Hello ebrandonites!  
 
There will be a rally at Merv Tweed's office on Saturday June 23rd at 1:00 pm.  
 
A newly formed group called Westman Citizens United is spearheading the rally in response to the undemocratic practices of the federal government and to drum up local engagement to protect Canadian values.  
 
The group would like to create a supportive network where citizens feel empowered to protect and preserve their rights and freedoms. As a Canadian citizen you have a right to have your best interests represented by elected officials. You have a right to be treated with respect.  
 
This is perfect timing to reflect on what you love about our country as Canada Day is around the corner.  
 
At the rally, speakers will discuss some of the changes that are happening at the federal level and how it will affect you.  
 
So to start the discussion, do you think it's outa hand in Harperland?  
 
Vanessa  

No.

There are certainly some areas in need of improvement in Harperland. However the Conservative majority has free reign for the next few years.  
 
Not sure if it is better to keep the masses informed continually? Or in a big push come election time?  
 
There was more than enough to be concerned with prior to this last election, even more since; that didn't seem to make a difference.  
 
Either way it is going to come down to leaders and as of right now the Liberals with nobody, and the NDP with Mulclair are not going to be knocking off Harper.

The situation may look like a runaway train, but that doesn't mean that things will end with a wreck. Time will tell if this government has dug it's own grave or not.

I'd like to know what "undemocratic practices" this coalition thinks the government that was elected by democratic practice is engaging in.  
 
Do you expect the government to hold a referendum for each and every bill and proposal, at a cost of millions per?  
 
Seriously, they won the election, save your efforts for the next one. All the "Rah rah rah" and angry fist waving won't change the fact that the conservatives have a majority government.

Could be worse...Don't find anything wrong that would have me lighting torches and grabbing the pitchforks. Now in our own back yard maybe with our so great NDP I would like to grab the torches.

so many reasons to be upset at the conservative government . Do all of you actually think Harper has the best interest of Canada and of the average Canadian citizen ? I do not think so . One example the increase to the old age pension . It may be reasonable for some people but the labour workers of Canada will be greatly effected by this . I would love Harper to work my husbands job for a day and then ask him if its fair to get these men and woman to work an extra few years . These workers have used and abused there body's for 45 years and extra few will make a big difference in there lives . It may even force some to go on disability instead of retirement because they just would not be able to do it any more. Also there will be fewer jobs coming available for the young of our country too. He only seems interested in the oil corporations and not for the effects of the environment . This Country is not just for the adults it is for all of our children and if the environment is ignored for the good of the present ,what are we leaving for the next generation ?

since the 1980s (probably was being said earlier, but I was too young to notice) that CPP, etc. weren't going to be around when my time to collect came because they were unsustainable. If that's the case, perhaps these "cutbacks" are just the inevitable pulling in of government's expenditures to reality. Is this a case of "shoot the messenger"?

I found out last week that because Selinger and the boys have squandered all of the budget already on the flood that I will not be seeing any money coming my way for my flooded house. Federally the money is there but only if the province meets the compensation 50/50. So I'm out just shy of about $8000 with no hope of any help. Meanwhile, when the EMO was questioned as to how much money was wasted on fraudulent claims by people staying in Winnipeg hotels they simply replied that it would cost 63,000 hours to research that little problem so let's not bother and, of course, that was the end of the issue.  
How about the NDP cabinet ministers and free Jets tickets? How about yet another law passed by MPIC that now states that any driver blowing a warning twice within 10 years loses their license for a month, so the driver is not impaired and therefore not guilty of anything but still will be punished for driving after having one drink? How about yet another increase on the gasoline tax, the price keeps going up and yet our highways are a disgrace but still we have enough money to build a new football stadium.  
There are about a dozen other things this provincial government have done in the past 6 months but I don't have the space or time to write about it here. Things aren't too bad in Harperland, it's Selinger-land that has me boiling.

that I would think one of the greatest expenses to the old age pension is not because of the hard working Canadian that has contributed for 45 years ,it is all the politician that get a pension after they serve for as little as 4 years . Its ok for the government to say to the workers of Canada you have to wait longer to retire but the politician still get to keep what they get . The cuts should start there and every political party is guilty of this.

