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Canada to Have a Fall Election: Waffles Dion Charges.
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by Barry Artiste | September 2, 2008 at 07:26 am
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Barry Artiste
"Waffles Dion", Canada's Liberal Opposition Leader charges his meeting with the Canadian Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper was nothing more than a "Well Played Charade!"
Certainly Mr. Dion, and his Liberal party are "Masters at Charades"! Maybe Stephane Harper and his Conservatives can be accused of playing the "Game of 20 Questions" in which perhaps Stephane DIon was not expecting, preferring his own "Charade Mat" , in which Prime Minister Harper is tired of guessing what the Liberals want and when, after stating over and over again, that they the Liberals will bring the house of parliament down, when votes do not go their way, and the end result is always the same, The Liberals slink back, knowing time and time again Steven Harper and the Conservatives will always call their Bluff.
Maybe this weekend Harper was just tired of guessing what Dion, wanted,as we all know Dion is like a Prom Date, standing by the Gym wall waiting for Harper to make the first move, and Harper knows he is not desperate enough for the first dance,as he is the Prime Minister, so Dion, is pretty much going to have to curtsy and answer the first question.
The question Harper may have put to Dion is, "are you Ready to Dance", if so, "when", what dance steps do you know, what music do you want to dance to? Cause if you don't know, or only have one or two dance steps in your repertoire, I'll two step with ya anyway, but it ain't gonna be pretty!
So Dion has to understand this isn't high school anymore and he makes a pretty pathetic opposing dance partner, when he is clearly out of tune with the orchestra of Canadians.
At least Prime Minister Harper doesn't always keep us guessing, and has an answer to a question, versus Waffle's Liberal Party Platform based on the "Environmental Green Shift and Carbon Tax", which leaves many unanswered questions, with the Liberals have completely ignored requests to explain how it will all work and how will it affect Canadians, the economy, jobs, and our dollar?
The Conservatives have boosted the Canadian Economy and Deficit and our High Dollar almost at Par with the US currency has Canadians working, something all three boosts Canadians have not seen since in decades and decades.
Rest assured if the Liberals get back in, our dollar will drop to it's previous Liberal Government induced rate of a low of 0.60 cents, high inflation, disasterous economy, and a record high deficit the Liberal brought to Canadians.
Do we really want that? Will I see a flood of comments to my story, proving me wrong? Yeah, Right "Nancy Boys and Girls", I won't be holding my breath anytime soon!
Of course there will be Conservative Detractors, to that I say, do some research and post in my comments section, any time in the last three decades that under the Liberals our economy, deficit, dollar and unemployment have finally gotten under control. You won't find it!
One can guess It was all "Brass Tacks", and Stephane "Neddie Flanders" Dion doesn't play that way, preferring his Charades, much like his Clueless Political Savy "Plain Water Thanks" with plenty of "Plain Waffles fer Dippin!".
So a fall election is in the making, and Dion is ready with unlimited amounts of political "Maple Syrup" in hand, whether for a fall election or more Waffles, only IHOP can guess.
As for me, Well I am more a bacon and eggs kind of guy, with pan fries, toast and coffee on the side.
"Plain Water and Bread for Dippin" along with Dion and the Liberals platform of a "Carbon Tax" for Canadians, just ain't on my menu.
(Photo inset) Liberal Leader Stephane Dion leaves 24 Sussex Drive following a meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper in Ottawa on Monday, Sept. 1, 2008. (Sean Kilpatrick / THE CANADIAN PRESS)
Dion calls meeting with Harper a 'charade'
Liberal Leader Stephane Dion says he left a meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper Monday afternoon with a clear message: There will be a fall election.
CTV.ca News Staff "
(Harper) doesn't want Canadians to have too much time to see he is ill-prepared to face the economy . . . he doesn't want to face byelections," Dion told reporters.
Dion called the 20-minute meeting a "charade" and repeatedly took Harper to task for his willingness to call an election before the fixed election date of October 2009.
Sources say Harper will dissolve Parliament by this Sunday and set an election date for Oct. 14 of this year. The prime minister's spokesperson, Kory Teneycke, said that Dion was asked if he would support the Conservative minority government until the fixed election date, but refused. "Mr. Dion could find no area of common ground with the government to move forward with a legislative agenda," Teneycke told reporters.
But Dion said that the Liberals have opposed the Conservatives from the start of the minority government in 2006 and said that the prime minister was being politically opportunistic in his election timing.
