Stephen Harper: Tory Convention in Calgary

[The Scientific States]

What types of values, socially and financially, do the NDP represent? I only know of Jack Layton, but he died.

They're social democrats. It's a centre-left party.

[Luveria]

I just googled Harper's face...

He doesn't look very trustworthy... if I could vote I wouldn't pick his party cause he looks dodgy...

That would make an excellent anti-campaign poster.

*Harper's face on a poster*

"Would you vote for this shifty-looking bastard?"

[Greater Istanistan]

If we want to ensure Canada's future, Harper cannot win in 2015.

Agreed.

[Slarvainian]

They should get rid of him. John Barid should become party leader. I'd actually possibly vote for him because he's a moderate.

[Ainin]

If we want to ensure Canada's future, Harper cannot win in 2015.

*mumbles something about the idiot that decided not to put term limits in the Constitution Act*

[New Chalcedon]

http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/sunnews/politics/archives/2013/11/20131101-211618.html

Prime Minister Stephen Harper delivered his highly anticipated speech at the Conservative Party convention in Calgary in front of a crowd of 3,000 Canadians, most of them Conservative delegates. As expected it was very partisan in nature and was intended to excite his party's supporters who reacted with much joy in seeing their leader address them. Most of the speech was about the many success stories of the Tory government including a strong economy, safe streets, scrapping the Wheat Board, the Long Gun registry, lowering the GST and most recently the EU trade deal. He also berated both opposition parties, the Liberals and NDP both long noted for dangerous fiscal policies and a long history of corruption both at a federal and provincial level.

Another hot topic for the Prime Minister was the Senate Scandal involving several Tory and Liberal senators. This has been a controversial issue in Canada for a while now because many believe the Senate to be a wasteful and generally useless government body. Stephen Harper advocated for the senators to be punished and assured his fellow Canadians that his office had nothing to do with the scandal and vowed to stop the Liberal senators blocking his attempts to end corruption in the Senate.

My opinion of his speech was that he did a very good job addressing his parties many success and also more important in reaching out to his base. As a Conservative supporter and Alberta resident I was overjoyed to watch the PM speak as Stephen Harper has done many and I mean many good things to Canada making us stronger and more independent. I think this will greatly increase his chances for a victory in the next election because most hard working Canadians who work for a living and support their families will want Stephen Harper as their leader. So NSG and more specifically my fellow Canucks, did Stephen Harper address his party well? Will the Conservatives win another majority in the next election? Discuss.

Why, that OP isn't biased at all, nosiree. I'd respond more thoroughly in an effort to help you understand why Stephen Harper is possibly the worst PM in Canadian history (combining corruption with ideological extremism), but from the tone of your OP, I don't think there's any point.

You've made up your mind, and a cursory reading of this thread shows that you've no interest in changing it....or even listening to any facts that contradict your assumptions and biases.

Food for thought: the word "Tory" came from an Irish term meaning "bandit".

...I was about to indignantly post that it's nothing of the sort, only to discover for myself that it's actually true. The term "Tory" comes from the Middle Irish "tóraidhe", meaning "outlaw", and was a term first applied to the political (and later military) supporters of James II of England.

While interesting however, it has little to do with today's politics.

NorthEast Alliance, would you consider addressing this, by any chance? Even the US traded with the Soviets.

Like I said many trade partners are a good thing, I am just saying side lining your greatest ally is foolish and unwise.

And slavishly kowtowing to the US - an empire in steep decline thanks to decades of economic right-wing policy hollowing out the middle class - is even more foolish and unwise. But it's what Harper's been doing - truly, under him, Canada is America's hat.



Any country presently allied to the USA should be diversifying its political and economic links as soon as they can.

Leaving the Pacific coast practically defenceless while spending hundreds of millions on a naval station in low-risk Nunavut
Screw climate change!
Appointing a small army of Tory staffers to the Senate
Proroguing Parliament over controversies... twice (Leftist Grand Coalition, 2008; Afghan Detainees Affair, 2010)
Withholding the true cost of the Lightning from public view
Letting this criminal in charge of CSIS' oversight committee
Patents > AIDS drugs for disadvantaged Africans
Failing promise to replace the WWII rifles used by the Arctic Rangers in time
Abolishing the long-form census for a nonexistent reason

I must admit that I haven't noticed anyone replying to this.

[Luveria]

If we want to ensure Canada's future, Harper cannot win in 2015.

*mumbles something about the idiot that decided not to put term limits in the Constitution Act*

That was me, sorry.

