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The right Honourable Jean Chretien is 70 years old today. Happy Birthday Mr Chretien, we miss you (and so do more and more Liberals)! 'Raids Prompt Revelations of Martin-Campbell Connections' by Bill Tieleman Georgia Straight (Vancouver has two English speaking dailies, the Vancouver Sun and The Province, both owned by Canwest, the Georgia Straight is a weekly.) http://www.straight.com/?defaultarticle=20...9dff6863c7ca3c0 'The information also shows the extensive links between the Paul Martin federal and Gordon Campbell provincial Liberals. It includes: a list of more than 11,000 Indo-Canadian federal Liberal political supporters in British Columbia obtained by the Straight that indicates the potential extent of Liberal membership sign-ups done by the Martin leadership campaign; confirmation that the federal Liberal party in B.C. privately chartered an airliner to fly more than 200 Young Liberals from Vancouver to the November leadership convention in Toronto at a cost of almost $90,000; and extensive links between a money-losing telecommunications company, many of those who were subject to police search warrants, and key provincial and federal Liberal party insiders and supporters. '

Yesterday, January 10th, was Sir John A Macdonald's birthday. If he was alive today, what would he think? If he was alive today, he would be 189 years old 'John A. Macdonald was Canada's first prime minister, and was knighted for his efforts in bringing about Confederation. His role in creating Canada, and the realization of his dream to build a transcontinental railway, have fixed his place as a nation-builder in Canadian history.' What does the A in hs name stands for ? What city he was born in ? Was he married, and if so, how many wives did he have? Check the website below for most of the answers. http://www.nlc-bnc.ca/2/18/h18-2360-e.html 'John A. Macdonald was Canada's first prime minister, and was knighted for his efforts in bringing about Confederation. His role in creating Canada, and the realization of his dream to build a transcontinental railway, have fixed his place as a nation-builder in Canadian history.'

OK this is for all you CBC Fans. Like me, that's what all the people here are, right. When: Today, Sunday, on CBC Radio Time: Montreal - 4 PM (EST), Vancouver - 1 PM (PST) Host: Rex Murphy Show: Cross Country Checkup Topic: Mad Cow 'Just when hopes were high of getting Canada's beef industry back to normal, another case of BSE has tightened borders and shut down trade. Now Canada's beef producers are waiting to see what can be done to bolster confidence and restore their reputation. What do you think? What's to be done to save the beef industry?' Make sure to call the CBC and share your point of view with all your fellow Canadians. What about the political consequences? Who thinks it will be an issue in the coming election? If so, in what way? Politically who are the winners, and who are the losers?

Here she comes - the Conservatives have never seen anything like it - Belindamania Tories abuzz over Belinda Stronach weighs bid for Conservative leadership By MARIA MCCLINTOCK Winnipeg Sun http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/WinnipegSun/.../11/310622.html 'She's a beautiful, successful businesswoman and she's become the "It Girl" of the new Conservative Party leadership race. With the race on the verge of heating up, auto parts giant Magna International's Belinda Stronach is igniting interest for her impressive business track record, and also for the role she played in paving the way for the merger of the Canadian Alliance and federal Progressive Conservative parties.' 'Stronach has strong political allies including former Magna Board member and Ontario premier Bill Davis, former Ontario premier Mike Harris, former prime minister Brian Mulroney and a host of others who would be willing to work on her leadership bid.' 'Political strategist Rod Love, longtime advisor to Alberta Premier Ralph Klein, cautioned against assuming Harper has the race sewn up' It certainly seems that none of the big names in Tory Politics want Mr Harper. That's been my hunch all along, that's he's stopped at the Ontario/Manitoba border. So actually control of the party appears that it is going back East. For all you Western folks, I think you're best bet is Chuck Strahl. Regardless of who wins, the Alliance policies will be watered down substantially to be marketable to the total Canadian public.

