While We're all Laughing at the Conservatives

They are looking at us with shit-eating grins.

That's right. We Liberals are laughing at the flip-flopping Tories. All the while they are, once again, saying and doing the things Canadians want to see and hear in a government. At first light, these crazy, ridiculous statements over the past couple of weeks by the Conservatives give rise to the belief that the Cons are dead in the water. But are they?

The Canadian voter has proven over the past two general elections that they like the "window dressing" style of politics. So one has to sit back and ask - whilst scratching the ole noggin - what the hell are they up to.

Let's start from the beginning. Was it merely a coincidence that the House of Commons wasn't sitting for President Obama's visit? I think not. I think the Cons were quite content to have the Prez share as few photo ops with opposition parties in plain sight as was humanly possible. An address to the House would have included far too much exposure to the opposition parties on TV in through camera lenses. Who knows, Jack and Gilles might have snuck into a frame or two.

Next up, the PM flies down to New York for some meaningless United Nations meeting. The grin touting Harper grinned his way to interviews with Fox and CNN exclaiming the greatness of the Canadian banking system. Smooth. Very smooth. What better than to have foreigners telling Canadians how lucky they are?

Then we have Top Gun Peter MacKay waving his iron fist at the Russians. Thank God he saved Barack Obama's life by stopping those bombers. But now the Cons get to say how tough they are and how they support the military and our arctic sovereignty. (Not to mention certain defense contracts that will be inked over the next few months).

In the same breath, the Justice Minister announces new get tough on gangs legislation. A clear shot designed for winning all the BC seats. Wile he was at it he threw in a dash of get tough on drugs too.

Next up they send Lawrence Cannon over to Israel on a mission. Canada had already committed humanitarian aid to Gaza and Cannon wasn't attending the donors' meeting, so what is the real purpose of the visit? I leave that answer up to you dear readers.

Simultaneously, we have Jim Prentice over in Washington talking about - you guessed it - the environment. The Cons are now the party of the environment. Imagine that. Don't laugh now, I kid you not.

Throw in the fact that several Con cabinet Ministers are travelling around the country making sure that they are in communities announcing local project funding.

Then, of course, there's the announcement today that Canada is in an unwinnable Afghanistan war. No shit Sherlock? Really? And here's the best. Opposition MPs are attacking the PM for flip-flopping rather than just saying "I told you so" and "it's about time you f#ckin' li*r". In the meantime, most Canadians are saying "Finally", and "thank God".

All this in order to hide the finance minister away for a while. Oh, and who cares about a silly nuclear leak or two. Oh, and the inevitable sell off of Canada's nuclear plants to private interest - a Jim Flaherty trademark. Smoke and mirrors. Smoke and mirrors.

What's up next do you think? Me? I think a trip to China is in order. I'm not laughing at it either.

UPDATE: Travers somewhat agrees with the old What Do I Know, version 2.0.

The Fundamentals of Our Economy Are Strong...The $225 Billion Harper Version

Stephen Harper, the Conservative leader, is reluctant to officially declare this policy, but is likely to do so if Washington moves first because of the detrimental impact a U.S.-only guarantee could have on Canada's financial institutions.

Before pulling the trigger, the Conservatives first aim to try and meet the funding needs of Bay Street directly by aggressively expanding a scheme to buy up mortgages from banks.

After initially putting up $25 billion of public money to buy mortgages, the Department of Finance is prepared to increase that limit as needed up to $225 billion, at which point the risk of taxpayer losses starts to rise sharply.

Read more here.

What a crock of shit.

The Question is: Will the Crown Charge Stephen Harper with Perjury?

Now that the Conservatives' own paid-for witness has testified that the Cadman tapes have not been doctored, and Harprer's testimony seems to be a wee bit of a lie, will Stephen Harper be the first Prime Minister in the history of Canada to be charge with perjury?

He is friends with the Minister of Justice though....or at least he is until tomorrow night.

Judge Orders Tories to Stop Defaming

In a Sunday court ruling Ontario Superior Court Justice George Strathy has ruled that Tory hopeful Axel Kuhn and his staff must stop publishing and distributing a brochure that makes false claims about Borys Wrzesnewskyj.

This is the kind of high school campaign the Conservatives have continued to run throughout this campaign.

What will Stephen Harper say about this? Nothing. He's not talking to the media. I'm sure his response may have been: ALL THE JUDGES ARE LIBERAL APPOINTEES AND THIS JUST SHOWS THE UNJUST BIAS THEY HAVE FOR CONSERVATIVES. We'll never know though.

