Consevative Party leadership contest

[tay]

Lisa Raitt’s math on carbon taxes doesn’t add up

“Mr. Speaker, another friend of mine, Marie, has three boys,” Lisa Raitt said on Wednesday during question period.

Raitt is the Conservatives’ finance critic. Across the House of Commons aisle, some Liberals chuckled. Raitt had already asked a question about her friend Susan, a divorced mom in Guelph whose daughters are in university. Susan “hears about some new taxes,” Raitt said. Surely the Liberals didn’t want to introduce new taxes.

Now Raitt was asking about her other friend, Marie. She did not like to hear the Liberals laughing about Marie.

“Are you kidding me? They’re laughing,” she said.

Finally she was able to describe Marie’s predicament.

“My friend Marie has three boys. Her husband just went on disability. They have a hard time making ends meet. She is trying to deal with it as best she can, but the money is just not there. Now she hears about more taxes.”

This is the carbon tax Justin Trudeau says he will implement in provinces that don’t already have a carbon tax, or a cap-and-trade scheme of equivalent effect.

Won’t the Liberals think of Marie, Raitt asked. “The reality is that the van has to be filled up to take the boys to hockey. So ‘Which one of the boys does not get to play hockey next year?’ is the question. She does not understand why the government does not realize she has a tough situation. Because if it did, it would not raise her taxes. What comfort does the government have to give her?”

Later that evening, video of the whole tableau — Raitt starting her question, the snide Liberal snickering, Raitt expostulating, Raitt finishing her question — was on Rona Ambrose’s Facebook page. “The Liberals are so out of touch from what ordinary Canadians are facing,” the Conservative interim leader wrote. It was right over her photos from a mid-week conference in the United Kingdom.

Let us ponder Marie’s case, to get in touch with ordinary Canadians.

Trudeau’s carbon tax, in provinces that don’t already price carbon, would be $10 per tonne of carbon emissions next year, rising to $50 a tonne in the fifth year. It’s been estimated this would boost the price of gas by about 11 cents a litre at the pump in year five.
Raitt was artfully imprecise about where Marie lives. That’s because Ontario, which Raitt represents in the House of Commons, already has a cap-and-trade scheme in place and should not expect to worry about a $50-per-tonne federal tax on top of that.


Perhaps Marie is in New Brunswick.

Wherever she lives, if her kids are in house-league hockey they are probably young enough to qualify for the Canada Child Benefit, introduced in Bill Morneau’s first budget. If Marie’s family income is $60,000 per year and her children are ages 6, 12 and 14, she’ll qualify for about $11,500 a year in child benefits, tax-free. This compares to $3,600 in taxable benefits under the Harper government’s old Canada Child Tax Benefit. Let’s say she now nets an extra $8,500 a year.

Marie must drive a lot, if carbon taxes tip the balance. Perhaps she drives a Ram ProMaster City, whose combined city-highway fuel efficiency, I learn, comes out to 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres. Kind of middling. At 11 cents per litre, that means 100 km of driving would cost her an extra $1.08.

To use up her net gain from the Canada Child Benefit on costlier hockey trips, Marie would need to drive 787,000 km a year. If the hockey season lasts 120 days, that’s 6,558 km per day. Perhaps Marie plans to drive from Moncton to Winnipeg and back for her kids’ games. If so, her enemy would not be the Liberals, but the provincial police: to get from Moncton to Winnipeg and back within a day she would need to drive at a constant speed of 273 km/h.

That’s in the fifth year of a carbon tax. If Marie is lucky, one of her children will simply be too old to make the daily Moncton-to-Winnipeg hockey trek by then. It’s worth remembering that in the last year, just from market fluctuations, the average retail price for gas in Canada has wandered between a low of 83 cents and a high of $1.10 — a range of 27 cents, or nearly two and a half times the 11-cent burden Trudeau threatens.

Raitt is thought to be contemplating a run at the Conservative leadership.

https://www.thestar.com/news/canada...on-carbon-taxes-doesnt-add-up-paul-wells.html

 

[lone wolf]

Tony may get the gazebo as a consolation prize

 

[Murphy]

Kellie Leitch has terrible handlers. Image is everything in politics. And image has nothing to do with the truth.

