# The "Longest Election Campaign in Modern Canada" Thread **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [August 2, 2015, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-longest-election-campaign-in-modern-canada-thread/726807 "2015-08-02T15:45:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 17
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2015, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-longest-election-campaign-in-modern-canada-thread/726807/321 "2015-09-14T18:29:37Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > And I don’t deny Duffy or Wallin either. > > ETA: You guys are quick to pounce all over the Conservatives, but when shown similar information about the other parties you brush it off. Not brushed off at all. Let me know when anyone else in court. I actually have to thank you - you’ve brought in all of the completely and utterly ridiculous arguments I have seen in the comments section of the National Post. You’ve gone with total denial (Robocalls conviction didn’t happen) To a complete Tu quoque. What’s next? I would guess lying about Mulcair, and calling him a “career politician”. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2015, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-longest-election-campaign-in-modern-canada-thread/726807/322 "2015-09-14T18:46:07Z")
If you’ve noticed, I’ve never once slandered a politician. I believe they are all acting in the best interests of our great country. I support a party that you don’t support. That’s all. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Dr.Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Drake)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2015, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-longest-election-campaign-in-modern-canada-thread/726807/323 "2015-09-14T19:38:42Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > If you’ve noticed, I’ve never once slandered a politician. I believe they are all acting in the best interests of our great country. > > I support a party that you don’t support. > > That’s all. It isn’t slander if it’s true. It isn’t disrespectful to hold politicians accountable for their misbehaviours, regardless of party. Indeed, it’s disrespectful to Canada if we fail to do so. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2015, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-longest-election-campaign-in-modern-canada-thread/726807/324 "2015-09-14T19:46:37Z")
But a lot of what is being said isn’t true. Gotta run for now. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2015, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-longest-election-campaign-in-modern-canada-thread/726807/325 "2015-09-14T20:23:55Z")
> [@CarnalK](#): > > ffs. Robocalls are legal. The Liberal party didn’t say who was paying for the calls and got fined for that infraction. The Conservatives had a guy make Robocalls to fuck with people’s ability to vote and got sentenced jail time. How can you compare those two infractions with a straight face? How can you not admit that “proven untrue” was wrong? Blind partisanship like yours is so damn ugly. In fairness, what Leaffan said was untrue was: “None of that matters because the Tories will win after making thousands of phone calls telling likely Liberal and NDP voters that the polling places have moved.” This statement implies that\* it was because of the robocall scheme that the Tories won the 2011 election\*. That implication is, in fact, demonstrably untrue; even the most cursory examination of the facts shows there’s no way in hell the Tories lose in 2011 without the robocalls. The robocall scam was illegal and there’s no real doubt more Tories than Sano were involved, but it did not affect the final outcome of the election. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2015, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-longest-election-campaign-in-modern-canada-thread/726807/326 "2015-09-14T20:36:35Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > In fairness, what Leaffan said was untrue was: > > “None of that matters because the Tories will win after making thousands of phone calls telling likely Liberal and NDP voters that the polling places have moved.” It was tongue-in-cheek humour. Jeez Louise, some people need to take the stick out, ya know… ---
**Author:** ![Malthus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85f322/32.png) [@Malthus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malthus)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2015, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-longest-election-campaign-in-modern-canada-thread/726807/327 "2015-09-15T14:06:05Z")
On a lighter note … A long-time NDP supporter I was talking to remarked that, so far, the election campaign has resembled _The Wizard of Oz_: Harper has no heart; Trudeau has no brain; and Mulcair has no courage. 😃 [He’s somewhat pissed off at Mulcair’s move to what he thinks of as bland centralism] ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2015, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-longest-election-campaign-in-modern-canada-thread/726807/328 "2015-09-15T14:09:21Z")
