Canadian Wild Blog

American Universal Healthcare could change America's political leanings

noreply@blogger.com (canadianwild.ca) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 02:47:00 +0000

The US is engulfed in a divisive debate between democrats and republicans over Universal Healthcare versus the status quo. The opponents to universal healthcare are against it not just because they object to funding it but they view a loss in this battle could have deeper effects on the political right. If a universal healthcare system could be successfully implemented the United States could move further to other progressive policies.

All other industrial countries have a state-funded healthcare system and there is deep opposition to any dismantling of those systems all over the world. The US has the most decentrailized government in the world where individuals and NGO's are responsible for delivering services that governments deliver.

The slippering slope for the political right is higher taxes, more government services, and more equitable taxation. A more progressive America could also move into political affairs with less military action and a more activist approach towards global warming, global poverty, and ending global conflict.

2009 Stanley Cup Final Prediction

noreply@blogger.com (canadianwild.ca) — Sun, 31 May 2009 13:55:00 +0000

Pittsburgh vs Detroit

Hossa left the Penguins because he thought Detroit had a better shot of winning a cup. Pittsburgh doesn't lack the experience anymore and even though Detroit doesn't have any glaring weaknesses they are the underdogs in this series. Crosby and Malkin are the league's two most dominant centermen and both of them are on separate lines.

Pittsbugh in 7.

2009 Round 3 NHL Predictions

noreply@blogger.com (canadianwild.ca) — Sun, 17 May 2009 13:28:00 +0000

Eastern Conference

Pittsburgh vs Carolina

The Penguins have the advantage over the Penguins in every category accept Carolina's cluth performers. If the Penguins can't end the series early Cam Ward won't let the Penguins win a Game 7. Pittsburgh is on a mission after the coaching change and the team to beat this year.

Pittsburgh in 4.

Western Conference

Detroit vs Chicago

This could be the more exciting series. In the playoffs experience usually trumps youth. The Hawks were able to defeat Luongo and could also beat the wings defense and make Osgood look human. This series will look like last year's Cup final where the inexperienced pens played the seasoned Wings.

Detroit in 5.

2009 Round 2 NHL Predictions

noreply@blogger.com (canadianwild.ca) — Fri, 01 May 2009 03:38:00 +0000

Boston vs Carolina

I am shocked the Hurricanes beat New Jersey. Carolina has never been a talented team but twice this decade they made it to the Stanley Cup Finals. Carolina may have another similar run but on paper matched up against the Bruins they don't stand a chance.

Boston in 4.

Washington vs Pittsburgh

The matchup the NHL has been waiting a few years for won't disappoint. Washington doesn't have the penguins experience and since the Penguins coaching change they are my favourite to win the cup.

Pittsburgh in 6.

Detroit vs Anaheim

The Ducks beat the cursed Sharks but the Wings are anything but cursed. Detroit's only obstacle will be the Ducks defense of Niedermayer, Pronger, and Whitney.

Detroit in 6.

Vancouver vs Chicago

The young Hawks defeated the Flames who were desperate for a series win and gave away a first round pick for Jokinen. The Hawks have very little holes other than a lack of experience. The Canucks still rely heavily on Luongo who is human and can't shut-down Kane and Toews.

Chicago in 6.

2009 Round 1 Predictions

noreply@blogger.com (canadianwild.ca) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 02:48:00 +0000

Montreal vs Boston

A rematch of last year's first round match up except Boston and Montreal switched 1-8 seeds. Boston surprisingly finished first with spectacular goaltending, young forwards making big leaps, and strong top-3 defenseman. Montreal is the underdog but is a tough opponent that could be underestimated. Kovalev recently has got his elite game back and Price is playing well again also. Montreal's more experienced forwards and team toughness could give the Canadiens the edge.

Montreal in 7.

Washington vs NY Rangers

The Capitals feel destined to follow the Penguins run of last year. They have super talented stars on a young improving team that is capable of winning the cup. The NY Rangers have struggled with mediocre seasons from veterans Gomez and Redden. It will be a long series mainly because of goaltending. Lundqvist gives the Rangers a fighting chance over Theodore's erratic play.

Washington in 7.

New Jersey vs Carolina

The devils were a playoff team without Brodeur. The canes who struggled to creep into the playoffs don't have much of a chance.

New Jersey in 5.

Pittsbugh vs Philadelphia

Philadelphia has great core but the Penguins have been red hot since their coaching change. Guerin and Kunitz have fitted well with the Penguins.

Pittsbugh in 5.

San Jose vs Anaheim

The Sharks have choked every year since the lockout ended. Thornton has been a post-season bust and Nabokov has looked fatigued by the time the playoffs have started. The Ducks surged to make the playoffs and their three top defensemen Niedermayer, Pronger, and Whitney will lead to a major first round upset.

