What a year!!!!
Quebec Election: Charest had to go and quite frankly the Party Quebecois is no scarier than as far as I am concerned #McGuinty and Harper governments.
At least they are following through on some of the promises they made. Can you say that about Dalton?????
Ontario Bi-Election: What a turn of events! McGuinty wanted to get a majority so bad, that he pisses of the teachers and sides with Hudak????? This only confirms everything that I have said and thought about him in the past. Yep he is a weasel period!
BTW Liz Sandals, do you still think McGuinty is the teachers premier????
Guelph: Can someone tell me why graffiti is a central issue for some council people? I can think of several more important issues such as traffic congestion, revitalization of downtown, sustainable development throughout the city, more amenities in the East end, the gross amount of litter in the core/University/parks and the list goes on....
Federal: Well the current government which has a majority is certainly changing Canada. I do not think Canadians actually realize how much and to what kind of effect. There are several things that are quite alarming that will come back to bit us in the proverbial ass.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Ontario - What happened????
Everyday I am more amazed as to what is happening in Ontario politics. More and more I cannot believe that my hard earned money (as in taxes) is being spent on such idiotic governments. I think if I was not Canadian I would be protesting in the streets.
What a mess we are in. I have been engaged in politics for a couple of decades and it has just been getting worse every year. How can anyone possibly think the existing Ontario Provincial government is functional? I must admit I never liked McGuinty when he became premier and he pissed me off by lying about raising taxes and the day after he was elected did the exact opposite and imposed a health tax. But OMG! The shit just keeps on piling up. If this guy actually gets re-elected I will lose total faith in the Canadian democratic system.
Since he has been in office I have witnessed with great financial pain the following:
- new health tax but still mediocre health care
- excessive job losses to all other provinces
- implementation of a consumption tax (HST) which not only do I pay more but as a business owner I have to charge more
- ban on cell phones in cars (ever watch the other drivers on the 401 eating a burg or putting on makeup while driving?)
- scandal after scandal: eHealth/eScam, OLG, Hydro One and the list just continues to grow....
- daddy and mommy daycare at school this year (um lets see, pay for daycare or send your 3 year old to school for free???)
- implement a plant pay alternative energy suppliers to supply the grid and than roll it back?
- EAOQ (need I say more)
- the latest is let your kids use there smartphone in class
What does it take to get Ontarions to actually get mad and get rid of this bum?
What a mess we are in. I have been engaged in politics for a couple of decades and it has just been getting worse every year. How can anyone possibly think the existing Ontario Provincial government is functional? I must admit I never liked McGuinty when he became premier and he pissed me off by lying about raising taxes and the day after he was elected did the exact opposite and imposed a health tax. But OMG! The shit just keeps on piling up. If this guy actually gets re-elected I will lose total faith in the Canadian democratic system.
Since he has been in office I have witnessed with great financial pain the following:
- new health tax but still mediocre health care
- excessive job losses to all other provinces
- implementation of a consumption tax (HST) which not only do I pay more but as a business owner I have to charge more
- ban on cell phones in cars (ever watch the other drivers on the 401 eating a burg or putting on makeup while driving?)
- scandal after scandal: eHealth/eScam, OLG, Hydro One and the list just continues to grow....
- daddy and mommy daycare at school this year (um lets see, pay for daycare or send your 3 year old to school for free???)
- implement a plant pay alternative energy suppliers to supply the grid and than roll it back?
- EAOQ (need I say more)
- the latest is let your kids use there smartphone in class
What does it take to get Ontarions to actually get mad and get rid of this bum?
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Guelph Municipal Election 2010
Sunday April 25, 2010
Found out the other day that David Birtwistle is actually running for mayor.
OMG! Who in there right mind would vote for him?
Remember this is the same councillor who was part of the previous group whose sole economic strategy was to build more houses. And unless voters have an exceptional short term memory the previous council under Quate Quarry increased taxes significantly more than the existing council under Karen Farbridge.
Found out the other day that David Birtwistle is actually running for mayor.
OMG! Who in there right mind would vote for him?
Remember this is the same councillor who was part of the previous group whose sole economic strategy was to build more houses. And unless voters have an exceptional short term memory the previous council under Quate Quarry increased taxes significantly more than the existing council under Karen Farbridge.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Ontario Deficit
Its day 2 after the Provincial budget and exactly what was expected as happened (its very unfortunate when you can predict the outcome of something so serious) First I want readers to know that I am sick of all this #@$%^^&*&* partisan crap. When will people understand that things will not change and get better until we all stop pointing fingers and work together to solve some of these problems????
