I'm against it. I don't think bringing in online voting will fix the voter apathy, and the extremely low voter turnout we've been experiencing lately. I realize that's a pretty backward reaction; it is the 21st century and technology was invented to make lives easier it's only natural that it should be extended to the democratic process.
The reason people aren't engaged has more to do with politicians themselves I think. Out of all elected representatives right now here in Milton at all levels of government I can think of maybe five possibly seven people who I consider to really be engaged with the voters... out at events clearly present and accounted for. These are people who will take time to listen, and take note of my concerns as a constituent.
Politicians.. mostly at upper levels tend to go in for the easier soundbite. As a member of the press that's great- it gives us something to talk about; it feeds the 24 hour news cycle. And often we are the ones who see the context behind the quote; or the full story instead of just the spin. The problem is as a voter, personally I like to see it all; the whole package- the policy as well as the pretty face speaking about it. It all should matter.
Integrity ranks high on the list of qualities I look for in a politician. I haven't been seeing too much of it around these days. Politicians have gained a reputation for lying and scandal- Dalton McGuinty constantly promising no new taxes and yet he keeps introducing them. The various cabinet ministers in the Harper government who are either involved, or have been involved in scandals. Locally we have a well-documented, much commented upon case of Tony Lambert and the charges he has faced.
I grant some are expected- it is impossible for an opposition party to know exactly what they face if they're elected to govern. And in McGuinty's case it is in some measure at least his fault for making that particular promise several times and know that in likelihood he's going to end up doing it anyway. But still every once in a while it wouldn't hurt to keep at least one every so often just to surprise us. If people saw some integrity; a little bit more we're doing what we said we were going to, then maybe they'd sit up and pay attention for a while. Right now taking the McGuinty example again, it's too easy to look at him and say he breaks all the promises so why should I trust him?
Voting is part of the Canadian experience. I've worked as a Registration Officer at a federal election, and I remember it was late in the day when one couple comes up to register. Election officials aren't allowed to ask for proof of citizenship, which, was why I was surprised when in addition to the regular ID, one of them showed me their citizenship card. It's important to remember that feeling of pride; that to use the old and melodramatic argument that people fight for the right to vote, people die for it. I don't think it's too much to ask us to take 20 minutes out of our day once every 4 years to go down to our local school/community centre/church and vote.
Democracy is messy. Should we clean it up with technology? In spots there definitely are places it could be used to make it easier. But it shouldn't be the be all, and end all for the voting process. The lack of engagement is more due to politicians themselves I think than the people. If they kept their promises every so often, and told the truth then maybe we wouldn't be in such a tough spot in terms of turnout.
Showing posts with label Dalton McGuinty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dalton McGuinty. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Monday, May 7, 2012
Stories to Watch: May 7-14
Some stories to watch this week.
1. Liberals cut OHIP Costs, freeze Doctors salaries: There are going to be changes to at least 37 OHIP fees before the end of this year. Services affected include: Cardiology, Cataract surgery The fee adjustment is expected to save the government millions. I consider this ongoing because the fight over wage freeze isn't over.
2. Come On Over, the Water's Fine: Rumours are going around that Dalton McGuinty, and his government would welcome any member of the opposition should they decide to cross the floor. Why not just call the by-election for Whitmer's seat and do it the legitimate way?
3. Latest Ornge Developments: Former CEO Dr. Chris Mazza has said through his lawyer that he is too ill to testify at the ongoing hearings into the matter. Reports this past weekend in the Star place Mazza in a rehab facility. They are looking at rescheduling his appearance for sometime in June.
4. Federal Liberal Leadership: It's not for at least another 9-11 months but names being bandied about include Martha Hall-Findlay, Bob Rae, and Justin Trudeau. How about someone fresh, and dynamic without any ties to any past Liberal leaders. I've said it before, and I'll say it again; get some good fundamental policies, and anybody can lead the party.
Local News:
1. Public Input Sessions are being held Tuesday May 8 to discuss what will happen to the Scott, and Wilmont area parks. Sessions begin at 6pm at the Milton Sports Centre located at the corner of Derry and Santa Maria Blvd.
1. Liberals cut OHIP Costs, freeze Doctors salaries: There are going to be changes to at least 37 OHIP fees before the end of this year. Services affected include: Cardiology, Cataract surgery The fee adjustment is expected to save the government millions. I consider this ongoing because the fight over wage freeze isn't over.
2. Come On Over, the Water's Fine: Rumours are going around that Dalton McGuinty, and his government would welcome any member of the opposition should they decide to cross the floor. Why not just call the by-election for Whitmer's seat and do it the legitimate way?
3. Latest Ornge Developments: Former CEO Dr. Chris Mazza has said through his lawyer that he is too ill to testify at the ongoing hearings into the matter. Reports this past weekend in the Star place Mazza in a rehab facility. They are looking at rescheduling his appearance for sometime in June.
4. Federal Liberal Leadership: It's not for at least another 9-11 months but names being bandied about include Martha Hall-Findlay, Bob Rae, and Justin Trudeau. How about someone fresh, and dynamic without any ties to any past Liberal leaders. I've said it before, and I'll say it again; get some good fundamental policies, and anybody can lead the party.
Local News:
1. Public Input Sessions are being held Tuesday May 8 to discuss what will happen to the Scott, and Wilmont area parks. Sessions begin at 6pm at the Milton Sports Centre located at the corner of Derry and Santa Maria Blvd.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Oh Ontario how you frustrate me
The title is born mostly of frustration. I've been on the job market since late November... and let's say I've had enough bites to know that it's more likely because of job market conditions than any lack of qualifications on my part. The fact is a lot of employers simply for whatever reason aren't hiring.
And I think it's about to get worse. On Wednesday the announcement came down that Standard& Poors was downgrading our economic outlook, and Thursday Moody's decided to downgrade Ontario's credit. It likely has something to do with the budget deal struck Monday, and then the budget voted on, Tuesday.
It probably is really no more than a verdict on the provincial budget. Specifically on the fact there is a new tax being applied when conventional wisdom shows us that business tax cuts are a better way to stimulate growth in private business. And who runs private business? Usually people making over $500 thousand... aka those being asked to fork it over by the N.D.P.
It's a wake-up call to Dalton McGuinty that he's got to stick to his guns on the Public Sector wage freeze, and the other cost-cutting measures contained within the budget. This may even shock him into re-thinking some of his response to the Drummond Report, and really going at it to cut spending. At least these are the things I keep trying to tell myself.
I look at these moves as a job hunter and wonder if I'm banging my head against a brick wall trying to find a job here. I wonder who will invest in a province that's got this enormous debt, and where the Premier is so beholden to his opposition he introduces a new tax just to keep power? Who will invest in a province where a government is constantly on the verge of collapse and the Premier let's face it, isn't exactly the most trustworthy as it comes to public money these days? Who will invest in a province where taxes are probably going to keep going up? Nobody, that's who. Not a single investor will, and I can't say that I blame them.
And the worst part of is Dalton McGuinty is probably the best of the bunch. In her deal with the Liberals N.D.P. leader Andrea Horwath showed a penchant for taxing, and spending usually associated with the party. In doing some reading on their website the P.C.'s have some ideas, but they're vague at best;the minute they become policy ideas is the minute they become a serious threat to McGuinty.
So when did that happen? When did a leader who has regularly broken promises, whose government has been in recent years plagued by scandals involving out tax dollars become the best we can do? Probably after the last provincial election when even after nearly a year of campaigning voters still didn't know Tim Hudak that well or trust him.
Dalton McGuinty made the mess. Now's the time to clean it up... if he doesn't then voters should do it for him by electing someone else next time out. At least I hope that's what will happen. If it doesn't I'll move to Saskatchewan.
And I think it's about to get worse. On Wednesday the announcement came down that Standard& Poors was downgrading our economic outlook, and Thursday Moody's decided to downgrade Ontario's credit. It likely has something to do with the budget deal struck Monday, and then the budget voted on, Tuesday.
It probably is really no more than a verdict on the provincial budget. Specifically on the fact there is a new tax being applied when conventional wisdom shows us that business tax cuts are a better way to stimulate growth in private business. And who runs private business? Usually people making over $500 thousand... aka those being asked to fork it over by the N.D.P.
It's a wake-up call to Dalton McGuinty that he's got to stick to his guns on the Public Sector wage freeze, and the other cost-cutting measures contained within the budget. This may even shock him into re-thinking some of his response to the Drummond Report, and really going at it to cut spending. At least these are the things I keep trying to tell myself.
