Comments on: what happens after prime minister harper? prime minister redford? prime minister mulcair?

By: Tom G

Tom G — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 16:04:51 +0000

I was going to pile on Shane, but Bartinsky covered that nicely.
Only knowing Dave on-line, my impression is he’s the last guy forming sentences who would ever intentionally use a homophobic reference. The political correctness cops are clearly working overtime. “Not that there’s anything wrong with that…”

By: bartinsky

bartinsky — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 04:04:23 +0000

Drugs are not the answer Shane. You longing for a chastity belt on your girlfriend? Check out some quotes from said hero.

By: David J. Climenhagha

David J. Climenhagha — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 02:15:33 +0000

In answer to Martin Levenson’s question, one provincial premier, Charles Tupper, did go on to become prime minister. More details on this case may be found on my blog: http://bit.ly/LZGEp4

By: Shane

Shane — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 18:31:44 +0000

The only way we will ever be truly free is if Danielle Smith is our Prime Minister.

By: Martin Levenson

Martin Levenson — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 15:15:07 +0000

Yeah, jerry, I thought there might be one or two. I believe Sir Charles Tupper is also notable for being the shortest serving Prime Minister, unless Kim Campbell beat him out…

By: jerrymacgp

jerrymacgp — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 15:09:12 +0000

The last Premier to become Prime Minister was Sir Charles Tupper, of Nova Scotia, back in the late 19th century, after Sir John A.

As for Harper’s longevity as Conservative Leader and PM, I think if he wins the next election, he will stick around a few more years; if he loses, he will not want to stay on as Opposition Leader very long at all, and he will jump ship.

By: bartinsky

bartinsky — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 03:48:27 +0000

Mulcair looks like he smells a dirty diaper, but is to stupid to realize it is his own.

By: Suzanne

Suzanne — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 17:12:35 +0000

There also hasn’t been a PM who has held office more than 9 or 10 years in a very long time. 2015 would be 9 yrs for Mr. Harper. Given the lack of popularity in most parts of Canada, it would take a massive change in direction for people to start to support Harper again. This seems unlikely for two reasons. 1) He has been waiting to do things this way for a long time 2) changing direction would show weakness and lack of direction. So, it seems likely Harper will lose next election.

By: Jon Adams

Jon Adams — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 17:03:05 +0000

Martin raises a good point, and let me add the example of one Bob Rae, who entered federal politics with all the baggage of his time as provincial leader trailing behind him. Also, Stockwell Day and some poorly timed letters.

Federal politics, in my opinion, requires a clean slate; at least you can stand on your record in the context of Parliament.

By: daveberta

daveberta — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 16:58:52 +0000

Martin – Thanks for the comment. I don’t believe Canada has had a Premier become Prime Minister in a very long time. That said, it could happen.

Trying to cobble a national support base seems to be a problem that all leaders have in this country.

- Dave

By: daveberta

daveberta — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 16:56:48 +0000

Hi Marc and Neal – I didn’t realize using the word “limp-wristed” would be such a big deal. I’ve changed it to “weak.”

- Dave

By: Martin Levenson

Martin Levenson — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 15:43:36 +0000

Correct me if I’m wrong (I’m sure you will!), but I don’t believe ANY provincial premier has gone on to become federal prime minister.

Especially in today’s climate where significant financial support is a necessity for success in politices, the support base for a premier expects that the premier will defend its interests against extra-provincial interests. Trying to cobble together a NATIONAL support base is difficult while doing this.