Kula

I agree completely with the original post. My personal favourite though is "I don't like him because at a meeting he used a teleprompter". The guy is basing his vote on a teleprompter. I don't even try to set people like that straight. I just turn around and walk away. Kula

The Liberals are stale and corrupt. The Conservatives are fresh and not. Time for a new a party to freshen things up. Kula

No. I think his assessment was right on target.

I had an interesting conversation at work yesterday with my boss. I told him I thought Martin was suffering from Alheimers disease because he wasn't making a lot of sense. My boss said this very telling thing. The reason he sounds that way isn't Alzheimer's, it's because he's lying and can't get his story straight. Tell the truth and it's easy, lie and it's hard to remember what lies you've told. Which brings me to this video. Go to the heading...Explanation to the Nation: Self Satisfaction at the link below and watch the video. Incredible how in a matter of minutes Martin contradicts himself at least 3 times. This guy is making this stuff up as he goes along. Proud to be Canadian Kula PS: Can you believe anything this guy says?

I was watching CBC the other night (I don't know why) and I think they were announcing these townhall meetings. At the time Layton had accepted a slot but they were still working at getting a time for Harper. I think you'll see the other 2 leaders. Kula

I am truly disgusted that our political system has come down to this...don't vote for me because of what I will do, vote for me because the other guy is scary. Mr. Harper is not scary. What scares me is a Prime Minister that wants to hand over the power of 35,000,000 Canadians to 9 judges. That is truly scary! A Prime Minister that would okay an attack ad that uses the Canadian military as a pawn is scary. Canadians that would continue to prop up a government with the record of the Liberals is scary. The next stop on the path of a Liberal government is Quebec seperation and a growing seperatist movement in Alberta. Not good for Canada and very scary. All Mr. Harper has done is lay out his agenda from day one of this election. Nothing hidden. I just feel that very few of you are thinking correctly and are buying into Liberal fearmongering. In essence you've been duped. Shame on you for your ignorance. Kula

Hey Kula, This sounds interesting but I would like to see a story on it...can you post a link? Thanks Sorry I didn't add a link. Here is a link to story about this issue. It is about 2 of the people who helped draft the Charter. Ottawa Sun As for Martin's proposal to scrap the NWC. It just really pisses me off that a man who could be PM (getting less likely by the day) would want to hand so much control over to 9 people most Canadians don't even know. Why would we need MP's to represent us? Who would represent us? Isn't this a democracy? I know more about US Supreme Court Justices than Canadian Supreme Court Justices. Maybe that should change. Kula

Paul Martin wants to hand over control of our democracy to appointed judges. Absolute stupidity. Imagine it. Why would we need a government? Martin is a coward and doesn't want to make decisions, he doesn't want Canadians to have a voice. This is the story from the debate. Paul Martin doesn't support a strong voice for Canadian citizens.

I am a Conservative and I did not vote for Mulroney because of his scandals. The Conservative Party was virtually wiped off the map. I believe the Conservatives learned from the Mulroney years, the Liberals didn't. We must punish the Liberals to end the corruption. It's the only way to take back control of our government. Kula

I'm not scared of Stephen Harper, I'm scared of what will happen to my country if the Liberals get back in. Harper has done nothing to me. Paul Martin and the LIberlas have stolen, lied and cheated for 13 years. Paul Martin was the head financial officer of Canada for most of the the 13 years and he claims to know nothing. He's either stupid or incompetant. He might even be both. Enough is enough. If we don't punish this party for the scandal and mismanagement of our money we are giving them a mandate to continue on the same path. The only way we can ensure this type of thing doesn't happen again is by punishing the party involved. We must end this insanity. Kula

I am not a constitutional expert and assuming FTA Lawyer is actually a lawyer I think his analysis of the whole 'scrap the notwithstanding clause' is excellent. Martin is not an idiot to suggest it, he's is desperate as betsy says. The next 2 weeks will be filled with Martin calling out Harper on this issue and claiming he has a, dare I say it, 'hidden agenda'. Stephen Harper won't protect minority rights like I 'Captain Canada' will, Martin will say. Stephen Harper says he won't use the notwithstanding clause, but we, the Liberals know he's scary and probably will. It's a ploy to deflect the bad press his party is getting, nothing more. I personnaly don't think Canadians care. I don't think most Canadians know what the notwithstanding clause is. I also think the 47 odd percent of undecided voters aren't the types to be too hung up on this type of issue.

