Fixing What Harper Broke: A to-do list

CITIZEN_2015 · November 2, 2015

Is somebody going to fix the horrors of Harpers legacy? balanced budget, low interest rates, dormant Quebec separatist movement, moderately brisk economy, low personal taxes, and moderate unemployment rate? This cannot stand.

If you were in politics in early 90's you would remember it was Bush and Clinton for US presidency and bush was seeking re-election glorying how great and militarily strong America is and how America is respected in the world, etc. (as compare to the weak Carter presidency) under Reagan and him but the US economy was in a mess as it was hit by a recession and Bush never mentioned the economy of course was his weak point so Clinton said "It is the Economy you stupid" and he won the presidency.

Now I remember reading that as per last days of Harper's campaign he was glorifying how great the economy is under his reign (same staff you mentioned in the post like balance budget and low taxes, .....) and I remember hearing or reading I think it was Globe and Mail who said "It is NOT the economy you stupid" apparently addressed to Harper or his campaign managers!!!!.

Yes it was about Canadian values he undermined, about Harper's secretive dictatorial rule, about his undemocratic rule. About his fear mongering and divisive policies. About setting Canadians against each other using the race and religion. It was about corruptions it was about scandals one after another. About 9 years of UnCanadian values taken by his regime. About destroying democracy in Canada. You wish to know what needs to be unscrewed (what Harper regime screwed up) read the original post. The poster has done a great job in listing the Harper regime's harms in his 9 year reign.

Edited November 2, 2015 by CITIZEN_2015

ToadBrother · November 3, 2015

Yes it was about Canadian values he undermined, about Harper's secretive dictatorial rule, about his undemocratic rule. About his fear mongering and divisive policies. About setting Canadians against each other using the race and religion. It was about corruptions it was about scandals one after another. About 9 years of UnCanadian values taken by his regime. About destroying democracy in Canada. You wish to know what needs to be unscrewed (what Harper regime screwed up) read the original post. The poster has done a great job in listing the Harper regime's harms in his 9 year reign.

I think it may have been in part about the things you describe, but frankly I think the Tories were doomed a year or more before this election, and in no small part because they'd been around too long. Even after the election, Canadians seem to have been relatively generous to Harper, suggesting he was an average to better PM during his time. I'm not saying his flaws didn't slay him, and I do think Canadians tired of his hyperpartisan rule. In the end, however, governments get old, and the Tories truly did feel old and decrepit, having lost a lot of front bench talent, with a tired and mean-spirited campaign that clearly didn't even inspire a lot of Tories.

I'm sure in eight years we'll be saying the same thing about Trudeau and the Liberals, if they win the next election, and I'm sure the Liberals will be using some variant on the "OH MY GOD, DON'T VOTE FOR THOSE OTHER GUYS, YOU CAN'T TRUST THEM!!!" meme.

Big Guy · January 28, 2016

The new Liberal government continues to repeal the legislation that the Harper Conservatives were able to enact when they had the majority. The latest is on Harper union bashings:

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2016/01/28/liberals-tories-union-bills-c-377-c-525_n_9100578.html

The Liberals did promise to repeal these bills and they did get a majority government but it seems an awful waste of time when one government has to spend its time in power to repeal legislation of the previous government.

Argus · January 29, 2016

The new Liberal government continues to repeal the legislation that the Harper Conservatives were able to enact when they had the majority. The latest is on Harper union bashings:

Speaking as someone who used to be a union activist I can say that if rank and file union members had any idea how much of their money is wasted by their unions for political activism, donations to external organizations, and endless rounds of meetings, travel and conferences some of those unions would be in big trouble.

jacee · February 2, 2016

Speaking as someone who used to be a union activist I can say that if rank and file union members had any idea how much of their money is wasted by their unions for political activism,

Not wasted. Political change is necessary ... changing laws, policies, etc.

donations to external organizations,

Who may be trying to organize. Yup.

and endless rounds of meetings, travel and conferences

All necessary if you want leaders who know the latest progress and best practices, organize larger political action.

some of those unions would be in big trouble.

Good leaders are good at explaining the above, and sharing what's going on in the larger labour world and affects locals.

All what we pay them for.

.

Edited February 2, 2016 by jacee

jacee · February 2, 2016

... it seems an awful waste of time when one government has to spend its time in power to repeal legislation of the previous government.

You like bad laws?

Harper left a steaming pile of unconstitutional 'laws' that will eventually cost billions to be struck down by the Supreme Court.

