Dan Cook: January, 2006
Globe and Mail Update
Inside Gomery
[Warren Kinsella] "Forgive me for being blunt, but how in the name of Christ was the official spokesman for the Gomery Commission permitted to write a book about what was going on behind the scenes at the Gomery Commission?"
Updated Tuesday, January 31 at 05:28 p.m.
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Afternoon news
[NDP] Layton wants full budget before GST decision
[
Judge] Alito sworn in to U.S. Supreme Court
[
Merger] Tory government untrustworthy, failed leadership rival David Orchard says
[
Gen. Rick Hillier] Top soldier blasts Grit ads
[
Cartoons] Danish Muslim group accepts apology
Updated Tuesday, January 31 at 04:57 p.m.
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Quebec referendum
While the Parti Quebecois is planning to hold another referendum campaign, a new poll shows only 34% of Quebecers favour separation.
Updated Tuesday, January 31 at 02:57 p.m.
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Eight days and no apology
It's been eight days since Rogers Radio host Andrew Krystal said supporters of the Conservative Party would vote for Hitler. In a verbal tirade against Corus Radio and Sun Media's Charles Adler on CTV NewsNet, Krystal stated the following: "Charles, they could put Hitler in there and you would vote for him if he's a Conservative, you don't care." As mentioned previously, Adler's grandparents were murdered in Auschwitz.
The Infozone's James Murray wrote
Rogers management asking for an apology. Instead Krystal responds and continued the rampage via a spell check free e-mail: "Stalin too. Bush for sure." and "I said that Adler would vote for Satan or Hitler as long as he was a Conservative." and "BS. Hitler is a mataphor too. So is Bernrdo. Adler might vote for Karla too. If they're Conservative."
Rogers Radio executive Jim Hamm also chimes in against James Murray: "I don't think so. You're incitement far surpasses anything Andrew may have stirred up. Seems you have your own agenda!"
While this story has been carried on television, radio, print, and in the blogosphere:
Rogers Communications hasn't apologized, or at the very least, distanced themselves from Andrew Krystal's comments. Eight days later, the statement still stands: supporters of the Conservative Party would vote for Hitler.
Updated Tuesday, January 31 at 02:13 p.m.
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Mississauga-Erindale
As noted in the Jewish Tribune, incoming Liberal MP Omar Alghabra, had this to say on Hamas: "I don't believe that Hamas wants the elimination of Israel." When questioned on whether he denounced suicide bombers, "he would not comment, claiming that he was being 'trapped.' "
More on Omar Alghabra from
FrontPage Magazine Canada's Islamist Seat.
Updated Tuesday, January 31 at 11:07 a.m.
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Queen Michaelle
Notables from Governor General Michaelle Jean's two-night stay at the Chateau Laurier:
Presidential Suite at $1,800 a night
Meals at $1,533
Wine at $388
Total cost for two-nights: $7,757.65
Updated Tuesday, January 31 at 09:36 a.m.
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Morning news
[PM Idol] Former PMs choose Canada's next great leader
[
Interim Leader] Caucus expected to pick Bill Graham as interim head of wounded party
[
PM-designate] Harper likely to introduce March budget: Aims to reduce GST by one percentage point by April 1, sources indicate
[
State of the Union] Bush expected to have scaled-down agenda: Time, politics working against new initiatives
[
Cartoons] Depictions of Muhammad in Scandinavian Papers Provoke Anger, Protest Across Muslim World
Updated Tuesday, January 31 at 09:05 a.m.
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In quotes
[Frank McKenna] "I became addicted to my responsibilities, seven days a week, 24 hours a day. I was unable to find the appropriate balance then and I'm certain I would not be able to find the appropriate balance now. I reminded myself this week of my vow upon leaving office that having escaped the trap, I wouldn't go back for the cheese."
Updated Tuesday, January 31 at 08:15 a.m.
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Interim Liberal leader
The ever-changing list in no particular order:
Bill Graham
Scott Brison
Hedy Fry
Maurizio Bevilacqua
Stephane Dion
Denis Coderre
Michael Ignatieff
Joe Volpe
Sheila Copps
Jane Stewart
Belinda Stronach
Martin Cauchon
Allan Rock
Brian Tobin
Updated Friday, January 30 at 04:56 p.m.
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Afternoon news
[PMO] Harper meets Martin to discuss details of government turnover
[
Canadian Press] Not clear when Stephen Harper and family will move into 24 Sussex
[
Reuters] Bush Sr., calls Bill Clinton one of the family
[
Washington Post] Study Ties Political Leanings to Hidden Biases
[
Italy's Prime Minister] Berlusconi gives up sex until election
Updated Monday, January 30 at 02:54 p.m.
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Frank's out
[CTV] Frank McKenna won't run for Liberal leadership.
Updated Monday, January 30 at 12:51 p.m.
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American Idol: Janet Reno edition
Oy vey, everybody wants to be a rock star: Former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno gets in the groove [Video / News] singing Aretha Franklin's 'Respect.'
Updated Monday, January 30 at 12:30 p.m.
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In quotes
[Carolyn Parrish] "Was I happy to see Paul Martin humiliated? No. On a personal level, he's a really nice guy. I think his major weakness was he's insecure. He didn't have the hardcore strength and self-confidence that Chrétien had, therefore he depended on these minions far too much."
Updated Monday, January 30 at 11:50 a.m.
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Pensions
MP's with annual pensions over $100,000:
Ethel Blondin-Andrew at $137,820
Don Boudria at $135,906
David Kilgour at $128,228
David Anderson at $114,600
Marlene Catterall at $109,408
Beth Phinney at $102,308
Anne McLellan at $100,132
Updated Monday, January 30 at 11:45 a.m.
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Morning news
[Wednesday] Second report: Gomery seeks tough new rules
[
PMO] Martin's chief of staff takes blame for defeat
[
City Hall] Carolyn Parrish seeks council seat in Mississauga: Observers say she's eyeing the mayor's job
[
Legal Penalty] Tories inherit Liberals' $1B chopper lawsuit
[
Margaret Trudeau] Bottled water called 'crime'
[
Maximum Control] U.S. plans to 'fight the net' revealed
Updated Monday, January 30 at 08:45 a.m.
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Eternal flames
Tories begin process of transition to government.
Via Neale
Updated Friday, January 27 at 06:05 p.m.
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Hospital watch
Stephen Harper's spokesman has confirmed Mr. Harper was sent to the hospital for 'chest inflammation' despite earlier reports of an asthma attack.
And this concludes
hospital watch.
Updated Friday, January 27 at 04:58 p.m.
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McKenna & abortion
Frank McKenna hasn't even announced he's running for the leadership of the Liberal party, and already the knives are out with an article from 1988.
Update: Don't bet the farm that McKenna will run for Liberal leadership,
friends warn
Updated Friday, January 27 at 03:30 p.m.
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Friday funnies
France's Chirac falls for Canadian radio PM prank
President Bush phones Stephen Harper.
McKenna
v. Stronach
Liberal leadership
Via Bourque
Updated Friday, January 27 at 01:27 p.m.
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Interim Liberal leader
The list grows:
Frank McKenna
Bill Graham
Hedy FryBob Rae
Scott Brison
Maurizio Bevilacqua
Stephane Dion
Denis Coderre
Michael Ignatieff
Joe Volpe
Sheila Copps
Jane Stewart
Belinda Stronach
Martin Cauchon
Brian Tobin
Updated Friday, January 27 at 10:55 a.m.
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In quotes: Hamas
[President Bush] "Not until you renounce your desire to destroy Israel will we deal with you,"
[PM-designate Harper] "For a nation to be truly democratic, that nation must renounce any use of terrorism."
[PM Tony Blair's
spokesman] ''We can only do business with people who renounce terrorism."
[British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw] "But those who participate in democratic elections have to understand that democracy and violence are incompatible,"
[U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice] "You cannot have one foot in politics and another foot in terror."
[UN Secretary-General
Kofi Annan] There is "a fundamental contradiction between carrying weapons and sitting in parliament."
[Italian Premier Silvio
Berlusconi] ''It is a very, very, very bad result,"
Updated Friday, January 27 at 10:10 a.m.
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Morning news
[PM-designate] Asthma sends Harper to hospital briefly
[
Ex-PM] Mulroney and his people play a key role as Harper takes over
[
Contender] McKenna 'thinking hard' on running for leadership
[
Dear Steve] Tackle 'cultural Marxism,' U.S. writer urges Harper
[
Supreme Court] U.S. Sen. Kerry calls for filibuster on Alito nomination
Updated Friday, January 27 at 08:45 a.m.
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Harper & Ethics
[Globe and Mail Editorial] A great many people made themselves available to Mr. Shapiro during his inquiry, including Mr. Martin. Mr. Harper did not. The commissioner wanted to clarify just when Mr. Harper first learned that Mr. Grewal was secretly recording his talks with the Liberals. "Unfortunately, although we made numerous attempts between August and November, we were informed Mr. Harper's schedule did not permit an interview." Mr. Harper left it to his communications director, Geoff Norquay, to do what Mr. Harper should have done: turn up personally to answer questions at some point during those four months.
Updated Friday, January 27 at 08:27 a.m.
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The inventor of the internet
[Al Gore] "The election in Canada was partly about the tar sands projects in Alberta," said Gore.
"And the financial interests behind the tar sands project poured a lot of money and support behind an
ultra-conservative leader in order to win the election . . . and to protect their interests."
Updated Thursday, January 26 at 03:20 p.m.
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PM-designate news
[The next PM] February 6.
[
Laureen Teskey] Call me Mrs. Harper.
[
Middle East] Harper suggests Canada won't recognize new Palestinian Hamas government
Updated Thursday, January 26 at 03:20 p.m.
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Hidden agenda
Last week, I noted an item that ran in the New York Observer. It was about an e-mail circulating throughout the U.S. warning Conservative groups not to talk to Canadian journalists for fear it may hurt Stephen Harper's chances at becoming Prime Minister. The message claimed the heads up originated from Canada via prominent Tory supporter Gerald Chipeur.
The original e-mail was sent from Paul Weyrich's e-mail account of the American-based Free Congress Foundation. When contacted by
The Canadian Press, Weyrich claimed the e-mail was sent by an 'overzealous staffer.' He also claimed he didn't know Mr. Chipeur: "I don't know him…"
However, after it was announced that Stephen Harper was victorious in securing a minority government,
Weyrich's story changed; on the Free Congress Foundation website, he claims he discussed projections with Gerald Chipeur, he admits Chipeur asked for American Conservative groups to be weary of 'leftwing Canadian media,' and finally Weyrich admits he asked his associate to send out the muzzle e-mail.
Gerald Chipeur, what didn't you want to get out? What were you afraid your American friends would tell the 'left wing Canadian media?'
And Mr. Weyrich: It's generally not a good idea to tell one version of a story to a wire service, and then contradict yourself on your own website.
Updated Thursday, January 26 at 01:40 p.m.
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U.S.-China Relations
Back in November, I posted a webcam link [Real / Windows] for my favourite pandas: Mei Xiang and Tai Shan. My in-box quickly became full of comments accusing me of 'exploitation' and of condoning 'animals in captivity.'
This is exploitation.
Updated Thursday, January 26 at 12:30 p.m.
