Blast from the past - 2006 Dion Policy Channel interview

During the leadership race, way back in 2006, Dion was interviewed by Satya Das from Policy Channel in Edmonton, Alberta. Being at least two years old, the interview is a bit out-of-date and some policies have of course evolved in that time. But I thought it was worth re-posting because it provides an in-depth discussion of several policy areas.

In this bilingual interview, Das and Dion discuss Alberta, the environment, energy, the economy, the north, social justice, especially for Aboriginal people, the Kelowna Accord, international peace and security, and water management.

This interview was one of the major factors in my conversion to big-L Liberalism. I had a good impression of Dion previously, especially as environment minister, and was very glad when he won the leadership. This interview showed that he understands the complex interrelationship between the environment, social justice and the economy - his "three pillars." And also the impact of the environment on international issues, e.g. water security has a huge impact on the potential for violent conflict. I was also pleased with his emphasis on Aboriginal issues, especially education.

Taped in Edmonton during the 2006 Liberal leadership race. The interview is in three parts - parts 1 & 2 in English; partie 3 - en français. (Mouseover the video to select another video from the series.)



PART 1
In this 2006 interview, Dion discusses his experience in government, his vision for the future, "reconciling the people and the planet," Alberta, energy and the environment. "I'm ready right away to be a very good leader and partner for Albertans. Alberta is my country. I fought to keep Alberta as part of my country." Also discusses international issues - democracy, health, avoiding war and violent conflict, human rights. Emphasizes importance of water management around the world.

PART 2
Dion discusses the north, Aboriginal people, education for Aboriginal youth, the Kelowna Accord, the economy, his three-pillar approach, the sponsorship scandal.

PARTIE 3
Stéphane Dion discute la course au leadership libéral (2006); l'Alberta, l'environnement, l'économie; l'approche à trois piliers - prospérité économique, justice sociale et environnement durable; le cercle virtueux; sa vision pour l'avenir.

Who is interfering with Facebook?

Guest post by Deb Prothero

Although I am trying to get some work done today, I was curious about the Liberal Campaign Launch, so I went online.

Facebook is one of the places I check out for recent activity that might be interesting. Under updates, I was online as this one came in:

Anyonebutharper.ca
From Mean People Suck
Hey folks,

I’m part of a non-partisan movement Voting to Win against Stephen Harper. You can check out our website at www.http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://anyonebutharper.ca. The movement is comprised of hundreds of Canadians — Liberals, NDP, Green, Bloc -- from across Canada all working collaboratively to promote strategic voting. We’re not the only group doing this, by the way. Vote for Environment http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://(http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://voteforenvironment.ca), Department of Culture http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://(http://www.departmentofculture.ca) and even the CAW are all urging Canadians to vote strategically. If we work together, we may prevent a Harper majority government from becoming a fait accompli.

I’m writing this message because I need YOU to help spread the word.

Please visit http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://anyonebutharper.ca and choose ONE of the Anyonebutharper videos and share it with your network. The “SHARE” plug-in with the green icon allows you to easily share this video on Facebook, Myspace, Digg, and so on. It even lets you post it on your blogs and send it to friends via email. If you are so inclined you may even share One Video a Day for the next FOUR days.

And lastly, if you could please copy/paste this message and send it to FIVE of your friends, that would be great!

I know that if we all work collectively and harness the power of our networks, we can stop what seems inevitable from happening!

Vive la revolution!
(read less)
Today at 10:13am | Opt Out | Report Spam

I chose to click on the link and lookie here:

The following website has been identified as malicious:
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://anyonebutharper.ca
The link you have clicked has been identified by Facebook as a malicious web site. For the safety and privacy of your Facebook account, we strongly suggest you avoid visiting this address.

Has someone been tinkering with Facebook or are the Conservatives really scared now after Nik Nanos' numbers yesterday showed that Dion has the momentum now and Harper is yesterday's news. Just because a majority of Canadians do not want Harper and are trying to organize a strategic response, does this mean the Conservatives or individuals supporting the Conservatives should interfere with that online effort? What about free speech or is that only for Conservatives?

And if I were to label something malicious, it would most certainly be the last two years of activity directed against Stephane Dion by the Conservatives in parliament and the Conservative Party of Canada's attack advertising campaign.

Stephane Dion has been a superhero in handling the malicious attacks, in my opinion.

