Added: March 10, 2007
From: volrath50
Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney responds to P... Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney responds to Peter Newman's book "The Secret Mulroney Tapes" at the 2005 press dinner
page
"You have to try to bluff the public, and the public knows and expects this. In other words, you can't say anything sensible. It's got to be all bullshit during an election campaign."
– John Crosbie, Vancouver Sun, July 18 1996
Tuesday Oct 18, 2005 rci The U.S. state department says that Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice will visit Ottawa on Oct. 24 and 25. She is to meet Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin and Foreign Minister Pierre Pettigrew. Miss Rice and her hosts are expected to discuss the bird influenza situation and the forthcoming elections in Haiti. There's no word on whether the trade conflict over imported Canadian softwood lumber is on the agenda. This will be her first visit to Canada since assuming her post.
Higher learning
Mr. Harper, meanwhile, has accused the Liberals of expending their energies in "damage control" to lessen the impact of their many political scandals, while recklessly squandering the taxpayers' money. He promises that a Conservative government would clean up government, cut taxes and crack down on crime. Mr. Harper also accuses the Liberals of trying to disparage his party through scare tactics. Regarding the issue of separatism in Quebec, the Tory leader says what's needed isn't a fight against separatists but rather to show Quebecers a clean federal government. Mr. Harper touched on a potentially sensitive issue by promising that he would allow a free vote in the House of Commons if Parliament decides to revert to the traditional definition of marriage as a union between men and women.
NDP leader Jack Layton launched his campaign by recalling the concessions which his party had wrested from the Liberals in the last session of the House. He recalled that the former minority governing party had withdrawn planned corporate tax cuts, and agreed to spend more for health care, lower tuition fees, low-cost housing and improved public transit. Mr. Layton says Canadians must realize they have a progressive choice between "Liberal broken promises and Conservative wrongheadedness."
Bloc Québécois chief Gilles Duceppe, meanwhile, emphasized the "sponsorship" scandal involving federal public relations contracts that were designed to improve the federal image in Quebec. Mr. Duceppe accuses the Liberals of having learned nothing from the scandal because Mr. Martin continues to practice "patronage and camouflage."
Tuesday Jul 19, 2005 rci A national public opinion survey shows that the governing Liberal Party is far head in popularity of the biggest opposition formation, the Conservative Party. The survey conducted by the Pollara polling firm puts Liberal popularity at 38 per cent, that of the Tories at 27, and the popularity of the New Democratic Party at 15 per cent. In British Columbia, the Liberals enjoy a 24-percentage lead, and also have a lead of 45 per cent to 33 per cent in Atlantic Canada over the the Conservatives. Only two months ago, the Liberals were sagging in the polls chiefly because of the negative reaction to a scandal over public relations contracts. The polling firm's president, Michael Marzolini attributes the current state of public opinion concerning the national parties to what he considers as the image of Conservative leader Stephen Harper.
Wednesday May 25, 2005 ts
Liberals finally catch breaks
OTTAWA—After weeks of pummelling by the opposition, Prime Minister Paul Martin`s Liberals got a light, late-spring shower of good news.
Wednesday May 25, 2005 ts
Parrish may return
OTTAWA—Mississauga MP Carolyn Parrish, tossed from the Liberal caucus last November for caustic comments about the United States and Liberal "backroom boys," says Prime Minster Paul Martin has left the door open for her to rejoin the minority government. [any vote will do ..]
Thursday Apr 28, 2005 ts
PM pins hopes on NDP lifeline
Jack Layton has thrown Paul Martin a $4.6 billion lifeline.
Thursday Apr 28, 2005 ts
Counting heads on the Hill
OTTAWA—It could all come down to who can make it to Parliament Hill and who can`t.
Tuesday Apr 26, 2005 globe PM offers more cash for NDP priorities But he says he can fulfil only part of Layton's corporate-tax demand
TORONTO — Paul Martin said yesterday he is willing to boost federal spending to education, foreign aid and child care, but he will go only part way toward meeting an NDP demand that corporate tax cuts be rescinded as he tries to save his struggling minority government.
Wednesday Apr 20, 2005 globe
Stage set for June 27 election
Tories set to topple Liberals on May 19, the first day they can bring forward a no-confidence motion
Wednesday Apr 20, 2005 ts
New aid policy outlined
OTTAWA—Canada will target 25 of the world`s poorest countries for special attention in its aid budget.