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Morning news
[Governor General] Harper begins transition
[
Phew] Internet doesn't destroy relationships, a new study finds, it strengthens them
[
Tories Vow] Boarder guards will get their guns
[
Reality TV] The next great Prime Minister: Clark, Campbell, Turner and Mulroney are involved.
[
Human Rights] U.S. Aligned With Iran in Anti-Gay Vote
Updated Thursday, January 26 at 10:54 a.m.
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Picking Cabinet
The National Post plays Prime Minister:
Peter Mackay, National Defence or Public Safety
Lawrence Cannon, Deputy PM
John Baird, Finance
Jim Flaherty, Solicitor General or Public Safety
Steven Fletcher, Regional Economic Post
Tony Clement, Health
Bev Oda, Heritage
Diane Ablonczy, Justice
Rona Ambrose, Human Resources
Josee Verner, Intergovernmental Affairs
Monte Solberg, Treasury Board
Diane Finley, Agriculture Minister
Unnamed Cabinet portfolios: Loyola Hearn Stockwell Day, Vic Toews, Chuck Strahl, Jason Kenney, James Moore, Peter Van Loan, Jay Hill, James Rajotte.
Updated Thursday, January 26 at 10:11 a.m.
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Manley not interested
[John Manley] "While I hope to play a role in the renewal, healing and unification of the Liberal party, I have decided for personal reasons that I will not be a leadership candidate."
Note: excerpt from
The Globe and Mail's print edition. Column by John Manley is currently not online.
Updated Thursday, January 26 at 08:48 a.m.
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Ethics Commissioner & Harper
[Ethics Commissioner] "Unfortunately, although we made numerous attempts between August and November, we were informed Mr. Harper's schedule did not permit an interview."
It's worth noting, that it is an MP's duty to co-operate with
any investigation by the Ethics Commissioner.
Updated Thursday, January 26 at 08:30 a.m.
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Evening news
[Contender] Frank McKenna resigns as U.S. Ambassador
[The Varisty,
University of Toronto] 'Reporter,' really Liberal helper, tapes Students Administrative Council office
[
Long distance] President Bush calls Stephen Harper
[
National Post editorial on crime] "Who knows: Throw in money for a few basketball courts and the NDP might even buy in."
[
Monarchy] Prince Harry chooses regiment that could be sent to Iraq
Updated Wednesday, January 25 at 05:40 p.m.
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Dosanjh v. Grewal
The Ethics Commissioner weighs in.
Ujjal Dosanjh: Cleared.
Gurmant Grewal: "While it is not clear whether Mr. Grewal genuinely sought an inducement to change his vote or whether he just acted the part in an attempt to entrap Mr. Dosanjh, his actions were, in either case,
extremely inappropriate."
Conclusion: "The facts of this case have clearly not enhanced the public's confidence and trust in the integrity of the House of Commons and its Members. Indeed, I believe the public's trust and confidence has been weakened."
Updated Wednesday, January 25 at 04:18 p.m.
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An apology is owed
As noted on Monday, Rogers Radio talk-show host Andrew Krystal attacked columnist and talk-show host Charles Adler on CTV NewsNet.
Krystal seems to believe that a Conservative supporter would vote for Hitler. In fact, and I quote: "
Charles, they could put Hitler in there and you would vote for him if he's a Conservative, you don't care." It's worth noting that Charles grandparents were killed in Auschwitz. But why let facts get in the way of someone who's looking for publicity.
Monday afternoon, I went on-air with Charles and I flat out defended Stephen Harper. The word Harper, Hitler, Stalin and Satan really don't belong in the same sentence.
James Murray of The Infozone immediately wrote to Rogers Radio, who employs Krystal. Krystal responds and notables include: "Stalin too. Bush for sure" and "BS. Hitler is a mataphor too. So is Bernrdo. Adler might vote for Karla too. If they're Conservative." [Spelling errors belong to Andrew Krystal.]
Incredibly, Jim Hamm an executive with the Rogers Corporation has the audacity to respond to James Murray with: "I don't think so. You're incitement far surpasses anything Andrew may have stirred up. Seems you have your own agenda!" [Note that's Hamm's initial response in its entirety.]
So, let me get this straight: James Murray writes an intelligent letter of complaint to the Rogers Corporation, and Roger's responds with - buzz off! It's ok to draw Hitler analogies in this day and age, and anyone that disagrees has an 'agenda.'
The Rogers Corporation owes many people an apology: first in line is Charles Adler, Stephen Harper, supporters of the Conservative Party and anyone who stands against the atrocities caused by Hitler.
Updated Wednesday, January 25 at 02:00 p.m.
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The news
[Tory TV] Get ready for the nightmare
[
Down by 5] B.C. losses sting Conservative campaign chair
[
$74.6-million] Pension, severance an MP's parting gift
[
Recall] Rock's UN job seen as short-lived
[
Stonewall] White House Declines to Provide Hurricane Katrina Storm Papers
Updated Wednesday, January 25 at 11:44 a.m.
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Polls
The godfather of polling, Angus Reid, offered praise to SES for "nailing the fact it was going to be that close." And as I noted yesterday, SES was that close.
As for Ipsos, here were their
final predictions:
Conservatives 148 to 152 seats (actual 124)
Liberals 62 to 66 seats (actual 103)
NDP 34 to 38 seats (actual 29)
Bloc 56 to 60 seats (actual 51)
However, I'm very confused by
this press release: Ipsos Reid Hits Mark With Final National Poll Results Versus Election Outcome.
Updated Wednesday, January 25 at 10:33 a.m.
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In quotes
[Defeated Conservative MP Jeremy Harrison] "We had this election stolen and we're not going to let that stand."
"We got reports of things like the Liberals driving around and
threatening Natives that they wouldn't get their cheque if they didn't vote Liberal, reports we had from individuals of plans to stuff ballot boxes. Even the last poll, somehow it took three-and-a-half hours to count the last poll and lo and behold, it was nearly 100 per cent turnout, all of which went Liberal, just enough votes to go over the top. So we're really concerned. These are the kinds of things that happen in banana republics, not in our country," he said.
Updated Wednesday, January 25 at 09:06 a.m.
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Interim Liberal leader
Some names:
Frank McKenna
Bill Graham
Bob Rae
Scott Brison
Stephane Dion
Maurizio Bevilacqua
Denis Coderre
Michael Ignatieff
John Manley
Belinda Stronach
Martin Cauchon
Brian Tobin
Updated Wednesday, January 25 at 08:24 a.m.
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Morning news
From the Conservative Press office at 7:13 a.m. EST:
Ottawa — Conservative leader Stephen Harper will walk his children Ben and Rachel to school today.
Updated Monday, January 25 at 08:24 a.m.
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PM-e? It doesn't make sense
From the Conservative Press office at 4:25 p.m. EST:
Ottawa — Statement by Prime Minister elect Stephen Harper:
"The Conservative transition team will be led by Derek H. Burney, who served previously as Canada's Ambassador to the United States and as Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. Mr. Burney will be assisted by a group with extensive experience in government. Their main objective will be to ensure a smooth transition from the outgoing to the incoming administration."
[
Note to the Conservative Press office: This is Canada, not America. We don't elect a Prime Minister in this country. The correct terminology is 'Prime Minister-designate.' Please drop the 'Prime Minister elect' business.]
Updated Wednesday, January 25 at 04:40 p.m.
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Sour grapes: Hollywood's Canadian MP
Sam Bulte on being defeated:
"What do you expect me to say? I have no thoughts. You run on your record and the people decide for change,"
Sam Bulte on a minority government:
"To be frank,
I don't care. I dedicated my life to the people and to the riding and they decided. It's great; it's a democracy."
And the last word goes to Sam Bulte:
"According to everybody, I did nothing. You work so hard and devote your heart and soul and the people have chosen. So good luck to the NDP. Good luck to Peggy Nash and good luck to the country."
Via RL
Updated Tuesday, January 24 at 04:24 p.m.
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U.S. news
[Joel Stein, LA Times] "I don't support our troops."
[
Insight] Impeachment hearings: The White House prepares for the worst
[
Irony] Trump sues author for $5-billion who questioned his billions
[
The Beast] 50 Most Loathsome People in America, 2005
[NY Times Editorial] "People devote untold hours to
worrying about the sexual orientation of cartoon characters, but nobody seems disturbed that more than 30 million American households watch a 'family' show (American Idol) that picks out hapless, and frequently helpless, contestants solely for famous and powerful judges to make fun of them on national television."
Updated Tuesday, January 24 at 04:10 p.m.
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Election blackout
[Ottawa Citizen] Blogs squeal on CBC as it breaks ban
Updated Tuesday, January 24 at 03:04 p.m.
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In quotes
[Re-elected Liberal MP Wayne Easter] "From a national perspective, this was the worst (Liberal) campaign that I've ever seen. It's not bad for incumbents like me because we know what we've been doing. But for a candidate who is new, who doesn't know the policy, it had to be really difficult when the policy only comes out at the time of the advance poll."
Updated Tuesday, January 24 at 02:10 p.m.
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Polling
As noted in this morning's play-by-play, SES did a bang job of polling.
Federal results
updated at 01:49 p.m. EST:
Conservative 36.3%
Liberal 30.2%
NDP 17.5%
Bloc 10.5%
Green 4.5%
SES as at January 22:
Conservative 36.4%
Liberal 30.1%
NDP 17.4%
Bloc 10.6%
Green 5.6%
Updated Tuesday, January 24 at 02:00 p.m.
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PM-designate Steve
Minority.
Updated Tuesday, January 24 at 05:45 a.m.
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The night that was
Election night audio and images.
Updated Tuesday, January 24 at 05:22 a.m.
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In quotes
[Marc Garneau] "To put it bluntly, I'm unemployed right now and will be looking for a job obviously because I still have a young family," he told CBC.
Updated Tuesday, January 24 at 05:08 a.m.
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Morning news
[Globe and Mail] NDP: Party's resurgence
[
CBC] Voter turnout 64.9%
[
CTV] Bloc loses three seats
[
Canadian Press] Liberals around Martin seek scapegoats for campaign gone astray
[
The Times] Vatican 'cashes in' by putting price on the Pope's copyright
Updated Tuesday, January 24 at 04:29 a.m.
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Hollywood's Canadian MP demoted
[Michael Geist] "While some will focus on the role of bloggers, the real story here (in addition to a strong NDP candidate and the national decline in Liberal support) is that Canadians, represented in this instance by the voters of Parkdale-High Park, sent a clear message that they are not comfortable with politicians who unapologetically trumpet their links to lobbyists, who promote one-sided copyright policies, and who denigrate those opposed to such views as zealots."
Updated Tuesday, January 24 at 03:47 a.m.
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International news
[NY Times] Canadian Voters Oust Incumbent for Conservative
[
Associated Press] Conservatives win in Canadian election expected to move country closer to U.S.
[
LA Times] Canada turns to the right
[
BBC] Canada Conservatives win election
[
Washington Post] Canadians Move Right, Elect New Leadership
Updated Tuesday, January 24 at 03:32 a.m.
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The main event
[Blog] Live play-by-play
[
Latest news] Updated reports from our journalists across the country.
[
Election results] 10:00 p.m. EST: The most comprehensive interactive features imaginable.
[
Watch] Video stream starts at 10:00 p.m. EST; ends at 2:30 a.m. EST.
[
Listen] Audio stream starts at 10:00 p.m. EST; ends at 2:30 a.m. EST.
