Harper's surprise visit to Baghdad

Topaz · May 2, 2015

It seems like the visit to give out more money to this country and I'm sure there are Canadians are wondering were is all this money coming from when they keep saying they need to cut back, though they have also given millions to Ukraine. http://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/harper-makes-surprise-visit-to-baghdad-meets-iraqi-prime-minister-1.2355427

Keepitsimple · May 2, 2015

So you are not in favour of helping refugees?

GostHacked · May 2, 2015

So you are not in favour of helping refugees?

What about our poor here at home? Should we not be helping them before we help others? Considering the 'help' that has already been given to Iraq, Some would call it their issue and not ours.

Smallc · May 2, 2015

What about our poor here at home?

They're the responsibility of the provinces (with the help of the already massive Canadian Social Transfer) and already get more than most of us should be comfortable with. In this country, you have to try hard to be extremely poor.

Smallc · May 2, 2015

It seems like the visit to give out more money to this country and I'm sure there are Canadians are wondering were is all this money coming from

The amount of money we're talking about in a $291B budget isn't even a rounding error.

GostHacked · May 2, 2015

They're the responsibility of the provinces (with the help of the already massive Canadian Social Transfer) and already get more than most of us should be comfortable with. In this country, you have to try hard to be extremely poor.

Nice blame shift from the federal to the provincial. And even with that we still have a large amount of aboriginals in that poverty position.

But overall another publicity stunt by Harper since there will be an election soon. Watch him wag the dog all the way, and many here will buy into it and LOVE it.

Smallc · May 2, 2015

Nice blame shift from the federal to the provincial. And even with that we still have a large amount of aboriginals in that poverty position.

Yes, and they are the responsibility of the federal government. If you think that the federal government should cut out the over $7B a year in exclusive funding that less than 500K people get and should instead be funded to the level of Iraqi aid and security from Canada....otherwise I don't see what you're trying to say.

GostHacked · May 2, 2015

Yes, and they are the responsibility of the federal government. If you think that the federal government should cut out the over $7B a year in exclusive funding that less than 500K people get and should instead be funded to the level of Iraqi aid and security from Canada....otherwise I don't see what you're trying to say.

We have a booming national debt that needs some attention. 135 Million is not going to solve a damn thing in the Middle East.

Topaz · May 2, 2015

Not under the Harper's government, they look after the rich and themselves, like I said the rich!

Smallc · May 2, 2015

We have a booming national debt that needs some attention.

A national debt that it set to get smaller this year, and a ratio that is about to start to go down even faster.

Smallc · May 2, 2015

Not under the Harper's government, they look after the rich and themselves, like I said the rich!

And what would you like them to do? They've certainly helped me by letting my help myself.

GostHacked · May 2, 2015

A national debt that it set to get smaller this year, and a ratio that is about to start to go down even faster.

That's good since Harper racked up the debt to begin with. About time he did something about it.

On Guard for Thee · May 2, 2015

This visit is simply intended to make Harper look he is some sort of tough guy on terrorism during an election year. Waste of time and money. You will probably see some video clips of it during upcoming NHL playoffs.

overthere · May 2, 2015

Not under the Harper's government, they look after the rich and themselves, like I said the rich!

You're going to hurt your brain with this relentless bipolar stuff.

Do you want the great Satan Harper to help poor people or not?

Oh wait, is he sending the money to wealthy people in Iraq?

Freddy · May 2, 2015

Harper gave me 1600$ more on my tax return this year, I guess i must be rich.

Smallc · May 2, 2015

That's good since Harper racked up the debt to begin with. About time he did something about it.

I like how people say that now without any of the related context.

Topaz · May 2, 2015

Well, for one thing, by NOT spending money on advertising something that never was! By cutting they pay raises to, at least, $2000. instead of 4000. The Tories make a very big deal about cutting back and then they go wild spending spree!

Smallc · May 2, 2015

Well, for one thing, by NOT spending money on advertising something that never was! By cutting they pay raises to, at least, $2000. instead of 4000. The Tories make a very big deal about cutting back and then they go wild spending spree!

Didn't MPs forgo COLA (what you're talking about) for several years?

sharkman · May 3, 2015

That's good since Harper racked up the debt to begin with. About time he did something about it.

That's total BS since the previous 4 or 5 governments all had a hand in racking up debt, with Chretien taking the lead. I suppose you think WW3 is just around the corner.

Edited May 3, 2015 by sharkman

Spiderfish · May 4, 2015

That's good since Harper racked up the debt to begin with. About time he did something about it.

It's amazing how short our memories are. As I recall, the catalyst for the 2008 coup d’état attempt by the opposition parties was the Conservative fiscal update which included plans to cut government spending in the face of a major economic recession...a plan which the opposition were dead against.

Keepitsimple · May 4, 2015

It's amazing how short our memories are. As I recall, the catalyst for the 2008 coup d’état attempt by the opposition parties was the Conservative fiscal update which included plans to cut government spending in the face of a major economic recession...a plan which the opposition were dead against.

You recall correctly.

Big Guy · May 4, 2015

As to the OP, I would have been far less sceptical if the Harper visit had been reported after the fact.

Harper showed up with camera men and videographers on the Conservative party payroll. This entourage would not have been required if the intent was to boost the morale of the troops. It was meant as a photo op for the coming campaign and will be used for that.

eyeball · May 4, 2015

You recall correctly.

If not hyperbolically.

On Guard for Thee · May 4, 2015

It's amazing how short our memories are. As I recall, the catalyst for the 2008 coup d’état attempt by the opposition parties was the Conservative fiscal update which included plans to cut government spending in the face of a major economic recession...a plan which the opposition were dead against.

Are you trying to say Harper cut spending back then, or am I just not hearing correctly.