Wednesday Apr 20, 2005 rci OTTAWA: CANADIAN POLICY PAPER FINALLY EMERGES
The Canadian government has published a policy paper outlining Canada's role in the world that was 16 months in the drafting. Its focus concerns four federal departments most affected by globalization. The document recommends that Canada expand its presence outside its borders in several areas. The paper says that twice as many Canadian diplomats as are now posted abroad must be so. And it says the military has to double its capacity to function outside Canada by twice over the next five years. In the federal budget last February, $12.5 billion in supplementary funding was provided for that purpose. The document also wants the federal government to improve ties with the U.S. and to become more aware of the threat of international terrorism. The document also suggests limiting the country's foreign aid to 25 nations where it can do the most good. Many of the paper's details had already leaked over the past few months. The three opposition parties represented in the House of Commons criticized the policy paper for several reasons, including its alleged failure to talk about human rights abuses in the world, including in China.
Wednesday Apr 20, 2005 rci OTTAWA: CENTRAL BANK LESS APPREHENSIVE OF BANK MERGERS
The governor of the Bank of Canada, David Dodge, says that the model of mergers among Canadian insurance firms could eventually serve as a model for mergers among the country's five "big" banks. Mr. Dodge didn't go so far as to support bank mergers openly. But he told the House of Commons finance committee that insurance mergers have improved the efficiency of the insurance business and helped it expand abroad. In 1998, Prime Minister Paul Martin, who was then finance minister, ruled out two proposed mergers among four of the "big" banks. Since then, civil servants have been working on guidelines for banks mergers to ensure they would be in the public interest. Critics have predicted that such mergers would lead to jobs losses and closures of local bank outlets. Federal Finance Minister Ralph Goodale acknowledged on Tuesday that the current political uncertainty in Ottawa makes it difficult to contemplate presenting legislation on such a controversial issue.
Sunday Apr 17, 2005 ts
A big victory for Liberals, and a hard lesson learned
Suddenly a dark cloud that was hovering over the provincial Liberal government has been lifted. Yesterday`s announcement of a deal with the public elementary teachers` union represents a major political victory for the embattled government, which won office with a promise to "stop the fighting" in the province`s schools. Ian Urquhart explains.
Sunday Apr 17, 2005 ts
For Team Martin, one last chance
"Not only do I have the moral authority to govern, I have the moral responsibility to act and that`s what I`ve done."
Sunday Apr 17, 2005 The federal Liberal Party of Canada---a minority government dependent on the Opposition to govern---will be ready to fight a Spring election even it does not want one, declared the leader of the party's Quebec wing, Jean Lapierre. An election appeared to loom more and more in recent weeks as the party's popularity continues to sink following further revelations at the Gomery Inquiry into the Liberal Party's dealings in the sponsorship scandal. A recent Ipsos-Reid survey put the Liberals' support among decided voters at 27 per cent, compared to 36 per cent for the Conservative Party. The New Democratic Party's support stood at 15 per cent. Fifty-three per cent of those surveyed felt that the Gomery Inquiry should first finish its work before talk begins of an early election. "We want the truth and the whole truth in this sponsorship affair, and I think if the Opposition wants to be opportunistic and prevent people from getting this truth, it would be sad," declared Mr. Lapierre. He added that his party was putting all of its resources together to be ready in case of an election. His party was in "a fighting mood," he said during a break at a meeting of the Quebec wing in Montreal on Saturday.
Sunday Apr 17, 2005 The popularity of Canada's Liberal Party continues to sink as a public inquiry into a scandal over federal public relations contracts also continues. A public opinion survey conducted by the Environics firm on behalf of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation shows that if a national election had been held earlier in the week, only 27 per cent of the 1,200 respondents would have voted Liberal, six per cent fewer that those who would have voted for the opposition Conservative Party. The New Democratic Party had 24 per cent support and the Bloc Québécois 11 per cent. The separatist Bloc presents candidates only in the largely French-speaking province of Quebec and that 11-per cent support would mean that it would win most of Quebec's seats in the House of Commons. The poll also shows a reluctance on the part of voters for another election. Forty-one per cent said there's no political issue important enough to overthrow the Liberals. The minority Liberal Party government of Prime Minister Paul Martin was elected only last June.