Why 10:00 p.m. EST?
Updated Monday, January 23 at 07:40 p.m.
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Some people will do anything for publicity
Andrew Krystal, shame on you.
Updated Monday, January 23 at 02:06 p.m.
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Bogus e-mail
You wouldn't be tricked into believing voting day is tomorrow? Didn't think so.
Updated Monday, January 23 at 01:47 p.m.
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Hollywood's Canadian MP
Yesterday, The Toronto Star provided Sam Bulte with a half-page editorial. Michael Geist does a wonderful job of picking through it, and comes to the conclusion that most of Ms. Bulte's arguments come from the Canadian Recording Industry Association's (CRIA) very own press releases, editorials and speeches.
It appears that Ms. Bulte and CRIA are fighting the same cause. But don't take my word for it, take
Sam's: "There's nothing to hide here. These people support me. They support me because of my position on copyright."
"These people have become my friends and I don't apologize for that."
Updated Monday, January 23 at 11:15 a.m.
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The news
[Montreal Gazette] Chretien loyalists leap to Tory camp: Many have switched sides to ensure Paul Martin's ouster
[
Globe and Mail] Either way, Liberals need to rebuild base
[
NY Times] Conservative Win in Canada Could Help Repair Ties to U.S.
[
Halifax Live] How to Vote Strategically
[
CNS] British researcher: January 23 gloomiest day of year
Updated Monday, January 23 at 09:38 a.m.
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Blame everybody else, except yourself
Liberal strategist John Duffy on CTV's Question Period: 'ridiculous RCMP investigation'
Updated Monday, January 23 at 09:57 a.m.
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Thinking of destroying your ballot?
[Elections Canada] 167. (2)(a) "No person shall willfully alter, deface or destroy a ballot…"
Conviction: $500 or 3 months in jail.
Updated Monday, January 23 at 08:40 a.m.
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Survey says
Our last poll published Sunday night.
Conservative 37%
Liberal 27%
NDP 19%
Bloc 11%
Green 6%
Data: The Globe and Mail / CTV / Strategic Counsel
Updated Monday, January 23 at 08:20 a.m.
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Day 55
[NDP] Pollsters and seat projectors are calling for near-record results for New Democrats
[
Liberal] Martin says B.C. to decide election
[
Conservative] Harper makes his last campaign rounds
[
Bloc] "We will not let Calgary decide for Quebec,"
Updated Sunday, January 22 at 05:20 p.m.
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UK News
[News Of the World] "Lib-Dem leadership challenger Mark Oaten has been leading a sordid secret double life — sneaking off from Parliament to pay rent boys for three-in-a-bed sex."
Talk-show host
Peter Warren carried an exclusive on-air interview yesterday. [
Select January 21 11A. Interview airs at the 35-minute mark.]
Updated Sunday, January 22 at 05:00 p.m.
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$250
Crime pays.
Updated Sunday, January 22 at 04:41 p.m.
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Undermining Paul
[Question] How can you stand on behalf of such a tarnished party?
[Liberal candidate Michael Ignatieff] "I have to tell you I'm in a difficult position," said Ignatieff. "I can't put it any more directly than that. We let ourselves down, and
we let the country down. We weakened public confidence in government. We weakened public confidence in the party system, because we misappropriated public funds. And worst of all we've weakened the national unity of the country."
"If elected I'm going to Ottawa to say to my party as clearly and directly as I can: We betrayed ourselves. We must never do this again."
Updated Sunday, January 22 at 04:04 p.m.
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Latest polls
Note: Final Globe election poll to be released this evening at around 8 p.m. EST
Strategic Counsel
Conservative 37%
Liberal 27%
NDP 18%
Bloc 11%
Green 6%
Ekos
Conservative 37.1%
Liberal 26.9%
NDP 19.5%
Bloc 11.5%
Green 4.6%
SES
Conservative 36.2%
Liberal 29.4%
NDP 17.3%
Bloc 11.0%
Green 6.1%
Ipsos
Conservative 38%
Liberal 26%
NDP 19%
Green 5%
Leger
Conservative 38%
Liberal 29%
NDP 17%
Bloc 11%
Green 4%
Updated Sunday, January 22 at 03:41 p.m.
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The news
[Toronto Sun] 218 reasons not to vote for the Liberals
[
Reuters] Martin never shook off scandal damage
[
Block News Alliance] Liberals are on the ropes in Canada election
[
Associated Press] What drives antigay Canadian candidate Stephen Harper?
[
Christian Science Monitor] Canada's surging conservatives
[
CNN] Bin Laden's No. 2 releases poetry tape
Updated Sunday, January 22 at 03:02 p.m.
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Tory sweep in Alberta? Don't bet on it
Conservative MP Rahim Jaffer (Edmonton Strathcona) sent out an audio message to voters:
'The NDP have been campaigning hard'
'It looks like we are in for a close race Monday'
Updated Sunday, January 22 at 01:53 p.m.
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In quotes
Reg Alcock: Correctional Officers are "dumb as posts"
Via SDA and Bruce Bowie
Updated Sunday, January 22 at 12:50 p.m.
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On Harper
[David Olive, The Toronto Star] "A party of one, Harper has flown under five flags of political convenience, a circumstance arising from his reputation of believing himself to be the smartest man in the room."
[Professor Andrew Cohen] "It is hard to find a prime minister of either party elected in the last century as inexperienced as Mr. Harper."
Note: 'In Plain Sight' is
not online. Excerpts from todays page D11.
Updated Sunday, January 22 at 12:10 p.m.
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Dear Elections Canada
[3:54 p.m.] Conservative Party: Reynolds asks Elections Canada to investigate Edmonton Centre
[
4:28 p.m.] Liberal Party Asks Elections Canada to Investigate Conservative Mailings
Updated Saturday, January 21 at 04:42 p.m.
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Q&A
[Canadian Veteran George Tompkins] "If the handgun ban goes forward. What plan would your party offer to compensate those of us who legally own the guns that would be confiscated?"
[Liberal candidate Don Lindsay] "Sir America is our neighbor not our nation, if you elect a society that talks about that kind of perspective I suggest that perhaps
you go there (USA)!"
Via The Infozone
Updated Saturday, January 21 at 04:10 p.m.
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Day 54
[Do not disturb] Harper tries to preserve lead in polls by dodging media as campaign closes
[
Washington Post] Anti-U.S. Tack Backfires On Canada's Liberals
[
Blog boy] Scott Feschuk answers questions on behalf of Stephen Harper
[
Jack attack] Layton intensifies his attacks against the Liberals
[
Hamilton Spectator] Valeri opens door to more questions: Liberal MP's explanations don't always mesh with data
Updated Saturday, January 21 at 04:00 p.m.
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Peer-to-peer political persuasion
From the people that brought you 'The Great Paul Martin Credibility Hunt,' 'Give'Em the Boot Bingo' and the 'Culture of Entitlement Quiz,' now comes 'peer-to-peer' e-cards.
Updated Saturday, January 21 at 03:24 p.m.
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Mind numbing news
[James Travers, The Toronto Star] "If voters give Harper a majority, that will be this election's final turning point for Paul Martin and the Liberals."
As you were.
Updated Saturday, January 21 at 12:40 p.m.
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Utopia awards
PCworld.ca hand's out this years Digital Campaign Awards. When you give out an award each to the Conservatives, Liberals, Bloc, NDP and the Green Party, can you really call it the Digital Awards?
Updated Saturday, January 21 at 12:17 p.m.
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Comic relief
Brilliant. The Daily Show with Jon Stewart on the Canadian election. [Click on Indecision 2006]
Updated Friday, January 20 at 06:06 p.m.
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Letter from Mike
[Michael Moore] "Oh, Canada -- you're not really going to elect a Conservative majority on Monday, are you? That's a joke, right? I know you have a great sense of humor, and certainly a well-developed sense of irony, but this is no longer funny. Maybe it's a new form of Canadian irony -- reverse irony! OK, now I get it. First, you have the courage to stand against the war in Iraq -- and then you elect a prime minister who's for it. You declare gay people have equal rights -- and then you elect a man who says they don't. You give your native peoples their own autonomy and their own territory -- and then you vote for a man who wants to cut aid to these poorest of your citizens. Wow, that is intense! Only Canadians could pull off a hat trick of humor like that. My hat's off to you."
Updated Friday, January 20 at 05:32 p.m.
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Day 53
[Reuters] Martin says rival anti-abortion extremist
[
The Star] Etobicoke Liberal riding president throws support to Conservatives
[
CBC] MacKay apologizes for 'knitting' comment
[
Tb News Source] Green party hopes to take one seat
[
NDP] Liberal Leadership race continues
Updated Friday, January 20 at 05:13 p.m.
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Misquotes
What people thought Stephen Harper said:
"As you listen to the misquotes and misinformation that will spew out of Mr. Martin's office and out of his
ass ..."
What Stephen Harper actually said:
"As you listen to the misquotes and misinformation that will spew out of Mr. Martin's offce and out of his ads."
What people thought a Paul Martin supporter said:
"Harper's a pussy!"
[Paul Martin responds] "Boy, you're good. You got it!"
What Liberal strategists say Mr. Martin heard:
"Harper's a wussy!"
[Paul Martin responds] "Boy, you're good. You got it!"
Updated Friday, January 20 at 04:30 p.m.
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Hollywood's Canadian MP
[Ivor Thorsell, The Globe and Mail] "On Monday, the eyes of the Internet will be on the Toronto riding of Parkdale/High Park. The rest of the election is a sideshow. Will the Liberals be reduced to two seats? Will the door of cosmic justice hit Belinda Stronach on the way out? Who cares? Everyone's watching Sarmite Bulte."
[Michael Geist]
Lots of links: Accordion Guy's review of the ORC event at The Drake, commentary by The Barenaked Ladies' Steven Page and a column in the Financial Post.
Updated Friday, January 20 at 03:01 p.m.
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Parting shot
[Ed Broadbent] "The Liberal campaigning has been deeply offensive," said Broadbent.
"Offensive to women, offensive to workers, and offensive to members of the armed forces, and offensive to all Canadians for suggesting that a vote for anyone but themselves is not progressive. This, my friends, is the height of arrogance. It is clear the Liberal Party no longer has the moral authority to deserve people's votes.
Their cynical manipulation … will not work this time."
Updated Friday, January 20 at 02:20 p.m.
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Spin-o-meter
Spin: "Text or speech where the apparent meaning is not the true belief of the person saying or writing it."
Incredible. David Skillicorn at Queen's University has developed a
computer algorithm which detects, you guessed it, spin. Based on 88 'deception linked-words,' the machine and Skillcorn's team analysed recent campaign speeches. Paul Martin ranked highest with 124, Jack Layton 88, and Stephen Harper 73. This is one race you where you want to come in last.
Updated Friday, January 20 at 12:25 p.m.
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International news
[The Politicker] Don't Scare the Canadians! "A Politicker reader forwards an amazing email from conservative organizer Paul Weyrich."
[
BBC] Blogs written by Liberal and Conservative party supporters have enlivened the debate in Canada's federal election campaign
[
Forbes] U.S. Relations Are Potent Election Issue
[
The Independent] Harper to lead Canadian right out of the wilderness
[
USA Today] Canada's Conservatives ready to close the deal
[
NBR, New Zealand] Canada on the brink of change
The Politicker
Via Neale
Updated Friday, January 20 at 12:00 p.m.
