I am abroad and curious, is Stephen Harper a good Prime Minister?
403015
i don't like conservative governments..we already have 2 very stupid conservative governments that are about to start the 3rd world war ( US and Iran) .... i don't think he is going to be a good prime minister although i should admit he is very cute!...anyways,,,i think in case of war he will send our troops to the war zone...and this could cost us a lot! not only tax money,,,but this will improve the risk of terrorist attacks on Canada
208200
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Harper
461460
I read a few of minister Kip's post's and he gives some pretty good, honest and sincere answers.  He seems to be a good guy.  I'm not too familiar with the other minister though.
289465
Canada is a good neighbor, but I think they have a bit of an inferiority complex. Beautiful country nice place to visit.  Relations will probably improve now that a Conservative is in office.  We had some great times during the Mulroney-Reagan years
1030381
Why should anyone "hate" Stephen Harper?  I thought the Gays and the Lesbians were trying to put an end to hate.  Are you saying now they should promote hate toward one man?\n\nThe question for his existence is not anyone's to answer.  Stephen Harper exists because God created him; just as you exist because God created you.\n\nThe question seems more your attempt to advocate hatred of one human being and not intended to call to understanding or acceptance. \n\n Why wouldn't you be as curious to the existence of gays and lesbians?
100819
No one.  We do not have Presidents (thank God).  The official head of state of Canada is the Governor General (Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean), who represents our Queen, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.\n\nThe Governor General takes the advice of the Prime Minister who is currently Stephen Harper.\n\nTo echo a comment that someone made, we do have a very good system of government here.  It is based on the Parliament system style of government used in the United Kingdom.\n\nThe previous government lost a "vote of confidence", and when this happens we normally hold an election.  This only happened because we had a minority Liberal government.  When the Gomery Report came out, the opposition parties ganged up and voted against the minority government.\n\nIf you have a majority government, you're stuck with the government until at most 5 years.  But we usually have elections every 4 years.\n\nOne thing we normally have more open politics here because of the parliamentary style of government.  The leader of the opposition maintains a fairly good check on the actions of the ruling government.  Our news is mainly revolving around the government and the goings on with politics and not sensational shootings and murder, so we also keep a sharp eye on our politicians.\n\nIf you're interested in learning more about my country and our style of government, please visit http://www.canada.gc.ca/
218110
John Howard is the prime minister.
421027
Stephen Harper:(born April 30, 1959) is the 22nd and current Prime Minister of Canada and leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. He was sworn in as Prime Minister by Governor General Michaëlle Jean on February 6, 2006, at Rideau Hall. Harper has been the Member of Parliament (MP) for the riding of Calgary Southwest in Alberta since 2002, having previously served as the MP for Calgary West from 1993 to 1997. According to Canadian protocol, as Prime Minister, he is styled "The Right Honourable" for life.\n\nAs one of the founding members of the Reform Party, he ended his first stint as an MP to head the National Citizens Coalition. After the ousting of leader Stockwell Day in 2002, Harper became leader of the Canadian Alliance and returned to Parliament. In 2003, he successfully reached an agreement with Progressive Conservative leader Peter MacKay to merge the Canadian Alliance with the Progressive Conservative Party to form the Conservative Party of Canada. He was elected as the new party's first leader in March 2004. He led the Conservatives to a minority government win in the January 2006 federal election.
752250
Amen Jason!!!\n\nBlack or White. Good or Bad. \n\nThe world is not that simple.\n\nWhy can't I be fiscally responsible, yet socially liberal.\n\nWhy can't I be pro-environment and anti-abortion? \n\nWith two parties we are forced to select from two cookie cutter candidates, both heavily funded by corporations. \n\nPolicy is made by who has the most members, not who can come to a compromise.\n\nIn Canada, Britain, and even our close friend Israel... parties are forced to compromise and make agreements to get things done. \n\nThe reason we are sliding downhill fast is that it's either one slate of policies or the other, with NO in between.\n\nWe need open access to any party with enough to support to be able to considered viable. Libertarians and Greens, Constitutionalists, and Socialists, et al. \n\nEliminate all of the two party "funny money" and allow a TRUE democracy to really exist.
339525
Have you heard his speeches? this guy is an awesome speaker. and he's not blowing wind like most politicians. He answers questions with good answers. while most politicians deflect questions.
964824
Canadians know more about America than Americans know about Canada. This makes sense because America is a superpower, therefore U.S. culture is so ubiquitous. I'm an American and know a lot more about Canada than most Americans. The Canadian Prime Minister is Stephen Harper. Paul Martin came before him. Jean Chretien came before Martin. Canadians are generally more liberal. They allow gay marriage. They have very few restrictions on abortion. Attempting suicide is not illegal there. Canada is officially bilingual. The Queen of England is the head of state i believe. Everything is in metric. They have less violent crime. Canada has universal healthcare.
767033
Well i don't mind him too much, when comparing him to the others on offer. Yes he has made some poor decisions, but there are good things here. Fairly low inflation, the best 10 year average interest rates ever, and lower unemployment than the last shower could offer us. \n\nThere are of course things to dislike, for me it would be the problem of immigrants spiralling out of control, and although i don't mind having allies, are we now just a bit too cosy with the usa?
946267
well let me see Tony Blair:\n\nLied about the war\nCreated foundation hospitals\nIncreased higher education fees\nAllowed buy to let mortgages (which has priced me and many others out of the market)\nWas the Creator of ASBO'S (cos they really work)\nCreated around 1,000 new pieces of legislation that's more than any other government.\nOh and his people let out some of the most dangerous crimminals rather than deport them.\n\nSo I'd say yes!
937208
I agree with Countessa--it is a beautiful country,I was in London last week and the tea--the best I ever tasted!England is rich in history and we are very green (I am Canadan-English),and the stores and boutiques are lovely!And the museums are amazing!So I hope that answers your question!(As in England)Cheers!
989791
You should do whatever makes you happy.  With that said, I think Canada is the best country in the world.  I'm a proud Canadian.  Every country has its' issues, Canada included, but the pros definitely outweight the cons.  I've traveled to other countries, and I currently live in the States, but to me, there's no place like Canada.  Our society as a whole is more welcoming and open to other cultures, than many other societies.  We're a humble and modest people,  our quality of life is excellent, and really, you can't get Tim Horton's in the UAE. :)
239836
What country?\n\nCanada - Stephen Harper\nUK - Tony Blair\nIraq - Iyad Allawi \nSpain - Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero\nAustrallia - John Howard\n\nI could go on but I really don't want too.
181733
Stephen Harper as of Feb. 6th, 2006.\n\nHe replaced Tony Martin who served from Dec. 12th, 2003 to Feb. 6th, 2006.\n\nhttp://www.canadainfolink.ca/pms.htm