2015 Canadian Election

[Napkiraly]

I'd say it would depend on their record as a government. If they perform really well with their current stances, perhaps not. And of course the state of both the Liberals and the Cons in the next election.

Lawrence Martin at the G&M argued a good way to get more support among more centrist minded people would be to boost defence spending a bit more given how the Harper government actually has allowed defence spending to dip to 1% of GDP, which in turn could help blunt attacks that the NDP are soft on defence and don't "support the troops".

wait, when you say dip, you mean to say it was higher? of like it touched that on spending in recent years? Also, you'd think wanting to help the vets was more of Canadian centrist thing, but I guess my parents aren't the majority on this.

IIRC when Harper came in defence spending was 1.2% of GDP.

Well you can do both, which is the best thing all around.

[Fanosolia]

wait, when you say dip, you mean to say it was higher? of like it touched that on spending in recent years? Also, you'd think wanting to help the vets was more of Canadian centrist thing, but I guess my parents aren't the majority on this.

IIRC when Harper came in defence spending was 1.2% of GDP.

Well you can do both, which is the best thing all around.

Huh, I didn't think the cuts are that broad.

True, I mean it's not like we're the us, I just tend to prioritize helping those that come home, than sending more out.

[Napkiraly]

IIRC when Harper came in defence spending was 1.2% of GDP.

Well you can do both, which is the best thing all around.

Huh, I didn't think the cuts are that broad.

True, I mean it's not like we're the us, I just tend to prioritize helping those that come home, than sending more out.

Well no, he has increased it but not to the point where it's keeping with inflation. So hence, defence spending has still been reduced as % of GDP.

Enh, you don't have to send them out if you increase defence spending. Though I am opposed to the NDP's opposition to our combat mission against ISIS.

[Nation of Quebec]

I honestly feel that if Harper doesn't win the elections, his career as a politician might end which is something that I am very happy about.

For Harper, its majority or nothing. Even if he can eke out a minority, it will still mortally wound his authority. And then, Even if he does get another majority, which thankfully looks like a slim prospect, i think he would resign before the next election. His support seems stuck around the high twenties and it doesnt seem to be getting any better.

After he leaves it would begin the battle to succeed him. I think he top contenders would be John Baird, Peter MacKay, Jason Kenney, or, as a dark horse candidate, Lisa Raitt.
Baird and MacKay might be retired or retiring but i think the opportunity would be a bit too tempting for them to take up.

Baird and MacKay have retired. Baird has already moved on to cushy Board of Director jobs so I can't see him returning to politics. I could possibly see Kenney taking over despite the rumors of his sexuality. Not sure about Raitt.

It also depends on what higher profile Conservatives lose their seats in this election. Chris Alexander (Ajax), is currently projected to lose his riding and Joe Oliver (Eglinton-Lawrence) is in the fight for his political career. Joe Oliver is too old anyway even if he wanted the job. I simply can't imagine someone like that slimeball Pierre Pollivere running (he is too much of a yes man and dependent on Harper).

Who knows, maybe Doug Ford would become the next Conservative leader.

[Zoscua]

My only question with that is then would the ndp have to concern itself with being more board to keep that status? I know that people have gone on about how it's already apparently more centered now.

Who knows? Maybe the NDP will tack back to the left if they get into power and people will like it. It's a big mystery until October 19th

All parties tend to tack to the center when they're in power. Social democratic parties even more so.

[Nation of Quebec]

It's only been three weeks into the campaign and there have already been several candidate gaffes:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/candida ... -1.3202439

The misogynist posts are the ones that concern me most. It's appalling that people like that were vetted to be candidates in the first place.

Expect many more gaffes to come to light until October 19.

[Fanosolia]

Huh, I didn't think the cuts are that broad.

True, I mean it's not like we're the us, I just tend to prioritize helping those that come home, than sending more out.

Well no, he has increased it but not to the point where it's keeping with inflation. So hence, defence spending has still been reduced as % of GDP.

Enh, you don't have to send them out if you increase defence spending. Though I am opposed to the NDP's opposition to our combat mission against ISIS.

Oh okay I see. I guess I didn't understand what you meant at first. sorry.

True, I prefer it being used for training rather than being activate. Then again, it's not the wisest to listen to me about forgin affairs. I'm more of a domestic man.

[Geilinor]

Lawrence Martin at the G&M argued a good way to get more support among more centrist minded people would be to boost defence spending a bit more given how the Harper government actually has allowed defence spending to dip to 1% of GDP, which in turn could help blunt attacks that the NDP are soft on defence and don't "support the troops".

