The Canadian Federal Election

[outsyder]

Just starting this thread for all fellow Canucks and the rest would would be interested otherwise.

Personally, I'm gunning for the Conservatives, although I'm not old enough to vote yet.


Canada has had Liberal government for over a decade now, and I believe it's time for a change. With the amount of money spent freely on such unnecessary things as the billion dollar gun registry, it's about time for some responsibility.

Promising a $9 billion health care upgrade for the old and disabled is nice, but once again, the source of where this money will come from is a mystery.

I'm hoping for a chain reaction this election, with the Bloc taking back Quebec, the NDP making a strong charge for Liberal votes, and the Conservatives cracking Ontario.

The election is June 28th, 2004.

Feel free to post your opinions on election '04.

[Grebdron]

Canadiens vote, too? Jesus, where have I been?;)

Seriously...be careful what you wish for. If your conservative pols are anything like ours, you could be in for a rude awakening.

You can have Bush, if you want Conservative. We're not using him.

[jeo4]

Greb is right from a certain point of view. Be careful what you wish for. However, I agree with the idea that one party in control for too long often leads to long-term problems. Change is good.

[outsyder]

Originally posted by jeo4
Greb is right from a certain point of view. Be careful what you wish for. However, I agree with the idea that one party in control for too long often leads to long-term problems. Change is good.

We've definitley had a lot of fiascos, involving the misuse of money. If the Liberals are beaten, it will keep them on their toes at least not to screw up next time.


I may be a conservative, but it's better for everyone if the Conservatives win anyway.

[blankpage]

Look at it this way, if someone were to say to me...

"I'm not going to vote for Paul Martin."

My response would be...

"Well, who are you going to vote for?"


I mean, he's really the only safe bet. Harper and the PC's can say what they say, but they haven't been around long enough for me to put some trust into them. I'm not saying the Liberals are fantastic, either...but I'd feel waaayyy more safe going to bed knowing I had someone half decent in power.

Change is good, I agree. But, I think the chance from the PC's back from the '80s is still in effect. I mean, that was ugly.


Personally, I'd vote Liberal. Only because they seem like the only party I feel confident with. Give the PC's more time, then we'll see what happens.

[horrorfreak13]

Well with my first opportunity to vote(I was 2 months away from eligibility when they called the election last time)I don't know who to vote for it's either stay with the same government that we have had for 11 years or time for a change I just worry about what will Steven Harper do for us the best thing to hope for is a minority government which is what it appears to be heading.

In the Toronto Sun the latest polls show

Conservatives 34%

Liberals 32%

NDP 20%

[badberry]

This is my first crack at voting as well... I'm also facing the problem of deciding who the hell to vote for. I guess now that hockey is over, I can start thinking about it :)

Being from Alberta, it's tempting to support Harper....but I dunno. I just....don't really trust him. Some of the things he's said in the past don't create much confidence in his ability to lead the country. That and the fact that voting Conservative seems to be at odds which my mostly leftist nature...

On the other hand, I do agree that a change would be good. So what am I to do? I'm seriously thinking of just going for the NDP, but in Alberta that seems like a wasted vote as they have no chance. Hmmm...

I may just go Liberal. Martin shows more promise than Chretien and he knows he has to shape up the government to gain back credibility.

I just want to know why nobody talks about the issues I personally care about....like what happened to that marijuana decriminalization thing? ;)

[Benny]

Anyone voting for the Bloque Quebecois? They were always my favorite group...

[horrorfreak13]

People in Quebec are the only ones who vote for the Bloc Qubecois. I don't think they have candidates running in any of the other provinces at least that's what it seemed when I looked at the latest polls in every province.

[outsyder]

Originally posted by horrorfreak13
People in Quebec are the only ones who vote for the Bloc Qubecois. I don't think they have candidates running in any of the other provinces at least that's what it seemed when I looked at the latest polls in every province.


Nope. Only Quebec. They do not try to win the election, but rather to have a voice for Quebec in parliament.


But hey, whatever takes away the Liberal vote there is good enough for me.

[someguy]

I still say the premier of quebec should run for PM. He'll win.

Anyways.....

The Liberals screwed up big time. Poor Paul Martin, since right when he gets into power the whole scandal of politicians wasting 100 million dollars of our money started. That alone will get the liberals out of the way. NDP wins big races rarely so they're out too.

So I'm betting on PC to take the vote.

[Grebdron]

Originally posted by someguy
Poor Paul Martin, since right when he gets into power the whole scandal of politicians wasting 100 million dollars of our money started.

