Considering the action so far at the convention this could be interesting. Right now I am waiting for MP Harper to arrive. Apparently we are 5 minutes from beginning.
Preston Manning has entered the room. Looks like the theme of the speech with be "Define the future". They announced on CPAC that former-PM Brian Mulroney will be introducing Stephen Harper from his hospital bed in Montreal.
MC's are up, MP Rona Ambrose (that should make Meatriarchy happy) and Robert so and so. MP Ambrose thanked MP Harper for his integrity. MP John Reynolds is now on stage.
Big cheer for Preston Manning. Cheer for Premier John Hamm.
Canada needs Stephen Harper. Tired of arrogant and corrupt Liberals. Must be booted out of power. Beginning of a brighter future for Canada. For Canada's future we need PM Stephen Harper. A nice speech and now they are off to a video about Stephen Harper.
The right-honourable Brian Mulroney is now speeking about Stephen Harper. He has united the party, reduced the Liberals to a minority government. "The next Primer Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper".
oooh, groovy music...."Define the future"
Centre of the crowd speaking position...stealing a page out of President Bush's campaign book (and U2 concerts).
You have come a long way and don't worry, we are going the rest of the way. A tale of two parties...the old Liberal Party vs. the new Conservative Party. Looks like he has a little of that "fire in the belly".
He is now thanking specific volunteers, I guess it is a tip of the hat to the grassroots, I would rather he get on with the speech. These people put their country first. Allusions to Kenndey, ask not what you can get out of government (a la Liberal) rather what you can do for your country.
(In french) red meat on Gomery. The party of Trudeau completely discredited in Quebec. We need an honest government.
Cause not a racket, give not take, serve others not themselves, proud Conservatives who put their country first.
More read meat (and in french again). Red faced with their hands in the cookie jar. Look at out party, it is the party of youth, the youngest caucus in Parliament. We have attracted them because we will Define the Future. Diversity in caucus, not driving out Catholics and Prostetants but of all faiths. Men and Women, who are all qualified. The party of Manning and Mulroney.
o.k. the split screen with the constant view of MP MacKay is driving me crazy.
Over-taxation...largest surplus, average Canadian earns no more today than when the Liberals came into power. Worse since Depression. Promise Made. Promise Broken.
Liberals claim to be guardians of health care. But waiting lists are increasing. Quotes PM who said we will not be second best. WHO has rated us No. 30 in the world. Promise Made. Promise Broken (from here on PM, PM).
Military. PM, PB...Gun Registry PM, PB....strippers instead of qualified immigrants, PM, PB, environment, PM, PB, raise our children, PM, PB democratic deficit, PM, PB. Integrity in government, PM, PB.
What have the Liberals done in 12 years? Dither so much and do so little.
3 biggest issues, Marriage, Missle Defence, Fiscal Imbalance (in french).
As PM I will not table legislation on abortion. If you disagree I will not disparage you, we you respect the people's views who disagree with you. Personal conscience issues will always have a free vote.
Bring Canada back to the table on NORAD and NAFTA. Position in the world depends on our position in North America.
Fiscal Balance...the only party that does not recognize it is the Liberal Party. Federal surpluses are due to the fiscal imbalance.
Things are starting to bog down a bit...
Has BQ done anything to help the situation in Quebec? The federal Liberals have not changed. The BQ cannot solve any problems, BQ politics are empty chair politics. (Standing Ovation). Coservatives are the only vehicle for real change in Quebec and in all of Canada. Canada needs Quebec but Quebec needs the Conservative Party.
Have to be something better. The government is supposed to serve the country not the other way around.
Embrace East and West, French and English, Catholic and Prostetant like in the past but more than that now all faiths all with conservative values. Government must stop dithering and start doing. Budgets of people first and pet projects last. Taxes low, confidence in enterprise high and create great jobs.
Health-care, military, will not meet and greet dictators. Support families. Not make marijuana and drugs more available to our children. (Standing Ovation). Protect the law abiding, punish the criminals, scrap the gun-registry and support law enforcement. Support the cities. Sustain the environment, made-in-Canada solution. Clean-air from a clean goverment. Democratic reform including the senate, which should be elected.
(Cheers of Harper, Harper, Harper)
I tell our Senators that always gets the loudest cheer.
All regions treated equally and with respect. Will never try to buy votes with dirty money and call it National Unity.
No rights for people without accountable in government. Cannot speak of Canadian Values if you cannot tell Canadians the truth.
Will leave no stone unturned to elect Conservatives.
We are more than proud Conservatives we are principled Canadians.
God Bless Canada!
Hey the balloons came down and there was no swearing. That's good. Crowd seemed to like the speech but Harper's son needs to loose the sweater vest.
About as fiery as MP Harper gets, he can always do more on this front. Overall he did pretty well, spoke to conservative values and served up the red meat.
Central point: The only vehicle of change in Canada and Quebec
2 dozen standing ovations.
