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MPlib
Friday night, home in Regina. Still lots of snow, but it's going. JUNOs Sat + Sun. But tonight - Regina Little Theatre does Dr.Jekyll + Mr.Hyde
Apr 19, 2013 7:02 pm | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
Bad day in HarperLand ... Cons had to run away from Justin Trudeau, deny obvious tax hikes + now Duffy again http://www.ottawacitizen.com/touch/story.html?id=8268103
Apr 19, 2013 1:50 pm | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
HERE'S THE LATEST SCOOP: In every quarter of the calendar year, Liberals get to name the topic for debate in the House of Commons on two given days. This quarter, one of those days was this past Tuesday, for which we selected Temporary Foreign Workers as our topic Our next designated Liberal day was going to be next Monday, and the topic we chose was Parliamentary Reform. Specifically, we proposed a Motion by Justin Trudeau to reform the way in which individual MPs are chosen to give "Member's Statements" in that 15 minutes set aside for this purpose just before Question Period every day. Right now the selection is controlled by each Party Whip -- which effectively means the Party Leader has editorial control. Justin's motion suggested that, instead, the Speaker would simply recognize each member of each Party in alphabetical order. The Whip/Leader would not be able to intervene to censor or silence any particular MP. The motion had broad support, including among government backbenchers. It would have prevented Stephen Harper from muzzling his own Party, and it would have shifted power from the oppressive PMO into the hands of individual members. Unwilling to let such democracy take hold and preferring to rule by fear and fiat, Mr. Harper intervened a couple of hours ago to order Monday's debate to be cancelled. This is akin to his appaling misuse of prorogation -- another way to run-and-hide! But his abusive manipulation is now being challenged and his minions are in full damage control -- struggling to change the channel! This is another illustration of the refreshing change being brought to the House by Mr. Trudeau. And he's only just begun. Ralph G.
Apr 19, 2013 12:01 pm | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
HarperCons in full retreat over Justin Trudeau's Motion to give backbenchers more clout - debate scheduled for Monday now cancelled
Apr 19, 2013 10:42 am | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
Growing debate about HarperCons increasing middle-class tax burden is direct result of focus provided by Justin Trudeau. Glad many MPs joining in.
Apr 19, 2013 9:06 am | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
Question Period now dominated by debate about deceitful Conservative tax increases. Puts the boots to HarperCons' fiction of no tax hikes!
Apr 19, 2013 8:38 am | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
In Question Period, HarperCons blame Chinese for Canadian tariff-tax increases. But the Chinese didn't impose these tax hikes, nor will they pay them!
Apr 19, 2013 8:34 am | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
HERE'S MY QUESTION TODAY IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS: "Mr. Speaker - Canadians are obviously weary of being used as props in deceitful Conservative publicity stunts. Just ask that bicycle shop owner who feels he was lied to. Tariffs are taxes. This government is raising those taxes by $333 million every year. Don't blame China. The Chinese didn't impose these taxes and the Chinese won't have to pay them. This is a self-inflicted Conservative tax grab on the Canadian middle class, draining Canadian disposable incomes, diving Canadian consumers and businesses across the border. When will they cancel it?" ANSWER: None.
Apr 18, 2013 12:11 pm | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
In Question Period, HarperCons claim they never raise taxes. But truth escapes them. Tariffs hitting middle class going up by $333 million per year.
Apr 18, 2013 11:58 am | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
I'm looking forward to being home this weekend for The JUNO Awards festivities in Regina - what a great way to warm things up!
Apr 18, 2013 9:03 am | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
Sad today about the loss of the First Lady of Song from Big Pond, NS - Rita MacNeil will be deeply missed. Rest in peace.
Apr 17, 2013 12:12 pm | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
April 17th - a big day in Canadian history! Happy anniversary Charter of Rights! http://lpc.ca/7i9p
Apr 17, 2013 12:10 pm | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
In Question Period, for thirdstraight day HarperCons refuse to answer Justin Trudeau on the $333M in new tariff-taxes in budget 2013
Apr 17, 2013 11:43 am | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
First Liberal caucus meeting for Justin Trudeau as Leader - receiving Laurier's quill pen from predecessor Bob Rae

