I just wonder what all the people would do who "hate" Steven Harper do if they met him face-to-face? Would they have the balls to actually say anything or just politely shake his hand and say "Hello Mr. Prime Minister" No one on this board has any idea how to run a country. Zip, zilch, nada. Neither does Mulcair, Trudeau, May, et al.
I liken Ito to Fidel Castro, who outlawed religion in Cuba. However, when the pope visits he gets the royal treatment and even meets with the ailing Fidel. Obviously Castro has a feeling about religion, but allows the pope into the country to the adoring public. People yap behind a keyboard all day about what a jackass Harper is, yet they can hardly run a crew of six at McDonalds let alone a nation of 35 million.
It's a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" scenario. Has any PM been universally loved and adored? Absolutely not. Every government has scandals. Is the PM responsible? Of course.
But you have to think, if a few Volkswagen executives can be unscrupulous right under the CEO's nose and he has no idea, that same thing can't happen in the government?
Like Harper is watching over Senators expense accounts?its laughable.
It was all going well until Bateman piqued the ire of the crowd when she starting reading off a list of names from the Liberal campaign -- volunteers, paid staff workers and candidates alike -- who had been identified by the Tories as "enemies" of Israel.
As she got to Andrew Leslie -- the decorated retired lieutenant-general from the Canadian Armed Forces running for the Liberals in Ottawa-Orleans -- the crowd erupted with shouts of "shame." I, as the moderator, was forced at that point to step in to protect Bateman from the surging anger in the audience.
It is hard in retrospect to escape the feeling the "enemies of Israel" blacklist Bateman was reading had a McCarthyesque blush to it. The names were read quickly and without any information establishing the veracity of the charges against the individuals named. It was a truly creepy moment.
I just wonder what all the people would do who "hate" Steven Harper do if they met him face-to-face? Would they have the balls to actually say anything or just politely shake his hand and say "Hello Mr. Prime Minister" No one on this board has any idea how to run a country. Zip, zilch, nada. Neither does Mulcair, Trudeau, May, et al.
I liken Ito to Fidel Castro, who outlawed religion in Cuba. However, when the pope visits he gets the royal treatment and even meets with the ailing Fidel. Obviously Castro has a feeling about religion, but allows the pope into the country to the adoring public. People yap behind a keyboard all day about what a jackass Harper is, yet they can hardly run a crew of six at McDonalds let alone a nation of 35 million.
It's a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" scenario. Has any PM been universally loved and adored? Absolutely not. Every government has scandals. Is the PM responsible? Of course.
But you have to think, if a few Volkswagen executives can be unscrupulous right under the CEO's nose and he has no idea, that same thing can't happen in the government?
Like Harper is watching over Senators expense accounts?its laughable.
The conservatives are playing the worst kind of politics right now. Showing their true colours. With the refugee crisis, the niqab issue and the citizenship issue....and now a "barbaric tip" line? WTF. Feeding on peoples hate and fears. Dividing this country. In my lifetime I have never seen a prime minister behave like that. All for a few bigots votes.
I would never be able to get anywhere near the PM. He only lets the most loyal vetted lap dogs anywhere near one of his events. Surrounds himself in a yes man bubble. That's not a leader.
And let's not pretend this is only about Senators expense accounts.
I have been asked recently by some of my Conservative-Party-Loyal friends why I would ever support someone other than Stephen Harper as Prime Minister. "What has he done that every other politician hasn't?" I am asked. Well, in the interest of keeping my promise, here is a short list. I apologize for the obviously partisan [well, not party-loyal to any party, but the focused on what Stephen Harper has done to dissuade me from his consideration] nature of the post:
* Stephen Harper Found in Contempt of Parliament
For refusing to disclose information on the costing of programs to Parliament, which Parliament was entitled to receive, the Harper government became the first in Canadian history to be found in contempt of Parliament. This alone is a big deal. Even the Speaker of the House found it indefensible.
* Against Court Order, Refusal to Share Budget Info
Even though it lost a court case and was ordered to comply, the Harper government nevertheless still refused to share 170 times reasons and impacts for cuts with Canada's independent budget watchdog, mocking Parliament's right to control the public purse.
* Conservative Cabinet Staffers Granted Immunity from Testimony
A PMO edict absolved, or claimed to absolve, political staffers from ever having to testify before parliamentary committees.
* Conservatives Falsify Reports and Documents
Among documents deliberately altered in the writing or the quoting by the government: CIDA document by Bev Oda's office on Kairos; the Senate Committee Report on the Duffy affair; a report by former auditor general Sheila Fraser on financial management.
* Repeated Duplicity in Afghan Detainees Controversy
Among the abuses: Parliament was misled and denied documents. An inquiry was shut down. CPC MPs attempted to discredit diplomat Richard Colvin whose testimony diverted from the government's line of denial.
* Repeated Duplicity on Costing of F-35 Fighter Jets
An auditor general's report revealed serial deceptive practices used by the Conservatives in misleading both the public and especially Parliament on the projected cost of the fighter jets. Additionally, after the government agreed to review the purchase, perhaps even open it up to competitive bidding, the committee chosen by the Harper Government reported (18 months later) that the review will recommend buying the same plane, on the same terms — without competition.
* CPC Minister Lies, Blames Statistics Canada for Killing Long Form Census
Under fire for Conservatives killing the long form census, Industry Minister Tony Clement falsely stated that StatsCan backed the idea and assured the voluntary substitute would yield valid statistical data. Neither was true, outraged StatsCan sources confirmed, such that the head of StatsCan publicly refuted the lies about his statements and support, stepping down in protest as well.
* Conservative MP Lies to Parliament, Later Admits He Lied to Parliament
As opposition members claimed the Harper government was out to rig election rules in its favour, Conservative MP Brad Butt rose in the House of Commons to say why the bill was needed -- all the voter fraud he had personally witnessed in Nova Scotia. Weeks later he rose again to say his statements had been entirely false. Delivering his strained apology, he failed to explain why he lied in the first place.
* Conservative House Leader Admits to Mockery of Question Period
Criticized far and wide for farcical answers in question period, Paul Calandra, parliamentary secretary to Harper, made a tearful apology for abuse of the democratic process, in this case for having pretended to repeatedly hear "Iraq" as "Israel." He continued to fail to answer questions by instead giving spurious and "comedic" answers, however, as time went on.
* Harper Maligns the Supreme Court Chief Justice
The Prime Minister took the unprecedented step of alleging inappropriate conduct by Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin. Facts undermined the credibility of the PM's position.
* Conservatives Engage in Abuse of Process with Omnibus Bills
Harper's party pushed legislation through Parliament via omnibus bills, the scale of which Parliament had never seen. Such bills are widely condemned as an abuse of the democratic process, because they blend and bury so many controversial laws within one dense package. Harper himself once railed against them, and his born again love for them made his own MPs queasy. Referencing such bills, former auditor general Sheila Fraser said that "Parliament has become so undermined that it is almost unable to do the job that people expect of it."
* Harperites Deliberately Sabotage, Stymie Committee System
Conservatives used tactics such as barring witnesses, closure, time limitations, and in camera sessions to an extent rarely, if ever, witnessed in Canada. In their early days in power, top Conservatives prepared a handbook instructing committee chairpersons how to obstruct proceedings.
In a caucus known for his tight discipline, in 2014 some members finally rose up to contest being censored at question period by the Prime Minister's Office. Former Conservative backbencher Brent Rathgeber turned independent and published a book, Irresponsible Government, decrying anti-democratic practices.
* Conservative Bill Back-Dates Bill To Before Bill Was Enacted to Protect Mounties from Potential Criminal Charges Against Access To Information Violation
To protect the RCMP's acceding to demands from the PMO to illegally destroy records early, the government made an old bill come retroactively into force before it had actually been passed by Parliament.
* Harper Minister Caught in Advertising Scam with Public Funds
The Globe and Mail revealed that Harper's chosen Minister for Democratic Reform Pierre Poilievre commissioned a team of public servants for overtime work on a Sunday to film him glad-handing constituents. The vanity video on the taxpayer dime was to promote the government's benefits for families.
