A blog about news and politics by Steve Janke

October 31, 2007

Is Michael Ignatieff ready to make a move against Stephane Dion?

Just some crazy speculation based on one fact -- the Stop Iggy website has come down.

Posted by: Steve Janke at 11:28 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Spook-tacular New Commenting System

For the next three months, starting the very Hallowe'en, I'd like to test drive Intense Debate, a new threaded commenting system. That is to say, I'd like you to drive Intense Debate, a new threaded commenting system.

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Posted by: Steve Janke at 08:27 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Is the Toronto Star fed up with Stephane Dion?

The Toronto Star is advising Liberal Party leader Stephane Dion to vote against the Tory financial update and trigger an election.

Until now, the accepted wisdom has been that Stephane Dion would lose that election, and almost certainly his job.

So what has changed that the Toronto Star thinks an election would be a good idea?

Absolutely nothing.

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Posted by: Steve Janke at 01:30 PM | Comments (20) | Add Comment
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1 I found the Toronto Star editorial strange, but not altogether surprising. It is likely one of the only publications in the country that can truly find fault with this mini budget, and representative of one of the last Liberal bastions in the country. Perhaps the T. Star is simply tired of seeing the Liberals having sand kicked in its face, acting like the 98-pound weakling it has truly become.

Posted by: Kinger at October 31, 2007 01:45 PM (f1BnB)

2 The Toronto Star will support the Liberals regardless of Dion's ultimate fate.The Star only pretends to show concerns for poverty,environment, funding for Toronto,national day care etc. It should be clear by now that even though the Libs. have continually fallen short on all these issues for decades,the Star will blindly support them. The Star isn't interested in results on these files only headlines.In the end they will endorse Dion no matter what he does or says.

Posted by: David at October 31, 2007 01:53 PM (ZQCGV)

3 Well I like it, by my math it's 9k+ per taxpayer saved, Yahoo! 9,246.66 Treats this Halloween! Well over 5 years better so insignificant no MSMer will put that much in steves paypal box.

Posted by: dinosaur at October 31, 2007 02:00 PM (TC3cI)

4 I'm just sick to death of these maniacs asking for more Programs. "is so lacking in the vision and programs needed to address the major social and economic challenges" One day i'd like to see how much is spent all togheter on programs and real tangible benefits they have except employement to those working there, and those building the beautifull infrastructures required for the offices. Same with the health care, every time they get a bunch of millions, they build a new wing, yet you can't get an MRI. Stop with the fountains and gets some decent equipement and labour in there. The 'Lack of vision' is a farce. The vision is the best i've seen in my lifetime, reduce taxes, get rid of debt, kill off needles programs, basically get out of the business of running my life, and what a govevement is supposed to do, defend my rights, security, etc and stop taking from me.

Posted by: Harry at October 31, 2007 03:55 PM (Vss22)

5 I WISH we had an election. Garth thinks that the people of Halton want a new government. Hes partially right. We DO want something new. A new MP. Vote against the mini budget...we DARE YOU! Come on, vote against it. Whats that? Oh the Lib WHIP office called Garth and told him to sit on his hands...and like a good LIB lap dog, he obeys. Our Halton MP in action.

Posted by: Halton Resident at October 31, 2007 04:08 PM (XdF/C)

6 It's easy enough to see why. The sooner the election, the sooner they can get rid of Dion.... The only quicker way is if they get the torches and pitchforks out and depose him without the technicality of actually losing an election.

Posted by: Davide at October 31, 2007 05:28 PM (p9aaN)

7 The Star's Editorial Board knows as well as anyone that the Dion program of Opposition by Abstention is a farce.They also know that the LPC is in financial and organizational disarray and are unable to run a real election campaign in the near future. But in order to support the Liberal brand, a call for defeating the government plays to the Liberal core as a fantasy moral booster. But you wonder how long this No Vote Opposition will run before even the Liberal core realizes that party survival is more important than good government. One thing you can say is that Dion has taken the term "Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition" to a new level.

Posted by: john at October 31, 2007 05:48 PM (1UCCk)

8 Maybe the Toronto Star is just trying to force one of those tipping points that you have talked about, Steve. Something has to be done about Dion, because he just gets deeper into puffin doodoo every day. Now, Dion is saying that Liberals, if they gain power may reverse that GST cut. Say, there's a winning campaign strategy. Now, he's named Garth Turner as the newest member of the House of Commons Finance Committee to go along with his Special Advisorship on Fundraising and Priority and Planning duties. Garth has become Dion's right hand man. I guess Dion nor his advisors are concerned with Garth's apparent fundraising irregularities. How long will the Liberal Party put up with this?

Posted by: muttsrus at October 31, 2007 05:51 PM (GIJIl)

9 It would be nice to know why the Tor. Star would recommend an election right now? Perhaps they also would like to get rid of Dion? Well that would be the day. Let the man stay on and take the Liberal Party along to defeat, that would be a plus for Canada.

Posted by: Jan at October 31, 2007 06:15 PM (BmHiU)

10 The Toronto Star tends to be a left wing newspaper generally. Which is why they tend to support the Liberal party. So what they may be showing is not some secret agenda but rather displaying that they are not an unquestioning Liberal-party supporter, but rather only as long as the Liberal party reflects their views. Although basing an predictions on a single editorial is a dubious process I'm curious to see if the Toronto Star endorses the NDP next time around. It wouldn't be all that surprising after all. I mean the Globe and Mail has become rather fond of Harper's policies and Harper himself through their editorials.

Posted by: southernontarioan at October 31, 2007 06:23 PM (x+pNy)

11 In a way, Dion's (in)action on the mini-budget is yet another example of what we've been saying about what Liberals stand for: the acquisition and retention of power - in this case, Dion's. Dion wants to be Prime Minister; in fact, as a Liberal leader, he probably believes it is his Divine right. Up to now, every leader the Liberals have ever had has sat in the PMO for at least a few weeks - even John Turner. If Dion does not add "The Right Honourable" to his name, he will become the first-ever Liberal leader to fail to do so ... not exactly the place in history he probably had in mind. What does this have to do with The Star's editorial? Just this: if Dion were a statesman and a true team-player, he'd trigger the election now (when it might result in another minority), take his lumps and step aside. Instead, he will stay on as Liberal leader as long as possible in hopes of somehow containing the implosion of the Liberal Party and becoming Prime Minister in the next election in 2009 - and will instead witness Stephen Harper forming a majority government at that time. By then the Liberals will have fallen so far that they may find themselves reduced to third-party status.

Posted by: Tom at October 31, 2007 07:55 PM (KFopY)

12 What planet am I on? I can't even hallucinate about people against tax cuts. How can any moron think tax cuts is a bad thing?? And a GST cut is satanic ?? Who would ever vote for a party that wants to increase everyones tax burden?? Why the answer is only in Canada eh. With three disloyal opposition parties. What a brainwash !!! So many clowns & not enough circus' Now I want an election... just to show these commies how real Canadians deal with this BS.

Posted by: banjotom at October 31, 2007 08:08 PM (Efwba)

13 According to Duffy, an election loss for Dion would still mean he keeps his job for 2 years. Seems the liberal rules state a leadership review is held 2 yrs after an election. That is why dion wants an election, to keep his job. Iggys pals want him out before an election so the caucus can appoint a new leader, and only iggy has a seat. But, duffy did mention that a lot of caucus like goodale, and he has been taking french lessons. Regardless, there is a plot of some kind to get rid of dion.

Posted by: Mary T at October 31, 2007 08:14 PM (zm8/C)

14 What the Toronto Star doesn't seem to realize is that the poor, the sick and youth just don't vote ... they are stupid, just like the Toronto Star. I recall an Ontario election with Bill Harris cutting back on health care while paving all the highways. Sick people don't vote but car drivers do .. and Harris won big. If the Toronto Star editorial board are appealing to the altruism of Canadians on behalf of the poor and the sick and telling Canadians that the only way they can resolve their angst is to vote Liberal and higher taxation ... well then the Toronto Star is beyond stupid ... they are dead from the neck up.

Posted by: Observant at October 31, 2007 11:06 PM (PUMHU)

15 Who's Bill Harris?

Posted by: Tom at October 31, 2007 11:35 PM (KFopY)

16 Has anyone checked the latest Harris poll? - conservatives up only 4%. The Star may have seen this in advance. Seems the problem is that too many people do not trust Harper. I have commented on this before. Harper lost my trust on his government's violation of the Atlantic Accord and then being misleading about it. This was despite his pre-election assurances that he had reformed on the issue of supporting Atlantic Canada. Yes Virginia, there is a hidden agenda. I, a life-long conservative, will not vote conservative.

Posted by: murray at November 01, 2007 05:02 AM (vFMas)

17 Bill Harris was a player for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the late '50s and early '60s. He scored the tying goal in that famous sixth game of the '64 Cup finals when Bobby Baun scored the winner in overtime on a broken leg. All these Harrises -- the player, the pollster, the premier... As for Harper -- the current situation is great. Govern with a minority like it's a majority. Sounds good to me.

Posted by: Ben (The Tiger) at November 01, 2007 05:57 AM (eUrTl)

18 Who will cut the gordian knot of a silk thread 'round Citoyen's chicken neck? Who will spring the trapdoor? STOPIGGY? Boob Rae, nephew of Mao Strong? Hezbollah Coderre? Power Corp? Whoooo? Red Star: "These are questions Dion needs to answer immediately if he hopes to maintain any credibility with the voters." And, with the Red Star. Some credibility. ...- EDITORIAL TheStar Dion's credibility hangs by a thread [...] In his essay for the Star, Dion also said he wants to build "the richest, fairest and greenest country in the world." He cannot do that, though, by continually propping up the Harper Conservatives. And he cannot do it if he won't tell Canadians what his bottom line is before his party will defeat the government. Is there one issue that will force him to act? Hasn't Harper done enough already in his bid to reverse or discredit the progressive social policies introduced by previous Liberal governments? These are questions Dion needs to answer immediately if he hopes to maintain any credibility with the voters. (TO Star)

Posted by: maz2 at November 01, 2007 07:09 AM (7z2XB)

19 Murray: Your desperation is showing. You're talking silly talk, bordering on pure barnyard offal. You were not a Conservative and never will be. Makes a good tale for a lying Liberal.

Posted by: Libby at November 01, 2007 05:43 PM (+k1n/)

20 Actually Libby, I was a young PC when I was 14 when the Young Concervatives convention was in Calgary and have voted conservative each federal election since. Donated $250 to a conseravtiocve candidate last election. Not the next one for sure. Again, look at the polls. My father has voted conservative since 1972. After the income trust betrayal, he will certainly not vote for Harper. Isee it all around. Menawhile, the economy is humming with unemployment at the lowest level in 33 years, yet the conservatives cannot get above 40% in the polls. Almost every (non-Conservative) commentator says the same thing--people like the party but do not trust Harper.

Posted by: murray at November 05, 2007 03:42 PM (dw9A3)

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Will Stephane Dion repudiate the conspiracy-spinning World Sikh Organization?

One of the stories that came out of the Liberal leadership convention that saw Gerard Kennedy and Stephane Dion work together to beat front runners Michael Ignatieff and Bob Rae was the role of the Sikh vote, and especially the role of World Sikh Organization. Indeed the WSO had a relationship with the Liberal Party before the leadership convention, and since. More than once the relationship has been newsworthy because of the violence that seems to often be part of the story.

News came out today that the WSO was refused the opportunity to present in front of the Air India Inquiry. After the costliest investigation in Canadian history resulted in the acquittal of the accused in 2005, Paul Martin asked Bob Rae to prepare a report to recommend what actions to take next with regards to the 1985 bombing of Air India Flight 182, which was blown up over the Atlantic, killing 329 people, including 280 Canadians. Bob Rae recommended an inquiry into how the case was investigated and prosecuted. Prime Minister Stephen Harper acted on that report and appointed John C Major to head that inquiry. The inquiry is hearing from witnesses.

The WSO had announced in July that it had important information to share. John C Major is not interested. The information? The WSO, close friends with the Liberal Party and one of the major power blocs, wanted the Air India Inquiry to consider the what the WSO believes could be true -- that Sikhs were not responsible for the terrorist act, but instead were victims of a plot by the Indian government, aided by CSIS and the RCMP, to destroy the Air India jet and so cast blame on peace-loving Sikhs.

Right. And the CIA blew up the Twin Towers with the help of the Jews.

Stephane Dion needs to make a decision. He can let this stand, or he can tell the WSO that the Liberal Party does not believe for a moment that the RCMP and CSIS had anything to do with this horrific criminal act. Given the key role the WSO had in putting Stephane Dion at the head of the Liberal Party, I'm not optimistic that we're going to hear anything soon.

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Posted by: Steve Janke at 06:07 AM | Comments (16) | Add Comment
Post contains 1588 words, total size 10 kb.

1 Have we or will we ever reach the depths the Liberals have sunk to in their pursuit of eternal power? Any group accusing our security people of playing a role in a terrorist attack should be highly suspect and are not friends of Canada, they are here with agendas contrary to our way of life and laws. We should all be concerned for this country and recall the regime that allowed our citizenship to be devalued. It started with Trudeau's Charter, one foot on the ground gets you all the rights afforded native born citizens. If they stray from our laws, we pay dearly for them to fight for their new found rights in our courts. If the likes of Ernst Zundel can be shipped out for denying the Holocaust/hate crimes,so too can radical Sikhs with such outrageous views.

Posted by: Libby at October 31, 2007 06:50 AM (ubC+J)

2 For Dion and the Lieberals it just keeps on getting better and better.

Posted by: Pissedoff at October 31, 2007 07:04 AM (/WJYA)

3 Oh, so Harper is getting you to try the old "terrorist" connection thing again is he? Give it a rest - running out of stories?

Posted by: Sam at October 31, 2007 08:06 AM (SRpsb)

4 Sam. I presume Dion put you up to the old "change the channel" strategy. How is this any different than the "Just like Bush" nonsense coming from the left? We'll soon see if this story has legs. In the meantime if you find politics too tiresome, perhaps read some sewing blogs...

Posted by: David at October 31, 2007 08:57 AM (ZQCGV)

5 Sam: Just what are people who blow up planes or buildings and go to great lengths to shift blame called in your world?

Posted by: Libby at October 31, 2007 09:02 AM (IeUrc)

6 Was this the "extremist element" that PM Harper referred to within the Dion Liberal party?? God help Canada if the Dion Liberals ever gain power .. unlikely but frightening.