I have spoken with her on at least six occasions, and written her three times. I received a form letter response from one. The other two were ignored. Since her handlers and staff are actually the ones who answer correspondence, this shows that whoever is running her office and political affairs is falling down on the job.

As a doctor, I expected to see her show genuine compassion and understanding for the difficulties that children, seniors and the disadvantaged suffer from on a daily basis. As well, with CFB Borden in her riding, I expected her to show some concern for aging veterans. She has ignored all these concerns when questioned. She has continually ignored questions about health, unless corralled. I found this strange, considering she is an orthopedic pediatric surgeon, I expected that she would have some educated, thoughtful opinions about healthcare in Canada. I was wrong.

I wrote this on her Facebook page last winter.

You should return to the medical profession full time and leave governance to people with a sense of direction, and genuine concern for Canadians.

Many of us at CFB Borden were confused by your lack of support for vets - for our medical and mental health issues, as well as pension problems. The CPC closed offices that helped vets get medical treatment and deal with issues like post traumatic stress disorder.

We watched you on CPAC vote down a bill to eliminate the bridge benefit for retired veterans of the CF and the RCMP. It wasn't a big amount - a couple hundred dollars a month - but that small amount would have helped put nutritious food on our tables for those of us on fixed incomes.

We were disappointed that you and the CPC ignored the health of our children too. As a doctor, you know the importance of a proper diet and nutrition for growing bodies. You didn't seem to care about that either.

I am a card carrying Conservative. You have stood in my living room. What you told me and my family were not what you said in Ottawa. I believe that in your heart you know better, but perhaps politics is all you think about now. It's sad.

It seems that you really don't care about the average Canadian.

Addendum

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kellie_Leitch

If you scroll to the bottom of this page, you will see the results for the past two elections in her riding. Turnout was about the same for both, but support from 2011 to 2015 changed.

Conservative support dropped by almost 2% in the 2015 election compared to 2011. Not statistically important, but a drop. A compelling factoid is that Liberal support went from approx. 17.4% in 2011, to 38.6% in 2015 - an increase of 21.2% for the Grits.

Going by actual voter numbers, the Liberals improved by 25.9%.

Voter anger pro prompted this, so her campaign people have their work cut out for them, I think.

 

[tay]

It's been a year since the Harper government was sent packing. But, Gerry Caplan writes, if those vying to replace Stephen Harper are any indication, their defeat taught the Conservatives nothing:

There’s the widespread view among people within the party that the problem was their “tone.” It’s not at all clear what they think they mean by this, but it seems to have little to do with a series of mean and bigoted policies that failed to appeal to any but the Conservative base. The Harperites have, so far, not morphed into Boris Johnson or Donald Trump. However, they haven't morphed into anything:

For example, take Kellie Leitch, who seemed at first to be ashamed of her shabby role in the Conservative pledge to establish a tip line to report barbaric cultural practices to the RCMP, but has since doubled down on the very notion.

As a leadership candidate, she is promoting a “discussion” of Canadian values for immigrants. Yet when given an opportunity by interviewers, she refuses to discuss anything except how very, very much she wants to discuss. So she simply advances her meaningless slogan, then repeats it over and over again without any elaboration.

Chris Alexander now claims he loves immigrants. But, Caplan asks, "Who can doubt his sincerity?"

Then there's Maxime Bernier. "Quebec MP Maxime Bernier wants to turn Canada into a libertarian dystopia; he’s the Ayn Rand candidate, beloved no doubt by many impressionable first-year university students."

And, of course, there's Brad Trost:

Someone named Brad Trost – allegedly an MP from Saskatchewan – offers to turn the clock back by repudiating both a woman’s right to choose and same-sex marriage.

The Conservative Party itself entered modern history only in May when its convention voted that marriage need not be defined as between a man and woman, something Canada itself had decided a decade ago. But history is moving far too fast for Mr. Trost and for that third of the convention delegates who voted against the resolution. But early indications are that they are resisting Mr. Trost’s reactionary lure.

