Canadian Federal Politics Thread v5

[Ironhorse]

Originally Posted by MrButtons

Big fan of the big dog Dr. Dewald and I think he nailed it https://calgaryherald.com/opinion/co...-collaboration

In terms of federal elections, Quebec offers a compelling case study in how a province can wield significant influence within Canada. In contrast to Alberta’s narrow, one-party voting pattern, Quebec strategically aligns its votes to maximize its leverage. Throughout Canadian history, Quebec has demonstrated a remarkable ability to support different parties depending on which best serves its interests at that time. For example, Brian Mulroney’s Conservative victories in the 1980s were heavily reliant on strong support from Quebec.

Quebec having twice as many seats as Alberta in the HoC (78 / 23% vs 37 / 11%) makes that a teeny bit easier for Quebec I think...

[TheIronMaiden]

Originally Posted by Ironhorse

Quebec having twice as many seats as Alberta in the HoC (78 / 23% vs 37 / 11%) makes that a teeny bit easier for Quebec I think...

Quebec has 1 member of the house of commons for every 108,998 voters, while Alberta has 1 for every 115,206.

Representation isn't the issue.

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by Ironhorse

Quebec having twice as many seats as Alberta in the HoC (78 / 23% vs 37 / 11%) makes that a teeny bit easier for Quebec I think...

Almost as if Quebec has a larger population than Alberta. Crazy.

[TheIronMaiden]

If I were asking for reform, it would be to reduce PEI to 2 ridings. One election official for every 38,583 voters is silly.

[iggy_oi]

Originally Posted by TheIronMaiden

Quebec has 1 member of the house of commons for every 108,998 voters, while Alberta has 1 for every 115,206.

Representation isn't the issue.

I believe Saskatchewan has 1 seat for every 90k voters or so, but for some reason I rarely hear Albertans bring them up before Quebec.

[bizaro86]

Originally Posted by TheIronMaiden

If I were asking for reform, it would be to reduce PEI to 2 ridings. One election official for every 38,583 voters is silly.

If you're changing allocations I'd start in the Senate.

Alberta's polulation exceeds the combined population of the 4 Atlantic provinces. It's actually getting close to double their combined population.

They have 30 senators and we have 6.

[Ironhorse]

Originally Posted by TheIronMaiden

Quebec has 1 member of the house of commons for every 108,998 voters, while Alberta has 1 for every 115,206.

Representation isn't the issue.

Originally Posted by rubecube

Almost as if Quebec has a larger population than Alberta. Crazy.

My point wasn't based on how many seats vs. population per seat. It is just easier for Quebec to influence elections *because* they have so many seats (71 because of their population, plus 7 grandfathered, wtf is that?).

[Scroopy Noopers]

Originally Posted by iggy_oi

I believe Saskatchewan has 1 seat for every 90k voters or so, but for some reason I rarely hear Albertans bring them up before Quebec.

It’s because they don’t really care about that. What they really think is: we live all the way over here and want more say, it doesn’t matter how many people we have.

[Fuzz]

Originally Posted by TheIronMaiden

If I were asking for reform, it would be to reduce PEI to 2 ridings. One election official for every 38,583 voters is silly.

Sometimes you are just stuck with stuff like that. NWT, Yukon and Nunavut have similar representations. But I don't think you could ever get away with combining them. PEI had the Confederation thing. It's not ideal, but I think we just live with those few outliers and not worry too much.

[Leeman4Gilmour]

Originally Posted by Ironhorse

Quebec having twice as many seats as Alberta in the HoC (78 / 23% vs 37 / 11%) makes that a teeny bit easier for Quebec I think...

I think Quebec having a National party dedicated to Quebec and Quebec alone, makes it a teeny bit easier for them to influence national politics. The Bloc isn't killing it like they did earlier this century, but they are doing well enough to tip the scales. Especially, this go round.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by bizaro86

If you're changing allocations I'd start in the Senate.

Alberta's polulation exceeds the combined population of the 4 Atlantic provinces. It's actually getting close to double their combined population.

They have 30 senators and we have 6.

Your post sparked me to check on provincial populations and it's kind of interesting that basically most of the country's population resides in 4 provinces and Alberta is tracking to surpass BC as early as late next decade. I would have to think one day Alberta may surpass Quebec in population although maybe not in the lifetimes of many of us.

[D as in David]

Originally Posted by #-3

Don't we deserve it?

I only have less 200 contacts on facebook, because I don't really cultivate that type of network, and in 24 hours post election I have seen no fewer than 12 different people ~7-8% post some combination of lets separate, #### Carney, or we're all doomed when they turn off the gas...

