It has been a boring election with debates and promises that I didn't find relevant, but that's no excuse not to vote. The endless debate of faith-based schools smothered all other issues: transportation, the provincial economy, the environment, and most importantly provincial-municipal fiscal issues.

It looks like it's another Liberal victory, and while transportation and transit has stayed off the radar during the campaigning period, I will not forget McGuinty's promise with Move Ontario 2020. If he doesn't produce results regarding this, I will forever hold a grudge against him and his party.

Also, support Mixed-Member Proportional regarding the concurrent referendum on electorial reform. I support MMP not necessarily because of what Spacing says about the urban-rural political divide, but plainly because it encourages more diversity of opinions.

Elizabeth May looks like a Super Nanny in this picture.

Reports are flying everythere that Dion and May are going to scatch each others' backs by mutually not running candidates that would oppose the two leaders' potential victories. In other words, the Liberals won't appoint a candidate in May's riding, and the Green's will not run a candidate in Dion's riding.

I consider myself to be fairly green-minded, and having a Green member in Parliament would definitely be turn the page towards greater environmental leadership and stewardship. But many questiosn come to my head. Does this look good for the two parties? Is this plan a threat to our democracy? Will the Conservatives just prevail against these two parties? And ultimately, is this seriously a good move?

Personally, I'm not too happy with the idea. Sure, I am overreacting about this being a thread to democracy, but think about it. How would it look on the Green Party, should May actually win? I think that people would develop a bad perception on her, and attribute her victory to the fact that another party placed her on a pedestal. On the other hand, this is the profile that the Green's actually need to convince voters.

I'm a little torn. What do you guys think?

Liberals agree not to run candidate against Green leader - [cbc.ca]
Grits and Greens make a deal - [thestar.com]

Here's some election coverage I have been following:

MARKHAM:

• With no surprise, Frank Scarpitti wins with a 83% of total ballots, and takes reign from Don Cousens who stepped down after undergoing a second kidney transplant..


• Incrumbent Alex Chiu retains his seat as councillor of Ward 8-- which its electoral boundaries saw some radical changes.
  
• Incrumbent Khalid Usman for Ward 7, my former ward, ran for York regional councillor in this election but did not make the mark. He placed sixth when the cutoff is the top four. Filling in his shoes in Ward 7 is Logan Kanapathi.
  
• MPP for Markham, Tony Wong, successfully returns to his seat on Regional Council.

TORONTO:

• David Miller, retains his position of mayor. A sure sigh of relief. Hourray for sustainable public transit.


• John Sewell, the author of the planning famous Shape of the City, is defeated by incrumbent Joe Mihevc in Ward 21 St. Paul's. Both candidates had polarized views of the St. Clair ROW, with Mihevic for, and Sewell against.


• CityTV star Adam Vaughan wins in Ward 20 Trinty-Spadina, which was occupied by MP Olivia Chow. His website truly communicates his dedication to consider all the needs of his widely diverse ward.

WATERLOO:

• Brenda Halloran defeats mayoral incrumbent Erb Epp.

VAUGHAN:

• After a naughty mayoral race in a town that is perceived to be quite naughty, Linda Jackson takes down incrumbent Michael Di Biase by a narrow 90 votes.

Toronto Star Election Coverage - [thestar.com]
Spacing Votes - [spacing.ca]

All the boring and ugly drama in this Elexmas campaign has come down to today's truth. I don't have any inspiration to start a long winded entry, but this thestar.com reader, Anton Kuerti, pretty much sums up where I stand in this election.

It is a pity - indeed, a tragedy - that Canadians may choose a government mainly on the basis of the Liberal’s sponsorship scandal . . . To vote for a party with uninformed, fundamentalist, right-wing and in many cases obsessively religious views just to punish the Liberals would be to abandon the progressive, reasonable and caring point of view which most Canadians share, and for which Canada is known and respected throughout the world. It would be a clear case of cutting off your nose to spite your face.

