2017 Canadian Politics Megathread - Sesquicentennial Edition

[The Derpy Democratic Republic Of Herp]

Anyone have any opinions of the 2017 BC provincial elections? It'll be the first election that I will be able to vote in, so ill definitely be even more obsessed than I would usually be.

But really, I'd vote liberal, but I have no clue whats going on there.

[Great Franconia and Verana]

Conservatives

BC Liberals, you mean? The Conservatives basically don't exist provincially.

This^
It's basically the NDP on the left, BC Liberals broadly being on the centre right, essentially a fusion of many federal Conservative and Liberal voters, and then the Greens.

The provincial Tories haven't been a huge presence since the 1950s when they got outflanked by Social Credit.

[Nation of Quebec]

Last polling I've seen out of BC has the Liberals (who I think are Liberal in name only) and the NDP fairly close together, but that was back in November. The Greens were polling in the mid-teens and I expect a stronger showing from them. From my understanding the BC Conservatives aren't really a strong enough party to make an impact yet.

The real interesting provincial election will be the next Ontario one in 2018. The PCs are currently leading in the polls, but they were also leading in the polls in the last two elections they easily could have won. They have a knack for botching easily winnable elections.

[Great Franconia and Verana]

Last polling I've seen out of BC has the Liberals (who I think are Liberal in name only) and the NDP fairly close together, but that was back in November. The Greens were polling in the mid-teens and I expect a stronger showing from them. From my understanding the BC Conservatives aren't really a strong enough party to make an impact yet.

The real interesting provincial election will be the next Ontario one in 2018. The PCs are currently leading in the polls, but they were also leading in the polls in the last two elections they easily could have won. They have a knack for botching easily winnable elections.

It would be a miracle if Kathleen Wynne could pull out another victory.
However, Patrick Brown feels like a flip-flopper whose only conviction is power. He was a fairly staunch social conservative Federally, but now he is trying to pull the old PC schtick of being in the middle.

[Ainin]

The results of the 2018 Quebec election should be interesting too, with the PQ in disarray.

[Nation of Quebec]

Last polling I've seen out of BC has the Liberals (who I think are Liberal in name only) and the NDP fairly close together, but that was back in November. The Greens were polling in the mid-teens and I expect a stronger showing from them. From my understanding the BC Conservatives aren't really a strong enough party to make an impact yet.

The real interesting provincial election will be the next Ontario one in 2018. The PCs are currently leading in the polls, but they were also leading in the polls in the last two elections they easily could have won. They have a knack for botching easily winnable elections.

It would be a miracle if Kathleen Wynne could pull out another victory.
However, Patrick Brown feels like a flip-flopper whose only conviction is power. He was a fairly staunch social conservative Federally, but now he is trying to pull the old PC schtick of being in the middle.

It'll be interesting to see how they campaign and how they keep all of the social conservatives in the party in check. The PCs can't win on social issues. I don't trust Patrick Brown. He was a staunch social conservative before so it's hard for me to take him at his word now, especially when social conservatives are winning by-elections and defeated Conservative MPs are winning nominations.

Regardless, I think I'll do what I did last election, which was decline my ballot in protest.

I'm predicting a minority government either way.

[Major-Tom]

Conservatives

BC Liberals, you mean? The Conservatives basically don't exist provincially.

Yeah haha

[Slarvainian]

It is in my opinion that Kevin O'Leary will be the next Prime Minister of Canada. I don't know if it will happen the next election or the one after, but he will be the next.

I think over the next few years Canada will see an increase in the "progressive narrative". People yelling "check your privilege" will not be confined to university campuses but will enter into the public eye. People will view these identitrians as ignoring valid civil issues and will reject the Trudeau government as being part of that ilk. Economic issues will become center focused in the 35-45% of Canadians needed to win a federal election and will see Kevin O'leary, popularized by The Lang and O'leary exchange and Dragons Den, as the economic pragmatist, the populist with a goal to shrink government bureaucracy and provide Canadians with the services they want while trying to eliminate waste. That all may not actually be true, but he will be perceived that way and winning elections is all about perception.