The New Harper Cadman Truth Tape

H/t A Creative Revolution

Harper and Flaherty: "The Fundamentals of Our Economy are Strong"

What a crock of shit.

Harper October 7, 2008

Harper says Canada not facing banking instability
Tue Oct 7, 2008 3:20pm
Oct 7 (Reuters) - Prime Minister Stephen Harper, fending off charges he is not doing enough to cope with the effects of the financial crisis, said on Tuesday that Canada's banking system was stable.

"What most of the leaders around the world are dealing with right now is not simply a drop in the stock market. Everybody has a drop in the stock market right now," the Conservative leader told CBC television in an interview ahead of the Oct. 14 election.

"Most of them are dealing with fundamental instability in our banking system, which we are not," he said, adding that the Canada had acted in the past year to limit extremes in mortgages and to improve banking transparency and disclosure. (Reporting by Randall Palmer; editing by Rob Wilson)

Harper Today

Canada reacts to credit crisis by buying mortgages
The Associated PressPublished: October 10, 2008

TORONTO: Canada is buying up to $25 billion Canadian (US$21 billion) in mortgage backed securities from the country's banks in an effort to maintain the availability of credit, the country's finance minister said Friday.

Flaherty Sept. 21/08

U.S.-style bank crisis won't occur here: Flaherty
Updated Sun. Sep. 21 2008 7:05 PM ET

CTV.ca News Staff

Finance Minister Jim Flaherty says that Canadians concerned about financial-sector problems in the U.S. can "rest assured our banks are solid."

He told CTV's Question Period on Sunday that the banking crisis in the U.S. is a concern for the global economy, but Canada has taken steps to make sure its financial sector will not end up in a similarly precarious situation.

"We have a solid banking system in Canada. Our banks are well capitalized. Our households are well capitalized... and our fiscal fundamentals are solid," he said.

Flaherty Today

The federal government said Friday it would inject up to another $25-billion of liquidity into the financial system through the purchase of insured mortgage pools.

In a speech delivered in Ottawa, Jim Flaherty, the Minister of Finance, said the move is aimed at maintaining the availability of long-term credit, which is under severe strain at present as banks are unwilling to lend to each other.

Royal Bank Slapped with $9.8 Million Fine

Jim Flaherty - lying one day at a time to Canadians. "Our banks are solid". You see folks, although we can regulate everything our banks do here in Canada, we can't regulate where and how the banks invest outside of Canada.

The largest bank in Canada said it will buy back about $850 million US of auction rate securities from more than 2,000 retail clients in the U.S. and pay a $9.8-million US fine as part of an agreement with the Securities and Exchange Commission and New York attorney general's office.

Hm. What's a billion dollars amongst friends anyway?

Jim Flaherty Addresses the Nation This Morning

Here's what he said. We are not an island. There's a worldwide economic crisis. Really? What a revelation.

He has no concerns about our banks being in trouble. His concern is about the availability of credit. But, we've seen bank failures around the rest of the world. But our banks are a-ok.

Now the government is looking at additional steps to help the market. NOw Jim? A little late to the party isn't it?

Oh...and if not for the Conservative Government, the Bank of Canada couldn't have dropped its rate yesterday. Really? Wow.

Too bad this guy is going to lose is own seat.

Harper and Flaherty's New $9.2 Billion Lie

How can you trust Deficit Jim Flaherty with our purse strings for another term in office? The guy uses some kind of new math that none of us are aware exists. Flaherty said Afghanistan wouldn't cost Canadian taxpayers more than $8 billion in total.

Turns out it's going to be $17.2 Billion Diamond Jim. Keep lying to Canadians boys. Your true colours are showing.

Harper and Flaherty to get Sideswiped Again Tomorrow

That's right. Just when they thought it couldn't get any worse for them, the Conservatives are about to get another taste of reality tomorrow.

You see, the budget that Mr. Harper claimed to be true for Afghanistan was $8 billion. If rumours are true, this report tomorrow will state the actual cost of the war/mission will be $22 billion. $14 billion over budget!!! That's a BIIIIGGGG OOPS!!!!

BUT...THE FUNDAMENTALS OF OUR ECONOMY ARE STRONG!!!

In Oshawa Whitby, give Jim Flaherty the boot. At 24 Sussex, give Stephen Harper the boot.

I Wrote To Mike Duffy Today

Not that he'll listen to me. But hell, I figure if he can publicize Conservative bloggers' talking points with no journalistic integrity, I might as well. My letter was short and sweet and to the point.