The Green Shift announcement

Here's a YouTube playlist with Dion's complete Green Shift / le Tournant vert speech (4 parts, EN/FR) - http://ca.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=AEB06DA71023E70E

Questions in the House - Cadman allegations, March 3

Liberal leader Stéphane Dion & Deputy Leader Michael Ignatieff question the government on the allegations regarding Independent MP Chuck Cadman. Question Period, March 3, 2008. (EN/FR)

Liberal MP Ken Dryden questions the government on allegations regarding Independent MP Chuck Cadman. Question Period, March 3, 2008.

Stéphane Dion takes media questions about the Cadman allegations and the threatened libel suit. (March 3, 2008. EN/FR)

Afghan detainees - Irwin Cotler in QP, Feb. 29, 2008

Liberal human rights critic Irwin Cotler questions the government on the resumption of transfers of Afghan detainees to Afghan officials. (FR/EN, Question Period, February 29, 2008) [02:21]

Liberal MPs question government on Cadman allegations, Feb. 29, 2008 (video from QP)

Liberal MPs Ralph Goodale, Raymond Simard, Marcel Proulx and Garth Turner continue questioning the government about allegations that the Conservatives attempted to bribe Independent MP Chuck Cadman in May 2005. (Question Period, February 29, 2008.)

Video 1 - Ralph Goodale & Raymond Simard [EN/FR 5:25]


Video 2 - Marcel Proulx & Garth Turner [FR/EN 6:03]

One mile wide and one inch deep

Stéphane Dion's response to the federal budget, February 26, 2008: "A budget that is one mile wide and one inch deep." (EN/FR)

More on the Liberal response to the budget at http://www.liberal.ca/story_13624_e.aspx (EN) or http://www.liberal.ca/story_13624_f.aspx (FR).

And today's Question Period (EN/FR) -
Stéphane Dion asks the prime minister to bring back Bill C-30, the revised Clean Air Act, supported by all three opposition parties and dropped when Parliament was prorogued in the fall of 2007. Dion notes that the Conservative plan is so weak that polluters won't pay, they'll get paid. That would be by you and me, the taxpayers. Paying polluters to pollute - now that's getting things done!

Hallucinating about the Afghan mission

The Irrational Post strikes again with a hallucinatory editorial about Dion's position on the end of the Afghanistan mission.

Dion has said for a year (since February 2007) that the combat mission must end in February 2009, and that Canadian troops could have other roles in Kandahar, including providing security, training and help with development projects.

He has explained many times that a "combat mission" is defined as "proactively seeking out" the enemy, whereas security is more defensive in nature.

Are the people at the Irrational Post too stupid to understand that, or are they perhaps a little less than objective?

On February 12, 2008, Joan Bryden of the Canadian Press was interviewed about Stéphane Dion's Afghanistan position. Bryden said:

Stéphane Dion has actually been pretty clear for about a year now about the Liberal position, which is, 'the end of the combat mission in February 2009.' He has been unequivocal and categorical about that point for a long time... It's been a good spin job by the Conservatives to put all the onus on the Liberals. The Conservatives are the ones who have actually changed their position.

Dion reiterated his long-standing position on Thursday (February 21, 2008) during an interview in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan:

The Conservatives owe a big debt of gratitude to their friends at the Irrational Post for their help in spinning the story.

Video of today's QP & scrum + Sunday's CTV QP

Question Period, February 11, 2008"



Stéphane Dion questions Peter Van Loan on the timeline for the mission in Afghanistan. [03:50]

Scrum, February 11, 2008

Stéphane Dion takes questions from the media on the upcoming budget and the deadline of the Afghanistan mission (EN/FR, 11 février 2008) [4:52]


CTV's Question Period, February 10, 2008

Stéphane Dion discusses the timeline of the Afghanistan mission (February 10, 2008). [08:50]

Why does the prime minister fire public servants for doing their jobs?

Stéphane Dion, Question Period & scrum, February 4, 2008



1. Stéphane Dion, Question Period, February 4, 2008. [03:53]
Dion questions prime minister about the threatening and firing of public servants, e.g. Deanna Allen, vice-president of the Canadian Wheat Board. "Why does the Prime Minister fire public servants for doing their jobs? Why does the Prime Minister insist on crushing dissent, on silencing those who dare to disagree with him?"

2. Stéphane Dion scrum, February 4, 2008 [05:55]
Stéphane Dion takes questions on Afghanistan mission (meeting with Harper), Bill C-3 (security certificates), aid package for one-industry towns (forestry).

