The Rougher Than Originally Thought Road Ahead...

"He who angers you conquers you." - Elizabeth Kenny

Talk about awkward...

No hard feelings from Tory leadership campaign, right?

Jun 29, 2009 04:30 AM
Robert Benzie

Whitby-Oshawa MPP Christine Elliott was the only one of Tim Hudak's rivals to show up at his victory party Saturday night, a fact the newly elected Progressive Conservative leader acknowledged yesterday.

During the leadership campaign, Elliott had attacked Hudak's plan to scrap the Ontario Human Rights Tribunals in favour of a courts-based system as a "politically toxic" move akin to former leader John Tory's ill-fated plan to fund faith-based schools.

While Elliott coped well with defeat, her husband, federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, appeared bitter during the crowded celebration at a downtown pub, astonishing Tories with his demeanour.

Three sources told the Star that Flaherty told Tory MPP Ernie Hardeman (Oxford) to "f--- off" because he hadn't supported Elliott.

Elliott placed third on the second ballot, forcing her elimination.

Flaherty ran for the provincial party leadership twice – in 2002 and 2004 – and lost both times.

Insiders note that Elliott's disappointing finish has likely undermined Flaherty's status as Prime Minister Stephen Harper's point man in Ontario.

Instead, federal Transport Minister John Baird, a key Hudak supporter, may have emerged from the provincial contest as the most influential federal Conservative in Ontario.

Peter MacKay at PCPO Convention

With Rodney MacDonald announcing his resignation as Leader of the Nova Scotia PC Party, this interview with Peter MacKay is very interesting. No hint of interest from MacKay and drops a few names of people that are being mentioned as possible candidates. Of course, with no official announcement on the way the leadership race will be run, perhaps people are just waiting to see what turns up. Hmmm…

H/T: Stephen Taylor

More Back-Door Health Care Privitization?

When the Health Minister declines to comment, there's likely something up. Just a thought since it is Ron Liepert - not exactly known for being camera shy. The evaluation by ALP leader David Swann - "they're allowing little bits of privatization here and there" - is a fair and accurate one.

The fact that this clinic operates for those willing to cough up $3000 makes it pretty clear it's goal is to be a business. Furthermore, the claim that doctors are available for free for clients is a pretty flimsy one given that you have to pay $3000 to become a client. I'd be interested to see a lawsuit on that; does paying to be a client to then see a doctor constitute payment for a doctor's services?

City Sued for Alleged Monopoly

With the Plan It Calgary hearings over and a decision made to at least move forward in the short term with it, it seemed like the City was through hearing from angry industries who feel that the alleged sanctity of the invisible hand had been violated. Not so it would seem! In the past day an interesting news story has caught my eye; it seems that an association involving several of the city’s private curbside recycling companies are suing the City for damages resulting from the recent launch of the government-run curb side recycling program.

The consequences for this case could go far beyond simply the new-born City curbside recycling program. If successful, this case could embolden other groups who have an interest in the status-quo of this City. I'm not convinced this case will succeed and it may well just be posturing from the Association, but all the same it should be watched carefully given the way the City is moving in the direction of more sustainable programs and development.

Thoughts on Plan It Calgary to Date

As interesting and encouraging as City Council's decision to pass first reading of the Plan It Calgary is, their decision to also refer back 76 amendments which will be debated in the fall could seriously undermine any progress made by his decision. While it may not be polite, I can't help but look a gift horse in the mouth due to the fact that first reading was passed unanimously.

I know there are some members of Council who are vehemently against Plan It, and hence for them to vote in favour signals a sense that they must be certain that their amendments will be passed. I haven't had a chance to see the amendments and Alderman John Mar has said that we won't see them until they come back for a vote in December. These amendments have the potential to completely torpoedo the entire purpose of Plan It - especially if they start to tinker with the density requirements set out in the document. With a unanimous vote in favour of first reading, it seems safe to assume that several Aldermen are fairly certain that their amendments will gut the proposal.

Listening to the hearings online was certainly an enlightening experience. It was made all the more interesting with the running commentary on Twitter's #yyccc hashtag. I found several of the developers against Plan It were exceptionally biased in the information they presented. For instance, many argued that Calgarians were interested in purchasing higher density developments in neighbourhoods such as Garrison Woods but were not willing to pay the high price. The outgrowth of that observation (which they failed to mention) was that there was high demand for that sort of choice in housing that could be satisfied with higher supply.