* Access to Information System Impeded
Many new roadblocks have been put up by the Harper Conservatives. Former Information Commissioner Robert Marleau concluded that having obtained absolute power, the prime minister "has absolutely abused that power to the maximum."
* The Silencing of the Public Service
The PMO took an unprecedented step in instituting a system wherein the bureaucracy has all its communications vetted by the political nerve centre. The policy contribution role of the public service is significantly reduced. Complaints from insiders allege that the Privy Council office has become increasingly politicized. In particular, science and scientists have been controlled and impeded in their communications, especially but not exclusively in preventing information on climate change.
* Loyalty Oaths Imposed on Public Servants
Archivists and librarians were made to swear strict oaths of allegiance and were hit with restrictions on freedom of speech that editorialists of the right and left described as chilling, as they are not being applied to the crown or the nation, but to the party and politicians in power, and are expected to apply 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
* Harper Government Sued by Justice Department Whistleblower
Time and again the Harper government propose bills that end up being shot down by the courts, prompting critics to say such legislation is more about making political statements than lasting policy. The wasted efforts bothered senior justice department lawyer Edgar Schmidt so much he finally sued the government for breaking the law by inadequately evaluating whether proposed bills violate the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. He was promptly suspended without pay.
* Conservatives Block Accreditation for Opposition MPs
In another example of partisanship taken to new heights, the PMO blocked opposition members from being accredited for international environment conferences and from visiting military bases.
* Clampdown on Freedom of Speech of Diplomatic Corps
Ottawa's diplomats must get all communications approved from Conservative political operatives. Under Harper, the country's ambassadors are hardly heard from any more. In a recent speech, former United Nations ambassador Stephen Lewis said our political culture under the Conservatives has descended into "a nadir of indignity."
* Marine Science Libraries Decimated
The Harper government's downsizing of federal libraries included sudden closing of seven world famous Department of Fisheries and Oceans archives. A leaked memo revealed the destruction and consolidation would save less than half a million dollars. Scientist patrons of the libraries, who witnessed chaotic chucking of rare literature, called it a "book burning" with no logical purpose other than to restrict environmental information. The Harper government claimed vital works would be digitally preserved, but never provided a plan or cost for doing so, nor any proof it had happened. No scientists interviewed by The Tyee believed digitizing would or could replace what was lost.
* Harper Government Denies Khadr Basic Rights
Defying court rulings, the Conservative government refused to accord Omar Khadr basic rights such as access to media. Editorialists of right and left persuasion described the move as unbefitting a democratic government.
* Illegitimate Prorogation of Parliament, Twice
Prorogations are a legitimate procedure that can be abused depending on motivations. The Harper government provoked 60 protests across Canada and beyond its borders in 2010 after shutting the legislature's doors to escape condemnation on the Afghan detainees' file. It was the second prorogation in a year's period.
* Undue Interference with Independent Agencies
Command and control system was extended to meddling in bodies like National Energy Board and CRTC whose arms-length autonomy is significantly reduced. A special target was the Parliamentary Budget Office, which was hit with condemnations and budget cuts for its critical reports.
* Billions Borrowed without Parliament's Permission
The auditor general sounded alarms about the "prodigious" growth and size of federal borrowing. Those billions in "non-budgetary" spending used to get Parliament's oversight, but no more. The finance minister can borrow what he wants without Parliament's permission. Why? A loophole buried in a 2007 Harper omnibus bill.
* Lapdogs Appointed as Watchdogs
The most controversial was the case of former Integrity Commissioner Christiane Ouimet. Her office reviewed more than 200 whistleblowing cases. Disciplinary action followed on none of them. Ouimet's own angry staffers blew the whistle on their boss. The auditor general foundOuimet intimidated her employees, took "retaliatory action" against them and may have breached their privacy, all part of the Harper appointee's "gross mismanagement." Ouimet was paid more than $500,000 to leave her post.
* The 'Harper Government' Labelling Deception
Public servants were told to use "Harper Government" instead of "Government of Canada" in publicity releases. The Conservatives denied it was happening -- until internal memos revealed by the Canadian Press revealed the denial to be without basis.
* Conservatives Place Party Logos on Government of Canada Cheques
Once "caught red-handed," they backed off. The federal ethics commissioner, adopting the exasperated tone of an adult lecturing a child, noted: "Public spending announcements are government activities, not partisan political activities, and it is not appropriate to brand them with partisan or personal identifiers."
* Record Amounts of Partisan Political Advertising, on the Public Purse
Several media reports told how the Conservatives used taxpayer money for partisan political advertising in record quantity, costing the public treasury $750 million since Harper became PM. In one instance, the Tories spent lavishly on ads for the promotion of a jobs grant program that had yet to be made public or presented to parliament or the provinces. Even more nakedly partisan, a mailed blast, charged to the taxpayers, targeting Justin Trudeau.
* Government Muzzles Science Community
Top scientists came under such heavy monitoring by the Conservatives that they staged "Death of Evidence" protests for being denied freedom of speech. The Conservatives sent out chaperones or "media minders" to track Environment Canada scientists and report on them. Continued and repeated silencing of scientists and scientific dialogue continues.
* Like Never Before, Limits Placed on Media Access
Journalists have been hard-pressed to recall another time when controls put on them were so tight. At the Conservatives' 2013 Calgary convention, reporters wrote of being harassed and penned in at every turn by the PMO's command and control system. In his book Killing The Messenger, journalist Mark Bourrie charts the many examples of new limits on freedom of speech introduced in the Harper era.
* Harper's Team Tries to Ban Journalist for Asking Question
Veteran TV cameraman Dave Ellis covered a Harper speech about oil to a business audience. Though media had been instructed no questions allowed, Ellis posed one about charges laid against a Conservative MP. The PMO tried to punish Ellis and his network by kicking him off covering Harper's trip to Malaysia. After media hue and cry, Harper backed down and Ellis went.
* Suppression of Research
In the gun registration debate, incriminating research and documents such as a Firearms Report were deliberately withheld from the public. While ramping up their prison building, Conservatives suppressed related research and studies contradicting their political priorities.
* Protesters Put under Blanket Surveillance
According to a leaked memo, as part of its command and control approach, the Conservatives have approved a system wherein all advocates, protesters and demonstrations can be monitoredby authorities. The Government Operations Centre has requested federal departments to assist it in compiling a comprehensive inventory of protesters. Security specialists have called it a breach of Canadians' Charter of Rights. Conservatives have moved to give CSIS even more powers than the spy agency wants.
* Rights and Democracy, Other Groups, Dismantled
In a show of brute force, the Montreal-based group Rights and Democracy was pole-axed for its alleged political leanings and eventually disbanded. Organizations like the church group Kairoswere de-budgeted or dismantled for political leanings. Nuclear Safety Commission head Linda Keen was dumped. Among the complaints cited by the PM was that in her distant past, she had some Liberal ties.
* Harper Government Spied on Aboriginal Critic, 'Retaliated'
Aboriginal child welfare advocate Cindy Blackstock was spied on by the Harper government, and when she arrived for a meeting with other First Nations leaders at the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs only she was barred entry. Finding Blackstock had been "retaliated" against by a ministry official, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal awarded her $20,000 for pain and suffering.
* Revenue Canada Targeted to Attack Charities
Not all charities, just the ones that don't seem adequately aligned with the Harper brand. Enough to include many environmental, aid, human rights and free speech charities that banded together to push back against what looks like a politically motivated witch hunt. When an investigation into whether there was PMO coercion became possible, Revenue Canada instructed all staff to destroy all text message records, against standard procedures.
* Conservatives Use Unheard of Tactic to Force through Anti-Union Bill
Conservative senators went to the unprecedented extent of overruling their own Speaker. What could be so important to break Senate rules? A bill pushed by Harper that is almost certainly unconstitutional for its privacy invading measures forced onto unions, unlike other groups. Latest in a steady stream of Conservative attacks on organized labour in Canada.
