This is from the CBC. Dion sayeth:
"We're always ready for an election, but we'll choose our time. Our priority is to be sure that this government will be kept accountable and that Parliament will work."
The first sentence means that the Liberals are actually only ready for an election when the polls are in their favor. Dion's priority is to bleat harmlessly in question period with Ignatieff and Rae now bleating even louder, and making parliament work means the Liberals sitting on their hands to avoid bringing down the reactionary Harper government.
General election will garner better results for Liberals: Dion
Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion says the results in two of the four ridings in Monday night's byelections, in which the party squeaked out a close battle and lost one contest, may be different in a general election.
Although the Liberals hung on to three of their four ridings, the results were mixed.
Star Liberal candidates Bob Rae and Martha Hall Findlay, who had both contended for the party leadership, earned long-awaited seats in the House of Commons after handily winning their Toronto ridings, seats that were considered Liberal strongholds.
But in Vancouver Quadra, Liberal Joyce Murray, a former B.C. cabinet minister, narrowly defeated Conservative Deborah Meredith, taking the riding by 151 votes. Liberal support appeared to have gone primarily to the Green party, which almost tripled its vote to about 13.5 per cent.
Conservative Rob Clarke beat Liberal Joan Beatty, Dion's handpicked candidate in the Saskatchewan riding of Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River. Clarke captured about 48 per cent of the vote to her 31 per cent.
Dion welcomes Green 'challenge'
In a news conference, Dion acknowledged the Green party's gains in Vancouver Quadra.
"It took a lot of our vote. And to me it's a very welcome challenge. It's for us to show that the best way to be green at the next general election will be to vote red."
As for Saskatchewan, Dion said the low turnout hurt the party's results, adding that the native vote is usually more Liberal but traditionally more difficult to mobilize.
"I'm very confident next time we'll have a Liberal MP there," he said.
"We'll be in a better position to put forward our arguments in a general election. We're very disappointed by the results of course, but we're still just as determined for the general election."
Dion downplayed the notion that Monday night's victories meant the country was heading to an election soon.
"We're always ready for an election, but we'll choose our time. Our priority is to be sure that this government will be kept accountable and that Parliament will work."
Rae, who came in third in the 2006 Liberal leadership race, said Monday's vote will allow the Liberals to build a "progressive coalition" of social democrats, environmentalists, and even Progressive Conservatives, some of whom he said voted for him and Findlay in the byelection.
He said his party's decision not to invoke an election over the budget or Canada's role in Afghanistan was an exercise in "strategic patience," which Rae, the former premier of Ontario, said he has supported.
"We don't have the luxury, in my view, of dividing votes.… We have to find an effective coalition that is actually going to defeat and replace the Harper government — that's the challenge in the next election, whenever it comes," he told CBC News.
Conservative candidate Rob Clarke, who beat his rival Joan Beatty after she was handpicked by Dion to run in the riding of Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River in Saskatchewan, told CBC News that he is ready to run in a federal election whenever one is called.
Campaigning door-to-door in -53 C temperatures "shows how determined I was to get recognized, and that I'm not scared to do the hard work and beat the road and shake the hands," said the self-described "small-town cop."
"This was a Conservative party victory. We had everyone involved, right from the prime minister all the way to the grassroots people, the volunteers. Overall, it was very successful," said Clarke, a sergeant with the RCMP.
Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, who campaigned with Clarke in the northern Saskatchewan riding, said that Monday's byelection served as proof that the Liberals would not survive a nationwide run at the polls.
"I think a lot of what Rob heard on the doorsteps, and I heard too up there, was that people are happy with what we're doing, they're happy with the direction and the vision of the prime minister of the day," Ritz said.
"I think we're getting a lot of credit out there for the work we're doing as a government, but having said that, if the Opposition want to bring us down and go to the campaign, we're ready to do that."
