So we've got our badly needed expansion. I know, I should be jumping for joy- so happy I should be bursting. But I'm not; instead I'm in the cynical camp on this one. I've often used the saying: Be ware of politicians making promises for it is election time. Promises are meant to be broken.
I know I'm being such a Debbie Downer. I know I'm bursting the balloons of many friends on Council, and involved with the Friends of Milton Hospital. But all I can see here are political ramifications that beg the question: Will we really get the hospital expansion?
A couple of months ago I would've predicted Ted Chudleigh had this one in the bag. On name recognition alone he'd win. Couple that with the fact he was positioning himself as a man of action on the Hospital- probably the #1 campaign issue, and I would say victory was a sure thing. Thursday's funding announcement made it an even race. Now Chudleigh gets to take partial credit and say he, along with numerous councilors, and the Friends of Milton Hospital fought hard for it, and got it done. Flip it over, Liberal candidate Indira Naidoo-Harris gets to go out and take credit saying it was a Liberal government who gave permission for it, and a Liberal government who will help fund it if re-elected. It can be viewed as vote-buying.
And I don't trust it. I think all these promises of hospital expansions are linked to polling numbers. Do a poll in any of the ridings, and I bet you'll find the Liberals running second or lower to one of the other parties prior to the announcement. Do one afterwards and you'd see a surge of support.
Right now it's great- we've got exactly what we wanted- what we've been fighting for for years. But what happens if the Liberals are re-elected and Milton gets lost in the shuffle of all the other expansions/new facilities/ and new funding? What happens if Hudak is elected and finds there's little left in the cupboards for hospitals? Will we really see an expansion at Milton Hospital?
I hope so. I don't know if there's another community more deserving- I don't know if there's another community where it's more justified. But I have to wonder if the funding announcement on Thursday was a little more opportunistic than good policy; that maybe this was more about getting elected than giving a badly-needed expansion to a community.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Rest In Peace Jack Layton
I've been applying for jobs with various media outlets in Ottawa. In July, when Jack Layton announced he would return in September after fighting his battle with cancer I allowed myself to imagine meeting him. I usually disagree with the N.D.P. so we would probably argue, maybe get into a heated debate. At some point he'd say something that would make me look at the world a little bit differently- maybe make me smile. And we'd part, prepared to do a similar battle all over again some other time.
Now my imagined meeting with him won't happen. Jack Layton died today at 4:45 am, and Canada at least is poorer for it. All I know of Jack I've seen or heard on television, or read in newspapers and online. I never met him, but he had a sincerity, and a strength of his convictions that transcends all media. It showed most recently in the election campaign. While Ignatieff, and Harper were busy going after each other with faked anger over a coalition, or the G.S.T., or the purchase of military jets- there was Jack Layton and the N.D.P running their election- their pace slow, and steady promoting their platform, spreading their message of change, and meeting Canadians across the country. The little party that could; the little party that did.
And their message resonated loudly with all Canadians. When Layton talked of a better Canada, and of bringing civility to Ottawa I believed him. I wanted the status quo to change- the two front runners Iggy and Harper just weren't doing it for me anymore. When election day ended the little party that could with its tireless leader became Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition- a position made more vital by having to check a Harper-led majority government.
It's one of life's tragic ironies that Mr. Layton isn't able to enjoy that massive success- that he barely tasted it before having it torn away by fate. Like everyone else I was heartbroken when I watched the press conference. The energetic man seen raising his cane in celebration was now skinny with a sallow complexion, and a voice that sounded like it belonged to a man decades older. I highly doubted then he would make his goal to return to Parliament, and yet I was rooting for him thinking Cancer had found itself a worthy adversary that would end up kicking its butt. I was sadly wrong about that.
Canada doesn't just mourn a political leader today. We mourn a good man, whose belief in himself, and passion for his country stretched beyond all boundaries. We mourn a man whose optimistic spirit, and positive message makes us believe we can build a better country and a better world. He believed Canadians could change the world, and said so in a final statement that ends with these words: My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world. Now it's up to us to justify his belief.
Rest in Peace Jack... I hope we'll meet someday.
Now my imagined meeting with him won't happen. Jack Layton died today at 4:45 am, and Canada at least is poorer for it. All I know of Jack I've seen or heard on television, or read in newspapers and online. I never met him, but he had a sincerity, and a strength of his convictions that transcends all media. It showed most recently in the election campaign. While Ignatieff, and Harper were busy going after each other with faked anger over a coalition, or the G.S.T., or the purchase of military jets- there was Jack Layton and the N.D.P running their election- their pace slow, and steady promoting their platform, spreading their message of change, and meeting Canadians across the country. The little party that could; the little party that did.