I look at these moves as a job hunter and wonder if I'm banging my head against a brick wall trying to find a job here. I wonder who will invest in a province that's got this enormous debt, and where the Premier is so beholden to his opposition he introduces a new tax just to keep power? Who will invest in a province where a government is constantly on the verge of collapse and the Premier let's face it, isn't exactly the most trustworthy as it comes to public money these days? Who will invest in a province where taxes are probably going to keep going up? Nobody, that's who. Not a single investor will, and I can't say that I blame them.
And the worst part of is Dalton McGuinty is probably the best of the bunch. In her deal with the Liberals N.D.P. leader Andrea Horwath showed a penchant for taxing, and spending usually associated with the party. In doing some reading on their website the P.C.'s have some ideas, but they're vague at best;the minute they become policy ideas is the minute they become a serious threat to McGuinty.
So when did that happen? When did a leader who has regularly broken promises, whose government has been in recent years plagued by scandals involving out tax dollars become the best we can do? Probably after the last provincial election when even after nearly a year of campaigning voters still didn't know Tim Hudak that well or trust him.
Dalton McGuinty made the mess. Now's the time to clean it up... if he doesn't then voters should do it for him by electing someone else next time out. At least I hope that's what will happen. If it doesn't I'll move to Saskatchewan.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
The Deal, and the Politics
The deal reached Monday that averted an election doesn't bother me. It forced the people making over $500 thousand to pay an extra 2% on their taxes. It seems a pittance to me to avoid a provincial election worth over $100 million that probably wouldn't have accomplished much anyway. McGuinty is saying right now the tax will only stay until the deficit is paid off. I've heard it said it is nearly impossible to repeal a tax measure once implemented.
What's more interesting here is the politics. Dalton McGuinty made a catchphrase out of "I will not raise taxes a penny more," and now here he is having to break a promise... again. The polls show it's a move the rest of us fully support; but it is still is a broken promise. And it's one that has to anger his party's supporters on Bay Street who will be effected by this, and that will end up costing him votes. When you put it together with the rest of the budget- the semi-voluntary public sector wage freeze, and asking seniors to pay more for their drugs based on the income; this could be end up being a politically expensive budget for him.
The N.D.P. and Andrea Horwath come off as a political winner here. She got what she wanted; the tax hike, and more money for social programs and health care. She comes off as a strong leader in the eyes of her supporters, and maybe wins a few more a votes given that she saved the government from defeat. But it's a pretty hollow victory. It's a dangerous game she plays; agreeing to a deal one day, and abstaining from a vote on the budget the next. It begs the question why make the deal if you don't plan to vote for it? It's almost as if the N.D.P. wants to have its cake and eat it too- it wants to push through its priorities but it's almost like it's reserving the right to vote against it at a later date. It raises some integrity questions about the N.D.P.
Tim Hudak comes off as being the big loser in all of this. I give him points for consistency- he said his party would vote against it, and so they did. He's also isolated himself now, sitting firmly on the outside looking in, as Andrea Horwath takes the lead in a role that should really be his as leader of the opposition. I find lately Hudak's been going for the easy line too much, instead of the good policy idea; it makes it seem as if he hasn't found the balance between providing a government-in-waiting, and a voice for the opposition.
The deal has been struck ensuring the McGuinty government's survival. However the games have just begun.
What's more interesting here is the politics. Dalton McGuinty made a catchphrase out of "I will not raise taxes a penny more," and now here he is having to break a promise... again. The polls show it's a move the rest of us fully support; but it is still is a broken promise. And it's one that has to anger his party's supporters on Bay Street who will be effected by this, and that will end up costing him votes. When you put it together with the rest of the budget- the semi-voluntary public sector wage freeze, and asking seniors to pay more for their drugs based on the income; this could be end up being a politically expensive budget for him.
The N.D.P. and Andrea Horwath come off as a political winner here. She got what she wanted; the tax hike, and more money for social programs and health care. She comes off as a strong leader in the eyes of her supporters, and maybe wins a few more a votes given that she saved the government from defeat. But it's a pretty hollow victory. It's a dangerous game she plays; agreeing to a deal one day, and abstaining from a vote on the budget the next. It begs the question why make the deal if you don't plan to vote for it? It's almost as if the N.D.P. wants to have its cake and eat it too- it wants to push through its priorities but it's almost like it's reserving the right to vote against it at a later date. It raises some integrity questions about the N.D.P.
Tim Hudak comes off as being the big loser in all of this. I give him points for consistency- he said his party would vote against it, and so they did. He's also isolated himself now, sitting firmly on the outside looking in, as Andrea Horwath takes the lead in a role that should really be his as leader of the opposition. I find lately Hudak's been going for the easy line too much, instead of the good policy idea; it makes it seem as if he hasn't found the balance between providing a government-in-waiting, and a voice for the opposition.
The deal has been struck ensuring the McGuinty government's survival. However the games have just begun.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Stories to Watch: April 23- 30
What stories am I watching this week? Here's the answer:
1. The Budget Dance: Will Andrea Horwath support Dalton McGuinty's budget? Will there be a bargain struck today that will ensure the government survives to fight another few months? Or will we be heading to the polls? So many questions, so few answers. We find out the final answer tomorrow. An interesting side-note to this story NewsTalk1010 is running a poll on their website asking listeners if they want the two of them to reach an agreement, or have an election. The results are surprising, at last check: 73.1% of people who answered the question want an election.
2. Ornge Inquiry: The all-parties public accounts committee at Queen's Park is conducting an inquiry into the misspending at the Ornge Air Ambulance Service. Last week we learned that one of McGuinty's political advisers knew what was going on, but did nothing. The committee also revealed plans to ask for a rarely used Speaker's warrant to be issued for former Ornge CEO Chris Mazza to appear in early May. The only problem: Nobody knows where Mazza is.
3. Alberta Election: Albertans could make history today by changing the Progressive Conservatives and Alison Redford for Danielle Smith and the Wild Rose Alliance. The P.C.'s have reigned supreme for the last 41 years, and some opinion polls indicate if they were to win, it would be a minority. If the Wild Rose Alliance wins it could set up an interesting dynamic within Canada, as the party takes a fairly confrontational attitude towards the province of Quebec.
4. Quebec Student Protests: Speaking of Quebec, the province's students continue their fight against possible tuition hikes. On Friday groups of protesters attacked the Montreal Convention Centre as Premier Jean Charest addressed the city's business community. There is a slight possibility Charest could call a provincial election.
5. Local Politics: Milton Town Council meets tonight (April 23, 2012). Some items on the agenda include; the Velodrome, a proposal to expand the Gymnastics facility at the Milton Sports Centre, and a notice of motion regarding the continued development of the Horse Industry from Ward 3 Councilor Cindy Lunau. For a full agenda click here. The link will take to the PDF format- you need an Adobe reader to view the agenda.
1. The Budget Dance: Will Andrea Horwath support Dalton McGuinty's budget? Will there be a bargain struck today that will ensure the government survives to fight another few months? Or will we be heading to the polls? So many questions, so few answers. We find out the final answer tomorrow. An interesting side-note to this story NewsTalk1010 is running a poll on their website asking listeners if they want the two of them to reach an agreement, or have an election. The results are surprising, at last check: 73.1% of people who answered the question want an election.
2. Ornge Inquiry: The all-parties public accounts committee at Queen's Park is conducting an inquiry into the misspending at the Ornge Air Ambulance Service. Last week we learned that one of McGuinty's political advisers knew what was going on, but did nothing. The committee also revealed plans to ask for a rarely used Speaker's warrant to be issued for former Ornge CEO Chris Mazza to appear in early May. The only problem: Nobody knows where Mazza is.
3. Alberta Election: Albertans could make history today by changing the Progressive Conservatives and Alison Redford for Danielle Smith and the Wild Rose Alliance. The P.C.'s have reigned supreme for the last 41 years, and some opinion polls indicate if they were to win, it would be a minority. If the Wild Rose Alliance wins it could set up an interesting dynamic within Canada, as the party takes a fairly confrontational attitude towards the province of Quebec.
4. Quebec Student Protests: Speaking of Quebec, the province's students continue their fight against possible tuition hikes. On Friday groups of protesters attacked the Montreal Convention Centre as Premier Jean Charest addressed the city's business community. There is a slight possibility Charest could call a provincial election.
