Yes I know this isn’t a politics blog and I’m really not into politics either, but I can’t help but notice the chaos going on behind who should be Canada’s Prime Minister. I’m not with or against the coalition since I don’t know enough details to choose a side. I just find it strange that we cannot choose who we want as our leader in a fair democratic process. US citizens got to vote for who they would like to become their leader, why can’t we do the same?
I also don’t understand why we wasted our time voting if the results meant nothing? and how on earth can a parliment do nothing for over 2 months (not to mention the time wasted during the elections) and maintain a leading role in the world and a strong local economy?
I feel pretty well informed on the subject, and I couldn’t agree more. In the States the system doesn’t force you to vote party line. If I wanted to vote for Harper but didn’t like my local PC candidate, I should be able to vote for somebody else locally and Harper federally. I can’t, and it sucks.
Example: My riding is currently PC, but our last Liberal MP was one of the few in the party to oppose gay marriage. In my books that’s a really backwards situation, and I’d never vote for the guy because of it. Had I wanted a Liberal PM, I still wouldn’t have voted Liberal because I don’t want that guy representing my riding. That’s a failure of the system.
And this coalition thing just makes my blood boil. If they were to merge the two parties that’d be one thing, but right now they’re two parties throwing equal-sized hissy fits until they get their way with no tangible repercussions.
I’m far less likely to vote for a Dion-led Liberal party or a Layton-led NDP party in the future. Hopefully other Canadians will think the same way.
I’d rather NOT have it like the US.…ever hear of “super delegates”?? THEY have the power to overturn any public opinion. No thanks!
And we can call an election, campaign and vote all within a few months. In the US it takes, what, 3 years? Again, no thanks!
Yes this is not the place for a political blog.
The Harper government makes my blood boil…you do realise he wants to stop/cap womens pay equality? Bankrupt the opposition?
so on that note that is all i will say..
@Uechi Boy It’s the place to post whatever the heck Boo feels like.
“Had I wanted a Liberal PM, I still wouldn’t have voted Liberal because I don’t want that guy representing my riding. That’s a failure of the system.”
We DON’T vote for our PM. We vote for a representative and then based on who is elected as MPs a PM is chosen. When voting for your MP you should be considering which candidate will represent you the best, NOT who you’re hoping to see as Prime Minister. If you view that as a failure that’s fine, but that’s how it’s supposed to work. You’re not supposed to vote for a Liberal MP because you want a Liberal PM.
Also, Canada isn’t a Democracy, we’re a Constitutional Monarchy.
I’d also rather not have a system like the U.S.‘s. Have you heard of the Electoral College? Enough said…
@lilad — “You’re not supposed to vote for a Liberal MP because you want a Liberal PM.”
Says who? You can vote for whoever you want, based on whatever reason you want.
Lots of Canadians practice strategic voting…and if the strategy is to vote for an XX MP because you want an XX PM, then you can do so. It’s your right.
Canada and the US have much in common, but not the same. As much as I’d like see some changes here, I doubt anything will happen.
BTW, none of the party leaders in the coalition deserve to be the PM, because obviously none could accept the defeat gracefully. If you want power, wait for your turn. A sudden political merger meant to overthrow the current government is irresponsible and childish.
“none of the party leaders in the coalition deserve to be the PM, because obviously none could accept the defeat gracefully. If you want power, wait for your turn. A sudden political merger meant to overthrow the current government is irresponsible and childish.”
EXACTLY!!!
We just need another right hand party to split up the vote. I don’t want to see a two party system.
Harper= the rich get richer and the poor get more poor!!!!!!!
eg: that $100 dollers that everyone with a child under 5 years gets, that is taxable.… did any one read the paper that came in your baby bonus a few months back? Families that are a single income, LOW income family received a non taxable “childcare supplement for working families” check that comes at the beginning of the month. The $100 taxable was deducted from the non taxable supplement and that the non taxable supplement was being phased out, so really he has NOT give us (people just trying to survive) more money to help with kids/family he just gave us more taxes!!!!!!!
and now they may close down the Ontario Early years center (play group for babies toddlers and pre-school-ers) where moms that need help with there kids, talk to other adults, kids do crafts, play, have lunch, learn, sing, lots of support, free fruit and veggies and milk, great place!!! but Harper doesn’t care.
