Canada - Next Federal Gov't?

[Garland Best]

Re: Canada - Next Federal Gov't?

At least Hudak's about-face isn't hitting my wallet. The Liberal's about face-cost us hundreds of millions, if not billions. I still don't understand why charges haven't been laid.

[Jeff Verman]

Re: Canada - Next Federal Gov't?

http://www.thestar.com/news/city_hal..._drug_use.html

This just never ends........

[Jeff Verman]

Re: Canada - Next Federal Gov't?

Then you'll be voting for her. In my case, I won't be voting for the liberal incumbent in my riding because of Wynne. Last time the battle was between the Libs and Cons. Libs won but the Cons hold the riding federally. Now Hudak has dropped his right to work agenda I will feel able to vote for his candidate. I'd expect the NDP to pick up some of the liberal vote in this riding.

Federally, I like the guy who will be running for the Liberals. I've never met the incumbent Conservative so I don't know about him.

The Mississauga gas plant issue is a huge one for the Liberals in Ontario to deal with. It may yet kill them. EHealth, ORNGE too. But the Liberals changing plans on the gas plant just to curry for vote (at huge cost to us) I'd oppose. But Hudak is doing the same thing with the right to work agenda. He believes in it - recently kicked someone out of caucus who opposed it. And now has done an about face, because it just dawned on him it will cost him a lot of votes. In both cases, about-faces were do to votes, and not principle.

The Conservatives aren't really the party of William Davis any longer. (Or Robert Stanfield, or Joe Clark federally).

[Gary Ruben]

Re: Canada - Next Federal Gov't?

Wynne's real option was to remove the imbecile (my opinion) from office. I regret she didn't. She saw this as too invasive; too radical. That she took a stand against him is something I wholly applaud. It certainly sets a precedent that mayors can't be lying, bullying, slandering, drunken drug abusers. I favour that kind of precedent.

Then you'll be voting for her. In my case, I won't be voting for the liberal incumbent in my riding because of Wynne. Last time the battle was between the Libs and Cons. Libs won but the Cons hold the riding federally. Now Hudak has dropped his right to work agenda I will feel able to vote for his candidate. I'd expect the NDP to pick up some of the liberal vote in this riding.

Federally, I like the guy who will be running for the Liberals. I've never met the incumbent Conservative so I don't know about him.

[Jeff Verman]

Re: Canada - Next Federal Gov't?

Wynne had the option of telling City Council that Ford is the elected Mayor and they can work with him or resign. Instead she has set a precedent for future councils who don't like their mayor in any jurisdiction in Ontario. That's not what I want in a Premier.

Regarding other major candidates for Toronto mayor, are they admitting to having smoked pot or aren't they?

Personal lifestyle aside, Ford has done a reasonable job from what I've seen. During the ice storm he was stellar with his daily press conferences in which he was calmly reassuring people progress was being made. My hydro in this area was out for a few hours less than 5 days and I watched him from a warming center. He was all there was on TV daily in the GTA as far as I know.

The premier, on the other hand, gave out $100. gift certificates for lost food. It was so cold here not even the milk in my fridge spoiled. Her choice for a substitute Toronto Mayor is a guy who spent Christmas in Florida during the mess.

It's little wonder her voters are heading for the NDP.

Wynne's real option was to remove the imbecile (my opinion) from office. I regret she didn't. She saw this as too invasive; too radical. That she took a stand against him is something I wholly applaud. It certainly sets a precedent that mayors can't be lying, bullying, slandering, drunken drug abusers. I favour that kind of precedent.

Ford has, though, done some good - as you say. He did do news conferences. Actually - he's done some things a lot better than that - as an example, I think it a weak one in support of him. He recently arranged for a bus to pick up people evacuated from a building due to a fire. No one thinks he's a supreme evil being.

But he also was filmed with drug dealers doing cocaine. He lied about this - which I understand - but in doing so he also clearly slander a Toronto Star reporter. He and his brother possibly slandered the Chief of Police. They swore up and down that he had not taken the drugs, that there was no video and that he had no drinking problem, in spite of other videos showing him stumbling around the Danforth. His own enabling and equally foolish brother once said Rob should keep his drinking to the basement! He lied and lied and lied until forced to tell the truth. His driver has been charged with extortion by the police - likely over an attempt to get the first big video. He was in a corner - but it was entirely a corner of his own making. And he's still under investigation. Travel anywhere, and Toronto is now on the map - first three questions you are asked - one will be about Rob Ford. He's lied about tax increases. He lied about gravy nonsense.

Sure - he's done some good things. Every mayor has done something good. But if he doesn't count as a complete disgrace, I don't know who would.

[Jeff Verman]

Re: Canada - Next Federal Gov't?

'Responsible voters' could at least include citizens who don't like getting ripped off big time through government corruption, since ultimately they pay for it in one way or another. The Conservatives have been in office for so many years that, like all long-lasting administrations, rot begins to set in. In their case, the Senate scandal is just one of a number over the years, which includes the odd Conservative MP, I vaguely remember. It's impossible to know the extent of corruption, but the scent is there. Above all, Harper, known for being a control freak, probably at least knew what was going on through the PMO regarding Duffy and Wright, if he didn't actually orchistrate things. This likely should be a serious issue for many 'responsible voters', for lack of a better term.

