Harper ahead but slides as Best PM; Leaders slide in wake of negativity (Nanos Poll Completed May 3rd 2010)

Seems to confirm that the trend is a small majority for the Conservatives, a leadership convention for the Liberals and, hold your breath, do I see possible opposition status for the NDP ????? "What is the alternative?" is still a mighty big consideration.

I am beginning to imagine that Ignatieff is working on Harper's re-election team----he is certainly good for improving Harper's prospects.

The "undecideds" seem to say there are a a lot of cynics out there who are "not amused" with the antics in the House.

[updated Mon May 10 04:14:07 -0400 2010]

The numbers for all of the leaders is no roaring hell and they need to do something to up their game.

However, the trends are consistent. Harper of decided voters is hands down their choice while Layton is a distant second.

The news for Iffy is not so good and this continues the trend in all the leadership polls that Nanos has done. Canadians by and large do not have confidence in his leadership qualities. There is no way for the Libs and their supporters to spin it otherwise.

Now the Libs will talk about the undecideds but I suspect many are not undecided but kept their choice to themselves.

Canadians are watching the shenaningans in the House and are rightfully dismayed. They see Harper on the world stage acting prime ministerial and statesman like staying above the fray as much as possible. Then we have the angry Iffy standing up in the House in his oh so arrogant fashion talking about so called sleaze and scandal and of course the never ending detainee torture question. Canadians simply just roll their eyes and say...whatever.

[updated Mon May 10 11:24:37 -0400 2010]

Poor Stephen -- No One In Sight To Come On Down To His Sandbox!!!!

Come on Prime Minister. Stand next to the mirror and take a long, hard, good look...see that blanching -- it's a direct result of learning about the Cameron-Clegg coalition. But at least it isn't all bad. You're finally rid of "You Know Who".

Looking at the polls, you must be wondering how you're ever going to jump the gun (or if the truth be told, are we really talking SHARK here?) to reach that ever illusive Conservative majority.

That brings us back to the lack of fellow potential occupants for the Harper sandbox...Michael is definitely out. He'd rather send this Prime Minister visiting! Gilles has the separatist scarlet letter tattooed on his forehead. That lets him off the hook. Or at least, that's how Duceppe would likely see it.

That brings us by default to Jack and the happy-go-lucky Social Democrats. They do have one thing in common with this Prime Minister -- they are rather good at extracting but for a price, one that this government is not likely to pay.

But at least Cameron-Clegg has shown the way. Think of it for a moment: this Prime Minister can review the long moribund position of deputy prime minister. You know the one -- the spot destined for black floodlights off center stage...but at least we now have a pretty good idea who is likely to fill that role: it is not for us to know his or her name but we can hazard a guess as to party affiliation. Think Christian Heritage Party. The only game in town. Sounds like one hell of a coalition. Oops, I mean majority government!

[updated Tue May 11 22:49:19 -0400 2010]

What a sad commentary on our politics. Across this great land we can't find individuals who we can have greater respect for, who we can have greater trust to run our public affairs. I believe the system has a great deal to do with that but sad when individuals cannot raise above the system. No one has that quality of character to rise above all the negatives endemic in the system.
My response to such a poll is as follows. Harper is the least trustworthy, second worst Ignatieff followed by Layton. I find Duceppe most trustworthy. I don't know May well enough to make a judgement.
Re competency. I would say almost the same. except a lower point for Ignatieff for the fact that I think that any leader of a high brand party should be much more successful.
Also I feel that May maybe relatively competent.
I have no opinions about vision. I would like vision defined. Did Hitler have a vision?
Most people say "Who cares?. None of them deserve my giving much thought to either of them. They are only in it for themselves." That's just plain sad.

