Vega

I was and am no fan of Stephen Harper, but I definitely appreciate the struggles he has had in public speaking and how far he has come, as another person said in this thread. It has always been patently obvious that Harper was never at his best in public, which is rather unfortunate because that's what his job entails. I'm truly surprised/shocked he got as far as he did in politics. The only way that him and Trump are similar is their hair, and it's varying authenticity. We have the inverse of him as Prime Minister now, in literally every possible way. I'd be hard pressed to pick a former Prime Minister and his successor who were so incredibly different. Anyway, I'm supporting Chong 100% and hope that he wins, even though I doubt he will. The next leader would be wise to put him close to them in the Shadow Cabinet. And for the NDP, even though it is unlikely, and he is a bit old, Gary Doer would make a smashing leader, and I can't help but feel he'd be an incredible leader for where the NDP is right now.

That's not the case. Texas and Vermont were both separate Republics and applied straight for statehood and received it.

I'm fairly sure that the provinces would apply separately for statehood, which would be the result of high level negotiations, and then Congress would vote yes with it going to the President.

He's already worth a billion, and he would probably see it as some sort of civic calling from his "people".

I actually think it might be less of a crazy idea and could actually be envisioned if the US had even a half-way better political climate and policies that lined up more with Canada (Health Care, Bank Regulation, etc.). Even then there would be so much to hash out. It admittedly is fun to speculate on. But I imagine it would be a far more gradual process; Customs Union, Common Market, and then having a full "merger" being the last step. And I think that Canada would probably be split into 8-10 states. I doubt PEI would make the cut, though, and be consolidated into Nova Scotia. The territories would probably all be combined and just called the "Northwest Territories". It would also be interesting to see what would happen to the political parties. The Liberals would by and large merge into the Democrats, as would the NDP with some cajoling. Conservatives would obviously join the Republicans, especially the Harper generation, who would be right at home. Quebec would be an entirely different mess, but, funny enough, whenever polls on Canada joining the US are taken they tend to be the most supportive. Maybe they could find camaraderie with Louisiana.

I don't think we should tear down 24 Sussex, I'm sure it can be retooled and used for tours and whatnot. But it would be wise to find a residence that would also double as a working space, like 10 Downing Street, the White House, etc.

I'm partial to using Rideau Hall myself if another residence can't be built. It is a bit regal for a Head of Government, but it would be fine.

You have to be careful about saying "The Chinese" or "The Muslims" or "The ___", though, because the actions of some or even the majority does not speak for all of that group. Just like how bereaved Natives blaming "The Whites" is also dangerous because of the feelings it inspires towards one community to another. I personally think a prudent immigration policy and interculturalism not unlike Quebec is the way to go, but the policy of culturalism is a battle that is unlikely to change anything at this point, immigration is another story.

This is a topic that is often dismissed as frivolous and irrelevant, which I think it might be in some respects. However, the facade (literally) that we present to the world leaders and other people who visit the Nation's leader's residence is important, and in my opinion run down and broken down 24 Sussex or a Cottage in Rideau Hall is not befitting of the leader of a country like this. So, I present the question of where and or what should the PM's residence be? Should a new residence be built, or can another building be purchased and serve the task honourably for decades to come?

There are perfectly valid reasons in a debate why Multiculturalism is the way to go, but, and I brought it up because I've heard from so many people (not an isolated couple), that food is one of them. At first I thought it was sort of an off handed joke, but the more I hear it the more I think that people do think like that.

I was having a discussion the other day with someone when we got on the topic of multiculturalism. I was saying why it isn't all that it is cracked up to be, and, like many things, looks great on paper but is poor in practice. This person's first reason for the greatness of multiculturalism was something that I've heard many times online and from others, but this time it really struck a nerve with me, and that is that how much cuisine has been helped my it, as well as that it is a 'big perk' and reason we should keep promoting Multiculturalism. I've never heard something more shallow in my life, and I'm not sure how someone could think like that. Do people think that on this forum?

NDP sent out in an e-mail thanking Mulcair and saying that he'll stay on till a new leader is chosen in an election.

52% vote in favor of a leadership review at the NDP Convention, Mulcair is out. Leadership election is go!

The Ford Family surely could have afforded that 20k...

I think that he might actually fail the review if there was a credible opposition candidate waiting in the wings, or at least a decent stalking horse.

http://canadianelectionatlas.blogspot.ca/2015/11/newfoundland-and-labrador-election.html Good analysis and map forecast -

Dion at Foreign Affairs reminds me of Kerry being Sec. of State for Obama. Also, interesting the absence of Chinese/East Asian faces from the Cabinet. Surprising, almost. I'm sure if Ted Hsu would have not stood down, he would be in it, however.

I could agree with you more, OP. The NDP needs to move back to the left, which, as shown elsewhere, is a winning stratey. I think someone like Niki Ashton could do the party a world of good.

I've always been partial to the CBC's.

Bit my tongue and voted Liberal. It's best to get a Conservative out than to split the vote (I live in a swing riding).

Everyone watching CBC?

In your opinion (and other experts), what do you think is the best deal the US can get with China on Climate Change? Fine if the deal would take a good bit of convincing.

That was true earlier on, but I don't think it is anymore. The Greens, as evidenced by their past two+ federal platforms, are more than a one issue party. They cover everything the NDP does.

I've been debating this, but I feel, after reading the platform of the Greens, it's them. The NDP was, but is no longer.

I think a huge problem here is the number of ethnic enclaves. Asians seem to be especially adept at creating them - it's not good. If we're going to take in immigrants, letting them basically create a version of their own country in Canada isn't the way to go. I've talked to many second generation immigrants who feel that the enclave is suffocating, but it's hard for them to get out of it. It's even harder for people who don't speak English (and there are 2nd generation people who can't). Quebec seems to be good at integrating their immigrants (especially when it comes to speaking the language). Interculturalism is certainly the best path.