* Harper Smears Liberal Sikh MP, Insinuating Tie to Terrorism
When Liberals opposed a 2007 Conservative plan to extend anti-terror legislation, Stephen Harper singled out Grit MP Navdeep Bains, seeming to suggest that Bains' party was motivated by a desire to protect Bains' father-in-law, Darshan Singh Saini. A recent news story had claimed Singh Saini was on a list of witnesses sought by the RCMP for its Air India investigation, but provided no proof he was involved. In the House, Liberals erupted with outrage and Bains asked, in vain, that Harper apologize.
* Veterans' Advocates Smeared
Medical files of Sean Bruyea, a strong advocate for veterans' rights, were leaked in a case that privacy commissioner Jennifer Stoddart described as "alarming." Veterans Affairs Canada ombudsman Pat Stogran was dumped after criticizing the government.
* Conservative Convicted on Robocalls Scam
Tory operative Michael Sona was given jail time for his role in the robocalls scam. The judge indicated more than one person was likely involved. In another court judgment in a case brought by the Council of Canadians, the ruling said the robocalls operation was widespread, not just limited to the Guelph riding. Donald Segretti who did dirty tricks for the Nixon White House told a Canadian reporter his skullduggery didn't go so low as to run schemes sending voters to the wrong polling stations.
* Harper's Ex-Parliamentary Secretary Jailed for Breaking Election Law
Dean Del Maestro was one of Harper's favourites. As his parliamentary secretary, the PM frequently used him as an attack dog to allege misdeeds by opposition members. Del Maestro was given a jail sentence in June for his own election spending violations, which is to say, cheating.
* 'Reprehensible' Dirty Tricks Campaign against Irwin Cotler
Conservative Commons Speaker Andrew Scheer ruled his party's own tactics in running a surreptitious misinformation campaign in the riding of the highly respected MP were "reprehensible."
* Election Violations Prompt Resignation of Cabinet Member
Peter Penashue, another Harper Conservative was compelled to step down over election spending violations.
* Harper's Office Deploys Interns for Dirty Tricks
In one instance that brought on allegations of Nixonian tactics, junior PMO staffers in the guise of normal citizens were sent out to disrupt a Justin Trudeau speech.
* Citizens Ejected from Conservative Rallies
Tory operatives hauled out citizens from a Harper rally in the 2011 campaign because they had marginal ties to other parties. A spokesperson for the PM was compelled to apologize. Problem fixed this time around: Only fully vetted Harper supporters will be allowed, by invite only, to attend the PM's campaign stops. If they have a ticket.
* Conservatives Make Campaign Event Attendees Sign Gag Order
Not only have Harper's campaign handlers made his campaign events by invite only, they are forcing anyone let in to sign an agreement not to transmit any description of the event or any images from it.
* Conservatives Unfix Their Own Fixed Date Election Law
In 2008, Harper pulled the plug on his own government, violating his own new law, which stipulated elections every four years.
* Guilty Plea on In and Out Affair
The Conservative Party and its fundraising arm pled guilty to some Elections Act charges stemming from their exceeding spending limits in the 2006 campaign. The investigation cost taxpayers over $2 million.
* CPC Elections Bill Strips Power from Elections Canada
The Fair Elections Act also makes it harder for Canadians to vote as more ID is required. Nationwide protests in which more than 400 academics took part forced Pierre Poilievre to withdraw some measures in the bill because of their alleged anti-democratic bent.
* Harper Minister Smears Head of Elections Canada
In a bid to impugn his integrity, Democratic Reform Minister Pierre Poilievre accused the Elections Canada CEO Marc Mayrand of being a power monger and wearing a team jersey.
CTV News found out Conservatives aimed to rewrite copyright law to let political parties grab any media content and use it for free in their ads. The impact, warned CTV's Don Martin, "will be to cast a chill on every broadcast appearance" by MPs, commentators and reporters, who "must now be aware their views could end up featured in a political attack ad." By asserting "unlimited access to the airwaves for propaganda purposes," Martin said, the Harper government "could be seen as flirting with fascism."
* Conservatives Use Terrorists' Propaganda in Attack Ad Immediately After Making That Illegal
Harper's party created a political ad incorporating music and horrifying images of doomed captives pulled straight from the Islamic State's own promotional video. The target: Justin Trudeau, whose views on the risks and rewards of bombing ISIS differ from Harper's. This immediately after making it illegal to spread terrorists' propaganda even incidentally or accidentally.
* Canada Is The Only UN Member To Reject Landmark Indigenous Rights Document
CPC aboriginal affairs deputy minister Colleen Swords represented Ottawa at the United Nations assembly in New York, where Canada was the only nation to object to a non-legally binding UN outcome document which promotes indigenous peoples' legal and political standing and participation in their various home countries. This after UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples found in the UN's 2014 report that Canada's relationship as a nation with its indigenous peoples continues to be an antagonistic rather than cooperative one.
* Prime Minister's Office Charged in Court By Information Commissioner
Canadian Press submitted Access to Information request identified 28 pages of documents available, according to the Privy Council Office, but the PMO refused to allow access to 27 of the 28 pages, despite being legally obliged. The case has gone to federal court.
* Conservative Party's Lawyers Declare No Responsibility Between Government And Combat Veterans.
In response to a lawsuit by Canadian combat veterans over the new Veterns Charter, wherein the veterans stated "The social covenant is this promise that our country, Canada, has promised service people they will be protected when they get maimed and their families will be looked after if they are killed," the federal government responded that "At no time in Canada's history has any alleged 'social contract' or 'social covenant' having the attributes pleaded by the plaintiffs been given effect in any statute, regulation or as a constitutional principle written or unwritten." That the government has no obligation to care for wounded combat veterans. The lawsuit has been put on pause during the election, and will resume afterward.
* Department of Foreign Affairs Instructed To Meet Quota Of Terror
The Prime Minister's Office instructed the Department of Foreign Affairs in April of 2015, with an election looming, to ensure a minimum of three Terrorism Warning media releases each week. The bureaucrats of the Department declined to meet the "odd" demand for a quota,
I just wonder what all the people would do who "hate" Steven Harper do if they met him face-to-face? Would they have the balls to actually say anything or just politely shake his hand and say "Hello Mr. Prime Minister" No one on this board has any idea how to run a country. Zip, zilch, nada. Neither does Mulcair, Trudeau, May, et al.
I liken Ito to Fidel Castro, who outlawed religion in Cuba. However, when the pope visits he gets the royal treatment and even meets with the ailing Fidel. Obviously Castro has a feeling about religion, but allows the pope into the country to the adoring public. People yap behind a keyboard all day about what a jackass Harper is, yet they can hardly run a crew of six at McDonalds let alone a nation of 35 million.
It's a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" scenario. Has any PM been universally loved and adored? Absolutely not. Every government has scandals. Is the PM responsible? Of course.
But you have to think, if a few Volkswagen executives can be unscrupulous right under the CEO's nose and he has no idea, that same thing can't happen in the government?
Like Harper is watching over Senators expense accounts?its laughable.
The conservatives are playing the worst kind of politics right now. Showing their true colours. With the refugee crisis, the niqab issue and the citizenship issue....and now a "barbaric tip" line? WTF. Feeding on peoples hate and fears. Dividing this country. In my lifetime I have never seen a prime minister behave like that. All for a few bigots votes.
I would never be able to get anywhere near the PM. He only lets the most loyal vetted lap dogs anywhere near one of his events. Surrounds himself in a yes man bubble. That's not a leader.
And let's not pretend this is only about Senators expense accounts.
Refugee issue - Syria has been in a civil war for 5 years? Why all the refugees now? What do you really know about Islam? This is not a peaceful religion you realize? Ghadafi predicted the Muslim take over of Europe "peacefully" 30 years ago. Wonder what will happen to the non-believers? Australia has this right, don't bring your Sharia Law to my country, your naqib's, your bullshit. Live here like a Canadian, you are welcome to come.
