Argus Posted January 18, 2016 Report Posted January 18, 2016 I don't see a pressing need to change the voting system, unlike many on the left. On the other hand, the fewer things we put to the ignorant masses, the better. What makes you think Justin Trudeau is one single bit smarter or more knowledgeable than the ignorant masses? Quote "A liberal is someone who claims to be open to all points of view — and then is surprised and offended to find there are other points of view.” William F Buckley
Smallc Posted January 18, 2016 Report Posted January 18, 2016 What makes you think Justin Trudeau is one single bit smarter or more knowledgeable than the ignorant masses? Well, for one, he's where he is now. Second, expert expert consultations with public input seem to be the way forward. I'm always in favour of such an approach. Thirdly, we just had an election in which this issue was a central piece. The number of votes for parties that support electoral reform far outweighed the number of votes to parties that didn't. Quote
Keepitsimple Posted January 18, 2016 Report Posted January 18, 2016 The voting system is never mentioned in the Constitution. There's no reason to believe it's subject to any limitations. There's definitely no reason to assume a referendum is required, as such a vote is never required for Constitutional change. I'm sure you'll find that there are many things that our Fathers of Confederation did not anticipate - changing the historic United Kingdom voting system is likely one of them. A Supreme Court consideration might be: if they did have the foresight to consider it, what would their likely position have been? In the context of strong Provinces and the fact that MPs represent Provincial constituents, it seems obvious that the Provinces would have been party to any decision. Quote Back to Basics
Big Guy Posted January 18, 2016 Report Posted January 18, 2016 ... As we've found, there are many things that are not explicitly written into our Constitution - but nonetheless have become part of its fabric. FPTP has been with us since the birth of Canada and it seems fairly obvious that it's an implied part of our Constitution... I disagree that FPTP system has either become part of our fabric nor an implied part of the constitution. It was used because it could be facilitated with the number of people involved and the technology available at the time. A ranked ballots system is far more democratic and if the concept is good enough for the parties to elect their leaders then why is it not good enough for Canadians to elect our leaders? Many years ago, it would have been impossible to use a ranked ballot system. The votes were counted by hand and all of the votes would have to be recounted after every losing candidate was removed and those second , third etc choices recounted. To-day that technology is available and being currently used. The counting of votes in a multi counting ranking system can now be compiled just as fast as for the FPTP system which had required only one counting. Canada should adopt a ranked choice voting system for the next vote. It is simple enough for all Canadians to understand and I do not see how it would favor any particular political party. Quote Note - For those expecting a response from Big Guy: I generally do not read or respond to posts longer then 300 words nor to parsed comments.
Argus Posted January 18, 2016 Report Posted January 18, 2016 (edited) Well, for one, he's where he is now. Second, expert expert consultations with public input seem to be the way forward. I'm always in favour of such an approach. Thirdly, we just had an election in which this issue was a central piece. The number of votes for parties that support electoral reform far outweighed the number of votes to parties that didn't. You could also say the number of votes for parties which either wanted no reform or wanted reform with a referendum first outnumbered those for reform which is at the sole discretion of the Liberal Party. Your expert consultations are meaningless if the only people who get to decide are the Liberal cabinet. And Trudeau is where he is now because of his name and his looks. If he was a bald, chubby guy named Flagstone he'd never have won. Edited January 18, 2016 by Argus Quote "A liberal is someone who claims to be open to all points of view — and then is surprised and offended to find there are other points of view.” William F Buckley
Keepitsimple Posted January 18, 2016 Report Posted January 18, 2016 Well, for one, he's where he is now. Second, expert expert consultations with public input seem to be the way forward. I'm always in favour of such an approach. Thirdly, we just had an election in which this issue was a central piece. The number of votes for parties that support electoral reform far outweighed the number of votes to parties that didn't. I'm disappointed in your abandonment of what I used to perceive as a somewhat objective mind that just happened to tilt a bit Liberal - and there's nothing wrong with that. But your number one is I'm sorry - arrogant. He is not where he is because he's so very smart - he won because it was time to kick Harper out and because his advisers cleverly stole NDP votes with what has amounted to a lie on resettling refugees (less than 2500 government assisted refugees instead of 25,000 by year end) - and what has so far proven to be a lie about re-calling our jets. Second, expert consultations is the way forward - but within a proper process that involves the Provinces. Your third point is disingenuous. Electoral reform had nothing to do with this last election and was a minor splinter in platforms that very few people paid attention to. Quote Back to Basics
