Political Insider: Insightful Canadian Political Information

Harassment on the Hill-Tough Questions need to be Asked! #bcpoli #canpoli

There are some tough questions that need to be asked.

Sexual harassment is a terrible thing and should be dealt with swiftly and harshly.

Everybody has the right to a stress free workplace and life.

It is also no small mystery that sexual harassment purports to occur in the house on the hill in Ottawa. The environment is there and it needs to be fixed.

We have all read versions in biographies over the years just as we have all read the stories when the NDP first swept the province of Quebec they did it with Jack’s army of young youthful candidates in their twenties and thirties.

We have also read the stories of all the marriages that have not survived life on the hill.

This blog piece is written to discuss not what happened but what I think is a glaring lack of investigative reporting relating to these cases.

What I can’t figure out in the cases that have been reported on this week is why the NDP MP went to Trudeau.

I get that she was sitting next to him on a bus.I get that this is a personal issue.

I cannot fathom why on earth the MP did not bring it up with the NDP Whip or the Party’s leader before she talked to Trudeau.

This is also a big political issue .

To Wit:

You are fighting tooth and nail for every vote,every piece of ground you can get before the next election in 2015.

Why would you not go to your party’s brass and tell them what happened and get some direction ( Leadership) on what steps to take?

Unless she did and they did nothing about it.

For what it’s worth I find it hard to believe that Mulcair and company would sweep it under the carpet.

It is also just as unbelievable that they would counsel her to speak to Trudeau at the first available opportunity.

More likely had the upper echelon of the NDP been involved there would have been a meeting involving the whips and the complainants dealing with the issue with the added instruction of not going public being expressed clearly.

The matter could have been dealt with in a less public forum through to conclusion saving the complainants from as we have heard been harassed twice.

That doesn’t appear to be what happened.

It seems that the complainant went straight to Trudeau.

If that is in fact what happened I think we have a right to know why?

If she did approach her own party brass and they did nothing we also have the right to know why not.

After all in less than a year you will be asked to vote on leadership and isn’t this what this is about?

The Disintegration of the Left! #bcpol #canpoli #uspoli

All over North America the left is in Trouble!

Unless something shocking happens in the US Mid Terms the Republicans will get the required number of seats ( 5) and control the Senate and we can get on with the last of Lame duck Obama’s lame duck mandate.

This will make for a woeful week for left-wing parties and government in this continent.

To wit: Monday 5 ministers resigned from the NDP Manitoba cabinet.

This says either the Premier of Manitoba is a lousy leader or they think their current tax and grab policy will not work or both.

In Ontario the name calling has already stared and if I were a betting man I would say no way to Andrea Horwath being leader of the Ontario NDP going into the next election 4 years hence.

In my province of BC most people would be hard pressed to name the Leader of the NDP even though our current BC Liberal Government has given them ample opportunity to make hay on various issues. ( I love my LNG sung to the beat of I love my MTV)

The answer if you are wondering is John Horgan who is a smart guy who for some reason doesn’t seem to be resonating with the voting public.

Federally in this country the NDP is doing a bit of a death spiral of its own not gaining any traction with the public in recent polls.

In fact if an election were held right now ( It won’t) they would most likely be sha na na’d right out of their so-called Quebec strong hold.

Soon there will be more or less no left leaning governments nor will there be a left leaning NDP opposition.

Can it get any worse for those on the left of the political spectrum?

Who Wins the Political Insider Coveted Thanksgiving Turkey Award? #bcpol #canpoli #uspoli

On Occasion I hand out the Political Insider coveted Bonehead of the Month Award and well it’s Thanksgiving weekend so why not hand out a brand spanking new Political Insider Thanksgiving Turkey award.

I know most readers think that this is a slam dunk and that Justin Trudeau will win because he had a lousy week and he is in way over his head.

I have to admit he had his hand on the trophy and just when I thought the award was his he was beaten by a nose by Monica Hargrove.

I can hear it now ;what ,who is Monica what party does she belong to?

Just because I write a political blog doesn’t mean all the awards have to go to politicians.

Monica, bless her heart lives in Columbus Ohio , and wins the award on a number of fronts.