Teneycke countered that, "We are in uncertain economic times and there are a number of things that government would like to move forward on and it's fair to say that the atmosphere has become more partisan.
"The opposition clearly wants an election." CTV's Mike Duffy said that Dion played exactly the way that Conservatives expected him to and said Harper will be able to say on the campaign trail that he tried to work with the opposition.
"There will be some Liberals . . . that say, 'Jean Chrétien would never have fallen into this trap,'" Duffy told CTV Newsnet Monday afternoon.
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Barry Artiste
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Mike Wood
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (13)
at 07:40 on September 2nd, 2008
Barry Artiste, I like this story. It's good stuff.
at 07:59 on September 2nd, 2008
Thanks Paschen for the flag, certainly "Waffles Dion and his Political Condiments" will be a treat to watch as he hits the IHOP campaign trail. Ya gotta realise, the Liberals love to have pancake breakfast fundraisers, with "Plenty O Maple Syrup", though with "Environmental Green Shift Platform", I am pretty sure they will want to "Save the Maple Trees" for their Carbon Tax and replace that Canadian Maple Syrup with good old IHOP Corn Syrup, hoping Canadians won't know the difference, till they get the "Bill" and the aftertaste gets em.
at 14:44 on September 2nd, 2008
Barry Artiste, I like this story. It's good stuff.
The Prime Minister said, "we're going to end up with another minority government." If this is how he feels then why is he going to waste the time and $300 million of the Tax Payer's money? This does not sound at all like a responsible Prime Minister.
According to Statistics Canada the economy was doing well since 2003, till now. In fact our dollar has been on an upward climb since January 2003.
Some would suggest we're heading for a recession as layoffs are happening in all sectors, real estate is beginning to slow as well as construction, and the inflation rate is rising.
Statistics Canada says the annual inflation rate jumped to 3.1 per cent in June from 2.2 per cent the previous month, the biggest one-month leap since September 2005, Gas rose by 26.9 per cent from this time last year, and up 5.8 per cent from May, Fuel Oil and other fuels rose 49.3 per cent, the average cost to feed your family rose 3 per cent and of course mortgage costs rose 9 per cent from last year.
This is all happening by the way, while Harper is in his ever so sealed office.
Some say their business have been hurt by the rising dollar. The Film/movie industry for one and any other business who rely on consumers state-side.
One thing to keep in mind is our loonie always 'looks good' whenever the greenback slides.
My vote this time around will be: None Of The Above!
at 20:08 on September 2nd, 2008
Thanks Mike for the comments and flag, you should know the Prime Minister has to go to the polls, minority government or not, the status quo as I said, put them in Limbo when trying to pass any bills.
So damned if he does, damned if he doesn't. So I would not call it a waste of Taxpayers money. Harper pretty much has to tell the Libbys it put up or shut up. Hence why there will be some political horse trading. Vote splitting as well contributes to minority governments as well, so the independents to get their agenda across will horse trade with all parties.
So all in all Harper is a responsible Prime Minister. I read the same link as you, Statistics Canada the economy pretty much covers Alberta (Only) a Conservative run province, which has been doing well regardless what the Liberals, Alberta has Oil. BC much the same,does well regardless what Ottawa and the rest of the province does.
The economy started to pick up in 2003 under the Liberal for two reasons, Chretien fired Martin as Finance Minister in 2002, Martin did an about turn around and replace Chretien which brought markets up, and only temporarily with up and downs.
So for you to say under the Liberals were doing well since 2003, till now, is not necessarily true. In fact our dollar has been on an minor upward climb only in the latter of 2003 as election fever loomed.
Here is a brief synopsis of our dollar just for 2003, but was pretty much par for the course for decades under Liberal rule. 2
003 - Canadian Dollars to 1 USD (invert) Average Rates
So Mike Wood when I say our Dollar was 0.60 cents under Liberal rule, I wasn't blowing smoke up yer butt.
Election fever in 2004 got the markets up and down and in 2004 and Jan 2005 Harper was sworn in as our Prime Minister and the dollar started to climb till it is where it is today, mark my words, if the Liberal get back in, our dollar will hit the "Shitter" faster than "Oprah on Olestra"!
You say Mike, some would suggest we're heading for a recession as layoffs are happening in all sectors, real estate is beginning to slow as well as construction, and the inflation rate is rising. Canada in part follows the US economy, so under Liberals or Conservatives our fate goes with the US, but you should know Harper has always told Canadian we may hit a recession and to prepare for it.
