Herbivore Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 Just wondering what you Canadians thought about this. Bad news? Don't really care? source Canada's Conservative Party wins election Victory pushes Canada to the right for the first time in nearly 13 years Updated: 8:13 a.m. ET Jan. 24, 2006 CALGARY, Alberta - Stephen Harper and his Conservative Party won national elections Monday and ended 13 years of Liberal rule, giving Canada a leader who was expected to move the country to the right on social and economic issues and bolster ties with the United States. The Conservatives’ winning margin was too narrow to avoid ruling with a minority government, a situation that will make it difficult to get legislation through a divided House of Commons. The triumph for the Conservatives came with many Canadians weary of the broken promises and corruption scandals under the Liberal Party, making them willing to give Harper a chance to govern despite concerns that some of his social views are extreme. “Tonight friends, our great country has voted for change, and Canadians have asked our party to take the lead in delivering that change,� Harper, a 46-year-old economist, told some 2,000 cheering supporters at his campaign headquarters in Calgary. The longest cheer came when he spoke to Western Canada, which has long felt the country has been too dominated by Ontario and Quebec. “The West has wanted in. The West is now in. Canada will work for all of us,� said Harper, who calls Calgary, in Western Canada, his home. Relations with the Bush administration would likely improve under a Harper government, as his ideology runs along the same lines of many U.S. Republicans. Harper has said he would reconsider a U.S. missile defense scheme rejected by the current Liberal government of Martin. He also said he wanted to move beyond the Kyoto global warming debate by establishing different environmental controls, spend more on the Canadian military, expand its peacekeeping missions in Afghanistan and Haiti and tighten security along the border with the United States in an effort to prevent terrorists and guns from crossing the frontier. With nearly all votes counted in the race for the 308-seat House, officials results showed Conservatives with 123 seats; Liberals with 103; Bloc Quebecois with 50, New Democratic Party with 28; and one seat to an Independent. Three seats still haven’t been determined. Shift to right Prime Minister Paul Martin conceded defeat and said he would step down as head of the party, though remain in Parliament to represent the Montreal seat he won again. It was an unusual move to do both on the same night, but Martin appeared upbeat and eager to continue to fight the Conservatives from the opposition benches of the House. “I have just called Stephen Harper and I’ve offered him my congratulations,� Martin told a subdued crowd at his headquarters in Montreal. “We differ on many things, but we all share a believe in the potential and the progress of Canada.� The Conservative victory ended more than a decade of Liberal Party rule and shifted the traditionally liberal country to the right on socio-economic issues such as health care, taxation, abortion and gay marriage. Some Canadians have expressed reservations about Harpers’ views opposing abortion and gay marriage. During the campaign, Harper pledged to cut the red tape in social welfare programs, lower the national sales tax from 7 percent to 5 percent and grant more autonomy and federal funding to Canada’s 13 provinces and territories. The Liberals have angered Washington in recent years, condemning the war in Iraq, refusing to join the continental anti-ballistic missile plan and criticizing President Bush for rejecting the Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gas emissions and enacting punitive Canadian lumber tariffs. Martin, 67, had trumpeted eight consecutive budget surpluses and sought to paint Harper as a right-winger posing as a moderate to woo mainstream voters. He claimed Harper supports the war in Iraq, which most Canadians oppose, and would try to outlaw abortion and overturn gay marriage. Harper denied those claims and said Sunday that Martin had failed to swing voters against him. “Canadians can disagree, but it takes a lot to get Canadians to intensely hate something or hate somebody. And it usually involves hockey,� Harper quipped. 'Just a backlash against certain corruption' Voters cast ballots at 60,000 polling stations amid unseasonably mild winter weather. Turnout from the country’s 22.7 million registered voters was expected to be better than the 60 percent of the June 2004 election, the lowest number since 1898. William Azaroff, 35, voted for the left-of-center New Democratic Party but conceded a Conservative government was likely to win. “I think it’s a shame,� said the business manager from Vancouver, British Columbia. “I think the last government was actually quite effective for Canadians. I think a Conservative government is just a backlash against certain corruption and the sense of entitlement.