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In quotes
"If one is truly committed to the marriage vows of fidelity, these same-sex marriages would succeed in wiping out an entire society in just one generation." [Pastor Harold Albrecht in a letter to a Kitchener newspaper dated June 2004. Mr. Albrecht is now the Conservative candidate in Kitchener-Conestoga.]
Updated Friday, January 20 at 10:27 a.m.
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NDP
NOW Magazine has endorsed the NDP: "Vote NDP in Toronto. Strategic voting is a Liberal scam that will only rob the NDP of seats the party deserves to win."
And don't forget, today is the last day to
enter to win the NDP's
Great Paul Martin Credibility Hunt. You and a guest can vacation in one of six places Paul Martin "used to avoid Canadian taxes." Will it be Cyprus, Liberia, Panama, Malta, Vanuatu, or the Bahamas? Simply put, this is brilliant stuff. Kudos.
Updated Friday, January 20 at 09:55 a.m.
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Advertising
Dropping the Liberal in Liberal.
Updated Friday, January 20 at 09:19 a.m.
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Morning news
[9 points] Has he squandered his shot at majority?
[
Government-relations] Top lobbyists brace for new set of rules
[
Vacancy] Harper eager to politicize top court, Martin warns
[
Saskatoon] Conservative set to sue over assault accusation
[
Survey] Young less likely to vote Tory
Updated Friday, January 20 at 08:40 a.m.
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Endorsements
[Professor Christopher Dornan] "That doesn't mean Mr. Asper is ordering his employees to be untrue to themselves. Last week, this newspaper endorsed the Tories. It set off an argument among Globe readers, but did it compromise the work of Globe journalists? Of course not. But would it look odd if the publisher or editor of the Globe appeared for the cameras at a Tory campaign rally, clasping upraised arms with Mr. Harper? You bet.
So you have to wonder about the wisdom of Mr. Asper's endorsement of Mr. Harper. Not from Mr. Asper's point of view, but from Mr. Harper's. Why invite accusations of having the press in your pocket?"
Updated Friday, January 20 at 08:20 a.m.
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Survey says: nine points
Who would you vote for if an election were held today?
Conservative 37%
Liberal 28%
NDP 16%
Bloc 12%
Green 7%
Data: The Globe and Mail / CTV / Strategic Counsel
Updated Friday, January 20 at 08:10 a.m.
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Answering your questions
Anne McLellan, Jack Layton and Jason Kenney will be on-line tomorrow afternoon answering your questions. To submit your questions, click here.
Updated Thursday, January 19 at 06:22 p.m.
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Wikipedia
Stageleft grabbed a screen shot of the Wikipedia entry for the Liberal Party of Canada: instead of the party logo showing, readers saw a photo of the Hindenburg on fire. Wikipedia has rectified the entry.
Updated Thursday, January 19 at 05:58 p.m.
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Au revoir
Quebec Liberal candidate Gilles Savard has conceded defeat to Conservative candidate Jean-Pierre Blackburn. While Savard was only polling at 5%, his support for Blackburn won't guarantee a Conservative victory: in 2004 the Bloc won by more than 11,000 votes.
Updated Thursday, January 19 at 05:26 p.m.
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Polls
My inbox has been abuzz all day regarding the latest Strategic Counsel / CTV / Globe and Mail poll numbers. Granted, our poll shows a
double-digit lead for the Tories. If you want more information, check out Allan Gregg's
online conversation.
And for all the people who 'dared' me to post
other polls, here you go:
SES
Conservative 37.0%
Liberal 30.7%
NDP 16.6%
Bloc 10.7%
Green 4.9%
EKOS
Conservative 35.1%
Liberal 29.3%
NDP 18%
Bloc 12.6%
Green 4.4%
Updated Thursday, January 19 at 04:50 p.m.
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News & views
[Winnipeg Free Press] Voting for the enemy is a strategy of defeat
[
Blog War] Western Standard's Kevin Steel v. CanWest's Don Martin
[
LifeSite] Liberal Campaign Caught Falsely Accusing Conservative Candidate of Sexual Abuse
[
Foul Language] Our New Favorite "Kennedy"
[
Monster] Japan grapples with invasion of giant jellyfish
LifeSite
Via Neale
Updated Thursday, January 19 at 04:04 p.m.
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Hollywood's Canadian MP on tape
Earlier this week, at an all candidates meeting, Sam Bulte made this statement:
"I am not taking money from special interest groups. As you know, you can look at my returns. All of my election returns are noted, they are transparent. Ninety percent of my donations came from individuals. Ten percent came from organizations or corporations. They are not hosting a fundraiser for me. A fundraiser is being held. Individuals are invited. Everyone is invited. It is self-funding. And yes, there will be artists there. It will be a celebration of my support for the arts community."
[Note: Audio is available
here at the 26-minute mark.]
Fact 1: Ms. Bulte claims she does not take monies from special interest groups. However, she
has accepted monies from: the music and movie industry, the theatre industry, the photography industry, and lobbyists.
Fact 2: Ms. Bulte claims
90% of her monies come from individuals. According to Elections Canada: the amount from individuals is 57%, corporations 29%, and unions 13%.
Fact 3: "They (special interest groups) are not hosting a fundraiser for me." According to the
official Liberal web site, tonight's host's are:
Doug Frith, President of Canadian Motion Pictures Distributors Association
Graham Henderson, President of Canadian Recording Industry Association
Jackie Hushion, Executive Director of the Canadian Publishers Council
Danielle LaBossiere, Executive Director of the Entertainment Software Alliance
Stephen Stohn, Executive Producer of Degrassi
As for this evening's $250 per person gala, I hope Ms. Bulte has a wonderful time. Come Monday, the residents of Parkdale-High Park will most likely revert her from MP to private citizen. As they should.
Update Sam Bulte responds
Updated Thursday, January 19 at 11:00 a.m.
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Endorsements
[The Globe and Mail] Conservative
[
Ontario Premier McGuinty] Liberal
[
National Post] Conservative
[
Toronto Star] Liberal
[
La Presse] Conservative
[
New Brunswick Premier Lord] Conservative
Updated Thursday, January 19 at 09:40 a.m.
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Blogging Tories: Stephen Taylor responds
As a follow up to an item noted yesterday, Stephen Taylor responds. Not only does his rationale make sense, Stephen provides a great rundown on the stories bloggers have broken during the election.
Updated Thursday, January 19 at 08:45 a.m.
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Q&A
[Reporter] Do you believe judges are activists with their own social agenda?
[Stephen Harper] "Some
are, some aren't."
[Justice Minister Irwin Cotler] "To me, [it] is irresponsible for a political leader to be impugning the independence and the integrity of the very institutions he should be protecting," he said.
"We need someone who will respect the rule of law, who will respect the independence of the judiciary."
Updated Thursday, January 19 at 08:22 a.m.
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Survey says
Who would you vote for if an election were held today?
Conservative 41%
Liberal 25%
NDP 17%
Bloc 12%
Green 5%
Data: The Globe and Mail / CTV / Strategic Counsel
Updated Thursday, January 19 at 08:15 a.m.
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Elections Canada Complaint
As noted earlier today, Elections Canada has been asked to investigate the Blogging Tories. The Liberal Party is also pushing the issue via this press release: "Chief Electoral Officer asked to Investigate Conservative Campaign."
No official response is listed on either the Conservative or BT websites. But
Kate has aptly summed up the impact of
today's story:
"Well, this must just so
suck for the (complainants) Parks/Jamieson duo. All that work calculating just the right moment to release the blogs of war ... and now
Buzz Hargrove has stolen the Moonbat News thunder for an entire news cycle."
Update: Stephen Taylor
responds.
Updated Tuesday, January 17 at 05:32 p.m.
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Voter analyzer
Find out where you stand on seven issues with The Globe and Mail's voter analyzer.
Updated Tuesday, January 17 at 05:02 p.m.
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PR
I'm constantly asked: Do you think campaign war rooms really read blogs? Yes.
Updated Tuesday, January 17 at 03:33 p.m.
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Millions of readers
[Endorsed] "The Liberals are still stirred by the idea that Canada must strive to be not only a richer society, but also a more just and compassionate one. The Toronto Star shares that vision. That is why the Liberals are our choice."
Updated Tuesday, January 17 at 02:37 p.m.
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In quotes
[Buzz Hargrove] "If you devolve all the powers to the provinces, what do you have left? His (Stephen Harper's) view of the country is a separatist view,"
"I would urge them (Quebec voters) to stop Stephen Harper in any way they can."
Updated Tuesday, January 17 at 12:40 p.m.
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Valeri makes $275,000 in 3 months
[Hamilton Spectator] "But a spokesperson for the ethics commissioner appeared to contradict Valeri's statement."
One of issue's at hand is the classification of the property: whether its 'investment' or 'recreational.' Mr. Valeri classified it as recreational. I don't know about you, but when I vacation, I usually don't do it next door to my house.
And now to an issue near and dear to my heart: freedom of the press. Mr. Valeri is attempting to force Pierre Bourque's
NewsWatch to reveal who his original tipster was on the Valeri 'house' item. This is asinine. If Valeri didn't want the item to be picked up, he shouldn't have bought and sold the house. It's just that simple.
Updated Tuesday, January 17 at 12:06 p.m.
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Hollywood's Canadian MP
Tomorrow night marks Liberal MP Sam Bulte's $250 per person gala at the Drake Hotel. As noted yesterday, Sam prefers to call it a 'celebration,' while the Liberal Party calls it what it is: a 'fundraiser.' Michael Geist has coined it a 'farewell party' and I believe he's bang on. But I digress.
Online Rights Canada is putting on their
own event at the Drake, an hour before Sam's: "Can't afford the Copyright Cartel's Big Banquet? Have a balanced meal with ORC instead."
The event is non-partisan and for under $20 you can enjoy a great
burger. Yes, that includes GST.
Updated Tuesday, January 17 at 10:45 a.m.
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Vote for me, call my opponent
Liberal candidate Andrew Telegedi may want to update his website. Located under 'Candidates Debate,' Mr. Telegedi lists the phone number of his Conservative rival (519-888-8300.) I guess that's what happens when you 'copy and paste' information from other people's websites.
Via Kate's
Small Dead Animals
Updated Tuesday, January 17 at 09:36 a.m.
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Morning news
[Elections Canada] Call for probe into Tory blogs
[
Landslide Annie] Deputy PM says PM hurt her chances
[
Connie] Lord Black, Newman reach deal in $2.1-million libel suit
[
#2] Harper hints at replacing MacKay as deputy
[
eTalk] Mulroney's children are poised for power
Updated Wednesday, January 18 at 08:56 a.m.
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In quotes
[Stephen Harper] "The reality is that we will have, for some time to come, a Liberal Senate, a Liberal civil service -- at least senior levels have been appointed by the Liberals -- and courts that have been appointed by the Liberals," Mr. Harper said.
"So these are obviously checks on the power of a Conservative government."
Updated Wednesday, January 18 at 08:25 a.m.
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Survey says: 18-point lead
Who would you vote for if an election were held today?
Conservative 42%
Liberal 24%
NDP 17%
Bloc 12%
Green 5%
Data: The Globe and Mail / CTV / Strategic Counsel
Updated Wednesday, January 18 at 08:15 a.m.
