Andrew Scheer steps down as Canada's Conservative leader - Is Harper coming back?

[StrugglingTilMyReward]

listen...I am Canadian and apparently more so than you are

I still have pride in my country and whether I am in the US or Canada, I would never laugh at the US elections or find them funny like you do

I have my outs with Angela but she knows what she is talking about and you disagree with her too

don't take a wrong turn in a supermarket and make the headlines of how you froze to death in the ice cream section

for the record, I am, apparently, much wiser than you are and it is not for bragging I say so

it is because I recognize how serious things are

you, need baby food and someone to burp you

??? Why all the anger??? I'm not a millennial, so maybe I'm not used to all the self righteous snow flakeyness of the world these days.

I have a lot of pride in my country and serve it in uniform, however I don't view patriotism as a competition. I have not laughed at the US elections, I have my opinions, and I am free to express them....that's something we should both cherish.

In terms of Canadian politics, I was not a fan of Andrew Scheer's leadership, but don't mistake that to mean support for Trudeau, if those were the only two choices I would have voted for Scheer's Conservative candidate in my riding (who won btw).

Not everyone has the same values, experience or priorites....that doesn't mean one is right and the other is wrong, that's what leads to a bi-polar world, and sadly that's what our democracies (both in Canada and the U.S.) are trending towards.

Peace be with you....

 

[StrugglingTilMyReward]

you state you were raised Christian

that does not make you a Christian

so you either are or you are not

that is between you and God and only He and you know if you actually made a decision towards him

your family cannot save you

and now I will excuse myself from any further exchanges with you

in other words consider yourself ignored

Jesus Christ is my Lord and Saviour, however will I 'make the cut' for lack of a better term? I don't get to decide that, nor does anyone here on Earth.

Given how much my opinions seem to cause you to vent with bile and anger using the ignore feature is likely a wise course. Be blessed.

 

[StrugglingTilMyReward]

Getting back to the subject line of this thread, and the reason I started it before things got side tracked.

I've seen one article that supports my musings that Stephen Harper might just be making a comeback, or at least attempting one. Here's the link if anyone is interested: https://thetyee.ca/Analysis/2019/12/12/Harper-Comeback/

Not that it matters, but I didn't read that article until after I had formed the opinion that a Harper comeback might be in the cards. I found it because I was googling to see if there was anything or anyone out there with similar thoughts. So far though, that's the only piece I've come across. Most people seem to view a return of our former PM as a complete non-starter.

Given the way events are unfolding, with the revelations of Scheer's use of party funds to defray the costs of his childrens' education and the ensuing dismissal of the party's executive director who okayed said expense, I am actually thinking a Harper comeback is more likely than I had at first.

Whether warranted or not Scheer was subject to a lot of criticism, and much (and maybe most) of it was coming from Harper's inner circle of former advisors and supporters. The party's executive director is the individual who will have a lot of influence over how the leadership contest is run. Now that the former director has been let go, who will take his place? Will it be someone from Harper's inner circle from when he was PM?

The other aspect that has me thinking Harper might make a run for the leadership is the lack of any big names declaring themselves as candidates. Thus far there is just one who has openly stated an intention to run, however its not a name I'm familar with. If I was ranking the top tier of potential candidates I would have as my top 3 (in no particular order though) as Ambrose, Mackay and Poilevre. However none of those, or anyone else of any stature, has formally stated an intention to seek the leadership yet....however all three are said to be considering it.

It is said that there is an advantage to being a first mover....yet nobody of note is budging yet. Could it be that they're waiting to see if Mr. Harper runs? Obviously as a former PM and basically the founding leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, nobody has Harper's name recognition. If I was to guess as to which of my top tier has the highest level of name recognition, I'd have to go with Ambrose as being the most recognizable with MacKay and Polievre in a virtual tie.. I would probably put Polievre ahead among younger Conservatives and MacKay with those of us who are older.

Interesting times anyway.

