We have a federal election happening on May 2nd. I live in the Halifax West riding (i.e. Fairview, Clayton Park, Bedford, Hammonds Plains, Timberlea, etc.), and for years my riding has elected Geoff Regan (Liberal) as its MP. From all reports, he has been a decent bureaucrat, but I rarely recall hearing about his activities in the news. Every time there is an election, he wins Halifax West by a wide margin.

So once again, it’s election time and so I figured I would try to at least find out why he is so popular. I know he is part of the famous Regan family. That probably doesn’t hurt his cause. And Nova Scotia has typically supported the Liberal party. This also likely helps. But then I decided I would see what issues Mr. Regan believes are important in Halifax West. I went to his Facebook page. No issues mentioned there. I then visited both his web sites. Certainly, there was a bit of content about the Liberal Party of Canada, some Harper-bashing and some information on broader issues he has worked on in the past. Even his Twitter feed has no references to the issues he would like to tackle on behalf of his constituents.

So what about his vision for Halifax West? There are a lot of people in this riding who are struggling against rising energy and food prices. Does Mr. Regan have an opinion about this? We’re not sure. Urban sprawl in this riding is creating environmental issues and problems for commuters. We’re building more highways and overpasses instead of looking for ways to get cars off the road. The transit system is barely adequate enough to serve outlying communities. Schools in this riding lack funding, are facing closure and are constantly struggling to raise money for basic supplies. The majority of services and facilities offered in Halifax West are only accessible to its wealthier members. Those with lesser means are being left behind.

Does Geoff Regan have an opinion on any of this? I have inquired via his Facebook page but have received no response. I’m sure he considers me a mere nuisance (damn, those pesky voters with all their questions!). But seriously, if you’re a politician and you’re running for office, shouldn’t the issues that directly impact your constituents be your primary focus? Two of other the candidates (Dr. Thomas Trappenberg – Green, Gregor Ash – NDP) Mr. Regan is running against have been more than happy to answer my questions.

So I ask those of you in Halifax West are planning to vote on May 2nd: Do you know who you are voting for? Are you going to vote for a candidate who expresses an interest in addressing the issues in the riding or are you just going to vote for “the devil you know”? Maybe it’s time to ask some hard questions of your candidates. Vote for the candidate who best represents your community’s interests and will be a strong advocate on our behalf. Make these candidates work for your vote. And yes, vote, because not voting is wrong.

In Halifax West, Geoff Regan might well win the riding without discussing a single relevant issue that hasn’t been handed to him from head office. I guess if this strategy is working for him so perhaps I shouldn’t blame him for running with it. However, it bothers me how the majority people in Halifax West vote blindly. They never stop to examine the issues and just vote for the name or the party. Get educated people! You have options. —Raland

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75 Comments

  1. And what exactly is the problem with voting for a party? If I support the Liberal platform and agree with their plans for our country as a whole, why should I not vote for the person representing them in my riding?
    Most of the issues facing Halifax West are things that primarily the city council or provincial government would be involved with anyway.

  2. You do realize the issues mentioned are provincial and municipal issues (education, transportation, roads).

    And just to throw my .02 $ in, I personally want a majority, not because of coalition fears but just so they can finally get things done! I’m tired of voting every two years because the opposition just cannot get along! We (Canadian) look like idiots with an unstable government that is always voting non-confidence and having elections.

    And also, Layton reminds me of a greasy car salesmen that takes advantage of sweet old ladies by selling them lemons with the price tags of shiny new BMWs… He’s just creepy in my opinion.

  3. It’s apathy, OP. Regan knows he’ll win the riding again so he likely doesn’t feel he has to campaign that hard. The other candidates want to be elected so they’re working their butts off.

    I live in this riding, and I have to say — I’m strongly leaning towards spoiling my ballot. I don’t have any party affiliation (that’s not how I roll, yo) and I vote for the individual in the riding and their leader on a personal level, not a party level (because while I do usually like the liberal party, Iggy just… there’s just something about him that doesn’t sit well with me). And I can’t bring myself to vote for geoff regan.

