Stuart Hastings - Canada's Next Great Prime Minister

[HaErico]

great video dude but i think you use your hands too much :P

[brazeau001]

Free ze Canada from ze Québec let zhem séparate

mouaaahhh

zi am ze èvil french sépatatiste

Vive la France!

Vive le Canada Français!!

Vive le Québec libre!

- Charles de Gaulles

[melodiousfish]

This also applies to every other experiment in internationalism. History has no grand designs, and the intrusion of eschatologies into our politics is a sure recipe for disaster. It is also something to which the Canadian "national character" (insofar as it exists) is very far from congenial.

[melodiousfish]

This is preposterous. The EU, far from being the crowning achievement of 5000 years of human endeavour, is a politico-economic tourniquet designed to contain the exhausted poltical and cultural resources of fallen empires. It is a unique development suited to unique historic circumstances.

[themaskedpatriot]

great idea. let's take over the world, anglo-style. what about... oh, nevermind. and johnathanobrun, please take up reading as a hobby. it will do us more good than it will you.

maskedpatriot(dot)wordpress(do­t)com

[jonathanobrun]

pretty good ideas. globalization of commerce is already effecting a lot of unification.

not sure how poverty will be ended by political unions, poverty is actually being greatly reduced by international commerce. Formal unions between large countries is very difficult, whereas the EU as a very very dense grouping of political organizations and thus necessitates a strong collaboration.

[StuartHastings2007]

(1/3)

Hi Sarelkr, I am glad you agree that 'unity sounds good'. However, we differ in the notion that unity is a buzzword. Would you call "Canadian unity" a buzzword? Would you call "human cooperation" a buzzword? Or taken to the individual level, would you consider "friendship" a buzzword? These are important social concepts that have bound peoples and nations together for thousands of years, hardly something you can so simply dismiss, as you have, with generic phrases rooted in ignorance.

[StuartHastings2007]

(2/3)

Secondly, I am thankful that the development of human civilization has not been limited by your imagination. I am glad John A. McDonald had the imagination to see a united Canada including French, Aboriginal and English peoples and Robert Schuman had the imagination to see a union of European nations, or Gandhi had the imagination to see an independent India. I encourage you to think beyond the brief moment in time that our lives occupy in the grand history of our species.

[StuartHastings2007]

(3/3)

Lastly, were the US, Canada, the UK, NZ, and Australia formed into a larger political and economic unit, George Bush would have never been elected President, and we would have been spared the current wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Considering how small a margin Bush was elected by, an extra 100+ million voters would have easily tilted the balance to Gore in '00, and to Kerry in '04. And this is assuming there would have been no other Candidates from another member states. Thank you.

[gundamWWW]

I like your speech but it's packed with soo many various ideas and it sounds like a rant, no offence. But it's pretty good.

How come you didn't talk about the Oil Sands? I mean when you said Fort McMurry, Alberta I thought you had ideas for the oil sands.

[brazeau001]

I hope that the Russian invade Canada and make you anglo speak russian mouuuahhhh

[StuartHastings2007]

Thanks again Aman for your continuing interest in my video. Despite your good intentions, research on tectonic plates in the arctic will not help our claim over the Northwest Passage. In order to claim the arctic waterways under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, Canada must prove that the seabed is part of our continental shelf -- tectonic plates don't factor in here. I appreciate your thoughts on this subject, but this might prove problematic for your Arctic Safety Panel.

[StuartHastings2007]

I hope we can continue this discussion, and I would be very interested to hear how you propose to "take further steps to locate and find resources in the Arctic while being sensitive to the needs of the environment and continuing to back-up our claim to arctic sovereignty!" I like your enthusiasm, lets hear your ideas.

[StuartHastings2007]

Now, since the Nahanni National Park Reserve is located firmly within the landmass of the Northwest Territories, its expansion does nothing to bolster our maritime claim over the passage. World Heritage Site or not, a wilderness Reserve located hundreds of Kilometres from the Arctic Ocean shore is a poor substitute for an effective maritime claim. I offer that this misunderstanding is the reason why you believe the necessary steps are being taken to backup Canada's claim to the arctic.

[StuartHastings2007]

With this in mind, I'm glad you brought up that the government is currently planning on expanding the Nahanni National Park Reserve in the North West Territories. Though a great environmental initiative, it does nothing to assert our sovereignty. The international community already recognizes northern Canada and the Arctic Archipelago as being part of our country -- the disagreement is centered over arctic waters, particularly the Northwest Passage.

[StuartHastings2007]

Hi Aman, thanks for checking out my video. I kindly direct you to my response to nibelungensohn regarding the creation of a North American Union. As for arctic sovereignty, I think the trouble here is confusing Canada's claim with international recognition. The problem is not that Canada is lacking a claim: the problem is that the rest of the international community - including the US, Russia, and the EU - do not recognize it.

[iAengus]

Not only that but are smaller unities really what we are looking for? Or rather should we not focus on making a world unity rather than a bunch of independent organizations. Just some food for thought.

Aengus

[StuartHastings2007]

Hi Aengus, it's great to hear that you agree with me on this. You rightly point out that Canada has taken a backseat in building supra-national political organizations. This is exactly why my idea for Canada is for us to take the lead role in building up our fellow human-beings. We need not turn to Europe, for Canada was a multicultural federation 90 years before the EU was even a twinkle in Robert Schuman's eye. Canada has the experience, now we just need the will.

[iAengus]

Hello Stuart,

Watched your movie and totally agree with your stance. Unity is something that is very important. However the contest is about a vision of Canada and I am curious as to how Canada fits into the idea of the unified world states. I mean all the unions you mentioned have been established by other nations with little to no role taken by Canada. Should Europe not spearhead a movement? They have the experience.