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Speaks for itself
What a great headline: Martin attacks Layton for not attacking Harper
Updated Tuesday, January 17 at 05:23 p.m.
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Image of the day
Brilliant.
Updated Tuesday, January 17 at 05:15 p.m.
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Hollywood's Canadian MP
Poor Sam Bulte. With all the commentary as of late, she can't keep her story straight. The official Liberal web site states this Thursday's starstudded event is a "fundraiser." However, The Toronto Star has this dandy of a quote from Sam:
"They are not hosting a fundraiser for me. ... It's a celebration of my support for the arts community."
Right, and I'm Jean Chretien operating under the pseudonym of Dan Cook.
As stated numerous times before, Bulte had a choice: cancel the fundraiser and sign the
Copyright Pledge. She's refused to do both. And now, Ms. Bulte is conveniently reclassifying the fundraiser as a 'celebration' by her friends. Does she think the electorate would be completely blind to her empty tricks?
Last word goes to Michael Geist: "Uh huh. A cynic might say that it doesn't really matter what Bulte calls the $250 per person event (the invitation states that "all funds raised will go to Sam's re-election campaign"), since if the current polls are to be believed, it may ultimately be characterized as a
farewell party."
Updated Tuesday, January 17 at 04:10 p.m.
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Time served
Mark your calendars: This Thursday, President Bill Clinton will be eligible to reclaim his long lost law license. I'd hire him as my counsel in a New York minute.
In other Clinton news, Hillary said the House of Representatives "has been run like a
plantation, and you know what I'm talking about."
Updated Tuesday, January 17 at 03:05 p.m.
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The news
[Trinity-Spadina] U of T group says Liberals ruined vote by students
[
Quota] Duceppe denies setting target for Bloc Québécois
[
Lend] Layton says only NDP can rein in Tories
[
Gum] Ex-Mint boss dinging us to bitter end
[
Affair] Parrot squawks on woman's affair
Gum
Via Bourque
Updated Tuesday, January 17 at 01:38 p.m.
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Times on Harper
[NY Times] "Mr. Harper's platform and speeches concentrate on nuts-and-bolts issues, and he rarely brings up his opposition to the Kyoto climate protocol, his past support for the United States-led invasion of Iraq and his opposition to same-sex marriage. He jokes about his lack of charisma, and his very dullness seems to play well to an electorate tired of slick politicians."
Updated Tuesday, January 17 at 12:46 p.m.
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Multiple personalities
Politics Watch have launched the Vote Selector Quiz. In 18 questions, you can find out who your ideal Prime Minister is. Awhile back, I posted a similar offering from CBC.
But now, I'm really confused: each quiz told me I support a different Prime Minister.
Updated Tuesday, January 17 at 12:39 p.m.
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Respect the send button
Ok, I admit it. I spilled my coffee when this headline hit my computer screen:
Stronach Challenges Harper to Treat Justice Gomery with
Respect
So, two things would automatically come to mind: Gomery can't defend himself and Harper isn't interested in what the Judge has to say.
And those two ideas are garbage; so is the press release.
As you were.
Updated Tuesday, January 17 at 11:03 a.m.
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Judge & Jury
Have you ever wanted to whack Paul, Steve, Gilles, Jack and that Green guy? Here's your chance, without getting steamrolled by the RCMP.
Via Antonia
Updated Tuesday, January 17 at 09:47 a.m.
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Your tax dollars hard at work
April 2004: Liberals fire Jean Pelletier as Chairman of Via Rail. [Even though the Justice Department advised the Federal Cabinet against it.]
November 2005: Federal Court of Canada orders Jean Pelletier reinstated as Chairman of Via Rail.
December 22, 2005: Liberals fire Jean Pelletier
again.
January 16, 2006: Jean Pelletier files motions seeking to block the second firing, along with '
moral damages' of $3.7-million.
Bank on Pelletier winning (again) at the taxpayer's expense.
Updated Tuesday, January 17 at 09:10 a.m.
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In quotes
"I don't trust the Conservative Party and I don't think women in Canada and people who love women in this country should trust the Conservative Party as far as abortion rights are concerned," said Dr. Henry Morgentaler.
Updated Tuesday, January 17 at 08:36 a.m.
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Survey says
Would a Conservative majority government be good or bad for the country?
Good 55%
Bad 35%
Who would you vote for if an election were held today?
Conservative 40%
Liberal 27%
NDP 16%
Bloc 11%
Green 6%
Data: The Globe and Mail / CTV / Strategic Counsel
Updated Tuesday, January 17 at 08:30 a.m.
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From Hull to Rockliffe
According to Hill and Knowlton's Election Predictor, Gilles Duceppe will be moving to Stornoway.
Personally, I believe you'll see the Liberals in Opposition. Nonetheless, its fun to contemplate Gilles Duceppe having an Ontario drivers license.
Updated Monday, January 16 at 05:12 p.m.
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Ideological flavour
Warren Kinsella asks an excellent question:
"Media folks, like regular folks, wanted the Grits booted out of power — but they still harbour serious reservations about what the Harpies will do, and not do. By the same token, I'll be interested to see how the blogosphere — who are overwhelmingly white, male, conservative and oppositional — will handle power. If you blog, it's easy to carp about the ruling class. When your ideological flavour supplants the ruling class, who are you going to bitch about, then? We'll see."
Updated Monday, January 16 at 02:44 p.m.
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Irony file
[Edmonton Journal] "A discussion about crime in northeast Edmonton became more than statistical for Justice Minister Irwin Cotler when a woman was stabbed outside the meeting hall just a half-hour before he arrived."
Via Neale
Updated Monday, January 16 at 02:51 p.m.
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The news
[Cannabis] Conservatives won't decriminalize marijuana
[
Recall] Spring House session in the offing
[
Montreal] Duceppe says Martin could lose riding
[
Edmonton] Landslide Annie in the fight of her life
[
Ads] Google's Shadow payroll is not such a secret anymore
Updated Monday, January 16 at 12:45 p.m.
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Hollywood's Canadian MP
Over the last week, I have been speaking to residents of Sam Bulte's riding. It appears Bulte is headed for defeat on Jan. 23 to the NDP's Peggy Nash.
Bulte has been elected three times in the riding; she probably would have been elected this time as well. But through the tireless efforts of
Michael Geist, word has spread of Canada's Hollywood MP.
News organizations have picked up the story,
trade publications,
lawyers,
bloggers,
aggregators,
musicians,
columnists,
editorialists,
independent record labels and countless others.
This is the story of an MP who: refused to cancel a star-studded fundraiser four days before the federal election, and refused to take a simple
Copyright Pledge. More so, it's the story of everyday people saying "enough." The protest vote will come into play in a week's time, and Ms. Bulte will be out of a job.
The irony of it all is, the lobby groups that kept her in business all these years, will be her ultimate demise.
Updated Monday, January 16 at 10:54 a.m.
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Win a trip for 2
Yes it's true: 'The Great Paul Martin Credibility Hunt' is on. The NDP will fly you and a guest to any country that Paul Martin used to "get out of paying Canadian taxes."
Will it be the Bahamas, Cyprus, Liberia, Malta, Panama, or Vanuatu?
Enter to win.
Updated Monday, January 16 at 09:52 a.m.
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The attack of the attack ads
The Liberal Party believes the latest Conservative ads are "in violation of Canada's Copyright laws." Further, they are calling on the Conservatives to withdraw the ads.
Updated Monday, January 16 at 08:56 a.m.
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Survey says
How would you vote if an election were held today?
Conservative 40%
Liberal 27%
NDP 16%
Bloc 11%
Green 6%
Updated Monday, January 16 at 08:16 a.m.
Send your comments on this item to email@dancook.com
Phony e-mail
A phony e-mail has been circulating across Canada:
From: National Council
To: standupf@standupforcanada.net
SUBJECT: JUST A FEW DAYS LEFT...NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT
Date: Sun., 15 Jan. 2006 06:28:44 +0300
Dear Fellow Conservatives:
These are exciting times. Here we are in the home stretch on our way to victory in Election 2006!
In just a few more days, our leader Stephen Harper will become the next Prime Minister of Canada!
As your Chair, I want to thank each and everyone of you for your work in bring us so close to the victory. During a campaign like this one, it is not always possible or wise to speak about every details of our plans. Don't be confused or upset by Stephen saying that he has "evolved." After all, winning is the name of the game.
When we form Government on Jan. 23rd., be rest assured that we will not let you and your families down. As promised, all the issues that are precious to you will be dealt with. We will have the power to get on with repairing the social fabric of this country and restoring the Christian values we all hold dear.
Keep the faith, keep up the pressure, and God bless Canada.
Don
PS: This is a post-only mailing -- please do not reply to this message.
It's been difficult to track the original source / sender as it was originally routed through St. Petersburg, Russia to mask the identity.
But fear not: Talk-show host Peter Warren, has a computer expert (manager, B.C. Justice Department) on-air today at 2:30 p.m. EST. The identity will be revealed. Hmm, I wonder who would be up to such dirty tricks. Tune in to find out.
Note: If you miss the broadcast, choose 11A PST in the Audio Vault.
Updated Sunday, January 15 at 2:28p.m.
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$1.75
As noted earlier today, NDP candidate Jeffery Hansen - Carlson has accused Liberal candidate David Oliver of offering a bribe.
Prime Minister Paul Martin has
disowned the Liberal candidate. Further, all monies collected under the
$1.75 per vote party financing system on Mr. Oliver's behalf will be refunded to Elections Canada.
Which brings us back to another disowned candidate:
Derek Zeisman. The Conservative Party hasn't publicly stated what they plan to do with any monies they collect as per the $1.75 finance system on Zeisman's behalf.
So, Mister Harper: What are you going to do with the money?
Updated Friday, January 13 at 04:45 p.m.
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Hollywood's Canadian MP
The undisputed winner, here it is: the photo of the day.
Update: [
ZDNet UK] The best democracy money can buy
Updated Friday, January 13 at 03:14 p.m.
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In quotes
[The Calgary Grit] "Back in 2003 when everyone was walking around the Air Canada Centre in Toronto predicting Paul Martin's juggernaut would win 200 seats, I never realized that they were talking about his two election combined total.
Updated Friday, January 13 at 03:03 p.m.
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Platforms
The Conservative Party has released their party platform.
To explore all party platforms 'issue by issue' click
here. And a 'side-by-side' comparison is available
here.
Updated Friday, January 13 at 02:35 p.m.
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The news
[Herb Dhaliwal] A defeated Paul Martin would have 'no choice but to leave.'
[
Hamilton Spectator] Liberal MP Tony Valeri pockets $275,000 in three months
[
Globe and Mail] Stephen Harper and Ricky of Trailer Park Boys are distant cousins
[
Andrew Coyne] Who is the Liberal mole? Cast your vote.
[
BBC] Taiwan breeds green-glowing pigs
Updated Friday, January 13 at 12:35 a.m.
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PR
Conservative Party of Canada: Liberal MP Telegdi defends use of term "Nigger"
Liberal Party of Canada: Stephen
Harper Raises Funds for Radical Right-wing Organization
NDP: Liberal Candidate
Alleged to Have Offered Bribe to NDP Candidate
Updated Friday, January 13 at 11:51 a.m.