Harper's Conservatives were always stuck in the 19th century. The only member of the party who wasn't was Michael Chong. And, for that reason, Chong will face a tough slog for the leadership of the party.

Lessons learned? There's no evidence of that.

In the race to replace Harper, have Conservatives learned nothing? - The Globe and Mail

 

[pgs]

It's been a year since the Harper government was sent packing. But, Gerry Caplan writes, if those vying to replace Stephen Harper are any indication, their defeat taught the Conservatives nothing:

There’s the widespread view among people within the party that the problem was their “tone.” It’s not at all clear what they think they mean by this, but it seems to have little to do with a series of mean and bigoted policies that failed to appeal to any but the Conservative base. The Harperites have, so far, not morphed into Boris Johnson or Donald Trump. However, they haven't morphed into anything:

For example, take Kellie Leitch, who seemed at first to be ashamed of her shabby role in the Conservative pledge to establish a tip line to report barbaric cultural practices to the RCMP, but has since doubled down on the very notion.

As a leadership candidate, she is promoting a “discussion” of Canadian values for immigrants. Yet when given an opportunity by interviewers, she refuses to discuss anything except how very, very much she wants to discuss. So she simply advances her meaningless slogan, then repeats it over and over again without any elaboration.

Chris Alexander now claims he loves immigrants. But, Caplan asks, "Who can doubt his sincerity?"

Then there's Maxime Bernier. "Quebec MP Maxime Bernier wants to turn Canada into a libertarian dystopia; he’s the Ayn Rand candidate, beloved no doubt by many impressionable first-year university students."

And, of course, there's Brad Trost:

Someone named Brad Trost – allegedly an MP from Saskatchewan – offers to turn the clock back by repudiating both a woman’s right to choose and same-sex marriage.

The Conservative Party itself entered modern history only in May when its convention voted that marriage need not be defined as between a man and woman, something Canada itself had decided a decade ago. But history is moving far too fast for Mr. Trost and for that third of the convention delegates who voted against the resolution. But early indications are that they are resisting Mr. Trost’s reactionary lure.

Harper's Conservatives were always stuck in the 19th century. The only member of the party who wasn't was Michael Chong. And, for that reason, Chong will face a tough slog for the leadership of the party.

Lessons learned? There's no evidence of that.

In the race to replace Harper, have Conservatives learned nothing? - The Globe and Mail

Yup let the left leaning presstitutes determine conservative policy . Good idea .

 

[Danbones]

they are allowed to point out the absurdities
its a two way street

 

[tay]

Conservative leadership candidate Steven Blaney came under fire Sunday for referring to Canadian-born rival Michael Chong as a "model of integration," during an appearance on CTV's Question Period.

The comment came during a discussion of Blaney's plan to tighten immigration rules, if he comes to lead a Conservative government in the future. Question Period host Evan Solomon pressed Blaney on the issue, pointing out that Blaney's rivals, including Michael Chong and Deepak Obhrai, have suggested he's on the wrong track.

"To me, you know, Deepak Obhrai and Michael Chong are models of integration," Blaney said, adding: "Multiculturalism is about welcoming Canadians from all around the world, no matter what is their beliefs or where they come from."

Obhrai was born in Tanzania, but Chong hails from the city of Windsor, Ont.

"First of all, Michael Chong of course was born in Canada, so I don't know if he integrated," Solomon pointed out during the interview.

Blaney did not acknowledge the mistake about Chong in his response.

Steven Blaney criticized for calling Canadian-born rival Michael Chong a 'model of integration' | CTV News

 

[tay]

Conservative leadership candidate Lisa Raitt says applying a values test to those who want to immigrate to Canada could slow down the country's growth.

In an interview with Evan Solomon, host of CTV's Question Period, Raitt said any debate around immigration should be about helping to grow the country.

"Putting something like a values test in that place, in that space, I think is going to have the opposite effect and it'll chill people wanting to come here," Raitt said.

Whether aspiring Canadians should face a values test has been a major question in the Conservative leadership race so far after Ontario MP Kellie Leitch said she wants to see immigrants screened for their beliefs before they become citizens. Quebec MP Steven Blaney has gone further, echoing the need for a modified citizenship test but adding a call to force women to remove any face veils before taking the citizenship oath, and calling for a Royal Commission into Canadian identity.