Wasting hundreds of millions of dollars is a scandal in Canada?

It's a daily occurence here.

I'd move there. You know, if it weren't Canada.;)

[someguy]

Originally posted by Grebdron
Wasting hundreds of millions of dollars is a scandal in Canada?

It's a daily occurence here.

I'd move there. You know, if it weren't Canada.;)

And what's so bad about Canada then hmmmmmm? :)

[Grebdron]

Originally posted by someguy
And what's so bad about Canada then hmmmmmm? :)

You know...it's Canada.

Bryan Adams and that bitch Anne Murray, too.;)

[someguy]

Originally posted by Grebdron
You know...it's Canada.

Bryan Adams and that bitch Anne Murray, too.;)

A Simple Plan, Avril Lavigne, Celine Dion, soon to be Billy Talent.....

The list goes on my "friend." Although um......

HAHA WE DON'T PAY FOR HEALTH CARE!

*sticks out tongue*

;)

Anyways I am rooting for NDP this time. Just because they need a chance :)

[horrorfreak13]

Originally posted by someguy
Anyways I am rooting for NDP this time. Just because they need a chance :)

Anything that helps us get a minority government I think that's the best thing for this country.

[badberry]

It will almost certainly be a minority government for whoever wins this time around. Not sure how good of thing that'll be really...nothing seems to get done with minority governments. Will probably lead to another election rather quickly.

As for me, I'm swinging more and more towards the NDP...the Liberals I feel haven't done much for us, and the I think that our country should have bigger priorities than tax cuts and spending billions on ships for the military, so so much for the Conservatives. Plus I read that the Conservatives platform actually calls for more spending than the NDP! Crazy.

Oh, and they are predicting the Green Party may actually win 2 seats in BC, which is awesome! About time somebody else got their feet in there.

[JCPhoenix]

Originally posted by badberry
This is my first crack at voting as well... I'm also facing the problem of deciding who the hell to vote for. I guess now that hockey is over, I can start thinking about it :)

Being from Alberta, it's tempting to support Harper....but I dunno. I just....don't really trust him. Some of the things he's said in the past don't create much confidence in his ability to lead the country. That and the fact that voting Conservative seems to be at odds which my mostly leftist nature...

On the other hand, I do agree that a change would be good. So what am I to do? I'm seriously thinking of just going for the NDP, but in Alberta that seems like a wasted vote as they have no chance. Hmmm...

I may just go Liberal. Martin shows more promise than Chretien and he knows he has to shape up the government to gain back credibility.

I just want to know why nobody talks about the issues I personally care about....like what happened to that marijuana decriminalization thing? ;)

i agree with this fully. not only that but i might've leaned more towards the NDP except that it's pretty much down to Liberals vs Conservatives.

[horrorfreak13]

Originally posted by badberry
It will almost certainly be a minority government for whoever wins this time around. Not sure how good of thing that'll be really...nothing seems to get done with minority governments. Will probably lead to another election rather quickly.


If we are going to have another 4 years of Liberal hell or 4 years of Stephen Harper I'd rather have a minority government because we have gotten nothing from a majority Liberal government in the past 11 years and I feel we will get nothing from a majority Liberal or a majority Conservative government. Which is why I'm voting NDP.

[outsyder]

Originally posted by badberry
I may just go Liberal. Martin shows more promise than Chretien and he knows he has to shape up the government to gain back credibility.

What happened to his promise to clear up the sponsorship scandal before calling an election?

[badberry]

So it's looking more and more like Harper just might win a majority...which quite frankly scares me a bit. I'm worried what he would do running our country. He'll almost certainly make us more "buddy-buddy" with Bush....which is certainly not what I want. If he was in charge last year, our troops would probably be in Iraq as well. And he has stated that he will for sure pursue this "missile shield" venture with the States...which to me is total bullshit.

Go NDP! Heh, I can't proclaim that anywhere except this board it seems....Alberta is so full of conservatives it's rediculous.

[Nate6]

Good thing I'm not old enough to vote, because I wouldn't. Harper and the Tories are WAY too conservative (he's a very, very right-wing guy - look him up). Their comments about gay people and abortion may be hints about the kind of government they're going to form. Meanwhile, the NDP, who have zero chance, have ruined most places in which they've formed governments (anyone remember the early 90s in Ontario?). They'd totally bankrupt the country because they're making wild promises they can't possibly pay for. The Liberals are the best governing party (they've done quite a bit to improve the nation, IMO) but they're totally and completely untrustworthy with taxpayers' money.