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Fundraiser
Matthew Good chimes in on the Sam Bulte copyright matter: 'I suggest she consider whose interests she's actually representing.'
Updated Friday, January 13 at 10:05 a.m.
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Private health care
So, it turns out Jack Layton used private health care in the mid-'90s.
However, just last month talk-show host
Peter Warren asked Jack the following question:
"Imagine your spouse was in terrible, terrible pain and needed a hip replacement. The wait time was eighteen months. Would you use private health care?"
Jack Layton:
No. [Listen]
Updated Friday, January 13 at 09:30 a.m.
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Contradicting Harper
Derek Zeisman claims the Conservative Party was aware of the smuggling charges laid against him under the Customs Act.
Updated Friday, January 13 at 09:04 a.m.
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Predictions
Seat predictions across Canada:
Conservative 152
Liberal 74
Bloc 61
NDP 21
Independent 1
How would you vote if an election were held today?
Conservative 39%
Liberal 27%
NDP 16%
Bloc 12%
Green 6%
Updated Friday, January 13 at 08:34 a.m.
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Roundup
[Advertising] Martin backs anti-Harper ads
[
Kinsella] Inside the war room
[
The Tyee] Dosnajh's Biggest Donors Run Medical Firms
[
Cherniak] Harper fundraises for extremists
[
TSB] Its Good to be the King: More Liberal Cronyism
TSB
Via Bourque
Updated Thursday, January 12 at 02:50 p.m.
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Advertising
Liberal MP Keith Martin on the Liberals 'Military' attack ad: "Some idiot went and sent it out with the other 11 ads, and it was never sanctioned by the party, never approved, and we are completely appalled that this went out. We apologize to the men and women in the uniform."
Updated Thursday, January 12 at 12:12 p.m.
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News & views
[Copyright] Sam Bulte gets the Jeer for refusing to take Michael Geist's 'Copyright Pledge.'
[
Advertising] Alberta Liberal candidate ashamed of her party
[
Hearings] Who Caused Judge Alito's Wife to Cry?
[
Reuters] Dogs may be able to sniff out Cancer
[
Winnipeg Free Press] The sky is not falling on western civilization
Updated Thursday, January 12 at 11:50 a.m.
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Adding it up
Liberal platform = $96.8-billion
NDP platform = $71.5-
billion
Updated Thursday, January 12 at 10:13 a.m.
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Trust
Whom do you trust most to be Prime Minister?
Stephen Harper: 32%
Paul Martin: 25%
Jack Layton: 17%
Gilles Duceppe 6%
Updated Thursday, January 12 at 10:00 a.m.
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Survey says
How would you vote if an election were held today?
Conservative 39%
Liberal 28%
NDP 16%
Bloc 12%
Green 5%
Data: Globe and Mail / CTV / Strategic Counsel
Updated Thursday, January 12 at 09:38 a.m.
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Hypocrisy watch
The Conservative Party is continuing to endorse candidate Derek Zeisman even though CTV reported the following last night: "In July 2004, Zeisman was crossing into British Columbia from the United States, when Canada Customs charged him with attempting to smuggle in a Mercedes-Benz vehicle and 112 containers of alcohol."
Right, so Tory logic is this: Ralph Goodale should step down even though he hasn't been charged with
anything. However, Derek Zeisman needs his day in court; innocent until proven guilty.
As you were.
Update: Tories
disown candidate
Updated Friday, January 12 at 09:20 a.m.
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In quotes
Stephen Harper on the Liberals 'Military' attack ad: "There's only one government in history that declared martial law and put troops on the street — or a form of martial law — and that was the Trudeau Liberal Government."
Updated Thursday, January 12 at 08:45 a.m.
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The news
[Copyright] Debating Bulte: Michael Geist handily wins another round
[
Hearings] The Samuel Alito Drinking Game
[
Globe and Mail] A blast from Stephen Harper's political past
[
Chantal Hebert] PM's best hope may be fear of a Tory majority
[
HNS] Mounties eat crow over Harper bumper sticker
Updated Wednesday, January 11 at 03:33 p.m.
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Politics & religion
Faith Today is published by The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. They asked all party leaders to respond to the following question in under 600-words:
"What role do you think faith should play in developing public policy, and what is the place of religious institutions in contemporary Canadian society?"
You can read the views of Paul Martin, Jack Layton/Bill Blaikie, and Stephen Harper
here.
[Gilles Duceppe declined.]
Updated Wednesday, January 11 at 02:28 p.m.
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Live TV
CBC-TV / Don Newman / Politics on Newsworld
Liberal Strategist Susan Murray to NDP Strategist Brad Lavigne: '
That's Bullshit' [21:20]
Via Bourque
Updated Wednesday, January 11 at 01:38 p.m.
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Blogroll
[National Post] What blogs do you read, if any?
MR. Layton: "
Paul Wells's"
MR. Harper: "
Monte Solberg and
James Moore... and I really think that
Warren guy is on to something."
MR. Martin: "Other than
Scott Feschuk's, none."
Updated Wednesday, January 11 at 01:30 p.m.
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Officially out
The NDP platform is located here: 'Getting results for people'
The Liberal platform is located
here: 'Securing Canada's Success'
Updated Wednesday, January 11 at 12:53 p.m.
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Newmarket-Aurora
Toronto Life profiles Belinda Stronach: "Both former husbands describe Stronach as down-to-earth, kind, fun, free of pettiness and pretension and—above all—a loving mother. In their years together, Walker says he never saw her angry or out of control. When Stronach and Koss split after three years, the reason he offered to me was the same as Walker's: two people found their dreams coalesced for a while, then veered in different directions. Both testify that the woman on public display—committed, morally driven—is the real deal: what you see is what you get."
Updated Wednesday, January 11 at 11:15 a.m.
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The mole lives
Rumor has it that the Liberal Party is releasing their platform at noon EST today.
But you can read it
here, right now. Its been leaked.
Via Western Standard
Updated Wednesday, January 11 at 10:15 a.m.
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Duffy v. Duffy
As noted yesterday, the Liberals released a whole slew of attack ads. This particular ad was pulled after being initially posted on the official Liberal website.
Liberal Strategist John Duffy wasn't interested in talking about the controversial ad anymore. But CTV's Mike Duffy was: "You were in here earlier when we were off the air on a commercial break trying to intimidate me into not going back to that ad,"
said Mike Duffy. "We will not be intimidated. We will do our jobs as journalists."
I believe
this is some of the best television of the campaign thus far.
Meanwhile, the Conservatives have called a press conference (9:30 a.m. EST) "to comment on Liberal attack ads" and have also responded with their
own commercial.
Updated Wednesday, January 11 at 09:28 a.m.
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Survey says
How would you you if an election were held today?
Conservative 38%
Liberal 28%
NDP 16%
Bloc 12%
Green 6%
The percentage of Canadians polled (1,000) January 7 and 8 who say the Conservatives would make Canada far more like the United States: 46%
Liberal 17%
NDP 5%
Updated Wednesday, January 11 at 08:45 a.m.
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Advertising
The Liberals have released the attack ads: "Harper is pro-Iraq war, anti-Kyoto and socially conservative."
"Bush's new best friend is the poster boy for his ideal foreign leader."
Update: The Conservative Party responds. "While the Liberals continue their negative campaign of desperation, Stephen Harper and the Conservative party will continue to run a positive, ideas-based campaign," said Conservative National Campaign Co-Chair John Reynolds. "But as the Liberals continue to lie about us, we will continue to tell the truth about them."
Updated Monday, January 09 at 03:36 p.m.
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Report card
Key debate audio is located here. You can also rate the leaders on a scale from 1 to 5, and of course view all of the results. Currently, Harper is in the lead with an overall score of 3.4.
Updated Monday, January 09 at 03:17 p.m.
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New face of federal liberalism
[Bourque] "Ignatieff's $300 per person leadership fundraiser"
Updated Tuesday, January 10 at 02:24 p.m.
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In last night's debate
Martin said
Fact = 43 times
Go = 33 times
Very = 32 times
Country = 31 times
Mr. = 30 times
Think = 28 times
Harper said
Govern = 41 times
Go = 36 times
Tax = 31 times
Party = 30 times
People & Mr. = 27 times
We'll = 21 times
Layton said
Mr. = 38 times
People = 32 times
Care = 28 times
Canadian = 28 times
Work = 23 times
Martin = 20 times
Duceppe said
Quebec = 45 times
Mr. = 32 times
Think = 25 times
Martin = 22 times
Liberal = 19 times
Canada = 18 times
[Honourable mention: Bloc & Nation = 17]
Updated Tuesday, January 10 at 01:19 p.m.
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Hold fire
[Ottawa Citizen] "Two major newspapers (The Toronto Star / La Presse) and a pollster decided to sit on the results of a weekend poll that showed a double-digit breakthrough by the Conservatives over the Liberals because they felt it would be irresponsible to release the 'stunning' numbers on the day of the English debate."
Updated Tuesday, January 10 at 11:10 a.m.
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Dear Sam
The other PrimeMinister pens a letter to Liberal MP Bulte and gets a response.
Updated Tuesday, January 10 at 10:42 a.m.
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History & unity
[David Frum] "The blunt fact is that Quebec elects separatists as a protest against Liberal over-centralization. The sequence of events tells the story.
1974: Liberal majority.
1976: PQ elected in Quebec.
1984: Conservative majority.
1985: PQ defeated.
1993: Liberal majority.
1994: PQ returned to power.
The next Quebec election will probably occur in about a year's time.
Nothing -- nothing -- would strengthen the separatist cause more than the re-election of the Martin government."
[Note: David forgot a part. In 2003, Jean Charest (Liberal) was elected as Premier of Quebec.]
Updated Tuesday, January 10 at 10:14 a.m.
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Election news
Liberals quietly consider the possibility of defeat
Affluent
men fuel surge in support for Tories
Conservatives' Quebec surge
hurts Liberals
Traders placing their bets on
Tory victory
Is the NDP campaign being
under-reported?
Updated Tuesday, January 10 at 09:30 a.m.
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In quotes
Prime Minister Paul Martin: "The first act of a new Liberal government is going to be to strengthen the Charter and we will do that by removing . . . the possibility for the federal government to use the notwithstanding clause, because quite simply I think governance says that the courts shouldn't be overturned by politicians."
Updated Tuesday, January 10 at 08:53 a.m.
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Debate analysis
[Warren Kinsella] "Winner? Harper, by surviving. Loser? Martin, by not winning. The other two guys were a sideshow."
Updated Tuesday, January 10 at 08:28 a.m.
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Debate
The main event / debate starts at 8:00 p.m. EST; ends at 10:00 p.m. EST.
[
Watch] Stream it live on CPAC. Coverage begins at 7:00 p.m. EST.
[
Listen] Stream it live on CBC Radio.
[
Discussion] Join The Globe and Mail's Editorial board.
[
Blog] Play-by-play.
[
News] For all things debate / election related.
Updated Monday, January 09 at 05:51 p.m.
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The news
[MSNBC] Homeland Security opening private mail
[
TSG] The Man Who Conned Oprah
[
CP] McGuinty criticized for lack of involvement in campaign
[
The Globe & Mail] Tonight's debate most important challenge of campaign so far
[
CBC] Saskatchewan man sent to Manitoba to vote
Updated Monday, January 09 at 04:40 p.m.