And to anyone who disagrees with anything I've posted, that's okay....we can discuss it without resorting to ad hominem attacks I hope. I will endeavour to listen to other points of view thoughtfully and ask that others do the same with my opinions.

 

[Nehemiah6]

The interior of BC seems mostly ready to #Wexit, which is western Canada's call to separate from the east. Certainly we would be happy to leave the Lower Mainland and the Islands behind, while retaining our bit of BC paradise!

Angela,

Fair enough. What it will take is for an outstanding non-politician just like Trump (but preferably a Christian like Eberhardt) to provide the necessary outstanding leadership so that all the Western provinces are on the same page, and have the same common goals. Jason Kenney is just another politician, and he will resist this for his own personal advantage. Therefore he is running after Trudeau, instead of supporting Western separatism. Which means that he should not even be considered for something this important. Kenney would simply sabotage everything.

Firstly there would have to be a vision which is Western, then a solid platform, and then a solid plan. Only then should there be a Referendum in all three provinces at the same time. and with strict supervision so that the results cannot be questioned. Since Quebec already set a precedent on separation, no one can rightly object to a Western Referendum. Perhaps the Bloc will be delighted and start its own shenanigans.

The plan would see that (a) federal taxes are abolished (no more transfer of payments), (b) the GST is abolished or reduced to 1-2%, and (c) the price of gasoline and diesel is adjusted downwards severely (with a proper arrangement regarding royalties so that everyone is a winner). Modern economies run on gas and diesel, so if the cost is reduced, it means business growth. Also a flat tax of 10% strictly enforced (with no exemptions or deductions of any kind) would actually bring in more revenue (since no one could play tax avoidance games). But all the perks and privileges of the politicians would have to be abolished, and they would have to take care of their own pensions.

Therefore a new political party would have to come into existence, which is prepared to change the rules altogether. The old parliamentary idea adopted from Britain is obsolete. For example politicians (lawmakers) have traditionally controlled spending, but they are totally unsuited to money management and always waste tax dollars. Therefore an independent body for fiscal management would need to be created, and their job would be to ensure that government spending is limited to the basics and always within budget. And they themselves would have to be audited.

The existence of an unelected Senate would also need to be questioned, as well as the number of legislators and their term limits. The issue of Royal Assent would also need to be addressed since the West will not be under the Crown. Also an independent Western police force separated from the RCMP (which has lost credibility) would have to come into existence. Illegal immigration would be totally banned.

Unless this plan includes the establishment of manufacturing (including new refineries and auto manufacturing) it will not strengthen the economies of the West. There is no unique Canadian vehicle in existence -- imagine! There have been no refineries built for ages. Imagine the jobs that can be created. Western Canada could produce a totally Canadian vehicle for Westerners, so that cars from the East are not imported. Just as Mr. Trump has focused on job creation and tariffs to encourage economic growth, the same principle should apply. In all of this industry and government have to become partners without any government handouts.

As you can see, without a clear vision and a detailed plan, nothing will be accomplished. But without proper leadership, there will only be dithering.

 

[Angela53510]

Angela,

Fair enough. What it will take is for an outstanding non-politician just like Trump (but preferably a Christian like Eberhardt) to provide the necessary outstanding leadership so that all the Western provinces are on the same page, and have the same common goals. Jason Kenney is just another politician, and he will resist this for his own personal advantage. Therefore he is running after Trudeau, instead of supporting Western separatism. Which means that he should not even be considered for something this important. Kenney would simply sabotage everything.

Firstly there would have to be a vision which is Western, then a solid platform, and then a solid plan. Only then should there be a Referendum in all three provinces at the same time. and with strict supervision so that the results cannot be questioned. Since Quebec already set a precedent on separation, no one can rightly object to a Western Referendum. Perhaps the Bloc will be delighted and start its own shenanigans.

