What should the Tories do?

[Argus]

One of the things the Tories need to push back against is the natural feeling that 'it's time for a change'. This happens whenever a party is in power for ten years or so. People get restless and start looking for a change. The opposition parties are offering major changes. The Tories need to do the same.

Of course they're handicapped by being the party people want to see changed! On the other hand, they've had ten years in power for people to see that the provide stable government with no outrageous ideological or tax changes.

The Senate

Even though the senate is not on anyone's list of most important election topics, it's a quick and easy change to make because the problem is one of style over substance. So you make a style change, which doesn't need a constitutional change. Harper hates appointing senators anyway, and he kind of sucks at it. So how about from now on senators are appointed, in turn, by national groups. For example, the Canadian Bar Association names the next senator. Then the Canadian Medical Association gets the one after that. Canadian veterans get the one after that. The Unions get the next one. Engineers, Accountants, Geologists, the building trades, everyone gets to nominate three individuals each time a new senator is required and Harper picks the guy. This would remove the partisanship for the most part, allow in people do that 'sober second reading' but at the same time, while the senate can slow down legislation if it takes a mind to it, it can't actually stop it. So while this change might eventually prove annoying for prime ministers, it's not a terrible thing, and anyway he'd be gone by then.

Taxation.

Remove payroll taxes. These are a tax on jobs and the worst kind of tax a government can have. No more CPP contributions. No more EI contributions. This would be exactly offset by increases in personal and business taxes. Business taxes should not be based on how many people you employ here but how much profitable business you're doing. Increase taxes on stock market investments on a graded scale, starting with a million in income. The purpose of this is to encourage business to spend its profits not simply put it into the stock market - note, this increase would not affect investments in Canadian small and medium cap stocks or real estate. Investment returns in foreign countries, however, would be taxed at a higher rate. The same goes for wealthy inviduals. Remove the divident tax credit on income over $100,000.

Health Care

Propose a commission to study the best of the European health care systems which would report back within eighteen months with recommendations for altering Canada's health care system in line with the best of those. That would necessitate more money, much of it private and possibly more tax dollars. If more tax dollars were needed they could offer up a 1% increase in the GST with a legal mandate that all of that money must be spent on additional health care funding. They would initiate meetings with the provinces and territories to amalgamate the various health care insurance schemes into one, as well as for joint purchases of drugs.

Leadership

I would also let out that Harper is kind of done with this prime minister stuff, and that he would not be leading the party into another election, that a short time (not defined) after an election victory he would call for a party convention to choose a successor.

Immigration

Appoint a commission to determine what our goals are and exactly how many immigrants Canada needs and what kind of job skills (including language skills) have thus far proved to be the most successful at getting immigrants reasonably good employment (excluding janitors, security guards, and other low skill positions).

[kimmy]

Leadership

I would also let out that Harper is kind of done with this prime minister stuff, and that he would not be leading the party into another election, that a short time (not defined) after an election victory he would call for a party convention to choose a successor.

I'm not sure that announcing that the PM would step down shortly after the election would *increase* people's desire to vote for them.

I thought "proven leadership!" was one of the Conservative party's best selling points. (It might be their last good selling point, in fact.)

I doubt people would be super-excited about the idea that the next prime minister would be selected through a party convention rather than a national election. "Elect us, and we'll choose the next prime minister for you!"

It seems to me that party leadership conventions in Canada have often been pretty bad. Especially the time Joe Volpe wanted to be Liberal leader. Remember that guy? If I recall he was getting truckloads of party memberships to fictional people, and at one point they had toddlers and infants donating the maximum contribution limit to the Volpe campaign.

"Francesca is very passionate about politics and made this donation of her own money of her own accord."

"She's TWO YEARS OLD!"

"What are you implying?"

-k

[Derek 2.0]

I'm not sure that announcing that the PM would step down shortly after the election would *increase* people's desire to vote for them.

I thought "proven leadership!" was one of the Conservative party's best selling points. (It might be their last good selling point, in fact.)

I doubt people would be super-excited about the idea that the next prime minister would be selected through a party convention rather than a national election. "Elect us, and we'll choose the next prime minister for you!"

Exactly, the Prime Minister is only 56 and in good health, and will be only 60 at the end of his next mandate......Chretien was near 70 when he packed it in.........changing horses in mid-stream is not a good thing for a political party:

[Derek 2.0]

One of the things the Tories need to push back against is the natural feeling that 'it's time for a change'. This happens whenever a party is in power for ten years or so. People get restless and start looking for a change. The opposition parties are offering major changes. The Tories need to do the same.

Of course they're handicapped by being the party people want to see changed! On the other hand, they've had ten years in power for people to see that the provide stable government with no outrageous ideological or tax changes.

Despite this concern, the current Government has been maintaining steady levels of support and is polling where it has been historically going into previous elections (normally 3-5% below the actual final results). This Government won't promise grandiose sunshine, as it campaigns to win elections and not opinion polls months out, and will offer further targeted tax cuts and policies encompassing continual sound management of our national government.........And will return with a majority government this Fall.