The NDP could keep defense spending the same but campaign on how they respect the troops.

[Geilinor]

It's only been three weeks into the campaign and there have already been several candidate gaffes:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/candida ... -1.3202439

The misogynist posts are the ones that concern me most. It's appalling that people like that were vetted to be candidates in the first place.

Expect many more gaffes to come to light until October 19.

Ala Buzreba, a Liberal candidate in Calgary, decided to pull out of the race hours after she apologized for offensive comments she made on social media when she was a teenager.

That seems unnecessary - she was a teenager.

[MERIZoC]

It's only been three weeks into the campaign and there have already been several candidate gaffes:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/candida ... -1.3202439

The misogynist posts are the ones that concern me most. It's appalling that people like that were vetted to be candidates in the first place.

Expect many more gaffes to come to light until October 19.

Linda McQuaig, one of the NDP's more prominent candidates, stirred up controversy after saying on a CBC Power & Politics panel that for Canada to meet its climate change targets, "a lot of the oilsands oil may have to stay in the ground."

What a gaffe.

[Fanosolia]

It's only been three weeks into the campaign and there have already been several candidate gaffes:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/candida ... -1.3202439

The misogynist posts are the ones that concern me most. It's appalling that people like that were vetted to be candidates in the first place.

Expect many more gaffes to come to light until October 19.

Ala Buzreba, a Liberal candidate in Calgary, decided to pull out of the race hours after she apologized for offensive comments she made on social media when she was a teenager.

That seems unnecessary - she was a teenager.

It's an annoying thing some people have to put up with, and it's sorta sad to be honest. You get these people who'll find anything to just ground you into paste, even if you changed since you posted it.\\

It's only been three weeks into the campaign and there have already been several candidate gaffes:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/candida ... -1.3202439

The misogynist posts are the ones that concern me most. It's appalling that people like that were vetted to be candidates in the first place.

Expect many more gaffes to come to light until October 19.

Linda McQuaig, one of the NDP's more prominent candidates, stirred up controversy after saying on a CBC Power & Politics panel that for Canada to meet its climate change targets, "a lot of the oilsands oil may have to stay in the ground."

What a gaffe.

isn't that sort of a fact?

[Eol Sha]

Lawrence Martin at the G&M argued a good way to get more support among more centrist minded people would be to boost defence spending a bit more given how the Harper government actually has allowed defence spending to dip to 1% of GDP, which in turn could help blunt attacks that the NDP are soft on defence and don't "support the troops".

The NDP could keep defense spending the same but campaign on how they respect the troops.

Does Canada have specific veterans care service? Like the VA in the US?

[The Salvatagard Republic]

Canada is a Confederation? That reminds, why is Canada larger than America if America is way older?

Canada was established in 1534.

Was not. It was formed in 1867 while America, my native land and home, was formed 1776. That also reminds me why America has so many younger sisters.

[The Salvatagard Republic]

Canada is a Confederation? That reminds, why is Canada larger than America if America is way older?

No, Canada is a federal state. "Confederation" in Canada refers to the joining of various provinces and territories to the nation that is now Canada, which didn't happen all at once.

As for size, it was a bit of our reward for not throwing a tantrum and declaring ourselves independent unilaterally. Much of the land that is now Canada was part of Rupert's Land, a territory controlled by the Hudson Bay Company (which is now a chain of upscale department stores that also owns Lord & Taylor and Saks Fifth Avenue), or British territories on the Pacific and Arctic coasts.

In my opion, The British should've left the plan from President James K. Polk for Oregon country.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oregon_Country

And ok. Thank you for some history about British Canada (1670-1867)

[Nation of Quebec]

It's only been three weeks into the campaign and there have already been several candidate gaffes:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/candida ... -1.3202439

The misogynist posts are the ones that concern me most. It's appalling that people like that were vetted to be candidates in the first place.

Expect many more gaffes to come to light until October 19.

Ala Buzreba, a Liberal candidate in Calgary, decided to pull out of the race hours after she apologized for offensive comments she made on social media when she was a teenager.

That seems unnecessary - she was a teenager.

Yeah, I kinda agree with you on that one. We all say stupid things as teenagers. The only difference now is that social media makes those stupid things publicly available.

Still, I give the candidate credit for apologizing and stepping down. That's more than I can say for the asshole who thinks violence against women is funny.