Posted by: Observant at October 31, 2007 10:06 AM (1n/rr)

7 It is not just the connection with the WSO that concerns me. How about Denis Coderre marching in a rally carrying a Hezbollah flag. Hezbollah is far worse than the Sikh separatists. Or how about senior liberals attending a party hosted by supporters of the Tamil Tigers. If I am not mistaken, Paul Martin was there.

Posted by: Brett at October 31, 2007 10:11 AM (+kFf8)

8 I would say that the Sikh extremists are just as dangerous as Hezbollah. Didn't they kill 320 people, mostly Canadians? As for the connection between the Liberals and WSO, Steve, maybe you should pay closer attention to Mark Marissen. He has very close ties to the Sikh community in B.C. and was Martin's front man and now is Dion's campaign' main man. Where Marissen goes there is trouble.

Posted by: Louise at October 31, 2007 10:35 AM (ID/Q7)

9 It is high time that Dion and the Liberal party be exposed for what they really are. A danger to Canada and Canadians.!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Jan at October 31, 2007 10:53 AM (BmHiU)

10 Power at ANY Cost! http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q315/metricmonkey/SikhMartin-1.jpg

Posted by: zilla at October 31, 2007 06:11 PM (CwIoR)

11 Man The Liberal Party is a haven for terrorists i hope Hindus were most the viticims in the Air India Bombing i hope Hindus start voting for the Conservatives.

Posted by: Neil Singh at November 01, 2007 03:18 PM (aDYlB)

12 Brett, you are quite right, little Napoleon wannabe, blowbag extrodinaire, Denis Coderre, did march with the Hezbollah flag bearers. Also Paul Martin and Maria Minna were two known attendees at a Tamil Tigers fund raiser. Now if a politician attends a fund raising event for any group they must at least give it their "moral" support. In this case it would be in return for VOTES. When it comes to getting votes the Liberals drop whatever they have for scruples, votes trump all. You have to wonder how close we were coming to having a Banana Republic, supporting questionable groups who look for support here to fund offshore agendas which could be terrorism and a government having to call an Inquiry into it's own Party's corruption. Of course the bigger reason Martin called the Adscam Inquiry was more to get at his nemesis Jean Chretien, but he sunk the whole ship and went down with it. It's all making interesting reading for the history books and how the people woke up in time to give meaning to the line "all's well that ends well".

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October 30, 2007

Blair Wilson is doomed

Blair Wilson will be forced to give up his seat. No question of that. The Liberal Party has plans for that seat. But unfortunately we need to rely on rumours to know what those plans are.

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Posted by: Steve Janke at 08:52 AM | Comments (30) | Add Comment
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1 Why else do you think the story leaked?

Posted by: at October 30, 2007 10:01 AM (6UVPb)

2 Will this be a chance for the needed microscope on Mark Marissen's past during the "Martin Juggernaut" of a few years ago? The complete analysis may have to wait until the end of the Basi and Virk trials. Very few eastern media outlets seemed to care about the flood of cash that bought Liberal party memberships for literally everyone and their dog. Mr. Marissen, as I recall, was one of the key Team Martin operatives at that time. Just another reason to question the judgement of Dion in his selection of Marissen.

Posted by: SteeveJ at October 30, 2007 11:02 AM (MZJYn)

3 Christy Clark has a long-term contract with CKNW for her new afternoon radio talk show. I can't imagine her throwing her hat into the federal ring. Nice try, though.

Posted by: StuartM at October 30, 2007 11:10 AM (zWC/Y)

4 Read this, http://andrewcoyne.com/2005/04/todays-massive-hair-raising-scandal.php and then ask if marissen is all that trust-worthy.

Posted by: Oliver Cromwell at October 30, 2007 11:34 AM (0tHG6)

5 Christy Clark has a long-term contract with CKNW for her new afternoon radio talk show. I can't imagine her throwing her hat into the federal ring. It didn't stop her contesting the Vancouver Mayorality race, now did it? I think you (perhaps deliberately?) underestimate both her and her husband's level of ambition. Unfortunately, both of them overestimate Ms Clark's level of ability. I think Christy entering the race to replace Blair Wilson in West Van (Sunshine Coast, etc) would be terrific; she would be (fairly) seen as a carpet-bagger, making a win very difficult - and that might spell the end of her political career, and perhaps Mr Marrisen's, as well. That would truly be a win-win outcome.

Posted by: Deaner at October 30, 2007 11:48 AM (NlY1X)

6 If you have time for a lot of reading - here is a timeline of the British Columbia "scandal" that is not being reported. http://bctrialofbasi-virk.blogspot.com/

Posted by: DWT at October 30, 2007 12:11 PM (DFwV1)

7 My problem with Christy Clarke is that she tries to come off as "non-partisan" on her radio show all the while lobbing softballs on Liberal cause-celebe, allowing the most conspiratorial ranting from the radical truther crowd, and showing a breathless naivety when talking to people like Maude Barlow. Her show is almost unlistenable.

Posted by: The Rat at October 30, 2007 12:12 PM (N21pf)

8 We should have learned by now that wherever there is smoke there is a raging fire when talking about the LPOC. There have been machinations in BC for years--sadly they get away with it because it is so far removed from the centre of the universe, Ontario. Anyone who follows the LPOC in BC would know that everything is possible if it is underhanded. Imagine, shafting a Police Chief for doing his duty and exposing the corruption, while the LPOC goes merrily along. As usual, with the Liberals honesy and decency is not to be allowed. Corruption is the only thing that gets rewarded by the LPOC and their stooges. The fact that those named are still in charge after all that is and has been reported is not surprising though. After all, this is Canada.

Posted by: George at October 30, 2007 12:31 PM (rmp0s)

9 Deaner, Christy Clark ran for the mayoralty candidacy BEFORE she signed a long term contract with CKNW. Her scheduled show has been on for a little more than a month now, and Sam has been mayor for how long?

Posted by: Oliver Cromwell at October 30, 2007 12:32 PM (0tHG6)

10 Remember, Chrusty Clark tried to get the mayor's job in Vancouver by running against Sam Sullivan for the leadership of the NPA. This was not too long before the Dither's government fell. With Larry Campbell headed for the Senate the Lie-beral's required a mouth piece cheerleader in Vancouver. Didn't quite work out for them, did it?

Posted by: Bruce Randall at October 30, 2007 12:37 PM (NuGVb)

11 Just as an aside, how come ridings in lotusland get such evocative, imaginative and euphonious monikers as "West Vancouver--Sunshine Coast--Sea to Sky Country". Was the name chosen by the local Chambers of Commerce? Back east we plod along with riding names more like "Hogtown-The Stockyards". I think Elections Canada should redress this unfairness by immediately renaming "Toronto-Centre" to "Toronto-Centre of The Universe".

Posted by: Mississauga Tom at October 30, 2007 12:52 PM (af6bh)

12 Christy Clark ran for the mayoralty candidacy BEFORE she signed a long term contract with CKNW You're right - but it doesn't matter. Realistically, personal service contracts are unenforceable, except to prevent the talent from providing the same service to someone else. If Christy wants out, all she has to do is run dull, boring interviews (wait, she's already doing that...), and conduct periodic fact-free rants to make her show unlistenable (ditto). CKNW is not about to sue her to prevent her candidacy; if she becomes an MP she is 'serving the people of Canada' (urp - sorry; makes me barf in my mouth) and the (publicly regulated) radio station doesn't want to interfere with that; if she loses she just comes back to work with a higher profile, albeit no longer with the aura of a political up-and-comer (urp, again) or insider.

Posted by: Deaner at October 30, 2007 01:03 PM (NlY1X)

13 I live in BC and have followed the Basi/Virk trial since the beginning. In the Basi/Virk scandal, Marrissen had documents of interest, but the police said that he was completely innocent and not under investigation. In the case of Blair Wilson, he also seems to have "documents of interest", but he is not being accused of anything either. Why the focus on Marissen, and not on the accused? The Christy Clark thing is a red herring -- they might be cravenly ambitious, but they are certainly not stupid and I am sure they learned their lesson from the NPA debacle.

Posted by: Brian at October 30, 2007 02:07 PM (HRYeX)

14 Blair Wilson is not being accused of anything? Right, and Christie Clark and Mark Marissen aren't shacked up either? By the way, Christie is a red herring. Heh.

Posted by: Bruce Randall at October 30, 2007 02:38 PM (NuGVb)

15 I think what Brian is saying is that: In the case of Blair Wilson, he (Mark Marrissen) also seems to have "documents of interest", but he is not being accused of anything either. My clarification in bold. Forgive me if I'm wrong.

Posted by: mecheng at October 30, 2007 02:57 PM (qFcf9)

16 ~~Oh Steve, I tried to use the strikethrough tags ("s" and "/s") in the above post, they showed up in the preview, but not when I posted the comment.~~

Posted by: mecheng at October 30, 2007 03:02 PM (qFcf9)

17 Apparently it is all about winning (no matter how dirty) for Mark and Christy. Article from a cheerleader. http://www.bcbusinessmagazine.com/bcb/people/2007/06/01/mark

Posted by: at October 30, 2007 03:22 PM (DFwV1)

18 Yes, I meant Marrissen.

Posted by: Brian at October 30, 2007 03:59 PM (HRYeX)

19 Christy Clark has a long-term contract with CKNW for her new afternoon radio talk show. I can't imagine her throwing her hat into the federal ring. Nice try, though. Posted by: StuartM at October 30, 2007 11:10 AM -- You have to be kidding me. She would leave radio in a heartbeat for an MP job. The woman was so desperate for a major politcal office that she was going to relocate to Vancouver to run for mayor, despite never having lived in the city. http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1125538397526_194/?hub=Canada You can bet she's scoping a condo in West Van as we speak.

Posted by: at October 30, 2007 04:53 PM (jZIM3)

20 Re: Blair Wilson - The Liberals are spinning that they just found out about his problems and "acted immediately" and that Wilson himself asked Elections Canada for an investigation. Proof again that Dion is either totally out of the loop or lying. The Vancouver Province story states that Wilson's former campaign workers had ALREADY filed a complaint with Elections Canada; that they had forwarded documentation to the Liberal Party HQ some weeks ago and Marrison sort of confirmed that HE DID receive documents about this well before the newspaper story and had ALREADY passed it on the something called the Green Light Committee. Wilson ONLY QUIT AFTER THE STORY HIT THE NEWSPAPER. Prior to that it would appear the liberals were happy to cover it up - even giving Mr. Wilson a shadow cabinet position as critic for National Revenue and puffing up his credentials on October 19th. So, WHEN did DION know? Weeks before he claimed he did? WHEN did Marrison and other BC Liberals know? WEEKS BEFORE they told Dion?

Posted by: Lorraine at October 30, 2007 05:20 PM (rp6r3)

21 To suggest that the Liberal Party had all the same information as the Vancouver Province is not logical. The story in the Globe and Mail makes it clear that the Vancouver Province was working with far more information than the Liberal Party was. That's why the Liberal Party acted very quickly to kick out Wilson after the story came out. The Liberals didn't deny it in the Province story either - they confirmed they received the documents. They weren't hiding anything. Usually politicos say "no comment" until they see where the story is going. The Province must have had the story for at least as long as the Liberal Party, but probably longer, given how much work was put into the three consecutive front page stories. They didn't run half-cocked with these stories until they checked the facts. Why wouldn't the Liberal Party check the facts first too before convicting the guy?

Posted by: Jack at October 30, 2007 06:40 PM (HRYeX)

22 I'll check into it mecheng. Let me try it ~~NOW~~

Posted by: Steve Janke at October 31, 2007 07:56 AM (R9sQf)

23 Dammit, NOW didn't get the strikeout. I guess something filters that. I'll look into how that works.

Posted by: Steve Janke at October 31, 2007 07:57 AM (R9sQf)

24 The problem with Christy Clark dumping the radio job is her burning her bridges completely. She ran for mayoral nomination before she got the fulltime gig, prior to that it was fill in. To dump CKNW who is the major player in BC not to mention owned by Corus who isn't too small nationally either would be a big misstep. Not to that mention her winning in West Van is not a shoe-in. I think she is out of politics for awhile.

Posted by: Jay at October 31, 2007 09:19 AM (ucHAZ)

25 Librano$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ paid cash for more cash. No brown envelopes needed. Just table the cash; not under the table. The brazen, bribing sobs. Where is/are the criminal investigation/criminal charges? ...- MP can't be re-elected, ex-campaign manager says Liberals 'have to find a new candidate, if they want to win here,' Sechelt resident says of Blair Wilson furore [More] She recalled that Vilas appeared at her Sechelt home to pay her for wood she had purchased for campaign signs. "He had this wad of hundred-dollar bills," Wood said. "And he rolled off four one-hundred-dollar bills and left them on my dining room table." ...- http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/westcoastnews/story.html?id=aec330c1-530d-4451-bdfd-b40eb45222fb Hiding the Puffin Excrement: The Massive Coverup by the Liberals and Citoyen Dion. $$$$$$$$$$$ Liberals mum on whether MP disclosed lawsuits http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20071031.wliberals31/BNStory/National/home

Posted by: maz2 at October 31, 2007 09:36 AM (ix89Y)

26 Christy Clark's show is almost strictly a Liberal propaganda machine at every chance she gets. She would quit the show in a heartbeat and nothing is above the Mark Marissen/Christy Clark/Liberals trio.

Posted by: Louise at October 31, 2007 10:47 AM (ID/Q7)

27 Jay - I agree that it would be a dumb decision; that doesn't mean that Mark and Christy won't make it! I think her (their?) ambitions will lead them into an error: they will honestly think that she can win the seat, and they will probably expect that even in the (in their minds, unlikely) event that she does not become an MP, CKNW will welcome her back with open arms. I think they are wrong on both counts, but you never know until the horses actually run...

Posted by: Deaner at October 31, 2007 12:16 PM (NlY1X)

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The Liberal focus on scandal masks a deeper problem

The Liberal Party has been focused on the In and Out Scandal. Why? The Canadian people don't seem to think it's much of a scandal. Neither does the media. With the eruption of the allegations against Liberal MP Blair Wilson, inarguably a scandal, you would think the Liberals would do well to drop the whole thing. But they haven't.

Why not?

I think it's a deliberate decision motivated by desperation.

