Will the Liberals maintain their status as "Canada's natural governing party?" Will the Conservatives, with highly unpopular Stephen Harper as their leader form Canada's next government? What of the NDP? Could it gain enough seats to become an even more powerful player? Will moderate federalists in Québec voice their discontent through the separatist Bloc Québécois?

Liberal.

If the conservatives had their way, we'd be up to our necks in Iraqi blood. I won't forget what that twerp Harper did when Canada was called to task.

That, among other things.

If MacKay was the leader, and the conservative party was a bit more 'liberal' on issues like gay rights, then I'd paint myself PC blue...

Green, because all the rest of the parties suck. Liberals are filthy and corrupt, Conservatives are incompetent and childish, the NDP missed economics class and are in no position to run any government, and the seperatists are treasonous and racist bastards.

Plus I'm a member of the Campus Greens at University... :)

http://www.ireney.com/images/blog/greenparty.jpg

Yes, that's right. You heard me!

Liberal

If the PC party was still around I would have voted for them.

Liberal.

If the conservatives had their way, we'd be up to our necks in Iraqi blood. I won't forget what that twerp Harper did when Canada was called to task.

That, among other things.



Exactly my sentiments. You should have seen Harper on the FoxNews TV channel. He did two interviews that I saw on Fox, and he was a fricken' embarrassment as a Canadian. He was ashamed that Canada wasn't sending troopes to Iraq and blamed Quebec. Then, after Iraq wasn't turning out so well, on Canadian TV he denied that he would have sent any troopes to Iraq - what a fuckin' liar! Now he expects us to trust him that he will clean up Federal politics - I'll bet.

I saw Jack Layton being interviewed on Fox by that prick Bill O'Reilly, and Jack had O'Reilly for breakfast. I was proud of Jack's performance even though I would never vote NDP.

^ if this were just about leaders, Jack would cream the competition.

Boris550.. keep up the good work!

liberal.

maybe ndp, but i dunno, i think the liberals. harper scares the shit out of me.

NDP.
We've been under the Liberals too long...let's give something else a quick chance.
If they mess up, meh we'll kill 'em all.

NDP, afraid of Harper and despise Martin.

Unbelievable how left-winged Canada is.

I'd have to agree with Algonquin, if the Conservatives were a litle bit more tolerant on gay issues and less blood thirsty I'd suppoort them. I'll support Liberals, but only if Joe Commuzi doesnt run, because he is a major league asshole. My last choice... I really dont agree with any, I'd probably join the rest of my fellow idiot constituents and re-elect that bum. :|

Five major parties, and no one I agree with right now.

Unbelievable how left-winged Canada is.

Oh bring it on. By the way, do I see a booger on the end of Bush's finger in your avatar? ;)

If I lost all my faith in the Liberals I would probably end up voting for the NDP.

I really like how they got the Liberals to change the budget to fund post secondary education and the environment more.

My riding is currently a NDP stronghold, David Christopherson, so my Liberal vote won't count anyways.

If I lost all my faith in the Liberals I would probably end up voting for the NDP.

I really like how they got the Liberals to change the budget to fund post secondary education and the environment more.

My riding is currently a NDP stronghold, David Christopherson, so my Liberal vote won't count anyways.

My riding is currently held strongly by Harper. I'll encourage people to vote despite that too...

And I would vote Harper before Martin too. I'm pretty liberal nowadays, but I refuse to vote Liberal.

i think...I THINK...victoria is conservative right now...but i may be wrong...woops...wrong...liberal.

Hmmmm..

The Conservatives are too religious, the Liberals are too corrupt, and the NDP are too stupid.

Meh, Conservatives it is.

Unbelievable how left-winged Canada is.

Not really. Canadian sensibilities are pretty much in line with Western Europe and the rest of the developed world. The surprising thing is actually how right-wing the United States is, considering the global political climate.

That being said...I would probably consider the NDP or the Greens for a couple seconds and then vote Liberal again. I'm a sucker for punishment.

No surprise, this forum is full of Grits. Its sad to see people supporting a party that has been found guilty of theft. The Liberals have been in power too long; they have become very corrupt and belive that running the country is a right and not a privilege.

To early to make election predictions but it will almost certainly be anouther minority, the question is Conservative or Liberal.

Unbelievable how left-winged Canada is.
Acctualy its the USA thats increadibly right winged. Most European countries are the same as Canada.

Im not voting Liberal but anything is better then Bush. He is embaresing your country; the USA dollar used to be strong, now its only a few cents above Canada's a country which is one nineth the population of your country.