[updated Wed May 12 17:54:49 -0400 2010]

We just received a lesson in "the art of the impossible" from the Brits, a lesson on how a parliamentary based system is supposed to work, that is, democratically. The government is formed from the majority of MP's, regardless of Party.
I guess we are too young a nation to get it right yet. Longer living parliaments are more competent and mature.
From a smaller party they chose a Deputy PM, and 5 heads of big departments. Now they can get on with the chore of governing. I don't know what their policies will be or how long it will last, but even several months is far better than the continued months and years of squabbling and discord we have here.
We are stuck with the leader of the largest party, lying, deceitful, vindictive , vengeful controller, who has no intention of doing what's best for Canadians. Too insecure to spell out his exact agenda, too arrogant to admit anybody else could be right, too disrustful of the people to level with them.
The leaders of the smaller parties placing self or party above the interests of the people and can't see why they do not receive more support from the people.
Democracy occurs when the majority of PMs (representing the majority of voters) decide how governance is to take place. The Brits got it, we don't. Until we learn we will be floundering around like flounder on the beach.

[updated Thu May 13 07:12:41 -0400 2010]

I just came across, this little jem while reading a piece by Campbell Clark, Ottawa — From Thursday's Globe and Mail

....

Britain’s similar, but not the same. They have no written constitution, and Parliament can limit the Crown’s powers. Its coalition can pass a fixed-term law.

....

[updated Thu May 13 07:30:40 -0400 2010]

Since I wrote that post about how we could learn from the Brits about democracy I've noticed that at least three conservative journalists writing in conservative media have taken my lead and agreed with me. It's encouraging to know that even conservatives can drop their partisanship and think logically when they do so.

BTW We had a victory for democracy yesterday when our selected representatives got their heads together and agreed on a way forward. Of course, it would never have come to this if they had acted in the best interest of Canadians much earlier.

[updated Sat May 15 07:46:08 -0400 2010]

Conservatives: Quick, Grab Those Shovels And Get The Old Backfilling Going!

I have to tip my hat to 49 Steps. What has been posted over at ThreeHundredEight.com is pure gold as far as I'm concerned. It's so on target that I've taken the liberty of posting it here:

"I believe we are running a Hugh Harper deficit this year are we not?

It is comforting to know that in a time of great financial restraint in the country, the Conservative government we find almost $900,000
to give to two groups to translate bibles.

Chakam school of the Bible received $357,146.

Wycliffe Bible translators received $495,600.

Also Dean Del Mastro, says he wants a renewed debate in the nation about abortion.

He of course is seconded by another good moral conservative Rod Bruinooge.

And another good moral Conservative, Southern Ontario MP, Jeff Watson, who had this to say at the pro life rally:

"I think we can all declare together an end to the old debate about abortion and the dawn of a new day in Canada where abortion will be unthinkable. I think we can all say Amen to that"

Of course Bruinooge, Watson, and Del Mastro will never have to worry about an unwanted pregnancy.

And the Conservative wonder why people accuse them of having a hidden agenda.

The conservatives wonder why people do not trust them on social issues?

It is pretty darn easy to figure out, that is for sure."

14 May, 2010 16:15

[updated Sat May 15 13:18:13 -0400 2010]

The Yes and No Prime Minister!

Got to give it to this Prime Minister. He has taken his pretzel making to new heights what with his recent flexibility on Helena Guergis.

First, the boogey-man warned Harper that Guergis was allegedly seriously Bad News. Out came the scalpel with surgical precision. Out of cabinet and caucus quicker than you can say Conservative Majority!

Now, the wind is turning: it was allegedly just a misunderstanding. We weren't exactly that keen on Rahim and we sort of got carried away. Huh, excuse me?

Forget an RCMP investigation concerning Helena's conduct...we never really wanted to replace her as candidate in Simcoe-Grey. Let her come on down and sit in caucus once again as soon as the clouds clear.

Some people on here believe that I lack in judgment. Might I suggest that if I do, I seem to have rather prominent company...

[updated Sat May 15 13:29:22 -0400 2010]

So Much For Another Conservative "Brilliant" Idea...

Rethink, Prime Minister. Or prepare to get burned on yet another issue:

"Half want Jean back as GG: poll

By CANADIAN PRESS

OTTAWA — A new poll shows Canadians still like having Michaelle Jean as their defacto head of state.

The Canadian Press-Harris Decima poll finds 58 per cent of Canadians say they believe Jean has done a good or excellent job as Governor General.

And almost half of Canadians say Prime Minister Stephen Harper should re-appoint her to another five-year term.

Only five per cent say the Haitian-born vice regal has performed poorly.