KC Sunshine said " I found out last week that because Selinger and the boys have squandered all of the budget already on the flood that I will not be seeing any money coming my way for my flooded house. Federally the money is there but only if the province meets the compensation 50/50. So I'm out just shy of about $8000 with no hope of any help. Meanwhile, when the EMO was questioned as to how much money was wasted on fraudulent claims by people staying in Winnipeg hotels they simply replied that it would cost 63,000 hours to research that little problem so let's not bother and, of course, that was the end of the issue.   How about the NDP cabinet ministers and free Jets tickets? How about yet another law passed by MPIC that now states that any driver blowing a warning twice within 10 years loses their license for a month, so the driver is not impaired and therefore not guilty of anything but still will be punished for driving after having one drink? How about yet another increase on the gasoline tax, the price keeps going up and yet our highways are a disgrace but still we have enough money to build a new football stadium.   There are about a dozen other things this provincial government have done in the past 6 months but I don't have the space or time to write about it here. Things aren't too bad in Harperland, it's Selinger-land that has me boiling. "

well said.  
 
I too think things are fine in Harperland and i'm sick of hearing these NDPs whine.  

Vanessa Hamilton said "Hello ebrandonites!     There will be a rally at Merv Tweed's office on Saturday June 23rd at 1:00 pm.     A newly formed group called Westman Citizens United is spearheading the rally in response to the undemocratic practices of the federal government and to drum up local engagement to protect Canadian values.     The group would like to create a supportive network where citizens feel empowered to protect and preserve their rights and freedoms. As a Canadian citizen you have a right to have your best interests represented by elected officials. You have a right to be treated with respect.     This is perfect timing to reflect on what you love about our country as Canada Day is around the corner.     At the rally, speakers will discuss some of the changes that are happening at the federal level and how it will affect you.     So to start the discussion, do you think it's outa hand in Harperland?     Vanessa   "

Your right Vanessa Hamilton it is totally outa hand and needs to be stopped.  
 
Where your wrong is it is you and your friends that are outa hand we all had a chance to vote and the MAJORITY yes MAJORITY of Canadians voted for the Harper lead PC group. We did not vote for you or the NDP, Liberals or Green party. So please stop pretending you have some mandate because you do not. We voted for and gave a mandate to Merv Tweed and Steven Harper. The tactics used by you, and the members of parliment that were voted for to stall and delay the work by elected effective government is costing the taxpayers money and quite frankly making a lot of sick. So shut the H*#l up already.

KC Sunshine said " I found out last week that because Selinger and the boys have squandered all of the budget already on the flood that I will not be seeing any money coming my way for my flooded house. Federally the money is there but only if the province meets the compensation 50/50. So I'm out just shy of about $8000 with no hope of any help. Meanwhile, when the EMO was questioned as to how much money was wasted on fraudulent claims by people staying in Winnipeg hotels they simply replied that it would cost 63,000 hours to research that little problem so let's not bother and, of course, that was the end of the issue.   How about the NDP cabinet ministers and free Jets tickets? How about yet another law passed by MPIC that now states that any driver blowing a warning twice within 10 years loses their license for a month, so the driver is not impaired and therefore not guilty of anything but still will be punished for driving after having one drink? How about yet another increase on the gasoline tax, the price keeps going up and yet our highways are a disgrace but still we have enough money to build a new football stadium.   There are about a dozen other things this provincial government have done in the past 6 months but I don't have the space or time to write about it here. Things aren't too bad in Harperland, it's Selinger-land that has me boiling. "

I have always had orange or green run through my blood the conservatives are fine for rich people trying to get richer but I have a family I am young and live below the poverty line and the NDP has done amazing things for us! Sorry now on to the quote reasoning I fully agree with and love the idea of two warnings and your out.... Just because u have only had one or two and haven't blowen over means nothing if you are drinking and driving AT ALL you deserve what you get so many people die each yr because of drunken negligiance so good on the NDP for using preventative measures

not just outta hand in harperland....I think after all the recent high tax increases all over the province and cities, and the feds....things are outta hand all over the place. That old saying comes to mind "Born free and taxed to death".

