We are coming to an election in the new year. We have had 12 years of liberal rule which I do realize may be good for the finances of Canada, but in whole is not good for morality of our country, or the safety of our country. The liberal government has promised many things and never delivered, they have been enshrouded in scams and scandels yet the polls still support this. How can this be. Why are people so afraid of kicking out government when they do not deliver when they stole much of the tax payers money for buying peoples votes. How do these guys get a way with all of this. Liberal party is painting the concervative party as the big scary guy that wants to take all the rights away of the gays and lesbians. I do believe personally though that is one of the issues that I think and personally feel that traditional marriage, man and women should be upheld. To many people see this one issue and I guess our country has many people who have decided to live that lifestyle and have turned away from the conservatives. So there you go. Conservatives have another problem because they are pro american, and they want to work well with our neighbours in the south, but the liberals are trying to paint the conservatives in the same pod as the american government which is seen as scary because most canadians do not agree with the american government and his policies.

I know polls can change and There have been surprised landslide losses for people who they thought were going to win, but the way it is looking is like there will be almost tied. Liberals and conservatives. I also think we have too many possible parties. Liberals, conservatives, NDP, Bloc, and Green party. I also wish that if conservatives win that they will adopt an american style rules for governing, example having a limit of how many times a certain person can run and lead a country.

What do you think about this and do any of you have any ideas.

Hi,
Here in the United States, we have the same problems!
The only way anything will change, is if a great majority of people vote.
Major changes in American Government occur when a hugh voter turnout happens. This only happens when things really get bad, and the majority finally speak their minds. Takes awhile.
As far as limited terms for those in government, the Congress of the US is not about to vote themselves out of office! Some have been there 200 years (just kidding) and don't want to leave. Some retire there, when they are 80 yrs old. It's been talked about here, but nothing ever happens. Most offices held in Congress have no limits in years. The President of the US is limited to 8 years. Even our highest court in the land, the Supreme Court, has members that stay there for a lifetime... that, too, needs changing.
The only hope for those of us who do not agree with the way this great Nation of ours has been heading for the last many years, is to vote in elections, and know what the elected officials stand for. Even that sometimes doesn't help, cause most lie about anything, just to stay in office.
That's my "two cents" worth, and we all know what two cents will buy nowadays!

The way it works for me may be the same it works for others: I'm always at odds with what the local candidate can do for our region and what the federal party as a whole can do for the country. Of course then you have the other side of the coin, is the other party any better. The Conservatives in my province have had their fair share of badly resolved issues. The sponsorship scandal and the cronyism(sp?) was quite nasty I agree but it's so hard to find politicians who are not jaded and actually do what's right for the people versus lining their and their friend's pockets. While we're at it we need to have a good hard look at the usefullness of our so-called senators (remember that guy who spent his time in Mexico).

Ok, there, I'm done. :)

You know what we need. When we have an election we vote for who we want as a leader and that is it. Then when its time to vote regional we vote regional for the people that would represent our own communities. There are many flaws.

Maybe a new government could start the process of changing that?

Well I don't really trust any of them, no matter what party they belong to. They've all made good promises if they are to be elected, but who knows if they will follow through. Stephen Harper has made some good promises as well, but honestly, he gives me the CREEPS! I wish Peter McKay was the leader of the Conservative Party, he seems like a more "normal" and likeable person. I agree we need a new government, but I wish there was an alternative to the "new Conservative Party". They are NOT the old PC party... I mean if Joe Clark decided to leave them, they can't be! They are just the Alliance Party under a different name, and I'm afraid of them and what they will do. I think that's why people don't want them in power. Plus I'm worried that Stephen Harper will attack gay rights and maybe even women's rights. I think Canada is very progressive in both areas and that it should remain that way.

That being said, I will probably vote NDP again. I'm not crazy for Jack Layton either, but he's the only one who hasn't been "dirty" in my opinion, plus my leanings tend to be towards the left anyhow. Like NeedKarma said, the conservatives don't have a perfect track record, either. In my province, Saskatchewan, the conservative government of Grant Devine bankrupted the province, gave money illegally to all these high officials, cut education spending and wrecked many of our social programs. Social assistance to the poor has not been increased since the 80s, partially because of the new system formed under Devine.

My ideal situation, if there can be such a thing in this current state of affairs, is to see a very lean Conservative minority government, with the NDP as the opposition. That way the Conservatives won't have any real power for change, the Liberals will get what's coming to them, and the NDP can have more of a voice. Problem is, I don't think that will happen, especially with Quebec and the Bloc (actually I like Duseppe, I just wish he belonged to a different party!). But I guess we will have to wait until January to see...

Thanks JesusHelper for starting this thread... I'm been dying to talk about this, but didn't figure there were enough Canadians on the board. :)

Oh and JesusHelper I agree it would be good to be able to vote regionally for a national election (I think that's what you were saying? ) But I'm not sure that could ever happen, plus there would be flaws in that kind of voting as well. I would like to see every vote count, however. In my riding, the votes were split pretty much 3 ways between 3 candidates, and the winner only won by a few hundred votes. It's sad that all those thousands of votes by others were basically just "wasted"...

Ugh it's all so complicated... maybe I should get my friend to come on here and say something, haha. He works for Veteran's Affairs in Ottawa and even he isn't sure how to vote...

I love politics.

NDP? I liked Jack but they don't have a plan for health care. Did anyone see how Jack dogged the questions in the debate the other night? The nurse asked for specifics and Harper, Martin and Duceppe gave them but Jack didn't.

Liberal? Corrupt to the bone. Paul Martin makes me sick. He would do anything to stay in power (remember sending those troops to that African country in May to try and buy David Kilgor's vote?)\

Conservatives? Too many people see Harper as the Cdn Alliance leader. If they were going to be a new party, then they should have gotten a new leader. I liked the PC Government, but the new Conservative government seems to far to the right for my liking. Mainly on social views. Most of their economic policies I agree with (except I favour a reduction in personal income tax over the GST).

Bloc? Those separatists... and I don't live in Quebec. But I agree with orange's assessment of Duceppe. He is a great guy and I would love to see him in power (that is, if he was a federalist).

What I want to see is a Conservative minority govt. I think that would be the best. Frankly, both Liberals and Conservatives need new leaders.

Political Reform:
- Why bother to elect the Senate? Why not just eliminate it all together?
- Limit to how long a PM can be in office? I don't like that at all. We shouldn't have to kick out a good leader just because his time is up.
- I do think that we should elect our GG though based on an overall popular vote of the country, but leave the rest of the system alone.
- We also need fixed election dates like we finally have here in Ontario and out in BC which they have had for 5 yrs.