    You know who would be an excellent federal Liberal candidate for Hfx West? Diana Whalen. I really find she’s a great MLA, and I think if she had’ve won the leadership campaign over their current leader, the libs would’ve at least shoved the NDP into a minority (slim minority, but minority, nonetheless).

    Anyway, I’m so ho hum about this election it isn’t even funny, and it’s probably more pivitol than the last few. *sigh*

  4. My MP’s a good guy, always picks up his phone, and has had his riding locked down for over 10 years, but… he lied about which way he was going to vote on the gun registry so for the first time, I’m actively supporting his opponent.

  5. Don’t spoil your ballot, PK – simply go in and vote as usual but don’t mark the ballot in any way. It’s your way of saying: ‘NONE OF THE ABOVE’ and is counted where a spoiled ballot is not.

    Fucking cocksucking debate – the pollsters are still saying that tinheaded shitbag Harper is going to get in with a majority. Will someone tell me how they can make such a dire prediction?

  6. Ooooh I didn’t know that, TTFN — will do. Me spoiling was like saying “no one on this fucking list is worth my “x””

    Jack Layton said “bling” so I’m happy.

    Overall, though, kind of a waste of time watching. *shrug*

  7. I’m honestly very, very scared about the possibility of him getting in and further eroding our democratic rights, becoming more secretive, helping the rich get richer and offering so little for the rest of us. I’m terrified that if he’s there for a majority government, it may take decades to get BACK our rights and social programs when he’s done.

    It’s bullshit. He’s a very scary controlling man. Is no one bothered by the fact that the Canada’s “branding” changed from “The Government of Canada” to “The Harper Government”. How can no one care?

    And tee – voting is what we’re all about. We’re a democracy. We’re going to the polls because the conservative government – Harper – lied. And is lying. And will continue lying. And that’s the only way the opposition could call him out. It’s sad that the G8/G20 report won’t be presented until AFTER the election, because it will be proof of more lies.

    We are so, so fortunate to live in a country where we can actually HAVE these debates, where we have the right to bitch about what the gov’t is doing, where we can have a say – through elections – about the overall direction of our country. And we NEED to exercise that right.

    I really, truly believe that people also don’t understand the parties’ platforms either. We don’t really know whose ideas line up with ours. If you haven’t used this yet, I strongly recommend it. You might be surprised.

    http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadavote…

    We’re raising a generation of apathy and it’s sad. I honestly believe if people were more aware, more engaged, realized just how much of what is happening in government is morally and LEGALLY wrong then we would speak up and make a difference. We need new leadership, I agree completely. But it’s up to the membership of political parties to choose their leaders. So get involved in a party – vote for a new leader too. We have the power to make a difference on every level.

    Do it, do it, do it. And if you don’t vote, if you don’t pay attention to the news, if you like living in a bubble and not understanding issues – then shut the fuck up.

    /rant.

  8. What honked me off is that Harpseal never once looked at the people he was debating with – just did his dead-eyed drone with an ass clamped so tight he’d need a tractor trailer to pull a needle out of it. This man is a fucking control freak, a secretive cunt and has no right being the PM of Canada.

  9. I enjoy Harper’s views on polygraphs.

    Fuck Canadian politics is laaaaaameeee these days. Absolutely NO ONE to vote for. Bahhh.

  10. yawn is right, seb!

    im suffering from this “condition of having my underpants uncomfortably stuck between my buttocks” also known as a wedgie 🙁

    ps. VOTE FOR PEDRO!

  11. And you can take out the name Regan and replace it with Savage and you get the same thing. Neither have done anything for their ridings. And notice they are both sons of former premiers, one that had a sex scandal and the other that destroyed this area with amalgamation. Why they keep getting in is beyond me.