The survey of 1,000 people was conducted between May 6 and 9 and is considered accurate plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. 12:49ET 15-05-10"

[updated Sat May 15 13:54:10 -0400 2010]

Playing The Public For Saps.

Well, congratulations to all MPs other than the Bloc who continue to steadfastly resist the overtures of Auditor General Sheila Fraser to audit their expenses.

Strikes yours truly as brain-dead and hypocritical thinking not to allow Fraser to do her work. Don't these people have any recall? Doesn't the English moat serve as a flashing warning light?

Rex Murphy got it right. Now it's up to us suckers to raise Hell until the truly disingenuous finally come to their alleged senses.

[updated Sat May 15 19:04:39 -0400 2010]

I do not know about you guys, but I think it is a cop out by the PM about MP's, he has the power but he will not use it that is the real truth. I have sent a e-mail via their form on-line at the RCMP website requesting that the Auditor General be given a police escort to enter the House of Commons (Suggest you do the same) , The Senate, Parliament to do her job under the Auditor General Act, that is if you know how to read the Act, it is even clear for the stupid. Leadership Index Score means nothing unless they do something about the Auditor General situation, , Canadians do not have short memories like in the past. Also that their Tasers be highly charged, If they (MPs Senators, Parliamentary workers) try to interfere they are to charged with Treason against Canada and Canadians.

[updated Fri May 21 15:42:08 -0400 2010]

The Liberals once again find themselves on the wrong side of the issues that are of a concern for Canadians as has been shown with their recent Ekos inspired "cultural" attacks on the Conservatives "tough on crime bills".

...

http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2010/05/21/14040806.html

Leger Margeting survey for QMI Agency, May 17-20.

...

Most support tougher penalties for youth criminals: poll

OTTAWA - Most Canadians are hard-nosed when it comes to punishing youth criminals, supporting tougher adult sentences for minors convicted of serious crimes, an exclusive poll for QMI Agency finds.

...

1) The Leger Margeting survey, which asked Canadians: "To what extent do you agree with tougher sentences for youth convicts?" reveals 82% agree somewhat or completely. Only 15% say they somewhat or completely disagree with toughening up penalties for minors.

2) Scholz said the poll suggests the public is behind the planned overhaul.

3) "I think this shows they have support for their proposition," he said. "They have support in their strongest base in the western region, but it also says you're not going to upset a lot of people in any province to any great degree."

...

The Conservative government has tabled amendments to the Youth Criminal Justice Act, proposing several changes that include streamlining rules for pre-trial detention and requiring the Crown to consider seeking an adult sentence for youth aged 14 to 17 convicted of murder, attempted murder, manslaughter and aggravated assault.

[updated Sat May 22 10:59:49 -0400 2010]

Why Am I Smiling?

A few days, I was asked to take a preliminary look at the latest EKOS numbers -- you remember EKOS, the supposedly biased polling firm with the allegedly partial president. Well, I never put any stock in all of that -- it was a manifestation of pure, unadulterated, raw politics of the most intimidating kind. I think the CBC ombudsman speaks for most of us. Or at least, I hope that's the case.

But back to the poll: like our fair internet Queen, Kady O'Malley, I like to keep a close watch on the Direction of government numbers. What strikes me most is the trend, with considerable fluctuations, which reveals that this government hasn't been leading in the right direction since last March.

How does one come to reconcile that with the national numbers which show the Conservatives with an increased advance of roughly ten points over the Liberals?
My overall impression is two-fold -- that there is deep dissatisfaction regarding the Harper government's overall performance coupled with a strong default instinct, namely, that this Prime Minister might as well be left in charge of the shop for a perceived lack of a solid alternative.

Just call it a severe case of political cognitive dissonance! We Liberals have some serious tapping to do if we are to recover some momentum. Policy is finally moving along (not as fast as I would like but at least we're heading in the right direction!), finances are OK and organization is coming together.

Finally, to answer my own question -- I'm smiling because I know that a meeting with destiny awaits all the parties come the fall. Shatner had space as his final frontier. Things will finally come to a head and we'll get to mix it up, the good old-fashioned way.