You might ask why I am against proportional representation? That is because in our current system, each riding elects one individual to represent them in Ottawa. And I don't agree with what orange said about the wasted votes. If I vote for someone, and that candidate doesn't win, I don't view that as a wasted vote. Voting is something that we all should do, as a way of showing how we enjoy our democratic rights.

John Tory for 2007!! Dalton McGinty and his lying Liberal ways will be gone.

Hey some great ideas there, Captain Forest! I like the idea of fixed election dates and also I never thought of each party getting a new leader, but yeah that would be great!

I actually like Duceppe as well he sounds like very smart. He makes a lot of sense. He does not talk any nonsense and straight with the facts. Too bad he was a separatist because if he was not I would prefer to vote for him.

Yeah Duceppe is my favorite of the four. He seems honest and straighforward as you say. I would vote for him if he belonged to any other party but the Bloc. And if I lived in Quebec I'd probably vote for the Bloc anyway.

From what you wrote about the Conservative party it sounds like the worse of the two.
We have had a Liberal ( read Conservative ) government in Australia since 1996.
They are pro-American and discriminate against people of a different sexuality. They have also been embroiled in scandal, but not as severe as your government.

The problem right around the western world is that people tend to change their vote only when the economy is in downturn. In other words, they'll think about their financial security above all else.
Ultra-capitalism has made people a selfish lot.
It doesn't seem anything can rock a government; as long as people are making money that's all that seems to matter.

By the way, the more political parties the better. The major parties have minor differences but at the end of the day all they do is pander to the moronic middle ground

The problem right around the western world is that people tend to change their vote only when the economy is in downturn.

That is so true. That is why the Liberal government will probably win another minority government, because the Cdn economy isn't that bad.

So what do all my fellow Canadians think about this new Liberal scandal? Personally I'm disgusted. It won't change the way I vote, because I'm still voting NDP (they have a good chance to win in my riding). However, Stephen Harper and the Conservative Party is looking better and better to me all the time, at least for a minority government.

Yes, a Harper minority would be the best outcome.

The new Liberal scandal? What else is new? Between the Mint fiasco, the Belinda defection, they are just plagued with problems.

But how is this a new scandal? There was talk about the Goodale leak back on Nov 24 (the day after he made his announcement). To be fair to the Minister, I am sure that HE didn’t do the leaking. It was probably someone in his staff. Although, he's a politician, and I really don’t trust any of them.

Harper’s plan for that Arctic is a good one. He proposes we buy an ice breaker!! It’s a sad state of affairs when we in Canada don’t have any ice breakers for any of our 40 yr old British subs.

But how is this a new scandal? There was talk about the Goodale leak back on Nov 24 (the day after he made his announcement).

Oh LOL I guess it's just new to me, then. I only heard about it today. :p

Well I hope Stephen Harper is a good prime minister. Actually it won't take much for him to be better than the Liberals though LOL.

I fear for Canada if Steven Harper becomes our Prime Minister. His standpoint on women's rights, gay marriage and the health care system are very frightening. I believe he would have Canada modelled 100% around the U.S. (This is NOT to offend our American friends! ) We are lucky in Canada to be able to seek medical attention immediately without worrying about the financial repercussions. I live in Newfoundland where there is a very high rate of unemployment and I worry about the people who could not afford to seek medical attention. I imagine a whole province full of people who can not afford treatment for cancer, or AIDS or MS. It is a bleak picture. And don't get me started on women's rights, or gay marriage! I also fear Stephen Harper is a "true politician"... he makes the promise of cutting the GST... by 2011... that would be his SECOND term! Whose to say he will even get a second term. What is going to do for us NOW, not five years from now. I realize that the Liberals have made some pretty big mistakes in the past couple of years but at least they have a vision for Canada that is still Canadian. If I wanted to live in the U.S. I'd have moved there years ago. At least they have practice at it! As my mother likes to say, "Sometimes the devil you know is better than the devil you don't!" To that I say, "I'm with you, Mom!!"

Miz Pen:D

Mrs. Pennell, I think you are confused about a few of Harper issues.

GST
He said he would cut the GST to 6% immediately (from the current 7) and then by 2011, it would be reduced to 5%. Do you believe him? Didn't Jean Chretein and the Liberals promise to eliminate it back in 1993? They are all liars.

WOMAN’S RIGHTS
What are you afraid of on this? I know Harper has said he will not bring back the abortion debate, so I am confused as to what else you could be referring to.

HEALTH CARE
Harper has said he supports public health. And I agree with you, we do need public health care. But let's not kid ourselves. Our free health care system is a joke and it needs to be fixed. Or at least a 2 tier system. My grandmother waited over a year for her knee surgery in constant pain, that is disgusting under any circumstance.

INCOME TRUSTS
Have you heard about this latest Liberal scandal?

If you don’t want to vote for Harper, then you should consider Jack Layton and the NDP. At least Jack is somewhat more honest than Paul Martin.

Captain Forest,

Thanks for clearing up some of my misconceptions. You have certainly given me something to think about.

What do you propose as an alternative to our current health care situation. I would be interested to know your ideas on this. I remember a time when MCP covered eye exams in my province. Now there is a fee for this service which many people cannot afford. I would hate to think that this would become a common issue, especially when many many people do not have any health insurance.

I watched the leadership debate and was, frankly, unimpressed by all candidates. Do you believe Stephen Harper to be the BEST choice or the lesser of two evils? This is how I feel about Paul Martin... I certainly don't entertain any fantasies about him being the BEST choice for our country but I am more comfortable with him then Harper. I will, however, at your prompting, do some more research about both candidates.

Thanks for your interesting points!

I agree with your earlier posting, Captain Forest. I believe the Conservatives have gone too far to the right. I would be much more likely to vote for them had they not gone it that direction. As a provincial government, they are doing good things for Newfoundland. Too bad really...

Well, as I've stated before, I'm a staunch NDP, even leaning towards the Green Party, but I will vote NDP because they have a good chance in this riding.

Stephen Harper has always kind of creeped me out, but he's creeping me out less since Christmas for some reason... and now Paul Martin is starting to creep me out, haha. I have a feeling Harper will definitely be prime minister, and I'm relieved that I feel okay about that. I really hope though that he will not do anything harmful to Canada, as far as human rights issues and medicare go especially. I'm not so against him because he's conservative (my father was a PC conservative), but because he's a former member of the Alliance Party and we had a LOT of Alliance Party people here in my city and THEY are SCARY!! Anti-gay, pro-life, Christian prayer in public schools... were some the platforms of the local alliance leader as I recall. I'm not saying I'm against all those issues necessarily, but I believe strongly in the separation of church and government. And anytime anyone in the government talks about "family values" it bothers me. Like whose family values are they talking about? Their own, obviously, and their own personal views shouldn't be made into public policy.

