Elizabeth Said:

Could a conservative minority split Canada?

We Answered:

It is possible. There is a rising Western Separation talk out here in the west. We are tired of being spit on and trampled on by a useless Eastern economy time and time again while we run the country. BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba are running this country as far as economy goes and if it wasn't for them the entire country would be in a recession just as bad as the US.

Years ago when the West was doing poorly Eastern Canadian politicians thought that they didn't need to care because most of their votes would be coming from Eastern Canada anyway. So we were all have-not provinces and were heavily taxed federally with little help. Now that the West is booming the Liberals are all about green shifting all the money over to the East. Well F%^& them is what I have to say about that. They shrug their shoulders when we are in trouble and then they want to bend us over a barrel when we are doing well so that Eastern Canada can receive MORE money than they already do and the politicians can be voted in again.

I'm sorry but the West isn't going to stand for that crap anymore and this is why the Conservatives are so popular here. Stephen Harper is from Alberta and understands their plight. Who ever thinks that Western Canada is going to vote for the communist NDP or the Eastern loving liberals have another thing coming.

Stanley Said:

What years did the conservative party of canada govern?

We Answered:

It's really long to add up but I found you something, now you do the hard work: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Can…

Just add up the years conservatives were on office for. It would be much easier to print it off rather than doing it from the computer.

Gladys Said:

Is Australia more conservative than Canada for a conservative immigrant?

We Answered:

I don't really know... but from what you've written about Canada I wouldn't have thought there was a lot of difference. eg. for the things you have identified as important to you:

- same sex marriages aren't legal, yet 2/3rds of Aussies have no problems with homosexuality. There are the biggest gay and lesbian mardi gras in the world held here annually.
- marijuana is in various states of decriminalisation among the states (i'm not up on the details)
- age of consent has always been firmly 16
- religion isn't a topic for public discussion in Oz - it's something private (and we like it that way, ok)
- we are very proud of our multiculturalism, as well as out national identity
- there is no patience in Australia for American style arrogance. If you come here believing that your country is better than ours you're not going to be widely liked. Otherwise you should have no probs.
- half our taxes go towards the public health service. there are delays for non essential stuff.

Problems we face are how to improve the lot of many aborigines, some issues with muslim immigration (mainly in Sydney), an aging population and it's possible effects on the health care system, highest youth suicide rate in the world which is especially high in rural areas, and a possible early stage in an 'invasion' of evangelical christians who are trying to politicise religion (mainly in Tasmania I think).

You should also be aware that there is a strong drinking culture in Australia, like in the UK. And a lot of de-facto relationships which are almost the same as formal marriages under the law. Also, guns are very tightly restricted - more so than Canada. I'm not sure what else to say as I am at the opposite side of the political spectrum to you.

Just please be aware that we are not America, we are Australia. Also we are a multicultural society which means anything disparaging towards minorities (including gays and lesbians) is strongly frowned on - re. your other question - a no gays bumper sticker in Australia, you just wouldn't do it.

Hope that helps.

Albert Said:

Whatever happened to the old Progressive Conservative Party of Canada?

We Answered:

What's the difference? Not much. Both were/are dishonest.
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/08101…

Both pander to the wants of big business and to hell with the people. Both are a disgrace. But this one is the worst of all - they just wasted millions of dollars on an unnecessary election that will put them back where they were or, hopefully, put them out. Oh yeah - that is taxpayers money they are wasting on ego boosting.

Tyrone Said:

Do the British Conservative Party and the Conservative Party of Canada maintain similar positions?

We Answered:

I find it amusing when a party like the one you speak of in the UK call themselves conservative even though they have no problem with gay marriage and abortion, they are about 40% conservative and 60% liberal.