Can't stand the conservatives... so it would be either NDP or Liberal for me... I would like to go with NDP but I don't think they have much of a chance, so in order to block a conservative gov't I would vote liberal...

However, we shall see... maybe the NDP will have more support here than the liberals... only time will tell.

conservatives... we need someone with balls when it comes to the rest of the world, Our current PM is an idiot.

Won't for for Conservatives simplty because of Harper. If someone like a John Tory was in power, I would strongly consider. But I will never vote for a neo-conservative. It's a shame we had to witness the death of the PC party.
Won't vote for the Green party as it is a wasted vote. However, I have great respect for them. A centre right moderate party with an environmental flair. Perfect for Canada. Too bad we did'nt have a PR (proportional representation) system in Canada.
I won't vote for NDP as I am not confident they will be responsible with the federal budget. I do not want to go back into defecit spending under almost any circumstances.
So, I'm left with Liberals. It's unfortunate as I am no real fan of Paul Martin. I personally could care less about the sponsorhip scandal, and anyone who bitches about Grit voters voting for a corrupt party: Cry me a river and I'll play you your violin. But Tough Shit. Democracy mean I can do what the hell I want.

My ultimate hope, a liberal NDP coalition. Not like it is now where even with both parties, there is no guarantee of survival due to independants. Also, this is not officially a coalition but a case by case survival agreement. I want a full fledge coalition with enough votes between the two parties to be able to pass any votes. This way, the PQ and Cons. will be rendered useless.

According to a reccnt poll, in wake of the Gomery report, Conservatives are in the lead, 31% to the liberals 28%. Then it'sd NDP (20% I think) Bloc (17) and Greens (7)

http://sympaticomsn.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20051103/postgomery_polls_20051102

With Surplus's in our budget coming out of our ass for the past several years why would you vote anything but LIBERAL??<<<<

I would'nt look too much into those polls so quickly after the report. Remember how the polls fluctuated so much after every report previously. Best to wait about a month and see how that poll pans out to get a more accurate picture

I would'nt look too much into those polls so quickly after the report. Remember how the polls fluctuated so much after every report previously. Best to wait about a month and see how that poll pans out to get a more accurate picture

Yeah, but if the torys campaign right, (doubful, though) they could pull of even a minority. That would be weird. Wouldnt last as long, either, since they dont have the NDP to back them up

The one we'll really have to see is after the January report. That one will definately have a big impact on the election.

I'm one of these hypocitical pricks who puts his values aside and would vote Liberal.
I think the Greens have an excellent, holistic, and sustainable platform and the NDP have a good leader and is a friend to Canada's poor and middle class who see, although the economy is very strong, their standard of livings drop.
I'm also a realist and neither will win.
I, like so many others, am in the " anyone but the Conservatives" camp.
That would not have always been the case. Joe Clark is a resonable person and is on the left of his party. The new "Conservatives" are just Reform renamed.
They are reactionary, too aligned to the US, and StephenHarper couldn't run a newstand little alone a country.
Are the Liberals corrupt? Of course they are but they have finally started to respend on important issues like health, education, daycare, homelessnes, and urban issues. I am also very glad they refused to join the "coalition of ther willing" and go into Iraq and we signed Kyoto. They have done a truly EXCELLENT job on the economy. Inflation is low, unemployment yesterday just hit a 30 year low, the country has had a surplus for 8 consequtive years, and the debt to GDP ratio is falling fast. Before the Liberals we had the second highest rate and now we have the lowest in the G7.
I will probably surrender my eternal soul and vote Liberal, again.

Martin had no involvement in the sponsorship scandal. As the head of the Liberal Party of Canada, he is the only person competent enough to govern our great nation. With a third referendum brooding over Quebec, we need strong leadership, and who better than the most federalist and Canadian of parties, the LPC.

I will certainly continue to place my trust in the party that was a school to some of the greatest men Canada ever saw, among which are Laurier, McKenzie, Pearson and Trudeau.

Martin had no involvement in the sponsorship scandal. As the head of the Liberal Party of Canada, he is the only person competent enough to govern our great nation. With a third referendum brooding over Quebec, we need strong leadership, and who better than the most federalist and Canadian of parties, the LPC.

I will certainly continue to place my trust in the party that was a school to some of the greatest men Canada ever saw, among which are Laurier, McKenzie, Pearson and Trudeau.

The propaganda has set in!

Wazooooooooooooooo!