Anaheim in 6.

Detroit vs Columbus

This is the Jackets first-ever post season appearance. Mission accomplished and thanks for coming.

Detroit in 4.

Vancouver vs St. Louis

Luongo has a tremendous advantage over Mason who was castoff by the Predators. The Blues miraculously made the playoffs with numerous injuries but likely have run out of luck.

Vancouver in 5.

Chicago vs Calgary

This is the closest matchup. The Hawks are a very talented young team but they are facing off against the Flames who are very eager to go deep into the playoffs after acquring Jokinen.

Calgary in 7.

Are All Ridings Equal?

noreply@blogger.com (canadianwild.ca) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 02:12:00 +0000

"I can't remember a circumstance when so many members of the government including the Prime
Minister say things that need to be corrected because they aren't true." Keith Boag, CBC News

The most disturbing argument the Prime Minister brought forward during his address was the phrase "the opposition wants to overturn the results of that election". The majority of members in the house are not conservatives. Shouldn't every riding be equal? If the Conservatives can't get any support from the opposition then is the only alternative for the opposition to take the reins of power rather than repeating the election result of a few weeks back?

This coalition made Canada look like a bananna republic. If the country needs to move forward both major parties must look at replacing their leaders sooner than later.

Coalition was inevitable

noreply@blogger.com (canadianwild.ca) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:08:00 +0000

Canada has gone through 3 federal elections in the last 4 years and there's been no consensus among Canadians who should govern the country. Parliament has allowed the party with the most seats to govern Canada without any interference from the opposition. The conservative's plan to eliminate public political party funding united the opposition against the government.

My biggest objection to recent events is the argument that the coalition deal is illegal or undemocratic. This is not a coup but a legal way of replacing a government that has no support from opposition parties in a minority parliament. Every seat in the House of Commons must count and forcing opposition parties to vote for the government when they disagree with their policies is undemocratic. Canada does not have a presidential system and the Prime Minister's job depends on his support from the house. The conservatives could have taken power from Paul Martin in 2004 and whenever a Prime Minister resigns while in office a new Prime Minister assumes power without an election. This power transfer should not look as unprecedented as the media is framing this story.

I believe the coalition is the right thing for Canada. The Liberals will hold the seat of the Prime Minister and Finance Minister. They are taking over in the midst of a crisis that they are now responsible to solve and if they make a misstep the NDP or Bloc can bring the government down. Another election 2 months later will just repeat the same results and accomplish nothing.

Obama is the best person to solve the economic crisis

noreply@blogger.com (canadianwild.ca) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 03:15:00 +0000

Obama has risen to the US Presidency faster than any American in modern history. Just 4 years ago he was just a state senator. Today he is the President-Elect of a nation in economic disarray. The attributes that helped him rise to the presidency are the same that can help him solve the economic crisis.

Words matter.

Obama's superior oratory skills can grab the attention of Americans and the world. His inexperience also is an asset because he won't be afraid to act boldly with actions that a veteran politician can wince at. Also, his meteoric rise to power will give him the confidence to solve the economic crisis and not to give up after his hard fought election victory.

The World Waits for an Obama victory

noreply@blogger.com (canadianwild.ca) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 01:28:00 +0000

The US presidential election finally ends on Tuesday and Obama will win decisively on Tuesday if the polls are correct. Other than widespread voter fraud or some other castrophic event, Barack Obama will be America's first black president.

The United States economy is in ruin, its military demoralized from losses in Iraq, and most importantly its global reputation hit rock bottom under Bush. There couldn't have been a better time for the US to elect a President who wants to make change. Obama's oratory skills, his youth, and his background of working for the underdog give him the skills and values to face this challenge.

Many in Canada and around the world have started to give up the United States. In Canada the US housing crisis was ignored because of our strong oil reserves and we thought economic peril wouldn't spread to Canada. Europeans have a new currency and through economic cooperation they believed they could strive economically regardless of what was happening in the US. Before the financial crisis, Iceland was considered the most autonomous nation on Earth because it doesn't need trade with its vast thermal pools that heat the entire country.

When the global financial crisis hit it proved how interconnected the world is. Every nation in the world can have the most strict financial standards, abundant energy supplies, and numerous trade partners but they still can't escape this crisis. Global mutual funds and transnational companies are dependent on global stability. When there is global instability the world can tilt towards a global recession. When the world's largest economy pludges into economic disarray we all go down.

