Subject: Daily Digest September 30, 2008

The DAILY DIGEST: INFORMATION and OPINION from ST. JOHN'S to VICTORIA.
ARCHIVED at http://cdndailydigest.blogspot.com/

BELOW(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)

AFGHANISTAN -
The fight goes on, militants tell Pakistan
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/JJ01Df01.html

Defiant military watchdog widens detainee hearings
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/080930/national/cda_afghan_detainees

Pakistan engages the tribes in effort to fight the Taliban
http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2008/09/pakistan_engages_the.php

Karzai pleas for Saudi peace role
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7643959.stm

Fears Over "Islamicisation" of Judiciary
Institute for War & Peace Reporting (09/30/2008)
 
Kidnappers target the rich, influential in Afghanistan
AFP (09/30/2008)
 
The fighting women of Afghanistan
The Guardian, UK (09/30/2008)
 
Taliban Chief Vows Safe Retreat For Foreign Troops -Statement
AFP (09/30/2008)
 
Why the US is losing in Afghanistan
Asia Times (09/30/2008)
 
Karzai seeks Saudi help for Taliban talks
AFP (09/30/2008)
 
Afghanistan Security Degenerated 'Markedly.' Ban Says
Bloomberg (09/30/2008)
 
Karzai Urges Taliban to Hold Peace Talks
VOA (09/30/2008)
 
Kidnapped Afghan diplomat recovered in Pakistan
Reuters (09/29/2008)
 
Pakistan and Afghanistan Unite Against Terrorism
The Wall Street Journal (09/29/2008)
 
Weak government allow Taleban to prosper in Afghanistan
The Times (09/29/2008)
 
Food crisis competes for Afghan "hearts and minds"
Reuters (09/29/2008)
 
UN: 20,000 flee from Pakistan into Afghanistan
The Associated Press (09/29/2008)
 
Taliban leadership denies report of Afghan talks
Reuters (09/29/2008)

What is the plan?
ABC News (09/29/2008)
 
In Afghanistan, hit 'em where they aren't
Christian Science Monitor (09/29/2008)

Election Coverage

• CTV Coverage
• CBC Coverage
• G&M Coverage
• Maclean's Coverage
• Nat-Post Coverage
• Canada.com
• Sun Media
• Canoe

Rae accuses Harper of plagiarizing speech on Iraq
Liberal foreign affairs critic Bob Rae accused Conservative Leader Stephen Harper on Tuesday of plagiarizing a speech from Australian Prime Minister John Howard in a 2003 address in the House of Commons calling for Canadian troops to be deployed to Iraq. MORE...

True Grit nightmare: What if the centre cannot hold?
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Opinion/1081928.html

Liberals try to bushwhack Harper with plagiarism claim
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2008/09/30/neil-hrab-liberals-try-to-bushwhack-harper-with-plagiarism-claim.aspx

VIDEO
http://thechronicleherald.ca/includes/video1.php

Charest outlines Quebec demands to Ottawa, sidesteps constitutional talk

Easter takes on Ritz in agriculture debate
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canadavotes/story/2008/09/30/pe-agriculture-debate.html

Ritz slaps back at his critics
Minister, who made 'tasteless' listeria jokes, blames Liberals for cuts to food-safety system
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080930.RITZ30/TPStory/National

Ritz bolts through back door to avoid grilling on listeriosis
http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5i0kJj_TSQ0ZYHCiaTPR6Xevhcj8A

Absent MP lambasted at all-candidates meeting
http://www.bclocalnews.com/surrey_area/peacearchnews/news/election/29955824.html

All-candidates a misnomer
http://www.bclocalnews.com/surrey_area/peacearchnews/opinion/letters/29956254.html

Tories opened patronage doors before election: records
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080929.wexlnpatron0929/BNStory/politics/home

Wisecracker Ritz missing in action.. MORE...

Martin, Ignatieff pitch from 'centre' MORE...


The wrong leader for bad economic times. MORE...

Jack Layton and the real world MORE...

NDP hoping for a big breakthrough in B.C.. MORE...