Apr 17, 2013 7:33 am | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
Sad today abt the loss of the First Lady of Song from Big Pond, NS - Rita MacNeil will be deeply missed. Rest in peace.
Apr 17, 2013 4:15 am | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
More nastiness from HarperCons about federal riding boundaries in Sask. They outrageously accuse Dr. John Courtney (one of top-5 political scientists in Canada) of bias
Apr 16, 2013 3:42 pm | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
HarperCons totally indifferent to needs of shippers - stonewall every amendment they asked for. C52 now quite vacuous.
Apr 16, 2013 1:59 pm | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
Now in Transport Committee working on "level of service" agreements 4 rail shippers. Government says Bill C-52 is deliberately vague. And that's the problem!!!
Apr 16, 2013 1:03 pm | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
Here's my follow up question asked today in the House of Commons: The Conservatives are increasing tariff-taxes by $333-million every year. It's just like increasing the GST - a money grab to concoct the illusion of a balanced budget by 2015. To feed that fiction, Canadians are being forced to pay more for everything from tricycles (4.5% more) and baby carriages (3% more) to cosmetic wigs for cancer patients (15.5% more). The government should cancel these new Conservative taxes and stop ripping-off the middle class. Why won't they do that? ANSWER: blah, blah, blah
Apr 16, 2013 12:26 pm | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
In Question Period, Justin Trudeau gets HarperCons to admit that their tariff increases are tax hikes taking $333M from middle-class
Apr 16, 2013 11:37 am | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
Tragic events in Boston! Thinking about friends from Regina who were running. Hear they're ok but shaken-up. Prayers for all.
Apr 15, 2013 3:46 pm | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
In Question Period, Justin Trudeau forces Harper to confront reality that his Cons tariff increases are taxes paid by middle-class Canadians
Apr 15, 2013 11:32 am | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
At Question Period, Bob Rae presents Justin Trudeau with Sir Wilfrid Laurier's quill pen, which sits on desk of every Liberal Leader
Apr 15, 2013 11:23 am | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
Univ of Sk professor Dr David McGrane is doing some research about leadership selection issues in political Parties. If you have just participated in the process that elected Justin Trudeau, Prof McGrane would like to hear from you. Please consider it. Here's how contact him: https://usaskssrl.eu.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_8vwVEqBepF3FXpj
Apr 14, 2013 7:34 pm | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
BLOG Trudeau's leadership built on hope and hard work http://www.ralphgoodale.ca/blog/trudeaus-leadership-built-hope-hard-work/
Apr 14, 2013 3:49 pm | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
More than a thousand Liberals in Ottawa for announcement of new Liberal Leader. More than 104,000 Canadians voted! Awaiting the count!

Apr 14, 2013 2:50 pm | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
David Herle, Kathleen Monk + Jamie Watt (CBC "Insiders") - part of national TV coverage of Liberal Leadership announcement

Apr 14, 2013 2:41 pm | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
Sir Wilfrid's latest successor to be selected this afternoon. Votes being counted now - results just B4 6pm ET

Apr 14, 2013 1:06 pm | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
There is just over a half hour left to vote in the Liberal Leadership process. Over 100,000 Candians have done so thus far, making this the most open, inclusive and democratic leadership election in Canadian history. Watch the results live later his afternoon on all the TV news networks.
Apr 14, 2013 11:28 am | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
Parliament's Peace Tower reaches into a blue sky, as over 100,000 voters await final Liberal leadership results

Apr 14, 2013 10:35 am | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
Liberal Leadership vote tally now near 98,000, with 18 hours remaining. Surpasses both CPC + NDP!
Apr 13, 2013 5:56 pm | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
Leaving Regina for Liberal Leadership announcement tomorrow - Into 4th week of spring but Sask snowpak is thick+solid as far as eye can see.

Apr 13, 2013 4:07 pm | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
Looking forward to Regina's "Do It With Class" youth theatre's production of Joseph + the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat

Apr 12, 2013 6:34 pm | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
Justin Trudeau with Alexandre Gohel (his youngest volunteer) + Alex's mom, Ali (Aitken), originally from Regina

Apr 12, 2013 5:38 pm | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
Great crowd (led by Rod Gantefoer) attended "Jewels+Jean"s Gala last night, supporting STARS ambulance

Apr 12, 2013 6:09 am | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
Scotiabank's Chief Economist, Warren Jestin, tells the Regina Chamber of Commerce that big political issues in US + EU create global economic uncertainty

Apr 11, 2013 11:48 am | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
With Canada's Charter of Rights, paying tribute to International Pink Day, standing strong against bullying + discrimination.

Apr 10, 2013 7:58 am | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
The scene of the crime! Now I get to spend the rest of the afternoon in the dentist's chair getting a root canal!