All of the leaders are Evil, he’s just the worst!!!!
If it were really fair, Al Gore would have won in 2004.
The votes are not weighted equally. They factor in population density, delegates and super-delegates. Popular vote vs. electoral votes…
I guess it is just a different game with different rules here.
What I can’t understand is why do we even need a leader at all? I mean, there is no one person who has all the qualities that we look for. Why can’t all the parties work side by side, figure out each issue one by one. This is the era for a la carte!
First off I agree with the idea of coalition, just not who’s leading it, or the fact that it involves the BQ. As much as some people think its a hissy fit, or now our votes don’t count, i think that can’t be further from the truth. The way our system works with electing mps, and the party with the most representatives forms the government then if 2 or 3 parties want to make up the majority then so be it. The 3 parties now represent 54% of the popular vote where the cons represented 36%. 1 right wing, and 4 left wing parties are going to cause this to happen alot from now on!
A coalition probably wont be the greatest thing since im sure its even less stably than a minority, as it will be quite easy to brake apart (especially including 3 parties). But when the majority of the elected mps disagree with the current government and decide things should be done differently (according to how, and who we voted for) how is this not more democratic and a representation of what the people want?
I for one dont want us to turn to a 2 party system, and would like to see some form of proportional representation come into effect. THis would certainly help with eliminating the BQ’s power (they got 10% of the popular vote yet one 49 seats) and the NDP got 18% of the popular vote and i think 22 seats, and the green 6% and 0 seats — how does that make sense?
anyways just my 2cents, either way with our current leaders we are all in trouble!
oh and yes with harper the rich get richer and the poor get poorer, which in the long run is a receipe for disaster!
Thanks FGD
I couldn’t put it better myself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Under the NDP, EVERYONE will stay poor!
Under Stephen Harper, unemployment goes down!!
FGD’s FIRST sentence said it best though — “I agree with the idea of coalition, just not who’s leading it, or the fact that it involves the BQ”
I don’t think people would be so against the coalition is someone else was set to lead it (which is sure to change in the next few days), or if the BQ wasn’t involved.
Those two things make Canadians VERY uncomfortable.
as a quebecer I don’t give a F*ck who wins — as long as its not the Bloq Quebeccois. They are shady and have only one agenda — Quebec Independance. I am a Canadian by birth and proud to be a Quebecoise with an english accent.
“Under Stephen Harper, unemployment goes down!!”
um didn’t i just read the unemployment rate was worse than expected? all i read is lay offs lay offs lay offs, job loss job loss job loss…
Hey Uechi Boy!!
Unemployment is still lower now than it was under Jean Chretien OR Bill Clinton, stupid !! And we’re going through a recession NOW, not 12 years ago!
Shut down the oil industry and raise corporate taxes: What do you think this will do to jobs, idiot?? The NDP will NEVER be in a position of power!
well, uechiboy, most of the layoffs are not Harper induced but have to do with the current global economic trends.
” lay offs lay offs lay offs, job loss job loss job loss” are happening all over the world. And by us spending less money, we are making the situation worse.
@FGD summed it all up for me.
we elect a parliament to govern, with each mp responsible for the concerns of a specific area.
in the u-s they vote for one lord and overseer.
well, it seems in canada, that despite voting for a parliament, we ended up with a lord and overseer.
the parliamentary system, if allowed to operate the way it is designed, is an effective and responsible way to govern that makes the government open to criticism and compromise.
IF it is allowed to operate in the way it is designed.
BTW, you too can vote for who you want to be PM, simply join a political party and become active in their leadership process. Or, yknow, move.
http://www.buzzbishop.com/blog/2008/12/04/parliament-prorogued-mission-accomplished/
Lets be proud that we are Canadian and we do things our way.
