Tories' First Throne Speech in almost 15 Years

[August1991]

The last Conservative Throne Speech was in May 1991, during Mulroney's last session of Parliament.

There's no doubt that this Speech will concentrate on Harper's Five priorities. (Finally, Canada has a government that does what it says it will do.)

Accountability

No problem here. The limits on campaign contributions are welcome. Watch for references to Rene Levesque since this legislation will be similar to the PQ reforms in 1977.

Crime

Doubling the prison terms for violent (gun) crimes and limiting judges' discretion are welcome. They'll raise the age of consent to 16, and there may be mention of marijuana (but I doubt it).

Taxes

The GST cut will be front and centre, but watch for any mention about the income tax cut. I think the Tories can manage both. They should. I'll consider a major plus if the Tories don't re-instate the income tax cut and say that they can still balance the budget by keeping expenditures down.

Childcare

Straightforward. $1200 and money for workplace daycare places. Watch for how they explain the change in the arbitrary Liberal-Province funding agreements. BTW, the Tories will be putting more money into childcare than the Liberals would have. I suspect they'll note that.

Health

Single-payer, multiple provider. The Tories have a plan to make it possible. They will force the provinces to pay for out-of-province or private treatment if wait times are too long. I'm curious to see how they explain this.

----

Last points. In what order will the Throne Speech present these priorities? Will the Speech give any idea about how the Tories plan to make this legislation possible? Will the Speech mention anything else concrete? [There'll be boiler plate about defence but will it go beyond generalities?] And will there be any mention of the Constitution? [i suspect not.]

IMV, it's a good day for Canada. After many years, we finally have a government of substance, and not PR.

[geoffrey]

I suspect that those 5 issues are all that will be covered. Harper has made it quite clear that he's willing to go to election based on those achievements, and I'm sure there will be an engineered defeat once that plan is completely implemented.

That or the Liberals decide to get fancy with their new leader and pull the chair out earlier.

The order:

Accountability (It will be bill C-1 after all)

Childcare (They will definitely discuss their increased spending over the Liberal plan, no doubt)

GST Cut (Your right, I think they can have both cuts, maybe at the expense of further corporate cuts though)

Crime (Mostly focused on guns. Toews said today the CPC will not decriminalise Pot, and left it at that)

Health (The best possible future for our health system, should be great to hear)

[Nocrap]

I suspect that those 5 issues are all that will be covered. Harper has made it quite clear that he's willing to go to election based on those achievements, and I'm sure there will be an engineered defeat once that plan is completely implemented.

That or the Liberals decide to get fancy with their new leader and pull the chair out earlier.

The order:

Accountability (It will be bill C-1 after all)

Childcare (They will definitely discuss their increased spending over the Liberal plan, no doubt)

GST Cut (Your right, I think they can have both cuts, maybe at the expense of further corporate cuts though)

Crime (Mostly focused on guns. Toews said today the CPC will not decriminalise Pot, and left it at that)

Health (The best possible future for our health system, should be great to hear)

Actually, this is not the first Tory throne speech in fifteen years, but the VERY FIRST throne speech for the new CPC; which is a hybrid of the Reform and Alliance parties.

Not that there's anything wrong with that!

However, I would think that Mr. Harper would be more proud of the fact that his NEW party was able to accomplish so much in such a short period of time, and not have to ride on the coat tails of the now defunct Tory party.

They are a new kind of conservative, and reflect the direction that our country appears to be heading. However, they are not now, nor have they ever been TORIES!

[scribblet]

So far I like what I see with the new Tory party.

Just read about Paul Martin taking his seat in Parliament, seems he avoided the press - my gosh - avoiding the press - whoda thunk it. LOL

Canadians have high hopes for Parliament - http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/ed...0b-d6b5af565928

The recent Ipsos Reid poll, conducted before today's opening of the 39th session of Parliament, which says the majority of Canadians want to give time to the Stephen Harper government to implement its main policies, is very important because it indicates the trust the minority government has earned since its victory in the last election. Also, the public is very disappointed with the behaviour of MPs during the last session of the Liberal minority government.