Citizenship issue - just because he wants to yank someone's citizenship, doesn't mean the other country will take them. Really, I think this was a tactful mistake of the Conservative, it goes too far. But immigrants who move here and commit a crime should be stripped of citizenship, who could argue that? If you want to live here, live here and play by the rules.
Dividing this country - you obviously we're not alive during any of the Liberal governments since 1967, as each of those governments alienated western provinces by passing legislation which benefited Ontario and Quebec exclusively. Harper (originally from Ontario) cut his teeth in the west and understands that just because Southern Ontario or Montreal thinks it should be public policy, that it is. The west has a voice and that upsets the Liberal red more than anything.
Yes man bubble - Finding that hard to believe. If it is, it is probably a lot to do with the extreme left wing bias of the media (especially the CBC) The CBC has wasted tax payer dollars for years and he has tried to put a stop to it. How about the attempted CBC cover up of Gomeshi? You going to blame Harper for that too?
Can't please people, do nothing and you are terrible, do to much and you are terrible. Lol I think Obama gets a rough ride in the States too (just to ensure this post is interpreted as non-partisan).
You want Mulcair or Trudeau as PM, just giver. Be careful of what you wish for.
I can honestly and truthfully say that if I was introduced to him I would turn my back on him, no hesitation. That pandering psychopath has worked really hard at destroying most of the things that I identify with being Canadian and make me proud to be Canadian. I don't think either Trudeau or Mulcair will magically fix the situation. But at least they could stem the bleeding from the knife wound in Canada's back. Not everything is for sale or expendable to the almighty dollar. The current Alberta is evidence of that. The CBC has been a valid and very pro-active place for Canadian artists to be showcased. Has been managed properly, probably not but a waste of money is a very long stretch. They have also been the most unbiased news outlet in Canada. Most of the reason Harper wants them shut down is to shut them the hell up. Lose the public funding, lose the accountability to the public as a whole. You end up reporting as per your bosses preferences.
Post edited by northerndragon on
Anything you lose from being honest You never really had to begin with.
Sometimes it's not the song that makes you emotional it's the people and things that come to your mind when you hear it.
Eight Things about the Man Hired to Save Harper Meet 'evil genius' Lynton Crosby. By David Beers, 11 Sep 2015, TheTyee.ca
When the going got tough for Stephen Harper's campaign this week, his brain trust faced a fork in the road. Should they soften up a bit, signal that Harper isn't the ruthless, controlling, divisive character that many increasingly perceive him to be?
Or should they bring in a political "rottweiler" who specializes in fomenting wedge issues, abusive exchanges, and winning, most recently, conservative victories in the United Kingdom and Australia.
They went with option two. The rottweiler's name is Lynton Crosby. Knowing more about Crosby offers a window into not only how the Harper team hopes to salvage this election but what they believe are the keys to gaining and holding government for the past near decade. Here, therefore, are eight things to know about the Australian his fans call "an evil genius" and critics have named "The Lizard of Oz."
1. Lynton Crosby is a tobacco lobbyist.
As reported in the New Statesman and the Guardian, his firm was hired by Marlboro cigarettes maker Philip Morris International in 2012 to fight against plans in the U.K. to sell cigarettes in unbranded cartons. Crosby used his access to top echelons of government to argue against the policy, designed to remove the glamour from smoking and save lives. His company's other clients include the alcohol and fracking industries.
2. Lynton Crosby is officially contemptuous of most public opinion polling.
But maintains that his internal polling techniques yield far more accurate results.
3. Lynton Crosby specializes in sneaking up to win when everyone assumes his party's losing.
Crosby, acknowledged to be "the man who really won the election for the Tories" this spring in the U.K., did so by capitalizing on a moment when his Conservative clients were assumed to be tanking. It's a cautionary tale given how close Canada's race is, and how unreliable polls are, no matter how alluring they are to horse race obsessed media.
According to the Guardian: "Crosby's cleverest trick of all was to make it look as if the Tory campaign wasn't working. From February onwards, as the polls seemed to show Labour and the Conservatives deadlocked, Tory commentators and senior party figures… began complaining in coded language about the campaign that Crosby was masterminding.… [W]hile many of the Conservatives' opponents and many journalists and voters were assuming that the Tory campaign was drifting or stalling, Crosby's well-funded infantry were quietly, busily seizing the marginals. Another of his favourite electioneering phrases is 'below the radar.'"
4. Lynton Crosby for years has been helping guide Harper.
"We were fans of Lynton Crosby before many people knew who Lynton Crosby was," Harper campaign spokesperson Kory Teneycke told the Guardian, which goes on to report:
"Teneycke said Crosby has given the party 'formal and informal advice' over many years, adding that the Australian adviser met with the campaign team a couple of months ago and has been helped the party with analysis of research and polling.
"'I'm not going to comment on the specific nature of the relationship but it's a close one and an ongoing one and one that predates this campaign,' he said."
5. Lynton Crosby is no stranger to smearing refugees.
His Australian Liberal leader candidate John Howard claimed in 2001 that "Afghan boat people were throwing their children into the sea -- using moral blackmail to enter Australia.* The myth was disproved and claims that the tactic had dragged Australian politics to a new low continue to haunt the retired prime minister – and Crosby," reports the Guardian.
6. Lynton Crosby is cut from the Rupert Murdoch mold.
He managed four campaigns for Australia's Liberal Party (the conservative party there) and masterminded Conservative London mayor Boris Johnson's 2008 and 2012 victories, while also hiring on to steer Conservative PM David Cameron to a majority win last May. In short, an Australian who can't resist a good fight against Labour.*
7. Lynton Crosby likes to fire off "abusive" texts.
At least according to a politician who employed him. London mayor Boris Johnson has described Crosby as "a man who never lets an abusive thought form in his mind without immediately forming it into a text and sending it to the object of his wrath."
8. Lynton Crosby specializes in divisive "wedge" politics.
"Crosby, who has drawn comparisons to George W. Bush's campaign chief Karl Rove, is known for bringing a sharp focus to campaign messaging," reports the Guardian.
"But he also comes with a reputation for an aggressive style and a playbook that includes negative campaigning and so-called 'wedge politics' -- a tactic using often controversial social issues to split voter opinion in their favour."
A second Guardian piece includes this: "There are those who think that Crosby's cynical, divide-and-rule approach to elections will be bad for the Conservatives in the long term. 'He has conjured up memories of the nasty party,' says Tim Bale of Queen Mary University of London, a leading historian of the Tories. 'That's not going to help them in 2020, 2025, 2030.'"
Another Guardian profile quotes one of Crosby's opposing strategists: "The hallmarks of the Crosby campaign are negative campaigning, often around race or immigration. It's the type of campaigning that involves really tearing at the fabric of society for shorter term political gains."
He added: "A political party doesn't take that road unless it feels like it's in quite a lot of trouble… In politics, it is entirely possible to excite negative attitudes in the community and turn them into votes, but that can come at a terrible price. It can undermine community harmony and attitudes towards tolerance. He has probably one of the world's best capacities to utilise this sort of campaigning."
^^^^^ No one ever said politics is for nice guys. They are governing with a majority and the only ones that want change are the few minority.
If you arw talking about how they won power, they are not governing with a majority vote. They were voted in by a minority of Canada's votes. You know this. I don't know what kind of point you are trying to make by repeatedly using this "majority" tag. It's a bit weird.
Post edited by PJ_Soul on
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
It is not weird. Enough voters gave them the power to go about governing how they see fit. With minimal resistance actually preventing them from passing bills that takes a majority of the power to do so. You know this. I don't feel like I have to explain that they have more seats than the other parties and what it entitles them to do, I really don't. The parties and people of Canada who oppose harper clearly do not have enough power to replace him. All they can do is complain which gets them nowhere. I don't know why you think it's weird. Harper has the majority of governmental power. Why can't you see this?