Who cares which party is in power? The system is broken and we need to fix it! The current system is wasteful, inefficient and way to political. (for those who do not know the difference between politics and governing, look it up)
At the end of the day we have to look at the government without the pretense of colour. (i.e. - Red/Blue/Orange/Green)and see how they address issues that affect all of us. This is not happening anymore, its now all about marketing and soundbites. We have a political system that supports this with out having to solve real world problems. It is time for Canadians to address this by making government accountable and the first step is tossing out the current ones albeit Federal, Provincial etc. but that is only the first step!
It was going to happen after the provincial government spent millions of tax money for so called stimulus and bail out. As of today (earlier then I anticipated) the Finance Minister - Dwight Duncan warned Ontarians that services will be cut and blamed it on the economy. So let me get this straight - we spent millions of our tax money on so called helping companies and people get through the recession and now we will pay for it because the economy is doing poorly????
Guess what folks? Next will be tax hikes and you can bet they will try desperately to hold off until the next election so that if they lose they can blame the new government or if they win (OMG) will have a new 4 year mandate and WILL RAISE TAXES!
Do not be fooled by any of this, the political system is very broken and needs to be fixed or we will be churning through this nonsense for years and maybe even worse. Unfortunately there are no checks and balances within the current system. Think about for a second: The Liberals under McGuinty lied directly to us just before his first term when he actually went on TV and signed a document saying he would not raise taxes. Holy Crap! immediately after winning he implemented a hefty health tax. What did we do? We rewarded the crook with another term???
If you have ever read any of my other postings you will know that I am not a member of any party and nor do I have any partisan views. What I truly believe based on observation is that all of the current political parties in Canada are to put it mildly not in it for the best interest of Canadians and need a rude awakening.
Who cares which party is in power? The system is broken and we need to fix it! The current system is wasteful, inefficient and way to political. (for those who do not know the difference between politics and governing, look it up)
At the end of the day we have to look at the government without the pretense of colour. (i.e. - Red/Blue/Orange/Green)and see how they address issues that affect all of us. This is not happening anymore, its now all about marketing and soundbites. We have a political system that supports this with out having to solve real world problems. It is time for Canadians to address this by making government accountable and the first step is tossing out the current ones albeit Federal, Provincial etc. but that is only the first step!
It was going to happen after the provincial government spent millions of tax money for so called stimulus and bail out. As of today (earlier then I anticipated) the Finance Minister - Dwight Duncan warned Ontarians that services will be cut and blamed it on the economy. So let me get this straight - we spent millions of our tax money on so called helping companies and people get through the recession and now we will pay for it because the economy is doing poorly????
Guess what folks? Next will be tax hikes and you can bet they will try desperately to hold off until the next election so that if they lose they can blame the new government or if they win (OMG) will have a new 4 year mandate and WILL RAISE TAXES!
Do not be fooled by any of this, the political system is very broken and needs to be fixed or we will be churning through this nonsense for years and maybe even worse. Unfortunately there are no checks and balances within the current system. Think about for a second: The Liberals under McGuinty lied directly to us just before his first term when he actually went on TV and signed a document saying he would not raise taxes. Holy Crap! immediately after winning he implemented a hefty health tax. What did we do? We rewarded the crook with another term???
If you have ever read any of my other postings you will know that I am not a member of any party and nor do I have any partisan views. What I truly believe based on observation is that all of the current political parties in Canada are to put it mildly not in it for the best interest of Canadians and need a rude awakening.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Provincial Budget - 2009
April 13, 2009
Liz Sandals declares that sport associations can benefit if they are a charitable organization.
This was in response to Guelph Minor Hockey president saying the cost of minor hockey and rec will go up by 8% by 2010. Ummm! guess what none of these associations can benefit. This is how out of touch our local MPP is with real issues.
A local doctor who has been practicing since 1970s (Dr. Rosenthal) published a letter to the Guelph Mercury stating that the Ontario Health Care is in more of a dissaray than when Harris was in power. Which is one tall order.
Wow! Just when I thought McGuinty's government could not possibly get worse, this awful budget was announced today. Even though I have been repeatedly told by thought leaders and business leaders that our current governments are in a state of complete disarray and are not adapting to the rapid rate of change in the world, it still shocks me at this kind of behavior. Make no mistake this budget is nothing but a spending spree. There is absolutely no economic strategy behind this so called economic plan.