  12. I never read more bull in my life. This vote is not about “YOU” right now. It is about the well being of Canada!! Have we all grow up with such a sense of entitlement that we can’t be realistic about what is going on here? Do you really think that Harper gives tax breaks to large companies because he’s what??…in bed with them? Tax breaks to corporations brings corporations into Canada and gives existing corporations an opportunity to flouish which equates to more jobs and economic growth. Do you seriously want to take the passive approach to military funding and gamble our security by not persuing the “jets” issue? Which by the way is being approached in a smart conservative mannor. (20 year time frame) P.S for those who don’t know it All Aircraft time expire and can’t just be flown because we think they are safe, what do you expect Canada to do when that happens? Go without fighter jets?? We Can’t have all that we want and certainly can’t have it right now. The conservatives are realistic about Canada’s position in the world politically and economically and are the only party with any substance behind their vision.
    Who gives a shit about the petty crap!! Not me thats for sure Lets get a majority government in there and if they fuck it up then we will know who to blame for sure and we can vote their asses out in the next election!! Thats how we get shit done!! And to all you “yawners” out there… FUCK YOU!! Get off your ass, get educated (politically), cast a vote and hopefully we won’t have go through this shit in another 2 years.I’m pullin for you Harper.. Whether you flourish or fuck it up I hope your in majority so my vote will be easier 4 years from now!!

  13. ralmn, that test was surprising… I didn’t know which way I swung.
    I just know Harper is a shyster, May’s on crack, Layton’s NDP’s are hurting us here….
    and I’ll die in a fire before I vote for the block.
    Iggy? hmmm … fuck if I know….

    all I know is this is come election day
    http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.…

  14. A Harper majority? Do you want to live in a fucking police state, you stupid turd? Those secretive numbskull Tories don’t deserve a whiff of my ass pudding, let alone my vote.

  15. It IS really interesting! People form their opinions based on all kinds of things – chatter at the coffee house, parent’s opinions, their local candidates who they may have a relationship with… but it seems very rarely on actual policy. So it’s interesting to see how your feelings about policies actual align with the parties’ platforms. I know, leaders tend to be in the forefront, they’re the “face” of a party, but it’s so different here from the US, the parties platforms really should be the focus over the leaders (and considering what’s on the offering, it’s probably safer to look at platforms instead).

  16. ralm – we’re talking about politics, of course they lie.. And I’m all for democracy, I just think dissolving a minority government every two years doesn’t get much accomplished other than make us look like fools. That is why I want a majority. Sure there are no “good” candidates, but at least with a majority, we’d be getting somewhere, which in my book is better than no where.

  17. I took the test Ralmn and no real surprises. I came up in the middle of the lower right hand block. I’m probably closest to being what they used to call a “Red Tory.” So do I vote for a party whose leader I neither like nor trust because it’s the least repellent option? I know my riding will go to either Robert Jizzholm or Mike Aboriginal so if I vote for whatever nonentity is running against them it’s pretty much going to be a protest vote at the riding level anyhow. What’s really funny is, the only two leaders that I “trust” are Duceppe (I believe him when he says he will work for the interests of quebec at the expense of Canada) and May (Yes, I do truly believe she is as stupid as her party manifesto would seem to indicate.) So clearly trust is nothing to base your vote on.
    I do know this, I really wish the old days of buying votes with booze were still around. >: (

  18. Now I may not agree with everything Harper has done in Parliament but, he is not all bad. He’s not perfect but I certainly wouldn’t go as far as calling him backwards. I usually don’t even vote Conservative, I usually vote Liberal, and I can still see that.

  19. That test was quite interesting. I tied with the cons and libs. HAHAHA

    I can’t vote for harper (as much as I want to bed the fucker), and iggy just rubs me the wrong way, given his reputation at Harvard and such… You know who I COULD vote for, though? Paul Martin. If he was still leader, libs would get my vote for sure.

    So i’m just going to do what TTFN suggested and not mark an “x” beside anyone’s name.

  20. Holy shit, Ivan — I’m a “Blue Liberal”

    heehee.

    I knew there’s a reason why I’ve always thought you were the cat’s meow!

  21. I hope we DON’T get a majority.

    We need to push harper and iggy out. And a minority for the cons would push harper out, a loss for iggy would push him out, and we’d get some people in there who weren’t a pair of chumps.

  22. Agreed, PK, I’ll sit happily through another minority if it means that some of Harpers efforts DON’T take effect.

    I’ll vote again in 2 years for better people, better leaders and a more cohesive vision of where our country should be heading.