Propaganda? A thorough, independent inquiry has exonerated Martin while implicating a former Prime Minister, among others.

Care to substantiate what you said with with more than gibberish?

^^

He was alluding to my remarks... I think.

Knowing the Liberal Party our next Liberal leader will be French. It’s called l’alternative or something like that.

Mackenzie King
Laurent
Pearson
Trudeau
Turner
Chretien
Martin
^ notice the trend?

Pierre Pettigrew, Stéphane Dion or Jean Lapierre possibly? I dunno. All I know is that we'll have a French Liberal leader when Quebec might have another referendum.

I would be terrified to be under Harper's rule, si I would vote either Liberal or NDP

also, the FORMER Liberal party was corrupt, Martin and his entire cabinet was cleared of any wrong doing.. and besides, just try and find a politician that isnt corrupt ;)

My two cents:

About a year ago (or perhaps even six months ago), I wouldn't have voted Liberal. That said, I'm left feeling like they're the only viable option in the forthcoming election. I currently favour the Liberals for all the reasons ssiguy2 listed, and if they reveal a plan to trim down taxes in the next budget, my vote will be as good as theirs.

In regards to their current reputation, I don't subscribe to the argument that "the Liberals are corrupt." In my eyes, that is a specious argument; the product of a simple mind formulating a simple opinion to elicit a simple conclusion in order to satisfy itself. Have you heard the Liberal party defending the actions of those that were responsible for the misappropriation of funds? Of course not; they left them at the mercy of the legal system, which is exactly as it should be. Gomery's first report even implicated a former Prime Minister. That, in itself, is enough to convince me that nobody responsible was spared.

Yes, the corrupt individuals involved in the scandal were members of the Liberal party. But syollogistic reasoning, believe it or not, is not always right. In fact, it can be downright dangerous; judging the worth of all from the actions of a few. I really hope so many people don't take to this method of reasoning in forming opinions that pertain to other areas of life. In summary: those responsible are not those in power, and those in power are not those responsible. While they were members of the Liberal party, they acted without the knowledge or consent of their party.

Concerning the Conservative party, Harper's performance as head of the opposition has been disappointing to say the least. His intellect and approach are failing his party miserably. A strong opposition is vital to the democratic process, and rather than serving as an effective counterbalance to the Liberals, he seems quite pleased to disrupt the process with his relentless accusations. He ran an entire campaign on the sponsorship scandal almost a year and a half ago, couldn't win, and seems ready to do so again. His ambiguity on a number of issues, coupled with his concrete stances on others (like the gay marriage debate), have left me convinced that he is ill-suited to be head of the country. And to top things off, he's very, very redundant. Since stepping up to lead the Conservative party, he hasn't said an awful lot to entice me into voting for him or his party.

The NDP has done well for itself since the last election, but I don't take them too seriously. If I really need to get into why, I will... but this post is already running long as it is. I am fond of the (unfortunately named) Green Pary, but I can't see them being anything more than a fringe party for at least the next few elections.

And please... I really don't want to see an election held before the end of the year.

With Surplus's in our budget coming out of our ass for the past several years why would you vote anything but LIBERAL??<<<<

A surplus isn't ideal, it means the buget is off balance.

Nothing short of the sight of Stephen Harper marrying Ralph Klein at Calgary city hall would even have me consider voting Conservative. Every little bit of (the very sparse) information that I have heard about the party platform goes against EVERYTHING I believe in. That being said, my vote will likely go to the NDP, given that the liberal MP for my riding voted against gay marriage.

Here's a question someone can answer...

Would it not be smart for Martin to step down? I read in the Globe that most Canadians think he should be held responsible, regardless of his 'exonoration'. Could he not sacrifice his career to save the Liberal Party?

And is this even technically possible? What steps occur when a Prime Minister resigns?

I seriously doubt that Martin will resign before the next election. If he did resign, the Liberals would be forced to choose an interim leader (probably a member of Cabinet) until they held a leadership convention. I really doubt that doing so would be good for the Liberals at this point; a new face at the head of the party would be hard pressed to win over the trust and support of voters in time to do well at the next election, and the opposition would have little trouble in accusing the Liberals of scrambling like mad to hold onto power.

Someone I knew recently said "either Martin (A) was in on the sponsorship scandal, or (B) he was incompetent as Finance Minister." I somewhat agreed with him at the time, but after some deliberation, I came to the conclusion that perhaps Martin is neither A nor B. I thought about the job of the Finance Minister and all it entails. Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but the Finance Minister's job is primarily to allocate the government's funds in the ideal way (ie: to create a budget). If that's the case, then Martin's concern would have been whether or not the sponsorship program was feasible and productive (assuming, of course, that it was run properly).