Have a peek:

To: duffy@ctv.ca

RE: Alleged Dion Plagiarism

I'm a little surprised that CTV didn't research this alleged Dion plagiarism a wee bit more. In fact, I am shocked about how irresponsible your report was - with no apparent regard for researching the entire Dion speech and the source of the speech.

Plagiarism, definition of: Plagiarism is the unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's own original work.

Firstly, Stephane Dion fully acknowledged the work of the report in question during the content of his speech.

"We recognize the importance of the Arctic Council in addressing the many common concerns and challenges emerging from climate change and providing a forum for collective action on shared priorities.

Not only does the Arctic Council engage Arctic nations, it also includes six Permanent Participants that represent Northern indigenous peoples who actively bring their voice to the work of the Council. This inclusive process ensures that steps forward to protect our shared Arctic will integrate social, cultural, health and economic components.

Last November, the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment was received at the fourth Arctic Council Ministerial meeting in Reykjavik, Iceland. This is the first climate assessment of the Arctic - a result of four years of international efforts from over 300 scientists, as well as traditional knowledge of Northern Indigenous peoples.

The Assessment confirms what our own science and the people of the Arctic have been telling us for many years. "

The Arctic Council, Mike, commissioned this report. Canada is one of eight nations that belong to the council. Previous Environment Canada Reports were utilized in the body of the alleged plagiarized report. Mr. Dion was the Minister of Environment and was entitled to use any and all parts of that report.

This is nothing like Mr. Harper's gaffe. In fact, it is not even close to plagiarism, as he fully acknowledges the group (again, Canada is a member of) that sponsored the report in the first place.

Secondly, Robert Corell was not the author of the report and he, himself was simply reading findings within the report at the US Senate committee hearings.

I've written more details here: http://whatdoiknowgrit.blogspot.com/2008/10/irrational-posts-kelly-mcparland-should.html

Recap: It can't be plagiarism if you acknowledge the work of the group that wrote the report and, you (Canada) are a member of said group and a contributing partner (Environment Canada).

The bloggers that submitted this to you Mike have not been very forthcoming in this and are defaming a man of integrity that has been a voice of change for the Environment of our country and our planet.

Shame on CTV for giving into this gossip without even doing any required journalistic research. You owe Mr. Dion an apology. Just my opinion.

Harper Flip Flops on the Economic Crisis and Canadian Banks

Over the past weeks and months, soon-to-be-ex Prime Minister Stephen Harper has stared at his podium, the ground, the table, the air, his waterglass and told Canadians "the banks in Canada are fine. This is not the U.S.A."

But, today, what does the PM tell us?

Conservative Leader Stephen Harper said he has plans to help Canada's banking and lending system if the U.S.-led financial meltdown or efforts to counter it spill over heavily into this country.

“We have other plans, other proposals, if we have to help the banking system if there are problems in the rest of the world that affect us,” he told reporters while speaking in French.

“But I think we're in a better position than others. I am optimist, but I think I am also a realist.”

Naturally the Prime Minister thought he could get away with this comment because it was in French. But, the Conservatives went into damage control immediately.

When pressed by reporters for more details, Conservative Party officials later played down Mr. Harper's comments, saying that there is no bailout in the works and clarified that he was referring to the normal conversations about maintaining liquidity in the banking system that take place frequently between Bank of Canada officials and the financial sector.

“What the prime minister was referring to are conversations between Bank of Canada and government officials and our banking sector and foreign financial organizations that happen all the time, as part of ensuring that our financial sector is in sync,” Conservative spokesman Kory Tenecyke said.

“They're really at a technical and official level, at a Bank of Canada level. These kinds of conversations take place all the time.”

Technical level? Try us out Kory. Some of us actually have brains. We might like to hear about this technical stuff. Maybe it's in your platform?

Scotiabank forecasts recession for Canada

Harper: "The fundamentals of our economy are strong. This is not the United States."

Read the story here.

Who's the Liar Now, Danny Williams?

He came out with a fury. Then peetered away to nothingness. You are officially the small man now Mr. Williams. Full of hot air and nothing more. You, sir, lied to Canadians when you vowed to take your show on the road. Mr. Harper was right. He doesn't need your help or blessing. And, don't you worry sir, if Mr. Harper is re-elected, his memory is long, and your province will pay dearly for this.

As an aside, to date, Mr. Williams has refused to commit to any speaking appearances in Ontario as well.