Mrs. Pennell, you don't have to worry about the abortion issue with Stephen Harper, like CaptainForest said, he stated that he was not going to touch the issue. And even if he tried, he wouldn't get very far. There would be a huge outcry in the country if it was made illegal again, and I'm sure he knows that.

PARTY PLATFORMS
I am not sure if you have seen this or not, but CTV has a thing they put on their website about each of the 5 party’s platforms and stances on the issues. The link is:
http://www.ctv.ca/mini/election2006/static/issues/index.html


LEADERSHIP DEBATES
The debates did nothing for me. They were boring, dull, dry. The only excitement was when Paul Martin turned to Duceppe and went on about how Quebec is his home, his Canada and he wouldn’t let Duceppe take it away from him.

I would love to see a Conservative MINORITY government. That way, they won't have the votes to screw up our social policies, but on the same time, can enact their fiscal policies to help change this country for the better. I bet the Libs would support their budget as I don’t think they would bring down the govt after only 2 months.


HEALTH CARE
I don’t believe there is a one-solution-fits-all for this. I think a complex solution is needed on this (as it is needed for gun crime). Here in Toronto, we have had plenty of gun crime. Increasing sentences won't fix the problem. That is just one of the parts to the solution. More youth programs is another part.

I believe that everyone should be able to get health care for free (paid for by the government). But, health care is expensive. In Ontario, 50% of our budget goes to health care, and out health care system is a joke.

What we need to do, is bring in a limited 2-tier system. For example, on diagnostic equipment. If you want an MRI, Cat Scan, or whatever, the wait time is about a year. Allow private clinics to open which allows people to pay to have these tests run faster. Benefits of this are that you can tax these clinics on their revenues, and it reduces the amount of people who then ask the public system for an MRI, Cat Scan, etc.

Also, some communities don’t even have a family doctor. Or some only have 1, who is so overbooked, he/she can’t take on any more patients. The government should pay medical student’s tuition for medical school. In exchange, the medical student, upon graduating, goes and works in a remote location as the family doctor for 5 years. Medical school is expense, and many doctor-want-a-bees would agree to this proposal I think. I know I would.

Surgeries is the tricky one. Because if you bring in privatization to that, then you have to take time away from actual doctors. The lack of operating rooms is always an issue, so what I think should be done is the government should build one huge 10 story building, only for operating rooms. That will create much more operating rooms for doctors to use.

Doctor shortages are also a problem, so we should train more doctors.

You mentioned Newfoundland has stopped covering eye exams. That is sad. Here in Ontario, our right wing Tory govt covered them for years. Then the Liberals took over back in late 2003, and as well, stopped covering eye exams. I found what they did disgusting. If you need your eyes checked, the government should cover that.

Thanks for the link, Captain Forest! I'm just wondering does Ontario cover any dental care? Or Saskatchewan, Orange?

Martin is defianatly a liar. Trying to say that all his government follows the rules. Meanwhile the RCMP keeps coming out with reports about the abuse of the government. Hopefully no scare tactics works this time around about Harper. He needs to be given a chanch to govern. The liberals had 12 or more years. It is time to pass the torch and hopefully the people of Ontario wake up and get rid of the liberals.

Joe

Thanks for the link, Captain Forest! I'm just wondering does Ontario cover any dental care? Or Saskatchewan, Orange?

Saskatchewan covers dental care for people of low income, and university or college students. Not for anyone else as far as I know, but a lot of people have dental coverage through their work, and Saskatchewan Blue Cross is pretty good too.

Thanks for the link, Captain Forest! I'm just wondering does Ontario cover any dental care? Or Saskatchewan, Orange?

Ontario does not cover any form of dental care. However, most people in the province have coverage thro their work or post-secondary institution.

Martin is defianatly a liar. Trying to say that all his government follows the rules. Meanwhile the RCMP keeps coming out with reports about the abuse of the government. Hopefully no scare tactics works this time around about Harper. He needs to be given a chanch to govern. The liberals had 12 or more years. It is time to pass the torch and hopefully the people of Ontario wake up and get rid of the liberals.

Joe

Martin = liar? I agree.

It saddens me as I see each scandal.

Harper is leading the polls now…if an election was today, we would have a Tory minority. Which I think is a good thing.

Why are Harper and Layton on the rise and Martin on the fall? GUN CRIME.

The Boxing Day shooting here in Toronto was a good thing for all non-Liberal parties. One of the gang members was out on bail on a gun related charge!

When the left-wing Jack Layton is calling for 4 yr mandatory MINIMUM sentence for gun crimes, you know our justice system is crap. And who is to blame for all this? The Liberals.

It was the Liberals, under Jean Chretein, that changed the YOA (Young Offenders Act) back in 2002 to make it even easier for criminals to get off. And I thot the one before was bad.

Harper AND Layton's plan to change the YOA is great.

Harper – Anyone 14-18, charged with a serious crime, would be charged as an adult

Layton – Anyone 16-18 would be charged as an adult (I can't remember if he said for all serious crimes or just gun related crimes). But either way, that is a step in the right direction.

Yes the gun crime is absolutely horrible. I love Toronto... I used to go there a lot as a teenager and hang out wherever I pleased. I explored practically the whole city on my own or with friends, and we never felt unsafe. It's so sad that Toronto has become kind of a Detroit... I agree that the penalities for committing violent crimes need to be a lot tougher.

On a slightly different topic, what are the non-smoking laws like in some of the other provinces? Ontario and Quebec? Newfoundland, mrs. pennell? They are very strict here. There's no smoking in any public place anywhere in the province. There was a lot of protest about it initially, but I just saw on the news that even the bars and casinos are fine with it now. Their business has come back, and people appreciate the clean air.

On a slightly different topic, what are the non-smoking laws like in some of the other provinces? Ontario and Quebec? Newfoundland, mrs. pennell? They are very strict here.


July 1st, 2005 all smoking was banned in public places. For awhile there was talk of the bars losing business but all that seems to have gone away now. I also appreciate the clean air, and I like going out again now. I think the next step should be to ban Video Lottery... but that's just my opinion.:D

Smoking.

Toronto banned smoking in all bars, and a bunch of other public buildings back in June 2004. However, it was like a bunch of different bylaws.

Many cities have different smoking laws or non-smoking laws.