Jack Layton's plan would kill Canadian productivity MORE...

Green leader rogue element in debates MORE...

Watch debaters' body lanuguage MORE...

Layton's not in power, but in power's face. MORE...

Leaders up to bat MORE...

Beware The Echo Effect MORE...

The agony of Stéphane Dion MORE...

To Win, Harper Should ... MORE...

A very good week for the Canadian blogosphere MORE...

The carbon tax has come back to haunt B.C.'s Liberals MORE...

Politicians, rally that green courage before it's too late MORE...

The CBC does the right thing MORE...

The CBC's puffin?. MORE...

Tory win could force a merger on the left. MORE...

Road curves, but Harper in driver's seat.. MORE...

Dion slips and slides i. MORE...

Dippers show restraint MORE...

Looking to 'Make History'. MORE...

Iggy Think 101: An introduction to the great man's logic (or lack of it). MORE...

Harper rejects Layton's calls for all-party meeting on finances

Few Canadians will be influenced by leaders' debates: Poll

Gomery denies he pressured Tories to appeal Chretien court ruling

Ritz under renewed fire over listeria outbreak

Ritz was unprepared in listeriosis crisis: sources

Federal surplus reaches almost $10B

CPAC-Nanos Tracking
CP 36, LP 26, NDP 20, GP 9, BQ 9

Harper says no to abortion debate

Food industry not trusted to police itself, poll suggests

Fortier advisor bolts to Liberal opponent

Harper vows 'affordable' sports, arts programs for kids

Lung Association calls on party leaders to talk about environment

Ignatieff warns of 'economic crisis' if Harper wins

Ignatieff slams Harper on economy

Majority movement gains speed as Harper's lead soars

NDP surge slows, Liberals hanging on: poll

Debates will show I'm ready to become PM: Dion

Liberals stale, risky, phoney: poll

Dion set to go on offensive in campaign

Judge who highlighted youth justice flaws pans Tory plan
 
Tories targeting 40 key unheld ridings in Quebec, Ontario

Quebec voters turning away from Harper, poll shows

Politicians make strange bedfellows

Economy suddenly tops election campaign issues

===================================

Subject: Daily Digest September 30, 2008

The DAILY DIGEST: INFORMATION and OPINION from ST. JOHN'S to VICTORIA.
ARCHIVED at http://cdndailydigest.blogspot.com/

BELOW(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)

AFGHANISTAN -
The fight goes on, militants tell Pakistan
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/JJ01Df01.html

Defiant military watchdog widens detainee hearings
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/080930/national/cda_afghan_detainees

Pakistan engages the tribes in effort to fight the Taliban
http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2008/09/pakistan_engages_the.php

Karzai pleas for Saudi peace role
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7643959.stm

Fears Over "Islamicisation" of Judiciary
Institute for War & Peace Reporting (09/30/2008)
 
Kidnappers target the rich, influential in Afghanistan
AFP (09/30/2008)
 
The fighting women of Afghanistan
The Guardian, UK (09/30/2008)
 
Taliban Chief Vows Safe Retreat For Foreign Troops -Statement
AFP (09/30/2008)
 
Why the US is losing in Afghanistan
Asia Times (09/30/2008)
 
Karzai seeks Saudi help for Taliban talks
AFP (09/30/2008)
 
Afghanistan Security Degenerated 'Markedly.' Ban Says
Bloomberg (09/30/2008)
 
Karzai Urges Taliban to Hold Peace Talks
VOA (09/30/2008)
 
Kidnapped Afghan diplomat recovered in Pakistan
Reuters (09/29/2008)
 
Pakistan and Afghanistan Unite Against Terrorism
The Wall Street Journal (09/29/2008)
 
Weak government allow Taleban to prosper in Afghanistan
The Times (09/29/2008)
 
Food crisis competes for Afghan "hearts and minds"
Reuters (09/29/2008)
 
UN: 20,000 flee from Pakistan into Afghanistan
The Associated Press (09/29/2008)
 
Taliban leadership denies report of Afghan talks
Reuters (09/29/2008)

