Canada General Discussion

[RogueBeaver]

Yellow siren: Ivison says that Harper may resign after he returns from Israel, though the PMO denies this obviously. Rather strangely, apparently Kenney does not want the leadership and would play kingmaker instead. Which goes against everything else I've ever read or thought I knew about the party's leadership. All of this is to be believed if seen, like the often-rumoured Flaherty departure. Personally I think Harper should lead as long as the party has confidence in him and we still have a majority. This would make for an interesting leadership race if Kenney indeed stays out: which Blue would step up?

[RogueBeaver]

What do you think of the Tory leadership speculation? I guess Baird would have to reconsider. Raitt maybe?

[RogueBeaver]

What do you think of the Tory leadership speculation? I guess Baird would have to reconsider. Raitt maybe?

Some of the also-rans might throw their names in if it isn't a coronation. Alexander is the prime example.

You think Alexander would run? Plus Bernier and Moore.

[RogueBeaver]

Those current numbers are awful for we Tories in Ontario, though of course a lot will change in 18 months. The biggest names for the next leadership contest are all secure. It seems strange that Kenney, who has been pegged the heir apparent for so long, wouldn't run. Were it anyone but Ivison I wouldn't buy it for a second.

[RogueBeaver]

Surely you troll? Kenney would destroy Trudeau in any substantive debate, as always happens in the House.

[RogueBeaver]

Kenney knows how to handle social issues and wouldn't legislate. As for personal life... his socon appeal suggests that won't be an issue either.

[RogueBeaver]

We don't lack in rapid response or air war capability now, and Kenney ain't Day. I'm not worried about Harper or Kenney's prospects against Trudeau.

[RogueBeaver]

We don't lack in rapid response or air war capability now, and Kenney ain't Day. I'm not worried about Harper or Kenney's prospects against Trudeau.

I'd put it down as a concern, but not a deal breaker. Kenney doesn't have the same history of pontificating on this sort of thing. He's been pretty quiet about AFAIK.

Yeah, I mean Harper's old opposition speeches give us insight into what he really believes, but those haven't been an issue since the time they were made. Usually a Red friend of mine mentions an old CNN clip from 1990 when Kenney was a pro-life activist. What matters is when you mention or get mentioned in connection with a social issue and aren't prepared for rapid response, then get beaten to a pulp by the MSM. Like Hudak and the pro-life petition. Kenney would swat them down without a blink.

[RogueBeaver]

Soudas could be returning as the CPC's executive director. We'll find out very soon.

[RogueBeaver]

Pop goes the Toronto CW: Mulcair is our [Quebec's] most popular politician at 60/10 while Trudeau's the most polarizing at 44/32.

Soudas has returned.

An amusing spat between Harper and Williams in '06, involving public F-bombs. Metaphor for federal-provincial relations, methinks.

[RogueBeaver]

For some reason I thought it was the 12th. At any rate a happy anniversary for me. In March Harper will enter his second decade as leader. Even happier anniversary would be March 2016, if we make it there with our majority intact. Rather amazing how quickly everything came together, given early predictions that Martin would win an '84-style earthquake. Didn't quite work out that way.

[RogueBeaver]

Unintentionally hilarious TV moment today: Calandra saying he's always wanted to be PM.

[RogueBeaver]

On a much more serious note, here's an interview with Monique Lépine.

[RogueBeaver]

Hyer: No real surprise, though I guess he loses in '15. In other Ontario news, Hudak should save the IR stuff for later and focus on economy/jobs.

[RogueBeaver]

Caught a bit of QP on Twitter. Unsurprisingly, Calandra's the author of that Santa thing. I honestly don't know what Harper saw in him. Or in DDM for that matter, but that's another story.

[RogueBeaver]

Parliament adjourned till Jan. 27. Should I start a new thread in the new year or wait for a mod to close this one? We're closing in on 2500 after all.

[RogueBeaver]

Not my first choice either. We kept this one going for 2 years, so that's something. I'm hesitant to call it CGD II, which I'd like to save for the 42nd Parliament. But I'll probably do so nonetheless. Hopefully the next one lasts till the election.

Some QP stats: Mulcair attended 20, Harper 15, Trudeau 13. IIRC there were either 33 or 36 this sitting.

[RogueBeaver]

Given his "performance" there, no wonder his response was the usual "more important to meet ordinary Canadians" spin. Speaking of QP, backup PM duty should be delegated to the Cabinet rather than the hapless Calandra. I was immensely relieved when Moore and Poilievre were stickhandling one QP last week.

As for who "won" the year politically, I'd say Mulcair federally and Christy Clark provincially.

[RogueBeaver]

Hugh Segal will retire next summer. One of the best senators, even if I strongly disagree with him on many issues. Hopefully a Blue replacement.

[RogueBeaver]

QC: At least you guys have options. I don't and never will.

[RogueBeaver]

In federal news, Clement is gearing up for another round with PSAC.  

[RogueBeaver]

So what does everyone think of Wynne's plan to run on a tax hike? I'll give her points for honesty, nothing more. Also, Duncan thinks OPG should be privatized. "Bipartisan" imprimatur if Hudak wins and wants to do that.

[RogueBeaver]

Strangler crony Jacques Corriveau has been charged with fraud, forgery and laundering proceeds of crime. Adscam lives! Though due to his age he'll probably get a minimal sentence.

[RogueBeaver]

Whoa: Flaherty confronted Kenney after Kenney's Ford comments and it almost got physical. Flaherty told Kenney to STFU about Ford and Kenney responded in kind. GTA MPs are pissed that Kenney spoke up on Ford, thought he should've MHOB.

[RogueBeaver]

Flaherty's ties to the Fords is hardly a secret. Isn't like Flaherty has any leadership designs either.