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Posted by: Steve Janke at 08:12 AM | Comments (13) | Add Comment
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1 My favorite line from the Ivitson article was "At the moment, the Liberals are behaving like the crack suicide squad from Monty Python's Life of Brian, who attack by impaling themselves on their own swords." just about sums it up don't you think?

Posted by: mungman at October 30, 2007 08:22 AM (w9ZkP)

2 Right on, Steve, it's a Liberal desperation strategy to hold on to it's core supporters who vote Liberals right-or-wrong. But why is this deterioration growing and why can't Dion stop it? It's pretty well acknowledged that once an election campaign begins, Liberal popularity will drop after Canadians get a good look at Dion and compare him to Harper on an emotional gut-feel basis. Conservatives expect a bump in their popularity on the issue of leadership, while Layton expects to snag the lefty Liberal vote, as he has in the last two elections. It's somewhat pathetic to watch the Liberal party and listen to their faithful, fearmongering forum supporters. Nothing political here, just sheer survival in their dismal existence.

Posted by: Observant at October 30, 2007 08:28 AM (ce03b)

3 We see his strategy in the "George Bush lite" arguement. Just yesterday Brison seemed to be accusing Harper of meeting with the Dalai Lama in an official Gov't office just because GWB did! In a year George will be gone no matter what. So after that, what will their arguement be? To be fair all three opposition parties use this strategy but the Libs seem to be the most torturous at it.

Posted by: David at October 30, 2007 09:23 AM (ZQCGV)

4 Well said... why do you think I want an election so badly? (that, and so that I can get it out of the way and focus on my new business venture, which is basicly on hold until after the next vote...)

Posted by: Christian Conservative at October 30, 2007 11:00 AM (9wHsi)

5 Why should Elections Canada be judging the content of advertising? This whole thing is ridiculous - some scandal. If thats all the Liberals can come up with they are in really sad shape.

Posted by: Bruce at October 30, 2007 11:11 AM (QrR/e)

6 I had a slightly different take on Ivison's article. The bogus scandal-mongering isn't only the result of poor judgement, it's the result of Dion's inability to dictate the narrative of his own party. He's like the supply teacher who the students don't respect. They do what they want, and the teacher goes along with it.

Posted by: Dennis (Second Thots) at October 30, 2007 11:48 AM (iwfVL)

7 There's something else about the ads issue that's occurred to me recently. If the ads ran in local markets, and were paid for by the local ridings, who cares what the content was? They were local in terms of distribution, even though many ridings distributed the same ad. Right? It's just another fancy way of saying what I've said all along: It's up to the local riding to decide what ads they'll run to win the riding, right? Next.

Posted by: Dennis (Second Thots) at October 30, 2007 12:03 PM (iwfVL)

8 At the risk of posting three times in a row, I just wanted to clarify my point on the ads. It's one thing if, say, a Kitchener riding paid for ads used in, say, a New Brunswick riding. But that didn't happen here, as far as I know. Ads used in Kitchener were paid for by the Kitchener riding. Same as in New Brunswick. Right?

Posted by: Dennis (Second Thots) at October 30, 2007 12:06 PM (iwfVL)

9 So CONservatives like Gary Goodyear seem to think Dion should kick Elizabeth May out of the Liberal party -- HELLO !!! (House of Commons May 2, 2007). When was she ever a member ? She's heading the Green Party and trying to defeat a light weight contender in Nova Scotia. Some people should never have left the Reform Party. The Progressive Conservatives of old at least had honesty in their repertoire. This new breed of CONservatives disregard facts and truth as readily as their Republican mentors south of the border. DING, DONG. HELLO !!!

Posted by: rob at October 30, 2007 02:29 PM (vcWaB)

10 Sniff some more glue Rob.

Posted by: Bruce Randall at October 30, 2007 02:44 PM (NuGVb)

11 Why doesn't Dion stop the stupidity going on all around him? Lets start with he has no real power unto himself, has no bloody clue what's lurking around the many corners of his fractured party so who can he trust? He's leading off every QP with the same dumb question to Harper re the so-called, In/Out non-scandal they're trying to get going. Harper doesn't bite and rightly so. Van Loan smacks him down well and that should be a clue to him his efforts to gain any traction on it are futile. Can't recall a party so obviously sunk as the Liberals are at this point. The media are their only friends, trying to imply they just might bring down the government. Guess they believe in assisted suicide.

Posted by: Libby at October 30, 2007 04:46 PM (KHlgn)

12 I don't suppose any members of the Liberal brain-trust took too long thinking about how they will respond when the courts rule that Elections Canada overstepped its authority by passing judgement on the content of election advertising. Dion has spent a month in QP howling about this "scandal", this "criminal enterprise", this "electoral abuse"; he's going to look like an (even bigger) idiot should the courts rule that there was no "scandal", no "criminal enterprise", no "electoral abuse." How will he respond then? I predict Dion will be channeling the late Gilda Radner as Roseanne Rosannadanna: "Never mind."

Posted by: Tom at October 31, 2007 12:40 AM (KFopY)

13 Rob sounds a lot like Garth Turner with his childish arrogance...Is Garth now writing under the Rob??

Posted by: Marc at October 31, 2007 11:05 PM (GN3Xe)

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October 29, 2007

If the GST cut is coming tomorrow, does that mean the Stephane Dion's clever trap has worked?

Jim Flaherty is supposed to be delivering his economic update tomorrow. We'll find out if the much-anticipated GST cut is going to be announced tomorrow. If this tax cut is in the update, does that mean Liberal Party leader Stephane Dion's clever trap has caught Prime Minister Stephen Harper's Conservative government?

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Posted by: Steve Janke at 02:43 PM | Comments (11) | Add Comment
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1 Personally, I'm delighted at the prospect of a GST cut. Anything Jeffrey Simpson is opposed to, I support.

Posted by: Frank Hilliard at October 29, 2007 04:02 PM (D+kBe)

2 Ha, re: Angry's last post, I wonder if JefFy Simpleton is going to resign as a member of the Liberal party in a huffy Globe article soon.

Posted by: Greg at October 29, 2007 04:15 PM (8dof7)

3 I'm absolutely in favor of the GST cut, and if Dion has suddenly developed Chretien-like political savvy, let's go to the polls!

Posted by: dmorris at October 29, 2007 06:57 PM (BireE)

4 Voting against any tax cut and taking it to an election is not too smart no matter what the game plan. It's a sure loser. Sure wouldn't put Jeffy Simpson in any winning circle. Dion's "clever trap"? Isn't that a bit of an oxymoronic statement given his dismal handling of things so far? The Liberals are not in any position to go to an election and certainly nothing they've been doing has given us any indication they'd be capable of setting any clever traps. As the song goes, "fools rush in where wise men fear to tread", so if they wish to play the fools so be it, they'll find out they aren't dealing with fools in the Harper led Conservatives.

Posted by: Libby at October 29, 2007 07:35 PM (GZ30q)

5 So, let me get this straight: you're hypothesizing that Dion and the Libs are intending to bring on a federal election due to their opposition to a (marginal) tax cut? After the leader pledged not to oppose the same (marginal) tax cut? O-Kay... So, in view of the Commons party standings, are any of the other parties going to help them? The Libs can't defeat the gov't alone, so...which other party is in with them on this horrible 'trap' to lure the Conservatives into fighting an election over their plan for tax cuts?

Posted by: Lorne at October 29, 2007 08:11 PM (j8paQ)

6 Reducing the GST was one of the main planks of the Tory's platform last election. I don't see how Dion can benifit from Harper doing exactly what he promised in this regard. As far as I'm concerned, there is not much Dion can do to remedy his pathetic leaderhsip situation as he has already been defined, and with good reason. I know its boring to hear it, but its the truth. I can appreciate you playing devil's advocate though.

Posted by: Kai Wolf at October 29, 2007 09:33 PM (ynFCk)

7 so where are those personal tax cuts? what about the double tax on gas? what about the rest of 20 billion surplus? how long govn't will steal my money by taxing me to death?

Posted by: george at October 30, 2007 12:15 AM (U83Sz)

8 George, bang on! When in opposition, Harper harped on many of those things you list. Sure, I'm in favour of a GST cut but it has to be accompanied by BROAD-based tax relief and no more of the niche, boutique type cuts like we've seen. Continue to fiddle while Rome burns and it'll keep burning, ie declining productivity. Put the fire out, ie reduce the tax load, and we'll see a Rome rise up unlike anything we could ever have imagined.

Posted by: Phil in Ottawa at October 30, 2007 06:46 AM (xUjnI)

9 I'd rather an income tax rate cut but better than a kick in the head.

Posted by: DrWright at October 30, 2007 01:07 PM (TC3cI)

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Posted by: neo at October 30, 2007 06:29 PM (UK6N9)

11 Mr. Flaherty's devious smile in picture posted on National Post. Instead of trying to engage Liberals and NDP in ideological war over; property rights, gun control, death penalty, abortion, law and order and host of other conservative themes Harper decided to go for kneecaps of any future Liberal government and cut taxes. This is nightmare come true for Liberals who used to buy votes with taxpayer's money. Harper obviously can afford such move as conservative supporters vote with their wallets as much as they vote with their feet. Harper can easily expect that reduction in Personal Income Taxes will translate into increased donations to CPC. With new caps on political donations Liberal found the hard way that even if they were able to buy votes with taxpayer's money they are unable to convince people who voted for them to donate to their cause. Whole Red Liberal Machine was built on being the middleman and taking from Dave to pay Paul and donations to a political cause was never a part of Liberal vocabulary. This latest Harper's move is scaring Liberals to a point that they lose all common sense if they ever had any. One just have to read today's Toronto Star (The Red Star Canadian Edition) and their Editorial "Tax cuts carry too high a price" to come to such conclusions. Cheers.

Posted by: Karol Karolak at October 30, 2007 10:17 PM (cyJLE)

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Another Liberal resigns and blames Stephane Dion, but this time in Ontario not Quebec

A Liberal Party riding president has quit and in a parting shot, blames leader Stephane Dion for her decision. At some point Stephane Dion will succeed at uniting the party, if only at the moment in time when Stephane Dion will be the only one left.

Seriously, though, this was the riding president for an Ontario riding. Is the discontent that has focused in Quebec starting to manifest in seat-rich Ontario?

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The Liberal Green Light Committee needs a new light bulb

How did Blair Wilson ever pass the tests all nominees must undergo before being allowed to stand for the Liberal Party as a candidate for a riding? Some of the news being reported about Blair Wilson's resignation today makes me wonder if that part of the process is going to undergo some intense, and perhaps uncomfortable, scrutiny.

Curiously, though this incident on balance is just more bad news for Stephane Dion, in one way, it might work in his favour.

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Blair Wilson resigns from the Liberal Party caucus

Stephane Dion has lost his national revenue critic and a member of his caucus. Blair Wilson, whose financial problems were splashed all over the news on Sunday, along with allegations of campaign irregularities, has resigned.

Does this solve a problem for Stephane Dion? Not at all, unfortunately for Stephane Dion.

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Posted by: Steve Janke at 02:59 AM | Comments (22) | Add Comment
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1 Yes, the difference is the allegations say that Harper forces all Conservative candidates to participate in his money laundering scheme whether they want to or not, then enters incorrect data, then stalls on providing the correct data, then sues when Election Canada points out the obvious, and then go on to make statements implying he sees himself above the law, as if the distinction between riding and federal party expenses were meaningless. Harper had sued Election Canada previously, and lost, when he was caught breaking the rules on third party advertising. He is the opposite of a leader who pledges to fully cooperate with our regulatory bodies. Harper has shown himself to be the kind of leader who says I'll decide what is right and wrong and sue you if you disagree with me even if you are right. But, follow him if this is what you like.

Posted by: catherine at October 29, 2007 05:27 AM (KIRFr)

2 Gee, which Liberal leader does that sound like? Chretien? Martin? Trudeau? All of them? People who yell "Your house is burning down!" when the ignition source was sparks blowing over from theirs, bore me.

Posted by: Jim at October 29, 2007 06:17 AM (1ldgD)

3 Thanks, catherine, 'think I will. One of our problems, especially under the Liberal dispensation, is that there were far too many "regulatory bodies," as you call them, created and "policed" under the auspices of Liberal appointees, largely to hamper the Libs' political opponents. The "Librano$" tag hasn't stuck to this party by chance. And the "bully" tag rightly belongs to the party of the Chretien hug, Alphonso Gagliano, and brown envelopes full of cash showing up in Quebec Italian restaurants. Follow them if this is what you like.

Posted by: 'been around the block at October 29, 2007 06:20 AM (QXRNw)

4 Where have you been catherine, in dreamland? Harper sees himself above the law? Where were you during the Chretien reign? Where were you during the Gomery Inquiry? Time to wake up and catch up with all the sleaze intrigue of the brown envelopes of cash that fueled the biggest political scandal in our history, it even had a name, we call it Adscam. Afraid you Libs have no leg to stand on. Adscam is not cleared up, our money has not been returned. Accusing Mr. Harper of money laundering is outrageous and most pathetic.

Posted by: Libby at October 29, 2007 06:52 AM (nSAIG)

5 I hate to say it, but I'm beginning to think that most Liberals are stupid. With all its corruption and kaos, how can you continue to stick up for the Liberal Party Of Canada. Are people brainwashed? Drugged? I'm glad (at least, according to the polls) people are waking up to this fact. The Conservatives are now in majority territory (i.e. 40%+). People are comfortable with a Harper majority. Mr. Harper is the most popular party leader.

Posted by: Lex Luthor at October 29, 2007 07:15 AM (xZOJx)

6 My libs? You really like to jump to conclusions don't you? It has been many years since I voted Liberal -- they lost my vote before adscam. But I thought we were discussing Harper and Dion. I see there is not much interest here in holding all leaders to the same standard.

Posted by: catherine at October 29, 2007 07:38 AM (KIRFr)

7 I am out here in sunny Alberta, awake at 6am alta. time and usally read the headlines from all national papers. Headlines in all papers of Blair Wilson's resignation from caucus in all except---you guessed it--- THE TORONTO STAR.

Posted by: norsky at October 29, 2007 08:09 AM (mA0XT)

8 Hi, Catherine... I just wanted to see how long it would take you to respond to my message. 23 minutes! Wow! Aren't you one of Garth's mindless groupies?