[Napkiraly]

Lawrence Martin at the G&M argued a good way to get more support among more centrist minded people would be to boost defence spending a bit more given how the Harper government actually has allowed defence spending to dip to 1% of GDP, which in turn could help blunt attacks that the NDP are soft on defence and don't "support the troops".

The NDP could keep defense spending the same but campaign on how they respect the troops.

Everyone says how they respect the troops. Promising to raise it though would pretty much negate any attempt to make them look weak on defence. Also it'd gain the respect of our partners in NATO.

[Ever Victorious Iron Willed Commanders]

I'm not from Canada myself, but I would support either the Liberals or New Democrats.

[Napkiraly]

The NDP could keep defense spending the same but campaign on how they respect the troops.

Does Canada have specific veterans care service? Like the VA in the US?

We have Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC). Though it also covers former members of the RCMP and not just military personnel.

[Nation of Quebec]

New Forum Research poll has the NDP in front in near majority territory, the Liberals in second, the Conservatives in third.

http://www.thestar.com/news/federal-ele ... gests.html

An outliner or a sign of things to come?

It is a contrast to the Angus Reed poll that had the Conservatives above 30% for the first time since the election began, but Angus Reed always overestimates the Conservatives and underestimates the Liberals. Both polls should probably be taken skeptically until a trend is established.

[MERIZoC]

What a gaffe.

isn't that sort of a fact?

Basically. But it goes to show how much of an oil nation Canada has become that even the CBC is ridiculing those who speak out against the tar sands.

[Oneracon]

New Forum Research poll has the NDP in front in near majority territory, the Liberals in second, the Conservatives in third.

http://www.thestar.com/news/federal-ele ... gests.html

An outliner or a sign of things to come?

It is a contrast to the Angus Reed poll that had the Conservatives above 30% for the first time since the election began, but Angus Reed always overestimates the Conservatives and underestimates the Liberals. Both polls should probably be taken skeptically until a trend is established.

It'll be interesting to see if this holds.

I actually just got a pamphlet from my local Liberal candidate today that warned how a vote for the NDP in my riding would be a vote for Harper. (For context: My riding has been Liberal since the '80s and went Conservative very narrowly in the last election) It's perfectly done because it leads people who might vote NDP, such as myself, to second guess our choices as we get closer to election day.

[Nation of Quebec]

New Forum Research poll has the NDP in front in near majority territory, the Liberals in second, the Conservatives in third.

http://www.thestar.com/news/federal-ele ... gests.html

An outliner or a sign of things to come?

It is a contrast to the Angus Reed poll that had the Conservatives above 30% for the first time since the election began, but Angus Reed always overestimates the Conservatives and underestimates the Liberals. Both polls should probably be taken skeptically until a trend is established.

It'll be interesting to see if this holds.

I actually just got a pamphlet from my local Liberal candidate today that warned how a vote for the NDP in my riding would be a vote for Harper. (For context: My riding has been Liberal since the '80s and went Conservative very narrowly in the last election) It's perfectly done because it leads people who might vote NDP, such as myself, to second guess our choices as we get closer to election day.

That's why it's good to check out sites like 308, which aggregates all of the polls. If your goal is to defeat Stephen Harper and the Conservatives, then strategic voting is the way to go. Vote for whatever candidate has the best chance of defeating the Conservative in your riding.

[Lovable Alien Overlord]

I just turned 18, and this is the first time I'll ever vote in an election. With that said, I will support Harper because he's the least likely to break something. Personally, I don't trust Trudeau or Mulcair with the fate of my country.

[Bogdanov Vishniac]

I just turned 18, and this is the first time I'll ever vote in an election. With that said, I will support Harper because he's the least likely to break something. Personally, I don't trust Trudeau or Mulcair with the fate of my country.

Strange reasoning, since Harper's economic stewardship is pretty much the only reason why Canafa's fallen into a recession again.

[Nation of Quebec]

I just turned 18, and this is the first time I'll ever vote in an election. With that said, I will support Harper because he's the least likely to break something. Personally, I don't trust Trudeau or Mulcair with the fate of my country.

Strange reasoning, since Harper's economic stewardship is pretty much the only reason why Canafa's fallen into a recession again.

Yeah, it's hard to take Harper seriously when he's been leading us into another recession, never balanced a budget, ruined Canada's reputation on the world stage, and left behind a partisan swamp of corruption and scandal. I'm not sure why you'd call that "not breaking anything".

Perhaps the Libertarian party might be a good party for the dissatisfied Conservative if they can't support the NDP or Liberals.