capricorn

https://torontosun.com/opinion/columnists/goldstein-liberal-nafta-strategy-trumps-a-tyrant In this climate of mutual distrust, I would be surprised if a deal was reached any time soon. Otherwise who would Trudeau and his crew run against in the next election?

There will be a leaders' debate on Thursday. Looks like immigration will be the main issue. https://montrealgazette.com/news/quebec/liberals-would-help-regions-attract-and-keep-immigrant-workers The CAQ wants immigrants to learn French within a given timeline or leave Quebec. Not surprising, the party is at only 11% of support in the latest poll. https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/canada/caq-would-give-immigrants-3-years-to-learn-french/ar-BBN08VX The latest polling. https://montrealgazette.com/news/quebec/quebec-election-liberals-slipping-in-latest-poll-as-war-for-nationalist-votes-rages

I applaud your appointment as Immigration Minister and agree with your plan of action. I would add one more step, preferably right at the beginning of the process. Make it mandatory for all prospective immigrants and would-be refugee to view a short film depicting our harsh Canadian winters. Show plenty of ice and freezing rain, and blinding snowstorms. That should make some think twice about choosing Canada as a desirable destination weather wise.

This trade initiative has been an epic disaster on the part of Justin and co. Not surprising since from day one the Liberals and their operatives have failed to properly read Trump and his moods. This failed required first diplomatic step has impeded Canada's budding relationship with Trump. Trudeau stepped in it when he held a press conference immediately following the G7 in Charlevoix and criticized Trump's stance on NAFTA when he had lead Trump to believe they had reached an agreement in principle. So now Canada will probably pay the price and forced accept the crumbs that Trump will throw our way. Nice going Chairman Trudeau.

The latest poll has the CAQ at 37%, the PLQ at 32%, the PQ at 19% and QS at 8%. Still lots of time for these numbers to change. https://montrealgazette.com/news/quebec/quebec-election-caq-leading-but-liberals-still-in-the-game-poll-shows

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/christopher-garnier-ptsd-veterans-affairs-murder-1.4800695 That is beyond disgusting. Especially after Trudeau told veterans they were asking too much for what the government could afford. The convicted murderer never served in the military. He should get nothing for PTSD treatment.

The PLQ has been in power for 15 years. Legault (CAQ) said they are a "tired" government and a change is needed. Well a right wing party did make its way to opposition in 2002. The Action Démocratique du Québec (ADQ) did not survive and it merged with the CAQ in 2012 which is more centrist than was the ADQ.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-voters-voice-strong-desire-for-change-as-quebec-election-kicks-off/ Here is the English media article on Couillard's desperate attempt to buy votes by dishing out money per child, to be paid annually plus his other campaign promises. https://montrealgazette.com/news/quebec-liberals-up-to-300-per-child-per-year-offered-to-families

The money promised by Couillard would be paid annually. http://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/elections-quebec-2018/201808/24/01-5194097-un-cheque-de-150-a-300-par-enfant-promet-le-plq.php

With 5 weeks to go until the October 1 election, the latest poll shows Philippe Couillard`s Parti Libéral du Québec (PLQ) trailing François Legault`s Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ). Legault is leading as best leader. The other parties, including the Parti Québecois (PQ), are not in the running. In terms of appetite for change, 83% want a change in government. http://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/elections-quebec-2018/201808/23/01-5193963-sondage-ipsos-la-presse-la-caq-part-en-tete.php Sensing impending defeat, Couillard is desperate to improve the PLQ`s numbers and win votes, so he has promised a cheque of $150.00 to $300.00 per child. It`s interesting to note that the CAQ has many of the characteristics of a conservative party. A win by the CAQ and a PLQ defeat would set an interesting tone to next year`s federal election. Certainly not something that would be welcome by Trudeau and his Liberals.

That was a huge gaffe which will come back to haunt him.

From what I have heard to date from talking heads on TV news channels, that's the common viewpoint.

True, just as Scheer's French is hard to understand.

Anyone think Trudeau will call a snap election to take advantage of Conservative Party upheaval?

I'm not so sure scribblet. As they say in advertising, all publicity is good publicity. It's a bonus to have some of this stuff spill over into the public domain. Let mainstream Canadians have a gander at the politics of the day at work.

You make good points Argus, although in my opinion in a convoluted way. Believe me, I'm far from celebrating at this stage. This breakaway conservative party is far from a fait accompli. Just as when the present party had growing pains, so would a nascent conservative minded party. Let's give it some time to either laud it or damn it.

At least Trudeau had something genuine to grin about. As for Scheer he was grinning even as he was criticizing Bernier for "putting his ambitions before the party". Scheer does not exude confidence or genuine emotion.

I'm an optimist. I'm seeing this development as positive. As I said in another post, Scheer as PM would be Trudeau redux. That scenario makes me gag.

NEW CONSERVATIVE PARTY. I'm on board. Max was my first choice for leader. This news conference cements my choice. I'll be sending Max a hefty donation. In the meantime, resigning myself to another Trudeau victory in 2019.

There's also speculation he will switch to provincial politics. Max is scheduled to make a statement at 1 pm. Interesting he is not at the Conservative party convention in Halifax but stayed back in Ottawa.

All indications are that Mad Max will be slamming the door on the Conservative party and sit as an independent. Can't say I blame him. Electing Scheer as PM would be Trudeau redux. Very little choice left for a large segment of the electorate. The coming campaign will be one to watch closely.

Same reason Cuba and Venezuela and similar countries have seats at the UNHRC. What a joke.

I was surprised to learn the woman involved is 74 years old. Apparently she is considering legal action against Trudeau and the RCMP officers over the altercation. In an interview yesterday she said she still has bruises on her arm which is still painful. She says the injury was caused when she was manhandled by the 2 RCMP officers. She said she is seeing her physician today regarding the injury. This not yet available in the English media. http://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/201808/22/01-5193825-altercation-avec-trudeau-jai-encore-des-bleus-dit-diane-blain.php Trudeau may have picked on the wrong target for his over the top reaction to a perfectly valid question from a citizen.

A Journal de Montreal opinion piece describes Trudeau as becoming "fou", meaning crazy as he responded loudly to the woman. It was a spectacle, not something you would expect from a Canadian Prime Minister.