As you can imagine I am a big fan of Stephen Harper and think he is doing an admirable job considering his conservatives party only has a minority government. He absolutely is the antithesis to Obama, which really is surprising considering he resides in a much more liberal country. Although, I agree with this fair comparison, it still seems understated that Canada and the US seems to be moving in opposite directions when it comes to government control of the economy and healthcare. I do believe that over the next 30 years Canada will become much more of a major player globally, assuming that Mr. Harper and the conservative party remains entrenched. A great contrast between the two "leaders" (I say leaders of countries, not actual leaders in the case of the US):

The difference between the two heads of state could not be more palpable, not only in their foreign and domestic policies, but also in the treatment they are accorded by the press. One is a media darling and an absolute disaster in every initiative he has undertaken; the other is often the target of smug ingratitude and denunciation for weathering a major economic crisis and for comporting himself with dignity and honor in the international arena. Harper is condemned as a “control freak” for trying to run a tight ship; Obama is worshiped as a “sort of god” for unleashing a perfect storm. Like any politician, the Canadian prime minister has not always made the most astute decisions and has plainly committed tactical errors from time to time. What else is new? But tactical errors are by no means equivalent to strategic blunders — another salient distinction between the two leaders.

I have made this point before and I think it is very important. Quietly, but surely, Canada is moving away from only a single payer system and will begin to allow the offering, albeit limited, of a private option. It doesn't shock me that the MSM has not even mentioned this while they lead the cheers to a US single payer system and evoke Canada as a shinning example of single payer success. If Canada is moving away from it.....