There is no heated race at home in Markham-Unionville. I'm quite confident that our riding will be painted red once again (... and in good timing for Chinese New Year), and our John McCallum will have a seat in this next parliament. Sure the Conservative Joe Li has been getting a fair bit of media time in Chinese news media, but I don't feel he stands much of a chance. Although his cultural background is impressive for this community--being born Indian of Chinese descent-- his leadership is tame, and arouses neither communities.

He actually promised at a recent local candidate debate at Market Village to extend a subway line (I assume, Scarborough RT) up McCowan to Highway 7. He needs to stop giving unrealistic goals to impress voters.

Also, his "garbage" immigrant comment was just awful.

Aside from all that, Stephen Harper is just a scary man, who's against cities, against the environment, against our vital social services, against my view of the future of Canada.

Let's just hope the polls aren't true.

Polls remind me of our wonderful Research Methods class. Gotta love that course.

Canada Votes 2006 - Riding Talk: Markham-Unionville - [cbc.ca]

Note: I started writing this entry on Friday, but didn't manage to finish it-- so my apologies for bringing on a topic that doesn't seem all that timely anymore :P

Boring entry alert!

There's not much to do in the office, since my main-boss decided to take an extended holiday. So I thought I'd write some political hamburger paragraphs.

So definitely it's been quite a week in Parliament Hill!

Maybe because there isn't much good television on these days or that I'm lacking that pinch of drama in my life, I've been craving the political drama in Ottawa.

This is way cooler and more exciting than that stupid OC.

Seriously though, major kudos to Belinda Stronach. I've had an eye on her since she was running for the Conservative Party leadership. I remember watching the debates between with her opponents Harper and Clement, and since then I've perceived her to be a very alluring, charismatic, and determined woman who wants to get things done.

Since the PC-Alliance merger, I've always thought that the party be better off to have a leader from Central Canada. Yes, for sure, I'm being partially biased, being an Ontario resident and all, but I really feel that the merged party reflected more from the Western Canada's Alliance ideals and less from the 'nationally mainstream' Progressive Conservatives.

Through Harper's leadership, I feel we as Ontarians holds this feeling of mistrust towards the party. From the beginning, I ask myself: who is this Harper character? What's he all about? Ontarians have no clue, except for his reputational arguably right-wing conservative "Bush-like" policies. Also the fact that his appearance is not soft around the edges realluy doesn't help.

So yes, it seems as though the Conservative agenda is skewed to the West and doesn't adequately address the values and ideals of the remaining parts of the country, especially vote-rich Ontario. I've always said, as I'm sure many of you agree, it seems as though there's something Stephen Harper is not telling to the public, like as if he has a "hidden agenda" that will bring out the dark side of the force (sorry for the pathetic reference to Star Wars). That's why both Clement and Stronach would have made better candidates for the party leader.

I personally like both of them, particularly Tony Clement. Clement is a respectful fellow, and proved himself to be a great leader through the way that he dealt with the SARS crisis as the provincial Health Minister. I really applaud his efforts in that regard. Also, my Public & Planning Policy professor last term, who was Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Health and later for Municipal Affairs / Housing, mentions that Clement would spend each and every Friday afternoon in his Brampton riding and knock door-to-door to speak to his constituents. It is a shame that he was not re-elected in Ontario nor federally; I guess politics was not in his cards. As for Stronach, she's always had exposure in the business community, her involvement in the automotive supergiant Magna.

I think I'm digressing. I think Belinda rocks. I don't blame her for standing up against her colleagues for not supporting the separatists and the call for an immediate election.

I'm not going to begin a long discussion of the Belinda "whoring" statements, as I'm sure many of you already read enough of it. Surely, the word "whore" literally doesn't refer to only females-- so literally speaking, it doesn't make it a sexist remark. However, let's be honest here: if a male MP had crossed parties as Stronach did, these statements wouldn't have been made.

You'd think Canada has made big strides in gender equality; this is a simple example that a lot of work still needs to be done. Matthew is not impressed.