'Responsible voters' would also include those who worry about their sons and daughters getting stoned, or drawn into the world of hard drugs by way of an arguably gateway drug like Marijuana, legally or against the law. Not to mention what happens if smugglers sell bad dope for cheap. It should be interesting to see what happens in Colorado. I wonder if in being pulled over by a policeman, one might in future being asked if one smoked a joint lately (just like being asked if one is 'married' can now be awkward potentially, in many places). Then there's at least Christian voters who know what their religion says about those who don't repent of their drug use. Occasional alcohol is dicey enough with them.

If responsible voters means not wanting to get ripped off, I think almost everyone is responsible. Never met a voter who wanted to get ripped off. Ont the marijuana issue, we disagree. For the record, I smoke nothing at all at any time, but the idea that smoking a joint should be a "criminal" act is too similar to the idea that having a glass of wine is a criminal act. We once prohibited alcohol too - and that showed itself to be a foolish idea. Wine; alcohol - both contain hallucinogens. Alcohol can lead to alcholism, but doesn't have to; marijuana use could lead to heavy drug use, but almost always doesn't.

Just my opinions.

[Gary Ruben]

Re: Canada - Next Federal Gov't?

I think you misunderstand me. Kevin talked about "responsible voters" and I'm unsure whom that refers to. Wynne is certainly shunning Rob Ford. Actually, City Council is shunning Rob Ford.

Wynne had the option of telling City Council that Ford is the elected Mayor and they can work with him or resign. Instead she has set a precedent for future councils who don't like their mayor in any jurisdiction in Ontario. That's not what I want in a Premier.

Regarding other major candidates for Toronto mayor, are they admitting to having smoked pot or aren't they?

Personal lifestyle aside, Ford has done a reasonable job from what I've seen. During the ice storm he was stellar with his daily press conferences in which he was calmly reassuring people progress was being made. My hydro in this area was out for a few hours less than 5 days and I watched him from a warming center. He was all there was on TV daily in the GTA as far as I know.

The premier, on the other hand, gave out $100. gift certificates for lost food. It was so cold here not even the milk in my fridge spoiled. Her choice for a substitute Toronto Mayor is a guy who spent Christmas in Florida during the mess.

It's little wonder her voters are heading for the NDP.

[Kevin Pacey]

Re: Canada - Next Federal Gov't?

'Responsible voters' could at least include citizens who don't like getting ripped off big time through government corruption, since ultimately they pay for it in one way or another. The Conservatives have been in office for so many years that, like all long-lasting administrations, rot begins to set in. In their case, the Senate scandal is just one of a number over the years, which includes the odd Conservative MP, I vaguely remember. It's impossible to know the extent of corruption, but the scent is there. Above all, Harper, known for being a control freak, probably at least knew what was going on through the PMO regarding Duffy and Wright, if he didn't actually orchistrate things. This likely should be a serious issue for many 'responsible voters', for lack of a better term.

'Responsible voters' would also include those who worry about their sons and daughters getting stoned, or drawn into the world of hard drugs by way of an arguably gateway drug like Marijuana, legally or against the law. Not to mention what happens if smugglers sell bad dope for cheap. It should be interesting to see what happens in Colorado. I wonder if in being pulled over by a policeman, one might in future being asked if one smoked a joint lately (just like being asked if one is 'married' can now be awkward potentially, in many places). Then there's at least Christian voters who know what their religion says about those who don't repent of their drug use. Occasional alcohol is dicey enough with them.

[Vlad Drkulec]

Re: Canada - Next Federal Gov't?

Like I wrote in a previous post, corruption to some degree is inevitable. When it gets way out of hand it's time to turf out one party and try another that hasn't been so corrupt in the recent past. At least the NDP (as much as I dislike socialism) hasn't been in power yet at the federal level.

My prefered choice would be 'None of the Above', or else a relatively harmless fringe party, if one's on the ballot. That wouldn't include Green.

There are three senators currently charged by the RCMP. One Liberal and two Conservatives. The Liberal is charged with stealing more than the two Conservatives put together and the billion dollar price tags of the Ontario provincial liberals various scandals are multiple orders of magnitude more serious than the sums being bandied about in the Senate scandals. My feeling is that there is as much of Margaret in Justin as there is Pierre and it shows whenever he is taken off script as in the case of his glib analysis of the Ukrainian situation. It is possible for a complicit media to hide a candidates weaknesses if they like him. See Barack Obama and Rob Ford for recent examples.

[Jeff Verman]

Re: Canada - Next Federal Gov't?

It doesn't matter which voters. Ford won and is the duly elected Mayor.

Wynne is shunning him for his lifestyle from what I can see. I don't live in Toronto so I don't care. However, it doesn't inspire me to vote liberal in the next election.

