This is the first time I am reading the NYTIMES commentary and just want to say how surprised and happy I am at how many Americans actually pay attention, let alone know anything about, Canadian politics. Thanks!
2
I am once again proud to be Canadian. The Harper years have been a dark period where religious extremism and dogma fueled the federal and legislative and policy agendae.
Except for the 30% of the Canadian electorate that voted for the evangelical Harper, all Canada is awakening to a brave new world and the restoration of the country internally and internationally under a reasoned and intelligent federal government.
But instead of being consigned to the dustbin of history, Harper might consider taking on the leadership of the Tea Party but even that dogmatic right wing of the U.S. political spectrum might find Harper too extreme for its tastes.
Except for the 30% of the Canadian electorate that voted for the evangelical Harper, all Canada is awakening to a brave new world and the restoration of the country internally and internationally under a reasoned and intelligent federal government.
But instead of being consigned to the dustbin of history, Harper might consider taking on the leadership of the Tea Party but even that dogmatic right wing of the U.S. political spectrum might find Harper too extreme for its tastes.
2
The tone's changed all right. Mr. Trudeau's already told Pres. Obama he's withdrawing all Canadian fighter jets from assisting the US in bombing ISIL sites, and he's not been even sworn in yet.
This is the Justin Trudeau we know--no depth, no experience, but that doesn't stop him from shooting from the hip. He's a Trudeau and that's what counts.
This is the Justin Trudeau we know--no depth, no experience, but that doesn't stop him from shooting from the hip. He's a Trudeau and that's what counts.
1
Didn't vote Liberal, but happy with final results. No surprise that some of the comments are very negative towards future of Socialist Canada lol, and 40 % of the vote leads to victory. At the very least Canada will not be politically gridlocked as some suggest the US is at present. I voted Conservative 3x and became dismayed as I watched our very simple but yet diverse nation become hardened by a man who claimed to be an economist run 6 deficits and then allow our nation to become so dependant on resource extraction that we are suffering due to China's slowdown and America's resurgance in fracking. Harper always took the easy way out when he had a chance to diversify our economy.
Canada showed that for a liberal to win you will have to have a decade or so of conservative rule before the electorate grows weary of the party in power and wants a change. Not so different from our american experience with presidents. So the path for democrats is clear, lose in 2016 and come back strong in 2028.
Sigh. I remember what it felt like to have just elected a new leader who promised hope and change an consensus building. Here's hoping the Canadian parliament doesn't make it their goal to gridlock every possible step towards positive change.
2
Their system elects the party with the majority. Unlike the U.S.
4
Our Parliamentary system means that the PM has the most seats. In this case, Trudeau won a vast majority of the seats, so there is no concern about the opposition blocking legislation. Gridlock is possible with minority governments where there is no agreement of a coalition with one of the minority parties.
1
Canada's experiment with the Tea Party ends. My Canada has Trudeau as a PM.
http://globalovethinktank.blogspot.ca/2015/10/my-canada-has-trudeau-as-p...
http://globalovethinktank.blogspot.ca/2015/10/my-canada-has-trudeau-as-p...
1
Harper's "my way or the highway" finally soured the Canadian people. We can only hope Red State America wakes up and drags the Republican Party to a more centrist position as in a Gerald Ford or a Dwight Eisenhower.
2
Bullying, acerbic, science challenged, all marks of a conservative. Canadians can be proud to have shed Harper from their political midst.
4
To be sure the ouster of any autocrat is to be applauded. But the installation in his place with Justin Trudeau, this, -to be candid, -ingenue whose best qualification for high office is his patrimony bespeaks a political system that has failed its putative democratic mission. As has been proven with Obama and the profound disappointment he has engendered, a pretty face does not necessarily mean a pretty heart. And for all the vapid celebration of this man's telegenic youth and supposed novelty, time will tell if he can summon up from the grave even a modicum of the intellect and wisdom his father brought to resolving the great or indeed far greater political problems of today. Based upon the content of his public musings to date, I am not encouraged.
1
You scorn Trudeau's qualifications as superficial, yet your own criticisms of him are exactly that. Yes, he is telegenic, privileged, and benefits from a famous name, but the whole point of the article--and, more mordantly, the judgement of the voters--is that he is and has something more than this.
What is the basis of your implied argument that this is not so? His "public musings to date?" Show me ANY convincing evidence that being intellectually articulate in front of a television camera is an indicator of legislative or policy success in the modern world. Any at all. In fact, there is no noticible correlation between the two things, let alone a demonstrable cause and effect. Indeed, modern history would appear to falsify such a notion repeatedly.
Perhaps you should reconsider the criteria you in making such judgements.
What is the basis of your implied argument that this is not so? His "public musings to date?" Show me ANY convincing evidence that being intellectually articulate in front of a television camera is an indicator of legislative or policy success in the modern world. Any at all. In fact, there is no noticible correlation between the two things, let alone a demonstrable cause and effect. Indeed, modern history would appear to falsify such a notion repeatedly.
Perhaps you should reconsider the criteria you in making such judgements.
7
HIs speeches never rise above sophomoric slogans with glib aphorisms more appropriate to a high school valedictorian address than an adult discussion of the issues with substantive policy proposals. It betrays an unschooled and ill-disciplined mind whereby in much the same fashion as with Obama, he will be led by the nose down the halls of power by his seniors to mouth platitudes and bromides for policies he little understands or apparently agree with. As with The Drone President, we shall have The Drone PM.
Actually it is has been noted by many that one of the traits young Mr. Trudeau has from his father is his strict discipline, both physically and mentally.
3
The best solution for liberals is to have the conservatives be in power so people can see them for who they are. This article seems to put a lot of emphasis on Harper as an individual. The real issue is the ideology that he advocated for which he is only a spokesman. The impact of limiting campaign contributions in Canada is refreshing, and is likely to scare the Republicans so that changing the impact of Citizens United is going to be more difficult than it already is.
1
One of Trudeau seniors more memorable lines was "the government has no place in the bedrooms of the Nation" now that's a sentiment I would like to see the Repugs embrace. Go Justin!
5
Sir John A. MacDonald was our first Prime Minister, not Alexander McKenzie! The NYT should know better
1
Day 1: Get rid of the seal hunt.
2
PM Harper, like most of his ilk, was marked by bluster, brutality, and lack of conscience. Just another prime example of what happens when "principled" conservativism devolves into a crafty lunacy which cannot address the crises of its time. May Trudeau and the Liberals do better. The US could stand some embarrassment by their success.
3
I share the immense joy of so many Canadians posting here. Still, there is consternation how Harper was allow to go Rambo for a decade with less than 40% of the vote, wage war on Native peoples, war on public services, war on the United Nations, shredding environmental laws, alligned against nearly the entire planet on UN recognition of the State of Palestine, a buffoonish Foreign Minister, John Baird, good riddance as well.
While I am thrilled with the result, the electoral system in Canada obviously needs a fundamental reform - the imbalance between the percentage of the vote obtained by the major parties and the numbers of elected representatives for their parties is quite shocking, it's worse than the UK and there it is very bad indeed. I know of course that it was the same imbalance that gave Canada ten years of Harper.
Let's rejoice in any case that Canada is back in the community of the most progressive nations of our small planet.
While I am thrilled with the result, the electoral system in Canada obviously needs a fundamental reform - the imbalance between the percentage of the vote obtained by the major parties and the numbers of elected representatives for their parties is quite shocking, it's worse than the UK and there it is very bad indeed. I know of course that it was the same imbalance that gave Canada ten years of Harper.
Let's rejoice in any case that Canada is back in the community of the most progressive nations of our small planet.
5
Mr. Harper destroyed the income, royalty and business trust model that wiped out billions of investment value. Penn West, once traded for $40, now trades at a mere $1 and there are many others outside the energy industry. I am hopeful Trudeau will reconsider this.
1
Hard to believe that someone at the times would not know that Canada's first Prime Minister was Sir John A. McDonald.
The NYT was talking about the first Liberal prime minster. Sir John A. Macdonald (note spelling) was the very first prime minister of Canada but he was Conservative.
1
Doesn't this vote for prime minister in Canada come with a supporting parliament? Weren't they voting for a full party change, not just a prime minister?
3
Neal: Yes. In Canada, they're one and the same. Canadian voters don't get to vote for their prime minister directly. They vote for a local MP (member of Parliament), who is affiliated with a party. The party that gets the most seats gets to form the government, and the leader of that party becomes Prime Minister (I'm simplifying, but that's the gist of it). Oh, and the Prime Minister is also an MP, who must also win in his/her local riding (district) to be able to sit in Parliament.
8
We were. We don't elect our prime minister unless we happen to live in his/her riding (district). But there was a concerted effort to vote for whichever candidate was most likely to defeat an incumbent Conservative all over the country and it worked. Many of us had to hold our noses and vote for a candidate that was not our first choice. If more Americans could do the same instead of the throw the bums out but not my local bum America would be better off.
5
Congratulations to Justin Trudeau, Canada's newly elected Prime Minister and to the Canadian people. One of the most commendable and laudable aspects of this election process, in my opinion, was to see that the people of Canada observed the hate, mean spiritedness and negativity that the Harper campaign embraced in its attack ads against Mr. Trudeau and soundly rejected it. If only we could begin to behave as wisely and intelligently during our election campaigns here in the United States.
32
I wonder when Canada will start accepting refugees from America. Surely after our profiteering health care industry gobbles up 100% of our GDP, and everything collapses?
5
Just Curious,
I was wondering the same thing.
Just as a certain portion of our U.S. population chose Canada during the 60's & 70's, up until April 1975, I am now again considering "O Canada".
Sometimes while traveling in the 80's, (when much of the world "disliked" us), we would say we were Canadian, rather than be labeled ugly Americans.
I admire a group of people who choose to decline involvement in wars "abroad" & choose to spend their hard earned $$$ chez soi.
I was wondering the same thing.
Just as a certain portion of our U.S. population chose Canada during the 60's & 70's, up until April 1975, I am now again considering "O Canada".
Sometimes while traveling in the 80's, (when much of the world "disliked" us), we would say we were Canadian, rather than be labeled ugly Americans.
I admire a group of people who choose to decline involvement in wars "abroad" & choose to spend their hard earned $$$ chez soi.
5
When a Captain of a ship is changing, as a passenger the only thing one can hope for is that the new Captain is right. I have no doubt about Mr Trudeau's honesty, good intentions, being a fair and just Prime Minister for all Canadians. I am also willing to overlook his lack of experience. Mr Trudeau is wants to legalize marijuana, open drug centres, increase the amount of beer one can bring into Canada. It is not uncommon in Canada to get a whiff of pot during weekends so pot is already being consumed. Some things are better left in the grey area than making them absolutely black and white. Mr Trudeau also wants to repeal two bills C-51 and C-24 that PM Harper introduced knowingly that they would be unpopular and controversial around the election year. What person would do that unless he has the best interest of the nation in mind? Mr Trudeau's first post election conversation with President Obama is about pulling out of Middle East which should have waited until he took office.
I wish the Captain of my ship well.
I wish the Captain of my ship well.
2
AJ, you are grossly misrepresenting the facts.Either on purpose or because you have bought into the sheer ads run by the Conservatives. When you are not misleading the readers you are just wrong.
Leaving anything in the "grey" area is never a good thing. That grey area is responsible for a great deal of the violence that goes on in our cities these days. Mostly turf wars amongst drug dealers, who, by the way, don't pay tax on the money they make. Legalizing it will generate tax revenue, save millions of dollars currently spent on enforcement and incarceration of those gang members, and stop many of our young from dying.
Mr. Trudeau has NEVER supported "opening drug centres" as you claim. This is a theme used in an attack ad that has it's root in the fact that he has voiced his support for ONE safe injection site that has been operating in Vancouver for more than 10 years and has saved hundreds of lives.
Mr. Trudeau has NEVER advocated repealing Bill C-51. He has said that he will amend the bill to ensure that the civil rights of Canadians are protected.
You would be well advised to get your facts straight before rambling on about things outside of your area of expertise.
Leaving anything in the "grey" area is never a good thing. That grey area is responsible for a great deal of the violence that goes on in our cities these days. Mostly turf wars amongst drug dealers, who, by the way, don't pay tax on the money they make. Legalizing it will generate tax revenue, save millions of dollars currently spent on enforcement and incarceration of those gang members, and stop many of our young from dying.
Mr. Trudeau has NEVER supported "opening drug centres" as you claim. This is a theme used in an attack ad that has it's root in the fact that he has voiced his support for ONE safe injection site that has been operating in Vancouver for more than 10 years and has saved hundreds of lives.
Mr. Trudeau has NEVER advocated repealing Bill C-51. He has said that he will amend the bill to ensure that the civil rights of Canadians are protected.
You would be well advised to get your facts straight before rambling on about things outside of your area of expertise.
5
The election of the Justin Trudeau is wonder news. Trudeau is so liberal he exceeds grooviness. When Obama was first elected in 2008, he was so groovy and hip. Trudeau, many because he's French, is extra groovy. The world need needs more groovy politicians. Hip and groovy. Those are the qualifications of the leaders of the 21st century. Nobody running for President in the US meets those qualifications. The closest is the Rubio. Hillary tries to b, but she's dried up.
The Repub version of being 'groovy' is laying in a ditch, which Repubs happen to be very good at.
1
I went to Canada first as a young boy from New York City, in 1955. My grandparents were living at that time in Buffalo and we crossed the border hundreds of times, back and forth, when we visited them and traveled to Canada. There were no suspicions that anyone wasn't telling the truth when everyone had to answer the simple question at the border "Where were you born?" What wonderful times they were.
Toronto seemed a small, low-rise city to a New York boy then. How it has changed. Montreal was then the real city. But all Canada then (in its soul) was a paradise of calm and reason and I have continued to visit for decades because I love the country so. The Harper years I hope in time will seem an an aberrant interlude.
We need the example of Canada in our hemisphere. God knows, America has failed to provide it.
Toronto seemed a small, low-rise city to a New York boy then. How it has changed. Montreal was then the real city. But all Canada then (in its soul) was a paradise of calm and reason and I have continued to visit for decades because I love the country so. The Harper years I hope in time will seem an an aberrant interlude.
We need the example of Canada in our hemisphere. God knows, America has failed to provide it.
15
You are so right! Canada is the only breath of fresh air in the entire Americas! Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could overnight change our horrible American Constitution (which produces nothing but gridlock and oligarchy!) for the more sensible system of parliamentary government as Canada and so many other enlightened nations around the world enjoy!?
2
Maybe those 85,000 Syrian "refugees" can go to Canada instead of US now?
Canada is more friendly toward Muslims and Jews there are less influential. Mindless Western liberalism will eventually spell the end of the Western civilization.
Canada is more friendly toward Muslims and Jews there are less influential. Mindless Western liberalism will eventually spell the end of the Western civilization.
2
We have got our Canada back from divorced from logic PM and his party, respectfully given mandate by our fellow Canadians for more than nine years.
Trudeau is a new era in our Canada, like Obama was in USA in 2008.
Politicians who go against the grain of the very people and country they are elected to serve pay a humiliating price. That's what Mr. Harper and his arrogance received yesterday. He tarnished Canada's image abroad and changed our values in our own country. Whether its policy on climate change, Anti-terrorist Act or Stopping Canadian Scientist to speak truth about science, Mr. Harper badly influenced every part of Canadian sprit home and abroad. He was elected by people of Canada, rightfully and respectfully to serve as our Prime Minister, he betrayed us all.