Just so I understand, the biggest scandals you have up there are a robocalling prank, and a few Senators who submitted expenses for travel they didn’t actually take, even though _per diem_ rules would allow it, and they reimbursed anyway. This Yank (who has actually met Pamela Wallin, btw) doesn’t know whether to be dismissive or envious. ---
**Author:** ![CarnalK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnalk/32/486_2.png) [@CarnalK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CarnalK)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2015, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-longest-election-campaign-in-modern-canada-thread/726807/329 "2015-09-15T15:17:43Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > Just so I understand, the biggest scandals you have up there are a robocalling prank It’s no cumshot on a dress, I’ll grant you that, but it is something that directly attacked the democratic process and an actual crime. ---
**Author:** ![wolfstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/d6d6ee/32.png) [@wolfstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfstu)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2015, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-longest-election-campaign-in-modern-canada-thread/726807/330 "2015-09-15T15:31:58Z")
> [@Malthus](#): > > On a lighter note … > > A long-time NDP supporter I was talking to remarked that, so far, the election campaign has resembled _The Wizard of Oz_: Harper has no heart; Trudeau has no brain; and Mulcair has no courage. We’ve even apparently got a ‘[Wizard from Oz](http://www.macleans.ca/politics/ottawa/for-campaign-magic-harper-turns-to-a-wizard-from-oz/)’ behind the scenes. Does that mean Elizabeth May is Dorothy? If she clicks her silver slippers together, will she find she had the power to get into the debates all along? ---
**Author:** ![Malthus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85f322/32.png) [@Malthus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malthus)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2015, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-longest-election-campaign-in-modern-canada-thread/726807/331 "2015-09-15T15:39:40Z")
> [@wolfstu](#): > > We’ve even apparently got a ‘[Wizard from Oz](http://www.macleans.ca/politics/ottawa/for-campaign-magic-harper-turns-to-a-wizard-from-oz/)’ behind the scenes. > > Does that mean Elizabeth May is Dorothy? If she clicks her silver slippers together, will she find she had the power to get into the debates all along? Oh, that is awesome. 😃 I’m so sending him that article. ---
**Author:** ![74westy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/74westy/32/3950_2.png) [@74westy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/74westy)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2015, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-longest-election-campaign-in-modern-canada-thread/726807/332 "2015-09-15T16:16:36Z")
> [@Malthus](#): > > … and Mulcair has no courage. And he has a leonine beard! The political cartoons practically draw themselves. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Dr.Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Drake)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2015, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-longest-election-campaign-in-modern-canada-thread/726807/333 "2015-09-15T17:19:29Z")
> [@wolfstu](#): > > We’ve even apparently got a ‘[Wizard from Oz](http://www.macleans.ca/politics/ottawa/for-campaign-magic-harper-turns-to-a-wizard-from-oz/)’ behind the scenes. > > Does that mean Elizabeth May is Dorothy? If she clicks her silver slippers together, will she find she had the power to get into the debates all along? Obviously. Dorothy for Wizard in 2015! If history is any prediction, though, it was the Scarecrow who took over governance of the Emerald City after Dorothy and the Wizard departed. ---
**Author:** ![Kenm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bc79bd/32.png) [@Kenm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kenm)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2015, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-longest-election-campaign-in-modern-canada-thread/726807/334 "2015-09-16T02:03:28Z")
Everyone who uses Facebook, [**check your Likes**](http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-election-2015-like-jacking-facebook-1.3229622). The Tories are suspected of buying them through the accounts of non-supporters. Quelle surprise. ---
**Author:** ![DWMarch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dwmarch/32/1010_2.png) [@DWMarch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DWMarch)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2015, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-longest-election-campaign-in-modern-canada-thread/726807/335 "2015-09-16T18:49:26Z")
Somebody should really tell the Conservatives not to take Ex-Lax and sleeping pills at the same time: > **[Tories yank 'surveillance' stickers from election signs in Stephen Harper's...](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/surveillance-stickers-conservative-campaign-signs-1.3228916)** > > Stickers advising of "24-hour surveillance" have been pulled from election signs in Stephen Harper's Calgary riding after a member of the local Conservative campaign put them up in an effort to curb vandalism. I’m looking forward to future Poli Sci classes in which the Conservative campaign is highlighted as the model for how not to do it. ---