I can honestly and truthfully say that if I was introduced to him I would turn my back on him, no hesitation. That pandering psychopath has worked really hard at destroying most of the things that I identify with being Canadian and make me proud to be Canadian. I don't think either Trudeau or Mulcair will magically fix the situation. But at least they could stem the bleeding from the knife wound in Canada's back. Not everything is for sale or expendable to the almighty dollar. The current Alberta is evidence of that. The CBC has been a valid and very pro-active place for Canadian artists to be showcased. Has been managed properly, probably not but a waste of money is a very long stretch. They have also been the most unbiased news outlet in Canada. Most of the reason Harper wants them shut down is to shut them the hell up. Lose the public funding, lose the accountability to the public as a whole. You end up reporting as per your bosses preferences.
There is only one real way to fix an economy. Lower taxes to everyone. If you continue to tax people to death they have no disposable income. Without disposable income they don't buy things. If they don't buy things there is little job creation. If there is no one buying anything and no job creation the economy shrinks. The government cannot employ everyone (or pay them to do nothing). Social programs cost money... Simple as that. Including the CBC. If an artist was good enough, they wouldn't need the CBC to "showcase" them. CBC should be a simple news and information station for our nations outposts (and anyone else who will listen) do you know how much Peter Mansbridge pulls in? That's taxpayers money.
the only reason Steve is going to win again is because Jack Layton is dead.
no ... he wins because people are stupid ... if anyone is unsure of where they stand on this ... the current litmus test is if you think the niqab is an election issue ... if yes - you pass (not good) ...
the only reason Steve is going to win again is because Jack Layton is dead.
no ... he wins because people are stupid ... if anyone is unsure of where they stand on this ... the current litmus test is if you think the niqab is an election issue ... if yes - you pass (not good) ...
my point is that there isn't a clear leader amongst the rest of the candidates. I honestly don't know who I'm voting for. all I know is who I'm not.
the only reason Steve is going to win again is because Jack Layton is dead.
no ... he wins because people are stupid ... if anyone is unsure of where they stand on this ... the current litmus test is if you think the niqab is an election issue ... if yes - you pass (not good) ...
my point is that there isn't a clear leader amongst the rest of the candidates. I honestly don't know who I'm voting for. all I know is who I'm not.
hate to say it ... but vote strategically if you are in a swing riding ... this fucker needs to go ...
oh ... on the new TPP ... it's like any other Trade Deal in that it will benefit the wealthy and large corporations - not surprising coming from the Conservatives ...
we can expect the standard loss of jobs, lower wages, growing inequality and income gaps as a result ...
the only reason Steve is going to win again is because Jack Layton is dead.
no ... he wins because people are stupid ... if anyone is unsure of where they stand on this ... the current litmus test is if you think the niqab is an election issue ... if yes - you pass (not good) ...
my point is that there isn't a clear leader amongst the rest of the candidates. I honestly don't know who I'm voting for. all I know is who I'm not.
hate to say it ... but vote strategically if you are in a swing riding ... this fucker needs to go ...
I'm not. it's almost all orange and red where I live.
the only reason Steve is going to win again is because Jack Layton is dead.
no ... he wins because people are stupid ... if anyone is unsure of where they stand on this ... the current litmus test is if you think the niqab is an election issue ... if yes - you pass (not good) ...
my point is that there isn't a clear leader amongst the rest of the candidates. I honestly don't know who I'm voting for. all I know is who I'm not.
hate to say it ... but vote strategically if you are in a swing riding ... this fucker needs to go ...
I'm not. it's almost all orange and red where I live.
oh ... that's good ... i'm voting green ... but if I had to vote for 1 of the main parties it would probably be orange because of C-51 and the pipelines ..
Comments
No one on this board has any idea how to run a country. Zip, zilch, nada. Neither does Mulcair, Trudeau, May, et al.
I liken Ito to Fidel Castro, who outlawed religion in Cuba. However, when the pope visits he gets the royal treatment and even meets with the ailing Fidel. Obviously Castro has a feeling about religion, but allows the pope into the country to the adoring public.
People yap behind a keyboard all day about what a jackass Harper is, yet they can hardly run a crew of six at McDonalds let alone a nation of 35 million.
It's a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" scenario. Has any PM been universally loved and adored? Absolutely not. Every government has scandals. Is the PM responsible? Of course.
But you have to think, if a few Volkswagen executives can be unscrupulous right under the CEO's nose and he has no idea, that same thing can't happen in the government?
Like Harper is watching over Senators expense accounts?its laughable.
It was all going well until Bateman piqued the ire of the crowd when she starting reading off a list of names from the Liberal campaign -- volunteers, paid staff workers and candidates alike -- who had been identified by the Tories as "enemies" of Israel.
As she got to Andrew Leslie -- the decorated retired lieutenant-general from the Canadian Armed Forces running for the Liberals in Ottawa-Orleans -- the crowd erupted with shouts of "shame." I, as the moderator, was forced at that point to step in to protect Bateman from the surging anger in the audience.
It is hard in retrospect to escape the feeling the "enemies of Israel" blacklist Bateman was reading had a McCarthyesque blush to it. The names were read quickly and without any information establishing the veracity of the charges against the individuals named. It was a truly creepy moment.
I would never be able to get anywhere near the PM. He only lets the most loyal vetted lap dogs anywhere near one of his events. Surrounds himself in a yes man bubble. That's not a leader.
And let's not pretend this is only about Senators expense accounts.
* Stephen Harper Found in Contempt of Parliament
For refusing to disclose information on the costing of programs to Parliament, which Parliament was entitled to receive, the Harper government became the first in Canadian history to be found in contempt of Parliament. This alone is a big deal. Even the Speaker of the House found it indefensible.
* Against Court Order, Refusal to Share Budget Info
Even though it lost a court case and was ordered to comply, the Harper government nevertheless still refused to share 170 times reasons and impacts for cuts with Canada's independent budget watchdog, mocking Parliament's right to control the public purse.
* Conservative Cabinet Staffers Granted Immunity from Testimony
A PMO edict absolved, or claimed to absolve, political staffers from ever having to testify before parliamentary committees.
* Conservatives Falsify Reports and Documents
Among documents deliberately altered in the writing or the quoting by the government: CIDA document by Bev Oda's office on Kairos; the Senate Committee Report on the Duffy affair; a report by former auditor general Sheila Fraser on financial management.
* Repeated Duplicity in Afghan Detainees Controversy
Among the abuses: Parliament was misled and denied documents. An inquiry was shut down. CPC MPs attempted to discredit diplomat Richard Colvin whose testimony diverted from the government's line of denial.
* Repeated Duplicity on Costing of F-35 Fighter Jets
An auditor general's report revealed serial deceptive practices used by the Conservatives in misleading both the public and especially Parliament on the projected cost of the fighter jets. Additionally, after the government agreed to review the purchase, perhaps even open it up to competitive bidding, the committee chosen by the Harper Government reported (18 months later) that the review will recommend buying the same plane, on the same terms — without competition.
Under fire for Conservatives killing the long form census, Industry Minister Tony Clement falsely stated that StatsCan backed the idea and assured the voluntary substitute would yield valid statistical data. Neither was true, outraged StatsCan sources confirmed, such that the head of StatsCan publicly refuted the lies about his statements and support, stepping down in protest as well.
* Conservative MP Lies to Parliament, Later Admits He Lied to Parliament
As opposition members claimed the Harper government was out to rig election rules in its favour, Conservative MP Brad Butt rose in the House of Commons to say why the bill was needed -- all the voter fraud he had personally witnessed in Nova Scotia. Weeks later he rose again to say his statements had been entirely false. Delivering his strained apology, he failed to explain why he lied in the first place.
* Conservative House Leader Admits to Mockery of Question Period
Criticized far and wide for farcical answers in question period, Paul Calandra, parliamentary secretary to Harper, made a tearful apology for abuse of the democratic process, in this case for having pretended to repeatedly hear "Iraq" as "Israel." He continued to fail to answer questions by instead giving spurious and "comedic" answers, however, as time went on.