The local police as do police in many locations post on Facebook and newspapers outstanding warrants in hope the public will call and help them apprehend these fugitives.

In this case dear Monica was wanted for armed robbery.

Did the police get a call on Monica?

Yes ,Monica herself called because she was upset at the picture the police used because it wasn’t very flattering.

( if you are thinking smart police,they traced her cell phone and arrested her read on)

The police person who answered the call listened and said that if she didn’t like the picture ” she should come down to the station and we can talk about changing it.”

Monica came immediately and was arrested on the spot.

For this she bests Justin Trudeau for the Thanksgiving Turkey award.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving everybody!

Blowing a Lead in the Polls, The Olivia Chow Story! #onpoli #canpoli #bcpoli

All the talk lately in Ontario has been about how Olivia Chow has blown her lead in the polls in the run up to the Ontario election.

I remind people the election isn’t for another 10 days and we won’t really know if she has blown it until the night of the 15th.

But if she has here is my take on why that might have happened.

If you recall in August there was the incident regarding the so-called tweet from Warren Kinsella and all the nonsense about it being racist.

That was Chow’s moment to shine and show the people of Toronto she was a leader.

She should have gotten out in front of it herself and not sent Jamey Heath out to take care of it.

I believe in that moment she showed the good folks of TO she wasn’t a leader.

I mean let’s face it, that not what Jack Layton would have done would he.

He would have walked out with his big smile and said he made and mistake and asked for forgiveness.

Had Chow done that, she would be ahead.

If she loses she has nobody to blame but her self, the tweet was her moment and she blew it.

Bravo Mr. Prime Minister! #canpoli #bcpoli

I had occasion to chat with a few folks from the PMO following the recent summer barbecue here in Langley.

After the Prime Minister’s speech we chatted about the stuff worth taking home from that oration.

For my two cents I told the folks that I think most people know that Trudeau is in over his head and when push comes to shove they won’t vote for him as long as we promote our good record.

Today,Prime Minister Harper made a speech and did just that.

By no means an I saying he did that because I said so.

He did that because it’s the right thing to do.

Prime Minister Harper has always been Here for Canada.

Today, once again he proved it and made me proud.

Tako van Popta to Run in Cloverdale-Langley City? #bcpoli #canpoli #Surreypoli

Will Tako van Popta’s entry into the Cloverdale-Langley City Conservative Eda wipe the smile off of Mike Garisto”s Face?

Rumor on the street today is that Tako van Popta is getting ready to announce he is adding his name to the growing list of candidates running in Cloverdale-Langley City Electoral District.

That would be interesting in that as recently as Thursday night it appeared to many eyes at a Surrey Fundraiser that van Popta was part of the Mike Garisto team.

For those that don’t know, Garisto is also a candidate running for the federal nomination in that very same riding.

Could this spell trouble in the Mike Garisto Camp?

Astute readers of Political Insider will recall I had discussed this possibility back in 2013

This is shaping up to be a very interesting nomination battle.

I wonder who might enter next?

John Ibbitson,Election 2015 and the polls! #bcpoli #canpoli #canada #election2015

Which Emery will give Trudeau the most Grief?

It’s the Economy Stupid!

Doesn’t matter what election or where; all elections are fought on the economy.

In 2015, assuming we have not had a visit from Mad Max by then, the Canadian federal election will be fought on the economy and as John Ibbitson quite rightly says world events will influence that election as never before.

What nobody can tell you today is what the world will look like in October 2015 and that includes pollsters.

I don’t recall a time, in my generation anyways, when the world was as close to boiling over and going to war as it seems they are now.

I remember reading about friend being pitted against friend in the referendums that were held in Quebec. That will be nothing compared to what will happen here if the middle east crisis worsens.You just need to scan Facebook for the stands that people are taking already.

The pollsters would have you think the coming Apocalypse is all about the death of the Conservative party,how they will be relegated to third place. The NDP will rise from the Ashes they say and lo and behold people are polling in favor of the Liberals not because they want Trudeau but because they want to be Liberal.

