Canadian Federal election. 2011

[jpcloet]

I've normally voted for the Liberals, however, I cannot stand Iggy, and clearly Justin T is years from being ready.

[2dimes]

I think I will either be voting Liberal or NDP this election (changing my vote from Green party.

Expand on this plox. Do you have a solid candidate in your riding for both those parties or are you so angry with Steve you're planning to reward those tools for calling an election?

I'd vote for a good enough candidate otherwise I'm doing the right thing and voting something less offensive than the big three like, nazi or whatever.

[2dimes]

Yeah, the Conservatives have become entangled in a number of scandals recently, which is quite disappointing. I mean, the Conservatives took over from the last government precisely because the Liberals were caught up in scandals;

Um, right, why can't the find an honest dude to run the show like Brian?[/sarcasm]

At any rate, this.

Seems like the Conservatives are only able to stay in power thanks to the opposition's bumbling "visiting professor" Michael Ignatieff; and what choice is there besides him? The only other options are the separatists (would split our country in an instant) or the socialists (would spend the country into oblivion in a jiffy); and a coalition of the three is only more disturbing.

Anyway, I'm still thankful the government hasn't been pushing through carbon taxes and gun control.

Though I think we're going to spend into oblivion, just a little slower via Bologna Sandwich elections.

On this day, March 25, 2011 the Conservative Party of Stephen Harper and his "Harper Government" was found to be in contempt of Parliament and lost the motion of non confidence.

Votes: yea: 156 Votes: nay: 145

Motion carried.


http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/201 ... efeat.html

Hopefully you're typing this from the Vice-Regal bedroom. We don't have a lot of time to f*ck around on the computer if we're gonna put our plan in motion. I already have my Cimarron loaded with sticks of TNT. Timminz - go ahead and spring for the priority overnight to get your Drakkar Noir to Baron. I'll approve the surcharge. THX.

Plan B - if Baron can't seal the deal with Johnstone, I have Johnny Rockets and 2dimes standing by with three Diet Mt. Dew bottles filled with bees they'll drop off the roof of the Civic Centre. That'll create enough of a commotion to allow me to get close enough to the Hill without being noticed.

What happened? I didn't get an abort signal so I dropped the bees. Thing is it's been kind of cold here so I'm pretty sure they froze. The janitor was scratching his turbin sweeping them off the front steps with his Gravely.

[Baron Von PWN]

I think I will either be voting Liberal or NDP this election (changing my vote from Green party.

Expand on this plox. Do you have a solid candidate in your riding for both those parties or are you so angry with Steve you're planning to reward those tools for calling an election?

I'd vote for a good enough candidate otherwise I'm doing the right thing and voting something less offensive than the big three like, nazi or whatever.

actually I kind-of hate my Mp (liberal) so maybe I will vote green. Anyways I largely just hate harper that much.

[2dimes]

Fair enough. Other than the shenanagins I think if the three of them are allowed so many seats it has to be spread out or it would be much worse. I hope we can get a someone to run in my riding for the seal clubbing or abortionist's party. They'd get my vote at this point.

[Timminz]

I know, like, and trust my current MP (NDP), and will vote for her again, if she runs (which I'm almost certain she will). I despise the sleazy behaviour of the conservatives lately, and dread the thought of the things they'll start to do if they get a majority.

[Baron Von PWN]

Stephen Harper today claimed coalitions are iligitemate, even undemocratic tantamount to "overturning" the results of an election.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D. Governor General Rideau Hall 1 Sussex Drive Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A1

Excellency, As leaders of the opposition parties, we are well aware that, given the Liberal minority government, you could be asked by the Prime Minister to dissolve the 38th Parliament at any time should the House of Commons fail to support some part of the government's program. We respectfully point out that the opposition parties, who together constitute a majority in the House, have been in close consultation. We believe that, should a request for dissolution arise this should give you cause, as constitutional practice has determined, to consult the opposition leaders and consider all of your options before exercising your constitutional authority.

Your attention to this matter is appreciated.

Sincerely, Hon. Stephen Harper, P.C., M.P. Leader of the Opposition Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada

Gilles Duceppe, M.P. Leader of the Bloc Quebecois

Jack Layton, M.P. Leader of the New Democratic Party

I guese by his own standards he doesen't support Canadian democracy.

[Baron Von PWN]

More on the coalition issue.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadav ... onkey.html

Also election day is set for May 2n. Mark your calendars Canadians!

[Baron Von PWN]

Harper on the coalition issue.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG-4hthe ... r_embedded

The deal with the Oda controversy and allot to do with why this government was found in contempt of parliament.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadav ... e-not.html

[Baron Von PWN]

Today in the election Harper continued to beat the dead coalition horse, apparently forgetting he himself had proposed one in 2004.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadav ... unday.html

[Baron Von PWN]

Remember those fighter jets the conservatives wanted to buy? well apparently one of their candidates lobbied for one of the companies selling them.

