Guergis Resigns from Cabinet - RCMP Investigation into Alleged Miscond

[Born Free]

I think if someone were were to say Harper ate babies and drank the blood of virgins, you would be predisposed to believe it.

...and I'm convinced if Harper was caught on tape robbing a 7-11 store, you'd deny it...

[Sir Bandelot]

Well I heard he ate the raw heart of a baby seal.

And demanded seconds...

[Born Free]

Well I heard he ate the raw heart of a baby seal.

And demanded seconds...

Well there you go......I'm shocked, shocked to find that seal heart eating is going on in the PM's office! ...

[Topaz]

After listening to the Sunday nes shows, I think what happen was that Jaffer got off because he turn info on the guy he was with the night he got caught drinking. Then the authority took that info and did some investigating and found out alot. It was brought out that Helena let Jaffer use her e-mail to do his business which could be very questionable and since she is a junior minister, she probably guilty of association to her hubby. Now did the RCMP call Harper about the info or did Harper call the RCMP??

[ToadBrother]

...and I'm convinced if Harper was caught on tape robbing a 7-11 store, you'd deny it...

I'm thinking you don't read many of my posts if you think I'm a Harper fan. I'm anything but. What I'm not is an ideological and partisan mouthpiece. Other than perhaps judging Guergis' personality better, Harper cannot be held to blame for what she's done.

Go ahead, as Argus or any of the Tory supporters, I am probably one of the more critical people of Harper. I mean, I've spent the better part of a year moaning about the first prorogation.

[jbg]

What's really amusing about this is that you didn't even catch my reference; "fuddle duddle". Here's a hint; it involves the Prime Minister most often lionized by Liberals and a rude outburst.

Even though I'm an American, I did catch the reference and even commented on it. Take a look back.

[Sir Bandelot]

I think they should rename the party to "HPC" - The Hells Angels Party of Canada.

[Argus]

I think they should rename the party to "HPC" - The Hells Angels Party of Canada.

How old did you say you were?

[Sir Bandelot]

How old did you say you were?

Pretty old. You can call me daddy

[Born Free]

I'm thinking you don't read many of my posts if you think I'm a Harper fan. I'm anything but. What I'm not is an ideological and partisan mouthpiece. Other than perhaps judging Guergis' personality better, Harper cannot be held to blame for what she's done.

Go ahead, as Argus or any of the Tory supporters, I am probably one of the more critical people of Harper. I mean, I've spent the better part of a year moaning about the first prorogation.

Thanks. I dont read all the posts in here so I often rely (to often perhaps) on the Coles Notes version..

So yer not a Harper fan. That makes two of us. I dont blame Harper for Guergis' actions either. I simply am calling him on his crappy judgement or seriously misplaced loyalty on the matter. I have other serious beefs with Harper & Co. but thats for another occasion.

Cheers,

[Born Free]

... she probably guilty of association to her hubby. Now did the RCMP call Harper about the info or did Harper call the RCMP??

Good question. However, if the RCMP and the Ethics Commissioner is involved, I suspect its a lot more than guilt by association. Aiding and abeting might be more the case. Of what?...who knows fer sure.

[Michael Hardner]

Good question. However, if the RCMP and the Ethics Commissioner is involved, I suspect its a lot more than guilt by association. Aiding and abeting might be more the case. Of what?...who knows fer sure.

I think there is some good speculation earlier in the thread, around influence peddling - but nothing with substance has come out yet.

[punked]

My issue is a bill she wrote in 2005 after the whole Belinda Stronach floor crossing.

Guergis was so mad she wrote a bill it says and I quote.

21.1 (1) If a member of the House of Commons leaves the political party to which that member belonged when the member was elected to the House of Commons, that member shall sit in the House of Commons as an independent for a period of 35 days.

(2) Once the period of 35 days has elapsed, the member’s election to the House of Commons shall become void, the seat of that member shall be vacated, and a writ shall be issued for the election of a member to fill the vacancy.

(3) The vacating member may run for the seat as the candidate for another political party or as an independent

So when will the election be Mrs. Guergis. Have the courage to stand by your conviction or was that all posturing to try and win an election?

http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?DocId=2333718&Language=e&Mode=1

[Michael Hardner]

My issue is a bill she wrote in 2005 after the whole Belinda Stronach floor crossing.

Guergis was so mad she wrote a bill it says and I quote.

21.1 (1) If a member of the House of Commons leaves the political party to which that member belonged when the member was elected to the House of Commons, that member shall sit in the House of Commons as an independent for a period of 35 days.

Hmmm... I doubt she'll follow that. Good for you for remembering though. I wonder where the number '35' days came from ?

[capricorn]

The opposition is planning a blitz on the Guergis matter tomorrow in the House of Commons.

“It’s in the interests of the nation for Stephen Harper to lay out as much as can possibly be laid out,” NDP Leader Jack Layton said.

“This one is just one great big mystery right now and the sooner it gets cleared up, the sooner we can deal with the critical issues facing the country,” he said Sunday.

Liberal MP Wayne Easter (Malpeque) chided Harper for what he called a “lack of transparency.”

