Federal Election 2015

[Boomer 33202]

I think one way to influence the outcome is to make a political contribution, and I intend to send one to the Liberal party. Money is the conservative edge so if we really want change donate to the other parties.

 

As for Harper, he inherited surpluses, and managed to run 8 consecutive deficits and add 150 billion to the debt, say is that fiscally responsibility. He came to power on a platform of transparency and accountability, that idea sure disappeared pretty quickly. He did keep his law and order agenda, he keep that promise and more, Boo.

 

My cursory take is that Justin is far more aligned with my values, a more central socially responsible outlook. As for being ready, there are many experienced liberals out side those being elected, who will be there to advise.

 

As for the NDP, they have some laudable ideas, but I would be afraid of the price tag, and the same is he ready applies.

 

If the PM forms a minority, I think there might be some merit in the idea of a coalition of the NDP and Liberal to defeat him and form a government.

 

Lots to chew on, remember to donate and level the playing field.

[Ice4fun 78407]

Frankly I find the whole idea that we might be discussing if Mr. Trudeau is "Ready" or not to be somewhat distasteful... this whole issue of "his readiness" ha come out of the constant parade of negative attack adds that the conservative war chest has churned out for the last year plus...

 

So let's look at that idea of readiness for a minute... if readiness means Experience in leading a government then certainly he does not have that experience... He does not have the level of experience in government that Mr. Harper and his merry band of cronies do and perhaps... just perhaps that might be the biggest reason we should seriously look at Mr Trudeau:

1. No experience in contempt for the Supreme Court... frankly experience we could do without.
   
2. No experience of years of undercutting social program and attacking funding for groups who just happen to hold a different political vision then the gov't of the day
   
3. No Experience at appointing Crooks to the Senate and ploting to cover up their misbehaviour by using your chief of staff to do the dirty work
   
4. No experience at robo call schandles
   
5. No Experience with ministers and parlmentary secretaries being charged with breaking election rules
   
6. No experience with demonstrating a total lack of respect for his provincial counterparts by refusing to attend first ministers meetings
   
7. No Experience in running record deficits year after year and claiming to be the best financial managers
   
8. and the list goes on and on
   

Frankly if what we have seen from Mr. Harper is competence I am all in favour of electing someone with no experience and no demonstrated competence for the job... frankly how much worse could it be.

 

For me I am hoping for a minority government lead by either the liberals or the NDP so that Mr. Harper can take his "experience" and leave... because from my perspective Canada should think he is READY to be a former PM we don't deserve a man of his character... after all we have had enough punishment.

 

Just my Opinion

[Guest *Ste***cque**]

Trudeau? He's just not ready. If he needs to rely on "advisors" to tell him what to do that makes him a puppet ala Dubya Bush. Neither had/has the experience to know what policies to accept and what to reject. He's weak. Better the devil you know. Trudeau clearly needs maturing before I would vote for him.

[Guest **cely***r***ne]

This will be the first year I actually vote. Thanks for letting me know an f-you all suck on a ballet doesn't count...

[Guest s******ecan****]

This will be the first year I actually vote. Thanks for letting me know an f-you all suck on a ballet doesn't count...

 

Awesome!

 

For any that are new to voting or haven't done so in a while here is a great link to Elections Canada which can help you understand all that you need to know to ensure you are registered, as well as other useful information.

 

http://www.elections.ca/home.aspx

[slacker 1290]

Trudeau? He's just not ready. If he needs to rely on "advisors" to tell him what to do that makes him a puppet ala Dubya Bush. Neither had/has the experience to know what policies to accept and what to reject. He's weak. Better the devil you know. Trudeau clearly needs maturing before I would vote for him.

 

Most if not all politicians have advisors, Zeno. There's nothing wrong with that, in fact I think it's a good thing. We're not electing one man to run the whole country, we're electing a government. Having advisors does not make one a puppet.

[Ice4fun 78407]

The essence of leadership is the ability to attract smart intelligent people around you who have a broad spectrum of knowledge and understanding of issues who can advise and inform you on issues. It is through this informed approach to leadership and decision making that great public policy is made.

 

Relying on advisers is not a sign of weakness or inexperience it is a sign of strength and leadership... it demonstrates an openness to ideas and knowledge and recognizes the benefits of including others to obtain a better outcome. Advisers don't make decisions they inform the decision making process and help develop options and synthesize the best available solution.

