I am for smart, conservative fiscal party. I am for having a government that stays out of my personal life. I am for a government that protects the oppressed and gives voice to the disenfranchised. I am for a government that is willing to make difficult or unpopular choices now that will benefit my family for generations.
It has become shockingly, egregiously clear that the Conservative Party of Canada is the antithesis of that.
Here are some quotes from the last month or so of news:
On changing the definition of EI:
"There is no bad job. The only bad job is not having a job." - Finance Minister Flaherty
Response: Why not create a system where skilled workers have easier access to skilled jobs, as opposed to pushing them into minimum wage, low-skill or poor work environments? Won't this create the next major brain drain?
On cutting the National Round Table of the Environment
“It should agree with Canadians. It should agree with the government. No
discussion of a carbon tax that would kill and hurt Canadian families.”" - Environment Minister Kent
Response: Government agencies should only create reports, research and knowledge that agree with the government and Canadians? I'm not 100% sure what this means, but it seems to be supporting a culture where we are looking for the easiest and expedient solution, not the best one.
On pushing through the 475 page budget implementation bill without amendments and minimal discussion
“We see the results of delay and inaction in Europe today so I encourage
the opposition to be wary of counterproductive political theatre at
this serious and fragile time.” - Finance Minister Flaherty
Response: This bill rewrites 68 other pieces of legislation that have no linear connection to the budget. The Conservative Government limited debate to seven speaking days. If we want to change the way we discuss and protect the environment in this country (as is severely changed in this bill), why not allow some room for a national conversation between our elected leaders?
On breaking Election law in 2006
"Every single Conservative accused of wrongdoing has been cleared today," spokesperson Fred DeLorey
Response: The Conservative party made a plea bargain admitting their guilt in spending more money than was legally allowed in the election, how is anyone involved cleared of wrongdoing?
And More..
A computer in the Guelph Conservative 2011 campaign office has been identified as the computer that ordered the infamous Guelph robocalls disenfranchising voters.
Our International Development Minister, Bev Oda, upgraded to a very upscale hotel in London, England at unacceptable cost to taxpayers.
Our Defence Minister has been caught lying to Parliement twice about the cost of both the F35's and the military's mission in Libya.
Action you should take:
If you share the values I expressed above, the next time we face an election: Look for the party that shares those values with you. It's become clear it isn't the Conservatives.
Great post Robert! Lawrence Martin's Book "Harperland" lists two pages of 'audacities' (read undemocratic or illegal actions) that this government has perpetrated, in addition to the ones you have outlined in the post.
ReplyDeleteI certainly hope that the people who voted Conservative in 2011 will realize they have good reason to change their vote to a different party in 2015. The Conservative government occupying Parliament presently does NOT share the values of the majority of Canadians.
The potential for problems with EI are really stunning. This (mis)government of idealogues is really starting to give us the gears. I despair for my childrens future. Ontario is so screwed now.
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