[Canada] Canadian Politics Redux

[dps]

I don't like the new version actually chosen, but I won't lose any sleep over it either.  I just think it doesn't sound "right" at all. It is jarring to have "updated" language in a song that is full of archaisms - to start with, "O, Canada" is itself archaic (who starts anything with "O" these days?). Never mind the "stand on guard for thee". If you are going to use "thee" you really ought to use "thou".

I start sentences with "O" every day, though it's usually followed by the person's name... so not quite in the same way as the anthem.

I start at least one sentence with, O almost every day.  Sometimes many sentences.  Given some of my co-workers, particularly at work.  "Oh, shit."

[Barrister]

Jason Kenney is seriously considering leaving Federal politics and running for leader of the Alberta PCs, with an overall goal of merging with Wildrose.



I've got a lot of time for Jason Kenney.  I'm intrigued to see where this goes.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/jason-kenney-tom-flanagan-more-than-trial-balloon-1.3647342

Now I'd tend to prefer he was leader of the Federal party, but I think he's concluded that there's little appetite for another former Reform, calgary-based leader.

[Jacob]

As someone put it elsewhere - he may have calculated that the road to power is shorter in Alberta provincial politics compared to federally.

Makes sense to me. I reckon the NDP is out in the next election, unless the various conservative factions make a hash of it. Conversely, Trudeau probably has a pretty good shot at at least 8-12 years.

[Barrister]

As someone put it elsewhere - he may have calculated that the road to power is shorter in Alberta provincial politics compared to federally.

Makes sense to me. I reckon the NDP is out in the next election, unless the various conservative factions make a hash of it. Conversely, Trudeau probably has a pretty good shot at at least 8-12 years.

While I like Trudeau's chances more than Notleys, I don't think it's quite as simple as "NDP is out, Trudeau will probably be in 8-12".

The NDP is having a touch time of it, due mostly to the terrible economy.  But on the other hand they have managed to coalesce all left-wing support behind themselves.  Before they'd split that vote with the Liberals.  And of course now the right-wing is split between Wildrose and the PCs.  There is a lot of bad blood there, in particular with what happened before the last election.

As for the federal Liberals, on the one hand I think his act is going to grow tiresome, but mostly it's going to depend (as it always does) on how the economy is doing.

[Jacob]

While I like Trudeau's chances more than Notleys, I don't think it's quite as simple as "NDP is out, Trudeau will probably be in 8-12".

The NDP is having a touch time of it, due mostly to the terrible economy.  But on the other hand they have managed to coalesce all left-wing support behind themselves.  Before they'd split that vote with the Liberals.  And of course now the right-wing is split between Wildrose and the PCs.  There is a lot of bad blood there, in particular with what happened before the last election.

As for the federal Liberals, on the one hand I think his act is going to grow tiresome, but mostly it's going to depend (as it always does) on how the economy is doing.

Fair enough, it was definitely a simplification. There are details and challenges involved in either scenario.

[Barrister]

Trudeau is also getting an easy ride because both the Conservatives and NDP have no leaders.  Once leadership for both parties is set they'll be better able to project themselves as an alternative government.

[Jacob]

Trudeau is also getting an easy ride because both the Conservatives and NDP have no leaders.  Once leadership for both parties is set they'll be better able to project themselves as an alternative government.

For sure. Generally, though, single term governments are pretty rare in federal politics.

[Barrister]

I suppose the real wildcard though is electoral reform.  Hard to say what anyone's chances are until we know what the rules of the game will be.

[Jacob]

I suppose the real wildcard though is electoral reform.  Hard to say what anyone's chances are until we know what the rules of the game will be.

Good point.

[Jacob]

Re: Jason Kenney, apparently he thinks the Brexit vote was a good thing:

Jason Kenney
Jason Kenney – Verified account ‏@jkenney

Congratulations to the British people on choosing hope over fear by embracing a confident, sovereign future, open to the world! #Brexit

[crazy canuck]

Re: Jason Kenney, apparently he thinks the Brexit vote was a good thing:

Jason Kenney
Jason Kenney – Verified account ‏@jkenney

Congratulations to the British people on choosing hope over fear by embracing a confident, sovereign future, open to the world! #Brexit

Wow

Can you give some insight into this nonsense BB?

[Barrister]

Re: Jason Kenney, apparently he thinks the Brexit vote was a good thing:

Jason Kenney
Jason Kenney – Verified account ‏@jkenney

Congratulations to the British people on choosing hope over fear by embracing a confident, sovereign future, open to the world! #Brexit

Wow

Can you give some insight into this nonsense BB?

Jason Kenney thinks Brexit is a good idea.

I'm of two minds on the subject myself.  I probably would have chickened out and voted Remain if I lived there, but the EU is not a fabulous institution.

[Valmy]

I probably would have chickened out and voted Remain if I lived there, but the EU is not a fabulous institution.

It does provide lots of benefits and the UK already opted out most of the bad parts. Just saying.

[Monoriu]

The EU should rename itself as Earth's Union, and Canada should join. 

[crazy canuck]

Re: Jason Kenney, apparently he thinks the Brexit vote was a good thing:

Jason Kenney
Jason Kenney – Verified account ‏@jkenney

Congratulations to the British people on choosing hope over fear by embracing a confident, sovereign future, open to the world! #Brexit

Can you give some insight into this nonsense BB?

Jason Kenney thinks Brexit is a good idea.

I'm of two minds on the subject myself.  I probably would have chickened out and voted Remain if I lived there, but the EU is not a fabulous institution.

How was it choosing hope over fear.  Based on media reports, the leave side was motivated significantly by fear of immigration and globalization.  I can understand Kenney trying to appeal to the old Reformers by going the fear of immigration route, but I don't understand a politician who has aspirations to lead a province dependent on international oil exports to be anti globalization.



Or perhaps it is just another right wing politician mimicking what others on the right are saying without really understanding how the issues impact his own province.