I crave that more than a good steak...receptivity is only an election away. Michael will put it all out there and reveal his vision and direction for the country. Are Canadians willing to be sold on the upcoming Liberal vision? I think they will take a long, hard and fair look at what we'll be proposing. What remains is to identify the voters' change-agent. Michael can be that person. Ours is to weave the tapestry together. Something tells me we have a good chance of it eventually hanging on the wall.

[updated Sat May 22 11:16:52 -0400 2010]

From Bob and Weave On Abortion To Cut And Run On MP Expenses Auditing.

You have to hand it to this Prime Minister. The man knows where to find some shade as the heat rises, what with Canadians continue to voice their indignation that MP expenses will not be audited by Sheila Fraser, as was done at least once in the past.

Harper's bush and storyline is known as the House of Commons' Board of Internal Economy which consists of the Speaker and representatives from each of the parties. Nice punt, no call. So much for the incentive of government leadership on this issue!

As for Jack -- he seems still stuck in cop-out mode but at least Michael is willing to face the music and has picked up the scent on the wind. He's open to hearing Fraser's arguments. Take a hint Michael, be MORE than open. Like cough syrup, it may taste rather bitter going down but it sure will be good for what ails you.

[updated Sat May 22 12:07:32 -0400 2010]

Pourquoi et comment?

Le fruit n'est pas mûr. Voilà la réponse qui vient du gouvernement fédéral ainsi que des autres provinces et territoires. Je pense beacoup à Jeanne Sauvé et oui, même au dernier discours de Jean Marchand, ces jours-ci...

Comment peux t-on continuer sur cette lancée d'inaction quant à une constitution qui n'est pas formellement appuyée, ni par le Gouvernement du Québec, ni pas la majorité de la nation québécoise?

Est-ce normale qu'une des deux composantes du pays ne soit pas formellement intégrée à la fédération canadienne?

En dépit de la paix constitutionnelle, sa demeure une injustice flagrante que l'on doit réctifier, tôt ou tard.

En anglais on dit ''Might makes right''. Mais je regrette, pas dans le cas présent.

Pour vaincre le Bloc Québécois et le Parti Québécois il faut agir. Ce n'est pas avec un silence quasi-perpétuel que nous allons enraciner la place des Québécois au sein du Canada.

Sa prend un vrai chef avec du courage. Malheureusement, sur cette question je cherche encore. On attend toujours depuis 1982...

[updated Sun May 23 00:52:43 -0400 2010]

Those Poor Lost Souls Up In Ottawa.

Isn't it bad enough that our representatives on the Hill seem to have lost their way on the issue of accountability and transparency? But at least, things are in the works towards helping them to see the light. In the words of Matthew 7:7-8 - Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Listen attentively to the advice provided by the Scriptures and then follow it in the Ethics Committee. Yes, inquiring minds want to know exactly how the Sparrow flew and are seeking true enlightenment, whether it cometh in the form of a ministerial declaration or from a political exempt staffer. On the face of it, it strikes yours truly as a perfectly reasonable request.

Not something that this government should be seriously concerned about. Flows rather nicely from the guiding principle to leave no stone unturned. This is not a matter for executive stonewalling or deliberate obstruction.

For the life of me, I just can't see this Prime Minister acting this stupidly (to rehash an infamous Obama phrase) which would be nothing short of a gift to the opposition -- one more front on which to endlessly hammer the Harper government.

But please don't let things get out of hand: we don't want subpoenas soaring alongside birds taking flight. Like detainee documents before it, this is a fight our PM can't win. By all means, take an early hint and reach some form of agreement in committee now.

Save us a lot of time and heartache. You can bend a little now or take the swan dive later. That's the nice thing about being prime minister -- always plenty of attractive options on the table! Otherwise, it's bound to turn into a dog's breakfast, tentatively set for next Tuesday...

[updated Sun May 23 13:31:35 -0400 2010]

Starting To Get Royally Pissed Off...

I don't know about you -- but if you caught Bob Fife's piece on Canada Am this morning, you are probably like me: none too happy with the way negotiations are likely to go between the Board of Internal Economy and the Auditor General's office.

I'm so pissed, I could eat nails. Who the hell thinks they have the right to even attempt at circumscribing Sheila Fraser's powers of audit and inquiry. Please, collectively, if absolutely necessary -- give your heads a shake or take a GD vacation.