Trudeau is a great human being with respect for diversity, he believes in opportunities for all Canadians not only for handful donors from oil rich Alberta and a few corporations.
People of US can feel at ease, Mr. Trudeau is their friend who may not be as compliant as Mr. Blair or Mr. Harper proved for their Foreign Policy Agenda. Mr. Trudeau will put Canada and Canadian Agenda first and than will cater our friends needs. People of Canada have given him the mandate, to change the Harper way to sunny ways. Long Live Canada.
Trudeau is a new era in our Canada, like Obama was in USA in 2008.
Politicians who go against the grain of the very people and country they are elected to serve pay a humiliating price. That's what Mr. Harper and his arrogance received yesterday. He tarnished Canada's image abroad and changed our values in our own country. Whether its policy on climate change, Anti-terrorist Act or Stopping Canadian Scientist to speak truth about science, Mr. Harper badly influenced every part of Canadian sprit home and abroad. He was elected by people of Canada, rightfully and respectfully to serve as our Prime Minister, he betrayed us all.
Trudeau is a great human being with respect for diversity, he believes in opportunities for all Canadians not only for handful donors from oil rich Alberta and a few corporations.
People of US can feel at ease, Mr. Trudeau is their friend who may not be as compliant as Mr. Blair or Mr. Harper proved for their Foreign Policy Agenda. Mr. Trudeau will put Canada and Canadian Agenda first and than will cater our friends needs. People of Canada have given him the mandate, to change the Harper way to sunny ways. Long Live Canada.
11
Well Said......
If Jason Kenney " championed the niqab ban, and the over -the -top terrorism measures", he will be right in line with the thinking that lost them the election.
If he deludes himself that the Conservatives just have to copy a cosmetic sunny demeanour and fake optimism, he too will be consigned to the dustbin which Harper now inhabits. They just can't stop insulting the intelligence of the electorate. Deluding himself that it was Justin's smile that won him the election? Go for it, Mr. Kenney. We will have seen the last of you for a very long time.
If he deludes himself that the Conservatives just have to copy a cosmetic sunny demeanour and fake optimism, he too will be consigned to the dustbin which Harper now inhabits. They just can't stop insulting the intelligence of the electorate. Deluding himself that it was Justin's smile that won him the election? Go for it, Mr. Kenney. We will have seen the last of you for a very long time.
8
I think the lesson to take away from this is that absolute power corrupts and that is what caused the demise of the conservative party in Canada. It has happened to the liberal party before as well, so I hope the current liberal party will be mindful of this.
5
A big thank you to all Canadians who came out and participated and voted in this important election. An even bigger thank you to all Canadians who helped in voting Mr. Harper out of office! He promised to have a transparent and open government and he elected to do the exact opposite. He never did much for the middle class or the disadvantaged but did everything for big business and especially for the oil companies. He is a clima change denier and did little for the environment. He was a control freak while in Ottawa and never communicated effectively with Canadians. I used to live in Canada and voted for Pierre Trudeau when I lived in Canada. However, I married an American and live in the U.S. but continued to follow Canadian politics. I never cared for Mr. Harper and his style of governing therefore I am thrilled that my fellow Canadians finally voted him out of office. I congratulate Justin Trudeau for winning this election and wish him all the best.
11
Finally, I get to start admiring Canada again. Lead on, Oh Canada!
9
Thank you! Come visit - our dollar is low right now, so it's a good time for Americans to cross the border.
3
Thank God, now we all can move to Canada if either madam neo-con-aka hilarious Clinton- or a GOP fascist win the election next year. I am renewing my passport
2
Bravo aux peuples Canadiens vous pouviez être fière de votre premier ministre . I wish I was a Canadian . Congratulations from Brooklyn NYC
10
It's the economy 'stup!d'. Canada is in a recession and that is why most of the country through Harper out of office.
2
Matt, I disagree with you. Canadians, for the most part were fed up with Mr. Harper's divisiveness, intolerance, mean-spiritedness, Islamophobia, homophobia, belligerence, and overall un-Canadianess. His track record on the economy wasn't that bad but as was shown by the election results, Canadians have a high regard for Canadian values of fair play, teamwork, respect and acceptance of diversity and of the three main contenders, Justin Trudeau best exemplified and articulated those values.
8
How come no one is freaking out about the horror of a Trudeau political dynasty in Canada??
2
Ah! The refreshing cool breeze of civilization! Please let it blow south!
11
Well done, Canada!
9
Oh my goodness the liberals are all a twitter! He wants to run deficits and increase spending just like they do!
7
Bold talk from someone who likely voted for the tax-cutting, war-starting, economy-crashing last republican president. Started with a surplus, and ended with the economy in ruins.
16
Congratulations, Canadian citizens! You've seen the light. Too bad we in the USA have not (as yet). If I were a Canadian citizen, I'd be proud.
15
Fantabulous! He's liberal, likes pot and speaks French so he merits immediate and comprehensive support by the NYT. A charismatic and polished public performer whose experience in the real world experience is pretty much nil....watch Canada wilt as this lightweight and his band of emotion-based propagandists penalize Canadian industry and destroy Canada's image as a mature and strong-willed foreign policy player. The Canadian Obama!
12
But Viktor64, this guy Trudeau is really cool. I think his father dated movie stars. Come on man!
5
Rather have a Canadian G.W. Bush?
15
Um, vicktor64, I know Americans are reputed to be hilariously ignorant of Canada and other foreign nations, but please don't feed the stereotype. There is much more to the story and the politician than your adolescent and ill-informed comment suggests.
12
Can't wait for Trudeau to take a strong stand on climate change by ending Canadian fossil fuel production.
6
ha ha ha...don't hold your breath...
3
Adjust the thermostat on your AC, then.
It seems clear that Canada is in for the same disastrous foreign and domestic failures that the U.S. has sustained under Obama. Poor Canada; its reliance on the U.N. will now subject it to the wonderful international body of "human rights" practitioners and terrorist loving representatives. Oh Canada!
8
I guess we must blame Obama for the the Iraq mess, which directly led to the ISIS mess. Seems to me that Obama has had to spend most of his time cleaning the the Republican messes in foreign affairs. And then of course there was the economic mess but lets not get started on that.
17
Great. He won't be a meanie. Heaven forbid. But besides the faux fisherman's sweater and the adorable child in his arms, where's the substance?
10
Mostly in the platform, which had a nice comprehensive plan for a number of issues relevant to Canada and in the incredibly strong team behind Trudeau that will be forming the bulk of his cabinet. Trudeau's a pretty smart guy, but his best quality has always been his ability to build a strong team, and if we move away from a micro managing prime minister to one that allows their cabinet ministers more autonomy over their portfolios while setting an overall direction it can only be a good thing.
Most of the policy wonks I know, myself included, tended to favour the Liberals. The NDP had the very serious seeming leader, but the Liberals have always had the intellectual depth behind the leader.
Most of the policy wonks I know, myself included, tended to favour the Liberals. The NDP had the very serious seeming leader, but the Liberals have always had the intellectual depth behind the leader.
1
JUSTIN TRUDEAU speaks of a society's reviving of decency and fairness.
I WONDER if he has a clone who could run for high office here in the USA?
I WONDER if he has a clone who could run for high office here in the USA?
10
We got the original first. Actually, Justin was at the facility featured in ''The Island'' until called for. The last Party Congress decided that making the skin tones match up as perfectly as everything else - the life empty of achievement, the being raised in an ersatz socialist environment, the palpable disgust with the success of traditional achievement - would simply be too much.
2
It's a shame, Steve, that you devote yourself to creating sneering stereotypes in order to vilify people you disagree with. You could be a pretty good writer otherwise.
4
Well, thank the lord (or whatever) for that. The world needed the English-speaking part of the world to notice that there are a few problems with fossil uber alles.
Hopefully we in the US will follow suit, and throw the reality-challenged out of government. Pallsy wallsy with big money has a short shelf life on a planet that doesn't care about your politics.
Here's hoping ... and please vote!
Hopefully we in the US will follow suit, and throw the reality-challenged out of government. Pallsy wallsy with big money has a short shelf life on a planet that doesn't care about your politics.
Here's hoping ... and please vote!
12
Susan,
No politican ever played the money game with the billionaires like Barack Obama. He is still the only Presidential candidate to have a bilion dollars to run with and he did it both times. Thanks for reminding us of that.
No politican ever played the money game with the billionaires like Barack Obama. He is still the only Presidential candidate to have a bilion dollars to run with and he did it both times. Thanks for reminding us of that.
4
Harper's Conservatives were the Canadian Tea Party before the American TP invented itself. The Canadian version got a quite clean comeuppance after nine years of control, the first five as a minority government that had to admit restraints but more recently with the exclusive power that went with majority government.
The American TP is still around because it wields power, in a negative way, without the responsibility of governing. It will collapse either because voters catch on that it just cannot be trusted in government or because, heaven forbid, it gets its hands on all three branches and works its malign will on the nation. Sooner or later, people will have had enough, throw the bums out and force the Republican Party to purge itself of the worm that eats it from within. It'll be more messy than Canada though.
The American TP is still around because it wields power, in a negative way, without the responsibility of governing. It will collapse either because voters catch on that it just cannot be trusted in government or because, heaven forbid, it gets its hands on all three branches and works its malign will on the nation. Sooner or later, people will have had enough, throw the bums out and force the Republican Party to purge itself of the worm that eats it from within. It'll be more messy than Canada though.
8
Harper was much better than tea party - I voted for Harper in Canada before. I would run away from tea party. This year though I was hoping for a change. Hope Justin Trudeau would keep good name of this father and good name of last liberal rein, by Paul Martin - Canada owes its prosperity to him (as FM and PM).
1
We have just elected a medical student to perform heart surgery. Justin convinced 39.5% of the popular vote that he is the right person for the job with words like "hope", "real change" and "sunny ways" (a phrase not his own but borrowed from a true political leader of the past) - sound familiar? I understand Canadians' wish for change, I do, but Justin is not experienced enough to deliver true, meaningful change. Instead of hanging out at subway stations the day after the election, I suggest a more prudent use of time would be to start preparing for the international stage and his already-heavy international docket for November.
6
I guess we'll just have to wait and see eh?
Trudeau has a similar number of years as an MP as Harper had when he became the Prime Minister, so complaining that's he's not the equivalent of Harper after an additional 9 years at the helm is hardly fair.
In the end, Trudeau has shown he's a capable enough leader to bring the Liberals back from the brink and to a majority by building a strong team around him and having his message resonate with Canadians. With the number of decent policy people in the Liberal party that can serve as Cabinet ministers and a desire to move away from a powerful PMO and towards the Cabinet once again having autonomy around their portfolios the Liberal government should run more smoothly than the Harper government ever did under Harper's micromanagement.
In the end, Trudeau has shown he's a capable enough leader to bring the Liberals back from the brink and to a majority by building a strong team around him and having his message resonate with Canadians. With the number of decent policy people in the Liberal party that can serve as Cabinet ministers and a desire to move away from a powerful PMO and towards the Cabinet once again having autonomy around their portfolios the Liberal government should run more smoothly than the Harper government ever did under Harper's micromanagement.
I wish some of those "sunny ways" would drift southward of the Canadian border, since we in the US have been in a deep, dark tunnel since the beginning of the Bush 43 administration.
14
Most Canadians didn't vote liberal. This isn't a mandate. And if oil was still at $100 a barrel Harper and the right will still be in charge. Its the same over in Canada as it is here. Its the economy stupid.
3
"Most Canadians didn't vote liberal. This isn't a mandate."
That's a necessary result of the three-party structure. The non-Conservative vote was a clear majority and that's the message of this election: Anything But Harper.
That's a necessary result of the three-party structure. The non-Conservative vote was a clear majority and that's the message of this election: Anything But Harper.
14
You are right to point out that a majority of Canadians did not vote Liberal (they got 39.5%) but if you add the Neo-Democrat vote (19.7%) it shows the majority of Canadians voted progressive and not conservative (at 31.9%).
11
70 percent of Canadians voted for Anybody but Conservatives. How large does the number need to be for a mandate.
9
The Liberal party win in Canada represents a breath of fresh political air for the country. Canada is a vibrant multi-cultural society and the large Liberal vote in urban areas bears out that statement. Almost a decade of tired, backward looking conservative policies has ended. The Liberals have promised enhanced support for health care and social needs for all Canadians
One of the first orders of business will be cancellation of the F-35 order from the US aircraft manufacturer. This fighter was the wrong choice for Canada and does not fit the geopolitical needs of the country. A transparent process will be instituted to find a suitable replacement.
The next few years will see a new face for Canada in the world and at home. It will be a happy face, a very pragmatic face and one which welcomes and encourages change. It could be a new era for Canadian science and research.
One of the first orders of business will be cancellation of the F-35 order from the US aircraft manufacturer. This fighter was the wrong choice for Canada and does not fit the geopolitical needs of the country. A transparent process will be instituted to find a suitable replacement.
The next few years will see a new face for Canada in the world and at home. It will be a happy face, a very pragmatic face and one which welcomes and encourages change. It could be a new era for Canadian science and research.
11
I doubt they'll be discussing this too much over on FOX News. Doesn't bode well for the GOtP here in the States.
11
Wish we had more people in this country who would vote for liberals. We would have a much better country.
13
We have been there, Canada. The bright, shiny new young president who promises a lot and rose to the top without having earned it through experience.
Talk to you in a few years. Best of luck. You'll need it.
Talk to you in a few years. Best of luck. You'll need it.
14
We have been there with you Canada with our own version of the sour fear mongering of the right and its ugly policies.
Good for you for moving past Harper's failed policies and lack of vision.
Good for you for moving past Harper's failed policies and lack of vision.
2
The nice thing about Canada is that our system works a lot differently than the US. The Prime Minister has a lot more power to enact their will in a Majority government because they're only Prime Minister by virtue of having the support of the House in the first place. So unlike Obama, who was consistently undermined by a Republican House after the first midterms, Trudeau will have a very easy time getting legislation passed. Particularly once the Canadian Senate swings less Conservative once all the vacancies left by the previous government have been filled.
2
Canadian voters turned out in droves. Next November too many of us will stay home and complain about the2016 Presidential result. Don't stay home!
17
Not in droves - only 68%.
1
AJ, we were at 58% in 2012, down from 62% in 2008. Not the right trend for us.
3
The Liberals had a campaign with a lot of promises and a lot of changes. They've talked about decriminalizing marijuana, they've talked about reforming
the electoral system, they've talked about reforming the Senate, so now they have a majority, should be easy to go through with all those promises. Is that right Mate?
the electoral system, they've talked about reforming the Senate, so now they have a majority, should be easy to go through with all those promises. Is that right Mate?
5
I'm sure to be echoing many other commenters when I say "Good for Canada!" I also hope our nation's voters will similarly shrug off the cramped negativity of the Tea Party and return the United States to the LEFT track--where it's at its best.
13
Wyatt Scott, the goose-flying Canadian candidate, lost his bid for a seat in Parliament. Simply tragic. What were our friends to the north thinking?
The poor Canadians, they are in trouble.
