Atlantic Canadian Politics Thread

[sailor734]

Yep, I agree with most of that. I think it's Carney's to lose (if the Liberals are smart). He is their best hope to at least minimize the damage and (as the pundits say) save the furniture.

Just not sure I see Carney sticking around for 4+ years as either the opposition leader or potentially even the leader of a third party. Although I'm not sure 3rd place under Carney is all that likely. OTOH He is only 59 so having a decent shot at becoming PM at 63 or 64 wouldn't be an unreasonable plan if he really wants it.

[Sunnybrae]

Originally Posted by J81

As opposed to the constant gaslighting by our current leader? Lol please. Did the CBC tell you Pierre was Canada’s version of Trump or did you come up with that idea on your own. Im so sick of the comparisons. Its lazy. If you took the time to listen to both of them they’re not the same at all. I cant stand Trump but ill listen to Pierre even though i dont agree with everything he says. And yes some of it is cringeworthy but that can be said for both sides on both sides of the border.

I said he is running a campaign like Trump with the constant negativity. You need a vacation?

[EnvisionSaintJohn]

• Video Link
Was surprised no one posted a link to the interview, so here you are… for your viewing pleasure.

I'd say this was the best response from a Canadian leader yet in response to Trump's ridiculous antics directed at Canada.

There was quite a lot to unpack in this interview, and quite a bit that explicitly related to New Brunswick, and actually Saint John, NB specifically.

Carney really drove home the point how much oil Canada exports to the US, and how disastrous it would be for the US should these exports stop. I was going to clip that part of the interview to post on here, but maybe later.

I think Carney made Canada proud in New York last night.

Not only is Mark Carney is clearly better suited to dealing with Trump than Pierre Poilievre, I think he’s also better suited and far more qualified to lead Canada as our next prime minister.

[EnvisionSaintJohn]

Speaking of Canada’s oil industry… some interesting news from Saint John—Rothesay MP, Wayne Long, in his usual over the top, cheesy fashion. ⚠️

For those that don’t know, Canada’s largest oil refinery is located in Saint John, NB. Over 80% of its refined products are exported to the US, where it is the largest single supplier of refined petroleum products in the entire northeast United States.

I guess this is good news? I wonder what factors led to this decision.

[lirette]

Wayne Long posting style imitates that of someone selling Arbonne. Emojis galore.

[EnvisionSaintJohn]

Originally Posted by lirette

Wayne Long posting style imitates that of someone selling Arbonne. Emojis galore.

He’s ridiculous lol. The emojis aren’t nearly as bad as the perpetual self aggrandizement. I’ll give him credit for being quite responsive to his constituents online, but he mostly only responds to praiseful comments and inquiries, especially more recently. If you bring something to his attention that he doesn’t agree with, he’s actually quite dismissive.

All politicians are full of BS, but Wayne Long is especially full of it 💩

I can’t say I’ll really miss him at this point, but I may change my mind depending on who we get as our next MP. His successor won’t even be my MP anyways due redistricting. He had quite a few posts bemoaning those changes, but I’m optimistic that the changes could actually be good for the West Side. Not a huge fan of John Williamson either, but if he opens a constituency office in SJ, or actually takes an interest in West Saint John, I’m willing to give him a chance.

Wayne Long is from the West Side, but apart from the Port expansion and Martello Tower, I can’t think of a single thing or a single project he’s got done for the residents of West Saint John. All his pet projects that residents might enjoy or consider an improvement to the city, at least that I can’t think of, have happened elsewhere in the riding. Perhaps most disappointing for the West Side, is how he completely gave up on his idea to open up Partridge Island to the public. He had the kernel of a great idea with his vision to connect the island to Bayshore Beach with a ferry, but abandoned the idea at the first sign of issues. I think it would be better to connect the island with a causeway anyways. Regardless, it’s disappointing he gave up on it so easily.

So, yeah, I think I like the chances of the West Side getting more attention from its next MP in the new riding, than had we stayed with the rest of Saint John, Rothesay, and now Quispamsis. Wayne had quite a few hissy fits on Facebook saying it was effectively disenfranchising the West Side or something like that, but I think he was blowing things completely out of proportion— like he usually does

[sailor734]

Good article by John Iverson in the National Post yesterday about Mark Carney.

For those with a TJ subscription.......https://nationalpost.com/opinion/mark-carney-liberal-leadership-2

One interesting thing was the suggestion that momentum seems to be forming behind Carney to the point Freeland may chose not to run. That would leave Carney a pretty clear path to victory.

I don't think anyone is suggesting he would have much of a chance in winning the next election but I think he would have a very strong chance of hanging on to official opposition status.

[drewber]

Originally Posted by sailor734

Good article by John Iverson in the National Post yesterday about Mark Carney.

For those with a TJ subscription.......https://nationalpost.com/opinion/mark-carney-liberal-leadership-2

One interesting thing was the suggestion that momentum seems to be forming behind Carney to the point Freeland may chose not to run. That would leave Carney a pretty clear path to victory.

I don't think anyone is suggesting he would have much of a chance in winning the next election but I think he would have a very strong chance of hanging on to official opposition status.