I personally think that the sponsorship program was a frivolous and silly endeavour, even if it hadn't been sullied by crooked agents. But then again, $250 million over five years isn't a huge burden for such a cause, especially in the wake of a referendum. Anyway, my point is that it isn't the Finance Minister's job to inquire as to whether or not the billions upon billions of dollars he allocates to countless programs over the years is being appropriately spent. It is the responsibility of the politicians that are entrusted with funds to use them in the way they are intended to be used. If they are crooked, it's the job of the Auditor General to sniff them out... I mean, that's basically his/her entire job, isn't it?

My best guess is that Martin will lead the Liberals into the next election, but regardless of the results, he will step down before the next one. And to replace him... Michael Ignatieff, anyone?

Would it not be smart for Martin to step down?

No.

Could he not sacrifice his career to save the Liberal Party?

No.

And is this even technically possible?

Yes.

What steps occur when a Prime Minister resigns?

An inmediate election.

Martin would never resign, the though is simply politically ignorant (no offense). A convention is too divisive and requires too much political machinery and resources from a party and its members to be held inmediately before an election, not to mention the fact that a new leader would not have proven his/her competence as a party leader to Canadians. As a rule of thumb no party ever holds a convention six months to a year before an election.

Look at Harper, if the Conservatives held a convention today, he probabaly wouldn't get 40% of his party's confidence vote. But the Conservatives know since early this year, that elections would be eminent (by either precipitating the fall of the government, as they attempted in the spring, or by elections being called), so Harper has been holding on, eventhough neither his party, nor Canadians trust him. The Conservatives know that electing a new leader right before an election is political suicide, moreso than having Harper as their not-so-loved leader.

Long story short, expect to see the same faces coveting (or defending) their place in the PMO in the next election.

Someone I knew recently said "either Martin (A) was in on the sponsorship scandal, or (B) he was incompetent as Finance Minister." I somewhat agreed with him at the time, but after some deliberation, I came to the conclusion that perhaps Martin is neither A nor B. I thought about the job of the Finance Minister and all it entails. Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but the Finance Minister's job is primarily to allocate the government's funds in the ideal way (ie: to create a budget). If that's the case, then Martin's concern would have been whether or not the sponsorship program was feasible and productive (assuming, of course, that it was run properly).

I personally think that the sponsorship program was a frivolous and silly endeavour, even if it hadn't been sullied by crooked agents. But then again, $250 million over five years isn't a huge burden for such a cause, especially in the wake of a referendum. Anyway, my point is that it isn't the Finance Minister's job to inquire as to whether or not the billions upon billions of dollars he allocates to countless programs over the years is being appropriately spent. It is the responsibility of the politicians that are entrusted with funds to use them in the way they are intended to be used. If they are crooked, it's the job of the Auditor General to sniff them out... I mean, that's basically his/her entire job, isn't it?


Exactly!

Plus, the Minister of Finance has no power to oversee, even allocate the funds that the PMO requests. He had no power to see how the PMO was spending its money. The Sponsorship Program was entirely funded through the PMO and the Ministry of Public Works (which the Minister of Finance could only allocate funds to, but not oversee how it spent them).

All-in-all, Chretien is to blame for the whole charade!

No.
Martin would never resign, the though is simply politically ignorant (no offense).

Oh goodness, none taken. Your choice of the word 'ignorant' was smooth, sensitive, and encouraging.

If Harper said tommorow that he was resigning, I'll bet my ignorant political career that the Conservatives would see a big increase in popularity. As an example.

algonquin:
What steps occur when a Prime Minister resigns?

citoyen:
An inmediate election.



Actually, it wouldn't necessarily mean an immediate election. Remember when Chretien announced he would step down? The Liberals held a leadership convention which Martin easily won in November, 2003. In December, 2003, Chretien stepped out of office and Martin was appointed as Prime Minister by the Governer General. Six months later, Martin called an early election... and here we are today. I assume if Martin announced he was going to step down, the same process would occur... but with the Liberals potentially facing a snap election call, time isn't on their side.

Martain also said on TV none the less that he would have an election after the report was done and on the way home tonight I heard that he decided that that would be a bad idea now . What an Ass hole ...

Pierre Pettigrew, Stéphane Dion or Jean Lapierre possibly? I dunno. All I know is that we'll have a French Liberal leader when Quebec might have another referendum.