- The harmonization of taxes will end up costing consumers more money even if it saves some businesses the pain of administration. I own my own business and all this means is now instead of charging only GST I now will have to charge everyone 13%. Its also a myth that all businesses heavily supported the harmonization. In fact right here in Guelph the Chamber issued a survey and 53% do not support the HST.
- We are in the middle of the worst economic turmoil in our lifetime and there isn't any economic plan for creating sustainability and viable long-term jobs in growth industries.
- Make no mistake, this kind of deficit will equal a general increase in taxes (anyone that lived during the last 2 recessions and giant deficits also experienced incredibly high taxes.) This is no different then if you borrow money or extend your credit, at some point you have to pay it back. The irony is that this increase will only occur after the next election.
- There is nothing of significant benefit for the middle class in this budget and this group really does need to wake up and exert its influence.
Judging by the blogs and comments online - the majority of people are really disappointed with this budget. Maybe this is a turning point for Ontario?
Liz Sandals declares that sport associations can benefit if they are a charitable organization.
This was in response to Guelph Minor Hockey president saying the cost of minor hockey and rec will go up by 8% by 2010. Ummm! guess what none of these associations can benefit. This is how out of touch our local MPP is with real issues.
A local doctor who has been practicing since 1970s (Dr. Rosenthal) published a letter to the Guelph Mercury stating that the Ontario Health Care is in more of a dissaray than when Harris was in power. Which is one tall order.
Wow! Just when I thought McGuinty's government could not possibly get worse, this awful budget was announced today. Even though I have been repeatedly told by thought leaders and business leaders that our current governments are in a state of complete disarray and are not adapting to the rapid rate of change in the world, it still shocks me at this kind of behavior. Make no mistake this budget is nothing but a spending spree. There is absolutely no economic strategy behind this so called economic plan.
- The harmonization of taxes will end up costing consumers more money even if it saves some businesses the pain of administration. I own my own business and all this means is now instead of charging only GST I now will have to charge everyone 13%. Its also a myth that all businesses heavily supported the harmonization. In fact right here in Guelph the Chamber issued a survey and 53% do not support the HST.
- We are in the middle of the worst economic turmoil in our lifetime and there isn't any economic plan for creating sustainability and viable long-term jobs in growth industries.
- Make no mistake, this kind of deficit will equal a general increase in taxes (anyone that lived during the last 2 recessions and giant deficits also experienced incredibly high taxes.) This is no different then if you borrow money or extend your credit, at some point you have to pay it back. The irony is that this increase will only occur after the next election.
- There is nothing of significant benefit for the middle class in this budget and this group really does need to wake up and exert its influence.
Judging by the blogs and comments online - the majority of people are really disappointed with this budget. Maybe this is a turning point for Ontario?
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Federal Budget and the Economy
April 14, 2009
Tax hike likely unavoidable, Liberal leader says
Here it comes! The bitter irony is that Ontarions will get a double whammy. For all this so called stimulus, Canadians need to understand that we will be paying much higher taxes for years to come to pay off all this government debt. Its would not be such a difficult pill to swallow if the actions (i.e. stimulus plans actually
benefited Canada)
Simple Question: Are you better off now?
January 28. 2009
As most of us know, a federal spend to stay in power budget was presented yesterday in Ottawa. I have created a chart that reflects some of the main differences between our new so called financial stimulus and the US one:
Another interesting note, I contacted the so called Economic sustainability committee that is being managed by MPP Frank Valeriote and MPP Gerard Kennedy about why the focus for funding is on traditional manufacturing that is not only in trouble, but has been on the decline in Canada for at least 2 decades. Wanted to know why there isn't any focus on the SMB market (small to medium businesses) that has the following facts:
Tax hike likely unavoidable, Liberal leader says
Here it comes! The bitter irony is that Ontarions will get a double whammy. For all this so called stimulus, Canadians need to understand that we will be paying much higher taxes for years to come to pay off all this government debt. Its would not be such a difficult pill to swallow if the actions (i.e. stimulus plans actually
benefited Canada)
Simple Question: Are you better off now?