MARBELLGATE 'Island MP on brink of joining Liberals Rumours swirl that political storms may have given him pause' By Jack Knox Times Colonist http://www.canada.com/search/story.aspx?id...bf-5fc6c4703fb5 'Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca MP Keith Martin could jump to the Liberals by the end of this week. That is, unless you believe the rumours that he has shied away from the switch because of all the unpleasantness involving Basi's Boys, the raid at the legislature and the power politics being played within the Liberal party.' 'But there were also rumours last week that Martin had become disillusioned by the negativity that hit the federal Liberals after the raid at the legislature Dec. 28.' 'If he doesn't go to the Liberals, it will be yet another sign that Paul Martin really does have a problem in B.C., where his support is being undermined by the sleaze factor. '

MARBELLGATE 'Neighbours told to keep quiet about grow-op raid David Basi's Shawnigan Lake home was busted for a marijuana grow-op at the same time his office was being raided' by Adrienne Tanner, Ian Bailey and Steve Berry The Province http://www.canada.com/search/story.aspx?id...db-6ffb38aef209 'The drug raid, at 3260 Shawnigan Lake Rd., happened during the Christmas holidays. It was around the same time police raided Basi's office in the legislature as part of a 20-month investigation into organized crime, commercial crime and drugs.'

theWatcher....you may be onto something there. 'Poll gives PM little reason to cheer' by L. Ian Macdonald http://www.canada.com/search/story.aspx?id...17-085b2fde7527 'It is no surprise Paul Martin would be flying high in the polls after only four weeks in office, which is precisely why the numbers in yesterday's Environics poll are meaningless.' 'One of the reasons for the Liberal surge in Ontario and the West is a Martin-led Liberal Party has long been the second choice of Red Tories, many of whom feel betrayed by the merger on the right. Whether they have found a home or a parking space with Martin will be determined by the nature of the Conservative leadership debate on social issues. If the Conservatives carve out a moderate profile, they will be able to move to the centre and grow their vote into the 30s. If not, they will be stuck on the right, where they already have all the votes they're going to get. And on the left, completely vacated by Martin, there's a wealth of opportunities for Layton, on everything from opposing Canada joining U.S. missile defence to portraying himself as the champion of Main St. vs. Bay St. And in the context of left-right vote splits, the NDP and Conservatives are objective allies. They are not looking for votes from each other, only from the Liberals. Every vote for one or the other is one less for the Grits. At 40 per cent for the Liberals, 30 per cent for the Conservatives and 20 per cent for the NDP - very achievable numbers from here - it's a very different game, one that might even be called minority government.'

'Prime Minister Paul Martin shifting Liberals to the right: NDP's Broadbent' -from CJAD Radio http://www.cjad.com/content/cjad_news/arti....asp?id=n01109A 'Paul Martin "is a symbol - even more than a symbol, he's the leader of a movement in the Liberal party that has had the effect . . . of shedding its social-democratic component virtually completely," said Broadbent, 67, who's seeking the NDP nomination in Ottawa Centre. Martin, a self-made millionaire through his ownership of a major shipping line, has brought the narrow values of corporate Canada into public life, says Broadbent. "His whole association has been with the more conservative, corporate sector in Canada that . . . has not been on the leading edge of social reform."' 'Broadbent couldn't resist a jab at Martin and what he calls the prime minister's empty rhetoric such as his slogan, the "politics of achievement." "What does that mean? Can you imagine anyone being for the politics of unachievement?," said Broadbent. "It's a vacuous phrase that leads nowhere." Broadbent said it's also difficult to understand where Martin stands on issues such as gay marriage or decriminalization of marijuana. The public is tolerant of the fact politicians can't be experts on every issue but won't have much patience when Martin "waffles." "People look at the substance of an issue but they also look for the virtue of decisiveness." Those are bound to be issues during the expected spring federal election campaign, which will also focus on equality of incomes and taxes, he predicted.'

Concerning the urban areas, with Martin's leadership campaign ploy to offer the gas tax to the muncipalities, and now to bail on that promise, has thrown Canada's muncipalities into a crisis, to the point where the majors of Canada's 10 largest cities have announced a meeting shortly. So I agree with you that the NDP are going to do very well, especially in the urban areas. With redistribution, there is going to be an addition of four urban ridings and a deduction of one rural riding, for a net increase of 3 seats. MARBELLGATE My concern is that this scandal is going to completely collapse the support for the Liberals in BC. There's this guy named Bill Cunningham who has been trying to put out the Federal Liberal party fires on this growing disaster for them, but every time he opens his mouth, he makes things worse. I think he's President of the Federal Liberals in BC, but one would think he would have more sense. That whole federal Liberal party executive in BC should have already stepped down until the air is cleared over this. 'Murky scandal nibbles at credibility of two governments' by Vaughn Palmer Vancouver Sun http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouvers...C9-FE9124FBA9F9 'Plus, there are any number of political connections, from suggestions that the investigation somehow involves the provincial government's sale of BC Rail assets, to indications that it may touch on the organizing and fundraising activities of the federal Liberal party in B.C.'