[nibelungensohn]

You must be kidding. For starter, NAU is going to happen behind the curtain anyway regardless of whether we like it or not so your idea is far from original. If you think a "continental integration" is a good idea you need to hear what Connie Fogel has to say about it.

[StuartHastings2007]

Thanks nibelungensohn for viewing my video and for your comment, I've been looking forward to some good debate. First, I am not kidding. I think it's important to note that my idea does not include a "North American Union" of any description. I would argue that Mexico and Canada would not make particularly good candidates for integration.

[nibelungensohn]

And then, there are the issues of sovereignty and our border's safety but I won't be able to get to those right now.

Suffice to say, proposing ideas that people take to the street to protest against won't make you a popular PM.

[StuartHastings2007]

I think the danger here is in taking a literal interpretation of the term 'continental-union'. In reality, unions are forming today based on shared histories, separated generally from other cultures by bodies of water or mountainous terrain. We tend to forget that France and China are actually two territorial divisions on the same piece of rock. Yet, nobody is proposing a Eurasian Union - were the term to be applied literally. I take your point, & perhaps 'union-state' would be more appropriate.

[nibelungensohn]

Many people consider NAFTA a "sell-out." We are still wrestling with the US on the soft wood lumber issue after all these years. What you propose sounds like a more pervasive version of NAFTA, and more likely than not, it will be even harder to guarantee it will be for the best interest of Canadians rather than Americans.

[StuartHastings2007]

I must admit that until your comment, I had not heard of Connie Fogel, nor was I aware that she was the leader of the Canadian Action Party. I think it's great that you guys are taking part in our democracy, but I'm not sure if campaigning against an idea that nobody is currently proposing is the best electoral strategy. Lastly, I am appreciative that you have pointed out that this is not an original idea.

[nibelungensohn]

Your selection of geographical regions might not be the same as those of the NAU or SPP but I'm sure you won't deny that the underlying ideas of what you propose and those of the NAU and SPP are similar.

Canada has already lowered its pesticide standard to that of the US in accordance with the SPP. Would you consider that a good thing?

[StuartHastings2007]

In fact, political cooperation is the oldest, best idea we've ever had. From the days when we first grouped into tribes to collectively hunt the woolly mammoth, humans have benefited my pooling our joint resources and talents for the betterment of all in ever greater political organizations. Today we stand at the cusp of our true promise. Thanks again for your comments and I hope we can continue this debate!

[nibelungensohn]

First off, I appreciate you taking the time to write a lengthy reply.

I need to clarify one thing. I'm not in any way affiliated with the CAP (or any politcal party for that matter). Using Connie Fogal's view as a reference point was just my lazy way out to avoid all the typing. I could have alternatively refer to the views of Councils of Canadians or even those of the protesters at Montebello which amount to pretty much the same thing.

[brazeau001]

Free Canada from Québec let them separate mouuuaaahhhh

-the evil french séparatiste

[SaugaBoy]

very well done!!!

[slophobik]

Smooth and well thought out speech Stu! Incredible insight into Canada's future on political, social and economic levels. I firmly agree that unifying our nations is necessary. You have the passion, love and vision to do great things, hats' off Mr. Hastings!

[antonina321]

Excellent speech! I think your idea is very interesting and creative - I absolutely love that in your vision you emphasise both Canadian and global welfare!! That is incredibly important, and you seem very dedicated and passionate about it. The global outlook, the bold and innovative idea, and the passion, makes you an excellent future prime minister in my eyes! Keep it up, I want to be able to actually vote for you one day to lead this country!

[lindsay1234567]

total support!!! take it all the way!

[sheswiththeband]

Very well done!

[STI202]

A true speaker!

[lindsayhaig]

Awesome Job. You have my support 100%... really interesting and truly inspiring!

[STI202]

Great job stu, the whole family is behind you!

[simpleplan4liiffe]

good luck~!!!!

[STI202]

The perfect candidate! he's the next one!

[jmamone86]

best of luck, stu!

[kennymac83]

I would without a doubt vote for stu. He's very intelligent, and I completely agree with his views. Good Luck Stu

[chheimraang]

Amazing speech! You've got my vote. Best of Luck.

Hema

[chheimraang]

Amazing speech! You've got my vote. Best of Luck.

Hema

[suthan83]

Will be looking out for your name on the ballots at the elections. Radical thoughts, unifying ideas and unique approach!

Good Luck in your career!

[aartikumar]

Stuart is Canada's Next Great Prime Minister. His ideas expand beyond our boarders bringing unity between nations. Canadians do care what happens outside of our country and we should implement strategies that will not only make Canada a stronger country, but strategies that will reduce the disparity between nations.

Aarti :)

[tamarinrice]

GO STUART! whoooooooo!

[tamarinrice]

GO STUART! whoooooooo!

[Parthipan]

Terrific video Stu! I appreciate the effort you've taken to film in the cold Fort Mac weather, to capture the greatness of Canada's wilderness and spirit. It's reflected in the greatness of your idea. Greater political unity can and will only result in greater co-operation and stability. Greater stakes are at play, great rewards. All in all, great idea! I sincerely hope the judges pick your entry!

[drshadyz]

Very interesting ideas Mr. Hastings. Maintaining the sovereign environmental, economic and cultural resources of our country while at the same time looking beyond our borders so as to work for the amelioration of the world community. Visionary ideas indeed - I hope I live long enough to see them actualize. Keep up the great work!

~AdilZ