 

Just my Opinion

[conquistador 18487]

Haha, Harper doesn't rely on any one else except himself, he speaks for all his ministers... Which I find hilarious. The one thing I hate about his reign of power.

[Guest s******ecan****]

Haha, Harper doesn't rely on any one else except himself, he speaks for all his ministers... Which I find hilarious. The one thing I hate about his reign of power.

 

The concentration of power in the PMO (Prime Minister's Office) has been a disturbing trend and very destructive to our democracy. It started with Pierre Trudeau and has reached a poisonous level with Harper.

 

It's telling that so many of Harper's senior Cabinet Ministers have chosen not to run for re-election. There was a time in this country when Cabinet Ministers held both great influence and great responsibility for the governance of our country. This is a good thing as different viewpoints and ideas often lead to better solutions.

 

Sadly I don't see much chance of a reverse in the trend of having the PM and his/her unelected advisors (these are the people that make up the PMO) making most policy decisions no matter who is elected. Having said that we know for sure it won't change should Harper be re-elected.

 

Our Democracy urgently needs Cabinet Ministers and MP's to reassert their independence from the PMO no matter who wins the next election. One man/woman rule is not in our best interest.

[Guest *Ste***cque**]

Most if not all politicians have advisors, Zeno. There's nothing wrong with that, in fact I think it's a good thing. We're not electing one man to run the whole country, we're electing a government. Having advisors does not make one a puppet.

 

Appreciate your opinions. I realize leaders have advisors but you also don't just want a figurehead. The difference is that Trudeau NEEDS advisors to tell him what to think. Trudeau, in my opinion, doesn't have the qualities to be a leader. He's more of a follower and I don't want a follower at Canada's helm.

 

The head of a large business relies on his accountants, business development people, etc., to provide information but a true leader steers the ship with his/her vision.

 

Remember how Dubya's advisors pretty much ran that country during his tenure. Is that what you want for Canada?

[Ice4fun 78407]

Appreciate your opinions. I realize leaders have advisors but you also don't just want a figurehead. The difference is that Trudeau NEEDS advisors to tell him what to think. Trudeau, in my opinion, doesn't have the qualities to be a leader. He's more of a follower and I don't want a follower at Canada's helm.

 

The head of a large business relies on his accountants, business development people, etc., to provide information but a true leader steers the ship with his/her vision.

 

Remember how Dubya's advisors pretty much ran that country during his tenure. Is that what you want for Canada?

 

I think the degree of experience that any leader has is a fair point for discussion but to equate Trudeau to an equivalent with George W. Bush is I think a bit of a stretch.

 

Just my Opinion

[Guest *Ste***cque**]

Ice4fun, I'll admit to a bit of exaggeration to make my point but I still don't want the mail room guy running the company! Oops, another exaggeration? :)

[Boomer 33202]

It's telling that so many of Harper's senior Cabinet Ministers have chosen not to run for re-election. There was a time in this country when Cabinet Ministers held both great influence and great responsibility for the governance of our country. This is a good thing as different viewpoints and ideas often lead to better solutions.

 

Even with cabinet ministers regaining status and influence, there is the problem that the idea that they actually take responsibility for their and their departments decisions. At one time the buck stopped at their door, but now they find many ways to excuse their actions and find convenient scapegoats.

 

I remember a number of years ago when the Honorable Member for Hamilton, resigned on a matter of principal and got reelected bases on her governments reversal of policy on the GST. It would be nice to have some Cabinet ministers with a spine.

[Ice4fun 78407]

Ice4fun, I'll admit to a bit of exaggeration to make my point but I still don't want the mail room guy running the company! Oops, another exaggeration? :)

 

If the choice we as Canadians have to make is between Harper, Trudeau and Mulcair then the reality we have is that we don't really have that much to choose from...

 

I personally do not trust Mr. Harper and think he is the most narrow minded and vindictive leader Canada has ever had... the Liberals lost power because of their association with scandal and misuse of taxpayers money yet the Harper Conservative record stinks from the outset top down... robo calls... charges under the election act against Ministers and the PMs Parliamentary assistant...and of course Duffy and the involvement of the PCO office in the cover up.

