Still waiting Mr. Mackay.......

Not much news on the MacKay for leader front.
Sounds like a lot of prominent to Conservatives are waiting to announce. We'll probably see more than Michael Chong, Kellie Leitch and Maxime Bernier in the ring by September.

Stay tuned...

Kellie Leitch and Maxime Bernier enter the race!

Looks like Kellie Leitch and Maxime Bernier are entering the race to lead the CPC!

http://globalnews.ca/news/2619444/maxime-bernier-officially-enters-conservative-leadership-race/

Peter MacKay may run for CPC leadership.

“I haven’t ruled it out,” Mr. MacKay said, sipping Earl Grey tea in a boardroom at his firm’s Bay Street office overlooking Lake Ontario.

“But am I pining away, thinking about it and organizing and getting an apparatus in place? Uh, no. I’ve done that before,” he said, referring to his run for the Progressive Conservative leadership in 2003 before it merged with Mr. Harper’s Canadian Alliance to form the modern Conservative Party of Canada.

“It’s a tremendous commitment.”

These days, Mr. MacKay refers to himself as another type of PC – a “practical Conservative.”

When asked why he doesn’t just say no to a leadership run, Mr. MacKay answered: “I’m still interested and engaged in a lot of issues that I care about, and politics is a vehicle to bring about change. It sounds trite, but it’s true.”

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/peter-mackay-remains-open-to-conservative-leadership-bid/article29302456/

Rona Ambrose for full-time leadeship?

Interesting article from Michael Den Tandt. He has been talking to backroom conservatives and many are starting to wonder if Rona should run for full-time leadership.

Currently the Tories are being crushed in the polls though. They are polling lower than the vote share in 2015. She stumbles in French. Not sure she's got the verve needed. Justin Trudeau is riding high right now, but as time wears on the shine will come off. We need someone strong and ready. It's hard to see Rona as strong and ready.

http://news.nationalpost.com/full-comment/michael-den-tandt-best-leader-for-tories-might-be-the-one-they-already-have

Another insider outlines a vision...

Here's another good piece about where the Conservative Party can go to from here. This writer is a former insider and it looks like many of the previous positions of the CPC are not in her good books.

I don't agree with some of the social policy or the focus on libertarian economics. It creates a bland and uninspiring vision. The Conservative Party can't just be yesterday's Liberals with an extra dash of greed and do-nothing attitude.

Nevertheless, it's a good perspective and worth listening too.

Link to article: http://www.macleans.ca/politics/ottawa/what-should-a-conservative-look-like-in-2016/

Controlling our economic destiny!

Peter MacKay brushes off the old pen and writes a column for National Post. It's a great read and compares building oil pipelines to John A. MacDonald's vision of a national railroad. MacKay is clearly keeping his profile aloft and earning some big cash at his new law firm in the interim. I hope he's making connections with deep pockets and getting ready to announce his run for leadership within the next 9 months.

http://news.nationalpost.com/full-comment/peter-mackay-controlling-our-economic-destiny

Good new article - Why Peter MacKay should run

Great article over at Poletical. Ten reasons MacKay should run...

You may have read C. Wang’s recent article listing ten reasons why Peter MacKay shouldn’t run for leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. It’s probably the worst written piece that Poletical has ever published. Not only should Peter MacKay run for leadership, he needs to. It’s his destiny. Read on as I destroy Wang’s ten points without even breaking a sweat.

#1. Family

Peter MacKay cited his desire to “spend more time with his family” as a reason to leave federal politics. He seemed genuine about this decision at the time and the fact that he left the party on good terms should put to rest any notion that would suggest otherwise.

Right now MacKay has a newborn and a toddler. Their needs are great and the parenting stress is high. Sleeplessness and household management requires more energy. Leaving politics in order to be more present in early family life makes sense, but kids grow up. A 5 year old is easier to manage than a 2 year old. Harper had a young family when he was first Prime Minister and Justin Trudeau is doing it now. With a couple of state funded nannies and a conscious decision to balance the job with family life, the MacKay clan will flourish while MacKay acts as Prime Minister.

#2. Pension

Wang suggests MacKay’s pension enticed him to leave politics. Maybe he’s right, but the pension exists no matter what MacKay chooses to do for the next 30 years of his life. Freedom 55 is a 1980’s notion of the “good life”. Wandering around beaches while in the prime of your life is a waste of time and potential. MacKay has always been an ambitious guy and that’s usually not something you can just switch off, because you have a guaranteed revenue stream.