Showing posts with label Coming Federal Election. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Coming Federal Election. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Harper plays down talk of an election
Interesting that Harper, who stresses Canadian sovereignty, in cahoots with the supposedly leftist premier of Manitoba Gary Doer are helping out a US firm that has bought out the railway to Churchill and the Port facilities! In turn the Colorado firm complains to Harper that if the Wheat Board Monopoly is ended his firm will be screwed because grain exports are the bread and butter of the line and port. Of course Harper is bound and determined to end the Wheat Board monopoly!
Harper plays down talk of election
JOE FRIESEN
October 6, 2007
CHURCHILL, MAN. -- On a chilly, windswept day in Churchill, Manitoba, Prime Minister Stephen Harper came face to face with a polar bear and emerged bullish about his government's prospects.
After meeting a bear from the safety of a tundra buggy, a wide-tired elevated bus used by polar bear tour companies, Mr. Harper issued a challenge to his opponents.
"I'm putting forward a plan to govern," Mr. Harper said. "If the opposition wants an election, they'll have to force an election."
Earlier, Mr. Harper gave a glimpse of the uncertainties that come with leading a minority government. A keen student of history, he said he was disappointed not to have been able to visit York Factory, a 17th-century Hudson's Bay Company trading post not far from Churchill.
Print Edition - Section Front
Enlarge Image
More National Stories
The inside story of Vancouver's safe injection site
Message of pride draws support
Dion seeks safe way through Harper's minefield
They helped win the war, but lost their homeland
Gallery awarded $4.5-million in bitter art dispute
Pine beetles won't face controlled burns this fall
Go to the National section
Manitoba Premier Gary Doer, who was walking alongside Mr. Harper, quickly offered to bring the Prime Minister back for a tour of York Factory in the summer. Mr. Harper chuckled and said unfortunately he couldn't guarantee anything, given the current political situation.
In many ways, though, the machinations of election-obsessed Ottawa seemed a long way from the Prime Minister's mind yesterday as he spoke with conviction about the North and Canada's claim to sovereignty in the Arctic.
He and Mr. Doer were in Churchill to announce $68-million in funding for scientific research into the effects of climate change in the Arctic, as well as major upgrades to the Port of Churchill and the rail line that connects it to the south.
"Scientific inquiry and development are absolutely essential to Canada's defence of its North," Mr. Harper said. "They enhance our knowledge of and presence in the region and as I've said so many times before about our Arctic: Use it or lose it is the first principle of sovereignty."
The Port of Churchill, a deep-water port with access to the Arctic and impressive air and rail links, was overlooked by the federal government when it was deciding where to build military infrastructure to assert Canada's claim to the Northwest Passage - much to the dismay of Mr. Doer.
Yesterday, Mr. Doer, an NDP Premier, praised Mr. Harper adding: "At the last premiers meeting, we all spoke in favour of the strong and determined stand to not just talk about Arctic sovereignty but to demonstrate it by our presence throughout northern Canada."
The two governments hope that the added infrastructure funding will help OmniTRAX, the Colorado-based company that bought the port and rail line in 1997, to expand and diversify its business. At the moment the port, which employs about one-third of the town's work force, is used almost exclusively by the Canadian Wheat Board to ship grain overseas, and OmniTRAX has said it believes the port won't be economically viable if the government follows through on a promise to end the wheat board monopoly on grain sales. But yesterday Mr. Harper said that whatever happens with the wheat board, the port will have customers.
"The government of Canada will ensure this port is used and that there are shipments," Mr. Harper said.
Later this month, for the first time, a ship from the Russian-based Murmansk shipping company will arrive in Churchill carrying cargo for import. Many here hope it's the beginning of stronger links and flourishing trade between the two Arctic neighbours.
As the climate changes, and the water in the Far North becomes easier to navigate, they believe Churchill could become an alternative to congested coastal ports, part of a mid-continent trade corridor linked by rail and road to the U.S. Midwest.