Right-wing politicians have hijacked America and reinforced irresponsible behaviour that threaten it's global dominance. Massive tax cuts, huge deficits, limitless military spending, and inadequate social development programs are the values the republicans have implemented. As a result, the US has a record deficit and there wasn't even a clear plan to recover because the bottom fell out. Americans didn't just allow their government to practice irresponsible economic behaviour but personally they racked up credit card debts and bought mortgages they couldn't afford. Still even today americans have failed to take personal responsibility for their economic distress and are trying to pin the blame on the financial institutions that were equally foolish by giving them loans.

Obama is not a miracle worker but he has the ability to trigger a global miracle. Words matter and Obama can use his greatest asset to motivate his nation. America needs a leader that will give them what they need and what they want. America needs a leader that will inspire them and be a positive image of America when travelling abroad. Also, the next leader must tell Americans they must act more economically and ecologically responsible. Americans must act more responsibly personally and must accept the fact that if that the federal government must have the power to improve their country. In order to provide essential services without plunging into debt, taxes are necessary. Elections shouldn't be a game about which candidate will lower taxes the furthest but instead which candidate has the best ideas. This election- Obama is that candidate.

Liberal Leadership Idol Redux

noreply@blogger.com (canadianwild.ca) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:35:00 +0000

Two years ago the Liberals went through a year long leadership contest to choose their new leader. Paul Martin was surprisingly defeated and they hoped a year long contest would help them find the next Trudeau. The Liberal Leadership race showed how archaic the party is. The delegates have too much power and individual voters are only able to participate on the first ballot. After the first ballot Martin loyalists supported Ignatieff, Chretien loyalists supported Rae, and the grassroots delegates supported Dion/Ignatieff who combined their support to win the leadership.

The race hasn't officially started but if the Liberals want to change the first place they should change is how they select the Liberal leader. Rather than letting the delegates choose the leader the individual members should be given the power. Belinda Stronach has lobbied for a member one vote process but there are issues with that process. If that's how the party selects the leader over half of the members will be from Ontario and smaller Liberal support in Western Canada won't have a say on where the party should be headed so the Liberals can be competitive in every region. The liberals should copy the conservatives leadership selection process. Every riding should be given 100 points and the popular support in each riding will be candidates voting totals. Each member would be empowered and be allowed to choose their top 2 or 3 candidates and after lower candidates are knocked off the ballot the individual voters not the delegates will choose the next leader.

Here's the top 10 Liberal Leadership Contenders and a link to my top 10 last time:

1. Michael Ignatieff

Pros: He was first on the initial ballot last time and despite being a rookie politician hasn't made any serious missteps as the deputy Liberal leader.

Cons: He is viewed by some as an American sympathizer and his intellectual background can make him look arrogant. Unlike other front-runners he has no experience as a cabinet minister.

Strategy: Ignatieff will assemble the same team he used last time and run a campaign that will state things would have been different if he won the leadership last time.

2. Bob Rae

Pros: Rae was second on the initial ballot last time. He defeated a popular Ontario premier and was pivotal in the defeat of Joe Clark's minority government.

Cons: The economy is in disarray and Rae's economic record as Premier of Ontario is something he doesn't want to brag about.

Strategy: Rae will run as the party's most visible left of centre candidate who will lure NDP supporters back to the Liberals.

3. Frank McKenna

Pros: McKenna won every single seat in New Brunswick when he was premier in the 80's. He has had success in the financial sector and was a former ambassador to the US.

Cons: He likely won't run period. He was rumoured to run in the last 3 leadership contests but because there was doubt if he could win he chickened out.

Strategy: McKenna's presense will immediately siphon support from Ignatieff and his record as a winner will convert Liberals who want to win now.

4. John Manley

Pros: Manley was a former deputy Prime Minister who served as the finance, foreign affairs, and industry minister in Chretien's cabinet. He was second in membership sales against the Martin machine before he dropped out.

Cons: He didn't run last-time and some of his supporters in the Martin leadership race may stick with the Ignatieff or Rae camps. Manley is on the right-side of the party and he will have to convince Liberals he can win over conservative voters.

Strategy: If Manley wants to win he should mimic Hillary Clinton's strategy. He was in government and can be trusted to make the tough decisions.

5. Ujjal Dosanjh

Pros: Dosanjh is a former Premier and Health minister who is a minority and on the left-side of the party.

Cons: Dosanjh barely hung on to his seat and most Liberals will likely support an Ontario leader who can win back Ontario.

Strategy: Dosanjh will appeal to minorities and western Liberal supporters who want the Liberals to be more competitive in the west.

6. Belinda Stronach

Pros: Stronach finished second to Harper in the last conservative race and has lobbied for changes to the Liberal Leadership process.

Cons: Canadians haven't rewarded party defectors with the leadership of their new party.