5. Local Politics: Milton Town Council meets tonight (April 23, 2012). Some items on the agenda include; the Velodrome, a proposal to expand the Gymnastics facility at the Milton Sports Centre, and a notice of motion regarding the continued development of the Horse Industry from Ward 3 Councilor Cindy Lunau. For a full agenda click here. The link will take to the PDF format- you need an Adobe reader to view the agenda.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Ontario Budget Vote Day: April 24, 2012
The Ontario Liberals announced this morning they will bring their 2012 provincial budget to a vote April 24, 2012- one week from tomorrow. They also stated they've been unable so far to come to a deal with Andrea Horwath and the N.D.P, something vital for avoiding the second provincial election in a year.
I don't think this budget is worth going to an election over. The major weakness from where I sit is the lack of a job creation strategy. There is no reason the N.D.P's idea of a tax credit for companies creating new jobs can't be tweaked to suit the Liberals budget.
The problem with that is the Liberals have asked the N.D.P. to cost out their demands. This one carries a $250 million price tag. Where will the N.D.P. get the money? The answer lies likely in demand #1: a tax increase for those making over $500 thousand/ year. Essentially this could put the Premier known for repeating he will not raise taxes a penny more, in a position of having to raise taxes in order keep his government afloat. Something that amounts to political suicide for McGuinty, and something none of us wants.
An election right now won't benefit anyone. The low turnout last time will be surpassed by a turnout this time; people will vote with their feet and stay away. They'll say a pox upon all of your houses, and the results may even be messier than they are right now. Besides that, can a province that's billions in debt afford to throw out another $100 million?
The only thing it might do is force the Liberals to clean house at Health after the scandal at Ornge. Tempting as that is, I don't really think that's worth an election; the same can be done much cheaper with a simple resignation. The budget will be more like background noise for another campaign; it will be the fight being waged by the public sector unions against a pay freeze. It may even be framed as a discussion over the future of organized labour.
Will we have another election? My gut says no... that budget isn't worth going to a campaign over. But perhaps the ongoing fight against the attempted pay freeze may send us there; organized labour is a pretty powerful force in Ontario. Whatever happens the ball is clearly in Andrea Horwath's we'll know for sure April 24, 2012.
I don't think this budget is worth going to an election over. The major weakness from where I sit is the lack of a job creation strategy. There is no reason the N.D.P's idea of a tax credit for companies creating new jobs can't be tweaked to suit the Liberals budget.
The problem with that is the Liberals have asked the N.D.P. to cost out their demands. This one carries a $250 million price tag. Where will the N.D.P. get the money? The answer lies likely in demand #1: a tax increase for those making over $500 thousand/ year. Essentially this could put the Premier known for repeating he will not raise taxes a penny more, in a position of having to raise taxes in order keep his government afloat. Something that amounts to political suicide for McGuinty, and something none of us wants.
An election right now won't benefit anyone. The low turnout last time will be surpassed by a turnout this time; people will vote with their feet and stay away. They'll say a pox upon all of your houses, and the results may even be messier than they are right now. Besides that, can a province that's billions in debt afford to throw out another $100 million?
The only thing it might do is force the Liberals to clean house at Health after the scandal at Ornge. Tempting as that is, I don't really think that's worth an election; the same can be done much cheaper with a simple resignation. The budget will be more like background noise for another campaign; it will be the fight being waged by the public sector unions against a pay freeze. It may even be framed as a discussion over the future of organized labour.
Will we have another election? My gut says no... that budget isn't worth going to a campaign over. But perhaps the ongoing fight against the attempted pay freeze may send us there; organized labour is a pretty powerful force in Ontario. Whatever happens the ball is clearly in Andrea Horwath's we'll know for sure April 24, 2012.
Monday, April 2, 2012
My Stories To Watch: April 2-9 2012
Stories to watch this week....
1. Ontario Budget Drama: What price will the N.D.P. demand of Dalton McGuinty to keep him in power? Andrea Horwath is set to give her demands, or let us know if she intends to follow fellow Opposition Leader Tim Hudak and vote it down. In an interview with Moore in the Morning today, Horwath refused to say if she even been talking to the Liberals over the weekend.
2. The Three Amigos meet: Prime Minister Stephen Harper is meeting in Washington with President Barack Obama, with Mexican President Calderon. Items on the agenda include greater trade ties, and how to tackle the Mexican drug cartels.
3. The Rafferty Trial: Chapter #4 of the Crown's case against Michael Rafferty continues this week. Today the jury takes a tour of the field where Tory Stafford's body was found.
4. Air Canada: The union representing airline's machinists are taking the federal government to court. They're arguing the federal government's anti-strike legislation is unconstitutional because it violates the freedom of association. The pilot's union has started a similar challenge.
In Local Politics...
Note: Tonight's Community Services Standing Committee meeting has been cancelled.
1. Ontario Budget Drama: What price will the N.D.P. demand of Dalton McGuinty to keep him in power? Andrea Horwath is set to give her demands, or let us know if she intends to follow fellow Opposition Leader Tim Hudak and vote it down. In an interview with Moore in the Morning today, Horwath refused to say if she even been talking to the Liberals over the weekend.
2. The Three Amigos meet: Prime Minister Stephen Harper is meeting in Washington with President Barack Obama, with Mexican President Calderon. Items on the agenda include greater trade ties, and how to tackle the Mexican drug cartels.
3. The Rafferty Trial: Chapter #4 of the Crown's case against Michael Rafferty continues this week. Today the jury takes a tour of the field where Tory Stafford's body was found.
4. Air Canada: The union representing airline's machinists are taking the federal government to court. They're arguing the federal government's anti-strike legislation is unconstitutional because it violates the freedom of association. The pilot's union has started a similar challenge.
In Local Politics...
Note: Tonight's Community Services Standing Committee meeting has been cancelled.
Monday, March 26, 2012
My Stories To Watch
We've got quite a week coming up in the news. Here's some of the stories I'll be watching for.
1.Provincial Budget: It has to be at the top of the list. The Provincial Liberals will present their first budget as a minority government. It's also quite a hot story locally, as local councilors await word of Milton Hospital expansion's fate. As the budget is financial issue, and it is a minority parliament it will be a matter of confidence. But what will happen? Will McGuinty have enough votes to pass it? Or will the opposition decide to flex its muscle and send us to another election? Or perhaps a more interesting possibility... are we going to see history of the '90's repeat itself and Andrea Horwath come to the forefront (Bob Rae anyone?)? What kind of role will Ornge play in it all?All of the drama will certainly play itself out over the next few days.
1a) In advance of tomorrow's provincial budget Ward 3 Councilor Cindy Lunau is presenting a motion at tonight's council meeting asking the Province to re-confirm its commitment to Milton Hospital expansion. Its text, along with contact information for you to make your wishes known to can be seen here. Just scroll down, it's near the bottom. Council meeting starts at 7pm in Chambers, or you can watch it here.
2. The Federal Budget: We're all being told this will be a document with modest cuts. We know there will be changes to Old-Age Security, the pensions system. They've been speaking of cuts to military spending, and the C.B.C. There will be cuts in the civil service. Politically it's going to pass with a majority- no guessing games here. But something to watch will be Thomas Mulcair's performance as he faces his first test the newly minted N.D.P. leader.
3. Ontario Superior Court strikes down Prostitution law: The Ontario Superior Court has begun the process that will make prostitution legal. The decision could potentially open the door to legal common bawdy houses, and allowing sex trade to hire body guards for example. The federal government has one year to respond to the ruling, but both sides have indicated they want to take it to the Supreme Court of Canada, which could lengthen the process to two years.
These are just some of the stories crossing my radar. Thoughts? Agree or disagree by all means leave a comment below.
1.Provincial Budget: It has to be at the top of the list. The Provincial Liberals will present their first budget as a minority government. It's also quite a hot story locally, as local councilors await word of Milton Hospital expansion's fate. As the budget is financial issue, and it is a minority parliament it will be a matter of confidence. But what will happen? Will McGuinty have enough votes to pass it? Or will the opposition decide to flex its muscle and send us to another election? Or perhaps a more interesting possibility... are we going to see history of the '90's repeat itself and Andrea Horwath come to the forefront (Bob Rae anyone?)? What kind of role will Ornge play in it all?All of the drama will certainly play itself out over the next few days.