I voted Green last election. I'm not a conservative, but unless Trudeau or the future NDP leader change their tune, the left will crumble as it did in the US and Kevin O'leary will be the next Prime Minister of Canada.

[Oneracon]

Anyone have any opinions of the 2017 BC provincial elections? It'll be the first election that I will be able to vote in, so ill definitely be even more obsessed than I would usually be.

But really, I'd vote liberal, but I have no clue whats going on there.

BC Liberals are conservatives,* so you probably shouldn't.

* Ok, that's oversimplifying it a little bit since the BC Liberals are more centre-right and tend to hold support from both people who vote Liberal and those who vote Conservative federally... it's part of the grand tradition in BC of parties joining together because the CCF/NDP is their common enemy.

---

It would be a miracle if Kathleen Wynne could pull out another victory.
However, Patrick Brown feels like a flip-flopper whose only conviction is power. He was a fairly staunch social conservative Federally, but now he is trying to pull the old PC schtick of being in the middle.

It'll be interesting to see how they campaign and how they keep all of the social conservatives in the party in check. The PCs can't win on social issues. I don't trust Patrick Brown. He was a staunch social conservative before so it's hard for me to take him at his word now, especially when social conservatives are winning by-elections and defeated Conservative MPs are winning nominations.

Regardless, I think I'll do what I did last election, which was decline my ballot in protest.

I'm predicting a minority government either way.

Regardless of who I support, my interest is primarily keeping Patrick Brown as far from the reigns of power as possible. I'd rather deal with more Wynne corruption and entitlement than let the PCs win... the devil you know, etc.

Ideally I could support a Liberal minority government with the NDP keeping them on a leash (like they had before Andrea Horwath messed it up in the early Wynne days).

[MERIZoC]

The results of the 2018 Quebec election should be interesting too, with the PQ in disarray.

Surprise QS clean sweep

[The Derpy Democratic Republic Of Herp]

It is in my opinion that Kevin O'Leary will be the next Prime Minister of Canada. I don't know if it will happen the next election or the one after, but he will be the next.

I think over the next few years Canada will see an increase in the "progressive narrative". People yelling "check your privilege" will not be confined to university campuses but will enter into the public eye. People will view these identitrians as ignoring valid civil issues and will reject the Trudeau government as being part of that ilk. Economic issues will become center focused in the 35-45% of Canadians needed to win a federal election and will see Kevin O'leary, popularized by The Lang and O'leary exchange and Dragons Den, as the economic pragmatist, the populist with a goal to shrink government bureaucracy and provide Canadians with the services they want while trying to eliminate waste. That all may not actually be true, but he will be perceived that way and winning elections is all about perception.

I voted Green last election. I'm not a conservative, but unless Trudeau or the future NDP leader change their tune, the left will crumble as it did in the US and Kevin O'leary will be the next Prime Minister of Canada.

Trudeau has been MP for over 2 years now, and I live in a Liberal riding.

I have never heard the words "check your privilege" IRL.

I doubt that Kevin O'leary will be the next PM.

Plus, I can vote now.

But really, I'd vote liberal, but I have no clue whats going on there.

BC Liberals are conservatives,* so you probably shouldn't.

* Ok, that's oversimplifying it a little bit since the BC Liberals are more centre-right and tend to hold support from both people who vote Liberal and those who vote Conservative federally... it's part of the grand tradition in BC of parties joining together because the CCF/NDP is their common enemy.

Ok then...NDP maybe?

But check your local MPP and issues.

Vote for whomever you agree with most.

[Camicon]

It is in my opinion that Kevin O'Leary will be the next Prime Minister of Canada. I don't know if it will happen the next election or the one after, but he will be the next.

I think over the next few years Canada will see an increase in the "progressive narrative". People yelling "check your privilege" will not be confined to university campuses but will enter into the public eye. People will view these identitrians as ignoring valid civil issues and will reject the Trudeau government as being part of that ilk. Economic issues will become center focused in the 35-45% of Canadians needed to win a federal election and will see Kevin O'leary, popularized by The Lang and O'leary exchange and Dragons Den, as the economic pragmatist, the populist with a goal to shrink government bureaucracy and provide Canadians with the services they want while trying to eliminate waste. That all may not actually be true, but he will be perceived that way and winning elections is all about perception.