The Conservative Response to Harper Plagiarism? Don't Look Behind the Curtain

Very Wizard of Ozish of them I'd say.

From the Globe:

"This is exactly why the Liberals are in the trouble they're in, as a party and as a campaign," Mr. Baran said Tuesday. "They want to focus on a speech from five years, two elections, three Parliaments ago, from a party that no longer exists.

Mr. Baran said the major issue on the minds of Canadians is the economy, and the Liberals should be focusing on that.

The fact the Liberals are making this accusation is evidence of their weak campaign and leadership, Mr. Baran said.

"We're not going to get drawn into which staffer wrote which speech five years ago," he said. "This is nothing but desperation from the Liberal campaign, and it's completely irrelevant to the real concerns of voters in this election."

Personally, I didn't know there was a statute of limitations on irresponsible and deceptive behaviour on the part of a Prime Minister. Isn't Mulroney still answering questions somewhere about envelopes in hotel rooms?

Foreign Policy Based on Others' Policy, Or How I Learned to Plagiarize John Howard

Brought to you by the folks at this is your Reality check Stephen Harper.

Then again, reality is his Pet Peeve.

Harper "Net Jobs"... Reality Check...Part 4

ISSUE:

Prime Minister Stephen Harper claimed again yesterday that Canada has the strongest financial position among the G7 and has created 80,000 “net new jobs” so far this year.

STEPHEN HARPER:

•“Amid instability and economic uncertainty the imperative for government is obvious. The only responsible way to address global uncertainty is to maintain a stable, certain and careful plan here at home.”

REALITY:

•Mr. Harper broke his promise to maintain the $3-billion contingency fund in the federal budget and reduced the federal surplus to $2.3 billion in 2008 and reduced it to only $1.3 billion in 2009 – which is only 0.5 per cent of federal government revenues. Financial institutions have dropped Canada’s real GDP growth forecast to as low as 0.7 per cent. This is far from a “responsible,” “certain and careful plan.”

STEPHEN HARPER:

•“And our budget is in surplus, we are in the strongest financial position by far of any G7 country.”

REALITY:

•Canada has the worst economic growth in the G7 and, Statistics Canada just reported, the worst labour productivity growth in 18 years.

STEPHEN HARPER:

•“Our unemployment rate is near its lowest level in 30 years and our economy has managed to create over 80,000 net new jobs this year.”

REALITY:

•According to Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey, from January to August 2008, Canada’s economy only created 40,500 “net new jobs.” In fact, in 2008, Canada has lost 11,900 full-time jobs and only created 52,400 part-time jobs. This is hardly a record to be proud of. (http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/080905/d080905a.htm)

STEPHEN HARPER:

•“This approach reflects our clear conviction as Conservatives that low taxes, less debt and controlled and effective spending at the national level are key to the long run success of any economy.”

REALITY:

•The evidence of Mr. Harper’s “controlled and effective spending” is lacking. The Conservatives committed in the 2008 budget to moderate spending federal spending growth to 3.4 per cent but the Department of Finance reported expenditure receipts swelled by 8.4 per cent in the first three months of the year.

•In 2006, the Conservatives promised to limit federal spending increase to 5.4 per cent but in fact, spending increased by 7.5 per cent.

•
In 2007, the Conservatives promised to limit federal spending increase to 5.6 per cent but spending actually increased by 6.9 per cent.

•Since June 2008, the Conservative government has announced $19.2 billion in pre-election spending.

And that's your reality check.

Conservatives Make Pact with Independent MP

More of "do as I say not as I do" from the Conservative Party.

All year long the Conservatives have been admonishing the Liberal Party for not running a candidate against Peter McKay in order to give Elizabeth May a shot at beating the Minister of Nothing. Today, in fact, the Prime Minister (I use the term loosely) tells us that Elizabeth May will fold her party entirely befor the end of the campaign and endorse the Liberal Party.

So Shat do the Conservatives call it when they don't run a candidate in a riding? "Strategy".

I see. Hypocrites!

And the Conswervatives Break Another Promise

And the truth shall set you free!

Another of the 2006 Conswervative programs has gone up in flames. AS I've said repeatedly, the Canadian public is going to find out quite quickly how fraudulent this stale government really is.

Harpercrite cancelled a national daycare program to implement his bogus child credit strategy, thereby undoing everything Ken Dryden and 10 Premiers worked on for ages. So now what do we have? Total failurefor the Harpie. And, try as they may, the CONS just couldn't keep that a secret.

Thank you Ms. Galloway!