This is beyond ridiculous. Wake up folks before a pox descends on all federalist houses...what are we trying to do? Reinforce and strengthen the Bloc in Quebec?

[updated Tue May 25 11:44:35 -0400 2010]

Hi!

You remember me. I'm the guy who has been pushing for the defeat of this government since last May. I realize now that I should really be in a rubber room. What possessed me, I wonder?

After all, the Harper government wouldn't dream of trying to tell the House of Commons how to do its job. Why don't we just save precious time and have Conservative MPs on committees choose and vet witnesses -- God knows Conservatives know best.

Didn't the opposition parties get the memo??? What the hey, why don't we go whole hog and let government MPs decide on subpoenas as well!

You all know what we really need: one party government without opposition parties. Four square for a coalition of the willing, a coalition of one!

Again, let this government stay in office forever, or until they no longer enjoy it, WHICHEVER comes first.

Canadians wanted the government they deserve. Lucky them. Now they've finally got it!

[updated Tue May 25 20:24:36 -0400 2010]

Memo To Kevin O'Leary.

When it comes to high finance and investing, a lot of us take a backseat to Kevin O'Leary. Now, Kevin claims (or at least he did on last night's show) that he's great at predicting party leaders.

He's says that Tony Clement is probably the next leader of the Conservative Party. Don't get me wrong, -- I like Tony but last time he ran he came in...third. Met him once and he was impressive. Strikes me as brilliant but not as the next CPC leader.

[updated Wed May 26 16:27:06 -0400 2010]

We May Not Have Problems In The Gulf Of Mexico...

But it isn't all peaches and cream here either...as a for instance: just wait until Hurricane Helena finally hits.

Things are brewing rather intensely as we speak. Trust me, it won't be pretty after the singeing completely sets in.

[updated Thu May 27 11:39:02 -0400 2010]

National Securities Regulator: Harper Will Win Hands-Down.

As discussed here previously, the matter has been referred to the Supreme Court of Canada.

My prediction: a big win for this Prime Minister with the court basing its eventual decision on federal powers used to manage the economic union of the nation.

Where it will really get interesting is whether the provinces' jurisdiction over Property and Civil Rights will be enough to convince the justices not to comment on the hypothetical nature of a "mandatory" commission rather than the opt-in version presently being pushed by the Harper government.

[updated Thu May 27 11:57:01 -0400 2010]

Why Jack, What Are You Guys Thinking?

Are you sure we're talking the New Democrats here!? I thought you were among the parties that had heard Canadians' "message" and planned to make Parliament "work". Come on Jack, you give up too easily -- it's only been almost five years...this Prime Minister is bound to follow the voters' instructions, EVENTUALLY!

As reported by the Canadian Press:

TORONTO - New Democrat Leader Jack Layton taunted his Liberal counterpart Michael Ignatieff Saturday to vote against the Conservative government's "Trojan horse" budget legislation.
Layton argued there was "no way" Prime Minister Stephen Harper would allow his government to fall ahead of next month's G8 and G20 summits, and so would be forced to negotiate with a united opposition.
"The opposition has the opportunity to do some tough bargaining with Mr. Harper right now," Layton told The Canadian Press.
"But for that to happen, Mr. Ignatieff has got to be a real Opposition leader."
Layton said the 880-page Bill C-9 contains several provisions his party cannot accept.
Among those measures are ones Layton said would gut environmental-assessment rules — especially relevant in light of the big Gulf of Mexico oil spill. There are also provisions that would allow for the sale of Atomic Energy Canada Ltd., and privatize parts of Canada Post.
The NDP leader said Harper should strip the items from the bill and allow separate debate on them.
"Take those particularly obnoxious things that have nothing to do with the budget out of the budget now," Layton said.
An NDP amendment to be debated in the Commons this coming week would remove them from the larger bill.
Finance Minister Jim Flaherty said this past week that it's been common for budget-implementation bills to contain various measures but Layton said that didn't make it right.
Ignatieff has indicated he won't oppose the legislation to implement the Conservative budget, making it impossible for the New Democrats to block its passage without Liberal help.
Layton accused the Liberal leader of lacking "back-bone" in light of fears that defeating the bill would bring down Harper's minority Conservative government and trigger an election Canadians don't want.