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The OC
Timing is everything: Hours before the English-language debate, two Quebec authors have released a book on Option Canada (OC). They allege OC illegally spent $3.5-million during the 1995 referendum campaign.
Updated Monday, January 09 at 02:53 p.m.
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Margin of error
It's official. Sun Media has published the dumbest poll of the election campaign. [Note: When 44.2% are 'undecided,' you know something is wrong.]
Updated Monday, January 09 at 02:15 p.m.
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U.S. interests
Take a few minutes out of your day to read Michael Geist's latest instalment on Liberal MP Sam Bulte: Cause or Effect.
One notable: Even though Bulte has been an MP since 1997, in 2000 she "emerged as a vocal advocate for stronger copyright reform." Guess when the copyright lobby money started? 2000.
And so, Geist rightly calls on Bulte to not only cancel her January 19th fundraiser, but to also take the Copyright Pledge.
I second the motion.
Updated Monday, January 09 at 01:15 p.m.
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News & views
[Rabble] Political animal can't hide neo-con spots
[
Toronto Star] Ignatieff says he'll deal with Liberal 'mess'
[
Globe and Mail] Here's what the leaders should be asked tonight
[
Hill Times] Liberal Leader Paul Martin should be taken out of his "bubble,"
[
The Tyee] Memo to Layton: Game Has Changed
Updated Monday, January 09 at 09:44 a.m.
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In quotes
Prime Minister Paul Martin: "In terms of Mr. Harper's musings about a majority government, let me just say we've just begun the third quarter," said Mr. Martin. "And I don't think you spike the ball until the game is over."
Updated Monday, January 09 at 08:39 a.m.
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Survey says
How would you vote if an election were held today?
Conservatives 37%
Liberals 29%
NDP 15%
Bloc 13%
Green 6%
Updated Friday, January 06 at 08:30 a.m.
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Advertising
The Liberals have released a new round of TV ads: Early Learning and Child Care, One Leader (v2), and Supporting Canadian Families.
Updated Sunday, January 08 at 12:38 p.m.
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Sunday
[Edmonton Sun] Letter may haunt Harper.
[
Vancouver Province] Liberals' 'Made in B.C.' agenda a waste of paper.
[
TIME Europe] A tight election marks the end of a long period of comfort.
Updated Sunday, January 08 at 12:38 p.m.
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Parliament
[Ipsos] Seat projection model:
Conservatives 129-133 Seats
Liberals 87-91 Seats
NDP 27-31 Seats
Bloc 56-60 Seats
Note: The leaders' debate starts Monday, January 9 at 8:00 p.m. EST.
Updated Saturday, January 07 at 10:42 a.m.
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Income trusts
The SEC responds to the NDP: "We are taking your complaint very seriously, and have referred it to the appropriate people within the SEC."
Updated Friday, January 06 at 11:00 p.m.
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007
Under a Conservative Government, Stephen Harper would expand the "Canadian Foreign Intelligence Agency.'' [Note: the CFIA doesn't exist.]
Mr. Harper announced late today he would create a brand new agency that would spy overseas.
Updated Friday, January 06 at 05:50 p.m.
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No logo
On December 14, the Special Olympics asked Andrew Stronach's company (yes Belinda's brother) to remove their logos from his sports betting website.
The logos are still up.
Updated Friday, January 06 at 04:50 p.m.
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Mounties called
According to The Toronto Sun, the RCMP has been asked to probe a lobbyist by the name of Kim Doran. She is also the Deputy National Director for the Liberal Party of Canada.
At issue is a contract worth $380,000 awarded by the justice department.
Via Bourque
Updated Friday, January 06 at 03:35 p.m.
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PORC
Remember this photo-op? 
Stephen Harper claims Canadian's received no value for the $132,000 shown. Turns out, Cabinet Minister Andy Scott has the documents to prove Mister Harper wrong.
A report by Terry Milewski on CBC's
The National also debunks the Tories claim.
Accordingly, Andy Scott has requested
a retraction.
Updated Friday, January 06 at 03:35 p.m.
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MSM & blogs
John Gormley, Special to The StarPhoenix: "An increasing number of stories during this election campaign got their start in the blogosphere and then took off when they hit the conventional media airwaves and news pages."
Via Neale
Updated Friday, January 06 at 01:20 p.m.
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Views
[Rick Salutin] Hold your nose and vote for Jack.
[
Sheila Copps] What is that smell?
[
Chantal Hebert] Harper surge boosts federalists in Quebec.
[
Pieta Woolley] Crime's sexy; the fix is not.
Updated Friday, January 06 at 10:47 a.m.
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Sam & Michael
The (Liberal) Sam Bulte matter just gets more interesting as time goes on. As you'll recall, Bulte is set to benefit from a major pro-copyright lobby group four days before the federal election. Bulte of course is the next wannabe Heritage Minister.
Technology and law professor Michael Geist
uncovers that Bulte; "ranked 5th among the more than 100 ridings in terms of total contributions of individuals, corporations, trade unions, and associations."
But all this press has Sam Bulte in a tizzy. She has attacked Michael Geist in
The Toronto Star: "seriously, who is he funded by?" Thankfully,
The Star answers the question with the important work of the Canadian Internet Policy and Public Interest Clinic.
Only one thing can be done:
The Copyright Pledge. It would ban anyone from serving as Heritage Minister or from sitting on a copyright committee that accepts any money from the copyright lobby.
Sam Bulte and (Conservative) Bev Oda, will you sign The Copyright Pledge?
Updated Friday, January 06 at 09:12 a.m.
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Survey says: tie
Nationally:
Liberals 32%
Conservatives 32%
NDP 17%
Bloc 13%
Green 6%
Data: Strategic Counsel / CTV / The Globe & Mail.
Updated Friday, January 06 at 08:30 a.m.
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In quotes
Michael Marzolini in a speech to the Economic Club of Toronto: "If there is rain in Vancouver, Paul Martin could win. If there is an ice storm in Toronto, then Stephen Harper could win. And if it snows in hell, Jack Layton will win."
Updated Friday, January 06 at 08:22 a.m.
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Late breaking
Chalk it up as another blow to the Liberal party. The Globe and Mail has confirmed the RCMP is in the midst of a review of a now disbanded group called Option Canada. At issue is a $4.8-million grant used during the 1995 referendum campaign.
You can read the developing story
here.
Updated Thursday, January 05 at 07:40 p.m.
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Issue by issue
Try the issue quiz. You might be surprised where you really stand.
Updated Thursday, January 05 at 05:30 p.m.
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TV
Ill be on Mike Duffy's Countdown at 8:00 p.m. EST interviewing Stephen Harper.
Updated Thursday, January 05 at 05:00 p.m.
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Day 38: Promises
[NDP] $200-million a year health care fund to train medical professionals.
[
Conservatives] Mandatory minimum sentences of 5-10 years for major gun offences.
[
Liberal] Grants up to $6,000 for all university students. $3,000 to be paid in both the first and fourth year.
Updated Thursday, January 05 at 02:50 p.m.
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Reader e-mail
Time to open up the mail bag.
Wayne MacDonald writes:
"So how much are the Liberals paying you to publish their platform on a mainstream media outlet under the guise of a blog?"
H.Berglas writes:
"How much are the Tories paying you guys anyway? I'd hate to think you're doing all of that cheerleading for free."
Updated Thursday, January 05 at 2:30 p.m.
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Top 10
Gerry Nicholls is vice president of the National Citizens Coalition. Here's his Top 10 list of candidates he'd 'love to see lose on January 23rd.'
1. Belinda Stronach
2. Svend Robinson
3. Scott Brison
4. Sid Ryan
5. Jean Lapierre
6. Michael Ignatieff
7. Olivia Chow
8. Ralph Goodale
9. Anne McLellan
10. Bonnie Brown
Updated Thursday, January 05 at 02:20 p.m.
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Election '06
Big news on the digital side at Maclean's. Election 2006 is in full effect with the addition of: Warren Kinsella, Colby Cosh, Maude Barlow, Tasha Kheiriddin and Adam Daifallah.
Updated Thursday, January 05 at 02:10 p.m.
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2005
The Calgary Grit's 'Year In Review' is chalked full of goodies. Highlights include:
Best Picture — Stephen Harper.
Quote of The Year — Pat Martin.
George Radwanski Golden Expense Account Award — Joe Volpe.
Bloom Is Off The Rose - Michael Ignatieff.
Updated Thursday, January 05 at 11:35 a.m.
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News & views
[Mark Steyn] It's the Demography, Stupid: The real reason the West is in danger of extinction.
[
Rabble] Conservatives capitalizing on the 'breaks.'
[
Globe and Mail Editorial] Harper, Goodale and a minister's duty.
[
Bourque] The Liberal campaign team has a mole who is leaking policy and platform information to the Conservatives and the media…
[
Bloggies] The Sixth Annual Weblog Awards: Nominations have begun.
Updated Thursday, January 05 at 10:45 a.m.
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In quotes
[Marc Garneau] "I believe that there are a lot of sovereigntists who have not worked this through to the end. It's a little bit like the United States going into Baghdad. It happened very quickly but what after that?"
[
Jack Layton] "The Conservatives want to dismantle the Canadian state -- so does the Bloc," the NDP Leader said. "(Stephen Harper) is in favour of dismantling the national capacities."
[
Gilles Duceppe] "Personally, I'm not against the idea of the government of Quebec, the government of Canada or some government displaying a flag, being present in an activity, in exchange for a sum of money."
[
Paul Martin] "If you want to have the answers to these questions, I'm not going to basically get involved in what the RCMP is doing. I'm sure that you can ask these questions of the RCMP. But I'm not going to be responding on a daily basis to an investigation, to an examination that's being handled by the RCMP."
[
Stephen Harper] "I don't know any party leader in the history of this country, other than Mr. Martin, who ever aspired to be prime minister, who ran his life under the flags of Barbados and Liberia and tried to avoid paying taxes in this country. That's Mr. Martin's record on his love of Canada,"
Updated Thursday, January 05 at 09:27 a.m.
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Affirmative action
Percentage of party candidates who are female:
Liberal
Female 26%
Male 74%
Conservative
Female 12%
Male 88%
NDP
Female 35%
Male 65%
Bloc
Female 29%
Male 71%
Updated Thursday, January 05 at 08:57 a.m.
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One question
John Ibbitson asks the question Stephen Harper and Diane Ablonczy (Immigration Affairs Critic) refuse to answer:
Should Canada retain its current intake of about 250,000 new immigrants a year, increase that number, or lower it?
Updated Thursday, January 05 at 08:43 a.m.
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Survey says
Nationally:
Liberal 32%
Conservative 32%
NDP 17%
Bloc 13%
Green 6%
Who has
Momentum?
Conservative 34%
Liberal 23%
Updated Thursday, January 05 at 08:35 a.m.
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Resolutions
[From Liberal.ca] Paul Martin's "Top 10 Resolutions for 2006"
5. Work with provinces to pass a constitutional amendment requiring each senator to dress like their favourite Osmond.
4. Remember to change the wood shavings on the bottom of Feschuk's cage.
3. Set aside $6 million from the next federal budget - build bionic man.
2. I don't know - Maybe infer from the gleam of rage in my sons' eyes that I should stop speaking out publicly about how desperately Sheila and I want a grandchild?
And the prime minister's No. 1 resolution for 2006:
1. Surround myself with a whole new bunch of idiots.
Updated Wednesday, January 04 at 05:24 p.m.
