May 15th, 2004, 12:54 PM
Harper's moderate formula
Terence Corcoran
National Post
Saturday, May 15, 2004
Conservative Party leader Stephen Harper in Toronto Friday. (CP/ Derek Oliver)
[ PHOTO OF HARPER REMOVED ]
There are two big stories in the leaked election platform of the new Conservative party. One is the saga of the leak itself and the possible political damage caused by the premature release of what may well be the most important determinant of the party's fortunes. The second story is the platform itself, a little masterpiece of political strategy and a brilliant mirror of the soul of the New Conservatism.
Let's face it. Demand Better, the theme of the document, is not the platform of an ideological machine hellbent on turning Canada into a radical libertarian free-market society. Nor is it the redneck social conservative caricature the Liberals hope to pound into oblivion during the election. The new Conservatives, under Stephen Harper, are clearly making a bold and genuine attempt to forge a fresh Canadian consensus.
As a result, Demand Better will disappoint Conservatives whose many heartfelt ideas will have been watered down or ignored. More disappointed, however, may well be the Liberals. They should certainly be worried. This is no time for Liberal arrogance, because Demand Better, for all its flaws and irritations, comes across as a deeply honest effort to create a political alternative that has broad appeal, an alternative that has some chance of giving the Conservatives a shot at overthrowing the Liberals.
Honesty and a sense of integrity may be exactly what Canadians will be looking for in this election. There is also a simplicity to the program. It sets grand objectives aimed at raising Canada's economic performance, improving ethics, lowering taxes, boosting the armed forces and improving relations with the United States. But the specific measures are modest, within reach, easily doable. The significant 25% tax cuts are aimed directly at the middle class, $50,000 wage earner -- but the annual cost will amount to only $6-billion once it's phased in after four years.
Every part of the platform seems grounded in reality. These are things that can be done without stretching any budget or program or anyone's imagination. The platform laces into Liberal scandals and spending, for example, and then makes concrete proposals to improve governance in Ottawa. It would increase the role of the auditor-general and end corporate and union donations and the Liberals' taxpayer subsidies to political parties. Federal elections would be held on a fixed date every four years. The infamous election gag law would be killed.
The Conservatives could bring in their entire platform within their first year in power without rocking any boats. These are promises that can be kept. More than a few would be better not kept, unfortunately. The party's commitment to the farm marketing board system and its plan to transfer gasoline tax revenues to the provinces would be better off left in the Liberal platform.
What Demand Better lacks most of all is cynicism, and in this the platform seems to reflect the party's leader. At a C.D. Howe Institute luncheon yesterday, an hour or two before the unfortunate leak, Mr. Harper made no attempt to hide or fake his objectives. His stance, and the platform's stance, on the most contentious social issues reflects the membership of the new Conservatives. On the volatile gay marriage issue, the party sticks to policy that differentiates it from the Liberal policy. It will leave the issue to Parliament rather than the courts.
It's a platform designed to win an election, a consensus-building agenda that aims to bring diverse views together. To pick one example: after Mr. Harper outlined his plan for a new Registered Lifetime Savings Plan -- a sound, modest and responsible proposal if ever there was one -- a member of the business audience raised a business question. An RLSP is fine for small investors, but what about venture capital and Canada's investment and capital gains taxes.
Unfazed, Mr. Harper -- who has an economics degree -- said that while he personally felt that "the capital gains tax is on its face counterproductive" economically, he had no intention of launching the new Conservatives into a major reform of corporate or investment taxation. His objective, he said, is to remain focused on a platform that is clear, understandable, doable and will win the election.
On taxes, Stephen Harper is no George Bush. But as the polls seem to say, Canadians don't want George Bush.
© National Post 2004
I saw the original story on Canada.com (what an ugly site!), here http://www.canada.com/national/natio...2-4f6b5c2fdbd1
Harper's moderate formula
Terence Corcoran
National Post
Saturday, May 15, 2004
Conservative Party leader Stephen Harper in Toronto Friday. (CP/ Derek Oliver)
[ PHOTO OF HARPER REMOVED ]
There are two big stories in the leaked election platform of the new Conservative party. One is the saga of the leak itself and the possible political damage caused by the premature release of what may well be the most important determinant of the party's fortunes. The second story is the platform itself, a little masterpiece of political strategy and a brilliant mirror of the soul of the New Conservatism.
