It got easily defeated so everybody can relax now .
for sure ... but the fact that harper would let him bring it up just means they are testing the waters ... and pretty much confirms our fears for his hidden agenda which included the gutting of the environment, religious interference, etc.
It got easily defeated so everybody can relax now .
for sure ... but the fact that harper would let him bring it up just means they are testing the waters ... and pretty much confirms our fears for his hidden agenda which included the gutting of the environment, religious interference, etc.
They all got a hidden agenda...every one them, doesn't matter the party...that's why every single individual gets involved in politics...to serve themselves with their hidden agenda...the last politician that truly did anything for the people was Tommy Douglas and that's a long time a ago.
I have certain rules I live by ... My First Rule ... I don't believe anything the government tells me ... George Carlin
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
Rona Ambrose, Canada's Status of Women Minister, voted in favour of that bill.....man these people are so fucking ass-backwards....talk about whoring principle, and the will of people, for a cushy cabinet posting. what a joke.
Rona Ambrose, Canada's Status of Women Minister, voted in favour of that bill.....man these people are so fucking ass-backwards....talk about whoring principle, and the will of people, for a cushy cabinet posting. what a joke.
Not that I really care much either way about abortion...but if I got it right the backbench mp introduced a motion that would have created an all party committee to study when life begins, not even close to an actual bill...correct? it was a private members bill, and they usually never go far...correct? it was a free vote...correct? It was voted down... correct? personally all votes in the house should be free votes...and my guess is even if they did proceed to committee it would never gained traction because Harper would not have let it get any farther than committee.
But like I said I have no interest either way just some of my observations.
I have certain rules I live by ... My First Rule ... I don't believe anything the government tells me ... George Carlin
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
Not that I really care much either way about abortion...but if I got it right the backbench mp introduced a motion that would have created an all party committee to study when life begins, not even close to an actual bill...correct? it was a private members bill, and they usually never go far...correct? it was a free vote...correct? It was voted down... correct? personally all votes in the house should be free votes...and my guess is even if they did proceed to committee it would never gained traction because Harper would not have let it get any farther than committee.
But like I said I have no interest either way just some of my observations.
yes but you do realize that the entire conservative caucus is micro-managed and that nothing gets done or said without his approval ... and that this was a strategic ploy to test the waters ... he has to placate his base and this is a big issue for them ...
Not that I really care much either way about abortion...but if I got it right the backbench mp introduced a motion that would have created an all party committee to study when life begins, not even close to an actual bill...correct? it was a private members bill, and they usually never go far...correct? it was a free vote...correct? It was voted down... correct? personally all votes in the house should be free votes...and my guess is even if they did proceed to committee it would never gained traction because Harper would not have let it get any farther than committee.
But like I said I have no interest either way just some of my observations.
yes but you do realize that the entire conservative caucus is micro-managed and that nothing gets done or said without his approval ... and that this was a strategic ploy to test the waters ... he has to placate his base and this is a big issue for them ...
I know his caucus is micro managed...so it was a long ways from even getting close to a bill...
I just love this hidden agenda...every politician has an hidden agenda...no more than than the premier of ontario who has lied every step of the way since getting elected 9 years ago.
Not 1 single politician goes into the job with the intent to make Canada a better place...they go into with the intent to make themselves better off.
I have certain rules I live by ... My First Rule ... I don't believe anything the government tells me ... George Carlin
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
Rona Ambrose, Canada's Status of Women Minister, voted in favour of that bill.....man these people are so fucking ass-backwards....talk about whoring principle, and the will of people, for a cushy cabinet posting. what a joke.
Harper seems to have not only the privilege of making back-door deals that unapologetically trample on democratic principles without repercussion during his term, but he apparently also has free reign over our elected leaders for at least the next 3 terms.