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Advertising
The latest Conservative 'attack ad' is available here.
Side note: While this ad is not available on the official Conservative website, it is in rotation on television.
Updated Wednesday, January 04 at 04:35 p.m.
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Day 37
Stephen Harper promises to reduce the immigration landing fee from $975 to $100.
Jack Layton proposes a
$1-billion prescription drug plan.
Paul Martin's
Canada Health Plan: 1,000 new doctors and $300-million to fight cancer.
Should the NDP's Gord Perks drop his
biweekly column while the election is in progress? Yup.
Harper
accuses Martin of avoiding taxes.
Updated Wednesday, January 04 at 03:17 p.m.
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Income trusts
Terence Corcoran / Financial Post: "Even if there was a leak during the day of Nov. 23, a leak is not a criminal offence. It might be stupid and sloppy, but it is not a crime. Mr. Goodale himself told The Globe and Mail on Nov. 22 that he was thinking of changing income trust policy in a day or two. A media interview is not a leak. In this case, the leak would have to be transmission midway through the day of Nov. 23 of specific information regarding the content of the policy shift. Even then, it doesn't look like a criminal offence."
Updated Wednesday, January 04 at 02:31 p.m.
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Survey says
Via Bourque: The latest CPAC / SES numbers from January 3rd are in.
Conservative 36%
Liberal 33%
NDP 15%
Bloc 13%
Green 4%
Undecided 17%
Updated Wednesday, January 04 at 02:22 p.m.
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No crime v. crime
Yesterday, I posted David Frum's column. I've received numerous e-mails questioning the validity of the statistics: "Canada's overall crime rate is now 50% higher than the crime rate in the United States."
Here's the flip side.
[
Jeffrey Simpson] Read my lips: There is no crime epidemic in Canada.
Updated Wednesday, January 04 at 12:02 p.m.
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News & views
Winnipeg Free Press: Canadians terrified of Harper's real plans.
Ipsos poll: 78% of Canadians feel judges are too
lenient with gun criminals.
The Globe & Mail: Layton
rips Martin for declaring two-way race.
Ottawa Sun: Media seek
real-time election results.
The Tyee on Income Trusts: A brazen tax
dodge even George Bush disallowed.
Updated Wednesday, January 04 at 11:15 a.m.
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Copyright & politics
Law professor Michael Geist is one smart cookie. In today's segment, he details how Bev Oda (Conservative Party's Heritage Critic) is backed not only by "U.S. interests," but also by the Canadian broadcast lobby.
As you'll recall, the same thing was noted yesterday for another wannabe Heritage Minister: Liberal MP Sam Brulte.
And so, Geist is proposing "
The Copyright Pledge." Basically, it would ban anyone from serving as Heritage Minister or from sitting on a copyright committee that accepts any money from the copyright lobby.
Makes sense to me.
Updated Wednesday, January 04 at 09:16 a.m.
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Quebec
Ahem. Guess who misses federal subsidies for sponsorships? Gilles Duceppe.
Updated Wednesday, January 04 at 08:45 a.m.
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I feel like a woman
John Sprovieri is the Conservative candidate for Bramalea-Gore-Malton. Instead of writing his own ideas and views for his website, it looks like he borrowed Nina Grewals.
On abortion: "If you want to know my opinion, I am a woman, end of discussion."
On-line briefing book: "Gurmant and I are two separate MPs representing different ridings," says John. "Gurmant not running in this election affects me personally, not professionally."
Updated Wednesday, January 04 at 08:28 a.m.
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Goodale & the RCMP
Pat Breton is Ralph Goodale's press secretary. And he's contradicting his boss: no meeting has been scheduled between the minister and the RCMP.
Update: Ralph Goodale met Tuesday evening with the RCMP.
Updated Tuesday, January 03 at 05:02 p.m.
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Radio
The Conservative Party has just released two new radio ads: 'Ottawa' (Starring a pretend Robin Leach) & 'More Than Money.'
Updated Tuesday, January 03 at 04:40 p.m.
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Cuts & spending
Conservatives:
Promised tax cuts = $73-billion
Promised spending = $6.6-billion
NDP:
Promised tax cuts = $40.8-billion
Promised spending = $26.8-billion
Liberal:
Promised tax cuts = $32.5-billion
Promised spending = $24.0-billion
Bloc:
Promised spending = $55.8-billion
Green:
Promised tax cuts = $17.5-billion
Promised spending = $27.1-billion
Updated Tuesday, January 03 at 04:20 p.m.
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Income trusts & U.S. investments
David Callaway, editor-in-chief of CBS MarketWatch: "As big as this (income trusts) is to the election in Canada, it's not going to turn off American investors to Canadian securities."
Updated Tuesday, January 03 at 03:54 p.m.
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Just the fax part two
Yesterday, I noted the following: Conservative pundit Stephen Taylor's fourth 'get' of the election campaign: Was the Liberal party using Ralph Goodale's ministerial office for partisan business?
Update: The faxes
did cross the line.
Updated Tuesday, January 03 at 03:22 p.m.
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The news
Don Imus calls Tucker Carlson "a twit." Makes sense to me.
Richard Nesbitt, CEO TSX & Registered Income Trust
Lobbyist.
The Bloc releases new TV
ads.
Barry Campbell and income trusts: One
well-connected Liberal.
Harper
pours fuel on Gomery fire in Quebec.
Updated Tuesday, January 03 at 02:20 p.m.
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$250
Michael Geist does a fantastic job exposing the hypocrisy / conflicts of (Liberal) Sam Bulte's 'fundraiser.'
Updated Tuesday, January 03 at 01:40 p.m.
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Radio LaPierre
From Bourque.com: "Sources close to (Cabinet Minister Jean) LaPierre tell Bourque that LaPierre has 'absolutely no interest in leading the Liberal Party' and would be 'terribly bored' sitting in the Opposition benches. Au contraire, we are told, LaPierre is said to be interested in returning to Quebec airwaves and may well write an 'insider's' account of his current foray into federal politics, a tell-all book that would certainly be of interest to a number of disgruntled Liberals, many of whom are still scratching their heads as to how LaPierre found himself in the bosom of Paul Martin's Cabinet…"
Updated Tuesday, January 03 at 12:40 p.m.
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Captive audience
For prison inmates, voting day is only ten days away. Most inmates will be for voting any party with the exception of the Tories. Why? For fear of losing TV, stereo, and voting privileges.
Updated Tuesday, January 03 at 11:30 a.m.
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Crime in Canada
David Frum has a very chilling statistic: "Canada's overall crime rate is now 50% higher than the crime rate in the United States. Read that again slowly--it seems incredible, but it's true. It's true too that you are now more likely to be mugged in Toronto than in New York City."
Updated Tuesday, January 03 at 11:30 a.m.
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Advertising
The latest TV ads are out. This round goes to the Tories.
Conservative: '
Entitlements' Starring Paul & David
Liberal: 'One Leader'
& 'That's our record'
NDP: '
Getting results'
Keith McArthur provides full analysis
here
Updated Tuesday, January 03 at 10:45 a.m.
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Goodale
Ipsos-Reid poll / Should Ralph Goodale resign?
Yes 58%
No 42%
Updated Tuesday, January 03 at 10:27 a.m.
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Mike Harris-plus
One of Paul Martin's 'Phase Two' election strategies: the legacy of Mike Harris.
Updated Tuesday, January 03 at 09:41 a.m.
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Paul, Frank & John
What do Frank McKenna and John Manley have in common? Apparently, they are 'gearing up' to replace Paul Martin.
Updated Tuesday, January 03 at 08:50 a.m.
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Survey says
Canada:
Liberals 33%
Conservative 31%
NDP 17%
Bloc 14%
Green 6%
Ontario:
Liberals 38%
Conservative 32%
NDP 22%
Green 8%
BC:
Conservative 40%
Liberals 31%
NDP 25%
Green 5%
Updated Tuesday, January 03 at 08:30 a.m.
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Best of the web: 2005
Activism: Matthew Good
Aggregator:
Bourque
Blog:
Small Dead Animals /
The Calgary Grit
Directory:
Blogs Canada
Funniest:
Derision 2006 /
Rick Mercer
Merit:
Blog Boy
Party:
NDP
Print:
Antonia Zerbisias
Pundit:
Warren Kinsella
Sleuths:
Stephen Taylor /
Angry In The Great White North
TV:
David Akin
US:
Wonkette
Updated Monday, January 02 at 03:28 p.m.
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A salute to Mr. Decent
In case you missed it, The Globe and Mail has named Ed Broadbent as Nation Builder of the Year. This is not a gratuitous plug for the paper, rather, it is a well-deserved plug for 'the honest politician.'
Updated Monday, January 02 at 02:33 p.m.
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PM Harper
Stephen Harper has laid out his five priorities for "a new Conservative government."
Um, Mister Harper, isn't this a little presumptuous? I'm not a mathematician, but by my count three weeks are still left in this campaign. 'A new Conservative government: Five priorities for Canada.' Isn't this what you guys did in 2004?
Updated Monday, January 02 at 01:00 p.m.
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Conservative memo
An internal Conservative memo dated December 30, 2005 has been leaked. The intended audience was candidates and campaign managers: "We encourage all of you to ignore these (Liberal) attacks," said the memo. "Keep your eye focused clearly on the ultimate goal: Defeating a corrupt Liberal government and restoring accountability in Ottawa."
Updated Monday, January 02 at 11:45 a.m.
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More than the environment
The Green Party has just unveiled their election platform. Notables include: $17.5-billion in tax cuts, 0% GST on education supplies, a national pharmacare plan, and increased taxes on alcohol.
The entire platform includes over 200 ideas, which you can read
here.
Updated Monday, January 02 at 11:24 a.m.
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Just the fax
Conservative pundit Stephen Taylor's fourth 'get' of the election campaign: Was the Liberal party using Ralph Goodale's ministerial office for partisan business?
Updated Monday, January 02 at 10:40 a.m.
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Martin, McGuinty & Miller
Andrew Coyne raises an interesting point on Paul Martin's 'reverse onus' provision on gun violence: Doesn't it violate the Charter of Rights?
Yes.
Updated Monday, January 02 at 10:10 a.m.
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Eavesdropping, Bush & the NSA
The Public Editor of The New York Times is having a battle with both the Editor & Publisher of The New York Times.
This all takes place in (you guessed it)
The New York Times.
Updated Monday, January 02 at 09:15 a.m.
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Finance
Sheila Copps: "During Martin's (finance) tenure, advance budget details were commonly leaked to massage media messaging. Friendly reporters were provided with news nuggets with the expectation of favourable coverage of the minister and his message. Unfavourable news was leaked to discredit foes -- "money-grabbing" ministers in other departments (present company included)."
Updated Monday, January 02 at 09:00 a.m.
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Advertising
Liberal strategists feel they have the upper hand against the Conservatives: In advertising. The Grits have been watching every penny the Tories have been spending, and are confident they will outspend the blue guys by as much $2-million in the final phase of the election campaign.
Updated Monday, January 02 at 08:40 a.m.
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Survey says
Ipsos Reid survey / nationally:
Conservative 33%
Liberal 32%
NDP 18%
Green 5%
Updated Monday, January 02 at 08:30 a.m.
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Posted at Monday, February 27, 2006 EDT 