� Martin’s government and the House were dissolved in November after New Democrats defected from the governing coalition to support the Conservatives in a no-confidence vote amid a corruption scandal involving the misuse of funds for a national unity program in Quebec. An investigation absolved the prime minister of wrongdoing but accused senior Liberals of taking kickbacks and misspending tens of millions of dollars in public funds. Just as campaigning hit full swing over the Christmas holidays, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police announced they were investigating a possible leak by Liberal government officials that appeared to have influenced the stock market. When the 38th Parliament was dissolved, the Liberals had 133 seats, the Conservatives had 98, the Quebec separatist party Bloc Quebecois had 53 and the New Democrats had 18. There also were four Independents and two vacancies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MESTHREE Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 Its depressing as fuck. I hereby dont give a shit about anything to do with politics till the next election. Fuck all the assholes who voted for this right wing shithead. We can all begin to kiss our human rights goodbye. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herbivore Posted January 24, 2006 Author Share Posted January 24, 2006 Originally posted by Herbivore@Jan 24 2006, 09:17 AM Relations with the Bush administration would likely improve under a Harper government, as his ideology runs along the same lines of many U.S. Republicans. Quoted post It's funny... I actually just saw a segment on 60 minutes the other night about the "Oil Sands" of Canada. I wonder if that'll develop into anything between the two countries. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Dazzle Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 Not only is he from the same city as me, but he's also my riding's MP. Fucking red neck prairies, there wasn't even a chance that they'd lose here. This was such a pointless election. Nothing is going to get done. Every other party is pretty much the polar opposite of the Conservatives, and since it's a minority government, they will need approval for everything they do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weapon X Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 There are a LOT of idiots out there who had NO idea what this sponsorship scandal was, where it came from, what became of it, or anything else, but felt that it made Martin the devil. This is a terrible ruling for Toronto. One of my biggest concerns is transit in this city, and all that my city worked for with the Liberals is very well gonna go down the drain. Also, the fact that we're gonna probably pull out of the Kyoto protocol is another thing. Everytime a Conservative is in power (be it my province or federal), it spells bad news for my family, among other things. I'm quite certain Liberals will win the next elections. Oh, and fuck the hicks - it's the main reason the Cons won. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest KING BLING Posted January 25, 2006 Share Posted January 25, 2006 Could you elaborate on the scandal? Weapon X or anybody, was it a fake scandal like Clinton getting a blow job or did they really mess up? Its always dissapointing to hear about true left thinkers losing footing, butn also doing the wrong thing - but being as Canada has some of the human rights basics covered, what impact or policies do you think may come of this that could truly turn Canada's direction? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest KING BLING Posted January 25, 2006 Share Posted January 25, 2006 Originally posted by Herbivore@Jan 24 2006, 06:17 AM Martin, 67, had trumpeted eight consecutive budget surpluses and sought to paint Harper as a right-winger posing as a moderate to woo mainstream voters. He claimed Harper supports the war in Iraq, which most Canadians oppose, and would try to outlaw abortion and overturn gay marriage. Quoted post Wait - you're all fucked! Not that MArtin clearly didn't have an aggenda in saying what he did, its just that this could probably have been a line in a report regarding the Bush Vs Gore Election... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weapon X Posted January 25, 2006 Share Posted January 25, 2006 Originally posted by KING BLING@Jan 24 2006, 10:08 PM Could you elaborate on the scandal? Weapon X or anybody, was it a fake scandal like Clinton getting a blow job or did they really mess up? Its always dissapointing to hear about true left thinkers losing footing, butn also doing the wrong thing - but being as Canada has some of the human rights basics covered, what impact or policies do you think may come of this that could truly turn Canada's direction? Quoted post Basically, $100 million was "misallocated" while it should have been spent advertising patriotism, rather than separitism, in Quebec. There have been investigations and inquiries that have deduced that it wa a few bad apples that were corrupt. Paul Martin, the (ex) head of the Liberal Party had nothing to do with it, save for the fact that he was Prime Minister during the later years. Martin got the Gomery Commission to investigate what happened and deal with the corruption accordingly. This being politics, right from the start people were blaming each other. There was Liberal infighting, other parties bashing Liberals, creating buzzterms, like "culture of corruption", and so on. So, yeah, it sucks, but the Liberal party has been doing very well for us these past 13 years. Our economy is strong, and cities were on the verge of making huge strides towards getting Federal funding to get things done. But then Martin called the elections, and the mudslinging started. I personally know people who have no idea what the sponsorship scandal is, but are convinced that it is the worst thing to have happened to our nation (far from the truth). -------- Keep in mind, King Bling, that Liberals