It's much cheaper to repeal and fix them.

.

Edited February 2, 2016 by jacee

On Guard for Thee · February 2, 2016

You like bad laws?

Harper left a steaming pile of unconstitutional 'laws' that will eventually cost billions to be struck down by the Supreme Court.

It's much cheaper to repeal and fix them.

.

You are absolutely right. Much better to fix up the unconstitutional mess up front, then to wait until there are a docket full of cases challenging charges that would inevitably accrue under the various bad laws Harper rammed through. The senate clearly wan't doing it's job either. But that's another issue.

Argus · February 2, 2016

Not wasted. Political change is necessary ... changing laws, policies, etc.

This money belongs to union members, most of whom are not very politically active, and don't want their money wasted on political hacks, particularly those they don't support anyway. But I suppose the unwilling use of their money doesn't bother you as long as it goes to a cause you support.

All necessary if you want leaders who know the latest progress and best practices, organize larger political action.

Good leaders are good at explaining the above, and sharing what's going on in the larger labour world and affects locals.

And lots of comfortable sitting around at expensive hotels drinking and eating on the expense account, while engaging in petty internal politics and sexual games. I don't think you've ever been a part of a union local.

CITIZEN_2015 · February 8, 2016

The new Liberal government continues to repeal the legislation that the Harper Conservatives were able to enact when they had the majority. The latest is on Harper union bashings:

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2016/01/28/liberals-tories-union-bills-c-377-c-525_n_9100578.html

The Liberals did promise to repeal these bills and they did get a majority government but it seems an awful waste of time when one government has to spend its time in power to repeal legislation of the previous government.

There is a long list of bills imposed by Harper regime as some outlined very well by OP and in my view the new liberal government is moving TOO SLOW to repeal them while various sectors of the nation continue to pay a price for some of those ideology-based stupid laws.

poochy · February 8, 2016

There is a long list of bills imposed by Harper regime as some outlined very well by OP and in my view the new liberal government is moving TOO SLOW to repeal them while various sectors of the nation continue to pay a price for some of those ideology-based stupid laws.

In my opinion, you are wrong about everything, also, how exactly do you run a country when each new goverment repeals the legislation of the prior government? Also, which specific laws were "ideology-based stupid" and exactly what effects did they have that we can see actual evidence of, i mean real, not imagined things that actually happened as a result. Just about every act of the new government, in it's efforts to simply repeal everything the conservatives did, is far more ideologically driven than simply writing law from a marginally conservative perspective, it just so happens you agree with the ideology, are you reallu so arrogant to beleive that everything you believe in must be the correct thing?

Edited February 8, 2016 by poochy

On Guard for Thee · February 8, 2016

In my opinion, you are wrong about everything, also, how exactly do you run a country when each new goverment repeals the legislation of the prior government? Also, which specific laws were "ideology-based stupid" and exactly what effects did they have that we can see actual evidence of, i mean real, not imagined things that actually happened as a result. Just about every act of the new government, in it's efforts to simply repeal everything the conservatives did, is far more ideologically driven than simply writing law from a marginally conservative perspective, it just so happens you agree with the ideology, are you reallu so arrogant to beleive that everything you believe in must be the correct thing?

Harper used his majority to ram through many laws without proper vetting at committee and that were eventually thrown out by the SCC. That is a waste of time as well as money. He tried to run rough shod over the charter and it failed many times. I think he got on a bit of a power trip that helped bring him down.

Argus · February 8, 2016

There is a long list of bills imposed by Harper regime as some outlined very well by OP and in my view the new liberal government is moving TOO SLOW to repeal them while various sectors of the nation continue to pay a price for some of those ideology-based stupid laws.

And in 'your view' which sectors of the nation are paying a price for which stupid laws?

Argus · February 8, 2016

Harper used his majority to ram through many laws without proper vetting at committee and that were eventually thrown out by the SCC. That is a waste of time as well as money. He tried to run rough shod over the charter and it failed many times. I think he got on a bit of a power trip that helped bring him down.

And yet, a study conducted on the Supreme Court findings during Harper's time in office show most of the laws they overruled were brought in by the governments who preceded them. How does that fit with our narrative of the evil tories?

For one thing, the paper finds that three-quarters of the Conservatives' charter losses came in relation to measures taken by a previous government.

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2016/01/20/harper-relations-with-supreme-court-not-especially-antagonistic-study-finds_n_9032076.html

Argus · February 8, 2016

I'm confused about this lack of quoting people and instead naming their post numbers. What is this in aid of?