Let's face it. Demand Better, the theme of the document, is not the platform of an ideological machine hellbent on turning Canada into a radical libertarian free-market society. Nor is it the redneck social conservative caricature the Liberals hope to pound into oblivion during the election. The new Conservatives, under Stephen Harper, are clearly making a bold and genuine attempt to forge a fresh Canadian consensus.
As a result, Demand Better will disappoint Conservatives whose many heartfelt ideas will have been watered down or ignored. More disappointed, however, may well be the Liberals. They should certainly be worried. This is no time for Liberal arrogance, because Demand Better, for all its flaws and irritations, comes across as a deeply honest effort to create a political alternative that has broad appeal, an alternative that has some chance of giving the Conservatives a shot at overthrowing the Liberals.
Honesty and a sense of integrity may be exactly what Canadians will be looking for in this election. There is also a simplicity to the program. It sets grand objectives aimed at raising Canada's economic performance, improving ethics, lowering taxes, boosting the armed forces and improving relations with the United States. But the specific measures are modest, within reach, easily doable. The significant 25% tax cuts are aimed directly at the middle class, $50,000 wage earner -- but the annual cost will amount to only $6-billion once it's phased in after four years.
Every part of the platform seems grounded in reality. These are things that can be done without stretching any budget or program or anyone's imagination. The platform laces into Liberal scandals and spending, for example, and then makes concrete proposals to improve governance in Ottawa. It would increase the role of the auditor-general and end corporate and union donations and the Liberals' taxpayer subsidies to political parties. Federal elections would be held on a fixed date every four years. The infamous election gag law would be killed.
The Conservatives could bring in their entire platform within their first year in power without rocking any boats. These are promises that can be kept. More than a few would be better not kept, unfortunately. The party's commitment to the farm marketing board system and its plan to transfer gasoline tax revenues to the provinces would be better off left in the Liberal platform.
What Demand Better lacks most of all is cynicism, and in this the platform seems to reflect the party's leader. At a C.D. Howe Institute luncheon yesterday, an hour or two before the unfortunate leak, Mr. Harper made no attempt to hide or fake his objectives. His stance, and the platform's stance, on the most contentious social issues reflects the membership of the new Conservatives. On the volatile gay marriage issue, the party sticks to policy that differentiates it from the Liberal policy. It will leave the issue to Parliament rather than the courts.
It's a platform designed to win an election, a consensus-building agenda that aims to bring diverse views together. To pick one example: after Mr. Harper outlined his plan for a new Registered Lifetime Savings Plan -- a sound, modest and responsible proposal if ever there was one -- a member of the business audience raised a business question. An RLSP is fine for small investors, but what about venture capital and Canada's investment and capital gains taxes.
Unfazed, Mr. Harper -- who has an economics degree -- said that while he personally felt that "the capital gains tax is on its face counterproductive" economically, he had no intention of launching the new Conservatives into a major reform of corporate or investment taxation. His objective, he said, is to remain focused on a platform that is clear, understandable, doable and will win the election.
On taxes, Stephen Harper is no George Bush. But as the polls seem to say, Canadians don't want George Bush.
© National Post 2004
I saw the original story on Canada.com (what an ugly site!), here http://www.canada.com/national/natio...2-4f6b5c2fdbd1
Member
Posts: 181 
Location: Montréal, Quebec
Location: Montréal, Quebec
May 15th, 2004, 04:54 PM
I do not want to see this man running Canada. He will lead Canada in the wrong paths that we have seen other conservatives like Brian Mulroney do.
There are other conservatives that I like and that I would not mind seeing run our country, but right now, there is nothing they can say that will make me vote conservatives.
I will not vote Liberal and I will not vote Conservative. I will not vote NDP and I will not vote Bloc Quebecois.
What choice do Canadians have? We can elect Paul Martin again to run this country into more problems than we see today. We can vote conservation and see this lunatic Stephen Harper run us into the ground (or run us south). We can vote NDP and watch our land become a socialists paradise or we can vote Bloc Quebecois and watch those maniacs drive our country into chaos.
What choice do Canadians have? It is upto everybody who votes. I don't know if I should vote this year, or just send my ballot to the Bloc and give Quebec a better voice, even if it doesn't follow what I want as a citizen.