--
"On September 9th, Prime Minister Stephen Harper signed an agreement with China, the Canada-China Investment Treaty. The agreement was kept from the Canadian public and Parliament until September 26th, 2012, when it was quietly made public, tabled in the House of Commons. No press release. No technical briefing. The deal is set for automatic approval. No vote or debate will take place in the House. Once tabled in the House, the clock started ticking. 22 sitting days from September 26th (November 1st), this treaty will bind Canada.
So what is the Canada-China Investment Treaty? Simply put, it is the most significant trade agreement signed by Canada since NAFTA. Only this time our “partner” is the communist government in Beijing, an authoritarian regime with an appalling record on human rights –and it isn’t getting better. This deal requires that Chinese government-owned companies be treated exactly the same as Canadian companies operating in Canada. Once in force, it lasts a minimum of 15 years. If a future government wants to get out of it, a one year notice is required – and even once the treaty is cancelled, any existing Chinese operations in Canada are guaranteed another 15 years of the treaty’s benefits."
--
It got easily defeated so everybody can relax now .
for sure ... but the fact that harper would let him bring it up just means they are testing the waters ... and pretty much confirms our fears for his hidden agenda which included the gutting of the environment, religious interference, etc.
I don't actually think so. As much as I hate the "Harper Government", I really don't think they give a crap about the abortion issue, aside from a couple of wack jobs in the back. The only reason they let any of that happen was to say to their very conservative/religious voters, "see? You can still get behind us." That's all it was - a quick nod to the farther right. Oh, and also a little diversion so we don't talk about all the other crap thst is way more threstening. No way would they actually be stupid enough to making the abortion debate anything real. They know that wouldn't fly in Canada. If they actually made abortion illegal they'd automatically lose the next election. They know that. I think we've got WAY more serious issues to focus on, such as the government muzzling scientists.
PS - this is a weird thread. "Canadian Politics" ... is Canada not important enough for us to have separate threads for separate issues? This thread is way too vague for any of usto focus on issues. I don't see any thread called "US Politics". Because that would be silly. Just sayin'.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
i think the difference in Canada vs. US besides the number of posters is that we an usually resolve an issue fairly quick with a consensus or agree to disagree ... so ... for the handful of us who post on this forum regularly - i kinda like that it's in one place ...
besides - on the flip side ... how many different obama or mitt threads does there need to be?
as for the abortion issue - i really don't think this was a tip of the hat to their religious base ... this gov't has stopped funding foreign aid programs based on reproductive rights ... i would say the only thing really saving us from this topic is the cost of the legal challenges ...
It got easily defeated so everybody can relax now .
for sure ... but the fact that harper would let him bring it up just means they are testing the waters ... and pretty much confirms our fears for his hidden agenda which included the gutting of the environment, religious interference, etc.
I don't actually think so. As much as I hate the "Harper Government", I really don't think they give a crap about the abortion issue, aside from a couple of wack jobs in the back. The only reason they let any of that happen was to say to their very conservative/religious voters, "see? You can still get behind us." That's all it was - a quick nod to the farther right. Oh, and also a little diversion so we don't talk about all the other crap thst is way more threstening. No way would they actually be stupid enough to making the abortion debate anything real. They know that wouldn't fly in Canada. If they actually made abortion illegal they'd automatically lose the next election. They know that. I think we've got WAY more serious issues to focus on, such as the government muzzling scientists.
PS - this is a weird thread. "Canadian Politics" ... is Canada not important enough for us to have separate threads for separate issues? This thread is way too vague for any of usto focus on issues. I don't see any thread called "US Politics". Because that would be silly. Just sayin'.
Each thread would be extremely short ... there is only a hand full of us who discuss Canadian politics here.
I have certain rules I live by ... My First Rule ... I don't believe anything the government tells me ... George Carlin
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
Harper seems to have not only the privilege of making back-door deals that unapologetically trample on democratic principles without repercussion during his term, but he apparently also has free reign over our elected leaders for at least the next 3 terms.
