Harper Facebook ‘AMA‘ reads like page from Tory Top 10 hits

Who says Prime Minister Stephen Harper doesn’t answer to anyone?

Harper, who is notorious for refusing questions from the media, took part Tuesday in a Facebook question and answer session live from Facebook’s Toronto office. (His political rivals NDP Leader Tom Mulcair and Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau took part in Facebook Q&As last month.)

It was a change of course for the Conservative leader, who notably has posted the sum total of zero replies on his social media accounts.

Most of the questions and comments read largely like a Top 10 list of Tory hits: reducing the federal debt, abolishing the Senate, the threat of the Islamic State and economic growth.

Harper, who is seeking a fourth term, responded to questions ranging from medicare funding to veteran’s affairs. Whether he answered them in his carefully crafted responses is a matter of interpretation.

“I voted for you last election my only concern being a Canadian veteran I receive a PTSD pension. I’m a Harper supporter but I wish you would match or better the promise made by the liberals for the veterans because if anyone can balance the budget and help the veterans it’s you Sir. I’m sure you would go ahead in the polls and be re-elected thanks Sir,” asked Facebook user Harold Stewart.

“Ps. My family has been helped by Prime Minister Harper and Veteran affairs and for that I have a family thank you Sir. Please help all the Veterans Sir.”

Harper thanked Stewart for his service.

“In every area the Liberals and NDP have only one proposal: they say they will spend more than us,” the Conservative leader wrote.

“The truth is we’re spending one third more on our veterans than the previous Liberal government. There’s a very long list of improvements we’ve made to veterans supports and services, not one of which the Liberals and NDP supported. While there’s not enough time here to outline them all, we’d be happy to have someone follow-up on those items with you. –SH.”

Reanne Kronewitt-Springer asked about Senate reform.

“I am a PC supporter but am very disappointed with all the goings-ons with the senate,” she wrote.

“The Senate has been a troubled institution from its formation because it is unelected and unaccountable,” Harper replied. “Our Government will not do anything to further entrench the Senate. We have given provinces the opportunity to elect senators. All but one province turned that down. As the Supreme Court has said, it is up to the Provinces to bring forward proposals for reform or get on board with abolition. As long as we can pass our legislation, we will continue our moratorium on further senate appointments. – SH.”

Braydon Maz kindly asked how much higher taxes will be under a Justin Trudeau or Tom Mulcair government but many of the Facebook users who weighed in didn’t have questions for Harper but well wishes.

And then there were the real hardball questions.

“What do you think is the best part or the highlight of being Prime minister?” asked David Labrash.

And: “Mr. Prime Minister, as a lifelong fan of the Beatles what is your favourite Beatles album and what is your favourite track from said album? Also, will you be going to the Paul McCartney Toronto show on October 17? You may need to unwind before the big day on the 19th!” wrote Remco Paul.

Brian Jones is reading Harper’s book on hockey and wanted to know if the Conservative leader prefers the amateur or professional game.

“Well, I tried to be fair in the book - and I hope that came through - but I think in a sport like hockey, it is inevitable that the best players in the game will be professionals,” the Conservative leader/author replied.

Though Harper did weigh in on hockey, he wasn’t able to respond to each of the more than 1,700 questions and comments, including one on reinstating health insurance for privately sponsored Syrian refugees.