Strategy: Stronach will try to appeal to female supporters and more right-wing Liberals who feel the party is moving to far to the left.

7. David Orchard

Pros: Orchard had a strong showing in the last PC leadership race despite being considered a tourist in the party.

Cons: Orchard's anti-free trade stance is at odds with many Liberals who now accept Free Trade.

Strategy: Unlike all other major hopefuls Orchard lives in a rural riding and if he wins he could help the Liberals challenge the conservatives in rural and Western Canada.

8. Gerard Kennedy

Pros: Kennedy came out of nowhere last time thanks to a strong internet presence and finished in the top 4.

Cons: Kennedy is responsible for the selection of Dion as Liberal leader and will not win over Liberals supporters who feel Dion's selection was a mistake.

Strategy: Kennedy will use his youth and try to capitalize on the Obama momentum by arguing electing a leader in his 60's is not the best way to revitalize the party.

9. Justin Trudeau

Pros: Despite not serving a single day in parliament yet there is already a draft Justin movement based solely on his father's name.

Cons: Trudeau's name still has baggage and Justin Trudeau is a novice politician.

Strategy: If he has a chance of winning Trudeau must convince Quebec is worth investing time in and he must make an impression early in parliament.

10. Ruby Dhalla

Pros: She will be one the youngest contenders for the leadership who is entering her third parliament as an MP.

Cons: Dhalla hasn't held a major portfolio and it's likely too early for her to be considered a serious leadership contender.

Strategy: Dhalla like Dosanjh is a minority who is younger and her acting experience will give her an edge in speeches and debates.

Quebec Regionalism Prevents Conservative Majority

noreply@blogger.com (canadianwild.ca) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 02:12:00 +0000

Here's my election postmortem which is a bit delayed.

The conservatives pulled the plug on parliament because they saw crumpling Bloc support in Quebec. It looked like Quebecers were ready to move past regional politics like the west did with the reform party and start voting for national parties. But the Bloc seized on the Arts cuts issue and appealed again to Quebec nationalism which maintained their seat total.

The rest of the country's election results were a pleasant surprise for the conservatives. They picked up a seat in PEI, became the dominant party in Ontario, and maintained their base in Western Canada. The only hurdle was Newfoundland where Danny Williams successfully stopped the conservatives from winning a single seat on the rock.

The Liberals were the big losers in this election. They made a mild comeback in Quebec and their support dropped in English Canada where the other three national parties capitalized. Stephane Dion was a great cabinet minister who battled for Canadian unity and better environment policies. The biggest loss for Canada if he departs his the end of the "tough love" approach to Quebec and the embrace of special concessions to Quebec nationalists. The liberals need to reinvent themselves and make bigger changes than just switching the captain. Andrew Coyne summarized it the best on election night. He made the point that the Liberals won majorities because Ontarion and Quebec were fortresses that other parties couldn't make in roads in. Then they lost Quebec and their majority government. This election they lost Ontario and haven't attempted to make any inroads in the West. The only dominant region the liberals still have is Atlantic Canada.

The NDP looked like the national party that would fade away. The Liberals were expected to regain NDP support to defeat the conservatives and the Green party would siphon off environmental support from the NDP. But Jack Layton ran his strongest campaign and challenged the Liberals position as Canada's dominant progressive party. He didn't become the opposition leader but he maintained his support by criticizing liberal inaction in parliament. In the last week Dion tried to scare NDP voters but failed. After the results came in the NDP maintained or grew their seat total in every region in the nation.

The Greens were the party most disillusioned with their election night result. It is apparent their support slid significantly due to strategic voting that went to the Liberals or NDP to stop conservative candidates. The Greens have run a national campaign the last 3 elections and steadily increased their popular vote but failed to win any seats. May dominated the election coverage early with her exclusion from the debate and her strong performance should have won green seats but it didn't. It's unfair the Greens don't seats while the Bloc has 50 seats with a slightly higher popular vote. The Greens need to realize for a new party to break-in they need to start out as a regional party. The Greens should focus on 20 ridings they might be able to win and use all their resources to win those ridings. They can still run candidates in every riding but it shouldn't be expected for the leader to make a cross-country tour when should could be better utilized by knocking on doors in ridings they have a shot at winning.

We have a race

noreply@blogger.com (canadianwild.ca) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:58:00 +0000

Weeks ago it appeared Stephen Harper was inching towards a majority or a stronger minority. But due to missteps the national race is too close to call. The polls are too inconsistent and the undecided vote is too high. Due to Harper's declining popularity I think it is very possible that Dion could become Prime Minister by winning the most seats or by willing to form a coalition with the NDP or Green party.

