NationStates Jolt Archive

With the sponsorship scandal in full swing, PM Paul Martin is need deep in sh*t and it keeps getting deeper and deeper. I never really minded Paul Martin and I don't hate him even now but there are some people in that party that deserve too and will not be re-elected. I live in Finance Minister, Ralph Goodale's riding, and I have found him to be a very decent individual, although, the momentum for the Conservatives is growing and may end up overthrowing Mr. Goodale, I'll just wait and see. The 2 Liberal seats in Edmonton are both at risk; David Kilgour, who narrowly won his seat last election was kicked out of Cabinet and is toast. Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan only won her seat by 100 votes or so in the last election and she may also be in danger, although she may still have enough power to win this time. In rural Ontario, Aileen Carroll of Barrie is in danger of losing her seat, as is Ovid Jackson (Owen Sound), Paul Bonwick (Simcoe), and Paul DeVillers (Simcoe North). All of them narrowly winning their seats last time and will the Alliance and PC not splitting the vote this time, they all could be toast. The final group that is in danger is in the Maritimes, where in Kings--Hants, Scott Brison, who is openly gay, left the Conservative Party shortly after it's merger despite the fact he voted in favour of the merger. I personally believe he left because of that idiot Larry Spencer and his highly homophobic remarks. It could also be because Joe Clark, former PM and PC leader, who is a supporter of the gay community (but he isn't gay) voted against the merger and now sits as an independent in the House of Commons. Anyway, Brison's supporters seem annoyed he left the Conservatives and likely will vote against him because of loyalty to the Conservatives and not the candidate. I myself am a memember of the Conservative Party and a support of Belinda Stronach for leader of it only because I don't think Stephen Harper can get the neccessary votes in Ontario and the Maritimes to win. They'll see this party as just one for Western Canada, not the true one it is for Canada. I'd like to here feedback from other Canadians and if need be Americans :? . Also, answer my poll question, ok? I also encourage all Canadians who can to vote this election, and if you don't, don't sit on your a$$ when there is more scandal in a year and say "I wish they were out of power", because you could have done something earlier to change that. I don't expect the Conservatives to win this time, although a strong opposition, combined with a minority Liberal government would be the next best thing!

You forgot the NDP. They will make strides in the next election, even if they don't get Official Opposition status. Jack Layton is a powerhouse, media-savvy, and everything you could ask for in a leader. If only Sheila Copps could run :cry:

The Liberals have gotten complacent and lazy, which is bound to happen after they've been in power for more than a decade, time to switch governing parties for sure, I'm going to vote Conservative, but I would vote NDP if they weren't so blatantly anti-military, they'd finish the job by disbanding combat air squadrons like New Zealand has no doubt....

Liberal Party will probably win. :(
I just wish them to not have the majority.

Well, there's no real alternative that's ready to rise and hurt the libs right now. If there was, I would vote for them, however, it doesn't seem like it. The NDP has a young inexperieced federal politics leader, the conservatives are in disarray and probably won't be ready. There is no one who could really led either the conservatives to power. Don't forget about the bloc as well, this election will prove weather or not seperatism is dead in Quebec, the PQ got defeated provincially, will the bloc hold up federally? We'll just have to wait and see what the voters say.

Personally, I think there is only one man, who could run as a conservative and beat the liberals, he's a Quebecker, but, I think that he could win over support in the West easily, and subsequently, crush the libs in Ontario.

Jean Charest.

I'm a provincial Conservative but a federal Liberal for three reasons.

First, the federal Conservative/Reform infighting put personal ambitions and narrow political ideologies above the better good of either party (yes, the Liberals have been doing the exact same thing, but this is no excuse).

Secondly, this infighting hamstrung them at a time when they were presented with their greatest opportunity in more than a decade for exploiting Liberal weakness.

Finally, the Liberal party is already fiscally conservative in most policy areas, which removes a number of key planks from any Conservative platform. When you're left with selling a platform where your main difference is moral conservativism, you're just not going to make it on a national level.

Yes, this is simplistic, but I only have time for short and simple :)

As much as I really, really, really hate to admit it, the NDP is functioning much better as a party and deserves to gain votes.

If paul calls an election before the new united right gets it's leadership in order - he might squeek through before they can get a concerted and consistant messge out. He does seem to be responding the scandal appropriately - firing the ass of anyone and everyone that turns out to be connected to it.

Also - it will be interesting to see who the right puts out there. Belinda? Sorry - a rich, pampered lady with no previous experience is not gonna win no matter how attractive she is. Harper? continues the sense in Ontario that this is still the Reform Party with all the regional preference that that entails.

But the NDP? You have to win Ontario to win the Prime Ministership, and a certain Premier ruined the NDP's rep in this province to the level that no Ontarian trusts the NDP to run a bake sale responsibly let alone the country.

But the NDP will bleed off more votes from the libs than they did last time, and the fact that the right isn't splitting votes this time around is a huge help.

But Paul can still stand on his record of balanced budgets, and pull out the spectre of Mulrooney. And the fact that he and King Jean were never really friends stands in his favour too. A lot of folks just wish he had managed the coup a lot of years sooner.


There are a lot of variables at play... so It'll be a fun, tight race!

-Z-

Don't forget about the bloc as well, this election will prove weather or not seperatism is dead in Quebec, the PQ got defeated provincially, will the bloc hold up federally? We'll just have to wait and see what the voters say.


I'm amaze to see that canadians still think that a defeat for PQ or BQ = death of separatism. Like if Quebecers voters think only about the parties statements about separation. :roll:

Maybe this will help you to understand more:

Since 1960, no parties had more than 2 successive mandates
1960-1966 Liberals (2)
1966-1970 Union nationale (1)
1970-1976 Liberals (2)
1976-1985 Parti québécois (2)
1985-1994 Liberals (2)
1994-2003 Parti québécois (2)
2003- Liberals

Does that mean that in 1985 and 2003, Quebecers were disgusted by independance, but changed their thought in 1976 and 1994? Actually, after 2 mandates of a government, people wants naturally a change of government.

A lot of people don't understand about the NDP. Everyone thinks that they're a bunch of political crazies trying to destroy the military and relations with the U.S. Um, have you checked out the Liberal Party record?

Well, I'd vote for the Liberals. If they don't win, then it had better be the NDP. I can't stand the conservative bastards. ;) But, then again, I can't stand Paul Martin because of his wanting closer US-Canada relations... Though, any Liberal is 10x better than any conservative.

I'll definately be voting NDP. Jack Layton is turning the image of this party around. They tried hard with their last two leaders, but putting whiny rich girls from the north in an attempt to get the female and northern vote isn't much of an actual platform. Jack Layton, on the other hand, actually has plans and positions. I know the NDP has a reputation of being spendthrift, but given they've never been in power, it's hard to truly give that concern any credence. Sure the provincial Ontario NDP were bad, but the provincial NDP in many other provinces, especially the Prairies, have done very well.

At least the NDP don't have the spectre of Reform and Mulrooney hanging about.

Worst case scenario for me: The Conservative Party getting its act together, giving Harper AND Stronach the boot and naming a solid Conservative from Ontario (if you can find one not linked to Earnie Eaves and the provincial Conservatives, that is) as leader. Or dig up a popular Conservative Maritimer. If they do that in time for the election, they'll probably win the vote.

Best case (and even likely) scenario: Liberals take it as a minority government, with a strong Conservative opposition, and the NDP becoming the powerbroker whose votes need to be courted to push controversial legislation through.

In My Dreams scenario: NDP take it as a minority government with either Liberals or Conservatives as a strong 'fiscally responsible' opposition.

