Report Card Time

fellowtraveller · August 16, 2006

Harper and the Tories have been governing for about six months.

How would you grade them at what may be the middle of their term, assuming this minority government will survive for another six months?

I'm thinking of an overall grade, but feel free to comment on what pluses or minuses in the last six months influence the overall mark.

jdobbin · August 16, 2006

Harper and the Tories have been governing for about six months.
How would you grade them at what may be the middle of their term, assuming this minority government will survive for another six months?

I'm thinking of an overall grade, but feel free to comment on what pluses or minuses in the last six months influence the overall mark.

Considering that its a minority govenment, I'd say a B-.

His government managed to get through a chunk of their modest agenda including a budget.

I still think an income tax reduction is better than a GST cut.

I disagree with his tax credit schemes for sports and for daycare. It just makes the tax code more complicated. It also doesn't do anything to create daycare spaces which he pledged to do in the campaign.

He had a debate about Afghanistan and I appreciated that. However, it doesn't seem to be helping him with the electorate who are very hesitant on the mission. Four more months will probably tell whether support will be an issue come election time.

He has taken waiting lists off his priority list. We'll see if it re-introduced in the fall.

He promised that he wouldn't be like the Liberals and the prompty recruited someone to cross the floor and promoted someone to the Senate and cabinet who chose not to run in the last election. That is not such a big issue with me although I can understand why some people might get pissed.

He wants to have a renewed debate on same sex marriage and change the legislation if he passes the vote. I think will win him support where he already has it and lose him support where he needs it.

He says he is going to have a plan to counter Kyoto. Once again, this will help him where he already has support and hurt him where he needs it.

Overall though, he reassured market and has handled a fairly smooth transition. There are some big social and economic policies in the road ahead and he will have to expend political capital to get them passed. It may be the deciding factor between a majority government or status quo.

And the unforseen shadow of Afghainstan could expose him to more trouble than he might have first thought.

Michael Hardner · August 16, 2006

I haven't seen any inspiring visions of how this should go, but this is a minority government. I like the low-key approach, which when you think of it is more Canadian than the style of the previous administration. PM Harper hasn't done much to distinguish himself as a conservative other than a few well placed comments.

I do like the fact that he's more about substance than style, and for that will concur with the previous grade of B-.

jbg · August 17, 2006

I would rate him an A - . He has taken clear and forceful stands on a variety of issues, such as Israel, that seem to eminate from true conviction rather than "finger in the wind". He has kept most of his committment, which is rare for any PM, much less one in a minority government.

With regard to my country, wish Bill Clinton had kept more of his committments that he made in 1992. Bush Jr. didn't make many committments.

Canuck E Stan · August 17, 2006

Harper has proven himself to be effective in his first 6 months and has shown more leadership qualities as the days evolve.Some may not like him,but I think most appreciate the leadership.

His not caring about the media and their reporting about him makes him so different from Martin who has always tried to "look good to the public".

I'll give Stevie a B and hope he can improve his grades in the next 6 months.

As for grading the the opposition,their inability to do any damage to the new prime minister(who has mastered any challenges from them) so far, I would have to give Graham and the Liberals a D for their amateur status as an effective opposition.

With a new leader around the corner,possibly they may improve their grades,but I don't think so.

It will take a gang bang by all three opposition leaders to do damage to Harper,an even then they have to be careful so as not ending up damaging their own popularity.

jbg · August 17, 2006

It will take a gang bang by all three opposition leaders to do damage to Harper,an even then they have to be careful so as not ending up damaging their own popularity.

Edit that to read:

It will take a gang bang by all three opposition leaders to do damage to Harper,an even then they have to be careful so as not ending up damaging their own popularity or an election at a time not of their choosing, i.e. this fall.

daddyhominum · August 17, 2006

Harper and the Tories have been governing for about six months.
How would you grade them at what may be the middle of their term, assuming this minority government will survive for another six months?

I'm thinking of an overall grade, but feel free to comment on what pluses or minuses in the last six months influence the overall mark.

Here is a list of Ministries and my grading of each:3

Ministry of the Environment - Grade E

The rejection of international air quality agreementwithout a real alternative.