Stéphane Dion and Jean Lapierre are just too divisive. Pierre Pettigrew is ok as long as he spends less time caring how he looks, and more time in his riding that he almost lost last time. Maybe someone in the Québec Liberals should take down Jean Charest so that he can go back to Ottawa. :cheers:

Liberal will win as all others are just split-votes.
Voting for NDP is as good as voting for Liberal.
So why are we wasting time and money going to the poll.

Because after the Gomery its the right thinng to do.
Even if the party wanted to ditch Martin {which they don't}, who would replace him?
I think you will find a lot of NDP votes going over to the Liberals to keep the Conservatives out of power.
The Liberals are down now but that will change after the immediate impact has disipated.

see your point ..
it does not take a rocket scientist to predict that Liberal will win
sowhy not save that unnecessary expenses for social programs

Hmm...
Can't stand Paul Martin, with his wiggling jowls. I also find him a bit hypocritical going to a private health care clinic but saying he only supports public health care, as well as not paying tax with Canada Steamship Lines, by keeping them somewhere in the Caribbean.
I find him also a bit too easily 'bullied' by other politicians, which makes him flip-flop a bit like John Kerry.
I'd vote Liberal if it wasn't Martin though, until he resigns I probably won't bother voting.
http://www.rabble.ca/images/slices/e4fc876d032caf0c07ef174b7eebf733/martin_bush_large.jpg
^Do you really want him to be your prime minister? :|

http://www.rabble.ca/images/slices/e4fc876d032caf0c07ef174b7eebf733/martin_bush_large.jpg
^Do you really want him to be your prime minister? :|

Easy there! Kim Campbell did the same to Chretien in 1993 and they got killed for it.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/50/Chretien_Ad.jpg
want him to be your prime minister?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1993_Chr%C3%A9tien_ad

It sounds like a lot of people want to Vote NDP...but they shut their mouth and vote for Liberal...WHY because nobody wants the conservatives to take power....why doesn't any one wants to make a change!!???

NDP all the way for me...Jack Layton is a professional and a dedicated politcian who knows exactly what he is doing

If it wasn't for Layton forcing Martin to make some decent moves...then Martin would not have accomplished anything significantly well this term

While I would'nt vote for Layton, I have tremendous respect for him. While the other opposition parties are hell bent on having the government collapse, damn the consequences, NDP has been busily forcing gov't action in order to have continued support.
And to hear Harper critisizing Layton for 'propping up a corrupt party' makes me laugh. He would be salivating to have the power that Layton has had since June. Maybe if Harper was'nt so busy bitching away about how evil the Grits are, he could've gotten a tax cut as a condition of propping up the government. He failed at that, and the NDP came in and did what they could'nt. Poor poor stupid Harper

Well that's all that Harper is doing...He think that the NDP have no competition...and since NDP probably have the most say right now...Harper cannot take it....

Do you people remember all the shyt talk that Harper was doing during the election campaign....it was pure ridiculous

Layton is the only politician out there that is devoted...he is the only guy out there that wouldn't abuse thier position

He is hungry and he wants to seriously be the prime minister for all the good reasons.

Martin is a great man...I respect him...but he cannot run anything well at the federal level.

Harper seems like one of those little, big kids who act childish constantly and bitches and moans about stupidity...meanwhile I have never heard him make a feasible proposal for anything that would ever help me

Layton is the man...he has spent years studying politics...He has been a great municipal poticitian for a long time for Toronto...He is the only politican that actually cares about Toronto

For years Toronto has been neglected...If this country is going to operate and grow we need a man who will govern this country and run our big cities equally and improve infrastructures and utilize our tax dollars effectively

While I would'nt vote for Layton, I have tremendous respect for him. While the other opposition parties are hell bent on having the government collapse, damn the consequences, NDP has been busily forcing gov't action in order to have continued support.
And to hear Harper critisizing Layton for 'propping up a corrupt party' makes me laugh. He would be salivating to have the power that Layton has had since June. Maybe if Harper was'nt so busy bitching away about how evil the Grits are, he could've gotten a tax cut as a condition of propping up the government. He failed at that, and the NDP came in and did what they could'nt. Poor poor stupid Harper

Absolutely right on. :applause:

Funny how you can defend crooks, who are proven to come from a crooked party, but are exhonerated by someone they appointed themselves. Beleive me most people would be hard pressed to suggest someone who's given them a healthy boost to their career deserves to be put in jail. Appointments for official enquiries will never uncover the whole truth.