The change in the attitude towards the Conservative party in general is perhaps directly related to two major political events in which Canada has been seen to be regaining its international stature. Prime Minister Harper's surprise visit to Afghanistan earned a special place in the hearts of many Canadians. And his recent meeting with President George Bush in Mexico showed he possesses the ability to deal with and solve complex problems with our southern neighbour.

Moreover, the opposition parties realize that, if they topple this minority government, their motives will be critically evaluated. This time, the public will not tolerate a repetition of the ugly and uncivil scenes that have undermined our parliamentary democracy.

[margrace]

YOu know that private Health Care he wants so badly, well our MIR was privitized, what changed, nothing only money in an American companies pocket. Still the same waiting time.

[scribblet]

YOu know that private Health Care he wants so badly, well our MIR was privitized, what changed, nothing only money in an American companies pocket. Still the same waiting time.

Could you provide a link or source for that?

[Michael Hardner]

Prime Minister Harper's surprise visit to Afghanistan earned a special place in the hearts of many Canadians. And his recent meeting with President George Bush in Mexico showed he possesses the ability to deal with and solve complex problems with our southern neighbour.

I don't think either of this things had an effect.

I think it's this:

The defeat of the Martin Liberals meant that the radio jamming of 'scary conservatives' ended.

The natural 'bump' a new leader gets after an election.

The fact that Harper's qualities are actually very Canadian. He's reserved, soft-spoken and practical. Without the aforementioned radio jamming, he comes across quite well.

[scribblet]

Prime Minister Harper's surprise visit to Afghanistan earned a special place in the hearts of many Canadians. And his recent meeting with President George Bush in Mexico showed he possesses the ability to deal with and solve complex problems with our southern neighbour.

I don't think either of this things had an effect.

I think it's this:

The defeat of the Martin Liberals meant that the radio jamming of 'scary conservatives' ended.

The natural 'bump' a new leader gets after an election.

The fact that Harper's qualities are actually very Canadian. He's reserved, soft-spoken and practical. Without the aforementioned radio jamming, he comes across quite well.

I agree, people are starting to realize how much crap they were being fed, and how long have we waited for these words "if you do a serious crime, you will face serious time". They are also willing to give him a chance. Finally, a change for the better. But, in a minority situation, he's going to have a hard time passing it - you know how it goes. "oh the poor door, give him another chance' . 'Oh, he only mugged a little old lady, he can be rehabilitated'

[Shakeyhands]

The last Conservative Throne Speech was in May 1991, during Mulroney's last session of Parliament.

There's no doubt that this Speech will concentrate on Harper's Five priorities. (Finally, Canada has a government that does what it says it will do.)

Accountability

No problem here. The limits on campaign contributions are welcome. Watch for references to Rene Levesque since this legislation will be similar to the PQ reforms in 1977.

Crime

Doubling the prison terms for violent (gun) crimes and limiting judges' discretion are welcome. They'll raise the age of consent to 16, and there may be mention of marijuana (but I doubt it).

Taxes

The GST cut will be front and centre, but watch for any mention about the income tax cut. I think the Tories can manage both. They should. I'll consider a major plus if the Tories don't re-instate the income tax cut and say that they can still balance the budget by keeping expenditures down.

Childcare

Straightforward. $1200 and money for workplace daycare places. Watch for how they explain the change in the arbitrary Liberal-Province funding agreements. BTW, the Tories will be putting more money into childcare than the Liberals would have. I suspect they'll note that.

Health

Single-payer, multiple provider. The Tories have a plan to make it possible. They will force the provinces to pay for out-of-province or private treatment if wait times are too long. I'm curious to see how they explain this.

----

Last points. In what order will the Throne Speech present these priorities? Will the Speech give any idea about how the Tories plan to make this legislation possible? Will the Speech mention anything else concrete? [There'll be boiler plate about defence but will it go beyond generalities?] And will there be any mention of the Constitution? [i suspect not.]

IMV, it's a good day for Canada. After many years, we finally have a government of substance, and not PR.

Wether the CPC does what it says it will do is yet to be seen... The Emerson affair was a bad first step, although the silence since has been acceptable.

Accountability, agreed, it will be interesting to see how this comes together.

Crime, this one worries me a bit, while I have no issue with gun crimes being set up with a mandatory sentence, the vagueness of statements so far has me concerned. We'll see huh.

Taxes, well come on, we really are paying way too much.