President of the Treasury Board--not graded

Minister of Industry--not graded

Minister of Labour and Minister of the Economic Development Agency - Grade C

No visible impact

Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities - Grade C

No visible impact

President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister for Sport

Tony Clement seems to be making all the sports decisions in the Min of Health

Grade E

Minister of Health and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario

Don't know about Northern Ontario but I can't identify any improvements to Health nor any issues settled.

Grade D

DAY, Stockwell Burt

Minister of Public Safety

Again very little imact in spite of the security issues and policing concerns in Canada.

Grade D

Minister for International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics

A for effort. Emerson got a settlement on the softwood issue which marks a big change in a difficult matter.

Grade A

Minister of Human Resources and Social Development

We are still waiting for the shoe to drop. No impact but lots of threatening of existing sservices. Bad policy.

Minister of Finance

Budget decreased revenue and will result in further income reduction. Unable to deliver on the equalization issue.

Grade E

Minister of Public Works and Government Services

No impact so no grade

Prime Minister

Some major foul-ups like the recent escape from the Aids conference and the muffling of government members. OTOH, the personality is much better then expected.

Grade C

Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

Still a catastrophe on the West Coast.

No impact = no grade

Leader of the Government in the Senate

No impact-no grade

Minister of Natural Resources

Along with Finance, has buggered up the equalization scheme and not proposed a solution.

Grade D.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Big impact changing Canada's foreign policy to a clearer, cleaner guidelines. While to aggressive for some, I applaud the New Foreign Policy.

Grade A.

Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister for Democratic Reform

Democratic reform has died since the Gomery has died. A ministry for self inspection now.

No impact;no grade.

Minister of National Defence

Active role with the Foreign Affairs Department in changing Canada's world view. Increased spending and determination long needed . Defence acted boldly.

Grade A

Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women

Terrible. Minister has disappeared. Was she told to stay in the kitchen?

Grade E.

Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians

Very good work in minimizing the impact of aboriginal dissatisfaction. Appears to be working hard and heading toward solutions.

Grade A.

Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Western Economic Diversification

Part of the screw up on equalization. Not doing very well so far.

Grade D.

Minister of Citizenship and Immigration

Obviously on a steep learning curve. What can he come up with that will satisfy the Conservative grass roots. Nothing.

Grade D

Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board

Threatening the marketing methods that have kept Canada's farmers alive for the past 50 years. Demographically a large part of Conservative support, this ministry is only fit for a mugwump. And that was what Chuck did in the last Parlieament. As being non-controversial is the mark of success in this portfolio , he does well.

Grade B

THOMPSON, Gregory Francis

Minister of Veterans Affairs

No impact;no grade

Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

Failed to put any Conservative promises on the floor, the Minister spends a lot of time baiting small l liberals. He is either testing the mood of the country or a major problem looking for a place to explode.

No impact; no grade.

Minister for International Cooperation and Minister for La Francophonie and Official Languages

No impact-no grade.

Overall, I can see no reason to give the current government a C overall unless one were to weight the successful portfolios heavier then the unsuccesfull ones. No doubt a majority government would be more decisive but I fear that would lead to more failing grades.

BTW, I am a classical liberal in belief with a fairly wide lean to the left on social policy. I imagine my grading reflects that bias.

Dennis

geoffrey · August 17, 2006

Here's Geoff's Report Card:

Foreign Policy: B

I like the Afghanistan policy, we need to stay the course and put those Taliban hooligans out of business. It's in Canada's best interest to protect ourselves from both terrorism and the newly rampant drug business.

I disagreed to some extent with the Israel/Lebanon stance at first. After it was softened, and they called for restraint in Israeli retaliation I sided more along with them. Israel has a right to defense, but their strategy is flawed... that's what Harper should have highlighted.

Taxes and Spending: C+

I got what I expected, less GST, textbook refunds. Not nearly enough tax cuts for an excellent mark. Government spending increased since Harper took over, how can I be ok with that. Transfers have increased as well, equality shouldn't be the basis of taxation IMHO.

Environment: B+

Rejecting Kyoto without completely rejecting it was a great idea. I need to see Rona work towards spending all that saved Kyoto money on reducing the amount of cancer causing agents and toxins in the air I breathe and the water I drink. These are things Kyoto didn't cover, and are actually things that will save all our lives 20 years from now.