What is the plan?
ABC News (09/29/2008)
 
In Afghanistan, hit 'em where they aren't
Christian Science Monitor (09/29/2008)

Election Coverage

• CTV Coverage
• CBC Coverage
• G&M Coverage
• Maclean's Coverage
• Nat-Post Coverage
• Canada.com
• Sun Media
• Canoe

Rae accuses Harper of plagiarizing speech on Iraq
Liberal foreign affairs critic Bob Rae accused Conservative Leader Stephen Harper on Tuesday of plagiarizing a speech from Australian Prime Minister John Howard in a 2003 address in the House of Commons calling for Canadian troops to be deployed to Iraq. MORE...

True Grit nightmare: What if the centre cannot hold?
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Opinion/1081928.html

Liberals try to bushwhack Harper with plagiarism claim
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2008/09/30/neil-hrab-liberals-try-to-bushwhack-harper-with-plagiarism-claim.aspx

VIDEO
http://thechronicleherald.ca/includes/video1.php

Charest outlines Quebec demands to Ottawa, sidesteps constitutional talk

Easter takes on Ritz in agriculture debate
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canadavotes/story/2008/09/30/pe-agriculture-debate.html

Ritz slaps back at his critics
Minister, who made 'tasteless' listeria jokes, blames Liberals for cuts to food-safety system
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080930.RITZ30/TPStory/National

Ritz bolts through back door to avoid grilling on listeriosis
http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5i0kJj_TSQ0ZYHCiaTPR6Xevhcj8A

Absent MP lambasted at all-candidates meeting
http://www.bclocalnews.com/surrey_area/peacearchnews/news/election/29955824.html

All-candidates a misnomer
http://www.bclocalnews.com/surrey_area/peacearchnews/opinion/letters/29956254.html

Tories opened patronage doors before election: records
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080929.wexlnpatron0929/BNStory/politics/home

Wisecracker Ritz missing in action.. MORE...

Martin, Ignatieff pitch from 'centre' MORE...


The wrong leader for bad economic times. MORE...

Jack Layton and the real world MORE...

NDP hoping for a big breakthrough in B.C.. MORE...

Jack Layton's plan would kill Canadian productivity MORE...

Green leader rogue element in debates MORE...

Watch debaters' body lanuguage MORE...

Layton's not in power, but in power's face. MORE...

Leaders up to bat MORE...

Beware The Echo Effect MORE...

The agony of Stéphane Dion MORE...

To Win, Harper Should ... MORE...

A very good week for the Canadian blogosphere MORE...

The carbon tax has come back to haunt B.C.'s Liberals MORE...

Politicians, rally that green courage before it's too late MORE...

The CBC does the right thing MORE...

The CBC's puffin?. MORE...

Tory win could force a merger on the left. MORE...

Road curves, but Harper in driver's seat.. MORE...

Dion slips and slides i. MORE...

Dippers show restraint MORE...

Looking to 'Make History'. MORE...

Iggy Think 101: An introduction to the great man's logic (or lack of it). MORE...

Harper rejects Layton's calls for all-party meeting on finances

Few Canadians will be influenced by leaders' debates: Poll

Gomery denies he pressured Tories to appeal Chretien court ruling

Ritz under renewed fire over listeria outbreak

Ritz was unprepared in listeriosis crisis: sources

Federal surplus reaches almost $10B

CPAC-Nanos Tracking
CP 36, LP 26, NDP 20, GP 9, BQ 9

Harper says no to abortion debate

Food industry not trusted to police itself, poll suggests

Fortier advisor bolts to Liberal opponent

Harper vows 'affordable' sports, arts programs for kids

Lung Association calls on party leaders to talk about environment

Ignatieff warns of 'economic crisis' if Harper wins

Ignatieff slams Harper on economy

Majority movement gains speed as Harper's lead soars

NDP surge slows, Liberals hanging on: poll

Debates will show I'm ready to become PM: Dion

Liberals stale, risky, phoney: poll

Dion set to go on offensive in campaign

Judge who highlighted youth justice flaws pans Tory plan
 
Tories targeting 40 key unheld ridings in Quebec, Ontario

Quebec voters turning away from Harper, poll shows

Politicians make strange bedfellows

Economy suddenly tops election campaign issues

===================================

Daily Digest September 29, 2008

The DAILY DIGEST: INFORMATION and OPINION from ST. JOHN'S to VICTORIA.
ARCHIVED at http://cdndailydigest.blogspot.com/