Posted by: Lex Luthor at October 29, 2007 08:12 AM (xZOJx)

9 Precisely, catherine. Harper doesn't believe what he's doing is wrong - so he's taking them to court over it. If the court decides in his favour then by definition, what he's doing is NOT wrong. If it decides against him, let's watch what he does next - it could be very instructional for all of us. Unlike Wilson, who (like many generations of politicians, not all of them Liberal, before him) paid cash and asked for no receipts, in only too full knowledge that what he was doing WAS wrong - and doing it anyways. The Liberals having been in power for the last several terms, their manifold sins 'n wickednesses in this regard are fresh on all our minds; but I'm old enough to recall Lyin' Brian and Dim Kim, and a few of their "unique" ideas as to how a country should be run. And if you're confused as to who to vote for after all this, then for your voting pleasure I humbly suggest my personal system. I swore I'd never vote for the LIEberals while under Trudeau, and swore I'd never vote for the CONservatives while under Mulroney. And I don't - I now only vote against.

Posted by: Jim at October 29, 2007 09:37 AM (aPkwd)

10 I've asked before about this but if Wilson's election to office is attributed to alleged financial misdealings and he is punished for that why hasn't the whole Liberal party been brought to account for the Adscam fiasco. Seems to me if Wilson has to resign over allegations them something should be done about the Chretien governments money laundering that was discovered during the Gomery inquirey.

Posted by: Antenor at October 29, 2007 09:52 AM (VLWCg)

11 The usual rabble suffering from Leftist Mental Disorder back trying to feed this morning. C & J have another kool-aid. HAHAHA!

Posted by: Bruce Randall at October 29, 2007 11:12 AM (NuGVb)

12 How did this guy get appointed as a finance critic. Did Dion just wake up one morning and have a revelation. Who suggested Wilson. Has Wilson been noticed in the HofC during QP. Why him. The scary thing is, if he remained as critic, chances are, should Dion become PM, Wilson would have been Finance Minister. (maybe dion remembered another minister with that name). With Wilson's questionable background and money management skills, all the ducks were lined up to bring in ADSCAM 2. The liberals have refused to learn from mistakes, and that they have to be cleaner than freshly falling snow. As for the in and out, there are 308 ridings, and not every small town has a tv station or a paper or radio station. How are these voters to be reached, except by national advertizing, with costs shared by all candidates, of whatever party.

Posted by: Mary T at October 29, 2007 01:28 PM (zm8/C)

13 BATB: "One of our problems, especially under the Liberal dispensation, is that there were far too many "regulatory bodies," as you call them, created and "policed" under the auspices of Liberal appointees..." Once again, BATB is right on the money with this. I can't remember the exact quote from Michael Walker of Fraser Institute fame, but the paraphrase is: "Corruption is directly proportional to regulation."

Posted by: felis corpulentis at October 29, 2007 02:17 PM (edu1y)

14 "I will collaborate fully with Elections Canada, and do whatever I can to help expedite its investigation into the allegations," the B.C. MP said."Collaborate"? Interesting choice of words... Excuse me, Mr. Wilson - your Freudian slip is showing!

Posted by: Tom at October 29, 2007 02:36 PM (KFopY)

15 Does this mean he will not sit as an independant. Perhaps he and Casey can enjoy a game of double solitarie.

Posted by: Mary T at October 29, 2007 02:51 PM (zm8/C)

16 The thing that still puzzles me is if Dion is so opposed to corruption why hasn't he released the names of all the Liberal MPs who recieved and spent Adscam cash to get re-elected?

Posted by: Phil at October 29, 2007 10:04 PM (AxEz5)

17 Yeah, "collaborate" is an interesting word choice from Wilson. With Liberals it's not surprising they'd figure they could collaborate and come up clean, honest mistake, yadda, yadda. Windbag Jennings said Wilson did the right thing by resigning right away got another smackdown from Peter Van Loan, he said they were intent on sweeping it under the carpet until it appeared in the front page of the newspaper. Puffin Iggy was inadvertently right when he said the Wilson incident is not like the Conservative controversy with EC. For sure it isn't, the Conservatives did what was legal and didn't attempt to hide a bloody thing. No Puffins required in the Conservative party.

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In Garth Turner we trust? [Update: How to restore that trust]

Read Stephen Taylor's step-by-step comparison of the rules covering trust funds and the apparent method Liberal MP Garth Turner uses to collect funds.

Let's hope Garth Turner hasn't made a mistake. He was just recently appointed by Stephane Dion to be responsible for Liberal Party fundraising.

Update: Well, that was quick. Within a few hours, Garth Turner has changed his website. Instead of asking donors to send cheques to the problematic payee "Garth Turner Campaign, in trust", the cheques are now supposed to be sent to ""Halton Liberal Association -- Garth Turner Campaign".

With that comes some very interesting questions.

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1 Under common law, a Trustee may transfer monies from a Trust to beneficiaries of the Trust in accordance with the Objects of the Trust. If the Objects (purpose) of the Trust are set out to include the holding of monies for the purpose of contributing to a political party candidate's electroal expenses, then there is no reason why such monies in Trust cannot be used for that purpose. I believe the section of the FAA quoted by Stephen Taylor would refer to to contributions made by a Trust whose Objects did not include the purposes of contributions to political parties or candidates. This restriction was no doubt brought in to place (non-political purpose) Trusts on the same footing and Corporations and Labour Unions.

Posted by: stephen p at October 29, 2007 07:11 AM (4K4k8)

2 This is why I don't usually do these sorts of stories. I'll hop over to Taylor's blog and see where the analysis is going.

Posted by: Steve Janke at October 29, 2007 07:49 AM (vGILI)

3 I wonder how quick Garth will be posting here.... Hmm, Im not holding my breath. Lets hope we get some resolution on this because with this past weekend, Stephane wont be able to handle someone else stepping down because of fundraising questions....

Posted by: Halton Resident at October 29, 2007 09:01 AM (W5P+x)

4 From what I understand, the Campaign can only exist as an entity during a writ period. The "Garth Turner Campaign" can only exist when Garth is running for something. (Instead of away from! *giggles*) I could be mistaken though.

Posted by: Lore_Weaver at October 29, 2007 10:21 AM (4cSpv)

5 Garth Turncoat and a few more could be busy checking their own asses.

Posted by: Libby at October 29, 2007 10:29 AM (6VyGn)

6 Garth Turner is a self-proclaimed financial expert, isn't he? Surely he knows what he is doing. Oh, wait a minute, it appears that he is now asking for donations to be made to Halton Liberal Association - Garth Turner Campaign. No more mention of trust.

Posted by: muttsrus at October 29, 2007 10:42 AM (w5Uz6)

7 On October 9th, Dion announced the shadow cabinet shuffle and appointments such as Garth's with this announcement: Â• Garth Turner will build on the success of his summer tour, and take on responsibility as the LeaderÂ’s Special Advisor for Riding and Constituency Outreach, a key political and fundraising role. Now if Garth is Dion's fundraising bagman, shouldn't he know the election laws that governs money contributed? Perhaps this reveals Garth's incompetence, and he should be demoted if not asked to resign. Garth's gaffe must certainly reflect on Dion's poor choices.

Posted by: Observant at October 29, 2007 11:12 AM (bBv1E)

8 Garth has now changed his website "Garth Turner in Trust" to "Halton Liberal Association - Garth Turner Campaign" All the monies previously collected will have to be returned ASAP. I think this story requires more research and a complaint to Elections Canada is also in order. Mr. Sqeaky Clean Financial Guy, has egg on his face today!

Posted by: Sam the record man at October 29, 2007 11:36 AM (pAwUZ)

9 So it's no longer In Garth we Trust, it's Garth the Gaffe'r?

Posted by: Libby at October 29, 2007 11:53 AM (baKUH)

10 Savour the irony . Funny , this wasn't posted on GARTHS! blog today . Heh

Posted by: Bill D. Cat at October 29, 2007 02:29 PM (uOuIl)

11 Might want to look at this Steve .

Posted by: Bill D. Cat at October 29, 2007 04:04 PM (uOuIl)

12 Love how politicians and spiders can spin. Next time I rob a bank, I plan to explain to the court that I did not fully comprehend the regulatory procedures relating to deposits and withdrawals.

Posted by: john at October 30, 2007 04:18 AM (h1vJ/)

13 It appears that Garth has changed his website once again and cheques are now to be made out to 'Halton Federal Liberal Association'. It's hard to get those pesky legalities right. Garth has concocted his defense and it basically reads like this: Harper and the Cons are out to get me and I had to look after my own campaign funds because the Conservative riding assoc. got all my money and the Liberal riding assoc. was too inept to be trusted with my money. The campaign to re-elect Garth Turner is more important than the Conservatives or the Liberals. It's all about ME.

Posted by: muttsrus at October 30, 2007 06:38 AM (18GZo)

14 We thank you for your e-mail of October 29, 2007, regarding an alleged offence against the Canada Elections Act. The mandate of the Chief Electoral Officer is to administer Canadian electoral legislation and exercise general direction and supervision over the conduct of federal elections and referendums. It is the duty of the Commissioner of Canada Elections to ensure that the Canada Elections Act is complied with and enforced. Any person who believes that the Canada Elections Act has been violated may contact the Commissioner of Canada Elections at: Commissioner of Canada Elections Elections Canada 257 Slater Street Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0M6 Fax (local): 613 990-4877 Fax (toll-free): 1-800-663-4908 E-mail: commissionersoffice@elections.ca Should you need additional information about the Canadian federal electoral system, please contact us via our Web site (www.elections.ca) or by calling 1 800 463-6868, toll-free in Canada and the United States. Our hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern time). Yours truly, Chantal Fortin Enquiries Officer

Posted by: Did Some Research at October 30, 2007 08:52 AM (W5P+x)

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Posted by: Zorpheous at October 30, 2007 10:24 AM (FjkYn)

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October 28, 2007

Who does Elizabeth May blame for missing the Kyoto commitments?

Elizabeth May blames Prime Minister Stephen Harper for Canada being in the situation in which it finds itself, and that is that Canada cannot meet the Kyoto commitments.

But Elizabeth May also blamed Stephane Dion, or so it seems.

A bit of a blooper, I think.

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1 I see this as another incriminating election ad, next to "We didn't get it done." fame. The longer Dion remains as Liberal leader, the worse it gets for the Liberals and the better for Conservatives.

Posted by: Observer at October 28, 2007 12:43 PM (k5w/6)

2 I had to replay the clip to hear it. Just the tiniest little comment but it packed a wallop. Good catch, Steve! Some definite election ad possibilities there.

Posted by: Joanne (TB) at October 28, 2007 03:16 PM (FEXYX)

3 May Day, May Day! Wiccan greenie becomes pseudo Christian Priest to ensure the feedbag stays on even in the senior years! Keep telling lies and 'they' will ensure you get your just rewards.

Posted by: Real Conservative at October 28, 2007 03:49 PM (1PUxP)

4 Is this not the same card carrying communist May? So another nutter makes the news. Between the NDP and Liberals it is a toss up these days to decide which is the most ridiculous.

Posted by: Alain at October 28, 2007 04:39 PM (nG+Bk)

5 Ms May is up to her you name it delving in politics and religion in the same time period. She'll have plenty of time to study for the priesthood of the Anglican church, it's unlikely politics will require her undivided attention. Dion was used by Lizzie, she's really not a friend of anyone, her little comment in the clip speaks volumes. One thing for certain, she will not use Harper!

Posted by: Libby at October 28, 2007 05:33 PM (a6FSx)

6 Should Dion abdicate leadership, undoubtedly the deal with Lizzie May will be voided, and she knows it. She will be of no value to the next Liberal leader, and she will be challenged by a Liberal candidate the her riding. I suspect Lizzie May can feel Dion's decline in the Liberal party, and she is striking out on her own to save her green arse.

Posted by: Observer at October 28, 2007 07:10 PM (RZoIb)

7 "I suspect Lizzie May can feel Dion's decline in the Liberal party, and she is striking out on her own to save her green arse." My sentiments exactly. And for someone studying to become a minister, she certainly doesn't sound like the forgiving, love-thy-neighbour (including the PM) kind. I've heard her make some pretty harsh statements against him, not what one would expect from a person of the cloth.

Posted by: Gabby in QC at October 28, 2007 10:49 PM (vya97)

8 I wonder how long it will be before the Greens feel the knife in their back? I have a feeling that Ms. May cares a whole lot more about Ms. May than she does the environment. I can't wait to see the Liberal Party try to run a tight campaign with Garth Turner, David Orchard and Lizzy May.

Posted by: northbaytrapper at October 29, 2007 12:57 AM (69bfY)

9 I'm no fan of the Liberals, but blaming Mr. Dion for the lack of political will that the Liberal party or the Canadian public in general had for the Climate Change isn't a good argument. Mr. Harper walked into an extremely different political "Climate" than Mr. Chretien or Mr. Martin did. What I saw under Martin was a frustrated Dion unable to actually do anything he thought needed to be done as the Martin government had no interest in doing anything. It is consistent for Elizabeth to suggest that there was inaction, and to even put part of the blame of the Chretien and Martin governments for not seeing past the lacking political will of Canadians, and yet she still supports Mr. Dion himself despite a Liberal party that isn't as supportive. If the Liberals kick Dion out as many seem to want to do, it may set the stage for another floor crossing.

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10 Let's blame Bill Gates.

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11 Come on Russell McOrmond, you're in denial. Snap out of it, it's okay to admit that even your Mr. Dion is capable of mistakes.

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What will Stephane Dion do about Blair Wilson?

The allegations of financial mismanagement and electoral malfeasance being made against Liberal MP Blair Wilson are serious and apparently supported by documentation in addition to eyewitness accounts. Already people are speaking to the issue of whether Blair Wilson is even fit for office.

Liberal Party leader Stephane Dion was badly burned by the Jamie Carroll incident. How will Dion react to the emerging Blair Wilson controversy?

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Posted by: Steve Janke at 09:33 AM | Comments (16) | Add Comment
Post contains 633 words, total size 5 kb.

1 Let's just see if it makes it to CTV's QP today with Giggles and Ollie.

Posted by: Libby at October 28, 2007 10:10 AM (2CF/L)

2 What can Dion do except eject him from the Liberal party, and this will mean where there's smoke there's fire. Blair Wilson will sit as an independent and vote for whom ?? .. I hope not the Conservative government .. LOL

Posted by: Observer at October 28, 2007 10:42 AM (k5w/6)

3 It probably depends on how big a news story it becomes: if it takes off, Dion cuts his losses and Wilson is out. There's no point having a distracting fight over this.

