maplesyrup

Richard Mahoney, Martin's buddy is panicing. He thought he was just going to walk into a seat and probably a cabinet post in the House of Commons by winning in Ottawa Centre. Mahoney has already started spending the big bucks in advertising but it won't wash. When this race is over Broadbent will have won by a two to one margin as Canadians are longing to have some people with integrity returned to Parliament. 'Broadbent wins Ottawa NDP nomination on road to political comeback' by STEPHEN THORNE Canadian Press http://www.canada.com/search/story.aspx?id...60-b4c86eaae28e 'The riding, which extends south from Parliament Hill and has been held by the Liberals since they took it from the NDP in 1988, blends university students, working-class families, new Canadians and bureaucrats. Mahoney is expected to bring the full force of the Martin machine to his campaign. NDP Leader Jack Layton, who took over the party last year bolstered in part by Broadbent's endorsement during a heated leadership race, has predicted the former leader's return will boost the party's profile and fortunes. Canadians "feel Ed's voice in national politics is what we need today," Layton said after Tuesday's vote. Broadbent has accused Martin and his Liberals of becoming as "neo-conservative" a force as the new Conservative Party of Canada.'

If there is nothing to hide, why didn't Martin initiate a public inquiry? That is how one gets to the truth. This is a very serious issue for Canadians. The Federal Liberals have been in power since 1993. The optics don't look very good right now.

Hey, all you folks that want to abolish gun control - don't you want to support your police? It seems like the gun control resistry is working for the purpose that it was intended for. 'Police chiefs urge Ottawa to resist attacks on gun registry' http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/sto...Story/National/ 'The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police wants the federal government to resist attacks on Canada's gun control system, which the chiefs call a "vital tool in combatting crime." "We cannot combat the misuse of guns without strong controls," said association president Edgar MacLeod, chief of the Cape Breton Regional Police Service.' In a release Wednesday, association president Mr. MacLeod called proposals to scrap the gun control regime a serious threat to the public safety. "We just recently had a case where an individual made threats to staff at Children's Aid. Because of the system, we knew he had firearms and were able to obtain a warrant to seize them." Mr. MacLeod said he's received examples from police across the country about cases where the system has enabled them to prevent violent crimes.'

That's the perception problem. Martin has been part of our current Liberal government for years and years. Martin said he was going to get to the bottom of it. Is this what he meant?

This situation seems to be unraveling for the Martin Liberals. Maybe now we are beginning to see why they have refused to hold an inquiry. Apparently today the RCMP have raided the office and the home of a reporter Juliet O'Neill, from the Ottawa Citizen newspaper, and that criminal charges are pending. Are we turning into a police state in Canada?

Another big screw-up for the Martin Liberals? There are problems with the figures in the article, however I gather that there is a 5% spread in favour of Sheila with the voters in her riding. I recommend reading this entire article as this issue is not a local issue any more, and is starting to take on importance in other parts of the country. 'Voters want Copps, not Valeri: survey 'Sour' fight for Liberals: On outs with PM, she enjoys five-point edge with public' by Allan Woods National Post http://64.4.36.250/cgi-bin/linkrd?_lang=EN...%2d28DD8791D70A 'Voters in the Hamilton riding where Sheila Copps is battling Tony Valeri, the federal Transport Minister, for the Liberal nomination want a Copps victory, a COMPAS poll has found. While 59% of decided voters said they would vote for Ms. Copps if she were the Liberal candidate in Hamilton East-Stoney Creek, 54% said they would vote for Mr. Valeri. Ms. Copps has alleged Liberals loyal to Paul Martin, the Prime Minister, are co-ordinating a bid to oust her from the party. She is thinking of defecting to the New Democratic Party if she loses.' '"The greatest risk is a pyrrhic victory for the Martin forces," COMPAS president Conrad Winn said of the dispute, noting that Ms. Copps enjoys strong support in Quebec. "It might leave a sour feeling that, nationally, will see the Liberals end up with fewer votes than they might have won."' 2000 election results Hamilton East (LIB 10,121) xSheila Copps LIB 16,477 Joshua Conroy CA 6,064 Jim Stevenson NDP 4,123 Steven Knight PC 3,359 Michael Baldasaro MP 573 Salvatore Sam Cino IND 290 Bob Mann COM 144 Julie Gordon ML 116 Helene Darisse-Yildirim NL 97

And where do Belinda and Stephen And Tony differ in their policy issues?

dnsfurlan.....you remind of the journalists who don't like the colour of her hair, or whatever. Her policies are out there for all to see. Let's have some sort of political debate with substance, instead of this ridiculous ChARACTER ASSINATION. No wonder Liberals always win. Cheers,

dnsfurlan.....Would you mind stating some concrete policy that Belinda mentioned that you disagreed with, apart from the same-sex issue, which quite frankly, most Canadians are tired of hearing about. I read your most recent message a few times, and for some reason, couldn't find any specific policy differences with Belinda, that you appear to be so concerned about.

