Canada Election 2011

[ziegh]

Thanks for the summary, I'm sorta new on the block so learning on Canadian politics from this thread, carry on.

[Takedown3]

also appreciate the summary

[Thoronas]

I know there are companies that are hired to post comments on different subjects to help their clients get better PR but posting a job for a political troll on craigslist is freakin lol.

http://i.imgur.com/757PM.png

[Bikpik]

And they wonder why we hate Quebec

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfou...ydro-plan.html

Que. adopts motion against Lower Churchill funding

Legislature slams federal money for Newfoundland and Labrador hydroelectricity project

The Canadian Press

Posted: Apr 6, 2011 8:05 PM NT

Last Updated: Apr 6, 2011 8:05 PM NT

Need to Know

• Quebec motion slams federal 'subsidy' for Newfoundland
• Stephen Harper pledged loan guarantees for $6.2B hydro project

Related

Related Links

Power play: Quebec, Atlantic provinces at odds over electricityCanada Votes 2011

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http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/ph...cp00461248.jpgQuebec's national assembly passed the motion Wednesday. Canadian PressQuebec's legislature unanimously passed a motion on Wednesday criticizing the federal parties for pledging to help a hydroelectricity project in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Conservatives were the first to promise financial support to the Lower Churchill project, but both the NDP and the Liberals now say they will do the same.
The Quebec motion says Newfoundland shouldn't benefit from Ottawa's help given that Quebec developed its hydroelectric resources on its own.
The Charest government has never opposed neighbouring provinces developing their hydroelectric resources but objected to what it saw as an unfair advantage being given by the federal government.
It appears that Newfoundland "would benefit from a subsidy which would lead to a disparity and unequal treatment of Quebec and the other provinces by the federal government," said Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Pierre Moreau during the debate on the motion.
He insisted it was vital the legislature speak with "one voice" on the matter.
The motion was initially tabled by the Opposition Parti Québécois, but the Liberals re-wrote it to water down some of the language.
The PQ motion singled out the Conservatives. PQ intergovernmental affairs critic Bernard Drainville said during the debate that Premier Jean Charest's objections in defence of Quebec's interests had been "ridiculed, ignored" and were "too soft."
He added that the federal Conservatives and Liberals had seldom reflected Quebec's best interests with their promises.
Hydro-Quebec president Thierry Vandal told reporters after a speech in Montreal that the federal aid could "in theory" lower Newfoundland's costs.
But he would not say if Hydro-Quebec would seek similar help in the future.
"This is an announcement that was made in the middle of an election campaign," he said. "The position of Hydro-Québec is the same as that expressed by the premier."

[Annihilator]

And they wonder why we hate Quebec

And that kind of attitude is exactly what fuels the separatist movement, which brings more hatred, and the circle goes on, and on, and on...
Granted, that move by the Quebec government is a bit retarded (as if Quebec was the only place with a retarded government) and just makes them sound butthurt , but they do have a point that this announcement in the middle of an election campaign is just there to win support in the eastern provinces by providing federal dollars for a provincial project...

[aduidarnenye]

I'm arguing Canada as a whole shouldn't fund a project to boost a province's economy while being harmful to another. Especially when energy should be a provincial jurisdiction and be province funded, which is what Quebec did with the whole hydro electricity infrastructure complex deal, that according to you guys, Newfoundland should be able to use free of charge AND make a hefty profit off of competing for the SAME clients. Really?

Considering the power needs of America, especially with the end of fossil fuels likely to happen within our lifetimes, I should think that both projects would be heavily profitable in the coming years. Thereby benefiting both provinces and, aha!, stopping an American army invasion for our hydro power!





Last year I did a tour of the Quebec parliament house, in this picture:
http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/ph...cp00461248.jpg

There was an American judge along in the tour (in fact, I do believe I was the only Canadian on the tour as my in-laws are all American too). The judge was righteously offended at the presence of the cross above and behind the speaker's seat. He raged about it for a good ten minutes while the poor tour guide looked confused at him, totally not understanding the whole separation of church and state thing means no symbols too (to him it was just a decoration).

[Hyriu]

There was an American judge along in the tour (in fact, I do believe I was the only Canadian on the tour as my in-laws are all American too). The judge was righteously offended at the presence of the cross above and behind the speaker's seat. He raged about it for a good ten minutes while the poor tour guide looked confused at him, totally not understanding the whole separation of church and state thing means no symbols too (to him it was just a decoration).

The crucifix has being there has been debated for a while now, but all of the Political Parties except Quebec Solidaire judged that it should remain there because it's a part of the cultural heritage and history of Quebec, which I think is dumb. But anyway.

And that kind of attitude is exactly what fuels the separatist movement, which brings more hatred, and the circle goes on, and on, and on...

Whoa man, how about not being so rational.

[ziegh]

So wondering since I've only been here for a year. Is this whole Lower Churchill thing why Quebec's electricity bills are so low in comparison to everywhere else? Sorry for the derail.

[Annihilator]

Whoa man, how about not being so rational.