Posted by: GDW at October 28, 2007 11:14 AM (gBVmd)

4 In the story, Mark Marissen is mentioned (albeit briefly). It seems that everytime Mark Marissen has something to do with a candidate, some allegations of wrong-doing surface (the BC Liberals Legislature scandal and now this, the federal Liberals membership drives in Surrey). He is Dion's main campaign man, certainly in BC. I think it is worth checking that guy out a little more. In any case, this story trumps the Liberals' allegations of Conservatives wrong doing. At least the Conservatives declared the money.

Posted by: Louise at October 28, 2007 11:25 AM (ID/Q7)

5 Last month, Liberals released the names and along with financial details concerning 129 former Conservative candidates and official agents who are named as participants in this apparent scheme to violate spending limits and pad candidate rebates. Not quite the same thing is it?

Posted by: ting at October 28, 2007 11:57 AM (000bY)

6 Ting, not exactly sure what your point is. The immediate problem for Dion is that the Conservatives will essentially use Blair Wilson for an answer every time the Liberals want to ask about Con alleged violations. So, Dion needs to figure out how to deal with Wilson and neutralize it as much as possible Â— if at all possible. Suspending him from caucus pending further review and resolution MIGHT do that, at least when it comes to questions of ethical issues in the House.

Posted by: Dennis (Second Thots) at October 28, 2007 12:10 PM (TR7QC)

7 "Not quite the same thing is it?" No it isn't, not at all. All Conservative money was accounted for in audits and declarations to Elections Canada, and was money made from legitimate donations to the party. The Conservatives have sought an opinion by the courts and think they will win that argument. The case of Blair Wilson is similar to adscam. Monies spent were paid or received under the table illegally, and in violation of Elections Canada. Try doing this. Go back and look at the results for the 1997 election, where the Liberal's won the bare minimum for a majority. This election featured millions in adscam money used to win Quebec ridings. Then come back and try and explain how the spending by the Conservatives is anywhere close to that SCANDAL.

Posted by: paulsstuff at October 28, 2007 12:16 PM (Zv9yf)

8 Today I got an sealed envelop letter from Stephane Dion with a small insert message addressing the "Manufacturing Sector in Crisis" in southwestern Ontario with a Liberal response from Dion of "Real Leadership to Meet the Challenge". The content of the pamphlet was the usual fearmongering rubbish and the Liberal promise to take "concrete steps to protect and create jobs in Canada's manufacturing sector." The interesting thing about this bit of Liberal propaganda was that printed into the margin of the pamphlet was this innocuous line: "A message from Blair Wilson, MP" Does this mean the cost of the pamphlet was charged to Blair Wilson, MP ... just like MP Garth Turner's western tour was financed through other Liberal MPs accounts so the tour was at "no charge to the Canadian taxpayer"??? Oh this is getting too good .. LOL

Posted by: Observer at October 28, 2007 12:27 PM (k5w/6)

9 Doesn't matter how fast Dion acts or does not act. Fact is; this is the guy Dion had enough confidence in to make him a finance critic. You know, the guy who is supposed to watch and make sure Conservatives are 'ethical'. What a laugher! Especially in view of the fact that liberals were trying to point fingers over some electoral problems they 'think' the Conservatives had. First we had the Liberal MP who is/was taking corporate donations (illegal) and now this sudden huge gift to the Conservative party that I'm sure will keep on giving. One question; does Dion have a clue at to what he's doing? Oh well, doesn't matter. I think Dion is the perfect choice for the LPOC and I hope he is their leader for years to come. Leasa

Posted by: Leasa at October 28, 2007 12:41 PM (JL6QP)

10 Perhaps the question shouldn't be what will Dion do now, but why didn't he do something about Blair Wilson sooner? Instead, someone with a questionable financial background was given a financial portfolio to work with for the official opposition. Fascinating. Not a leader?

Posted by: Dennis (Second Thots) at October 28, 2007 09:36 PM (jGQKK)

11 This might just be the leader they are looking for .

Posted by: Bill D. Cat at October 28, 2007 11:35 PM (uOuIl)

12 That didn't take long .

Posted by: Bill D. Cat at October 28, 2007 11:49 PM (uOuIl)

13 According to Jason Cherniak, Wilson has resigned from caucus, and has asked elections canada to investigate etc. Dion also has a letter on his site.

Posted by: Mary T at October 29, 2007 12:03 AM (zm8/C)

14 Dions response .

Posted by: Bill D. Cat at October 29, 2007 12:11 AM (uOuIl)

15 You have to ask why would a father-in-law worth millions, would want his son-in-law in the news.....The loss of his wife and his greed ( ask his 4 children why they previoulsy took their father to court). Except for the campaign allegations (which should be investigated to exonerated Wilson or villifile him) the rest is family business. I am sorry the glue to your family passed away Mr. Lougheed, but Norma did not let you in on things for a reason. Please take a long look in the mirror. Look how you have decided to destroy your family, over money!!!!

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Liberal MP Blair Wilson unfit for office, friends and family say

Liberal MP Blair Wilson, the national revenue critic in Stephane Dion's shadow cabinet, is facing some extraordinarily serious allegations. The man whose job it is to keep an eye on how the government collects our tax money is alleged to have borrowed and misspent literally millions in the family fortune. He is also alleged to have signficantly under-reported campaign expenses, running his election campaign on cash payments with no supporting receipts. Indeed, the questions are so serious, and the supporting evidence so compelling, that the Liberals have referred the matter to the party committee that evaluates potential nominees for suitability for public office.

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Posted by: Steve Janke at 08:05 AM | Comments (18) | Add Comment
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1 Where do these people get the idea to enter politics? Do they feel they'll be able to continue with less than stellar practices and get away with it? Is that how low politics has fallen in this country under decades of Liberal rule? Looks like Dion is just simply not in sinc with mainstream Canada either, he has no bloody clue about most of the country and it's people. Appointing this dude as National Revenue critic is more proof of his incompetence.

Posted by: Libby at October 28, 2007 08:33 AM (EflVZ)

2 Appointing this dude as National Revenue critic is more proof of his incompetence. Certainly it would be a serious embarrassment for Stephane Dion, assuming the allegations hold up. And the Liberals would be taking a hit in BC in addition to the problems in Quebec.

Posted by: Steve Janke at October 28, 2007 08:41 AM (vGILI)

3 're-evaluate whether Wilson met the high ethical standards required of Liberal Party nominees'? Does this mean that Liberals only become criminals AFTER they are elected? This is something I constantly ask--do corrupt people gravitate to politics or does politics corrupt previously honest people? In this case I think the politician honed his skills before entering politics--he just refined them after getting the nomination. Begging money from a dying woman--how low can anyone go? Of course, I guess that is what estate taxes are also? This report, if proven true, jsut indicates what a sewer our governments have become.

Posted by: George at October 28, 2007 09:00 AM (SWX/f)

4 heckuva post, Steve!

Posted by: at October 28, 2007 09:29 AM (rKjQi)

5 So, let me get this straight... He lives a lavish lifestyle by using other people's money as if it were his own. When questioned about it, he attempts to deflect attention by blaming others and by telling half truths and out and out lies. He attempts to maintain plausible deniability by employing shady characters to undertake the actual hands-on dirty work such as the transfer of cash payments for services rendered. I think I have the essence of the story down. The only part I don't understand is why anyone would think this guy is unfit to represent the liberal party of Canada. He is, indeed, a true liberal.

Posted by: Rob R at October 28, 2007 10:43 AM (V5ieF)

6 "Wilson bought extravagant gifts for a girlfriend in Poland while working for a restaurant chain called Pan Smak Pizza Inc." I'd say this is what did him in. heh, heh

Posted by: muttsrus at October 28, 2007 10:58 AM (uS1m5)

7 If Judy Tayabji ( who herself is married to another Liberal named Wilson) declares him unfit for public office, it must be pretty bad. She is no "lily white" either.

Posted by: Louise at October 28, 2007 11:30 AM (ID/Q7)

8 Muttsrus: So you think it may be an inside job?

Posted by: Libby at October 28, 2007 12:15 PM (GLZZG)

9 The liberals and their malfeasance really fright enÂ’s me. What they project as an organization and Canada's future generations is truly disgusting.

Posted by: missing link at October 28, 2007 12:15 PM (8Th5E)

10 Family, I get, but who are the "friends"? So the mother-in-law did all the finances, covered for her daughter, and when the mother died, the father finally learned the truth (assuming he is right) and now Wilson&wife and her father are estranged. Pretty sad. So far the wife seems to be siding with her husband, but with gifts to girlfriend in the newspapers, who knows? Yucky family stuff even to read about as a stranger. On the other hand, the Elections Canada accusation is really serious (as a public matter) and Dion should remove the guy from his cabinet post until that investigation is done. What is it with West Van? The guy Wilson ran against had some shady background with money/stocks too.

Posted by: catherine at October 28, 2007 05:54 PM (KIRFr)

11 I think you right Catherine in that the two sides to Wilson's problems certainly have different qualities. The problems with his family could be argued to be private, though the sheer size of the debt and how the debt was dug (allegedly because Wilson liked to live the high life) speaks to his ethical compass, and the Liberal Party certainly has the right to evaluate MPs and nominees on that criteria. Less so a government bureaucracy. But the questions of the way the campaign was run and paid for clearly fall into the mandate of Elections Canada, and if the preponderance of evidence supports the allegations, Stephane Dion could move quickly and decisively to isolate Wilson from the party pending a final resolution. Of course, Blair Wilson could offer his resignation in order to avoid more embarrassment for the party.

Posted by: Steve Janke at October 28, 2007 06:06 PM (vGILI)

12 Steve, This goes back (again) to your previous posting about what the Liberals stand for - the acquisition of power and/or money. As was pointed out by Rob R., he is a fine example of an LPC member.

Posted by: Tom at October 28, 2007 07:07 PM (KFopY)

13 Knowing how closely Garth follows your posts Steve, I have been waiting all day for him to weigh in with some breathless prose protesting how you are misrepresenting matters on the Wilson file. Are we to intrepret his silence as confirmation that perhaps even Garth has his limits when it comes to defending the shenanigans of some of his Liberal Party colleagues?

Posted by: stephen p at October 28, 2007 09:28 PM (4K4k8)

14 Reassuring to see that Dion responded swiftly and decisively until Elections Canada can do their work. A big difference between how Dion and Wilson have responded and how Harper and the Conservatives have responded. Harper is suing EC for the second time (first time he was unsuccessful) and the statements being issued (such as we can decide ourselves what is advertising for a riding and advertising for a party) are very disappointing. I don't vote either Conservative or Liberal, but the Conservatives campaigned on being so much better and their response on these matters is much worse. They had to correct numbers at EC's request, they delayed in getting EC the required documentation, some involved have said they were given no choice or thought the money was for national expenses, the Conservatives clearly tried to use a scheme which goes right to the top and is system-wide, and, if it were allowed, the rules which distinquish between riding and national expenses would be a joke. They figured out a way to circumvent the rules, and seem damn proud of themselves in doing so. It didn't make me so mad until I saw how Dion responded immediately to one individual case of allegations, even though by combining it with matters of family loans and gifts to a girlfriend, did make it look a bit like a vendetta. Which party is the hypocrite now?

Posted by: catherine at October 29, 2007 02:36 AM (KIRFr)

15 Nice try Catherine. The Libs have been trying to kick a dead horse and really have no idea why it's not responding. How Blair Wilson conducted himself is dispicable, and the fact that he clearly and specifically lied to voters in the riding about his business life on his resume' (it's right there on his campaign literature) is inexcusable. He's a fraud. The EC issue is really secondary - but that too is damning. No one pays cash in a campaign EVER if they plan on reporting it. It displays a clear willfulness of ignoring EC rules on financing. But again - look at his record of lies, his unbelievable record of business failure and his shameless promotion of himself.

Posted by: dale at November 06, 2007 02:30 AM (XjdlA)

16 Blair's financial problems were well documented by Trevor Lautens a couple of years ago. Bill Lougheed revelations only fill in the details. The sad part about Wilson's win was the man he defeated, John Weston. Integrity is only one superlative that can be used to describe John. Hpefully the riding will get it right next time. Here is another item Elections Canada has never investigated. Nicholas Simons,NDP, who ran against John Reynolds and Blair Wilson, used his Federal campaign signs when he won his MLA's seat. He was using everything from lawn to 4 x 8 signs in full federal NDP colours that didn't match the provincial NDP signs. Now all this material would have received subsidization from the reimbursement of expences under the Federal Elections Act. So in fact every taxpayer in Canada helped finance (in a minute why) Simon's provincial campaign.

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October 27, 2007

The Liberal Party pleads poverty while on the way to the luxury resort

The Liberal Party is running the One Night, 100 Dinners (also being called One Week, 100 Dinners) fundraising push next week. Individual members will be asked to come up with $50 donations while at one of 100 fundraising dinners (each with 50 guests attending and donating) happening across the country.

While they are contributing in dribs and drabs at modest dinners being hosted in people's homes, the Ontario wing of the federal Liberal Party is gearing up for the Annual General Meeting at one of the poshest resorts in the province, Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville.

Really, the optics are just awful. I mean, at least make an effort to look like you need the money before asking for it. Please give generously to the Liberal Party or we might be forced to cut back on big blowouts at top-notch luxury resorts in the future.

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Posted by: Steve Janke at 08:57 PM | Comments (11) | Add Comment
Post contains 936 words, total size 6 kb.

1 Not the sort of behavior you'd expect from an organization trying to get out of the hole. That should be enough to enrage any fiscally responsible person, even Liberals. Let's take it as further proof they're not fit to govern. They neither have respect for the common man's money or know how to manage their finances. Looks like it's Liberals being Liberals, they remain entitled and haven't learned a bloody thing. Who in their right mind would give them a dime?

Posted by: Libby at October 28, 2007 06:50 AM (ydDmp)

2 Let's each give the Libranos 50 balloons, to go away forever.

Posted by: Feldwebel Wolfenstool at October 28, 2007 08:02 AM (GN3Xe)

3 Poor dears. They just don't know what to do. They had become accustomed to doing this sort of thing on the tax payer's dime. What? No brown bags on the tables? Well, I won't go if they are not going to have a least one brown bag on my pillow. Umfff!

Posted by: Leasa at October 28, 2007 08:35 AM (JL6QP)

4 Actually, what we're seeing here is the great disconnect between the Liberal grassroots (as represented on the Facebook events site) and the party's top brass (as represented on the AGM page). The monies raised by the potlucks will, presumably, be spent locally by the riding association (with some money being kicked up to the national level). I do wonder, though, if any monies raised by AGM attendance will trickle down to the local level?