10
Here's the thing. The conservatives ran a campaign of hatred. The sin that they made was attacking a minority group; and that, in Canada is taboo. When Canadians look at each other, we see neighbours and friends. We see people who go to work each morning and come home to families at night. When we see people in need, we help. We don't turn away and blame them for their misfortune. As as country, we see each other as family and not economic units to exploit nor be exploited by. We see our government as representative of who we are as a people, and not as a vehicle for a broken and corrupt ideology that Americans are being peddled. Our former Prime Minister is out pf a job today because he forgot the essence of what it is to be Canadian. Don't feel bad for us because when we look south of the border, we feel pity. Good luck to you guys, you really need it.
14
Thank god! If a Republican wins in 2016 I'll know there's some place to go. I was absolutely joyful when I heard this today. Thank you, Canada! May we follow in your footsteps!
21
Well done to the Canadian people coming to their senses and booting out the Tories and rejecting their fear mongering racist campaign of Lynton Crosby [lizard of Oz]. Hopefully he'll make good on his promise to reform the electoral system from first past the post to proportional representation and end his countries bombing in Syria.
10
I am so jealous of you, Canadians. I want to believe that we will follow in your footsteps by electing Bernie Sanders, but I am continuously reminded that this country is not yet ready for Sanders, and we should consider ourselves lucky if Hillary manages to win.
16
Canada's campaign season is 78 days. Imagine that.
24
Actually, this was the longest election campaign in modern times. Usually, the minimum length of a campaign is 36 days and rarely have we had a election period longer than 5 or 6 weeks.
2
A great day for Canada. Almost enough to make me want to move to there.
12
"Sunny days". He offers "sunny days ahead".
Sunny days ... .
But the game never changes. Hope sours into dismay, then disbelief and, finally, despair. And agter a few years of that most Canadians will be as desperate to throw out this bum as they were the last.
Sunny days ... .
But the game never changes. Hope sours into dismay, then disbelief and, finally, despair. And agter a few years of that most Canadians will be as desperate to throw out this bum as they were the last.
8
Ummm . . . about the correction? Canada's first prime minister was Sir John A. Macdonald, leader of the Conservative party. He lost an election to Alexander Mackenzie, the Liberal leader, following a scandal involving the Canadian Pacific Railway and an American financier. Mackenzie was a stone mason, honest, scrupulous and kinda boring. Macdonald won his way back in the next election and remained in office until his death in 1891. (We love our history including all the tawdry bits.)
8
To paraphrase Ed Koch, "The People have spoken … and they must be punished."
And they will be. It usually takes a while for leftist polices to destroy an economy. But we've seen the catastrophic results here, with BHO producing among the worst records imaginable. Only GOP "obstruction" prevented an utter collapse. In NJ, we're mute testimony to the utter disaster of the tax/spend/borrow/regulate philosophy.
Canada's hurting a bit since the collapse in oil prices. But borrow and spend aren't the answer. And when the newly elected party makes BHO look like a conservative on trade, that's a bad sign.
On the bright side, from a US perspective, Canada has been outcompeting us for businesses, based upon their substantially lower tax and regulatory burden. If that changes, it might make even MN look good by comparison.
And they will be. It usually takes a while for leftist polices to destroy an economy. But we've seen the catastrophic results here, with BHO producing among the worst records imaginable. Only GOP "obstruction" prevented an utter collapse. In NJ, we're mute testimony to the utter disaster of the tax/spend/borrow/regulate philosophy.
Canada's hurting a bit since the collapse in oil prices. But borrow and spend aren't the answer. And when the newly elected party makes BHO look like a conservative on trade, that's a bad sign.
On the bright side, from a US perspective, Canada has been outcompeting us for businesses, based upon their substantially lower tax and regulatory burden. If that changes, it might make even MN look good by comparison.
9
Pardon me? On whose watch did Lehmann Brothers, and subsequently the national and then global economies collapse? (Check your timeline.). Corporate profits and the stock market are now at record highs; unemployment is relatively low. This has happened on President Obama's watch, despite the shambles he inherited from ... President G.W. Bush.
You live in New Jersey, which has had a ... Republican ... governor since ... you would know better than I; I live in a state (Maine) in which a Tea Party governor has managed to grind the economy and population growth to a halt - the latter with the exception of Portland, where it is somewhat robust because of an influx of immigrants, whom he reviles, in accord with the party line (mercifully they provide a future tax base for our state, with the oldest population in the nation).
But I digress. If "leftist policies" destroy an economy, I will take 2015 over this time in 2008 any day. I remember those days, and the months that followed, well - it was panic time, as one big financial institution after another bit the dust. I don't remember any "leftist policies" at play then.
You live in New Jersey, which has had a ... Republican ... governor since ... you would know better than I; I live in a state (Maine) in which a Tea Party governor has managed to grind the economy and population growth to a halt - the latter with the exception of Portland, where it is somewhat robust because of an influx of immigrants, whom he reviles, in accord with the party line (mercifully they provide a future tax base for our state, with the oldest population in the nation).
But I digress. If "leftist policies" destroy an economy, I will take 2015 over this time in 2008 any day. I remember those days, and the months that followed, well - it was panic time, as one big financial institution after another bit the dust. I don't remember any "leftist policies" at play then.
17
Do you have no memory? Did the teetering on the brink of depression and the crashing into world-wide recession under Bush's rightist deregulation of the financial "geniuses" and their frauds pass you by? The dropping of the stock market by half its value not register with you?
Obama has done wonders, actually, in hauling us up to a place that's even vaguely livable after the multi-wreck disaster that was George W. and his merry republicans.
Obama has done wonders, actually, in hauling us up to a place that's even vaguely livable after the multi-wreck disaster that was George W. and his merry republicans.
14
"Only GOP 'obstruction' prevented an utter collapse."!? This is pure a-historical baloney. Were it not for government spending and other active measures we would have plunged into a second Great Depression and taken the world with us. As it is, the recovery--which you seem to grant is real--was slowed and limited by the obstructionism you praise. The fact that we're in recovery and Europe isn't is precisely because Obama eschewed the kind of austerity you implicitly applaud. Moreover, tax cuts are a TOTALLY discredited approach to stimulating the economy. Please wake up and smell the roses, for roses there are--despite the prickliness of the all-too-thorny GOP.
5
Yes, once again we can learn from our neighbors to the north. I was afraid that the US's madness had infected you, but you've recovered. Please help us down here!
This can't have hurt: "Canadian law bans corporations and labor unions from making political donations, and imposes fairly low limits on personal donations."
This can't have hurt: "Canadian law bans corporations and labor unions from making political donations, and imposes fairly low limits on personal donations."
13
The nasty, evangelical Harper has been consigned to the dustbin of history. He will be recorded in the still short history of Canada as its worst and most destructive prime minister.
The man who has become King Trudeau II has matured greatly since assuming the Liberal party leadership in 2013. The most telling statistic from the campaign is that 4 million new voters marked their ballot for Mr. Trudeau.
As Canadians, we will gt back our reasoned and compassionate country, leaving the hatred and spite of the Harper years to be quickly forgotten as we step into our brave new world.
And with the Canadian system with no term limits, Mr. Trudeau could well be prime minister for 25 years.
The man who has become King Trudeau II has matured greatly since assuming the Liberal party leadership in 2013. The most telling statistic from the campaign is that 4 million new voters marked their ballot for Mr. Trudeau.
As Canadians, we will gt back our reasoned and compassionate country, leaving the hatred and spite of the Harper years to be quickly forgotten as we step into our brave new world.
And with the Canadian system with no term limits, Mr. Trudeau could well be prime minister for 25 years.
9
god help us al!!!
We will need it.
We will need it.
Way to go, Canada! Congrats!
14
The author of this article doesn't really understand what happened last night. This isn't primarily a change of style. This is a fundamental change back to a Canada that has a sense of social conscience, that values the constructive role that government can play in achieving national interests, and that rejects the neocon agenda of destroying information about how the country is evolving socially and economically, destroying science, destroying the environment, destroying public interest regulation and destroying the overall effectiveness of government in both domestic and international matters. You will see major changes in all of these areas going forward, and along with all that will be a lifting of the wall of secrecy between the government and the people, because unlike Harper, Trudeau will not stealth to implement the program. There is ten years of destructive behaviour to reverse here and the sooner it starts the better. Good luck Mr. Trudeau. I hope you deliver.
18
As a Canadian, I am so proud and happy that Justin Trudeau won and won a majority, and finally Stephen Harper is deposed. A good day for Canada!
13
Not so much. Let's talk in 3-4 years, if you can still afford the internet!!!
1
A former snowboard instructor becomes Prime Minister by promising legal weed. And they laugh at politics in our country?
11
As I pay taxes at the rate of over 50%, at least I will be able to console myself with a doobie.
1
Either you need a new accountant or you are on a doobie while preparing your tax returns. No one pays 50% taxes in Canada.
Justin Trudeau has a BA from McGill University and a Bachelor degree in Educcation from the University of British Colombia. He also thought French and Math. By the way about 50% of all Canadians are college educated. That is more than we can say for the U.S. Please inform yourself before commenting.
1
I didn't vote for Mr. Trudeau because I thought that the 2 major parties (Liberals and Conservatives were the same when it came to lobbyists and "Big Business". I chose the NDP as a protest vote.
My fears were answered when Mr. Trudeau had to ask for a co-chair of his election campaign's resignation after the latter was found to have been consulting with "Big Oil" and how to approach the Liberals if they won the election.
Being "older", I'd seen the worst of both parties,especially with the former conservative P.M. Brian Mulroney who would have to fess up to receiving a bagful of money from an "inferred airplane manufacturer lobbyist" and then a super rich Canadian family moving a massive amount of money to the USA from a Canadian trust during a Liberal Government in power. a low-level tax Dept. employee made a decision to tax the money moving out of the trust. No sooner than you could say "move the money to the USA", a high-level Revenue Dept. person or even higher up, reversed the decision, and the money moved tax free across the border.
As the election campaign wore on, I grew to respect Mr. Trudeau, who's father was Prime Minister-Pierre Elliot Trudeau.The Conservatives resorted to "dirty politics" by saying Mr. Trudeau was not ready to be the Prime Minister, and he had long hair! As time moved on into the 78th day, Mr. Trudeau stood firm and resolute. He showed me he was ready and the voters chose him!
My fears were answered when Mr. Trudeau had to ask for a co-chair of his election campaign's resignation after the latter was found to have been consulting with "Big Oil" and how to approach the Liberals if they won the election.
Being "older", I'd seen the worst of both parties,especially with the former conservative P.M. Brian Mulroney who would have to fess up to receiving a bagful of money from an "inferred airplane manufacturer lobbyist" and then a super rich Canadian family moving a massive amount of money to the USA from a Canadian trust during a Liberal Government in power. a low-level tax Dept. employee made a decision to tax the money moving out of the trust. No sooner than you could say "move the money to the USA", a high-level Revenue Dept. person or even higher up, reversed the decision, and the money moved tax free across the border.
As the election campaign wore on, I grew to respect Mr. Trudeau, who's father was Prime Minister-Pierre Elliot Trudeau.The Conservatives resorted to "dirty politics" by saying Mr. Trudeau was not ready to be the Prime Minister, and he had long hair! As time moved on into the 78th day, Mr. Trudeau stood firm and resolute. He showed me he was ready and the voters chose him!
5
The resource based Candian economy is in the tank. And private sector debt, mainly mortgage debt, is at an extremely dangerous level. With general interest rates low, the new Canadian regime (like in the US) will be attracted to the concept of taking on gobs of Federal debt for "infrastructure, education, etc." that sounds so appealing at the outset. Only problem is that the debt will have to be repaid or rolled over, probably at higher rates that exist now. Unless the investments are truly made carefully and productively, Canada will find itself hemmed in financially as higher interest rates sap more government resources and will experience a political gridlock similar to what the US is experiencing today. And for the US, the financial squeeze will only get worse. Hope Canada is more sensible.
6
We in America is still waiting to see the American economy descend into a black hole..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................still waiting............................................................................................................
Just when is the American economy under supposed to implode? Inflation run rampant? The dollar get wiped out in value? Stock market go downhill? Housing stuck at the bottom. No job creation?
Just when is all this supposed to happen?
Just when is the American economy under supposed to implode? Inflation run rampant? The dollar get wiped out in value? Stock market go downhill? Housing stuck at the bottom. No job creation?
Just when is all this supposed to happen?
2
Read Krugman and learn how to break cyclic illiquidity.
As for oil, it was a dumb investment, and solar and wind are smart if you like air and water.
Enjoy FL while the sea crees in around your toes.
As for oil, it was a dumb investment, and solar and wind are smart if you like air and water.
Enjoy FL while the sea crees in around your toes.
2
Without wanting to take anything away from the victory (I was myself very pleased to see the end of the Harper nightmare), we should remember what first past the post elections produce: in 2011 Harper had a majority government with 39.6% of the vote and 53.9% of the seats. 60.4% voted for parties other than the Harper-led conservatives. In 2015, Trudeau has a majority government with 39.5% of the vote, and 54.4% of the seats. 60.5% voted for parties other than the Trudeau-led Liberals. First past the post majorities create a false sense of support for one party's policies, and the power to do whatever the governing party of the day can constitutionally get away with. Just ask Stephen Harper.
5
The gap between Liberals and New Democrats is far smaller than the gap between those parties and the Conservatives. Harper always profited from the splitting of the centre-left vote, until people decided, intelligently I think, to vote strategically. And Harper never made the slightest effort to move beyond his base and reach out to the rest of the electorate.
6
Sunny? Sadly Trudeau is selling the same snake oil that is the stock of all liberal politicians. In the US were promised Hope and Change and we got a failed foreign policy, ballooning debt, and a stagnant economy.
10
Liberals do like their hope and sunny.
And republicans, AACNY, like their fears and sneers.
2
You may want to look at conservative economic management of your country for your liberal ills. Those are republican policies that have led to lower wages and low paying jobs. But while we're at it, another round of tax cuts for the job creators.
4
Congrats to Mr. Trudeau! Hopefully, the times are a changing, both north and south of the 49th parallel.
Just as Mr. Trudeau borrowed "Sunny Days" from the revered PM Wilfrid Laurier I would suggest our progressive and liberal politicians use the language of Lincoln, TR, and FDR when fighting for human and economic rights of Americans. Their powerful words resonated once and propelled Americans to greater freedom and greatness against their era's 1%, and will again. I'd love to hear Hillary deliver FDR's "They hate me" speech.
Just as Mr. Trudeau borrowed "Sunny Days" from the revered PM Wilfrid Laurier I would suggest our progressive and liberal politicians use the language of Lincoln, TR, and FDR when fighting for human and economic rights of Americans. Their powerful words resonated once and propelled Americans to greater freedom and greatness against their era's 1%, and will again. I'd love to hear Hillary deliver FDR's "They hate me" speech.
8
For many of us in western Canada who remember the arrogance of Pierre Elliott Trudeau who literally gave us the middle finger, we are still paying for the legacy he left: big debt, big government, and a Charter (Constitution) that tilted the balance of power to nine appointed judges.
Mr. Trudeau certainly inherited charisma and charm of his father but not the intellect or political instinct. He also lacks the kind of life experience and gravitas to lead an organization, let alone a country. If not for his last name, he would still be teaching school, tutoring or starting another university degree.
Mr. Trudeau certainly inherited charisma and charm of his father but not the intellect or political instinct. He also lacks the kind of life experience and gravitas to lead an organization, let alone a country. If not for his last name, he would still be teaching school, tutoring or starting another university degree.