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/poli ... -jets?bn=1

[BigBallinStalin]

How many government elections (parliamentary or presidential) have there been in the past 7 years? [Yeah, I don't know how it works up there. =P ]

And what's the financial/economic situation in Canada?

[Baron Von PWN]

How many government elections (parliamentary or presidential) have there been in the past 7 years? [Yeah, I don't know how it works up there. =P ]

And what's the financial/economic situation in Canada?

this is the 4th in the last 7 years. For a little contemporary Canadian political history, back in 2000 ish there was a major scandal involving the then Governing Liberal party, they had been in power with a majority for 13 years or so, which ended that streak but they still got re-elected with a minority government (meaning if the opposition parties teamed up they could force an election at any time). Things continued to go poorly for them and they eventually lost confidence of the house, that election led to a conservative minority, fast forward a year or so, another election with a stronger conservative minority to the current election.

Basically we have a Westminster system, which means government is made up of representatives, we don't actually directly vote for the prime minister he is "elected" by parliament, though by convention it just goese to the leader of the largest party. It also means if government royaly fucks up its own members can vote against the party and overthrow the government (never happened in Canada but that's basically how Churchill came to power).

Economically we've been doing pretty good all things considered. We weren't very badly affected by the global recession and the economy has been seeing some growth and unemployment is at a decent level (around 7.5-8%). Which is probably why the Cons have as much support as they do.

Financially its more of a mixed bag, allot of Canadians have allot of personal debt, our Provinces have high debt loads (they are the ones who actualy provide most of Canada's governmental services though they get money from the federal gov) but our federal debt level is pretty low as a portion of GDP (34% http://www.canadianbusiness.com/managin ... 0010_10010 though probably a bit higher now) although they have been posting deficits pretty much since the conservatives took power, the last one was the largest in Canadian history.

[BigBallinStalin]

Thanks, BVP.

[TheProwler]

I've resigned myself to the fact that my vote really means nothing and there's not much point in spending time and energy learning, talking, and worrying about politics.

I'm not criticizing anyone for showing interest, it's just that, personally, I get frustrated knowing about bad situations that I am powerless to change.

[Baron Von PWN]

I've resigned myself to the fact that my vote really means nothing and there's not much point in spending time and energy learning, talking, and worrying about politics.

I'm not criticizing anyone for showing interest, it's just that, personally, I get frustrated knowing about bad situations that I am powerless to change.

That's only the case if you don't get involved. It doesn't take allot of effort to get informed check out the parties sites see which one appeals to you. You have till the 2nd to get an idea of which party best represents you. Its pretty clear reading my posts who i support, but I want you to take the time to vote and have your say on our government, which ever party you choose.

Use this vote compass, http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadav ... tecompass/, compare it with what you see on their sites.

http://www.liberal.ca/
http://www.ndp.ca/
http://greenparty.ca/
http://www.conservative.ca/

[GreecePwns]

I've resigned myself to the fact that my vote really means nothing and there's not much point in spending time and energy learning, talking, and worrying about politics.

I'm not criticizing anyone for showing interest, it's just that, personally, I get frustrated knowing about bad situations that I am powerless to change.

That's only the case if you don't get involved. It doesn't take allot of effort to get informed check out the parties sites see which one appeals to you. You have till the 2nd to get an idea of which party best represents you. Its pretty clear reading my posts who i support, but I want you to take the time to vote and have your say on our government, which ever party you choose.

Use this vote compass, http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadav ... tecompass/, compare it with what you see on their sites.

http://www.liberal.ca/
http://www.ndp.ca/
http://greenparty.ca/
http://www.conservative.ca/

I have taken this survey and found it to be very helpful to a new voter. I ended up agreeing strongly with NDP and the Greens, with Bloc only slightly behind (and that's with me putting no opinion on the Quebec questions).

[Timminz]

I've resigned myself to the fact that my vote really means nothing and there's not much point in spending time and energy learning, talking, and worrying about politics.

I'm not criticizing anyone for showing interest, it's just that, personally, I get frustrated knowing about bad situations that I am powerless to change.

The thought of an apathetic non-voter, criticizing someone for showing interest, is laughable.

[BigBallinStalin]

They should charge money for people to vote.

At least those who went to vote at least valued it at $20 (in real terms)

Anyone who wants doesn't want to pay, doesn't have to. It would be great. All those who don't really give a f*ck but will do it for free, will be excluded! Less worthless votes, here we come.

[TheProwler]

I've resigned myself to the fact that my vote really means nothing and there's not much point in spending time and energy learning, talking, and worrying about politics.

I'm not criticizing anyone for showing interest, it's just that, personally, I get frustrated knowing about bad situations that I am powerless to change.