    Another question: why are people so scared of what we look like on an international stage when it comes to elections? People should be worrying about our horrendous environmental track record and the fact that we aren’t on the security council… and pulling funding to women’s health agencies in developing nations. For christ sakes, having a a couple extra elections isn’t what the international community sees when they look at Canada right now!

  23. LOLz PK. >: )I’m with you on Martin. 20/20 hindsight says he may have made a good PM if Jean Poutine hadn’t pissed the pool on him. Trouble with ditching Iggy is that Bob Rae is waiting in the wings and that asshole proves that you can be a Rhodes Scholar and still not know the definition if integrity.
    Oy vey, Sometimes I find myself wishing for a minor stroke to kill off my long term memory and spending the rest of my days smoking ganja and listening to Bruce Cockburn >; )

  24. http://www.shitharperdid.com/

    Frank McKenna would make a decent PM, but he’s out of politics for good, I’m afraid.

    I just don’t trust Harper or Iggy. Harper is a control freak (a calm one at that — that’s what’s creepiest of all about his leadership — have you ever heard him raise his voice? He ain’t no John Baird, that’s fo’ sho’) and Iggy’s just in it for the chicks (and by chicks I mean he just wants to be PM. He’ll fuck off if he doesn’t win. He’s a douche nozzle and is just in this whole thing for the prestige. Ask anyone who went to Harvard during his stint there).

    There’s gotta be SOMETHING better out there.

    And it ain’t Bob Rae. Didn’t he, uh, kinda bankrupt Ontario a couple decades ago? I’d be much more comfortable with Harper’s bum-buddy in power (ol’ petey) than him… and you’re right: Paul Martin got fucked up the ASS by Jean Poutine: a) when he ran for that one last term and b) sponsorship scandal.

    But Jean was good for a laugh. Who else could strangle/punch someone and get a pie in the face and STILL win another term? Srsly.

  25. …’I really wish the old days of buying votes with booze were still around.’ Ivan, me son, hate to tell you but it’s still happening here in N.S. – only they’re handing out mickie bottles, not pints.

  26. CHEAP FUCKERS! Serves me right for languishing in the morass of urban anomie. I should probably start answering the phone more.
    Naw – I’m just gonna keep sitting here wondering where the lions are….

  27. I liked Poutin. 🙂 He was there when I was first paying attention to politics and it was fascinating stuff.

    I’d like to see Dominic LeBlanc move up the ranks – he’s a really good guy, and there was some talk of him moving up during the last leadership race. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out… he has some good lineage, that’s for sure. And Justin Trudeau! I’m sure lots more people will be watching politics if he ever becomes the leader…

  28. If I could, I would vote for the Pirate Party. Sadly, we don’t have anybody running in Halifax this election.

  29. i watched that debate online at the ctv website. iggy was flustered and wouldn’t really comment, when jacko wacko asked why he was always missing work, that was priceless.
    while giles was adamant about the sovernty of quebec, he did raise a few good points about immigration and the rest of canada.
    jacko scored quite a few points by going after harper continually about missing cash, overspending, and tax reforms for small business owners.
    all in all, it was a good dog and pony show, i had a few good laughs, at 5 a.m., so the day wasn’t bust, to start off with.
    and now we have stevie by harper. he fended off most of all the questions, with a magicians hand waving trick, but alas, the 3 did not dissappear from him, so he had to hedge around issues with his past perfomances as p.m., hahahaha. all told, it was a waste of good air time, with fuck all accomplished.

  30. Meh, I have little to no interest in politics and as such I’m not voting (I’d only vote if the ‘Lollipop Guild’ or maybe ‘Pirate Party’ were options, Lolzzzzzz). You all seem like reasonable folk though, so while you’re sorting out it out try to get velour outlawed for me.

    I’m going to have lunch, peace out H-town. Ma peeps!

    P.s peeps taste goooood, and it is Easter and all! Jeeesus! Hallelujah!