Pulease…

Between the coming Emery Circus,( you can choose which Emery will give Trudeau the most grief) the Trudeau memoirs and events on the world stage, how would any sane person know what is going to happen in 2015?

The Only pollster in my mind worth his salt is Dimitri Pantazopoulos who recently said “At this point, I won’t say who will win the next election. But only because the question is completely irrelevant.
Let’s see what the next 400 days hold in store for the government and opposition parties.”

I would add and lets see what is in store for the world.

What do you think?

Rumor du Jour: Burnaby Municipal! #bcpoli #burnaby #Corriganhastogo

Rumor on the Street has Dr.Daren Hancott jumping in and leading the charge for the Burnaby First Coaltion efforts to rid the city of long time socialist mayor Derek Corrigan.

Corrigan and crew have been around for 27 painstaking ( read long) years and it seems the good citizens of Burnaby are itching to give him the bum’s rush.

And so they should, the community deserves some fresh ideas and Corrigan has go to go!

Surrey Refusal to fly Pride Flag denies local business hundreds of thousands in economic benefit. #holycow #missedchance #ferriswheel #surrey #bcpoli #canpoli #pride #itsrasodetime

What’s the Cost to Surrey of not Flying this Flag?

Today we have an excellent piece written by special guest blogger,Martin Rooney,detailing the economic impact of not flying the Pride Flag in Surrey.

So we have had the conversation about the social impact of raising and flying the Pride Flag at Surrey City Hall; (the statement that Surrey is open to the GLBT business community, that Surrey is embracing of the GLBT community by offering space that might facilitate an ever-growing youth population that is intolerant of labels and so on..) that has apparently fallen on deaf ears.
So now let us take a look at the potential economic positives of embracing flying the Pride Flag and fully embracing the Pride Festival and see if this was to be weekend of events how it could potentially have a positive impact on the city, its businesses and taxpayers…….
New West raised and flew the Pride Flag during the Olympic and Paralympic games on a city flag pole in unison with the National outpouring of support for the GLBT Athletes in Sochi .New Westminster has a fourth flag pole referred to as a friendship pole which is located just east of City Hall in Friendship Park. The City Council has totally embraced NW Pride, closed off Columbia Street for the Festival Day and many local businesses are sponsors/partners of this years Festival. Anticipated economic impact to New West is expected to be north of $500k according the President of Royal City Pride.
Prince George Annual Gay Pride Celebrations across North America are used as major tools to generate economic activity while promoting a right culture and a safe and inclusive community for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Two-Spirited, Queer and Questioning citizens. While in major city centres like Vancouver, Victoria, Toronto etc. are much more likely to see more tourism and local economic activities based on size and location, places like Prince George are in a uniquely different situation and often have to work smarter to create more activity. The Prince George Pride Society has worked very hard to bridge the gap between local businesses and local government as a means to move forward plans to use the Gay Pride Celebrations to generate more economic activity. The positive relationships that have been formed with local business such as Topaz Bead Gallery, SHAGG Romance Enhancement Centres, the Ramada Hotel, etc. have all benefited directly from the ongoing support of our Mayor and Council. ” Due to the nature of our local economic industry drivers and the diversity that exists within a smaller centre like Prince George we recognize that the economic and social success aspects of the Gay Pride Celebration are not mutually exclusive to one relationship or another. In fact it is only from the successful and positive relationships between local government, businesses, labour unions, and other service agencies that the Pride Celebrations in Prince George has survived and flourished over the last 18 years. While the actual economic impact has not been analyzed at this point, we know that these relationships would not have been continued if the economic relationship was not successful”. (Valentine Crawford – PG Pride)
Victoria and other cities hosting Pride have not surveyed the record of economic impact known at time of writing; there was no need to, it is however apparent that positive economic impact occurred as these cities continue to host Pride events. Trina Mousseau (Tourism Victoria) reports that there is a huge positive economic impact to embracing Pride in Victoria. People frequent local bars, stores and spend money, as they are having fun. The Legislature flies the Pride Flag as does the city and down by the inner harbour. Quote “The Pride Parade has significant economic impact to Victoria. It is a day where thousands of people fill our streets, restaurants and shops, spending money while showing their support for our vibrant LGBTQ community.”
Vancouver flew the Pride Flag in support of the Sochi Athletes and flies the Pride Flag at City Hall, has banners throughout the west end, has side walks painted in the rainbow colours, and this year on the “flag island” at the foot of Davie and Denman, is flying 6 trans pride flags and 6 rainbow pride flags. This is the first year that Vancouver Pride Parade has become an official civic event and the estimated economic impact to the Vancouver economy is $30 M according to the VPS General Manager Ray Lam – yes MILLION generated over week-long celebrations. Attendance at the Parade in 2013 was some 500,000 people line the route.(source Global TV). Vancouver is also advertised worldwide as a tourist destination for GLBT Travel.
A historic first for North America with Toronto having just hosted the first ever World Pride in North America. Despite the lack of support both visible and apparent from Mayor Rob Ford. the scenes of Canada’s largest city embracing millions or people from across the Globe proud of who they are, was amazing. There was also a human rights conference attached to the World Pride events,
The economic impact of the willingness to fly the Pride flag on municipal flag poles and embrace Pride Parades and/or festivals has served many Canadian cities well. Imagine the potential economic impact of Surrey Pride if the city was to embrace the Flag and look at placing the festival to “open” Fusion Festival week. Holland Park would be full two weekends in a row, and the economic impact could be astounding to the local businesses.
So what is the city of Surrey doing to embrace a potentially large positive economic impact of Pride to its residents?
Refusing to fly the Pride Flag and “sponsoring” the Pride Festival to the tune of $1,000! yes $1,000 does not send a positive message to the Pride and business communities in Surrey or around the world for that matter.
Whether it be a 4th flag pole or amend the recent flag Protocol it might be advisable to take a proactive approach and live the motto – “The Future Lives Here”.