aren't exactly true left thinkers. They are centrists, if anything (but put that into the context of Canada being a rather socialist country). The Conservatives, on the other hand, are all about the privatizing of things, from health care to our beloved crown corporations. Also, they enjoy dong things that other right wingers enjoy, like subsidizing big oil, hurting the environment in any which way they can to make a few bucks, etc. I respect a lot of their policies, and wouldn't mind a Liberal government with a Conservative opposition (basically the party with the second most number of seats in the Parliament), but with them in power, things aren't looking good. ------------------------ On a more personal level, my city is going to be screwed. There have been significant strides made in the past few years in order for Toronto to get a nice amount of federal funding to make our city much better, like subway expansion and other upgrades. But because not one of the city's 22 ridings (Parliamentary seats) elected a Conservative, and because the Conservatives have traditionally been a vindicative bunch, there is no hope in sight for us. For our province, actually, as very few Conservatives were elected throughout here. ------------- One more thing - this $100 million that was misplaced is very bad. Really, really bad. But, man, the Conservatives do some really blatant shit as far as corruption goes, and nothing happens. But at least Martin did what he could to deal with it. *It really comes down to the quality of the campaigning and playing off the ignorance of the population. As you well know, being an American, and all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T.T Boy Posted January 25, 2006 Share Posted January 25, 2006 100 million is nothing compared to that 7% on everything you buy is it. i grew up with a conservative provincial gov't and hated it. still do. this is going to turn canada into some private suburban hell. as soon as those american private halth clinics open, its time to bring out the etch. steve harper isnt from calgary, just educated there as far as i know. and im sure he feels right at home. no major urban center voted in a conservative. but im sure they (rural voters) really felt like martin was the devil due to this awesome advertising, and stand up for canada nationalist bullshit. they sure did a good job shutting up the real right wingers. i actually cant believe stockwell day got elected in bc. i thought hed never show his face in politics again. im sure big business will take over, who gives a shit about kyoto or the environment, and everything will go private. at least they said these type of governments only last a year or so. lets hope the liberals come up with a good leader for the party. ujjal? that would be cool. im just happy the ndp made some big gains. i can only imagine an ndp government. i heart socialism. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weapon X Posted January 25, 2006 Share Posted January 25, 2006 ^ haha, Ujjal! Yeah, Stephen Harper is originally from Toronto, but he doens't give a flying fuck about this city. He sure plays on the fact that he's from there when it conveniences him, though. I didn't even know Stockwell Day got re-elected. I thought that guy embarrassed himself into oblivion, too. You're right, though - this government can't last too long. I just hope they don't do too much damage before the Liberals win again. I'm happy for the NDP, too. They won't be getting my vote anytime soon, but I'm glad to see them on the come up. I actually wouldn't mind seeing Belinda Stronach as Prime Minister. As a matter of fact, I'm gonna go post her up in the "Girls Only YOU Think Are Hot" thread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Dazzle Posted January 26, 2006 Share Posted January 26, 2006 Originally posted by T.T Boy@Jan 25 2006, 01:28 PM no major urban center voted in a conservative. Quoted post Calgary is pretty much a Conservative hot-bed. They pretty much won everywhere here. Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal didn't vote in A SINGLE Conservative. But I guess I shouldn't be surprised, since Ralphie's been in charge here for like 20 years... The Green party finished second to Stephen Harper in our riding. I thought that was kind of funny... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weapon X Posted January 26, 2006 Share Posted January 26, 2006 ^ that's on some "wtf?!?!" shit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T.T Boy Posted January 26, 2006 Share Posted January 26, 2006 calgary isnt a major urban center, its a small town full of rednecks spread out in suburban squares. yeah i could see belinda doing it, but the campaigns against her jumping sides would kill her. people in calgary will vote conservative no matter whos on the ballot for some reason. it could read A. Hitler, conservative/nsdap and hed get an x. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RumPuncher Posted January 26, 2006 Share Posted January 26, 2006 I just read a decent profile of Belinda in Toronto Life. There's no point in even talking about her jumping back. They wouldn't have her and she wouldn't go. (remember that 'whore comment?) besides, the conservatives are going to push for another election as soon as the polls show they'd get a majority, and it's the NDP who will join up to get the votes. I like the NDP but they are going to be the 'kid brother' party for many more years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edika Posted January 28, 2006 Share Posted January 28, 2006 Originally posted by KING BLING@Jan 25 2006, 03:08 AM Could you elaborate on the scandal? Weapon X or anybody, was it a fake scandal like Clinton getting a blow job or did they really mess up? Its always dissapointing to hear about true left thinkers losing footing, butn also doing the wrong thing - but being as Canada has some of the human rights basics covered, what impact or policies do you think may come of this that could truly turn Canada's direction? Quoted post http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberal_Party...sorship_scandal heres a part of what wikipedia says The sponsorship scandal, "AdScam", or Sponsorgate, is an ongoing scandal that came as a result of a Canadian federal government "sponsorship program" (sometimes capitalized) in the province of Quebec, originally rationalized as an effort to raise Canadian patriotic sentiments to counter Quebec separatism. The program ran from 1996 to 2004, when broad corruption was discovered in its operations and the program was discontinued. Illicit and even illegal activities within the administration of the program were revealed, involving misuse and misdirection of public funds intended for government advertising in Quebec. The resulting investigations and scandal have affected the Canadian government, particularly the ruling Liberal Party of Canada and the current government of Prime Minister Paul Martin. It has been an ongoing affair for years, but rose to great national prominence in early 2004 after the program was scrutinised by the federal auditor general and later became the subject of a dedicated federal commission. It remains in the national spotlight and became a significant factor in the lead-up to the 2006 federal election where the Liberal Party of Canada was ousted from power by the Conservatives Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
villain Posted January 29, 2006 Share Posted January 29, 2006 Too bad, I was gonna jump ship to the lifeboat in Canada when the US collapses under it's debt and fossil fuel dependency. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ski Mask Posted February 6, 2006 Share Posted February 6, 2006 this is why you shouldn't vote "against" a party, you'll wind up electing some sleazy sack of shit like this. only 18% of this guys riding voted conservative, that means 82% of the voters in this guys riding voted against the conservatives, including many who voted for this guy just to keep the conservatives out, and now they get this.... Canadian Press Published: Monday, February 06, 2006 OTTAWA -- Former Liberal industry minister David Emerson has defected to the Conservatives, and will sit in the new cabinet announced Monday. The stunning move, which recalled last year's defection of Tory Belinda Stronach to the Liberals, puts the former business executive in charge of another economic portfolio, international trade. Emerson, a Vancouver MP and former head of lumber giant Canfor, will also be responsible for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, which are already running well over budget. Prime Minister Stephen Harper said he approached Emerson to help put a Vancouver representative in cabinet, after the Tories were shut out of the city in the last election. "During the last Parliament, as I sat across from the government benches, I was consistently impressed with David Emerson," Harper said shortly after the swearing in at Rideau Hall. "He is a man of great intelligence, a man with a stellar record in the private sector, who is clearly committed to public service." Pressed by reporters, Harper said the defection should not be seen from a partisan perspective. "I don't think you should view this as Conservative versus Liberal. David Emerson is quite comfortable in our party." The move, which caught political observers off guard, was ironic given the vitriol some Conservatives poured on Stronach for changing her stripes without going back to the electorate for a new mandate as a Liberal. In the recent federal election, Emerson was featured in televised Liberal election ads promoting the party in British Columbia as the best choice for voters. He was also frequently under fire from the Tories in the last Parliament over a multibillion-dollar program in the Industry Department. © Canadian Press 2006 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ASER1NE Posted February 6, 2006 Share Posted February 6, 2006 Even though most people i know are pissed off about it , with a Minority gov't there will probably be another Election in less than 18 months, so im not too worried. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ishbel Bullen Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 yeah and then its 12 more years of corruption, scandal, and nothing getting down while the crime rate goes up! killer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yum Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 Originally posted by Ishbel Bullen@Feb 14 2006, 12:14 PM yeah and then its 12 more years of corruption, scandal, and nothing getting down while the crime rate goes up! killer Quoted post and what is it exactly that you believe a conservative government would get done in the same position? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wiseguy Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 damn fucking conservatives, my plan to flee australia for the greener pastures my native canada has had a spanner thrown in the works. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.