Harper government moving to end party subsidies

Althia Raj, Postmedia NewsMay 20, 2011
 OTTAWA — Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government will move quickly to cut the financial legs of its political opponents by moving to end the per-vote party subsidy in its June budget, Postmedia News has learned.  "We want political parties to raise funds directly from their supporters and not the taxpayers. So as soon as we can get that passed, that process will begin," Democratic Minister Tim Uppal told Postmedia news.  Uppal said he couldn't discuss whether the government planned a weaning off process for political parties. He said ministers were "still finalizing all these things."  It is, however, expected that the subsidy will be phased out over time.  Political parties currently receive $2 annually for every vote they received in the last federal election. Payments for the next quarter, which include the May 2 election, are due on July 1st.

Okanagan, Interior Snubbed In Cabinet

Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Wednesday, 18 May 2011 12:29

The MP for Okanagan Shuswap says he's a "little bit" concerned the new federal cabinet doesn't include any M-P's from the BC Interior or Okanagan.  Conservative Colin Mayes (pictured) says due to the turnover of retiring Interior MP's like Stockwell Day and Jay Hill, there was a "limited pool" for Prime Minister Harper to draw from.  "The ministers that were appointed, although they were from the Lower Mainland, they're very capable and there's varying strengths that they bring to the table so I think they made a good choice.  Mayes, who is starting his his third term in Ottawa, says he doesn't have the experience to be in cabinet.  "I would need to take on a responsibility such as a parliamentary secretary before moving on to cabinet."  Kelowna-Lake Country's Ron Cannan, another third term MP, was also passed over.  Most veteran ministers kept their posts in Harper's new 39 person cabinet, including Peter McKay in defence and Jim Flaherty as finance minister.  BC has four members including Port Moody-Coquitlam M-P James Moore retains his post as Minister of Canadian heritage.  Abbotsford M-P Ed Fast jumps into cabinet for the first time as Minister of international trade, while Vancouver Island North M-P John Duncan has been named to aboriginal affairs and northern development.  Richmond M-P Alice Wong has also been promoted to the inner circle, named Minister of state for seniors.

New Ministry to govern for all Canadians

18 May 2011  Ottawa, Ontario

• The Canadian Ministry (PDF)
• Biographies
• Cabinet Committee Mandates and Memberships (PDF)

Recount confirms NDP win over Tory in Quebec riding

Sat May. 14 2011 06:03:06 The Canadian Press
A judicial recount has confirmed an NDP victory in the northeast Quebec riding of Montmagny-L'Islet-Kamouraska-Riviere-du-Loup.  Conservative incumbent MP Bernard Genereux was declared the winner on election night, with a 110-vote lead over the NDP's Francois Lapointe. However when the result was validated the following day, Lapointe came out on top by five votes.  The slim margin of victory prompted a judicial recount that began Wednesday and concluded Friday evening with Lapointe being confirmed the winner by nine votes.  Elections Canada calls in a judge every time the margin of victory is less than a thousandth of the total votes cast.  Without Genereux, who was elected in a November, 2009 by-election, Prime Minister Stephen Harper has only five Quebec MPs from whom to choose possible cabinet ministers.  Elections Canada said Friday that there would also be a judicial recount in Winnipeg North, where Liberal incumbent Kevin Lamoureux defeated New Democrat Rebecca Blaikie by just 45 votes on May 2. That recount will start Monday.

Get to know your MPs, NDP edition

 iPolitics.caMay 8, 2011 3:01 PM

From 37 to 102. Yes, you’ll be seeing a whole bunch of fresh new NDP faces this Parliament. Some are city councillors, teachers, and doctors. Others are more unlikely MPs-elect — students, a gardener, a bartender, and a karate instructor.  For your edification and reading pleasure, iPolitics.ca has compiled short biographies of all of your new NDP MPs.

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Pierre-Luc Dusseault
Pierre-Luc Dusseault, originally from Granby, studies applied politics at the University of Sherbrooke. He is the co-founder and President of the Regroupement etudiant neo-democrate de l’Universite de Sherbrooke, grouping college NDP supporters.
At 19, he will be the youngest MP ever elected to the House of Commons.

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MembersUpon ceasing to be a member of Parliament, members are entitled to an annual allowance after they have contributed under the plan for at least six years. For service up to and including July 12, 1995, former members are entitled to an immediate annual allowance. For service after that date, former members are not entitled to an annual allowance until they are 55.