I never bothered looking into Carney much until today. I gotta say he's got an impressive resume. Harvard grad, tons of financial experience, I can't find anything negative outside of him being a go to guy for Trudeau since 2019 but it seems like he could indeed keep the Liberal party from losing status and maybe winning 50+ seats this spring

[sailor734]

Originally Posted by drewber

I never bothered looking into Carney much until today. I gotta say he's got an impressive resume. Harvard grad, tons of financial experience, I can't find anything negative outside of him being a go to guy for Trudeau since 2019 but it seems like he could indeed keep the Liberal party from losing status and maybe winning 50+ seats this spring

Yeah, I'm pretty sure the Tories would prefer Freeland.

[PoscStudent]

Originally Posted by sailor734

Yeah, I'm pretty sure the Tories would prefer Freeland.

All opposition parties would prefer her.

[EnvisionSaintJohn]

Originally Posted by sailor734

Good article by John Iverson in the National Post yesterday about Mark Carney.

For those with a TJ subscription.......https://nationalpost.com/opinion/mark-carney-liberal-leadership-2

One interesting thing was the suggestion that momentum seems to be forming behind Carney to the point Freeland may chose not to run. That would leave Carney a pretty clear path to victory.

I don't think anyone is suggesting he would have much of a chance in winning the next election but I think he would have a very strong chance of hanging on to official opposition status.

Which would make him the next Prime Minister, if only for brief period.

I’m thinking Singh and the NDP will be rethinking their intention to immediately bring about the end to the Liberal government if it’s soon to be led by Mark Carney. This is the first time their party has had any power in decades, bringing down the house will be signing their own death warrants.

Even if a Mark Carney led LPC runs a perfect campaign, they’re not likely going to win more seats than the CPC. However, they could very well keep the CPC to 171 seats or less, which would open the door to quite a myriad of possibilities.

[sailor734]

From the NP article


One intriguing comment he made to Stewart was that the timing of the next election “will likely be the choice of the governing party.” That suggests another difference with Trudeau if Carney is elected Liberal leader: He is not going to grub around seeking a deal with the NDP’s Jagmeet Singh.

If the Liberals are going off a cliff, Carney is going to be in the driver’s seat, with this foot on the accelerator.

[sailor734]

Well, Freeland is in.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/chrystia-freeland-running-liberal-leader-1.7434083

Carney is going to have a hard enough time doing it but I really don't see how Freeland can distance herself from Trudeau and his policies/legislation. She was there every step of the way for the past 9 years, serving in cabinet, strongly supporting things in the media and voting in the house.

At least Carney can try and hide behind "I was a background advisor who often didn't get listened too"

[lirette]

Holt continues to show good political instincts with the recent NB Power situation (higher than normal bills). From what I've personally seen there's nothing going on here, just a lower than previous years December temperatures, combined with some perception issues about smart meters.

I haven't seen any evidence that would convince me there's an issue. However, the discourse is still there, and asking for it to be looked into because an MLA brought it to her attention shows she's listening and swift on her feet to respond.

This isn't an issue that's divided by party lines, many politicians today wouldn't have bothered with it because of that.

Theres an easy win here, I think this is mostly just an education issue about how power bills work. NB Power just needs to send out some FAQ type communications to clarify this for people and this issue will be considered resolved.

Cost of living continues to be on the forefront of peoples minds, so quick responses to issues like this will build trust even with those who didnt vote for her or the liberals.

[Nashe]

Re: NBPower.

I agree they do a terrible job w. communication. Their optics are consistently... rough.
I've literally put my FB account on 6 month pause just to get away from the local ranting about smart meters: 1) increasing power bills by 50% 2) lowering power bills by 10% or 3) nuking brains with the single additional cell radio

Good grief.

[Taeolas]

One thing I noticed when I looked at my recent bill (which was noticably higher than before) and my previous bill, they don't have the electricity charges breakdown. "On the X kilowatt hours you used @ Ycents/kWh".

There's a note about "The usual breakdown of charges will appear on your next monthly bill" instead, which doesn't help any. If they had at least put the total used x amount per kWh on it, then that might have made people a bit more aware of where the increase is coming from.

I guess the rate change took effect in that period, so they can't (or won't) break down the charges for two periods or something?

[darkharbour]

Several people I know, including tenants of mine, have had similar large increases in December and we are all on SJ Energy meters and billing, which IMO lends creedence to the argument that it was colder than usual December combined with higher rates, and not a problem unique to NB Power.

[Nashe]

Originally Posted by Taeolas

There's a note about "The usual breakdown of charges will appear on your next monthly bill" instead, which doesn't help any. If they had at least put the total used x amount per kWh on it, then that might have made people a bit more aware of where the increase is coming from.

I'm guessing that might have to do with being unable to "blend" the rates/messaging of before-meter and after-meter installation... *shrug*

[Taeolas]

Whenever the Federal Election happens, we expected Freddy to flip blue regardless; but it looks like that will be even more certain now. Since there won't be an incumbant running there.

Jenica Atwin will not run for reelection

[CharlotteCountyLogan]

https://www.ctvnews.ca/atlantic/video/2025/01/23/wayne-long-rethinking-decision-to-not-re-offer/
I wonder what is Wayne thinking. Saint John is getting split in two and the Liberals have awful polling numbers. He won't win in Saint John-St. Croix and i highly doubt he would win in Saint John—Kennebecasis. Is it blind optimism or what. And if he does run which riding does he run in.