Federal/Provincial Relations

[jdobbin]

Wasn't sure where to put this.

I think a thread in regards to relations between the prime minister and premiers probably warrants its own thread rather than creating several in regards to say, Danny Williams in Newfoundland or Calvert and in Saskatchewan.

In the latest between Harper and Williams.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/stor...803?hub=QPeriod

Harper's office revealed his plan to visit the province about two hours before he was to board an aircraft in St. John's.

"We just heard this morning through the media that he was coming to town,'' Williams told The Canadian Press in an interview.

It is obvious that the relationship remains poisonous. You would think that in a disaster situation, the sniping and lack of communication would be put aside.

[Michael Bluth]

It is obvious that the relationship remains poisonous. You would think that in a disaster situation, the sniping and lack of communication would be put aside.

This thread is odious.

It is disgusting an admitted Liberal sympathizer is using a disaster to try and tar the Prime Minister. Tactless and classess. Just like the actions of Danny Williams. How is Danny Williams putting his sniping aside? Did Harper snipe at him?

The Prime Minister visited a disaster site. He went to reassure Canadians. He was doing his job.

Danny Wiliiams being furious about it is disgusting. Why is he trying to make political hay out of a disaster? If he really wants to "rise above other differences" why didn't he shut the f*ck up for once instead of running to the media as always?

What is more important here? That the Prime Minister made the visit to those Canadians effected by the tropical storm or that Danny Williams' nose is out of joint. Yet again.

[jdobbin]

This thread is odious.

It is disgusting an admitted Liberal sympathizer is using a disaster to try and tar the Prime Minister. Tactless and classess. Just like the actions of Danny Williams. How is Danny Williams putting his sniping aside? Did Harper snipe at him?

The Prime Minister visited a disaster site. He went to reassure Canadians. He was doing his job.

Danny Wiliiams being furious about it is disgusting. Why is he trying to make political hay out of a disaster? If he really wants to "rise above other differences" why didn't he shut the f*ck up for once instead of running to the media as always?

What is more important here? That the Prime Minister made the visit to those Canadians effected by the tropical storm or that Danny Williams' nose is out of joint. Yet again.

You really ought to give it a break. Your response is over the top.

This is one of the main stories in all three news broadcasts today. The question of why the premier of the province affected by disaster had to learn from the media that the prime minister was coming is just petty.

Even a Conservative sympathizer should realize that what happened is hurting rather than helping Conservative chances in Atlantic Canada.

http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/st...f87ea995&k=6786

But Harper's whirlwind trip may have hindered -- not helped -- his party. First his impromptu trip to Newfoundland to see the storm damage angered Premier Danny Williams, who wasn't notified of the visit.

"I would at least expect the courtesy of a phone call," Williams said. "The simple courtesy of at least letting me know that he was coming so suddenly so that something joint could be arranged -- but he decided not to do that."

The Newfoundland premier used the impromptu visit and perceived snub to take some further shots at Harper and the federal government.

Moreover, on the same day, Harper blasted away.

Then later that afternoon, Harper let loose with a blast aimed at Nova Scotia Premier Rodney MacDonald and their ongoing battle over the Atlantic accord.

At a barbecue in the Nova Scotia riding of Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay, Harper told some 300 Tory faithful that every province was better off because of the Conservative's budget. "More money is flowing to this province and will flow in future years, for health care, for post-secondary education, for daycare spaces, for gateway and infrastructure and, yes, for equalization."

Speaking from a podium flanked by two miniature lighthouses, Harper told the crowd Nova Scotia received $100-million more in equalization in the most recent budget.

"Make no mistake, our best hope, our only hope, is that despite our differences, Conservatives stay united and work together in this province and across the country," Harper said.

Although MacDonald was at the barbeque, he was not invited to speak. The premier could not be reached for comment.

The newscast simply had MacDonald at the back of the room watching.

Edited August 4, 2007 by jdobbin

[Michael Bluth]

You really out to give it a break. Your response is over the top.

Even a Conservative sympathizer should realize that what happened is hurting rather than helping Conservative chances in Atlantic Canada.

Yet again Dobbin, you are not a moderator. Please quit trying to act as such. (And I believe the word you were looking for was ought. )

Harper didn't go to the disaster area for political gain. He went as the Prime Minister of Canada to visit Canadians in a time of need. So whether or not it helped or hurt the Conservatives is irrelevant. Shouldn't a Prime Minister and a Premier put the sniping aside?

Danny Williams tried to make political hay out of the issue. Did he score points with his latest whine? Maybe. Was it odious and childish? Absolutely.

For once you are right though.

The question of how the Premier learned the PM was coming is petty. The only issue is the welfare of the Canadians effected by the disaster. That was foremost in Stephen Harper's mind. That is why he is a real leader and Danny Williams, well he's something else that's for sure.

Edited August 4, 2007 by Michael Bluth

[jdobbin]

Yet again Dobbin, you are not a moderator. Please quit trying to act as such. (And I believe the word you were looking for was ought. )

Harper didn't go to the disaster area for political gain. He went as the Prime Minister of Canada to visit Canadians in a time of need. So whether or not it helped or hurt the Conservatives is irrelevant. Shouldn't a Prime Minister and a Premier put the sniping aside?

Danny Williams tried to make political hay out of the issue. Did he score points with his latest whine? Maybe. Was it odious and childish? Absolutely.

For once you are right though.

The question of how the Premier learned the PM was coming is petty. The only issue is the welfare of the Canadians effected by the disaster. That was foremost in Stephen Harper's mind. That is why he is a real leader and Danny Williams, well he's something else that's for sure.

