Canadian Politics

lukin2006

polaris_x wrote:

lukin2006 wrote:

how many environmental reviews do they want ... they've completed the environmental assessments ...what more do people want ... like I said he didn't do his homework ... he closed those loopholes so the owner of the Ambassador Bridge does delay the construction of a new much needed bridge ... they are very litigious. Sorry I support that in the bill ... I know how congested the road leading to the Ambassador Bridge is. This I will give McGuinty credit for ... at least his government finally got to work on finishing the 401 to the new bridge. However I suspect it had more to do with Duncan and even more to do with Sandra Pupatello than McGuinty himself. I'll give Harper credit as well ... he has made this bridge a priority.

how can you continue to say he didn't do his homework????? ... this is mind boggling ... you may agree with the legislation but how can you say what he wrote is NOT TRUE!??

Why because they closed loopholes to keep litigious people from suing ... delaying the badly needed construction of this border crossing ... whats the point of environmental assessments then ... if litigious people can delay construction of this bridge ... then lets do away with environmental assessments and when environmentalist find something not right then they can go off to court.

Because if their is one thing I know about environmentalists ... they are never happy!!! the whiniest people on earth. Even after all the assessments were completed and a ridiculous fence installed to protect the snakes, not to mention all the money spent to first remove the snakes from harm they were still bitching ...

As far as I'm concerned can't have it both ways ... either allow the environmental assessments to be binding or scrap them and let the courts decide ... either way don't matter to me ... but not both ways.

And I only commented on this part of the legislation ... I don't care about the rest of the legislation ... democracy has long ago left this country ...each and every one of those politicians from all parties are laughing at us ... and are in complete amazement that so many people fall in line like sheep.

polaris_x

soo ... the journalist did indeed fact check and he did indeed write a factual statement ... that's all you have to say ...

lukin2006

polaris_x wrote:

soo ... the journalist did indeed fact check and he did indeed write a factual statement ... that's all you have to say ...

no he didn't check...if he did he'd see that environmental assessments have been done...what more do greenies want

polaris_x

lukin2006 wrote:

no he didn't check...if he did he'd see that environmental assessments have been done...what more do greenies want

good grief man ... YOU are the one talking about environmental assessments ... not him ... the law in question is about preventing anyone to challenge the construction of the bridge due to environmental regulations ... it's not about EA's ... :fp:

dignin

polaris_x wrote:

harper is destroying this country ... his disdain for democracy is clear as mud and whatever fear mongering there was prior to his majority is far worse than ever expected ...

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/poli ... servatives

These omnibus bills are fucking terrible. But nothing surprising coming from these so called "conservatives". The sad thing is the majority** of Canadians don't pay attention to this shit and when the next election rolls around they still will vote for these assholes.


** enough voting public to receive a majority in our outdated system

lukin2006

Finance Minister Dwight Duncan has made it official — he won’t be a candidate to replace Premier Dalton McGuinty as Ontario Liberal leader, nor will he run in the next election.

As disclosed by the Star on Tuesday, Duncan, 53, endorsed former minister Sandra Pupatello, 50, his close friend and fellow Windsor native, for the Grit leadership.

“I have decided it’s time for me to move forward,” Duncan told reporters at Queen’s Park on Wednesday.

“I’ve always believed governments have a natural life span of about 8 years,” he added. “You’re compelled, in my view, to move on.”

Duncan said he doesn’t have a new job lined up but suggested he may run for federal office at some point.

His decision clears the path for Pupatello, who didn’t run in the Oct. 6, 2011 provincial election, to return to politics.

In an interview with CBC Radio’s Metro Morning, she said the prospect of either Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak or NDP Leader Andrea Horwath winning power is jolting her to action.

Pupatello told host Matt Galloway she will make a final decision soon.

As McGuinty’s right-hand man — and deputy premier — Duncan had been viewed as the front-runner among the would-be contenders in the Jan. 25-27 race that will be decided by 2,500 Liberal delegates.

But Duncan, a former Windsor city councillor with a quarter-century in elected office, was not interested in the prospect of another decade in provincial politics.

As treasurer and a big booster of Toronto’s financial services industry, he should be a hot commodity for a top Bay Street post.