And their message resonated loudly with all Canadians. When Layton talked of a better Canada, and of bringing civility to Ottawa I believed him. I wanted the status quo to change- the two front runners Iggy and Harper just weren't doing it for me anymore. When election day ended the little party that could with its tireless leader became Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition- a position made more vital by having to check a Harper-led majority government.
It's one of life's tragic ironies that Mr. Layton isn't able to enjoy that massive success- that he barely tasted it before having it torn away by fate. Like everyone else I was heartbroken when I watched the press conference. The energetic man seen raising his cane in celebration was now skinny with a sallow complexion, and a voice that sounded like it belonged to a man decades older. I highly doubted then he would make his goal to return to Parliament, and yet I was rooting for him thinking Cancer had found itself a worthy adversary that would end up kicking its butt. I was sadly wrong about that.
Canada doesn't just mourn a political leader today. We mourn a good man, whose belief in himself, and passion for his country stretched beyond all boundaries. We mourn a man whose optimistic spirit, and positive message makes us believe we can build a better country and a better world. He believed Canadians could change the world, and said so in a final statement that ends with these words: My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world. Now it's up to us to justify his belief.
Rest in Peace Jack... I hope we'll meet someday.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
While Washington fiddles, the American Economy burns
In 1997 Canada was downgraded to an AA+ rating just as the United States is right now. It took us 9 years, and our government had to make some tough decisions in order to regain the triple A status. Prime Minister Brian Mulroney introduced the much maligned Goods and Services Tax (G.S.T.), and it cost him his job in 1993. Then Liberal Finance minister Paul Martin cut transfer payments to provinces that impacted health care, and made such cuts to our military spending, and introduced tax reforms They were lean times for a while, but it had to happen. The G.S.T. is still hated now, but in hindsight it has probably has helped a lot more than it's hurt. It's created a constant stream of revenue- whether you have a job or not, you have to buy things- so you'll have to pay it.
The United States has a problem; it's not as bad as the markets would have us believe, but it is a problem. And it seems nobody is getting the message. It can't be blamed on Barack Obama- he's just the guy who happens to be in charge when it call came tumbling down. This whole mess has been decades in the making, and he shouldn't be blamed for it. Both Republican and Democratic Presidents have pushed the limit without a thought of how to pay it off; now the country is over $1 trillion in debt, with huge unemployment numbers, trying to rebound from a sub-prime mortgage crisis, and avoid yet another recession.
Obama needs to acknowledge the problem; and he has. However, he doesn't have some kind of solution (anything really). He could toughen up, and promise cuts in government spending- wage freezes for public servants- maybe tell the Army they're going to have to go without new equipment for a year. He could've told us he was going to lock his Republican counterparts and himself in a room- and they won't come out until they reach a deal. Or even, be the President who would dare to talk about tax reform, or adding some kind of consumption tax. But he didn't; and that begs the question: does he really get it how serious a problem this could be?
But he won't do any of it because the Obama Administration, is going to an election year and they have to play it safe. Just like the Republicans feel the need to attack them over everything while trying to make themselves look good. While playing politics, both parties lost touch with reality and forgot about the American people they represent. They forgot it "is" about the economy stupid. Not just the American economy, but the world economy too. The American economy is slowly burning- and the politicians are doing nothing right now to put out the flames.
The United States has a problem; it's not as bad as the markets would have us believe, but it is a problem. And it seems nobody is getting the message. It can't be blamed on Barack Obama- he's just the guy who happens to be in charge when it call came tumbling down. This whole mess has been decades in the making, and he shouldn't be blamed for it. Both Republican and Democratic Presidents have pushed the limit without a thought of how to pay it off; now the country is over $1 trillion in debt, with huge unemployment numbers, trying to rebound from a sub-prime mortgage crisis, and avoid yet another recession.
Obama needs to acknowledge the problem; and he has. However, he doesn't have some kind of solution (anything really). He could toughen up, and promise cuts in government spending- wage freezes for public servants- maybe tell the Army they're going to have to go without new equipment for a year. He could've told us he was going to lock his Republican counterparts and himself in a room- and they won't come out until they reach a deal. Or even, be the President who would dare to talk about tax reform, or adding some kind of consumption tax. But he didn't; and that begs the question: does he really get it how serious a problem this could be?
But he won't do any of it because the Obama Administration, is going to an election year and they have to play it safe. Just like the Republicans feel the need to attack them over everything while trying to make themselves look good. While playing politics, both parties lost touch with reality and forgot about the American people they represent. They forgot it "is" about the economy stupid. Not just the American economy, but the world economy too. The American economy is slowly burning- and the politicians are doing nothing right now to put out the flames.