*sigh*

[horrorfreak13]

Originally posted by outsyder
What happened to his promise to clear up the sponsorship scandal before calling an election?

Or any other of the Fiberals promises. :confused: I'm hoping for a minority government I fear what Stephen Harper will do with this country if he gets elected.

[outsyder]

Well, the Liberals are at it again, using a tv commercial involving a handgun being pointed at the camera and firing. This is to show what might happen if the gun registry is cancelled.

But EEEEEERRKKK! The guns involved with the gun registry are rifles and shotguns, not handguns, which have been registered since 1934. And what's with the handgun pointing at the screen?

Is't that illegal for all forms of advertising? YES. But apparently, the CRTC will allow anything for election ads, as they have said themselves.



How low will they go?:rolleyes:

[horrorfreak13]

Originally posted by outsyder
Well, the Liberals are at it again, using a tv commercial involving a handgun being pointed at the camera and firing. This is to show what might happen if the gun registry is cancelled.

But EEEEEERRKKK! The guns involved with the gun registry are rifles and shotguns, not handguns, which have been registered since 1934. And what's with the handgun pointing at the screen?

Is't that illegal for all forms of advertising? YES. But apparently, the CRTC will allow anything for election ads, as they have said themselves.



How low will they go?:rolleyes:

The gun registry was a complete waste of people's money.

This appears to be the only way the Fiberals will win the election by attacking Stephen Harper and I don't think it's working.

[Nate6]

I'd take Paul Martin over Stephen Harper any day.

[badberry]

Yeah, that Liberal ad is lame, lame, lame.

Gonna watch the debate tomorrow and hear what the various leaders have to say....still haven't made up my mind yet.

[horrorfreak13]

Watch the debate tonight I'll actually understand what being said tonight. I'm probably voting NDP the way this ends up going.

[horrorfreak13]

Well after watching the debate I realize why I'm not voting for the Fiberals, 3 or 4 times last night Duceppe asked Martin about the sponsorship scandle and he dodged them and when he tried to answer he stumbled and never looke din Duceppe's face when answering the question and changed the subject to something else.

I'm wondering how Stephen Harper and his proopsed tax cuts will ecomically work since he plans on spending more for national defense, and really I don't think it's possible.

After this I'm still not convinced by either of the 2 parties and that's why I will vote NDP.

[Nate6]

The NDP will bankrupt the country with their ridiculous promises. Plus, in the debate last night, Layton refused to answer any questions directly, always blithering on about missile defence.

[horrorfreak13]

Originally posted by Nate6
The NDP will bankrupt the country with their ridiculous promises. Plus, in the debate last night, Layton refused to answer any questions directly, always blithering on about missile defence.

Can it be any worse than what the Fiberals have done to the country for the past 11 years. All of their promises, the gun resistry, child care, etc.

[Nate6]

Originally posted by horrorfreak13
Can it be any worse than what the Fiberals have done to the country for the past 11 years.

What have they "done to the country?" People talk as if we're living in a war zone or something. Canada was on the verge of bankruptcy before the Liberals won in 1993 - that's a fact. Now we are the only major country running on a surplus and we have an exceptionally strong economy.

National child-care was ALWAYS dependent on the provinces getting in on the act, and once Chretien won, the provinces decided to pull out. That wasn't a broken promise, but an extenuating circumstance. The gun registry was indeed a failure, but at least the premise behind it was noble.

I acknowledge that the Ontario Liberals have broken a lot of promises. McGuinty has been quite a failure so far. They do deserve the term Fiberals.

[blankpage]

If either the NDP of the PC's are elected in...we're screwed.

Either way, we're screwed. But, I'm afraid of what the PC and NDP party might do if elected it. At least we know what to expect from the Liberals.

[Tom Samborski]

- I absolutely detest Stephen Harper and his policies (the man's essentially a Brian Mulroney wannabe, and that's very sad.)

- Paul Martin was good as Finance Minister, but his credibility stinks. Plus the Liberals broke a big campaign promise in the 90's, and that was to eliminate the highway robbery tax a.k.a the GST.

- Jack Layton's policies are promising, but I have yet to hear any plans for him to put them into action. Yet another issue that deals with credibility.

- Gilles Dueceppe seems like a very nice guy, and his plan to defend gay rights are certainly promising, but I would never vote Bloc for obvious reasons (they've been holding the Federal Government hostage over the whole distinct society issue for years.)