**Author:** ![Kenm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bc79bd/32.png) [@Kenm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kenm)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2015, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-longest-election-campaign-in-modern-canada-thread/726807/336 "2015-09-16T19:30:55Z")
Of course the proper response would have been to paste stickers under the 24-hour-surveillance notice saying Bill C-51. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2015, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-longest-election-campaign-in-modern-canada-thread/726807/337 "2015-09-16T19:56:41Z")
The Harper crew should be commended for their restraint, having only a mild “surveillance” sticker with a picture of a TV camera. I would have expected a stern “Absolutely No Trespassing – This Means You!” sign with a picture of a shotgun to ward off evil Liberals and dirty socialists seeking to do harm to the sacred Harper signs. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2015, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-longest-election-campaign-in-modern-canada-thread/726807/338 "2015-09-16T20:11:47Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > Just so I understand, the biggest scandals you have up there are a robocalling prank, and a few Senators who submitted expenses for travel they didn’t actually take, even though _per diem_ rules would allow it, and they reimbursed anyway. > > This Yank (who has actually met Pamela Wallin, btw) doesn’t know whether to be dismissive or envious. A little more than “a prank”, more like a subversion of the electoral process: > [@](#): > > “This was a deliberate and considered course of criminal conduct specifically designed to subvert the inherent fairness of the electoral process,” Justice Hearn told the court. And it was not just one guy: > [@](#): > > Justice Hearn said he believes Mr. Sona did not act alone in the scheme, in which some 6,700 automated phone calls were placed on the morning of the 2011 federal election with misleading information on how to vote. The robocalls were done by someone with access to the Conservative Party national voter identification database, known as “CIMS”. On this front, The Conservative Party stonewalled, and hindered any investigation, by not reveaing the list of people who had access to this database. The party’s lawyer Arthur Hamilton, instructed party workers not to discuss the events during the Elections Canada investigation of the Conservative Party headquarters. That’s the only reason more people were not charged, and Sona was the only fall guy for the operation. On the Duffy front, it is a little more serious than a few senators charging too many expenses; it begins with Harper’s “iffy” appointment of a senator who appears not to have been qualified to take the seat, involves a bribe to a sitting senator (to get him to shut up), and the subsequent whitewashing of an internal senate report, on the orders of unelected assistants in the Prime Ministers own office. Oh, and the complete denial by Harper that he knew anything about what was going on, even though pretty much every single senior person in the PMO and Senate was in on the payment to Duffy. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2015, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-longest-election-campaign-in-modern-canada-thread/726807/339 "2015-09-17T13:43:52Z")
Justin Trudeau held a talk just before the release of the budget and managed to say a number of astonishing falsehoods. I don’t know if you should blame him, his campaign staff, or both. [http://blogs.canoe.com/davidakin/politics/when-a-war-room-fails-a-leader-trudeau-truthiness-and-the-economy/](http://blogs.canoe.com/davidakin/politics/when-a-war-room-fails-a-leader-trudeau-truthiness-and-the-economy/) I have trouble getting a fix on he guy; sometimes he seems clever as hell, and sometimes he appears to be a total dumbass. I find that a troubling combination, as, whatever one can say about Stephen Harper or Thomas Mulcair, neither ever comes across as a total dumbass. He is far less of a clueless doofus than Michael Ignatieff was but that’s a low bar. ---
**Author:** ![CarnalK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnalk/32/486_2.png) [@CarnalK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CarnalK)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2015, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-longest-election-campaign-in-modern-canada-thread/726807/340 "2015-09-17T14:23:38Z")
Yeah it is a shame so many are running recently to the safety of the familiar Liberal label to protest against Harper. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-longest-election-campaign-in-modern-canada-thread/726807.md?page=16) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-longest-election-campaign-in-modern-canada-thread/726807.md?page=18)