So our province has decided to create one big law to apply to all the municipalities which from what I just checked comes into effect in May 2006. This law will ban smoking from all public places everywhere in the province.

CRIME

Interesting enough, Canada has more crime per capita than the USA does.

CRIME

Interesting enough, Canada has more crime per capita than the USA does.

But who has the higher per capita rate of gun-related crimes?

But who has the higher per capita rate of gun-related crimes?

I do not know.

The election is in 2 days.

I want to remind all my fellow Canadians out there to go out and vote (unless you have voted in the advanced polls).

Harper looked like he would have a majority last week, now it looks like it will be a minority. Either way, its looking like Harper is going to be moving into 24 Sussex Dr.

I for one, have voted for Mr.Harper. The last couple of elections myself and my wife have voted in the advanced polls. Yes, we need to remind everybody about how important voting is. Although there are many non-voters in my family and I think we are worse off because of those people who do not vote and participate in that very important freedom, because it does effect every single person in Canada and everywhere people vote.

Thank you for the reminder.

Joe

Indeed. Voting is important.

I was watching on Canada AM (on CTV), they were talking about mandatory voting.

They said that in Australia, the penalty for not voting is $500 or jail time. In Australia, the law says you must vote.

I think mandatory voting is something we should have here in Canada.

Granted, that is undemocratic.

However, with only 60% showing up, that is disgusting in a DEMOCRACY. If Canadians cannot spend 2 hours of their life to vote every 4 years, then they shouldn't live here.

In a communist country, one does not have all these rights. We need to vote to. We should vote. It is the responsibility of everyone living in a democracy. When one votes, one could spoil their ballot as a protest vote, but they are still voting.

That is an excellent idea, manatory voting for all or you would get fined. If Stephen Harper wins, I along with many others should suggest this to be brought into law. Never know, could happen; eventually.

One other thing I was to say about mandatory voting.

People will complain about having to pay a $500 fine for not voting.

To them I say, what right do you have to complain?

If you choose not to vote, then you are choosing not to participate in who makes the laws of this country.

If you don't vote, you don't care what happens, so you have no say as to what laws are passed.

Those that do vote, and do care, won't be penalized by this law.

I always thought of getting into politics, maybe you should as well. Makes perfect sense what you say and I agree with you 100 percent.

Yeah, I have thought about getting into politics when I get older.

You have thought of it too? Perhaps you should make an attempt one day. The pay is pretty good... 80K for a Provincial MPP here in Ontario, and its what 103K for a backbencer MP in Ottawa?

Yes, Maybe we could work together. We are not that far apart. We live in the same province.

Thanks for reminding everyone to vote, CaptainForest! It's very very important and I second that reminder!

Well, as I think I said to you guys before, I voted NDP at the advanced polls. Mostly for the sake of my province, as the NDP have done a lot for Saskatchewan. Plus I still can't bring myself to trust Harper, regardless of his promises or his party's platform. Maybe if Peter McKay had been the leader I could have voted conservative... he seems more trustworthy to me. Plus the conservative candidate in my riding is WAY too right of centre for my tastes. Bordering on being an extremist, and has been accused of being racist, too. Whereas the NDP candidate is a farm rights activist, and farm rights are really important here. I didn't hear many promises or plans for the farmers this time around and that is really sad.

I've thought of running for city council myself. I took a year long leadership course through the Chamber of Commerce 2 years ago, and we learned a lot about city politics and how it works. I found it fascinating. However, I'm going to be a mom right away so that will have to be on hold for a while.

Good luck to you guys though if you decide to run at whatever level... munipal, provincial, federal... whatever! :)

Bump bump!

If you live in Canada, please VOTE today!!!

bump bump!

If you live in Canada, please VOTE today!!!



I agree with Orange. VOTE TODAY if you haven't already done so.
Although personally, I voted last week in the Advance Polls.

IF YOU LIVE IN CANADA

PLEASE VOTE TODAY!

IF YOU LIVE IN CANADA.

PLEASE VOTE TODAY!

OF COURSE THE BLUE REPRESENTS CONSERVATIVE FOR ME AND RED FOR CANADA, ALSO THE BLUE IS FOR TML

IF YOU LIVE IN CANADA

PLEASE VOTE TODAY!

IF YOU LIVE IN CANADA.

PLEASE VOTE TODAY!

OF COURSE THE BLUE REPRESENTS CONSERVATIVE FOR ME AND RED FOR CANADA, ALSO THE BLUE IS FOR TML


lol.

I feel like the NDP are being left out.

Vote for Jack, or Stephen....or Paul

But either way, VOTE

What about the Green?

I guess they are used to it though. LOL

What about the Green?

I guess they are used to it though. LOL




hehe.

True.

We debated (for like 30 seconds) proportional representation in my class today. The Green will get 6% and no seats, the Bloc 11% and like 60 seats.

On another note, it looks like Harper will get about 150 seats (155 needed for a majority, so its close), and there is a chance that the BLOC might form the official opposition. Now, that would be fun to watch.

Purple, a neutral colour.

Yes, the make of the house will completely be different this time around. I have to admit I think that there are more intelligent people leading the bloc then the liberals. It will be very interesting to see how everything turns out. I will be watching much tonight. Harper will be so close to a majority and well the liberals what can I say. Everything comes back in circles. Hopefully the concervative stick to their plans and do as much as they can especially issues about Crime, and corruption.

I have to admit I think that there are more intelligent people leading the bloc then the liberals.

The people running the Green Party are more intelligent than the Liberals. The Liberal campaign was just one bust after another.

I hope Harper keeps his promises, because if he doesn't, then I hope there will be hell for him to pay.

Although... some rumours are that Bob Rae, yes that Bob Rae, might run for the Liberal leadership if Paul Martin steps down. In that case, I think I would rather see a right wing religious leader run this country than Bob Rae.

And I will be watching the returns tonight. Most likely on CTV and Rogers Cable (for those 905 campaigns). I might also watch Global as well. CTV provides the best online internet coverage, so I am getting use to them.

Edit: In case some of you are wondering who Bob Rae is... he was the NDP Premier of Ontario from 1990-1995. The first and only NDP Premier of our province.

And will be the last. So that shows us, that if he can not run a province. Imagine what he would do to the country? That is more scary to me then any right wing extreme concervatism.

Who is Bob Rae and why is he so scary? If you guys would rather have a right wing extremist (or any extremist for that matter) in power in place of him, that's pretty damn scary! :eek:

What I wish - this could never happen of course, but I think it would be cool - would be for each party (other than the liberals) to get a turn to run the country as a majority, each for a year, like Bloc, Conservative, NDP, Green, etc... and see who does the best job. Maybe even the old Rhino Party could have a turn! ;)

You do not know who Bob Rae is? Imagine every year different leader as majority now that is scary to. So many different changes every year, It might sound neat but would not work. I think that having manitory 5 year terms would be a start. I think that having the states where no leader can run for more then 8 years. That is the way it should be.