One of the main reasons the national press were so upset with Belinda's entry yesterday, is that she didn't trip up. Once again today, Belinda faced the press concerning Health Care issues, and did not trip up. All the press want is a story to make headlines. Conservatives should be delighted with all this free publicity.

Maybe, after all Bill Clinton played the saxaphone. There is no way either Harper or MacKay should have run for the leadership. Think about it.

dnsfurlan......if you re-read my recent post you would see that I'm suggesting everything stated here is someone's opinion, including my own. I think I used the word optics in relation to myself - the glass that I'm looking through. No one has a handle on the truth. In relation to Belinda Stronach, how refreshing it was to see someone come out and say: Same-sex marriage, or whatever is a right! 'Stronach: Same-sex unions are a right' http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2004/01.../320034-cp.html 'Conservative leadership candidate Belinda Stronach formally kicked off her western campaign swing Wednesday by wading deeper into the potentially divisive issue of same-sex marriage. Stronach told CJOB radio host Charles Adler that same-sex unions are a human right. "People should be treated equally under the law, whether you're a man, woman, whatever religion you may embrace or whatever culture you come from," said Stronach during her first public event since launching her campaign Tuesday in Aurora, Ont. But she said she understands that many party members don't share her position and added she will listen to them and would ultimately leave the issue up to a free vote in Parliament.' Until you realize that Trudeau's statement "the state has no business in the bedrooms of the nation" is where the vast majority of Canadians are, you won't be able to comprehend how fortunate the Conservatives are, to have Stronach as a candidate. Contrast that statement to Martin's waffling on the issue. Do you know what happens to people who sit on the fence? They often get splinters you know where. Cheers.

Hi Greg the moderator..... Are you asking Craig to play by the rules, or what, eh? RESEARCH YOUR POST If you are stating a fact, be prepared to back it up with some official sources (websites, links etc). It is also important to structure your post in a way that everyone can understand. That means writing complete sentences and paragraphs with the appropriate grammar. If for some reason, you enjoy writing long confusing sentences and paragraphs riddled with poor grammar and spelling mistakes, your post, and therefore your opinions, will likely be discarded. Therefore, it is in your best interest to make sure that your post includes sufficient sources and contains a well-researched and well-organized argument.

Cameron....I agree with you that Belinda is the the best candidate to lead the Conservatives, if they have aspirations to take power some day. The Conservatives in Western Canada need to take their heads out of the sand. ---------------------------------- dnsfurlan.....the way Craig Oliver and Mike Duffy have been fawning over Paul Martin, it wouldn't surprise me to see them end up at the CBC (joke, the CBC part, that is!). Chantel Hebert is from Quebec, I presume. Are there any other Federal political parties in Quebec except the Liberals and the Bloc from her point of view? There is no such thing as an unbiased journalist, or person for that matter. I have my optics and you have yours. For example, my point of view is to say comparing Stronach's campaign, with Day or Campbell is not on. For one thing, look at the power people in Conservative politics that are supporting her. This race is strictly a matter of selling party memberships, and controlling the votes in each riding across the country. Like most things in life, follow the money.