[quote="Quatre-Nations
I'm amaze to see that canadians still think that a defeat for PQ or BQ = death of separatism. Like if Quebecers voters think only about the parties statements about separation. :roll:

quote]

Actually, (and I don't have the actual stats, so correct me if i'm wrong) I heard, that 45% of Quebeckers are in favour of sepratism(a crazy number if you ask me). Sorry, I should explained by thought better, while, I do not think seperatism is dead myself, instead, I think it's probably gonna be a issue within Quebec for a very long time, however, to me, it seems, that a party running on Quebec's nationalism, isn't gonna do very well in the next federal election.

Personally, I think Quebec could be the major battleground, if any of the parties are smart, (this means Conservatives, NDP) they need to make major gains in that province. That is why, I suggest, that the Conservatives need to get Jean Charest once he's done in Quebec, otherwise, they'll won't crack in Ontario, at least not in the near future, so, the only alternative is Quebec. I personally cannot think of any Canadian prime minister who b/c PM without winning a major portioin of Quebec. Thus, if any of the alternatives want to take power, they're gonna have to take seats in Quebec, which, I can't envision happening for a very long time, which means, we could see Canada end up like Mexico was, and Japan currently(or so I'm told).

[quote="Quatre-Nations
I'm amaze to see that canadians still think that a defeat for PQ or BQ = death of separatism. Like if Quebecers voters think only about the parties statements about separation. :roll:

quote]

Actually, (and I don't have the actual stats, so correct me if i'm wrong) I heard, that 45% of Quebeckers are in favour of sepratism(a crazy number if you ask me). Sorry, I should explained by thought better, while, I do not think seperatism is dead myself, instead, I think it's probably gonna be a issue within Quebec for a very long time, however, to me, it seems, that a party running on Quebec's nationalism, isn't gonna do very well in the next federal election.

Personally, I think Quebec could be the major battleground, if any of the parties are smart, (this means Conservatives, NDP) they need to make major gains in that province. That is why, I suggest, that the Conservatives need to get Jean Charest once he's done in Quebec, otherwise, they'll won't crack in Ontario, at least not in the near future, so, the only alternative is Quebec. I personally cannot think of any Canadian prime minister who b/c PM without winning a major portioin of Quebec. Thus, if any of the alternatives want to take power, they're gonna have to take seats in Quebec, which, I can't envision happening for a very long time, which means, we could see Canada end up like Mexico was, and Japan currently(or so I'm told).

[quote="Quatre-Nations
I'm amaze to see that canadians still think that a defeat for PQ or BQ = death of separatism. Like if Quebecers voters think only about the parties statements about separation. :roll:

quote]

Actually, (and I don't have the actual stats, so correct me if i'm wrong) I heard, that 45% of Quebeckers are in favour of sepratism(a crazy number if you ask me). Sorry, I should explained by thought better, while, I do not think seperatism is dead myself, instead, I think it's probably gonna be a issue within Quebec for a very long time, however, to me, it seems, that a party running on Quebec's nationalism, isn't gonna do very well in the next federal election.

Personally, I think Quebec could be the major battleground, if any of the parties are smart, (this means Conservatives, NDP) they need to make major gains in that province. That is why, I suggest, that the Conservatives need to get Jean Charest once he's done in Quebec, otherwise, they'll won't crack in Ontario, at least not in the near future, so, the only alternative is Quebec. I personally cannot think of any Canadian prime minister who b/c PM without winning a major portioin of Quebec. Thus, if any of the alternatives want to take power, they're gonna have to take seats in Quebec, which, I can't envision happening for a very long time, which means, we could see Canada end up like Mexico was, and Japan currently(or so I'm told).

[quote="Quatre-Nations
I'm amaze to see that canadians still think that a defeat for PQ or BQ = death of separatism. Like if Quebecers voters think only about the parties statements about separation. :roll:

quote]

Actually, (and I don't have the actual stats, so correct me if i'm wrong) I heard, that 45% of Quebeckers are in favour of sepratism(a crazy number if you ask me). Sorry, I should explained by thought better, while, I do not think seperatism is dead myself, instead, I think it's probably gonna be a issue within Quebec for a very long time, however, to me, it seems, that a party running on Quebec's nationalism, isn't gonna do very well in the next federal election.

Personally, I think Quebec could be the major battleground, if any of the parties are smart, (this means Conservatives, NDP) they need to make major gains in that province. That is why, I suggest, that the Conservatives need to get Jean Charest once he's done in Quebec, otherwise, they'll won't crack in Ontario, at least not in the near future, so, the only alternative is Quebec. I personally cannot think of any Canadian prime minister who b/c PM without winning a major portioin of Quebec. Thus, if any of the alternatives want to take power, they're gonna have to take seats in Quebec, which, I can't envision happening for a very long time, which means, we could see Canada end up like Mexico was, and Japan currently(or so I'm told).

The Conservatives will win / should win. :D
Actually, I think that separatism isn't dead, but its current form is. No Quebec-only separatism will ever suceed, I think, however if they formed a larger anti-federalist party and dropped their hard-line liberal views on evertything, the Quebec vote plus votes from out West could probably do it.

Well, not too sure how I'm going to vote this Federal Election. I'm one of those odd people, who votes for whichever candidate I believe will best represent my riding. The past couple of elections in Ottawa-South has been a no brainer, with John Manley, but since he's stepped down (rather than become the piece of fodder in Martin's gun site), this election will be tough. I've never really like King Jean (found to be an arrogant litlle pr&#k, but Manley's always been really good for Ottawa South.

This election, none of the 3 major parties have a candidate picked yet, so we're looking at :

Liberal Candidates - Sheila Gervais, Diane Deans, David McGuinty, brother of Liberal Premier Dalton McGuinty; Carleton University sociology professor John Samuel; and Camille Awada, 37, a Statistics Canada employee who was one of the Ottawa organizers for Paul Martin's Liberal leadership campaign.

Conservative Candidates - Bradley R. Darbyson, Terry Kilrea, Alan Riddell

While the NDP hasn't mentioned anyone yet, simply calling for candidates to step forward (though to be honest, fair or not, the NDP little Ontario gambit has soured me on them, ie: the scare the hell out of me).

The only person I really know in the above candidates, is Diane Deans, who is our regional councillor. She's pissed me off, in that she's barely elected (by a landslide, and I voted for her for regional) to represent us in city hall, when she announces that she's going to run for the Federal seat . What really pisses me off (which this in itself was a good start), is rather than step down, and let us pick a replacement while she chases her federal career, she's decided to hold the seat, until after the Federal election, and cede the seat only after she gets the nomination, and wins the seat. Meanwhile, she's been bloody invisible in city hall, and reaching her is nigh on impossible (ie: guess who won't be getting my votes, at any level from now on, or the votes of most in Ottawa-South)

anyway, that said, I've no idea who looks best this year, and have yet to see anyone who really excites me...

Well, not too sure how I'm going to vote this Federal Election. I'm one of those odd people, who votes for whichever candidate I believe will best represent my riding. The past couple of elections in Ottawa-South has been a no brainer, with John Manley, but since he's stepped down (rather than become the piece of fodder in Martin's gun site), this election will be tough. I've never really like King Jean (found to be an arrogant litlle pr&#k, but Manley's always been really good for Ottawa South.

This election, none of the 3 major parties have a candidate picked yet, so we're looking at :

Liberal Candidates - Sheila Gervais, Diane Deans, David McGuinty, brother of Liberal Premier Dalton McGuinty; Carleton University sociology professor John Samuel; and Camille Awada, 37, a Statistics Canada employee who was one of the Ottawa organizers for Paul Martin's Liberal leadership campaign.

Conservative Candidates - Bradley R. Darbyson, Terry Kilrea, Alan Riddell

While the NDP hasn't mentioned anyone yet, simply calling for candidates to step forward (though to be honest, fair or not, the NDP little Ontario gambit has soured me on them, ie: the scare the hell out of me).

