re: #4 wheat-dogghazi

I know nothing of Canadian politics, but I do understand Harper would probably feel right at home at a Tea Party gathering. I assume Canada follows Westminster rules, so Harper can’t stay in office indefinitely, right?

Incorrect on the former, he is a pragmatic conservative. I think he opposes abortions but he is unwilling to make any changes to the abortion laws. He strengthened the rights of gay marriages abroad by allowing them to get divorced in Canada. Does that sound like a tea party member to you?

He can stay in power as long as he wins elections, he does not have to leave the job as PM until he loses an election.

The big issue for many is the opposition parties (read the Liberal Party of Canada) have been unable to find a leader that can compete. Paul Martin, appeared weak and indecisive, Stephane Dion, who would have been a good PM was unable to articulate why he should implement a carbon tax, Michael Ignatieff shared a lot of comparisons to Mitt Romney (expected to win, not really in touch with people). The CPC branded Martin as weak, Dion as willing to sell the country down the river for a carbon tax and Ignatieff as “just visiting”. Justin Trudeau is their latest great hope, and he has demonstrated his disdain for Western Canada too many times to get traction.

Maybe Marc Garneau can win…