3
"“We need a conservatism that is sunnier and more optimistic than what we have sometimes conveyed,” Mr. Kenney said." No, what is needed is a return of the progressive element of the historical Progressive Conservative party that was hacked off after the takeover of the party by the right wing Reform cum Canadian Alliance in 2004. Most Canadians have a dual political identity - favouring a combination of fiscal conservatism with liberal social policies.
The Conservative Party that emerged after the takeover hewed sharply to the right on social issues and benefited from the collapse of the (at the time) scandal-ridden Liberal Party. Even then, the Conservative Party only managed to win two minority governments which kept their right-wing aspirations in check.
One term as a majority government, unfettered from the constrictions of minority governance, was more than enough for many Canadians. Keep in mind that the Canadian political spectrum falls to the left of America's. Bernie Sanders would be just slightly left of center here. Harper's style was to play to his right-wing base, and sow divisiveness elsewhere. More recently, politics being a blood-sport to Harper, he campaigned on fear and outrage. To paraphrase Conrad Black's comments on the CBC today, Canadians do not like politics to be more "brutal and nasty" than absolutely necessary and had had enough of Harper's "gratuitous abrasiveness."
The Conservative Party that emerged after the takeover hewed sharply to the right on social issues and benefited from the collapse of the (at the time) scandal-ridden Liberal Party. Even then, the Conservative Party only managed to win two minority governments which kept their right-wing aspirations in check.
One term as a majority government, unfettered from the constrictions of minority governance, was more than enough for many Canadians. Keep in mind that the Canadian political spectrum falls to the left of America's. Bernie Sanders would be just slightly left of center here. Harper's style was to play to his right-wing base, and sow divisiveness elsewhere. More recently, politics being a blood-sport to Harper, he campaigned on fear and outrage. To paraphrase Conrad Black's comments on the CBC today, Canadians do not like politics to be more "brutal and nasty" than absolutely necessary and had had enough of Harper's "gratuitous abrasiveness."
14
Liberals in the past have campaigned from the left and governed from the right. Jean Chretien and Paul Martin being classic examples of this. One suspects that this may happen again.
As to the other party, my Conservative ancestors may be able to stop spinning in their graves. Harper's small minded divisive style had no place in the Conservative party.
As to the other party, my Conservative ancestors may be able to stop spinning in their graves. Harper's small minded divisive style had no place in the Conservative party.
10
Oh, if such an election would only happen in the US next year. And the progressives win, of course, getting rid of the power of the ignorant 15% for another 25 years. Surviving the increasingly crazy dictates of our loony conservatives since 1980 has worn me out.
9
"“A positive, optimistic, hopeful vision of public life isn’t a naïve dream — it can be a powerful force for change,” Mr. Trudeau said"
The government can be a force for good.
Much luck to our northern neighbors, and fingers crossed 2016 goes the same way for America.
The government can be a force for good.
Much luck to our northern neighbors, and fingers crossed 2016 goes the same way for America.
10
This week's Coach's Corner is going to be most interesting, to see how Ron and Don each react to the election.
2
We have a couple of Canadians in the community who should be cautioned that strong spirits, even among friends and used purely for purposes of wild merriment, can result in dangerous conditions of inebriation that suggest staying indoors and away from moving machinery.
Congratulations.
Congratulations.
11
Please, Mr. Trudeau, please - prove to the United States of America that a positive, optimistic, vision of public life isn't a naive dream. Show our barbarian hordes that your sunny ways can trump (no pun; trust me) the nihilistic national conceit so many of them hold dear, that of a handgun in their hands, a skull tattoo on their forearms, and a socio-racist rant hiding behind their pursed Caucasian lips.
30
The Canadian electoral system works similar to that of the UK - it's a Parliament, whereby the winner of an election who has a majority of seats becomes the government and the power.
In the House of Parliament, opposition parties are allowed to question the Government and its respective Ministers (Akin to your Secretary, e.g. secretary of defence).
Our senate is a different entity. Senators are selected by the Prime Minister for a long period (I believe to 75), and they are a consulting part of the government, with minor, if any legislative powers.
Once elected and having achieved a majority, the government is not prone to Republican-style antics to blog legislation (Thank G_D!). The country and its citizens live with the decisions, and after the ruling party's time is over or sooner, an election is called.
Mr. Trudeau and the other 2 parties made all kinds of promises, and time will tell if Mr. Trudeau and the Liberals will carry through with their "bushel of goodies".
However, after too long in power (time corrupts), the Conservatives deserved the heave-ho, and the citizens voted.
We shall see if MR. Trudeau and the Liberals can do any better, or any worse.
In the House of Parliament, opposition parties are allowed to question the Government and its respective Ministers (Akin to your Secretary, e.g. secretary of defence).
Our senate is a different entity. Senators are selected by the Prime Minister for a long period (I believe to 75), and they are a consulting part of the government, with minor, if any legislative powers.
Once elected and having achieved a majority, the government is not prone to Republican-style antics to blog legislation (Thank G_D!). The country and its citizens live with the decisions, and after the ruling party's time is over or sooner, an election is called.
Mr. Trudeau and the other 2 parties made all kinds of promises, and time will tell if Mr. Trudeau and the Liberals will carry through with their "bushel of goodies".
However, after too long in power (time corrupts), the Conservatives deserved the heave-ho, and the citizens voted.
We shall see if MR. Trudeau and the Liberals can do any better, or any worse.
Enough, enough, enough with election talk. We have K.C. playing Toronto inside of thirty minutes. R.A. is pitching for the Jays. The other eight players better be quick on their feet. R.A. was never destined to pitch a perfect game - just keep his team in it:)
7
In the face of thousands of misleading spiteful negative ads from the Conservatives, Trudeau refused to go negative despite having ample ammunition on Conservative corruption to do so. Frankly I am shocked (and incredibly inspired) that his positive and hopeful campaign actually worked and that Canadians flocked to support that vision.
18
So on 2011 the Conservatives swept and 4 years later the Liberals do the same. As usual it shows the fickle feelings of human societies. 8 years Bush... 8 years Obama. Nothing surprising - including how whoever wins there supports say the "other side" was completely wrong.
1
Justin Trudeau was vastly underestimated by Canadian political punditry and he barely registered here in the US. One of the ways they missed the boat was that he took a page right out of Barack Obama's playbook by building a really large and efficient ground game. Having over 80,000 volunteers in a country of 34 million would translate to about the same number of volunteers that Obama had working for him in 2008. In addition, he and his team were very careful in picking the various Liberal candidates.
I thought the change election was telegraphed with the clear NDP win in Alberta that ended 43 years of Conservative rule. It was around the time of David Cameron's majority win in the UK and so was essentially ignored by American media. As an ex-pat Canadian who once lived in Alberta I knew it was big news so I started following Justin Trudeau and Thomas Mulcair on Twitter. Based on the tweets I read I felt that the either the Liberals or NDP had a good chance of ousting Harper and his conservatives.
One last point, when David Cameron won a clear majority in the UK, American conservative media was quick to spin it into an argument for how the US was ready to elect a Republican president. I doubt they will be honest and take the huugge (to quote The Donald) Liberal win in Canada as portending the opposite.
I thought the change election was telegraphed with the clear NDP win in Alberta that ended 43 years of Conservative rule. It was around the time of David Cameron's majority win in the UK and so was essentially ignored by American media. As an ex-pat Canadian who once lived in Alberta I knew it was big news so I started following Justin Trudeau and Thomas Mulcair on Twitter. Based on the tweets I read I felt that the either the Liberals or NDP had a good chance of ousting Harper and his conservatives.
One last point, when David Cameron won a clear majority in the UK, American conservative media was quick to spin it into an argument for how the US was ready to elect a Republican president. I doubt they will be honest and take the huugge (to quote The Donald) Liberal win in Canada as portending the opposite.
55
The politician in the United States building a huge ground game is Bernie Sanders and he is also being underestimated by political pundits. If Bernie can keep discipline in the ranks (not letting every victim group co-opt his candidacy), his message and Army of volunteers may very well shock the press that treats him like a side-show act.
Many citizens that are not political junkies think Ms Clinton's full name is "Front Runner Hillary Clinton" not "Hillary Clinton" thanks to our press and pundit class. The NYT, for example, calls the President "Mr Obama", but commonly calls Ms Clinton "Front Runner Hillary Clinton".
Last I checked, not one vote has been cast.
Good Luck Mr Trudeau
Many citizens that are not political junkies think Ms Clinton's full name is "Front Runner Hillary Clinton" not "Hillary Clinton" thanks to our press and pundit class. The NYT, for example, calls the President "Mr Obama", but commonly calls Ms Clinton "Front Runner Hillary Clinton".
Last I checked, not one vote has been cast.
Good Luck Mr Trudeau
Good luck to the future Prime Minister and his wife. Prime Minister Trudeau I's time in office were the glory days for Canada and for residents of Montreal. How fondly we remember them. To the future!
6
I certainly dismissed young Trudeau as a light-weight pretty boy in the beginning, His all style, no substance candidacy was viewed as a desperate attempt of the Liberals who had sunken so low. I really wanted a different progressive group, namely the NDP, to have a chance. Like many Canadians, his proposed policies and his performance when debating changed my mind - let's hope that he will continue to prove the skeptics wrong.
12
The unnecessary niqab ban was a gratuitous sop to the bigoted right on the Canadian political spectrum. It gained Stephen Harper an inconsequential number of votes but cemented more tolerant Canadians' images of a bitter, small-minded, vexatious idea of leadership.
Good riddance to nihilism. May the cure of political sunshine spread once again to the United States.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
Good riddance to nihilism. May the cure of political sunshine spread once again to the United States.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
19
Are we seeing the demise of the conservative revolution? I saw the election in the UK and now in Canada of liberals over conservatives and their policies, Mr, Trudeau even campaigned on restoring the age for seniors to retire to age 65 and not 67. That was a very unpopular policy among Canadians and so was the denial of climate change by Harper. Even bankrupt Greece kicked out the conservative running the country.
After about 40 years of conservative policies now, citizens are starting to realize that Conservative polices have not worked for ordinary working people. This is part of the reason Bernie Sanders has such a following.
After about 40 years of conservative policies now, citizens are starting to realize that Conservative polices have not worked for ordinary working people. This is part of the reason Bernie Sanders has such a following.
19
"Demise of the conservative revolution?" In the UK? Tell that to the good people there who just elected the Conservatives to another term with a majority.
2
For those Americans whose noses maybe a little out of joint because a snowboarder (with a lot of political history behind him) has been elected in
Canada.
Lets narrow the judgement window. In the last three weeks no Churches have been burned in Canada. United States can you say the same?
Canada.
Lets narrow the judgement window. In the last three weeks no Churches have been burned in Canada. United States can you say the same?
17
Great news. Thank you to our neighbors to the north. May you send your good sense our way - instead of another Polar Vortex, thanks!
12
Let's hope the "sunny ways" of newly elected Prime Minister Justin Trudeau turns to sunny days for scrapping the Keystone XL Pipeline and working to address climate change along with a much less hawkish approach to the Middle East. The dramatic defeat of the oil-backed, climate denying "bombs away" foreign policy of the Conservative government of Stephen Harper has to be encouraging to all who take global warming and global peace seriously. I hope it augurs well for own elections here next year.
9
"“We need a conservatism that is sunnier and more optimistic than what we have sometimes conveyed,” Mr. Kenney said. “We have to take collective responsibility for that.”
"Compassionate conservatism" did not work in the US and it won't work fro Mr. Kenney. Mr. Harper, and his party, was viewed as an extension of the US GOP, complete with its divisive style and desire to amass as much power, as possible.
Mr. Trudeau will move Canada forward, and away from transforming Canada into another US. As for the United States, unless Americans take control, the US will continue its slide into a one part, oligarchy, controlled by very far right politicians.
A word to the wise for 2016. The US is at a crossroads; a road to greatness, again; or continuous ton the road to ruin.
"Compassionate conservatism" did not work in the US and it won't work fro Mr. Kenney. Mr. Harper, and his party, was viewed as an extension of the US GOP, complete with its divisive style and desire to amass as much power, as possible.
Mr. Trudeau will move Canada forward, and away from transforming Canada into another US. As for the United States, unless Americans take control, the US will continue its slide into a one part, oligarchy, controlled by very far right politicians.
A word to the wise for 2016. The US is at a crossroads; a road to greatness, again; or continuous ton the road to ruin.
17
The road to ruin will change when Obama leaves office.
1
I hope he does well, but while a famous name can get a person elected, it does not ensure success.
The Bush family taught America that bitter lesson.
The Bush family taught America that bitter lesson.
7
The great thing about Canada is that if you don't like the guy, you can toss him out pretty quickly. We need a parliamentary system here so we can get rid of fools like Reagan and Bush before they can do real damage ...
9
americans will never go for a parliamentary system
that ship sailed 230 years ago
that ship sailed 230 years ago
1
Trudeau is markedly 'undifferent' with respect to Israel and the Zionist Lobby and their constant attacks on free speech, to wit:
http://mondoweiss.net/2015/10/facing-hecklers-gideon
This is in direct opposition to what most Canadians want.
So what does it tell you when Leader B is supposed to bring refreshing change from Leader A - but both are the same when it comes to Israel?
Is Senator Cruz, right? Should the Secretary of State of the United States, a land of 320 million, *resign* because he, correctly, noted that Israelis share some of the blame for the recent uptick in violence that has killed 3 times as many Palestinians as Jews?
Or is it that in the land of both the great white north and "land of the free" - you may talk about anything you like - save criticism of Israel?
http://mondoweiss.net/2015/10/facing-hecklers-gideon
This is in direct opposition to what most Canadians want.
So what does it tell you when Leader B is supposed to bring refreshing change from Leader A - but both are the same when it comes to Israel?
Is Senator Cruz, right? Should the Secretary of State of the United States, a land of 320 million, *resign* because he, correctly, noted that Israelis share some of the blame for the recent uptick in violence that has killed 3 times as many Palestinians as Jews?
Or is it that in the land of both the great white north and "land of the free" - you may talk about anything you like - save criticism of Israel?
5
I don't concern myself with America's foreign policy. You needn't concern yourself with ours. MYOB.
6
america has no foreign policy
they just randomly start wars and hope one of them makes sense
they just randomly start wars and hope one of them makes sense
3
Does minding *your* business include telling people, in American papers, what they should and should not comment on?
1
Justin Trudeau has spoken not just of policy changes, including legalizing marijuana and dropping out of the U.S.-led bombing campaign against ISIS .
-----
That's not good .
Scott Walker was right when he insisted on a North wall ....
-----
That's not good .
Scott Walker was right when he insisted on a North wall ....
How about building one between Oklahoma and Texas?
Yes sir, or madam, Canadians are going to destabilize the US by invading from the north. You know something, Canadians got a taste, under Harper, what life is like in the US; they chose another path because they did not like living in a fear based, paranoid society.
Yes sir, or madam, Canadians are going to destabilize the US by invading from the north. You know something, Canadians got a taste, under Harper, what life is like in the US; they chose another path because they did not like living in a fear based, paranoid society.
16
Don't worry ...
We won't invade ...
We won't invade ...