Meanwhile, Mr. Martin has signed the first in an announced series of accords with the provinces to transfer federal revenue from the gasoline tax to be used to improve cities' infrastructure. The $635 million to be transferred over five years is to be used for public transit, better water systems and waste treatment. The prime minister says it's the first agreement of the kind in Canadian history. Earlier, Vancouver Mayor Larry Campbell says he's afraid that if there's a federal election, the payments will never be made.
Tuesday Apr 12, 2005 nyt
Canadian Prime Minister Struggles to Keep Job
TORONTO, April 11 - Prime Minister Paul Martin sought Monday to distance himself from a scandal that is enveloping the governing Liberal Party, saying that he was "personally offended" by a pattern of money laundering, payoffs and kickbacks by party functionaries that has emerged in recent days. thanks RKG
Tuesday Apr 12, 2005 ts
Conservative Leader Stephen Harper and Prime Minister Paul Martin spar over the sponsorship scandal during question period in the House of Commons yesterday. Liberal scandal fuels talk of MP defections
OTTAWA—Rocked by the prospect of his MPs defecting and his party`s plunging support in the polls, Prime Minister Paul Martin insists he has the responsibility to keep getting to the bottom of a scandal that may cost him his government.
Monday Apr 11, 2005 globe
Liberals` ship is sinking fast
OTTAWA—Nothing in Paul Martin`s past as a ship owner can have prepared him for this: the sinking feeling that his government is going down under him.
Saturday Apr 9, 2005 ts
Liberal fortunes tied to Harper
It`s true that this week`s revelations from the Gomery inquiry can only hurt Prime Minister Paul Martin`s Liberals. The apocalyptic headlines surrounding the latest instalment of the sponsorship scandal ("explosive," "bombshell," "smoking gun") do reflect some level of reality.
Saturday Apr 9, 2005 Canadian Prime MinisterPaul Martin has called on the three opposition parties represented in the House of Commons not to precipitate a national election over the PR scandal before the Gomery Commission concludes its work. Mr. Martin has appealed to the Bloc Québécois and the Conservative and New Democratic parties to think of the public good rather than partisan considerations before presenting a no confidence motion in the House. Since Mr. Martin's Liberal Party is a minority, the three opposition formations could overthrow the government on such a motion. The opposition parties say they'll conduct polls and consult their electors before deciding on any action next week.
Tuesday Apr 5, 2005ts Martin called `spineless` in Kazemi case
OTTAWA—The federal government was slammed as "callous and spineless" for restoring diplomatic ties with Iran, even after learning Iranian security officials had brutally tortured and raped Canadian photojournalist Zahra Kazemi.
Saturday Mar 26, 2005 ts Nine appointed to Senate by PM
OTTAWA—Prime Minister Paul Martin has rolled out his first round of Senate appointees as part of a carefully constructed package, built on three Ps: profile, partisanship and political strategy.
Saturday Mar 26, 2005 ts The University of Western Ontario will give an honorary degree to Dr. Henry Morgentaler...orgentaler honoured by university
LONDON, Ont.—A decision to award Dr. Henry Morgentaler with an honorary degree has caused an uproar for the University of Western Ontario. A member of Parliament, the university`s three religious colleges and a professor are protesting the honour that will be bestowed upon Canada`s pioneer abortionist doctor.
Yesterday, Joanne McGarry, a Western graduate and executive director of the Catholic Civil Rights League, said her organization is asking disgruntled alumni to register their displeasure by stopping their donations to the university.
Tuesday Mar 15, 2005 ts
U.S. `wrong` on beef ban, PM tells Westerners
CALGARY—Prime Minister Paul Martin travelled to politically unfriendly territory to meet with ranchers and spread some federal research and development largesse.
Tuesday Mar 15, 2005 CALGARY: PM ESTABLISHES HEALTH RESEARCH BODY
Meanwhile, Mr. Martin has announced the establishment of the Canadian Institute for Health Research, which will distribute $222 million for research on 571 projects in its first year. Mr. Martin announced at the University of Calgary that his government wants Canada to be a leader in creating high-quality scientific jobs to keep the country's best brains at home. One of the projects announced on Monday will be a study of post-traumatic stress among soldiers. Another is aimed at finding ways to treat hospital patients that fall sick from the C-difficile bacteria, which has killed more than 100 patients since 2001.