Unlike past elections where the national result was known days before the vote it is apparent that due to many undecided voters and strategic voting in the mix Harper could win a majority a minority or Dion could win a minority.

So what is certain.

The conservatives will lose ground in Quebec after negative reaction to Arts cuts and youth crime reform. In Ontario and BC they have lost support in swing ridings. These losses will result in an overall drop of seats but will it be severe enough to be defeated from government.

As the stock market crashed the Liberal poll numbers soared. Dion handled the financial crisis better than Harper and used the Liberal brand's history of solving economic problems to rebound his polling numbers. Dion's biggest challenge is Atlantic Canada where the green shift has not sold well and it will likely result in a drop of seats. Dion's big hope for any gains is in Ontario or Quebec where star candidates like Justin Trudeau and Gerard Kennedy could gain new Liberal seats.

The NDP set their sites high but if the NDP seriously wants to be considered to form government they need a less in your face leader than Jack Layton. The NDP will increase their popular vote and the only place where they will grow in seats will be the prairies.

The Green Party will double their vote. But with a vote dispersed through the country it is still very difficult for them to win a seat.

Stephen Dion could win a Liberal-Green coalition minority government

noreply@blogger.com (canadianwild.ca) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 16:31:00 +0000

Stephen Harper originally called this election because the Bloc looked like they were on the brink of collapse and just through his potential gains in Quebec (10-20 seats) it appeared that Harper would be close to a majority. Harper's next planned move was to attack Dion for weak leadership and combined with momentum from Quebec gains another 10 or more seats in Ontario and BC, Harper might have been able to form a majority government.

Two weeks ago that was a possibility but his mishandling of his response to a global financial crisis has erased his gains and in the last week he is fighting to remain as prime minister. Harper didn't release his platform before the debate and his "don't panic" approach to the finish crisis looks like he doesn't care and doesn't want to take any risks.

Stephane Dion's poor English and the "not a leader" ads reduced Stephane Dion's image to that as a struggling leader who would immediately be replaced after the election. But the financial crisis has boosted the Liberals because of their record of rejuvenating weak Canadian economies. The Liberals defeated R.B. Bennett's conservative government after the Great Depression occurred. Most recently it was Jean Chretien's government who balanced the budget and lowered the unemployment rate after taking over during a recession.

The NDP's support is growing as Canadians are becoming more alienated from Canada's two major parties. The NDP's realistic goal was to replace the liberals as the official opposition. Even with growing support from a politically-central platform it is too difficult for the NDP to double their support nationally but being able to secure 20% of the vote and obtaining
double-digit support in Quebec the NDP won't be able to become the official opposition party.

The Bloc were Stephen Harper's original target for seats but the Conservatives campaign has alienated Quebec voters. Cutting of arts programs, getting tough on young offenders, and lack of empathy towards the financial crisis has driven some conservative supporters back to the Bloc.

No other party will gain more than the Green party. Elizabeth May's presence at the debate solidified the Greens as a major political party. The Greens support will double or even triple from their 4% vote total last-time and there will be Green seat victories and the bar now is set higher for them to get official party status (12 seats) and not just win one seat.

My prediction is based on the recent Liberal surge in the polls. The Liberals couldn't have picked a better time to rise in the polls. This recent growth will help sway undecided voters and win back voters. I predict the Liberals will receive a higher popularity vote than the Conservatives but will receive fewer seats the conservatives.

2008 Seat/Vote Projection
Conservative 109 seats-30%
Liberal 106 seats-32%
Bloc 50 seats-8%
NDP 32 seats-20%
Green 6 seats-10%
Ind. 2 seats

If this scenario occurs it is very likely the Liberals and Greens will form a coalition minority government that will give Stephane Dion the Prime Minister's chair. Also for this government to work the NDP won't be able to prop up the conservatives or the Liberals/Greens. For a Liberal/Green government to survive they will have to secure support from the conservatives or the Bloc. If the financial crisis persists the parties can't look opportunistic by forcing an early election after the public decided who to give their support during this financial crisis.

BC will the source of Green support with the 3 established seats losing ground as the Greens will pick up 4 greens in BC. Look for the Greens to defeat Liberals Hedy Fry and Keith Martin. Also, Gary Lunn will lose his seat in the Gulf Islands.

The Prairies will remain a conservative stronghold but will lose some ground to NDP who have moved themselves closer to the center by opposing a carbon tax. The NDP might even make a breakthrough in Edmonton-Strathcona in Alberta.

Last election the conservatives won several close elections in Ontario but slide in their support will cause them to lose several close ridings. Tony Clement will be another minister who lose his seat and Guelph could move to the Greens.

Quebec was supposed to be a windfall for the Conservatives with the Bloc in freefall but expect only minor changes in party seat totals in Quebec.