Child Care: D

It's not my responsibility to raise others children, there should have been NO policy on the issue. Subsidizing corporations that have on site daycare is a good idea, giving anyone money is merely another transfer. Transfers are unacceptable in my books. That's a few billion better given back to us in tax cuts. I don't need the government to collect my money to give it back to me after a few expensive steps of beaurocracy.

Indian Affairs: A

Rejecting Kelowna was brilliant. Giving them more money, and telling them they don't have to play by our rules, is unacceptable. It's a step to end the racist Indian affairs policies of our country. Too bad they aren't ending all discriminatory benefits... yet.

Justice: D+

I like the CPC's ideas on Justice, more responsibility on the criminals that commit crimes. The trouble is, there has been very little legislation on the issue. Every day is another convict free too early, another persons life destroyed.

Military: A+

Finally, a government that gives our men and women that protect us the tools they need to do their jobs. The CPC has come a long way in the last 6 months in restoring pride in the forces.

Health Care: D

The Canada Health Act still exists, and I'm still waiting too long for care. The Fed needs to completely abandon this provincial jurisdiction. That, or at least give us our Charter right to buy our services.

Education: C

Hmm, the tax credit for textbooks were nice. But the discrimination against kids with higher income parents (regardless of their relationship to their parents) in the student loans system continues. Everyone in Canada should have equal access to all programs. Remember, equality shouldn't be the goal of such programs.

That gives them about a B- on my university's GPA system. Highest mark I've given a government in a long time, but I want to see more results that impact my life personally as well as my immediate communities' before I commit my vote to Mr. Harper himself again.

Shakeyhands · August 17, 2006

but I want to see more results that impact my life personally as well as my immediate communities' before I commit my vote to Mr. Harper himself again.

This must be one of those funny posts i read about earlier... :rolleyes:

Ricki Bobbi · August 18, 2006

CPC so far get a B+ to A-. Harper has made a few choices that make you wonder but, like talking about SSM early on in the election, he has proven that he has a keen strategic mind and knows how to think long term. Has fulfilled most of the election promises, but has to get aggressive in fulfilling the rest in the fall session. Not everybody likes him, but here is a pretty good question to judge how he has done so far. Has anybody who voted Conservative in January/seriously thought about it/ or would seriously think about it changed their votes because of the way they have governed? Probably not many...

BQ get a B to B+. Pretty low profile in english Canada but they appear to be hitting the grassroots hard.

NDP a B. Not sure what Layton is doing, knee jerk anti-Israel stance is a strike against but he was preaching to the converted. (bah!)

Liberals a C-. Looking back at the strong, effective opposition of the Rat Pack in the Mulroney era you really have to wonder what the Liberals are thinking right now. They have had many chances to mount an effective attack but haven't capitalized.

Look for Harper to pull a Chretien, let the Liberals pick a new leader than call an election shortly afterwards. Day was leader for a little more than four months before the election in 2000. Let's say Harper is a little more generous and gives the Liberal leader five or six months. That would put the next election May/June of 2007.

geoffrey · August 18, 2006

but I want to see more results that impact my life personally as well as my immediate communities' before I commit my vote to Mr. Harper himself again.

This must be one of those funny posts i read about earlier...

Am I missing something here?

Ricki Bobbi · August 18, 2006

Shakey's attempts to be witty and subtly put other posters *in their place*. Nothing to really worry about.

Am I missing something here?

Shakeyhands · September 1, 2006

but I want to see more results that impact my life personally as well as my immediate communities' before I commit my vote to Mr. Harper himself again.

This must be one of those funny posts i read about earlier...

Am I missing something here?

Geoffrey, simply a funny based on another thread, sorry if you missed it. I doubt very much, based on your writings here, that you would ever, EVER, vote for anyone but a Harper or his ilk.

Shakeyhands · September 1, 2006

Shakey's attempts to be witty and subtly put other posters *in their place*. Nothing to really worry about.
Am I missing something here?

After 5 days here you have me pegged too!!!!!!! Its an incredible coincidence isn't it!