Grits regain support, not momentum, poll shows

It took less than a week, but the Liberals have already rebounded from the popularity hit they took when the Gomery report was released on Nov. 1.

In a Nov. 4 poll, the governing party's support was estimated at 28 per cent -- a 10-point plunge from one released Oct. 19.

However, in a new poll conducted over the weekend by The Strategic Counsel for CTV and The Globe and Mail, the Liberals are back up to 35 per cent support.

Here are the new numbers, with the percentage-point change from the Nov. 4 poll in brackets:

Liberals: 35 per cent (+7)
Conservatives: 28 per cent (-3)
NDP: 16 per cent (-4)
Bloc Quebecois 13 per cent (no change)
Green Party: 8 per cent (+1)
Regionally, the poll found the Liberals taking a solid lead over the Opposition in Ontario, 44 to 31 per cent.

In Quebec, the Liberals have 30 per cent support, which has them trailing the sovereigntist Bloc Quebecois by 20 points.

My vote was for Conservative. Gomery didn't tell me anything I didn't already know 6 months ago, so my vote is still Conservative.

I can honestly say I don't think Martin had anything to do with the whole thing. I've thought that from the very beginning. Its Chretien who masterminded the whole thing.
Chretien never let Martin in on anything. They hated each other's guts. They litterally went weeks at a time without even talking to each other.
Where I do fault Martin, is that he must have known atleast something was going on, by rumours if nothing else.
I think it will be another Liberal minority especially with Ontario back on the hard core Liberal bandwagon again. It can also be very deceptive. Yes, the Liberals are doing poorly in Quebec but the support is HIGHLY centralised in WestMontreal and Hull/Gatineau. They will always get atleast 12 seats in Quebec.
This is completly different from Alberta where the Conservatives can have 70% support but it will hardly make a hoot of difference as they already have every seat in the province save two. Same thing in Sask as they have every seat but one .....Goodale. It is very possible he will keep his seat as Sasketchewaners know the importance of having the finance minister from their home province.
In otherwords, much of the Conservative vote is concentrated in the West which is most ways, except Van/Vic and Winnipeg, preaching to the converted.
Also important to note that a lot, like myself, want to vote NDP but will vote Liberal to keep the Conservatives out of power.
Conversely, almost no NDP or Greens would vote Conservative to keep the Liberals out of power.

Conversely, almost no NDP or Greens would vote Conservative to keep the Liberals out of power.

I would, except I would rather just vote Green and forget about the whole "keeping out of power" thing.

Tories won't be NDP's 'bargaining chip': Harper

Stephen Harper said he has no intention to put forward a no-confidence motion that could topple the minority Liberal government.

Such a move, said the Conservative Party leader, would just play into the hands of Jack Layton's NDP.

In a speech to the Canadian and Empire Clubs of Toronto on Tuesday, Harper said he was worried that Layton would use a Conservative non-confidence motion as leverage to gain more concessions from the Liberals -- something the NDP has done in the past.

"I have no intention of allowing a Conservative motion to be a bargaining chip in a parliamentary poker game," said Harper from the exact stage where Layton declared Monday that he will no longer prop up the Liberal minority government.

But in a following move, Harper reiterated that if Layton is serious about bringing down the Liberals, he can count on Conservative support.
---------------------

That's it I'm calling Harper Wishy Washy Harper now on lol. He's embarrassed Canada didn't participate in the Iraq war, now he's glad we're not in Iraq. One day he's saying Martin is going to soft on the Americans over the softwood lumber dispute now Martin is just being a bully. Now one minute he threatens a non- confidence motion and now he won't. Oh can’t forget when he wanted to build a “firewall around Alberta” and now he agrees with equalization payments. The guy is even worst than John Kerry lol.

I don't get it...there is many people who support NDP but won't vote for them...Holy shyt...I look at Jack Layton as an individual...not and NDP party leader...and people are just voting Liberal to keep conservatives out of power???...that is total horse crock then...If nobody wants Liberals or Conservatives anymore...then just DON'T VOTE for them....is it really that hard to do?? Think for yourselves people...do not get brainwashed by the masses...It's a shame that people won't follow up for what they really believe in :weird:

I don't get it...there is many people who support NDP but won't vote for them...Holy shyt...I look at Jack Layton as an individual...not and NDP party leader...and people are just voting Liberal to keep conservatives out of power???...that is total horse crock then...If nobody wants Liberals or Conservatives anymore...then just DON'T VOTE for them....is it really that hard to do?? Think for yourselves people...do not get brainwashed by the masses...It's a shame that people won't follow up for what they really believe in :weird:

Although Jack Layton is the least incompetent leader out of the four big ones, but because I am against the NDP I disagree with you.