So if I had to vote in this election, I simply wouldn't. Maybe in the next one there will be better leaders to choose from.

[outsyder]

Originally posted by Nate6
What have they "done to the country?" People talk as if we're living in a war zone or something. Canada was on the verge of bankruptcy before the Liberals won in 1993 - that's a fact. Now we are the only major country running on a surplus and we have an exceptionally strong economy.

National child-care was ALWAYS dependent on the provinces getting in on the act, and once Chretien won, the provinces decided to pull out. That wasn't a broken promise, but an extenuating circumstance. The gun registry was indeed a failure, but at least the premise behind it was noble.

I acknowledge that the Ontario Liberals have broken a lot of promises. McGuinty has been quite a failure so far. They do deserve the term Fiberals.


Hmmmm. I'd prefer a government where $25 BILLION wasn't taken out of health care in order to be spent on pointless things like politicians bar tabs and a pointless gun registry.

Paul Martin was responsible for that as finance minister. His promise of putting back only so many millions is just a drop in the bucket compared to what he's taken away.

[horrorfreak13]

Originally posted by outsyder
Hmmmm. I'd prefer a government where $25 BILLION wasn't taken out of health care in order to be spent on pointless things like politicians bar tabs and a pointless gun registry.

Paul Martin was responsible for that as finance minister. His promise of putting back only so many millions is just a drop in the bucket compared to what he's taken away.

That's absolutley right we need someone else in there and if it has to be Stephen Harper who can't do any worse than what the Liberals have done to this country for 11 years they don't deserve a 4th term in office. I'm voting NDP because it's the best intrests for this country to have a minority government because whoever gets elected ends up being an ass they will be an election called right away I believe that's what happened to Joe Clark or so I've heard.

[badberry]

Originally posted by Nate6
I'd take Paul Martin over Stephen Harper any day.

I'd take ANYONE over Stephen Harper any day. Well, except maybe George W. :)

http://www.stephenharpersaid.ca/

As of now, I'm supporting the NDP....they are the only party to have mention of real improvement to funding of post-secondary education, which is a near and dear issue to this university student.

[Nate6]

One thing people have to understand about my dislike for Harper are his comments about Atlantic Canada, some of which are featured on that website. We have a defeatist attitude, we're in a culture of defeat, etc. Yeah, right. Come live out in Atlantic Canada, bud. We're hard-working people who suffer because we lack a lot of natural resources. We don't make fun of Western Canadians, so don't piss in our pool.

When the Tories were having their leadership vote a couple of months ago, Harper came THIRD among members of the party in my riding, behind Belinda Stronach and Tony Clement. Now that's a culture of defeat. Except, it's his culture of defeat.

[horrorfreak13]

One more week left and the NDP are getting more support and gaining on the Conservatives and the Fiberals man this is going to be close.

[Tom Samborski]

The Liberals are now ahead again, with 34% in the polls compared to 28% for the Conservatives. It's definitely going to be a minority government, considering that this poll was taken with only one week left before the election. The Liberals are going to get CREAMED in Quebec from the looks of it as well, but I don't think that this is a clear indiciation that support for sovereignty in Quebec is on the rise again.

[outsyder]

Originally posted by Tom Samborski
The Liberals are now ahead again, with 34% in the polls compared to 28% for the Conservatives. It's definitely going to be a minority government, considering that this poll was taken with only one week left before the election. The Liberals are going to get CREAMED in Quebec from the looks of it as well, but I don't think that this is a clear indiciation that support for sovereignty in Quebec is on the rise again.


I don't trust that poll. It was a Liberal run one anyway. Regardless of this one, others are indicating a neck and neck race.

[horrorfreak13]

Yeah the last poll I looked at was in Saturday's Toronto Star and they had the Conservatives at 31% Liberals 29% and NDP 20% and about 6% undecided so I still think this will be a close race although I think Harper's comments about Child porn are hurting him

BTW How about some humor here's the editorial picture in today Toronto Star

http://www.thestar.com/images/thestar/img/040623_moudakis_450.jpg

[JCPhoenix]

as i've read more and more about harper and his policies i'm increasingly getting worried.

www.stopharper.org

a good site put together by the entertainment industry in canada.

if i could vote, i'd definitely be voting liberal. I know for a fact though that my parents will be voting liberal though.

and a short article about moore and his views on harper, though i'm only putting this up purely for mild (mild)entertainment, so let's not turn this into a flame moore thread:
http://sympatico.msn.cbc.ca/story/news/national/2004/06/24/moore040624.html

[Tom Samborski]

With the polls so close, Monday's election is going to be pretty damn exciting!