Greg, did you check this IP? Sounds like this poster may have been around before, seeing as though he knows all us left leaners so well....

geoffrey · September 3, 2006

Geoffrey, simply a funny based on another thread, sorry if you missed it. I doubt very much, based on your writings here, that you would ever, EVER, vote for anyone but a Harper or his ilk.

I'd vote for anyone that I feel best represents my interests. If you looked at this thread, and others, you'll find I'm extremely critical of many things Harper has done, and many CPC policies.

But I'll continue to support them as long as they are the best choice I have. If there was a Alberta type party based upon BQ lines, I'd vote for that over Harper. If the Liberals cleaned up their special interest whoring, I'd think about it, as long as they were really Liberals and not socialists in sheeps clothing like they are now. I'm no populist or reformer, and definitely not a big government man like Harper is ending up being. I come from the PC wing of the party, and actually I used to be a Liberal when Martin was the finance man and the party was pro-business (and I lived in Ontario).

Ricki Bobbi · September 3, 2006

Are there only two left-leaners on this board? Seeing as how I made comments on two posters who were pretty nasty in spouting hatred against Harper.

My bad for reading the board for a while before actually start posting. :blink:

I managed to get a take on two posters who hate our Prime Minister, defame him and repeatedly break the rules of this forum in slagging him off.

Yup, it is a conspiracy. Please go ahead and check my IP...

After 5 days here you have me pegged too!!!!!!! Its an incredible coincidence isn't it!
Greg, did you check this IP? Sounds like this poster may have been around before, seeing as though he knows all us left leaners so well....

gerryhatrick · September 4, 2006

Well...

He's conducting focus groups on the environment to find out what he needs to say and do on the issue from a purely electoral perspective.

That alone earns him an "F".

Ricki Bobbi · September 4, 2006

Well...
He's conducting focus groups on the environment to find out what he needs to say and do on the issue from a purely electoral perspective.

That alone earns him an "F".

Yet another rule broken by gerry. You already started a thread on the polling and this is at least the third thread you have posted the same information on. Good work! :lol:

NO CROSS-POSTING
Cross posting is defined as posting the same information in more then one forum on the Internet. It is also considered cross posting if you post the same information in different areas of these forums. If you want to propose a new topic, find the appropriate category and only post once. All cross-posts will be deleted without warning.

rover1 · September 4, 2006

In my view, there is no need to characterise other posters opinions about the matter, what they state is their opinion, and it is good enough for me.

My own rating would be a C or a C-. Mr Harper is a clever and a skilled politician, and has got the most or nearly the most he could out of parliament while de-emphasising some of his unpopular policies. He has indeed attended to some neglected priorities, notably the state of the armed forces, and he has made some likely unpopular declarations based, I trust, on sincerely held beliefs.

He can be criticised for 'sitting on his hands' regarding other promises which could be unpopular with some of his core voters, or with those he is wishing to attract. Some of this is to be expected with a minority government, some of it is the same old story-promise much, deliver little.

He appears, in my view, to be too much in bed with the Americans, Mr Bush in particular, and getting no particular benefit for it. This is not surprising. considering his long standing political policies which appear more American than Canadian. I am not entirely certain that he knows the difference between the two countries, and this is sometimes reflected in his statements and policies.

His enthusiastic participation in the Afghan war, is probably not supported by the majority of the population, and brings little benefit to the Afghans or the Canadians. Canadians count for little in this conflict, and all we have to show for it up to now, several dead soldiers, tragedies for their friends and families, and sad to say, of little effect on the issue at hand, or anything else I can think of.

The whole Afghan war is pointless in terms of its stated purpose, it affects terrorism little, if it ever did, and in any event is carrying on with poorly defined objectives, and little chance of success by any measure. I shall not outline the history of attempts like this in history, to bring the Afghans up to snuff, it is common knowledge. As far as slowing or stopping the drug trade are concerned, the Canadian Military have repeatedly stated that it is not their concern, and they are doing other things. I agree that the policies regarding the prosecution of the war are not Mr Harpers, but considering the Canadian deaths occurring, let alone the costs involved, he has a responsibility to the Canadian Public, even if it disappoints Mr Bush.

All things considered, the Harper government, in spite of some of its good works, is having a at least somewhat negative effect on Canada, and if he were to ever achieve a majority, it would likely be considerable.