January 28. 2009
As most of us know, a federal spend to stay in power budget was presented yesterday in Ottawa. I have created a chart that reflects some of the main differences between our new so called financial stimulus and the US one:
| US | Canada |
| $275 billion in tax cuts for individuals and businesses. | Increased access to credit |
| $500 tax break per individual | $76 tax break |
| Focus is on a green economy | ??? |
| $12 billion for mass transit | Incentives to buy cars |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Another interesting note, I contacted the so called Economic sustainability committee that is being managed by MPP Frank Valeriote and MPP Gerard Kennedy about why the focus for funding is on traditional manufacturing that is not only in trouble, but has been on the decline in Canada for at least 2 decades. Wanted to know why there isn't any focus on the SMB market (small to medium businesses) that has the following facts:
- Employs roughly 75% of the actual Canadian workforce
- Accounts for 40 - 50% of the Canadian GDP
- Contributes billions for infrastructure improvements (computers, phones etc.)
In my business, I here daily, that the govenment (at all levels)
is fixated on larhe manufacturing organizations
that simply put are become antiquated in Canada
and many may not survive transition from the industrialized
economy to post-industrialized one.
Many SMBs who are thriving would love to expand quicker
and hire more employees but try and get funding (fat chance!)
Why is this???????
Second Point:
Why isn't Canada heavily investing into R&D? It great to
fill potholes and build roads, but the future suggests we
invest into innovation and yet we have been decreasing
R&D funding support.
According to Canadian Business Mag., finding for Canadian
companies is almost non-existent, we focus on University
research but barely on the commercialization of products and ideas.
Again, I deal with start-ups who are highly innovative with great
ideas and so much intelligence and yet I always see the same thing.
There is little to no support from the government.
Its quite sad when you see our brightest people have to go
abroad to get funding or struggle indefinitely back home.
Bottom line is that there is a significant sector with such high growth
potential that should be getting massive support from the government and
yet it is the antiquated industries that are getting your full attention.
Whether we like it or not, the GMs, Linimar's and WC Woods of the world
will not be the future of economic prosperity. Its those little companies
that start with a great idea that really need our attention.
I have yet to get a response.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Federal Election 2008
Tuesday October 21, 2008
I have waited a week to post any comments because I needed some downtime and to also reflect on the election results. Somewhere in my blog I had predicted that the Conservatives would get a minority government, and everyone else would be in a similar position. My reasoning was because none of the parties provided any proof that they deserve a majority of votes from Canadians. And I am not talking about the election because its nothing but very unfortunate noise and anyone who votes based on election marketing and polls I say you are doing a disservice to you your family and your country.
Should we not be looking at what a party has done for the past term? Its like a person who goes to confession but behaves differently when not in the pew (you Catholics will know what I mean lol) isn't the person outside of the confession booth the true behavior?
lets examine this:
Conservatives: for the past 2 years they have ignored the environment, reduced some taxes, attacked the other parties, ignored Ontario, ignored the plight of manufacturing, boosted the war in Afganistan, attempted to increase crime laws and zero action on the economy.
Liberals: Fought with the Conservatives, fought with each other, undermined their leader, forgot to raise money, and sat on their collective bottoms on pretty much everything.
NDP: Criticized anyone that is not an NDP supporter.
where are the real solutions from any of these groups? You got nothing and the vote was polarized by mostly partisan supporters. You have met those people I am sure. They support one party and no matter what thats the party who should be elected. You ask them why, and they all say because iot reflects my values. You say oh yah and what are those? Well Conservatives this and Liberalas that and NDP this. Or my parents and my family always votes this way etc. Does anyoone ever think for themselves?
From a real world here are some serious issues:
The Economy - what party actually had a real plan to address the downward moving economy in North America? Who and what would they do with the significant decrease in manufacturing with massive job layoffs and increased cost of living?
The Environment - Climate Change is supported by a majority of experts and what partyhad a plan that does have an impact on green house gases while balancing our economic stability?
Health Care - The baby boomers our all moving into the grey years and wil put an ever increasing demand and burden on our universal system - who had any ideas to address this?
Aboriginal Issues - nothing has been solved what soever
The list goes on but my point is that none of the 3 major parties offer any real leadership for real diffuclt issues and times. So they are where they should be but theydon't get it. The answer to them is unite the left or right for more members, but guess what that solves nothing for Canadians.
Sunday October 5, 2008
Hope everyone enjoyed the weekend. Went golfing with a couple of colleagues and of course we all at some point talked about the debate. Each had mixed views on who won, but we all agreed that no one has any real economic plan. Which makes me even more concerned about this election. Another comment from all of my colleagues (and they all vote differently - lol) was that they felt Harper does not care one iota about Ontario.