BELOW(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)

Minister Ritz In National TV Agriculture Debate on Monday
http://www.cpac.ca/forms/index.asp?dsp=template&act=view3&section_id=1073&template_id=1073&lang=e

There are differences of opinion concerning the single desk policy that has all Western Canadian wheat farmers product marketed through the Canadian Wheat Board .

This issue is not presented to-day for your consider but rather the methodology being used by the current Government of Canada to
achieve its goal of ending the Canadian Wheat Board role as it presently stands.

Two-thirds of the directors of the CWB are elected, Canadian Wheat Board 2008 election of directors http://www.cwbelection.com/

Is it fair or foul ball changes are unilaterally introduced to influence the outcome of the election of five directors that are in process?

Few receiving the Digest are affected by the issue.

All are affected by what is considered as fair means to attaining an end of Government it's been frustrated in achieving by the courts.

         Joe
______
Quote:
Regulations respecting the Election of Directors of the Canadian Wheat Board were changed September 4th, 2008 to remove the previous $10,000 spending restriction on advertising expenses in place for third-party intervenors. The changes were made by an Order In Council September 4th , 2008 as follows: http://www.cwbelection.com/regulationchanges.asp

Questions:
The Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) is a farmer-controlled organization that markets wheat and barley grown by western Canadian producers. Based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the CWB is the largest single seller of wheat and barley in the world, holding more than 20 per cent of the international market. http://www.cwb.ca/public/en/

In a Cabinet briefing document dated August 10, 2006, made public by lawyers representing the CWB during a court hearing in Winnipeg, the Harper Government spelled out a methodical, step-by-step plan to dismantle the Canadian Wheat Board's (CWB) single desk for wheat and barley.  ( Harper's premeditated destruction of the CWB spelled out in secret cabinet documents )

Noted within the cabinet document was a decision that should "as few as three elected directors who favour marketing choice," be elected it "would constitute a majority of the board of directors".

Despite the CWB response to the election spending proposal that third party spending be maintained at $10 000.00 the Order in Council providing for unlimited spending went forward.  It is likely that the cabinet decision reflected their position that the private sector buyers, who can achieve tremendous market control if the CWB's power is curtailed, should be given an advantage in promoting their interests through their huge financial power.

Regulations have been rejigged to achieve the cabinet's goal.

The critical question? Is this fair play or foul?

________________________________________
A second change made without consultation

September 15,2008                                                     Prepared by: Art Macklin
                                                                                                     Anders Bruun

Legal Challenge to Removal of Producers from the CWB Voters List

Section 3.02 of the Canadian Wheat Board Act states "Ten directors are elected by producers in accordance with sections 3.06 to 3.08 and the regulations"

"Producer" and "actual producer" are defined in the CWB Act. An "actual producer" is a "producer actually engaged in the production of grain." A "producer" is defined to include "as well as an actual producer, any person entitled, as landlord, vendor or mortgagee, to the grain grown by an actual producer or to any share therein." Thus, production of grain or entitlement to a share of production are essential requirements which constitute the definition of "producer"                                                                                                            

Delivery to either the CWB or to the non-board market are not factors relevant to the definition of producer. In fact there are numerous circumstances where a person could have delivered grain and not qualify as a producer eg. someone pays off a debt with grain and the creditor then delivers the grain, a speculator buys grain to sell later, someone who was formerly a producer has had grain in storage for a number of years and decides to sell it, someone trades grain for other goods or services to give a few examples.

Subsection 6 (1) of the CWB Election Regulations states "Subject to subsection (2),every producer is entitled to be on the voters list in respect of the electoral in which they produce grain." This is a mandatory provision.
        