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Rich pensions soothe MPs' pain of defeat

Jeff Nagel - BC Local News Published: May 03, 2011 2:00 PM 
Nine defeated or retiring MPs from B.C. are in line to collect a combined $18.6 million in pension benefits now that they're out of office.  Surrey's two MPs defeated in Monday's federal election – Conservative Dona Cadman (Surrey-North) and Liberal Sukh Dhaliwal (Newton-North Delta) – did not serve the minimum six years to qualify for what the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) calls the lucrative "fat-cat MP pensions." Instead those two will receive only $79,000 in severance.  But taxpayers federation national research director Derek Fildebrandt said the province's other federal MPs turfed by voters Monday night or who chose to retire "should find a nice soft landing with their 'golden parachute.'"  Conservative MP Gary Lunn, defeated by Green Party leader Elizabeth May in Saanich-Gulf Islands, leaves with $2.2 million in future pension entitlements.  Liberal MP Ujjal Dosanjh, defeated in Vancouver South, leaves with a pension worth $830,000. The biggest payout will go to Liberal MP Keith Martin, who retired from his Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca seat with a pension of $3.9 million.  Conservatives Jay Hill (Prince George-Peace River) and Chuck Strahl (Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon), both retired from federal politics with $3.3 million pensions.  Tory MP John Cummins (Delta-Richmond East), who retired from federal politics to head the B.C. Conservative party, now gets a pension worth $1.33 million.  Conservative retiree Stockwell Day (Okanagan-Coquihalla) gets a package worth $1.67 million, Kootenay-Columbia Tory MP Jim Abbott retires with $1.36 million and the NDP's Bill Siksay (Burnaby-Douglas) takes away $732,000.  All the qualifying B.C. MPs can opt to start collecting their pensions immediately.  The taxpayers federation argues the current pension system for federal politicians is too rich, contributing $4 for every dollar contributed by an MP.  It favours a dollar-for-dollar matching formula now used in Saskatchewan and Ontario.  "The vast majority of Canadians working in the private sector have no private pension plan of their own and those few who do, normally have defined-contribution, RRSP-style plans," Fildebrandt said.  "Most Canadians have to save for their retirements the old-fashion way. MPs by contrast are guaranteed a steady payout regardless of how investments and the market perform."
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MPs Cash in on $116 million in Pension & Severance Bonanza

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today released its calculations of estimated pension and severance payments paid to the 113 MPs who were either defeated or did not seek re-election in the May 2, 2011 general election.
>>CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE LIST

Rhino Party loses close elction to Tory Rival - Country will not repeal the Law of Gravity

Cariboo--Prince George
Party Candidate Votes % Votes

Conservative	Dick Harris	24,443	56.2
Liberal	Sangeeta Lalli	2,190	5.0
Green Party	Heidi Redl	2,702	6.2
Independent	Jon Ronan	394	0.9
CHP Canada	Henry Thiessen	440	1.0
Rhinoceros	Jordan Turner	204	0.5
NDP-New Democratic Party	Jon Van Barneveld	13,135	30.2

Total number of valid votes:

43,508

Polls reporting: 235/235	Voter turnout: 43,508 of 75,329 registered electors (57.8%)

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Despite his platform of moving the Rockies 15 CM to the west as an economic stimulus package which would have created thousands of jobs the only Rhino Candidate in Canada Jordan Turner lost a squeaker in the Cariboo-Prince George riding in Northern B.C.

2 Prominent Bubble Boys lose - Local M.P. Secures Pension

CANNON, Lawrence (b. 1947.12.06) 5 years, 3 months, 10 days
House of Commons Political Affiliation at First Election: Conservative Party of Canada

Pontiac
Party Candidate Votes % Votes

Conservative	Lawrence Cannon	14,469	29.5
Liberal	Cindy Duncan McMillan	6,259	12.7
Marxist-Leninist	Benoit Legros	115	0.2
Green Party	Louis-Philippe Mayrand	852	1.7
NDP-New Democratic Party	Mathieu Ravignat	22,497	45.8
Bloc Québécois	Maude Tremblay	4,923	10.0

Total number of valid votes:

49,115

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IGNATIEFF, Michael (b. 1947.05.12)  5 years, 3 months, 10 days
House of Commons Political Affiliation at First Election: Liberal Party of Canada

Etobicoke--Lakeshore
Party Candidate Votes % Votes

Green Party	Dave Corail	2,151	4.0
NDP-New Democratic Party	Michael Erickson	10,979	20.2
Liberal	Michael Ignatieff	19,058	35.1
Marxist-Leninist	Janice Murray	191	0.4
Conservative	Bernard Trottier	21,963	40.4