1a) In advance of tomorrow's provincial budget Ward 3 Councilor Cindy Lunau is presenting a motion at tonight's council meeting asking the Province to re-confirm its commitment to Milton Hospital expansion. Its text, along with contact information for you to make your wishes known to can be seen here. Just scroll down, it's near the bottom. Council meeting starts at 7pm in Chambers, or you can watch it here.
2. The Federal Budget: We're all being told this will be a document with modest cuts. We know there will be changes to Old-Age Security, the pensions system. They've been speaking of cuts to military spending, and the C.B.C. There will be cuts in the civil service. Politically it's going to pass with a majority- no guessing games here. But something to watch will be Thomas Mulcair's performance as he faces his first test the newly minted N.D.P. leader.
3. Ontario Superior Court strikes down Prostitution law: The Ontario Superior Court has begun the process that will make prostitution legal. The decision could potentially open the door to legal common bawdy houses, and allowing sex trade to hire body guards for example. The federal government has one year to respond to the ruling, but both sides have indicated they want to take it to the Supreme Court of Canada, which could lengthen the process to two years.
These are just some of the stories crossing my radar. Thoughts? Agree or disagree by all means leave a comment below.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
The Measured Response to Ontario's Finances
Over the last couple of days the McGuinty government has made a pair of announcements that will end up making them more money; an increase in license renewal fees, and the possibility of an additional casino. In principle I don't have a problem with either; licensing charges haven't gone up in 15 years- an argument could be made for a slight increase on that alone.. just not the full $8 that is forecast for this year. If delicately handled more casinos could work; however they come with their own set of problems in the form of gamboling addictions, etc. And as some point out the revenue generated by the casinos potentially takes money away from somewhere else.
I have a problem with the general concept these two represent. These two specific solutions make it look like the Province is simply making more money while trying to avoid a lot of the cuts. More money always helps especially if people have to spend it as in the case of license fees. It should probably be part of the solution it shouldn't be the only solution. If the province is going to return to prosperity then it has to be a mixture of making money and cuts. It should be an increase of say $1 to licensing fees while cutting funding to the LHIN's (or eliminating them altogether. It should be putting a Casino in while cutting or eliminating the Green Energy benefit.
The measured response has been pretty much ignored by the McGuinty government. As I cynically predicted in a previous entry they've ignored pretty much all of the Drummond Report. They've said no to charging parking fees at Go Transit lots, no to slowing the implementation of all-day kindergarten. Instead of closing a casino at Niagara Falls, they are closing slot machines at three sites (Windsor, Sarnia, and Fort Erie). The McGuinty government is also trying to negotiate a pay freeze for the elementary school teachers; if it happens it would be a significant sign they are willing to do what's necessary to balance the books.
We ontarians are generally reasonable folks who would meet the government halfway by paying slightly increased fees. The government has to meet us halfway and put together a measured response that includes cuts, as well as increases.
I have a problem with the general concept these two represent. These two specific solutions make it look like the Province is simply making more money while trying to avoid a lot of the cuts. More money always helps especially if people have to spend it as in the case of license fees. It should probably be part of the solution it shouldn't be the only solution. If the province is going to return to prosperity then it has to be a mixture of making money and cuts. It should be an increase of say $1 to licensing fees while cutting funding to the LHIN's (or eliminating them altogether. It should be putting a Casino in while cutting or eliminating the Green Energy benefit.
The measured response has been pretty much ignored by the McGuinty government. As I cynically predicted in a previous entry they've ignored pretty much all of the Drummond Report. They've said no to charging parking fees at Go Transit lots, no to slowing the implementation of all-day kindergarten. Instead of closing a casino at Niagara Falls, they are closing slot machines at three sites (Windsor, Sarnia, and Fort Erie). The McGuinty government is also trying to negotiate a pay freeze for the elementary school teachers; if it happens it would be a significant sign they are willing to do what's necessary to balance the books.
We ontarians are generally reasonable folks who would meet the government halfway by paying slightly increased fees. The government has to meet us halfway and put together a measured response that includes cuts, as well as increases.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
As The T.T.C.Turns
It's getting to be quite the soap opera isn't it? The latest developments involve Premier McGuinty and the firing of the system's General Manager Gary Webster.
Webster as we all know has been fired without cause, and Toronto taxpayers will likely be on the hook for somewhere between 500-750 thousand in severance. There's no getting around it; the firing had blatant political overtones and very likely had political motives behind it. Webster wasn't backing Ford's subway plan, and if speculation is to be believed may have maneuvered Karen Stintz into her motion. Regardless, if Ford had fired Webster a year ago he probably would've gotten away with it- when a regime changes everybody expects some personnel to change. What makes uglier than normal is it's coming now after Stintz got her motion passed.
When you take the politics, and intrigue out of it, was Gary Webster doing his job? Can anyone name one thing he's done besides taking ridership to new heights? Because I can't. I think the T.T.C. is pretty much a system stuck in the '80's, and it shows. Why didn't he try and automate the system? Or introduce new pass options. I'd find a 10-ride pass quite helpful for example; it would be a new way of making money. He could've done so much with the system and didn't. Ford may have been wrong to fire him the way he did, and with his timing but it probably needed to be done.
The ongoing drama at the T.T.C. prompted Premier McGuinty comment on his government's growing frustration with the situation saying in the press yesterday: we're running out of patience, I think the people of Toronto are running out of patience." This is as firm as I've heard McGuinty speak on the subject. It's also got a ring of truth to it; Torontonians are getting a little fed up with the dithering and want something done.
What does McGuinty really mean? Who knows. There is speculation it means Metrolinx will be asked to take over and sort the whole thing out. That would make sense- the provincial body could take over, and create one single broad cohesive system from Toronto to Hamilton. I'm sure the exact meaning will become to clear in the next installment of as the T.T.C. turns.
Webster as we all know has been fired without cause, and Toronto taxpayers will likely be on the hook for somewhere between 500-750 thousand in severance. There's no getting around it; the firing had blatant political overtones and very likely had political motives behind it. Webster wasn't backing Ford's subway plan, and if speculation is to be believed may have maneuvered Karen Stintz into her motion. Regardless, if Ford had fired Webster a year ago he probably would've gotten away with it- when a regime changes everybody expects some personnel to change. What makes uglier than normal is it's coming now after Stintz got her motion passed.
When you take the politics, and intrigue out of it, was Gary Webster doing his job? Can anyone name one thing he's done besides taking ridership to new heights? Because I can't. I think the T.T.C. is pretty much a system stuck in the '80's, and it shows. Why didn't he try and automate the system? Or introduce new pass options. I'd find a 10-ride pass quite helpful for example; it would be a new way of making money. He could've done so much with the system and didn't. Ford may have been wrong to fire him the way he did, and with his timing but it probably needed to be done.
The ongoing drama at the T.T.C. prompted Premier McGuinty comment on his government's growing frustration with the situation saying in the press yesterday: we're running out of patience, I think the people of Toronto are running out of patience." This is as firm as I've heard McGuinty speak on the subject. It's also got a ring of truth to it; Torontonians are getting a little fed up with the dithering and want something done.
What does McGuinty really mean? Who knows. There is speculation it means Metrolinx will be asked to take over and sort the whole thing out. That would make sense- the provincial body could take over, and create one single broad cohesive system from Toronto to Hamilton. I'm sure the exact meaning will become to clear in the next installment of as the T.T.C. turns.
Friday, February 17, 2012
A Cynic's View Of The Drummond Report
I was filled with a general sense of hopelessness as the Drummond Report was presented on Wednesday afternoon. Implementing much of what the trusted economist recommended will take political will, and there isn't any at Queen's Park.
A public Sector wage freeze won't happen. The ship sailed on that when McGuinty promised it before, and then selectively gave a wage hike anyway. Besides one of the larger public sector Unions O.P.S.E.U (Ontario Public Service Employees Union) is soon going to be in a legal strike position, and you can probably guess what they'll be wanting...
McGuinty wants to be known as an education Premier so the likelihood of him delaying the implementation of or cancelling the full-day Kindergarten program is fairly slim. The same can be said of the cancellation of the tuition grants for post-secondary education. He's known as being friendly towards teachers too, so denying any employer rate increases to the Teacher's Pension Plan is probably out of the question as well.
McGuinty also wants to be known for his Green Energy policies. Cancelling the Green Energy Benefit probably isn't going to happen because giving people money is popular and might get votes. It also goes against his image as an environmentally friendly premier.
Nobody has the guts to talk about making seniors pay more for drugs. They're always seen as tone of the more vulnerable groups in society, which, for the most part makes sense. Besides that, Seniors vote; any attempt to make them pay more for something will be punished at the ballot box.