The plan would see that (a) federal taxes are abolished (no more transfer of payments), (b) the GST is abolished or reduced to 1-2%, and (c) the price of gasoline and diesel is adjusted downwards severely (with a proper arrangement regarding royalties so that everyone is a winner). Modern economies run on gas and diesel, so if the cost is reduced, it means business growth. Also a flat tax of 10% strictly enforced (with no exemptions or deductions of any kind) would actually bring in more revenue (since no one could play tax avoidance games). But all the perks and privileges of the politicians would have to be abolished, and they would have to take care of their own pensions.

Therefore a new political party would have to come into existence, which is prepared to change the rules altogether. The old parliamentary idea adopted from Britain is obsolete. For example politicians (lawmakers) have traditionally controlled spending, but they are totally unsuited to money management and always waste tax dollars. Therefore an independent body for fiscal management would need to be created, and their job would be to ensure that government spending is limited to the basics and always within budget. And they themselves would have to be audited.

The existence of an unelected Senate would also need to be questioned, as well as the number of legislators and their term limits. The issue of Royal Assent would also need to be addressed since the West will not be under the Crown. Also an independent Western police force separated from the RCMP (which has lost credibility) would have to come into existence. Illegal immigration would be totally banned.

Unless this plan includes the establishment of manufacturing (including new refineries and auto manufacturing) it will not strengthen the economies of the West. There is no unique Canadian vehicle in existence -- imagine! There have been no refineries built for ages. Imagine the jobs that can be created. Western Canada could produce a totally Canadian vehicle for Westerners, so that cars from the East are not imported. Just as Mr. Trump has focused on job creation and tariffs to encourage economic growth, the same principle should apply. In all of this industry and government have to become partners without any government handouts.

As you can see, without a clear vision and a detailed plan, nothing will be accomplished. But without proper leadership, there will only be dithering.

To think I mistook you for an American. You understand Canadian politics far too well not to be Canadian!

I agree that both vision and leadership are required, which we do not have. The Conservative premiers are all federalists, so not sure where a well know and visionary, competent leader will come from. I follow all the #Wexit groups, and a few have claimed to be the leader, I literally cannot remember their names. So, to find a leader like Trump is going to be a challenge. And not just a name!

Meanwhile, CBC and CTV have declared Rona Ambrose the front runner for the Conservative party. She's a Red Tory, doesn't have a seat in Parliament, and makes a great amount of money in her private career. Much more than the PM. So no, not the front runner, but already being pushed by the MSM, the same people who hounded Scheer to resign.

I'm done with federal politics, I want the west to leave. But, I've felt that way since the days of Pierre Trudeau. I took a History of Western Canada course at SFU. The last day, the prof asked our class of 800 who would like to be the PM of Canada, or the first PM of Western Canada. No one said a word, so I stood up and said I wanted to be the first PM of western Canada, and why! That was 1980, nearly 40 years ago. I've really seen nothing change in 40 years. The Laurentian elites still rule and ruin Canada!

Oh well, at least I find politics interesting, and Twitter keeps me quite busy following the trends, and underground trends, too!

 

[Angela53510]

??? Why all the anger??? I'm not a millennial, so maybe I'm not used to all the self righteous snow flakeyness of the world these days.

I have a lot of pride in my country and serve it in uniform, however I don't view patriotism as a competition. I have not laughed at the US elections, I have my opinions, and I am free to express them....that's something we should both cherish.

In terms of Canadian politics, I was not a fan of Andrew Scheer's leadership, but don't mistake that to mean support for Trudeau, if those were the only two choices I would have voted for Scheer's Conservative candidate in my riding (who won btw).

Not everyone has the same values, experience or priorites....that doesn't mean one is right and the other is wrong, that's what leads to a bi-polar world, and sadly that's what our democracies (both in Canada and the U.S.) are trending towards.

Peace be with you....

I'm a vehement Boomer, it's just my nature.

What I don't get is how someone can say they are a Christian, and not have supported Scheer. He is anti-abortion, against same sex marriage, but more, he was honest and ethical, despite the mud the media tried to dig up. He was also a professing achristuan. Yes he was Catholic, but he seemed to have a good biblical knowledge of how to follow God..