Tuesday Mar 8, 2005 VANCOUVER: MISSILE DECISION WORRIES BUSINESS LOBBY
The Canadian Chamber of Business says it disagrees with the Canadian government's decision not to participate in the U.S. anti-missile project. The Chamber says the decision could be costly in terms of lost business. The lobby's chairman of the board, Jim Westlake, predicts that Canadian business will lose out in such sectors as investment, research and technology because of it. And the Chamber's CEO, Nancy Hughes Anthony, told a board meeting that it's naive to think the decision won't have negative consequences. Some analysts have said the decision not to be part of the anti-missile shield will make it harder to solve unrelated trade issues, such as the bilateral disputes over cattle and softwood lumber. Polls have shown that most Canadians disapprove of their country's involvement in the American military project.
Speech by Michael Ignatieff
March 03, 2005
OTTAWA
– The Liberal Party of Paul Martin is the preeminent instrument of
achieving social justice in Canada, Michael Ignatieff, a prominent
Canadian author and academic, told 2,500 delegates Liberal delegates
tonight.
“As the Prime Minister has said, we want
to build a ‘society based on equality not on privilege, on duty not on
entitlement,’” said Ignatieff. “We are a party of social justice.
“We believe the party itself is an instrument of social justice.”
Ignatieff, director of the Carr Centre
Monday Mar 7, 2005 ts Missile plan called best for Canada
OTTAWA—Saying yes to missile defence would have ensured some protection for Canada from a possible missile attack, a top security adviser told Liberal MPs in a secret briefing last fall. [Paul many more mighty good reasons why ... see below]
Monday Mar 7, 2005 rci OTTAWA: LIBERAL PARTY GIVES PRIME MINISTER A BIG VOTE OF SUPPORT
Canada's prime minister, Paul Martin, received an overwhelming vote of approval on Sunday from delegates attending his Liberal Party's policy convention in Ottawa. Eighty-eight per cent of the delegates said that he was doing a good job. The approval rating was only slightly less than the one that Mr. Martin received when he was elected party leader 16 months ago. Since then, Mr. Martin has faced criticism for failing to win a majority government in the national election last year, and for taking ambiguous stands on issues such as Canada's participation in the U.S. missile defence program. [what else ..]
Monday Mar 7, 2005 rci OTTAWA: PRIME MINISTER REFUTES U.S. AMBASSADOR
Canada's prime minister, Paul Martin, refuted on Sunday claims that he changed his mind about Canada's participation in the planned United States's missile defence shield. Eleven days ago, Mr. Martin ended months of uncertainty when he announced that Canada would not take part in the shield. In a television interview on Sunday, the U.S. ambassador to Canada, Paul Cellucci, said that Canada had given strong signs for a long time that it would support the shield, and he accused Mr. Martin of flip-flopping. Mr. Martin rejected the claim, saying that his government never said publicly or privately that it would support the U.S. plan. He also suggested that the reason for his decision was a lack of information about the nature and extent of participation in the American plan. But opinion polls show that a majority of Canadians oppose joining in missile defence.
Friday Mar 4, 2005 ts
PM plays up promises made, kept
OTTAWA — Paul Martin trumpeted his commitment to same-sex marriage and his vision of a generous, progressive Canada last night in a speech meant to renew Liberal confidence in his precarious minority government.
Sunday Mar 6, 2005 OTTAWA: LIBERAL PARTY CONVENTION SUPPORTS SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
Meeting in Ottawa at its first policy convention in four years, Canada's governing Liberal Party on Saturday overwhelmingly endorsed a resolution in favour of same-sex marriage. In the past, similar resolutions were defeated, but the viewpoint of party members has changed, especially since the minority Liberal government is in the process of trying to pass legislation in parliament to legalize same-sex marriages throughout the country. Delegates also adopted resolutions on legalizing marijuana and protecting sex trade workers. The marijuana resolution was approved only at a party workshop and only a weakly worded resolution on legalizing prostitution will be considered by the full party convention. On the same day, opponents of same-sex marriage launched an aggressive ad campaign that in part accuses several government cabinet ministers of lying about their commitment to traditional marriage. In his speech to delegates on Friday, Prime Minister Paul Martin said that his government has fulfilled its campaign promises. Voters returned the Liberals to power with a minority government last June.
Friday Mar 4, 2005 ts
Bush phone call surprises Martin
OTTAWA—President George W. Bush has unexpectedly extended an olive branch to Prime Minister Paul Martin and the two leaders have now agreed to "move on" past their disagreement on ballistic missile defence.