Gamboling makes money for the government. It probably makes enough money to make it a real revenue generator for the McGuinty Liberals, meaning guess what? Closing a casino in Niagara Falls isn't going to happen. Closing its headquarters maybe... but even that won't make much of a difference because employees will likely make their way into other jobs within the provincial government.
Could Tim Hudak do better if he were elected Premier last October? I honestly don't know. If he did win, he'd certainly be in a better position to implement the Drummond Report recommendations, because all policies affected are Liberal. It would have been natural for Hudak to stake out some different political territory and use the report as a means to do it.
McGuinty is in a no-win situation- he carries on as is and we're in a worse state in five years. He does something and he could alienate key demographics he needs to win an election. He probably ordered the Drummond Report in the first place to make it look like he was doing something. He never thought he would actually win last October. Now he's stuck trying to implement recommendations that call for him to go against many of his cornerstone policies and become unpopular. And we all know how much this Premier hates to be unpopular.
A public Sector wage freeze won't happen. The ship sailed on that when McGuinty promised it before, and then selectively gave a wage hike anyway. Besides one of the larger public sector Unions O.P.S.E.U (Ontario Public Service Employees Union) is soon going to be in a legal strike position, and you can probably guess what they'll be wanting...
McGuinty wants to be known as an education Premier so the likelihood of him delaying the implementation of or cancelling the full-day Kindergarten program is fairly slim. The same can be said of the cancellation of the tuition grants for post-secondary education. He's known as being friendly towards teachers too, so denying any employer rate increases to the Teacher's Pension Plan is probably out of the question as well.
McGuinty also wants to be known for his Green Energy policies. Cancelling the Green Energy Benefit probably isn't going to happen because giving people money is popular and might get votes. It also goes against his image as an environmentally friendly premier.
Nobody has the guts to talk about making seniors pay more for drugs. They're always seen as tone of the more vulnerable groups in society, which, for the most part makes sense. Besides that, Seniors vote; any attempt to make them pay more for something will be punished at the ballot box.
Gamboling makes money for the government. It probably makes enough money to make it a real revenue generator for the McGuinty Liberals, meaning guess what? Closing a casino in Niagara Falls isn't going to happen. Closing its headquarters maybe... but even that won't make much of a difference because employees will likely make their way into other jobs within the provincial government.
Could Tim Hudak do better if he were elected Premier last October? I honestly don't know. If he did win, he'd certainly be in a better position to implement the Drummond Report recommendations, because all policies affected are Liberal. It would have been natural for Hudak to stake out some different political territory and use the report as a means to do it.
McGuinty is in a no-win situation- he carries on as is and we're in a worse state in five years. He does something and he could alienate key demographics he needs to win an election. He probably ordered the Drummond Report in the first place to make it look like he was doing something. He never thought he would actually win last October. Now he's stuck trying to implement recommendations that call for him to go against many of his cornerstone policies and become unpopular. And we all know how much this Premier hates to be unpopular.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
A Very Canadian Result
If anyone lost it was oddly enough Dalton McGuinty. He lost 18 seats to his opposition; 11 to the P.C.'s, and 7 to the N.D.P. He ended up one torturous seat short of a majority government. What makes it a Canadian result is the fact Andrea Horwath- the third place party ended up the most powerful, squarely in the position of being the balance of power.
This means the Liberals don't make a move now without either the P.C.'s or the N.D.P. on side with them. I hope everyone sees the wisdom in this. The fact is McGuinty needed a slap on the wrist- and the electorate gave it to him. After having near total power for 8 years the knowledge you have to work with your opponents might be more humbling than a loss. With the lower voter turnout it could be said we voted en masse with our feet.
The results are by no means a ringing endorsement for McGuinty. If anything they're a passive aggressive way of saying we want a change, but the choices we have before us aren't that great. So we'll stick with the guy we had before. It's as if we've put him on notice- we're wising up to your tricks, and your lies. We're putting him in a two-year penalty box, if he minds his manners we may let him back on the ice.
..
The opposition as well has a tough road ahead of them. How they oppose will say a lot for the government's stability. They have to act as a government-in-waiting, and offer alternatives, instead of just going against the McGuinty government for the sake of opposing them. Hudak, and Horwath each have to act as future Premier.
The new government could mean a lot for Milton. Right before the writ dropped, it was announced the Liberals would fund the expansion for Milton Hospital. A minority government could mean the Liberals actually keep that promise. The man tasked with making sure that happens is Ted Chudleigh- returned by the voters in Halton for another term. It could also make Milton Education Village a reality a lot sooner than anyone can hope for.
I don't know how long this will last- but the average life of a minority parliament is 18 months. It's not starting off well- N.D.P. leader Horwath has requested a meeting with McGuinty and Hudak- McGuinty has said no. If McGuinty acts the tiniest bit humble there's nothing to say this can't last four years. However long it lasts, it should be entertaining.
This means the Liberals don't make a move now without either the P.C.'s or the N.D.P. on side with them. I hope everyone sees the wisdom in this. The fact is McGuinty needed a slap on the wrist- and the electorate gave it to him. After having near total power for 8 years the knowledge you have to work with your opponents might be more humbling than a loss. With the lower voter turnout it could be said we voted en masse with our feet.
The results are by no means a ringing endorsement for McGuinty. If anything they're a passive aggressive way of saying we want a change, but the choices we have before us aren't that great. So we'll stick with the guy we had before. It's as if we've put him on notice- we're wising up to your tricks, and your lies. We're putting him in a two-year penalty box, if he minds his manners we may let him back on the ice.
..
The opposition as well has a tough road ahead of them. How they oppose will say a lot for the government's stability. They have to act as a government-in-waiting, and offer alternatives, instead of just going against the McGuinty government for the sake of opposing them. Hudak, and Horwath each have to act as future Premier.
The new government could mean a lot for Milton. Right before the writ dropped, it was announced the Liberals would fund the expansion for Milton Hospital. A minority government could mean the Liberals actually keep that promise. The man tasked with making sure that happens is Ted Chudleigh- returned by the voters in Halton for another term. It could also make Milton Education Village a reality a lot sooner than anyone can hope for.
I don't know how long this will last- but the average life of a minority parliament is 18 months. It's not starting off well- N.D.P. leader Horwath has requested a meeting with McGuinty and Hudak- McGuinty has said no. If McGuinty acts the tiniest bit humble there's nothing to say this can't last four years. However long it lasts, it should be entertaining.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
How Will It end?
I'm not going to make a prediction- instead I'm going to make a best guess. We will wake up Friday morning to a Progressive Conservative (P.C.) minority government. I started the campaign with this opinion, and nothing has happened to change it much.
The P.C.'s and Liberal platforms are fairly equal. On the Liberal side, if you scratch below the surface- and take a good look at what the ideas are, you'll find them wanting. on the P.C. side there is some more substance. Both are vague in different areas; the Liberals on how they plan to pay for new hospitals, and the P.C.'s on how their platform would benefit cities.
The two parties are matched with mistakes. McGuinty made one with an ill-timed jobs platform and Hudak in the way he responded to it. McGuinty made another one, when he cancelled the power plant in Mississauga; something that is clearly politically motivated. Hudak made one when he released the sex-ed pamphlet with homophobic content. Everyone hates the HST, and nobody will do anything to if not get rid of it outright or at the very least trim the provincial portion. Nobody has taken McGuinty on about Caledonia.
In the end, a government of any stripe has to stand on its record. As unfair as it may seem for McGuinty this means the full eight years. And for all his successes in health care and education; his attempts to get Ontario to buy into Green energy, it's the scandals and broken promises people will remember. In two previous elections he said he wouldn't raise taxes- we now have the health premium and the HST- which even though it could be good for business; sucks for the consumer. Nobody likes paying more.
Hudak isn't perfect. He's hasn't run the best election campaign. He's spent a more time telling us what the NDP, and Liberals won't do for us and not enough telling what a P.C. government would do for us. Even after one year of campaigning, we really don't know him that well; and that's why Ontario voters will only give him a minority.
Andrea Horwath will end up the kingmaker, and I suspect do very well with that role. Her party has run a campaign based on clearly expressed ideas. They've stuck with the positive message of voting for hope, and not fear; and that will ring true with some voters. Bob Rae casts a long shadow over his former party; and there will be those who will remember what it was like when Ontario last had an N.D.P. Premier. That could be enough to keep her from the Premier's chair.