Of note was also the hilariousness of how obvious it was that several questions from Alderman to developers were planted. In particular, Ward 6 Alderman Joe Connelly seemed to have a nasty habit of asking questions which the presenter just happened to have a slide to answer with...I digress.

My support of Plan It comes from a firm belief that a higher density approach to urban design with a strong emphasis on public transit is the key to constructing a Calgary that can handle the next million people. What are matters of convenience today will be matters of necessity tomorrow. Our current growth plan is not sustainable and will just pass on bigger problems to future generations. Urban planning takes time to mature and have an impact; starting now is key.

Liberals Announce Support for Net Neutrality

You know, I really like Marc Garneau. He's a solid worker who just gets stuff done.

OTTAWA - The Liberal Party announced its support for the principle of net neutrality in the House of Commons yesterday.

"The Liberal Party supports the principles of net neutrality and an open and competitive Internet environment," Liberal Industry, Science and Technology Critic Marc Garneau said during yesterday's Question Period.

Net Neutrality refers to the principle that internet traffic management should not selectively target certain websites, users or legitimate internet applications. Currently, no laws in Canada exist regulating the flow of Internet traffic.

"In a free and open democracy in the 21st century, in an innovative and progressive economy, no tool is more paramount than the Internet," said Mr. Garneau. "The Internet is the backbone of today's flow of free ideas."

Mr. Garneau asked the Conservative government whether they supported net neutrality but Industry Minister Tony Clement refused to answer the question.

"The issue of net neutrality is a global one," said Mr. Garneau. "Internet management should be neutral and not be permitted for anti-competitive behaviour nor should it target certain websites, users, providers or legitimate software applications. We must protect the openness and freedom of the internet, and maintain competition to spur innovation, improve service levels and reduce costs to users."

Video: Girl Shot in Iran

I'll get back to our own country's political drama later, but for now, just be thankful for where we live.

It's a Trap

So today Iggy laid out his preconditions for possibly allowing the Tory government to continue on. As Wells noted, it's a clear (and I'd say fairly effective way) to have the Tories "carry the nasty." Or, as Admiral Ackbar would say, "it's a trap!"

All in all, I think this actually increased the chances we'll be heading tho the polls soon. Stephen Harper and the Tories aren't the most conciliatory of folks and I can't see them climbing down to make this Parliament work. I'd love to be a fly on the wall inside the Tory death star right now to see how they're reacting.

Dexter's Day

Congratulations to Darrell Dexter and the NDP on forming a majority government in Nova Scotia. It's a truly impressive feat and one that hopefully they will follow up with with good governance, fiscal prudence, and a government that's inclusive for all Nova Scotians.

By landing the gig of Leader of the Official Opposition, Stephen McNeil has taken a huge step forward. Granted it was only an increase of a few seats and a couple percentage points, but the new role comes with a lot more publicity which is always a good thing. Stephen is one of the most kind-hearted and sincere politicians I've ever met so I'll be excited to see him in action.

So what's next for Rodney MacDonald and the PCs? Falling from government to third party status has to smart and can be taken to be a firm rejection. It's hard to believe MacDonald would try to stay on; I'll bet he announces his retirement in the coming days and a new interim leader is chosen. Leadership predictions? There are some obvious choices in the new PC caucus. Oh, I dunno, maybe this guy.

"Cancer is the New Pink"-Gate

I'm really not sure what to say about Lisa Raitt's absolutely callous and insensitive remarks that have come to light.

First, this is an important issue and we should be paying attention to it so I suppose Lisa Raitt saying that it's attracting a lot of attention is a fair observation. However, to plan to use this to advance one's own political career is beyond reproach. Furthermore, to call it "sexy" shows a serious lack of appreciation for the seriousness of the problem.

She should be fired, plain and simple. The fact that she continues to be a Minister of the Crown really speaks to Stephen Harper's judgment (or lack thereof).



In other news, what is John Baird pointing at? Why, he's pointing at Toronto, and apparently telling them to "f*ck off". Classic.

UPDATE: Baird apologized and good on him. I believe that it was a moment of frustration for him. So why hasn't Lisa Raitt apologized? Slif's theory; "No one should apologize for sexiness."