After reading an interesting article over on cbc.ca, it is interesting to note how much sports coverage is taking place at Parliament Hill these days and across many provincial political arenas. Oddly enough there have been a few stories on sports news channels these past couple of weeks that seemed more like parliamentary debates than that of the news surrounding current sports teams and leagues.
The aforementioned article points to the PMO and its comments towards Bloc Quebecois leader (provincially) Pauline Marois. The latter mentioned that she would like to see the Montreal Canadiens incorporate more Francophone players into their lineup. To which the Prime Minister responded that even though the team is one that unites almost all Quebecors it really should stay out of the political light and simply be left alone.
This story comes on the heels of a debate (which is still ongoing but has simmered for now) of federal funding for a new arena in Quebec City, which has been speculated to be built in an effort to attract an NHL team. Instantly a revive the Nordiques campaign started in not only the streets but in the political offices as well, as many MPs gathered and had photos taken wearing the vintage sweater.
While it is true that hockey is Canada's national pastime and regarded as a sacred institution in not only Quebec but across the nation, but where should the line be drawn between sports and politics. It seems one side already has drawn the line far away but the other just will not stay on its own side. Montreal Canadiens owner Geoff Molson stated following the most current incident, "We are in the hockey business and not into politics [...] I can tell you that we don't talk about politics in the dressing room."
So while Marious comments to the media stating the Habs are, "a symbol of our pride to succeed in this sports, and I think that Quebecors would like to have more Francophones in this team." most people including Harper, don't think that is the case, or like Geoff Molson, don't care. The result is a lot of people changing the channel on their television and switching pages in their newspaper to the sports section, where the real news and commentary about sports remains. Thus, leaving the politicians to once again return to what they are suppose to care about; that is running this country and/or its provinces and territories.
Showing posts with label Stephen Harper. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stephen Harper. Show all posts
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Layton Exercises Proper Politics
Jack Layton has his own views on politics like anyone else, and sure perhaps his opinion is regarded a little more than the average person, but he is the leader of the NDP so it makes sense. As the leader of one of the major political parties in Canada he has had to make many tough decisions along with the rest of the MPs that sit in the House of Commons. When it comes to being the head of the party, that adds extra stress and pressure to guide the party in the proper direction when it comes to the views of its members. Sometimes that means keeping your own views in check and allowing democracy and politics just to flow naturally.
A perfect example of this, is the position Layton is taking on the issue of the gun registry; allowing the members of his party to vote freely based on their own views. Despite having conflicting views with many members within his own party, he is not demanding all NDP MPs vote with him in a whip vote. Instead he allowing the process of democracy to take place freely and without constraint. This move has come under fire by many pundits and politicians such as Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff who stated, "Now they're [the NDP] are lined up with Stephen Harper against the police." Layton however, agrees with Ignatieff's stance on the gun registry and wants to save the program. Layton believes that the gun registry is not without its flaws and that needs to be addressed. He wants the registry to, "work for everybody," and the first step is not, "fix[ing] it by getting rid of it."
Despite allowing his party to vote freely on the issue, Jack Layton still plans on making his pitch to his MPs in hope that they follow his stance. The members of the NDP will not be punished if they decided to vote opposite of their leader. If anything, it shows that they have a spine and stand up for what they believe in, something lacking amongst individual politicians in this era. Instead of representing what the leader may believe, they go on their own belief by representing their riding like they were elected to do. This is an example of Real Canadian Politics.
A perfect example of this, is the position Layton is taking on the issue of the gun registry; allowing the members of his party to vote freely based on their own views. Despite having conflicting views with many members within his own party, he is not demanding all NDP MPs vote with him in a whip vote. Instead he allowing the process of democracy to take place freely and without constraint. This move has come under fire by many pundits and politicians such as Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff who stated, "Now they're [the NDP] are lined up with Stephen Harper against the police." Layton however, agrees with Ignatieff's stance on the gun registry and wants to save the program. Layton believes that the gun registry is not without its flaws and that needs to be addressed. He wants the registry to, "work for everybody," and the first step is not, "fix[ing] it by getting rid of it."
Despite allowing his party to vote freely on the issue, Jack Layton still plans on making his pitch to his MPs in hope that they follow his stance. The members of the NDP will not be punished if they decided to vote opposite of their leader. If anything, it shows that they have a spine and stand up for what they believe in, something lacking amongst individual politicians in this era. Instead of representing what the leader may believe, they go on their own belief by representing their riding like they were elected to do. This is an example of Real Canadian Politics.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
The Love of the Game or the Love of Votes?
Image via WikipediaToday, controversy surrounds PM Stephen Harper as rumors are circulating in Ottawa about the federal government possibly giving the province of Quebec money to build a new arena in Quebec City. The debate will rage on, as many people doubt that taxpayer money should not be spent on private commercial industries. However it is clear that the Conservatives would love to increase their approval rating in Quebec, as would all the other parties. Is this a case of trying to buy off Quebec in exchange for votes or will it be Harper's love of the sport that drives his actions? Either way, nothing is imminent on the front of moving a NHL franchise back to Quebec City and it would be a long process in order to do so. It can be concluded though, that as the approval rating for Conservatives has the potential to rise amongst Nordiques fans it could drop amongst fans of the Montreal Canadiens.
Taxpayers may be torn across the nation. Should taxpayer money be used to help build this arena. Many hockey fans would love to see a seventh team in Canada in the modern NHL. With rumors of moves back to Winnipeg and Hamilton in recent years to go along with the rumors of the Quebec City return, many Canadians have flirted with the idea. One thing remains clear: Canada deserves another NHL team. Although at what cost are Canadians willing to pay for the team.
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