Hell Yeah, who cares about corporations what do people need jobs for.
  78. Stude Ham from Outremont, Canada writes:
    A policy speech delivered during an election campaign ... BUT RIGHT AFTER THE CLOSE OF THE ADVANCED POLLS... signifies that the conservatives are totally incompetent. If Harper had a real platform to offer it would have been done well before hundreds of thousands of voters had cast their ballots.

    Bunch of conservative CRAP!

    DUMP HARPER!
  79. m. r. from Canada writes: minority gov. can work! it has worked in the past. it would seem that this is what Canadian voters want. Harpers fault is that he does not see that most CANADIANS are middle of the road and that the Conservative party must be PROGRESSIVE to succeed. also, a lot of voters dont trust a business oriented party. the result may be $300m
    spent and a Lib/NDP government! vox populii!
  80. Mr X from Canada writes: Mr. Harper said Canadians should be worried about the more ambitious spending proposals of his opponents, including the Liberals who would enact a carbon tax and propose more than $50-billion in spending over five years. He did not mention that the Liberal carbon tax is to be accompanied by matching income tax cuts.
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Explain to me how carbon taxes are going to help mining, fishing, farming, manufacturing, transportation, and oil & gas industries. Tax cuts mean nothing if your unemployed.
  81. Joe D. S from Canada writes: Harper says he's been warning since 2007? How is that possible? Wasn't it only last week that he was saying everything is fine?
  82. Mr X from Canada writes: Joe D. S from Canada writes: Harper says he's been warning since 2007? How is that possible? Wasn't it only last week that he was saying everything is fine?
    -------------------------------------------------------------
    Because your listening to a journalist give a sound byte...

    Here is what was in the speech from the throne....

    'This is a time of economic uncertainty and volatility in the wider world. While the economic fundamentals of our country are strong, Canada is not immune from this turbulence. Canadians understand these challenges and want a government that is a competent and effective manager of the economy. '

    Doesn't say everything is going to be roses does it?
  83. Mr X from Canada writes: 'Stude Ham from Outremont, Canada writes:
    A policy speech delivered during an election campaign ... '
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Perhaps thats because there platform has very little change in it. Would you tax the hell out of the industries that make your economy work and engage huge spending programs when your largest trading partner is in a state of collapse.
  84. L M87 from Calgary, Canada writes: I see from the Google map that Dion is defending Canadian Artic sovereignty.
  85. Mr X from Canada writes: C R from Canada writes: Harper, when asked about the economy, tells us it's a buying opportunity! The stock market crashes with record numbers for a one day drop of our country's market index and Harper says... good time to buy stocks? Well, thanks Harper! That makes Canadians feel great. I'm sure the average family whose RSPs are going into the toilet after working all their lives while they try to cope with higher food and energy costs love to hear, 'what a buying opportunity!' Are you really that disconnected from the pain of Canadians? Or is your heart simply that small? Oh by the way... WHERE IS THE REPORT FOR THE BUDGET ON AFGHANISTAN? WE WERE TOLD THAT THE COST WOULD BE RELEASED. WHY IS THIS GOVERNMENT HIDING THE NUMBERS? DID THEY GO OVER BUDGET? WHERE IS THE TRUST?
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Uhhh...it is a good time to buy when the market is down. Statements like these start making investors feel like the market is undervalued and they money comes pouring back. He is doing the people a favor by promoting Canadian Stocks.

    The report on Afghanistan put the figure at $22 Billion.
  86. L M87 from Calgary, Canada writes: Harper should not be offering stock advice. Wait a little bit, trust me.

    Besides, investors do not traditionally get back into the market until there is a clear upswing, which is clearly not happening now.

    I don't know what value Harper is offering with his comments. It's neither comforting nor good financial advice.
  87. Gerhard Jackson from Belgium via Ontario, Canada writes: Mr X. You seem very well informed, providing just the right amount of statistics and spin. Your talking points are noted. To Really Obfuscate Lacks Leadership. Thanks for coming out.
  88. MAURIZIO DIMILLO from Hamilton, Canada writes: Harper may not be the best person to lead our country, he is however, the best choice of all the candidates. Dion will tax and spend us into oblivion. Layton is the leader of the NDP and that's all I need to say. I'm voting for the guy who kept his tax reduction promises of the previous election.
  89. left leaning ontarian from Canada writes: Our economist PM Harper has all the answer because he is an economist. All economist are perfect because they have perfect information. Trust our economist PM because he is an economist. Economist make perfect leader. See we have an economist who is our leader and says the fundemental of our economy are great. Our economist leader says now can be the best time to invest. Trust him because he is an economist and he is our leader. Thank you.
  90. Norm Albert from Canada writes: North Star from Canada writes: Harper told Peter Mansbridge in a CBC interview that people should be 'buying stocks now' - even though most Canadians struggle to make ends meet. Harper is truly out of touch.
    All the other party leaders agreed to take questions from viewers.
    Harper would not.
    Harper now says a minority is as good as a majority win for the for Conservatives. He is right in one sense. It will create another dysfunctional government. Another dictatorship lead by him.
    $200 mill to build 8 Cyl Cameros in Ontario. $200 mill to prop up Bombardier in Quebec. $2.67 a month for child care expenses.
    11 hr platform (photo op)for this narcissistic dictator.
    Personal I don't trust any of them. They all lie. On a scale of 1-10 Harper is off the chart. How can you tell he is lying? His lips are moving.
    The government recently authorize the sale of electric vehicle that have been made in Canada and sold throughout the world for the last # of years. It's call dragging your feet and slowing a home grown initiative
    Vote ABC for Canada.
  91. Roop Misir from Toronto, Canada writes: He can certainly give it a try!
  92. Just A Canuck from Canada writes: Harpers displays the warmth of a slug on a damp morning. People are afraid of what has happened to their life savings and he tells us now is a good time to invest. What rock does this guy sleep under at night?
  93. Gerry Pankhurst from westport ontario, Canada writes: He is absolutely correct in suggesting there are investment opportunities arising from the present crisis. I have several that I am watching very closely and am confident I will prosper at the appropriate time. Timing is the secret. Keep your eye on the ball.
  94. Double Money from Canada writes: Overall Harper has done a decent job as Prime Minister. Forget about majority government, I am getting the feeling even a minority government is in jeopardy as the public mood is getting very sour in tandem with plunging stock market.

    www.doubleourmoney.ca
    • Posted 08/10/08 at 6:26 AM EST |