Canadian Politics

@Ser: Maybe. The Conservatives were raring to go again.

edited 30th Nov '11 2:12:47 PM by Erock

Say, how are alternative systems of elections viewed in Canada? Are there people wanting a majoritarian system or PR system?

My Canadian Studies prof is a supporter of the NDP, but if the other minor parties had a chance... He'd support the Marijuana Party!

No one cares.

Feckin' hippie.

Yeah, no one really cares.

As for myself, I have a preference toward the liberals or the NDP, but depending on how things go, who ends up where and if the leadership stays as is, I could always decide ABC is not necessary. They're absolutely no good for my province, though, as they stand.

And RE the latest election - if Iggy hadn't gone around saying he wasn't going to form a coalition and instead pointed out that a coalition is a completely valid form of government in Canada, things could be radically different. So yes, in a manner Iggy was hoisted by his own petard, but like Erock said the Tories weren't exactly interested in keeping it in their pants, so to speak.

edited 30th Nov '11 4:46:45 PM by AwayLaughing

One the coalition:

1) He shouldn't have, it would have lsot votes. A lot of people in Ontario are weary of the NDP after Bob Rae's provincial government made a mess (he was an NDP first).

2) He shouldn't be forced to. T He NDP is far too left for quite a few Grits.

3) It would have fed the Harper machien anyways.

Really, what went wrong for the Liberals was Ignatieff teaching at Harvard, and being outside of the country for a long time.

I mean, seriously, you picked a feckin' nerd from Richview over a Harvard Professor? Really?

edited 30th Nov '11 6:37:09 PM by Erock

It's what I despise about Canadian politics. You are given a non-corrupt intelligent individual to lead the country and people choose mr. attack ad. There's far too many Canadians who stick to an ideology for no damn reason other than "Hurr me vote tory" and it really skews the tory vote.

And hey, people said "Liberals are corrupt" and vote in the tories who are just blatantly and openly corrupt and no one bats an eye? Tony Clement embezzles 50 million bucks in our face and no one lifts a finger. Fantino gives a billion dollars to a sponsor and tory supporter, under the guise of "healthcare funding". No one can give a number on the F-35 purchase. The economic forecast is always billions of dollars too optimistic and now the Budget Officer is saying that by the time the Tories said they were going to balance the budget, current projections are a 15 billion dollar deficit.

So really, Harper better get trashed next election like Mulroney.

Also, the Vote of No Confidence had no way of not happening. Harper broke a couple law/traditions, but Canadians were too apathetic to care about it. Smashing traditions of democracy? Meh.

I have a personal grudge against Harper because he went to the douchebag high school in the area.

But I agree, it's disgraceful what the Tories have been doing.

edited 30th Nov '11 7:15:37 PM by Erock

If you think the Tories are bad, wait 'till you get a load of American Republicans. Hoo, booooy.

I mean, from what I've heard about Harper cracking down on the natives, he's really treading closer and closer to Bush territory.

Now their going to ruin Canada too???

Only if the public lets them.

Since the conservative party has a majority, it would take MPs within it voting against policies associated with it to counteract its influence. Alternatively, those opposed to the conservatives should try to convince them that unless they act with moderation during this term, they'll be throwing away their popularity for good in the long run. Of course, this ultimately depends on how many people really are opposed to the conservatives. (And on how many people among them are shortsighted even about their own party's popularity.)

edited 1st Dec '11 9:12:15 AM by HiddenFacedMatt

Harper runs his caucus with an iron fist. The most oppressed minority in Ottawa are the Conservative members under his rule.

Have the Tories under Harper passed any pro-business policies yet?

The Wheat Board reforms are great for big businesses, because this means they can screw over and absorb the independent farmers and coops.

So yes. Yes he has, in his eyes. And the larger corporations'.

What other anti-workers and pro-business policies did Harper make?

Back to work legislation for public sector unions. Basically: A strike is called and the government goes "lolno".

It's somewhat worse than that. Rolling strikes were called (inconveniencing, but not stopping the mail flow) and Canada Post decided to go into full-on lock-out in response. The Conservative government then passed back to work laws imposing worse conditions than Canada Post's latest offer.

In short, Canada Post (Which is a Crown Corporation, thus under governmental oversight) completely stopped delivering mail despite the wishes of its employees and when the government intervened, those same employees were penalised through no fault of their own.

Okay, Harper's officially Bush III.

In America, the conservatives are split into religious folks, the corporatist establishment (Republican Party) and hardcore libertarians (Tea Party).

Are Canadian Conservatives as divided?

edited 3rd Dec '11 10:50:32 AM by Serocco

Yes, actually. The Conervatives now are a sort of coalition (not quite as grand as Mulroney's) of religious people, fiscal conservatives, and Red Tories (moderates).

Liberterianism is not relevant here.

This, genuine libertarians wouldn't accept help from someone like Harper anyway.

Ooh, politimatics. :o

Speaking of, this is kinda interesting.

How bad is the divide between the fiscal conservatives, Red Tories and religious conservatives like?

How is Harper like when it comes to members of his own party?

edited 3rd Dec '11 3:19:45 PM by Serocco

It's not too bad now. It might grow after time and in majority (I've heard there is a little conflicta lready) However, the Progressive Conservative Party collapse dbecause of the differences.

Basically, Harper unified the right in Canadian politics, but it could collapse if pressure is applied.

And with Harper having a majority government, applying said pressure would be harder than it was before.

I suppose it could be done by calling attention to the differences between different kinds of conservatives, but then again, they were never really known to pay attention when told about that anyway.

edited 3rd Dec '11 6:10:13 PM by HiddenFacedMatt

When you say majority, how big a majority?

50 seats?