The only person I really know in the above candidates, is Diane Deans, who is our regional councillor. She's pissed me off, in that she's barely elected (by a landslide, and I voted for her for regional) to represent us in city hall, when she announces that she's going to run for the Federal seat . What really pisses me off (which this in itself was a good start), is rather than step down, and let us pick a replacement while she chases her federal career, she's decided to hold the seat, until after the Federal election, and cede the seat only after she gets the nomination, and wins the seat. Meanwhile, she's been bloody invisible in city hall, and reaching her is nigh on impossible (ie: guess who won't be getting my votes, at any level from now on, or the votes of most in Ottawa-South)

anyway, that said, I've no idea who looks best this year, and have yet to see anyone who really excites me...

I have to do some serious research before I make my vote, but my gut says NDP. I've leaned towards the NDP every election save one (and that is because I knew the candidate to be untrustworthy, and therefore a poor person to put in office despite the party he's for). I think it's a hard thing to balance the party and the person, but these days, you have to look at both aspects before you can make your decision. Then again, who am I to tell people what to do?

Good to see some Canadian content up!

I predict a Liberal minority, 140-150 seats. This all depends on the Bloc's ability to hold them off in Quebec.

The Conservatives will have a strong showing, with 90-100 seats, including gains in Ontario and the Maritimes.

The NDP should also make impressive gains, especially if their share of the popular vote is over 20%.

The Bloc, nearly dead a few months ago, has come out strong of late, and should be able to keep around the same number of seats they have now.

I run the website www.screwtheliberals.ca, it is anti-Liberal and has mostly conservatives on the forums, although there are a few NDPers as well. Check it out if you have some spare time.

I run the website www.screwtheliberals.ca, it is anti-Liberal and has mostly conservatives on the forums, although there are a few NDPers as well. Check it out if you have some spare time.


hmm, I wonder if I should start the website www.screwtheconservativebastards.ca :)

Do it!

Yeah, and since Canada is mostly Liberal, you'd destroy them in a few years, and your country would enter a huge depression with the complete control of the Government by Liberals with no pressure from the other side.

I've got nothing against liberals, and I'm not conservative. The Liberal party, however, is dogshit. I respect the NDP for their stance on democratic reform, although I disagree with them on economic issues. The Liberals, however, don't stand for anything, which is what pisses me off about them. They govern by opinion poll, and their only goal is to remain in power.

It amazes me, myself and most people I know, and Canadians in general, always b*tch and moan about the liberal party, but they keep on getting re-elected, with majority governments no less... who the F*ck is voting for the libs gawd dammit!?!?! :evil:

Good to see some Canadian content up!

I predict a Liberal minority, 140-150 seats. This all depends on the Bloc's ability to hold them off in Quebec.

The Conservatives will have a strong showing, with 90-100 seats, including gains in Ontario and the Maritimes.

The NDP should also make impressive gains, especially if their share of the popular vote is over 20%.

The Bloc, nearly dead a few months ago, has come out strong of late, and should be able to keep around the same number of seats they have now.

I run the website www.screwtheliberals.ca, it is anti-Liberal and has mostly conservatives on the forums, although there are a few NDPers as well. Check it out if you have some spare time.

Heh, my brother went to school with you. (No I'm not joking)

It amazes me, myself and most people I know, and Canadians in general, always b*tch and moan about the liberal party, but they keep on getting re-elected, with majority governments no less... who the F*ck is voting for the libs gawd dammit!?!?! :evil:
They've been brainwashed to fear Conservatism more than failure associated with the word "Liberal".

It amazes me, myself and most people I know, and Canadians in general, always b*tch and moan about the liberal party, but they keep on getting re-elected, with majority governments no less... who the F*ck is voting for the libs gawd dammit!?!?! :evil:

Ontario, half of Quebec, half of the Maritimes. Us Westerners never did. :D

Heh, my brother went to school with you. (No I'm not joking)

Hey, who the heck are you?

Heh, my brother went to school with you. (No I'm not joking)

Hey, who the heck are you?

I'm going just on the name of the site, my bro Scott told me about it. The site might have been www.screwtheliberals.com instead of .ca. If that's the case then I am in fact a liar.

They've been brainwashed to fear Conservatism more than failure associated with the word "Liberal".

You are aware that small 'l' liberal is different from big 'L' Liberal? Just checking, cause it's very different in Canada. The 'Liberal' party can probably be best described as the 'muddling through' party, incapable of meaningful desicion or policy regimes. Of course this is pretty much true of any party that's ever taken political power in Canada- the last 'conservative' government ended is spectacular melt-down and near total failure, which litteraly destroyed the party involved.

I'm going just on the name of the site, my bro Scott told me about it. The site might have been www.screwtheliberals.com instead of .ca. If that's the case then I am in fact a liar.

You wouldn't be talking about Scott Bowers, would you?

You are aware that small 'l' liberal is different from big 'L' Liberal? Just checking, cause it's very different in Canada. The 'Liberal' party can probably be best described as the 'muddling through' party, incapable of meaningful desicion or policy regimes. Of course this is pretty much true of any party that's ever taken political power in Canada- the last 'conservative' government ended is spectacular melt-down and near total failure, which litteraly destroyed the party involved.

Pretty much hit the nail on the head.

I'm going just on the name of the site, my bro Scott told me about it. The site might have been www.screwtheliberals.com instead of .ca. If that's the case then I am in fact a liar.

You wouldn't be talking about Scott Bowers, would you?

Maybe :wink:

Maybe :wink:

You should visit the site, we could use a few more leftists.

They've been brainwashed to fear Conservatism more than failure associated with the word "Liberal".

You are aware that small 'l' liberal is different from big 'L' Liberal? Just checking, cause it's very different in Canada. The 'Liberal' party can probably be best described as the 'muddling through' party, incapable of meaningful desicion or policy regimes. Of course this is pretty much true of any party that's ever taken political power in Canada- the last 'conservative' government ended is spectacular melt-down and near total failure, which litteraly destroyed the party involved.

The Liberal party is for candidates that want a realistic shot at a seat. There are Liberals that lean a far right as any conservative, and Liberals that lean as far left as anyone in the NDP. And yes a few that actually belong in the supposed moderate party that is the Liberal. They just hoist the Liberal flag because it gets the votes in central Canada.

They've been brainwashed to fear Conservatism more than failure associated with the word "Liberal".

You are aware that small 'l' liberal is different from big 'L' Liberal? Just checking, cause it's very different in Canada. The 'Liberal' party can probably be best described as the 'muddling through' party, incapable of meaningful desicion or policy regimes. Of course this is pretty much true of any party that's ever taken political power in Canada- the last 'conservative' government ended is spectacular melt-down and near total failure, which litteraly destroyed the party involved.
But my version is more hopeful than yours, my version has a solution...

I'd rather agree with you though, Canada is forever doomed to inefficient government mired in failure and filth =).

But my version is more hopeful than yours, my version has a solution...

I'd rather agree with you though, Canada is forever doomed to inefficient government mired in failure and filth =).

Oddly enough, I'd still say our governments tend to do at least as well as your own, though I'm not really sure why. I think it's mostly a different kind of political culture...

Good to see some Canadian content up!

I agree.



I run the website www.screwtheliberals.ca, it is anti-Liberal and has

mostly conservatives on the forums, although there are a few NDPers as well. Check it out if

you have some spare time.

Sorry about the length of the novel, but...