The Prime Minister also announced funding for 26 scientific research projects as part of $150-million in funding for the International Polar Year, including money for studies on how polar bears and seals are adapting to climate change.
Harper plays down talk of election
JOE FRIESEN
October 6, 2007
CHURCHILL, MAN. -- On a chilly, windswept day in Churchill, Manitoba, Prime Minister Stephen Harper came face to face with a polar bear and emerged bullish about his government's prospects.
After meeting a bear from the safety of a tundra buggy, a wide-tired elevated bus used by polar bear tour companies, Mr. Harper issued a challenge to his opponents.
"I'm putting forward a plan to govern," Mr. Harper said. "If the opposition wants an election, they'll have to force an election."
Earlier, Mr. Harper gave a glimpse of the uncertainties that come with leading a minority government. A keen student of history, he said he was disappointed not to have been able to visit York Factory, a 17th-century Hudson's Bay Company trading post not far from Churchill.
Print Edition - Section Front
Enlarge Image
More National Stories
The inside story of Vancouver's safe injection site
Message of pride draws support
Dion seeks safe way through Harper's minefield
They helped win the war, but lost their homeland
Gallery awarded $4.5-million in bitter art dispute
Pine beetles won't face controlled burns this fall
Go to the National section
Manitoba Premier Gary Doer, who was walking alongside Mr. Harper, quickly offered to bring the Prime Minister back for a tour of York Factory in the summer. Mr. Harper chuckled and said unfortunately he couldn't guarantee anything, given the current political situation.
In many ways, though, the machinations of election-obsessed Ottawa seemed a long way from the Prime Minister's mind yesterday as he spoke with conviction about the North and Canada's claim to sovereignty in the Arctic.
He and Mr. Doer were in Churchill to announce $68-million in funding for scientific research into the effects of climate change in the Arctic, as well as major upgrades to the Port of Churchill and the rail line that connects it to the south.
"Scientific inquiry and development are absolutely essential to Canada's defence of its North," Mr. Harper said. "They enhance our knowledge of and presence in the region and as I've said so many times before about our Arctic: Use it or lose it is the first principle of sovereignty."
The Port of Churchill, a deep-water port with access to the Arctic and impressive air and rail links, was overlooked by the federal government when it was deciding where to build military infrastructure to assert Canada's claim to the Northwest Passage - much to the dismay of Mr. Doer.
Yesterday, Mr. Doer, an NDP Premier, praised Mr. Harper adding: "At the last premiers meeting, we all spoke in favour of the strong and determined stand to not just talk about Arctic sovereignty but to demonstrate it by our presence throughout northern Canada."
The two governments hope that the added infrastructure funding will help OmniTRAX, the Colorado-based company that bought the port and rail line in 1997, to expand and diversify its business. At the moment the port, which employs about one-third of the town's work force, is used almost exclusively by the Canadian Wheat Board to ship grain overseas, and OmniTRAX has said it believes the port won't be economically viable if the government follows through on a promise to end the wheat board monopoly on grain sales. But yesterday Mr. Harper said that whatever happens with the wheat board, the port will have customers.
"The government of Canada will ensure this port is used and that there are shipments," Mr. Harper said.
Later this month, for the first time, a ship from the Russian-based Murmansk shipping company will arrive in Churchill carrying cargo for import. Many here hope it's the beginning of stronger links and flourishing trade between the two Arctic neighbours.
As the climate changes, and the water in the Far North becomes easier to navigate, they believe Churchill could become an alternative to congested coastal ports, part of a mid-continent trade corridor linked by rail and road to the U.S. Midwest.
The Prime Minister also announced funding for 26 scientific research projects as part of $150-million in funding for the International Polar Year, including money for studies on how polar bears and seals are adapting to climate change.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Opposition Cleans up Clean Air Act
If this bill goes to the legislature with amendments that bind the Conservatives to Kyoto targets or has other requirements they cannot accept and the Conservatives declare it a confidence motion than there could be an election. However I expect that the Conservatives will choose some other issue upon which to fall since even they do not think that they are regarded as strongest on the environment!