OTTAWA: PRIME MINISTER AND U.S. PRESIDENT SHARE VIEWS ON DEFENCE
Canada's prime minister, Paul Martin, finally had a chance on Saturday to speak directly with President George W. Bush about their differences on the American missile defence system. Canada's decision not to participate in the system was announced last week, creating disappointment within the Bush administration. Mr. Martin wanted to explain Canada's position directly to the U.S. president, but Mr. Bush waited more than a week before deciding to return the prime minister's call. In a 15-minute phone conversation that aides described as "very friendly," Mr. Bush expressed understanding of Canada's decision, but emphasized the need to work together on security. Mr. Martin agreed, but implied that the current bilateral security network known as NORAD was the framework that he expected the two countries to continue. The two leaders also talked about their meeting in Texas on March 23 in which they'll be joined by Mexico's president, Vicente Fox
Dear George;
We are good friends and as such we should tell you that your Star Wars defence project has no value. If a rogue state wants to make a statement, it would not use expensive rockets . Today it would use a pocketful of dust to poison a subway, or drop over a city. Much cheaper,less detectible in transporting and more effective. Remember Anthrax?
But, as you plan to go ahead anyway we will be glad to let you buy from our areospace companies and give jobs to Canadians. We need the work.
And most important we need your friendship (trade). Our people think we should have your respect. Our ego won't "let you tell us what to do". So you are wrong (and anyway, so far the system doesn't work, so maybe you need some Canadian know-how?), but we'll take the work and let you think we have joined you.
Big hugs, Paul
Thursday Feb 24, 2005 np
Martin opens taps: Military, environment, daycare among recipients of Liberal largesse
OTTAWA - The Liberals delivered a budget yesterday with almost $50-billion in tax cuts and new program spending over the coming five years that appears designed to keep opposition parties at bay and to win over Canadians should the minority government...
Elimination of the 30% foreign content limit for RRSPs !!
Also Limited Partnerships no longer considered as foreign property in registered accounts.
Income trusts structured as Limited Partnerships, which will no longer be considered foreign content in tax-deferred accounts, include: TransCanada Power LP (TPL.UN-TSX, Sector Performer), TransAlta Power LP (TPW.UN-TSX, Sector Performer), Fort Chicago Energy Partners LP (FCE.UN-TSX, Sector Outperformer), Inter Pipeline Fund (IPL.UNTSX, Sector Performer) and Taylor NGL LP (TAY.UN-TSX, Sector Outperformer).
From Merrill Lynch
In the short-run the ‘headline risk’ impact of the elimination of the 30% foreign content limit (effective immediately) as well as the lowering of federal surplus estimates over the next 5 years suggests some downside in the C$, negative for Canada bonds, credit spreads as well as Canada/U.S. yield spreads.
For Canadian equities, large-cap stocks, as well as those that have a ‘domestic/regulatory’ valuation premium could come under selling pressure and the TSX could underperform in a global context.
Thursday Feb 24, 2005ts
Tame inflation data spark stocks
Consumer prices up less-than-forecast 0.1% in January
PM buys some time
OTTAWA—Prime Minister Paul Martin`s Liberal government has delivered a budget just conservative enough to guarantee the survival of its shaky minority rule.
Praising his own party's management of federal spending over the last several years, Canada's finance minister, Ralph Goodale, brought down another balanced budget on Wednesday, fully aware that Prime Minister Paul Martin's minority government needs to please both Canadian voters and the political opposition. If there were any surprises---and there were practically none, since budget details were leaked to the media the day before---it was the amount of money allotted to Canada's military.
Monday Feb 14, 2005 cbc
ONTARIO'S FEDERAL TRANSFERS UP 40%: MARTIN
Prime Minister Paul Martin says Ontario "is certainly being treated
fairly," despite recent complaints from Premier Dalton McGuinty over new
offshore oil revenue deals for Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.
This poll, done for the
Toronto Star by EKOS, was conducted through phone interviews with 1,046
Canadians 18 years of age and older, from Feb. 7 to 9. The results are
considered accurate to within 3 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
|
Monday Feb 7, 2005 ts
Liberals within range of majority
OTTAWA—The federal Liberals are within striking distance of majority government, according to a new Toronto Star poll.