Raitt says she is friends with Leitch and Blaney, both of whom have the right to raise these issues during the leadership race. But, she says, if security or education are a concern, those are the systems that should be improved.

"I don't agree with them," Raitt said.

The 12 confirmed Conservative candidates will have the chance to face off for the first time in a leadership debate Wednesday night in Saskatoon.

Canadian values test could 'chill' immigration, Lisa Raitt says | CTV News

 

[JLM]

Conservative leadership candidate Lisa Raitt says applying a values test to those who want to immigrate to Canada could slow down the country's growth.

In an interview with Evan Solomon, host of CTV's Question Period, Raitt said any debate around immigration should be about helping to grow the country.

"Putting something like a values test in that place, in that space, I think is going to have the opposite effect and it'll chill people wanting to come here," Raitt said.

Whether aspiring Canadians should face a values test has been a major question in the Conservative leadership race so far after Ontario MP Kellie Leitch said she wants to see immigrants screened for their beliefs before they become citizens. Quebec MP Steven Blaney has gone further, echoing the need for a modified citizenship test but adding a call to force women to remove any face veils before taking the citizenship oath, and calling for a Royal Commission into Canadian identity.

Raitt says she is friends with Leitch and Blaney, both of whom have the right to raise these issues during the leadership race. But, she says, if security or education are a concern, those are the systems that should be improved.

"I don't agree with them," Raitt said.

The 12 confirmed Conservative candidates will have the chance to face off for the first time in a leadership debate Wednesday night in Saskatoon.

Canadian values test could 'chill' immigration, Lisa Raitt says | CTV News

After the huge influx of Syrian refugees would it be a bad idea to "chill" immigration for a couple of years? We could use the breathing space to bring communities in northern Manitoba and northern Ontario up to snuff! Maybe in the north generally.

 

[tay]

Looks like we have a battle a brewin......


Conservative leadership candidate Kellie Leitch is slamming her rival candidates — notably Lisa Raitt — who oppose her proposal for screening new immigrants for “anti-Canadian values.”

Leitch made the pitch back in September and has been attacked for the proposal ever since; many accuse her of putting forth an unworkable policy to exploit “dog whistle” political messaging.

Meanwhile, Leitch has doubled down on the tactic.

“Add Lisa Raitt to the list of Conservative leadership candidates who WILL NOT screen visitors, refugees or immigrants for anti-Canadian values,” Leitch said in a fundraising email that went out to supporters Sunday evening.

At her official leadership launch in Toronto Friday, former cabinet minister and Tory MP Raitt said that maintaining a strong immigration system that helps immigrants prosper in Canada is more important than having a test “determining whether or not you enjoy freedom, or if you like maple syrup.”

Raitt told CTV’s Question Period on Sunday that “putting something like a values test in that place, in that space, I think is going to have the opposite effect and it’ll chill people wanting to come here.”

“Lisa said that she won’t screen immigrants for anti-Canadian values before granting them permanent residency status. She says a values test will put a ‘chill’ on people wanting to come to Canada,” said Leitch in her fundraising pitch.

“Lisa has decided to stand with the left-wing media elite and the rest of the Conservative candidates who don’t want to stand up for our shared Canadian values.”

The email lists all of the candidates who oppose Leitch’s proposal, including Maxime Bernier, Andrew Scheer, Chris Alexander, Michael Chong and Deepak Obhrai.

Leitch slams Raitt for opposing ‘anti-Canadian values’ test

 

[tay]

Conservative leadership contender Deepak Obhrai received emails telling him to ‘leave Canada’ after Leitch released immigration plan

“That is the wrong approach to take,” said Mr. Obhrai, one of the deans of the House of Commons, who was born in Tanzania to a Hindu family, and was first elected in his Calgary riding in 1997 after immigrating to Canada in 1977.

Mr. Obhrai did not comment directly on the possible effect Ms. Leitch’s immigration policy may have had on her fundraising, but instead revealed other fallout from the controversial idea.