Posted by: PhantomObserver at October 28, 2007 08:53 AM (XaF64)

5 'All pigs are equal, but some are more equal'?

Posted by: George at October 28, 2007 09:02 AM (SWX/f)

6 Yeah Phantom Observer, we better keep our eyes out for the TRICKLE DOWN, it's something the Libranos are STRONGLY concerned with at this time.

Posted by: Libby at October 28, 2007 09:06 AM (SvUiT)

7 The Liberal Party of Ontario may be flush with cash. Janke/CRB - poorly informed as always - may not be aware that unlike the federal Tories, the LPC is actually a conglomerate of provincial liberal parties. The federal Liberals and LPC(Q) may be broke, but as the recent Ontario election demonstrates, LPC(O) is not.

Posted by: at October 28, 2007 10:35 AM (n7mWd)

8 They're two different parties - your research here not up to normal stuff.

Posted by: at October 28, 2007 10:49 AM (P1EIq)

9 So, what's your point? By the way, you are a conservative and yet you never write about your own party - why? Trash, bash and encouraged by Harper his gang of manipulators to go negative all the time. Well, because of Tom Flannigan - we're all on to you now and it puts you in a different view out there. Sad.

Posted by: Sam at October 28, 2007 12:40 PM (SRpsb)

10 Sad. Posted by: Sam at October 28, 2007 12:40 PM I don't know how you live with your troubles, Sam.

Posted by: Larry at October 28, 2007 07:27 PM (A08XY)

11 Anonymous, you seem to be missing something. It's not LPC (O) it's just just LPO. Doubt the Provincials will want to be lumped in with their federal cousins when it comes to their bank accounts! Another nice try though.

Posted by: Libby at November 03, 2007 11:42 AM (gEXV6)

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October 26, 2007

Michael Ignatieff's worrisome answer to a simple question

Michael Ignatieff is asked a relatively innocent question, and still manages to answer it in a way that sets off alarms. He gets clever and evasive in a way that could suggest he wants to be prime minister, and that he wants to start immediately after Stephen Harper no longer has the job. Well, then what about Stephane Dion?

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Posted by: Steve Janke at 07:45 PM | Comments (33) | Add Comment
Post contains 879 words, total size 6 kb.

1 That segment was on CTV Duffy Live, and they also interviewed Bob Rae on the same topic of Afghanistan. Both spoke extemporaneously and presented the Liberal positions quite succinctly. Also interviewed was Stephane Dion but on a one-on-one format by a Halifax-based CTV journalist, and the setting was well controlled with both seated in big soft sofas. Dion was relaxed, but his english diction still contained annoying hitches. Since there are no mistakes in advertising, it suggests that Iggy and Rae are the front men in English, scrum-style interviews, while Dion is protected in a calm studio setting. I also suspect the Liberal party are attempting to mitigate Dion's failing image by offering Iggy and Rae as part of the Liberal "Team" to show Canadians all their talents .. but who's the Boss ..?!

Posted by: Observer at October 26, 2007 08:00 PM (HSQ+J)

2 Liberals all looked very good today on the issue while the Conservative Government (now, not so new) looked confused and foolish. This was not a good day for Stephen Harper. Iggy, Rae and Dion all looked poised and smooth.

Posted by: sam at October 26, 2007 08:51 PM (mk+c7)

3 I would not have interpreted that comment as "Sticky Mickey" accidentally letting it slip that he'd like to be the PM. Mr. Ignatieff has an annoying habit of accepting perceived praise very gratuitously. He took it as a compliment and wallowed in it.

Posted by: Okhropir rumiani at October 26, 2007 09:00 PM (rp6r3)

4 Forget Michael Ignatieff. Bob Rae's the guy to watch. Compare Rae's performance on today's Mike Duffy Live to Ignatieff's awkward sallies outside the House of Commons. Your advice to Count Iggy is right on the mark, but he's not the player with game.

Posted by: GDW at October 26, 2007 09:42 PM (zHpCh)

5 "Forget Michael Ignatieff. Bob Rae's the guy to watch. " I cannot believe that Rae's name is mentioned for any reason other than dirisive purposes and object lessons. He ruined Ontario's economy... who in the hell thinks we should give him a crack at the whole country?

Posted by: Larry at October 26, 2007 11:01 PM (A08XY)

6 I agree with you about Bob Rae. He belongs (or is owned by) the same cabal that has owned all of our Prime Ministers (except Harper) since Trudeau. PowerCorp, Desmairais and of course, Bob Rae favourite uncle, Saddam business partner, communist China mogul, founded of secret caverns of OUR money funnelled through CIDA - Maurice Strong. These people are the backroom elite that have controlled our country for more than 40 years. Do you think they are going to let an un-corruptible upstart like Stephen Harper continue his run on THEIR turf. Here is an article on Bob Rae worth reading: http://flaggman.wordpress.com/2007/10/01/bob-rae-federalism-editorial/

Posted by: Lorraine at October 26, 2007 11:07 PM (7WrIl)

7 I think you are reading too much into Iggy's grammar and portentous speaking style. I have no doubt that he would love to be PM, and believes himself to be better suited to the role than Steffi - but I don't think this betrays an incipient palace coup.

Posted by: DCardno at October 27, 2007 01:05 AM (hbNhk)

8 My point about Bob Rae is that he is a better and more polished political performer than either Michael Ignatieff or Stephane Dion, and that that ability makes him a real contender for the Liberal leadership. I lived in Toronto during Rae's tenure as premier and am well aware of the objections to him. He's not my guy. But he could well take out Ignatieff in a leadership race after Dion quits, and there are a couple of examples among today's tv videos that show you why.

Posted by: GDW at October 27, 2007 02:02 AM (zHpCh)

9 Iggy has spent too long in halls of higher learning, he's still in the mode of professorial musings. Ignatieff, Rae or Dion, none of them click with the title of Prime Minister and for varying reasons. The various factions in the Party jostling for the top, have now branched out from the Chretien/Martin camps and splintered off among the also-rans. They're a long way off from getting their own house in order and in no position to govern the country.

Posted by: Libby at October 27, 2007 07:13 AM (v4+Ta)

10 Michael Ignatieff is a good man. The demographic winter is here. Aging workforce in the US. geocities(dot)com/demographic_crash Website with good information on the subject. Welcome. Have a nice day. Sincerely, Solange Miller

Posted by: Solange Miller at October 27, 2007 08:08 AM (x3sbw)

11 Iggy has about as much chance of becoming PM as Rob Anders or Jason Kenney or Rona Ambrose, unless of course he joins the Conservatives. Then, his chances improve considerably because he will stand head and shoulders above the airheads that constitute the Harper front bench.

Posted by: at October 27, 2007 09:02 AM (zdgyX)

12 Boy, this is newsworthy. Front page stuff. Are you getting desperate for some trash and bash? Didn't Harper give you tomorrow's story yet? If you need help, we could oblige - we could get into the CPC scandals, lies, etc. Just in case you're running out of material, you know.

Posted by: Sam at October 27, 2007 10:18 AM (SRpsb)

13 Sam, deal with your Liberal scandals instead of trying to invent them to smear others. You're down to the level of petty politics, lies and innuendo. In the Librano conglomerate of miscreants scandal is the real thing, deal with it there before branching out.

Posted by: Libby at October 27, 2007 10:33 AM (YUiPD)

14 Don't sell Iggy short. After all, it's been about two whole years since he came back to Canada after spending most of his adult life lecturing abroad from his academic pulpit, back when suddenly Liberal MP Jean Augustine "decided" not to seek re-election in Etobicoke-Lakeshore, leaving an opening for the coronation nomination of Iggy, a contest which was rife with allegations made by his Liberal competitors of dirty tricks. After losing the Liberal leadership to StÃ©ph-The-Incincible, Iggy signaled his continued pursuit of the Red Throne firstly by not beating a hasty retreat back to his foreign lectern, and secondly, by flip-flopping on his long-held support for the ouster of Sadam. In his summertime mea culpa in the New York Times, Iggy nonchalantly dismissed his previous stance as the impractical and naive musings of a former (and since cured, thank goodness!) academic: "As a former denizen of Harvard, I've had to learn that a sense of reality doesn't always flourish in elite institutions. It is the street virtue par excellence. Bus drivers can display a shrewder grasp of what's what than Nobel Prize winners. . . ." I agree that Ralph Kramden might make a better PM than Iggy, but, I doubt that the wily professor is quite finished with his Great Northern Adventure.

Posted by: aek at October 27, 2007 11:27 AM (qIPIB)

15 Ignatieff and Rae are not 'unity' leaders, and should either one be chosen as Liberal leader, it would disasterously split the Liberals apart. Both are yesterday's men and do not represent Canadian aspirations for a leader. The Liberal party is still tainted with their past corruption, and the next leader must remove those stains by their unifying and pacifying presence. The next Liberal leader must be a woman ... and who better than MARTHA HALL-FINDLAY .. a woman of impecable credentials and proven abilities. Go to her website at: www.votemartha.ca and read her bio. She is just what the Liberal party needs to win back the Liberal vote, and particularly women who constitute 52% of the Canadian population. You heard it here first.

Posted by: Observer at October 27, 2007 11:37 AM (V7PJH)

16 Sam's been into the kool-aid again.

Posted by: Bruce Randall at October 27, 2007 12:30 PM (NuGVb)

17 ah, Sam realizes that Liberal scandals were 12 years ago - the CPC scandals our now - 2007. By resorting to 12 years ago doesn't take away what's happening now. This Johnnie hit me first kid stuff is tiresome. It's time for Harper, et al to take responsibility like their suppose instead of blaming everyone else for their failings - that's just kid stuff.

Posted by: Sam at October 27, 2007 01:17 PM (SRpsb)

18 Posted by: Observer at October 26, 2007 08:00 PM I saw that interview with Dion also. Wow, was that ever a soft one eh? When Dion slagged Mr. Harper's numbers, the interviewer asked him very quietly about his own numbers. Dion did not answer the question and the interviewer did not ask again. Dion is like a delicate little egg that they are all handling ever so carefully. It was a bad day for LIberals. That they would twist and use this mission for their own political gain is just shameful. Hillier said that it would take 10 years to train the Afghan army, and yes it will. However, he never said it would be Canadian troops doing the training. There are 37 other countries involved in Afghanistan who can take over training any time. Rae & Iggy both know that. They are creating confusion and disgusting political spin for the Liberal party fortunes. How absolutely low can you go? Leasa

Posted by: Leasa at October 27, 2007 01:36 PM (JL6QP)

19 Dion was interviewed in Halifax by Steve "Couch Potato" Murphy.

Posted by: James alker at October 27, 2007 02:30 PM (sNLJb)

20 Sam: you realize one thing, it's kid stuff being tossed around by none other than your desperate Libranos. Small stuff scraped from the dregs in the barrel is so much easier to deal with than facing up to the colossal quagmire of the Liberal Party at this time and you know it. Denial is the first hurdle to get over, go for it.

Posted by: Libby at October 27, 2007 03:32 PM (Qy1/s)

21 Libby - nice try - doesn't work. Lies are lies - no matter who's involved. Gee, I see Leasa is doing her troll thing - she's all over the place trashing and bashing - what a way to spend your day - sad, sad.

Posted by: Sam at October 27, 2007 03:53 PM (SRpsb)

22 As a newcomer to this 'debate', I must point-out re that last comment - Look in the mirror, Sam.

Posted by: Jim at October 27, 2007 04:03 PM (dPayD)

23 Sam: Yeah, right, whatever!

Posted by: Libby at October 27, 2007 04:39 PM (nYKW3)

24 Sam: one more thing, what's your definition of a Troll?

Posted by: Libby at October 27, 2007 04:42 PM (nYKW3)

25 You Reform/Tory supporters love to berate Dion to the point that he will become a national hero for putting up with your lies, innuendos and plain rumour mongering. The Liberals are not about to give any information out that is meaningful simply because Harper's policy book is so bankrupt and devoid of anything he can sell to Canadians and he's looking to steal Liberal policies and ideas so he can portray himself as a centrist. Maybe your party faithful should focus on how he treats his MP's that don't follow the puppet master faithfully. and maybe you should be building your defenses over the upcoming scandal about your election spending processes. Stop hammering the court system with your stonewalling tactics and admit you all lied and cheated the public. Get used to Dion he will be yourPM one day..... a day he chooses, not one of your own.

Posted by: Terry in Toronto at October 27, 2007 04:53 PM (fvw5/)

26 Sam, what I said is true. Liberals are using the mission as a tool to help rebuild their party. Problem is, their nasty plan won't work. Terry? Are you the same 'Terry' that latched on to Martin? ha ha ha...sounds like it. How's Scott and the rest of the Earnscliff gang. Are ya still under investigation? If anyone needs to "reform" it's the old Martinites. Got to give Chretien credit, he nailed your asses, now if someone would return the favour... Leasa

Posted by: Leasa at October 27, 2007 05:28 PM (JL6QP)

27 Terry, you been living in a bubble without any insight into what's been going on in Canadian politics? If you need a glance at trained seals following the party boss, have a look back to your Liberal leaders. At this point the fractured Liberals can't even stand for their own stated "principles", they sit on their asses or don't show up. Why? Well let's start with they're broke, can't raise the bucks, they're divided into factions which have branched out from the Chretien-Martin hate-in into further splinter groups for the also-rans. It's a freaking mess. Let's talk about a Liberal government in about a decade.

Posted by: Libby at October 27, 2007 05:42 PM (5IyTp)

28 Terry, remember? The fiberals have no policies

Posted by: Jake at October 27, 2007 06:37 PM (ROKzK)

29 "A politician ought never say that he has an answer to a question but that he dare not utter that answer in public." spoken like a true Librano

Posted by: kelly at October 27, 2007 06:58 PM (pdf5D)

30 OMG! hahaha! The Day Dion becomes MY PM, is the day Hell freezes over! Thanks for the laugh Terry in Toronto! You Libs may have nothing much going for you, but you sure do have a sense of humour. But, enjoy having Harper as YOUR PM, because he's going to be one for a long, long time.