[Slarvainian]

Leaving the Pacific coast practically defenceless while spending hundreds of millions on a naval station in low-risk Nunavut
Screw climate change!
Appointing a small army of Tory staffers to the Senate
Proroguing Parliament over controversies... twice (Leftist Grand Coalition, 2008; Afghan Detainees Affair, 2010)
Withholding the true cost of the Lightning from public view
Letting this criminal in charge of CSIS' oversight committee
Patents > AIDS drugs for disadvantaged Africans
Failing promise to replace the WWII rifles used by the Arctic Rangers in time
Abolishing the long-form census for a nonexistent reason

I must admit that I haven't noticed anyone replying to this.

Damn that's actually a good collection of "things Harper has done wrong/F'ed up on.

[Slarvainian]

*mumbles something about the idiot that decided not to put term limits in the Constitution Act*

That was me, sorry.

Don't feel to bad. I still love you for the Trudeau years <3.

[Vamtrl]

I must admit that I haven't noticed anyone replying to this.

Damn that's actually a good collection of "things Harper has done wrong/F'ed up on.

Not really.

1) We need a presence in the arctic if we are going to start claiming all that land up there, as of now we can do fuck all if any other countries or companies violate our territory up there. Also, who on earth is going to attack Canada from the pacific? That is just beyond stupid.
2) Meh.
3) Would be the same for any other party in power. You do a house cleaning when you get into the seat of power and put in people who have the same views as you.
4) Those were douche moves by Harper.
5) Canada has the shittiest track record for military procurement, doesn't matter who is in power.
6) Douche bag and not surprised it has fucking Quebec involved, of course.
7) Douche move once more.
8 ) I read a forum on this, the guns our rangers have in the arctic is best suited for the job because of the cold.
9) Meh.

[Ainin]

Damn that's actually a good collection of "things Harper has done wrong/F'ed up on.

Not really.

1) We need a presence in the arctic if we are going to start claiming all that land up there, as of now we can do fuck all if any other countries or companies violate our territory up there. Also, who on earth is going to attack Canada from the pacific? That is just beyond stupid.
2) Meh.
3) Would be the same for any other party in power. You do a house cleaning when you get into the seat of power and put in people who have the same views as you.
4) Those were a douche move by Harper.
5) Canada has the shittiest track record for military procurement, doesn't matter who is in power.
6) Douche bag and not surprised it has fucking Quebec involved, of course.
7) Douche move once more.
I read a forum on this, the guns our rangers have in the arctic is best suited for the job because of the cold.
9) Meh.

1) We need a presence on the Pacific coast more. East Asia is getting more and more unstable and heavily-armed, and the RCN should focus on it.
3) But unlike those other parties, Harper promised not to appoint any new senators.
5) That has nothing to do with Stephen Harper (probably deliberately) misleading Canadians on the cost of the Lightning (which is a crap plane anyways)
They're on the brink of running of replacement parts. In case you didn't know, companies tend not to manufacture parts for WWII rifles.

[Vamtrl]

Not really.

1) We need a presence in the arctic if we are going to start claiming all that land up there, as of now we can do fuck all if any other countries or companies violate our territory up there. Also, who on earth is going to attack Canada from the pacific? That is just beyond stupid.
2) Meh.
3) Would be the same for any other party in power. You do a house cleaning when you get into the seat of power and put in people who have the same views as you.
4) Those were a douche move by Harper.
5) Canada has the shittiest track record for military procurement, doesn't matter who is in power.
6) Douche bag and not surprised it has fucking Quebec involved, of course.
7) Douche move once more.
I read a forum on this, the guns our rangers have in the arctic is best suited for the job because of the cold.
9) Meh.

1) We need a presence on the Pacific coast more. East Asia is getting more and more unstable and heavily-armed, and the RCN should focus on it.
3) But unlike those other parties, Harper promised not to appoint any new senators.
5) That has nothing to do with Stephen Harper (probably deliberately) misleading Canadians on the cost of the Lightning (which is a crap plane anyways)
They're on the brink of running of replacement parts. In case you didn't know, companies tend not to manufacture parts for WWII rifles.

1) No, no we don't need a presence in the pacific. That is a stupid reason to get involved in that part of the world, we have no skin in the game at all. What we need to do is invest in the arctic and protect our trade routes and resources that will actually directly benefit Canada.

3) Lots of promises are made and broken by people from both sides of the parties, doesn't make it right but its not uncommon.

5) Yea, its a whole lot more complex then that.

6) I read up on this. Not on the brink, they have several years worth of replacements before it becomes a problem. Though I would like to see them have new guns.

[Neo-Achaemenid Empire (Ancient)]

I really, really hope Harper and the Cons loose hardcore. I'm fine with Trudeau for the most part (I'd prefer NDP) so a coalition government with them or something would be much appreciated.

[Divair]

I really, really hope Harper and the Cons loose hardcore. I'm fine with Trudeau for the most part (I'd prefer NDP) so a coalition government with them or something would be much appreciated.

