Roundup: When the leaders are away…

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Pride in Ottawa came and went this weekend, and surprising nobody, Andrew Scheer didn’t show up. But then again, not a single leader, federal or provincial leader, showed up either. Trudeau gets a pass because he was off at the G7 meeting in France, but he’s also only ever showed up to a single Pride in this city. And the only time any of the leaders showed up was the year Trudeau did – a one-off which is a bit of an insult to the city which is seat of government, and the second-largest city in Ontario (for those absentee provincial leaders), which essentially tells us that we’re not worth the effort. (For the record, Jagmeet Singh was in Edmonton to campaign in the NDP’s sole riding in that province).

Meanwhile, here’s a look at why Scheer shouldn’t have shown up at Ottawa Pride without an invitation – or an apology – and more than one person has remarked that straight people shouldn’t be inviting people to Pride on behalf of the LGBT community.

Good reads:

  • At the G7 meeting in France, Justin Trudeau talked trade with Donald Trump, and the group tried to get him to back off on his trade war with China.
  • The G7 leaders also couldn’t convince Trump to return to the deal with Iran.
  • A new book assesses Justin Trudeau’s promises kept-or-broken as compared to Stephen Harper’s, but also notes the differences in the kinds of promises made.
  • Here’s a deeper dive into the Liberal re-election campaign and strategy.
  • The riding association of Liberal MP Eva Nassif says her nomination was really denied (as opposed to her bowing out), and they want to know why.
  • Conservative insiders tell Vassy Kapelos that if they lose the election, they’re ready to blame Doug Ford.
  • The Conservatives are running an Olympic synchronised swimming medallist in the riding held by the former interim leader of the Bloc.
  • Maxime Bernier kicked off his fan club’s campaign over the weekend in Beauce.
  • The company who owns the billboards where those pro-Bernier “Stop Mass Immigration” ads will be taking them down and reviewing their policies.
  • Slow clap for an Alberta MLA who quoted a Nazi on Twitter.
  • Here’s a look at the swivel-eyed loon who thinks he’s going to lead a separatist movement in Alberta.
  • Susan Delacourt notes the renewed emphasis on door-knocking that will feature in this election.
  • Chantal Hébert looks at Trudeau counting on the progressivity of voters, and the demographics that could back up that stance.
  • Andrew Coyne looks ahead to a potential recession that will be brought on by Donald Trump.

Odds and ends:

Here’s an update on the Barrack Hill structures they’ve uncovered on Parliament Hill in advance of the Centre Block renovations.

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One thought on “Roundup: When the leaders are away…”

  1. It’s not just the fact that he boycotts the parade. It’s that this is part of a PATTERN of anti-LGBT behavior, attitudes, and, especially, legislation, not only from Scheer himself but members and supporters of his *deplorable* party of hatemongers and juvenile memesters. Including and especially Dud Fraud and the Kudatah Kenney Klan.

    We’re talking about a party that’s spent the better part of a decade making hateful insinuations about Trudeau, and/or turns a knowing blind eye to the vitriol its base flings at him even to the point of making threats on his life just for marching in a parade. Scheer “beleeves in free speach very feircley,” at least according to his creatively spelled campaign advertisement. More like he’s hoping the keyboard will prove as dangerous as the sword. Or just doesn’t care.

    Liberal supporters call Cons names too, but “Skippy,” “Andy Doody,” and “Herr Harper” are nowhere near comparable to “Fruity Trudy,” “Princess Papineau,” “Flaming Christmas Fruitcake,” or any of the other ugly, homophobic slurs, libelous accusations, vulgar hypotheticals, and Photoshopped graphics of Trudeau in a dress, Trudeau as the Village People, Trudeau as Liberace, etc., distributed by the Con base. They even made fun of Hadrien on Halloween. Scheer knows this is happening and refuses to call it out because he’d have no voters left. Hamish encourages it. Cowards, the lot of them. Bullies.

    As to the “what about 2005” deflection — Liberals have evolved tremendously, and none of the people mentioned in that whatabout list are running for PM. Cons don’t believe in evolution in the first place. They’ve gone backwards. The Regressive Conservatives. The Liberals’ new slogan is “Choose Forward.” The Cons should change theirs to “Because It’s 1955.” Or 1855? Back to the future, Andy! Gotta get the DeLorean up to 1488!

    There’s a better chance Scheer would address a Jordan Peterson book launch at a lobster cookout than he’d ever make any sincere gestures toward Pride. Especially if he gets to play opening act for the haterock band of Faith and the Yellow Vests. Just not ready! Nice skinheads, though…

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