Clean Air Act puts Tories in hot spot as MPs propose changes
Report says speculation is growing that bill could trigger election
A special House of Commons committee has until the end of March to rewrite the Clean Air Act and opposition MPs say the Conservatives are slowing down the process.
According to a news report by CP, the bill could lead to an election call if Prime Minister Stephen Harper decides the bill is a matter of confidence and his minority government loses a vote on opposition amendments.
All three opposition parties have tabled amendments that call on the government to honour its commitments made under the Kyoto Protocol. Harper has said that the Kyoto targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are not realistic.
The amendments call on the government to place hard caps on industrial emissions and develop a long-term plan that sets out targets for every five years starting in 2015.
On Tuesday, the Conservatives cancelled a committee meeting scheduled for this week on the bill. Another meeting is scheduled for Thursday morning.
Environment Minister John Baird said the meeting was cancelled simply because the Conservatives have been busy preparing the federal budget, which was unveiled on Monday, and negotiating ecoTrust announcements with the provinces.
"Obviously, it's been a busy time," Baird said Tuesday. "One of the things we hadn't anticipated is that a lot of work has had to go on environmentally that we hadn't anticipated."
But NDP MP Nathan Cullen, a committee member, said the Conservatives cancelled the meeting because they did not want to be in a position where they were voting against opposition amendments that would take real steps to protect the environment from industrial pollution.
"They didn't want the Canadian public seeing them voting against it," he said.
'Dead on arrival'
Liberal MP David McGuinty, another committee member, said the government has to accept the fact that the bill is being taken apart and put back together again in a completely different form than its original version.
"It was dead on arrival," he said. "Now we're going to put Humpty Dumpty together in a form that's different from what it looked like from the beginning."
The opposition parties hold the majority of votes on the committee, which means the amendments will likely be included in the bill when it returns to the House of Commons.
Under the first reading version of the bill, there was no mention of Kyoto and there were no hard caps on greenhouse gas emissions until 2020 or 2025, but the government would seek to cut emissions by 45 to 65 per cent by 2050.
The bill did not set short-term targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions and its emissions regulations on large polluters would not take effect until 2010.
Under Kyoto, the previous Liberal government pledged that Canada would reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to six per cent below 1990 levels by the five-year commitment period of 2008 to 2012.
The committee, officially known as the legislative committee on Bill C-30, must report back to the House of Commons by March 30.
With files from the Canadian Press
Clean Air Act puts Tories in hot spot as MPs propose changes
Report says speculation is growing that bill could trigger election
A special House of Commons committee has until the end of March to rewrite the Clean Air Act and opposition MPs say the Conservatives are slowing down the process.
According to a news report by CP, the bill could lead to an election call if Prime Minister Stephen Harper decides the bill is a matter of confidence and his minority government loses a vote on opposition amendments.
All three opposition parties have tabled amendments that call on the government to honour its commitments made under the Kyoto Protocol. Harper has said that the Kyoto targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are not realistic.
The amendments call on the government to place hard caps on industrial emissions and develop a long-term plan that sets out targets for every five years starting in 2015.
On Tuesday, the Conservatives cancelled a committee meeting scheduled for this week on the bill. Another meeting is scheduled for Thursday morning.
Environment Minister John Baird said the meeting was cancelled simply because the Conservatives have been busy preparing the federal budget, which was unveiled on Monday, and negotiating ecoTrust announcements with the provinces.
"Obviously, it's been a busy time," Baird said Tuesday. "One of the things we hadn't anticipated is that a lot of work has had to go on environmentally that we hadn't anticipated."
But NDP MP Nathan Cullen, a committee member, said the Conservatives cancelled the meeting because they did not want to be in a position where they were voting against opposition amendments that would take real steps to protect the environment from industrial pollution.