Subsection 6 (2) states "A producer who produces grain in more than one electoral district may only be included in one voters list, which is chosen by the producer."

Section 7 of the CWB Election Regulations states "the corporation shall provide the election coordinator with a list of producers who were named in a permit book on the day the list is sent or who were named in a permit book during the previous crop year." This is a mandatory provision.

However Minister Ritz' order of July 23,2008 directs that producers who have not delivered to the CWB in the previous or current crop year be listed in a separate list and "should not automatically be included in the voters list". The Minister does not have lawful authority to issue this order.

Minister Ritz' order indicates that he is purporting to exercise authority given to him under subsection 3.07 of the CWB Act. Subsection 3.07 permits the Minister to give instructions to the CWB on such matters as employing persons to conduct the election,to pay their fees and expenses and to pay the costs of the election. The authority contained in subsection 3.07 is specifically exercisable only  " Subject to the regulations…"  Thus subsection 6 (1) of the CWB Election Regulations quoted above trumps the ministerial order made under subsection 3.07 of the CWB Act.

Issuance of Permit Books

Subsection 26 (1) of the CWB Act  states "Subject to this Act, a producer may require the Corporation to issue a permit book authorizing delivery of grain produced on the land comprising the farm of the producer."

Subection 26 (4) of the CWB Act states "No permit book shall be issued to any person other than a producer."

This requires the CWB to make sure that all producers in possession of a permit book or named in a permit book are in fact producers.

Sections 3 to 8 of the CWB Regulations state the procedures by which a producer obtains a permit book. Producers must state the grains they produce, the land it is produced on, where they intend to deliver and numerous other detailed information on their farm operation. An applicant for a permit book shall then "verify his application by a statutory declaration."

Producers named in a permit book have gone through a rigorous process to qualify for a permit book and are entitled to receive a ballot in the director elections automatically. Minister Ritz' order bars these producers from automatic inclusion on the voters list, which they are entitled to, and forces them to follow an awkward bureaucratic process in order to vote

In addition, Minister Ritz' order permits people who own grain and sell it to an elevator to qualify for a ballot. Such persons could include creditors who have been given grain to pay a bill, farm suppliers of all kinds and lending institution to give a few examples. The Act and Regulations do not permit the Minister to make this order.

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ELECTION COVERAGE

YAHOO In Depth: Federal Election

TORSTAR http://www.thestar.com/election

G & M http://www.theglobeandmail.com/national/politics/

POST http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/election-2008/index.html

CTV Coverage
CBC Coverage
Canada.com
Sun Media
Canada Votes

NAFTA: Mend it, don't end it
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080923.wcotrade24/BNStory/specialComment/home

For equal dollars on infrastructure

Our unemployed get less from EI

Gaming the system

Make our leaders talk to each other
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080928.wedebate29/BNStory/politics/home

The PM's phony war on the elitesComment97
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080924.wcowent25/BNStory/politics/home

Brother, can you spare some perspective?
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=846406

Dion: debates will debunk Tory caricature of Liberal leader
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/080929/delection/fedelxn_main

Liberal Brand Sinking, Conservatives Not Much Better Off, Poll Says
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=846660

Majority movement gains speed as Harper's lead soars. MORE...

Tory win could force a merger on the left. MORE...

Road curves, but Harper in driver's seat.. MORE...

Dippers show restraintl. MORE...

Looking to 'Make History'.. MORE...

Iggy Think 101: An introduction to the great man's logic (or lack of it). MORE...

The Tories get a little culture shock from Quebeckers - and the Bloc. MORE...

Tories turn blind eye to Ontario's plight. MORE...

Why aren't Canadian politics sexy? MORE...

Incrementalism in a time of upheaval. MORE...

Canadians more conservative? Evidence doesn't back it up. MORE...

Coming to grips with an Internet that never forgets. MORE...

Stepping it up in a bid to increase 28-vote victory. MORE...

Look! Up in the sky! It's hypocrisy. MORE...

A word to the election weary.. MORE...

MacKenzie's war on NATO continues in second memoir. MORE...