--
"On September 9th, Prime Minister Stephen Harper signed an agreement with China, the Canada-China Investment Treaty. The agreement was kept from the Canadian public and Parliament until September 26th, 2012, when it was quietly made public, tabled in the House of Commons. No press release. No technical briefing. The deal is set for automatic approval. No vote or debate will take place in the House. Once tabled in the House, the clock started ticking. 22 sitting days from September 26th (November 1st), this treaty will bind Canada.
So what is the Canada-China Investment Treaty? Simply put, it is the most significant trade agreement signed by Canada since NAFTA. Only this time our “partner” is the communist government in Beijing, an authoritarian regime with an appalling record on human rights –and it isn’t getting better. This deal requires that Chinese government-owned companies be treated exactly the same as Canadian companies operating in Canada. Once in force, it lasts a minimum of 15 years. If a future government wants to get out of it, a one year notice is required – and even once the treaty is cancelled, any existing Chinese operations in Canada are guaranteed another 15 years of the treaty’s benefits."
--
I really don't understand our relationship with China all that well ... I do know this it seems everything we buy these days is made in China and that started long before Harper was PM ... I would love to see more stuff made over here, just isn't going to happen ... imo.
We shouldn't be letting Chinese companies buy up our companies ... imo.
and then there's this...
McGuinty sticks up for Chinese firm Huawei accused of spying
for sure ... but the fact that harper would let him bring it up just means they are testing the waters ... and pretty much confirms our fears for his hidden agenda which included the gutting of the environment, religious interference, etc.
I don't actually think so. As much as I hate the "Harper Government", I really don't think they give a crap about the abortion issue, aside from a couple of wack jobs in the back. The only reason they let any of that happen was to say to their very conservative/religious voters, "see? You can still get behind us." That's all it was - a quick nod to the farther right. Oh, and also a little diversion so we don't talk about all the other crap thst is way more threstening. No way would they actually be stupid enough to making the abortion debate anything real. They know that wouldn't fly in Canada. If they actually made abortion illegal they'd automatically lose the next election. They know that. I think we've got WAY more serious issues to focus on, such as the government muzzling scientists.
PS - this is a weird thread. "Canadian Politics" ... is Canada not important enough for us to have separate threads for separate issues? This thread is way too vague for any of usto focus on issues. I don't see any thread called "US Politics". Because that would be silly. Just sayin'.
Each thread would be extremely short ... there is only a hand full of us who discuss Canadian politics here.
Yeah, I guess. Fair enough. Wish there were more Canadians around her. :(
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
Harper seems to have not only the privilege of making back-door deals that unapologetically trample on democratic principles without repercussion during his term, but he apparently also has free reign over our elected leaders for at least the next 3 terms.
--
"On September 9th, Prime Minister Stephen Harper signed an agreement with China, the Canada-China Investment Treaty. The agreement was kept from the Canadian public and Parliament until September 26th, 2012, when it was quietly made public, tabled in the House of Commons. No press release. No technical briefing. The deal is set for automatic approval. No vote or debate will take place in the House. Once tabled in the House, the clock started ticking. 22 sitting days from September 26th (November 1st), this treaty will bind Canada.
So what is the Canada-China Investment Treaty? Simply put, it is the most significant trade agreement signed by Canada since NAFTA. Only this time our “partner” is the communist government in Beijing, an authoritarian regime with an appalling record on human rights –and it isn’t getting better. This deal requires that Chinese government-owned companies be treated exactly the same as Canadian companies operating in Canada. Once in force, it lasts a minimum of 15 years. If a future government wants to get out of it, a one year notice is required – and even once the treaty is cancelled, any existing Chinese operations in Canada are guaranteed another 15 years of the treaty’s benefits."
--
I really don't understand our relationship with China all that well ... I do know this it seems everything we buy these days is made in China and that started long before Harper was PM ... I would love to see more stuff made over here, just isn't going to happen ... imo.