I don't know how D:

[Bikpik]

And that kind of attitude is exactly what fuels the separatist movement, which brings more hatred, and the circle goes on, and on, and on...
Granted, that move by the Quebec government is a bit retarded (as if Quebec was the only place with a retarded government) and just makes them sound butthurt , but they do have a point that this announcement in the middle of an election campaign is just there to win support in the eastern provinces by providing federal dollars for a provincial project...

Well to be fair they are bringing it on themselves, especially with stuff like this:

http://ipolitics.ca/2011/04/07/quebe...ctricity-grid/

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – Newfoundland and Labrador’s government says Quebec’s energy regulator has upheld a decision to deny access to the province’s electricity transmission system for power generated by the Lower Churchill project.
The ruling follows an appeal filed by Nalcor Energy, Newfoundland’s Crown-owned utility, against an earlier decision on complaints filed by the Labrador project against Hydro-Quebec.
Shawn Skinner, Newfoundland and Labrador’s minister of natural resources, says the Quebec ruling doesn’t address the province’s arguments for open transmission access.
Skinner says Newfoundland and Labrador strongly disagrees with the decision and the actions of Hydro Quebec to block the ability of the Atlantic province to export electricity from the proposed Lower Churchill Falls project at Muskrat Falls.
He says in a news release that Newfoundland and Labrador is reviewing its options, including a judicial review.
The minister says a Quebec legislature motion on Wednesday criticizing federal support for the Lower Churchill project shows Quebec is blocking access.

Quebec saying no to NL using their powerlines, but also complaining about NL getting federal support to bypass them by laying new underwater lines to Nova Scotia

[Annihilator]

As I mentionned, politicians are retarded everywhere...
Their argument is that "we paid for our own power grid, so you're not using it for free to sell your electricity to our only clients", which sort of makes sense in a competitive market, except it's not quite a competitive market since both companies are publically owned... Now they are just butthurt that the Quebec power grid was built without federal aid, and the Atlantic power grid will have it
Just politicians doing what they do best, making a fuss and calling everyone evil for breathing
You think it wouldn't have been the same story if it was the other way around? We would be hearing no end to the "Damn those frenchies that get federal aid for their power grid when we had to pay for ours! Discrimination!"

[Mytiwar]

Sure is rationnal up in here today. I like it.

[Bikpik]

As I mentionned, politicians are retarded everywhere...
Their argument is that "we paid for our own power grid, so you're not using it for free to sell your electricity to our only clients", which sort of makes sense in a competitive market, except it's not quite a competitive market since both companies are publically owned... Now they are just butthurt that the Quebec power grid was built without federal aid, and the Atlantic power grid will have it
Just politicians doing what they do best, making a fuss and calling everyone evil for breathing
You think it wouldn't have been the same story if it was the other way around? We would be hearing no end to the "Damn those frenchies that get federal aid for their power grid when we had to pay for ours! Discrimination!"

Except Quebec didn't have to use underwater lines to get their electricity to it's destination, which is what they're making NL do by not allowing them to use their grid.

It wouldn't have been the same story, because the rest of the country are used to "the frenchies" getting their own way anyways.

[Skjie]

Move French debate to avoid Habs conflict: Duceppe
"We all know hockey is very popular in Canada, and also in Quebec, and I think it would be a better choice to have that debate on Wednesday, so that people who like hockey and (will) have the full opportunity to see the debate and then listen to the hockey game on Thursday night," Duceppe said.

"I think ratings are important," Duceppe continued, "but democracy is more important than ratings."
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/...s-duceppe.html

[Mazmaz]

NDP Platform is out
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/cana...-platform.html

NDP platform pledges 'immediate action'
The NDP says it would take "immediate action" in five key areas within 100 days of the election, as part of a broader platform aimed at balancing the books by 2014-2015 without major service cuts.

NDP Leader Jack Layton said the "practical, affordable plan" would eliminate the deficit without major service cuts.

The platform would balance the budget by hiking corporate tax rates to 19.5 per cent, which is estimated to put nearly $10 billion into government coffers by 2014-15. The party would also raise revenue by ending fossil fuel subsidies and saving on crime legislation.

The party also pledged to crack down on offshore tax havens, a move it says could generate more than $3 billion per year by 2014-15.

"Despite what they say, Stephen Harper and Michael Ignatieff are telling Canadian families to wait at the back of the line," Layton told a crowd of supporters after the NDP platform was unveiled Sunday morning.

The platform outlined five "practical" first steps, many of which were announced earlier in the campaign, including:

* Hiring more doctors and nurses.
* Working with the provinces to strengthen the pension systems, with the eventual goal of doubling benefits.
* Giving small businesses a tax cut and introducing targeted job-creation tax credits.
* Capping credit card fees at prime plus 5 per cent, while taking federal sales tax off home heating.
* Working to "fix" Ottawa to stop scandals and encourage co-operation between parties.

"I've laid out my commitment," Layton said. "Real action within 100 days to give your family a break, and I won't stop until the job is done."
HST deal for Quebec 'question of fairness'

Layton, who has been a vocal critic of the harmonized sales tax, also pledged a $2.2-billion compensation package for Quebec for implementing the HST.

"It's simply a question of fairness," Layton said when asked about the apparent about-face at a news conference following the budget announcement.

