Stephen Harper apparently had no idea his MPs would sport the Quebec Nordiques jerseys last Wednesday in a photo op that would spark a controversy across the country.
Tory MP Steven Blaney told QMI Agency on Sunday the Prime Minister’s Office had no idea they would wear the sweaters.
“It was a little surprise,” he said.
SunMedia, with their typical high end journalism, puts this story out in a vacuum, no reference points, no chronology. Let's say one actually believes that the PMO had no idea about this jersey stunt. Isn't it a bit odd THEN, that the supposedly oblivious PMO sends out Dmitri Soudas, the NEXT DAY, on air, to SELL the Quebec arena. One will note, Soudas sings from the same hymn book as his boss, who also seemed entirely amenable to the proposed hockey arena. And yet, we're to believe that 24 hours earlier, a group of MP's unilaterally pushed the arena concept, with absolutely no knowledge of the PMO.
I suppose it's possible that these MP's unilaterally acted. But, given the well know fact that Conservative MP's operate under a very controlled atmosphere, everything they do, in and out of riding, vetted and approved, I'm inclined to scoff at the "surprise" angle. In fact, given how the Harper and the PMO immediately fanned out to sell the MP's "announcement", it actually looks like the typical, co-ordinated, top down, manifestation that is Harper's trademark. In the known world, based on a well established pattern, what appears to have happened is the PMO and friends jumped the gun on the arena funding, then faced unforseen blowback and are now dialing down the rhetoric and backtracking. Either that or Harper has no control over his caucus and the old Reform ideal of MP's actually acting with a measure of impunity and independence has finally reached Harper's Ottawa. I'll go with the former, thanks...
8 comments:
I don't believe if for a moment - why so long to say so? Notice in the photo they use the Harpercons thumbs up gesture.
It's a CYA (cover your ass)forced by Harper.
Proof that Sun Media is a PMO spin box.
The Sun media will lie for government $$$
What, no one believes what Pravda-West is reporting? The ruling party will be very displeased.
Shameless spins on anything ... " with little help from friends???
Complete and utter bullshit. Back in April, we learned about the PMO's strict "Message Event Proposal" policy whereby any media contact has to be pre-approved by the PMO.
Harper's latest attempt at vote-buying blew up in his face and now his minions are desperately trying to shift the blame. There ain't a hockey jersey big enough to cover King Steve's ass.
For those keeping score, the Quebec MP's come out in uniform. The next day, Harper and Soudas express support for the idea and begin the sell messaging. We see a flurry of opposition from all quarters. Friday, we start to hear of Con MP's expressing doubt. Today, we suddenly hear that Harper was unaware of the uniform photo op. Mere HOURS later, Harper starts to pour cold water on the whole idea, saying the private sector is the place, fiscal restraint is key. What a coincidence...
Did anyone happen to watch the CCMA” Canadian Country Awards on CBC” last night? Taped in Edmonton and people such as Hockey Fehur, Wayne Gretsky ,curler Paul Martin and a hockey gold medal winner female from Alberta introducing nominees and also Rona Ambrose standing with some and a few minutes later speaking for the Tory government. Also figure skaters Sale& partner all having speaking roles.
As a Canadian, I found the CCMA insulting and blatantly political and was truly insulted by the measures Harper takes to campaign on tax payer’s dollars.
The entertainers and winners were great but the political implications on this program were way too political for me. And took out all the enjoyment out of the show.
Harpers party seemed to be trying to re-create the BC Olympics on the backs of an award show. I sure hope that this backfires on this sneaky control freak useless PM..... is forced to take a hike real soon.
Sorry for the spelling errors of the names. It was bad enough having these people read the nominations but when a Con MP speaks for the Government of Canada, I simply seen red and if I despised their party and Harper before, I hate to say what I think after watching the show that belonged to the stars and all Canadians regardless of what party they support.They turned a country western awards night into a free campaign and you can bet is was all Harpers doing. He has got to go while we still have a little control of our country.
His motto,with a little help from our friends"
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