* Harper Maligns the Supreme Court Chief Justice
The Prime Minister took the unprecedented step of alleging inappropriate conduct by Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin. Facts undermined the credibility of the PM's position.
* Conservatives Engage in Abuse of Process with Omnibus Bills
Harper's party pushed legislation through Parliament via omnibus bills, the scale of which Parliament had never seen. Such bills are widely condemned as an abuse of the democratic process, because they blend and bury so many controversial laws within one dense package. Harper himself once railed against them, and his born again love for them made his own MPs queasy. Referencing such bills, former auditor general Sheila Fraser said that "Parliament has become so undermined that it is almost unable to do the job that people expect of it."
* Harperites Deliberately Sabotage, Stymie Committee System
Conservatives used tactics such as barring witnesses, closure, time limitations, and in camera sessions to an extent rarely, if ever, witnessed in Canada. In their early days in power, top Conservatives prepared a handbook instructing committee chairpersons how to obstruct proceedings.
In a caucus known for his tight discipline, in 2014 some members finally rose up to contest being censored at question period by the Prime Minister's Office. Former Conservative backbencher Brent Rathgeber turned independent and published a book, Irresponsible Government, decrying anti-democratic practices.
* Conservative Bill Back-Dates Bill To Before Bill Was Enacted to Protect Mounties from Potential Criminal Charges Against Access To Information Violation
To protect the RCMP's acceding to demands from the PMO to illegally destroy records early, the government made an old bill come retroactively into force before it had actually been passed by Parliament.
* Harper Minister Caught in Advertising Scam with Public Funds
The Globe and Mail revealed that Harper's chosen Minister for Democratic Reform Pierre Poilievre commissioned a team of public servants for overtime work on a Sunday to film him glad-handing constituents. The vanity video on the taxpayer dime was to promote the government's benefits for families.
* Access to Information System Impeded
Many new roadblocks have been put up by the Harper Conservatives. Former Information Commissioner Robert Marleau concluded that having obtained absolute power, the prime minister "has absolutely abused that power to the maximum."
* The Silencing of the Public Service
The PMO took an unprecedented step in instituting a system wherein the bureaucracy has all its communications vetted by the political nerve centre. The policy contribution role of the public service is significantly reduced. Complaints from insiders allege that the Privy Council office has become increasingly politicized. In particular, science and scientists have been controlled and impeded in their communications, especially but not exclusively in preventing information on climate change.
* Loyalty Oaths Imposed on Public Servants
Archivists and librarians were made to swear strict oaths of allegiance and were hit with restrictions on freedom of speech that editorialists of the right and left described as chilling, as they are not being applied to the crown or the nation, but to the party and politicians in power, and are expected to apply 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
* Harper Government Sued by Justice Department Whistleblower
Time and again the Harper government propose bills that end up being shot down by the courts, prompting critics to say such legislation is more about making political statements than lasting policy. The wasted efforts bothered senior justice department lawyer Edgar Schmidt so much he finally sued the government for breaking the law by inadequately evaluating whether proposed bills violate the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. He was promptly suspended without pay.
* Conservatives Block Accreditation for Opposition MPs
In another example of partisanship taken to new heights, the PMO blocked opposition members from being accredited for international environment conferences and from visiting military bases.
Ottawa's diplomats must get all communications approved from Conservative political operatives. Under Harper, the country's ambassadors are hardly heard from any more. In a recent speech, former United Nations ambassador Stephen Lewis said our political culture under the Conservatives has descended into "a nadir of indignity."
* Marine Science Libraries Decimated
The Harper government's downsizing of federal libraries included sudden closing of seven world famous Department of Fisheries and Oceans archives. A leaked memo revealed the destruction and consolidation would save less than half a million dollars. Scientist patrons of the libraries, who witnessed chaotic chucking of rare literature, called it a "book burning" with no logical purpose other than to restrict environmental information. The Harper government claimed vital works would be digitally preserved, but never provided a plan or cost for doing so, nor any proof it had happened. No scientists interviewed by The Tyee believed digitizing would or could replace what was lost.
* Harper Government Denies Khadr Basic Rights
Defying court rulings, the Conservative government refused to accord Omar Khadr basic rights such as access to media. Editorialists of right and left persuasion described the move as unbefitting a democratic government.
* Illegitimate Prorogation of Parliament, Twice
Prorogations are a legitimate procedure that can be abused depending on motivations. The Harper government provoked 60 protests across Canada and beyond its borders in 2010 after shutting the legislature's doors to escape condemnation on the Afghan detainees' file. It was the second prorogation in a year's period.
* Undue Interference with Independent Agencies
Command and control system was extended to meddling in bodies like National Energy Board and CRTC whose arms-length autonomy is significantly reduced. A special target was the Parliamentary Budget Office, which was hit with condemnations and budget cuts for its critical reports.
The auditor general sounded alarms about the "prodigious" growth and size of federal borrowing. Those billions in "non-budgetary" spending used to get Parliament's oversight, but no more. The finance minister can borrow what he wants without Parliament's permission. Why? A loophole buried in a 2007 Harper omnibus bill.
* Lapdogs Appointed as Watchdogs
The most controversial was the case of former Integrity Commissioner Christiane Ouimet. Her office reviewed more than 200 whistleblowing cases. Disciplinary action followed on none of them. Ouimet's own angry staffers blew the whistle on their boss. The auditor general foundOuimet intimidated her employees, took "retaliatory action" against them and may have breached their privacy, all part of the Harper appointee's "gross mismanagement." Ouimet was paid more than $500,000 to leave her post.
* The 'Harper Government' Labelling Deception
Public servants were told to use "Harper Government" instead of "Government of Canada" in publicity releases. The Conservatives denied it was happening -- until internal memos revealed by the Canadian Press revealed the denial to be without basis.
* Conservatives Place Party Logos on Government of Canada Cheques
Once "caught red-handed," they backed off. The federal ethics commissioner, adopting the exasperated tone of an adult lecturing a child, noted: "Public spending announcements are government activities, not partisan political activities, and it is not appropriate to brand them with partisan or personal identifiers."
* Record Amounts of Partisan Political Advertising, on the Public Purse
Several media reports told how the Conservatives used taxpayer money for partisan political advertising in record quantity, costing the public treasury $750 million since Harper became PM. In one instance, the Tories spent lavishly on ads for the promotion of a jobs grant program that had yet to be made public or presented to parliament or the provinces. Even more nakedly partisan, a mailed blast, charged to the taxpayers, targeting Justin Trudeau.
* Government Muzzles Science Community
Top scientists came under such heavy monitoring by the Conservatives that they staged "Death of Evidence" protests for being denied freedom of speech. The Conservatives sent out chaperones or "media minders" to track Environment Canada scientists and report on them. Continued and repeated silencing of scientists and scientific dialogue continues.
* Like Never Before, Limits Placed on Media Access
Journalists have been hard-pressed to recall another time when controls put on them were so tight. At the Conservatives' 2013 Calgary convention, reporters wrote of being harassed and penned in at every turn by the PMO's command and control system. In his book Killing The Messenger, journalist Mark Bourrie charts the many examples of new limits on freedom of speech introduced in the Harper era.
Veteran TV cameraman Dave Ellis covered a Harper speech about oil to a business audience. Though media had been instructed no questions allowed, Ellis posed one about charges laid against a Conservative MP. The PMO tried to punish Ellis and his network by kicking him off covering Harper's trip to Malaysia. After media hue and cry, Harper backed down and Ellis went.
* Suppression of Research
In the gun registration debate, incriminating research and documents such as a Firearms Report were deliberately withheld from the public. While ramping up their prison building, Conservatives suppressed related research and studies contradicting their political priorities.
* Protesters Put under Blanket Surveillance
According to a leaked memo, as part of its command and control approach, the Conservatives have approved a system wherein all advocates, protesters and demonstrations can be monitoredby authorities. The Government Operations Centre has requested federal departments to assist it in compiling a comprehensive inventory of protesters. Security specialists have called it a breach of Canadians' Charter of Rights. Conservatives have moved to give CSIS even more powers than the spy agency wants.
