Quebec is going to beg?

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Originally Posted by JBen

So on the topic of GC and the registry. Not sure if its really hurting Harper in Que. But at least right now it looks as though Que may go to the NDP again.

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And that is my point. Even if the Liberals are slipping there is a need to blunt the NDP growth. It is too soon to understand the impact of the SCC decision on the federal polls in Quebec but you can sure bet that if Harper decides to delete the registry that the federal NDP's will use it as a lightening rod to rally support against the PCs in Quebec.
Why guess at the outcome? I am suggesting that the PM be proactive and gut the NDP before it even starts. If Harper offers Quebec the olive branch it costs him nothing as long as he provides it with the stipulation that Quebec holds a vote across the province. This is a win-win. He ends the discussion on the high ground and morally he has met his obligation to return privacy rights. If the province of Quebec turns and revokes their privacy in the interest of gun control, who are we to stop them? Moreover, Harper ends it quickly and has the luxury of waiting until they impale themselves on the costs to say... "

Told ya!" "

Not worth the cost vs the fiction of increased public safety!"

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Originally Posted by DGearyFTE

As I put forth in a follow up, make Quebec vote on the gun registry. If they are bent on self determination let them impose it on themselves. I don't mean allowing the politicians to vote. I mean hold a plebiscite to allow a decision by all. If they collectively vote to hand over their charter rights on an emotion based issue then let them.
Why would the PM want to take a knock at the polls over a group advocating for self denial of right to privacy? Let's face it, collectively as a group of firearms owners we pay attention to this issue. I don't think I am out of line by stating that gun control = zero increase in public safety.
To be honest, my first reaction to the decision was joy and relief at the decision. But in the presence of such a blatant politically motivated (dishonorable) move the PM needs an option. I am more concerned about having the Liberals as the next federal government than I am concerned about Quebec hunters having to report firearms purchases. Common sense and facts aren't going to remedy this. The collective psychy is pure emotion and therefore appeasement is warranted.

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I agree with your hypothysis,but,Conservatives already know that there isn't a hope in hell this will garner any votes in Quebec. If the politicians aren't Separatiste,Liberal or NDP, french voters will have nothing to do with them. It has always been that way in Quebec and will always be. Allowing the registry data to be given to Quebec will only be seen by the ROC as blatantly useless vote pandering and frankly,The Conservatives are above that on this grassroots issue. That's what has the potential for their political base to implode and they know it.

Actually I think Harper probably wants a strong NDP so crushing it might not be beneficial to them. Consider them the "useful idiots" that will steal votes from Trudough and then the Conservatives come up the middle. Quebec is crucial to the liberals so the fact they are possibly going to vote orange again will be helpful.

Good thoughts DGeary.

My guess would be along Terrys line. The "threat" to the cons is the Liberals, so with JT losing supporters and those going to the NDP, while it doesn't hurt their chances, it helps. The other danger I would guess is that if Harper focuses on Muclair and starts trading shots with him. Just as during the Duffy scandal when angry Tom and Harper were trading jabs, it left JT untouched and looking pretty and his popularity climbed.

The Eastern provinces have always been red, the west largely con and the swing votes always Que/Ont. In years gone by the Que vote was bought (pandering to Que both monetarily and hence so many Liberal Leaders from the belle province)…But now the NDP throw a wrinkle into that. Let them take JTs support :)