Confession, I voted for Stephen Harper the last election because of the following:
1. wanted to get rid of the Liberals for obvious reasons at the time
2. Felt that Harper truly was different than the status quo and would make a positive difference.
I feel betrayed and angry since then. I had never voted Conservative but felt we needed a change. What I am seeing is a party that for some reason hates Ontario and is playing a lot of the same games that the Liberals played while in office. I am also realizing that my value system isn't aligned with the current Conservatives. Not sure about you, but I am scared about the state of the economy, environment and health care. Don't see any kind of plan to address either from the government. If you do, please tell me exactly what it is.
Monday September 22, 2008
Voted today at the election office - There were a lot of people there, this may end up being a heavy voter turn out.
Harris Poll Today has Conservatives at 38%
Does not matter which party you vote for, ask your self if 38% of voters should decide who elects your next government? That means that 62% of Canadian voters will not have elected this government! Seems undemocratic to me that less than half vote for a certain party and that party gets elected a majority?????
Do you think the systems needs to change? You figure it out.
Friday September 19, 2008
Latest polls suggest that the Conservatives and Liberals are losing some ground to the NDP and Greens. Don't figure, maybe people are starting to tire of the bull from these 2 parties?
Whats more interesting is the that only 36% of voters would choose the Conservatives if the election was held today.
Liberals 27%
NDP 16%
Green 11%
Doesn't any one find it disturbing that less than half of Canadians would vote for a party and they would still win? Hardly reflects the views of the majority of Canadians does it? Its 1/3 folks!
Should we not start considering more representational government of such an eclectic society?
Tuesday September 16, 2008
Very Interesting facts from from Stats Canada
Monday September 15, 2008
Quote of the Day (by Prime Minister Harper)
“My own belief is if we were gong to have some kind of big crash or recession, we probably would have had it by now,” Harper told reporters
Interesting poll today in the Star and Macleans (nearly identical question)
Do you agree with Stephen Harper that Stéphane Dion's Green Shift plan will threaten national unity?
Yes - 38%
No - 62%
The results for both were amazingly similar which begs the question: What really is at the root of the low perception that many have of Dion? Maybe its the Liberal party in question that is responsible for the current poll results.
I am sure that I am not the only person that keeps on questioning the status of the Liberal party that is suppose to have changed and learned from previous mistakes. However, do people like Bob Rae or Michael Ignatieff leave you with that impression?
Sunday September 14, 2008
Hearing a lot about how Harper is such a great leader. The question I have is what has he done during the past tenure in parliament to be given this title? Pleas all you Harper supporters, tell me. Gloria?
I am reading a book right now about the British Empire and India (basically Churchill VS Gandhi) and even if I did do not agree with everything they did and believe, my God were they both what I would label great leaders (at polar opposites I might add)
Polls
Have always had mixed feelings about polls before an election. The company that I own, a portion of our business comes from Market Research. Quite frankly anyone that wants to initiate a poll typically has desired results in mind. What I am trying to say is that the questions from many polls/surveys are bias and skewed towards the desired results.
What concerns me even more is that the general public will take the results has gospel.
For example 2 important polls during the past few days stated the following:
- Conservatives clear majority
- NDP could be opposition
These polls who are most likely funded (might be indirectly) by the 2 parties that have the exposure so to speak. And that is serious because many regular Canadians can be influenced by the results of the polls.
Saturday September 13, 2008
Latest poll commissioned by the Star suggest that Layton is almost tied with Dion
Conservatives 39%
Liberals 23%
NDP 18%
Greens ?????
If you add it up its only 80% does that mean that 20% would vote Green?????????????
Doesn't anyone find it ironic that after all the posturing the Star did in the past 2 days about letting May in to the TV debates they don't include the Greens in this poll? Just goes to show you that they are only in the business of selling papers.
Tuesday September 9, 2008
Conservatives: still getting junk mail even though I asked both the Federal party and the local to stop sending me stuff. Got a real doozy today, its a so called hand written letter from Gloria Kovach (even though its a form letter, like we cannot figure that out)
Its a weird letter, it starts out very personal and then talks about her main values which are supposedly crime control (because we all know how rough it is in sleepy Guelph), product safety (ummm lets see - freed trade with places that don't have quality control, well didn't the Conservatives bring in free trade?) and the last is how much money we will save under a Conservative government.
NDP: Wow! what a day for Jack Layton. His mouth has finally caught up to him. He is getting pounded by the media and more importantly NDP supporters for refusing to allow the Greens in the National TV debates. You have to feel sorry for Tom King, since he has been earning kudos despite Mr. Layton.
