December 01, 2008
Lets meet the contestants!
After a weekend of rumours, the Canadian opposition parties today confirmed that they are forming a coalition government.
The move comes following a snap election where the federal Conservatives succeeded only in slightly increasing their numbers, but continuing to hold minority government status. Following the election, the Conservatives outlined their plans for the coming years. The Throne Speech was met with distaste from Canadians, while the opposition parties began to get vocal, declaring something must be done.
Arguably the biggest problem? The Conservatives are making light of the global economic crisis, maintaining that the Canadian economy is strong and will not follow in America's footsteps, despite glaring, widely publicized evidence to the contrary.
Finally, in a move aimed at preventing already election-weary Canadians from going to the polls again - an election was held barely a month ago - the opposition parties stepped forward today, officially declaring they will form a coalition.
So, while their proposal is drafted and pending approval from the Governor General of Canada, let's meet the candidates, shall we?
Stephane Dion: Liberal Leader
Pros: In the 1990s worked to prevent the separation of Quebec.
Considers himself an environmentalist, and served as Minister of the Environment from July 2004 to February 2006.
Cons: Largely underestimated by English Canada.
The current prime minster has successfully worked to help paint Dion as wishy-washy, indecisive, and lacking in leadership.
During the latest election, launched a Green Shift campaign that helped run the party into the ground as voters fixated on two key words: carbon tax.
Jack Layton: NDP Leader.
Pros: Energetic, one of the few politicians who bikes to work and actively practices what he preaches, environmentally.
Supports and attends various events, including Toronto's Gay Pride Parade, and other community events.
The Conservatives hate him.
Cons: Talks like a car salesman.
The moustache.
Gilles Duceppe: Bloc Quebecois Leader
Pros: Despite being a separatist party, many of his platforms are also socially democratic.
Quebec loves him.
Cons: Alienates much of English-speaking Canada by being a Quebec Nationalist.
Kind of an ass.
The move comes following a snap election where the federal Conservatives succeeded only in slightly increasing their numbers, but continuing to hold minority government status. Following the election, the Conservatives outlined their plans for the coming years. The Throne Speech was met with distaste from Canadians, while the opposition parties began to get vocal, declaring something must be done.
Arguably the biggest problem? The Conservatives are making light of the global economic crisis, maintaining that the Canadian economy is strong and will not follow in America's footsteps, despite glaring, widely publicized evidence to the contrary.
Finally, in a move aimed at preventing already election-weary Canadians from going to the polls again - an election was held barely a month ago - the opposition parties stepped forward today, officially declaring they will form a coalition.
So, while their proposal is drafted and pending approval from the Governor General of Canada, let's meet the candidates, shall we?
Stephane Dion: Liberal LeaderPros: In the 1990s worked to prevent the separation of Quebec.
Considers himself an environmentalist, and served as Minister of the Environment from July 2004 to February 2006.
Cons: Largely underestimated by English Canada.
The current prime minster has successfully worked to help paint Dion as wishy-washy, indecisive, and lacking in leadership.
During the latest election, launched a Green Shift campaign that helped run the party into the ground as voters fixated on two key words: carbon tax.
Jack Layton: NDP Leader.Pros: Energetic, one of the few politicians who bikes to work and actively practices what he preaches, environmentally.
Supports and attends various events, including Toronto's Gay Pride Parade, and other community events.
The Conservatives hate him.
Cons: Talks like a car salesman.
The moustache.
Gilles Duceppe: Bloc Quebecois Leader Pros: Despite being a separatist party, many of his platforms are also socially democratic.
Quebec loves him.
Cons: Alienates much of English-speaking Canada by being a Quebec Nationalist.
Kind of an ass.
// posted by VB @ 12/01/2008 
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