 

Justin Trudeau...while I am not one to say he should live or die based on his experience I can't help thinking would he be on anyone's radar if it was not for his Father's last name. So in reality if I vote Liberal I doubt it will be BECAUSE of Mr Trudeau but more likely because the policies put forward by the Liberals overall are not offensive to me and because I can't in good conscience vote for Mr Harper who every day proves he does not represent MY Canada.

 

As for Mr. Mulcair and the NDP... even given the NDP win in Alberta I don't see how he can win and to be frank while I know they have positioned themselves just left of center I fear they are in reality a little to left of center for my comfort. No I am not saying they are communists just that my politics would be a bit right of centre a place usually dominated by the Liberals and previous successful Conservative Governments. And frankly I can't help but think that Mulcair would be an unknown except for the political space carved out by Jack Layton.

 

Bottom line is we have sparse pickings so in all likelihood I will be voting Liberal or NDP and hoping for a coalition government... if the conservatives pull it out and win I can only hope it is a minority government which would quickly spell the end of Mr. Harper.

 

Just my Opinion

[Guest s******ecan****]

Even with cabinet ministers regaining status and influence, there is the problem that the idea that they actually take responsibility for their and their departments decisions. At one time the buck stopped at their door, but now they find many ways to excuse their actions and find convenient scapegoats.

 

I remember a number of years ago when the Honorable Member for Hamilton, resigned on a matter of principal and got reelected bases on her governments reversal of policy on the GST. It would be nice to have some Cabinet ministers with a spine.

 

I remember that too, an impressive act that seems unthinkable in today's climate.

 

Until the mid 80's Cabinet Ministers were expected to resign if a scandal occurred in their department even if they personally had nothing to do with it. The idea being they were responsible for everything that occurs on their watch.

 

We've come so far from that notion of accountability its hard to ever see us going back.

[FunAdventures 4501]

... if I vote Liberal I doubt it will be BECAUSE of Mr Trudeau but more likely because the policies put forward by the Liberals ....

 

Thank-you Ice4fun, and I apologize to anyone if I missed the part of their posts where they were actually talking about voting for a certain party based on their policies and not their personal opinions about the leader of said party.

 

Anyone who votes should look at the platforms and what the parties want to do, and how that affects you directly. Then choose what's best for you. That's it.

 

Forget about Trudeau, Mulcair, and Harper as people. Think Liberal, NDP, Conservative as a group and decide which group is best for you. I get that this is a tough crowd to be in favour of conservative, but they are still winning in mind, based solely on their platform. Or, more accurately, because the other platforms are not good for me.

 

Liberal - Well I'm not really sure what they propose. They have a very vague platform. But mainly I won't vote for them because they want to get rid of the TFSA, which in my opinion is the most powerful financial tool that us Canadians have (for both those of high incomes for tax free growth, and for those of low incomes for tax free growth where an RRSP contribution makes absolutely no sense). As my Aunt said after learning Trudeau would get rid of it "maybe the liberals have other avenues to make their money grow and not pay taxes on it". For those of you that believe for some misguided reason that the TSFA is bad, at least it's there for all Canadians to take advantage of, not just a select few at the top.

 

NDP - $15/day daycare. $15/hr minimum wage. Sounds fantastical. However, as much as I love little children, I have no desire to pay for other peoples child care with my taxes. Sorry. But that's my position. You chose to have kids, I shouldn't have to pay for it. The $15/hr wage I'm indifferent about, but know that also means an increase in taxes. This is why the NDP = increased taxes. They have socialist platforms. However, they haven't suddenly reduced the cost involved in caring for your children, they've simply changed the way it's payed for. From the pockets of parents who decided to have the kids, to the whole working society (this still includes the parents - it just comes from their paycheques, not their pockets).

 

So I'd honestly like to vote Green. Elizabeth May was fantastic during the debate and has won me over as the most competent leader. But I have no green candidate to vote for, so haven't looked at their platform to make an informed decision.

 

This leaves me with the conservatives. They are the only ones that are not going to increase my taxes, while still allowing me to save and grow my money tax free. That's what's best for me at the moment.

 

I encourage you all to choose what's best for you. That's what democracy is supposed to be. It shouldn't be based on opinions about the people, their hair, their smiles, or their age.

[Brad 49548]

I encourage you all to choose what's best for you. That's what democracy is supposed to be. It shouldn't be based on opinions about the people, their hair, their smiles, or their age.