Monday Feb 7, 2005 ts
Opposition parties warn PM over Iraq `flip-flop`
OTTAWA—Parliament`s opposition parties served warning to Prime Minister Paul Martin that any decision to send Canadian troops to Iraq could have profound — and dire — consequences for his minority government.
Monday Feb 7, 2005 np
OTTAWA (CP) - Paul Martin tossed his hands up in frustration over his government's review of Canadian foreign policy and has asked an Oxford University scholar to inject it with a bold, new vision for the country.
Saturday Jan 29, 2005 gaz
Lawyers for Martin government to back Gomery at sponsorship inquiry
Lawyers for Prime Minister Paul Martin's government will support Justice John Gomery and argue that he should remain the head of the federal sponsorship inquiry.
Sunday Jan 23, 2005 cbc MARTIN CLARIFIES POSITION ON SAME-SEX VOTE
Should the minority Liberals lose a free vote on same-sex marriage it
would not necessarily lead to an election call, Prime Minister Paul
Martin clarified Saturday, the last day of his nine-day diplomatic tour
through Asia. [that is good ]
Sunday Jan 23, 2005 cbc MARTIN WOULD GO TO POLLS OVER SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
Prime Minister Paul Martin said Friday that he's prepared to fight an
election over same-sex marriage. [stupid waist]
back to top
THE STRAIGHT GOODS:
Paul Martin arrives in Southeast Asia. Seymour Hersh reports the US is
conducting secret reconnaissance missions in Iran. A blogger stumbles upon
some interesting sources of Liberal Party support.
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LOOK INTO THE EYE OF THE TIGER
CBC News: Sunday Night, CTV, the Globe, the Post and La Presse all lead
with Paul Martin’s Southeast Asian trip, while the Citizen only fronts the news. After touring ravaged
Phuket in Thailand yesterday, Martin left for Sri Lanka, where he will
visit the DART team and raise with Tamil politicians allegations that the
Tamil Tigers are recruiting tsunami orphans to serve as child soldiers.
The Globe and the CanWest papers note that two of the four members of the
Tamil delegation were denied entry into Canada last year for fear they
would collect money that would finance terrorist acts. The Post story
seeks to portray Martin as too cozy with the Tamil Tigers, citing the
Prime Minister’s unwillingness to outlaw the organization under federal
anti-terrorism laws. The government has banned Tiger fundraising
activities in Canada, but says it does not want to get in the way of peace
negotiations. Conservative MP Jason Kenney, also on the trip, is quoted as
saying that the Liberal party’s political links to the Tamil community
prevent Martin from banning the group as the US, Great Britain and
Australia have done. The Post article concludes by noting that two
organizations identified by police as the main Canadian fronts for the
Tigers raise over $2 million dollars a year. In a related story, the Post runs a front-page exclusive
about the busting of an immigration smuggling ring run by the Tigers.
Tuesday Jan 4, 2005 ts
DART officers view a map of Sri Lanka, yesterday.OTTAWA—Canada`s disaster relief team — now packing to head to Sri Lanka to dispense medical care, clean water and help with reconstruction — will remain in the stricken country "for as long as it takes," Defence Minister Bill Graham pledged yesterday.
17 Sept 2003
Monday, January 03, 2005 np
DART criticized as 'paper tiger.' ....Canada's Disaster Assistance Response Team has barely been used in the near-decade it has existed, even though the military touts it as a rapid-response unit capable of providing effective humanitarian aid. Critics say it's anything but dart-like. Formed in 1996 at the height of the Somalia scandal, the team's base is a 45-member headquarters in Kingston, Ont. Its full 200-member contingent of medics, engineering troops and a logistics platoon, is scattered across the country. ...with an annual budget only half a million dollars, DART has less money attached to it than any other Canadian military unit, and is described by one military expert as "a paper tiger." ....and the public was made to think the federal government had established a regiment of doctors ready at a moment's notice, says Taylor.
Dec 31, 2004 np
Martin had his head in the sand ....washing over him like a mini-tsunami -- and that after he'd made the sacrifice of cutting short the family's two-week trip by a full 24
Dec 31, 2004 ts
Cabinet team fumbles the ball
Ottawa—In the life of every government there are rare opportunities to do the right thing, in the right way for the right reasons. Paul Martin`s government is struggling today to keep one of those from slipping through its fingers.