The Liberals Green Shift has not sold well in Atlantic Canada. The NDP will make some gains and I expect Elizabeth May to defeat Peter Mackay in his own riding. May was second in London, Ontario even though she was a parachuted candidate. May is from Nova Scotia and party leaders have a good record of winning seats from other parties in recent years. (Jack Layton and Joe Clark)

The North only has 3 seats but has had more attention due to global warming, northern sovereignty, and Aboriginal/Inuit rights. Stephane Dion's presence in the North during the election campaign will help him win back the Liberals former seat in the Western Arctic.

Vote Green

noreply@blogger.com (canadianwild.ca) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 02:45:00 +0000

Ideologically I agree with the liberals. The Liberal party positions are closest to my own but policies aren't everything in a minority government. The Liberals will not be governing after the election is finished and in a minority I need to vote the party that will most effectively represent my interests.

Throughout Harper's first minority government the Liberals have voted not on their party values but on opinion polls. For too many votes Liberals have abstained and lacked the courage to bring down the government because they wanted to wait till a time when the polling numbers were favorable for them. I cannot give my vote to a party that allows the conservatives to govern like a majority and won't take a stand on major bills.

But the Liberal problems go deeper than that. Dion won the leadership a lackluster race where major contenders like Manley, Stronch, and McKenna didn't even run. Dion has failed to communicate the Green Shift to Canadians and allows the Conservatives to define him as a leader. Chretien's English was not perfect but at least he had the ability to defend his policies and attack his critics.

This election I will be voting for the Green party for the first time. Elizabeth May is Canada's most dynamic leader. Since becoming leader she has doubled the party's support in opinion polls and now one in five Canadians will consider voting Green. She has been an environmental activist for decades who has shown the ability to compromise with the right by working as an environmental advisor for Mulroney's government and repeatedly urging environmentalists not to limit themselves to the left-side of the political spectrum.

I will not be supporting the Greens solely for their environmental policies. For too long only two parties have controlled Canada's parliament and change is needed. We need to reform the senate, look at proportional representation, and other new ways of engaging more citizens in the democratic process. The Green Party has attempted to position themselves outside of the political spectrum and instead has tried to be seen as a party of change rather than a left or a right party.

I want a minority government that works beyond party lines and get things done. The Green Party will not be afraid to make decisions on important votes and represent their interests in parliament. No other national party MP will be a bigger catalyst for change than a Green Party.

Green Shift Debate New Free Trade Debate

noreply@blogger.com (canadianwild.ca) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:25:00 +0000

Before Stephane Dion introduced the carbon tax polls showed the majority of Canadians supported it. But it's a huge risk for the Liberals. Dion's acceptance of a carbon tax is the biggest risk by a major Canadian political leader since Mulroney's embrace of Free Trade. It's a wise move by Dion who needed something bold to reassert his leadership and in the next election the major issue will be fought on his idea.

The majority of Canadians believe high carbon dioxide emissions are a problem. It's makes sense to tax carbon as sin tax. We tax smoking, speeding, and alcohol. Reducing income tax and shifting taxation against excessive carbon consumption is a great idea in principle.

Canadians support carbon reduction but if the implementation of a carbon tax is flawed the Liberals will lose. The biggest drawback to the carbon tax is the reality that poorer Canadians will be punished more severely. That is why the NDP doesn't support a carbon tax and why the Liberals plan on offering more tax credits to lower income Canadians. The other drawback to a carbon tax is the timing. Right now oil is already at record prices and Canadians are making adjustments to lower consumption. Conservatives predictively are comparing it to the National Energy Program in order to sweep Alberta again, and Canadians across Canada who value lower gas prices rather than the environment will not be persuaded by the liberals argument. But for Canadians who have blamed the last 3 governments for just talking about the environment and offering very little solutions against climate change. Finally they will feel motivated to vote for the Liberals.

Climate Change needs to be combated now. The Conservatives need to stop avoiding any serious action for decades. The NDP must stop cherry picking which industries will be exempt from carbon taxes (eg. Ontario auto industry). The Liberals have usually been the nation's most cautious party but the sponsorship scandal forced them into opposition and if they want a serious shot at government they must be bold.

HNIC Theme is more than a just song

noreply@blogger.com (canadianwild.ca) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 02:45:00 +0000

CBC didn't pay for enough for their own theme song on Hockey Night in Canada and lost it hours after the deadline to CTV who attempted to portray themselves of saviours of Canada's other national anthem. $3 Million is an outrageous amount to pay for a theme song whose rights should have been purchased by the CBC decades years ago. The tune is more than just a TV themeas shown national outrage against all parties involved in this dispute. The song is part of Canada's heritage and it is doubtful the song will have the same feel on TSN broadcasts. The bigger issue is this the beginning of the end of Canada's national broadcaster or just a poor decision that will have no long standing effects? If CBC wants to rebound they should use Stompin Tom Conners 'Hockey Song' as the basis for a new theme song rather than a pathetic national contest.

