Speaking of Quebec - Finance Minister Flaherty nixes more money for Quebec. This is the part that makes me shake my head -
I think Marceau’s math is flawed. 
The CanaDoper Café (2012 edition of The great, ongoing Canadian current events and politics thread.)
In the context of Quebec politics, it’s actually an affirmation that Quebec is an integral part of Canada. I have heard similar statements from Trudeau père, Charest and Martin, to affirm that Quebeckers have played an integral role in building Canada, from 1867 onwards. It’s in response to a theme from some in Quebec who argue that Confederation was imposed on them by les Anglos and does not represent Quebec values.
That’s how I read it, anyway - as a federalist statement.
A little bird just told me it’s RickJay’s birthday today.
Happy Birthday Rick!
Happy Birthday, and many many more.
Happy Birthday, RickJay!!
I don’t see it that way, from how he phrased it. That would make more sense if he said we belong to Canada, not Canada belongs to us. I dunno; maybe he didn’t mean anything by it, and was just flapping his gums. He is a politician, after all.
Happy Birthday, RickJay!
Sure but any statement on such an emotionally charged issue is liable to be read more than one way.
For instance, take “My Canada includes Quebec.”. Warm sentiment of welcome, inclusion and recognition of Quebec by folks in the rest of Canada?
Or nationalistic Anglo statement that appears to override Quebec’s right to self-determination?
Could be read either way, depending on the reader’s own predilections.
Thanks. Holy crap, I’m old.
As to Trudeau’s remarks, the inescapable fact is that he quite explicity stated Quebecers were better at running Canada than Albertans. There is no ambiguiity in his remarks:
LEGACE: “(Is Canada) better served when there are more Quebecers in charge than Albertans?”
TRUDEAU: “I’m a Liberal, so of course I think so, yes. Certainly when we look at the great prime ministers of the 20th century, those that really stood the test of time, they were MPs from Quebec… This country - Canada - it belongs to us.”
Look, there isn’t any question what he meant; when put after the question he was actually asked, he said “yes” to the question as to whether it was better to have Quebecers running the country. The last statement canb be seen as a generic pro-federalist statement. The first cannot.
I don’t think this proves Justin Trudeau is an asshole, but it does demonstrate an amazing level of stupidity, or at best a lack of PR judgment, to say something like that, and it’s consistent with his history of being a guy who’s coasted on his name and charisma but who has no history of having any actual abilities, convictions, or interesting policy positions. There is no way in hell you’d catch a real party leader being led into a statement that dumb.
Trudeau is a laughably silly choice for Liberal leader, and if they nominate him their party is genuinely at risk of being totally eliminated from the federal scene. They want to pray Martha Hall Findlay somehow wins.
The scary part after he’s coronated as the next liberal leader, they will win the next federal election. A Liberal minority. The driving force behind putting him in the leaders seat will be the “cool” factor, and nothing else.
What was suprising was how the majority of the press gave him a pass on this. After question period on Friday Jason Kenney was hounded by the press about why are they picking on poor little Justin.
I really wish I could believe this. I really do. But the so-called low information voters may come out in droves to support what they think is a youthful change in the direction of Canadian politics. You know, against that autocratic Harper government with all of their new American-style jails, disrespect for democracy, support of “big oil,” denial of global warming, buying fighter jets instead of fruit baskets, etc.
The low-information voters didn’t flock to the protective, fatherly arms of Professor Ignatieff.
I think it’s high time the Liberal Party of Canada came to the realization that you can’t be all sizzle and no steak. It didn’t work last time, and it won’t work next time. Canadians have always shown a willingness to go for the boring option if the opponent is vacuous. If in fact Canadians are tired of Stephen Harper, they’re going to vote for Thomas Mulcair if the Grits don’t give them a real option.
Love you Gordon Lightfoot. Thanks for that.
No, but they sure as fuck flocked to Jack Layton and his band of waitresses.
I wasn’t a worshipper of Jack Layton, but he had one hundred times the substance of Justin Trudeau. That’s not even a close call. Layton actually fought through the political trenches for decades, and had led his party through some elections. He didn’t make Leader of the Opposition until he’d proven himself through those decades of work and presenting the people with an actual platform - I mean, say what you will about the platform, but it was a coherent platform, which was more than could be said of the Liberal thing they called a “platform” but which was largely stuff like “Hey,do ya remember we’re the party that created the flag back in 1965?”
Trudeau’s a rich kid whose resume consists of “Pierre Trudeau was my Dad.” I’ll believe his bona fides when he has some.
Agreed. Completely. I respected Jack. I didn’t agree with his political views, but I respected the man and what he stood for. I don’t imagine you’ll find many Canadians who feel differently. Jack Layton was a good man.
According to today’s Google Doodle, today is Mr. Dressup’s birthday.
Although he passed away a few years ago, I’ll wish him well. I remember his TV show, as well as its predecessor, “Butternut Square.” Let’s hear it for Mr. Dressup!
He seemed like a good guy. My kids watched him when they were young. I’m surprised to learn he was born in the US and became a Canadian citizen in 1994. Don’t see too many in the entertainment business flopping over to Canada for a career.
Two things I heard on the radio this morning.
- Bieber was booed? I never noticed. Did anyone?
- Burton Cumming omitted some words from the national anthem? Missed that too.
Thoughts?
I certainly hope not! I was being facetious, and he was the least deserving person I could think of.
As far as people actually eligible, I think I should get it. I haven’t done enything to actually screw the country up (as far as I know) and have been an tireless advocate for Canada whenever I travel.
Canada Rocks! Vote for swampspruce!!!
Toronto won the Grey Cup and got rid of our mayor!