Total number of valid votes:

54,342

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MAYES, Colin (b. 1948.04.11) 5 years, 3 months, 10 days 
House of Commons  Political Affiliation at First Election: Conservative Party of Canada

Okanagan--Shuswap
Party Candidate Votes % Votes

Green Party	Greig Crockett	6,063	10.7
Liberal	Janna Francis	4,246	7.5
NDP-New Democratic Party	Nikki Inouye	14,961	26.4
Conservative	Colin Mayes	31,443	55.4

Total number of valid votes:

56,713

Pension Bubble Boys  Members Upon ceasing to be a member of Parliament, members are entitled to an annual allowance after they have contributed under the plan for at least six years.

Mayes Wins Third Term

Okanagan--Shuswap   Party Candidate Votes % Votes

Green Party	Greig Crockett	6,063	10.7
Liberal	Janna Francis	4,246	7.5
NDP-New Democratic Party	Nikki Inouye	14,961	26.4
Conservative	Colin Mayes	31,443	55.4

Total number of valid votes:

56,713

Polls reporting: 297/297	Voter turnout: 56,713 of 90,678 registered electors (62.5%)
The number of registered electors shown in this table does not include electors who registered on election day.

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Written by Peter McIntyre Monday, 02 May 2011 21:50 
  Colin Mayes is back for a third term in Okanagan Shuswap, garnering more votes than the three other candidates combined.  The Conservative and former Salmon Arm mayor received 55 percent support, up four points from 2008.  Mayes--who won by about 15-thousand votes-- says he's happy with the "performance review" people have given him.  "I think people have appreciated my efforts and my staff's efforts, but I think a lot of people that maybe are not traditionally Conservative supporters, have decided to vote for us, give us a majority, and just test us to see what we can do."  Newcomer Nikki Inouye of the New Democrats was second at 26 percent.  The Vernon Jubilee Hospital worker was happy with her showing, some which she credits to her party's leader.  "I think the Orange Crush had a lot to do with it, and Jack Layton's positive message."  Retired lawyer Greig Crockett of the Greens was third at 10 percent, and social worker Janna Francis of the Liberals had 7 percent in her second run.

Ron Cannan was returned in Kelowna Lake Country with 57 percent support, and fellow Tory Dan Albas, a former Penticton city councillor, won Stockwell Day's old riding of Okanagan Coquilhalla (53%), both in landslides.

Canadian People Have Spoken.

Possible Result ???

Election Cartoons

Election Humour.

But who will be Head Monkey in the Coalition ?

Don't say Anything Stupid.

To help everyone with the Federal Election Prediction Contest the poll posted is the latest from NANOS Research as of April 29th.












Can any body beat Don Quixote ???

May in Your House

On May 1, the Green Party of Canada presents its vision to Canadian voters with this half-hour television special: "May in Your House: The Green Party Story."Here we present the practical, realistic Green Party approaches to real problems faced by Canadians: climate change, jobs, health care, education, pensions, youth unemployment and more. “May in Your House” airs Sunday, May 1 at 9:00pm EST/6:00pm PST on Business News Network (BNN) & CHEK-TV at 6:30-7pm PST, Victoria.

Local Riding Prediction Federal Election

Riding Projections  http://www.projectdemocracy.ca/okanagan-shuswap

2011 Regional Poll Apr 28

Candidates 2011

• Greig Crockett GREEN PARTY OF CANADA
• Nikki Inouye NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY
• Janna Francis LIBERAL PARTY OF CANADA
• Colin Mayes CONSERVATIVE PARTY OF CANADA

2008 Results

Election Q&A with Liberal Janna Francis

Published: April 20, 2011 Salmon Arm Observer:
 Q: Can you comment on accusations from the Conservative government that the Liberals have caused an unnecessary and wasteful election at a time when Canadians don’t want it?
A: I think this is the perfect example of the contempt the Conservative Party has for our democratic institutions. On two occasions, the Conservatives refused to give Parliament the information it needed to make good decisions, what kind of respect for democracy is that? I think it is really sad when you have people in positions of power who refuse to take responsibility for their actions.