An NDP-led coalition with the Libs and Greens would be ideal.

[Neo-Achaemenid Empire (Ancient)]

I really, really hope Harper and the Cons loose hardcore. I'm fine with Trudeau for the most part (I'd prefer NDP) so a coalition government with them or something would be much appreciated.

An NDP-led coalition with the Libs and Greens would be ideal.

Aye it would. Depending on where I am in 2015 after I leave the UK, will probably depend on which party I'll help out.

[Thurask]

I just googled Harper's face...

He doesn't look very trustworthy... if I could vote I wouldn't pick his party cause he looks dodgy...

That would make an excellent anti-campaign poster.

*Harper's face on a poster*
"Would you vote for this shifty-looking bastard?"

(Progressive) Conservatives tried that in 1993, didn't work that well. Funny thing is, the guy who greenlit the face ad went on to run for Premier of Ontario, emphasized a non-issue on his platform and lost.

[Geilinor]

1) We need a presence on the Pacific coast more. East Asia is getting more and more unstable and heavily-armed, and the RCN should focus on it.
3) But unlike those other parties, Harper promised not to appoint any new senators.
5) That has nothing to do with Stephen Harper (probably deliberately) misleading Canadians on the cost of the Lightning (which is a crap plane anyways)
They're on the brink of running of replacement parts. In case you didn't know, companies tend not to manufacture parts for WWII rifles.

1) No, no we don't need a presence in the pacific. That is a stupid reason to get involved in that part of the world, we have no skin in the game at all. What we need to do is invest in the arctic and protect our trade routes and resources that will actually directly benefit Canada.

No skin in the game? Trade with China, for starters.

[NorthEast Alliance]

I can not stress enough on how I disagree with those who say Stephen Harper is extreme and is going to ruin Canada. This nation is only going to get stronger with Mr. Harper running not weaker or anything else. CBC and the mainstream media in Canada have made it out that Harper "stole" the election which is simply untrue. Your opinions are your own but how can the NDP or the Liberals govern Canada today?

The NDP is a radical protest party based in Quebec with a few isolated strongpoints through the country. Jack Layton was a socialist, I will say it again a socialist. Canada would not function as a nation with the NDP running it and Thomas Mulcair can pretend to be moderate all he wants he is just Layton's successor. It is not in the NDP's DNA to govern, just to protest and screw things up for the Conservatives.

I recommend you all read the book the Big Shift by Darrel Bricker and John Ibbitson which explains the downfall of the Liberal hegemony in Canada and how Canada is becoming more right-wing. Not hard right but centre right not allowing the NDP and the Liberals to run up the debt, overspend and raise taxes. The western provinces, suburban Ontario voters and in overwhelming numbers immigrants are voting for the Tories. You can't ignore the massive change going on in Canada.

[Geilinor]

That would make an excellent anti-campaign poster.

*Harper's face on a poster*
"Would you vote for this shifty-looking bastard?"

(Progressive) Conservatives tried that in 1993, didn't work that well.

Well, that's just terrible.

[Luveria]

(Progressive) Conservatives tried that in 1993, didn't work that well.

Well, that's just terrible.

That's fucking sad. Chretien had a legitimate medical excuse, but conservatives still gave him shit about it.

[Solaray]

Its likely either gonna be The Conservatives or the NDP. Im rooting for the Conservatives, but I bet it'll be a close race.

[Tlaceceyaya]

I can not stress enough on how I disagree with those who say Stephen Harper is extreme and is going to ruin Canada. This nation is only going to get stronger with Mr. Harper running not weaker or anything else. CBC and the mainstream media in Canada have made it out that Harper "stole" the election which is simply untrue. Your opinions are your own but how can the NDP or the Liberals govern Canada today?

The NDP is a radical protest party based in Quebec with a few isolated strongpoints through the country. Jack Layton was a socialist, I will say it again a socialist. Canada would not function as a nation with the NDP running it and Thomas Mulcair can pretend to be moderate all he wants he is just Layton's successor. It is not in the NDP's DNA to govern, just to protest and screw things up for the Conservatives.

I recommend you all read the book the Big Shift by Darrel Bricker and John Ibbitson which explains the downfall of the Liberal hegemony in Canada and how Canada is becoming more right-wing. Not hard right but centre right not allowing the NDP and the Liberals to run up the debt, overspend and raise taxes. The western provinces, suburban Ontario voters and in overwhelming numbers immigrants are voting for the Tories. You can't ignore the massive change going on in Canada.

I wish the NDP was socialist. But social democracy is not socialism.

[NorthEast Alliance]

I can not stress enough on how I disagree with those who say Stephen Harper is extreme and is going to ruin Canada. This nation is only going to get stronger with Mr. Harper running not weaker or anything else. CBC and the mainstream media in Canada have made it out that Harper "stole" the election which is simply untrue. Your opinions are your own but how can the NDP or the Liberals govern Canada today?