"They didn't want the Canadian public seeing them voting against it," he said.
'Dead on arrival'
Liberal MP David McGuinty, another committee member, said the government has to accept the fact that the bill is being taken apart and put back together again in a completely different form than its original version.
"It was dead on arrival," he said. "Now we're going to put Humpty Dumpty together in a form that's different from what it looked like from the beginning."
The opposition parties hold the majority of votes on the committee, which means the amendments will likely be included in the bill when it returns to the House of Commons.
Under the first reading version of the bill, there was no mention of Kyoto and there were no hard caps on greenhouse gas emissions until 2020 or 2025, but the government would seek to cut emissions by 45 to 65 per cent by 2050.
The bill did not set short-term targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions and its emissions regulations on large polluters would not take effect until 2010.
Under Kyoto, the previous Liberal government pledged that Canada would reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to six per cent below 1990 levels by the five-year commitment period of 2008 to 2012.
The committee, officially known as the legislative committee on Bill C-30, must report back to the House of Commons by March 30.
With files from the Canadian Press
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Globe and Mail: Federal Budget 2007
The complete article is at the Globe and Mail. From what I have heard on the news the committee amending the Clean Air Act is having problems and a couple of meetings have been cancelled. It may be that the govt. will introduce the Act without reference to Kyoto and in such a form that the opposition will feel compelled to vote it down. This could be a trigger for an election since the budget will obviously pass.
FEDERAL BUDGET 2007: Analysis
The pros and cons of playing political chicken
BRIAN LAGHI
OTTAWA BUREAU CHIEF
Stephen Harper doesn't need encouragement to play political chicken with his opponents on the other side of the House of Commons. But that's exactly what he was given this week when his government's budget was so quickly accepted.
The big question of whether the spending document would pitch Canadians into a spring election was answered almost immediately Monday when Bloc Québécois Leader Gilles Duceppe swallowed hard and voiced support for the plan.
But if the opposition thinks that this marks the end of Mr. Harper's aggressive challenges, senior federal Tories say they should think again, for the Prime Minister will only become bolder in throwing out dares that may eventually lead to a federal vote.
The guessing game of whether Mr. Harper wants to fight a spring election continued yesterday as hawks and doves within the party argued their cases. But whether or not there is a vote, senior Tories believe the Prime Minister is in the catbird seat because he believes the opposition sees itself as too weak to fight an election and can be forced to support government notions until it can stand it no more.
"My sense at this point is that he can keep pushing things until they say no, until they reach the breaking point," said a Conservative who asked not to be quoted by name. "From here on, he can continue to take bold measures on things that other parties don't agree on but they are too timid and too weak to fight an election on. So either way it's good. Either he gets things done that he wants to do, or he has an election on things he wants to have an election on."
Federal officials have been polling Canadians for their reaction to Monday's budget and whether support is strong enough for Mr. Harper to look for ways to push the opposition over the edge.
There are difficulties for the Tories in engineering their own downfall, but even federal Liberals concede that Mr. Harper can find a way to have the opposition pull the pin for him.
Mr. Harper can declare almost anything he wants to be a vote of confidence. That declaration could come should the Tory Party reintroduce a series of bills on crime that it knows the opposition loathes. Or when the Tories introduce new legislation on greenhouse gases that doesn't follow the Kyoto Protocol.
This can be tricky if Mr. Harper looks too opportunistic in bringing about his own defeat, but the Tories would probably gamble that it will be forgotten after a couple of days on the campaign trail.
FEDERAL BUDGET 2007: Analysis
The pros and cons of playing political chicken
BRIAN LAGHI
OTTAWA BUREAU CHIEF
Stephen Harper doesn't need encouragement to play political chicken with his opponents on the other side of the House of Commons. But that's exactly what he was given this week when his government's budget was so quickly accepted.