I do not want to see this man running Canada. He will lead Canada in the wrong paths that we have seen other conservatives like Brian Mulroney do.
There are other conservatives that I like and that I would not mind seeing run our country, but right now, there is nothing they can say that will make me vote conservatives.
I will not vote Liberal and I will not vote Conservative. I will not vote NDP and I will not vote Bloc Quebecois.
What choice do Canadians have? We can elect Paul Martin again to run this country into more problems than we see today. We can vote conservation and see this lunatic Stephen Harper run us into the ground (or run us south). We can vote NDP and watch our land become a socialists paradise or we can vote Bloc Quebecois and watch those maniacs drive our country into chaos.
What choice do Canadians have? It is upto everybody who votes. I don't know if I should vote this year, or just send my ballot to the Bloc and give Quebec a better voice, even if it doesn't follow what I want as a citizen.
Super Genius
Posts: 1,065
Location: Montréal, Québec
Location: Montréal, Québec
May 15th, 2004, 05:05 PM
The bloc, even with its separatist formula... Is there to represent Québécois in general. The seperatist, Nationalist and Federalist. That is why, I shall vote for them. They have represent me well in the past, and I'm confident they will continue to do so.
The bloc, even with its separatist formula... Is there to represent Québécois in general. The seperatist, Nationalist and Federalist. That is why, I shall vote for them. They have represent me well in the past, and I'm confident they will continue to do so.
Super Genius
Posts: 1,320
Location: Winnipeg
Location: Winnipeg
May 15th, 2004, 05:14 PM
There are the Greens and the Canadian Action Party, Vincent. Go vote.
I don't want Harper running things either though. This article is biased. It doesn't mention that Harper is talking about increasing spending while reducing revenue. That is exactly what George Bush has done, and it's led to some serious deficits.
Canada went down that road the last time we had a neo-conservative in charge. It resulted in the dismantling of our social safety net in some truly brutal slashing and burning and while corporations laughed their way to the bank, the Canadian people were left holding the bag.
I also don't don't trust Harper to try to keep up his moderate facade for more than a day or two after the election. This man is an ideologue. His social plans come directly from his extreme religious views with no regard for the views of others. His political views come from his neo-conservatism, again with no regard for the views of others.
Harper is a dangerous little git and Canada will be a better place when he's gone.
There are the Greens and the Canadian Action Party, Vincent. Go vote.
I don't want Harper running things either though. This article is biased. It doesn't mention that Harper is talking about increasing spending while reducing revenue. That is exactly what George Bush has done, and it's led to some serious deficits.
Canada went down that road the last time we had a neo-conservative in charge. It resulted in the dismantling of our social safety net in some truly brutal slashing and burning and while corporations laughed their way to the bank, the Canadian people were left holding the bag.
I also don't don't trust Harper to try to keep up his moderate facade for more than a day or two after the election. This man is an ideologue. His social plans come directly from his extreme religious views with no regard for the views of others. His political views come from his neo-conservatism, again with no regard for the views of others.
Harper is a dangerous little git and Canada will be a better place when he's gone.
Member
Posts: 181
Location: Montréal, Quebec
Location: Montréal, Quebec
May 16th, 2004, 11:27 AM
Myabe Numure, maybe.
We do not want another George W Bush running Canada in any circumstances. I think the liberals will just get in which will give Paul Martin a chance to get richer off of our tax dollars. He should live off his own dollars instead of taking my hard-earned money and YOUR hard-earned money for his own use.
Myabe Numure, maybe.
We do not want another George W Bush running Canada in any circumstances. I think the liberals will just get in which will give Paul Martin a chance to get richer off of our tax dollars. He should live off his own dollars instead of taking my hard-earned money and YOUR hard-earned money for his own use.
May 18th, 2004, 07:00 PM
I agree with Vincent_2002. I used to like Stephen Harper to a degree, thanks to many who post articles and their thoughts here that I have changed my mind and gone completely offcourse! My voting has been effected by everyone around here, and thanks!
This man would turn Canada into another badly run country just like the Americans have with huge defecits and more power to large corporations. Take a look around and read up on Stephen Harper, your opinion will change drastically (to anyone who supports him).
Cheers!
I agree with Vincent_2002. I used to like Stephen Harper to a degree, thanks to many who post articles and their thoughts here that I have changed my mind and gone completely offcourse! My voting has been effected by everyone around here, and thanks!