On Guard for Thee · February 8, 2016

And yet, a study conducted on the Supreme Court findings during Harper's time in office show most of the laws they overruled were brought in by the governments who preceded them. How does that fit with our narrative of the evil tories?

For one thing, the paper finds that three-quarters of the Conservatives' charter losses came in relation to measures taken by a previous government.

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2016/01/20/harper-relations-with-supreme-court-not-especially-antagonistic-study-finds_n_9032076.html

Issues such as prostitution, time served sentencing, mandatory minimums for gun crimes, assisted suicide, senate reform, Marc Nadon, were all issues that were failures that were either initiated by the tories, or failures because of their attempts to rewrite what the SC asked them to rewrite.

CITIZEN_2015 · February 8, 2016

And in 'your view' which sectors of the nation are paying a price for which stupid laws?

I have already discussed a few ideological and/or stupid bills passed by previous Harper regime who abused their majority and passed them in a manipulative manner typical of former Harper regime.

In this same thread I have discussed at length the harms that bill C-36 has done and will continue to do to a certain sector of the society (those employed in sex industry) by putting their lives in danger not to mention that very likely it is unconstitutional. The Cons pushed this bill through in a very manipulative way in order to appeal to their core support (what I call as religious right or fanatics) without any regards for the safety of the citizens. Liberals promised to repeal this law and hopefully to bring new laws to best protect the workers and put abusive pimps and Johns behind bars for a long time.

I have discussed the harm that bill C-51 would do to our democracy. Police will now have the power to preventatively arrest more people without a warrant and that is my most concern. As the liberals said and promised they should amend bill C-51 to protect our nation WHILE also protecting our rights and freedoms. We don't wish to become like some dictatorships in which the police can kick down your doors without proper warrant or cause and put you in jail for an unlimited period or until found not guilty. This law CAN affect all sectors of the society randomly.

Also bill C-24 creates two types of citizenships. Those sectors of our society who are dual citizens even if they are born here can be subjected to deportation. In other words they are second class citizens. I believe EVERYONE who is found guilty of listed crimes in bill C-24 must be arrested and punished according to the laws of THIS country.

A few very valid ones also mentioned above by On Guard for Thee.....

Edited February 8, 2016 by CITIZEN_2015

ReeferMadness · February 8, 2016

Issues such as prostitution, time served sentencing, mandatory minimums for gun crimes, assisted suicide, senate reform, Marc Nadon, were all issues that were failures that were either initiated by the tories, or failures because of their attempts to rewrite what the SC asked them to rewrite.

They were designed to be failures. Harper was exploiting people's ignorance of the law and the constitution and drawing on the well of resentment towards "judicial activism". There are lots of people who were outraged and energized when Harper's bills were overturned. And so he designed bills that he knew would be overturned.

Harper. The lost years of Canada. What a waste.

poochy · February 8, 2016

I have already discussed a few ideological and/or stupid bills passed by previous Harper regime who abused their majority and passed them in a manipulative manner typical of former Harper regime.

In this same thread I have discussed at length the harms that bill C-36 has done and will continue to do to a certain sector of the society (those employed in sex industry) by putting their lives in danger not to mention that very likely it is unconstitutional. The Cons pushed this bill through in a very manipulative way in order to appeal to their core support (what I call as religious idiots) without any regards for the safety of the citizens. Liberals promised to repeal this law and hopefully to bring new laws to best protect the workers and put abusive pimps and Johns behind bars for a long time.

I have discussed the harm that bill C-51 would do to our democracy. Police will now have the power to preventatively arrest more people without a warrant and that is my most concern. As the liberals said and promised they should amend bill C-51 to protect our nation WHILE also protecting our rights and freedoms. We don't wish to become like some dictatorships in which the police can kick down your doors without proper warrant or cause and put you in jail for an unlimited period or until found not guilty. This law CAN affect all sectors of the society randomly.

Also bill C-24 creates two types of citizenships. Those sectors of our society who are dual citizens even if they are born here can be subjected to deportation. In other words they are second class citizens. I believe EVERYONE who is found guilty of listed crimes in bill C-24 must be arrested and punished according to the laws of THIS country.

A few very valid ones also mentioned above by On Guard for Thee.....

So a prostituion law that almost no one cares about, C-51 that the liberals are probably not getting rid of, and a law that most people probably agree with, very, very evil.

poochy · February 8, 2016

Harper. The lost years of Canada. What a waste.