Dion set to go on offensive in campaign

Dippers show restraint

Despite whispers, Graham an unlikely successor to Dion

Dion touts female record but did party muzzle his wife?

Stephane a ladies' man

Liberals stale, risky, phoney: poll

Dion set to go on offensive in campaign

Judge who highlighted youth justice flaws pans Tory plan

Many gaffes taking place online, 'no weaseling out of them'

Tories targeting 40 key unheld ridings in Quebec, Ontario

Quebec voters turning away from Harper, poll shows

Economy suddenly tops election campaign issues

Canada eyes new fighter jets offered at $50 million US

Weak government allows Taliban to prosper

Revealed: secret Taliban peace bid

Ritz was unprepared in listeriosis crisis: sources

Ritz was ordered to face media, sources say

War rooms can send opponents off message

Former PM aide, Bloc seek status at probe

Penn expected to challenge Lunn

Conservative strategy working in B.C.

Dion moves to shore up support among women

Dion brands Layton an 'old-fashioned socialist'

NDP pledges to end poverty by 2020

Duceppe to warn Canada of Harper 'danger'

A place where Liberals could save face

Leaders prep for the cameras

Immigration system overhaul on hold till election

Quebec election buzz building among Liberals

Act now for special ballot

Small-c conservatives say Harper has "betrayed" their principles

Tories made good on half of election promises: CP

Harper faces heat for no-show on anti-poverty video

Lenoski backs Ignatieff

Latest CPAC-Nanos Tracking
CP 36, LP 27, NDP 19, GP 9, BQ 9

Tories made good on half of election promises: CP

Harper faces heat for no-show on anti-poverty video

Flaherty: voters care more about schools than income trusts

Tories maintain big lead, but gap narrows: poll

Dion gears up for Ontario rally, more Tory attacks

Dion says Liberals will protect women's rights

NDP, Grits claim advantage from Emerson's 2006 defectio

===================================

Daily Digest September 27-28, 2008

The DAILY DIGEST: INFORMATION and OPINION from ST. JOHN'S to VICTORIA.
ARCHIVED at http://cdndailydigest.blogspot.com/

BELOW(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)(30

Feds have raised $4.25 billion in the wireless spectrum auction

QUESTION: WHERE IS THE $4.25 BILLION NOW?

You may be adept at reading financial statements, I'm anything but. I go immediately to the bottom line and usually wait for others to raise errors or omissions.

Take a look at The Fiscal Monitor for July, "July 2008: budgetary surplus of $1.7 billion" http://www.fin.gc.ca/FISCMON/2008-07e.html .

I did to find reference to the $4.25 billion wireless spectrum auction income of that month. I couldn't find it.

This is a somewhat critical question because the April to July 2008 budgetary surplus of $2.9 billion is less than the $4.25 billion sale of assets.

There's a saying "Follow the money".

Now the  $4.25 billion wireless spectrum auction income has to be somewhere, right?  You read the July report and let me know if you can find it.

An article was written in August suggested "This year's surplus relies on the financial injection of $4.25 billion from the just-completed auction of wireless airwave licences, a one-time event." http://www.seemagazine.com/article/news/comment/deficit-could-spell-doom-tories/

Is there a relationship between the "one time event" and this headline? Federal surplus hits $1.69B in July:Surpasses target after flirting with deficit http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/story.html?id=c31f5ac6-e6be-4bb3-9d35-1fa9be2f85e1

In that economic competency is now high in the election debates the QUESTION: WHERE IS THE $4.25 BILLION NOW? demands an answer.