Stéphane Dion - A Strong, Cool Leader

What kind of leader is Stéphane Dion?

Glad you asked. Strong on the environment, on social justice, on human rights, on the economy and good quality jobs. And cool too! Who needs a rose and an opera cloak when you've got a leather backpack and a husky? Top it all off with a great brain and a great accent - what's not to love!?

To celebrate the start of a new year that will surely bring us the coolest prime minister ever, I've put together a series of 6 short ads on the theme "What kind of leader is Stéphane Dion?"

These videos showcase a few of the many issues Dion has taken a strong stand on to defend Canadians and Canadian interests. (Click the "menu" button to choose another vid from the series.)

1. Too cool
Stéphane Dion - a cool leader. Stéphane Dion discusses Facebook, Avril Lavigne and forking in an interview with This Hour Has 22 Minutes' teen correspondent Mark Jackson (Gavin Crawford). [00:46]

2. Workers & industry
Stéphane Dion shows strong leadership for workers & industry. Dion consults with manufacturers, unions, workers, environmentalists and the provinces on a plan to protect Canadian manufacturing and Canadian jobs. [01:51]

3. Environment
Stéphane Dion protects Canada's environment. Dion discusses how to "reconcile the people and the planet" and make Canada a world leader in technologies to protect the environment and reduce climate change. [01:07]

4. Aboriginal People
Stéphane Dion supports Aboriginal people. Speaking at a powwow in Saskatchewan, Dion calls on the Conservative government to honour the Kelowna Accord to provide First Nations, Inuit and Métis people with better housing, health care, education and clean water. Dion also calls on the government to sign the International Declaration of Indigenous People and for Canada to be a world leader on human rights issues. [01:11]

5. Children - Stéphane Dion's leadership to reduce poverty
Stéphane Dion stands up for Canadian children. Dion discusses his 30/50 plan for reducing poverty in Canada. He commits a new Liberal government to reduce the number of Canadians living in poverty by at least 30% and to reduce the number of children living in poverty by at least 50% in 5 years. [01:09]

6. Human rights
Stéphane Dion shows leadership on human rights, writing to the governor of Montana to request clemency for a Canadian sentenced to die. Stéphane Dion speaks in the House of Commons to ask Harper to do the same, continuing the Canadian tradition of requesting that sentences be commuted for Canadians facing the death penalty in the USA and other countries. [00:47]

And let's not forget Dion's legendary sense of humour! In case you missed it, here are a couple of clips from his memorable performance at the parliamentary press gallery dinner this fall:

Lots more Dion videos available on my YouTube channel at http://ca.youtube.com/bruyerey.

Stéphane Dion - PolicyChannel interview (English, français)

So with 2008 just around the corner, and a federal election likely to happen in the next few months, thought I'd share with you this great interview from Policy Channel in Edmonton, Alberta.

Satya Das interviewed Stéphane Dion during the 2006 Liberal leadership race in English et en français. Das and Dion discuss Alberta, the environment, energy, the economy, social justice, especially for Aboriginal people, international peace and security, and water management.

This interview was one of the major factors in my conversion to big-L Liberalism. I had a good impression of Dion previously, especially as environment minister, and was very glad when he won the leadership. This interview showed that he understands the interrelationship between the environment, social justice and the economy - his "three pillars." And also the impact of the environment on international issues, e.g. water security has a huge impact on the potential for violent conflict. I was also pleased with his emphasis on Aboriginal issues, especially education.

Taped in Edmonton during the 2006 Liberal leadership race. The interview is in three parts - parts 1 & 2 in English; partie 3 - en français. (Click the "menu" toggle button to select another video from the series.)



PART 1
Dion discusses his experience in government, his vision for the future, "reconciling the people and the planet," Alberta, energy and the environment. "I'm ready right away to be a very good leader and partner for Albertans. Alberta is my country. I fought to keep Alberta as part of my country." Also discusses international issues - democracy, health, avoiding war and violent conflict, human rights. Emphasizes importance of water management around the world.

PART 2
Dion discusses the north, Aboriginal people, education for Aboriginal youth, the Kelowna Accord, the economy, his three-pillar approach, the sponsorship scandal.

PARTIE 3
Stéphane Dion discute la course au leadership libéral (2006); l'Alberta, l'environnement, l'économie; l'approche à trois piliers - prospérité économique, justice sociale et environnement durable; le cercle virtueux; sa vision pour l'avenir.