I was looking at your website, and agree wholeheartedley that our military needs a complete

refit. My father was 36 years in the Navy, retiring about 5 years ago. My grandfather fought

with the Royal Regiment of Canada in WW2, and his brother flew with a british bomber wing,

as a tail gunner in a Lanc, till he got his shoulder turned to hamburger and had to come

home. With the state of the military today, it's a wonder that our young men and women are

entering the service at all. Given the abysmal pay, the poor equipment, and the beaurocratic

bullshit they have to go through, it's amazing we have people who are as capable as they

are.

Looking through your procurement list, it looks pretty good, except for a few things to

consider. First, you quote that the new military would have 120,000 personnel. The problem

here, is more than just the money. The military currently has trouble maintaining it's

recruitment levels as it is, and are having logistical problems dealing with the few

recruits that they get. To attain the number of personnel you are mentioning, we would have to change the public perception of military life, in order to make it appear more desirable, and to lure our smartest and strongest young men and women away from civilian careers.

Next, with your hardware list. Why do you suggest buying 140 Commanche helicopters? The US military won't even move them from an R&D role to a combat role. They would likely be massively over priced, and are currently just a pipe dream. The Commanche's atlhough technically an excellent aircrat, as too delicate to handle combat environments, and are difficult to repair in the field. Instead, and much cheaper, and I believe more effective combat helicopter would be the Apache Longbows. They are combat proven in a variety of roles, and when doubled up with AWACS, and Kiowa's they are force that few want to have to deal with. At a price tag of approxiamately 18 millions per chopper (cost go up with additional capabilities with a fully decked out AH-64D running about 25 million), they are cheaper then the price you have listed for the Commanche, although I think you may be being a tad conservative with that cost.

Next, I'm not sure we really need to change the focus of our military to being a first strike capable military. It's current role, with a strong defensive capability would be a good plan. Your suggestion of the Tu-160 is interesting, but I'm not sure we really need long range bombers. It's unlikely that any sustained war we fight in, in the future will be without the US, and they have far more capable bombers. If we increase our defensive capability, and provide a somewhat capable strike capabiltiy, we would be more than fulfilling our role militarily towards defense of North America, and I think the $4 billion would be better spent by increasing the number of strike aircraft (perhaps allocate another 1 billion to procuring more F-18 Super Hornets, and allocate an extra 2 billion to the Navy, then cut the 4th billion out altogether). I think with any forseeable enemies we may have to worry about in the future, that a stronger Navy would be far more effective at defending us, then a bunch of bombers. Plus the navy can be effective at all times, were the bombers are only effective when at war. The rest of the time, they just sit there sucking up cash for maintenance.

For JTF2, and special forces, the use of Ospreys, again I think is to much cost for too little capability. The Osprey, although a very "cool" technology is a limited role aircraft, with a non-existant defensive/offensive capability. Since you've brought up Russian military aircraft a few times, I think that the Mil-24 Hind would be a much more capable aircraft for the insertion and recovery role. As a gun platform, it's nearly unmatched (with the sole exception of the Apache), plus it's transport capability make it a great aircraft for the special forces role. Plus at a cost of 10 million per chopper, 20 of them amounts to 200 million, and 500 million dollar savings ( for a total 1.5 billion dollar savings from your list so far).

The F-22 that you mention would be a good investment I think, just not sure if we'd want 72 of them, although their first shot, first kill capability provides a serious addition to their value.

The carrier, I think would be a waste. Again, any war we are in, would be fighting with the Americans, and likely the Brits. They have enough carriers, and I think the money would be better spent increasing the Navy strength even further, ie: 2 more Aegis Destoyer (2 bill), and another Aegis Cruiser (1.5 Billion), that's 3.5 Billion. For a total savings so far of 3 billion dollars.

The satellites, are very pricey, but thinking about probably a good investment. So in total, I don't think that the changes which I mentioned would substantially decrease the combat capability of the force, but in many ways would actually increase it, and at 3 billions dollars cheaper than that listed for a total price tag of 67 Billion dollars American, or at the rate you listed of .78 equal to 86 Billion over 10 years is 8.6 billion per year.All in all, a pretty good savings overall.

The best description I ever heard of the Liberals was in connection with Mackenzie King, I think in a book by Will Ferguson:

"The Liberals are a party with a weathervane where their heart should be."

I'm voting NDP btw. They have a good chance where I'm voting, generally have a strong showing in the Soo at federal and provincial levels.

I represent the typical young voter. I don't care just as long as I get a tax cut, a tuition freeze and the Liberals out of party, as well as marijuana legalised. Which is why I'm vying for NPD or if fail that, the Marijuana party of Canada. ;) as oppose to the other type that doesn't vote at all.

A lot of young people vote for the NDP. I my myself am a student but I can't vote in this election sadly (I'm 17) but in the next one I can. I could NEVER bring myself to vote for the NDP simply because I live in Saskatchewan and the way they have run this province makes me want to puke. We gain a millions of dollars of debt every year because of reckless spending on whatever and people continue to leave this province. Also, the way they ran Ontario and BC shows what an incompitent group of socialists they are. Also, Jack Layton is an anti-American fool who would destroy free trade and end relations (what is left of them anway) with the USA. The only NDPer's in Canada I have any respect for (the way they ran the province, not in their personality) are Roy Ramonow, simply because he didn' run Sask like the new nuts in town and Gary Doer in Manitoba because he seems to have done a good job out there. So, whatever respect I had for the NDP to begin with a couple of years ago has vanished since I moved to Regina. I still find they have very good beliefs on Social issues but they can't run an economy worth a darn. That aside, Al Anbar, Conservatives are NOT bastards, but I'd argue you are for FALSELY accusing us of that.

Also, the way they ran Ontario and BC shows what an incompitent group of socialists they are. Also, Jack Layton is an anti-American fool who would destroy free trade and end relations (what is left of them anway) with the USA.

Actually, their socialism is not the cause of their failure but maybe a lack of pragmatism, of moderation. Any dogmatic party is a future failure in government, at right or left.

A lot of young people vote for the NDP. I my myself am a student but I can't vote in this election sadly (I'm 17) but in the next one I can. I could NEVER bring myself to vote for the NDP simply because I live in Saskatchewan and the way they have run this province makes me want to puke. We gain a millions of dollars of debt every year because of reckless spending on whatever and people continue to leave this province. Also, the way they ran Ontario and BC shows what an incompitent group of socialists they are. Also, Jack Layton is an anti-American fool who would destroy free trade and end relations (what is left of them anway) with the USA. The only NDPer's in Canada I have any respect for (the way they ran the province, not in their personality) are Roy Ramonow, simply because he didn' run Sask like the new nuts in town and Gary Doer in Manitoba because he seems to have done a good job out there. So, whatever respect I had for the NDP to begin with a couple of years ago has vanished since I moved to Regina. I still find they have very good beliefs on Social issues but they can't run an economy worth a darn. That aside, Al Anbar, Conservatives are NOT bastards, but I'd argue you are for FALSELY accusing us of that.

reckless spending? I believe, it was the Conservatives, who ran up the budgets out here. (and in Ontario) Thus, the NDP hands have been tied, however, we've been doing quite fine as of late, in fact, I'd say we're doing alot better than we were under any conservative government. Lemme guess, you probably want us to sell the Crown corps, don't you? Sell that, and our low car insurance rates, cheap phone service, all goes out the window, just wait and see. Yeah, vote Sask party(who are tories in disguise) and watch this province go to hell.

I think the Eskimo party will win. After all, they are a majority of the Canadian population.

Only in Nunavut. :P

I think the Eskimo party will win. After all, they are a majority of the Canadian population.

What would be funny, would be you walking up to any self respecting Inuit, and calling him an "Eskimo".

Eskimo is a Cree word which loosely translates to "dirty raw fish eater", it's an extremely derogatory word to the Innu.