Big Guy Posted January 18, 2016 Report Posted January 18, 2016 The "tone" is certainly more positive and this new "government by cabinet" is also a refreshing change from the previous system employed by the former PMO. This approach does leave the government open to getting signals crossed when particular Cabinet ministers make decisions and statements of which other ministers are unaware. I cannot remember the last time that different cabinet ministers are on national media every day answering questions. The Harper management system was very efficient. He had the confidence of the plurality of Canadians and was able to maintain power for a long time. It will take time to see how the JT management system will function. I too feel more hopeful at this time but am also an old cynic having seen the promise of refreshing new governments slowly deteriorate into self-serving and self-preserving actions. For our sake I do hope this Trudeau government is successful in fulfilling its campaign promises, governs effectively, maintains fiscal responsibility and keeps Canada out of useless wars overseas. He will not be in power forever and I wish him - and us - well. Quote Note - For those expecting a response from Big Guy: I generally do not read or respond to posts longer then 300 words nor to parsed comments.
DogOnPorch Posted January 18, 2016 Report Posted January 18, 2016 I feel someone without the qualifications to be PM is now at the helm. Latvia? What the hell is that? Quote Nothing cracks a turtle like Leon Uris.
overthere Posted January 18, 2016 Report Posted January 18, 2016 I feel a sense of mounting dread Quote Science too hard for you? Try religion!
Derek 2.0 Posted January 18, 2016 Report Posted January 18, 2016 I feel a sense of mounting dread Likewise, with a level of excitement equal to what I would feel if Zoolander were to become Prime Minister..... Quote
CITIZEN_2015 Posted January 18, 2016 Report Posted January 18, 2016 What makes you think Justin Trudeau is one single bit smarter or more knowledgeable than the ignorant masses? What kind of comment is that!!!!!! He is the one who brought up a party with third party status to a big victory (with a big majority). He is the one who defeated Harper in all debates and swallowed Mulcair. He is the one who became the Prime Minister of Canada (one out of 30 million gets the jobs). Seriously!!!!!!!!!! Quote
PIK Posted January 18, 2016 Report Posted January 18, 2016 People wanted change and the NDP went over to the liberals, anyone could have won for the liberals. Unfortunately they picked the wrong leader. And why is the meeting in NB and not in Ottawa. It seems to me trudeau loves to travel so the crowds can swoon all over him. How much did it cost to get everyone out east? Quote Toronto, like a roach motel in the middle of a pretty living room.
Big Guy Posted January 18, 2016 Report Posted January 18, 2016 ... Unfortunately they picked the wrong leader. .. Just who do you think the Liberals should have picked as leader? Quote Note - For those expecting a response from Big Guy: I generally do not read or respond to posts longer then 300 words nor to parsed comments.
PIK Posted January 18, 2016 Report Posted January 18, 2016 Garneau and a lot of conservatives would have been happy and we would have won also. At least he is someone that understand reality. Not the prince who has never wanted for anything and has been told how special he is his whole life. And that you can tell by the way he acts. Quote Toronto, like a roach motel in the middle of a pretty living room.
-1=e^ipi Posted January 18, 2016 Report Posted January 18, 2016 I feel someone without the qualifications to be PM is now at the helm. Latvia? What the hell is that? The Baltic States aren't a thing. Quote
Smoke Posted January 18, 2016 Report Posted January 18, 2016 The negative "tone" was mostly from the opposition, but yes that seems to be gone now. Quote
Smoke Posted January 18, 2016 Report Posted January 18, 2016 Then again, it might be that after Harper, ANYTHING is better! Well I guess mostly gone.....see what I mean....there's that negativity again.... Quote
ReeferMadness Posted January 18, 2016 Author Report Posted January 18, 2016 And the best part is after Kevin O'Leary becomes leader of the Conservatives, it will guarantee they will lose again next election. Can you say 3rd party? 4th? Quote Unlimited economic growth has the marvelous quality of stilling discontent while preserving privilege, a fact that has not gone unnoticed among liberal economists. - Noam Chomsky It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends on his not understanding it. - Upton Sinclair
overthere Posted January 18, 2016 Report Posted January 18, 2016 The Conservatives could run Gandhi, or Jesus, and they'd lose next election badly. And all the federal elections after that too. Once Justin gets finished with the electoral system, there will never again be anything but Liberal Majorities. What's the old saying? The fix is in. More accurately it will be , soon. Clever Justin. His Dad made the Constitution virtually bulletproof against change. Junior will do much the same thing with the electoral system, and most people won't even know it's been done. Quote Science too hard for you? Try religion!