Some people who, although support the NDP, knows it is better for the country to have a stable government that is more in line with what they think. This isn't "brainwashing by the masses", this is voting smart, at least in my opinion.

Although Jack Layton is the least incompetent leader out of the four big ones, but because I am against the NDP I disagree with you.

Some people who, although support the NDP, knows it is better for the country to have a stable government that is more in line with what they think. This isn't "brainwashing by the masses", this is voting smart, at least in my opinion.

I think that it's stupid to vote for someone, whom you know, will more than likely screw shit up further

I think that it's stupid to vote for someone, whom you know, will more than likely screw shit up further

The party is not made up of just one person (the leader).

While Jack Layton appears honest and what not, the ideaology behind the NDP is not exactly what Canada needs to keep its budget surplus. He won't screw up the country as much as the Conservatives, but definitely not better than the Liberals, who are more or less neutral.

For example, my riding has a NDP MP. He has done nothing for this community/the area but talk. His representation of the area is rather mediocre. All the projects that started up here were because of the Conservative MP before him. I hope no one votes for him again.

So based on what you said ,

"He won't screw up the country as much as the Conservatives " ( anti Conservative / sorta pro NDP )

"All the projects that started up here were because of the Conservative MP before him. I hope no one votes for him again". ( Pro Conservative , anti NDP )

Where do you stand?

I don't see the problem with voting strategically.
If I know my NDP vote will be of no use in my riding then I will pick #2. The one that is most in line with my political/social/economic views. In this case that is Liberal.
I think the Liberals will be much wiser with the tax dollars and more responsible to the public, they've learnt their lesson.
I HIGHLY disagree with the notion that they have been useless. On the contrary, they have been excellent stewards of the economy.
Inflation is low, unemployment at 30 year lows, taxes falling, debt to GDP falling very quickly and it was soaring during the Conservative Mulroney years. The dollar has strenghtened by 30% in the last 2 years, the economy is growing well, and our old age pension system is, unlike the US, on firm financial ground. Health, education, infastructure, transit and city funding, R&D, daycare, social and housing services, military, and foreign aid budgets are all seeing significant increases in program spending.
We can do more but due to the Liberals getting this country's finances back in the black those spending increases will continue. Already the feds have an extra $3billion/year coming in just due to savings on interest on the national debt.
When the Conservatives left power Canada was spending 35% of every tax dollar on interest on the national debt, now it is half that amount.

I have problems with the Liberals but not the way they have managed the economy. I hate to think the spot we would be in if the Conservatives were still in power.

bah, this is all too much to think about.

Lets just all vote for our best local MP, regardless of party, and see what happens! Woo hoo!

Funny, the poll on this thread very much resembles what a real poll would be (with the exception of the low BQ turnout). Shows that there's a more diversified set of views on these threads than you may come to expect.

So based on what you said ,

"He won't screw up the country as much as the Conservatives " ( anti Conservative / sorta pro NDP )

"All the projects that started up here were because of the Conservative MP before him. I hope no one votes for him again". ( Pro Conservative , anti NDP )

Where do you stand?

Yeah, I realized that I contradicted myself in that situation. I should have noted that "Jack Layton would screw up less than Stephen Harper".

In my defense, I was comparing two different people. Jack Layton (and the NDP overall) against the other parties and my riding MP. That's what I said before too: vote for the party which would help your riding out the most. I could also get down to provincial politics, and say that it was actually the Liberals who made the projects here a reality. The Conservative MP just happened to be there for comparison purposes.

Plus, I'm only 15, so what the heck.

For a 15 year old you seem well versed in Canadian politics. Don't think just because you can't vote your opinion doesn't matter.
I look forward to your further imput. Its good to have informed decisions and that means getting imput from as many viewpoints and perspectives as possible.

Well, both Federal and Provincial elections were held just months before my 18th birthday so I couldn't vote last time... I was quite dissapointed.

I'm excited that I can vote now :D... and yes I know that makes me sound somewhat nerdy :tongue2:

and yes I know that makes me sound somewhat nerdy
It shouldn't. The fact that you care about what's going on in the world isn't a bad thing.