I think the Eskimo party will win. After all, they are a majority of the Canadian population.

What would be funny, would be you walking up to any self respecting Inuit, and calling him an "Eskimo".

Eskimo is a Cree word which loosely translates to "dirty raw fish eater", it's an extremely derogatory word to the Innu.

I don't give a shit how derogatory it is. If I wanted to be PC I would call myself an European-American, but i really don't give a fuck.

However if I did offend any Eskimos by calling them Eskimos, I appologize.

reckless spending? I believe, it was the Conservatives, who ran up the budgets out here. (and in Ontario) Thus, the NDP hands have been tied, however, we've been doing quite fine as of late, in fact, I'd say we're doing alot better than we were under any conservative government. Lemme guess, you probably want us to sell the Crown corps, don't you? Sell that, and our low car insurance rates, cheap phone service, all goes out the window, just wait and see. Yeah, vote Sask party(who are tories in disguise) and watch this province go to hell.

To quote Saskatoon Saskatchewan.


Ok, Roy Ramonow cleaned up the Grant Devine mess. Loren Calvert has since ruined what Romanow did and made another mess. Also, Rob Rae was the one who was elected before the Conservatives were in power. He ran a HUGE debt and then left the Conservatives in to clean up his mess. In BC, they did much of the same and deserved to get their @$$ kicked in the last election. The NDP out here has not been as bad as them but I am not nearly as sympathitic with them as I was before this election. They ran the campaign on lies and scaring the sh*t out of people so even if they wanted to vote even for the Liberals, they were too scared too. Also, Alberta is doing MUCH better than us under a Conservative government, so an example where Alberta didn't go to hell but quite the opposite. They are thriving and thousands leave Sask to go there EVERY year. I will likely be one of those people because I can see that the NDP doesn't want me to stay here or any of the other young people in this province because we don't all want to work for the government. We want jobs that are going to take us somewhere in life. As for selling the Crowns, I actually don't want them sold now but when Hermanson suggested it, I wasn't as opposed to it. But I can see this province is more scared of change than failure, which is evident in the state of this province right now. Also, the higher insurance rates are good in the sense that young people don't drive like jack@$$e$ all the time because it cost them so much just to get insurance.

reckless spending? I believe, it was the Conservatives, who ran up the budgets out here. (and in Ontario) Thus, the NDP hands have been tied, however, we've been doing quite fine as of late, in fact, I'd say we're doing alot better than we were under any conservative government. Lemme guess, you probably want us to sell the Crown corps, don't you? Sell that, and our low car insurance rates, cheap phone service, all goes out the window, just wait and see. Yeah, vote Sask party(who are tories in disguise) and watch this province go to hell.

To quote Saskatoon Saskatchewan.


Ok, Roy Ramonow cleaned up the Grant Devine mess. Loren Calvert has since ruined what Romanow did and made another mess. Also, Rob Rae was the one who was elected before the Conservatives were in power. He ran a HUGE debt and then left the Conservatives in to clean up his mess. In BC, they did much of the same and deserved to get their @$$ kicked in the last election. The NDP out here has not been as bad as them but I am not nearly as sympathitic with them as I was before this election. They ran the campaign on lies and scaring the sh*t out of people so even if they wanted to vote even for the Liberals, they were too scared too. Also, Alberta is doing MUCH better than us under a Conservative government, so an example where Alberta didn't go to hell but quite the opposite. They are thriving and thousands leave Sask to go there EVERY year. I will likely be one of those people because I can see that the NDP doesn't want me to stay here or any of the other young people in this province because we don't all want to work for the government. We want jobs that are going to take us somewhere in life. As for selling the Crowns, I actually don't want them sold now but when Hermanson suggested it, I wasn't as opposed to it. But I can see this province is more scared of change than failure, which is evident in the state of this province right now. Also, the higher insurance rates are good in the sense that young people don't drive like jack@$$e$ all the time because it cost them so much just to get insurance.

Ok, Roy Ramonow cleaned up the Grant Devine mess. Loren Calvert has since ruined what Romanow did and made another mess. Also, Rob Rae was the one who was elected before the Conservatives were in power. He ran a HUGE debt and then left the Conservatives in to clean up his mess. In BC, they did much of the same and deserved to get their @$$ kicked in the last election. The NDP out here has not been as bad as them but I am not nearly as sympathitic with them as I was before this election. They ran the campaign on lies and scaring the sh*t out of people so even if they wanted to vote even for the Liberals, they were too scared too. Also, Alberta is doing MUCH better than us under a Conservative government, so an example where Alberta didn't go to hell but quite the opposite. They are thriving and thousands leave Sask to go there EVERY year. I will likely be one of those people because I can see that the NDP doesn't want me to stay here or any of the other young people in this province because we don't all want to work for the government. We want jobs that are going to take us somewhere in life. As for selling the Crowns, I actually don't want them sold now but when Hermanson suggested it, I wasn't as opposed to it. But I can see this province is more scared of change than failure, which is evident in the state of this province right now. Also, the higher insurance rates are good in the sense that young people don't drive like jack@$$e$ all the time because it cost them so much just to get insurance.

Quite Frankly, a) its not thousands leaving the province, and going to Alberta, it's in the hundreds. b) high insurance rates good? wtf are you talking about, no matter what the rates are, that doesn't change how someone drives. c) did the conservatives clean up the rae mess? I don't think so, in fact, they were probably the most corrupt politicians in the history of the country. d) how would selling the crowns be a good idea? can you explain to me that? e) I'd much rather live here than Alberta, cost of living is a hell of alot cheaper, and, as a university student, i'll take that any day and twice on Sunday.

I can tell you this, perception is everything, and right now, the perception is, that Alberta is better than Saskatchewan to live in. I can assure you, it is no better. For someone young, by going to Alberta, all your gonna do, is, is have you pay cheques being blown away on the cost of living alone. Unless of course your working rigs or something, than it won't be so bad. In my hometown right now, there's a ton of seniors who are moving to it because the cost of living is so much cheaper. Last time I checked, a one bedroom appartment in alberta is going for somewhere in the 750-850 a month range. You really wanna being paying that much? her in S'toon you can get the same apartment for probably 500 max a month.

i'm concerned about the new conservative party. they merged with the alliance... and the alliance kind fo really scared me in their whole homophobic, keep the women out of the workplace kind of way...

since the ndp probably don't stand a chance, i may vote liberal. or if the liberals are comfortable enough in the lead, then i think i might vote for the marijunana party if they've got someone in my riding.

I lived in Alberta for the first 12 years of my life and have lived in Regina for the last 5. Saskatchewan is nice place to visit but not high on my list to live. Also, I'm entering University next year myself. Personally, I'd rather get a degree from a school outside of Sask so that people in Alberta and Ontario actually notice that and not that I went to U of R (U of S is better but still). Also, there isn't a job in Regina that i've hear of I want. Whyw ould I bother to stay here then if there isn't a job I want? If I'm not making any money out here, I could careless if it's cheaper to live here, if I'm making more money some place else, I can afford the taxes, also in Alberta they don't have PST :D. Believe me, at the High School I attened, more students are planning to move away either after they graduate or after University. Alberta must be doing something right Sask isn't, or else all these people wouldn't be leaving here. I personally like Alberta better but his to his own. Also, of course seniors are gonna move where it's cheaper, they aren't making an income and they still need money left over for food, clothing, bills, etc but someone with a steady job making decent money, thats a different story.

I always find it amazing how no matter what the Liberals do, they always come out smelling like a rose.

As for the homophobia thing - the majority of the Liberals are the same way. If it were up to a free vote I think you'd be surprised because even some NDP would vote against it. Besides, isn't it supposed to be a will of the people thing? So if the majority doesn't want it then we shouldnt have it?