For those of you, who still don't think Belinda Stronach is going to win, chew on these excerpts from the following article (and by-the-way, This Hour has 22 Minutes people were there and she handled it fine, treating it like the joke it is supposed to be): 'Hometown girl starts uptown journey' by TONDA MACCHARLES Toronto Star http://www.torontostar.com/NASApp/cs/Conte...ol=968350116467 '"She's a new fresh face. It's great for the party. People are tired of seeing those old faces, the same old political hacks," said party supporter Dave Prisco, 23, of North Bay. "Look at her signs, they're not your typical Tory blue." Stronach's banners in fact bear no Tory blue or Canadian Alliance blue and green, but carry a logo distinguished by orange, light and dark blue, and light and dark green. A new look for the new party she claimed to represent yesterday.' 'Still, you didn't have to look far for confirmation Stronach and her handlers are dead serious about this bid. In the room, though well out of camera range, were Mike Harris' former chief of staff, Guy Giorno, Toronto Tory organizers Jaime Watt, Kevin Gallagher. There were even bodyguards, one of whom accompanied Stronach as she began a trip west, along with Deb Hutton, a key Harris policy adviser, Ian Todd, formerly chief of staff to Preston Manning and Stockwell Day, and Stacey Gray, who worked for PC leader Joe Clark. They plan to make sure Stronach sells as a "professional" alternative to the politicians out there, using all the tricks of the professionals. "We're going to win this on the ground, go out and sell memberships," said campaign manager and Tory backroom veteran John Laschinger. "People think we can't do this in six weeks? Watch us." "Stronach brings two key things to this," he said. "The ability to unite the party and not make it look like a takeover. ... And she can attract votes in Ontario."' 'Laschinger predicted the hard-core socially conservative Reform/Alliance members of the party will not resent the moderate social views of a twice-divorced mother of two, but will respect her for having the courage of her convictions to outline her stances clearly. "The Canadian Alliance members out West have decided, `You know what, we're tired of being on the outside barking in. We want power, we want government.'"' 'But at the small Legion hall, those who do know her didn't doubt for a moment she'll succeed, and are thrilled at the prospect Aurora, once home to Lester B. Pearson, might some day cough up another prime minister. Dozens of memberships were sold after she spoke. Bob McGavin, chair of fundraising for the South Lake Regional Health Centre, a hospital for which Stronach is honorary fundraising co-chair for, said he came because Stronach represents the "change" needed in Canada's political system.'

To all the Conservative folks that are attacking Belinda Stronach's entry into the Conservative leadership race, I believe you are making a big mistake. Realistically, on the national scene, I'm talking Canada wide here, which one has to assume, is where you are focusing, there has not been anything of interest for mainstream Canadians, coming out of the Conservative side for years. Finally there is someone, regardless of whether she wins or not, who is going to give the Conservatives a huge amount of publicity. Conservative supporters should be absolutely delighted with the turn of events. And forget about what all the political pundits say. They all have their own agendas, and often we don't know what they are. Now, having said that, here are some excerpts from a political pundit. 'An uneven but compelling performance' By ROY MacGREGOR Globe and Mail http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/Art...1/TPColumnists/ 'In a party whose popular, if somewhat unfair, image is of high collars and muttonchops, no one would say an attractive, successful young woman is anything but a bonus to a race the country would otherwise have ignored.' 'As for what she said, it is clear that she and her multitude of handlers would like to position her squarely as the candidate of the Progressive Conservatives that form the minority position in this merger with the Alliance. For those many who have seen the merger as a takeover by Alliance, this is a wise move, as it speaks more to the treasured centre of the fluctuating political spectrum than to the right. The moment she said, very firmly, "I believe in same-sex marriage," that point was settled. She will pay a price on the far right, but gain toward the centre of public opinion. In this she showed some courage. In calling for the scrapping of the gun registry and better policing of illegal guns, she showed common sense. She showed honesty in admitting to smoking marijuana, though surely more Canadians would be suspicious of a 37-year-old who had never smoked than they would be dubious of one who has.' 'There are 75 ridings in Quebec, each with 100 points for a leader who must reach at least 15,401 to claim victory on March 20. It is, by far, the most fertile ground in the country as there are no members and there is no machine in charge. Should former prime minister Brian Mulroney come on board, as is widely expected, a Stronach machine will instantly materialize. Mulroney has been consulted throughout her decision process and told The Globe and Mail last week that it is important for the two "estranged" portions of the conservative movement to come together again and stake out new ground near the middle. Exactly Belinda Stronach's intention. Such irony, then, that Quebec could conceivably decide on the leadership of a party it has so far wanted no part of -- perhaps even to the point of delivering it to one who barely speaks the language. Who, then, could possibly resist paying attention to this race?' '

The PC Party is having its last caucus meeting today, and then tomorrow the Conservative Party is having their first caucus meeting tomorrow, both in Ottawa. Rick Borotsik, PC, reluctant MP of the new Conservative Party, is going to be on CBC "Politics" now, or shortly, with Don Newman. Borotsik, who is not at all happy with the Alliance/PC merger, had said he was going to announce his political future this week. 2000 election results Manitoba Brandon-Souris (PC 1,333) xRick Borotsik PC 13,553 Gary Nestibo CA 11,545 Dick Scott LIB 6,517 Errol Black NDP 4,497 Lisa Gallagher COM 141 Colin G. Atkins IND 93 During the show Politics, Borotsik said he was hanging in there for now, but he is looking at two issues, leadership and policy. About leadership, Borotsik said that neither Harper or MacKay, should be running. Decisions on policy should begin to get sorted out he hopes, or at least dicussed, at tomorrow's caucus meeting. Borotsik is definitely on the fence at the moment, waiting to see what happens. He said he would be back on Politics before March 20, to announce his decision. Borotsik didn't say this, but my impression is that if Harper appears to be winning the leadership race, he's outta there.