Duncan’s move also means he can continue to work on the budget until the Liberal leadership convention.

“From a selfish perspective I’m delighted because it means we’ll be able to stay focused the most important challenge we have before us today, and that is to find a way to put in place a public sector wage freeze,” McGuinty said Wednesday.

“We have not enjoyed much success in the legislature in that regard, so we’ve got to keep finding ways outside and he’s my point guy on this.”

McGuinty said it doesn’t “say anything” about the state of the government or Liberal Party that his finance minister, unlike many previous finance ministers in other administrations, doesn’t want to seek the top job.

“Ultimately, they’re personal decisions,” he added, noting Duncan has devoted “effectively his entire adult life to public service...I’ve enjoyed the benefit of his good counsel.”

With the minority Liberal government expected to fall next spring, triggering an election, Duncan’s Windsor–Tecumseh riding would open up for Pupatello.

She represented the neighbouring constituency of Windsor West for 16 years.

Now the PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP director of business development and global markets, Pupatello was McGuinty’s deputy Liberal leader in opposition until 2003.

She also served as minister of economic development, education, and community and social services.

A feisty political powerhouse, Pupatello would bring some passion and enthusiasm back to Liberal ranks at a time when even the premier said the party needs renewal.

Unlike some other candidates, she is not linked to problems like Mississauga and Oakville gas plant cancellations, the ORNGE air ambulance scandal or the dispute with teachers’ unions over the wage freeze.

New Democrat MPP Peter Tabuns (Toronto–Danforth) said Duncan’s decision isn’t surprising given the scandals, including “unanswered questions” about the politically motivated decisions to scrap gas plants in Oakville and Mississauga that cost taxpayers at least $230 million.

“This is a party with a huge amount of baggage. Any new leader is going to have to climb a very big hill.”

McGuinty, premier since 2003 and Liberal leader for 16 years, had ordered ministers to quit his cabinet if they wished to run.

With a $14.4-billion deficit that is steadily going down — and is scheduled to be eliminated by 2017-18 — some Liberals are glad Duncan will remain at the treasury tiller through the transition.

The premier announced his surprise resignation on Oct. 15.

Since then numerous candidates have been jockeying.

Also considering leadership bids are Energy Minister Chris Bentley; Education Minister Laurel Broten; Economic Development Minister Brad Duguid; Children and Youth Services Minister Eric Hoskins; Health Minister Deb Matthews; Training Colleges and Universities Minister Glen Murray; Citizenship and Immigration Minister Charles Sousa; Government Services Minister Harinder Takhar; and Municipal Affairs Minister Kathleen Wynne.

Outside government, former minister George Smitherman, who lost to Mayor Rob Ford in the 2010 municipal election, is weighing a comeback.

Gerard Kennedy, a former education minister who left provincial politics in 2006 to run for the federal leadership, had been mulling a bid but sources say he will endorse Wynne.

Kennedy, who finished second to McGuinty in the 1996 Liberal leadership, is believed to be eyeing a possible mayoral run in 2014.

Candidates can spend up to $500,000 on the race and must pay a $50,000 entry fee to run, have until Nov. 23 to decide.



Finance Minister Dwight Duncan has made it official — he won’t be a candidate to replace Premier Dalton McGuinty as Ontario Liberal leader, nor will he run in the next election.

As disclosed by the Star on Tuesday, Duncan, 53, endorsed former minister Sandra Pupatello, 50, his close friend and fellow Windsor native, for the Grit leadership.

“I have decided it’s time for me to move forward,” Duncan told reporters at Queen’s Park on Wednesday.

“I’ve always believed governments have a natural life span of about 8 years,” he added. “You’re compelled, in my view, to move on.”

Duncan said he doesn’t have a new job lined up but suggested he may run for federal office at some point.

His decision clears the path for Pupatello, who didn’t run in the Oct. 6, 2011 provincial election, to return to politics.

In an interview with CBC Radio’s Metro Morning, she said the prospect of either Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak or NDP Leader Andrea Horwath winning power is jolting her to action.

Pupatello told host Matt Galloway she will make a final decision soon.