I have never heard the Conservatives say that "women should be kept out of the workplace".. .I think that anyone who tries to interpret their views that way would never vote for them anyway so its useless to try to convince them.

The Conservative Party aspiring Leader Stronach is actually pro-homosexuals and is a former female CEO and she has 38 % of the vote (of Conservatives) or something like that.

I'd vote NDP, myself.

But really, I'd be content with anything but a Conservative Party win. I really wouldn't like to see the mess it makes if they were to win, then implode within two years.

It's very difficult to stick a group that includes Red Tories and staunch neocons in the same party and make it work.

I lived in Alberta for the first 12 years of my life and have lived in Regina for the last 5. Saskatchewan is nice place to visit but not high on my list to live. Also, I'm entering University next year myself. Personally, I'd rather get a degree from a school outside of Sask so that people in Alberta and Ontario actually notice that and not that I went to U of R (U of S is better but still). Also, there isn't a job in Regina that i've hear of I want. Whyw ould I bother to stay here then if there isn't a job I want? If I'm not making any money out here, I could careless if it's cheaper to live here, if I'm making more money some place else, I can afford the taxes, also in Alberta they don't have PST :D. Believe me, at the High School I attened, more students are planning to move away either after they graduate or after University. Alberta must be doing something right Sask isn't, or else all these people wouldn't be leaving here. I personally like Alberta better but his to his own. Also, of course seniors are gonna move where it's cheaper, they aren't making an income and they still need money left over for food, clothing, bills, etc but someone with a steady job making decent money, thats a different story.

ok, A) what's wrong w/ the PST, it's better than cutting medicare isn't it? B) my favourite saying is,"perception is everything" the fact of the matter is, COL in Alberta is a hell of a lot more than it is here. However, I believe the reason young people are leaving,( I should know, I am one) is that, there parents and the media are constantly saying about how much better life is in Alberta. To that I say, go ahead live there, what the hell do I care, if people are leaving, that means demand isn't there for housing in this province and subsequently, that means everything's gonna be cheaper for me anyways. C) I cannot honestly see what so great about the bitchest province in the country. I used to think Quebec had that title, but now I know better. Alberta, should change it's name to, the whiny babies, who need to shut up. D) Its seems to me, that once Alberta's oil runs out, or the demand for oil is lessened somehow, Alberta will end up in the crapper just like it was not that long ago, the fact is, Alberta is a one trick pony that's just trying to get eveything it can out of that one trick. Now, Saskatchewan isn't much better, but it's getting there, I suspect that once oil is gone or isn't needed anymore, Alberta will roll over and die, while Saskatchewan and Manitoba will look a hell of alot better.

It amazes me, myself and most people I know, and Canadians in general, always b*tch and moan about the liberal party, but they keep on getting re-elected, with majority governments no less... who the F*ck is voting for the libs gawd dammit!?!?! :evil:
most of them (canucks) biach against the Liberals....and vote for them anyways....

must be their beer :twisted:

It amazes me, myself and most people I know, and Canadians in general, always b*tch and moan about the liberal party, but they keep on getting re-elected, with majority governments no less... who the F*ck is voting for the libs gawd dammit!?!?! :evil:
most of them (canucks) biach against the Liberals....and vote for them anyways....

must be their beer :twisted:

meh, i still prefer it over any other. :wink:

ok, A) what's wrong w/ the PST, it's better than cutting medicare isn't it? B) my favourite saying is,"perception is everything" the fact of the matter is, COL in Alberta is a hell of a lot more than it is here. However, I believe the reason young people are leaving,( I should know, I am one) is that, there parents and the media are constantly saying about how much better life is in Alberta. To that I say, go ahead live there, what the hell do I care, if people are leaving, that means demand isn't there for housing in this province and subsequently, that means everything's gonna be cheaper for me anyways. C) I cannot honestly see what so great about the bitchest province in the country. I used to think Quebec had that title, but now I know better. Alberta, should change it's name to, the whiny babies, who need to shut up. D) Its seems to me, that once Alberta's oil runs out, or the demand for oil is lessened somehow, Alberta will end up in the crapper just like it was not that long ago, the fact is, Alberta is a one trick pony that's just trying to get eveything it can out of that one trick. Now, Saskatchewan isn't much better, but it's getting there, I suspect that once oil is gone or isn't needed anymore, Alberta will roll over and die, while Saskatchewan and Manitoba will look a hell of alot better.

Oh, where to start. Your ignorance is profound. I guess I'll start where you did:

a) Alberta spends more per capita on health care than any other province. And we recieve the least amount of funding from the federal government.

b) The PST attacks everyone equally, regardless of income. It amounts to a flat tax on everything you buy. No such burden exists in Alberta.

c) Cost of living is higher in Alberta, simply because more people want to live here. It's supply and demand. But that is offset by the lower taxes and no PST.

d) Alberta has the smallest gap between rich and poor. Because here, unemployment is extremely low. It makes sense.

e) There is more opportunity here, because of our larger population and because our culture and government encourages innovation.

f) Alberta bitches incessantly, because annually we pay $9 billion more into this country then we get back. Thats $3000 for every man, woman, and child in Alberta. If I stole three grand from you, you'd be a little bitchy too.

g) Oil and gas makes up only 15% of alberta's economy, down from 45% in the late 70's. Alberta no longer depends on oil for economic success. When oil prices hit $11 a barrell in 1998, our government still turned in a healthy surplus. Alberta has enough oil reserves to last 250 years at present production rates, so we aren't running out anytime soon.

yes, the reform party (you know, the one that merged with the conservatives) did have this whole thing about givng tax bonuses to families with only one person earning money. if this isn't an incentive for women to become stay at home mom's, i don't know what is.

also, they had this whole stink in the reform party against gay marriages. when they merged with the conservatives, one mp left because he is openly gay and feared backlash from his new party members who used to be part of the reform party. he joined up with the liberals.

also, since when is the majority of canada homophobic? isn't there a lot of support for homosexual marriage here. i know every premier is behind it being a federal thing except for alberta's... i get the feeling that cattle and oil makes people conservative... look at texas.

The point of that was to allow one parent to stay home to raise of the kids. Unlike the Liberals, the Reformers didn't believe the State should raise children.

The reform Party also proposed raising the tax exemption limit to $15,000 as opposed to the $7500 limit it was at the time. Preston Manning challenged Chretien to do this, and Cretch refused. Liberals care about the poor my ass.

The Liberals have also said some very anti-gay things in the recent past.

Thank you Fuztropolis.

Fuztopolis is right. My mother was a stay at home mom and would have liked the extra cash to raise all 5 of us when we were younger. It also didn't specify which parent stayed home, so the dad could stay home while the mom goes off and works. The point was to get parents involved in with their children's lives (which, according to studies is a good thing).

About homosexual marriage, only 33% of Canadians support homosexual marriage according to the last poll I saw. Most support a form of "civil union" however. Most Liberals MPs were clamouring because they saw that if they supported gay marriage they would be dumped by their constituents. I think the vote in the commons was like 135 -133.

If you consider that the Conservatives only had bout 80 seats that means over 50 Liberals (thats a third of their party) voted against it. The PQ and the NDP voted pretty much in favour (the NDP made it mandatory for their members to vote that way - real democracy eh?- do as I tell you or you get kicked from the party).

Which brings me to the Conservative party and Harper. Harper has suggested doing away with the entire forced voting. He proposes that all votes in the House be free votes. Which means that MP do not have to vote with their parties, they can vote however they want. This method was also employed by John A. MacDonald, often he would get the then Liberal party to vote with him to pass bills against the wish of his own party. I haven't heard Martin suggest anything of the sort. In fact, when one of the Lib MPs suggested this, Martin told him to (more or less) shut up.