That's only the case if you don't get involved. It doesn't take allot of effort to get informed check out the parties sites see which one appeals to you. You have till the 2nd to get an idea of which party best represents you. Its pretty clear reading my posts who i support, but I want you to take the time to vote and have your say on our government, which ever party you choose.

Use this vote compass, http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadav ... tecompass/, compare it with what you see on their sites.

http://www.liberal.ca/
http://www.ndp.ca/
http://greenparty.ca/
http://www.conservative.ca/

It seems that the only people that get involved and actually make a difference are the politicians themselves. The vast majority of the people who "get involved" and educate themselves and get passionate about the issues and spend a lot of time and energy "doing what they can" actually make a very insignificant difference. I think that seeing a bunch of lawn signs for a particular party influences most voters more than any of the important issues.

It's influencing people and getting votes. Most people do not have enough understanding of the issues to really cast a `valid`vote, so they vote for who they like the most. As they say, it`s politics.

Heck, I`m not even mentioning the inherent problems with the system as a whole. What if I agree with the Liberals on some issues and I agree with the PC`s on other issues? If my vote is my voice, how can my voice actually be heard?

...I'm not criticizing anyone...

The thought of an apathetic non-voter, criticizing someone for showing interest, is laughable.

Yeah, so is a duck walking down the street in a tuxedo smoking a cigar and squawking "Who wants to tickle my feathers?", but that`s not really relevant to what`s being said.

They should charge money for people to vote.

At least those who went to vote at least valued it at $20 (in real terms)

Anyone who wants doesn't want to pay, doesn't have to. It would be great. All those who don't really give a f*ck but will do it for free, will be excluded! Less worthless votes, here we come.

I`m not sure if you are being facetious, but the idea of getting rid of worthless votes is a good one, in my opinion.

But obviously a vote for the wrong reasons is still a bad vote whether it was paid for or not.

I`ve said for a while now that a voter should have to qualify themselves by completing and passing a small quiz that demonstrates their understanding of the parties and of the issues. If I vote for Jack Layton because I think "he looks macho, and Harper looks like a tool", should my vote really count?

[BigBallinStalin]

They should charge money for people to vote.

At least those who went to vote at least valued it at $20 (in real terms)

Anyone who wants doesn't want to pay, doesn't have to. It would be great. All those who don't really give a f*ck but will do it for free, will be excluded! Less worthless votes, here we come.

I`m not sure if you are being facetious, but the idea of getting rid of worthless votes is a good one, in my opinion.

But obviously a vote for the wrong reasons is still a bad vote whether it was paid for or not.

I`ve said for a while now that a voter should have to qualify themselves by completing and passing a small quiz that demonstrates their understanding of the parties and of the issues. If I vote for Jack Layton because I think "he looks macho, and Harper looks like a tool", should my vote really count?

I was mostly being facetious, but having a lump-sum tax on voting would be very interesting, and I'm not opposed to handing out a small quiz to determine one's ability to think. What this would do is filter out those who are easily susceptible to the marketing campaigns of the two dominant political parties, and those who don't value voting (because they only do it because it's free).

And it would be great to have an election process which filtered out those who can't even tell a logical argument from an illogical one (But how? Not sure).

The main problem is that the election process primarily endows legitimacy, and not that much afterwards. The ruling political power with whichever corporations are wielding whichever influences will still be making the shots. No citizens vote on whether or not we should go to war, so the federal government doesn't have to be that responsiveness to the actual needs and wants of its citizens.

[Timminz]

...I'm not criticizing anyone...

The thought of an apathetic non-voter, criticizing someone for showing interest, is laughable.

Yeah, so is a duck walking down the street in a tuxedo smoking a cigar and squawking "Who wants to tickle my feathers?", but that`s not really relevant to what`s being said.

Right. The fact that you felt the need to mention that you were not criticizing anyone, is a somewhat ridiculous statement because of what I mentioned above.

Slightly akin to saying, "Now, I'm not criticizing anyone for choosing to eat healthily, but I only eat poutine with foie gras." Of course you're not going to criticize anyone! That would be retarded, and backwards.

[Baron Von PWN]

I've resigned myself to the fact that my vote really means nothing and there's not much point in spending time and energy learning, talking, and worrying about politics.

I'm not criticizing anyone for showing interest, it's just that, personally, I get frustrated knowing about bad situations that I am powerless to change.

That's only the case if you don't get involved. It doesn't take allot of effort to get informed check out the parties sites see which one appeals to you. You have till the 2nd to get an idea of which party best represents you. Its pretty clear reading my posts who i support, but I want you to take the time to vote and have your say on our government, which ever party you choose.