What do you think. It would be different to see how the green party would rule. The NDP, sorry no way. I would even consider the bloc but they have made it clear Quebec is there only interest, so if they were in power how would the rest of the country fair if they had a majority.

I

Who is Bob Rae and why is he so scary? If you guys would rather have a right wing extremist (or any extremist for that matter) in power in place of him, that's pretty damn scary! :eek:

What I wish - this could never happen of course, but I think it would be cool - would be for each party (other than the liberals) to get a turn to run the country as a majority, each for a year, like Bloc, Conservative, NDP, Green, etc... and see who does the best job. Maybe even the old Rhino Party could have a turn! ;)


Orange,

Bob Rae was the NDP Premier of Ontario from 1990-1995. He was the first NDP Premier of the province, and he will be the last. He ruined the provinces economy. He had the charisma of Bill Clinton which helped get swept into power in 1990. But he was awful.

And the 1 yr/majority. That would be nice to see how each party would actually preform. But that posses problems as well. Such as the Bloc. They would give all this special interest to QC and would ruin the rest of the country.

CONSERVATIVE MINORITY GOVERNMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The best possible outcome possible. Let's see how Stephen is as PM.

Paul Martin resigned as Leader of the Liberal party... I am happy he is gone. But my human nature felt a bit sorry for him too. He was kind of like the bad kid who realizes he has lost everything because of his bad behavior.

And voter turnout was 65%. 60% in 2004. It was a good voter turnout. I think it is thanks to Orange, Jesushelper76 and myself for encouraging everyone to vote :P

Mad Cow in Alberta... again.

And yet, this time America says they Won't close the borders. Hmmmm, I wonder why that is?

Hold on, I'm thinking. Oh, yes. Could it be because a Tory now runs the country? In the end, that is a good thing for the Canadian economy because another closure of the beef border would be bad for our economy.

This can be the end of Canada
Mr Harper is a pro American style type with the health plan and fighting the crime similar way.
My work related travel to US showed me a big picture of this country and I'm really concern about became another big state of it .
Canada is the very safe place to live ,I can walk ,run everywhere in this country at any time .
On US streets even I'm in my friends opinion kind of brave guy I'm really afraid to walk or do my routine jogging .
Nobody will believe me but I can take him and show the huge areas of when you can be shut just for fun or the gang initiation rules
I have been in some poor countries but what I have seen in States is devastating .picture.How people live there.
The recent picture which I have on my mind is Beaumont, Texas near Exxon .
I was chase up there by the car and push to the fence .In Gary near Chicago same story .The housing was much worse then in Cuba
Everybody get angry for very soft sentences for crime in Canada ,myself too but magically this work .US have a capital punishment and more prisoners than people with college diploma .
There are prisons and prisons and very high crime.
Health care is not accessible for 50 million people and the pollution is real bad.
There are plants where people work for 7 days .
There is also rich America according to the American dream you can achieve you goals and be rich but locked in you cage as I see .
If you have to avoid places because is danger there is no freedom for me .
Now conclusion ,Canada was a safe country with health care plan for everybody ,education ,and peace.
What Mr Harper is going to bring ,gradually all the best doctors will move to the private hospitals ,he will start to fight with crime because it will grow ,for him there is only big business counts which will create o lot of poor communities and crime.
Army will grow and cost and we will start to participate and share action.
(here I agree with US policy of fighting terror and really support their effort )
Finally, please don't take me wrong as you read my comment .
I like American people ,its still the country of opportunities but like better Canada the way the Canadian way not Mr Harper Way.
PS as you see English is my second language ,sorry for some errors

Orange,

Bob Rae was the NDP Premier of Ontario from 1990-1995. He was the first NDP Premier of the province, and he will be the last. He ruined the provinces economy. He had the charisma of Bill Clinton which helped get swept into power in 1990. But he was awful.


Oh okay thanks for answering my question. I likely wouldn't know who Bob Rae was because I just started getting interested in politics recently, and I don't know much about Ontario... I know a lot more about what's going on in the west. Plus I was 11 years old in 1990!

Interestingly enough, around the same time, my province also had a premier who ruined our economy and was very corrupt, and he was conservative! So I don't think the actual party matters in the grand scheme of things. Any of them can be a nightmare, if the wrong people are in power.

I'm happy with the election results too. I think a minority was the best possible outcome here.

I am happy with the outcome too. My only fear is that he cozies up to Bush too much.

Mad Cow in Alberta...again.

And yet, this time America says they WONT close the borders. Hmmmm, I wonder why that is?

Hold on, I'm thinking. Oh, yes. Could it be b/c a Tory now runs the country? In the end, that is a good thing for the Canadian economy b/c another closure of the beef border would be bad for our economy.

You're probably right there! And it is a good thing. But it's pretty creepy of the States to do that. It shouldn't matter who the prime minister is.

I am happy with the outcome too. My only fear is that he cozies up to Bush too much.

YES I hope not! Bush is way beyond scary IMO!

This can be the end of Canada
Mr Harper is a pro American style type with the health plan and fighting the crime similar way.


Welcome to the board, greenforest! I share some of your fears, but I'm confident that because this is a minority government, Mr Harper will really have to be on his toes. I don't think he will be able to make any changes to the country that the other parties disagree with strongly, because he will face a lot of opposition in that case. And the last thing anyone wants is for the government to be overthrown again.

Honestly I think the outcome is promising, he has a chance now to live up to the promises he's made, and I'm interested to see how well he will do that. I hope he does well because some of his promises were very good, and it would be nice to have an actual working government in power for a change, rather than all the bickering and scandals we've seen over the last couple of years. If he turns out to be a creep like everyone else and doesn't do anything he promises, well then I give up!

Oh okay thanks for answering my question. I likely wouldn't know who Bob Rae was because I just started getting interested in politics recently, and I don't know much about Ontario... I know a lot more about what's going on in the west. Plus I was 11 years old in 1990!

Interestingly enough, around the same time period, my province also had a premier who ruined our economy and was very corrupt, and he was conservative!! So I don't think the actual party matters in the grand scheme of things. Any of them can be a nightmare, if the wrong people are in power.

I'm happy with the election results too. I think a minority was the best possible outcome here.