Vanessa Hamilton said "Hello ebrandonites!     There will be a rally at Merv Tweed's office on Saturday June 23rd at 1:00 pm.     A newly formed group called Westman Citizens United is spearheading the rally in response to the undemocratic practices of the federal government and to drum up local engagement to protect Canadian values.     The group would like to create a supportive network where citizens feel empowered to protect and preserve their rights and freedoms. As a Canadian citizen you have a right to have your best interests represented by elected officials. You have a right to be treated with respect.     This is perfect timing to reflect on what you love about our country as Canada Day is around the corner.     At the rally, speakers will discuss some of the changes that are happening at the federal level and how it will affect you.     So to start the discussion, do you think it's outa hand in Harperland?     Vanessa   "

How about you NDP's clean up your own back yard before trying to point fingers at the Conservatives. Judging by the responses thus far on the thread, and by the complete disrespect you seem to stir up for the NDP I'm thinking your rally will be poorly attended.  
" As a Canadian citizen you have a right to have your best interests represented by elected officials." See, you seem to be missing your own point there, we Do have our interests represented by a elected official that We Voted In.  
What I love about Canada? I love that we can make our opinions and views known, especially at the polls, and that we have a democracy that allows us to decide who we want to lead us.  
What I dislike? These stupid groups and politicians that seem to think its their right to hold back bills and laws, not for the betterment of Canada, but to try and make themselves look better. I dislike these stupid groups and politicians who can't get over the fact that they're not in power and then do whatever they can (regardless of truth or cost) to sling mud at those who are.  
The NDP isn't in a majority. Get over it already.  
If you claim to love democracy and Canada so much, why are you trying so hard to stand in the way of and get rid of those we elected in?  
Walking around bitching about a problem isn't solving it. If you were truly concerned, you'd be working from the ground up to help form these new laws, instead of standing around with your thumbs in your asses complaining.  

Black Star said "    Vanessa Hamilton said "Hello ebrandonites!     There will be a rally at Merv Tweed's office on Saturday June 23rd at 1:00 pm.     A newly formed group called Westman Citizens United is spearheading the rally in response to the undemocratic practices of the federal government and to drum up local engagement to protect Canadian values.     The group would like to create a supportive network where citizens feel empowered to protect and preserve their rights and freedoms. As a Canadian citizen you have a right to have your best interests represented by elected officials. You have a right to be treated with respect.     This is perfect timing to reflect on what you love about our country as Canada Day is around the corner.     At the rally, speakers will discuss some of the changes that are happening at the federal level and how it will affect you.     So to start the discussion, do you think it's outa hand in Harperland?     Vanessa   " Your right Vanessa Hamilton it is totally outa hand and needs to be stopped.     Where your wrong is it is you and your friends that are outa hand we all had a chance to vote and the MAJORITY yes MAJORITY of Canadians voted for the Harper lead PC group. We did not vote for you or the NDP, Liberals or Green party. So please stop pretending you have some mandate because you do not. We voted for and gave a mandate to Merv Tweed and Steven Harper. The tactics used by you, and the members of parliment that were voted for to stall and delay the work by elected effective government is costing the taxpayers money and quite frankly making a lot of sick. So shut the H*#l up already. "

Thank you.  
 
Outa hand is if the NDP ever got into power.  
 
Mulclair wanting the Canadian taxpayer to bail out the Euro-zone. Now that's outa hand.  
 
Your the opposition party, get over it!

It is a Majority. Live with it. How he is acting is a direct result of the naysayers. The loyal opposition seem to have nothing positive to contribute.  
 
Trudeau the lefts Saint rammed wage and price controls down Canadians throats when he campaigned agianst them. Martin cut 60,0000 Federal jobs and much more than Harper in Federal spending. He also cut health care spending. Harpers 5 billion in cuts and 19.5000 jobs looks like a he is a nice guy compared to Martin.  
 
Martin did what he had to do. Who gave him that right? He rec'vd less than 50 percent of the vote. He did not get mine! I accept the fact that the Government in power has 4 plus years to do what they feel they need to.  
 
I also assume since this is newly formed group someone may try to make it a charitable group. Tax breaks mm maybe Federal or Provincial funding?? Maybe accept donations from some other special interest group. Like unions ??  
 