MARBELLGATE 'Lives of Basi and Virk intertwined long before the legislature raids' by Lori Culbert and Jim Beatty in the Vancouver Sun http://www.canada.com/vancouver/story.asp?...A3-43AD1DF8EB13 'Collins and Basi maintained their friendship and shared mutual interests in federal politics. Both are federal Liberals who were involved in the Young Liberal Association.'

Prior to gaining the Liberal party leadership Prime minister Paul Martin promised to provide gas tax reveues to our muncipalities. 'Martin to cities: Drop dead' -Montreal Gazette editorial http://www.canada.com/montreal/montrealgaz...71-04434F288C46 'This is the drearily familiar politics of bait and switch. Promise anything to get elected, then do what you want. Martin's words will leave big-city mayors, and citizens, feeling like suckers who've drifted back yet again to a three-card monte game, and yet again lost the rent money: We don't know who deserves our wrath: the con man? Or ourselves, for being so gullible?'

The recent merger between the PC and Alliance parties has been viewed by a takeover by the Alliance of the PC by some PC members. As a result some disgruntled former PC members have gone to Canada's chief electoral officer in an attempt to revive the PC Party. 'Group of disgruntled Tories attempts to revive Progressive Conservative party' http://canadaeast.com/apps/pbcs.dll/articl...09/CPN/51355031

Reynolds to co-chair Harper campaign Globe and Mail Update

It's the National Post, the most right wing paper in Canada, the Conservatives biggest ally saying the Liberals want Harper. But they have very valid resons for saying that. He is stuck Alliance was stuck, Reform was stuck. The only possibility he had was to merge and completely moderate the Alliance policies. 'Liberals hoping Harper wins Seen as easier to defeat than Tony Clement' Gillian Cosgrove National Post http://www.canada.com/national/nationalpos...90-3a31c5245218 'They believe Mr. Clement, whose command of French is better than Mr. Harper's, would be more popular in Quebec, where Mr. Clement has many powerful friends in the bicultural power elite, starting with Jean Charest, the federalist Premier. Secondly, because big-city issues dominate the national agenda, Tony Peter Panayi Clement is a distinctly urban politician whose roots are in the multicultural communities of Brampton- Mississauga. The WASPish Ontario-born Stephen Joseph Harper, by contrast, is not seen as a protagonist of the new urban agenda, although he is from Calgary. Mr. Clement, an architect of Mike Harris's Common Sense Revolution and a founding executive of the Alliance, has shifted closer to the centre -- where there are more votes -- than Mr. Harper, who is perceived to be more dogmatically right.'

MARBELLGATE This is the main story today on the front page the Vancouver Sun. 'Liberal leadership drive dogged by discrepancies Pro-Martin membership list in B.C. is padded with duplicates' by Jeff Lee and Peter O'Neil http://www.canada.com/search/story.aspx?id...8ca0-4b99-8f14- 'The federal Liberal party, during its recent leadership drive, sold some individuals more than one membership at more than one address. The recruiting drive during Paul Martin's leadership campaign produced a number of discrepancies in the members' list. In one case, 17 memberships were sold to people in eight families in one house in the 200-block of East 58th Avenue The memberships listed six telephone numbers; a cross-reference of those telephone numbers connects them to at least another 21 memberships at several other homes in the same riding. '