Personally I thought Harper won, because he didn't lose. Nobody zinged him. He did exactly what he had to do. He even got a great shot in at Martin shortly after Martin tried to play the passionate caring Quebecer card again. He questioned why Martin wouldn't debate Duceppe after saying he would debate him anytime. Good one. I actually like Layton, but he seemed like he was trying to be too compassionate. Fake compassion really comes off bad on tv. Martin lost because he didn't win. No knockout punch tonight and he needed a knockout punch. CTV announced that the Conservatives have 14 point lead on the Liberals according to Ipsos Reid. Another poll has the Conservatives ahead 21% to 15% in Quebec. Kula

I don't think Harper has to do anything dirty, nor has he done anything dirty. The Liberal Party is dirty and all Harper has to do is keep saying it. All he's done is tell the truth. I think a lot of you lefties are guilty of the same thing Paul Martin and the Liberals are guilty of...underestimating Stephen Harper and the Conservatives. Kula

Hey RG, can you keep your posts down below 10,000 words?

Again more from the Liberal hacks. Don't vote for me because my plan is strong, vote for me because the other guy is scary. Thats' the Liberal mantra these days. Won't work. People are tired of the Liberals, people see the Conservatives as a strong alternative to corruption. Another thing. Paying down the debt was done on the back of Canadians. Chretien and Martin cut 30-40 billion out of healthcare transfers in the 90's, continue to overtax us by almost 10 billion a year (surplus), overcharge taxpayers and business to the tune of 3 billion a year in EI payments that go into a Liberal slush fund to be spent on who knows what. Not to mention the 2 billion for the gun registry, 500-600 million to cancel helicopters we desperately need, 1 billion at HRDC, hundreds of millions for adscam, hundreds of millions for leaky subs and on and on. It wasn't the Liberals that payed down the debt...it was Canadians! Kula