10
With all due respect, Scott Walker was a melodramatic fool when he insisted on a northern wall. You have severe border issues with Mexico because of poverty and an unwinnable war on illegal drugs. A well off Canada legalizing the least harmful drug, is not going to effect anything on the U.S Canadian border. And whether Canada with our small air force is involved militarily against ISIS, will not affect that conflict - and obviously has nothing to do with a wall along our border.
1
While I am sure that change was needed, I'll need to be convinced that this cure is not worse than the disease. Please excuse me but I have an inherent distrust of anyone who ascends to the very top of any profession - especially one adopted (or, as in this case, inherited) in mid-life - without really having to work for it.
Also, there is a delicious irony that may undergird many of his supporters: I rather suspect that if these people were to be
asked what they thought of our monarchy, many might say that no advantages should come to anyone on the basis of a fortunate birth alone. Yet just such a fortunate birth - the son of a former PM who, despite having died 15 years ago, remains very much alive, and favourably so, in the minds of many - is one of two reasons that Canada's now second most famous Justin will be the nation's next leader.
The other reason can be summed up in two words: Harper hubris.
And while, just as your sitting President discovered in 2008, a philosophy of hope is very appealing in the wake of unimaginative and spent leaders such as W and Harper, it's not likely to translate into anything substantive when it comes to actual leadership. Give me a realist any day over those who peddle hope as they pander to the gullible.
Also, there is a delicious irony that may undergird many of his supporters: I rather suspect that if these people were to be
asked what they thought of our monarchy, many might say that no advantages should come to anyone on the basis of a fortunate birth alone. Yet just such a fortunate birth - the son of a former PM who, despite having died 15 years ago, remains very much alive, and favourably so, in the minds of many - is one of two reasons that Canada's now second most famous Justin will be the nation's next leader.
The other reason can be summed up in two words: Harper hubris.
And while, just as your sitting President discovered in 2008, a philosophy of hope is very appealing in the wake of unimaginative and spent leaders such as W and Harper, it's not likely to translate into anything substantive when it comes to actual leadership. Give me a realist any day over those who peddle hope as they pander to the gullible.
30
Hope and Change worked out pretty well for us in America, despite the unrelenting scourge of the Repub locusts. The so-called hard nosed businessman realist as a better political leader is a romantic myth.
Repubs as hard nosed realists? Hardly. It was the Kenyan-born, Muslim Socialist Marxist community organizer who ran circles around those so called realists when it came to bring back our economy from the precipice, rescue our foreign policy and has accomplishments that would compel Repubs to put him on Mount Rushmore if he were one of them.
Tough loss though, better luck next time.
Repubs as hard nosed realists? Hardly. It was the Kenyan-born, Muslim Socialist Marxist community organizer who ran circles around those so called realists when it came to bring back our economy from the precipice, rescue our foreign policy and has accomplishments that would compel Repubs to put him on Mount Rushmore if he were one of them.
Tough loss though, better luck next time.
12
Well, Charlie, I don't like hope peddlers either, and I don't anticipate liking this Justin more than I like the other one; so far he has given me no reason to believe he has any substance. But sometimes change for the sake of change seems like a reasonable course, and I am prepared to bet that a vapid Trudeau will be less of threat to transparency and democracy than Harper has been.
Charlie, regarding your last paragraph. With the winning party forming the Government, Canada is fortunately spared having a legislature that meets on his first day to plan denying him any success whatsoever.
7
A TV network showed the new Prime Minister greeting subway riders in Montreal this morning, shaking her hands and thanking them for his mandate.
I think I spotted two Mounties and a lot of happy Canadians.
The "kid" is classy.
I think I spotted two Mounties and a lot of happy Canadians.
The "kid" is classy.
16
Well, from the looks of it, at least, lately, The "Gray Lady" New York Times is a tad opinionated, after all. From last week's big headlines all about Hilary and her so-called win in the first Democratic debate, Sanders was shunted to the far sidelines, even though every public poll came up clearly for him--by landslide proportions. And here we have a put down on young Trudeau--actually, he has degrees from McGill University, and University of B.C., and post grad work in engineering and at the Univ. of Montreal and studies in environmental geography-- again-- at McGill. Actually, his being a "Snowboard instructor" will wind up making him one of the best Prime Ministers this county will ever see. The old..."All work and no play"...ya know? It always works out that way...the people you make fun of and put down will end up turning heads.
13
Harper is out in Canada. Abbott is out in Australia. Corbyn has taken over the Labor Party in GB. Just maybe liberals are starting to wake up and smell the reek of conservative retrograde policies. Lest we lapse into lethargy, as is the norm, the roots have to be pulled out by going after local/state politicians which are now dominated by the right. If we don't finish the job, guys like Bernie will die on the vine.
22
And Republicans overwhelming control the Congress and the large majority of states. Don't read too much into it. Canadians wanted a change. They got one. So do Americans.
3
It is interesting to note that since the LB Party in the U,K. just might win the next election, much like the U.S., the elitists and oligarchs in GB are now jumping on the bandwagon and doing everything in their power to make sure Corbyn and the Labor Party do not get elected.
All got a taste of so called "compassionate conservatism" and spit it out. While Conservatives still rule Australia, Mr. Turnball is much more moderate than Mr. Abbott. he has to be, as the Labor Party is right on his heels and the Conservatives are being given one more chance.
The bottom line, ruling be fear, pushing a a war agenda, pushing for less regulation, lower taxes, finding scapegoats, support the wealthy, and besmirch the poor and middle classes; results in a party, a Prime Minister or president losing elections.
The question is, are Americans ready to move to the center, like they did in Canada, and are doing in Australia and the UK?
The bottom line, ruling be fear, pushing a a war agenda, pushing for less regulation, lower taxes, finding scapegoats, support the wealthy, and besmirch the poor and middle classes; results in a party, a Prime Minister or president losing elections.
The question is, are Americans ready to move to the center, like they did in Canada, and are doing in Australia and the UK?
6
Hooray!!! Harpernan DID have to go! Now, Mr. Trudeau, please reinstate the writer of the tune, who was only demonstrating freedom of speech.
The upset in the Canadian political scene is an ominous omen for the GOP in US. PM Harper's extreme right wing bias was certainly no secret, and his deep allegiances to the traditional energy industries was clearly behind his antipathy toward environmental concerns. But this is not the only alignment he had with GOP ideologies. His governing record over the last decade also shows he meant business playing hardball with the disadvantaged and impoverished while pandering to the privileged. He was so consistent in this regard that it would have made Paul Ryan proud. All of this was roundly rejected and thrown out in this election in all areas across the nation, including western Canada where his roots were. Regardless the structural differences between voting regimes of the two countries, the vast ground swell of voting behavior of the Canadian electorate against GOP-like ideologies as they were playing out in Canada is noteworthy and could well be as good an indicator as any that the GOP is in trouble.
19
"Canadian law bans corporations and labor unions from making political donations, and imposes fairly low limits on personal donations."
We could learn a thing or two from our neighbors to the north.
We could learn a thing or two from our neighbors to the north.
39
Heaven forbid we should learn anything from any other country. We are much too "exceptional" for that!
6
Arising from the 2011. election few of his supporters and at least one MP were jailed for messing with the strict election laws
Harper disgraced Canadians with his lunacy, just like GWB disgraced Americans with his. Bibi might be the only one who will miss him.
28
As I have pointed out in other comments, Justin Trudeau has been a Member of Parliament for 7 years and leader of the party for 2 years. That's a lot more political experience than Trump, Carson or Fiorina and about on a par with the current President's before he took office.
Canadian's are happy to be free of Harper's secretive ways and right-wing agenda. Let's give Trudeau a chance before we say he's doomed to fail.
Canadian's are happy to be free of Harper's secretive ways and right-wing agenda. Let's give Trudeau a chance before we say he's doomed to fail.
43
Thank God no more Mister Harper's mean-spirited government and his celebration of past war events bringing back very divisive issues. His demonstrated love for the Queen of England was grotesque, and his becoming the Salesperson-in-Chief for the tarsand industry was just a pity to watch. I'm glad President Obama stood his ground against the XL Keystone pipeline. Mister Harper was also the man who silenced scientific researchers working for the government by threatening them with losing their job.
After ten years in government, Mister Harper had shown more interest in joining in American military interventions abroad instead of building strong humanitarian capabilities wanted by most Canadians. It must be emphasized that Mister Harper voted favorably for the American invasion of Irak and blamed the Prime Minister of the time, Mr. Jean Chrétien, for not jumping in the band wagon with the former Bush administration that had lied its way into invading Irak.
After ten years in government, Mister Harper had shown more interest in joining in American military interventions abroad instead of building strong humanitarian capabilities wanted by most Canadians. It must be emphasized that Mister Harper voted favorably for the American invasion of Irak and blamed the Prime Minister of the time, Mr. Jean Chrétien, for not jumping in the band wagon with the former Bush administration that had lied its way into invading Irak.
24
Actually, 22 years ago--not 40--the conservatives won only 3 seats in the 1993 election. This from a majority government.
My son and I spent the past summer thru yesterday in Canada. We were literally immersed on a daily basis in the stark contrast in the way the Harper machine attacked everyone who was not seeing life their way. I would call the negativity and fear-mongering unprecedented in Canadian history.
When we woke up back home in the states this morning and saw the outcome, we both looked at each other and said, "saw that coming."
Why?
After so long listening to the fear, the negativity - the entire blah, blah, blah of division like we have in the States, you get sick of it i you're an active, thinking, caring human being - even regardless of your political views.
You may agree with the Harper political agenda - but you can't stand to look at the guy anymore, so you throw him out.
I would point this out to the fear-mongering, hateful folks who have destroyed our country's ability to move forward for the sake of our kids and their kids.
People are sick of it. Ask Harper.
When we woke up back home in the states this morning and saw the outcome, we both looked at each other and said, "saw that coming."
Why?
After so long listening to the fear, the negativity - the entire blah, blah, blah of division like we have in the States, you get sick of it i you're an active, thinking, caring human being - even regardless of your political views.
You may agree with the Harper political agenda - but you can't stand to look at the guy anymore, so you throw him out.
I would point this out to the fear-mongering, hateful folks who have destroyed our country's ability to move forward for the sake of our kids and their kids.
People are sick of it. Ask Harper.
37
I am so happy that when witnessing the right wing assault on poor people, women's bodies, living wage, health care, immigration and Social Security, I can now return to my day dream of moving to Canada. (A nice fire escape to my sanity.)
27
You mean you still want to move to Canada as the Right wing is trying to help poor people after decades of failed, Left-wing policies, as the Right wing tries to keep companies that hire people competitive so they can hire more people, as the Right-wing tries to prevent the U.S. from going bankrupt and as the Right-wing tries to prevent anyone not being persecuted in their homelands from walking across our border? Given you're in Detroit, you're fortunate the Canadian border isn't that far of a walk. I say act on your dreams!
Please supply examples of how the Republicans are doing this, because I see exactly the opposite.
1
bozicek:
Clearly, you live in some sort of fantasy world. Right wing helping poor people? I am rolling on the floor with laughter.
Clearly, you live in some sort of fantasy world. Right wing helping poor people? I am rolling on the floor with laughter.
4
From the country that brought you Rob Ford we get this...a snowboard instructor for a head of state?
5
Absurd. He's an experienced parliamentarian with a remarkably disciplined work ethic and a vision which he has translated into a practical program. It's like saying "from a country that brought you the Three Stooges we get this, a haberdasher (Truman) for head of state?
29
We have absolutely no room to criticize ... this country elected the Idiot Bush twice (well, once, if you count that the first election was stolen) ... and look what that did to the world ... no, we'd better shut up and let the Canadians continue to do a good job of being a country that cares more about its people than about world domination.
17
And Harper's only two jobs outside of politics has been as a mailroom boy for an oil company and head of right-wing group once dedicated to killing socialized medicine.
Any other concerns, d bennett.
R.B. Bennett was Canada's equivalent of Hoover, by the way.
Any other concerns, d bennett.
R.B. Bennett was Canada's equivalent of Hoover, by the way.
13
Hmm. A young, inexperienced leader promising "change in this country."
I would advise the Canadians to study how that recently turned out in the United States. It will be many years before the damage can be healed.
I would advise the Canadians to study how that recently turned out in the United States. It will be many years before the damage can be healed.
10
Huh? As inexperienced as President Obama may have been upon assuming office, his administration has always been light years ahead of the GOP in terms of policy making. Admittedly, he had a low bar to clear there...
19
Obama was a Constitutional professor, elected 3 times to the state Senate and elected the US Senate. Not inexperienced in government; unlike Carson and Trump who have ZIP experience.
So.... was the US better off at the end of Bush's terms or the end of Obama's?
So.... was the US better off at the end of Bush's terms or the end of Obama's?
17
What's the matter, NY Prof Emeritus...it seems like you miss the Compassionate Conservative Catastrophes of George W. Bush ?
Thank goodness the United States has the good fortune to have Barack Obama around to clean up all of that exploded right-wing neocon excrement he left all over the country.
George Bush left the USA a rotting democratic corpse, much like Harper tried to destroy Canada.
Canada and America are in good hands with liberal progressive leaders to lead them out of right-wing darkness.
Thank goodness the United States has the good fortune to have Barack Obama around to clean up all of that exploded right-wing neocon excrement he left all over the country.
George Bush left the USA a rotting democratic corpse, much like Harper tried to destroy Canada.
Canada and America are in good hands with liberal progressive leaders to lead them out of right-wing darkness.
26
Here it comes! Barely 24 hours in and already the US media is establishing a condescending tone. For if there is anything that the US elite fears when it comes to Canada, its a return to the independent stance of Pierre Trudeau, who recognized the many powers that Canada welded over the US and wasn't afraid to apply them.
An independently minded Canadian prime minister who doesn't follow every command out of Washington. Quick - make sure all Americans think he's a communist before it's too late!
An independently minded Canadian prime minister who doesn't follow every command out of Washington. Quick - make sure all Americans think he's a communist before it's too late!
81
Regrettably, some (many) American conservatives are uneducated and simply mean spirited.
14
He will want your money for his favorite social programs.
He will encourage dependency on govt.
He will add to your national debt.
He will tout the climate change idiocy.
If he's another Obummer, beware.
He will encourage dependency on govt.
He will add to your national debt.
He will tout the climate change idiocy.
If he's another Obummer, beware.
1
That wasn't my take on this article. Admittedly, Ian hasn't had much time to rest since the election results. Too bad he's the only writer the Times has covering the whole country of Canada. It's rather narrow coverage if you ask me.
3
Perhaps the progressives' time has come, both in Canada and the U.S. When someone like Trudeau can win and Bernie Sanders can become a serious contender for President, drawing thousands of people in places like Iowa and Arizona, that tells you something. Even conservative voters want a better life for themselves and perhaps they are finally starting to realize that the Tea Party and other extremists can't -- or don't want to -- deliver that.
There's no question that those on the left have a long way to go to put
America back on the right course. But we see encouraging signs that average people have had enough of conservative, do-nothing, obstructionist policies that favor only the rich and the corporatists, and are making life worse for most Americans.
There's no question that those on the left have a long way to go to put
America back on the right course. But we see encouraging signs that average people have had enough of conservative, do-nothing, obstructionist policies that favor only the rich and the corporatists, and are making life worse for most Americans.
21
Ah, one can wish...
1
My favorite is "deficit spending". That means Justin will be in office for a long time. Until our kids grow up and find out that in order to pay for the votes that were bought now, we have to not only raise taxes on them, but on businesses that will move all their jobs someplace else.