America doesn’t equal better. Just different. Thank God we are distinct and can think for ourselves.
I thinks Stephen Harper man is good man. He make Canada allow me come Turkiye here. I like Canada how make money well. Harper good man. Quebec man and NDP not so good. I no like. I also no like Liberal man Dion. I think he is liar like President Sezer. Now Turkiye have President Abdullah Gül. He good man. He make Turkiye many money. I like him.
I fear Canada is make country dictator. They say “Coallition”. I fear for this country. They take power. Will become dictator Dion. Will make life not so good. Will make Canada have no money. I fear. I fear. Canada not Syrie. Canada not Iran. Canada democratic country. I think Canada people must fight. Fight the dictator. Make peace. Helping Harper keep power. Harper good man. We needing Harper for Canada.
Um, I don’t know if you guys noticed, but right now we have a minority government, right? Harper ONLY won a minority with 36% of the vote. That’s ridiculous on so many levels. He says that the other parties are trying to throw away our votes, but the coalition of the other two parties with the backing of the third would actually be a real majority of 68%, which is a fair bit more than the 52.9% that Obama won with in the U.S. The coalition is nothing like a dictatorship, its the exact opposite, get your facts straight.
Also, no matter if you are for or against a coalition government, how the hell is STOPPING the government for 2 MONTHS going to do anyone any good? Its a shady plot to desperately try and stay in power. I don’t believe that move had anything to do with helping the economy at all which is what the whole No Confidence issue originally came from anyway.
Hey Sarah!
The decision to prorogue parliament was the right move for a united Canada, stupid! This country is in no position to be going forward with a coalition that FEW people support! Do you know how unpopular this idea is??? Look at the facts:
http://www.reuters.com/article/bondsNews/idUSN0544803420081205
Most Canadians support Harper, rather than a sloppy, quickly thrown-together coalition, which NOBODY voted for! It would bring instability and threaten to break apart Canada, idiot! MANY Liberal MPs DON’T support this coalition either! And most Canadians do NOT want Layton and the Bloc in any position of power! MORE business tax, more welfare, shut down oil production…(To save the environment, but why give a bailout so Lazy unionized employees can keep making Silverados!??!?!) Do you know what these loons want to do our jobs??
What the heck was Dion thinking??? Speaking of Dion, I’m sad to see him go! He was the best leader the Liberals ever had! Hahahahahaha!!
I think you wrong. Parlament would close doors for Christmas holiday (the time of Jesus baby). It closed anyway. No different. Only one weeks before. I think Harper good man. Colition is not same as seperates party. Together, they make dictator. No one vote. I think Canada will be communist dictator. No better of Russki. Let us help. Make Canada safe for democratic. Keep power in vote. Most votes for Harper party. Harper party win. This is democratic. If you no like, move you to Russki.
I don’t understand why people, who admit that they have little knowledge of politics, make opinions.
As I’ve always said, the only thing worse than not voting, is ignorant voting.
We all had a chance to change the way votes counted a few months back. unfortunatly the majority of people voted to keep the voting system as-is.
this past election people didn’t head out to the polls, and look what happened.
It’s a shame.
Wow Don, so I guess you support the Conservatives in illegally taping an NPD meeting and releasing it to the press? I didn’t realize anyone who wasn’t a Conservative is a stupid idiot and just doesn’t care about people’s jobs. Thanks for clearing that up for me!
Its people like you who blindly follow a political party that disgust me. Obviously having an opinion different than your’s offended you so much that you had to start flaming me to feel better. My post was simply on statistics, (true and unbiased), but you apparently couldn’t handle that.
If you want polls, here’s another one:
http://www.angus-reid.com/polls/view/32364/political_crisis_splits_views_in_canada/ Numbers are kind of different aren’t they? Polls aren’t facts, they’re opinions (shocking!), so don’t throw them at me and expect me to suddenly see the light and believe you.