My prediction for the election:

Harper led Conservatives would gain in Ontario thanks to vote splitting by the NDP and Liberals. They would be shut out in Quebec and in the Maritimes.

Martin led Liberals would struggle to get a strong minority government.

Layton's NDP would gain big in various places across the nation but mostly they would be a drain on the liberals.

Bloc gains a little ground but not very far.

I recently updated the election prediction on my website, www.screwtheliberals.ca. I think it will go something like this...

http://www.screwtheliberals.ca/elecpics/elec5.jpg

I would expect the Conservatives to pick up more than that in Ontario... but I'm not entirely sure. I live in Ontario and the Conservatives are gaining strength fast here.

Oh, where to start. Your ignorance is profound. I guess I'll start where you did:

a) Alberta spends more per capita on health care than any other province. And we recieve the least amount of funding from the federal government.

b) The PST attacks everyone equally, regardless of income. It amounts to a flat tax on everything you buy. No such burden exists in Alberta.

c) Cost of living is higher in Alberta, simply because more people want to live here. It's supply and demand. But that is offset by the lower taxes and no PST.

d) Alberta has the smallest gap between rich and poor. Because here, unemployment is extremely low. It makes sense.

e) There is more opportunity here, because of our larger population and because our culture and government encourages innovation.

f) Alberta bitches incessantly, because annually we pay $9 billion more into this country then we get back. Thats $3000 for every man, woman, and child in Alberta. If I stole three grand from you, you'd be a little bitchy too.

g) Oil and gas makes up only 15% of alberta's economy, down from 45% in the late 70's. Alberta no longer depends on oil for economic success. When oil prices hit $11 a barrell in 1998, our government still turned in a healthy surplus. Alberta has enough oil reserves to last 250 years at present production rates, so we aren't running out anytime soon.

A) Really, when did this happen? Last time I checked, Manitoba was highest. This site is out of date, so, I dunno if it's right. http://www.fcpp.org/publication_detail.php?PubID=497

B) Yeah so, the PST isn't a big deal to me, so I have no idea why you bring this up. I simply said, that I perfer that then cutting someting like medicare, or education etc.

C)well there is a noticeable difference in the average cost of average starting housing price. Regina is 93,651 as opposed to while Edmonton is 124,650 and Calgary is 152,790. Subsequently, the income needed is four thousand less than Edmonton and ten thousand less than Calgary.
http://www.info.ede.org/amenities/housing-costofhousing.html
and here, it tells us how much average families are paying in taxes in each province.
http://www.finance.gov.ab.ca/publications/budget/budget2003/abadv.html#30
according to it, taxes don't make up the differnce, and I personally believe, that the PST doesn't make up the difference.
And, I remember, if you have a vehicle, it's gonna kill you for insurance. In general, all you bills will be more expensive than in Saskatchewan(thank god for the crowns)
D) yeah, I don't doubt that.

E) I really don't know how to argue that w/ you as, it seems it's more like an opinion then based on actual fact, so subsequently, I really can't tell as I haven't lived there in eight years. However, I cannot see how you can make this claim as you probably don't live in both provinces with a strong fimiliarity of each governments policies.

F) Cannot find any stats on it(i'm not gonna look all night) however, I wouldn't doubt it. Although, if you guys vote for the libs, this might change, maybe, or least y'all can hope can't you.

E) I saw 22% percent, which is the highest of all the provinces, when I thought it would be Saskatchewan. How do you get 250 years. Last time I checked, it was 80 years, or so it says here. http://observer.guardian.co.uk/business/story/0,6903,1125411,00.html
now mind you, I think Alberta will have plans in place so you or I won't have to worry about it. Still, I wanna know where you got 250 million.

SASKATCHEWAN, a not bad place to live :lol:

The 250 years was calculated by our oil sands reserves of 180 billion barrels economically recoverable, and a daily production of 2 million bbls/day.

I am a huge fan of Saskatchewan, especially the Cypress Hills. Took a trip through southern Saskatchewan last summer, the road was shitty but other than that, nice place.

I recently updated the election prediction on my website, www.screwtheliberals.ca. I think it will go something like this...

http://www.screwtheliberals.ca/elecpics/elec5.jpg

you don't think the libs will get one seat in Alberta, even with Anne McLellan being deputy PM and all?

Southern Saskatchewan, eh? That's where I'm from intially, a little, well, big compared to everyone else around it, called Shaunavon, you might best know us for hosting Hockey Day in Canada, or being the hometown of Haley Wickenheiser, Shaun Van Allen and potentially a pretty good NHL defenceman, Braydon Coburn. What highway did you take, if you took thirteen, that's probably the worst or second worst road in the province that's used heavily.

I come from Britain. What is a bloc?

The Bloc is short for the "Bloc Quebecois", it is a separatist party on the federal level of politics in Canada. It only runs candidates in the province of Quebec (which has about a quarter of the electoral seats) and focuses on promoting French culture and language as well as Quebec independence.

It was created during the mid 1990s (I think...) and currently has about 30 seats. Its policies are mostly left-winged reflecting the views of many Quebecers.

I myself am also a young person and to call Alberta the province that bitches the most is unreasonable. It's got alot more going than we do, we're still in the damn stone age. We DON'T go on daylight savings, our government has WAY too much power, and our main industry (agriculture) is dying fast than Dick Cheney after another heart attack. Also, soil erosion is terrible around Regina, and our roads are absolutly terrible. This is still a fine place to live (100 times better than Manitoba) but not first on my list. I personally hope the Liberals don't win a seat in Alberta because their arrogance should cost them the West. But back to Regina, a starter house in Edmonton would be alot better than one in Regina, therefore it would cost more. Believe me, house shopping in Regina was awful until we finally our place, all the rest were a waste of space. Also, if you've ever been to a food bank in Regina, our poor are pretty desperate compared to what I saw in Calgary. Funny, but Sask is the only province to have a telephone company owned by the government and all our liquor stores are too! Hell, if the Liberals here would make the government less intrusive and Karwacki stayed as leader, they'd get my vote but in the last election, a Liberal vote was a wasted one and it cost the Sask Party the election. My riding in Regina-Wascana Plains was decided by 418 votes. The nice (but ineffective) Doreen Hamilton won her seat over Dan Thibault of the Sask Party only because Frank Proto ran and managed to get 1, 200 votes or so, enough taken from the Sask Party to cause the loss. Oh well, if the Sask Party or the Liberals don't win the next election, I'll be packing my bags and leaving this place and so will alot of Saskatchewanites. Enjoy your empty province!

Canada just invaded the US and annexed them. And they nuked New York, LA and DC. :D

The way the Liberals (federally) have been running Canada and the Liberals (provincial) have been running Ontario is disgraceful. They all aught to be booted out of office on the behinds.

For those of you who don't remember, Jean and Paul made up the "Red Book of Promises" when they wanted to be elected. Since they were elected a decade ago, they have broken most of the promises and even voted down a Canadian ALliance bill which was taken straight from the "Red Book".

Similarly, in Ontario, Dalton McGuinty has broken every promise he made in the run - up to the election. The only one he kept was to raise cigarette prices (a good thing - but still). And now, he wants to institute traffic cameras to catch speeders and raise our hydro bills so he can get more money. He claims its to pay down the deficit that Eves left, however, if the Liberals were doing their job as opposition members they would have known about it!

Liberals make me sick, they are all liars and I won't trust Paul as far as I can throw him.

But still, Canadians will vote them back in agian ... and again ... and again....

While the NDP hasn't mentioned anyone yet, simply calling for candidates to step forward (though to be honest, fair or not, the NDP little Ontario gambit has soured me on them, ie: the scare the hell out of me).