#3. Private Sector is Calling

I’m sure MacKay will have lot’s of opportunities in the private sector. I’m sure he could make tons of cash doing so. The alternative being suggested, however, isn’t just some random public sector gig. It’s the potential to be the PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA.

It’s a big deal.

The attraction isn’t a fat bank account or executive respect...it’s power, history, legacy. Sitting around a boardroom trying to figure out how hide profits for some mining enterprise is a small substitute for building a country.

“Such a waste of talent. He chose money over power. In this town, a mistake nearly everyone makes. Money is the Mcmansion in Sarasota that starts falling apart after 10 years. Power is the old stone building that stands for centuries. I cannot respect someone who doesn't see the difference.” – Frank Underwood, House of Cards

Peter MacKay was born for politics. He thrives in it. The private sector lucre can wait.

#4. Justin Trudeau will not be easily beaten

Wang thinks Justin Trudeau is the new juggernaut of Ottawa. He’s drinking the same moonshine that the MediaParty and many other vested interests would have.....read more at the link...

http://www.poletical.com/cpcldr-peter-mackay-should-run-conservative.php

Peter MacKay joins law firm

Big news today...MacKay joins law firm.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/peter-mackay-toronto-law-firm-partner-baker-mckenzie-1.3418382

This this rules out MacKay for leader?

Think again...
(courtesy of Reddit)

Mark Your Calendars!!!!!

Looks like the big choice comes down May 27th, 2017!
http://ipolitics.ca/2016/01/19/conservative-leader-to-be-elected-may-27-2017/

MacKay leads in latest poll!

Peter MacKay lands in first place according to new poll. Check it out!
http://www.660news.com/2016/01/17/new-poll-kevin-oleary-tied-with-peter-mackay-in-leadership-race/

Kevin O'Leary? Get real.

Kevin O'Leary is great. He says stuff that needs to be said, but he is no leader and he's not a good fit for the Conservative Party. Read for yourself...but keep your thinking cap on.

http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/michael-den-tandt-why-fire-breathing-kevin-oleary-is-a-good-fit-for-conservative-leader

Good article about the CPC leadership race...

Finally starting to hear some news about the leadership race.

http://www.ottawasun.com/2016/01/09/new-conservative-leader-has-big-task

BRAD WALL IS OUT!

Listen up folks...Brad Wall is NOT running for CPC leadership. He's got an election to win in Saskatchewan in April. Saskatchewan is still undergoing the cultural shift of leaving the NDP in the dust.
I've said for a long time that the Saskatchewan Party needs to win a third term in order to entrench lasting cultural change in the province. Brad Wall needs to do it. Brad Wall can do it and Saskatchewan will be better off for it forever.
Wall is a regional phenomenom and he will best achieve things by staying that way.

Huffington Post article below...
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2016/01/08/brad-wall-conservative-leadership-race_n_8940888.html

Jan 22 - Get your tickets.

Excellent article with new interview!

Taking a break from runs to daycare and swimming lessons for his young son, former Conservative justice minister Peter MacKay was reflecting on law, politics, and life at the crossroads. “I want to be able to have more flexibility in my career and my private life, to be able to spend time with them — especially at this young age,” confided MacKay. “These are very formative years, as everyone knows. And so my preference is not to delve immediately back into the practice of law where I would be working commensurate hours as I was as minister of justice and not see them.”Taking a break from runs to daycare and swimming lessons for his young son, former Conservative justice minister Peter MacKay was reflecting on law, politics, and life at the crossroads. “I want to be able to have more flexibility in my career and my private life, to be able to spend time with them — especially at this young age,” confided MacKay. “These are very formative years, as everyone knows. And so my preference is not to delve immediately back into the practice of law where I would be working commensurate hours as I was as minister of justice and not see them.”

MacKay took everyone by surprise last May when he announced that he would serve out his term as justice minister, but wouldn’t run again as MP for Central Nova in order to spend more time with his wife Nazanin Afshin-Jam, their son Kian, 2, and their daughter Valentia, who was born in September.

But while MacKay, 50, is only five years away from being able to collect an estimated $128,832 a year in pension after his 18 years as an MP, he says he has no intention of remaining idle.

MacKay’s experience in three ministerial portfolios — justice, foreign affairs, and defence — makes him an attractive candidate to law firms. While he was prohibited from even broaching the subject with prospective firms until after he formally finished as justice minister in October, it wasn’t long before his phone started to ring. In December, MacKay said he was in “advanced discussions” with a number of law firms with a “large national/international reach” but would not reveal any names.