Posted by: Barbara in Wpg. at October 27, 2007 07:24 PM (LowHS)

31 Hey Sam, how many years ago was it the Liberal's were caught taking donations from minors, and, if I remember right, dead people? How many years ago was it Liberal cabinet ministers were caught taking free flights and fishing vacations from the Irving family? And how much did Canadian Steamship Lines get in federal contracts up until the 2005 elections? Just round it off to the closest million if it's easier. And hey, who do you think will clear their name and reputation first, O.J. Simpson or Lawrence McCauley?

Posted by: jccs at October 27, 2007 09:12 PM (+0ORF)

32 Interesting you mention Earnscliffe. Have you not noticed that it is now dominated by Harper pals? I think Harpers former communications boss Geoff Norquay is now a senior partner ther. But, I guess all is well now, as untendered contracts to Conservative firms are fine, right? Stats show there have been more untendered contracts under Harper than previous Lib governments. Enjoy your koolaid.

Posted by: tory_watcher at October 27, 2007 10:40 PM (hDsQc)

33 Umm... I still don't see the big deal with this comment. People are now getting to the point of reading everything into anything Iggy says... What's that? Iggy said he's going out for lunch and he's not going to order poutine? Must be a change of heart on Quebec.

Posted by: Ivan at October 28, 2007 01:14 AM (6DsKx)

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October 25, 2007

The Liberals have succeeded in resurrecting the Sponsorship Scandal

The notice of intent filed by the Conservatives against the Liberals is not directly concerning allegations that the Conservative Party broke campaign financing rules.

No, the libel being alleged is related to a Liberal statement that Conservative staffers were given jobs in return for committing criminal acts that benefited the Conservative Party (related to that campaign financing, as it turns out).

Of course, the Gomery Commission established that the Liberal Party was doing exactly that -- arranging for jobs for Liberal staffers who then acted in contravention to the law. And now the Liberals have managed to bring that bit of history back to the forefront.

more...

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Post contains 968 words, total size 6 kb.

1 Haha, this is priceless -- Dion the saviour? Um, no.

Posted by: Richard Romano at October 26, 2007 12:42 AM (GpwqX)

2 Liberals got into this mess out of frustration and desperation. They're akin to hungry scavengers scraping the bottom of the barrel to come up with a morsel to chew on. This bit they've been chewing on looks like it will bite them back. Looking forward to apologies from Leblanc and Jennings. More of the Liberal desperation is played out daily in HOC with rant type questioning by emoting blowbags like Holland and Dhalla. Peter Van Loan does a good job bringing up the millions still missing/ unaccounted for, in the sponsorship scandal. It's a smack down every time.

Posted by: Libby at October 26, 2007 07:09 AM (0AqSt)

3 Interesting that these accusations come so easily to Liberals....seems like a classic case of transference to me...accusing an opponent of what you yourself are guilty of. Tells me all I need to know about the mental health of the Liberal spin makers.

Posted by: WL Macakenzie Redux at October 26, 2007 09:17 AM (NdQPK)

4 Heads up... the Liberals have repeated their referral to their libelous accusations in an e-mail sent out today.

Posted by: Christian Conservative at October 26, 2007 09:22 AM (9wHsi)

5 The Gomery inquiry is the gift that keeps on giving. Thank you Stephane Dion for reminding Canadians of the practices that Liberals employed when you were in government.

Posted by: Hector B. at October 26, 2007 09:46 AM (ocOr3)

6 Liberals are grasping at straws nowadays, and it must feel very demeaning for Ignatieff having to stand up in QP, after Dion makes his incoherent statements and Ignatieff has to clarify it for everybody. It's now apparent that Liberals desperately want Bob Rae in the HoCs so that Ignatieff is again locked out from ascending to leader. Paul Wells in his Inkless Wells blog "Remains of the day", devastatingly says it all.

Posted by: Observer at October 26, 2007 10:32 AM (ztN++)

7 What was Peter Van Loan saying in the House just now? Something about corporate sponsers for a fund raiser for Liberals...Pizza Pizza, Great Lakes Brewery etc. etc. I thought corportate money was illegal? Leasa

Posted by: Leasa at October 26, 2007 10:43 AM (JL6QP)

8 It looks like Great Lakes Brewery is knee-deeply involved with the federal Liberal Party. Anetta Jewell, Partner, Great Lakes Brewery of Toronto, was involved in a Martha Hall Findlay fundraiser this past March. Ignatieff's backyard bbqs this past summer just happened to have as the beer of choice - Great Lakes Brewery products! Probably just a coincidence. http://www.tonyaspler.com/pub/articleview.asp?id=1128&s=5 Or the fact that Anetta is the riding president for the Provincial Liberal riding of Etobicoke-Lakeshore - Iggy's provincial cousin. http://www.tonyaspler.com/pub/articleview.asp?id=1128&s=5 Pizza Pizza, if I recall correctly, switched to Income Trust status, and was harshly singled out by Jim Flaherty as one company and type of company that absolutely shouldn't be an Income Trust.

Posted by: alan at October 26, 2007 02:10 PM (GZNHx)

9 I hope that Garth Turner is the next Liberal party leader after Stephane Dion gets turfed. That would sink the party for sure.

Posted by: Lex Luthor at October 26, 2007 02:31 PM (xZOJx)

10 Maybe Garth Turner would sink the Liberal Party, but Stephane Dion seems to be doing a great job himself.

Posted by: Bert at October 26, 2007 04:03 PM (Ttd3g)

11 How the hell are the Liberals still getting donations from corporations (even in donated beer for an event) under the new regulations? P.S. I went to the Great Lakes Brewery website; luckily I don't drink any of those beers anyways, otherwise they'd be off my list. Pizza Pizza has seen the last dollar they're getting from me.

Posted by: Paul M at October 26, 2007 04:29 PM (TLDHJ)

12 IMHO this is part of God's payback for what Trudeau did to us. Long may the Liberals flounder!

Posted by: Larry at October 26, 2007 08:15 PM (A08XY)

13 Ah, toss all the scandal ridden Liberals in a big beer tent and supply them with free beer and all they can eat pizza, let 'em drown their sorrows or just GET STUFFED, sounds like they have suppliers.

Posted by: Libby at October 26, 2007 08:30 PM (nkw97)

14 Actually, Libby, I think the Liberals are more the party of ber and popcorn...

Posted by: DCardno at October 26, 2007 10:03 PM (hbNhk)

15 ...sadly, the Canadian voter, especially those of certain geographical areas are like Lemmings. They'll follow the loudest voice. Self thought is not really encouraged there. Or as the old saying goes - history will repeat itself. As a dog returns to its vomit...

Posted by: tomax7 at October 27, 2007 12:34 PM (jHhd0)

16 Oh, just to clarify about voters being Lemmings. I was wrong ;-) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemming While many people believe that lemmings commit mass suicide when they migrate, this is not the case. Driven by strong biological urges, they will migrate in large groups when population density becomes too great. Lemmings can and do swim and may choose to cross a body of water in search of a new habitat[5]. On occasion, and particularly in the case of the Norway lemmings in Scandinavia, large migrating groups will reach a cliff overlooking the ocean. They will stop until the urge to press on causes them to jump off the cliff and start swimming, sometimes to exhaustion and death. Lemmings are also often pushed into the sea as more and more lemmings arrive at the shore. [6] The myth of lemming mass suicide is long-standing and has been popularized by a number of factors. It is usually stated that the main source of the belief in the suicide myth was propagated by The Walt Disney Company documentary White Wilderness which includes footage of lemmings migrating and running head-long over a ledge. An investigation in 1983 by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's Brian Vallee, showed that the Disney film makers faked the entire sequence using imported lemmings (bought from Inuit children), a snow covered turntable on which a few dozen lemmings were forced to run, and literally throwing lemmings into the sea to show the alleged suicides. [7] Due to their association with this odd behaviour, lemming suicide is a frequently-used metaphor in reference to people who go along unquestioningly with popular opinion, with potentially dangerous or fatal consequences. This is the theme of the video game Lemmings, where the player attempts to save the mindlessly marching rodents from walking to their deaths.

Posted by: at October 27, 2007 12:52 PM (jHhd0)

17 "Disney film makers faked the entire sequence" Say it ain't so!!! And Global Warming or Reuters wasn't even on this!

Posted by: tomax7 at October 27, 2007 12:53 PM (jHhd0)

18 Now the Liberals have to establish that criminality and employment go hand in hand in the Conservative Party. I have to think that even the most partisan Liberal apologist would blanch at the idea of proving that assertion. Hate to break it to you singleminded partisan zealots, but criminality goes hand in hand with all government spending and with all government jobs. Of course you can parse legal codes (written by the same criminal government hacks whom you propose to prosecute) and argue in front of a judge (appointed by and nearly always connected politically to the same hacks) all day and you will almost never convince government hacks to convict other hacks. The only real question is why did the government take the money from you in the first place, and what valuable "service" would they be performing for you by funding a gigantic bureaucracy and then using the rest of the money to buy votes with ridiculous and idiotic sponsorship deals in order to buy a couple of hundred votes in swing ridings? Is that moral? Even if they have written laws for themselves in order to make it technically legal? Does the fact that certain political parties have been more successful at buying votes in this way mean that the other parties - populated with the same kind of greedy, ambitious hacks - are some kind of moral paragons?

Posted by: at October 27, 2007 02:56 PM (tWw0+)

19 Must admit, pockets of Ontario are loaded with Lemmings, most of the country is aware of that fact. These birds come out to vote both Federal and Provincial elections. They latch onto one issue, listen to the MSM and go vote Liberal. There have been periods of sanity and there is evidence we're coming into one right now, people are realizing just how mucked up the Liberal party is and how well the Conservatives are doing in a short period of governance. I may be naive but right now we have a Prime Minister who is in the job for the right reasons. He feels he can make a difference, get the Country back to the values she was built on and DEFEND those values.

Posted by: Libby at October 27, 2007 03:59 PM (JATkD)

20 "get the Country back to the values she was built on and DEFEND those values" What are you talking, 1700, or 1800, or perhaps our Charter of Rights? :->) I couldn't resist -- values we were built on, indeed, after we took care of the natives.

Posted by: catherine at October 27, 2007 05:28 PM (KIRFr)

21 don't get too giggly about the libs leaving for good, they have an agenda that's driven by political powers like quebecor, china. fidel castro was an honarary pall bearer for trudeau

Posted by: kelly at October 27, 2007 07:31 PM (pdf5D)

22 "Does the fact that certain political parties have been more successful at buying votes in this way mean that the other parties - populated with the same kind of greedy, ambitious hacks - are some kind of moral paragons?" No. Because all people of any given stripe are guilty by association. If you are a politician, you're bad. If you're a corporation, you're greedy and evil. If you're a criminal from a lower income bracket, you're a victim of society. If you're a man, you'll cheat on your wife. What more does anybody need when you have an omnipotent prejudice?

Posted by: Surecure at October 29, 2007 12:17 PM (9J5Is)

23 ...actually, that should have been "omniscient prejudice". But, you'll have to forgive me. I support the Conservatives these days, so I must be uneducated.

Posted by: Surecure at October 29, 2007 12:21 PM (9J5Is)

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Notice of Intent Confirmed by Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre

Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre has confirmed that a legal action has been initiated by people in the Conservative Party against Liberal Party staffers.

Update: Details in the mainstream press, and how this links to the Sponsorship Scandal.

more...

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Breaking News: Conservative Party staffers serve libel notice on Liberals [confirmed]

From a trusted source who knows, news that just adds to Stephane Dion's troubles. The Conservatives have served notice that they intend to pursue a libel action against the Liberal Party.

Update: Confirmed

Update: Details in the mainstream press, and how this links to the Sponsorship Scandal.

more...

Posted by: Steve Janke at 08:45 AM | Comments (33) | Add Comment
Post contains 1078 words, total size 9 kb.

1 Hope they pursue it, sue them for their last ten cents, pathetic lot, no money no smarts. Notice Harper is ignoring Dion's questioning on it in HOC. This is called petty politics, about all the Liberals have to offer these days. Harper has more important things on his mind, like running the country.

Posted by: Libby at October 25, 2007 10:16 AM (Ep6Gl)

2 I feel that this "Parliamentary immunity" privilege is being abused. I don't think most people watching CPAC really understand it. So the various parties can fling garbage at each other without really being accountable for what they say.

Posted by: Joanne (TB) at October 25, 2007 10:18 AM (FEXYX)

3 Here is my suggestion for what they should do. Set the amount at $40 million sought in damages, explaining that is the amount Gomery said could not be accounted for in Adscam. Let the people of Canada know that any judgement up to and including the $40 million will be put into government coffers for the adscam loss. If this is not possible the money will be donated to Sick Kids Hospital. State Conservatives are mainly interested in defending the false and libelous statements made by the Liberal's.

Posted by: paulsstuff at October 25, 2007 10:20 AM (mGJYI)

4 It feels really good to know that I had a hand in this... ;-)

Posted by: Fellow Blogging Tory at October 25, 2007 10:43 AM (9wHsi)

5 Question: The Liberals say something in the House that is libelous but they have Parliamentary immunity. HOWEVER, the media airs the comments, write about it, debate it and give opinions on the libelous comments, bloggers blog about it and political parties put out news releases so the damage is done "outside of the House". How do the libel laws handle this?

Posted by: Lorraine at October 25, 2007 11:00 AM (rp6r3)

6 That goes to the heart of libel, Lorraine. The fact that everyone talks about it establishes the "damage" part of the lawsuit. For a person or an organization that is very dependent on reputation as part of their business, this could be serious. Suing each person down the line who merely reported on what was spoken in a public venue (such as Parliament) is not allowed. It's not practical and it makes no sense. It is the person who uttered the libelous comment in the first place, in a public space, that is the target. If it is uttered inside of parliament, you're out of luck if you feel like you've been libeled. All you can hope for is political embarrassment if you can establish that the person was wrong. The issue here, of course, is what was uttered (in the form of media releases) by the Liberal Party and not by Liberal MPs. Those aren't covered, but then the Liberals would have been careful with the wording. Maybe the LPC slipped up, or maybe the CPC figures it can win anyway, or maybe the CPC has an interesting argument to make. You can't make a direct accusation in the House then issue a press release with "alleged" and argue that you made no libelous comment, since the public utterance in the House is perceived as the true statement by the public at large. The press release is the carrier of the libelous comment and is not written under the shield of parliament the way Hansard is, and as such escapes the bounds of parliamentary immunity. It's an interesting idea if that's at the heart of the matter.