Orange, I agree with you that a party is defined by its leader. And Bob Rae defined the NDP very bad. So if Bob Rae was to take over the Liberals, I would become a full fledge member of the Harper team to stop Bob Rae.

But party's, once they get rid of certain people, can rebound.

GreenForest,

For one thing, your fear of Mr. Harper is based on lies of the opposition. Liberal now being opposition. Mr.Harper was born in Toronto, Ontario. Canada. Mr. Harper is Canadian and everybody who lives out west is Canadian. Look at where MARTIN HAS LEAD THIS COUNTRY. PRISONERS VOTING, HIGHLY VIOLENT CRIMINALS LIVING IN HALF HOUSES, KILLERS BEING REALISED, BILLIONS OF DOLLARS BEING STOLEN. 218 PROMISES, NOT ONE KEPT IN THE 13 YEARS IN POWER.

CONSERVATIVE, STEPHaN HARPER. LETS SEE Tougher on crime, better money management, cracking down on scandels and more I could mention. Of course I believe he should have Won by a majority. Now he will have to work with other parties in order to pass the new policies. So he might not be able to keep all his promises because it depends on the other parties.

This can be the end of Canada
Mr Harper is a pro American style type with the health plan and fighting the crime similar way.
My work related travel to US showed me a big picture of this country and I'm really concern about became another big state of it .
Canada is the very safe place to live ,I can walk ,run everywhere in this country at any time .


Hello greenforest and welcome to the board.

I am sorry to start by saying to you that I disagree with you.

You say it I not safe in the US? Heck, with all the dam gun shootings here in Toronto, I don’t feel safe on the streets of Toronto!!

On Boxing Day, an innocent predestination was shot dead right outside the Eaton Centre. Toronto’s largest shopping mall in downtown Toronto!!

I have walked the streets in some pretty major US cities at night and I was never attacked or harmed. Granted, you have to be careful in both the USA and Canada.

Mr. Harper has said he supports public health care, let’s give him a chance to keep his promise there before we go calling him a liar.

Harper supports tougher sentences? So does Jack Layton!! The punishments in Canada are a joke. Violent offenders shouldn’t be out in 10 years. One of the men who killed the girl I spoke of on Boxing Day, was out on bail from a gun related charge!!

No one is forced to work 7 days a week. Everyone gets 2 days off/week, unless they CHOOSE to work more. The only exception is if you are emergency services (police, firefighters, etc.) or work in the Travel and Tourism Industry (but then, only in an emergency). But people who work in plants, get 2 days off a week.

Harper only has a minority, so he will have to tread carefully. But if he were to keep all his election promises, overall, it would still be good. The corrupt Liberals are now gone.

You also say our army will grow? Yes. But Paul Martin has also been building up our army since he took over as Prime Minister. Will we participate in more missions? Perhaps. 81% of our military missions are when we go along with the USA. The other 19% are with the UN. Harper has noted he won't go to Iraq, and I don’t think he will break that promise.

I like Canada and America too. And I think Harper is the best thing for Canada right now to rid us of the evil and corrupt Liberal Party.

The NDP won the seat in the NWT. They took it away from the Liberals.

The Conservatives swept Alberta and picked up 10 in QB.

And the best news of all, the Bloc LOST seats (down to 51 from 54) and they did not get more than 50% of the vote in QB. They only got 42%

I agree with a lot of what CaptainForest is saying. I'm die-hard NDP and I'm for tougher sentencing as well. We really need Canada to be a lot safer! Other methods have been tried and failed. I'm against the death penalty, but I believe mandatory sentencing and other tougher penalties will make people think twice before committing crimes.

The other thing is, yes, certain areas of the US have a lot of crime, but not all. I live a days' drive from Montana and North Dakota, and go to both fairly often, and both of those states are much like my part of Canada, quite serene and not a lot of violent crime. So it really depends on what part of the states you're taking about.

The NDP won the seat in the NWT. They took it away from the Liberals.


Good! I hadn't heard that... actually I think that's very good for the NWT, as the NDP are sympathetic to the issues of the First Nations peoples. We have a very large number of First Nations here in my province too, as they make up roughly 15% of the population for the whole province. Especially here in the north where I live, their issues are very much in the forefront.

Paul Martin Liberal Cabinet Minister David Emerson crossed the floor today, joining up with Harper's Conservatives and becoming a Minister in the new government.

Craig Oliver on CTV said he can't remember the last time a Cabinet Minister held on to his post with a change in the governing party.

Yet another blow to Paul Martin's liberals…

And GREAT news for Canada.

Why?

Because now Tories (125) + NDP (29) = 154 seats in the House of Commons

155 needed for a majority, but there is one Quebec independent MP.

Now Harper doesn't have to rely on the separatists. Although I think the Liberals will support whatever budget he brings out in March simply because they are in no shape to head into a new election.

Ugh I forgot to watch the proceedings on TV this morning! Guess I was too excited being back home and thinking about buying a house. :p Thanks for the reminder though, Captain Forest. I agree, I think they can make a coalition without the separatists. I can't imagine the NDP wanting to side with the Liberals at this point.

It was good to watch all the proceedings on television. No nonsense in this government. It seems harper did very well in balancing posts made for the new cabinet even give less to alberta then some other parts which shows that he is not trying to stack government from out west and that he does want to reach out to the rest of canada and actually.

I think he is doing a good job so far. Very lean cabinet machine.

I think he is doing a good job so far. Very lean cabinet machine.

I agree.

And it's nice to see some high profile Ontario Ministers who we know can get the job done (Tony Clement - Health, Jim Flaherty - Finance, and that John Baird as National Revenue Minister…all 3 former Ontario Premier Mike Harris Cabinet Ministers)

I was very happy to hear on the news tonight that the Prime Minister is going to make good on the money he promised for families with children 6 and under. He said it would done by summer and that's perfect timing since that's when my baby is due! I've been told it's not a lot of money if you use it to pay for daycare (works out to only $25 a week), but since I'm going to be a stay at home mom it will be perfect for me! :)

I was very happy to hear on the news tonight that the Prime Minister is going to make good on the money he promised for families with children 6 and under. He said it would done by summer and that's perfect timing since that's when my baby is due! I've been told it's not a lot of money if you use it to pay for daycare (works out to only $25 a week), but since I'm going to be a stay at home mom it will be perfect for me! :)
Thanks to your post I went and looked for info:
http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2006/02/06/harper-child-care-060206.html

I have a 1 year old and a 5 year old. A little windfall for the missus and me. Thank you Mr. Harper.

Yeah it's awesome! Actually my adoptive mom said that there used to be something similar to it years ago, called the Family Allowance. She can't remember why it got scrapped or by whom, though.