Though ours will not be anywhere as bad as the US recession. Yes MIke ,inflation jumped a point, but markets stablise.
Mortgage rates are at their lowest in decades. Statistics Canada says the annual inflation rate jumped to 3.1 per cent in June from 2.2 per cent the previous month, the biggest one-month leap since September 2005, So big whoop, again, tied to world markets, we are a consumer driven society, unfortunatley we do not make squat anymore, and buyt from other countries, so when those countries raise their export prices, our purchase price is less, regardless how our dollar is.
So markets tied to inflation, when we are forced to buy outside our country.
You say Mike , Gas rose by 26.9 per cent from this time last year, and up 5.8 per cent from May, Fuel Oil and other fuels rose 49.3 per cent, yeah, well the Conservative or any Government can control the Oil Companies and their pricing, there will be a "Second coming of Christ !" Gas has been driving up since the 1970s so ya cant blame Harper and the conservatives on that one, blame speculators as I have always reported.
You also say Mike that the average cost to feed your family rose 3 per cent , yes of course food rose, but like I said in many of my past stories. Most food is not from Canada.
Canada rarely makes anything anymore, so food like oil goes up and down, as other countries who make it, can sell it for a premium to other countries who bid for it. Who do I blame in all this ?
Chretien and his Liberals and philosopy of "Why make it? When we can buy it from China and other world markets CHEAP!. Yes, cheap until other countries vie for the same thing. Again, it goes back to the Voliatile world markets, A tornado here, a tsunami there, a government coup and food, oil go up. Until Canadian wake the fu^k up and start manufacturing again, we have no one to blame but ourselves. Did you know we have one of the largest cattle producers next door to British Columbia, it is called Alberta. Did you know Alberta cannot compete with New Zealand for it's beef. New Zealand Beef and Lamb is cheaper than Alberta Beef to produce. Canadians looking for a bargain buy New Zealand Beef and Lamb. The problem there is that when Alberta ranchers throw up their hands and go to hell with this, let's put an oil well on my ranch as well. Then Canadians having forced out ranchers, by buying New Zealand Beef and Lamb, if gas prices, natural disaster hits New Zealand, then Canadians will all of a sudden hit with higher beef and lamb prices by New Zealand, what are Canadians gonna do, Nothing, Why? Cause let's face, where else you gonna go, now that Ranchers in Canada are now into the Oil game. We have to remain competitive, and if Canadians were buying Canadian Meats and Seafoods, the Canadian fisherman and ranchers would be able to sell it to us cheaper, but when their is less and less of a market for their Seafood and Meat, they have to sell it at a higher price cause they need to cover costs or go bankrupt.
Yes, Mike, you should know, real estate is supply and demand, and with the sub prime fiasco in the States of course mortgage costs rose 9 per cent from last year. Regardless if Liberals or Conservatives are in power, the US subprime and people in Canada making a good salary and buying a home, drives up demand, with little supply.
In the USA People and Easy Credit with no discernible means of income were getting zero down mortgages with creative financing. In fact many in the US were only paying the interest and not the principle.
The Conservatives had nothing to do with this, the Canadian Banks were the cause of the mortgage rates. Why? Because all Banks like the CIBC, Toronto Dominion and other banks took a bath in billions of dollar when they too invested in the sub prime mortgages in the states. So you see Mike, we cannot blame the Conservatives for any Real Estate shortcomings, as it is none of their doing, it is supply and demand, even the media agree with that one.
The Conservatives are here to govern, not provide handouts to everybody, though the Liberals love to promise all this to voters, and voters not realizing everything cost money! But if Voters want Handout and the resulting Fiscal Consequences, then they should go ahead and vote Liberal. Because if that is what voters think, then we are royally screwed as a country.
You also state Mike,business have been hurt by the rising dollar. Again, I direct you to Canadians importing pretty much everything from soup to nuts. When is the last time you saw Canadian made clothing in Sears,. KMART, Walmart, Hell even Holt Renfrew? Like Not in friggin decades Mike.
If Canada became more industry driven and manufacturing driven and independent, we would not be as affected by all this, cause the world would clamour to buy our stuff. As for exports hurting, well you should know we export raw goods more than manufactured goods. Why are we exporting raw goods, when we used to be the best at taking these raw goods and selling them as a finished product? Cause probably those manufacturing businesses are out of business by Asian , third world Child or Slave labour that's why.
Mike, your last comment on the Canadian Film/movie industry for one and any other business who rely on consumers state-side.