 

That's very well said.

 

Regarding the liberals and the TFSA, just to clarify they aren't suggesting it be scrapped, they are just suggesting the recent increase to the yearly limit be repealed. You'd still be able to put in $5000 year plus any unused contributions to previous years.

 

Harper's increased limit is, arguably, something that only benefits the better off in Canada, since only those fairly well off can afford to save more than that $5000 yearly limit anyway. Plus, I've found the interest I've been getting on my TFSA account has gone down now that the limit has been increased, because the banks don't want to pay the same level of interest on the higher amounts. :(

 

I do agree it is worth examining policies and platforms and try to think about what aligns with one's values. Here's a useful, non-partisan chart that's been making the rounds:

http://i.imgur.com/6mC20Gd.jpg

[Ice4fun 78407]

Thank-you Ice4fun, and I apologize to anyone if I missed the part of their posts where they were actually talking about voting for a certain party based on their policies and not their personal opinions about the leader of said party.

 

Anyone who votes should look at the platforms and what the parties want to do, and how that affects you directly. Then choose what's best for you. That's it.

 

Forget about Trudeau, Mulcair, and Harper as people. Think Liberal, NDP, Conservative as a group and decide which group is best for you. I get that this is a tough crowd to be in favour of conservative, but they are still winning in mind, based solely on their platform. Or, more accurately, because the other platforms are not good for me.

 

I don't personally think that when it comes to actually governing that their is much difference between all three parties... To get elected the parties all move towards the centre and as a result we get little actual differences between them.

 

When it comes to the Conservatives my major problem with them is Harper... unfortunately he seems to run government as a one man show... All decisions and talking points go through the PMO... you only need to look at the Duffy trial to confirm that... he is a control freak who does not seek broad input from others to inform his decision making. I think the major mistake of the conservatives this time around was sticking with Harper again... he should have moved along so a new leader could have pulled the traditional conservative levers that have in the past moved Canadians to vote conservative especially during tough fiscal times. They may be sorry they didn't.

 

 

In regards to the TFSA I would like to see it stay and actually don't see it disappearing regardless of who get elected but as an investment vehicle it is not nearly as positive as raising the RRSP limits. The TSFA provided greater mobility for the invested money but a much less significant tax savings as only the income on the investment is tax sheltered and not the initial investment.

 

So generally I agree with you look at the policy and the person running and vote as you see fit.

 

Just my Opinion

[Guest *Ste***cque**]

Hello Carrie! Another conservative voice in this anti-Harper wilderness?

The problem with platforms is that you would be a fool to believe them. They lie to get elected. The reason I may vote conservative is due to their existing policies, not their promises. I have difficulty with some of Harpers policies and beliefs but I'd rather the devil I know plus I do think he has done a good job, given you can't please everyone in politics. Besides, anytime the masses or especially the media demonized someone I automatically question their motives for trying to sway me to their side. It's served me well so far and kept me from getting led by the nose down a garden path only to regret it later.

Whatever your position, just make sure you vote! That might be Harpers saving grace. Older people vote and they generally like The Conservatives. Younger people are not fans but generally don't vote in large numbers. Too busy, too cool, too jaded, too many reasons I imagine, to bother.

[Ice4fun 78407]

Hello! Another conservative voice in this anti-Harper wilderness?

The problem with platforms is that you would be a fool to believe them. They lie to get elected. The reason I may vote conservative is due to their existing policies, not their promises. I have difficulty with some of Harpers policies and beliefs but I'd rather the devil I know plus I do think he has done a good job, given you can't please everyone in politics. Besides, anytime the masses or especially the media demonized someone I automatically question their motives for trying to sway me to their side. It's served me well so far and kept me from getting led by the nose down a garden path only to regret it later.

Whatever your position, just make sure you vote! That might be Harpers saving grace. Older people vote and they generally like The Conservatives. Younger people are not fans but generally don't vote in large numbers. Too busy, too cool, too jaded, too many reasons I imagine, to bother.