Oh gosh, NDP tied with the Tories, all you pot-smoking hippies! :jk:

i seriously need info on the gomery inquiry for my civics class. you guys have links about it?

EDIT: I am actually learning stuff from this thread.. I should watch the news more often..

Anyways, what are the impacts of the findings on the liberals and paul martin himself?

Haha, civics and careers were such easy classes. I hope they have a june election so I can vote.

Oh gosh, NDP tied with the Tories, all you pot-smoking hippies! :jk:


I think the last poll I saw the Cons. were at 26% and NDP at 22%. WIth 24% in our poll, that's very close for both. Libs are a bit inflated only because the BQ representatives don't like this website too much I guess.

I will most likely vote conservative again

I do find it strange however how paul martin can say that all of the corruption was with a past administration while he still takes credit for the budget surpluses etc. because if I am not mistaken, that was also another administration. You cannot take the good without the bad.

Regarding the last conservative government, considering I wouldn't support them, they did inherit a huge debt from the previous liberal government, they faced very high interest rates and a pretty severe depression. I think that in hindsight that they didn't do to shabby, although it is unfortunate that the liberals were able to capitalize on things like gst to rid the deficit

It will most likely be another minority government so why can
t we give the conservatives a chance? It would be good to have a literal house cleaning in ottawa. Open up what has been going on over the last 12 years.

According to this poll there will be anouther Liberal Minority. I guess elections will happen ever two years from now on, LOL.

Of course this poll is highly unscientific, I think its worth mentioning that this is a very liberal forum.

My opinion is that the Liberals will probably win anouther minority, with even less seats.

I will be voting for the Consertitive party and they could win but only a minorty. I really think its time for a change.

I dont believe all this crap that Stephen Harper and the Consertitive party will destroy the country. They arn't some extreme right winged party; they are a moderate centre right party, just like the BC Liberals who have done an excellent job running British Columbia. They should get a chance after the mess the Liberals have made.

I don't think they will destroy the country either but that's not a reason to vote for them.
Harper and the boys have been pushing for a year now about the corruption of the Liberals and the GomeryReport. Good at the time but now its wearing thin. The impact is lessening and people are now looking not so much at the Liberals but the Conservatives but not in a very positive way.
People are wondering what you believe besides that you hate the Liberals.
Add to that that despite their "conservative" views politically, economically they will kill us. They are like the Republicans in the US. They bitch about the taxes and spending under Clinton who balanced the books but as soon as Bush gets in he turns a $400million surplus to a $400million deficit.
The Conservatives keep telling the populace how they will dramatically cut personal and corporate taxes yet increase funding for healthcare and especially billions on the military.
There is only one thing they can't tell us.............how they'll pay for it.

Another thing that I think is really starting to piss of the voting public is this demand for an immediate election but only immediate ontheir terms.
In otherwords they want the Liberals to dissove parliament and have an election but want the election to land in Febuary. Why? Because the final report of the Gomery comes out Feb1st. It has nothing to do with the government but rather pure political partisianship.
They want a Feb vote but don't want a vote within a month after Feb1st when the Gomery will come out and an election will be called anyway as Martin has said.
The more I think about it the more I think I WANT to vote Liberal just to spite the NDP & Conservatives.

They are like the Republicans in the US.
No they are even left of the democrates.

Last time I checked my conservative MP was representing his constituency, and frankly the liberals haven't done shit for Prince George except accuse us of being racists. It is there democratic responsibility to speak for my riding and he is doing just that, if the government falls, it falls. Lets all take a step back and look at our government.

Vote responsibly people, please.... and this time do your homework, the smear tactics of our federal parties just makes our country look bad.

Voting Green Party

It’s not easy being green.
Having to spending each day the colour of the leaves.
When I think it could be more profitable being blue, red or even orange.

Master ping... dontforget to flush when your done voting
micmiko... good job !

There are no wasted votes. Every vote sends a message.
For all you people that are not going to vote, shut up, stop whining,
get off your obese ass and vote for someone, anyone.
Here are some other parties you may be able to vote for.

Marijuana Party http://marijuanaparty.org/index.en.php3
Libertarian Party http://www.libertarian.ca/
Grey Party http://www.geocities.com/graypartycanada/index
Freedom Party http://www.freedomparty.ca/htm/en/home.htm
Canadian Action Party http://www.canadianactionparty.ca/Main.asp?Language=English
Christian Heritage Party http://www.chp.ca/
Communist Party of Canada http://www.communist-party.ca/

I totally agree with you on that note about people who dont vote. If you dont vote , dont bitch.