Stéphane Dion - More year-end & Bali interviews

Stéphane Dion, Global National, Dec 2007

"Canada in Conversation" - Global National anchor Kevin Newman interviews official opposition leader Stéphane Dion, December 2007. Dion discusses Canada's combat mission in Afghanistan, the Manley commission, election chances in 2008, the Mulroney-Schreiber affair, and Dion as a politician. [08:15, English]

Stéphane Dion - year-end interview (Don Newman, Politics, CBC, Dec 18, 2007)
Canadian Liberal leader Stéphane Dion in a year-end interview with the CBC's Don Newman (Politics), December 18, 2007. Topics include election readiness, income trusts, United Nations climate change conference in Bali, Kyoto Protocol, environment. [10:16, English]

Update! - a slightly edited version of the above CBC intvu (to fit the under-10 minute requirement) is now available on YouTube:

Stéphane Dion - year-end interview (Question Period, CTV, Dec 23, 2007)
Canadian Liberal leader Stéphane Dion in a year-end interview with CTV's Craig Oliver (Question Period), December 23, 2007. Dion discusses possibility of an election in 2008, the economy, Harper's lack of plans, the Liberal team, Quebec, federal-provincial relations, the need for a public inquiry into the Mulroney-Schreiber affair, winter in the Laurentians in the snow with Kyoto. [11:54, English]

And here's another Bali interview. . .
Stéphane Dion - entrevue sur le blocage des négociations à la conférence de Bali
L'entrevue avec Stéphane Dion sur le blocage des négociations à la conférence de Bali. (Radio Canada, le 14 décembre 2007. Environnement, changements climatiques, gaz à effet de serre, UNFCCC, ONU, Nations Unies) [5:43, français]

And here's a link to my previous post with video of more year-end interviews, Dion's press conference in Bali, and (a blast from the recent past) Dion's throne speech response (October 17).

Dion doing Harper's job - again

So tell me again why we're paying this Harper guy, giving him free houses to live in, official car, official chef, office, staff, security guards etc. etc. etc.?

Once again Stéphane Dion has to do Harper's job (and Baird's) because the prime minister and environment minister just aren't up to it. They're not getting things done. Well, not the things that Canadians want done, like protecting our planet and our citizens.

Dion attending Bali summit for Earth, not political gain
Mike De Souza, CanWest News Service
Published: Friday, November 30, 2007

OTTAWA -- Liberal Leader Stephane Dion says his upcoming trip to a United Nations climate change summit in Indonesia has nothing to do with revitalizing his image or embarrassing the Harper government on the international stage.

Following a rocky first year, filled with ups and downs as leader of the official Opposition, Mr. Dion told CanWest News Service in an interview that he is more concerned with the risk of irreversible damage to the Earth's climate, and hopes to capitalize on his international contacts to give the planet a boost at the environmental negotiating table.

"My role is not to be a substitute for the government of Canada. My role is to try to push everyone to get a better result,"said Mr. Dion in his office on Parliament Hill. "I'm not alone. There's also (former U.S. vice-president Al) Gore and many other people who will be doing the same thing."

A spokesperson for Prime Minister Stephen Harper immediately reacted to the news that Mr. Dion would attend the Bali conference by e-mailing reporters to remind them that the Liberal leader had said in June that he would never speak out against the government when discussing matters with representatives of other countries.

But Mr. Dion, who chaired the 2005 UN climate change summit in Montreal, said his office has already been flooded by e-mails and phone calls from international politicians, business leaders and environmental organizations, who hope to meet with him at the conference in search of solutions to stop humans from causing global warming.

"I'm not going to claim that 180 countries want to see me. But, yes, there is movement," said Mr. Dion. "As the former chairperson of the conference, with a big network and a degree of expertise, I will see what I can do to create some good momentum."

At the Montreal summit, environmentalists have credited Mr. Dion with brokering an agreement that would prevent a gap between the end of the Kyoto Protocol's first commitment period in 2012 and the next set of binding targets.

Environment Minister John Baird has not yet introduced regulations to crack down on pollution from large industries in Canada, but has insisted that his government would correct the mistakes made by the previous Liberal regime, which allowed greenhouse gas emissions to soar by more than 30% above the country's Kyoto target.