It is very likely Ford will be Mayor after Wynne is no longer premier. That depends on when the next provincial election is held.

I think you misunderstand me. Kevin talked about "responsible voters" and I'm unsure whom that refers to. Wynne is certainly shunning Rob Ford. Actually, City Council is shunning Rob Ford. The Hudak Conservatives have shut up about both Ford brothers. And the Federal Conservatives seem to be keeping their distance from him too - even badmouthing him - except for our Finance Minister. Hard to say what the future holds, but I wouldn't bet money on either Ford nor Wynne right now.

[Gary Ruben]

Re: Canada - Next Federal Gov't?

"Responsible" voters? Which ones are those? The ones who voted for Rob Ford?

It doesn't matter which voters. Ford won and is the duly elected Mayor.

Wynne is shunning him for his lifestyle from what I can see. I don't live in Toronto so I don't care. However, it doesn't inspire me to vote liberal in the next election.

It is very likely Ford will be Mayor after Wynne is no longer premier. That depends on when the next provincial election is held.

[Kevin Pacey]

Re: Canada - Next Federal Gov't?

Like I wrote in a previous post, corruption to some degree is inevitable. When it gets way out of hand it's time to turf out one party and try another that hasn't been so corrupt in the recent past. At least the NDP (as much as I dislike socialism) hasn't been in power yet at the federal level.

My prefered choice would be 'None of the Above', or else a relatively harmless fringe party, if one's on the ballot. That wouldn't include Green.

[Jeff Verman]

Re: Canada - Next Federal Gov't?

Arguably a gross underestimation of the importance to many responsible voters of the issue of political party corruption - both financial, and argubly the corruption of society (in the case of marijuana legalization).

I heard on Sun News Network the other night that Thomas Mulcair supports crack pipe dispensing machines, such as there are now in Vancouver. I now am even more unhappy with my choices to vote for at the federal level.

"Responsible" voters? Which ones are those? The ones who voted for Rob Ford? Look, seriously - what you call political party corruption - applies to all three parties at the federal and provincial levels. This election won't be about a single issue - like Free Trade (or NAFTA) - or the environment. It will be about personality; style - much like the last election for Pierre Elliot Trudeau over Clark.

All voters are relatively responsible (or irresponsible depending on your point of view). Sometimes they elect good governments. Sometimes not.

Now I haven't a clue as to how marijuana legalization could corrupt anything. But on Mulcair's allaged support of crack pipe dispensing machines, well the real issue is the serious problem in Vancouver, and it's good that he, at least, has noticed it. No one else seems to be doing too much on it.

[Kevin Pacey]

Re: Canada - Next Federal Gov't?

A last point - right now, the issues being discussed at the federal issues are petty, inane ones - Mike Duffy; marijuana, etc. Right now, it's not so much about the issues.

Arguably a gross underestimation of the importance to many responsible voters of the issue of political party corruption - both financial, and argubly the corruption of society (in the case of marijuana legalization).

I heard on Sun News Network the other night that Thomas Mulcair supports crack pipe dispensing machines, such as there are now in Vancouver. I now am even more unhappy with my choices to vote for at the federal level.

[Jeff Verman]

Re: Canada - Next Federal Gov't?

I've got that. Maybe I'll have a look at the poll.

I think Harper should spend less time running around the world and more time looking after domestic issues. I doubt he realizes the mail delivery which is being discontinued is important to a lot of seniors and people who can't get around much.

While we're on about political leaders, I notice Horvath talks about working people but not so much about seniors and the disabled. Did you notice?

Please let me suggest a different path of analysis. I believe "issues" are only sometimes responsible for how elections turn out. Instead, an historical analysis would be far more revealing as to the outcome of the next federal election.

During Pierre Trudeau's years, the Premiere of Ontario was the Progressive Conservative William Davis. Trudeau was eventually replaced by Brian Mulroney for 8 years. During those years, his Ontario counterpart was David Peterson. Jean Chretien removed Mulroney from office. His Ontario counterpart for those years was Mike Harris. Mr. Harper replaced Chretien and had to deal with Dalton McGuinty (and now Ms. Wynne).

The pattern is clear - whenever Ottawa goes Blue, Toronto goes red; and vice versa. And I'd argue on this, that history will not change. The reason for this is in the background. The people who support these political parties are stuck in a yo-yo like vortex. When either are in power in Ottawa, their teams move with them. When they are out of power, they move back to Toronto. I'm not talking about the members of parliament. I'm talking about the 3 or 4 people who work for each member - their support teams.

And so, like in science we see occasional paradigm shifts, only in Canada, history just keeps repeating itself over and over.

So - are we going to see a new Trudeau take over as Prime Minister? Look to whether there is a mood for change in Ontario at the provincial level. It's no coincidence Liberals in Ontario aren't doing particularly well right now, while the young Trudeau (so much his mother's son) is soaring in the polls.

A last point - right now, the issues being discussed at the federal issues are petty, inane ones - Mike Duffy; marijuana, etc. Right now, it's not so much about the issues.