We shouldn't be letting Chinese companies buy up our companies ... imo.
and then there's this...
McGuinty sticks up for Chinese firm Huawei accused of spying
Most of these trade agreement don't really benefit the Canadian worker ... or at least it seems that way
We ABSOLUTELY should not be allowing the Chinese to buy up all our companies! It freaks me out, actually. Especially when its our resource-based companies. Foreigners owning Canada? No thanks. China tends not to reinvest back into the countries where they've bought up companies, either (well, do any foreign owners do that? Probably not much). They tend to redirect profits back into the Chinese economy. Not to mention that Chinese business and labour practices still aren't particularly compatible with ours, which is a serious disadvantage to Canadian workers.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
With such contentious issues at hand, a democratic government is supposed to allow its elected officials to debate and scrutinize policy before it legally binds the country. This is why we hold elections and vote in officials that are there to represent us. Canada was not built on a dictatorship model, in which one 'leader' makes decisions without regard for, or consultation with elected Parliamentary representatives. Harper simply circumvents the entire democratic system. Whether or not Parliament is effective at representing the population is up for debate, but to have a 'leader' of the country who overtly disregards his sworn duty to uphold the foundational principles of democracy is hugely alarming. Each act he commits behind doors closed even to our elected officials is a swift blow to the future of democracy in Canada.
With such contentious issues at hand, a democratic government is supposed to allow its elected officials to debate and scrutinize policy before it legally binds the country. This is why we hold elections and vote in officials that are there to represent us. Canada was not built on a dictatorship model, in which one 'leader' makes decisions without regard for, or consultation with its elected Parliamentary representatives. Harper simply circumvents the entire democratic system. Whether or not Parliament is effective at representing the population is up for debate, but to have a 'leader' of the country who overtly disregards his sworn duty to uphold the foundational principles of democracy is hugely alarming. Each act he commits behind doors closed even to our elected officials is a swift blow at the future of democracy in Canada.
True. Harper has the same attitude as that fucking slime ball Gordon Campbell had as the premier of BC. Everyone is an idiot, and we don't have the understanding to know what's best for us.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
With such contentious issues at hand, a democratic government is supposed to allow its elected officials to debate and scrutinize policy before it legally binds the country. This is why we hold elections and vote in officials that are there to represent us. Canada was not built on a dictatorship model, in which one 'leader' makes decisions without regard for, or consultation with elected Parliamentary representatives. Harper simply circumvents the entire democratic system. Whether or not Parliament is effective at representing the population is up for debate, but to have a 'leader' of the country who overtly disregards his sworn duty to uphold the foundational principles of democracy is hugely alarming. Each act he commits behind doors closed even to our elected officials is a swift blow to the future of democracy in Canada.
With such contentious issues at hand, a democratic government is supposed to allow its elected officials to debate and scrutinize policy before it legally binds the country. This is why we hold elections and vote in officials that are there to represent us. Canada was not built on a dictatorship model, in which one 'leader' makes decisions without regard for, or consultation with elected Parliamentary representatives. Harper simply circumvents the entire democratic system. Whether or not Parliament is effective at representing the population is up for debate, but to have a 'leader' of the country who overtly disregards his sworn duty to uphold the foundational principles of democracy is hugely alarming. Each act he commits behind doors closed even to our elected officials is a swift blow to the future of democracy in Canada.
Are you sure? Does not matter who the PM is ... If they have a majority they do pretty much as they want. All that bullshit in parliament ... Is just that bullshit ... They scream at one another then the proposed bill passes. I highly doubt democracy exist anywhere in the world ... Unless you consider going to a polling booth every 4 years to vote for any of the bullshitters true democracy.