"It's very easy for the people who had the responsibility for 13 years to say how easy it would have been to act -- when they didn't act themselves," Mr. Baird said following a breakfast speech to the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce. "But we've got a good plan and I'm confident."

Mr. Baird has said the key to a successful international agreement is getting large polluting countries such as the U.S., India and China to sign on to binding targets. His office confirms that he has met with leaders and officials from all three countries, at international conferences and in Canada.

Mr. Dion said that he visited China twice in 2005 to convince them to come to the table and is not surprised that developing countries have always rejected binding targets.

"I know that's their position. I negotiated with them and I know this very well," Mr. Dion said. "I'm not telling you that everything would be solved if I was there."

Even so, he said, "I was at the conference in Montreal and we succeeded getting these countries to enter into a dialogue for the first time."

Mr. Dion accused the Conservative government of stalling the process by giving up on Canada's Kyoto Protocol commitments and holding out on a new deal instead of leading other countries by being the first to sign on.

He said Canada had more credibility when it was still trying to meet its targets and demonstrate to developing countries, where millions of people do not have electricity, that it is possible to reduce greenhouse gas emissions without devastating the economy.

The Harper government has refused to invite opposition parties as part of its official delegation because, it says, it wants to avoid partisan bickering. All three parties have said they will send delegates at their own expense.

Once again, Harper & company are getting nasty things done with Canadian taxpayers' money.

Death penalty - "their silence speaks volumes"

Canada's leader of the official opposition, Stéphane Dion, is doing what the prime minister should be doing - standing up for a Canadian on death row in a Montana prison.

Prime Minister Harper and his justice minister, Rob Nicholson, are failing in their responsibilities to Canadian citizens by failing to request clemency for Canadian citizens sentenced to death abroad.

Dion has written to the governor of Montana to ask him to commute the death sentence of Ronald Allen Smith. Dion emphasized in his letter that he respects the right of the state of Montana "to convict and punish Mr. Smith for his crimes." He is simply asking Governor Schweitzer to commute Ronald Allen Smith's death sentence.

Dion said, "I have taken this step because the Conservative government is not representing the views of the majority of Canadians nor is it respecting long-standing Canadian law and policy on the issue, and I believe it is my responsibility to make those views known and to uphold the law."

In his letter, Dion said:

Today, Mr. Smith is the only Canadian facing the death penalty in the United States. Canada abolished the death penalty more than 30 years ago and the majority of Canadians continue to believe that we must oppose its use, both domestically and in cases where Canadian citizens face this punishment abroad. I share this belief and as Leader of the Official Opposition in our Parliament, it is my duty to convey to you the conviction of millions of Canadians who want to see Mr. Smith’s sentence commuted.

Dion showed respect for the governor and the state of Montana, saying:

I know that as the chief executive power in the state of Montana, you have been entrusted with upholding the laws of your state and providing safety and security to your citizens. I do not believe these would be undermined if Mr. Smith’s sentence was changed to life in prison. I know too that you are also entrusted with the reputation and the dignity of your state and its people. I believe both would be enhanced by commuting the death sentence in this case.

In a media scrum, Dion said of the death penalty, "If you think it's morally wrong, you oppose it in every circumstance."

Dion explained his opposition to the death penalty in a media release :

I believe that the use of the death penalty undermines the human dignity of not only the individual who is killed, but of all involved in the process. I believe that the evidence supports the position that the death penalty has little to no value as a deterrent of crime. I can think of no acceptable justification for the taking of a life by the state. While there is obviously a strong argument for opposing the death penalty due to the risk of a state killing an innocent individual, I believe that it represents an injustice even when it falls on someone who is unquestionably guilty of crime.

Even Prime Minister Harper's good friend Jack Layton has jumped on the bandwagon, and followed Dion's lead by writing to the Montana governor requesting clemency for Smith.

The disrespect that the Conservative caucus shows for human rights was evident in the behaviour of Conservative MPs in the House of Commons during debate on the issue.

Stéphane Dion kills at the parliamentary press gallery dinner

Well not literally. Liberals are the good guys after all.

By popular demand, here are some text and video excerpts of Dion's speech at the parliamentary press gallery dinner, October 27, 2007. Sorry for the delay, that day job really interferes with my life ;-)

You'll need to read to the end for the vids . . .

From TVO (The Agenda with Steve Paikin):

The Federal Liberal Leader
Posted on: 09 November 2007 by Steve Paikin

A couple of weekends ago, Stephane Dion was the lone federal leader who braved giving a speech at annual the Parliamentary Press Gallery dinner.