Nevertheless of whether or not the statement was sexist, one thing is for sure, expressing the displeasure of someone in such a tasteful and crude fashion is unacceptable, and reveals the level of maturity of these individuals. Let us remind these MPs that they are representatives of their constituents, and are accountable to them. Also, Harper called it a "relief" that Stronach has left the party-- what a prick-- no wonder she left. Let me remind you Harper that she was not the reason that the government stills stands, and hallelujah to that!

Though I wonder what happened to the former Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development? Google didn't help me to find out that answer.

Oh last point I want to make is about Peter Mackay. I find it very amusing that there was full coverage in almost every media source related to Mackay being "gobsmacked" (From National Post, gotta love these terms) by Stronach's decision to switch parties. There were images of Mackay looking gloomy in this farm in Nova Scotia, as he claims to "go back to his roots," and herd the sheep (don't quote me on the sheep). Surely, I suppose I somewhat feel bad for the guy but seriously why is this even newsworthy? Sure, this might be good material for Global News and the National Post, but seriously, the Star and CTV? I'm a little appalled.

This is the end.

Boy, those are bad hamburger paragraphs. I think I should redo Grade Nine Canadian History.

Don't care about the election?
Skip it and make Matt talk about something else.

---

First off, HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOWIE!

Its the big day everyone, vote! Lets show the world we don't want no Tories. Lets just hope Western Canadians aren't as PC-brainwashed as the predicted polls are saying. (wait, did I say that out loud?)

Anyways, regardless of your political position, get up and vote.

Did you know what if you can't get to your polling station, you can call your constituent and have his/her crew come and pick you up? LOL, what more can you ask for?

Now there's no excuses.

Last few points before I mention nothing of the election:
Jack Layton has a sexy French voice: Go listen to the commercial! OMG, I'm getting so hot. :D You can even see his Canton / Mandarin commericals! MMM hmm!

I have issues. Someone please save me.

--

LOSERS AT THE LIBRARY
On another note, there are some people I can't stand in the library. Omg, they make me so damn mad! I'm so mad! AHH! I've been really getting moody in the past few weeks. I don't know why. I'm bitter, hypercritical, and crazily will set off at any moment. UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1. Cell phone enthusiasts
These people decided that cell phone coversations are a justifiable means for speaking out in the library. Fuck you all. Either move your ass to the stairway doors, or go to the floor centre area. Dammit, you don't need the whole floor that you were plastered Friday night! FUCK FUCK FUCK!

On a side note: Gentlemen, don't put cellphones in your pockets, it is a source of radiation and lowers sperm counts, study says.

2. Library social circles
Dana Porter is not the Davis Centre. People actually come here to study. I understand that DC is closed and you're probably looking for a product alternative. But sorry, CLUB DC is CLOSED, it's time to accept that fact, boys and girls. If you wanna pick up someone, Louie's is at the Plaza, there's a-plenty to choose from there.

3. The persistent whisperers
These are the most annoying of them all. They understand that the Library is intended for quiet studying, and decides to have hour-long whispering conversations. FUCK! Whispering is just as annoying as normal tone talking. If you wanna have a long conversation, get your ass to the SLC. UGH!

4. The bag checkers
These people are useless. Why are we paying them? For those non-waterlosers, our main libraries still uses human resources to inspect our bags against book theft. Yes, the University of Waterloo: leaders of innovation, the leaders of tomorrow, still does not have an antitheft system. Fine, yes, implementing such programs are expensive, but come on, you think the bag attendants actually care? UGHHHHHH! I'm so mad!

5. The study caroll vandals
These people, actually, I like. Everytime I sit myself down on a study caroll, I can't help but read all the dirty graffiti. The ethnic diversity on these caroles are quite phemonenal. You wanna speak about multiculturalism? Just check the vandalized caroles. I encourage you all to make a trip and take a look.

My personal favourite is people who write on the carolls that "people who write on carolls are losers." That one cracks me up!

And it's really creative to see all the variations of depictions of penises, vaginas, and boobs. It's interesting how much hostility students have towards UW: I feel for them, I do I do. There was a really good one the other day:

"If UW was a man, I would castrate him, beat him with a stick, use it's own computers to program him to death."