Free stuff always wins in the short run -- but it takes a leader with low enough morals to knowingly saddle our kids with enough debt that they will never recover. But ... It wins! Venezuela.
Free stuff always wins in the short run -- but it takes a leader with low enough morals to knowingly saddle our kids with enough debt that they will never recover. But ... It wins! Venezuela.
6
Try a dose of Prof. Krugman, you clearly need a refresher course on what fiscal policy looks like in a zero-interest-rate, liquidity-trap international economic environment...Maybe those future generations you are so worried about will thank their leaders like Trudeau for investing in the future instead of bequeathing them a crumbling infrastructure...
13
In order to get thing things done the tax cuts have prohibited it will be necessary, but his anticipated deficit is a fraction of that which Harper rang up benefitting his $$ cronies and Street masters
5
Spot off, Tom. If investment in infrastructure is promising "free goodies", I'll be glad to eat my hat. Businesses are more likely to move elsewhere when the infrastructure breakdowns make them less efficient or worse, unable to function.
1
This a victory for democracy where the Conservative party used Republican tactics to awakened the French/English schism, alienate First Nations by ignoring treaty rights, endangered the environment by favoring big oil and mining, favored a military solution to international issues rather than peace keeping, and was whittling away quality health care by pampering privatization.
Maybe America has something to learn from Canada about democracy.
Maybe America has something to learn from Canada about democracy.
147
You are aware that Obama is our President, not a Republican. Who learned from whom?
JVS, have you not noticed the Republican tactic of shutting down the government if you don't get your way or blocking everything your President does just because he is black and a liberal. How about when the Republican Congressman yelled "you lie" during a State of the Union address. Harper may not be as bad as the Republicans, but he sure did borrow from the GOPs playbook. From your comment I would say JV means Junior Varsity.
Sadly, 99.99% of all this information is new to 99% of all Americans. As a people, we are much better informed about life and politics in Germany, Saudi Arabia, China, and many other places than by our neighbor with whom we share 5000 miles of common border.
Does a country have to be problematic to be noticed? While it is probably true as an element of human nature that "problems" -- whether real or imagined -- grab our attention, one would expect the Times, as an element of its journalistic responsibility, to lead and not simply mirror this proclivity. There are ample other sources for primarily covering the sensational. The Times' routine coverage of Canada, its people, culture, and politics, does preciously little to disabuse the typical American view of that nation as a wholly-owned subsidiary of America Inc. or as simply America Lite.
Maybe Canada should send some Mounties across the border in the Minnesota north and claim four square feet of American soil. That would most certainly get it a lot more coverage than it does now. Not to mention lots of attention as a major issue in the Republican Presidential debates.
On the other hand, perhaps the best thing for the Canadians is not to be even noticed by America.
Does a country have to be problematic to be noticed? While it is probably true as an element of human nature that "problems" -- whether real or imagined -- grab our attention, one would expect the Times, as an element of its journalistic responsibility, to lead and not simply mirror this proclivity. There are ample other sources for primarily covering the sensational. The Times' routine coverage of Canada, its people, culture, and politics, does preciously little to disabuse the typical American view of that nation as a wholly-owned subsidiary of America Inc. or as simply America Lite.
Maybe Canada should send some Mounties across the border in the Minnesota north and claim four square feet of American soil. That would most certainly get it a lot more coverage than it does now. Not to mention lots of attention as a major issue in the Republican Presidential debates.
On the other hand, perhaps the best thing for the Canadians is not to be even noticed by America.
15
The last sentence should be in caps
1
Care to make a bet that Canadians are better informed about other countries than Americans? Canada is a great country, but the unsupported haughtiness of some of its citizens is rather unbecoming.
Trudeau's brilliant dad described Can. as a miouse inbed next to an elephant. The US. He said that whether you love that elephant or not, you had be very aware he might roll over and crush you in his sleep. My man.
3
"Sunny ways"
Positive thinking and inclusiveness can go a long way to improving life for a large portion of the population. Difficult problems generally are worse with a sour outlook.
Personally I think a little deficit spending would help here too.
Positive thinking and inclusiveness can go a long way to improving life for a large portion of the population. Difficult problems generally are worse with a sour outlook.
Personally I think a little deficit spending would help here too.
8
Positive thinking and inclusiveness can go a long way to improving life for a large portion of the population...but not the portion that pays taxes.
2
Read Paul Krugman and learn about "multiplier" theory -- or take Econ 100. If a billionaire is taxed to create money for a new tunnel between NYC and NJ, and business thrives, his businesses make MORE profit. Duh.
'Sunnier conservatism'-yeah, that's the ticket. An oxymoron surely.
Now when can I move there? I don't know if I can endure the next year of endless, presidential campaigning here.
They do have a much shorter campaign season in Canada.
All best to Mr. Trudeau and the fine, (seemingly saner), people of Canada.
Now when can I move there? I don't know if I can endure the next year of endless, presidential campaigning here.
They do have a much shorter campaign season in Canada.
All best to Mr. Trudeau and the fine, (seemingly saner), people of Canada.
9
Congrats to all the people who approve of govt dependency like the bottom 50 percent of Americans.
50 percent? Ah, you must be proud of your Republic and compassionate people like yourself whom, if you live in Florida, are probably collecting a government pension and medicare.
Congrats to all Canadians who made this happen-- your future looks very bright and promising. I hope that next year you can say the same for us.
28
“We need a conservatism that is sunnier and more optimistic than what we have sometimes conveyed,” Mr. Kenney said. “We have to take collective responsibility for that.”
Yes you do and yes you did. Bye, bye!
Yes you do and yes you did. Bye, bye!
12
WOW! Young Justin and old Bernie... potent combo.
9
Hillary should pay heed to Trudeau and legalize miarjuana. Trump would blow a gasket.
4
Canada keeps Trudeau and sends us Ted Cruz.
Well played Canada!
Well played Canada!
152
Except Cruz is not really Canadian...
we can't 'blame Canada' for that.
we can't 'blame Canada' for that.
(sorry)
LOL!!
Pierre was a great leader and moved Canada to the world center stage. I wish Justin all the best and hope he is at least 50% of what his father was and bring Canada back to being a global player. For those who think that family legacy is a bad thing. Maybe or maybe not. Justin has to be thinking of his father every step of the way and mind you that is a tough act to follow.
3
"Canadian law bans corporations and labor unions from making political donations, and imposes fairly low limits on personal donations."
What a novel concept - having elected representatives whose mission is NOT paying back big contributors with bad legislation at the expense of 95% of their constituents.
These people are obviously Communist Socialists and need to be invaded, or at least strafed weekly by our drones to teach them a lesson.
What a novel concept - having elected representatives whose mission is NOT paying back big contributors with bad legislation at the expense of 95% of their constituents.
These people are obviously Communist Socialists and need to be invaded, or at least strafed weekly by our drones to teach them a lesson.
36
Nostalgia is dangerous.
4
Congratulations and good luck. So far it sounds very promising
6
This is great news. Conservatives are running out of a job. People dont need someone to tell them what is right or wrong ... which is what conservatives always tried to do. That information is available at the click of a button, everywhere. What they want from Govt. is to have an opportunity to explore and discover their identity on their own.
7
Good luck Canada! You are going to need it with this air head. I predict that here will be another election in two years. The Canadian economy has tanked because of the decline in commodity prices. In case you didn't know it, that's all Canada has to offer, oil and minerals. Sorry, but it's true. Their economy won't recover because Trudeau is "sunny" and he is going to act on climate change. Until their is a recovery in oil prices, Canada will plod along. Canadians have voted for change for the sake of change, just like in the U.S. Look where that has taken us--the liar Clintons and the Socialist Obama.
7
I find that people who have to resort to name calling do so because they are unable to add anything intelligent to the debate or discussion.
Question: was the US better at the end of Bush's terms or Obama's?
Question: was the US better at the end of Bush's terms or Obama's?
At best/peak pricing all resources comprised only 20% of GDP but the resulting inflation of the Cdn. petro $$ stifled exports. 400,00 manufacturing jobs had been lost under Harper because of the Harperite/Ottawa price supported Alberta oil based revenue stream. BTW Alberta is the only place that is originally American immigrant stock
How refreshing it is to see a candidate with so much charisma. Here in the USA we have all these presidential candidates and not one of them has the sunny charisma of this young man. Our loss.
6
That election that just happened in Canada is the Republican canary keeling over in the mine.
25
Justin Trudeau's victory is not by chance. It's the ultimate result of a young energetic man who learned politics to practice with confidence. He opted optimism over fear when other liberals were desperate. He proceeded with dignity, consistency and greater vision. He gave to Canadians the slogan that Canadians are the Canadians.
89
Good. End belligerent politics. Start with cancelling Keystone pipe.
12
I do not know whether it is still the case, but, Justin Trudeau actually has leaned towards approval of the pipeline. The issue is, in the end, he is not the one who is going to make the decision and with oil prices in the tank, it just may become academic.
Mr. Trudeau said he's going to spend C$ 125 billion on infrastructure. Here are some suggestions.
Winnipeg, Manitoba, has no freeway system and the traffic is clogged. Victoria, British Columbia, is in a similar state. The freeway from the U.S. border to Vancouver dumps traffic onto a jammed city street well short of downtown. The road from Sept-îles, Quebec, to Labrador, is partly unpaved.
Above all, no four-lane road crosses the country; i.e., the Trans-Canada Highway remains a two-lane road for many hundreds of kilometers.
That money would be well spent on improving Canada's road infrastructure.
Winnipeg, Manitoba, has no freeway system and the traffic is clogged. Victoria, British Columbia, is in a similar state. The freeway from the U.S. border to Vancouver dumps traffic onto a jammed city street well short of downtown. The road from Sept-îles, Quebec, to Labrador, is partly unpaved.
Above all, no four-lane road crosses the country; i.e., the Trans-Canada Highway remains a two-lane road for many hundreds of kilometers.
That money would be well spent on improving Canada's road infrastructure.
7
Vancouver defeated a proposed highway to its North Shore because it wanted to live without the WestSide and Brooklynn-Bronx and FDR pipelining traffic, noise, and pollution into its gorgeous city.
Up here, that makes their Canada Line high-speed transit link a blessing for our grandkids. Not bad, eh?
Up here, that makes their Canada Line high-speed transit link a blessing for our grandkids. Not bad, eh?
How very nice and convenient while he has us doing the heavy lifting.
3
You're of course referring to the "heavy lifting" of making war all around the world, right? Maybe if the US employed a less arrogant, heavy-handed approach to foreign policy, we would need to do so much "heavy lifting" as we wouldn't be such a target.
7
Like all of Europe, so they can sit comfortably on their high horses.
4
How nice that the Liberal Party saw the folly of GWB and the Iraq mess, stayed out of it and saved countless Canadian lives.
9
The election on Monday was not only an overwhelming vote by Canadians who supported the new leader Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party values and policy proposals which support all Canadians over other choices but a protest vote against the former Prime Minister Harper. The reality is that Harper had governed the country and the economy like a dictator with his narrow agenda of policies which supported only Conservative Party policy issues and vested interests through his tenure. On the whole, Harper had managed the country and the economy by ignoring the needs of most Canadians and by ignoring the economic distress experienced by most Canadians which had worsened and deteriorated under his leadership and his Conservative government. The sad thing is that, even until the end, Harper showed that he still did not know the difference.
The main thrust of the surprising election results Monday was an opportunity for Canadians to “Throw the bums out” !!!
There is a message here for all American voters in the 2016 Federal election with respect to the Republican controlled Congress and Senate:
“Throw the bums out” !!!
The main thrust of the surprising election results Monday was an opportunity for Canadians to “Throw the bums out” !!!
There is a message here for all American voters in the 2016 Federal election with respect to the Republican controlled Congress and Senate:
“Throw the bums out” !!!
25
You're next Republican criminals!
Four years from now we in Canada will be tossing Mr. Trudeau out the door. Pierre Elliot Trudeau divided Canada like no one ever did, not even Brian Mulroney comes close.
Wage and price controls, repatriation of the constitution without Quebecs signature. He also introduced the National Energy Policy which totally alienated western Canada. Hie started Canada on the path to runaway deficits, thinking nothing of future generations.
I wish Justin Trudeau all the luck in the world. It goes to show you that we in north america truly are blessed when the likes of Ronald Reagan, George Bush and Justin Trudeau can become president or prime minister.
Stephen Harper was a cold and controlling man but he had quite a CV before he became prime minister. The positive side of this is that at leastt Ben Mulroney is not in the picture.
Good luck Justin!
Wage and price controls, repatriation of the constitution without Quebecs signature. He also introduced the National Energy Policy which totally alienated western Canada. Hie started Canada on the path to runaway deficits, thinking nothing of future generations.
I wish Justin Trudeau all the luck in the world. It goes to show you that we in north america truly are blessed when the likes of Ronald Reagan, George Bush and Justin Trudeau can become president or prime minister.
Stephen Harper was a cold and controlling man but he had quite a CV before he became prime minister. The positive side of this is that at leastt Ben Mulroney is not in the picture.
Good luck Justin!
10
I read all the posts comparing Harper to modern day Republicans. Sorry, but politics in Canada have always been and will always be totally different. Mr. Trudeau's clone, Bernie Sanders, is not about to win the Democratic nomination and be elected President.
Hillary Clinton, who will win the nomination, supported arming Syrian citizens who rose up against the tyrant who tortured and murdered little children and used chemical weapons against his own people and now sends helicopters to drop barrel bombs filled with chlorine on them. Hillary Clinton will continue going after ISIS wherever they are, and despite the far left in the Democratic Party, Hillary has been pro Israel her entire life and has a special relationship with the Jewish State and that is not about to change. Foreign policy towards Syria, ISIS, and Israel will not change after 2016, no matter who wins the Presidency, Republican or Democrat.
The American electorate has far different concerns than our neighbors to the north and to equate the far left views of Trudeau with the majority of the American public is foolish. The American people are neither far left nor are they far right. To equate the concerns of the voters in Canada with the voters in the United States would be like comparing the voters in America with the voters in Denmark, France, South Africa, England, or Germany. They are not the same and never will be.
Hillary Clinton, who will win the nomination, supported arming Syrian citizens who rose up against the tyrant who tortured and murdered little children and used chemical weapons against his own people and now sends helicopters to drop barrel bombs filled with chlorine on them. Hillary Clinton will continue going after ISIS wherever they are, and despite the far left in the Democratic Party, Hillary has been pro Israel her entire life and has a special relationship with the Jewish State and that is not about to change. Foreign policy towards Syria, ISIS, and Israel will not change after 2016, no matter who wins the Presidency, Republican or Democrat.
The American electorate has far different concerns than our neighbors to the north and to equate the far left views of Trudeau with the majority of the American public is foolish. The American people are neither far left nor are they far right. To equate the concerns of the voters in Canada with the voters in the United States would be like comparing the voters in America with the voters in Denmark, France, South Africa, England, or Germany. They are not the same and never will be.
4
So a young person wanting to obtain a decent affordable education, citizens who want a decent paying job and proper healthcare and have among several other items, a safe environment to live in are not important to Americans? You may THINK you have different priorities, however, divisive politics in the U.S. has created the environment that makes many including YOU, believe they are different. In the end, we all would like pretty much to have the same things and in these important instances, America is no different from anyone else.