This man would turn Canada into another badly run country just like the Americans have with huge defecits and more power to large corporations. Take a look around and read up on Stephen Harper, your opinion will change drastically (to anyone who supports him).
Cheers!
Newbie
Posts: 2
May 21st, 2004, 10:55 PM
Hey guys I don't think Harper is another Bush. I am totally annoyed with Martin, and would never vote NDP because there would be no money left in a very short time.
I can not vote for the BLOC because I live in the west and not Quebec. But I would like to see the Bloc knock out the NDP.
I think I will give Harper a chance , because he is prolife, and the taxes lowered to 16% would be nice.
I also like a lot of things he stands for.
The liberals Have gone too far , I have voted for them for 26 years no more
Hey guys I don't think Harper is another Bush. I am totally annoyed with Martin, and would never vote NDP because there would be no money left in a very short time.
I can not vote for the BLOC because I live in the west and not Quebec. But I would like to see the Bloc knock out the NDP.
I think I will give Harper a chance , because he is prolife, and the taxes lowered to 16% would be nice.
I also like a lot of things he stands for.
The liberals Have gone too far , I have voted for them for 26 years no more
Super Genius
Posts: 1,320
Location: Winnipeg
Location: Winnipeg
May 22nd, 2004, 01:54 AM
I'm pro-life too...I don't think Canadian soldiers should be sent to die and kill so that some corporation can make a buck or two. Harper does not share that view.
I believe in a woman's right to choose though. Harper doesn't share that view either. More offensively he doesn't share that view for religious reasons.
I also believe that same-sex marriage should be legal. There's Harper with his religious beliefs again.
I believe in the separation of church and state. Harper doesn't.
I believe that people are more important than money. Harper doesn't.
I believe that Canada is one nation and should work to bring its various regions closer together. Harper doesn't.
L'il Stevie Harper is likely the only man in Canada more dangerous to Canada's well-being than Paul Martin. Vote for anybody but those two.
I'm pro-life too...I don't think Canadian soldiers should be sent to die and kill so that some corporation can make a buck or two. Harper does not share that view.
I believe in a woman's right to choose though. Harper doesn't share that view either. More offensively he doesn't share that view for religious reasons.
I also believe that same-sex marriage should be legal. There's Harper with his religious beliefs again.
I believe in the separation of church and state. Harper doesn't.
I believe that people are more important than money. Harper doesn't.
I believe that Canada is one nation and should work to bring its various regions closer together. Harper doesn't.
L'il Stevie Harper is likely the only man in Canada more dangerous to Canada's well-being than Paul Martin. Vote for anybody but those two.
Newbie
Posts: 4
Location: Planet EARTH
Location: Planet EARTH
May 22nd, 2004, 08:35 PM
Very well said Reverend Blair.
I could not have expressed myself as well as you have with such simple and recognizable points.
Harper does not believe in a lot of things which are for the people. He does not follow the people's opinions. He does not care what people think. It's his was or basically the highway.
A Stephen Harper in power is a Stephen Harper nobody wants to realize.
Vote for who stands for YOU, the people. Do not vote for somebody who stands for religous believes and handing masses of power to corporations.
Very well said Reverend Blair.
I could not have expressed myself as well as you have with such simple and recognizable points.
Harper does not believe in a lot of things which are for the people. He does not follow the people's opinions. He does not care what people think. It's his was or basically the highway.
A Stephen Harper in power is a Stephen Harper nobody wants to realize.
Vote for who stands for YOU, the people. Do not vote for somebody who stands for religous believes and handing masses of power to corporations.
Newbie
Posts: 2
May 22nd, 2004, 11:08 PM
Alden
He also believes in Good government , we have not seen that for a very long time . He will not steal money from the people. He will also up grade our military but I guess you don't think we need that either. The terrorists are not going to think twice about attacking Canada because we are in afganistan.
Its his way or the highway is a very dumb statement.
Canada needs a strong leader not a wimp like Martin or Layton.
How is Martin or layton going to protect us from terrorists?
By cutting back the forces?
Alden
Quote:
That is B/S NDP propagada. When the liberal are in trouble they also hack others, He believes in the people ever the unborn ones.
Harper does not believe in a lot of things which are for the people. He does not follow the people's opinions. He does not care what people think. It's his was or basically the highway.
