How soon a federal election? Before June 2007?

[scribblet]

The Liberals think they can win the election and the CPC is gearing up for a spring election, possibly April.

What bugs me is the arrogance of the liberals who think the have a divine right to rule, and getting back into power at any cost.

[jdobbin]

And why would the Liberals force an election they can't win?

I never said that either. I said that some analysts think the Tories themselves will pull the plug early in the year. That is probably a mistake since a lot of their supporters will be in Florida and Texas. It probably will happen before spring has fully hit though because they don't want an active Afghanistan in the spring.

[jdobbin]

For those who keep saying show me the polls, I suggest you wait to say February and you will see exactly what I am saying.

I keep hearing that the polls are going to change. They haven't so far. And I still am curious where the change is going to come from. What region?

[jdobbin]

Can someone explain to me, as an American, why I constantly hear that "Canadians don't want an election"? It seems to me that going to the polls is not much of a bother. Especially so with advance voting, etc.

I personally go the polls a minimum of twice a year (regular Election Day and the school budget), and usually four times a year (those plus Village elections and on even number years a Democratic primary).

It just doesn't seem like a big deal. Why do Canadians dislike it so much

I think it isn't so much elections as it for the government to get down to work. Congress is basically in election mode as soon as someone is elected. It is one of the shorter terms for office out there.

[jdobbin]

The Liberals think they can win the election and the CPC is gearing up for a spring election, possibly April.

What bugs me is the arrogance of the liberals who think the have a divine right to rule, and getting back into power at any cost.

Perhaps it is the determination of the Conservatives to sit in opposition that should bug you. Already in Alberta, they are talking about forming another party because of disappointment in the Tories.

[jbg]

People get tired of hearing about all the politics, day in and day, out, the constant politicing gets on peoples nerves. I don't know how you stand it as an American, with major federal elections every two years.

That is the tip of the iceberg. We have constant state and local elections also. It is a rare month that there aren't election signs on yards, streets and highway ramps.

It doesn't bother me; I'm a political junkie.

[jdobbin]

That is the tip of the iceberg. We have constant state and local elections also. It is a rare month that there aren't election signs on yards, streets and highway ramps.

It doesn't bother me; I'm a political junkie.

It must bother other Americans. Voter turn-out is so low that it seems only political junkies vote.

[Wilber]

I don't think Canadian's even want an election. I'd imagine that unless it was necessary, Canadian's would be pissed about having to vote again simply because some guy doesn't like being in opposition.

Can someone explain to me, as an American, why I constantly hear that "Canadians don't want an election"? It seems to me that going to the polls is not much of a bother. Especially so with advance voting, etc.

I personally go the polls a minimum of twice a year (regular Election Day and the school budget), and usually four times a year (those plus Village elections and on even number years a Democratic primary).

It just doesn't seem like a big deal. Why do Canadians dislike it so much

Your elections are held according to fixed terms. Personally I think Congressional elections every two is a bit much. When do they find time to govern if they have to spend so much time campaigning. In Canada a government can call an election at any time to try and renew their mandate if they think the political climate is right. In a minority situation the opposition can force an election for the same reason. My problem with it is whenevery it happens all legislation (representing a lot of time and work by many people) before Parliament goes in the dumpster, much of it never to be seen again, the country stops being governed from a legislative point of view and a few hundred million comes out of the public pocket to pay for the thing. IMO a very selfish action invariably motivated by nothing more than the prospect of political gain.

[margrace]

Ontario has a mandated election every four years, are we the only ones. Our municipal are every 4 years as well

[jbg]

Your elections are held according to fixed terms. Personally I think Congressional elections every two is a bit much. When do they find time to govern if they have to spend so much time campaigning.

Effectively most House races are unopposed for that reason. The "campaigning" is concentrated in districts which are known by both parties to be close. In my district, overwhelmingly Democratic, I don't recall a single speech or event by either Nita Lowey (Dem.) or Hoffman (Repub.) the entire "campaign.

In Canada a government can call an election at any time to try and renew their mandate if they think the political climate is right. In a minority situation the opposition can force an election for the same reason. My problem with it is whenevery it happens all legislation (representing a lot of time and work by many people) before Parliament goes in the dumpster, much of it never to be seen again, the country stops being governed from a legislative point of view and a few hundred million comes out of the public pocket to pay for the thing. IMO a very selfish action invariably motivated by nothing more than the prospect of political gain.

