The day I have waited for 10 years.

[CaptainCrunch]

Originally Posted by WilsonFourTwo

So I am typically a Conservative voter, but didn't vote for the party in the last 2 elections.

I sincerely believe that the Harper/Flaherty pairing (supported by Dodge at the Bank of Canada) was a terrific combination early on, and specifically to get us through 2008 banking crisis.

The past few years have been more about things like war, terrorism, and C-51.....things I don't really align with my personal stances. And with that being the clear focus/direction of Mr. Harper and the party, it's time to part ways.

I found this funny...

CBC Article

Harper sends the Public Service a letter saying ""It has been an honour to serve as prime minister of the greatest country in the world and I will always be grateful for the support of Canada's world-class public service."

The Union replies with ""The work that public service workers do on behalf of Canadians day in and day out is invaluable. It is unfortunate that the Conservative government was not able to recognize the important contribution of public service workers during their mandate"

Geez.

And this is one of the biggest reasons that I hate government unions. I still think that the Liberals and the NDP don't have to run negative advertising during their campaign because the unions do it for them.

You would think that the Unions would love Harper because he increased the size of the Public service while he was in power, but they frankly want a ruling seat at the table of government.

[trumpethead]

Originally Posted by combustiblefuel

If you have valid reasons to why you believe he was so great then you can share them .

Well seeing as how you have waited 10 years for this glorious day, how about you start us off by telling us all the reasons you hate him.

[ken0042]

Guys (and gals), I think that 6 pages is enough piling on. There has been some good discussion in there as well, so I don't want to shut the thread down. However it seems pretty clear that most people disagree, or think the OP is hyperbolizing.

[DuffMan]

I also think Harper surrounded himself with some very capable people, I hope JT is able to do the same.

[longsuffering]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

Such a stupid thread op and I was embarrassed for this board that someone who's not a member would see it.

Frankly if I was (and I was tempted just to see the reaction) put up a thread with the title the day I have dreaded for 8 years has finally arrived. Then put up a post about how Trudeau is going to be the dumbest and worst prime minister in the history of this country, I would effectively have my skull caved in by the good members of this board.

Quit trying so hard Captain. You're becoming a more than a bit of drama queen.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by WilsonFourTwo

So I am typically a Conservative voter, but didn't vote for the party in the last 2 elections.

I sincerely believe that the Harper/Flaherty pairing (supported by Dodge at the Bank of Canada) was a terrific combination early on, and specifically to get us through 2008 banking crisis.

The past few years have been more about things like war, terrorism, and C-51.....things I don't really align with my personal stances. And with that being the clear focus/direction of Mr. Harper and the party, it's time to part ways.

I found this funny...

CBC Article

Harper sends the Public Service a letter saying ""It has been an honour to serve as prime minister of the greatest country in the world and I will always be grateful for the support of Canada's world-class public service."

The Union replies with ""The work that public service workers do on behalf of Canadians day in and day out is invaluable. It is unfortunate that the Conservative government was not able to recognize the important contribution of public service workers during their mandate"

Geez.

Wow. The public service sector needs a serious slap across the face as a wake-up call.

[automaton 3]

Originally Posted by DuffMan

I also think Harper surrounded himself with some very capable people, I hope JT is able to do the same.

This. And I hope he listens to them.

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by Locke

Wow. The public service sector needs a serious slap across the face as a wake-up call.

Public service is not the sector that needs a slap in the face, they've been getting one in Alberta and Canada for years.

Like Unions or not (and most conservatives don't), unions are not what has been cannibalising the Canadian economy with very little benefit.

[Buster]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

Public service is not the sector that needs a slap in the face, they've been getting one in Alberta and Canada for years.

Like Unions or not (and most conservatives don't), unions are not what has been cannibalising the Canadian economy with very little benefit.

Public service unions have been using a very privileged position to enrich themselves, gut our budgets, and generally manipulate our democratic/political system.

They are a function of the Big State, and along with corporatism (Bombardier et al), are as big a threat as we have to a smoothly functioning society. Probably the biggest.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

Public service is not the sector that needs a slap in the face, they've been getting one in Alberta and Canada for years.

Like Unions or not (and most conservatives don't), unions are not what has been cannibalising the Canadian economy with very little benefit.

They certainly have. Right now the public sector has been putting on a clinic of how to do less with more.

Ever since Klein left more and more money goes into the public sector with every passing budget, it never goes down and yet nothing improves.

Surely because they need more money, because thats the key driver for efficiency.