Red Wings not Penguins-more likely dynasty

noreply@blogger.com (canadianwild.ca) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 03:13:00 +0000

The Red Wings were the more experienced team and with help from a very stingy defense the Red Wings easily defeated the Pittsburgh. Penguins. The series lasted 6 games because of Marc-Andre Fleury's extraordinary play and the Penguins talent was able to breakthrough the Wings defense sometimes.

The Penguins are a young team with plenty of talent but due to the salary cap they will only be able to keep a few core players and take their chances on inexperienced or inconsistent talent to fill the voids.

On the other hand the Red Wings who already are more experienced are in better shape. Most of their players are tied to long-term contracts and their starter Chris Osgood is only making $800, 000. The Wings have the ability to resign Brad Stuart who was supposed to be just a rental and any players they lose will be by choice-not financial issues.

Crosby, Malkin, Fleury, Whitney, and Staal's salaries will keep rising. If the Penguins decide to keep all 5 players they will have very little salary room to maneuver. This season if the Penguins decide to sign Marian Hossa even at a reduced rate they still won't be able to resign Ryan Malone and Brooks Orpik. The Penguins could easily be the league's next dynasty like the Oilers of 1980's but the salary cap will force the Penguins to give up their talent. The Penguins will have to decide if they want to keep their star players or surrender a star player or allow several role players to leave.

US Election 2008 Ballot: McCain vs Obama

noreply@blogger.com (canadianwild.ca) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 02:40:00 +0000

The democratic race is over. Barack Obama has officially won it. There was no voting irregularities, no hanging chads uncounted, and partisan appointed judges didn't interfere in the process. Obama was the underdog and he secured the nomination cleanly. Hillary should have ended the race weeks ago when it came clear it was impossible to catch up Obama. Any effort to continue this meaningless fight against the winner is selfish and disgraceful to the nation who claims to be the world's leading democratic example.

Donuts and Bikers

noreply@blogger.com (canadianwild.ca) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:56:00 +0000

This past week US hard right-wing commentators attacked Rachel Ray and Dunkin Donuts for wearing an Arab looking scarf. No other nation on Earth would have even taken this debate seriously. Why is there no distinction between a military tactic and entire ethnicity. No word yet if Dunkin Donuts will stop selling another arab/terrorist symbol that originated in the Muslim world- coffee.

The Canadian example looked 2 weeks ago to be just as ridiculous. A foreign affairs minister should not be restricted who he can spend time with as long he is not divulging state secrets and seeking counsel from unscrupulous figures. The more we know about Julie Couillard, the more incumbent our government looks. Bernier has left secret documents at a former biker girlfriend's residence and brought her to state dinners. This incident is an embarrassment for Canada. Privy Councilors need to have more vigorous security checks and people who they are closely associated with need to be vetted also because people who are associated with organized crime should not given access to secure governments that are off limits to ordinary Canadians.

2008 Stanley Cup Prediction

noreply@blogger.com (canadianwild.ca) — Wed, 21 May 2008 03:02:00 +0000

Detroit vs Pittsburgh

The Penguins have shown their young team could be the start of a dynasty. But in the final the Penguins will face their toughest test yet. The Red Wings have 11 players who have won the Stanley Cup. The defensive trio of Lidstrom, Rafalski, and Kronwall are the reason why opponent's shot totals are low against the wings and their defense also contributes offensively. Pittsburgh is a great team but this year they are not the NHL's best.

Detroit in 5.

Hillary-The Game's Over

noreply@blogger.com (canadianwild.ca) — Thu, 08 May 2008 03:51:00 +0000

The writing is on the wall. Obama will win the majority of pledged delegates and Hillary is clinging to hope that the superdelegates and even some Obama pledged delegates will defect to Hillary and she will win the race in the backroom. If this actually happenend the primaries would be useless and the US's international image would tarnished even more. This race has dragged on to long. The staggered voting of the various states adds suspense to the race but it is too costly and the early-voting states have an advantage over the states voting at the end when the result is already official. Hillary thought she was destined to become President. Bush's popularity has plummeted and people were willing to welcome Clinton with open arms. But a young charismatic politician made this race a contest and won it. Obama's sudden rise wasn't just a victory against the Washington political establishment but it was a victory against negative-politicking, specific interest candidates, and most of all a fight against winner-take-all politics and the introduction of a television-friendly politician would can comprise and build support amongst diverse groups of voters.