Eight years is a long time for a government to last in power. It's time for change; Hudak is the best placed to deliver that change. Let's give Hudak a chance.
The P.C.'s and Liberal platforms are fairly equal. On the Liberal side, if you scratch below the surface- and take a good look at what the ideas are, you'll find them wanting. on the P.C. side there is some more substance. Both are vague in different areas; the Liberals on how they plan to pay for new hospitals, and the P.C.'s on how their platform would benefit cities.
The two parties are matched with mistakes. McGuinty made one with an ill-timed jobs platform and Hudak in the way he responded to it. McGuinty made another one, when he cancelled the power plant in Mississauga; something that is clearly politically motivated. Hudak made one when he released the sex-ed pamphlet with homophobic content. Everyone hates the HST, and nobody will do anything to if not get rid of it outright or at the very least trim the provincial portion. Nobody has taken McGuinty on about Caledonia.
In the end, a government of any stripe has to stand on its record. As unfair as it may seem for McGuinty this means the full eight years. And for all his successes in health care and education; his attempts to get Ontario to buy into Green energy, it's the scandals and broken promises people will remember. In two previous elections he said he wouldn't raise taxes- we now have the health premium and the HST- which even though it could be good for business; sucks for the consumer. Nobody likes paying more.
Hudak isn't perfect. He's hasn't run the best election campaign. He's spent a more time telling us what the NDP, and Liberals won't do for us and not enough telling what a P.C. government would do for us. Even after one year of campaigning, we really don't know him that well; and that's why Ontario voters will only give him a minority.
Andrea Horwath will end up the kingmaker, and I suspect do very well with that role. Her party has run a campaign based on clearly expressed ideas. They've stuck with the positive message of voting for hope, and not fear; and that will ring true with some voters. Bob Rae casts a long shadow over his former party; and there will be those who will remember what it was like when Ontario last had an N.D.P. Premier. That could be enough to keep her from the Premier's chair.
Eight years is a long time for a government to last in power. It's time for change; Hudak is the best placed to deliver that change. Let's give Hudak a chance.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Embrace the Conservative Hat Trick
Premier Dalton McGuinty is bringing up the idea of a Conservative Hat Trick. That's a Conservative majority in Ottawa under Harper, a P.C. government at Queen's Park, and a P.C. in the Mayor's seat in Toronto. I don't really find that too scary.
Harper for his part has been a steady hand on the tiller for the economy. We started off not knowing what he was like on a personal level and gave him a minority government; and then slow but steady increased the minority. The N.D.P. is strong enough to stand up to his majority; they've already done it when they filibustered the postal-workers back to work legislation. Even though it's a transitional period as they prepare to choose a new leader I think they'll still find ways to make their message heard.
Toronto Voters chose Rob Ford last October; and they need him. David Miller says he left a $350 million surplus, but so far there are no signs of it. Surplus or not, the city is still in a pretty big hole and something has to give. The cuts will be painful, but if the result is a more prosperous Ontario capital, then isn't it worth it? Toronto voters also chose more federal Conservatives to represent them in Ottawa showing that fear of Conservatives in Toronto might be on the decline.
I don't find anything scary about a possible "Premier Hudak." Polls show a minority with Andrea Horwath in a king-maker role. I think she'd be a strong enough influence at Queen's Park. Polls show a minority mostly because even after months of campaigning we still don't know Tim Hudak that well. Why couldn't we treat Hudak, the same way we treated Harper? Give him a minority for a while, and see what he can do
The whole idea of a "Conservative hat trick" seems more a reaction of a Premier desperate to hold on. His platform is in tatters, and all he has left is a record in which the scandals outweigh the successes. Fear is basically the last tactic open to him. Well I say, embrace the fear- let's give Hudak a try. If we find electing him wasn't the best idea we ever had we can always switch it up in a year or so.
Harper for his part has been a steady hand on the tiller for the economy. We started off not knowing what he was like on a personal level and gave him a minority government; and then slow but steady increased the minority. The N.D.P. is strong enough to stand up to his majority; they've already done it when they filibustered the postal-workers back to work legislation. Even though it's a transitional period as they prepare to choose a new leader I think they'll still find ways to make their message heard.
Toronto Voters chose Rob Ford last October; and they need him. David Miller says he left a $350 million surplus, but so far there are no signs of it. Surplus or not, the city is still in a pretty big hole and something has to give. The cuts will be painful, but if the result is a more prosperous Ontario capital, then isn't it worth it? Toronto voters also chose more federal Conservatives to represent them in Ottawa showing that fear of Conservatives in Toronto might be on the decline.
I don't find anything scary about a possible "Premier Hudak." Polls show a minority with Andrea Horwath in a king-maker role. I think she'd be a strong enough influence at Queen's Park. Polls show a minority mostly because even after months of campaigning we still don't know Tim Hudak that well. Why couldn't we treat Hudak, the same way we treated Harper? Give him a minority for a while, and see what he can do
The whole idea of a "Conservative hat trick" seems more a reaction of a Premier desperate to hold on. His platform is in tatters, and all he has left is a record in which the scandals outweigh the successes. Fear is basically the last tactic open to him. Well I say, embrace the fear- let's give Hudak a try. If we find electing him wasn't the best idea we ever had we can always switch it up in a year or so.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Leaders Debate Analyisis
I think Andrea Horwath won the leaders debate last night. She got her policy out the clearest, and seemed at times refreshingly blunt on issues such as health care. She also got in a few good lines; most notably: "Isn't that guy your leader now?" referring to Bob Rae as leader of the federal Liberal Party. Rae I think still casts a long shadow over the Ontario NDP for some voters, and it was important for her to put some distance between them, and she did that using humour.
I wonder where the Tim Hudak shown to us last night was a month ago? He was clear, and more confident on his policies than he ever has been to-date. If he was like that a month ago, this election would be a walk in the park for him. He had the oft-quoted line "Nobody trusts you anymore Mr. McGuinty." I think that's going to turn into a ballot question, and really resonates with voters. Because the fact is- few people do trust him anymore.
The Dalton McGuinty I watched last night was at times tentative. The hand gestures were sometimes stiff, and at others elaborate, and defensive. It's natural to use hand gestures at times to use for all of us- when we're excited or just to illustrate a point. But in McGuinty's case it came across as nervous and defensive. And it was distracting from what he was saying. I wondered if he was trying to flag down Steve Paikin for the cheque or something... maybe reflecting on a past career as a rap artist nobody knows about??
In terms of substance McGuinty was weak. Where the others managed to answer the question, and get in their policy, McGuinty made a habit of answering the question he wished had been asked. The debate was full of issues it seemed he didn't want to talk about. Green Energy- the gas-fired plant he cancelled over the weekend, and the Samsung deal. Jobs: the contentious plan to give 10 thousand to companies who hire foreign workers. The Economy? How to get rid of the $14-16 billion deficit he's racked up. Taxes- the introduction of the HST, and the past broken promises on that subject. He seemed to fall back on his record, which, is so laden with broken promises and scandal it blots out anything he's achieved on the positive side like reducing surgical wait times, and expanding the use of the Primecare Family Health teams.
I don't think this debate makes much difference in terms of voting preferences. But it did crystallise where the parties stand on the issues, and helped differentiate Hudak from McGuinty a little bit more. It made Horwath a legitimate third option, and cemented this election as a three-way contest come October 6, 2011. It's going to be a wild finish.
I wonder where the Tim Hudak shown to us last night was a month ago? He was clear, and more confident on his policies than he ever has been to-date. If he was like that a month ago, this election would be a walk in the park for him. He had the oft-quoted line "Nobody trusts you anymore Mr. McGuinty." I think that's going to turn into a ballot question, and really resonates with voters. Because the fact is- few people do trust him anymore.
The Dalton McGuinty I watched last night was at times tentative. The hand gestures were sometimes stiff, and at others elaborate, and defensive. It's natural to use hand gestures at times to use for all of us- when we're excited or just to illustrate a point. But in McGuinty's case it came across as nervous and defensive. And it was distracting from what he was saying. I wondered if he was trying to flag down Steve Paikin for the cheque or something... maybe reflecting on a past career as a rap artist nobody knows about??