Childcare, I really don't like the solution but I sure could do with the money.......

Healthcare, I really am frightened by this one. How does for profit care help us? How many American companies will be here and how soon? As a frequent user of services here (I am very accident prone!) I've yet to have a problem with the level of service provided.

It will be interesting to see how today unfolds......

As a lot of us have stated, fiscally, not sure I have a huge problem with the CPC, socially, different story.

And to be sure, these are not Tory's, I really wish people would stop using that name.

[scribblet]

Well, the Liberals are in full opposition mode

Interesting to note that Bill Graham admitted that Goodale says the gov't is indeed pretty flush with the money - and - there is room for both a GST cut and income tax cut.

[August1991]

"This is pretty thin gruel," Liberal MP Scott Brison told reporters after the Conservative government's Throne Speech in Ottawa. "Canadians want parliament to be ambitious.... Their throne speech represents a government with no intention to do that."

G & M

WTF? The last thing Canadians want is another ADD federal politician ambitiously running around the country announcing new projects but starting few and completing none.

Instead, we got a guy who is doing exactly what he said he would do - and what he is doing is popular.

----

This throne speech was great: short and sweet. Accountability, taxes, crime, childcare, health.

Then, the boiler-plate: "... this government will seek ways to involve ... " "... will respond to concerns about ... "

Nevertheless, I was struck by three phrases among the platitudes (because they were there, and they didn't have to be):

"The Government is committed to an open federalism that recognizes the unique place of a strong, vibrant Quebec in a united Canada."

"Just as it honours the past efforts of our veterans, the Government stands firmly behind the vital role being played by our troops in Afghanistan today."

"... it will build stronger multilateral and bilateral relationships, starting with Canada's relationship with the United States, our best friend and largest trading partner."

And last. No mention of the income tax cuts. Ever the optimist, I'll take that as a sign that Harper's going to leave the cuts intact.

[gerryhatrick]

After many years, we finally have a government of substance, and not PR.

Oh, it's definitely not a government of PR!! There's zero public relations!!!

What did you think of that Liberal GG btw? She read that Conservative tripe with class.

[geoffrey]

After many years, we finally have a government of substance, and not PR.

Oh, it's definitely not a government of PR!! There's zero public relations!!!

What did you think of that Liberal GG btw? She read that Conservative tripe with class.

She seemed offended during some parts, I thought it was funny.

Always great to see a separtist... oopps, I mean Liberal... read about policies that will strengthen the country instead of just pitting West vs. Ontario, Quebec vs.Canada.

[Hicksey]

After many years, we finally have a government of substance, and not PR.

Oh, it's definitely not a government of PR!! There's zero public relations!!!

What did you think of that Liberal GG btw? She read that Conservative tripe with class.

She seemed offended during some parts, I thought it was funny.

Always great to see a separtist... oopps, I mean Liberal... read about policies that will strengthen the country instead of just pitting West vs. Ontario, Quebec vs.Canada.

Their strategy is a create country too divided for anyone to rise up and conquer them. Without people angry with one another they might take notice of what the Liberals are -- or more accurately, aren't -- doing.

They'll promise you the moon and stars, deliver nothing and then go into the next election telling you they're the best for the job. It's laughable really.

If there's one thing I have to give Harper credit on, its staying simple and not getting too ambitious. We know the obstructionists of the Liberals and NDP will do everything they can to throw a monkey wrench in Harper's plans, so why would he make further promises he can't keep? I guess over the last 13 years Canadians have gotten used to the Liberal tradition of empty promises.

[geoffrey]

And to be sure, these are not Tory's, I really wish people would stop using that name.

I'm a Tory and a CPC member.

There is no other alternative for us anymore, not at least until the Liberals clean up their act and go back to fiscal conservatism to some extent.

The populist attitudes of many of the party members bothers me greatly... I don't like the majority ruling on everything. I really don't like referendums and I don't like recall. Other than the populism though, the party has moved more towards the electable PC design.

[August1991]

What did you think of that Liberal GG btw? She read that Conservative tripe with class.

I thought it was very polite of Harper to give her about a quarter of the speech to talk about her "travels across the country meeting Canadians... " Talk about platitudes.

Also, she wore a stylish dress, as I think the G & M journalist noted.