I voted Green last election. I'm not a conservative, but unless Trudeau or the future NDP leader change their tune, the left will crumble as it did in the US and Kevin O'leary will be the next Prime Minister of Canada.

[MERIZoC]

It is in my opinion that Kevin O'Leary will be the next Prime Minister of Canada. I don't know if it will happen the next election or the one after, but he will be the next.

I think over the next few years Canada will see an increase in the "progressive narrative". People yelling "check your privilege" will not be confined to university campuses but will enter into the public eye. People will view these identitrians as ignoring valid civil issues and will reject the Trudeau government as being part of that ilk. Economic issues will become center focused in the 35-45% of Canadians needed to win a federal election and will see Kevin O'leary, popularized by The Lang and O'leary exchange and Dragons Den, as the economic pragmatist, the populist with a goal to shrink government bureaucracy and provide Canadians with the services they want while trying to eliminate waste. That all may not actually be true, but he will be perceived that way and winning elections is all about perception.

I voted Green last election. I'm not a conservative, but unless Trudeau or the future NDP leader change their tune, the left will crumble as it did in the US and Kevin O'leary will be the next Prime Minister of Canada.

I refuse to believe this isnt someone trying to start a copypasta

[Major-Tom]

It is in my opinion that Kevin O'Leary will be the next Prime Minister of Canada. I don't know if it will happen the next election or the one after, but he will be the next.

I think over the next few years Canada will see an increase in the "progressive narrative". People yelling "check your privilege" will not be confined to university campuses but will enter into the public eye. People will view these identitrians as ignoring valid civil issues and will reject the Trudeau government as being part of that ilk. Economic issues will become center focused in the 35-45% of Canadians needed to win a federal election and will see Kevin O'leary, popularized by The Lang and O'leary exchange and Dragons Den, as the economic pragmatist, the populist with a goal to shrink government bureaucracy and provide Canadians with the services they want while trying to eliminate waste. That all may not actually be true, but he will be perceived that way and winning elections is all about perception.

I voted Green last election. I'm not a conservative, but unless Trudeau or the future NDP leader change their tune, the left will crumble as it did in the US and Kevin O'leary will be the next Prime Minister of Canada.

As unlikely as it seems(I don't see O'Leary winning the leadership bid), it is within the realm of possibility.

[Major-Tom]

That said shit, in first round polling, Mr. O'Leary leads by a little bit in the polls that include him(anytime in 2016.) Surprising, tbh.

[Camicon]

As unlikely as it seems(I don't see O'Leary winning the leadership bid), it is within the realm of possibility.

I'll take O'Leary seriously once he starts polling in the top five. If he starts polling there. Hasn't even thrown his hat in yet.

[Bogdanov Vishniac]

It is in my opinion that Kevin O'Leary will be the next Prime Minister of Canada. I don't know if it will happen the next election or the one after, but he will be the next.

I think over the next few years Canada will see an increase in the "progressive narrative". People yelling "check your privilege" will not be confined to university campuses but will enter into the public eye. People will view these identitrians as ignoring valid civil issues and will reject the Trudeau government as being part of that ilk.

I really doubt it. There really isn't any media or popular appetite to start up a culture war in Canada. Especially one as niche as the internet crusade against 'identitarianism'.

[Great Franconia and Verana]

It is in my opinion that Kevin O'Leary will be the next Prime Minister of Canada. I don't know if it will happen the next election or the one after, but he will be the next.

I think over the next few years Canada will see an increase in the "progressive narrative". People yelling "check your privilege" will not be confined to university campuses but will enter into the public eye. People will view these identitrians as ignoring valid civil issues and will reject the Trudeau government as being part of that ilk. Economic issues will become center focused in the 35-45% of Canadians needed to win a federal election and will see Kevin O'leary, popularized by The Lang and O'leary exchange and Dragons Den, as the economic pragmatist, the populist with a goal to shrink government bureaucracy and provide Canadians with the services they want while trying to eliminate waste. That all may not actually be true, but he will be perceived that way and winning elections is all about perception.