The NDP has put forward Maher Arar's wife (i don't remember her name) I think that seat is almost certainly NDP now.

you don't think the libs will get one seat in Alberta, even with Anne McLellan being deputy PM and all?

Southern Saskatchewan, eh? That's where I'm from intially, a little, well, big compared to everyone else around it, called Shaunavon, you might best know us for hosting Hockey Day in Canada, or being the hometown of Haley Wickenheiser, Shaun Van Allen and potentially a pretty good NHL defenceman, Braydon Coburn. What highway did you take, if you took thirteen, that's probably the worst or second worst road in the province that's used heavily.

Went from the Cypress Hills, through Swift Current to Moose Jaw. Saw the historic downtown before half of it burned down. :(

And Anne McClellan is finished. CPC sweep of Alberta.

The NDP will make major gains in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Maritimes.

Temme, the NDP has as many seats in those 3 provinces as they are gonna get. They can only win urban seats because they don't give a sh*t about rural people. I think the NDP will be stagnant in this election or only win 1 or 2 more seats. Manitoba will stay split between Winnipeg (NDP) and Rural (Conservative), ditto for Sask except they only have 1 seat in Regina, and the Maritimes are still Liberal and Conservative territory.

They will have at least 4 extra seats (Jack Layton, his wife, Maher Arar's wife, and Ed Broadbent.)

None of them are locks and I certainly wouldn't vote for any of them myself, wasted vote.

I can't wait for there to be another gay marriage vote in the Commons if Maher Arar's wife is elected...

Jack Layton would try to force her to vote in favour and she'd go ballistic... (Islam forbids homosexuality - she's devout Muslim)

That could get interesting. I am NDP, but the only reason I have not joined the NDP is over that very issue (gay rights).

Really? My grandfather ran for the NDP federally and was a staunch supporter of the party for a long time... (almost was elected ... lost by a few hundred votes)

But now... he'd be rolling over in his grave if he saw that his party had degraded to an anit-America, anti-business, pro-marijuana, anti-everything party he'd be rolling over in his grave.

I used to support the NDP, but now I'd vote for the Bloc Quebecois before I vote for them.

GO CONSERVATIVES!

Really? My grandfather ran for the NDP federally and was a staunch supporter of the party for a long time... (almost was elected ... lost by a few hundred votes)

But now... he'd be rolling over in his grave if he saw that his party had degraded to an anit-America, anti-business, pro-marijuana, anti-everything party he'd be rolling over in his grave.

I used to support the NDP, but now I'd vote for the Bloc Quebecois before I vote for them.

GO CONSERVATIVES!

I'd really be curious as how you came to go from the party furthest to the left to the party furthest to the right?

and just on the Saskatchewan question, I'd just learned a couple of days ago, that the population of saskatchewan has only gone down by about fifty people or so in the last year. I guess that kinda defeats this idea that everyone's packing up and leaving for Alberta, eh?

And another thought on Saskatchewan as well. At the UofS, it's polical awareness week, which means, all the parties come to the arts tunnels and have little tables and stuff. Well, I happened to be handed some of the NDP stuff, and they talked about the governments in BC and Manitoba, but didn't mention the Sask NDP. Guess the fed NDP doesn't like the Sask NDP too much.

Sure, I'd be more than willing to share.

My grandfather was a union boss, his interests were supporting his union members. Without a business, there are no jobs and hence no union. So the union is dependent on the survival of the business. Currently the Conservatives and Liberals are the only fiscally conservative (pro-business) parties. The NDP is fairly active in opposing businesses, while sometimes this is a good thing, they take it to the extreme.

The NDP's positions on many issues are similar to the Conservatives. For example, both support parliamentary reform.

On issues like national security, social issues, fiscal matters I agree with the Conservatives. I used to support the NDP, and during the last bi-election in my riding (2 yrs ago I think) I encouraged my friends to vote NDP. (thanks to me and my friends the NDP won the by-election.. :lol: ) However, over the past 2 years the NDP's incessant anti-America rhetoric has seriously alienated me.

And another thought on Saskatchewan as well. At the UofS, it's polical awareness week, which means, all the parties come to the arts tunnels and have little tables and stuff. Well, I happened to be handed some of the NDP stuff, and they talked about the governments in BC and Manitoba, but didn't mention the Sask NDP. Guess the fed NDP doesn't like the Sask NDP too much.

I heard a while ago on the Regina talk station an interview with Jack Layton) This was in December or so. He said that he would be able to get many Saskatchewan seats that he had lost to the Conservatives. I hope so.


I love Saskatchewan!

Temme, why would people go from the Conservatives to the NDP? They'd go to the Liberals if they were gonna make any change and what does Jack Layton know or care about the west. All he cares about is shutting the boarder down to the states and ending trade and making sure Ontario gets top priority, particularly Toronto. I like Toronto but I don't think it's the centre of the universe, but try telling that to Layton.

GO CONSERVATIVES GO!

People go to the NDP because they are so sick and tired of the Liberals that they'd do anything to get rid of them.

That's what happened down here in WIndsor a few years ago. WE were so tired of the liberals that most of the Canadian Alliance supporters voted NDP just to get rid of the Liberals. Looking back on it it might have been a bad choice, because we could have won. (The CA that is)

Temme, why would people go from the Conservatives to the NDP? They'd go to the Liberals if they were gonna make any change and what does Jack Layton know or care about the west. All he cares about is shutting the boarder down to the states and ending trade and making sure Ontario gets top priority, particularly Toronto. I like Toronto but I don't think it's the centre of the universe, but try telling that to Layton.

GO CONSERVATIVES GO!

Um, Toronto is the biggest city in Canada. What does Jack Layton know about the West? A whole lot more than Paul Martin, I'll tell you that.

Martin's two most important Cabinent Ministers are from the West, Loren Nystrom is the NDPer from out here and Toronto is the biggest city yes but does that mean neglect Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton and Quebec City at it's expense, definatly not. The Party that knows the Most about the West is our course the Conservatve wtih about 80% of our support from Manitoba West and they'll surely make inroads in rural Ontario this election, with those seats vulnerable even before the Sponsorship Scandal.

I´m British, but was born in Canada and lived there when I was young. It was French-speaking where we lived, except for us, comme ça je sais me débrouiller en français, pas de problème.

It's interesting to read everyone's opinion. It seems that the Reform/Conservative group from Western Canada hold United States-style neo-conservative opinions on just about everything. For that reason they'd be anathema to me.

Bonjour les amis de la rue Ville-Marie! A très bientôt!

The PQ should make an anti-federalist alliance with the Conservatives and devolve all the power to the states. :wink: Although the extreme opposite views of the two parties might prevent that. :D

Kalix is confused. States? Voyons donc! Are they not still called provinces?

Or do you mean devolve all power to the United States?

Yeah provinces... my fault.

Ahh... A BQ/Conservative alliance... I think Martin beat the conservatives to the punch on that one by hiring all kinds of former PQ and BQ members to run for the Liberals.

I still like the Conservative view of a minority government. All free votes except the budgets, not much would get done, but of course is that a bad thing?

I liked the report that stated that if the Liberals were re-elected that they would have a stranglehold on the Senate for the next 50 years. Mostly it focuses on the next 10-14 senators that will or have retired recently. Since the Upper House only has about 90- 100 members and 60 of them are Liberals, replacing these senators with diehard Liberals would ensure that no conservative/ anything else, government would be able to do anything.

Also, with 2 of our Supreme Court Justices retiring, a similar stranglehold could be made on the Supreme Court.

With the PMO still holding almost absolute power, such a dangerous combination of absolute control of the Upper and Lower Houses, the judiciary, and the PMO, could constitute a dictatorship. Mon dieu!