Q: The Conservatives have been tarred with their own scandals, but what about the Liberal sponsorship scandal?
A: That was a very dark time for the Liberals in this country and particularly in Quebec, but you have to remember Paul Martin, the prime minister at the time said he was going to get to the bottom of this and initiated the Gommery inquiry. Ultimately, as a result, Martin lost the job of prime minister over it, and it was a job he wanted and worked hard for. I wonder what would happen today under the Harper Government? Would he have the same sense of responsibility to the Canadian people? I don’t think so.

Q: What’s your prediction on voter turnout? Do you think people are sick of going to the polls?
A: Certainly when I am knocking on doors people are saying they don’t want continued elections, but they are also worried about the state of democracy in Canada and our leadership. And they are saying they plan to vote...

Q: We’ve heard a lot from the Conservatives this election about the problems with coalition governments. What do you think of the Liberals forming such a coalition?
A: In my mind, a coalition is where people co-operate in the best interests of each other. In a minority or majority government, there are always coalitions, co-operation to represent a wide range of interests. I credit Mr. Ignatieff for saying, “come into the big red tent and we will work with everyone.” Mr. Ignatieff jokes that on his kindergarten report card it said, plays well with others. Well Michael Ignatieff still plays well with others and he’s got the leadership skills, the team and we’ve got a plan that will benefit all Canadians.

Q: What is it like running for election in a riding with such a long tradition of voting Conservative and Reform?
A: It is a lot of hard work and I’ve certainly improved my debating skills at the door. But the face of the riding is changing, I think a more progressive attitude is developing. I think we all believe in the institution of democracy and people see this being threatened, and, make no mistake, it is being threatened by the Harper Government — It’s not the Government of Canada anymore, it’s the Harper Government. That offends a lot of people.

Q: Do you feel like you have a chance to win?
A: I always feel I have a chance, but this is the third time I’ve run and I’m more optimistic now that I have ever been before. I have a stronger team, more people are calling to offer support, more people are volunteering.

Q: How would this riding specifically benefit from going Liberal?
A: Because there is such a split on the left, we want to work with NDP voters, Green voters and take action on issues that are really important to Canadians. We would do some work on climate change, implement the most progressive plan for supporting families at every stage, with child care spaces, post secondary education funding, pension improvements and a family care plan that will help people cope when a family member is sick... To the voters of this riding, I say come on in, let’s make this happen.

Q: How would this riding specifically benefit from having you as our member of Parliament?
A: What I see is offering this riding leadership, in economic development, in getting this region involved with green technology businesses, so this riding can become part of the knowledge-based economy. I know how to bring people together and to solve problems. I don’t want people to have to seek me out, I want to be where the people are to hear them — not just show up and be seen signing cheques and cutting ribbons.

Q: Should you be elected, what would your personal commitment be to this riding?
A: In Salmon Arm, the plan is to create a downtown college and I think that is an excellent initiative that is going to need help and support from government... I am passionate about work with issues of violence against women, with problem-solving around health care and home care. We have to make changes, to do things that are more affordable and give better access to health care and we’re on a timeline with our aging population.

Q: If elected what specific infrastructure goals would you have for the Shuswap?
A: I want to hear local concerns and talk to local mayors about what they would like to see. In my mind, too, the Trans-Canada Highway is where they need to be putting money. It is a real issue, both economic and in terms of safety.
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Election Q&A with MP Colin Mayes

Happy Easter from Canada's Leaders

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Nikki Inouye Campaign  April 21, 2011 For immediate release:

Invitation to Meet the NDP Candidate, Nikki Inouye

Both the Vernon and Salmon Arm NDP campaign offices will host open house events in the final week of the federal election campaign.

Vernon Office Open House;
2909 30th Avenue
Monday, April 25 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Salmon Arm Office Open House;
Centanoka Park Mall, #214  360 Trans Canada Hwy. SW
Thursday, April 28, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

NDP candidate Nikki Inouye will be at both events. Everyone is welcome.

Contact info:  Vernon office  778-475-5824
Salmon Arm office  250-253-6550

To schedule an interview with Nikki (after April 22nd), please contact Janet McInnes at janet.mcinnes@live.com

Candiate Forum Scrapped

Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Wednesday, 20 April 2011 11:05

There will be one less all candidates forum for the Okanagan Shuswap federal election candidates.  The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce has cancelled its breakfast forum set for next Tuesday due to a lack of registrations.  The agency will instead submit questions to the four candidates and post the replies on its website.  The hopefuls have a busy day today, after a Chamber forum this morning in Armstrong, and one tonight in Lumby.  There's also a forum set for next Tuesday night at 7 at the Greater Vernon Performing Arts Centre.