The Hidden Agenda

In his very first Q&A with reporters this campaign, Stephen Harper has already proven to Canadians why they should be afraid of him. That's a new record for a man who has less charisma than his own cardboard cutout. But, in all seriousness, what the media seemed to gloss over was quite likely the most alarming comment made during the election, and the fact that it's been ignored is worse than disturbing. Now, we all know that Mr. Harper's position on same-sex marriage is that it's bad, and that Parliament was stupid to pass C-38. So it's no surprise that he's promising to try to repeal it.

What is surprising is what Mr. Harper went on to say. Most people have been led to believe that Mr. Harper is in full support of some sort of institution of civil unions or domestic partnerships, "marriage-lite", if you will. What the media all but ignored was that Harper said he'd be perfectly willing to deny even that reduced recognition. He'd be willing to rip up the Charter of Rights and Freedoms if it was the will of Parliament. Now, individual rights are individual rights, whether they be gay rights, abortion rights, minority rights, etc. If Mr. Harper said that he'd be willing to make abortion illegal if Parliament went along with it, there would be a national outcry. And judging by some of the personalities in his Party, all it will take is one decision to establish a beachhead to destroy our Charter, one right at a time. So, Demand Better, Stand up for Canada, and vote for a Liberal. It's the only way to stop this country from turning into the United States of Canada under George W. Harper.

Deceit, Deception, Dishonesty

Three words that quite nicely encapsulate Stephen Harper's campaign to be President of the United States of Canada. Today, we've heard from the leaders of all the major parties, but I want to focus my attention on Mr. Harper today. We heard from him today the first reasonable thing he's said, ever: that this campaign won't just be negative, but instead it'll focus on the Conservative vision for Canada. Well, ladies and gentlemen, that was the high point of Harper's campaign, because we finally heard his vision: dismantling public health care, rolling back minority rights, and "saving" our economy with George W. Bush style tax cuts. Well, here's a thought: over the last 12 years, it's been a Liberal government that's turned around a failing economy. It's been a Liberal government that's slayed the deficit. It's been a Liberal government that's made new investments in healthcare, child care, and social services that are important to Canada. It's been a Liberal government that has kept Canada together in spite of the best efforts of Quebec separatists.

But on to the D-words. No sooner than did Stephen Harper talk about presenting a vision for Canada than did he turn around and start whining about the sponsorship program. Justice Gomery made it very clear that Paul Martin did not know about the abuse of a legitimate program by a few corrupt individuals. In fact, it is Paul Martin who made the Liberal Party pay back every dime of taxpayer money that it received through the program. It is Paul Martin who went to court to recover the rest of the money that was misappropriated by unscrupulous bureaucrats. The fact that Stephen Harper continues to lie about Mr. Justice Gomery's findings is nothing short of disgusting. He has chosen to judge the entire Liberal Party based on the actions of a few individuals. If Mr. Harper can't campaign with honesty, then how can Canadians expect him to govern with integrity? Well, I have another D-word for Mr. Harper: disgusted.

Extra! Extra!

Read all about it! Tonight, the opposition united to bring down Paul Martin's minority government, and forced Canadians into an election during a time when Canadians, regardless of cultural or religious affiliation, take time to be with their families, and reflect on the year that has been. If what Tory House Leader Jay Hill had to say is any indication, peace on earth and good will towards men (and women), will instead be replaced by partisan bickering and mudslinging. Stephen Harper and his clan of right-wing zealots formed their own Axis of Ego with the separatists and the NDP to delay tax relief for hard-working Canadians, to put off important spending to improve the living conditions for Canada's First Nations, and to delay improvements to our health care system. That's right, folks, according to the opposition, sending Canadians into an election that they have said they don't want is more important than doing the people's work. Now, instead of carollers knocking on our doors, holiday dinners will interrupted by campaign workers burying us in an avalanche of election pamphlets.

Now, we've also heard that Stephen Harper, a man who hid behind Parliamentary Privilege to avoid a libel lawsuit last week, is now contemplating suing the Liberal Party for 40 million dollars that he says the Gomery Inquiry cannot account for. Mr. Harper ought to quit writing his own report, and read the one that Mr. Justice Gomery wrote. The money is accounted for, and the Government is suing those who received it, in order to get it back. If Mr. Harper has to turn his back on the truth to get people to vote for him, then perhaps that is the more telling about how little integrity he has. Politicians have been known to cast facts in a light that benefits them best, but Mr. Harper has chosen to cross the line, over and over again. He has ignored facts, he has ignored the will of the Canadian people, and in my opinion, lacks the integrity required to hold the keys to 24 Sussex.