I have certain rules I live by ... My First Rule ... I don't believe anything the government tells me ... George Carlin
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
With such contentious issues at hand, a democratic government is supposed to allow its elected officials to debate and scrutinize policy before it legally binds the country. This is why we hold elections and vote in officials that are there to represent us. Canada was not built on a dictatorship model, in which one 'leader' makes decisions without regard for, or consultation with elected Parliamentary representatives. Harper simply circumvents the entire democratic system. Whether or not Parliament is effective at representing the population is up for debate, but to have a 'leader' of the country who overtly disregards his sworn duty to uphold the foundational principles of democracy is hugely alarming. Each act he commits behind doors closed even to our elected officials is a swift blow to the future of democracy in Canada.
Are you sure? Does not matter who the PM is ... If they have a majority they do pretty much as they want. All that bullshit in parliament ... Is just that bullshit ... They scream at one another then the proposed bill passes. I highly doubt democracy exist anywhere in the world ... Unless you consider going to a polling booth every 4 years to vote for any of the bullshitters true democracy.
You're probably right in saying there is no true democracy in the world, and there's forces at play to ensure it, not unlike what's happening here. We don't need a perfect system, just one that functions in important ways. And for sure there is a lot of bullshit and some big flaws. But I’m not sure why there is this commitment to the status quo. In my mind, if we don’t currently have what we need does not mean that we shouldn’t strive toward it, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t demand better, and it definitely doesn’t mean that we need to overlook that one power-hungry man parades himself as the ‘democratic leader’ of this country. I won't bother arguing that we will ever find a truly good politician - but a politician who blatantly disregards his role and his duty to the people of this country -- ALL people and not just those who are conveniently aligned with his personal vested interests-- cannot be the best we are hoping for.
With such contentious issues at hand, a democratic government is supposed to allow its elected officials to debate and scrutinize policy before it legally binds the country. This is why we hold elections and vote in officials that are there to represent us. Canada was not built on a dictatorship model, in which one 'leader' makes decisions without regard for, or consultation with elected Parliamentary representatives. Harper simply circumvents the entire democratic system. Whether or not Parliament is effective at representing the population is up for debate, but to have a 'leader' of the country who overtly disregards his sworn duty to uphold the foundational principles of democracy is hugely alarming. Each act he commits behind doors closed even to our elected officials is a swift blow to the future of democracy in Canada.
Are you sure? Does not matter who the PM is ... If they have a majority they do pretty much as they want. All that bullshit in parliament ... Is just that bullshit ... They scream at one another then the proposed bill passes. I highly doubt democracy exist anywhere in the world ... Unless you consider going to a polling booth every 4 years to vote for any of the bullshitters true democracy.
You're probably right in saying there is no true democracy in the world, and there's forces at play to ensure it, not unlike what's happening here. We don't need a perfect system, just one that functions in important ways. And for sure there is a lot of bullshit and some big flaws. But I’m not sure why there is this commitment to the status quo. In my mind, if we don’t currently have what we need does not mean that we shouldn’t strive toward it, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t demand better, and it definitely doesn’t mean that we need to overlook that one power-hungry man parades himself as the ‘democratic leader’ of this I. I won't bother arguing that we will ever find a truly good politician - but a politician who blatantly disregards his role and his duty to the people of this country -- ALL people and not just those who are conveniently aligned with his personal vested interests-- cannot be the best we are hoping for.
I agree we don't need the status quo ... But I will admit I no longer vote ... for me it's no longer good enough to only have a say every 4 years ... You could say I'm frustrated with the current system. Maybe it's time to examine a proportional representation system, with 3 or 4 parties its unlikely anyone will ever get more than 50 % of the vote ... Polaris is probably much more knowledgeable about this system than me.
But for me any system needs to include us the citizens more often than just every 4 years ... thats really all I want is for us citizens to be noticed in between elections. Their is no perfect system ... That we can all agree.