-----------------------

We Liberals are much more patient. Remember, it's a virtue, which may or may not run out in the fall. Stay tuned for further developments!

[updated Sat May 29 15:47:29 -0400 2010]

Report proves what kind of people we have in Politics - Mulroney - Next up the Jean Chretien Inquiry. When will people in the East learn how to select a Leader, so far we have had 2 crooks in 20 years. The only good Liberal and NDP are the ones that are not elected, to busy wasting money on stupid expenses. If your to far away to vote, vote electronically. If you have children do not run.

[updated Mon May 31 22:17:29 -0400 2010]

Mulroney must paid 2.1 million back, instantly, Liberals are correct! Next up the Jean Chretien Inquiry!

[updated Wed Jun 02 14:21:23 -0400 2010]

If we are going to spend a billion for G20 Summitt we may as well spend a Billion on the Jean Chretien Inquiry

[updated Wed Jun 02 14:23:19 -0400 2010]

There Goes The Bulldozer, Again...

God, it's displays like that -- seen in the Government Operations Committee today by Transport Minister John Baird that only reconfirm the wisdom of my decision to leave the Conservative Party of Canada, even if my sorry ass has to spend the next "millennium" in the political wilderness. Geez, it's one thing to hold your own with opposition committee members but to even go after the Chair???

Seesh. What the hell is Baird's problem? Darned, if I know. But as usual, the Baird Act produced "results": the committee caved. Score another round for another session of classic intimidation...

Remember, it's okey-dokey to send our young people to die in far away lands but please, please, don't even think about questioning Conservative ministerial exempt staff -- that is unless you are prepared to negotiate an endless series of "baby" carriages!

Stay tuned. More pure hokum ahead in the coming days.

[updated Wed Jun 02 21:03:46 -0400 2010]

Why Liberals should not be allowed to play with sharp Knives.

....

http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2010/06/03/liberals-fuel-tories-half-baked-political-theatre/

By John Ivison June 3, 2010 – 8:19 pm

....

10) Mr. Ignatieff now has to decide whether to direct his caucus to support the bill that has now been amended to include the Liberal suggestions, or hang his immigration critic out to dry.

9) If the Liberals do undermine their own amendments, the refugee reform bill will likely die at third reading.

1) Mr. Bevilacqua suggested a number of amendments to the bill to address Liberal concerns, particularly over the designation of “safe” countries that would have a truncated appeals process, on the basis that those claims would likely be less legitimate.

2) The Liberal MP suggested a system that would remove ministerial discretion over safe country designation, in favour of one where an advisory panel of experts had the final say. Mr. Kenney accepted this and other amendments, saying he didn’t mind if the opposition claimed victory, as long as the bill was passed.

3) The Liberals now seem to be having second thoughts and are considering fresh amendments that would likely be unacceptable to the Conservatives.

4) Senior Liberals say Mr. Kenney blew things apart by claiming there was a deal when there was no deal, only discussions.

5) But the real reason is there was a backlash in Liberal caucus, led by committee members Denis Coderre and Jim Karygiannis, against amendments that had Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff’s blessing.

6) There are some very strong views about this and we want to get it right.

7) We have been working with all parties to make some reasonable and needed changes to this bill.

8) As with anything in Parliament, it’s premature to celebrate anything till the votes are counted,” said one senior advisor.

[updated Fri Jun 04 08:33:09 -0400 2010]

Afghanistan: No Way José.

Some may want an "intense discussion" on our future role, if any, in Afghanistan. The combat mission ends in July 2011 with total military withdrawal coming five months later.

I prefer "discussion over". I want our troops home. Leave training to police, Canadian or otherwise. As for the Afghan Army, they've been in "training" for years with, to put it charitably, "mixed" results. Not a task that we should be willingly taking on.

The only Canadian Forces most Canadians are in a mood to see in Afghanistan are those who happen to be part of the robust contingent guarding our embassy in Kabul.

Period, paragraph, exclamation point.

[updated Sat Jun 05 09:16:36 -0400 2010]

Detaching Ten MPs From Their Province?