As McGuinty’s right-hand man — and deputy premier — Duncan had been viewed as the front-runner among the would-be contenders in the Jan. 25-27 race that will be decided by 2,500 Liberal delegates.

But Duncan, a former Windsor city councillor with a quarter-century in elected office, was not interested in the prospect of another decade in provincial politics.

As treasurer and a big booster of Toronto’s financial services industry, he should be a hot commodity for a top Bay Street post.

Duncan’s move also means he can continue to work on the budget until the Liberal leadership convention.

“From a selfish perspective I’m delighted because it means we’ll be able to stay focused the most important challenge we have before us today, and that is to find a way to put in place a public sector wage freeze,” McGuinty said Wednesday.

“We have not enjoyed much success in the legislature in that regard, so we’ve got to keep finding ways outside and he’s my point guy on this.”

McGuinty said it doesn’t “say anything” about the state of the government or Liberal Party that his finance minister, unlike many previous finance ministers in other administrations, doesn’t want to seek the top job.

“Ultimately, they’re personal decisions,” he added, noting Duncan has devoted “effectively his entire adult life to public service...I’ve enjoyed the benefit of his good counsel.”

With the minority Liberal government expected to fall next spring, triggering an election, Duncan’s Windsor–Tecumseh riding would open up for Pupatello.

She represented the neighbouring constituency of Windsor West for 16 years.

Now the PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP director of business development and global markets, Pupatello was McGuinty’s deputy Liberal leader in opposition until 2003.

She also served as minister of economic development, education, and community and social services.

A feisty political powerhouse, Pupatello would bring some passion and enthusiasm back to Liberal ranks at a time when even the premier said the party needs renewal.

Unlike some other candidates, she is not linked to problems like Mississauga and Oakville gas plant cancellations, the ORNGE air ambulance scandal or the dispute with teachers’ unions over the wage freeze.

New Democrat MPP Peter Tabuns (Toronto–Danforth) said Duncan’s decision isn’t surprising given the scandals, including “unanswered questions” about the politically motivated decisions to scrap gas plants in Oakville and Mississauga that cost taxpayers at least $230 million.

“This is a party with a huge amount of baggage. Any new leader is going to have to climb a very big hill.”

McGuinty, premier since 2003 and Liberal leader for 16 years, had ordered ministers to quit his cabinet if they wished to run.

With a $14.4-billion deficit that is steadily going down — and is scheduled to be eliminated by 2017-18 — some Liberals are glad Duncan will remain at the treasury tiller through the transition.

The premier announced his surprise resignation on Oct. 15.

Since then numerous candidates have been jockeying.

Also considering leadership bids are Energy Minister Chris Bentley; Education Minister Laurel Broten; Economic Development Minister Brad Duguid; Children and Youth Services Minister Eric Hoskins; Health Minister Deb Matthews; Training Colleges and Universities Minister Glen Murray; Citizenship and Immigration Minister Charles Sousa; Government Services Minister Harinder Takhar; and Municipal Affairs Minister Kathleen Wynne.

Outside government, former minister George Smitherman, who lost to Mayor Rob Ford in the 2010 municipal election, is weighing a comeback.

Gerard Kennedy, a former education minister who left provincial politics in 2006 to run for the federal leadership, had been mulling a bid but sources say he will endorse Wynne.

Kennedy, who finished second to McGuinty in the 1996 Liberal leadership, is believed to be eyeing a possible mayoral run in 2014.

Candidates can spend up to $500,000 on the race and must pay a $50,000 entry fee to run, have until Nov. 23 to decide.

polaris_x

lukin2006 wrote:

“I’ve always believed governments have a natural life span of about 8 years,” he added. “You’re compelled, in my view, to move on.”

well ... i'll give him a thumbs up for that ... :thumbup:

lukin2006

polaris_x wrote:

lukin2006 wrote:

“I’ve always believed governments have a natural life span of about 8 years,” he added. “You’re compelled, in my view, to move on.”

well ... i'll give him a thumbs up for that ... :thumbup:

He might have thought different with a majority government ... but who knows for sure ... there some talk he might run federally ... the NDP currently hold the 2 Windsor seats and they are pretty popular in the area ...

bytterman

You folks see the latest irony from our dear leader?