MARBELLGATE 'Basi probe tied to drugs, BC Rail deal RCMP investigate political aide for cross-border trafficking and breach of trust' Jeff Lee Vancouver Sun http://64.4.36.250/cgi-bin/linkrd?_lang=EN...%2d785EB566A664 'RCMP are investigating whether ministerial aide Dave Basi was involved in a cross-border drug-trafficking scheme and breached the public trust in his handling of the province's privatization of BC Rail, The Vancouver Sun has learned. Information also led them to raid the Victoria and Vancouver offices of Pilothouse Communications, which represented Denver-based OmniTRAX, one of four potential bidders for the rail line. Pilothouse's main representative for OmniTRAX was Erik Bornman. Basi and Bornman are well acquainted through their mutual efforts on behalf of the federal Liberal party in B.C., most notably on the Paul Martin campaign. Bornman is the communications director for the federal Liberals in BC. Police concurrently staged six other raids on homes and offices, including Pilothouse. They also seized material from the homes of Basi and Virk, and executed a search warrant on the home office of Bruce Clark, the chief fundraiser for the federal Liberal wing in B.C. Clark is the brother of deputy premier Christy Clark, who is married to Mark Marissen, Martin's top aide in B.C. '

MacKay is out, damaged goods, no money, etc. Day is out as well. I Harper of course, bilingual, Calgary 2 Prentice - Calgary, 3 Stronach - not bilingual, but maybe Bill Clinton (they are friends) will be her campaign mgr. There's a pic of her on cover of The Province in Vancouver today with caption 'Next Tory leader?' She's photogenic, will help to generate publicity for the new party. 4 Clement - Ontario, bilingual , former Health Minister but lost his seat I think 5 Strahl - BC, not bilingual, working on it, DRC spokesperson My hunch Strahl may take it even though he's not bilingual yet. But big story is Liberals want Harper as leader, because they feel they will womp him Stronach is the big hope of the party heirarchy (ie Bay Street), they want a new face for a new party Also the former Alliance folks will support the leader once chosen because they will have no where else to go. I wonder who could explain exactly how the process ito chose the leader going to work There will be delegates chosen, the same number from each riding, so how many delegates X number of ridings Is that it for delegates? Voting is on March 21, but no convention, so is voting by phone or computer so what about second ballot, etc. does the winner need to get 50% + 1 to win

MacKay is out, damaged goods, etc. But big story is Liberals want Harper as leader. because they feel they will womp him

NDP's Jack Layton developing national presence, exhibiting the real contrasts between the Liberals and the NDP, look for NDP to continue to rise in the polls. 'Layton yaps at PM's heels' by Chantel Hebert Toronto Star http://www.torontostar.com/NASApp/cs/Conte...ist969907622983 'Yes, the NDP has been edging up in the polls, rattling urban Liberal MPs in the process. And yes, many of the hot potatoes Martin is handling could end up feeding a New Democrat recovery in the next election.'

Government (Stats Can) Employment numbers up and as a result drives the Canadian dollar higher again: Is there any stopping it? Presently trading at $US 78.36

Let's do a bit more of an analysis of this latest poll: Party.....Poll-.............2000.................1997........1993 Lib.........51...................41.....................38..........41 NDP.......15..................8.5.....................11............7 Con.......24.......25.5+12.2..............19+18....19+16. Bloc........8................10.7.....................11...........14 Well at first glance it appears that 2 parties have improved their position and 2 parties have dimished support.

Liberal is not a dirty word, it's just another point of view, another way of looking at the world. Anyway here's some good news for the Conservative folks.. Belinda Stronach has decided to run, and is in process of setting up her campaign team, according to what I feel are very reliable sources. She should draw lots of support being a friend of Slick Willie. By this time next week, everyone who is going to run, will have announced their intentions. Let the games begin.

That gives the Liberals a majority doesn't it? Total 308 seats, required for majority 155 seats. Your forecast is a good one.. This is my prediction: Lib - 160 seats - 52% Majority Government NDP - 65 seats -21% Official Opposition Con - 59 seats - 19% Bloc - 24 seats - 8%

Harper has appointed Michael Fortier, former candidate for PC leadership, as a co-chair of his campaign.

Maybe Dean is not going to be the Democratic candidate after all (Maybe Slick Willie is up to his old tricks). Anyway with either one of these candidates, the Dems stand a good chance to take the presidency. I just think Dean would win by a higher margin than Clark. 'In Shift, Dean Starts Watching His Words' By JODI WILGOREN and EDWARD WYATT http://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/08/politics...gns/08DEAN.html '.'BURLINGTON, Vt., Jan. 7 — With a wary eye on Gen. Wesley K. Clark's rise in national and New Hampshire polls, Howard Dean's campaign has begun to limit his availability to the press, and the candidate himself is watching his words after several recent statements unleashed a storm of criticism from opponents.'