However, he is a political animal and often mentioned as a possible future leader of the Conservative Party. Introducing former Conservative prime minister Brian Mulroney at Toronto’s conservative Albany Club in November and penning an op-ed in the National Post further fuelled speculation his departure from politics is a hiatus — not a retirement. When it comes to returning to politics, though, MacKay is coy. “I don’t

MacKay took everyone by surprise last May when he announced that he would serve out his term as justice minister, but wouldn’t run again as MP for Central Nova in order to spend more time with his wife Nazanin Afshin-Jam, their son Kian, 2, and their daughter Valentia, who was born in September.

But while MacKay, 50, is only five years away from being able to collect an estimated $128,832 a year in pension after his 18 years as an MP, he says he has no intention of remaining idle.

MacKay’s experience in three ministerial portfolios — justice, foreign affairs, and defence — makes him an attractive candidate to law firms. While he was prohibited from even broaching the subject with prospective firms until after he formally finished as justice minister in October, it wasn’t long before his phone started to ring. In December, MacKay said he was in “advanced discussions” with a number of law firms with a “large national/international reach” but would not reveal any names.

However, he is a political animal and often mentioned as a possible future leader of the Conservative Party. Introducing former Conservative prime minister Brian Mulroney at Toronto’s conservative Albany Club in November and penning an op-ed in the National Post further fuelled speculation his departure from politics is a hiatus — not a retirement. When it comes to returning to politics, though, MacKay is coy. “I don’t......

http://canadianlawyermag.com/5874/Law-politics-and-life-at-the-crossroads.html

Peter MacKay cited as one of top seven choices for leader...

Lengthy article by John Ibbitson about the future of the Conservative Party of Canada.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/federal-conservative-members-on-what-needs-to-be-done-to-regain-power/article27900144/?click=sf_globefb

Hebert summarizes the race so far...slow start for sure.

Simple update on the super slow race for CPC leader.
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2015/12/10/conservatives-in-no-rush-to-select-new-leader-hbert-column.html

MacKay top choice~

Once again...Peter MacKay tops the CPC leadership list...

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/incoming/peter-mackay-most-favoured-of-potential-conservative-leaders-poll/article27628805/?cmpid=rss1&click=dlvr.it

Peter MacKay - front runner

This is from Wikipedia... Peter MacKay is by far the front runner and may as well announce his bid. The guy is made for this. 

Letter to the Editor - National Post - October 26th, 2015

Interesting...

Interesting developments recently.

Stay tuned...

So long Peter MacKay

Peter MacKay has announced his plan to retire from politics and spend more time with his family.

So long Minister MacKay...you were one of the good ones.

This blog will remain in the meantime...waiting for your return.

Harbour improvements

Nova Scotia MP and federal cabinet minister Peter MacKay announced $60 million will be spent on 48 harbour improvements over the next two years in the province.

A news release issued Friday provides details on 17 of the 48 projects. That portion will cost approximately $20 million and includes harbours in Pictou, Kings County, Guysborough County and across Cape Breton.

The federal government said upgrades "will provide a safer and more efficient working environment for harbour users and local fishermen."

The improvements include....

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/peter-mackay-announces-60m-for-nova-scotia-harbour-improvements-1.3037371

Peter MacKay responds to Mulcair on bill C-51

Peter MacKay responds to the absurd over-reaction to Bill C-51. The anti-terrorism bill that leftists like to pretend is George Orwell-style oppression...

http://news.nationalpost.com/2015/02/27/peter-mackay-bill-c-51-is-a-measured-response-to-the-very-real-dangers-we-face-today/

Peter Sticks it to the liberal media

Define terrorism..."Look it up!"

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/peter-mackay-skirts-debate-on-definition-of-terrorism-look-it-up-1.2961934

Life in prison without parole? Yes please!

MacKay needs to get this done! The worst of the worst scumbags need to go to prison and stay there. End of story.

A spokesperson for Justice Minister Peter MacKay declined to comment directly on the categories outlined by The Globe, but quoted the Throne Speech of October, 2013, saying: “Canadians do not understand why the most dangerous criminals would ever be released from prison. We are currently reviewing options to ensure that a life sentence actually means life.”

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/tories-to-table-life-in-prison-without-parole-shifting-legal-landscape/article22646714/

Peter MacKay's conservatism

Lawrence Martin writes a hit piece about Peter MacKay. He suggests that MacKay is too right-wing and that the country is tilting in this direction.

