"Next Canadian PM: Why should I vote for you?"

[kelvin]

Select a candidate and state why you would think so.

• Stephen Harper / Conservative Party
  
• Stephane Dion / Liberal Party
  
• Jack Layton / New Democratic Party
  
• Elizabeth May / Green Party
  
• Gilles Duceppe / Bloc Quebecois
  
• Other
  

[will]

I'm still quite undecided, but for now, I'm leaning towards Layton.

My reason: the key thing being he knows more about minority issues on a personal level (with Olivia Chow). In addition, with him being from Toronto, he knows about the urban city and the importance of infrastructure investment.

To play devil's advocate on my own choice, the only concern is that I hope he doesn't go too far against the big businesses (because that may equate to jobs transplanted out of Canada to most likely back to US or Mexico). Also, I think most Canadians fear that with NDP being in power, they will focus too heavily on social programs and kill the economy by taxing the big businesses to death. Balance is key!

On a more macro/global level, my vote goes to Layton because through the debate, he shows leadership and confidence. A trait needed on the global stage. Furthermore, (not to imply pro-Chinese views), but with the inevitable shift in global power in the coming years towards China, Layton's (and Olivia's) understanding of "other" cultures will be an asset to creating positive trade relations with China and other countries.

So, i'm willing to put a gamble with the NDP party this time round, like the US, i think it's time for a "change" in Canada too!

[kelvin]

I've narrowed down my choices to Liberal or NDP. I still believe that the Conservative Party is still predominantly the Canadian Alliance under disguise as a centrist-right party. If you want a centrist-right party, the Progressive Canadian Party is comprised of former PC party members opposed to the merger with the Alliance party.

Green Party is still very raw and that reflects into the leader as well. However, they hold an importance to bring things to the table and could translate their policies into the other parties. Maybe next time.

I've had an issue with many things the Conservatives have done during their term. These are just a few:

-Military spending has ballooned and Canadians have to foot the $18 billion tab. No real plan to support the troops when they get back from their tour of duty. Liberals and NDP seem to have a platform to provide assistance for soldiers when they come back.

-Push for deregulation and allowing the free markets to dictate. This conservative policy I believe is what got us in this mess in the first place. Take a look at the rest of the world and you'll see that conservative-ruled governments are all affected.

-Income trust tax pledge. Broken within 8-months. With baby boomers depending on their retirement funds, this was a huge blow and now with the latest market turmoil, youth and new grads will be fighting for full-time AND part-time jobs with seniors.

-Cadman & Maxime Bernier affairs. Look up the debacle behind these incidents.

-Handling of the Listeria crisis. Slow response to crisis. Agriculture minister Ritz cracking jokes about "cold cuts" in a time where sensitivity is warranted with people dying. Health Minister Tony Clemente absence.

-Muffling the MP's on occasion so that they won't slip up on record to show their true colours.

-Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America. What is this? Why haven't we heard much about this? Why aren't the other parties calling out about this?

-Not Ontario friendly. I found it troubling that the finance minister said on record that Ontario is the last place to do business. Not really a ringing endorsement for international trade especially when the manufacturing sector is taking a huge blow here.

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I'd give my support for Layton but my concerns is that they may not be able to balance the budget and I could see the same scenario that happened to Ontario when Rae ran things. Bad economic times and no experience running the whole show. Plus he has been harsh on big businesses and that may take some jobs out of the country. I do like the fact as you mentioned Will that he can connect on minority issues and with urban cities being a former Toronto councillor.

Despite Dion's shortcomings in the public eye, his platform is sound and I will admit, the green shift strategy is the way to go. I've been hit in the wallet with gas prices and there is no way this can sustain no matter how much prices can be cut. I'm considering to trade in my gas guzzler for an eco-friendly car. Liberals have a stronger cabinet and good experience behind them. Liberals say that they will provide $10B towards infrastructure. We desperately need this for public transit and for our major cities.

Well looks like I'm leaning towards Liberal after this small analysis & rant.

[kelvin]

Lowest voter turnout in Confederation history. I guess from now on when I hear someone complain, the very first thing I'll ask is if they voted in the last election. If I hear something like, "well my vote wouldn't of mattered anyways" or "what's the point, they are all the same". Yes some of that may be true but that is exactly perpetuating the problems that exists.

Why do I feel the same way about the Conservatives as I did when they merged? No matter how hard I try to give them a chance, I just see mistakes after mistakes. May it be public gaffes or bad policy.

Looks like Elizabeth May made a huge mistake. I should have looked into this more before but I didn't think she lacked that much political acuity to run against McKay in Central Nova? Can you make it any more difficult on yourself? I like her but dang, no more leadership debates for Green Party until they get some seats. Even independents have more seats than Green.

If Jack and NDP can reach the milestone of at least 43 seats next time around, well we may very well see him finishing his career as a strong oppositon or PM with strong momentum.

I wouldn't mind giving Dion another chance. Out of all the leaders, he is the only one I would trust the most to do what's best for ALL Canadians. The Liberal Cabinet would have been so much stronger and experienced compared to the Conservatives especially during these uncertain times. We'll see if he stays or not. Next person I'd think is best as leader would be in this order. 1) Rae 2) Kennedy 3) Ignatieff.

Anyways, I'll see everybody at the polls in 18months!