  31. methinks rae was hired by the libs, to fuck up ontario awhile back. why would he libs have a known fuck up in their party otherwise. while it can’t be proven, that thought is there. what better way to knife someone in the back, than to have your hand in their pocket.
    remember, the ndp didn’t do it, one lone person did. and that person, could have been kited by another party. same as is happening now. read my above scorecard on last night.
    there are no real candidates this time out, again. so do what i’m gonna do, i will go with the green card this trip,you just never know. people are so fed up with the libs., the cons., and jacko now, they just might not have an audience anymore.
    they all talk the talk, but when they get in, pfft., they just do an about face, and say they never said any of that shit. media today is a killer of shit, and people’s carreers, it takes but a few seconds, to deride someone, as on here, everyday.
    and what if the ndp did get in, maybe they would do some good, at least the other parties would keep an eye on them, and call them out, if they started fucking up.only time, and our voying will tel. i really urge everyone, of voting ae, to get the fuck out this year, and vote with your brains, not your with your emotions,because they can really cloud your judgement sometimes.
    don’t ruin your ballot, if you don’t want harper, igy, or layton, give it to may, or anyone else there in the running. it actually is against the elections act laws, to purposely spoil a ballot, and you can get in a whole bunch of shit for it.

  32. Harper looked like a fucking Stepford Spouse with his pat autophrases and Hypo Toad eye meld with the camera – Smilin’ Jack was like an irritating rodent but took some great shots at Iggy – Iggy, well, what can you say about Replay Igster except he should have presented his Liberal platform instead of verbally beating Harpseal with a flaccid dick.

  33. It was well before my time but I feel that if you’re not going to vote or you’re going to spoil your ballot you should at least explain to some WWII vets that you felt they wasted their time. That democracy really isn’t that important and that you don’t care how many millions have died, are dying and will die for what you couldn’t care less about. If you can do that unapologetically then I support your decision not to vote, you ungrateful pos.

    As for the candidates;
    Harper is like an efficient goal oriented robot with absolutely no concern for Canada, the environment or anyone earning less than 6 figures. The liberals had years of majority government and while they talked green they did dick all other than enjoy their position as Canada’s perceived rightful rulers. The NDP, Green and Block will never form a majority let alone win. I would support the amalgamation of the NDP, liberals and green into one party (like the US democrats) in order to get a majority but will probably vote liberal (for the first time ever) just to try to oust Steve.

  34. the new liberal green bloc, has a nice ring to it. are you listening and reading any of this, in upper canada? that was a hint.

  35. Honestly I wish the coast would ban political bitches like this, the worst thing to happen would for every party involved to use the bitch board and everywhere else I like to haunt on the internet to get me to vote for them.

  36. spoiling a ballot, doubtful *is* voting — you’re simply stating that you’re unhappy with the candidates presented. That’s still getting your voice heard and you’re still taking part in the democratic process.

  37. Actually one more comment before I go for good.
    Get a majority government 4 elections in 7 years is an absolute joke and makes canada look like a joke to the rest of the world, why would any country take canada seriously when they have no idea who they will be dealing with one year to the next?

  38. I’m voting for the BLOC. So if Quebec separates the continental shift should relocate the Maritimes down south near Florida. However the ocean current could land us up in Greenland.

    This is just an assumption.

  39. I hope Steve gets in with a huge majority and the Liberals are right and he does have a secret agenda.

    I think Laybotomy and Liz Mayormaynot had a 3 some and conceived Douchceppe.

  40. I hereby propose that the merged lib/ndp/green party should be formed with the sole purpose of winning a majority and creating the trilingual amalgamated nation of Cubananda. We’ll protect their socialist tendencies in a more democratic fashion post Castro and gain a safe/warm/stable winter/retirement destination. I think it’s worth a shot.

  41. Of course after Iggy’s performance in the English debate, I wouldn’t be surprised that we wind up with a Tory majority and Layton as the leader of Her Majesty’s Opposition.

  42. i mean, VOTE FOR STEWIE GRIFFIN! shit would get accomplished with that baby runnin’ the show tehe

  43. You know, I had a thought last night while laying in bed waiting to fall asleep — all you ever hear is “HOW DID THE VOTERS END UP VOTING STEPHEN HARPER IN? OMFG!”… and yet, the lowest percentage of registered voters that actually turned out to vote was in the last election. IN CANADIAN HISTORY.

