[leewgrant]

Bodah Bodah:

$1:

"I'm convinced there will be a public outcry in Quebec over the Conservative proposal," said Paquette. "For us this is a major issue, and I think it shows once again that the Conservatives have crossed out (appealing to voters in) Quebec."

Bullshit, first off everything is a major issue with Quebec and if anything, Quebec has crossed out Harper over fickle shit and he knows it. With insane voters like that whats the point of trying anymore.

But looks like he's trying a different way

If Quebec wants more MPs it needs to increase population. Make itself a more attractive place to live - reducing restrictions on English would help, so would reducing taxes.

And convince people to copulate more.

[Apollo]

$1:

The Harper government would face a public outcry from Quebecers that could threaten national unity if it goes ahead with a plan to increase the electoral clout of voters in Ontario and Western Canada, warn seasoned political observers and politicians.

"It's clear that, when the population increases in a province, there must be a change in the distribution of seats, but we must also maintain a good balance with Quebec," said Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff at a news conference yesterday. "We cannot play partisan games with this, because it (concerns) national unity of the country."

He added that Quebec's weight in the Canadian federation "must always be respected."

Iggy is playing a VERY dangerous game. He is willing to spark another seperatist resurgence to gain power. What a disgrace.

[leewgrant]

$1:

The Harper government would face a public outcry from Quebecers that could threaten national unity if it goes ahead with a plan to increase the electoral clout of voters in Ontario and Western Canada, warn seasoned political observers and politicians.

So be it. This is not some plot against Quebec. It is adjusting the composition of the House in accordance with population trends. And QC is guaranteed 75 seats no matter what happens to its population relative to the rest of the country.

Sounds like Ig is so desperate to placate Quebec he is willing to piss off a lot of other Canadians.

[ridenrain]

The traditional way to power in Canada was with Ontario and Quebec. The fact that Quebec is scared by this just proves it's worth it. There's no doubt in my mind though, that the Libs will open a fresh can of "rightious indignation" over this and will play this as another bid for power.

[Bodah]

leewgrant leewgrant:

So be it. This is not some plot against Quebec. It is adjusting the composition of the House in accordance with population trends.

If they can equate minor cuts in arts funding and molest it into the ethnic cleansing of Quebec culture, I have no doubt they can do the same with this.

Politicians just have to stick to their guns, they have to do this. Its in our constitution an integral part of any democracy. If they don't were a fucking banana state.

[CommanderSock]

The re-distribution won't change the constant minority governments.

There will be a more significant increase in the urban riding than in the rural ones. I don't know what irks Iggy so much it could mean more liberal votes.

[dino_bobba_renno]

Well, I support the idea of increasing representation based on population but adding a anouther 32 seats would cost upwards of 6 million dollars a year for the mp's wages alone. That's not counting pensions, staff or office budgets. That's a lot of money for 32 more people who will just tow the party line.

[Canadian_Mind]

dino_bobba_renno dino_bobba_renno:

Well, I support the idea of increasing representation based on population but adding a anouther 32 seats would cost upwards of 6 million dollars a year for the mp's wages alone. That's not counting pensions, staff or office budgets. That's a lot of money for 32 more people who will just tow the party line.

6 million? thats it? Big deal.

As for politicians trying to pander to Quebec... I don't see how Iggy wouldn't realise that by adding 32 seat to the house he would effectively nullify any loss of support in Quebec. Even if the 50 Bloc riding turns into 75 in the next election, that is still a gain of 8 seats in the rest of Canada. Makes more sense to fight for 32 seats than the 25 remaining in Quebec.

As for national unity, I'm willing to bet that without Quebec we'd still have a budget surplus federally this year, so fuck em.