In terms of substance McGuinty was weak. Where the others managed to answer the question, and get in their policy, McGuinty made a habit of answering the question he wished had been asked. The debate was full of issues it seemed he didn't want to talk about. Green Energy- the gas-fired plant he cancelled over the weekend, and the Samsung deal. Jobs: the contentious plan to give 10 thousand to companies who hire foreign workers. The Economy? How to get rid of the $14-16 billion deficit he's racked up. Taxes- the introduction of the HST, and the past broken promises on that subject. He seemed to fall back on his record, which, is so laden with broken promises and scandal it blots out anything he's achieved on the positive side like reducing surgical wait times, and expanding the use of the Primecare Family Health teams.
I don't think this debate makes much difference in terms of voting preferences. But it did crystallise where the parties stand on the issues, and helped differentiate Hudak from McGuinty a little bit more. It made Horwath a legitimate third option, and cemented this election as a three-way contest come October 6, 2011. It's going to be a wild finish.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Why don't they talk about...
With less than two weeks to go before we enter the voting booth, there are still some things that haven't been talked about this campaign. Here are what I think some of them are:
1. Caledonia: It's still a stalemate over five years later. Hudak, and Horwath could really hammer McGuinty on this one. In my opinion- McGuinty failed in his duty to protect his people. History has a bad habit of repeating itself; fear of a repeat of what happened at Ipperwash probably caused the inaction. It goes to leadership; you see a problem and solve it.
2. The Self-employed: Surveys have shown that although unemployment is growing, so too are the self-employed. The federal government has responded to this, extending maternity/paternity benefits, as well as some health benefits to them. All provincial parties aren't looking at this, and it should be discussed.
3. Affordable Housing: Someone in a recent interview I did pointed out that even though many parts of the province have the same issues, they look different. Homelessness for example looks different in Grimsby than it does in Toronto or even Milton. For example it costs around $700/ month in Grimsby to rent an apartment- expensive; especially when you're a homeless youth with limited job prospects. Even the acknowledgement there is a problem, and it can't be solved with one blanket solution would be a step in the right direction.
4. The "Single" Person: Believe me, I understand the focus on family. It's the core of society- we all start off members of a family. But here's the thing; we all grow up and become fine upstanding tax-paying citizens. Some marry, and have kids of their own. Some choose to remain single. And yet despite all this the "Single person is being ignored. Elections can come down to single vote victories, so remember the single person.
These are just four issues not being discussed. If there's an issue you feel strongly our leaders should tackle, then feel free to leave a comment. Who knows? maybe with a little over week to go, maybe a couple of them will get attention.
1. Caledonia: It's still a stalemate over five years later. Hudak, and Horwath could really hammer McGuinty on this one. In my opinion- McGuinty failed in his duty to protect his people. History has a bad habit of repeating itself; fear of a repeat of what happened at Ipperwash probably caused the inaction. It goes to leadership; you see a problem and solve it.
2. The Self-employed: Surveys have shown that although unemployment is growing, so too are the self-employed. The federal government has responded to this, extending maternity/paternity benefits, as well as some health benefits to them. All provincial parties aren't looking at this, and it should be discussed.
3. Affordable Housing: Someone in a recent interview I did pointed out that even though many parts of the province have the same issues, they look different. Homelessness for example looks different in Grimsby than it does in Toronto or even Milton. For example it costs around $700/ month in Grimsby to rent an apartment- expensive; especially when you're a homeless youth with limited job prospects. Even the acknowledgement there is a problem, and it can't be solved with one blanket solution would be a step in the right direction.
4. The "Single" Person: Believe me, I understand the focus on family. It's the core of society- we all start off members of a family. But here's the thing; we all grow up and become fine upstanding tax-paying citizens. Some marry, and have kids of their own. Some choose to remain single. And yet despite all this the "Single person is being ignored. Elections can come down to single vote victories, so remember the single person.
These are just four issues not being discussed. If there's an issue you feel strongly our leaders should tackle, then feel free to leave a comment. Who knows? maybe with a little over week to go, maybe a couple of them will get attention.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Liberal Platform Critique
I've read the Liberal platform. It flushes out the ideas on their website The Ontario Way," and adds some new ones. For me it comes down to money; there's some pretty good ideas in there. But how do you afford them?
Tuition money for middle-class families? Great idea; post-secondary schools are expensive enough. But how do you qualify "middle class?" Is it through parents' income level? Is it some kind of social definition? Or perhaps its a mixture of the two; some kind of socio-economic definition- "Parents income comes up to this level, and have more than two kids in the family."
Three post-secondary campuses promised for the Greater Toronto Area (G.T.A.). That's a great idea that would help address the problem of needed post-secondary spaces. It goes with their latest statement that a Liberal Government would decide where future campuses would go. It takes away the institution's ability to make decisions; who would know better about their own needs, than the institutions themselves? For example Laurier definitely needs a new campus- the campus at Waterloo, is tapped out for expansion.
They cover themselves when it comes to hospitals in their "Build Ontario"" document. The phrase "subject to fiscal capacity" is bandied about a lot. If they can't afford it, they won't do it. As I've increasingly blogged- that's not good enough for this community- or any other communities that have been promised hospital expansion.
Their job creation strategy leaves a lot to be desired. I understand how a $10 thousand credit for companies who hire them might benefit the economy. In theory the money is given to these companies who hire the foreign-trained workers and maybe will eventually pass on the savings to the customers, or invest in it back in their business. In reality, it's divisive and could create a really negative environment for immigrants. Speaking as a job-searcher for a moment; it's hard enough to find a job as it is for the rest of us. In my industry everyone wants experience, and yet few are willing to give you a chance at it. Imagine an engineer who gets let go after working for the same company for five years. He's got an incomparable resume; experience, management skills, sterling references. He won't get the job because he's up against a foreign-trained engineer who brings with them the $10 thousand tax credit.
What I've seen of the costing is fairly weak. Program expenditures, and interest on the debt outweigh net revenues. Even after the next four years; in t he event they a) win, and b) win with a majority the deficit will still be $7.8 billion. The full deficit won't be at 0 until 2017-2018- and that's assuming the economy continues any kind of growth.
The platform manages to mention the Progressive Conservatives, and N.DP every few pages. The Platform document isn't a place to tell me what your opponents won't do for me, it's a place to tell me what you will... I can't stand that kind of negativity.
To read the Liberal Platform for yourself click the link. Make an informed choice this provincial election.
Tuition money for middle-class families? Great idea; post-secondary schools are expensive enough. But how do you qualify "middle class?" Is it through parents' income level? Is it some kind of social definition? Or perhaps its a mixture of the two; some kind of socio-economic definition- "Parents income comes up to this level, and have more than two kids in the family."
Three post-secondary campuses promised for the Greater Toronto Area (G.T.A.). That's a great idea that would help address the problem of needed post-secondary spaces. It goes with their latest statement that a Liberal Government would decide where future campuses would go. It takes away the institution's ability to make decisions; who would know better about their own needs, than the institutions themselves? For example Laurier definitely needs a new campus- the campus at Waterloo, is tapped out for expansion.
They cover themselves when it comes to hospitals in their "Build Ontario"" document. The phrase "subject to fiscal capacity" is bandied about a lot. If they can't afford it, they won't do it. As I've increasingly blogged- that's not good enough for this community- or any other communities that have been promised hospital expansion.
Their job creation strategy leaves a lot to be desired. I understand how a $10 thousand credit for companies who hire them might benefit the economy. In theory the money is given to these companies who hire the foreign-trained workers and maybe will eventually pass on the savings to the customers, or invest in it back in their business. In reality, it's divisive and could create a really negative environment for immigrants. Speaking as a job-searcher for a moment; it's hard enough to find a job as it is for the rest of us. In my industry everyone wants experience, and yet few are willing to give you a chance at it. Imagine an engineer who gets let go after working for the same company for five years. He's got an incomparable resume; experience, management skills, sterling references. He won't get the job because he's up against a foreign-trained engineer who brings with them the $10 thousand tax credit.
What I've seen of the costing is fairly weak. Program expenditures, and interest on the debt outweigh net revenues. Even after the next four years; in t he event they a) win, and b) win with a majority the deficit will still be $7.8 billion. The full deficit won't be at 0 until 2017-2018- and that's assuming the economy continues any kind of growth.
The platform manages to mention the Progressive Conservatives, and N.DP every few pages. The Platform document isn't a place to tell me what your opponents won't do for me, it's a place to tell me what you will... I can't stand that kind of negativity.
To read the Liberal Platform for yourself click the link. Make an informed choice this provincial election.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Let the Games Begin
The campaign's been running all summer, and yesterday it finally officially kicked off. Who will win? How will they tackle the key issues? Both questions will be answered over the next month.
