My view is that Harper has seen the traction a Bush Administration has received on a populist level in 2000 and 2004 and wants to copy that. He may have his hands in the pockets of
some notable US corporations as well.

I don't really think Canadians want another Bush. Then there's the old authoritarian
philosophy that in the interest of creating a "greater good", it's ok to lie and cheat.
I imagine that some Canadian's subscribe to this world view as they do here in the states.