Interesting Interesting. Caroll vandals are very inspiring.

Anyways, hope everyone will get my hint and shut up at the library. I'm out.

Man, I love election time.

It's funny, the election has become my great source of entertainment. I have become addicted to reading the National Post daily just to find out the latest drama that is going on with the Election campaign. Perhaps because I crave drama, its like a reality series that I can't get enough of. Let's take a look shall we? Look at all the drama? Look at how we determine the 'winner'? We should so do it reality series style!! Who's in? And week by week, we'll kill one of the parties and see who prevails! MU HA HA! I like I like!

Conservatives: A frightening platform
All kidding aside, as the election date looms closer and closer, I'm still quite undecided on which way I'll go. What is certain is that I will not be voting Conservative. Their campaign platform is disgusting. From scrapping the Kyoto Protocol, atrocious military spending, reducing EI premiums, and perhaps introducing two-tier health, I don't understand what people are thinking, and I don't believe that people can actually support this, except for greedy-ass capitalists and big corporations. As for cities, they plan to use gax tax to fund municipalities; pretty good, but Liberals promise even more: $3.5 B.

Two-tier health
One thing I wanna say is that I am completely opposed to two-tier health. We should really take pride in our health care system, lets face it: everyone has the right to proper health care and has the right to live healthy lives, not matter how rich or poor you are. Two-tier health will only lead to more expensive health care, and the inevitable further institutional privatization. Healthy living is the benefit of a society, and all Canadians should have the right for parallel accessibility of these services.

Tax cuts mean service cuts:
Surely, $37 billion in income tax cuts may seem great for all Canadians. Hey, I'm sure Harper can deliver it too, perhaps in the same way the Harris administation did with Ontario: drastically cut services and support and place ourselves with a mega-deficit.

Gay marriage: here to stay despite claims
As for gay marriage, what I must say is that, it is here to stay. Despite the threats of the utlization of the notwithstanding clause-- WHATEVER-- it is here to stay. Bear in mind that a minority government is pretty much almost official. What are the Conservatives going to do? Even if we assume that the majority of the Conservative candidates are just have a strong desire to overturn the court decisions on gay marriage, they will have a barely majority in Parliament at best. The Liberal / NDPs / Bloc have already placed a stronghold on their positions. So surely, the Conservatives are unlikely to have anything larger than a minority. This debate is over and I'm absolutely certain that it is here for good.

For more Conservative devilish work, check out Thomas' blog entry, however, I caution that it is quite propaganda-ish, and I feel that the language is played too harshly.

---

Liberals: Good ideas but leader questionable
The Liberal platform is status quo, which turns me off just a bit. I think that people want the Conservatives in, is because people want a change. But regardless, Paul Martin was excellent in balancing the budgets under the Chretien government as finance minister, and did a great job in reducing the phenomenal national debt. Its platform brings great initatives for the environment, social housing, education. I particularly enjoy the transfer of $2B yearly to municipalities.

However, during the course of the election campaign, Martin has really demonstrated poor leadership. From his poor performance in the leadership debate, from the recent statement (Thanks Tiff) said that a vote for the NDP is a vote for the Conservatives. These statements really implies the Martin's desperate attempt to lure voters. It really should his character as a leader. Realistically, there is no way a right-winged Alliance-Conservatives can ever agree with leftist NDPs. I don't see it happening, and if so, the NDPs will mean compromising a lot of its underlying philosophies.

Nevertheless, I still have confidence in the Liberals and I support many of their attractive and realistic platform.

---

NDPs: A 'wow' platform (actually, too 'wow'), but great support for minorities
As for the NDPs, they, too have an interesting platform. 50% federal gas tax to municipalities, boosting daycare facilities, green initiatives such as boosting energy efficiency and more wind turbines. And my personal favourite, even though it may not be that significant: declaring two new national holidays! (Hourrah!) Layton has really paid close attention to the Asian community (particularly from Olivia Chow) and has support many Asian Community organizations, Yee Hong, Chinese Cultural Centre of Toronto, not to mention the massive campaign on Fairchild.