I have certain rules I live by ... My First Rule ... I don't believe anything the government tells me ... George Carlin
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
^^Lukin, I couldn't agree with you more. Every 4 years is total bullshit. You are on to something with a proportional representation system. It is definitely time to examine new models - and I believe that they are within our reach. We may have limited power but right now we exercise a mere fraction of what we're capable of. Why? Because everyone is fed up with a bullshit system that quietly and systematically works to make us passive, and the current system is more than thrilled with this outcome. They don't want you to think there is a better way. Less and less people feeling like there is a point in objecting to the status quo is a victory for the dominant elite currently sitting in government for whom it serves no interest to empower their citizens.
^^Lukin, I couldn't agree with you more. Every 4 years is total bullshit. You are on to something with a proportional representation system. It is definitely time to examine new models - and I believe that they are within our reach. We may have limited power but right now we exercise a mere fraction of what we're capable of. Why? Because everyone is fed up with a bullshit system that quietly and systematically works to make us passive, and the current system is more than thrilled with this outcome. They don't want you to think there is a better way. Less and less people feeling like there is a point in objecting to the status quo is a victory for the dominant elite currently sitting in government for whom it serves no interest to empower their citizens.
I think what ever system we have it needs to include us the citizens ... not just at election time ... I think just by the fact that voter turn out continues to drop election after election shows that I'm not the only frustrated person. I don't know how many people realize this but there will be 30 or so new seats added to the house of commons in the next election and I read that many of these seats favour Harper.
Another thing that amazed and I found frustrating was a poll that was conducted that said Trudeau would win the election if held at the time of the poll ... really people are just going to make this guy PM without hearing his policies or platform ... talk about a dumb electorate.
Our system is broken and badly needs repair ... unfortunately I don't see it happening ... just more people like myself staying away from elections.
I have certain rules I live by ... My First Rule ... I don't believe anything the government tells me ... George Carlin
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
If Proportional Representation is a major issue for you guys consider voting either Green or NDP in the next federal election. As far as I know they are the only parties with PR in their platforms.
^^Lukin, I couldn't agree with you more. Every 4 years is total bullshit. You are on to something with a proportional representation system. It is definitely time to examine new models - and I believe that they are within our reach. We may have limited power but right now we exercise a mere fraction of what we're capable of. Why? Because everyone is fed up with a bullshit system that quietly and systematically works to make us passive, and the current system is more than thrilled with this outcome. They don't want you to think there is a better way. Less and less people feeling like there is a point in objecting to the status quo is a victory for the dominant elite currently sitting in government for whom it serves no interest to empower their citizens.
I think what ever system we have it needs to include us the citizens ... not just at election time ... I think just by the fact that voter turn out continues to drop election after election shows that I'm not the only frustrated person. I don't know how many people realize this but there will be 30 or so new seats added to the house of commons in the next election and I read that many of these seats favour Harper.
Another thing that amazed and I found frustrating was a poll that was conducted that said Trudeau would win the election if held at the time of the poll ... really people are just going to make this guy PM without hearing his policies or platform ... talk about a dumb electorate.
Our system is broken and badly needs repair ... unfortunately I don't see it happening ... just more people like myself staying away from elections.
You're right, sadly your choice not to vote isn't in the minority. General trends for voting and any form of civic participation has dropped drastically over the last decades. Existing political institutions and media try to blame this on a "generation that doesn't care". Bullshit. Look at how many of us Canadians come on here to passionately and intelligently discuss political issues. We care, it's just that our current institutions have become so subtle and thus effective at shutting us out - so much so that we now willingly remove our own voice. There is such a strong collaborative network of mutually reinforcing forces that filter and structure our perception of the political world I am not surprised at our current state. I didn't know about the extra seats in the House, figures. We have been taught to believe that a half-assed for-show-only democracy is all we can hope for. It is not a coincidence that people have stopped turning out to vote - once we begin to recognize this, maybe things can finally change. Truth is, we desperately need people like you and everyone else coming on here to have or to read these important discussions. And just like you said: not just at the voting booth in 3 years.