* Rights and Democracy, Other Groups, Dismantled
In a show of brute force, the Montreal-based group Rights and Democracy was pole-axed for its alleged political leanings and eventually disbanded. Organizations like the church group Kairoswere de-budgeted or dismantled for political leanings. Nuclear Safety Commission head Linda Keen was dumped. Among the complaints cited by the PM was that in her distant past, she had some Liberal ties.
* Harper Government Spied on Aboriginal Critic, 'Retaliated'
Aboriginal child welfare advocate Cindy Blackstock was spied on by the Harper government, and when she arrived for a meeting with other First Nations leaders at the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs only she was barred entry. Finding Blackstock had been "retaliated" against by a ministry official, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal awarded her $20,000 for pain and suffering.
* Revenue Canada Targeted to Attack Charities
Not all charities, just the ones that don't seem adequately aligned with the Harper brand. Enough to include many environmental, aid, human rights and free speech charities that banded together to push back against what looks like a politically motivated witch hunt. When an investigation into whether there was PMO coercion became possible, Revenue Canada instructed all staff to destroy all text message records, against standard procedures.
Conservative senators went to the unprecedented extent of overruling their own Speaker. What could be so important to break Senate rules? A bill pushed by Harper that is almost certainly unconstitutional for its privacy invading measures forced onto unions, unlike other groups. Latest in a steady stream of Conservative attacks on organized labour in Canada.
* Harper Smears Liberal Sikh MP, Insinuating Tie to Terrorism
When Liberals opposed a 2007 Conservative plan to extend anti-terror legislation, Stephen Harper singled out Grit MP Navdeep Bains, seeming to suggest that Bains' party was motivated by a desire to protect Bains' father-in-law, Darshan Singh Saini. A recent news story had claimed Singh Saini was on a list of witnesses sought by the RCMP for its Air India investigation, but provided no proof he was involved. In the House, Liberals erupted with outrage and Bains asked, in vain, that Harper apologize.
* Veterans' Advocates Smeared
Medical files of Sean Bruyea, a strong advocate for veterans' rights, were leaked in a case that privacy commissioner Jennifer Stoddart described as "alarming." Veterans Affairs Canada ombudsman Pat Stogran was dumped after criticizing the government.
* Conservative Convicted on Robocalls Scam
Tory operative Michael Sona was given jail time for his role in the robocalls scam. The judge indicated more than one person was likely involved. In another court judgment in a case brought by the Council of Canadians, the ruling said the robocalls operation was widespread, not just limited to the Guelph riding. Donald Segretti who did dirty tricks for the Nixon White House told a Canadian reporter his skullduggery didn't go so low as to run schemes sending voters to the wrong polling stations.
* Harper's Ex-Parliamentary Secretary Jailed for Breaking Election Law
Dean Del Maestro was one of Harper's favourites. As his parliamentary secretary, the PM frequently used him as an attack dog to allege misdeeds by opposition members. Del Maestro was given a jail sentence in June for his own election spending violations, which is to say, cheating.
* 'Reprehensible' Dirty Tricks Campaign against Irwin Cotler
Conservative Commons Speaker Andrew Scheer ruled his party's own tactics in running a surreptitious misinformation campaign in the riding of the highly respected MP were "reprehensible."
* Election Violations Prompt Resignation of Cabinet Member
Peter Penashue, another Harper Conservative was compelled to step down over election spending violations.
In one instance that brought on allegations of Nixonian tactics, junior PMO staffers in the guise of normal citizens were sent out to disrupt a Justin Trudeau speech.
* Citizens Ejected from Conservative Rallies
Tory operatives hauled out citizens from a Harper rally in the 2011 campaign because they had marginal ties to other parties. A spokesperson for the PM was compelled to apologize. Problem fixed this time around: Only fully vetted Harper supporters will be allowed, by invite only, to attend the PM's campaign stops. If they have a ticket.
* Conservatives Make Campaign Event Attendees Sign Gag Order
Not only have Harper's campaign handlers made his campaign events by invite only, they are forcing anyone let in to sign an agreement not to transmit any description of the event or any images from it.
* Conservatives Unfix Their Own Fixed Date Election Law
In 2008, Harper pulled the plug on his own government, violating his own new law, which stipulated elections every four years.
* Guilty Plea on In and Out Affair
The Conservative Party and its fundraising arm pled guilty to some Elections Act charges stemming from their exceeding spending limits in the 2006 campaign. The investigation cost taxpayers over $2 million.
* CPC Elections Bill Strips Power from Elections Canada
The Fair Elections Act also makes it harder for Canadians to vote as more ID is required. Nationwide protests in which more than 400 academics took part forced Pierre Poilievre to withdraw some measures in the bill because of their alleged anti-democratic bent.
* Harper Minister Smears Head of Elections Canada
In a bid to impugn his integrity, Democratic Reform Minister Pierre Poilievre accused the Elections Canada CEO Marc Mayrand of being a power monger and wearing a team jersey.
CTV News found out Conservatives aimed to rewrite copyright law to let political parties grab any media content and use it for free in their ads. The impact, warned CTV's Don Martin, "will be to cast a chill on every broadcast appearance" by MPs, commentators and reporters, who "must now be aware their views could end up featured in a political attack ad." By asserting "unlimited access to the airwaves for propaganda purposes," Martin said, the Harper government "could be seen as flirting with fascism."
* Conservatives Use Terrorists' Propaganda in Attack Ad Immediately After Making That Illegal
Harper's party created a political ad incorporating music and horrifying images of doomed captives pulled straight from the Islamic State's own promotional video. The target: Justin Trudeau, whose views on the risks and rewards of bombing ISIS differ from Harper's. This immediately after making it illegal to spread terrorists' propaganda even incidentally or accidentally.
* Canada Is The Only UN Member To Reject Landmark Indigenous Rights Document
CPC aboriginal affairs deputy minister Colleen Swords represented Ottawa at the United Nations assembly in New York, where Canada was the only nation to object to a non-legally binding UN outcome document which promotes indigenous peoples' legal and political standing and participation in their various home countries. This after UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples found in the UN's 2014 report that Canada's relationship as a nation with its indigenous peoples continues to be an antagonistic rather than cooperative one.
* Prime Minister's Office Charged in Court By Information Commissioner
Canadian Press submitted Access to Information request identified 28 pages of documents available, according to the Privy Council Office, but the PMO refused to allow access to 27 of the 28 pages, despite being legally obliged. The case has gone to federal court.
* Conservative Party's Lawyers Declare No Responsibility Between Government And Combat Veterans.
In response to a lawsuit by Canadian combat veterans over the new Veterns Charter, wherein the veterans stated "The social covenant is this promise that our country, Canada, has promised service people they will be protected when they get maimed and their families will be looked after if they are killed," the federal government responded that "At no time in Canada's history has any alleged 'social contract' or 'social covenant' having the attributes pleaded by the plaintiffs been given effect in any statute, regulation or as a constitutional principle written or unwritten." That the government has no obligation to care for wounded combat veterans. The lawsuit has been put on pause during the election, and will resume afterward.
* Department of Foreign Affairs Instructed To Meet Quota Of Terror
The Prime Minister's Office instructed the Department of Foreign Affairs in April of 2015, with an election looming, to ensure a minimum of three Terrorism Warning media releases each week. The bureaucrats of the Department declined to meet the "odd" demand for a quota,
No one ever said politics is for nice guys.
They are governing with a majority and the only ones that want change are the few minority.
Ghadafi predicted the Muslim take over of Europe "peacefully" 30 years ago. Wonder what will happen to the non-believers? Australia has this right, don't bring your Sharia Law to my country, your naqib's, your bullshit.
Live here like a Canadian, you are welcome to come.
Citizenship issue - just because he wants to yank someone's citizenship, doesn't mean the other country will take them. Really, I think this was a tactful mistake of the Conservative, it goes too far. But immigrants who move here and commit a crime should be stripped of citizenship, who could argue that? If you want to live here, live here and play by the rules.