Liberals: Kudos to Dion, he is not stooping to the level of Mr. Harper and is taken the high road. However, I am sure some of his colleagues would love to launch a counter- attack. What I find kind of interesting, is that Dion seems to be an anomaly in the Liberal party. The downfall is that he still has the same old cronies. A second kudo goes to Frank Valeriote who came out even before Dion to object that the Greens will not be in the debate.
Greens: If yesterday was a bad day, today quite frankly was bittersweet. Yes the Greens are getting more support via a backlash from the pompous and arrogant decisions of the current elite. BUT, it seems that supporting the Liberals during the last election will be a thorn for quite some time. Also not sure that Elizabeth is correct in saying that part of the decision was because she is a woman. On the upside, 54% of Canadians (according to Angus Reid Poll) think she should be in the debates.
Monday September 8, 2008
Wow! Judging by the reaction to today's events, there is life after the existing systems! I have never seen so many comments online at the Star or Globe and Mail about the exclusion of the Green party.
And the fun begins!
GREENS have been barred from the National TV Debates!
Wow, can you believe that in a so called democracy like Canada that 3 major parties have stonewalled a new and emerging party?
Why would the TV consortium ask the other parties if the Greens should participate?
Well lets see, money, um influence and lobbying are only a few things I can think of :-)
Anyone else care to comment?
Curious poll today:
Do election campaigns influence your vote?
An overwhelming 78% say no
Don't you find the results interesting? Maybe even questionable?
Conservatives: Harper's strategy is clearly 2fold
1. Attack Dion's character
2. Highlight is track record
Sunday September 7, 2008
Its Official - Election on October 14!
First Poll (source - The Toronto Star)
Conservatives 35%
Liberals 34%
NDP 11%
Greens 10%
Undecided 11%
Cost of Waste: Yesterday I inquired about what it will cost us if the bi-elections are canceled and it turns out to be $3.5 million dollars!!!!!
September 5th, 2008
September 4, 2008
Well its almost a forgone conclusion that we will have yet another election this fall. Since none of the current elected MPs can seem to work together to get anything done. Which begs the question: Why would we re-elect any of them?
Another interesting observation: How much money would be wasted if the bi-elections are canceled? and Why are people so complacent about it? There has been more of an uproar and media frenzy about political sign vandalism. Heck the Mercury even had a poll over it!
Political Mailings: I have never received so much quite frankly junk mail from one political party. I don't like getting junk mail in general and the reason why I call political party mail junk is because there is never any real substance to what they print. Its all marketing with soundbites in the form of bullet points. You know the stuff! Vote for me because of these 3 reasons etc.
In this particular case I am talking about the Conservatives (sorry Gloria) but I have been receiving mail almost daily from the Harper Clan. I even emailed Gloria and the marketing department for the Conservatives and didn't even get a response. Do the parties actually think this kind of stuff works? If it wasn't so annoying it would be hilarious! I guess this means we will probably be getting a lot more junk mail over the next few weeks. If any of the parties read this - It doesn't work, mass mailers are very ineffective and cost intensive.
I have waited a week to post any comments because I needed some downtime and to also reflect on the election results. Somewhere in my blog I had predicted that the Conservatives would get a minority government, and everyone else would be in a similar position. My reasoning was because none of the parties provided any proof that they deserve a majority of votes from Canadians. And I am not talking about the election because its nothing but very unfortunate noise and anyone who votes based on election marketing and polls I say you are doing a disservice to you your family and your country.
Should we not be looking at what a party has done for the past term? Its like a person who goes to confession but behaves differently when not in the pew (you Catholics will know what I mean lol) isn't the person outside of the confession booth the true behavior?
lets examine this:
Conservatives: for the past 2 years they have ignored the environment, reduced some taxes, attacked the other parties, ignored Ontario, ignored the plight of manufacturing, boosted the war in Afganistan, attempted to increase crime laws and zero action on the economy.
Liberals: Fought with the Conservatives, fought with each other, undermined their leader, forgot to raise money, and sat on their collective bottoms on pretty much everything.
NDP: Criticized anyone that is not an NDP supporter.
where are the real solutions from any of these groups? You got nothing and the vote was polarized by mostly partisan supporters. You have met those people I am sure. They support one party and no matter what thats the party who should be elected. You ask them why, and they all say because iot reflects my values. You say oh yah and what are those? Well Conservatives this and Liberalas that and NDP this. Or my parents and my family always votes this way etc. Does anyoone ever think for themselves?