Trudeau's "far left views" are what? He is a Krugman on economics, a Blow on racial cooperation, a Bruni on sexual freedom, an Obama on healthcare availability. Really, even the New deocrat Party is not "far Left". Read about Canada, don't turn on FOX.
The problem isn't the "belligerent" style in the U.S.
The problem is that the G.O.P. would rather see the entire country in ruins than to EVER support a Democratic president.
The G.O.P. leaders are like rapper 50 cent Jackson and h is "Get rich, or die trying", except for the G.O.P., it's:"Get richer, or ruin the country trying."
When there is a Republican president, the Democrats attack his ideas, but at the end of the day most Democrats go along "for the good of the country."
The problem is that the G.O.P. would rather see the entire country in ruins than to EVER support a Democratic president.
The G.O.P. leaders are like rapper 50 cent Jackson and h is "Get rich, or die trying", except for the G.O.P., it's:"Get richer, or ruin the country trying."
When there is a Republican president, the Democrats attack his ideas, but at the end of the day most Democrats go along "for the good of the country."
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"...than to EVER support a *black Democratic president."...FIFY
I am very happy to see a party that represents the views of the large majority of Canadians, rather than the toxic wannabe-GOP toxic rhetoric and actions of Stephen Harper. However, the system is still immensely flawed, in that Mr. Trudeau's party won 54% of the seats with 39.5% of the votes. While the Conservatives roughly got seats in proportion to their vote total, this was not the case with NDP, which received only 13% of the seats with 20% of the vote. The Liberal Party has pledged to introduce proportional representation, and it cannot come soon enough. It would be highly surprising for a party to dismantle a system that has given them a resounding majority, but I hope the Liberals remember the last election, when Mr. Harper gained an equally impressive majority with less than 40% of the popular vote. Surely the government of a great pluralistic society like Canada should represent at least a majority of those voting. IVR or ranked choice cannot come soon enough.
I also think the NDP and Liberals need to wake up. The differences between them are so minor compared to the differences with the far right poison purveyed by Harper, that they need to realize what their inability to compromise on a common platform and set of candidates allowed to happen during Harper's 8 years.
I am delighted that the forces of reaction and intolerance have been decisively rejected, but for that to continue, the Canadians need a fairer and more democratic electoral process in the future.
I also think the NDP and Liberals need to wake up. The differences between them are so minor compared to the differences with the far right poison purveyed by Harper, that they need to realize what their inability to compromise on a common platform and set of candidates allowed to happen during Harper's 8 years.
I am delighted that the forces of reaction and intolerance have been decisively rejected, but for that to continue, the Canadians need a fairer and more democratic electoral process in the future.
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"I am very happy to see a party that represents the views of the large majority of Canadians"
The views of a 'large majority' with 39% of the vote?? Must be the metric system.
The views of a 'large majority' with 39% of the vote?? Must be the metric system.
1
67% voted against the Conservative MP's, and the opposition to Harper has now got 67% of the seats. That's not bad. It's a wacky Brit. system, but it gave us Lester Pearson and UN Peacekeeping and Pierre Trudeau with strong defense and healthcare. Not too shabby, eh? A-boot okay, I'd say.
Proportional representation is the last thing I want to see. It would mean the poliltical parties select the members of parliment instead of the voters - double-plus good for cronyism and not at all good for direct representation.
The big question: as Canada faces very low fertility rates (below 1.5) and Harper imposed policies designed to increase subsidies to sole breadwinners and SAHMs (policies that further drove down fertility rates among long-time citizens, but raised them among Islamic and South Asian immigrants), is Trudeau, who is an a patriarchal marriage himself notwithstanding being a Gen-Xer, going to recognize that Canada's policies should be revised to a baseline of equal parental responsibility for children regardless of sex?
His position on this issue of whether religion (whether his own Catholicism or Harper's Evangelical Christiainity or Islam or Hinduism) may be used to evade responsibilities of citizenship outside the context of clearly articulated civil disobedience (which requires that you take the consequences of the law) does not suggest he's the clearest thinker on this (not unlike Sotomayor's decision in the LSOP case in Denver) .
His position on this issue of whether religion (whether his own Catholicism or Harper's Evangelical Christiainity or Islam or Hinduism) may be used to evade responsibilities of citizenship outside the context of clearly articulated civil disobedience (which requires that you take the consequences of the law) does not suggest he's the clearest thinker on this (not unlike Sotomayor's decision in the LSOP case in Denver) .
3
So the Liberal Party wins with just under 40% of the vote and that is a mandate? Mr. Trudeau cannot ignore the moderates and conservatives or he will be swept out of office sooner rather than later.
9
The Liberal Party is fairly moderate. But if you want to believe they are far left wing so be it. If you want to look at real left wing parties, take a look at the NDP & Green Parties. Oh - and if you add up these three "Socialist" parties, that gets you 62.7% of the vote. If that isn't the definition of a mandate, please explain what you consider a mandate to be.
7
Peter, with a Parliamentary system, Mr Trudeau has a mandate for four years. With this mandate, he has a majority in Parliament and will be our Prime Minister for the entire four years. There is no sooner, it will be for four years. Just saying. As for not recognizing the moderates and conservatives, we had to put up with the "dictatorship" of the conservatives for the past 11 years. No, he does not have to recognize them. He has the mandate.
9
We do mandates with a lot less than that.
3
Good for Canada. Do any American candidates for president have a similar outlook? I think not. Americans are all about war, anger, guns for all, and crumbling infrastructure is something to be proud of.
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Steve Harper mimicked American-style propaganda tactics and failed miserably. This article failed to mention that of the 700,000 new immigrants brought in since 2011 only TWO wanted to wear the "controversial" niqab thing. Keep in mind that Steve also promised to extend maternity leave to 18 months for all women and other pro-family ideas that would be unimaginable for a Democrat in the USA. Will the Americans stop being so desperately afraid of the 1% and make real change happen in 2016? Probably not.
25
Paternity is now as inexpensively provable as maternity. I think Trudeau is in denial about the implications of this, as was Harper.
Under the US Constitution's implication and international human rights treaties, children are the equal responsibility of both parents; fathers actually have more responsibility for child care after birth if you count time in the womb to the mother. All policies should be built around this baseline, not a presumption that women are the primary parents.
Under the US Constitution's implication and international human rights treaties, children are the equal responsibility of both parents; fathers actually have more responsibility for child care after birth if you count time in the womb to the mother. All policies should be built around this baseline, not a presumption that women are the primary parents.
2
This is a victory for socialism, for higher taxes, for further Canadian isolation, for a reawakening of the French/English schism we saw in the 1970's.
Sad, Canada. Really sad.
Sad, Canada. Really sad.
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So glad you could chirp in with your optimism, CM.
9
This a victory for democracy where a Canadian Tea Partier who awakened the French/English schism, alienated First Nations by ignoring treaty rights, was endangering the environment by favoring big oil and mining, and was whittling away quality health care by pampering privatization was defeated by the people that do not want to follow the Republican play book.
Maybe America has something to learn about democracy.
Maybe America has something to learn about democracy.
15
That is nonsense. It is a vote for a positive, optimistic approach to government and our public life, rather than the divisive, negative, secretive and angry tone of the Harper era.
French-English schism? What are you talking about. Trudeau's Liberals won the most seats in Quebec, as well as winning in 7 of 10 provinces (including the three largest), and was the only party to win seats in every province and territory. It was a national victory.
French-English schism? What are you talking about. Trudeau's Liberals won the most seats in Quebec, as well as winning in 7 of 10 provinces (including the three largest), and was the only party to win seats in every province and territory. It was a national victory.
18
The United States needs a third party.
4
Hopefully this new guy can lead Canada away from the Clinton, Bush Jr. and Clinton Jr. foreign policy path Harper was on.
Harper's one-man shouting match with Putin was ridiculous not only because Canada is as far from Ukraine as a NATO member can get but because it sounds like Harper was going to sent Canadian navy patrolling off Russia.
Harper's one-man shouting match with Putin was ridiculous not only because Canada is as far from Ukraine as a NATO member can get but because it sounds like Harper was going to sent Canadian navy patrolling off Russia.
5
We have a lot of Ukrainian Canadians.
Now that the UN has decided that Saudi Arabia should set its human right agenda, I'm afraid it has lost what little credibly it still had left.
3
Another Trudeau in Canada, maybe another Clinton or the third Bush in the White House. I thought we did away with heir-apparent when we threw out the House of Hanover.
13
@Paul - Good comment. After I read about Trudeau "Following In His Father's Footsteps" I realized he is a trustafarian. (Maybe one with good intentions or some awareness of the immense privilege he was born into - but still a rich kid.)
In Trudeau's words, Canadians voted for a government with a " vision that is positive, ambitious, and hopeful". If only our presidential candidates offered that choice...
47
One of them does -- and she's not a Republican.
7
The Dem's have that vision as well....
they:
1) positively want to take what you have earned
2) are ambitiously working to put government in control of everything
3) are hopeful to accomplish total control without people realizing what the are doing.
they:
1) positively want to take what you have earned
2) are ambitiously working to put government in control of everything
3) are hopeful to accomplish total control without people realizing what the are doing.
1
Oh come on. I will vote her but please let's not pretend about what Hillary is or what she will offer.
"Canadian law bans corporations and labor unions from making political donations, and imposes fairly low limits on personal donations."
C'mon. What do they actually do without all that appearance of corruption?
C'mon. What do they actually do without all that appearance of corruption?
9
maybe they decided that the answer to speech you don't like is more speech - not fining or jailing people for making pay per view political documentaries.
Land of the Free, indeed.
Land of the Free, indeed.
1
OK, you got me -- Here's your answer -- If they can't pay the gazillions for advisors who tell them how to lie and pay for the ads, they will have to ... run on their qualifications.
Next you'll tell me the Canadian Press tells both candidate's stories equally, pointing out only blatant untruths. But wouldn't that give the voters a chance to make up their mind and get great leaders? Hey, what would the political party leaders do for a living?
Next you'll tell me the Canadian Press tells both candidate's stories equally, pointing out only blatant untruths. But wouldn't that give the voters a chance to make up their mind and get great leaders? Hey, what would the political party leaders do for a living?
2
This was one of the very sore spots with the electorate. Yes, corruption in the Conservative party was out of control. The things Harper did to this Country might take years to repair. Senators (un-elected), being investigated by the RCMP, criminal charges being heard in court, disrespect towards the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the disgraceful attitude towards the refugees, and many more. Harper forgot that we, as Canadians, other than First Nation people, are all "refugees". It is a delightful day to be, once again, proud to be Canadian! Go Jays!
4
Canada with a population of 35M is California with population of 38M spread across the top of the U.S. As much as California could be said to be a bellwether state for the US there could be a hopeful message in this election result. But the far right wing in the U.S. are so much more angry, violent and unwilling to compromise sensibly on any issue I rather doubt it.
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It is interesting, because the right wing in Canada have adopted many of the method's, if not total ideology of right wingers in the States. That's why Trudeau being a good Prime Minister is so important, and why he was in third place for a time during this election. Progressives were not sure about him. But after his Rachel Notley style campaign - incredibly ironic that the socialist party actual used some Republican tactics against Trudeau in an attempt to bury him - his message of Canadian optimism and a different way of doing things won out. Gosh, I hope he does well as a Prime Minister. That way we can vanquish this Tea Party Rush Limbaugh brainwashing forever.
3
We threw ours out, you can too.
2
Today I am once again a proud Canadian-- for the first time in more than nine years. There will be ups and downs and it may be a roller coaster ride for us all for awhile as he settles in, but this is a statesman in the making. I thank Pierre (and Margaret) for this legacy son, I thank Justin for taking up the challenge, and I am grateful to the millions of Canadians who cast their ballots-- for all sides. Yesterday, I became a foot soldier volunteering to help get out the vote, and had the honour of driving a 65-year-old blind First Nations grandmother to vote, and to help her cast her ballot. She was determined to vote for Justin. I guided her hand to slide her ballot into the count box and told her I was very, very proud of her-- First Nations people here have seldom voted in the past. Last night, I stood as a witness to the count for the candidate of my choice, and could not help but be aware of what a privilege and honour it is for an ordinary citizen to stand over and supervise a vote count, and even to contest it if necessary. Whenever I have done this, I have gotten a little teary-eyed. What we have in this country, millions have died to try and have elsewhere. And now, we once again have a prime minister who believes in us as caring, hard-working, honest Canadians. I am very, very happy today.
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Most excellent work.
4
I totally agree. Somehow our Conservatives thought it would OK to act like Rush Limbaugh Canadians and it work - even though it would get two thirds of our country that would be American left of centres, angry. Harper was foolish to think it would be OK, and his party is paying for it today. It might be a long time before the Conservatives are back in power if they don't move back to the political centre. I feel so proud to have a finally have a Canadian thinking government finally back in office.
4
Down here in the US, some of us were wondering what happened to you people. It's good that you've finally dumped Harper. Now if only we could elect a Congress that's sane.
5
We, as Americans, casting dispersions on the qualifications of Canada's new Prime Minister? Ben Carson?, Herman Cain?, Sarah Palin? How about the President whose pre-presidential achievement was being a B-grade supporting actor for Bozo the clown.
Canada should do just fine.
Canada should do just fine.
101
There you go again. It was Bonzo the Chimp, not Bozo the Clown!
3
I'm no Reaganite, but give the RR credit where due, he WAS two-term governor of California...and thus way more qualified than the current Republican frontrunners.
And you've completely confused his filmography. The movie in question, Bedtime for Bonzo, involved a chimp, not a clown, Bozo or otherwise...
And you've completely confused his filmography. The movie in question, Bedtime for Bonzo, involved a chimp, not a clown, Bozo or otherwise...
I think the word you wanted there was 'aspersions'. Just tossing that out there...
1
Congratulations Canada and Mr. Trudeau!
Now, could you please export your "sunny ways" to the belligerent Republicans in our Congress? Much appreciated...
Now, could you please export your "sunny ways" to the belligerent Republicans in our Congress? Much appreciated...
88
Republicans don't do "sunny"these days.
You think the GOPers here are upset by the Liberal Justin Trudeau election? Just wait until Liberal Trudeau meets up with Liberal Obama as they get together to plan even more Liberal plans. Natural BFFs!
Repubs will be running for the hills, screaming and holding their heads!
They'll be shouting for a huge protecting wall up North with Liberal Canada!
Repubs will be running for the hills, screaming and holding their heads!
They'll be shouting for a huge protecting wall up North with Liberal Canada!
31
And they will be thinking up some new fears and hate to try to win the US elections....hate never sleeps
5
Obama is not a liberal. He is a corporatist.
7
Can hardly wait to read Mr Trump's comments! This should be fun!
The world is changing conservatives. You pushed too hard right and the pendulum is now coming back left with hard momentum.
Reach down and enjoy the ride.
Reach down and enjoy the ride.
108
"The right-wingers in the US don't have more than 40% of the vote, probably less -- the question is where are the moderate Republicans? Are they all Democrats now?"
Quite a few are declaring themselves to be Sanders supporters. Just how many remains to be seen-- are there polls that get at this kind of data?
Quite a few are declaring themselves to be Sanders supporters. Just how many remains to be seen-- are there polls that get at this kind of data?
Really got to appreciate our voting neighbors to the north going with the non-climate science denier. Sure, all politics is local except on issues that it's not. Thanks and congratulations!