    It really burns my toast to hear people bitch and moan about who’s voted in when, there’s a more than 50% chance that they didn’t even vote! And I’m not talking about people not eligible to vote: I’m talking about people who are entitled to vote and didn’t.

    You don’t like Stephen Harper? Well DO something about it, and staying at home whilst sitting on your ass isn’t something.

  44. doubtful – I couldn’t find the vid-clip, your post reminded me of Rick Mercer’s rant on unifing Canada & Cuba, Canuba = an 11 on the Piss Off the Americans scale.

  45. hulll ….you talk about the well being of Canada.
    Harpers CRAP Party (NEVER FUCKING FORGET HIS PARTY IS A COALITION PARTY MADE UP OF REFORM & CONSERVATIVES)…but you forgot that already didn’t you !
    Anyway, the crap party has been cited for contempt of Parliment more than any other Party in Canadian history.
    He has porogued parliment twice so he wouldn’t have to answer to the problems his policy(s) caused.
    His poroguing Parliment destroyed all the work (& tax payer dollars spent ) http://www.century21.ca/leah.shaw/Blog/Wha…

    He has the audacity to say Parlimentary proceedural violations are simply a distraction, a ‘game’ !
    That we should focus on the economy…yet he has no idea about where the 35 billion, or is it 14 billion, or is it 20 billion the jets will cost !
    He has no idea what his prison reforms will cost !
    He has not idea what changing the laws & downloading debts onto Provinces will do to the economy !
    He used “GET RID OF THE SENATE ” as a battle/election cry & he was going to do it…what did he do instead ????
    HE filled the senate with Tory faithful & you can’t see this as proof the guy’s a fucking lying piece of scum who will say anything, do anything as long as he can gain control !
    ;
    Hull, take the rose colored glasses off man, your going mental !
    He talks about the economy, because he can’t talk about anything else….he doesn’t have a fucking clue ! He doesn’t even have a click except the gratuatous ideals of being in power & ruling it over everyone else & FUCK THE RULES OF GOVENMENT IN THIS COUNTRY!
    Giving this man a majority is the worst thing that could happen, short of the Block becoming the dominant party !

  46. Hard to reply to all the comments, but I scanned a few of them…

    Yes, I realize education and some other issues I mentioned are provincial jurisdictions. However, provinces receive a lot of funding for issues that are under provincial jurisdiction from the feds. My point is that we have to make better choices on how we spend our tax dollars. I would rather see Nova Scotia receive more funding from the feds so we have the money to fix our education system and address some of the difficulties municipalities face. The feds might not be able to support such projects directly, but they can help more than they do. We can make better choices than fighter jets and prisons. There are more important things we can spend our money on and get a better return for society.

    As for Geoff Regan, he has proven to me that he is only a self-interested politician who wants nothing more than to be re-elected so he can pad his already fat pension. He is not campaigning on issues. He will not provide his vision for Halifax West. He is coasting on name recognition and his party affiliation. Let’s get someone else in there who gives a damn.

    To Koda’s comment, I fully intend to be a nuisance. Thank you for pointing out the obvious. If Geoff Regan will not speak to his constituents or do anything for Halifax West, I will continue to be a vocal thorn in his side and to all who support him. He must be replaced.

  47. More, yes you are correct and the NDP is a collition of the CCF and the CLC to become the NCNP so it has morphed through the years. Liberals started out as Reformers and had various unions with others, so what’s your point. They’ve all done it at some time in their respective histories.

  48. ever onward admiral, our troops are vigilante^^nice one ttfn, but don’t forget shemphttp://www.biografias.es/files/star/shemphoward2_31.jpg

  49. Oh I love it TT! But those boys were far too canny to ever lower themselves to something as farcical as politics.

  50. Morning folks.
    Rosie – Sorry, but no boarding at my new place, Blue is the only dog allowed 🙁 Hope you’ve had other luck finding a place for Riley.
    If anyone talks to Rosie, could you see that she get the message, plz.

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