He would have moved Canada far back to the right, instead, we know have Chrysta Freeland as de facto PM, a family friend of George Soros, with a grandfather who was a Nazi sympathizer. Meanwhile Trudeau is in full swing, carrying out the UN climate agenda to establish globalism and one world gov't. But with the added twist that the UN is basically run by Muslim countries, now. And Trudeau a Muslim near his goal of a seat in the UN Security Council.

Andrew Scheer is an intelligent man, knew parliamentary procedure better than anyone after his years as Speaker of the House. Yet you follow the left wing media, and claim he was not quite good enough. Well, the media never showed him in action in the HOC. I used to watch Scheer vs Trudeau, and Trudeau wasn't as smart as a bot, even with Butts chattering in his ear.

We won't even get into the fact that Scheer won the popular vote. A vote which wasn't represented in seats, because Western Canada, BC and Alberta have 125,000 people per riding, unlike Quebec which has 75,000 per riding, or PEI that has 35,000 per riding. 30 more western seats, which would reflect proportional representation, would have won Scheer the election. And moved the country back to more Christian roots, instead of these terrible progressive values that are destroying the country in every way, and corrupting our children and grandchildren.

As an eastern, you should be aware, the west is screaming to leave this Confederation which has treated westerners as drawers of water and hewers of wood. We have had enough of having our resources stolen or shut down, the favouritism towards Quebec, which basically started under Pierre, and was ensconced in his repatriated Constitution. Pierre Trudeau was asked to make sure abortion was mentioned in the constitution, so it would not be used as a form of birth control. He said Canada would never need it. Only SIX years after the Constitution was repatriated in 1982, our only abortion law was struck down, and we are the western country with literally no restrictions on abortion, as well as euthanasia being welcomed as a good (final) solution. As a disabled person, euthanasia disturbs me terribly. Although I am secure in the knowledge I will be with Jesus, I want God to take me in his timing, not some bureaucrat looking to eliminate expensive disabled and "useless" members of society. And I am expensive!

 

[StrugglingTilMyReward]

I'm a vehement Boomer, it's just my nature.

What I don't get is how someone can say they are a Christian, and not have supported Scheer. He is anti-abortion, against same sex marriage, but more, he was honest and ethical, despite the mud the media tried to dig up. He was also a professing achristuan. Yes he was Catholic, but he seemed to have a good biblical knowledge of how to follow God..

He would have moved Canada far back to the right, instead, we know have Chrysta Freeland as de facto PM, a family friend of George Soros, with a grandfather who was a Nazi sympathizer. Meanwhile Trudeau is in full swing, carrying out the UN climate agenda to establish globalism and one world gov't. But with the added twist that the UN is basically run by Muslim countries, now. And Trudeau a Muslim near his goal of a seat in the UN Security Council.

Andrew Scheer is an intelligent man, knew parliamentary procedure better than anyone after his years as Speaker of the House. Yet you follow the left wing media, and claim he was not quite good enough. Well, the media never showed him in action in the HOC. I used to watch Scheer vs Trudeau, and Trudeau wasn't as smart as a bot, even with Butts chattering in his ear.

We won't even get into the fact that Scheer won the popular vote. A vote which wasn't represented in seats, because Western Canada, BC and Alberta have 125,000 people per riding, unlike Quebec which has 75,000 per riding, or PEI that has 35,000 per riding. 30 more western seats, which would reflect proportional representation, would have won Scheer the election. And moved the country back to more Christian roots, instead of these terrible progressive values that are destroying the country in every way, and corrupting our children and grandchildren.