As an ardent conservative I like this article, despite the obvious attempt at snark and criticism. MacKay is a true blue conservative and he's done a great job in office since 2006. The fact that the country has moved away from the left of the past is a good thing. The new centre is rightward.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/mackay-mirrors-rightward-tilt-of-the-country/article22309784/?click=sf_globefb

Guns have been much in the news recently, but you don’t see much talk, such is the tilt of the country, about the disappearance of the gun registry. The assault on Parliament might have stirred some protest. Where did Michael Zehaf-Bibeau get the rifle? Was it registered? The information might have been useful to the police. Then came the 25th anniversary of the slaughter at Montreal’s École Polytechnique. Then the massacre over the holidays in Edmonton. Through it all, hardly a whimper from gun control advocates who were so outraged when....

MacKay stacking the courts!

Peter MacKay is stacking the courts with judges who want to put scumbags in jail.
Of course the Globe and Mail is claiming bias!

Justice Minister Peter MacKay chose eight prosecutors and no defence lawyers to be judges in his latest round of appointments this month, creating a growing imbalance on the federal bench.

Mr. MacKay has chosen 15 prosecutors since his last appointment of a lawyer whose main area is defence, which came in October, 2013, a government list of federal judicial appointments shows. He has appointed 88 new judges during that time...

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/mackays-judicial-appointments-favour-prosecutors-over-defence-lawyers/article22223421/

SUNNEWS LOOKS AT MACKAY SUCCEEDING HARPER!

I hope Harper wins another majority, but when the time comes for the next leader...MacKay!~

http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/video/3958351550001

Peter MacKay seen as likely successor to Harper!

MacKay leads list of Possible Successors …

Thinking ahead to who might be a possible successor to Prime Minister Harper when he does decide to step down, the poll tested eight prominent Tories – but one rose to the top of the list.

At this early juncture, one in three (35%) Tory voters would like to see Peter MacKay, presently Attorney General and Minister of Justice, take over the leadership of the Party when the time comes. Other notable Tories tested, but who are at this stage well behind, include Jim Prentice (17%), Tony Clement (12%), John Baird (12%), John Tory (10%), Jason Kenney (8%), Rona Ambrose (4%) and Christian Paradis (3%).

http://www.ipsos-na.com/news-polls/pressrelease.aspx?id=6711

Prostitution hysteria!

 MacKay, a former Crown prosecutor, was expressing his concern and taking it as a given that we might not want to accept Marc Lepine’s justifications for what would become Canada’s worst mass murder. But remember the goal isn’t to have a serious discussion; the goal is to torque your opponent’s words so you can then attack his character.

http://www.edmontonsun.com/2014/12/07/phony-outrage-drowns-out-real-debate

Terrorism is a problem. So is crime.

MacKay understands that fundamentally the government is responsible for protecting the citizens. This includes terrorism and crime.

Federal Justice Minister Peter MacKay says Canadians are now more aware of the importance of security in this country.

“I think the events of a few weeks ago in Ottawa and St-Jean-sur-Richelieu were, frankly, a bit of a wake-up call for the fact that Canada is certainly not immune from terrorist attacks,” he said.

MacKay made the comment at the Halifax International Security Forum, an international security conference which runs this weekend in downtown Halifax.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/peter-mackay-says-canadians-now-more-aware-of-need-for-security-1.2845725

Peter MacKay on Terror law in Canada

As the federal government weighs changes to anti-terrorism laws in the wake of last week’s fatal attacks on two Canadian Forces personnel, Justice Minister Peter McKay acknowledges there are already “robust” laws on the books.

"There are already some pretty robust measures that we can use — [sections of the Criminal Code] 83.3 and 810 do allow for the type of preventive … interventions — if I can use that word — for the police," he told reporters Wednesday morning before Conservative caucus.

Section 83.3 of the Criminal Code allows for preventive arrests, among other measures, when police “believe on reasonable grounds that a terrorist activity will be carried out.” Section 810 deals with peace bonds.

Question of 'thresholds'

On Monday, RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson suggested to a Senate committee that he would like to see the thresholds for the application of these sections to be lowered.

MacKay would only say his department is working...

Read more...http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/peter-mackay-suggests-anti-terror-laws-don-t-need-major-overhaul-1.2817163

Harper and MacKay

The Best PM we've ever had, sitting with the next best PM we'll ever have!

Hooker bill passed.

The government's controversial prostitution bill passed in the House of Commons Monday night by a 156-124 vote.

The Supreme Court last December ruled Canada's existing laws on the world's oldest profession were unconstitutional and ordered Parliament to come up with new legislation within a year.

http://www.torontosun.com/2014/10/06/controversial-prostitution-bill-passed

Peter MacKay seen as best successor to Harper

http://poll.forumresearch.com/post/39/peter_mackay_seen_as_best_successor_to_pm_052614/

Forum poll puts MacKay way ahead of the rest, but he still has a lot of work to do...

