Juicy... I love seeing a story evolve

"Breach in security sees Tory emissions plan faxed to Liberals"

OTTAWA — The federal Liberals are demanding answers from the Conservative government after details of its new environmental regulations were accidentally leaked.

Environment critic David Mcguinty, who read the document, refused to divulge details, but called on the government to immediately release its full plan before the markets open on Wednesday.

Ooo, what's gonna happen tomorrow? So exciting.

Poll: A BCer is now happy.

No, not that blogger, but me, another BCer.

From the latest Ipsos-Reid poll:

"In British Columbia, the Liberals stood at 34 per cent, while the Tories trailed at 30 per cent, dropping nine points."

So, while nationally the Tories lead the Liberals 39% to 29% according to this poll, I'm wondering what happens when we remove the Tories' 70% polling in Alberta.

It's amazing how the Liberals are so unpopular in Alberta (17%) and Quebec (20%). What's up?

And in Quebec, what does a seat projection look like if the Tories take over some Bloc ridings? Is Tory popularity in Quebec coming at the expense of Liberal seats? I imagine Liberals could not be any less popular in Quebce than they were last election.

Harper: A Gun To Our Heads

Yesterday was another sad day in the tale of North American gun crime. It is the opportunity for Liberals to reflect citizens' concern and by showing, as representatives, the Liberals are serious about doing their part by seizing the moment to push the government to finalize the gun registry.

Last week, MP Marlene Jennings accused the government of attempting to "confuse people even more, so that they erode support among Canadians for the gun registry and they weaken the registry."

As Ken Dryden said "I hate guns".

To quote this Ottawa Citizen article:

"The Harper government proposed to extend an amnesty for unregistered rifles and shotguns, but at the same time warned gun owners they could be charged if they don't register the weapons and renew licences."

"Following up on an election pledge, the government last June tabled a bill that would repeal a law requiring gun owners to register rifles and shotguns, although a previous registry for handguns and bans on other weapons would remain."

I hope the government and opposition seize this opportunity to limit gun crime in Canada. The Registry is paid for, let's use it!

Congratulations, Dion and May!

I am proud to see Mr. Dion putting his money where his mouth is. Progressive voters can be more comfortable voting for the Liberals from this day, knowing that it's not just the same old boys' game of promising action but never delivering.

As a progressive voter, I am always split at election time in a riding that swings between Tories and Liberals. Do I vote for Liberals who won't rock the boat but (unless forced) won't take action? Or, do I vote for a progressive party like the Greens to show where I want the country to go, but risk letting a Tory win?

Today, I can vote Liberal with a clear conscience. I hope the Liberal family realizes that I represent a good proportion of the voter pool.

Alarm bells are ringing at the Tory Fear Factory!


PS - Greens who oppose this move either don't believe in their most effective leader or are smoking crack. They are established as a political party, they have to win a seat and must be pragmatic about how to do that. If they want to be a political action group then stop running candidates.

What does 30 mean to you?

What does the -30- at the bottom of press releases mean?

I use to think it was an internal reference, like Page 30 in this year's volume of press releases, but my brain slowly realized that everyone can't be on the same page.

Please help.

By-election Fever!

Oh, here it is... I noticed this at the bottom of a Canadian Press article today:

"The Tories will wait to call an election in order to gauge their support in Quebec through federal three byelections, said a report published Wednesday in Montreal La Presse.

Two ridings — one in Montreal and one east of the city — are currently vacant. Another riding in the Lac St-Jean region, north of Quebec City, will open up in June when Bloc Quebecois MP Michel Gauthier steps down."

So we, political junkies, who need something when playoff games are not on, can start getting excite about a Quebec mini-election. Oh, better than any SES poll, how exciting.

Sinestra's blog entry has already beat me to it in getting the party started.