As a Tory supporter, I'd be worried if the Party was promising extreme changes.......

(With that said, I'd suggest that you're close to the mark with a reduction in EI premiums and optional increased contributions to CPP, as a possible plank in the parties platform once they actually start campaign mode )

[Topaz]

One main problem any PM would have if the voters LIKE them and if not, and if they are not liked, then those voters vote against them. Harper have fooled around with the social programs and so far no PM has been re-elected doing so and 60% or more of Canadians want change, so what is Harper going to do....become the Progressive Conservative or join the NDP?

[Vancouver King]

The Senate

Even though the senate is not on anyone's list of most important election topics, it's a quick and easy change to make because the problem is one of style over substance. So you make a style change, which doesn't need a constitutional change. Harper hates appointing senators anyway, and he kind of sucks at it. So how about from now on senators are appointed, in turn, by national groups. For example, the Canadian Bar Association names the next senator. Then the Canadian Medical Association gets the one after that. Canadian veterans get the one after that. The Unions get the next one. Engineers, Accountants, Geologists, the building trades, everyone gets to nominate three individuals each time a new senator is required and Harper picks the guy. This would remove the partisanship for the most part, allow in people do that 'sober second reading' but at the same time, while the senate can slow down legislation if it takes a mind to it, it can't actually stop it. So while this change might eventually prove annoying for prime ministers, it's not a terrible thing, and anyway he'd be gone by then.

Taxation.

Remove payroll taxes. These are a tax on jobs and the worst kind of tax a government can have. No more CPP contributions. No more EI contributions. This would be exactly offset by increases in personal and business taxes. Business taxes should not be based on how many people you employ here but how much profitable business you're doing. Increase taxes on stock market investments on a graded scale, starting with a million in income. The purpose of this is to encourage business to spend its profits not simply put it into the stock market - note, this increase would not affect investments in Canadian small and medium cap stocks or real estate. Investment returns in foreign countries, however, would be taxed at a higher rate. The same goes for wealthy inviduals. Remove the divident tax credit on income over $100,000.

So large scale expense fraud, convictions, investigations, sexual harassment charges etc. etc. are only matters of style and not substance. Give your head a shake.

Your plan to hand over Canadians public pensions to the private sector is deplorable. Can you imagine the abuses at the hands of financial manipulators who would gladly sacrifice Canadian's pensions to their bottom lines. Are their no limits to your lust for profits?.

Edited June 20, 2015 by Vancouver King

[Freddy]

What the Tories need to do is make sure the left splits the vote 50/50, evenly throughout every district. I suggest robo calling would be helpful to accomplish that.

There is no mystery to their winning combination.

First, Unify the right.

Second, devide the left.

Works every time.

Edited June 20, 2015 by Freddy

[Argus]

Exactly, the Prime Minister is only 56 and in good health, and will be only 60 at the end of his next mandate......Chretien was near 70 when he packed it in.........changing horses in mid-stream is not a good thing for a political party:

People are tired of him. He's not a bad PM, but he's a lousy politician and has no charisma. He's polling lower than the party, not the other way around, so he's a drag on it.

[Argus]

I'm not sure that announcing that the PM would step down shortly after the election would *increase* people's desire to vote for them.

Worked for Trudeau's dad. People were sick and tired of him. They ran him to get back power from Clark with the understanding he'd quit and be replaced.

Harper just has too many negatives now. I don't think he's done a bad job, but tons of people who might otherwise vote Tory have latched onto him as everything they hate.

[Derek 2.0]

People are tired of him. He's not a bad PM, but he's a lousy politician and has no charisma. He's polling lower than the party, not the other way around, so he's a drag on it.

I disagree, I doubt at any one point in his political history did a majority of people "like" Harper........and have you polling numbers to confirm that? Last I heard he was in the high 30s..........

Its a moot point though, as today's polling numbers are largely fluff, with most Canadians not paying attention until after the writ is dropped.......

[Freddy]

Worked for Trudeau's dad. People were sick and tired of him. They ran him to get back power from Clark with the understanding he'd quit and be replaced.Harper just has too many negatives now. I don't think he's done a bad job, but tons of people who might otherwise vote Tory have latched onto him as everything they hate.

And yet he has a very good chance at winning.

[Argus]

Your plan to hand over Canadians public pensions to the private sector is deplorable. Can you imagine the abuses at the hands of financial manipulators who would gladly sacrifice Canadian's pensions to their bottom lines. Are their no limits to your lust for profits?.

The people who look after pensions are already in the private sector. Do you think the people at CPP are public servants? Even the public servants get their pensions taken care of by the private sector.

Anyway, you misunderstood what I said. The only change I had in mind was in how the government collects money to fund pensions and EIC.

[Argus]

And yet he has a very good chance at winning.

Winning may not be enough. He needs to win another majority or the Libs and NDP will form a coalition.

[Freddy]

Winning may not be enough. He needs to win another majority or the Libs and NDP will form a coalition.

That's going to produce a vote of no confidence, we would be back at the polls very quickly, if that is the case.