Hey come on Mike seriously? When is the last time you paid $15.00 for a Canadian movie, granted some are good, but many are turkeys, we will never compete with the United States at 300 million people compared to our paltry 33 million. Our high dollar has in part something to do with it, but you should know SAG and other Unions in the States under Arnold are very protectionist, and want films made locally. California is offering good incentives as well now, so you cant fault Harper with that, after all you yourself say, it is consumer driven. Hence Harper has nothing to do with all this.
Harper and Arts funding, yes, his reducing funding for good reason, saving it solely for Canadian culture, not champagne lefty jaunts with non Canadian artists hanging out with Castro and Chavez, that my Lad is not what the Canadian arts grants were meant for.
One thing to keep in mind is our loonie always 'looks good' whenever the greenback slides. The loonie mike only looks good to import and exporters, not joe six pack making a living.
In ending Mike My vote will be: Conservative, Why, Cause I see the Big Conservative Picture, many Canadian only see intermission with Liberals dancing with "High Kicks" with bags of "Candy and Goodies " shouting "Let's all go to the Lobby", "Let's all go to the Lobby", "Lets all go to the Lobby", and "Eat Candy"!!! ,cause you Canadians really do not want to see the Movie INSIDE, AS IT WILL SCARE THE CRAP OUTTA YOU, cause we dont want you to see whats playing in real life on the big screen.
Anyways thanks Mike for dropping by, drop by anytime, much appreciated.
One thing I am not crazy about is the recent Political Pandering by the Conservatives sending out Kisses and Greetings for Ramadan, when Canadians are Chastised by All Political Parties for even uttering the word Merry Christmas.
To be fair though, it was never Muslims or Jews who were against Merry Christmas, it was Colon Tasting Politically Correct Politicians who feel they know what is best for Canadians, and it started with the Liberals, and now it seems is extending to the Conservatives.
at 08:20 on September 3rd, 2008
WOW! I think you said Mike 14 times LOL!
"you should know the Prime Minister has to go to the polls, minority government or not, the status quo as I said, put them in Limbo when trying to pass any bills."
By doing so he's ignoring a law that his own government introduced in 2007 regarding a fixed election date that is supposed to take place on October 19, 2009. Of course he now states that such law was meant for a majority government. There is a very good chance of another minority government. If this happens nothing will change.
By calling for an early election, Harper also wants to avoid by-elections set for next week for Guelph, Westmount-Ville-Marie, Saint-Lambert and Don Valley West on the 22nd. Polls suggest the Conservatives will do poorly in these elections.
Canada is expecting a federal deficit to be reported for the current fiscal year. This will be the first deficit since the Liberal government had surpluses for 9 years prior. Harper obviously wants the election before this report comes out.
Now all of a sudden the Harper government is offering financial support of $200+ million to Ford and GM. Tell me this isn’t an attempted vote grab!
Our dollar has been on an upward climb since January 2003 - no smoke.
Monthly Noon Exchange Rate Average
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
2003 0.6489 0.6612 0.6775 0.6856 0.7223 0.7395 0.7238 0.7165 0.7336 0.7565 0.7619 0.7617
2004 0.7716 0.7525 0.7528 0.7449 0.7255 0.7366 0.7565 0.7623 0.7765 0.8020 0.8361 0.8203
2005 0.8161 0.8067 0.8223 0.8090 0.7965 0.8063 0.8178 0.8305 0.8492 0.8492 0.8467 0.8613
2006 0.8641 0.8704 0.8640 0.8743 0.9013 0.8978 0.8856 0.8942 0.8959 0.8861 0.8801 0.8673
2007 0.8504 0.8542 0.8560 0.8816 0.9133 0.9388 0.9521 0.9450 0.9753 1.0254 1.0340 0.9969
2008 0.9890 1.0009 0.9980 0.9863 1.0006 0.9835 0.9875 0.9484
Now I'm not saying that the Liberals are much better than the Conservatives. Everyone knows the Liberals had their problems with scandals etc., just like the Conservatives have their little episode to deal with at present with the ongoing 2006 Conservative election advertising investigation.
I'm saying neither of the parties are worthy of office, hence "none of the above." Maybe Canada needs try the NDP, Canadian Action Party, the Green Party, or any one of the other 30 political parties (minus the Separatist parties) for a change.
I agree with you on the gas issue. It always has and always will clime, at least until we get a responsible government (whoever) into office who will take matters seriously and start making our own resources work for us. There is no reason why a country as rich with resources, knowledge and TAXes such as ours should be paying as much as we do.