I voted Green last election. I'm not a conservative, but unless Trudeau or the future NDP leader change their tune, the left will crumble as it did in the US and Kevin O'leary will be the next Prime Minister of Canada.

Yeah I really find that turn of events doubtful.

I'm a Liberal, and in such crazy political times, I'm actually very happy that we have a progressive, same government at the moment.

I do have a distaste for the NDP however, particularly at the federal level. Mulcair never sat well with me, and I lost almost all respect for them during the contrived "Elbow gate" debacle. Nathan Cullen seems decent enough, I hope he ends up Leader one day.

[Arridian Islands]

Hmm, well what can I say? Sometimes populism can be a good thing, or at least be evident of some internal anger. But I like to think most Canadians aren't as uptight as Americans - this can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on the status of things.

Well, what is it that Canadians are angry about, if anything?

Angry that wealthy immigrrants, mainly Chinese, come here, buy all our houses, and make it damn near impossible for a CANADIAN to OWN a house. Emphasis on own: I'm not saying all Canadians are homeless.

[The Derpy Democratic Republic Of Herp]

Hmm, well what can I say? Sometimes populism can be a good thing, or at least be evident of some internal anger. But I like to think most Canadians aren't as uptight as Americans - this can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on the status of things.

Well, what is it that Canadians are angry about, if anything?

Not really much.

[Great Franconia and Verana]

Well, what is it that Canadians are angry about, if anything?

Angry that wealthy immigrrants, mainly Chinese, come here, buy all our houses, and make it damn near impossible for a CANADIAN to OWN a house. Emphasis on own: I'm not saying all Canadians are homeless.

Eh, I live in Vancouver, probably the place where the housing prices are currently the worst, and most people don't blame any single ethnic group, there is just a general consensus something has to be done about it.
Though, that being said, few people actually know what to do.

[Bogdanov Vishniac]

Well, what is it that Canadians are angry about, if anything?

Angry that wealthy immigrrants, mainly Chinese, come here, buy all our houses, and make it damn near impossible for a CANADIAN to OWN a house. Emphasis on own: I'm not saying all Canadians are homeless.

Part of the problem is that it's not even 'immigrants', per se. A lot of properties are snatched up as investment vehicles and just sit vacant.

[Camicon]

Well, what is it that Canadians are angry about, if anything?

Angry that wealthy immigrrants, mainly Chinese, come here, buy all our houses, and make it damn near impossible for a CANADIAN to OWN a house. Emphasis on own: I'm not saying all Canadians are homeless.

It's not because of Chinese investors buying up real estate in Calgary that I won't be able to own a house. It's because the cost of living, year over year, is increasing faster than our wages. It's because people are working long past the point when their predecessor had retired, locking up what few well-paying jobs there are, while those new jobs that are created are piss-poor minimum wage shit shows.

My generation will be the first to be worse off than our parents were, and it's not because of a handful of rich foreigners buying real estate.

[Bogdanov Vishniac]

Angry that wealthy immigrrants, mainly Chinese, come here, buy all our houses, and make it damn near impossible for a CANADIAN to OWN a house. Emphasis on own: I'm not saying all Canadians are homeless.

It's not because of Chinese investors buying up real estate in Calgary that I won't be able to own a house. It's because the cost of living, year over year, is increasing faster than our wages. It's because people are working long past the point when their predecessor had retired, taking up what few well-paying jobs there are.

My generation will be the first to be worse off than our parents were, and it's not because of a handful of rich foreigners buying real estate.

But rich foreigners and their money make for excellent scapegoats.

[Marcurix]

Having kept a little bit of an eye on the Canadian conservative race, you really can't discount an O'Leary win at this point.

in fact, I would say it's fairly likely. The other candidates haven't got any serious pull, and from what I hear the French-language debate that happened recently was lackluster.

O'Leary has a name, he is recognised. Not for the right reasons, mind you, but is does count for something. That alone might be enough for him to win the race when the field is so crowded with few stand-alones.

Whether that's enough to win a general election is another matter, particularly with Canada looking at a more proportional system.

Of course that all said I'm not really aware of any of the man's policies beyond a few publicity stunts.