“If you have 40 priorities, you don't have any.” - Prime Minister Paul Martin, CTV Question Period, January 4, 2004 56 PRIORITIES 1. New Deal for Municipalities and Cities (Toronto Star, May 24, 2004) "Our new government made it clear that addressing the needs of cities and communities was a very important priority for us." 2. Healthcare in General (Address to the Empire Club, April 16, 2004) “Health care is this government's number one priority.” 3. Healthcare Wait Lists (Leader’s Debate, Ottawa, June 14, 2004) “My vision of Canada is one of a country where health and the reduction of waiting times are our number one priority.” 4. Home-care Program (Toronto Star, May 27, 2004) “‘You have your priorities, and they are our priorities, and how can we work together,’ he said, listing off common priorities like reducing waiting lists and establishing a home-care program.” 5. Education (New Brunswick Telegraph Journal, January 21, 2004) "We have two major national priorities in this country, health care and education." 6. Healthcare and Education in Africa (Toronto Star, November 25, 2004) "’Canada has a role to play in Africa, and we certainly have a role to play in French-speaking Africa,’ he said. ‘And we want to do it with governments that really want to succeed, like Burkina Faso. Because their priorities, health and education, are our priorities.’" 7. Stronger Economy (Toronto Star, September 24, 2003) “The priorities, I think, are pretty clear: They are health care and education and how do you build a stronger economy.” 8. Canada’s Role in the World (Globe and Mail, March 5, 2004) “Health care, education, Canada's role in the world. Those are the priorities of Canadians and they want to see that their government is effectively taking charge and that's what we're doing.” 9. Environment (Ottawa Citizen, April 7, 2004) "I also think Canadians share our priorities. I think Canadians feel that health care and education and the environment are the priorities and I will have no difficulty debating any other party leader on those issues." 10. Western Alienation (National Post, May 8, 2004) "If Western alienation is as bad then as it is now, I will regard myself as not having succeeded.” 11. Aboriginal People (Address to the Empire Club, April 16. 2004) “Five areas we will pursue as overriding priorities. These – health care, learning, Canada’s aboriginal peoples, our communities large and small, and our role in the world – are areas in which quite simply we must break new ground.” 12. Childcare (Toronto Star, July 21, 2004) “Coming out of Rideau Hall yesterday, the Prime Minister listed five immediate priorities for his new cabinet ranging from health care, child care and a new deal for cities to the environment and native issues.” 13. Foreign Policy in General (Ottawa Citizen, April 2, 2005) "I'm just very focused on the issues that concern me, and that's where the concentration comes: health care -- which I've done, the files on child care, cities, aboriginals, foreign policy and the environment. I campaigned on those because I feel very strongly about them. They drive me and I totally drive them." 14. Protecting the Arctic (CTV News W-Five, December 27, 2004) “Our foreign policy, making a fundamental difference in terms of manifestation of our sovereignty. Protecting the Arctic. Those are the agenda items that Canadians want to see us deal with. And that's what we're dealing with….” 15. Making Parliament Work (Montreal Gazette, August 25, 2005) "Our priority will be to govern, a Parliament that will work," said Martin, rattling off a list of priorities ranging from cities and the environment to daycare, health and education.” 16. Equalization (Globe and Mail, November 17, 2004) “He said the Liberals ran their 2004 election campaign on more resources for health care, equalization, child care, cities and aboriginal people. All of these are the issues that we campaigned on.” 17. Tax Cuts (Globe and Mail, November 17, 2004) “And to the extent that tax cuts can be brought within that after those priorities have been met, clearly we will do so.'' 18. Agriculture (Winnipeg Sun, February 9. 2004) “Martin said health care and agriculture are the top priorities of his government.” 19. BSE (Windsor Star, January 12, 2004) "Our priorities are well set out. Certainly beginning with BSE and the whole question about the respect of the Canadian passport, the question of contracts in Iraq and softwood lumber." 20. Canadian Passports (Windsor Star, January 12, 2004) "Our priorities are well set out. Certainly beginning with BSE and the whole question about the respect of the Canadian passport, the question of contracts in Iraq and softwood lumber." 21. Canadian Contracts in Iraq (Windsor Star, January 12, 2004) "Our priorities are well set out. Certainly beginning with BSE and the whole question about the respect of the Canadian passport, the question of contracts in Iraq and softwood lumber." 22. Softwood Lumber (Windsor Star, January 12, 2004) "Our priorities are well set out. Certainly beginning with BSE and the whole question about the respect of the Canadian passport, the question of contracts in Iraq and softwood lumber." 23. Federal-Provincial Relations (Edmonton Journal, November 16, 2003) “Martin has promised to make relations with the provinces a ‘top priority’ of his government.” 24. Governing (Globe and Mail, April 6, 2004) "Our priority is to govern." 25. Clean Water (Toronto Star, January 7, 2004) “Clean water is a national priority.” 26. Replacing the Sea Kings (National Post, April 29, 2003) “I’m saying it’s going to be a priority. I would move on it as quickly as possible.” 27. Equipment for Canadian Forces in General (Paul Martin Gagetown Speech, April 14, 2004) “Properly equipping the Forces has been very much the focus of our government.” 28. AIDS funding (CP Wire, May 14, 2004) "Martin defended the recent spending spree in Canada and overseas. He said $170 million in funding for AIDS projects in Africa is a priority for all Canadians.” 29. Affordable Housing (Toronto Star, May 17, 2004) "It has always been one of my priorities" 30. Debt Servicing (Speech to the Laval Chamber of Commerce, May 17, 2004) “Servicing the debt remains a priority.” 31. Fisheries (Paul Martin Press Release, August 13, 2003) “Paul Martin says rebuilding fish stocks must be a top priority.” 32. Third World Poverty and Pandemics (Paul Martin Press Release, June 4, 2004) “I am confident that we will further mobilize efforts to address poverty and health pandemics in developing countries. These are key priorities for Canada.” 