Sunday Jan 2, 2005 Tsunami disaster cuts PM's holiday short
Prime Minister Paul Martin ended his African holiday Saturday and headed home for a hastily arranged meeting of senior cabinet ministers to discuss Canada's response to the tsunami tragedy in south Asia. [about time!]
see wn on the Tsunami
Sunday Jan 2, 2005 OTTAWA: PRIME MINISTER CALLS EMERGENCY MEETING ON SOUTH ASIA DISASTER
Canada's federal cabinet is scheduled to meet in an emergency session on Sunday to discuss how better to aid Canadian and other victims of the south Asia tsunami disaster. About 150 Canadians are among the foreign tourists who are still listed as missing. Five Canadians have been confirmed killed. Cabinet members are also expected to see what more aid Canada can provide to nations hard hit in the region---Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand. Canada has promised CDN$40 million in aid so far. But the government has faced criticism over its decision to delay sending a large mobile hospital unit known as DART to the disaster site. Prime Minister Paul Martin, who was on vacation in Morocco this past week, was scheduled to return to Ottawa on Saturday evening to lead the cabinet meeting on Sunday. During his vacation, Mr. Martin kept abreast of the Canadian situation in south Asia through telephone conversations with senior cabinet ministers such as Defence Minister Bill Graham. ????
[...we don't have anyone, that we know of, to replace our PM ..so lets join the U.S.]
A government scandal whose ramifications continue to evolve was chosen the top Canadian news story of 2004 in an annual poll of newspaper editors and broadcasters. The so-called federal sponsorship scandal broke early in the year when Canada's auditor general revealed that millions of dollars in federal money had been misused by a small number of public relations firms in Quebec hired to publicize Canadian federalism in that province. The firms charged large sums either for elementary work or for work that was never performed. The scandal and its subsequent public hearings affecting highly placed government officials was widely publicized. Two other stories tied for second place on the most-newsworthy poll: the election of a minority federal government and the debate surrounding the legalization of same-sex marriages.
Dec 29, 2004 ts Martin needs to focus
In 2004, Prime Minister Paul Martin frustrated Canadians with his hand-wringing and inability to focus on the priorities at hand. He was rightly criticized for dithering, for tackling too many issues at once, for jetting around the world seemingly without a clear purpose.
Tuesday Dec 21, 2004 Canada's prime minister Paul Martin has ended a two day visit to Libya saying he disussed several issues, including human rights, with that country's leader Muammar Gadhafi. The two men discussed business opportunities and peace in Africa and the Middle East. Mr Martin described the Libyan leader as a man with a sense of history who understands that with the changing world, human rights abuses cannot continue. It's believed that Mr Martin mentioned the cases of several Canadians currently in Libyan jails. There were no other details. About one year ago, Mr Gadhafi made a sharp reversal in policy by renouncing support for terrorism and abandoning his program for weapons of mass destruction. The move was praised by Canada and other western nations. The Martin visit to Libya came on the 16th anniversary of the bombing of an airliner over Lockerbie, Scotland which killed 270 people, including two Canadians. Libya was blamed for the terrorist act and has since compensated the families of the victims.
Monday Dec 20, 2004 ts
Business, reform top Gadhafi talks
TRIPOLI—It was love-making all around yesterday at the world`s most storied Bedouin tent. From the cozy words of mutual embrace between Paul Martin and Moammar Gadhafi to the amorous antics of a pair of nearby camels, who were having at each other like, well, camels
Monday Dec 20, 2004 TRIPOLI: HUMAN RIGHTS RAISED AT MEETING OF CANADIAN AND LIBYAN LEADERS
On the last day of his two-day visit to Libya, Canada's prime minister, Paul Martin, raised the issue of human rights at two meetings on Sunday inside the ornate tent of Moammar Gadhafi in Tripoli. Specific human rights cases were also discussed, although no details were reported. The cases were again raised later at meetings involving Canada's foreign affairs minister, Pierre Pettigrew, his parliamentary secretary, Dan McTeague and Libya's prime minister, Shukri Muhammed Ghanem. "I think Gadhafi is extremely open and ready to accommodate concerns by suggesting his officials look into these cases," said Mr. Martin. Libya is making progress in changing its image as a maverick country, Mr. Martin also suggested. "Certainly by the tenor our discussions... a great deal of progress has been made and a great deal of progress is desired to be made," he said. Canadian business people in Libya were looking at the discussions closely. They are hoping that trade dealings will increase, especially in Libya's rich oil industry. During his visit, Mr. Martin attended a ceremony at which the Canadian engineering company, SNC Lavalin, signed a memorandum of understanding worth CDN$1 billion to do more work on the Great Man Made River project that will bring desert well water to cities on the Mediterranean coast.