[Black Dog]

I don't know what the CPC stands for in terms of the environment, but the fact they recycled tehir campaign literature for the throne speech is encouraging.

I have to wonder about Harper's priorities: for one they are not what I would call burning issues and the throne speech didn't realy tell us how the Tories plan on implemetnting them.

For example:

Accountability

Fine with limits on campaign donations, have to wonder how they plan on "ensuring positions of public trust cannot be used as stepping stones to private lobbying"; also, will the reverse apply (if so, what about the lobbyists within Harper's own caucus, like defense minister Gordon O'Connor?)

Crime

Getting tough for the sake of getting tough. Harper's basing policy on media hype and not evidence. mandatory minimum sentences don't affect crime rates, I don't really care about AoC and the lack of any mention of decriminalization is troubling, albeit unsurprising.

Taxes

A GST cut that will benefit the rich. Yippee.

Health

Again, no plan, just a pledge to cut wait times. How? Paying for more doctors or equipment? I doubt it. I'll wager the solution starts with a "p" and ends with an "rivate".

Childcare

No plan, just government handouts that will be clawed back in taxes. Again: yipee.

No mention of municipalities or infrastructure. Also, no pledges for military bucks (that's okay by me). And wtf is "open federalism"?

[scribblet]

From the GG's speech on opening parliament:

"This Government believes that Canadians pay too much in tax."

Well, I never thought I'd hear the day. That makes all the running around at election and other times worthwhile.

A little noticed promise in the throne speech was the statement:

"Significant international treaties will be submitted for votes in Parliament".

This will close another loophole in our present legislation arrangements, whereby courts determining their judgements recognise as law treaties to which the Canadian government has acceded without reference to Parliament.

I think that this is a very good - and unanticipated statement. Let's hope that the government follows through

[August1991]

I'll quote myself.

Watch for references to Rene Levesque since this legislation will be similar to the PQ reforms in 1977.

I saw no reference to Levesque in the Throne Speech, and IMV, that was a mistake.

I hope I'll hear it during the debate about accountability. Harper's law is based on Levesque's, and I suspect I'd trust Levesque more than Harper - Levesque was more sensible.

I think Rene Levesque is popular in English-Canada, and he's a talisman in Quebec. Harper's speechwriters would be wise to use his name when appropriate.

[geoffrey]

I'll quote myself.

Watch for references to Rene Levesque since this legislation will be similar to the PQ reforms in 1977.

I saw no reference to Levesque in the Throne Speech, and IMV, that was a mistake.

I hope I'll hear it during the debate about accountability. Harper's law is based on Levesque's, and I suspect I'd trust Levesque more than Harper - Levesque was more sensible.

I think Rene Levesque is popular in English-Canada, and he's a talisman in Quebec. Harper's speechwriters would be wise to use his name when appropriate.

I'm sympathic to the soveriegntist movement in Quebec, so I'd somewhat agree. But there aren't many of us in English-Canada that have patience for Quebec, especially Quebec independence. I don't think Rene is very popular outside of Quebec at all. I know Harper would have angered his western base focusing more on Quebec than he already did.

Why no mention of Alberta? I'd like to see an Energy Ministry and some kind of strategy. Yet we won't, because Alberta is at the lowest of the low on the priority list, well, when Ottawa isn't collecting more money from us. I'm ready to pack up this show and leave too. Talk about a distinct culture.

I just wish Rene would come back and bring cigarette smoking back to political speeches.

[shoop]

What ever would make you think Rene Levesque is popular in English Canada?

He killed a woman drunk driving. Oh yeah, he almost tore our country apart.

Not popular at all in English Canada.

I think Rene Levesque is popular in English-Canada, and he's a talisman in Quebec. Harper's speechwriters would be wise to use his name when appropriate.

[Hicksey]

To people like you and I, no he's not.

But he's a name Canadians remember, and to those who don't follow politics so closely its a name that they recognize with Quebec and that's enough for them.

It's a lazy mans politics.

What ever would make you think Rene Levesque is popular in English Canada?

He killed a woman drunk driving. Oh yeah, he almost tore our country apart.

Not popular at all in English Canada.

I think Rene Levesque is popular in English-Canada, and he's a talisman in Quebec. Harper's speechwriters would be wise to use his name when appropriate.