As an eastern, you should be aware, the west is screaming to leave this Confederation which has treated westerners as drawers of water and hewers of wood. We have had enough of having our resources stolen or shut down, the favouritism towards Quebec, which basically started under Pierre, and was ensconced in his repatriated Constitution. Pierre Trudeau was asked to make sure abortion was mentioned in the constitution, so it would not be used as a form of birth control. He said Canada would never need it. Only SIX years after the Constitution was repatriated in 1982, our only abortion law was struck down, and we are the western country with literally no restrictions on abortion, as well as euthanasia being welcomed as a good (final) solution. As a disabled person, euthanasia disturbs me terribly. Although I am secure in the knowledge I will be with Jesus, I want God to take me in his timing, not some bureaucrat looking to eliminate expensive disabled and "useless" members of society. And I am expensive!

My brother actually met Scheer in a shopping mall food court west of Toronto, and said he's a really nice guy in person. My bro and I shared the view that Scheer never seemed completely comfortable in front of the camera, that's not a criticism...simply an observation, a personal impression.

If it was a simple question of Scheer or Trudeau, as mentioned my support would have gone to Scheer.....but with our parliamentary system there are and were other choices. We both seem to share disdain for Justin Trudeau, I pray that he'll provide good government although I cannot say I'm hopeful.

If you've read my posts you know that I went with Bernier's People's Party. Rather than attacking what I considered to be Scheer's failings I'll give you the reasons why I went with the PPC instead.

-Fiscal responsibility. The PPC platform was the only one that laid out an achievable path for balancing of Ottawa's books. While every other leader was outlining big plans to increase spending and decrease taxes to buy votes, Bernier was the only one advocating bringing the budget into balance within two years....

-Climate Change - I am a big time skeptic on man made climate change, while I think its reasonable to assume human activity is having some impact on global climate, I side with the many scientists who believe our contribution is negligible, like maybe 0.2 or .3 degrees Celsius. Scheer tried to position himself as one who would fight climate change, I'd rather we address priorities that are achievable instead of one that is not....Peterson's views on climate change speak to my own opinions.

-Immigration - All the other parties including the Conservatives advocated maintaining current levels. Bernier's PPC was the only party that campaigned on reducing levels of immigration to between 100 and 150K. Scheer tried to play it both ways, saying he'd keep the current system but would be open to changing it later if change was warranted. I prefer straight talk. You take issue with Trudeau's pandering to Islamic voters, going so far as to perhaps thinking he's a closet Muslim himself I think. Well Scheer wasn't above pandering to Muslim voters either, I saw a video of him during the leadership race saying that he'd champion issues important to Muslim Canadians. While I can't find a link to the video now (it was shared on twitter) here's an article on it complete with Scheer posing with a big smile with an Iman who has videos on how to punish a disobedient wife.

https://www.therebel.media/muslim-o...ws-rebel-media-ezra-levant-show-april-11-2019

I can go on of course. And I will acknowledge of course that Bernier wasn't perfect obviously....no matter who you vote for you inevitably have to put some water in the wine. The abortion issue for example....Christians for whom this is a top of mind issue, voting for Scheer meant supporting a leader who campaigned on a pledge to not allow legislation to be put forward on the issue. Bernier was the only one to say he'd allow his members to advance legislation and motions and to vote their conscience.

You might think I wasted my vote....and that's fair enough, some people don't vote for what they want, the vote strategically in hopes of avoiding what they absolutely don't want. In my riding the PPC candidate won just over 2% of the vote, better than the 1.6% that the party's candidates got nationally....but my riding still elected a Conservative regardless. Many people I spoke to preferred the PPC, but didn't see them as viable.

Anyway I think we agree more than we disagree...we both want much the same things it seems, we just have different ways to get there. Its kind of like Christianity with all its denominations....everyone wanting to worship God and walk with Jesus, but having differing views on how best to do it.

Be blessed and Merry Christmas.

 

[HeraldtheNews]

Fair comment....the point I'm making is that simply because the party calls itself conservative, doesn't necessarily mean they're in point of fact a conservative party. I already cited the case in point about the conservative party being opposed to the free market, instead preferring a socialist system of cartels. I am perhaps betraying my bias, maybe some do think you can be a conservative AND opposed to the free market.

As long as it's truly a free market.