He also believes in Good government , we have not seen that for a very long time . He will not steal money from the people. He will also up grade our military but I guess you don't think we need that either. The terrorists are not going to think twice about attacking Canada because we are in afganistan.
Its his way or the highway is a very dumb statement.
Canada needs a strong leader not a wimp like Martin or Layton.
How is Martin or layton going to protect us from terrorists?
By cutting back the forces?
Super Genius
Posts: 1,320
Location: Winnipeg
Location: Winnipeg
May 23rd, 2004, 01:46 PM
Both Martin and Layton have said they will increase spending to the military, maplesugar. Harper is the only one who has said that we should have used that military to join in George Bush's illegal war.
Harper's religious beliefs cause to want to end a woman's right choose and gay marriages. I don't happen to believe in Harper's god. I do believe that church and state should be kept seperate.
Harper has never said how he defines good government and there is absolutely no indication that he would be any less prone to stealing than Paul Martin.
Both Martin and Layton have said they will increase spending to the military, maplesugar. Harper is the only one who has said that we should have used that military to join in George Bush's illegal war.
Harper's religious beliefs cause to want to end a woman's right choose and gay marriages. I don't happen to believe in Harper's god. I do believe that church and state should be kept seperate.
Harper has never said how he defines good government and there is absolutely no indication that he would be any less prone to stealing than Paul Martin.
Super Genius
Posts: 1,065
Location: Montréal, Québec
Location: Montréal, Québec
May 23rd, 2004, 08:08 PM
The hole scandal was overblown to start with. Only a few million was unaccounted for, not the hole programs budget. Though the program was a waste of money for the rest of Canada. In Québec, it supported many athletic and cultural events.
The hole scandal was overblown to start with. Only a few million was unaccounted for, not the hole programs budget. Though the program was a waste of money for the rest of Canada. In Québec, it supported many athletic and cultural events.
Member
Posts: 58
Location: Red Deer Alberta
Location: Red Deer Alberta
May 24th, 2004, 03:31 AM
Your all a bunch of socialists here.
Stephen Harper will win this election and Canada will again be prosperous with our brothers and sisters in the United States of America. All i will hear from you people is Iraq here and Iraq there. Iraqi people were saved from a brutal dictator. Canada should have joined our brothers in the USA. It shows what cowards Canadian government is
maplesugar58 is right. in both meanings.
I promise you Canada will see a bright future with Mr. Harper leading us. To hell with Paul Martin and Jack Layton, vote conservative and see Canada in a bright future.
Your all a bunch of socialists here.
Stephen Harper will win this election and Canada will again be prosperous with our brothers and sisters in the United States of America. All i will hear from you people is Iraq here and Iraq there. Iraqi people were saved from a brutal dictator. Canada should have joined our brothers in the USA. It shows what cowards Canadian government is
maplesugar58 is right. in both meanings.
I promise you Canada will see a bright future with Mr. Harper leading us. To hell with Paul Martin and Jack Layton, vote conservative and see Canada in a bright future.
Newbie
Posts: 14
Location: Port Alberni, BC
Location: Port Alberni, BC
May 24th, 2004, 04:14 AM
Quoting
Have you ever watched Harper in the house of commons? hes the biggest moron ive ever heard and seen. Your entitled to your opinion, but i urge you to research a little more on who your supporting. Don't vote for him just because he supported us sending troops into an "unjustified" war against Iraq.
Your all a bunch of socialists here.
Stephen Harper will win this election and Canada will again be prosperous with our brothers and sisters in the United States of America. All i will hear from you people is Iraq here and Iraq there. Iraqi people were saved from a brutal dictator. Canada should have joined our brothers in the USA. It shows what cowards Canadian government is
maplesugar58 is right. in both meanings.
I promise you Canada will see a bright future with Mr. Harper leading us. To hell with Paul Martin and Jack Layton, vote conservative and see Canada in a bright future.
Stephen Harper will win this election and Canada will again be prosperous with our brothers and sisters in the United States of America. All i will hear from you people is Iraq here and Iraq there. Iraqi people were saved from a brutal dictator. Canada should have joined our brothers in the USA. It shows what cowards Canadian government is
maplesugar58 is right. in both meanings.
I promise you Canada will see a bright future with Mr. Harper leading us. To hell with Paul Martin and Jack Layton, vote conservative and see Canada in a bright future.