From a real world here are some serious issues:
The Economy - what party actually had a real plan to address the downward moving economy in North America? Who and what would they do with the significant decrease in manufacturing with massive job layoffs and increased cost of living?
The Environment - Climate Change is supported by a majority of experts and what partyhad a plan that does have an impact on green house gases while balancing our economic stability?
Health Care - The baby boomers our all moving into the grey years and wil put an ever increasing demand and burden on our universal system - who had any ideas to address this?
Aboriginal Issues - nothing has been solved what soever
The list goes on but my point is that none of the 3 major parties offer any real leadership for real diffuclt issues and times. So they are where they should be but theydon't get it. The answer to them is unite the left or right for more members, but guess what that solves nothing for Canadians.
Sunday October 5, 2008
Hope everyone enjoyed the weekend. Went golfing with a couple of colleagues and of course we all at some point talked about the debate. Each had mixed views on who won, but we all agreed that no one has any real economic plan. Which makes me even more concerned about this election. Another comment from all of my colleagues (and they all vote differently - lol) was that they felt Harper does not care one iota about Ontario.
Confession, I voted for Stephen Harper the last election because of the following:
1. wanted to get rid of the Liberals for obvious reasons at the time
2. Felt that Harper truly was different than the status quo and would make a positive difference.
I feel betrayed and angry since then. I had never voted Conservative but felt we needed a change. What I am seeing is a party that for some reason hates Ontario and is playing a lot of the same games that the Liberals played while in office. I am also realizing that my value system isn't aligned with the current Conservatives. Not sure about you, but I am scared about the state of the economy, environment and health care. Don't see any kind of plan to address either from the government. If you do, please tell me exactly what it is.
Monday September 22, 2008
Voted today at the election office - There were a lot of people there, this may end up being a heavy voter turn out.
Harris Poll Today has Conservatives at 38%
Does not matter which party you vote for, ask your self if 38% of voters should decide who elects your next government? That means that 62% of Canadian voters will not have elected this government! Seems undemocratic to me that less than half vote for a certain party and that party gets elected a majority?????
Do you think the systems needs to change? You figure it out.
Friday September 19, 2008
Latest polls suggest that the Conservatives and Liberals are losing some ground to the NDP and Greens. Don't figure, maybe people are starting to tire of the bull from these 2 parties?
Whats more interesting is the that only 36% of voters would choose the Conservatives if the election was held today.
Liberals 27%
NDP 16%
Green 11%
Doesn't any one find it disturbing that less than half of Canadians would vote for a party and they would still win? Hardly reflects the views of the majority of Canadians does it? Its 1/3 folks!
Should we not start considering more representational government of such an eclectic society?
Tuesday September 16, 2008
Very Interesting facts from from Stats Canada
Monday September 15, 2008
Quote of the Day (by Prime Minister Harper)
“My own belief is if we were gong to have some kind of big crash or recession, we probably would have had it by now,” Harper told reporters
Interesting poll today in the Star and Macleans (nearly identical question)
Do you agree with Stephen Harper that Stéphane Dion's Green Shift plan will threaten national unity?
Yes - 38%
No - 62%
The results for both were amazingly similar which begs the question: What really is at the root of the low perception that many have of Dion? Maybe its the Liberal party in question that is responsible for the current poll results.
I am sure that I am not the only person that keeps on questioning the status of the Liberal party that is suppose to have changed and learned from previous mistakes. However, do people like Bob Rae or Michael Ignatieff leave you with that impression?
Sunday September 14, 2008
Hearing a lot about how Harper is such a great leader. The question I have is what has he done during the past tenure in parliament to be given this title? Pleas all you Harper supporters, tell me. Gloria?
I am reading a book right now about the British Empire and India (basically Churchill VS Gandhi) and even if I did do not agree with everything they did and believe, my God were they both what I would label great leaders (at polar opposites I might add)
Polls
Have always had mixed feelings about polls before an election. The company that I own, a portion of our business comes from Market Research. Quite frankly anyone that wants to initiate a poll typically has desired results in mind. What I am trying to say is that the questions from many polls/surveys are bias and skewed towards the desired results.
What concerns me even more is that the general public will take the results has gospel.
For example 2 important polls during the past few days stated the following:
- Conservatives clear majority
- NDP could be opposition
These polls who are most likely funded (might be indirectly) by the 2 parties that have the exposure so to speak. And that is serious because many regular Canadians can be influenced by the results of the polls.
Saturday September 13, 2008
Latest poll commissioned by the Star suggest that Layton is almost tied with Dion
Conservatives 39%
Liberals 23%
NDP 18%
Greens ?????