         Joe

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AFGHANISTAN -

Revealed: secret Taliban peace bid
Saudis are sponsoring a peace dialogue involving a former senior member of the hardline group
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/sep/28/afghanistan.defence

US steps up Pakistan raids to thwart al-Qaeda 'October surprise' plot

US general: Taliban can't launch winter campaign

Afghan minister does not confirm Taliban talks
Reuters (09/28/2008)

Karzai's Popularity Slips in Afghanistan
The Washington Independent (09/27/2008)

Why the West thinks it is time to talk to the Taliban
The Observer (09/27/2008)

Taliban revival sets fear swirling through Kabul
The Sunday Times (09/27/2008)

As Crime Increases in Kabul, So Does Nostalgia for Taliban
The Washington Post (09/27/2008)

Black Widow's inhospitable beauty
BBC (09/27/2008)

Call for attack on Afghan drugs
FT.com (09/27/2008)

Afghan army: key to the end of the war
Zaman, Turkey (09/27/2008)

Life worsens for Afghan families
Canwest News (09/27/2008)

Afghan army slowly pulls itself up by bootstraps
Reuters (09/27/2008)

'A Surge Is Good'
Newsweek (09/27/2008)

Good night for McCain, better one for Obama
Boston Globe (09/27/2008)

Afghanistan's Karzai: 'I yelled, Bush smiled'
AFP (09/27/2008)

U.S. Afghan policy review sees no big changes
Reuters (09/27/2008)

McCain "Cut-and-Run" from Afghanistan,"Forfeited Gains" and Was Snookered by bin Laden
Huffington Post (09/27/2008)

Afghanistan slips under a blind eye
Sydney Morning Herald (09/27/2008)

Bush, Karzai discuss Afghan reconstruction, violence
USA Today (09/27/2008)

118 Hostages Are Released by Insurgents
AFP (09/27/2008)

Bush and Karzai Forgot the Elephant in the Room
USNewswire (09/27/2008)

NATO Hopes to Undercut Taliban With 'Surge' of Projects
The Washington Post (09/27/2008)

Party Promises

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080918/election2008_promises_080918/20080924?s_name=election2008&no_ads =

Poll's New Democrats have been reaping the benefits of an ongoing slide in Liberal support, a new poll suggests. MORE...

Layton guns for top job

Liberal support 'evaporating,' NDP creep closer to official Opposition: Poll

Harper suggests his opponents are hurting the Canadian economy by "talking it down" in this election campaign. MORE...

Liberals keep watch on wallets. MORE...

NDP dream scenario a Liberal nightmare MORE...

Heavy weather for Dion MORE...

A Liberal prophet without honour in his own party MORE...

A little cut and thrust, please MORE...

Fired candidate: Was Liberal lefty clobbered by her own swing?. MORE...

Harper stands by his man McGarry in tough times MORE...

How can voters take the NDP seriously? MORE...

TV footage unwinds into election ad snarl-up
Tories accused of another copyright violation. Acting on a complaint from the Liberal campaign, CTV is trying to determine if any of its news footage has wound up in the Conservative party election advertising. MORE...

Wake up from election slumber. MORE...

A tale of three candidates MORE...

Politics before the storm: questions for Harper. MORE...

PM embraces the 'ordinary people'. MORE...

Quebec again the front line in potentially critical election. MORE...

Separatist goon squad rides again MORE...

Stephen, Stephane who?. MORE...

Grits head for crater. MORE...

Bloc wedges back. MORE...

Harper has same image as Thatcher: harsh and humourless.. MORE...

Harper may be many things but he's not 'mean-spirited'.. MORE...

Green Shift shuffle. MORE...

Election is making me feel green. MORE...

There's money in that entertainment industry. MORE...

National unity? Who cares?. MORE...

Keeping tabs on loopy candidates MORE...

Real election questions  MORE...

Doing the city-rural two-step is a ballot box flop MORE...

It's called infrastructure
Imagine if you built a house and then didn't make any repairs to it for 50 years. That's essentially what municipal, provincial and federal politicians have done with regard to maintaining and upgrading our urban infrastructure. MORE...

NDP surge in cities as Liberals languish: Poll

Layton guns for top job

Liberal support 'evaporating,' NDP creep closer to official Opposition: Poll

Opening Liberal acts offer contrast to Dion's main event

Tory candidate accused of making offensive statements

Liberals call for the resignation of 'unfit' NDP candidate

Latest CPAC-Nanos Tracking
CP 39, LP 25, NDP 19, GP 9, BQ 8

Ignatieff makes pitch to NDP, Green supporters

"It's sad to see what we built up get pissed away" Kinsella

Stephane Dion blasts Harper for 'low blow' tactics

New Liberal attack ad

Harper edges closer to majority

Liberals projected to lose almost all close races

Tories well ahead of Liberals in Ontario's swing ridings: poll

Tories projected to win seats in Ontario, B.C.
 