Vanessa -- For myself the Jury is still out on Harper. Just like the Dippers in Wpg or Mulcair. The left as usual give no one ever a chance if they do not agree with them. Those on right do everything wrong.  
 
At best any political party/Government makes more correct decisions than wrong. Right now other than collecting less tax than I think is needed and cutting in some stupid areas he is running a far better ship than I could ever see the two opposition parties would be doing today!  
 
Again it is a majority and the opposition has shown no interest in being constructive critics. Rae has shown some signs he is capable. Now he is gone. I hope the libs find a leader with balance.  

Jmoogle said "    KC Sunshine said " I found out last week that because Selinger and the boys have squandered all of the budget already on the flood that I will not be seeing any money coming my way for my flooded house. Federally the money is there but only if the province meets the compensation 50/50. So I'm out just shy of about $8000 with no hope of any help. Meanwhile, when the EMO was questioned as to how much money was wasted on fraudulent claims by people staying in Winnipeg hotels they simply replied that it would cost 63,000 hours to research that little problem so let's not bother and, of course, that was the end of the issue.   How about the NDP cabinet ministers and free Jets tickets? How about yet another law passed by MPIC that now states that any driver blowing a warning twice within 10 years loses their license for a month, so the driver is not impaired and therefore not guilty of anything but still will be punished for driving after having one drink? How about yet another increase on the gasoline tax, the price keeps going up and yet our highways are a disgrace but still we have enough money to build a new football stadium.   There are about a dozen other things this provincial government have done in the past 6 months but I don't have the space or time to write about it here. Things aren't too bad in Harperland, it's Selinger-land that has me boiling. " I have always had orange or green run through my blood the conservatives are fine for rich people trying to get richer but I have a family I am young and live below the poverty line and the NDP has done amazing things for us! Sorry now on to the quote reasoning I fully agree with and love the idea of two warnings and your out.... Just because u have only had one or two and haven't blowen over means nothing if you are drinking and driving AT ALL you deserve what you get so many people die each yr because of drunken negligiance so good on the NDP for using preventative measures "

Not to get too off topic here, but if you live below the poverty line, how do you feel about the NDP government raising the gas tax, the cost to register a vehicle, adding pst to alot of things that didn't have pst before, as well as talking about raising the pst to 8%??? Please tell me how all of these extra taxes will help out someone like you who is living below the poverty line??? All of their recent increases seems to target the hardworking people that they claim to stand for. Doesn't sound to me like they care about that, but anyways, that's just my opinion.  
 
Getting back to the topic at hand, I am with the others when I agree that things are just fine in 'Harperland'. So sick and tired of hearing the NDP'ers whining about how unfair and undemocratic this government is.... last time I checked there was an election, and the NDP didn't get elected to have a majority..... so I guess we ahve to listen to the whining and conspiracy theories for a few more years. Oh joy.

What Harper is doing is not undemocratic it is hypocritical. When he was with the reform party he blasted the Liberals for introducing their own 45 page omnibus budget bill saying that it was too big to allow the House to understand it full. He has now introduced a 430 page omnibus bill and says it is needed to do the job an get Canadians working again. Hypocritical if you ask me.  
I may not agree with all that is in the bill and I will bring it up near election time to make sure that the people of Brandon who are still voting for Walt Dinsdale when they check off the blue box at election time may think twice like they did when Mulroney made the country bend over and left the PCs with only two seats. BQ did better than they did back then.  
If Harper thinks that all the parts of the bill are good on their own and are needed why did he hide them in a 'must vote party line' budget bill and not on their own?

Dr.Who said "What Harper is doing is not undemocratic it is hypocritical. When he was with the reform party he blasted the Liberals for introducing their own 45 page omnibus budget bill saying that it was too big to allow the House to understand it full. He has now introduced a 430 page omnibus bill and says it is needed to do the job an get Canadians working again. Hypocritical if you ask me.   I may not agree with all that is in the bill and I will bring it up near election time to make sure that the people of Brandon who are still voting for Walt Dinsdale when they check off the blue box at election time may think twice like they did when Mulroney made the country bend over and left the PCs with only two seats. BQ did better than they did back then.   If Harper thinks that all the parts of the bill are good on their own and are needed why did he hide them in a 'must vote party line' budget bill and not on their own? "

why Mulclair missed the most votes (58)of this budget filibuster.  
 