Why can't the readings on truly important legislation be accelerated to avoid that result? One of the problems with fixed elections, of whatever length mandate, is constantly being in "election mode".

[gc1765]

Ontario has a mandated election every four years, are we the only ones. Our municipal are every 4 years as well

B.C. has fixed elections as well.

[Wilber]

Why can't the readings on truly important legislation be accelerated to avoid that result? One of the problems with fixed elections, of whatever length mandate, is constantly being in "election mode".

For one thing, when a party calls or forces an election, it has decided it doesn't really care about impending legislation. If it did, there wouldn't be an election. For another thing, the legislation could be held up in the Senate which is an appointed body with no term and is really answerable to no one. I think all politicians are in election mode to one degree or another at all times but from the time an election is called until the new government forms its cabinet, the country is being administered by civil servants and is essentially without a legislative branch, because the government lost its mandate when the election was called.

As mentioned, a couple of provinces do have fixed election dates for their legislatures. In BC every four years, although technically a minority government could be forced into an election by the opposition in a shorter time, the government cannot call one. All our governments do have fixed terms. Five years for the Federal government but an election can be called or forced at any time in between.

[fellowtraveller]

Harper should engineer an election soon, by spring at the latest, to take full advantage of the non-event that Dion represents.

Harper will need a theme or topic to bring his own govt down, perhaps the stonewalling of his accountability act in the Senate?

That might tie into another theme working in his favour, which is national unity. I know Dion is supposedly a big unity hound, but he won't be able to overcome the general distaste for him in Quebec.

Using this as an election theme will also help Charest in the upcoming provincial election, and help keep the pressure on both the PQ and Bloc, both of whom I see as in trouble and increasingly desperate.

[mikedavid00]

I think the Liberals will bring down the government at the first opportunity. They want an election soon. I don't think they will hold a policy conference before the next election. The Liberals don't think they did anything wrong or that they are doing anything wrong. In their view, they lost power to Harper by accident.

I might be wrong on this because we don't quite know how Dion will govern as leader. He might be the cautious type and want to wait until he has everything the way he wants it. The pressure will be great for him to go to an election. IOW, I think Dion might be a weak leader.

The Liberals are pumped. So, how soon will we have an election?

Dion will be a very weak, unliked leader and may actually prove ot be incompetant. I wish you could have seen him at his press confrence today. He said something against his own caulkus members like 'I don't want them to waste my time asking me about things that don't matter.' or something along those lines. Maybe someone has a video clip? He avoids questions in the typical liberal fashion (unlike Rae).

The pundits common consensus is that the next election will be before next fall leaves show. But timing means a lot. We could have a terrist attack etc. etc.

I think that people are giving Dion too much credit.

Rae is an extrememly well connected, seasoned politician. Dion is lackluster in so many ways. ie: not being able to handle a basic situation when the music is being turned on at the end of his speech. He should have the common intillect and people skills to be able to deal with that situation like other's were able to.

But not Dion. Nope. He had to stare and look and stop and look again.. it was just really really akward.

Look.. tommorow we'll all find out from the real insiders what really happened and what the common consensus is behind the scenes on Dion. I just don't think it will be good vibes. The party cou'ing against him might be in the works right now for all we know.

Let's put it this way, we're all speculating and so is the anti-establishment wing of the Liberal party. Don't think that people won't try to take Dions job if he's not well liked or not well respected from his caulkus, or, if people feel he was not rightfully intended to be there.

We should all be able to agree that he won't win the election.

[jdobbin]

Harper should engineer an election soon, by spring at the latest, to take full advantage of the non-event that Dion represents.

Harper will need a theme or topic to bring his own govt down, perhaps the stonewalling of his accountability act in the Senate?

That might tie into another theme working in his favour, which is national unity. I know Dion is supposedly a big unity hound, but he won't be able to overcome the general distaste for him in Quebec.

Using this as an election theme will also help Charest in the upcoming provincial election, and help keep the pressure on both the PQ and Bloc, both of whom I see as in trouble and increasingly desperate.

The Accountability Act is almost finished in the Senate. Unless you think Harper should call the election tomorrow...

[abcon99]

I am almost 90% sure that the government will fall on a budget vote, either this spring, or next fall. Depending on if Harper wants it now or in the fall, and what the bloq, and ndp want. My bet would be a late spring election 2007.