[CorsiHockeyLeague]

I am curious, Pepsifree, what you think HAS been "cannibalising the Canadian economy with very little benefit." I suspect your answer will be... well, let's not spoil it.

[Coach]

Originally Posted by Locke

They certainly have. Right now the public sector has been putting on a clinic of how to do less with more.

Ever since Klein left more and more money goes into the public sector with every passing budget, it never goes down and yet nothing improves.

Surely because they need more money, because thats the key driver for efficiency.

I agree with you, but I have to say the bolded really bothers me coming from Con supporters. Most are perfectly happy to throw money at people and institutions that don't need it through tax breaks and corporate bail outs, citing exactly what you just said, but in an unsarcastic way: That private-sector profit drives innovation and therefore, efficiency; and that more in the hands of wealthy job-creators means they create more jobs.

I don't think this is true in either case. Throwing more money at either sector does nothing for efficiency. Cutting out non-essential processes and personnel (as O&G here is being forced to do now) improves efficiency. Throwing money at either sector WHILE cutting inefficiencies improves efficiency AND prosperity within that sector.

The problem is neither side (meaning people in general) do this. Why cut people and make processes efficient when you don't NEED to? Unless some outside force obligates someone (or thing) to do so, they're just not going to give up wealth for the sake of efficiency. The private sector has market forces that tend to do this for them. Unfortunately, the public sector really only has our voice as incentive, and as an individual it's a small voice, and that's why unions and lobbyists pop up. Those things are born out of necessity, but they've become a large hindrance to progress either way, really just out of greed. But that's a human problem, don't pretend like one side is any worse than the other in this regard. The difference is, we (the public who is not involved in either) can affect what the government does (or are supposed to be able to) but we have no say in the operation of individual corporations. The government is supposed to be our union. If that's failing, it's up to us to change it.

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by Locke

They certainly have. Right now the public sector has been putting on a clinic of how to do less with more.

Ever since Klein left more and more money goes into the public sector with every passing budget, it never goes down and yet nothing improves.

Surely because they need more money, because thats the key driver for efficiency.

Interesting you mention Klein. He is most definitely sharing fault for the current situation, as had he not made such drastic and poorly thought out cuts, the pendulum wouldn't have to swing so far the other way. He raped public service and did incredible damage in the name of low-debt and "Ralph bucks". Klein was one of the worst things to happen to this province.

Public service is always going to up with population growth. More public, more service needed. It's oversimplified but true.

The idea that they're doing "less with more" needs supported evidence for the point you're trying to make.

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by CorsiHockeyLeague

I am curious, Pepsifree, what you think HAS been "cannibalising the Canadian economy with very little benefit." I suspect your answer will be... well, let's not spoil it.

Smug! But I'll be happy to answer anyway:

Our government's misuse of natural resources over the past 50 years.

I don't even know how to fix it at this point honestly, I don't know how hammering on the private industries that are mining these resources is going to fix the situation without damaging other areas.

[llwhiteoutll]

Maybe more front line staff, but places like AHS need to cut the middle management.

Canada Post needs to phase out door to door delivery, for some reason this was a huge issue for a lot of people, despite the relatively small number of people it impacts. It's a cost and a burden that isn't needed, but will now be incurred to protect low-skill, unionized labor jobs.

[CorsiHockeyLeague]

I am shocked to hear that you think the natural resource sector is the problem in this country, sir.

Shocked.

[Fire of the Phoenix]

Imagine if everyone talked to each other as rudely in real life as some do on the internet?

It would be considered a good day if you managed to make it until bedtime without getting punched in the face.

[Coach]

Originally Posted by CorsiHockeyLeague

I am shocked to hear that you think the natural resource sector is the problem in this country, sir.

Shocked.

Not sure where anyone has suggested that.

There is no "the" problem. There is an array of problems, just like anywhere.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by ken0042

Guys (and gals), I think that 6 pages is enough piling on. .

Got it, going forward 6 pages will be the limit for piling on.

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by CorsiHockeyLeague

I am shocked to hear that you think the natural resource sector is the problem in this country, sir.

Shocked.

As Matty said, there is no one problem. There is not "the" problem. Find that problem and we all win. One solution is easier than 100.

And along the thought whiteout presented: the problem with the public sector isnt the amount of money but where the money goes. The problem historically is, like a lot of areas, just because you cut the budget doesn't mean that the right cuts get made. The public sector deserves the money it receives, it's where that money ends up down the line that causes problems.

Ever seen Newsroom?
"Snark is the idiot's version of wit, and we're being polluted by it."

I've said what I think. What do you think?