Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Regional Rundown

A few items that caught my eye, scanning the news outlets. First off, the Conservatives are finally showing some ideological consistency in British Columbia, bashing Gordon Campbell's carbon tax:
Federal Resources minister slams B.C. carbon tax

Since the beginning of the year, the federal Conservative government has avoided criticizing the B.C. initiative despite its similarities to the federal Liberal plan. But Mr. Lunn, gearing up for a possible fall election campaign, dispensed with the nuances when he spoke to reporters in Victoria.

“I'm saying I categorically disagree with the carbon tax,” Mr. Lunn said. “I think it's fundamentally the wrong approach and I would say that to anyone who brings in that policy.”

Mr. Lunn, who represents the B.C. riding of Saanich-Gulf Islands, would not say if he has raised his objections with B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell.

But he said he doesn't believe new tax revenues will be returned to voters.

“I think bringing in a carbon tax has got to be one of the policy initiatives – I just could not disagree with it more. I'm trying to tame my words here but . . . Tell me the last time we had a government that said, ‘Listen, we want to give you a new tax so we can give it back to you.' I just don't buy it.”


Why "tame words" Gary, you guys are carving the federal Liberal plan everywhere you go, so it's nice to see you attacking Campbell too, what with a similar plan and all. It will be interesting to see if this moves Campbell off the sidelines, so far loathe to criticize the federal Conservatives, apparent good relations and all. Lunn shows that the gloves may be coming off, interesting to see how the provincial government responds.

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Conservatives on the verge of extinction in Newfoundland:
'Anything but Conservative' campaign hurting N.L. Tories: source

Federal Conservative organizers in Newfoundland and Labrador say Premier Danny Williams's crusade against the party is crippling their ability to find candidates and volunteers as an election looms.

One federal Conservative source told CBC News there is very little organization in place in the St. John's ridings, and a shortage of volunteers in all seven seats in the province. The source blamed it on Williams's ABC (anything but Conservative) campaign, adding that the premier has made things very difficult for the party and created a "horrible" political environment.

Wouldn't it be poetic justice, if the looming six seat swing in NFLD ends up costing the Conservatives the election?

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Speaking of Atlantic Canada, Rodney MacDonald comes off the Harper teet for a moment and actually criticizes the federal government:
N.S. government attacks Ottawa's arts cuts

Premier Rodney MacDonald said Tuesday the province is doubling financial support for arts and culture, so it's disappointing to see Ottawa moving in the other direction.

In a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the Premier said the province has worked tirelessly with its provincial and federal counterparts over the years to emphasize the economic and social benefits of arts and culture.

“I sincerely hope that these cuts do not represent the level of importance that the government of Canada places on the value of this sector to the Canadian economy, to our provincial and our Canadian identity,” said Mr. MacDonald.

“I have urged the Prime Minister to reconsider these cuts. . . .”

The province says the culture sector creates direct and indirect employment for 28,000 people and generates more than $1.2-billion in gross domestic product.

Talk to MacKay, see what he can do Rodney.

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Earlier today, we heard of a new candidate for the Liberals in Saskatchewan, a former chief of police no less-a soft on crime cop, go figure. Now, we hear word of a potential Liberal candidate to take on the newly minted first Green MP. Not sure a strong Liberal candidate is good news:
Rumours that Ian Sutherland, Mayor of Squamish, B.C. will run for the Liberals in the riding of West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country

A quick scan, it looks like Sutherland is fairly popular, but here's my hesitation. Wilson will be a strong candidate, with all the Green energy helping him retain this seat. A credible Liberal alternative, may just allow the Conservative candidate to come up the middle and take the riding. It was a very tight race in 2006, so any vote splitting might create room for the Conservatives.

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Word out of Ottawa, that Mike Duffy's lost wallet has been found. Apparently, the good samaritan used a Conservative Party of Canada membership card, along with an autographed photo from Brian Mulroney to identify the wallet. Who say's the world is going to hell?

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

That Duffy bit is a joke, right? I mean, like the man himself.

Frankly Canadian said...

have to agree with your concern of splitting the vote in West Van. however this is probably one of the most important elections to Canadian values and our identity/ reputation throughout the world. That being said, it is of the highest priority that the Liberals make the utmost greatest effort to win every available riding! I can understand Stephane Dion's decision to yield the riding of Elizebeth May's riding, as per tradition but that all. The Liberals need to win this fight for all canadians, Ms. May understands this for sure, I just wish Jack(dam Liberals)Layton would understand that as well.
P.S. yes I agree Duffy the Liberal slayer is a joke.

Anonymous said...

Another Poll out, by Strategic Counsel:

"Asked who would make the best prime minister, 49.9 per cent chose Mr. Harper, followed by NDP leader Jack Layton at 30.5 per cent and Mr. Dion at 19.6 per cent.


Mr. Harper's popularity extends across the country, except Atlantic Canada, where Mr. Layton held a slight 43-39 edge."

It's a good thing Canadians don't ever consider who will be prime-minister.....when they're voting for the prime-minister,

or Dion would be in trouble.