More Shameless self promotion
Another post full of totally shameless self promotion- a link to my work with the Halton Compass, and Milton Today.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Milton's Issues this Provincial Election
It's summer- the days are lazy, filled with heat, sunshine, pools and patios. Nobody wants to think about politics, but here we are two months out from another election and it may be time to start thinking about who to vote for. Inspired by a thread on the Hawthorne Villager, Here are What I believe to be Milton's issues?
1. Hospital Expansion: Ironically it's also the one issue the Town has little control over. As spelled out in the constitution, the Province are the ones with the power to decide how to allocate resources- including hospitals. Without a provincial government's permission the shovels won't go into the ground. The Progressive Conservative (P.C.'s) M.P.P. Ted Chudleigh has fought hard for the hospital, and will continue to do so; and his leader Tim Hudak has promised to get rid of the controversial LHINS (Local Health Integrated Networks), and use the money for front line health care
The Liberals have made hospital expansion a part of their platform, but in a vague way- and with the phrase "should fiscal capacity allow, (if they have the money)." Council continues making a convincing case based on growth any chance they get; sending copies of approvals for new subdivisions straight to the offices of Cabinet Ministers.
2. Infrastructure: There has been much talk lately of the Greater Toronto Area (G.T.A.) west corridor. This would include widening the 401 to 8-12 lanes through Milton, and adding the interchange at Tremaine Road. I'd like to see them move ahead with this project. While we're at it, how about transit? I'd love to see GO finally add full-day train service to the Milton Line. When I last asked about it, someone told me they'd put the study on it on hold, to do environmental assessment on electrifying the whole system.
3. Trust/ Accountability: Should probably have a higher ranking than third. But it is an issue. Can we trust these characters who are applying for the job of Premier? For his part McGuinty's record is rife with broken promises, and scandals: the $1 billion eHealth scandal, the O.L.G.C. scandals, the Green Energy deals, the health tax, the HST. He has admitted even if he wins, he may not hang around for another full term, and that just gives his whole campaign a completely defeatist attitude. Long-time Liberals are deserting the party among those David Caplan, and Greg Sobara are among the names not running.
Even though, I identify with the most with the P.C.'s policies, I find myself surprisingly underwhelmed by Tim Hudak. He has allowed the Liberals to define him negatively, and hasn't really done too much to stop it. I have to wonder if he'll connect well enough with voters- I've met him a few times through work, and didn't have a very flattering first impression- he looked down a lot, and seemed to make little eye contact. It's gotten better each meeting. Andrea Horwath is an unknown quantity; she comes across well, and has strong qualifications.
4. Education: Specifically the Milton Education Village (M.E.V.) Universities and colleges are expected to overflow in this part of the province. The Liberals have said they want the final decision on where satellite campuses are located. The P.C.'s want to add 6,000 new spots in post-secondary education and want the institutions to compete with each other for them. All-day kindergarten will be fully enacted in 2014-2015; something that's impossible to stop even if a possible future Premier wanted to.
These are just four of the issues I feel are facing Milton. I'm sure there are more- if you can think of any more simply leave a comment.
1. Hospital Expansion: Ironically it's also the one issue the Town has little control over. As spelled out in the constitution, the Province are the ones with the power to decide how to allocate resources- including hospitals. Without a provincial government's permission the shovels won't go into the ground. The Progressive Conservative (P.C.'s) M.P.P. Ted Chudleigh has fought hard for the hospital, and will continue to do so; and his leader Tim Hudak has promised to get rid of the controversial LHINS (Local Health Integrated Networks), and use the money for front line health care
The Liberals have made hospital expansion a part of their platform, but in a vague way- and with the phrase "should fiscal capacity allow, (if they have the money)." Council continues making a convincing case based on growth any chance they get; sending copies of approvals for new subdivisions straight to the offices of Cabinet Ministers.
2. Infrastructure: There has been much talk lately of the Greater Toronto Area (G.T.A.) west corridor. This would include widening the 401 to 8-12 lanes through Milton, and adding the interchange at Tremaine Road. I'd like to see them move ahead with this project. While we're at it, how about transit? I'd love to see GO finally add full-day train service to the Milton Line. When I last asked about it, someone told me they'd put the study on it on hold, to do environmental assessment on electrifying the whole system.
3. Trust/ Accountability: Should probably have a higher ranking than third. But it is an issue. Can we trust these characters who are applying for the job of Premier? For his part McGuinty's record is rife with broken promises, and scandals: the $1 billion eHealth scandal, the O.L.G.C. scandals, the Green Energy deals, the health tax, the HST. He has admitted even if he wins, he may not hang around for another full term, and that just gives his whole campaign a completely defeatist attitude. Long-time Liberals are deserting the party among those David Caplan, and Greg Sobara are among the names not running.