As they say in comedy circles, he killed.

While Stephen Harper and Gilles Duceppe declined to attend the event, NDP leader Jack Layton did, but announced ahead of time he wouldn't be giving a speech (despite the fact that Layton did a nice job the year before, bringing the house down with his guitar playing and humorous lyrics).

"Who's abstaining now?" Dion glowered at Layton at the press gallery dinner, to hoots and howls from the audience.

Dion even had some fun at his own expense.

"I'm mad as hell," he kibitzed. "They say I'm the worst Liberal leader in a century. What? Only a century?

"English Canadians say they can't understand me. French Canadians just can't stand me," he added, to applause.

Dion exhibited much of the personality, charm, and humour that he showed 15 months ago, when he was one of our first ever guests on The Agenda.

From CTV:

Liberal Leader Stephane Dion was scheduled to be the only political speaker this year. Jack Layton of the NDP originally declined to speak and Bloc Leader Gilles Duceppe hasn't attended for years.

Dion, who has never been confused with a stand-up comic, won laughs for a series of self-inflicted jabs aimed at his struggles with the English language, his caucus and his preference for slinging a back-pack over his suit jacket.

"A back-pack can be very useful,'' he deadpanned. "It can help protect your back.''

He shot back at reporters who have called him the worst Liberal leader in a century.

"Why only in a century? I can't win anything with you guys.''

Dion's taunt aimed at Layton ("who's abstaining now?'') may have prompted the NDP leader to abandon his original intention to stay away from the podium. Layton did address reporters, but in the guise of an auctioneer to raise money for a Carleton University scholarship fund in the name of the late Dennis Bueckert, the long-serving environmental reporter for The Canadian Press.

From the Halifax Daily News - Simon Doyle

Peerless leader

There was a lot riding on Liberal Leader Stephane Dion's speech. Stephen Harper cancelled, Bloc Quebecois Leader Gilles Duceppe doesn't attend it and NDP Leader Jack Layton decided not to make a speech this year (although he attended). That left Dion as the only party leader to try to impress what can be an ornery gathering of journalists.

He fared well for his first crack at the dinner. As part of his presentation, he brought his trademark leather backpack onto the stage, drawing items from it such as a number of self-help books on leadership. At one point, he drew out a business card of John Manley, the former Liberal cabinet minister who recently joined the prime minister's expert panel on Afghanistan, and dismissively tossed it over his shoulder.

He finished by emptying his bag of items he said were confiscated at a recent Liberal caucus meeting. He turned it over and a pile of knives fell out.

Stéphane Dion at the parliamentary press gallery dinner (02:08)
Above - Stéphane Dion - the only politician with the guts to stand up and make a speech - knocks 'em dead at the parliamentary press gallery dinner, October 27, 2007. This clip from Dion's stand-up comedy routine includes duct tape, Marc Garneau, the Canadarm and John Manley's business card.




Stéphane Dion interview, The Agenda, 07 11 09 (3/3) 07:24
Above - Stéphane Dion interviewed on TVO's The Agenda with Steve Paikin, November 9, 2007 (pt 3 of 3 - EN). Includes Dion's "three peelers" stand-up comedy clip from parliamentary press gallery dinner (October 27, 2007).

Les libéraux resserrent les rangs derrière Dion

Denis Dufresne - La Tribune
SHERBROOKE, le lundi 12 novembre 2007

...Les libéraux resserrent les rangs derrière leur chef Stéphane Dion et soutiennent qu'il sera en poste lors des prochaines élections fédérales.

Tel est du moins l'avis du député de la circonscription montréalaise d'Honoré-Mercier, Pablo Rodriguez, et du futur candidat de Compton-Stanstead, William Hogg.

"C'est toujours difficile au début et ça a été le cas de plusieurs chefs. Une élection permettrait à M. Dion de se battre à visage découvert et d'offrir une autre vision pour le pays", affirme M. Rodriguez, de passage à Sherbrooke.

William Hogg juge pour sa part que le chef du Parti libéral du Canada est l'homme tout désigné pour rallier le vote progressiste, de centre et de centre-gauche, "en ce moment réparti entre le Nouveau parti démocratique et le Bloc québécois".