Apr 08, 2013 12:37 pm | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
Elder Tony Cote with Sask Lieutenant Governor Vaughan Solomon Schofield after presentation of Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal at First Nations University today

Apr 08, 2013 12:12 pm | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
A more open, inclusive vote for Leadership
Apr 08, 2013 11:30 am | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
A MORE OPEN, INCLUSIVE VOTE FOR LEADERSHIP As voting begins this week for a new Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, I've been struck by the number of people who tell me how pleased they are to be able to cast their first direct ballot in a leadership selection process. Some of these people are lifelong Liberals. Others have only recently signed up as Party members or supporters. Either way, this will be their first opportunity to vote directly for the leadership candidate of their choice. That's because every previous Liberal Leader was selected at a nationally "delegated" convention -- i.e., each constituency across the country sent a limited number of delegates to a national meeting somewhere to pick a new Leader. Those delegates -- probably fewer than 5,000 in total -- carried full responsibility and made the final decision, without a lot of transparency or accountability. People back home in each riding had nothing to do with the process, after their local delegates had been chosen and sent off to the convention. But this time, it's different. There is no national convention. No delegates. Using telecommunications and internet technology, every Party member or supporter can participate directly and personally in the voting from the comfort of their own homes anywhere in the country. Some 127,000 Canadians are eligible to cast ballots (instead of the previous restricted number of just 5,000). They have this whole week to vote. The results will be tabulated and announced next Sunday, April 14th. As a consequence, this Liberal Leadership selection process will be the most open, inclusive and democratic in history. Some people will miss the sensation of 5,000 folks from across the country crammed together in a convention hall, wheeling and dealing over who will support whom on which ballot. The new system certainly presents challenges for media coverage -- there won't be any surprise "floor fights" or last-minute conversions to add suspense or drama. But what's "lost" in terms of convention sizzle is more than made up by amplifying democracy. This new process is an effort to make political engagement less elitist, and more accessible to every Canadian. Democracy is not supposed to be confined to a privileged few. Opening the doors of the Liberal Party to greater public participation, and making that participation both simple and inexpensive, is a big step forward for democratic reform. We'll learn from this voting experience this week, and next time will be better still. But in the meantime, more Canadians than ever before will have taken part directly and personally in choosing our Party Leader -- and quite probably the next Prime Minister of Canada. If you're one of the 127,000 who registered on the Liberal voters list over the past few weeks, please make sure you exercise your right to vote before the polls close next Sunday. Then watch to see your vote count when the new Liberal Leader is announced on April 14th.
Apr 08, 2013 6:27 am | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
Canada takes Silver in Men's World Curling - valiant effort by Brad Jacobs + his crew from the Sault, fought hard to the end! Congrats!
Apr 07, 2013 7:11 pm | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
Big sports memorabilia show at Conexus today - proceeds to the LeaderPost's Raise-a-Reader program

Apr 07, 2013 11:32 am | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
Justin Trudeau - "Our 1st economic priority is prosperity of the middle class + those who are working hard to join them!" "We must never use western resources to buy eastern votes!" "Biggest problem with Harper Conservatives is that they're so unambitious!" "I've faced more real Cdns in the last 6 months than Stephen Harper has met in the last 6 years."
Apr 06, 2013 1:17 pm | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
Good to see national attention being paid to HarperCons' foolish destruction of PFRA+Community Pastures http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/why-is-ottawa-is-abandoning-swaths-of-prairie-grassland/article10823827/?page=all
Why is Ottawa is abandoning swaths of prairie grassland?
Apr 06, 2013 8:15 am | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
Final showcase for Liberal Leadership candidates today, starting at 11am Sk time - on TV news networks or liberal.ca
Apr 06, 2013 7:49 am | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
Bob Rae speaks to several hundred friends + supporters at a leadership tribute in Toronto tonight

Apr 05, 2013 5:31 pm | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
Strong words of remembrance and resolve today from Bob Rae and Irwin Cotler http://www.liberal.ca/newsroom/news-release/liberal-statement-holocaust-remembrance-day/
Apr 05, 2013 10:25 am | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
Large crowd gathers to celebrate the expansion of the Aboriginal Students Centre at the University of Regina

Apr 04, 2013 10:51 am | Saskatchewan, Wascana
MPlib
Glad to join Mayor Fougere + Regina Opportunities Commission announcing creation of Tourism Regina!

Apr 04, 2013 9:32 am | Saskatchewan, Wascana