277
You should read up on his exchanges with David Suzuki.
1
It's back to the same old, same old. No new ideas by people like this or this party. Spend the money of future generations so that people now can selfishly consume what doesn't belong to them. A sad day for Canadians.
2
jdagis:
Same old same old? You resurrect and recycle the same old paid off politicians election after election and 43 yr. old Justin Trudeau is old school, are you kidding me?
Same old same old? You resurrect and recycle the same old paid off politicians election after election and 43 yr. old Justin Trudeau is old school, are you kidding me?
6
Are we talking about social programs such a health care, education, and infrastructure that invest in a better society; or the race to consume fossil fuels and other limited resources without regard to the environmental consequences so that corporations can claim more profits?
5
Back to the days of caring for the public where you invest in their future and not hand it to the rich. A sad day for those Americans who still think that's the only way to run a democracy.
3
Interesting photo. Where are all the sour-faced security guards with their ear-pieces, and guns bulging from their suit jackets?
Oh, I forgot, this is Canada, not psychotic America.
Oh, I forgot, this is Canada, not psychotic America.
206
Dont worry, they were there. Theyre just not as obvious.
Oh, I forgot, this is Canada, that has never had their leader assassinated.
4
My husband and I were in Ottawa during a political convention in which Brian Mulroney was elected party leader, actually sharing the same hotel. After waiting for an elevator, the door opened and we walked in as three men hurried to join us. As they entered the elevator we realized that it was Brian Mulroney and two of his cohorts, neither of whom appeared in any way whatsoever to be security. Granted, it was 1983, but still. Totally different sort of mindset.
5
I just read on WSJ that its a "centrist" party that won!
10
The right-wing has a lot of practice at spin doctoring; but then what else do they have.
9
Makes sense; of the three large parties, the Conservatives are hard right, Liberals are center-left, & NDP is traditional left -- so the Libs essentially represent the center of the electorate.
Although the Cons came in second in the popular vote, they had the worst relative showing in the elections yesterday, by percent change in seats in Parliament.
Although the Cons came in second in the popular vote, they had the worst relative showing in the elections yesterday, by percent change in seats in Parliament.
2
Of the main Canadian political parties, the Canadian Liberal Party (oldest roots, 1867) is considered a centrist party, to the left of the Conservative Party and to the right of the New Democratic Party. Prior to the Harper regime debacle, my place of birth, Canada, has overall been progressive in a lot of areas; social services (health care), immigration, culture inclusion, environment. Canada historically represents helper, inclusiveness, along with kindness, politeness and compassion, for the masses... not loathing hindrance protecting interests of few. My Grandfather held multiple government positions in Canada including a member of Canadian Parliament in the 1930's, as a Liberal member... its a happy day, eh?
2
"Mr. Harper’s often belligerent style of politics and diplomacy and legacy includes reuniting the Conservative movement under a single party banner and developing an effective fund-raising machine.
Canadian law bans corporations and labor unions from making political donations, and imposes fairly low limits on personal donations. So the Conservatives used sophisticated software to develop and promote political issues that would draw large numbers of small donations from supporters, even if found little support in the rest of the population."
It must be nice to be rid of your wretched and greedy Canadian Republican, Canada.
California effectively marginalized Republicans by eliminating the undemocratic gerrymander in their state.
Hopefully, America will follow the Canadian lead and start electing more thoughtful, peaceful, liberal socialists instead of thoughtless, violent right-wing sociopaths.
R to go backward, D to go forward.
Congratulations Canada, Mr. Trudeau has let your country out of its right-wing Harper jail.
Canadian law bans corporations and labor unions from making political donations, and imposes fairly low limits on personal donations. So the Conservatives used sophisticated software to develop and promote political issues that would draw large numbers of small donations from supporters, even if found little support in the rest of the population."
It must be nice to be rid of your wretched and greedy Canadian Republican, Canada.
California effectively marginalized Republicans by eliminating the undemocratic gerrymander in their state.
Hopefully, America will follow the Canadian lead and start electing more thoughtful, peaceful, liberal socialists instead of thoughtless, violent right-wing sociopaths.
R to go backward, D to go forward.
Congratulations Canada, Mr. Trudeau has let your country out of its right-wing Harper jail.
284
Absolutely!
Now they can look forward to sub 2% growth and an exploding debt for years to come.
Now they can look forward to sub 2% growth and an exploding debt for years to come.
1
Nope - they don't have Republicans to destroy their economy like they do here.
20
S Lucas-You should tell that to Canadian investors. The Toronto Stock Exchange and the loonie are up on the election news.
23
STEPHEN HARPER is a very Intelligent and Capable Man, however he is "Trapped In Extreme Evangelical Conservative Ideology", one which Tarnished Canada's Image built on Lester B. Pearson and Pierre Elliott Trudeau's Legacies.
IN contrast Justin Trudeau while being a part of the 1% himself, is a "Pragmatist Centrist" with only one agenda: "Do What Is Right".
Mr. Harper not only Damaged Canada's standing Internationally, but also fatally moved his Party to Extreme Right at home thus risking another Split as the Progressives will try to move the Party to "Electable Center" while the Harper Clan will insist on "Toxic Tea Party Politics" a la the Republican Party.
AT age 43, Justin Trudeau can Lead Canada back to the "Country His Father Built", A Darling Of Most Loved Nations, and for that He Deserves Our Utmost Admiration And Support.
IN contrast Justin Trudeau while being a part of the 1% himself, is a "Pragmatist Centrist" with only one agenda: "Do What Is Right".
Mr. Harper not only Damaged Canada's standing Internationally, but also fatally moved his Party to Extreme Right at home thus risking another Split as the Progressives will try to move the Party to "Electable Center" while the Harper Clan will insist on "Toxic Tea Party Politics" a la the Republican Party.
AT age 43, Justin Trudeau can Lead Canada back to the "Country His Father Built", A Darling Of Most Loved Nations, and for that He Deserves Our Utmost Admiration And Support.
103
Much too gushy Adam and the hyperbole is over the top.
Mr. Harper was a flawed leader with an opaque and unpopular agenda. Canadians not only got tired of it they got angry about it.
That about covers it.
Mr. Harper was a flawed leader with an opaque and unpopular agenda. Canadians not only got tired of it they got angry about it.
That about covers it.
Stephen Harper had the audacity to change press releases from "The Government of Canada" to "The Harper government". To our American friends that should tell you one of the many reasons for why he was defeated. Nothing wrong about his personal integrity but his was also a mean-spirited character who played to the worst of the Canadian character and never performed anything uplifting. And if you really want to judge the character of the man, witness the fact that his last major campaign rally in Toronto showed him buddying up to Toronto's last mayor, Rob Ford.
153
Good riddance to Harper!
I hope Trudeau fils can restore Canada, in fact, and in perception, to the progressive North American social democracy I always thought it to be!
I hope Trudeau fils can restore Canada, in fact, and in perception, to the progressive North American social democracy I always thought it to be!
4
What a patronizing and condescending tone, Mr. Austen.
And by the way, Justin Trudeau was a snowboard instructor in the same way that George Bush Jr. was a gardener in all those photo ops showing him clearing bush.
Justin Trudeau worked as a high school teacher, a youth advocate and yes, also had a seasonal job working as a snowboard instructor. He has two undergraduate degrees and worked as a math high school teacher before seeking elected office.
And by the way, Justin Trudeau was a snowboard instructor in the same way that George Bush Jr. was a gardener in all those photo ops showing him clearing bush.
Justin Trudeau worked as a high school teacher, a youth advocate and yes, also had a seasonal job working as a snowboard instructor. He has two undergraduate degrees and worked as a math high school teacher before seeking elected office.
209
Have no clue how any of that background prepares him for Canadian leadership. Also wondering how he'll pay for the progressive programs he's advocated. I guess we'll see.
2
Viv
Unfortunately, columnists, along with many of their readers have short memories. I cant help but think of many who ran for office in America and attained it at the highest levels and what they were involved in prior to entering politics. Lets see, Ronald Reagan, Arnold Schwarzenegger, oh yes, they did the best thing that prepared them for public office, they were movie actors.
Unfortunately, columnists, along with many of their readers have short memories. I cant help but think of many who ran for office in America and attained it at the highest levels and what they were involved in prior to entering politics. Lets see, Ronald Reagan, Arnold Schwarzenegger, oh yes, they did the best thing that prepared them for public office, they were movie actors.
4
And it worked out so well for the US to have two terms of George Bush Jr.
2
I am hoping that the Canadian dismissal of Harper and Harperism will resonate in the US.
It's noteworthy that Harper's support did not really decline so radically -- he was able to form governments for 9 years with less than 40% support, due to Canada's 3-party politics. This election the conservatives got 32%, not such a big change ... not what the NDP lost.
What happened is that Canada got disgusted with Harper and Harperism and many people concluded that a vote for the Liberal party (which despite the name evolved into a more centrist party than the NDP) would get Harper out ... and it did.
Let's face reality folks -- we've got three parties in the US -- the Democrats, whatever is left of what used to be called "mainstream Republicans," and the Tea/"Freedom Caucus" right.
The right-wingers in the US don't have more than 40% of the vote, probably less -- the question is where are the moderate Republicans? Are they all Democrats now?
The Republican party has been pulled so far right that it's far beyond Harperism -- and in the process is headed toward Harper's fate. Most Canadians got to the "basta" point with Harper ... seeing at the most basic level that "we're not like that."
The majority of Americans are not like the current American right -- and the demographics are trending further away too.
If Republicans want to have a voice going forward they should look to the center, and understand that angry right-wingery is not what most Americans want to be.
It's noteworthy that Harper's support did not really decline so radically -- he was able to form governments for 9 years with less than 40% support, due to Canada's 3-party politics. This election the conservatives got 32%, not such a big change ... not what the NDP lost.
What happened is that Canada got disgusted with Harper and Harperism and many people concluded that a vote for the Liberal party (which despite the name evolved into a more centrist party than the NDP) would get Harper out ... and it did.
Let's face reality folks -- we've got three parties in the US -- the Democrats, whatever is left of what used to be called "mainstream Republicans," and the Tea/"Freedom Caucus" right.
The right-wingers in the US don't have more than 40% of the vote, probably less -- the question is where are the moderate Republicans? Are they all Democrats now?
The Republican party has been pulled so far right that it's far beyond Harperism -- and in the process is headed toward Harper's fate. Most Canadians got to the "basta" point with Harper ... seeing at the most basic level that "we're not like that."
The majority of Americans are not like the current American right -- and the demographics are trending further away too.
If Republicans want to have a voice going forward they should look to the center, and understand that angry right-wingery is not what most Americans want to be.
133
Lee,
If close to 70% of eligible voters showed up to vote like here in Canada next November the counting won't be finished till Christmas. Most Americans just want a plan for the future but all they get is the politics of division.
If close to 70% of eligible voters showed up to vote like here in Canada next November the counting won't be finished till Christmas. Most Americans just want a plan for the future but all they get is the politics of division.
7
"The right-wingers in the US don't have more than 40% of the vote, probably less -- the question is where are the moderate Republicans? Are they all Democrats now?"
No, the moderate Republicans are like the moderate Democrats, we formed the Voter Apathy Party and stopped voting.
Who do we have to vote for? Ultra-conservatives that want a bible-study class in school or Ultra-liberals that want open the border, abolish the police and learn revisionist history in school?
No, the moderate Republicans are like the moderate Democrats, we formed the Voter Apathy Party and stopped voting.
Who do we have to vote for? Ultra-conservatives that want a bible-study class in school or Ultra-liberals that want open the border, abolish the police and learn revisionist history in school?
AH:
Ultimately, it always comes back to the same issue in U.S. politics, MONEY. New and perhaps visionary candidates never run because, once again, at the outset, if they cannot raise the enormous sums of money to even get started, they do not bother, hence, the constant recycling of the old guard.
Ultimately, it always comes back to the same issue in U.S. politics, MONEY. New and perhaps visionary candidates never run because, once again, at the outset, if they cannot raise the enormous sums of money to even get started, they do not bother, hence, the constant recycling of the old guard.
1
Canadians are so happy to see the end of the incivil nasty Harper era!
103
Hoping to see the end of oligarchy here in the U.S.!
111
“We need a conservatism that is sunnier and more optimistic than what we have sometimes conveyed,” Mr. Kenney said. “We have to take collective responsibility for that.”
Ah, no. It isn't the wrapping paper that mattered Mr. Kenney, it was the lousy present inside which your fellow Canadians opened and then found wanting.
Ah, no. It isn't the wrapping paper that mattered Mr. Kenney, it was the lousy present inside which your fellow Canadians opened and then found wanting.
175
Liberals are like the joyful kids on Christmas morning who relish the positive parts of living and make noises of delight and hope.
Conservatives tell them to "keep it down!"
Maybe we need both sides in this life.
But we sure as heck need more of the former.
Hopeful, positive, sunny.
That's elixir for the soul.
Conservatives tell them to "keep it down!"
Maybe we need both sides in this life.
But we sure as heck need more of the former.
Hopeful, positive, sunny.
That's elixir for the soul.
51
Mr. Harper has left a bitter taste with many Canadians who believed in the collective progress of all citizens instead of just a few oil and banking tycoons. Mr. Harper never worked toward improving health care, education, or the infrastructure. Instead, he handicapped the government's ability to do anything constructive or progressive by reducing the tax revenues generated from wealthy individuals and corporations. He made sure that no public servant freely expressed their professional opinions on anything. Scientists were stopped from speaking about their research and the parliamentary budget officer, appointed by Harper himself, was harassed and eventually left his job. It felt like Canada had become an extension of the bible belt in the U.S. Canadians eventually realized that Harper no longer represented Canada as a progressive, liberal and tolerant society, and congratulations to them for throwing him out for good. Hopefully, Trudeau will be less of a disappointment and bring more change than Obama managed to do in the U.S. Good luck Canada.
403
Harper seemed bent on transforming an admirable social democracy into some sort of northern Texas. Good riddance, and good luck to Trudeau fils, lets hope he does his famous name honour!
11
Mr. Harper's machinations seem rather like those of Scott Walker in Wisconsin.
2
Well put!
1
Allegedly Justin Trudeau has an intellect that would be dwarfed by the titanic minds of Dan Quayle or Sarah Palin. Say it's ain't so Pierre or Peter?
2
Viv above mentions he has two bachelor's degrees and taught high school math. Plus he believes in science. That alone makes him an intellectual giant compared to most US politicians of the Palin caliber. And say what you will about Quayle--decades ago, he mused that the photos showing canals on Mars may have carried water!
6
Not even Canadian, and glad Harper's out. No voter deserves that.
111
thank goodness that someone is going to stand up to Obama's mindless killing, drone strikes, bombing and general mayhem in the Middle East without a strategy! Bravo, Canada!
18
Eventually people get tired of the heavy handed, bullying from the far Right fanatics. The Republicans in America should take note.
316
What do they have to worry about it already happened here 8 years ago Obama won. Nothing what so ever changed.
Left or Right you get the very same thing if you live at the bottom.
At the top what is it you need protection from you might lose .00000000000001 of your Billions in tax.
Left or Right you get the very same thing if you live at the bottom.
At the top what is it you need protection from you might lose .00000000000001 of your Billions in tax.
7
If Americans voted at the percentages that Canadians do, they'd already be gone. And their quell-the-vote campaigns would be to no avail at all.
7