Use this vote compass, http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadav ... tecompass/, compare it with what you see on their sites.

http://www.liberal.ca/
http://www.ndp.ca/
http://greenparty.ca/
http://www.conservative.ca/

It seems that the only people that get involved and actually make a difference are the politicians themselves. The vast majority of the people who "get involved" and educate themselves and get passionate about the issues and spend a lot of time and energy "doing what they can" actually make a very insignificant difference. I think that seeing a bunch of lawn signs for a particular party influences most voters more than any of the important issues.

It's influencing people and getting votes. Most people do not have enough understanding of the issues to really cast a `valid`vote, so they vote for who they like the most. As they say, it`s politics.

Heck, I`m not even mentioning the inherent problems with the system as a whole. What if I agree with the Liberals on some issues and I agree with the PC`s on other issues? If my vote is my voice, how can my voice actually be heard?

Well that's kind of the point you vote for the person that best represents your views, they then make the difference. If you don't vote for whoever represents your interest your interests wont be represented. Not good enough?
bitch out your mp, you can send them letters for free, email them, call them. If that's not good enough?
consider joining a party and getting involved with the riding association, influence what they're looking for in a candidate, still not good enough?
Run as a candidate, start group of like minded people to lobby politicians(say what you will about them the Tea party are a good example of this)

If you feel strongly enough about an issue you can get involved in allot of different ways to different degrees. Not doing anything at all is a good way to ensure you aren't heard. If you really don't care, fine don't vote, that's your call, but don't say there's no way your voice can be heard that's just not true.

[Baron Von PWN]

If anyone else understands french, this is a really great speech by Giles Ducepe, on Harper's hypocrisy over the coalition issue.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZ1W48em8AE

Here are some highlights a poster on reddit put together.

Highlights of his speech for anglophones:

-When he says "On a écrit to her excellency Adrienne Clarkson(...)", it's hard to pick up for someone who is not a native Québécois francophone but adressing someone, in French, with an English official qualitative term is usually derogatory. So he was probably poking fun at the monarchic system, which most Québec sovereignists are against.

-He says that "We're not Belgium, we need a government".

-When he calls Layton (sarcastically) a dangerous socialist.

-When he calls himself an evil/malevolent seperatist.

-He comments the 3% support for the Bloc in B.C. without running any candidates saying that he is "on the verge of opening franchises".

-He also says how it's funny that support for the coalition brought the three provincial parties of the National Assembly togheter and even made Pierre Karl Péladeau (jr, the current owner of Québécor) and Claudette Charbonneau (Important union leader) agree.

[BigBallinStalin]

I've resigned myself to the fact that my vote really means nothing and there's not much point in spending time and energy learning, talking, and worrying about politics.

I'm not criticizing anyone for showing interest, it's just that, personally, I get frustrated knowing about bad situations that I am powerless to change.

That's only the case if you don't get involved. It doesn't take allot of effort to get informed check out the parties sites see which one appeals to you. You have till the 2nd to get an idea of which party best represents you. Its pretty clear reading my posts who i support, but I want you to take the time to vote and have your say on our government, which ever party you choose.

Use this vote compass, http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadav ... tecompass/, compare it with what you see on their sites.

http://www.liberal.ca/
http://www.ndp.ca/
http://greenparty.ca/
http://www.conservative.ca/

It seems that the only people that get involved and actually make a difference are the politicians themselves. The vast majority of the people who "get involved" and educate themselves and get passionate about the issues and spend a lot of time and energy "doing what they can" actually make a very insignificant difference. I think that seeing a bunch of lawn signs for a particular party influences most voters more than any of the important issues.

It's influencing people and getting votes. Most people do not have enough understanding of the issues to really cast a `valid`vote, so they vote for who they like the most. As they say, it`s politics.

Heck, I`m not even mentioning the inherent problems with the system as a whole. What if I agree with the Liberals on some issues and I agree with the PC`s on other issues? If my vote is my voice, how can my voice actually be heard?

Well that's kind of the point you vote for the person that best represents your views, they then make the difference. If you don't vote for whoever represents your interest your interests wont be represented. Not good enough?
bitch out your mp, you can send them letters for free, email them, call them. If that's not good enough?
consider joining a party and getting involved with the riding association, influence what they're looking for in a candidate, still not good enough?
Run as a candidate, start group of like minded people to lobby politicians(say what you will about them the Tea party are a good example of this)

If you feel strongly enough about an issue you can get involved in allot of different ways to different degrees. Not doing anything at all is a good way to ensure you aren't heard. If you really don't care, fine don't vote, that's your call, but don't say there's no way your voice can be heard that's just not true.

I agree with most of what you said, but as far as voting goes, it's not so much that your interests will be represented. It's mainly for attributing legitimacy to the current government (at least that is its primary function in the US). Those who we elect don't need to be as responsive to our wants as much as we expect them to be. Election are a way of guaranteeing that the government doesn't become tyrannical.

It's just a problem inherent with democracy and elections.