If you add it up its only 80% does that mean that 20% would vote Green?????????????
Doesn't anyone find it ironic that after all the posturing the Star did in the past 2 days about letting May in to the TV debates they don't include the Greens in this poll? Just goes to show you that they are only in the business of selling papers.
Tuesday September 9, 2008
Conservatives: still getting junk mail even though I asked both the Federal party and the local to stop sending me stuff. Got a real doozy today, its a so called hand written letter from Gloria Kovach (even though its a form letter, like we cannot figure that out)
Its a weird letter, it starts out very personal and then talks about her main values which are supposedly crime control (because we all know how rough it is in sleepy Guelph), product safety (ummm lets see - freed trade with places that don't have quality control, well didn't the Conservatives bring in free trade?) and the last is how much money we will save under a Conservative government.
NDP: Wow! what a day for Jack Layton. His mouth has finally caught up to him. He is getting pounded by the media and more importantly NDP supporters for refusing to allow the Greens in the National TV debates. You have to feel sorry for Tom King, since he has been earning kudos despite Mr. Layton.
Liberals: Kudos to Dion, he is not stooping to the level of Mr. Harper and is taken the high road. However, I am sure some of his colleagues would love to launch a counter- attack. What I find kind of interesting, is that Dion seems to be an anomaly in the Liberal party. The downfall is that he still has the same old cronies. A second kudo goes to Frank Valeriote who came out even before Dion to object that the Greens will not be in the debate.
Greens: If yesterday was a bad day, today quite frankly was bittersweet. Yes the Greens are getting more support via a backlash from the pompous and arrogant decisions of the current elite. BUT, it seems that supporting the Liberals during the last election will be a thorn for quite some time. Also not sure that Elizabeth is correct in saying that part of the decision was because she is a woman. On the upside, 54% of Canadians (according to Angus Reid Poll) think she should be in the debates.
Monday September 8, 2008
Wow! Judging by the reaction to today's events, there is life after the existing systems! I have never seen so many comments online at the Star or Globe and Mail about the exclusion of the Green party.
And the fun begins!
GREENS have been barred from the National TV Debates!
Wow, can you believe that in a so called democracy like Canada that 3 major parties have stonewalled a new and emerging party?
Why would the TV consortium ask the other parties if the Greens should participate?
Well lets see, money, um influence and lobbying are only a few things I can think of :-)
Anyone else care to comment?
Curious poll today:
Do election campaigns influence your vote?
An overwhelming 78% say no
Don't you find the results interesting? Maybe even questionable?
Conservatives: Harper's strategy is clearly 2fold
1. Attack Dion's character
2. Highlight is track record
Sunday September 7, 2008
Its Official - Election on October 14!
First Poll (source - The Toronto Star)
Conservatives 35%
Liberals 34%
NDP 11%
Greens 10%
Undecided 11%
Cost of Waste: Yesterday I inquired about what it will cost us if the bi-elections are canceled and it turns out to be $3.5 million dollars!!!!!
September 5th, 2008
The Prime Minister's Office has released Stephen Harper's weekend itinerary.
It reads as follows:
Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Sunday September 7 at 8:05 am will leave 24 Sussex en route to Rideau Hall to meet with Governor Michaelle Jean to ask her to dissolve the 39th Parliament for an election call October 14 2008.
September 4, 2008
Well its almost a forgone conclusion that we will have yet another election this fall. Since none of the current elected MPs can seem to work together to get anything done. Which begs the question: Why would we re-elect any of them?
Another interesting observation: How much money would be wasted if the bi-elections are canceled? and Why are people so complacent about it? There has been more of an uproar and media frenzy about political sign vandalism. Heck the Mercury even had a poll over it!
Political Mailings: I have never received so much quite frankly junk mail from one political party. I don't like getting junk mail in general and the reason why I call political party mail junk is because there is never any real substance to what they print. Its all marketing with soundbites in the form of bullet points. You know the stuff! Vote for me because of these 3 reasons etc.
In this particular case I am talking about the Conservatives (sorry Gloria) but I have been receiving mail almost daily from the Harper Clan. I even emailed Gloria and the marketing department for the Conservatives and didn't even get a response. Do the parties actually think this kind of stuff works? If it wasn't so annoying it would be hilarious! I guess this means we will probably be getting a lot more junk mail over the next few weeks. If any of the parties read this - It doesn't work, mass mailers are very ineffective and cost intensive.
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