I’m not saying I support a coalition or a new election, but the FACT remains that Harper prorogued (suspended) the government just to avoid a non cofidence vote. Yes Parliment adjourns each year for Christmas, but it wasn’t supposed to yet. If Harper can’t get bills passed because no one belives in him, then do you think that closing down the government actually gives him the support needed? He should have just dealt with it and came up with something agreeable and show us that he could lead in hard economic times, instead he just ran away.
Oh yeah, and you’re statement of “Under Stephen Harper, unemployment goes down!!” is totally incorrect. Stats Can says that unemployment rates have been going down the past few years, until now. So basically, you have no knowledge of what you’re talking about and yet you call me the idiot. Great, now I know who’s opinion I should totally ignore.
nis: a lot of people were ill informed about the poportional representation referendum because it wasn’t properly publicized or explained. A lot of people only first heard about it on election day and they named it something weird that that confused people (mixed-member-proportional).
The only reason I can say that I feel our votes counted for nothing in the past federal election is that our votes are all split too many ways. In the US they have 2 maybe 3 choices for parties, republican, democrat and independent. We have Conservative, Liberal, NDP, Green, and at least 3 other choices per ballot. If you were to consolidate those votes to maybe 2 or 3 choices we’d have much clearer defined results. This is why I’m all for not allowing every freak to have a spot on a ballot. My opinion… I don’t care if you disagree or agree. Too much choice is not good. Think about it. Give a 4 year old more than 2 choices they’ll get confused and irrational. Yes, I think some voters are like 4 year olds…
At least based on the caliber of people I saw waiting in my riding.
CJ wrote: “I don’t understand why people, who admit that they have little knowledge of politics, make opinions.
As I’ve always said, the only thing worse than not voting, is ignorant voting.”
.…
I agree completely. Too many people in Canada and the U.S. don’t know a thing about politics, the economy etc. Yet they get a vote. Take a course in economics and get to know the facts before voting.
Unemployment is lower now than it was under Chretien.
Your poll says that Canadians choose Stephen Harper to lead, rather than the coalition. MSM agrees:
http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=1069355
Harper prorogued parliament to A) keep Canada united, and B) prevent a coalition that most Canadians don’t want.
jger33,
If you think about Canada’s system is the electoral college only worse. The Parliament fulfills the same functions as the US Congress and US electoral college. At least we get to vote for a different slate of electoral college candidates(though their names aren’t displayed, just the name of the candidate they’re suppposed to vote for) than who we want representing us in Congress.
I think both Canada and the US should use popular vote for their leaders.
I also think we should use instant run-off voting, that is we should rank our candidates and have the last place eliminated and their votes sent to their voter’s next ranked candidate until one candidate has a majority of the remaining votes.
And Steve, actually I wish we had more to choose from. As it is if you vote third party you’re “throwing your vote away” but you wouldn’t be if we adopted Instant Run-off voting. In Canada three parties are popular enough(4 in Quebec) that its not really throwing your vote away if you vote for them or I’m not sure how it works, maybe there’s only really 2 choices but which 2 parties depends on where you live and which ones are more popular. In the end Conservatives only won a plurality but still got the Prime Minister’s spot when a majority of seats went to the New Democrats, Liberals, and Bloc Quebecois, all of which are to the left of the Conservative Party. That indicates that the general Canadian political consensus lies between these parties, and therefore a lot more to the left than the Conservatives meaning that what you got is a Prime Minister who is not representative of the views of most Canadians. I’m surprised they didn’t coalition right away and try to choose a candidate more representative of Canadian’s views.
It baffles me that the argument that coalitioning would somehow override the will of the people is taken seriously when Canadians elected a left-wing majority in Parliament(just that its fractured between various parties). That would be like if there were 100s of parties, each got only 1 seat but the Stalinist Communist Party got 2 seats and then the Stalinist Communist Party tried to argue that coalitioning wasn’t fair because their plurality meant the people had chosen them and they should choose the Prime Minister.
OK, that’s an extreme example. The Conservative Party’s ideals are obviously nowhere near stalinism or communism, but you get my point. Saying plurality=will of the people when the majority holds a basically opposite set of beliefs than you do is ridiculous.
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