The NDP is a radical protest party based in Quebec with a few isolated strongpoints through the country. Jack Layton was a socialist, I will say it again a socialist. Canada would not function as a nation with the NDP running it and Thomas Mulcair can pretend to be moderate all he wants he is just Layton's successor. It is not in the NDP's DNA to govern, just to protest and screw things up for the Conservatives.

I recommend you all read the book the Big Shift by Darrel Bricker and John Ibbitson which explains the downfall of the Liberal hegemony in Canada and how Canada is becoming more right-wing. Not hard right but centre right not allowing the NDP and the Liberals to run up the debt, overspend and raise taxes. The western provinces, suburban Ontario voters and in overwhelming numbers immigrants are voting for the Tories. You can't ignore the massive change going on in Canada.

I wish the NDP was socialist. But social democracy is not socialism.

They advocate for radical socialism though, Jack Layton was noted for his strong anti oil sands views which under his rule would destroy Canada's economy. The NDP even today is dangerously radicalized with Quebec far left extremists and hard-core liberal defectors.

[Avenio]

The western provinces, suburban Ontario voters and in overwhelming numbers immigrants are voting for the Tories. You can't ignore the massive change going on in Canada.

That's a dreadfully simplistic and inaccurate summation of the demographics of Canadian politics.

The pattern that's held for years now is still holding strong; the urban centres tend to lean towards the centre and to the left (and thus towards the NDP, Bloc and Liberals), while rural areas tend to either lean hard towards the NDP or towards the Tories, mostly on a East-West gradation, and with the notable exception of the maritimes.

Which is to say that the Western provinces are indeed a stronghold of the Tories, but mostly outside of the cities - look in the city centres of places like Vancouver and Toronto, and you'll see a lot more problematic results for the Tories, particularly considering the growth of the cities. The Tories' 'natural demographic' lives in the West and in small towns and cities, speaks English, and is unabashedly fairly populist in tenor. They don't like big government, they like business, and they vote uniformly and unchangingly for the Tories every election without fail. That base gives them about 25-30% of the popular vote Canada-wide in a good turnout year.

As we've seen in the last decade, that 25% isn't enough to win much. The string of minority governments they've won since 2006 have been due to that demographic and the small chunk of the 'swing vote' they've been able to capture from the centre, primarily from the Liberals due to a series of increasingly poor showings in elections. The 'bump' they recieved in the last election, for instance, was due to almost the entirety of the centre-right and probably a good chunk of the pure centre votes deserting the sinking RMS Ignatieff in droves - and while they didn't feel comfortable voting for the NDP, they were comfortable voting for the Tories, given limited options, and they did so, pushing Harper over the line into majority-dom.

The problem, as you can imagine, is that those Liberals are not a resource the Tories can count on. Courting them by moving to the centre is a politically-expensive move, and produces much wailing and gnashing of the teeth from the Tory back benchers from the West, and leads to things like caucus mutinies and obstructionism if pushed too far. On the flip side, if they don't do enough to court them, a resurgent Liberal party under Trudeau will be able to get them back into the fold posthaste, and the Tories will be looking at the same demographic squeeze that they faced between 2006 and 2011.

This all ties back to the main demographic issue; the cities are growing, immigrant populations are growing, and all of the parties want a share of that increasingly-big piece of pie. The problem for the Tories is that while these populations do agree with them on some things - like pro-business measures, tax cuts and the like - they aren't 'natural' Tory voters. They are city-dwellers, after all, so they care about things like infrastructure development, public transit and the environment much more than the average Tory voter, and are much more centrist in general when compared to the Tory faithful.

That means that they're natural voters not of the Tories, but the Liberals, who have made city-dwellers and centrists the bread-and-butter of the 70 of the last 100 years they've been in power. They have the credentials, the history and the political machinery to exploit this growth, and, based upon Trudeau's performance thus far, they finally have the competence and spine to actually reach out and try it. And when the Tories try to fight the Liberals on their own turf, odds are they're going to lose. And, of course, they don't need to lose much in order to lose it all, since they have such a loose grasp on the forces holding onto their majority in the first place.

Even a Liberal minority government would, I think, inevitably lead to a civil war within the Tory establishment as to the future within their party, and, given that, I think it would mean that a more centrist, urban Tory party would rise out of the ashes - and that's definitely at odds with the 'right wing revolution' you're opining for.

[Greater Somalia]

I don't like the way Harper jumps into foreign conflicts...especially the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We Canadians should stay the hell out of other peoples' internal affairs. As for Harper lambasting other parties for their association with corruption...I don't think most of us Canadians have forgotten about the spiralling cost tag for the f-35 jet.