Monday Dec 13, 2004 ts Push for a change in U.S. foreign policy
Canada`s interest in missile defence
Monday Dec 13, 2004 ts Parrish vs. CNN `s Carlson
These are excerpts from the transcript of an interview with Mississauga MP Carolyn Parrish that aired on CNN`s Wolf Blitzer Reports during George W. Bush`s visit to Canada.
Friday Dec 10, 2004 ts PM can capitalize on debate: Pollster
OTTAWA—The same-sex marriage debate could turn out to be a political gift for Prime Minister Paul Martin if he uses it to highlight Canada`s differences with the United States, according to EKOS pollster Frank Graves.
W
Dec. 7, 2004 ts China mission focus to be more than trade
Prime Minister Paul Martin says he plans to use next month`s trade mission to China to boost Canadian trade and discuss SARS and human rights.
Thursday Dec 2, 2004 cbc PM, Hargrove `agree to disagree`
Prime Minister Paul Martin told Canadian Auto Workers officials yesterday Canada can`t afford to turn its back on the controversial U.S. missile defence plan, according to union president Buzz Hargrove.
Thursday Dec 2, 2004 cbc 
'WEAPONIZATION OF SPACE' NOT PART OF ANTI-MISSILE SHIELD, MARTIN SAYS
Prime Minister Paul Martin said he will continue to seek assurances from
the U.S. that a plan for a North American anti-missile defence shield
does not involve the weaponization of space, despite assurances from the
president.
Wednesday Nov 24, 2004 OTTAWA: TERRITORIES HAVE MIXED REACTION ON PROVINCIAL STATUS
There were differing reactions in Canada's Arctic to Monday suggestion by Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin's that Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut should become provinces. Nunavut Premier Paul Okalik says he wants the territory to become a province as soon as possible. But NWT Premier Joe Handley says that while he appreciates Mr. Martin's interest in the north, it's not necessary to be a province to make agreements on the sharing of resources. Mr. Okalik responded that resource-sharing deals made with one government can be rescinded by the next, and that only provincial status can prevent that.
Wednesday Nov 24, 2004 BRASILIA: BRAZIL BACKS CANADIAN PM'S POLITICAL GROUPING
Brazil has come out in favour of Canada's proposal to form a new international grouping of nations. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed support for Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin's proposal to form an "L-20" grouping aimed at joining both industrialized nations like Canada and rapidly developing countries like Brazil. Mr. da Lula says his government supports Mr. Martin's idea because Brazil wants a multilateral system that is "solid, effective and representative." Mr. Martin says that with Brazil's assent, the L-20 is closer to becoming a reality and that 15 nations have now signed on to the project. The Canadian leader has been campaigning for his proposal during his current 10-day world trip. It was when Mr. Martin was finance minister during the late 1990s when the Asian financial crisis erupted that he realized there was no appropriate world forum where it could be dealt with. In another development, he and his host signed an agreement to send a joint team of public health experts to wartorn Haiti, where both countries have been active in peacekeeping operations.
Monday Nov 22, 2004 ts
PM pushes new global doctrine at summit
SANTIAGO, Chile—An emerging Canadian doctrine that developed nations have a "responsibility to protect" emerging nations is winning support from world leaders.
.  | .Liberal Leadership Convention 2003
Hello,
Paul Martin. Adieu, Jean Chrétien. At the Liberal Leadership Convention
held this past November in Toronto at the Air Canada Centre, Maclean's
Chief Photographer Peter Bregg captured the Liberal fellowship and
Canadian and international celebrities, including U2 front man Bono,
who came out to fête the new party leader. |
. | .The Year in Cartoons
As
2003 draws to a close, we present the year that was in political
cartoons. See how our team of artists represented events like Hurricane
Juan and easy targets like "Santa" Paul Martin. Plus,
|
Paul Martin Archives for 2004-2002 on request
INDEPTH: PAUL MARTIN July 20th 2004
BBC
Whatever became of Paul Martin?
"Martin blasts 'empty' UN reform efforts" 
A mandate but no majority for Martin Jun 30th 2004