 

The income earned in the TSFA and the RRSP are both tax sheltered while the initial investment is only tax sheltered in an RRSP so what investment product are you referring to that is available in a TSFA that would not be available in an RRSP... I may be missing something ( I often do) but the compounding impact should be available in both. The only real benefit I see to the TSFA is the fact that you will not get taxed upon withdrawal like you would in an RRSP so the investment is more mobile

 

Just my Opinion

[Guest *Ste***cque**]

The income earned in the TSFA and the RRSP are both tax sheltered while the initial investment is only tax sheltered in an RRSP so what investment product are you referring to that is available in a TSFA that would not be available in an RRSP... I may be missing something ( I often do) but the compounding impact should be available in both. The only real benefit I see to the TSFA is the fact that you will not get taxed upon withdrawal like you would in an RRSP so the investment is more mobile

 

Just my Opinion

 

Bingo! The TFSA money is not taxed on withdrawal. If you are young and/or currently low income your initial TFSA investment is taxed minimally anyway. In 40 years, with compounding, you could have over a million tax free. RRSP's don't get taxed initially but do on withdrawal. If you do OK or better later in life, which is typical, you put that money in an RRSP at 30% tax bracket but take it out, including any compounded earnings, at a possibly higher bracket. Tax rates could go up over say 20 to 40 years, especially under an NDP or liberal government. :)

 

Back to the election...

[Ice4fun 78407]

Bingo! The TFSA money is not taxed on withdrawal. If you are young and/or currently low income your initial TFSA investment is taxed minimally anyway. In 40 years, with compounding, you could have over a million tax free. RRSP's don't get taxed initially but do on withdrawal. If you do OK or better later in life, which is typical, you put that money in an RRSP at 30% tax bracket but take it out, including any compounded earnings, at a possibly higher bracket. Tax rates could go up over say 20 to 40 years, especially under an NDP or liberal government. :)

 

Back to the election...

 

Ahhh but most don't put money in at young age and if you are taking it out at a higher tax rate you have planned poorly.

 

But I have to admit the TSFA might have the advantage of encouraging saving earlier in life because of its mobility.

 

Great conversation by the way Zeno... and taxes are a large part of the election.

[Guest s******ecan****]

I have no desire to pay for other peoples child care with my taxes. Sorry. But that's my position. .

 

The Harper government has introduced several child benefits so you already are paying for other peoples child care with your taxes.

[canuckhooker 19203]

Not that I want to play this game because there are too many opinions that people pass off as facts, but it annoys me.

 

Take Health Care, the anti-Harper folks complain about how he cut health care. When Harper took office in 2006 the Canadian Health Transfer to the provinces was $20.1 billion. In 2014 it was $30.3 billion. Not a cut in my books. Not a cut to anyone who understands basic arithmetic.

 

The feds had a 10 year deal with the provinces that would see the CHT grow by 6% a year, which was well above the Cost of Living index, and they have been living by that agreement.

 

The agreement is up for re-negotiation but there has been no indication that the feds will stop increasing funding. But remember Health Care programs are a provincial responsibility and the Feds have no say in service delivery, but everyone likes to make them the brunt of the problem. Disingenuous to say the least.

[Guest s******ecan****]

Not that I want to play this game because there are too many opinions that people pass off as facts, but it annoys me.

 

Take Health Care, the anti-Harper folks complain about how he cut health care. When Harper took office in 2006 the Canadian Health Transfer to the provinces was $20.1 billion. In 2014 it was $30.3 billion. Not a cut in my books. Not a cut to anyone who understands basic arithmetic.

 

The feds had a 10 year deal with the provinces that would see the CHT grow by 6% a year, which was well above the Cost of Living index, and they have been living by that agreement.

 

The agreement is up for re-negotiation but there has been no indication that the feds will stop increasing funding. But remember Health Care programs are a provincial responsibility and the Feds have no say in service delivery, but everyone likes to make them the brunt of the problem. Disingenuous to say the least.

 

But this is the central criticism of Harper's policy. Prior to the 2014 budget there were "National Standards" to ensure care was roughly equivalent across the country. By eliminating the "equalization provision" and moving to a per capita grant less populous provinces with a higher percentage of rural population (higher cost of service delivery) will find it harder to deliver services under current funding levels.

 

Medicare is a national program and until this recent budget the Federal Government has always considered it important to have a say on how service is delivered, no PM until Harper has been content to just hand over a cheque and say "I don't care how you spend it".

 

Harper gets a lot of praise for fiscal management, that comes from reducing costs, in other words cuts. He can't have it both ways and should be proud of his cuts if he truly believes in them.