The big question of whether the spending document would pitch Canadians into a spring election was answered almost immediately Monday when Bloc Québécois Leader Gilles Duceppe swallowed hard and voiced support for the plan.
But if the opposition thinks that this marks the end of Mr. Harper's aggressive challenges, senior federal Tories say they should think again, for the Prime Minister will only become bolder in throwing out dares that may eventually lead to a federal vote.
The guessing game of whether Mr. Harper wants to fight a spring election continued yesterday as hawks and doves within the party argued their cases. But whether or not there is a vote, senior Tories believe the Prime Minister is in the catbird seat because he believes the opposition sees itself as too weak to fight an election and can be forced to support government notions until it can stand it no more.
"My sense at this point is that he can keep pushing things until they say no, until they reach the breaking point," said a Conservative who asked not to be quoted by name. "From here on, he can continue to take bold measures on things that other parties don't agree on but they are too timid and too weak to fight an election on. So either way it's good. Either he gets things done that he wants to do, or he has an election on things he wants to have an election on."
Federal officials have been polling Canadians for their reaction to Monday's budget and whether support is strong enough for Mr. Harper to look for ways to push the opposition over the edge.
There are difficulties for the Tories in engineering their own downfall, but even federal Liberals concede that Mr. Harper can find a way to have the opposition pull the pin for him.
Mr. Harper can declare almost anything he wants to be a vote of confidence. That declaration could come should the Tory Party reintroduce a series of bills on crime that it knows the opposition loathes. Or when the Tories introduce new legislation on greenhouse gases that doesn't follow the Kyoto Protocol.
This can be tricky if Mr. Harper looks too opportunistic in bringing about his own defeat, but the Tories would probably gamble that it will be forgotten after a couple of days on the campaign trail.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Canadian Federal Election Coming?
What nauseous rhetoric! Imagine the Conservative party of the sweating toiling masses. Really none of the parties can escape the rigors of competing for the favor of corporate capitalism. Well I don't know about the Communist Party, or its M-L variety if it still exists and perhaps the Christian Heritage party has not been bought out! But then how many seats will they get. Democracy(capitalist) is the opiate of the people!
Election call could come at any time, Harper tells Tory party
Last Updated: Saturday, March 17, 2007 | 8:27 PM ET
CBC News
Prime Minister Stephen Harper told Conservative members on Saturday that an election call could come without warning, and he urged the party to see itself as representing the interests of everyday Canadians.
"Never forget why we are here and who we serve — Canadian families and Canadian taxpayers," Harper said in Mississauga, Ont.
"We cannot worry about what they say about us around the boardroom tables, but but we must care what they talk about at the kitchen tables."
Prime Minister Stephen Harper, speaking at a Tory campaign training meeting in Mississauga, Ont., on Saturday, said in an election-style speech that there's still much work to be done by his party.
(Nathan Denette/Canadian Press) Harper, whose minority government was elected on Jan. 23, 2006, spoke at a campaign training weekend for more than 2,000 party nominees, MPs and volunteers. His election-style speech came before the federal government's budget on Monday.
"We are here to plan, plan for a future that could include an election … an election that the opposition could impose on Canadians at any time," Harper said.
The prime minister said the budget will include a "tax-back guarantee" for Canadians in which the federal government, as it pays down its national debt, will be required to use its interest savings to cut personal income taxes.
Harper said he is prepared to run on the party's track record, saying it has accomplished much in its short time in office, including on such issues as crime, law enforcement, foreign policy and the Armed Forces.
He said the party should be proud but must not rest on its laurels because there is still much work to be done.
Continue Article
"We took action to introduce mandatory prison sentences for gun crimes, a crackdown on violent, dangerous offenders, and reverse onus on bail applications involving firearms offences," he said.
"Our opponents continue to obstruct these bills. They do so at their own political peril."