[outsyder]

Originally posted by Tom Samborski
With the polls so close, Monday's election is going to be pretty damn exciting!



That's something everyone can agree on. I wonder what will happen if there is a majority tie in seats in parliament?

Perhaps the candidates will settle it in a steel cage match?:D

[horrorfreak13]

Well I'm voting today and I'm voting NDP still I have a feeling no matter which one of the 2 evils wins we are all going to hell for the next 4 years

[Goosey]

even though none of the candidates inspire me with much confidence, I think we'll be alright. A minority government might be an interesting path to take, whether liberal or conservative.

A funny thing happened today when I was at the polls. I've voted at all levels of governemnt for about ten years now, but only today was I really struck with a feeling of happiness and thankfulness that we are allowed such a freedom as choosing our leader. It made me think of places such as North Korea, where such a luxury does not exist, and how lucky we are.

Heres a little tidbit for the NDP fans: my best friend is a union rep, and actually went out drinking with Jack Layton one night when he was in town. he said he's a little nutty, but a pretty good guy all around.

[Tom Samborski]

1 elected seat for the Liberals so far in Newfoundland.

[outsyder]

Well. It looks as though the Fiberals have won at least a majority government. The people of Canada obviously think that they deserve another term in office, and the logic to that is baffling. Frankly, after tonight, the people deserve whatever scandal, misuse of money, and other forms of corruption we are sure to endure.

Screw it, I'm moving to the US. At least there people make the government accountable for their actions.
:mad:

[Tom Samborski]

I thought this election would be a lot closer. From the way it looks now, it'll definitely be a minority Liberal government. The question now is whether they'll form an alliance with the NDP or Bloc Quebecois.

[JCPhoenix]

Originally posted by outsyder
Well. It looks as though the Fiberals have won at least a majority government. The people of Canada obviously think that they deserve another term in office, and the logic to that is baffling. Frankly, after tonight, the people deserve whatever scandal, misuse of money, and other forms of corruption we are sure to endure.

Screw it, I'm moving to the US. At least there people make the government accountable for their actions.
:mad:


WOOHOOO!!!!! Liberals are 128 seats to Conservative's 84 right now!

hahahah i think people remember the Conservative government from many years back and how corrupt it was. Using scandal as a reason to vote for the other party is worthless imo, as every government has scandals. Better to just vote for the party whose platform you agree with the most.

ANd it won't be a majority sadly as it's not possible now, but at least they've got a minority government for sure.

[Raoul Duke]

Well, I'm glad the Bloc didn't get in...Good lord, it'd be hell.

And I think Harper would be the worst to lead Canada.

I feel safer with the Liberals in power...

Always better to go with the lesser evil.

[outsyder]

Originally posted by JCPhoenix
Better to just vote for the party whose platform you agree with the most.

And maybe if they actually followed it, I wouldn't be as pissed as I am.

At least the minority is enough to keep them in check for a while.

[blankpage]

Well, it is also a disappointing night for the NDP party. They gained a little more ground, but not as much as they were hoping for.


Personally, I'm glad to see a Liberal Minority. I can sleep easier now. But, with a minority, it should be interesting to see what happens.


Congrats to Paul Martin and the Liberals.

[Romero&Juliet]

Originally posted by Tom Samborski
1 elected seat for the Liberals so far in Newfoundland.

Its sick. Our premier, the toe-headed Danny Williams happens to be among the richest men in the province and we newfies revere him...


^^Blanky, something like a 3.5% increase in the past four years for NDP voters.. that's fairly substantial..

[badberry]

Personally I'm quite happy with the result. Liiberal minority with the NDP being the power players is about the best a leftist could hope for. We could see some very interesting legislation in the next while...

I ended up voting NDP, but that of course was a worthless vote in good ole Blue Alberta. Being left wing where I live sucks... ;)

[horrorfreak13]

A Liberal minority well any minority is better and this time the government will be accountable for their own actions this time and Stephen Harper's stupid comments in Atlantic Canada and Child Porn cost him this would have been a lot closer had he not chosen to go the low road, then again the Liberals played a little bit of the dirty game with the attack ads.
In all we probably will see another election in 18 months since that's how long minority governments last on average.

[badberry]

Well, the Liberals + NDP now only hold 154 seats....they need the one independent to join on to have a majority....could be interesting.

I'm surprised how many seats the NDP lost as the night went on...they were up at 26 or so at one point and went down to 19.