“Basically, after Kellie Leitch came out with it, I can tell you that when I said I’m opposing her, that I don’t agree with her, I did also get a lot of emails that were telling me ‘leave the country, go away,’” Mr. Obhrai said.

Obhrai received emails telling him to 'leave Canada' after Leitch released immigration plan - The Hill Times - The Hill Times

 

[tay]

Conservative leadership candidates take open mic questions, but Leitch leaves early

Leitch attended the lunch portion of the event and spoke to those who purchased tickets, but she left before the other candidates took to the stage for the debate. There was no official announcement to the crowd explaining why

In a statement to CBC News, a spokesman for Leitch said she needed to be back in Toronto this afternoon due to an incident at her home.

"Unfortunately that meant she had to leave the Ottawa event before its completion," wrote Bradley Breton. "I am not at liberty to discuss any more details at this time."

The Carleton Conservative Association says its lunch event Sunday — billed as the only chance area party members will have to hear from all the contenders in one place — sold out and the room in the small conference facility is packed.

The event, moderated by local MP and former cabinet minister Pierre Poilievre, was open to any member of the public who bought a ticket.

Conservative leadership candidates take open mic questions, but Leitch leaves early - Politics - CBC News

 

[Durry]

Conservative leadership contender Deepak Obhrai received emails telling him to ‘leave Canada’ after Leitch released immigration plan

“That is the wrong approach to take,” said Mr. Obhrai, one of the deans of the House of Commons, who was born in Tanzania to a Hindu family, and was first elected in his Calgary riding in 1997 after immigrating to Canada in 1977.

Mr. Obhrai did not comment directly on the possible effect Ms. Leitch’s immigration policy may have had on her fundraising, but instead revealed other fallout from the controversial idea.

“Basically, after Kellie Leitch came out with it, I can tell you that when I said I’m opposing her, that I don’t agree with her, I did also get a lot of emails that were telling me ‘leave the country, go away,’” Mr. Obhrai said.

Obhrai received emails telling him to 'leave Canada' after Leitch released immigration plan - The Hill Times - The Hill Times

Typical E Indian, screwed up his own country, runs to Canada to get all its free benefits (which he never fought for) and has the gall to tell Canadian borns who lost loved ones, what is good for them.

Send this scum back to the country he and his forefathers built.

 

[petros]

EIs did fight in both big ones.

 

[JamesBondo]

What about Jean Charest? If he crossed the floor would he be able to get Quebec votes?

 

[Durry]

EIs did fight in both big ones.

Not for Canada !!

 

[mentalfloss]

 

[petros]

Not for Canada !!

Who has in your eyes?

The first Sikhs came to Canada in 1902 as part of a Hong Kong military contingent travelling to the coronation of Edward VII. The first Sikh immigrants arrived in 1904 and by 1908, when an immigration ban was imposed, more than 5000 South Asians, over 90% of them Sikhs, had arrived in British Columbia.

Canadian Soldier Sikhs: A Little Story in a Big War

History records that thousands of Sikh soldiers from India fought in France during World War 1 and participated in many of the War’s major battles. But who knows that a handful of Sikhs also fought in WWI as part of the Canadian Army? At a time when Sikhs were actively prevented from immigrating to Canada and were denied Canadian citizenship, these men joined with other Canadians to fight in Europe. Of the ten Canadian soldier Sikhs so far identified, eight served in Canada, England, and France. Three were wounded in action and three died as a result of their wartime service.

Canadian Soldier Sikhs tells the fascinating and unknown story of this handful of Sikh immigrants to Canada who enlisted in the Canadian Army in World War I. They were volunteers who fought, and some died, for a country which denied them even the basic rights of citizenship.

Any comments?

 

[Cannuck]

Not for Canada !!

My my, that's embarrassing

 

[Durry]

Ten soldier Sikhs, wow, what an army eh??? What would have we done without them?? Sheesh!!

Brown people in Canada make up about 5-7% percent of Canada's population, yet less than 0.5% of Canada's military population is made up of brown people.

They didn't carry their share of weight before and they are not carrying their fair of weight now!!