Dividing this country - you obviously we're not alive during any of the Liberal governments since 1967, as each of those governments alienated western provinces by passing legislation which benefited Ontario and Quebec exclusively. Harper (originally from Ontario) cut his teeth in the west and understands that just because Southern Ontario or Montreal thinks it should be public policy, that it is. The west has a voice and that upsets the Liberal red more than anything.
Yes man bubble - Finding that hard to believe. If it is, it is probably a lot to do with the extreme left wing bias of the media (especially the CBC)
The CBC has wasted tax payer dollars for years and he has tried to put a stop to it.
How about the attempted CBC cover up of Gomeshi? You going to blame Harper for that too?
Can't please people, do nothing and you are terrible, do to much and you are terrible. Lol
I think Obama gets a rough ride in the States too (just to ensure this post is interpreted as non-partisan).
You want Mulcair or Trudeau as PM, just giver. Be careful of what you wish for.
I don't think either Trudeau or Mulcair will magically fix the situation. But at least they could stem the bleeding from the knife wound in Canada's back.
Not everything is for sale or expendable to the almighty dollar. The current Alberta is evidence of that.
The CBC has been a valid and very pro-active place for Canadian artists to be showcased. Has been managed properly, probably not but a waste of money is a very long stretch. They have also been the most unbiased news outlet in Canada. Most of the reason Harper wants them shut down is to shut them the hell up. Lose the public funding, lose the accountability to the public as a whole. You end up reporting as per your bosses preferences.
You never really had to begin with.
Sometimes it's not the song that makes you emotional it's the people and things that come to your mind when you hear it.
http://thetyee.ca/News/2015/09/11/Lynton-Crosby-Things/
Eight Things about the Man Hired to Save Harper
Meet 'evil genius' Lynton Crosby.
By David Beers, 11 Sep 2015, TheTyee.ca
When the going got tough for Stephen Harper's campaign this week, his brain trust faced a fork in the road. Should they soften up a bit, signal that Harper isn't the ruthless, controlling, divisive character that many increasingly perceive him to be?
Or should they bring in a political "rottweiler" who specializes in fomenting wedge issues, abusive exchanges, and winning, most recently, conservative victories in the United Kingdom and Australia.
They went with option two. The rottweiler's name is Lynton Crosby. Knowing more about Crosby offers a window into not only how the Harper team hopes to salvage this election but what they believe are the keys to gaining and holding government for the past near decade. Here, therefore, are eight things to know about the Australian his fans call "an evil genius" and critics have named "The Lizard of Oz."
1. Lynton Crosby is a tobacco lobbyist.
As reported in the New Statesman and the Guardian, his firm was hired by Marlboro cigarettes maker Philip Morris International in 2012 to fight against plans in the U.K. to sell cigarettes in unbranded cartons. Crosby used his access to top echelons of government to argue against the policy, designed to remove the glamour from smoking and save lives. His company's other clients include the alcohol and fracking industries.
2. Lynton Crosby is officially contemptuous of most public opinion polling.
But maintains that his internal polling techniques yield far more accurate results.
3. Lynton Crosby specializes in sneaking up to win when everyone assumes his party's losing.
Crosby, acknowledged to be "the man who really won the election for the Tories" this spring in the U.K., did so by capitalizing on a moment when his Conservative clients were assumed to be tanking. It's a cautionary tale given how close Canada's race is, and how unreliable polls are, no matter how alluring they are to horse race obsessed media.
According to the Guardian: "Crosby's cleverest trick of all was to make it look as if the Tory campaign wasn't working. From February onwards, as the polls seemed to show Labour and the Conservatives deadlocked, Tory commentators and senior party figures… began complaining in coded language about the campaign that Crosby was masterminding.… [W]hile many of the Conservatives' opponents and many journalists and voters were assuming that the Tory campaign was drifting or stalling, Crosby's well-funded infantry were quietly, busily seizing the marginals. Another of his favourite electioneering phrases is 'below the radar.'"
4. Lynton Crosby for years has been helping guide Harper.
"We were fans of Lynton Crosby before many people knew who Lynton Crosby was," Harper campaign spokesperson Kory Teneycke told the Guardian, which goes on to report:
"Teneycke said Crosby has given the party 'formal and informal advice' over many years, adding that the Australian adviser met with the campaign team a couple of months ago and has been helped the party with analysis of research and polling.
"'I'm not going to comment on the specific nature of the relationship but it's a close one and an ongoing one and one that predates this campaign,' he said."
5. Lynton Crosby is no stranger to smearing refugees.
His Australian Liberal leader candidate John Howard claimed in 2001 that "Afghan boat people were throwing their children into the sea -- using moral blackmail to enter Australia.* The myth was disproved and claims that the tactic had dragged Australian politics to a new low continue to haunt the retired prime minister – and Crosby," reports the Guardian.
6. Lynton Crosby is cut from the Rupert Murdoch mold.
He managed four campaigns for Australia's Liberal Party (the conservative party there) and masterminded Conservative London mayor Boris Johnson's 2008 and 2012 victories, while also hiring on to steer Conservative PM David Cameron to a majority win last May. In short, an Australian who can't resist a good fight against Labour.*
7. Lynton Crosby likes to fire off "abusive" texts.
At least according to a politician who employed him. London mayor Boris Johnson has described Crosby as "a man who never lets an abusive thought form in his mind without immediately forming it into a text and sending it to the object of his wrath."
8. Lynton Crosby specializes in divisive "wedge" politics.
"Crosby, who has drawn comparisons to George W. Bush's campaign chief Karl Rove, is known for bringing a sharp focus to campaign messaging," reports the Guardian.
"But he also comes with a reputation for an aggressive style and a playbook that includes negative campaigning and so-called 'wedge politics' -- a tactic using often controversial social issues to split voter opinion in their favour."
A second Guardian piece includes this: "There are those who think that Crosby's cynical, divide-and-rule approach to elections will be bad for the Conservatives in the long term. 'He has conjured up memories of the nasty party,' says Tim Bale of Queen Mary University of London, a leading historian of the Tories. 'That's not going to help them in 2020, 2025, 2030.'"
Another Guardian profile quotes one of Crosby's opposing strategists: "The hallmarks of the Crosby campaign are negative campaigning, often around race or immigration. It's the type of campaigning that involves really tearing at the fabric of society for shorter term political gains."
He added: "A political party doesn't take that road unless it feels like it's in quite a lot of trouble… In politics, it is entirely possible to excite negative attitudes in the community and turn them into votes, but that can come at a terrible price. It can undermine community harmony and attitudes towards tolerance. He has probably one of the world's best capacities to utilise this sort of campaigning."
Too little too late.
Ndp, always late to someone else's party.
Well if anything this article clearly explains why the ndp and liberals are stupid to oppose this bill.
Dummies.
Enough voters gave them the power to go about governing how they see fit.
With minimal resistance actually preventing them from passing bills that takes a majority of the power to do so. You know this.
I don't feel like I have to explain that they have more seats than the other parties and what it entitles them to do, I really don't.
The parties and people of Canada who oppose harper clearly do not have enough power to replace him. All they can do is complain which gets them nowhere. I don't know why you think it's weird. Harper has the majority of governmental power. Why can't you see this?
The government cannot employ everyone (or pay them to do nothing).
Social programs cost money... Simple as that. Including the CBC. If an artist was good enough, they wouldn't need the CBC to "showcase" them.
CBC should be a simple news and information station for our nations outposts (and anyone else who will listen) do you know how much Peter Mansbridge pulls in? That's taxpayers money.
Free Trade access to most of the world while maintaining current Supply Management System.
Access to more foreign markets, fantastic.
www.headstonesband.com
if anyone is unsure of where they stand on this ... the current litmus test is if you think the niqab is an election issue ... if yes - you pass (not good) ...
www.headstonesband.com
we can expect the standard loss of jobs, lower wages, growing inequality and income gaps as a result ...
www.headstonesband.com