I'm not sure the population would appreciate that on the part of the Liberal & NDP.

Edited June 20, 2015 by Freddy

[WWWTT]

Despite this concern, the current Government has been maintaining steady levels of support and is polling where it has been historically going into previous elections (normally 3-5% below the actual final results). This Government won't promise grandiose sunshine, as it campaigns to win elections and not opinion polls months out, and will offer further targeted tax cuts and policies encompassing continual sound management of our national government.........And will return with a majority government this Fall.

LOL!

Polls are starting to put the conservative in third place behind the liberals!

Hello!?

WWWTT

[WWWTT]

What the Tories need to do is make sure the left splits the vote 50/50, evenly throughout every district. I suggest robo calling would be helpful to accomplish that.

There is no mystery to their winning combination.

First, Unify the right.

Second, devide the left.

Works every time.

Great!

liberals merge with the conservatives and the NDP will battle it out with the greens.

Maybe next election, got any other plans?

WWWTT

[WWWTT]

One main problem any PM would have if the voters LIKE them and if not, and if they are not liked, then those voters vote against them. Harper have fooled around with the social programs and so far no PM has been re-elected doing so and 60% or more of Canadians want change, so what is Harper going to do....become the Progressive Conservative or join the NDP?

Ya his time is done and he's going to do what another 35 conservative MP's have already announced in a few months.

WWWTT

[Derek 2.0]

LOL!

Polls are starting to put the conservative in third place behind the liberals!

Hello!?

WWWTT

What polls?

The polls are showing the Liberals in the toilet, the NDP dropping and the Bloc gaining ground on the NDP in Quebec.......with the Tories remaining in the same position, ~+/- 2-3% as they've been in for the last several years........Face it, your NDP tide is receding, as it stands today, the NDP is exactly where they were the day after the last election:

and the Tories have regained the lead in Ontario, where the election will be decided.........Sorry Buddy, but I expect the NDP to continue to ebb as people examine their socialist policies and in Quebec, as it comes to light that the NDP do little to further Quebec's interests

Hello, socialism is passe.....

[Freddy]

What polls?

The polls are showing the Liberals in the toilet, the NDP dropping and the Bloc gaining ground on the NDP in Quebec.......with the Tories remaining in the same position, ~+/- 2-3% as they've been in for the last several years........Face it, your NDP tide is receding, as it stands today, the NDP is exactly where they were the day after the last election:

To bad too. I was looking forward to 4 years of women rights legislation.

and the Tories have regained the lead in Ontario, where the election will be decided.........Sorry Buddy, but I expect the NDP to continue to ebb as people examine their socialist policies and in Quebec, as it comes to light that the NDP do little to further Quebec's interests

Hello, socialism is passe.....

I'm so sad. I was, so looking forward to 4 years of women's rights legislation.

Edited June 21, 2015 by Freddy

[WWWTT]

What polls?

The polls are showing the Liberals in the toilet, the NDP dropping and the Bloc gaining ground on the NDP in Quebec.......with the Tories remaining in the same position, ~+/- 2-3% as they've been in for the last several years.......

Tories at the same position for a couple years?

No sorry man I posted a link to a poll just before this one that had the conservatives in third place.

Looks like the conservatives are still not in first.

Either way, we have the televised debates coming up and it's going to be a sluggfest on Harper!

Did Harper back track yet and say he was going to participate in the debates yet? What is Harper afraid of?

WWWTT

[jacee]

One of the things the Tories need to push back against is the natural feeling that 'it's time for a change'.

This happens whenever a party is in power for ten years or so. People get restless and start looking for a change.

The opposition parties are offering major changes. The Tories need to do the same.

So which is it?

Of course they're handicapped by being the party people want to see changed!

Yup.

.

Edited June 21, 2015 by jacee

[Freddy]

You NDP supporters are setting yourself up for some real disappointment.

Edited June 21, 2015 by Freddy

[cybercoma]

You look at that and think it bodes well for the Tories? The NDP has been rising in the polls and the Conservatives have been falling. You look at them 10 points behind where they were on election day and you hold that up as the Conservatives doing well? Can I have some of what you're having?

[Derek 2.0]

You look at that and think it bodes well for the Tories? The NDP has been rising in the polls and the Conservatives have been falling. You look at them 10 points behind where they were on election day and you hold that up as the Conservatives doing well? Can I have some of what you're having?

Yes, because the Tories were polling in the low 30s in the months preceding the 2011 election, but now with the additional seats and Tory voter efficiency, the path to a Majority for the CPC is about ~35%.......and no, in the latest polls the NDP is declining, largely to the Bloc in Quebec (who are now 4 points behind the NDP) and to the Tories in Ontario......

And what do you think will happen to NDP numbers once the Tories/Liberals/Bloc/Media/Economists start questioning the NDP's socialists dreams?

[Argus]

That's going to produce a vote of no confidence, we would be back at the polls very quickly, if that is the case.

A vote of no confidence would not necessarily lead to an election if it was right after the house started and the two opposition leaders went to the GG and said they had the seats to form a government.