2008 Round 3 Predictions

noreply@blogger.com (canadianwild.ca) — Tue, 06 May 2008 03:20:00 +0000

Detroit Red Wings vs Dallas Stars

The Stars had difficulty finishing off San Jose and despite being a dominant team the best decade they only made it to the finals once. Detroit's defense is healthy, Franzen is outshining Detroit's two scoring stars (Zetterberg and Datsyuk), and it the chances are very good two of the NHL's greatest Hasek and Chelios will hoist the cup once again.

Detroit in 4 games

Pittsburgh Penguins vs Philadelphia

Like the other series the Flyers don't have a chance. Crosby and Malkin are two of the greatest players today and will continue to improve. The Penguins haven't encountered a strong NHL team yet in the playoffs and won't compete against one till the Stanley Cup Finals.

Pittsburgh in 4 games

Just Ducks and Alberta's Only Political Opposition (The International Media)

noreply@blogger.com (canadianwild.ca) — Fri, 02 May 2008 04:19:00 +0000

If Alberta doesn't want to be the dark sheep of confederation their government must start acting more accountable. Alberta is not a a jurisdiction overrun by war or disease and its inexcusable that wildlife can't be protected. The duck incident is yet another example (remember Mad Cow) that Alberta's Conservative government doesn't have strong enough standards to regulate industry. Fort McMurray's huge oil revenues shouldn't blindside the government from enforcing sufficient environment standards. Further infuriating the situation is the government's "shoot, shovel, and shut up" strategy that aims to minimize public damage to the province by discrediting environmental groups.

"They (Environmental groups) obviously have a goal in mind, but it's not going to deter us from pursuing this matter as a province and ensuring that we get this message out to all North Americans." Ed Stelmac h

The messenger shouldn't be targeted. Alberta's opposition has been weakened so catastrophically that it is unable to find areas of government failing and incite change. Instead Albertans have to wait ducks and the international media to spark international condemnation of Alberta's lackluster environment standards.

2008 Round 2 NHL Predictions

noreply@blogger.com (canadianwild.ca) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 23:46:00 +0000

Montreal vs Philadelphia

Montreal is a young team that almost lost to the 8th seed after they finished first. They rebounded in game 7 against Boston and if they play to their potential they can sweep the flyers.

Montreal in 4

Pittsburgh vs NY Rangers

The Penguins steam rolled over the Senators and likely will dominate the Rangers just as much. The Rangers lack a no.1 defenseman that can play 30 minutes a night and shut-down Crosby and Malkin.

Pittsburgh in 5

Detroit vs Colorado

Detroit faced a challenge from the Predators but finished them off after shaky goaltending from Hasek. Colorado has become over reliant on Theodore and it is doubtful that he can duplicate his performance against the Wild on a stronger Red Wings team.

Detroit in 5

San Jose vs Dallas

The closest matchup in the second round is almost a toss-up. The Dallas Stars defeated the Stanley Cup champions in the first round while the Sharks almost were defeated by the 7th seed. That gives the Stars the lead.

Dallas in 7

Will the Conservatives win all the seats in Alberta in the next federal election?

noreply@blogger.com (canadianwild.ca) — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 17:26:00 +0000

Last provincial election the tories had an untested leader whose personal support was lukewarm but running under a conservative banner guaranteed them a massive majority. This spring there could be a federal election and is there any chance there will be a non-conservative Alberta MP heading to Ottawa?

The only two seriously contested ridings in Alberta are Edmonton-Centre and Edmonton-Strathcona. Edmonton-Centre is Anne McClellan's former riding and if the Liberal's national campaign is strong this riding could move back to the Liberals. Edmonton-Strathcona is Alberta's most progressive riding and the progressive vote is divided between the Liberals and NDP. If there is one strong progressive candidate this riding can move to the NDP or the Liberals.

Beyond those two ridings Alberta is Tory blue. The incumbent candidates easily win their ridings with over 50% of the total vote. In theory a strong local candidate could organize an upset but with no signs of conservatism wavering in Alberta this doesn't sound plausible. The best alternative to the conservatives may one day be the green party. The Green Party's support was strongest in Alberta last federal election but without a recognizable candidate they still aren't ready to win a seat a general election.

Conservative dominance can't last forever. The longer there is a conservative provincial and federal governments in power the conservatives stranglehold on Alberta will weaken. Conservatives won't be able to blame the provincial or federal governments for policy errors. The more Conservatives assume they are Alberta's only political party, the more Albertans will turn from them. Dynasties don't last forever and if Albertans are united in their rage, the conservatives could lose the majority of their seats in provincial and federal elections.