“The Prime Minister announces there’s going to be an RCMP investigation. He doesn’t tell the reason why?” Easter said.

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/793693--opposition-mps-to-grill-harper-on-guergis?bn=1

The PM already stated the allegations don't implicate another MP, any Senator or any public servant. We can therefore conclude the allegations concern Guergis, most probably linked to Jaffer's activities.

I fail to see how Harper needs to spill what he knows about the allegations, even in "broad strokes", otherwise, as Layton fears the nation will be crippled by this affair. Also, as I heard someone point out, Harper cannot repeat the allegations. That would be up to the RCMP, wouldn't it? Otherwise he could be accused of making false accusations if Guergis was to be cleared of any wrongdoing by the RCMP and the ethics commissioner.

Canadians don't seem to be too excited about this matter. The latest Ekos poll has the Conservatives with a ten point lead. Where is the outrage of Canadians over this?

http://www.montrealgazette.com/Tories+point+lead+over+Liberals+poll/2789877/story.html

The opposition may be taking quite a gamble in hammering on the Guergis debacle given she is now out of caucus, putting a stop to her antics. The RCMP and the ethics commissioner are investigating and they'll talk in due course. It may well be Canadians just want to turn to bread and butter issues. Pushing this button too far may get Canadians to push back.

[Michael Hardner]

Canadians don't seem to be too excited about this matter. The latest Ekos poll has the Conservatives with a ten point lead. Where is the outrage of Canadians over this?

http://www.montrealgazette.com/Tories+point+lead+over+Liberals+poll/2789877/story.html

Canadians don't easy get excited over these kinds of things. Chretien's golf course matter didn't awaken those polite zombies that comprise the Canadian electorate.

Outrage ? How about the gun registry or eHealth ? Billions lost by mismanagement of programs.

[capricorn]

Canadians don't easy get excited over these kinds of things.

On its own, the poll means nothing. But in context given the extensive media coverage about Guergis and the December prorogation, and the bombardment in the H of C, that poll is more telling.

Chretien's golf course matter didn't awaken those polite zombies that comprise the Canadian electorate.

That episode had more impact with Quebec voters I think.

[ToadBrother]

The opposition may be taking quite a gamble in hammering on the Guergis debacle given she is now out of caucus, putting a stop to her antics. The RCMP and the ethics commissioner are investigating and they'll talk in due course. It may well be Canadians just want to turn to bread and butter issues. Pushing this button too far may get Canadians to push back.

On the whole, I don't really see how anyone can legitimately blame Harper. That being said, removing her from caucus does not remove the fact that whatever nefarious deeds she was party to didn't happen after she was booted out of the party, but rather before. But until we know the full scope of her actions, I don't see much that could be used one way or another. Obviously the Opposition would love Harper to fall on his sword, but I think, from what we do know, that Harper handled as well as it can be handled. Removing a cabinet minister is a big deal, removing a cabinet minister and throwing out of caucus, well that's a REALLY big deal. I can't even think of any time that that's happened.

[madmax]

The socialists will make political hay out of anything at all no matter how small. They do it to deflect the reality of them not having any plan of their own. Not only that but when you're at the top someone always wants to knock you down. It's the way of things. If on Monday the opposition uses this to attack the Tories it is going to look bad on them. The PM will likely say 'lets tend to the countries business' something along those lines. The PM will paint the opposition as being hyper partisan and not interested in going to work for Canada but instead only wishes to ensure non co operation.

[madmax]

Speaking of petty....

Come on... that wasn't petty, it was funny. Good thing someone caught it. As a fruedian slip its brilliantly funny. Sure its a typo, but its a fitting typo for the comment.

[madmax]

The Tories will find someone new to run their in that riding. It's a strong Tory riding with 55% of the vote last election, almost as strong as my own with 61%. So that basically means that anyone can run under the Tory banner and win. I'm sure Harper will go with anyone rather go with Helena again. She's done.

Maybe you could run John Tory, or if he's not available a leather shoe. Sure any idiot can get elected under the Tory banner. Its been proven over and and over.

[madmax]

Never let a little thing like a fact get in your way.

I have yet to see the slightest evidence of corruption involving anyone in the Tory government.

Guergis is being investigate while being part of the TORY government. The evidence so far is that the Prime Minister has ejected a member of the Tory Cabinet (that is the government you know and quite an impressive place in government) from the Caucus.

[madmax]

It is obvious that the couple are having marital problem, but should an ex politician's wife pay for her husband's actions?

The marital problem is that they are both caught. And he has gotten off scott free with a CPC wink and a nod, and she isn't going to get away as easily.

If yes why we do not hear about male politicians and their wives private lives?

Margerat Trudeau... Next topic.

Personally I will reserve judgement until the results are out..

Tell me another whopper. Harper has less patience then you.

Edited April 12, 2010 by madmax

[madmax]

That would be it.

What is it with Conservatives and ties to Hells Angels. This is the 2nd time in 2 years.

[capricorn]

I'm so piqued by what these allegations could be all about, I'm taking a perverse pleasure in the constant pounding the opposition is giving the Conservatives. Where are those loose lips when you need them most? Not that I think this will sink the Conservatives. It's just a fun show to watch.