I think it will be very interesting to see for once a leader that really understand minorities. It has only been in the past few years have we really seen a rise in visible minority politicians. Yes, Jack Layton is not a visible minority, however, he sees minorities as an important demographic, and that in itself says a lot about his concerns.

However, NDPs platform seems a little too idealistic, and to glamourous. The question is how can this really be done? Where's the substance? Although he has great ideas, I am doubtful that Layton can really efficiently deliver these promises without massive tax increases, or some other drastic measures.

What I think:
I think I've pretty much made up my mind of voting here in Waterloo as I'm am certain that the Liberals will win back at home in Markham-Unionville without my say. John McCallum (the current Veteran's affairs minister) has been a big favourite back at home, not to mention that his Conservative opponent, Joe Li, has a horrible reputation calling immigrants "garbage". Not a good move Conservatives, especially when the "garbage"make up 65% of the people in this riding.

So where do I stand, I am voting here in Waterloo. I'm still uncertain. I'm leaning towards Liberals and vote for Andrew Telegdi, despite Martin's poor during his performance election campaign . I think that I will give him a chance these four years to see what he can really do. But I'm still quite undecided; just like everything else in my life, but that's another story.

So yes, it's friday ladies and gentlemen... and yes, I'm here in Waterloo. However, I may return to Toronto for some clubbing and then come back on Saturday-- maybe.

Anyways.. I had an exciting trip at Bechtel Park today for my ecology class, well, it wasn't all that exciting... Me and my lab partner Martina had to analyze the ground cover-- have find and classify vegetation, analyze sunlight intensity and crap... ARGH ARGH...

i have been a very diligent boy, did not go out at all. have been doing coop job searching and resumes.. and trying to start my city model project.. argh.. argh.. now time is definitely flying by (psst: september is almost over)

okay.. lets get to politics. i find politics very very interesting.... i was watching friends (season premiere, YAY) and i've noticed their intersting commercials.. the emphasis on strong marketing lingos is definitely worth commending... powerful, short and sweet-- "Choose Change" and "Public Power"... i like it.

let's talk about the candidates.

Ernie Eves & the PC Party:
Despite his creepy, evil appearance, I have to say, the conservative government stuck to their promise-- I suppose. They cut taxes, tried to make efficient but yet cost-saving tactics, and helped strengthen our economy. Sure, people say he fucked up in public education, in health care and other social services, but you know what? It's our spoiled, fucked up teachers who really need to get a life.. they should stop going shopping during class time, they should stop complaining about raises, they should stop striking in the name of "our children".. kiss my ass.

The bottom line is: (Though as some costs) they stuck to their promises.

Dalton McGuinty & the Liberal Party:
Doesn't he look like the most conventional W.A.S.P. Canadian? Very neutral looking. Anyways... i really don't see the Liberals taking a leadership stand. With all these controversies that the party has some platforms almost exact with the PCs (tho they continue complain and blame the Tories). I basically see the Liberal party similar to McGuinty's facial characteristics: neutral (but he manages to blame, blame and blame some more).

Bottom line: No strong leadership stance, can't seem to decide how they wanna go about.

Howard Hampton & the NDP:
Taking the Leftist, more controlled economic approach, there is definitely a stronger support for the NDPs. They have a strong direction to bring resources back to the public sector (e.g. Power, More Public Housing) and bringing our needs back to the people. They've made great progess, but they definitely won't be the lead party.

Bottom Line: Great public power strategy, but don't stand a chance.

Markham Residents:
I strongly discourage your vote with Tony Wong (Liberal). Being our regional councillor, I wrote a letter to him regarding the serious isses of traffic and safety at Pacific Mall, and still has not replied back to me. Is that the kind of M.P.P. you're looking for? I hope not. So, vote PC, re-elect Dave Tsubouchi!

I will be voting here in Waterloo, I'm not here to sway any votes, but i think you know who I will be voting. :D

PS: The opinions expressed DOES reflect those of Mattism, so sue me.