33. Research and Development (Kitchener-Waterloo Record, October 2, 2004) “Research is a ‘very, very high’ priority for his government, the prime minister said, one of its top five priorities.” 34. Global Terrorism (Ottawa Citizen, November 9, 2004) “Martin said Canada must fight global terrorism, ‘the No. 1 plague,’ and must ensure the security of Canadian citizens.” 35. National Sovereignty (Global National, December 25, 2004) “Our priorities, our defence priorities are in our country, which is why we've brought in the first national security policy of the country are, in fact, the protection of our coasts, the assurance that our border with the United States is going to be secure so it can be open for trade, and protection of our sovereignty in the Arctic.” 36. Canada-US Border (CTV News W-Five, December 27, 2004) “Our priority is the defence of the Arctic. Our Arctic sovereignty. It's the defence of our coast. It's the protection of our open frontier, the border with the United States. That's where I'm going to put our money.” 37. Intelligence (CSIS) (PMO Release of Martin Statement, February 24, 2005) “On defence priorities such as those outlined in yesterday’s budget. These include: strengthening the security of our common border, bolstering security at points of entry, reinforcing our coastal and arctic sovereignty, increasing support for intelligence, expanding our armed forces and increasing our capital investment in helicopters, trucks, aircrafts and ships.” 38. Expanding the Armed Forces (PMO Release of Martin Statement, February 24, 2005) “On defence priorities such as those outlined in yesterday’s budget. These include: strengthening the security of our common border, bolstering security at points of entry, reinforcing our coastal and arctic sovereignty, increasing support for intelligence, expanding our armed forces and increasing our capital investment in helicopters, trucks, aircrafts and ships.” 39. Prosperity (Speech to Canadian-China Business Council 2004 Gala Dinner, Toronto, December 6, 2004) “Our agenda as a government is broad, we are active in many areas, but in everything we do we are guided by one imperative: ensuring that Canadians and their values prosper now and in the future. That is what connects our actions, our priorities, our pursuits: Building prosperity today, enhancing it for tomorrow.” 40. Improving Jobs (CBC, The National, December 14, 2004) “What my priorities are, this country has a phenomenal opportunity ahead of it. I am so enthusiastic, so optimistic about what we can do and I want to focus on those priorities. That's why I want to make sure we stay out of deficit. That's why I want to make sure we improve jobs and improve the quality of life in our cities. If you see the difference Canada can make, we've only scratched the surface of what we can do going ahead. It's just that's what we've got to focus on.” 41. Peace in Sri Lanka (Ottawa Citizen, January 18, 2005) "Canada's No.1 priority is to see the peace process works and our No. 1 focus here is to see humanitarian aid gets through." 42. China and India (Toronto Star, January 24, 2005) “Martin explained the breakneck pace of his journey to meet leaders in this region is a function of the need for Canada to catch up. ‘The time to do it is now, not to do it in 10 years from now,’ Martin said. ‘So if you're asking me is it urgent? Yes, it is urgent. Absolutely, because I don't want to do it when they will have become great powers; I want to do it now.’” 43. Windsor-Detroit Border Crossing (Windsor Star, January 28, 2005) “Martin stressed the Windsor-Detroit crossing was ‘the single most important crossing in Canada’ and called it ‘the priority.’” 44. Money for Newfoundland (Globe and Mail, February 4, 2005) "We've established priorities here this morning," he said. "Those are . . . that money has got to get in the hands of Newfoundlanders and Labradoreans.” 45. Same-sex Marriage (CBC Newsworld, June 16, 2005) “It’s a priority. We want to get it through.” 46. Immigration (Montreal Gazette, September 26, 2005) “Martin told the business audience yesterday that reducing taxes is still high on his list of priorities – along with a host of other proposals, including a new immigration plan.” 47. Urban Transit (Kitchener-Waterloo Record, October 13, 2005) “Martin said his Liberal government considers urban transit ‘an absolute priority.’" 48. Human Rights Concerns with China (CP, September 8, 2005) “Paul Martin says human rights will be the top priority when he meets with the Chinese president.” 49. Opportunity to succeed (Kitchener-Waterloo Record, October 29, 2005) “The No. 1 job for this country's leaders is ‘to make sure every single Canadian has an opportunity to succeed,’ he said. ‘The ability to get a good education, decent health and a chance to fulfil their dreams. Then, if we can say it for Canadians, we can say it for the rest of the world,’ he said.” 50. Peace in Sudan (PMO Press Release, November 9, 2005) "’Promoting long-term peace throughout Sudan remains a key priority for Canada,’ said Prime Minister Martin.” 51. Prosperity in New Brunswick (New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal, December 7, 2005) “My only goal as the prime minister is to make sure that, in fact, we do everything we possibly can to make sure New Brunswick does well.” 52. British Columbia (Vancouver Sun, December 10, 2005) "The truth of the matter is that British Columbia has been tremendously important to me since I became prime minister." 53. Banning Handguns (Liberal News Release, http://www.liberal.ca/news_e.aspx?id=1142, December 8, 2005) “By banning handguns and enforcing a comprehensive policing effort – driven by the priorities of the provinces and municipalities – we can get these weapons off our streets and help to stop gun crime.” 54. Democratic Deficit/House of Commons Reform (Calgary Herald, October 19, 2003) “We are going to proceed with House of Commons reform as quickly as we can.” 55. Pacific Gateway (Vancouver Sun, December 10, 2005) “These are British Columbia issues and I'm making them a priority.” 56. Transportation Infrastructure (Letter to the Council of the Federation, December 23, 2005) “I agree with you that transportation infrastructure is another key national priority.” Paul Martin says, “If you have 40 priorities you don’t have any.” He’s right. Story link: Conservative website Bloody brilliant! Vote Conservative! Kula