"When you're dealing with the finances of the nation and the respect for the citizens of different parts of the country who find themselves in different situations ... it's true that compensation is warranted."

Layton also said an NDP government would not require British Columbia to repay $1.6 billion in HST transfers, which has already been spent on health care and education, even if voters in that province reject the harmonized sales tax in an upcoming referendum.

The platform included a number of previously announced commitments, including help for family caregivers, a defence policy that prioritizes ships for Canada's navy instead of fighter jets, and a crime prevention and community safety program that would cost roughly $255 million.

It also includes plans to create more affordable housing, reduce poverty and improve access to child care and post-secondary education.

The NDP also pledged to expand care for seniors, including increasing funding for forgivable loans to help keep seniors in their homes, helping families retrofit their homes to create secondary suites for senior family members and addressing the shortage of long-term care beds.

The NDP said it would put a price on carbon through a cap-and-trade system, with revenue from the new system to go to green initiatives.

The party also returned Sunday to the theme of "fixing" a broken system in Ottawa, saying it would work to abolish the Senate and restrict the prime minister’s power to prorogue Parliament.

"I think so many people just shake their head at what they see going on in Ottawa," Layton said.

"We've got to reform our democracy, and that means working towards some form of proportional representation in our country, and we’re committed to that."

The NDP won roughly 18 per cent of the popular vote in the last election and are hoping to make gains this time around. Layton has been positioning himself as a solid alternative to Conservative Leader Stephen Harper at campaign stops across the country.
Final party platform release

The Conservatives, Liberals and Green Party have already released their platforms.

The Conservative election platform included pledges to eliminate the federal deficit by 2014-15 — a year earlier than forecast in its March 22 budget.

When he unveiled the Conservative platform in Mississauga, Ont., Harper said he would find efficiencies through a strategic and operating expense review.

He also said the Conservatives would also push both a tough-on-crime agenda and support for families and businesses.

The Liberals focused on families in their platform, laying out five priority areas in their $8 billion two-year strategy.

The Liberal platform included support for early childhood education, post-secondary students and people caring for elderly parents or sick relatives. It also included changes to the pension system and a green renovation tax credit.

The Green Party said it would raise corporate taxes to 2009 levels and charge $60 per tonne of carbon emitted — but they promised a revenue-neutral "green tax shift" that would cut EI and CPP contributions for both workers and employers.

[Snick]

You know, I can admit I was ignorant to what the tories had been doing, and retract any "good job" statements I may have made, but I still can't support the liberals either because of their choices of leadership. I may end up voting NDP this election, just just because the two "main" parties are so fucking sketchy :s

[Kaylia]

The platform outlined five "practical" first steps, many of which were announced earlier in the campaign, including:

* Hiring more doctors and nurses.
* Working with the provinces to strengthen the pension systems, with the eventual goal of doubling benefits.
* Giving small businesses a tax cut and introducing targeted job-creation tax credits.
* Capping credit card fees at prime plus 5 per cent, while taking federal sales tax off home heating.
* Working to "fix" Ottawa to stop scandals and encourage co-operation between parties.

*Planting gold tree and harvest infinite money

The platform would balance the budget by hiking corporate tax rates to 19.5 per cent, which is estimated to put nearly $10 billion into government coffers by 2014-15. The party would also raise revenue by ending fossil fuel subsidies and saving on crime legislation.

Genius...Raising corporate tax even more won't have any impact on the economy...They will suck it up and pay it.

I'm not sure in what country these guys live in, but this isnt the kind of shit we can afford. I wish we could, but we aren't that rich.

Except Quebec didn't have to use underwater lines to get their electricity to it's destination, which is what they're making NL do by not allowing them to use their grid.

It wouldn't have been the same story, because the rest of the country are used to "the frenchies" getting their own way anyways.

People are trying to get the most out of the situations on both side. That's all there is it to it. I don't understand why you're trying to point fingers here...

[Mazmaz]

Raising corporate tax even more

lolol

[Anton]

Don't understand the desire to hike corporate taxes. The scumbags were on Wall St. not Bay St., and in Ontario the Auto sector got a bailout but that was pretty much it as far as direct government intervention went. Low corporate tax also encourages foreign companies to set up shop here, beyond the obvious help to a corp's bottom line. Since the name of the investing game nowadays is save as much money as you can, it puts canada in a better position than the US. Besides, who's gonna hire people?

Wait 'till the rest of the shit has left the market, say, a year to 3 years out, then hike corporate taxes if you really want to. I have no problem at all with scooping off the top of well-performing companies in a stable market.

[Skjie]

It's kind of funny to see people that bought the "$2M for a lake" story hook line and sinker.

The reality is that fake lake cost all of $57,000. The $2M number was the overall budget for all of the "marketing" we did for foreign press so they would write stories about how awesome of a place Canada is, and thus encourage foreign investment. It was an extremely good way to spend $2M, especially considering the gov't track record with spending money effectively.

Auditor's draft report alleges Tories misspent G8 funds
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/cana...ag-report.html

Yep, sure was a good use of the money: helping to buy Tory votes.