Yeah it's awesome! Actually my adoptive mom said that there used to be something similar to it years ago, called the Family Allowance. She can't remember why it got scrapped or by whom, though.Yea, I remember my mom getting those too. I think they still exist but you now have to qualify as being in a low income bracket and the cheques are marginal. (look --> "cheques" :) )

Yea, I remember my mom getting those too. I think they still exist but you now have to qualify as being in a low income bracket and the cheques are marginal. (look --> "cheques" :) )


Funny. :)

Yeah, we use to have that and I believe it was Chrétien/Martin team that eliminated it. (reduced it, same thing, they basically took it away from almost everyone).

works out to only $25 a week

Actually,

$1,200 / 52weeks = $23.08/week :p

You know what I do not understand is the reason why a lot of the talkshows and news casts are in such an uproar over the choices that Stephen harper made in his cabinet and are already labelling him corrupt and a liar. I do not understand all the fuss.

Joe,

Biggest reason is that Foriter guy he named to cabinet. Foriter isn't a Member of Parliament, so Harper is going to appoint him to the Senate. Michael Fortier = Minister of Public Works (a Montreal guy)

But Harper promised to elect the Senate, and appointing Foriter isn't electing him.

I understand why Harper is doing what he did and I agree with him on it.

You know what I do not understand is the reason why a lot of the talkshows and news casts are in such an uproar over the choices that Stephen harper made in his cabinet and are already labelling him corrupt and a liar. I do not understand all the fuss.

Well I know here in the west, there was that one guy from BC (name escapes me) who was elected as a Liberal and then switched to being a Conservative. A lot of people are really angry about that, including some of the Conservative MPs in my province. In fact this one Conversative who was re-elected in my riding has been speaking on the local news about how disappointed he is about it, and about other Cabinet issues. I think maybe he is just upset that he wasn't named to cabinet himself.

Anyway, even though I'm not Conversative, I DO think Harper should be given a decent chance, I mean REALLY people, he hasn't been in long enough to do anything much good or bad, so the press AND his MPs should definitely leave him alone and let him prove himself! He's already started on his child care promise, and I think that's a good sign that he's sincere! I think the press just enjoy finding fault wherever they can. It makes for interesting news.

Well I know here in the west, there was that one guy from BC (name escapes me) who was elected as a Liberal and then switched to being a Conservative.

His name is David Emerson.




I think maybe he is just upset that he wasn't named to cabinet himself.

Heheh. I think you are right.


He's already started on his child care promise, and I think that's a good sign that he's sincere! I think the press just enjoy finding fault wherever they can. It makes for interesting news.

I agree. I do think the press needs a news story. Not only on his child care, but also on his GST. It looks like the budget will come out in mid/late March or early April.

David Emerson! Thanks CaptainForest. :D

As far as Emerson goes though, I forgot to mention, I don't think he should have been allowed to switch parties. In fact I think that whole party switching thing (Belinda Stronach or whoever) should never be allowed. They should resign their position first if they want to leave the party. People voted for Emerson thinking he was Liberal, and likely wouldn't have voted for him otherwise. Personally I'd feel really betrayed if the candidate I voted for switched parties right after the election.

People voted for Emerson thinking he was Liberal, and likely wouldn't have voted for him otherwise. Personally I'd feel really betrayed if the candidate I voted for switched parties right after the election.

I do see your viewpoint here, but I don’t agree.

I don't just vote for the party... I also vote for the candidate. I watch the local candidate debates and that makes up a big percentage of how I choose to vote. But party does play a role.

But Liberals Scott Birson and Belinda Stonach, both Conservative defectors, were both reelected with ease in their ridings come re-election time.

And Conservative David Kilgour who defected to the Liberals in 1993, was re-elected with ease in his Alberta ridding until his retirement.

So I think that even though he is not a Conservative, David Emerson will be re-elected in the 2007 Election.

Good points as usual, CaptainForest! Are you by any chance a political scientist? LOL. But seriously, I still think it's wrong... especially in this particular election where people's emotions were running so high on either side. At the very least he should have waited a few months before switching, or should have ran as an independent rather than a Liberal.

Good points as usual, CaptainForest! Are you by any chance a political scientist ?? LOL.

Hehehe. No, I am not, although I did consider it.



But seriously, I still think it's wrong... especially in this particular election where people's emotions were running so high on either side. At the very least he should have waited a few months before switching, or should have ran as an independent rather than a Liberal.

I agree with you Orange. What he did was wrong. And I think new policies should be set in place.

I don't think he should have to resign and run in a by-election, but perhaps, he should have to give back all the donations to his Liberal Campaign (which was like $100,000)

And I agree its not right, but many others have crossed the floor and they have be re-elected.

If I was a constituent in his riding, I would be happy. I would rather have my MP be a Cabinet Minister in the government, then be a member of the opposition.

But I am surprised Harper would go this route. I figured Harper would have tried to steer clear of this potential mess, but at the same time I can see the good points to it and that is what Harper probably was going for.

But I am surprised Harper would go this route. I figured Harper would have tried to steer clear of this potential mess, but at the same time I can see the good points to it and that is what Harper probably was going for.

Yeah I'm surprised too... however, I hope the MPs stop fighting about it. That's was the last thing I wanted for this change of government, a bunch of arguments that get in the way of the actual governing we sorely need right now.

I'm interested in what everyone thinks about the daycare issue. I'm somewhat conflicted about it. I have made the decision to stay home with my children, so the extra $100 a month is going to be most welcome. However, not every one can stay home, and if you need to place your child in daycare, $100 a month will not even nearly cover the cost. I heard that the Prime Minister has scrapped the Liberal's daycare plan. Is he putting any other plan in its place, other than the $100 a month allowance for families?

Yes exactly, Mrs. Pennell! It works out to $25 a week, and you'd be extremely lucky to find a daycare that charges that per day, never mind per week. I hope there is another plan in place. Not everyone can afford to stay home with their children. Especially single moms! As usual, women, especially working women, get the short end of the stick!

I'm interested in what everyone thinks about the daycare issue. I'm somewhat conflicted about it. I have made the decision to stay home with my children, so the extra $100 a month is going to be most welcome. However, not every one can stay home, and if you need to place your child in daycare, $100 a month will not even nearly cover the cost. I heard that the Prime Minister has scrapped the Liberal's daycare plan. Is he putting any other plan in its place, other than the $100 a month allowance for families?


