Month: November 2005

Reporter: “Stephen Harper, do you love Canada?”

Stephen Harper: (long winded answer about how much he wants to do for the country. Doesn’t utter the exact words, but everyone gets the picture)

Liberal war-room release: “STEPHEN HARPER DOESN’T LOVE CANADA”

Liberal media: smells blood in the water, goes in a tizzy

Arguably, the 2004 campaign may have been lost by an over-caffeinated staffer in the Conservative war-room releasing the press release “Paul Martin supports child pornography”.

In the most recent example, the media followed the tune of Scott Reid’s pipe when the Liberal spinmaster wanted to emphasize how upset the country should be at the Conservative assertion that somehow, out of everything that we’ve heard at Gomery, that perhaps, just perhaps, the Liberals were connected to organized crime.

“What an outrageous statement!” Scott Reid said as he lead the media in a chorus. “When will Stephen Harper apologize?” they sang in harmony.

Now we have the Liberals questioning Stephen Harper’s love for Canada?

Most people that sacrifice much of their life, at the expense of family and friends and pursuits in private industry, to run for the leadership of this country must certainly have a love for it. This is without a doubt.

The Liberal Party assertion that Stephen Harper does not love this country ranks among the most vile and outrageous things said during any recent campaign.

If the Conservative Leader had said the same about Paul Martin, the headlines would have read “Angry Harper”. Since the Liberals issued the release, the headlines will read “Harper Might Not Love Canada”

Shame on the media.

Here’s how the official story goes: Gurmant Grewal contacted the official party brass to tell them that he won’t be seeking re-election in the riding of Newton North Delta in British Columbia.

Now whether or not GG contacted the CPC or the CPC contacted GG about the news is up for anyone’s speculation. However, it doesn’t matter at this point, Gurmant isn’t running.

Grewal was seen by some party strategists as a stumbling block in what will be one of the most hotly contested provinces.

If Anne McLellan loses her Edmonton Centre seat in the election, will she flee to run again in her home province instead? How committed is McLellan to her constituents?

Consider this story from this year’s January 30th edition of the Halifax Chronicle Herald:

During a Liberal fundraising dinner in Halifax on Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan joked about how lonely it can be being a Liberal in Alberta.

Ms. McLellan, who is originally from Noel, said she should run for a seat in her home province, quickly adding she wouldn’t run against fellow Grit Scott Brison, minister of public works.

Mr. Brison, who spent must of his elected life as a Tory, said he knew of a perfect spot for her to run.

“I’m going to start off, ladies and gentlemen, by introducing to you Anne MacLellan, the next member of Parliament for Central Nova,” he said to huge cheers from the crowd, who instantly recognized the riding as the seat held by Peter MacKay, deputy leader of the Conservatives.

It’s been no secret Mr. Brison and Mr. MacKay haven’t been exactly on friendly terms, especially since Mr. Brison’s defection to Paul Martin’s Liberals.