Even though, I identify with the most with the P.C.'s policies, I find myself surprisingly underwhelmed by Tim Hudak. He has allowed the Liberals to define him negatively, and hasn't really done too much to stop it. I have to wonder if he'll connect well enough with voters- I've met him a few times through work, and didn't have a very flattering first impression- he looked down a lot, and seemed to make little eye contact. It's gotten better each meeting. Andrea Horwath is an unknown quantity; she comes across well, and has strong qualifications.
4. Education: Specifically the Milton Education Village (M.E.V.) Universities and colleges are expected to overflow in this part of the province. The Liberals have said they want the final decision on where satellite campuses are located. The P.C.'s want to add 6,000 new spots in post-secondary education and want the institutions to compete with each other for them. All-day kindergarten will be fully enacted in 2014-2015; something that's impossible to stop even if a possible future Premier wanted to.
These are just four of the issues I feel are facing Milton. I'm sure there are more- if you can think of any more simply leave a comment.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Nycole Turmel: Federalist or Separatist?
Let's face it, before the latest the federal election few people took the New Democratic Party (N.D.P) seriously. They were the party known as Canada's Social conscience.Then the latest federal election happened. Canadians didn't like their choices, and it showed in the results. Stephen Harper won his coveted majority, but the spirit of change surrounding Jack Layton, and the N.D.P. resonated. The party went from the left-wing fringes to mainstream official opposition. When the new Members of Parliament (M.P.'s) entered the House, nobody had a clue who most were. We all knew Jack, and Olivia- some knew Peggy Nash, and Thomas Mulcair or Libby Davies and Pat Martin.
But large numbers of them are mysteries, and question marks, including Nycole Turmel. I have heard of her; she was a former leader of the federal government's largest public sector union, and some people I talk to don't have good things to say about her. Apparently she was also a member of the Bloc Quebecois for 5 years, and only resigned her membership 2 months before the federal election. Something that you'd think should exclude her from becoming interim leader.
I wonder if Jack Layton knew about her past a Separatist. If he did, it speaks to a willful ignorance, and poor judgement on his part. If he didn't know, well shouldn't the party have done its homework well before now? We're heading into month three of this government- enough time to double check the background on some of these characters. If he did know, naming her leader with her past could also be a tactic for Layton to keep some control over the party in his absence.
The formal job title is: Leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition. You have to ask the question though- how loyal is it to have a woman who held membership in a federal party advocating the breakup of the country? How loyal is a federal party leader who possibly still holds membership in a provincial separatist party?
No matter how you look at it Nycole Turmel lied. In any other situation she would be asked to step aside and another named in her place. For the good of the party she should resign- this controversy is an early Christmas gift to the other three parties; and a blow to the success the N.D.P. has achieved. It's a blow to her integrity, and she won't be taken seriously by the other parties.
But we have to remember this isn't any other situation. Layton has stepped aside because of illness, and has signaled he will be back. If his absence lasts longer than the September 19, deadline I think we'll either see a second interim leader named or a date for a quick leadership convention.
But large numbers of them are mysteries, and question marks, including Nycole Turmel. I have heard of her; she was a former leader of the federal government's largest public sector union, and some people I talk to don't have good things to say about her. Apparently she was also a member of the Bloc Quebecois for 5 years, and only resigned her membership 2 months before the federal election. Something that you'd think should exclude her from becoming interim leader.
I wonder if Jack Layton knew about her past a Separatist. If he did, it speaks to a willful ignorance, and poor judgement on his part. If he didn't know, well shouldn't the party have done its homework well before now? We're heading into month three of this government- enough time to double check the background on some of these characters. If he did know, naming her leader with her past could also be a tactic for Layton to keep some control over the party in his absence.
The formal job title is: Leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition. You have to ask the question though- how loyal is it to have a woman who held membership in a federal party advocating the breakup of the country? How loyal is a federal party leader who possibly still holds membership in a provincial separatist party?
No matter how you look at it Nycole Turmel lied. In any other situation she would be asked to step aside and another named in her place. For the good of the party she should resign- this controversy is an early Christmas gift to the other three parties; and a blow to the success the N.D.P. has achieved. It's a blow to her integrity, and she won't be taken seriously by the other parties.
But we have to remember this isn't any other situation. Layton has stepped aside because of illness, and has signaled he will be back. If his absence lasts longer than the September 19, deadline I think we'll either see a second interim leader named or a date for a quick leadership convention.
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