You need to work with Congress, Harper tells Obama
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/us-election/you-need-to-work-with-congress-harper-tells-obama/article5090370/

PJ_Soul

bytterman wrote:

You folks see the latest irony from our dear leader?

You need to work with Congress, Harper tells Obama
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/us-election/you-need-to-work-with-congress-harper-tells-obama/article5090370/

:fp:
Wish he'd called Congress and offered the same advice at least.... not that they would listen, since he can't even take his own. :fp:

polaris_x

bytterman wrote:

You folks see the latest irony from our dear leader?

You need to work with Congress, Harper tells Obama
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/us-election/you-need-to-work-with-congress-harper-tells-obama/article5090370/

ya ... what he really means to say is ... you didn't robocall effectively ... you're supposed to target your opponents supporters and tell them that there polling station moved or the election has been postponed a day ...

lukin2006

He's more a do as I say, not as I do kind of person

bytterman

lukin2006 wrote:

He's more a do as I say, not as I do kind of person

Yep, leading by example. I imagine Obama's reaction as something like 'Hey Biden, wanna hear a good one?'

polaris_x

dude wants to spend $4m on ads touting their environmental record!?? ... like seriously? ... you gutted our environmental laws, you've done nothing on global warming (in fact - you did worse than nothing by sabotaging climate talks globally) and you are pushing 2 pipelines that are gonna have major environmental consequences ... like how much of an asshole does this fucker want to be?

lukin2006

polaris_x wrote:

dude wants to spend $4m on ads touting their environmental record!?? ... like seriously? ... you gutted our environmental laws, you've done nothing on global warming (in fact - you did worse than nothing by sabotaging climate talks globally) and you are pushing 2 pipelines that are gonna have major environmental consequences ... like how much of an asshole does this fucker want to be?

I've already seen some ads out...something about oil vessels to have thicker hulls...didn't really pay attention, I'm sure it's only half a truth...

polaris_x

lukin2006 wrote:

I've already seen some ads out...something about oil vessels to have thicker hulls...didn't really pay attention, I'm sure it's only half a truth...

that's just the friggin' law from before ... that was one of the problems in the valdez spill ... exxon said they would have double-lined hulls and that they would have state-of-the-art sonar ... but guess what - they didn't want to pay for it and no one holds them accountable ... same thing here ...

lukin2006

polaris_x wrote:

lukin2006 wrote:

I've already seen some ads out...something about oil vessels to have thicker hulls...didn't really pay attention, I'm sure it's only half a truth...

that's just the friggin' law from before ... that was one of the problems in the valdez spill ... exxon said they would have double-lined hulls and that they would have state-of-the-art sonar ... but guess what - they didn't want to pay for it and no one holds them accountable ... same thing here ...

thats why I didn't really pay attention to the ad...I was pretty sure the info was inaccurate...I think if you want real environmental protection we'll need to elect the NDP...even though I am so frustrated the with current system I'd like proportional representation looked into as an alternative...

polaris_x

lukin2006 wrote:

thats why I didn't really pay attention to the ad...I was pretty sure the info was inaccurate...I think if you want real environmental protection we'll need to elect the NDP...even though I am so frustrated the with current system I'd like proportional representation looked into as an alternative...

oh for sure ... two things:

1. where have all the progressive conservatives gone?
2. i hope we never get another majority gov't

lukin2006

Senate set to defeat gambling bill passed unanimously by MPs

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/pol ... le5137550/

This is why the senate needs to be abolished...our elected MP's actually voted unanimously and passed a private members bills (NDP Joe Comartin)...and our unelected senate is set to vote against the bill. So the very time it seems all three parties cooperated and passed a private members bills, especially a private members from the opposition the unelected senate actually wakes up because a bunch of lawyer from sports league lobby them.

This bill would have had major impact in helping casinos survive...

This is why all lobby needs to be banned ...

polaris_x

i dunno ... i kinda do feel there has to be some check to the house ... i just think senators should be given term-limits and not appointed for life ... that's the most absurd thing ... also, they should be elected ... something good ole harper said he would do ... but absolutely NO conservative has ever held him accountable for ...