The title of this thread should be "Martin's passion for power". If Paul Martin didn't know about AdScam he is either stupid, incompetant or both. I think it's the latter. As the head financial officer fo Canada he is responsible for the money. Paul "Show me the money!" I believe some $40-50 million is still unaccounted for. Vote Conservative and stop the insanity. Kula

Go here Proud to be Canadian and watch the video posted under the headline 'Liberal-left big brother gov't to take all your guns away from you'. A young voter tears this legislation apart and critcizes the PM. All on CTV (Liberal Broadcasting Network Lite). Kula

Martin is an idiot. I can see the criminals lining up to hand in their glocks already. Just like they lined up to register their handguns. This guys logic is insufferable! Kula

Mmmmm hmmmm. And if the government runs childcare in this country what will it cost taxpayers? $100 a day, $200 a day? The gun registry has now cost almost 1000 times what was originally targeted by the Liberals. I have no reason to believe the corrupt and inept Liberals will be able to do any better with childcare. I am a strong believer in allowing people to make decisions. I also believe I can spend my money more responsibly than the government... especially the Liberal government. I also think it is insulting to assume state run day care can raise children better than parents. Give the parents the money to spend. It's called choice, something we should have in a democracy. Kula

Why is allowing democratically elected officials to determine law in Canada considered radical? Amazing! Instead we want allow a bunch of appointed elitists to determine our fate. Bravo to Harper! At least he's got the guts to make a stand.