The Canadian Federal Election will definitely be October 14th

[snoopy369]

Whose?

[Wezil]

A pair of Quebeckers.

Oncle Boris and Richelieu. 6 months each.

We could get a full fledged Ferret Brigade started.

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Ramo


Sure, but what are the chances of that? It seems more reasonable to follow the BQ's strategy. Concentrate resources where you have a shot at winning, and play up regionalism.

That might work if your beliefs had something to do with regionalism-- or if you were just trying to get elected and had no real underlying ideology.

But the Greens? Environmental issues are their reason to be. I don't see how they "play up regionalism" and stay on message -- I could see them focusing resources better if they could figure out areas where they are more likely to get elected-- But with no real history they are pretty much starting from scratch. Their best chances for a seat in the future probably are if some super-attractive candidate joins them--Perhaps May could translate her national profile into a seat sometime but that strikes me as tough sledding

[Fake Boris]

Originally posted by Wezil
A pair of Quebeckers.

Oncle Boris and Richelieu. 6 months each.

We could get a full fledged Ferret Brigade started.

[Fake Boris]

Originally posted by Asher


As I've said, that's because you do not understand Canada at all. Everyone saw this coming a mile away.

I was expecting the "ballot factor" to play for the Libs, because of their tradition as the natural governing party. I was also expecting desertions from the Greens and NDP... Turned out I was wrong.

[Fake Boris]

If Quebec became independent, I would want Stephane Dion to be president of our republic.

[Fake Boris]

Originally posted by Asher
No idea, we don't waste time with such ****. The fact that you have this memorized and you're somewhat proud of being 91st is extraordinarily pathetic.

The fact that you would bring up the topic and then call me pathetic for responding, is even more.

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Wezil
Following the BQ example is not wise. Although they get seats they will not (cannot) ever form government. Always outside looking in.

The Greens need to continue with the current plan.

I think its the only plan they have or could possibly have-- It could get quite interesting if they catch on to the point where their popular vote doubles-- That phenomenon alone could be enough to aid a Conservative party form a majority.

Originally posted by Wezil


Flubber - It was not wise for May to run in that riding and many Greens were upset that she tried. Luckily for May she has the Harper advantage - no one else is capable of leading the party.

I don't know that for certain about either party. For the Conservatives there are some accomplished folks. As an example, I understand Jim Prentice in Calgary-North is widely respected and well spoken-- I just don't know if he would ever have leadership aspirations (or fluency in French) but his more centrist views would absolutely be viewed more favorably in central Canada

I also am not sure that Peter Mackay is done in the leadership sphere. Perhaps his past foibles disqualify him but I tend to think he has grown as a politician.


The reality though is that the Conservatives have a leader and I don't think he will be going anywhere for a while

[Asher]

Originally posted by Oncle Boris


I was expecting the "ballot factor" to play for the Libs, because of their tradition as the natural governing party. I was also expecting desertions from the Greens and NDP... Turned out I was wrong.

The "natural governing party" thing is bull****. Sure, they've governed the most historically, but their platform now is not the same as it was 20 years ago. They've shifted to the left and the conservatives have as well. There's basically two centrist parties now, a centre-left in the liberals and a centre-right in the conservatives.

Time to wake up.

[Asher]

Originally posted by Oncle Boris


The fact that you would bring up the topic and then call me pathetic for responding, is even more.

I'm just calling into question the quality of your education, given how absolutely terrible your arguments have been and the massive gaps in your knowledge of federal politics.

[CrONoS]

Does anybody think Justin Trudeau could be teh next Liberals chief?

[Flubber]

Does anyone think Harper will be at all reticent to start governing now as if he had a majority-- The opposition just ned to have 10 folks not show up on any given day to allow him to pass stuff even as they oppose it

But seriously-- The Bloc cannot rally see gains for themselves, can they, and both the NDP and Liberals would be loathe to be seen as the ones forcing yet another vote unless Harper presented them with a truly galvinizing issue.

So I think as long as Harper proposes moderate policies, he pretty much gets to do things as he wants. This Parliament probably lasts at least two years unless there is some big issue.

I actually think that Harper wouldn't mind finding some big issue but would want it to be something that he is pretty sure Canada would side with him on and also that he could portray himself as being reluctantly forced into an election. Since it is hard to envision all three opposition parties handing him such a scenario on a silver platter, I see it as more likely that Harper governs until the opposition sees a good opportunity and brings him down.

With the level of election fatigue, party finances and possible leadership changes I would have to think that Harper has about 2 to 3 years to govern--The fact that it requires all three opposition parties to take him down would be significant.

Anyone disagree?

[Wezil]

Originally posted by CrONoS
Does anybody think Justin Trudeau could be teh next Liberals chief?

No. He was elected on name recognition but isn't "his own man" yet. He needs much more time.

[Wezil]

Originally posted by Flubber
Does anyone think Harper will be at all reticent to start governing now as if he had a majority-- The opposition just ned to have 10 folks not show up on any given day to allow him to pass stuff even as they oppose it

But seriously-- The Bloc cannot rally see gains for themselves, can they, and both the NDP and Liberals would be loathe to be seen as the ones forcing yet another vote unless Harper presented them with a truly galvinizing issue.

So I think as long as Harper proposes moderate policies, he pretty much gets to do things as he wants. This Parliament probably lasts at least two years unless there is some big issue.

I actually think that Harper wouldn't mind finding some big issue but would want it to be something that he is pretty sure Canada would side with him on and also that he could portray himself as being reluctantly forced into an election. Since it is hard to envision all three opposition parties handing him such a scenario on a silver platter, I see it as more likely that Harper governs until the opposition sees a good opportunity and brings him down.

With the level of election fatigue, party finances and possible leadership changes I would have to think that Harper has about 2 to 3 years to govern--The fact that it requires all three opposition parties to take him down would be significant.

Anyone disagree?

If Harper is wise he will do his big stuff in the next 12 months as no one will bring him down so soon.

I'm not sure I'd go 2-3 years however. Libs will have a new leader in May and they would be ready to campaign politically within about 6 months after that. Finances will be the Libs Achilles heal however as the cupboard is bare. If they can get this sorted then they will be good to go.

I expect next fall or more likely the following spring. 18 months or so.

[Asher]

Originally posted by CrONoS
Does anybody think Justin Trudeau could be teh next Liberals chief?

"Trudeau" as a leader in the time of an energy crisis == instant win in Alberta!