Agency waited 5 days to issue recall
Officials slam CFIA for alleged conflict of interest in handling tainted meat crisis

Listeriosis death toll rises to 19

Fortress to flophouse?

Liberals already musing about potential leaders

A federal pension horror show
A chilling tale of bureaucratic deceit that could cost the government tens of millions of dollars

Ottawa appeals court ruling on Gomery findings

How the Tories hijacked Stéphane Dion's image

Tory candidates tight-lipped
PM's communications director says there's no reason local Conservative candidates should be talking to national media.

'No suggestion' of RCMP probe

Liberals hobbled by own reforms

Dion in need of converts

Wrecking-ball Harper accuses Liberals of being anti-Alberta, pro-recession

Dion slams Harper for accusation Liberals cheering for recession

Harper, Dion exchange fierce barbs over economy

Harper's homecoming

No tradeoffs for Quebec: Charest

Dion angling for a spot in history he likely doesn't want

Liberal candidate: The Green Shift is not "revenue-neutral"

Liberals criticize Tories' judgment on Bernier-Couillard affair

RCMP probe of Couillard still active as patronage allegations surface

Harper defends Calgary candidate, blames 'gotcha journalism'
 
Dion ditches candidate over remarks about 9-11

Stunned Candidate learned of ouster from reporter

Grudge matches and bellwethers in the 2008 election

Provinces slam Tory art cuts, call for post-election meeting

Federal surplus hits $1.69B in July

Two Canadian soldiers injured in Taliban attack

Top Afghan policewoman shot dead

Harper picking democrats in U.S.

Tories Near Majority, Grits and NDP Tied

Leaders in battle for Toronto votes

NDP to pledge $400/month child benefit

Layton to release platform in Toronto on Sunday

Half of voters against idea of coalition

May: Strategic voting doesn't work

Vote-swapping websites target city ridings

'It's crunch time,' Ignatieff warns NDP, Greens

It may be 'too late' for Dion

Baird skips debate

Parties comb Web for controversial comments

Candidates done in by the skeletons in their (online) closets

Grits, NDP engage in a little mudslinging

Google vetting

'Best to leave before you get thrown out'

Critical campaign. Weathering storms from sovereignists, federalists

Child's appeal fails to get to Harper

Belinda's seat a toss-up

How to fix the Green Shift

Press gives Dion puffin print for birthday

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OPINION AND INFORMATION
 'Who Killed Canada?'  A 2008 Election Primer
 
This hard-hitting, fast-paced Canadian information video, packed with graphs, statistics Canada figures, OECD comparison studies, produced by John Riddell, is based on Mel Hurtig's "The Truth About Canada".
 
It looks at how we treat our own people; considers the effects of the FTAs and the highly secretive Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) on the Canadian economy; and assesses Canada abroad in Peacekeeping, Foreign Aid, Afghanistan, and Global Finance.
 
"...we are no longer the country we think we are, and no longer the people we think we are." --from the Preface, The Truth About Canada
 
This 75 minute video, containing information you will simply never find in the media, is a post-election must-see: an informed citizen = an informed voter.
 

Visit:
Who Killed Canada

Harper's Plan to Make You Fear Minority Governments
http://thetyee.ca/Views/2008/09/26/MinorityFear/

DISPATCH: THE FEDERAL ELECTION COSTS OF CRIME-FIGHTING
Tory plan to tip scales of justice not without provincial trickle-down
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080926.BCDISPATCH26/TPStory/TPNational/BritishColumbia/

Canada's raw log exports could increase

Canada won't be spared by cash crunch
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/080928/canada/canada_us_column_canada_markets

Canada Liberal decries "right-wing" U.S. ideology
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/080927/canada/canada_us_politics_ca

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