This is exactly what Canadians deserve, on this board thread alone I have been accused of being delusional for providing evidence (from the Fraser Institute) and the conservatives have no history of managing our national debt effectively. A substantial share of of Canadians 20%+ are off the deep end with their expectations of what is possible and what should be done within politics, the economy... and Poilievre faithfully represents them.

Yes I have a facebook account I'm an elder millennial.

We'll forgive you.

[PeteMoss]

Originally Posted by MrButtons

Big fan of the big dog Dr. Dewald and I think he nailed it https://calgaryherald.com/opinion/co...-collaboration

There's no doubt this is true, although its anything the voters have done. Alberta conservatives have effectively spent ages telling everyone how the feds are screwing the province and only they can defend it. They've got the sim

It worked so well that Saskatchewan jumped on the bandwagon in the past 10-15 years.

Its been super effective for them for decades so why stop. They just have to make sure to not touch the stove and get themselves wrapped into some kind Brexit own goal.

They also now control the federal conservatives where its not nearly as effective which is why you've got this semi-conservative civil war going on between the Eastern Progressive Conservatives premiers and federal Conservative party.

[PeteMoss]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

Your post sparked me to check on provincial populations and it's kind of interesting that basically most of the country's population resides in 4 provinces and Alberta is tracking to surpass BC as early as late next decade. I would have to think one day Alberta may surpass Quebec in population although maybe not in the lifetimes of many of us.

Really depends on oil/resources and climate. If you ignore whatever climate change - oil and the wealth that can come from it is the draw to Alberta. Without oil demand, Quebec would be a bigger draw just because its closer to big population centers so better jobs.

[iggy_oi]

Originally Posted by Scroopy Noopers

It’s because they don’t really care about that. What they really think is: we live all the way over here and want more say, it doesn’t matter how many people we have.

Saskatchewan lives all the way over there and they wanted more say, so checkmate!

[Wolven]

Originally Posted by bizaro86

If you're changing allocations I'd start in the Senate.

Alberta's polulation exceeds the combined population of the 4 Atlantic provinces. It's actually getting close to double their combined population.

They have 30 senators and we have 6.

The NDP had a pretty neat suggestion that they would abolish the Senate as a part of their government reform. They disagree with having a chamber of government that is not elected by the people.

Overall I agree with the idea and find it interesting that the NDP bring the motion forward and the Conservatives and Liberals unite to stop the bill. What I wonder is if NDP plan is to eliminate the Senate permanently or if it should be rebuilt as an elected body that we vote for in line with the normal elections.

[Ashartus]

Originally Posted by Wolven

The NDP had a pretty neat suggestion that they would abolish the Senate as a part of their government reform. They disagree with having a chamber of government that is not elected by the people.

Overall I agree with the idea and find it interesting that the NDP bring the motion forward and the Conservatives and Liberals unite to stop the bill. What I wonder is if NDP plan is to eliminate the Senate permanently or if it should be rebuilt as an elected body that we vote for in line with the normal elections.

I used to like the idea of a triple E senate but over time have concluded that would be a bad idea and actually like an unelected non-partisan senate with a purpose of sober second thought. I.e. the purpose is not to block legislation, but rather(particularly when a populist/ideological government is in power) to be able to ask Parliament to think twice when there are implications they haven't though of. As soon as you have elected senators they would think that gives them a mandate to do more than that.

Unfortunately the non-partisan part doesn't work too well since they are appointed by the sitting PM.

[calgarygeologist]

Originally Posted by Wolven

The NDP had a pretty neat suggestion that they would abolish the Senate as a part of their government reform. They disagree with having a chamber of government that is not elected by the people.

Overall I agree with the idea and find it interesting that the NDP bring the motion forward and the Conservatives and Liberals unite to stop the bill. What I wonder is if NDP plan is to eliminate the Senate permanently or if it should be rebuilt as an elected body that we vote for in line with the normal elections.

What about our system of checks and balances? The NDP wants to remove the Senate which provides a thorough second review of bills before they become law?

[WideReceiver]

Originally Posted by Ped

Sounds like PP has enough support to stay on as leader.


Wow. Blows a huge lead and loses his own riding, but definitely worth trying that again.

Liberals are celebrating. It’s been a good week for them.

[SutterBrother]

Perhaps a 1 for 1 trade would work.

California for Alberta.

Canada gets some great amusement parks and weather, and the economy probably becomes top 3 in the world. Californians get universal heath care.

Alberta gets school shootings, and all the doctors move to California.

How is this a bad plan?