The Prime Minister has a country to run but what was Mulclair's excuse?  
 

I'll have to wait to form an opinion on Mulclair but missing the votes doesn't bode well with him. I have been know to pull 48 hours of uptime when need be, why can't he?  
Does anyone know who voted for what during that time? I would like to see everyone's record to base my opinion of their dedication.

Vanessa Hamilton said "Hello ebrandonites!     There will be a rally at Merv Tweed's office on Saturday June 23rd at 1:00 pm.     A newly formed group called Westman Citizens United is spearheading the rally in response to the undemocratic practices of the federal government and to drum up local engagement to protect Canadian values.     The group would like to create a supportive network where citizens feel empowered to protect and preserve their rights and freedoms. As a Canadian citizen you have a right to have your best interests represented by elected officials. You have a right to be treated with respect.     This is perfect timing to reflect on what you love about our country as Canada Day is around the corner.     At the rally, speakers will discuss some of the changes that are happening at the federal level and how it will affect you.     So to start the discussion, do you think it's outa hand in Harperland?     Vanessa   "

very little meaning  
what are these "undemocratic practices" you speak of?  
 
or is this a protest for the sake of protest in which case I protest your prostest protestly

Sorry, the 800 filibuster amendments was not only undemocratic, it was very UnCanadian (and as bad as the Americans can get) and a slap in face to those who actually voted!  
 
Now, let's talk about the provincial NDP and their hot Winnipeg Jet tickets....  
 
I guess one doesn't like Harper, they can exercise their right to move. Hans Island comes to mind.

unbreakable1 said "Sorry, the 800 filibuster amendments was not only undemocratic, it was very UnCanadian (and as bad as the Americans can get) and a slap in face to those who actually voted!     Now, let's talk about the provincial NDP and their hot Winnipeg Jet tickets....     I guess one doesn't like Harper, they can exercise their right to move. Hans Island comes to mind. "

Yes Canadians do have freedom of movement. I would have thought Russia/Iran would also be on that list!  
 
The bill C-38 was a bit of a stretch. It was a answer though to how the opposition acts. Well deserved in my opinion. The amendments were a pretty good method of throwing a wrench in the system IMO.  
 
I am not a E. MAY fan but you have to give her credit at finding that loophole that could only be used by a independent! Although Harper will close it quick just like the Liberals pretty much put in there to fight off another issue.  
 
I actually thought the ( it ended up 160 votes ) was a good answer to a bulky bill. Harper and company had to work to get that bill passed. In fact other that the waste of money on overtime costs to run the house 24/7 it was real lesson in Canadian Democracy. The bill was slowed down only 24 hours.  
 
Canadian MP's have always found quirky ways to make a point even though they know what the answer will be. I remember years ago the house bell calling for a vote was left ringing for days as some opposition party refused to show up!  
 
It went on for so long and annoyed staff that they disconnected all but one bell! Maybe it seems like kids playing but sometimes to make a point one needs to think outside the box.  
 
I do not think you will see a bill that big again although budget bills will contain more than a narrow focus of ideas!  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Edited by Doug, 2012-06-18 12:52:57

like sour grapes to me....

What federal taxes have gone up since the last election you speak of  
 
Edited by Yoda883, 2012-06-18 16:46:17

I believe that it doesn't matter who is in power.I have seen many a government come and go,liberal,ndp,conservative, and really nothing has changed in my life time.Crime is running ramped,recessions,poverty,inflation ECT ECT these were all here before the current government.I believe they all are liars and thieves.A wise man told me once to make a really good politician they have to be good liar and a good thief.

I do think Harper is out of control. This bill c-38 is so awful, they need to break it up and that is that. I am sick of the sneaky, dishonest, and blatant disrespect for democracy that the Conservatives have been showing.

federal government is to increase payroll taxes in 2012

The conservatives have a majority government but did NOT get a majority of the votes,  
In my opinion yes the conservatives have done nothing but lie to us and break all their promises, but that's exactly the same thing that every other government has always done. I just find it amusing how nasty people on here can get over political opinions. People have the right to vote how they want and to complain if they want, maybe remember that the NDP in manitoba also was voted in with a majority government.