"Most food is not from Canada" "Canada rarely makes anything anymore, so food like oil goes up and down, as other countries who make it, can sell it for a premium to other countries who bid for it. Who do I blame in all this ?" "Why make it? When we can buy it from China and other world markets CHEAP!"
Another fault of our governments (not a Conservative or Liberal thing but a government as a whole thing). This is where we are going to see major issues in the not so distant future. In my opinion (not that it holds much) Canada should be concentrating on being more self sustainable with regards to our food sources. We need to put more energy and focus into our farming industry all around. Processing and packaging plants. This way we're not only promoting and supporting Canadian industry we're also more capable of keeping quality up to our Canadian standards. This can also lead to an increase in exports eventually but we also have a fair trade issue which is being felt in the auto industry as well. I know we cannot grow and produce everything but those which we can we should concentrate on. Keeping our strong areas strong and strengthening our weak areas.
I wasn’t trying to imply the Conservatives had anything to do with "Real Estate shortcomings" although it does tie into the economy. I was simply pointing it out showing the direction the country is beginning to take.
"Hey come on Mike seriously? When is the last time you paid $15.00 for a Canadian movie"
I guess I should have worded it differently. You would be surprised at how many movies and TV shows are (were) filmed up here because of the difference in the dollar. It's basically cheaper to make a movie in Canada. At least it was anyway. This is quite visible here in Toronto.
"One thing I am not crazy about is the recent Political Pandering by the Conservatives sending out Kisses and Greetings for Ramadan, when Canadians are Chastised by All Political Parties for even uttering the word Merry Christmas."
"To be fair though, it was never Muslims or Jews who were against Merry Christmas, it was Colon Tasting Politically Correct Politicians who feel they know what is best for Canadians, and it started with the Liberals, and now it seems is extending to the Conservatives."
I hear ya' and yes it started with the Liberals (vote grab). However, it's up to the succeeding government to correct the errors of the preceding governments but that is something rarely seen in Canadian politics.
at 22:16 on September 3rd, 2008
Sorrey about that Mike, I do ramble sometimes, I was stating Mike, as to answer your question, thats all, not to be repetative. As for your 2003 figures.WOW, they certainly dont jive with my Bank of Canada figures, as i would take the bank of canada as correct Mike. Dont know where you got those figures though.
As for the rest of your statements about, though left wing and right wing, they are still on the same bird of prey, as far as I am concerned, but to have the NDP of fringe parties ruling Canada, Now that is just plain silly Talk,. HA. Thanks for the comments though, I like em, wish more readers would comment like you and i do.
Again Thanks
at 19:56 on September 2nd, 2008
Frankly, I'd prefer Belgian waffles, but to each his own.
I am not at all crazy about this PM, not that anyone cares. It will be interesting to watch.
I long for the good ol' days of PM Jean Poutine.
at 20:21 on September 2nd, 2008
The days of Chretien were days on our economy in the toilet and a 50 cent dollar when compared to the US dollar, Naw, we dont want to go back to those days ever again. Chretien's member of parliament were videotaped by the media stepping on the US flag and burning it post 9-11. Not very Canadian or civilised as representatives of Canada if you ask me.
Thanks for the comments and the flag though Dunk.
at 11:45 on September 3rd, 2008
Oh, I'm not calling for another Chretien, just the new guy rubs me the wrong way - mostly personal reasons.
at 11:02 on September 3rd, 2008
Feds promise up to $80M in partnership with Ford to build new plant
"completely ignored the manufacturing sector but now they're calling an election and all of a sudden they want to be seen to be doing something."
at 22:21 on September 3rd, 2008
I agree Mike, I am not thrilled our tax dollars are being sent to a company like ford, who could take the money and run to the states, much like Bombardier did when Chretien gave them like a billion dollars, whatta they do, run to the states and south america with our money. Remember when the liberals in the 80s bailed out chrysler? I mean why? In a competative economy if you cannot stand on your two feet, it is time to fish or cut bait.
at 11:40 on September 3rd, 2008
I say that Barry Artiste is telling the truth. I think he is right. But above all I have heard enough about gas price, environment, economy and jobs creation, Afghanistan and our health care system.
I want to vote for a party that would tell "Multiculturalism is over and here are our new immigration policies and process. " Because I think social peace is priceless. No matter what the price of gasoline might be.
Who the heck shall I vote for ?
at 22:18 on September 3rd, 2008
Thanks HMS, you hit it bang on. Much appreciated.