In addition to the $25/week to parents, they Tories also promised in the election campaign:


Another $250 million in annual tax credits to fund a community child-care investment program, which the party says will create 125,000 new child-care spaces over the next five years
Source: http://www.ctv.ca/mini/election2006/static/issues/childcare.html

Not everyone can afford to stay home with their children. Especially single moms!! As usual, women, especially working women, get the short end of the stick!!

I totally agree, Orange. It is very unfortunate that in one of the greatest countries on Earth single moms are stuck between a rock and a hard place. I know that here in Newfoundland minimum wage is 6.50. You cannot raise a family on that amount of money, let alone afford child care. So do these underemployed moms stay home and collect social assistance, or work and let someone else raise their children (at no financial gain). It is a sad state of affairs. I am lucky because that won't be my situation but it happens to so many. It is heart breaking.

In addition to the $25/week to parents, they Tories also promised in the election campaign:


Thanks so much for this information Captain Forest! I was wondering if they had anything else planned. We definitely need more daycare spaces.

I totally agree, Orange. It is very unfortunate that in one of the greatest countries on Earth single moms are stuck between a rock and a hard place. I know that here in Newfoundland minimum wage is 6.50. You cannot raise a family on that amount of money, let alone afford child care. So do these underemployed moms stay home and collect social assistance, or work and let someone else raise their children (at no financial gain). It is a sad state of affairs. I am lucky because that won't be my situation but it happens to so many. It is heart breaking.

Wow your minimum wage is even lower than Saskatchewan's! Ours was just increased to $7.55, but that's still not adequate, especially if you are supporting a family. Yeah the whole thing is very sad... I too feel lucky because I married a doctor, so even if we get divorced (which I hope not of course! ), I will most likely receive good child support. But unfortunately you and I are not the norm. And here's another sad fact which I just found out, and it really shocked me. My friend works in a women's shelter, and she told me that one of the main reasons that battered women go back to their husbands is because they are not able to get social assistance. When they apply, they are told to get money from their husbands, since they are still married. So it's easier to go back to their men, rather go through the cost of a divorce while having to work a low-paying job and putting the kids in unaffordable daycare.

And the winner is... Nunavut @ 8.50/hr

Current Minimum Wage Levels Across Canada

Rank--> Jurisdiction------------> Hourly Rate----> Effective Date
1) ----> Nunavut--------------> $8.50---------> March 3, 2003
2) ----> Northwest Territories--> $8.25---------> December 28, 2003
3) ----> British Columbia--------> $8.00--------> November 1, 2001
4) ----> Ontario----------------> $7.75--------> February 1, 2006
5) ----> Quebec----------------> $7.60--------> May 1, 2005
6) ----> Saskatchewan---------> $7.55--------> March 1, 2006
7) ----> Manitoba--------------> $7.25--------> April 1, 2005
8) ----> Yukon-----------------> $7.20--------> October 1, 1998
9) ----> Alberta----------------> $7.00--------> September 1, 2005
10&11)-> Prince Edward Island---> $6.80--------> January 1, 2005
10&11)-> Nova Scotia-----------> $6.80--------> October 1, 2005
12&13)-> New Brunswick--------> $6.50--------> January 1, 2006
12&13)-> Newfoundland---------> $6.50--------> January 1, 2006

I don't know about other provinces, but as of February 1, 2007, minimum wage will be $8/hr in Ontario

And orange, when you say that Saskatchewan's minimum wage just increased, you weren't kidding. It was only 3 days ago!

Wow Orange... that is incredibly sad. I can't imagine being abused for any amount of money but I don't have to look into the eyes of hungry children...

And wow... how nice to be tied for last in the minimum wage game! I wonder if we'll ever be a "have" province?

and the winner is...Nunavut @ 8.50/hr


I don't know about other provinces, but as of February 1, 2007, minimum wage will be $8/hr in Ontario

And orange, when you say that Saskatchewan's minimum wage just increased, you weren't kidding. It was only 3 days ago!

Thanks for the minimum wage stats, Captain Forest! I'm actually very surprised that Ontario and BC's minimum wages are not much higher than Saskatchewan's, because I know that the cost of living in urban areas such as Toronto and Vancouver is WAY higher than it is here, even if you live in one of the main cities (Saskatoon or Regina, or even Calgary for that matter). In Saskatoon you can get a decent apartment in a good area for $500 a month. Whereas my friend who lives in Vancouver pays close to $1500 a month rent for her tiny apartment in west Van.

And wow...how nice to be tied for last in the minimum wage game!! I wonder if we'll ever be a "have" province?

Well, don't give up hope! Saskatchewan recently became a "have" province, so if we can do it, so can Newfoundland! :)

I'm actually very surprised that Ontario and BC's minimum wages are not much higher than Saskatchewan's, because I know that the cost of living in urban areas such as Toronto and Vancouver is WAY higher than it is here

Back in 1995, Ontario's min wage was 6.85

The Progressive Conservatives were elected in 1995. They held power until 2003. One of the issues that came up in the 2003 campaign was the fact that min wage hadn't been raised in 8 yrs.

So the Liberals said they would raise it to 8/hr, NDP said 10/hr (no one listens to the provincial NDP here anymore) and then the Tories realized that Ont. Wanted the min wage increase, so they agreed to raise it to 8/hr as well.

The Liberals eventually won and set up a 4 yr plan to increase it to 8/hr. Every Feb 1, it goes up about .25. Now, 7.75…Feb 1/07, goes to 8.

Well I think $10 an hour would be good... or even more than that! Especially for someone who lives right in Toronto. Hopefully it get raised again soon for you guys.

So what do my fellow Canadians think about the interview with George Bush that was on CTV last night? I was worried I was going to be very angry, as I don't particularly like the Dubya and his foreign policies, but the interview was pretty tame. He was respectful and rather charming. He didn't say much of substance though LOL. No definite answer for the softwood lumber dispute or the border issues. Not that I was expecting anything major, haha.

When your approval rating is that low you can't take chances. :D

LOL very true! :D

President George Bush's interview on CTV

My favourite quote that he said, when asked about Canada-US relations and all the name calling that went on when Chrétien and Martin were PM.


"I guess much has been made about some of the name-calling that went on. That's just part of politics and it doesn't bother me in the least," Bush said.

"If I was bothered about name-calling from Canada, I'd certainly be bothered about name-calling from the United States, as well," he said with a laugh.

Hehehe…I loved this part.

I didn't watch it on TV (I never do). I just watched the clips they put up on their website.

I thought it was funny too on the CTV news when they showed a clip where the president's representative to the press called the PM "Prime Minister Martin" haha. That just happened a day or two ago. Guess he forgot about our election. :p

Quite honestly, I have not been paying attention lately, but sounds funny.