Canada Explained

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Just the truth, Steve, topic

Just finished the other three sections, for a total of six questions. From my knowledge of debates, there is a set of scripts and rules that are followed, and time limits for questions. With this in mind, I feel that the only contrivance by all leaders was the feigned politeness toward each other so as not to appear overly aggressive and turn the electorate off debates and politics. We are Canadians, y'know.

(I do wish that Elizabeth May was given the opportunity to engage in this debate, for her Green views, as there was virtually no mention of environmental issues, perhaps a passing of a few words by Iggy, if I recall. she could have had a cameo via skype, or some other electronic hookup.)

If you check the comments on that link i posted (or maybe it was somewhere else on the site), it mentionned there are lots of other federal parties. I was kind of sad that not even the First Nations party gets to have a say in the matter. =/ I think it's somewhat deplorable that our First Nations don't even have that much political visibility. =/ Meh...

I agree! Though I was very happy in 1999 when Nunavut was formed. I have heard talk about the northern part of Quebec undergoing a similar transition into a territory called Nunavik (I think that's what it is called), though something tells me our provincial government wouldn't have it

Agree! I haven't watched the debates and am to busy this week to get the chance (and I can't vote yet anyway...). But if Elizabeth May was in them I probably would. She takes a very refreshing stance--she usually focuses more on her own platform than on insulting other leaders. Plus the Greens are the only party with something that's really different to offer.

Dis-MAY by Elizabeth topic

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadav ... bate.html#

The site above, from Phil's link, gives a comment by Liz. Her response to the debate is similar to Visagrunt's.

Phil, I did not see the section to which you referred in your lastest post, but I do know about the Rhino Party. I wonder if they are fielding candidates. There are Marxist parties, Pot parties, Libertarians, and Independents, some of whom are First Nations, though I have never seen any actual parties esclusive to the FN--not sure this would be ethical. Though i have not seen any anglos in the Bloc either, but I suppose as long as the person fulfilled all the idealogy, he/she could probably join up; it is a possiblity. This is Canada.

I find it fascinating how we have the two Marxist parties. I'd love to talk to some of the members (if I weren't scared of talking to strangers) to find out their views on things. Do they support the policies of the USSR (in which case I am glad they will never be in power) or do they take a more democratic stance (in which case I almost wish they would be elected).

On the other hand, it seems like it would be impractical to let every party take part in the debates. What seems like a reasonable compromise would be to let any party that qualifies for federal funding (eg: gets at least 2% of the popular vote) send their leader to the debates.

Well, the french debate was over today. =/ Someone was sad that francophones outside of Quebec weren't mentionned in the debate in the news afterwards. =/ (There exists a small minority of francophones in every canadian province outside of Quebec, btw)

It was just amusing to see Duceppe being able to debate without needing any papers, unlike the others. :^p

I actually trust Duceppe more than I do Harper. At least I know what he stands for, he's an honest man, even if I don't tend to agree with him on certain issues

Yeah, i think out of all the leaders, mostly Jack and Duceppe were actually answering the questions and not dodging. <.< But i guess time is a luxury too.

I'm not surprised though, as they both represent parties that have to work somewhat harder to get votes, as some Canadians do seem to think of our country as a two party system akin to the US. I rather like Layton as well. I had the pleasure of (briefly) meeting him once and he is a true gentleman- though, as a politician, he is obligated to be, I imagine

If anything, i'm probably voting for Jack this time. :p The Bloc comes second. The bloc is basically a "refuge", in case nothing outstanding is proposed by the other parties that goes towards the interests of Quebec. And to a smaller extent, i think Duceppe covered a few provincial issues as well, that the federal tends to covet even though it's not of its jurisdiction.

In step with Duceppe topic

French is Gille's premier langue. He probably dreams in French, too. Good actor.

But, Steve does love cue cards. I saw a mess of them on his podium workspace. And I agree with you about Jack.

I could not follow the debate en francais because of my processing challenges and that my reading ability is better, just as it is in English. I need to go immerse myself in a French-only neighbourhood so that I could get used to the different accents. I would have my dictionnnaire just in case. <----this is one for the bucket list.

Just watch hockey in French. 2-3 years ago my French had slipped quite a bit, then I started watching hockey in French... now my French is passably mediocre!

OMG!! !! I miss poutine!

Le Hockey Shtick topique

Bon idee (No French keyboard). I watch the commercials and comedy because of the visuals, and when some words are flashed, it reinforces understanding. Merci.

Hmm, btw. I read tonight a text (for my class regarding autochtones of Latin America) about Canada and its "multinational" existence. If you're ever interested, James Tully wrote it, from the University of Victoria, around 2000 (here's the translated french title : "Liberté et dévoilement dans les sociétés multinationales", which i read). It also talked about the First Nations. I felt this was a very interesting read considering the climate of the federal elections we're having.