The Liberals are still having their never-ending leadership discussions, and are avoiding their own responsibilities to be an effective opposition, or an opposition of any kind. I can't help thinking that there must be a plan here, but I fail to see just what it is. Will they ever choose a leader? What a mystery.

The NDP, with little public support, has just sort of dropped out with occasional statements listened to by few. This is something of a surprise, with all their frequently repeated statements about matters of 'principle'. One would have thought that they would have taken the opportunity to 'fill in' where the Liberals have been absent, and ask pertinent questions and generally hold the governments feet to the fire, in a responsible way. Had they done that, they might have even got a few more votes. The NDP are missing a real bet here, they could gain a reputation of being interested in Canada, over and above the politics of it, and this would serve them well in the future.

Hard times for good government.

Canuck E Stan · September 4, 2006

I agree that the policies regarding the prosecution of the war are not Mr Harpers, but considering the Canadian deaths occurring, let alone the costs involved, he has a responsibility to the Canadian Public, even if it disappoints Mr Bush.

This is an extention of the prevoius government who saw,like the new Conservative government what was happening to the people of Afganistan particularly the women, and felt it was necessary to come to their aid.

So with your thinking we should pull out. Who will take care of the Afganistan people then? The Taliban?

So easy to say pull our troops out and just forget the people they are there to protect. Have you forgetten WWII?

Shakeyhands · September 4, 2006

Are there only two left-leaners on this board? Seeing as how I made comments on two posters who were pretty nasty in spouting hatred against Harper.
My bad for reading the board for a while before actually start posting.

I managed to get a take on two posters who hate our Prime Minister, defame him and repeatedly break the rules of this forum in slagging him off.

Yup, it is a conspiracy. Please go ahead and check my IP...

After 5 days here you have me pegged too!!!!!!! Its an incredible coincidence isn't it!
Greg, did you check this IP? Sounds like this poster may have been around before, seeing as though he knows all us left leaners so well....

I've defamed Stephen Harper and I break the rules of the forum? I spout hatred? Really? Can you back that up at all?

Ricki Bobbi · September 4, 2006

I could dig through the archives and find stuff, but I really don't want to take the time.

I'm sure you will prove yourself with a more egregious example soon enough.

I've defamed Stephen Harper and I break the rules of the forum? I spout hatred? Really? Can you back that up at all?

Shakeyhands · September 5, 2006

I could dig through the archives and find stuff, but I really don't want to take the time.
I'm sure you will prove yourself with a more egregious example soon enough.

I've defamed Stephen Harper and I break the rules of the forum? I spout hatred? Really? Can you back that up at all?

Exactly as I thought RB... exactly as I thought.

Ricki Bobbi · September 5, 2006

You are a great individual Shakey. I give you full credit for giving me nothing to come back with in your very next post. But I'll bide my time.

Exactly as I thought RB... exactly as I thought.

Argus · September 5, 2006

He appears, in my view, to be too much in bed with the Americans, Mr Bush in particular, and getting no particular benefit for it. This is not surprising. considering his long standing political policies which appear more American than Canadian. I am not entirely certain that he knows the difference between the two countries, and this is sometimes reflected in his statements and policies.

I'd like to see a list of policies which show that Harper is too in bed with the Americans. I hear this a lot, but nobody seems able to come up with much.

His enthusiastic participation in the Afghan war,

Seventeen countries are in Afghanistan fighting the Taliban, including the French, Germans and Dutch. Are they all in bed with Bush?

The whole Afghan war is pointless in terms of its stated purpose, it affects terrorism little, if it ever did, and in any event is carrying on with poorly defined objectives, and little chance of success by any measure.

Osama bin Laden had a base with 10,000 men on it. I think shattering his power centre was well worth the effort, and keeping him and the Taliban out of power is also worth it. The Taliban in themselves are evil, and keeping them off the people's backs is a worthy endeavor. It just takes time to put together enough local consensus from the regional tribal warlords to allow a central government to function, especially when NATO didn't provide enough troops. It's only been recently they even moved into the south in any kind of force.

So what else you got? I want to hear all the ways in which Harper is in bed with Bush. Please leave off things that are pretty much general conservative philosphy almost everywhere in the world.