Wish you could put a lid on personalizing things.

Harper was campaigning in all four provinces according to the newscasts. He hit four provinces in one day. In two of the provinces he had disputes with, he didn't contact the premiers in advance.

It was all political and there is a political price for not rising above it all. This might score points in Calgary. It doesn't score points in Newfoundland.

[geoffrey]

I'm not a travel agent or Nostradamus, so I don't know much about booking flights for Prime Ministers or predicting disasters.

But what I do know is that a reasonable person, with all the facts, would realise that in a time of emergency, it's not exactly easy to get ahold of people and book months in advance.

[Keepitsimple]

I'm onside with Michael and Geoffrey - I think that this time, Danny should have kept his big mouth shut.

[jdobbin]

I'm not a travel agent or Nostradamus, so I don't know much about booking flights for Prime Ministers or predicting disasters.

But what I do know is that a reasonable person, with all the facts, would realise that in a time of emergency, it's not exactly easy to get ahold of people and book months in advance.

Ministers of both Newfoundland and Canada were communicating just the night before and no indication was given of the visit then. This is in one of the news links above.

Perhaps Harper could take a note from Bush on what happened in Minneapolis. He is meeting with all the leaders involved today and by all accounts, was in communication with leaders of both parties as to what the response should be.

You don't need weeks in advance to visit an area but in times of disaster you reach out to people including your opponents.

[Michael Bluth]

Ministers of both Newfoundland and Canada were communicating just the night before and no indication was given of the visit then. This is in one of the news links above.

Perhaps Harper could take a note from Bush on what happened in Minneapolis. He is meeting with all the leaders involved today and by all accounts, was in communication with leaders of both parties as to what the response should be.

You don't need weeks in advance to visit an area but in times of disaster you reach out to people including your opponents.

Here is what Danny was really getting at. He was looking for yet another platform to continue his whining. Link

Meanwhile, Mr. Williams said the province is still waiting to get its share of federal compensation in the wake of the Stephenville flood in September 2005. But Mr. Soudas said Ottawa is still waiting for paperwork from the province.

Seems like Danny is using this tragedy in his home province to push an agenda totally unrelated to the disaster at hand.

It looks pretty obvious to every person here but one who is really playing games.

[Michael Bluth]

Paul Wells said it perfectly, as he so often does. Link

The one guy in Canada who can make Stephen Harper look like the bigger man.

You're right, Danny. Property is destroyed, lives ruined. And it's all about you

[jdobbin]

Here is what Danny was really getting at. He was looking for yet another platform to continue his whining.

Seems like Danny is using this tragedy in his home province to push an agenda totally unrelated to the disaster at hand.

It looks pretty obvious to every person here but one who is really playing games.

If it is a battle for the hearts and minds of Newfoundlanders, Harper is losing that battle.

[Michael Bluth]

If it is a battle for the hearts and minds of Newfoundlanders, Harper is losing that battle.

Stephen Harper looks like the bigger man. Then again, compared to Danny Williams that ain't too tough.

It's disgusting that Williams is trying to use this tragedy for political gain. It's equally disgusting that anybody would try and make political hay out of this tragedy.

Then again, when you a group deludes itself into thinking it is "Canada's Natural Governing Party" then basic human decency goes out the window very quickly. There is no level to which such a group will sink in order to regani it's God-given place in society.

[jdobbin]

Stephen Harper looks like the bigger man. Then again, compared to Danny Williams that ain't too tough.

It's disgusting that Williams is trying to use this tragedy for political gain. It's equally disgusting that anybody would try and make political hay out of this tragedy.

Then again, when you a group deludes itself into thinking it is "Canada's Natural Governing Party" then basic human decency goes out the window very quickly. There is no level to which such a group will sink in order to regani it's God-given place in society.

Political gain is what Harper thought he would get by going to Newfoundland and snubbing the Newfoundland premier.

[Michael Bluth]

Political gain is what Harper thought he would get by going to Newfoundland and snubbing the Newfoundland premier.

How do you know what Harper thought he was going to gain?

Isn't such a wild and unsubstantiated claim evidence of a lack of civility?

[jdobbin]

How do you know what Harper thought he was going to gain?

Isn't such a wild and unsubstantiated claim evidence of a lack of civility?

One thing I know is that Harper is 2 points lower than the election and persona non grata in Newfoundland even after his visit.

Edited August 5, 2007 by jdobbin

[Michael Bluth]

One thing I know is that Harper is 2 points lower than the election and persona non grata in Newfoundland even after his visit.

So you don't know what Harper thought he was going to gain by going to Newfoundland. Ahh, dobbin your anger is amusing at times, but draining at the moment.

[jdobbin]

So you don't know what Harper thought he was going to gain by going to Newfoundland. Ahh, dobbin your anger is amusing at times, but draining at the moment.

It should be obvious to even yourself that he went there to rub Williams nose in it.

[Michael Bluth]

It should be obvious to even yourself that he went there to rub Williams nose in it.

No, he went there to comfort Canadians in distress. That was foremost in his mind and that is what should have been foremost in Williams' mind.

Believe it or not it isn't all about Danny Williams.

[jdobbin]

No, he went there to comfort Canadians in distress. That was foremost in his mind and that is what should have been foremost in Williams' mind.

Believe it or not it isn't all about Danny Williams.

I find it amusing you think that this was apolitical. It would have meant a whole lot more if Harper reached out to his opponents as Bush did in Minneapolis. Oh well. A missed attempt and that is why the Tories are in the teens in support in Newfoundland.