Posted by: Steve Janke at October 25, 2007 11:13 AM (R9sQf)

7 Steve: Up until yesterday the Lib's had not used the words "illegal" or "broke the law" in reference to their allegations outside of the House. Yesterday they issued a press release (http://www.liberal.ca/story_13251_e.aspx) that said: "'Elections Canada has ruled the Conservatives broke the law in the last election,' said Mr. Ignatieff." This is exactly what M. Dion said under "privilege" in the House on Tuesday: "Mr. Speaker, Elections Canada has ruled that the Conservatives broke the law." (http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode= 1&Parl=39&Pub=hansard&Ses=2&DocId=3082936&File=0#Int-2177870) That is when the PM invited M. Dion to speak outside of the Chamber. Isn't it neat how they attributed the quote to Ignatieff (Dion's main rival). Could this finger pointing be retribution by the pro-Dion forces?

Posted by: Phil at October 25, 2007 11:20 AM (2Su+K)

8 Lorraine, media outlets are permitted to repeat and report on privileged statements made in Parliament (and in the courts). That is called "qualified privilege."

Posted by: Joan Tintor at October 25, 2007 11:34 AM (W7xvF)

9 Wait....how can it be libel when they actually did break the law?

Posted by: at October 25, 2007 11:44 AM (CZM/V)

10 To anonymous. Establishing the truth of an allegation is the best defense against a libel suit. Clearly the CPC firmly believes that on the question of breaking the law, they are on the right of it. The courts have yet to rule on whether the CPC was right or not.

Posted by: Steve Janke at October 25, 2007 11:51 AM (R9sQf)

11 Perhaps Liberals should do the same - there's enough ammunition out there to sink a ship. What a waste of time - Elections Canada said is was illegal and the Liberals were just pointing it out.

Posted by: Sam at October 25, 2007 12:04 PM (SRpsb)

12 Nice try Conservatives- This lawsuit- if it exists would be laughed out of court. Its merely an attempt by the dictator Harper to silence his critics. Even so it could be dragged through the courts wasting court time and party money This blog is the biggest load of tripe I've ever seen. Harper and company might want to tone down the arrogance a bit- It will come back to bite them in the ass. Sooner than later

Posted by: D at October 25, 2007 12:26 PM (m2L9q)

13 "Perhaps Liberals should do the same - there's enough ammunition out there to sink a ship" Sure hope you are not talking about Adscam. Liberal's admitted the scam, Gomery found the depth of the scam, and Canadians are still waiting for the money to be returned The difference here is Elections Canada made a ruling, Conservatives disagreed with it, and have gone to the courts to prove they are right. And all money was declared and accounted for on audits submitted to Elections Canda. There was not, I repeat not, any money passed in brown paper bags, money kicked back from phony advertising contracts, money spent on campaigns that was never reported because it was in fact illegal money.

Posted by: paulsstuff at October 25, 2007 12:30 PM (mGJYI)

14 I hope they don't land in front of a Liberal-appointed judge ... apprehension of bias perchance ....LOL

Posted by: Observer at October 25, 2007 12:35 PM (O1PXB)

15 Why am I not suprised that Lib trolls can't comprehend the difference between spending your own money in a method that is being disputed on a technicality, and laundering tax payers money through shady firms to get back 'donations' in paper bags.

Posted by: Greg at October 25, 2007 12:42 PM (RD17r)

16 Wasn't it last fall that Conservatives thought a politician suing for libel - i.e. Gerard Kennedy who was accused of hiring and supporting terrorists, and Denis Coderre re Doan - were whiny whimps who should get thicker skins if they want to be politicians? Wasn't it only 2 years or so ago that Stephen Harper The Brave accused Martin and the Liberals of gaining benefits from the mob and had close ties to the mob, but he refused to make the same comments "out of the House"? This is all just political play. The Conservatives won the last election because of Adscam, not their own platform or people's preference for them, and they made accountability their thing. To have that card taken away is huge and they will do anything to counter that. They will not ever file a lawsuit about this. Guaranteed. Once they file the notice of claim, they've got I think 2 years to file a claim. All they want in the next election (which will be before then) is to say we will be fighting the Liberal accusations in the court and the court will have its say. Obviously, all of the kool-aid drinkers will agree but I think many Canadians will too, including the Conservative-friendly and pliant media.

Posted by: Ted at October 25, 2007 01:04 PM (V0pt2)

17 As far as I remember, Kennedy sued the National Post over an article. If Conservatives commented on the suit please provide a LINK. As for Coderre, Shane Doan sued him for slanderous remarks Coderre made about him. Again, please provide a link where the Conservatives commented on that lawsuit. Maybe they did, But I don't remember it

Posted by: at October 25, 2007 01:31 PM (mGJYI)

18 Hey Ted you forgot about the Harper Press release, "Martin supports Child Pornography" Harper is scum

Posted by: D at October 25, 2007 01:58 PM (m2L9q)

19 I love how Van Loan called Steffie Walter Mitty. Priceless. Knowing Steffie, and how daft he is, it flew over his head. That said, this is all just more obfuscation from the Libranos. Notice how different their public statements are from those made during Question Period? Just goes to show they have NO ethics, principles, or morals.

Posted by: Oliver at October 25, 2007 02:08 PM (0tHG6)

20 Is Ted serious? "Conservative-friendly and pliant media"? What colour is the sky in your world Ted?

Posted by: BobinAB at October 25, 2007 02:30 PM (JyRoS)

21 Waste of time. Harper won me over by focusing on bigger issue than this.

Posted by: Jason Bo Green at October 25, 2007 03:15 PM (WK6xR)

22 "D" says Harper is scum. What's the 'D' stand for, Daft, Dense, Desperate or just plain Delusional?

Posted by: Libby at October 25, 2007 03:26 PM (fCCGd)

23 I also blame Peter Milliken, Speaker of the House of Commons, for allowing these types of questions. The issue is about the Conservative Party, not the government. There is a difference. Of course being a Liberal Milliken will allow as much latitude in the questions that he thinks he can get away with. There is no comparison to Adscam. The Sponsorship scandal was about a secret government program and policy. That's what made the questions in the House relevant. No wonder Canadians ignore politics and the House of Commons. Anybody watching the charade and feigned outraged of the Liberals would be asking themselves where's the beef. However, the Liberals are so bereft of policy and an inability to attack the government they are resorting to these sleazy shenanigans. I hope the Conservative party sues their asses off. Maybe then the hapless leader of the Liberals will get the message.

Posted by: hollinm at October 25, 2007 04:18 PM (Qj8Bo)

24 I've asked this before on other sites but never get an answer so with all the legal beagles commenting here I'll ask it again. With all the allegations launched at the Liberal party, (Adscam, Radwanski, Jane Stewart, Judy Sgro, etc, etc.) why has no one launched a class action suit on behalf of the Canadian taxpayer. The Adscam scandal in itself is reason enough. The behind the scenes payback amounted to nothing short of money laundering and a government that is involved in this has gained power through illegal means as such any laws passed in their tenure should be suspended and the guilty parties should be held to account. Perhaps the biggest boondoggle that occurred during this tenure is the long gun registration and who knows where all the money went on that fiasco. The $1 million that the Liberals are making so much todo about is indeed small potatoes when compared to the massive rip-offs that the Liberals have conducted over the last decade or more. So how about it any legal beagles out there that can wrap their minds around a class action suit. Just wondering?

Posted by: Antenor at October 25, 2007 05:39 PM (VLWCg)

25 Ahhh for the old days of North American politics...when it was really interesting before pussy-boy lawyers made loudmouthed loars immine from their craft...between 1790 and 1844 there were over 70 dulas and fisticuff matches between politicians...all leagal affairs of honor. What the frik is this pansy assed threats stuff. If someone disses your rep...take him out to 10 paces and dispatch the swine with a pistol. Steffie honey...pistols or swords..wazzit gonna be Hon?

Posted by: WL Macakenzie Redux at October 25, 2007 06:00 PM (NdQPK)

26 This isn't adscam, but we do have election laws on spending limits and the scheme was large enough to be detected. It seems pretty straight forward. Those same ads were effective federal ads for the CPC without the small print candidate's name added, and they remained effective ads for the federal CPC with the small print tagline added at the end. They ran them in good federal locations, not in the local ridings. From all the dollars going in and out, they got caught. They should have just paid up since it all seems pretty obvious to anyone looking at it. Even some Conservatives said they knew the money was going to federal ads. Their lawsuit against EC is a waste of money and makes them look worse. Setting up large schemes to get around the election financing rules undermines the whole election process. This is not a technicality. Had Harper simply said, we thought this was legitimate, but we take full responsibility and it won't be repeated, it would still look bad and people would be a bit suspicious in the next election, but it wouldn't be that big a deal. However, fighting the obvious this way makes them look wilfully criminal. Who is ever going to trust any of their accounting/financing if they actually think this is how things should work?

Posted by: catherine at October 25, 2007 06:25 PM (KIRFr)

27 What Antenor said , needs a response .

Posted by: Bill D. Cat at October 25, 2007 06:27 PM (uOuIl)

28 Posted by: D at October 25, 2007 01:58 PM Actually 'D', I agree with the statement that Paul Martin supports child pornography as does his party. THEY invented 'house arrest' and ALLOWED serious charges like child pornography, child abuse, and many violent crimes to use this as a sentence. THEY also allowed 'conditional sentences', early parole and bale to stand as sentences for these crimes. Liberal appointed judges wasted no time in handing these 'non-sentences' out. If that isn't support, what is? THAT is what Mr. Harper was referring to and you know it. Only after too many years under a liberal government could someone actually point a gun at an officer, threaten the officer, get arrested, make bail immediately and finally be given a conditional sentence. L

Posted by: Leasa at October 25, 2007 06:39 PM (JL6QP)

29 The headline "Paul Martin Supports Child Pornography?" had a question mark. It was weasles like Scott Reid who made a big deal of this and the body of the news release reasked the question because Paul Martin had wanted to uphold no charges against child pornography pictures considered "art" by a well known pervert who was in court about this issue.

Posted by: Lorraine at October 25, 2007 07:42 PM (rp6r3)

30 Much ado about nothing. The Conservatives are not going to sue the Liberals and make this a never-ending story for the media. Buckler cannot be that dumb. Harper cannot be that desperate.

Posted by: at October 25, 2007 08:46 PM (kkFhr)

31 Catherine says: "They ran them in good federal locations, not in the local ridings." I don't follow your point. What's a "federal location" but not a "local riding"??? And I believe it is possible that network advertising may run outside of a local area even where the target is local. It may be that the election spending laws are an issue here, but I think it is very hard to draw a line between what type of advertising supports a local candidate and what supports the National Party. Don't local candidates benefit from ads that feature their leader or their party?

Posted by: LLucas at October 25, 2007 10:16 PM (ijnW3)

32 Oliver, you're right, doubt Van Loan calling Dion "Walter Mitty" would ring a bell with him. He may have to turn to his second in command and arch rival Iggy to ask him who ees thees Walter Meetty,(Dion speak)?

Posted by: Libby at October 27, 2007 08:03 AM (XRh3b)

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Is CIMS off the radar now?

After the focus on CIMS and whether the Conservatives are being ethical in the way constituency data is being treated, the Liberals have been quiet on the issue. Two days have come and gone. Two more rounds of Question Period. After the theatrics of Monday, nothing has been mentioned.

Have the Liberals decided this is not such a big deal after all? If so, I wonder why.

Update: News just in. The Conservative Party has delivered a notice of intent to pursue a libel action against the Liberal Party. That could part of the explanation.

more...

Posted by: Steve Janke at 07:48 AM | Comments (7) | Add Comment
Post contains 531 words, total size 4 kb.

1 There is no mention of this at the Liberal website. Clearly they have dropped this. Still lots of stuff about "deceptive financing" and also no mention of how the reclaiming of stolen adscam money is going either.

Posted by: David at October 25, 2007 08:44 AM (ZQCGV)

2 The CPC privacy policy is here: http://www.conservative.ca/EN/2454/ The policy is quite clear, and certainly is aligned with pippeda provisions. What is interesting is that if Garth took any data from CIMS to the liberals when he jumped ship then he is definitely in contradiction of the clause: We will not sell your personal information that you have chosen to provide us, nor will we disclose it to third parties except as required by the Elections Act.

Posted by: skuleman at October 25, 2007 08:54 AM (/Psuk)

3 It would be very hard to prove if he did take any information. Of course being the digital MP that he is, there has to be a team of people who CAN quite possibly take information from one data base to another. The question remains did he, and if he had the ability to do so, can proof be provided. He seems to live in a grey area so it would be hard to provide that evidence. Again, he may be an annoying little twit, but hes not stupid by any stretch of the imagination.

Posted by: Hard to prove at October 25, 2007 10:05 AM (W5P+x)

4 Will someone more knowledgable than me comment on this colourful ad in the Mississauga News? Elect Bonnie Crombie, Liberal Candidate in Mississauga-Streetsville www.bonniecrombie.ca Halloween Spooktacular Carnival Friday, October 27 5pm to midnight Midway & Barbeque 5pm to 10pm Pub Night 10pm to midnight PLAYDIUM 99 Rathburn Road West $25 per person for two hours $150 per family all night -political donation tax receipt applies

Posted by: Mississauga Tom at October 25, 2007 10:18 AM (af6bh)

5 Steve: the Liberal Party was caught stealing hundreds of millions of taxpapers money in Adscam. They are making false and defamatory charges against the Conservatives, hoping to paint them with the same brush in the minds of the voters. The Liberals are in sad shape if this is all they have to go after the Conservatives on. It is already starting to backfire on them. Do you think one of the reasons that they really fear a Conservative majority is that Harper will have total freedom to order a full sponsorship inquiry with no limitations or restrictions which is what Justice Gomery was urging to be done. I am looking forward to see all the skeletons teeming out of that closet if it ever happens. Teresa

Posted by: Teresa McBride at October 25, 2007 01:00 PM (+K2zd)

6 Having been trained on CIMS the Liberals are talking out their ass on this...how can a complete supporter data base be illegal in any stretch of the law...all info is voluntarily given and used only for Party purposes.

Posted by: WL Macakenzie Redux at October 25, 2007 06:02 PM (NdQPK)

7 WL, it matters not to them that the accusation is false. All that matthers is that they see CIMS as a huge advantage for the conservative and if they can put shackles on them or scare the people with the big bad computer they win in there eyes.

Posted by: Harry at October 25, 2007 08:10 PM (Vss22)

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