Liberals, Bloquistes and NDPers in Quebec will be keenly watching to see if the hammer comes down on Conservative Senator Pierre Claude Nolin, who came out publicly against Bill S-8 on senate reform which calls on provinces to elect Senate nominees.

Will Nolin be the "next" Guergis? We'll see. But no one can question Nolin's conviction -- not to mention his political courage.

Yours truly is torn on Senate election: on the one hand, election must be favoured in principle. Democratic representation is the hallmark and cornerstone of our society. But like Nolin, I don't like the idea of a mirrored House of Commons coming into existence. FPTP is a seriously flawed electoral system. We may not yet be ready as a country to rid ourselves of it for Commons elections but to my mind, if we are to eventually have a SENATE electoral process, it should be based on either proportional representation -- or a limited form thereof.

Put another way, two well established electoral wrongs won't make one electoral right. Time for this Prime Minister to get back to his homework and address process reform as it relates to direct election of Senators, before expecting to get a relatively easy ride for S-8 through the Red Chamber.

[updated Sat Jun 05 09:46:46 -0400 2010]

And yet another Liberal Coalition, Ekos, Media and CBC talking point takes a deep, dive in to the pool.

...

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/in-europe-all-quiet-on-the-abortion-front/article1592992/

Friday, June 4, 2010 6:26 PM, In Europe, all quiet on the abortion front, Jane Taber

...

2) Silence on the issue of abortion.

5) “We fully support the proposals made by the Canadian government,” said Mr. Fillon during a press conference after their meeting in Paris on Friday.

1) Stephen Harper may have failed to persuade his British and French counterparts to abandon their push for a global bank levy, but he did get something out of his quick dash over to Europe.

3) In two days of meetings, in two separate capitals with world leaders, Mr. Harper managed to secure the public endorsement of British Prime Minister David Cameron and French Prime Minister François Fillon for his controversial G8 maternal health initiative, which does not include funds for safe access to abortion.

4) Unprompted (but certainly pointed out privately to reporters by a Harper aide) both leaders clearly endorsed Mr. Harper’s focus on his government’s plan to improve the health of women and children in the developing world.

[updated Sat Jun 05 22:08:03 -0400 2010]

From Reflecting Blues To Reflecting Pool...

Our tax dollars at work: wasn't it bad enough to discover that the security cost associated with the upcoming G20 Meeting in Toronto would come in at a whopping 930 million dollars???

Not to be outdone, we're learning now about a cool 1.9 million that will be going for a fake Muskoka reflecting pool! Talk about bringing the cottage home to you. In addition, classic Muskoka country scenes will be flashing across the Jumbotron screen.

Like most of you, I'm familiar with the three strikes and you're out rule. So here's an idea: with this government already on a "roll", how's about running that other Muskoka treasure (the Tony Clement ad) across the bottom of the rolling water. Might turn out a bit distorted but then that would be perfect. It would match Tony's video appearance!

[updated Mon Jun 07 21:06:01 -0400 2010]

The CBC, Ekos and the Liberals - it is geting harder with each passing week to separate the three.

...

How does the broadcast of this interview reflect the worst in journalism, you ask?

Buried within Colin Freeze and Ian Bailey’s fine report of the interview fallout in Thursday’s Globe and Mail, we read: “The timing of the CBC interview was not Mr. Fadden’s choice.

This spring, CBC approached him to repeat remarks he had made at a private, but videotaped, speech at the Royal Canadian Military Institute.

The public broadcaster kept the interview in its back pocket until it broadcast the exclusive this week.”

In other words, CBC sat on the explosive interview for weeks, if not months.

And it chose to make the interview public on the eve of a state visit to Canada by China’s President Hu, and on the eve of a summit to be attended both by him and by the Prime Minister of India.

Shame on the people who made that judgment. Heads should roll all right – heads at the CBC.

...

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/spector-vision/heads-should-roll-after-the-fadden-interview-cbc-heads/article1615668/

Thursday, June 24, 2010 3:16 AM, Heads should roll after the Fadden interview – CBC heads, Norman Spector

[updated Thu Jun 24 11:26:17 -0400 2010]