ironstone Posted January 19, 2016 Report Posted January 19, 2016 I don't have much confidence in Justin Trudeau.I truly believe he will be used as a figurehead and the real decisions will be made by Gerald Butts and others from left field.Trudeau will keep doing the things that impress his fans,selfies,yoga,paddling a canoe,things like that.He will pile up a lot more debt than he promised during the election,with little to show for it. Quote Beware the Brookfield industrial complex...
On Guard for Thee Posted January 20, 2016 Report Posted January 20, 2016 In answer to the OP though, as has been pointed out, Trudeau has fostered an atmosphere of "fresh air" that I don't recall we ever enjoyed at the hands of Harper. Just look at JT's poll numbers, even with the current economic bad numbers, which of course I think most of us get are no fault of Trudeau's. Perhaps he and his team can get our eggs back out of that fossil fuel basket and we can prosper again. Quote
CITIZEN_2015 Posted February 8, 2016 Report Posted February 8, 2016 (edited) Justin Trudeau the undisputed most popular Prime Minister: I was watching the latest fifth estate on CBC in which Canadians from different background were asking questions from Justin Trudeau and amazed how at ease the Prime Minister was at responding to all these diverse questions and concerns from a very diverse crowd of Canadians and at the same time to the best he could reassuring them that the future will be bright for them and how the Federal Government is using the power it has to the maximum and also working with provinces to address their concerns or resolve their issues. He was so down to earth and honest and confident at the same time and at the end walked over to the crowd and shock hands men and hugged the women and the audience loved him and appreciated his responses and friendliness . The last wording was that the future would be bright for everyone. Quite a contrasts to the uncaring arrogant heartless Harper who refused even meet the press during his miserable term. Most of the people who came to Prime Minister's office to interview him were appreciative of his challenges and his accomplishments so far only 10 weeks into the office. Justine is the undisputed most popular prime minister of Canada and the honeymoon would last years if not decades. Edited February 8, 2016 by CITIZEN_2015 Quote
Big Guy Posted February 8, 2016 Report Posted February 8, 2016 There are few positive things that a leader is able to do on his own. I believe that the major action he can perform is to help the population maintain confidence in their government. Harper did try to do it by downplaying the recession just as it was beginning. It might have been a lot worse because of the effect of public confidence on the depth of a recession. George Bush did it on Sept 12 in his TV address while trying to calm down the building panic. He continued later with a rousing speech from top of the smoldering ruins in New York in again calming down Americans with a promise for revenge. There have been number of memorable speeches by Roosevelt during depressions and wars - as did Winston in Britain. Fortunately, JT has yet had to deal with reacting to major problems or tragedies. I believe that when the time comes he has shown that he is capable of rallying Canadians. Cabinet governments and constant access to the media are land mines that can easily explode. The JT Cabinet will make mistakes, JT will make mistakes, JT will say things that will bring him criticism. I am sure that he knows that and still continues his style. I respect him for that. For his sake and especially that of Canada - I wish him well. Quote Note - For those expecting a response from Big Guy: I generally do not read or respond to posts longer then 300 words nor to parsed comments.
bush_cheney2004 Posted February 8, 2016 Report Posted February 8, 2016 I can't wait for the moving speeches that Justin Trudeau will make...speeches to rival Lincoln, Churchill, or Roosevelt. All nations, not just Canada, will rally around Trudeau for leadership and intestinal fortitude in the face of challenges. Except when it comes to CF-18s. Quote Economics trumps Virtue.
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