Of Flags and Ferris Wheels #surrey #bcpoli #pride #itsrasodetime

The Flag everybody id talking about! — The Flag they wouldn’t fly out front of Surrey city hall flies on my blog!

In the last week or so much kerfuffle has arisen form the controversial decision by Surrey Cit Council ( Read Surrey First and their wanna be Mayor Linda Hepner) to refuse to fly the Pride flag on a pole outside Surrey City hall.

Instead in what they think is a movement of political correctness they allowed the Pride folks to set up an exhibit inside the new City hall in the back of the foyer away from the elevators here it would be hard to see.

In case you have never been to New Surrey City hall it is an expensive white elephant everybody has been talking about lately with respect to the huge waste of money that could have been better spent elsewhere.

How hard would it have been to take the flag and fly it on the flag pole underneath the Surrey City flag.

For those folks in the Pride group which is comprised of people that are Gay,Lesbian,Bi-sexual and Transgender ( GLBT) this must seem like a step back.

After all it has taken them quite awhile to get out of the closet without being persecuted so to speak and now be asked to step back in . ( metaphorically speaking the new city hall represents in a way an expensive closet).

A little planning and foresight at the beginning would have allowed for a forth flag pole so that all community activities could have been represented out in front of the city hall.

That for me would be inclusion and a way to connect with the people.

What a wasted opportunity!

Which now brings us to Ferris wheels and back to wanna be Mayor Hepner.

About the same time this was going on she announced her intention to run for Mayor.

She also announced she wanted to put in a Ferris wheel.

This on the heels of the Surrey First/Hepner argument that a fourth flag pole would have been too expensive. ( Full disclaimer here folks : I haven’t shopped for either but I would bet the farm and the farmer that a Ferris wheel costs a tad more than a flag pole!)

Part of her reasoning would be that it would get children a fair like experience in an area known as Bridgeview.

News flash for Linda and her crew ; There are a large number of those same children in the lower mainland, part of which is Surrey that includes kids in The GLBT group who would have been served exponentially had a Pride flag been flown out in full view where they could have seen it.

Sure a Ferris wheel would give a kid a bit of instant gratification but a flag flown shows a victory earned and a colossal sign of strength.

Just ask any Vimy Ridge veteran.

It would have made these kids feel an important part of the community.

It would have said to them, you matter.

To me they do and that is why the flag flies on my blog.