Harper encouraged party members to remember that they represent the "unspoken interests" of the majority of Canadians, not the interests of lobby groups or big business.
Calls Liberals 'political exiles'
He described the Liberals as "political exiles" who defend the interests of corporations and who are filled with "empty rhetoric." He said the New Democrats, with their protest politics, are the defenders of fringe groups.
"Let the NDP defend the vocal interests. Let the Liberals defend the vested interests. Let the socialists promise tax increases. Let the Grits protect tax loopholes."
Harper said the Conservatives represent the interests of "hard-working people who didn't have the time to stage protests or the money to hire lobbyists."
He said everyday Canadians are "the quiet people you don't see on the nightly news … Canadians in the broad middle, Canadians who for far too long were ignored by the political process.
"Canadians see them, Conservatives see them, Conservatives hear them, Conservatives are them."
The speech, punctuated by applause and cheers, made reference to St. Patrick's Day on Saturday.
"Legend says that St. Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland. And last year, you, the grassroots members of the Conservative party, drove the Grits out of Ottawa. Now that's something worth saying cheers to," Harper said.
With files from the Canadian Press
Election call could come at any time, Harper tells Tory party
Last Updated: Saturday, March 17, 2007 | 8:27 PM ET
CBC News
Prime Minister Stephen Harper told Conservative members on Saturday that an election call could come without warning, and he urged the party to see itself as representing the interests of everyday Canadians.
"Never forget why we are here and who we serve — Canadian families and Canadian taxpayers," Harper said in Mississauga, Ont.
"We cannot worry about what they say about us around the boardroom tables, but but we must care what they talk about at the kitchen tables."
Prime Minister Stephen Harper, speaking at a Tory campaign training meeting in Mississauga, Ont., on Saturday, said in an election-style speech that there's still much work to be done by his party.
(Nathan Denette/Canadian Press) Harper, whose minority government was elected on Jan. 23, 2006, spoke at a campaign training weekend for more than 2,000 party nominees, MPs and volunteers. His election-style speech came before the federal government's budget on Monday.
"We are here to plan, plan for a future that could include an election … an election that the opposition could impose on Canadians at any time," Harper said.
The prime minister said the budget will include a "tax-back guarantee" for Canadians in which the federal government, as it pays down its national debt, will be required to use its interest savings to cut personal income taxes.
Harper said he is prepared to run on the party's track record, saying it has accomplished much in its short time in office, including on such issues as crime, law enforcement, foreign policy and the Armed Forces.
He said the party should be proud but must not rest on its laurels because there is still much work to be done.
Continue Article
"We took action to introduce mandatory prison sentences for gun crimes, a crackdown on violent, dangerous offenders, and reverse onus on bail applications involving firearms offences," he said.
"Our opponents continue to obstruct these bills. They do so at their own political peril."
Harper encouraged party members to remember that they represent the "unspoken interests" of the majority of Canadians, not the interests of lobby groups or big business.
Calls Liberals 'political exiles'
He described the Liberals as "political exiles" who defend the interests of corporations and who are filled with "empty rhetoric." He said the New Democrats, with their protest politics, are the defenders of fringe groups.
"Let the NDP defend the vocal interests. Let the Liberals defend the vested interests. Let the socialists promise tax increases. Let the Grits protect tax loopholes."
Harper said the Conservatives represent the interests of "hard-working people who didn't have the time to stage protests or the money to hire lobbyists."
He said everyday Canadians are "the quiet people you don't see on the nightly news … Canadians in the broad middle, Canadians who for far too long were ignored by the political process.
"Canadians see them, Conservatives see them, Conservatives hear them, Conservatives are them."
The speech, punctuated by applause and cheers, made reference to St. Patrick's Day on Saturday.
"Legend says that St. Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland. And last year, you, the grassroots members of the Conservative party, drove the Grits out of Ottawa. Now that's something worth saying cheers to," Harper said.
With files from the Canadian Press
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)