If Proportional Representation is a major issue for you guys consider voting either Green or NDP in the next federal election. As far as I know they are the only parties with PR in their platforms.
thank you -that's an excellent point, and I certainly will.
If Proportional Representation is a major issue for you guys consider voting either Green or NDP in the next federal election. As far as I know they are the only parties with PR in their platforms.
The problem is you need a majority to get it passed ... I think maybe the greens would ... but if the NDP formed a majority government I doubt they'd move ahead with it. I'm not necessarily for it, just would like to see it explored as an option ... once again here is the problem we are at the mercy of politicians ... as our system is set up politicians need to initiate the change ... other than voting every 4 years we have very little say.
I have certain rules I live by ... My First Rule ... I don't believe anything the government tells me ... George Carlin
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
Comments
Commons defeats Conservative MP’s pro-life motion
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/poli ... ife-begins
It got easily defeated so everybody can relax now
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
better start packing
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
for sure ... but the fact that harper would let him bring it up just means they are testing the waters ... and pretty much confirms our fears for his hidden agenda which included the gutting of the environment, religious interference, etc.
They all got a hidden agenda...every one them, doesn't matter the party...that's why every single individual gets involved in politics...to serve themselves with their hidden agenda...the last politician that truly did anything for the people was Tommy Douglas and that's a long time a ago.
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/pol ... le4571637/
you can tell which portfolios are of little concern to harper based on his appointments ... :(
But like I said I have no interest either way just some of my observations.
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
yes but you do realize that the entire conservative caucus is micro-managed and that nothing gets done or said without his approval ... and that this was a strategic ploy to test the waters ... he has to placate his base and this is a big issue for them ...
I know his caucus is micro managed...so it was a long ways from even getting close to a bill...
I just love this hidden agenda...every politician has an hidden agenda...no more than than the premier of ontario who has lied every step of the way since getting elected 9 years ago.
Not 1 single politician goes into the job with the intent to make Canada a better place...they go into with the intent to make themselves better off.
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
She's an embarrassment.
--
"On September 9th, Prime Minister Stephen Harper signed an agreement with China, the Canada-China Investment Treaty. The agreement was kept from the Canadian public and Parliament until September 26th, 2012, when it was quietly made public, tabled in the House of Commons. No press release. No technical briefing. The deal is set for automatic approval. No vote or debate will take place in the House. Once tabled in the House, the clock started ticking. 22 sitting days from September 26th (November 1st), this treaty will bind Canada.
So what is the Canada-China Investment Treaty? Simply put, it is the most significant trade agreement signed by Canada since NAFTA. Only this time our “partner” is the communist government in Beijing, an authoritarian regime with an appalling record on human rights –and it isn’t getting better. This deal requires that Chinese government-owned companies be treated exactly the same as Canadian companies operating in Canada. Once in force, it lasts a minimum of 15 years. If a future government wants to get out of it, a one year notice is required – and even once the treaty is cancelled, any existing Chinese operations in Canada are guaranteed another 15 years of the treaty’s benefits."
--
Check the treaty out on the Government of Canada's website: http://www.international.gc.ca/trade-ag ... =en&view=d
Think this is fucked up? more details and online petition: http://www.greenparty.ca/stop-the-sellout
PS - this is a weird thread. "Canadian Politics" ... is Canada not important enough for us to have separate threads for separate issues? This thread is way too vague for any of usto focus on issues. I don't see any thread called "US Politics". Because that would be silly. Just sayin'.
besides - on the flip side ... how many different obama or mitt threads does there need to be?
as for the abortion issue - i really don't think this was a tip of the hat to their religious base ... this gov't has stopped funding foreign aid programs based on reproductive rights ... i would say the only thing really saving us from this topic is the cost of the legal challenges ...
Each thread would be extremely short ... there is only a hand full of us who discuss Canadian politics here.
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
I really don't understand our relationship with China all that well ... I do know this it seems everything we buy these days is made in China and that started long before Harper was PM ... I would love to see more stuff made over here, just isn't going to happen ... imo.