Pablo Rodriguez ajoute que les positions du gouvernement conservateur sur le registre des armes à feu, le protocole de Kyoto et son appui à l'approche guerrière du président George W. Bush sapent la confiance des Canadiens.

Et si les Canadiens étaient tout simplement devenus plus conservateurs au plan idéologique?

"Non, ce n'est pas cela! M. Harper est d'ailleurs incapable de dépasser les 36 pour cent d'appuis. Il a le pouvoir, il fait des annonces, mais il ne va pas chercher davantage de support", affirme William Hogg, professeur d'études politiques à l'Université Bishop's.

"Je crois que même à l'intérieur du Parti conservateur il y a de la grogne. M. Harper ne parvient pas à aller chercher la majorité et il y a des gens qui parlent de reconstruire le Reform Party; "les purs et durs" ne sont pas contents!" dit-il.

Pablo Rodriguez fait remarquer que le récent discours du Trône a déplu aux Canadiens, notamment au Québec, en raison de l'absence de mesures pour les aînés et les régions.

"La réduction de la TPS, c'est six milliards $ de revenus en moins pour aider les PME et les aînés", illustre-t-il.

Tout en reprochant au chef conservateur de multiplier les votes de confiance, MM. Hogg et Rodriguez reconnaissent que le PLC ne serait pas prêt à des élections.

"Aucun parti n'est prêt pour des élections. Nous n'avons pas à aller en élections parce que M. Harper le veut, ni à imposer un nouveau scrutin de 350 millions $ aux Canadiens", lance le député d'Honoré-Mercier.

Néanmoins, dit-il, le PLC a déjà les deux tiers de ses candidats au pays et son programme est presque terminé.

Lorsqu'on lui signale que les sondages ne favorisent guère les libéraux, particulièrement au Québec où ils n'obtiennent que 20 pour cent d'appuis, William Hogg soutient que le parti peut remonter la pente.

"Il faut être honnête, le PLC a traversé des moments difficiles, particulièrement au Québec, et il y a eu de la contestation à l'interne. Mais au niveau national, il talonne les conservateurs, entre autres à Toronto et dans les Maritimes", fait-il valoir.
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/article/20071112/CPTRIBUNE/711120832/5206/CPACTUALITES

Stéphane Dion - Strong priorities, strong leadership

So if Stéphane Dion is not a leader, why do the Conservatives need to spend millions on more attack ads? Why didn't the first ads do it? Looks to me like Dion is incredibly strong to be able to withstand five waves of attack ads. Looks to me like Harper and the Conservatives are really scared of him. And they should be. Strength, courage, honesty, integrity - pretty scary stuff if you're a lying bully.

How I became a Liberal, pt 1

For decades I was a New Democrat, even card-carrying sometimes. Worried about the future of the planet, but with no credible Green Party in Canada it seemed that the NDP was the best option. I mean ya gotta vote for somebody.

Nov/Dec 2005 - Then came the Nov-Dec 2005 UNFCCC hosted by federal Environment Minister Stéphane Dion in Montréal. This guy sounds serious. Then the NDP bring the Liberal government down just when it looks like Canada is going to make some real progress on climate change both at home and internationally. What are you thinking Jack? Is it really worth risking a neo-conservative win - and total inaction on climate change - just to pick up a few more seats? Apparently so for Jack. Dion brokers an international agreement against all the odds, but the Liberal govt is on its way out, thanks to smilin' Jack.

The NDP start looking not-so-good.

Jan 06 - federal election - too depressing to comment on.

Aug 06 - Elizabeth May becomes leader of the Green Party. Hmmm, finally a possible alternative.

Nov 06 - The NDP candidate in the London byelection behaves in such a way as to make it easy for New Democrats to convert to Green. I'm not in the riding but in the media catchment area, and I even get broadcast phone messages from Jack & Olivia - "Canada needs more women in Parliament!" Hmmm, I'm pretty sure Elizabeth May's a woman. Glen Pearson's a pretty good guy too, and taking the high road in the face of truly weird NDP attacks.

Dec 2/06 - What the ..... - did I hear right? Did Stéphane Dion* really just win the Liberal leadership??!??!!! Damn, it was just the third ballot, still waiting for the final results. Here they come ... YES!!!

(*Dion = "A committed Canadian and a man of principle and conviction" according to Layton.)

Can I really vote Liberal now? Better do some research.

Cripes, I can't believe this. I agree with 99.9% of what he says and - stranger still - I believe him. Maybe there's hope for the country yet.