Not nearly as wasteful as the empty rhetoric you so desperately cling to. hey did you hear, it's also his fault that we have oil, the world wants it, and companies were willing to invest into extracting it, i've heard that around here...somewhere.

ReeferMadness · February 9, 2016

Not nearly as wasteful as the empty rhetoric you so desperately cling to. hey did you hear, it's also his fault that we have oil, the world wants it, and companies were willing to invest into extracting it, i've heard that around here...somewhere.

So... you have nothing to add then. Good on you for not letting that stop you.

Argus · February 9, 2016

Issues such as prostitution, time served sentencing, mandatory minimums for gun crimes, assisted suicide, senate reform, Marc Nadon, were all issues that were failures that were either initiated by the tories, or failures because of their attempts to rewrite what the SC asked them to rewrite.

You're missing the point. Three quarters of legislation overturned was not theirs, but mostly legislation the Liberals put in.

Argus · February 9, 2016

In this same thread I have discussed at length the harms that bill C-36 has done and will continue to do to a certain sector of the society (those employed in sex industry) by putting their lives in danger not to mention that very likely it is unconstitutional. The Cons pushed this bill through in a very manipulative way in order to appeal to their core support (what I call as religious right or fanatics) without any regards for the safety of the citizens. Liberals promised to repeal this law and hopefully to bring new laws to best protect the workers and put abusive pimps and Johns behind bars for a long time.

You are accusing the Conservative party of being right wing ideologues for putting the passing the same sort of legislation SWEDEN has? Seriously?

I have discussed the harm that bill C-51 would do to our democracy. Police will now have the power to preventatively arrest more people without a warrant and that is my most concern.

Police can do that in a lot of democracies, including the US, UK, France, Australia and Germany. Are they no longer democracies? Three of them are run by left wing governments. How does that reconcile with your fear of ideologically motivated legislation?

We don't wish to become like some dictatorships in which the police can kick down your doors without proper warrant or cause and put you in jail for an unlimited period or until found not guilty.

The law doesn't allow that, and is considerably milder than what the socialists put in place in France recently.

Also bill C-24 creates two types of citizenships.

No, it simply expands the reasons why foreigners who come here can have their citizenship stripped.

CITIZEN_2015 · February 9, 2016

So a prostituion law that almost no one cares about ...........................

Well may be you don't care when it comes to the lives and safety of certain workers likely because of the job that they do and you don't agree with (no wonder you admire Harper, and his regime including MacKay) but do NOT say that no one else cares either. Not everyone on this board or this country is so judgmental that when I say in my post C-36 puts the lives and safety of certain citizens in jeopardy and would respond no one cares!!!!!. Shame .

You are accusing the Conservative party of being right wing ideologues for putting the passing the same sort of legislation SWEDEN has? Seriously?

So just because it is originated from Sweden then it must be right right?. Even in Sweden they are now thinking of reversing this law.

http://www.bayswan.org/swed/swed_index.html

Sweden is a different society. Feminism is to the EXTREME is Sweden. While I strongly believe in total equality of women and men I do not believe what I call feminazism (feminism to the extreme even superiority of females). It was a coalition of feminazis and religious right which brought in this type of laws in Sweden in 1999 and it has been a failure. In Sweden (almost like Saudi Arabia) certain Gender have little rights. Just happened to be the other gender in this case.

Edited February 9, 2016 by CITIZEN_2015

ReeferMadness · February 9, 2016

You are accusing the Conservative party of being right wing ideologues for putting the passing the same sort of legislation SWEDEN has? Seriously?

Politics makes for strange bedfellows. In this case the interests of right wing moralist prudes who think that prostitution (or any sex outside of heterosexual marriage) is the work of the devil happen to line up with the interests of some feminists who believe that prostitution is simply an extension and continuation of centuries of male subjugation. The latter may have a point. And yes, this was the work of the Conservative Party appealing to its regressive, moralistic right wing base while simultaneously putting progressives in a defensive position by appealing to a certain group of feminists.

Regardless, the law fails to address the root of either of these issues and is therefore a failure.

On Guard for Thee · February 9, 2016

You're missing the point. Three quarters of legislation overturned was not theirs, but mostly legislation the Liberals put in.

You are missing the point. It was either their legislation, or previous legislation that was given them to rewrite, and what they came back with was as bad or worse constitutionally that the original.