We shouldn't be letting Chinese companies buy up our companies ... imo.
and then there's this...
McGuinty sticks up for Chinese firm Huawei accused of spying
http://www.thestar.com/business/article ... coms-firms
Most of these trade agreement don't really benefit the Canadian worker ... or at least it seems that way
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
he is a fascist
Are you sure? Does not matter who the PM is ... If they have a majority they do pretty much as they want. All that bullshit in parliament ... Is just that bullshit ... They scream at one another then the proposed bill passes. I highly doubt democracy exist anywhere in the world ... Unless you consider going to a polling booth every 4 years to vote for any of the bullshitters true democracy.
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
You're probably right in saying there is no true democracy in the world, and there's forces at play to ensure it, not unlike what's happening here. We don't need a perfect system, just one that functions in important ways. And for sure there is a lot of bullshit and some big flaws. But I’m not sure why there is this commitment to the status quo. In my mind, if we don’t currently have what we need does not mean that we shouldn’t strive toward it, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t demand better, and it definitely doesn’t mean that we need to overlook that one power-hungry man parades himself as the ‘democratic leader’ of this country. I won't bother arguing that we will ever find a truly good politician - but a politician who blatantly disregards his role and his duty to the people of this country -- ALL people and not just those who are conveniently aligned with his personal vested interests-- cannot be the best we are hoping for.
I agree we don't need the status quo ... But I will admit I no longer vote ... for me it's no longer good enough to only have a say every 4 years ... You could say I'm frustrated with the current system. Maybe it's time to examine a proportional representation system, with 3 or 4 parties its unlikely anyone will ever get more than 50 % of the vote ... Polaris is probably much more knowledgeable about this system than me.
But for me any system needs to include us the citizens more often than just every 4 years ... thats really all I want is for us citizens to be noticed in between elections. Their is no perfect system ... That we can all agree.
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
I think what ever system we have it needs to include us the citizens ... not just at election time ... I think just by the fact that voter turn out continues to drop election after election shows that I'm not the only frustrated person. I don't know how many people realize this but there will be 30 or so new seats added to the house of commons in the next election and I read that many of these seats favour Harper.
Another thing that amazed and I found frustrating was a poll that was conducted that said Trudeau would win the election if held at the time of the poll ... really people are just going to make this guy PM without hearing his policies or platform ... talk about a dumb electorate.
Our system is broken and badly needs repair ... unfortunately I don't see it happening ... just more people like myself staying away from elections.
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
You're right, sadly your choice not to vote isn't in the minority. General trends for voting and any form of civic participation has dropped drastically over the last decades. Existing political institutions and media try to blame this on a "generation that doesn't care". Bullshit. Look at how many of us Canadians come on here to passionately and intelligently discuss political issues. We care, it's just that our current institutions have become so subtle and thus effective at shutting us out - so much so that we now willingly remove our own voice. There is such a strong collaborative network of mutually reinforcing forces that filter and structure our perception of the political world I am not surprised at our current state. I didn't know about the extra seats in the House, figures. We have been taught to believe that a half-assed for-show-only democracy is all we can hope for. It is not a coincidence that people have stopped turning out to vote - once we begin to recognize this, maybe things can finally change. Truth is, we desperately need people like you and everyone else coming on here to have or to read these important discussions. And just like you said: not just at the voting booth in 3 years.
thank you -that's an excellent point, and I certainly will.
The problem is you need a majority to get it passed ... I think maybe the greens would ... but if the NDP formed a majority government I doubt they'd move ahead with it. I'm not necessarily for it, just would like to see it explored as an option ... once again here is the problem we are at the mercy of politicians ... as our system is set up politicians need to initiate the change ... other than voting every 4 years we have very little say.
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
mcguinty stepping down ...
my initial reaction is that it's the honourable thing to do ... hopefully, they can elect some new blood and no more old school liberals ...