MacKay calls for apology over Nazi cartoon

So an editorial cartoonist thinks that the Conservative Party is the basically the same as the Nazi party. Ho-hum...do big deal...just another day in the liberal media machine....

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/peter-mackay-demands-apology-for-nazi-swastika-cartoon-1.2563156

Pot Legislation coming

MacKay met with Police Chief's and may change policy regarding pot. There's a big difference between the Shaggy's and Scooby's of Canada and the foreign Breaking Bad dealers out there.....

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/government-working-on-new-pot-legislation-peter-mackay-says-1.2560645

"The Criminal Code offences would still be available to police, but we would look at options that would give police the ability, much like the treatment of open liquor, that would allow police to ticket those types of offences," he said.

MacKay said he met with Vancouver's police chief, as well as several other chiefs, who "seem to be very favourably inclined." 

"So it is under serious consideration," he said.

MacKay said marijuana charges didn't necessarily eat up a lot of court time, during his run as a Crown prosecutor.

"But, there were certainly charges laid where small amounts of marijuana were involved, which I thought could have been expedited by way of a fine, fine option."

Peter MacKay Throws Down

Check out Justice Minister Peter MacKay throwing down some documents to the NDP!

Leftists always use aboriginal women and their plight as a tool for their own agenda. The Harper government has been cracking down on crime for 8 years and Peter MacKay is doing a great job on this portfolio.

http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Politics/ID/2440627859/

MacKay addressing the whole "Legal Hooker thing".

Peter MacKay versus liberal courts in new agenda...

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-prostitution-bill-expected-well-before-deadline-peter-mackay-says-1.2520073

Majority of people want MacKay

The majority of people polled see Peter MacKay taking over for Prime Minister Harper some day. 53% of respondents approved of MacKay according to a new Forum poll.

Read the full article here...
http://www.hilltimes.com/news/politics/2014/01/20/justice-minister-mackay-leads-among-federal-conservative-party-votes-says-new/37168

Peter MacKay Versus Jason Kenney

Jason Kenney is the perceived frontrunner.

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2014/01/01/jason_kenney_heir_apparent_or_kingmaker.html

Peter MacKay - Stand up guy!

Nice letter...

MacKay responds to military suicides

“It’s absolutely heartbreaking and troubling in the extreme that anyone, soldiers in particular, find themselves in a position that they see no hope and take their own lives,” MacKay said Wednesday on his way into the weekly Conservative caucus meeting in Ottawa.

Veterans advocates say the number of suicides within the military....

http://www.theprovince.com/Heartbreaking+Peter+MacKay+reacts+fourth+suicide+this+week+Afghanistan+veteran/9246669/story.html

MacKay on pot smoking Mountie

It sets a very poor example for Canadians," he declared.

http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/sunnews/straighttalk/archives/2013/11/20131128-202625.html

10 Reasons Peter MacKay should be the next leader of the CPC

In 2015 I predict that Stephen Harper will run and win the general election. I think the NDP and the Liberals will kill each other for the same voters and the Conservatives will tear through the middle with an even bigger majority than they currently have now.

What happens next?

I predict Harper will serve three out of four years and then step down. This will open up a leadership race within the Conservative Party. There will undoubtedly be many people lining up for the job, but there are a few front-runners.

Ten Reasons Peter MacKay Should Be The Next Leader Of The Conservative Party of Canada

"Not criminally responsible" legislation

MacKay said protecting the public is the primary consideration of the bill and putting victims of crimes "front and centre in the system" is also a priority.

The legislation would require the justice system to notify victims when an NCR offender is released from custody.

He said the public has raised concerns about a number of high-profile cases involving NCR offenders...

http://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/not-criminally-responsible-legislation-provides-clarity-mackay-1.1560904

MacKay goes after bullies...and terrorists

MacKay’s legislation targets the distribution of intimate images without consent. Along the way, the bill would make it easier for investigators to obtain warrants to intercept private communications. Individuals who are even suspected of a crime could be tracked by authorities. Police would receive expanded wiretapping powers. MacKay says it’s all necessary, and the Toronto Star quotes him as insisting he’s not pushing an omnibus bill on Parliament: “This legislation is very specific in its intent,” he said....

http://www2.macleans.ca/2013/11/21/need-to-know-peter-mackay-goes-after-cyberbullies-and-terrorists/