'Broadbent wins Ottawa NDP nomination' 'Meeting marks road to political comeback' http://www.torontostar.com/NA, App/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1074639735455&call_pageid=968332188492&col=9687058990 Broadbent, in a speech to a packed room, prior to the results of the vote being released stated the following: -the NDP will elect the largest number ever in the next election (currently 14) 'Forty to 50 NDP MPs would turn the "Liberals upside down," he said. "Fifty to 100 would turn Canada rightside up."' - in last 10 years in Canada: poverty increased affordable housing gone down tuition fees more than doubled hospital waiting lists increased rich getting bigger slice of the pie -never had to happen -Liberals cut social programs to balance budget & never returned the funds with the surpluses Ed Broadbent certainly has a different set of values than Paul Martin.

The NDP are having their nomination meeting this evening in Ottawa Centre. I like his opponent, however I hope former MP and NDP leader Ed Broadbent wins. When Broadbent was leader of the NDP, they had the highest number of seats they have ever held. At one time during his leadership Broadbent was the most popular political leader in Canada. One of Broadbent's strengths is in areas of corporate responsibility - very much in tune with the honesty issues discovered in the recent Leger Marketing polling, as discussed in the Canada Election Issue - Gay Rights thread. Broadbent's comeback is a real bonus for the NDP.

Belinda Stronach will win on the first ballot. The reason being is that she is more marketable to mainstream Canadian society than the other candidates. And by her winning, a lot of the PCs, including former Prime Minister Joe Clark, who have left the party, will return.

Canadians believe, by a wide margin that it is more immoral to shoplift than to have an abortion. This information is from the same polling company, although more recent polling, than the one mentioned above. http://www.wcr.ab.ca/news/2002/0225/aborti...vey022502.shtml 'Leger Marketing president Jean-Marc Leger said that in the last 10 years, the morality meter seems to have shifted away from issues such as divorce and homosexuality, the Canadian Press reported. "When we touch on dishonesty, such as tax evasion, working under the table, that's seen as being more immoral than abortion or homosexuality."' Abortion is not the burning issue that it used to be. And nor will the issue of same-sex be that controversial in the years to come. It is interesting to note that during her first press conference, reporters didn't even bring up the issue of abortion rights for women with Belinda Stronach. They did however question her on same-sex and gun registry topics. As far as the same sex issue, Strronach stated she believes in equality, so supports same-sex rights. Dishonesty, corruption, and tax-avoidance issues however, will continue to challenge us.

It's no accident Bush is using the day after the Iowa caucuses for his "State of the Union" address. Bush is in trouble with domestic concerns - 2,300,000 jobs lost since he became President. I would think the Democrats are feeling fine, doing so well in the polls, and yet leaderless at the moment. It seems that American society is very polarized, split down the middle, just like they were in 2000.

Belinda Stronach has stated she is not opposed to same-sex marriage. I believe that this is a wise political position to take because Canadian society generally is becoming more accepting of the idea. Similar to abortion rights for women, eventually same-sex marriage will not be a devisive issue in Canada for most Canadians. It is important that any prospective leader, for the Conservative party, has policies that are in sinc with mainstream Canadian society. We live in a changing world.

Grant Devine, former Premier of Saskatchewan, remember him, is making an announcement today at noon in Estevan, SK 'Grant Devine may run for new Tory party Ex-Saskatchewan premier's government had largest scandal in modern Canadian politics' http://www.torontostar.com/NASApp/cs/Conte...d=1074553473371 'The scandal saw the demise of the Progressive Conservative Party of Saskatchewan. The party suspended operations in 1997 in the hopes time would allow it to recover.' 2000 election results Souris-Moose Mountain (CA 4,655) 165:166 xRoy H. Bailey CA 19,277 Tom Cameron NDP 4,766 Myles Fuchs LIB 4,475 Larry Gabruch PC 2,047 1997 election results Souris-Moose Mountain (Lib 591) Roy Bailey Ref 13,665 xBernie Collins Lib 8,954 Gary Lake NDP 6,194 Greg Douglas PC 4,326

Belinda Stronach supports same-sex marriage.