Right now I'm predicting a minority government.The Liberals on the surface are running a surprisingly strong campaign. Scratch below the surface though, and I find myself following the money; how are they going to afford it all? They're promising tuition credits for students in middle-class families, tax credits for companies hiring foreign workers, and to build or expand new hospitals as well as building 3 new campuses in the G.T.A. alone. All with a deficit sitting somewhere in the $15-20 billion range. Their positive is McGuinty himself. By mocking himself as one of the most unpopular people in the country, he's taking the sting out of it. He's coming across as natural in some of their commercials; gone is the almost wooden behavior he displays in the media.
While the Liberals are running a strong campaign, the P.C.'s are running a weaker one. That kind of surprises me because their platform does have substance, and the McGuinty government doesn't have the best record to run on. The P.C.'s message is too negative now- all summer I've been hearing about McGuinty the taxman. We all know that; we've lived through it, and still paying for it Now tell us how you plan to reverse that; a cut to the H.S.T. across the board would probably do more good for more people than the targeted elimination on some products and services. Hudak wants to eliminate the Local Health Integrated networks (L.H.I.N.), and invest the money saved form it into front-line health care. How much would that save exactly? Where specifically would invest it- would it be in building more, and expanding hospitals? Hudak has been labelled "Mike Harris Light" by the Liberals and has done nothing to get out in front,and neutralize it.
The N.D.P. is a wild card. Andrea Horwath is a clear communicator; she made no bones about wanting the job. It's quite likely she may be a king-maker in the case of a minority. She's clear about the party's beliefs, and where they stand on the issues. Such clarity could see her come up the middle between Hudak and McGuinty; while they're sniping each and either win the election or become leader of the opposition. I believe people are still looking for a change and so far she seems to capture it.
It's early in the campaign, and I don't think the latest poll showing McGuinty in the lead nearing majority territory doesn't matter much. There's a lot of a campaign to be run- mistakes to be made, and points to be won. Let the games begin.
Right now I'm predicting a minority government.The Liberals on the surface are running a surprisingly strong campaign. Scratch below the surface though, and I find myself following the money; how are they going to afford it all? They're promising tuition credits for students in middle-class families, tax credits for companies hiring foreign workers, and to build or expand new hospitals as well as building 3 new campuses in the G.T.A. alone. All with a deficit sitting somewhere in the $15-20 billion range. Their positive is McGuinty himself. By mocking himself as one of the most unpopular people in the country, he's taking the sting out of it. He's coming across as natural in some of their commercials; gone is the almost wooden behavior he displays in the media.
While the Liberals are running a strong campaign, the P.C.'s are running a weaker one. That kind of surprises me because their platform does have substance, and the McGuinty government doesn't have the best record to run on. The P.C.'s message is too negative now- all summer I've been hearing about McGuinty the taxman. We all know that; we've lived through it, and still paying for it Now tell us how you plan to reverse that; a cut to the H.S.T. across the board would probably do more good for more people than the targeted elimination on some products and services. Hudak wants to eliminate the Local Health Integrated networks (L.H.I.N.), and invest the money saved form it into front-line health care. How much would that save exactly? Where specifically would invest it- would it be in building more, and expanding hospitals? Hudak has been labelled "Mike Harris Light" by the Liberals and has done nothing to get out in front,and neutralize it.
The N.D.P. is a wild card. Andrea Horwath is a clear communicator; she made no bones about wanting the job. It's quite likely she may be a king-maker in the case of a minority. She's clear about the party's beliefs, and where they stand on the issues. Such clarity could see her come up the middle between Hudak and McGuinty; while they're sniping each and either win the election or become leader of the opposition. I believe people are still looking for a change and so far she seems to capture it.
It's early in the campaign, and I don't think the latest poll showing McGuinty in the lead nearing majority territory doesn't matter much. There's a lot of a campaign to be run- mistakes to be made, and points to be won. Let the games begin.
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.
Friday, July 29, 2011
The Liberal Platform: "The Ontario Way"
if the Ontario Way website is it for the Liberal platform, then that party is in worse shape than I thought. The platform rests on a questionable government record (putting it kindly), and pretty much does nothing accept brag about their own achievements. They make few promises that are really comparable to the Progressive Conservatives' Changebook, unlike that document no realistic numbers or detailed plans are provided here. The party breaks the platform down to five main categories: Jobs, health, community, education, and family finances.
Under the Jobs category it states Ontario recovered 124% of jobs lost in the 2008 recession "faster than our major trading partners," with a graph featuring the United States (U.S.) and the United Kingdom (U.K.) Arguably the United States, and the United Kingdom were both worse off than the Canadian economy to begin with. The sub-prime mortgage crisis, and collapse of some financial institutions in the U.S. were contributing factors to America's recession. The United Kingdom is part of the European Union, and was likely affected by what happened in other parts of the trade zone. Couple that with the job creation caused caused in part by Canada's Economic Action plan, and the government bailout of the auto sector and is it any wonder Ontario recovered its jobs faster?
As for Health...Their website says the Liberal government hired "thousands of nurses," offered spots to more international grads than any other province, and have built 18 new hospitals. By the way in their 10-year infrastructure plan they've promised to build more hospitals, and expand others "should fiscal capacity allow," aka if they can afford it. My question is how much of this success has been borne on the backs of Ontarians through the much maligned health tax? The party also mentions eliminating coal fire generators- I'm all for it, if it can be done safely, and we have alternatives ready. In the mean time, what about looking into ways you can cleanly burn coal instead?
Under community it trumpets the government's cosmetic pesticide ban. That's a good thing for the environment and for people's overall health yes, but in 8 years is that all you've done for Ontario's communities? What about investment in community infrastructure (roads, arenas, arts centres)? Or what about keeping communities safe? I find it hard to believe a pesticide ban is the absolute best achievement you can think of for this section.
The education section announces the government's intention to completely implement the full-day Kindergarten by 2014-2015; 3-4 years away. Does this even belong on the platform for now? It's not yet completed, and there's no guarantee it will be carried over should McGuinty lose the election. I think a future government's hands are tied on this one; it's too far into the process now. And as for the estimated $6500/ year in savings to parents- how much of that goes back to the government in taxes?
Parents save $1400 on children's vaccines according to the family finances section of the platform. The provincial Liberals have offered 10% off on hydro bills in the form of an Ontario energy benefit. I'm naturally suspicious- or cynical, but I have to ask: If re-elected where will the provincial liberals make up that 10%? In new user fees? or maybe a new tax?
I hope there is more to the Liberal platform than this. The "Ontario Way" right now lacks the vision, and new ideas I'd hope to see from a party that has the significant advantage of having been in power for 8 years and is asking for a third mandate. It's as if the Liberals have given up before the campaign has really begun.
Under the Jobs category it states Ontario recovered 124% of jobs lost in the 2008 recession "faster than our major trading partners," with a graph featuring the United States (U.S.) and the United Kingdom (U.K.) Arguably the United States, and the United Kingdom were both worse off than the Canadian economy to begin with. The sub-prime mortgage crisis, and collapse of some financial institutions in the U.S. were contributing factors to America's recession. The United Kingdom is part of the European Union, and was likely affected by what happened in other parts of the trade zone. Couple that with the job creation caused caused in part by Canada's Economic Action plan, and the government bailout of the auto sector and is it any wonder Ontario recovered its jobs faster?
As for Health...Their website says the Liberal government hired "thousands of nurses," offered spots to more international grads than any other province, and have built 18 new hospitals. By the way in their 10-year infrastructure plan they've promised to build more hospitals, and expand others "should fiscal capacity allow," aka if they can afford it. My question is how much of this success has been borne on the backs of Ontarians through the much maligned health tax? The party also mentions eliminating coal fire generators- I'm all for it, if it can be done safely, and we have alternatives ready. In the mean time, what about looking into ways you can cleanly burn coal instead?
Under community it trumpets the government's cosmetic pesticide ban. That's a good thing for the environment and for people's overall health yes, but in 8 years is that all you've done for Ontario's communities? What about investment in community infrastructure (roads, arenas, arts centres)? Or what about keeping communities safe? I find it hard to believe a pesticide ban is the absolute best achievement you can think of for this section.
The education section announces the government's intention to completely implement the full-day Kindergarten by 2014-2015; 3-4 years away. Does this even belong on the platform for now? It's not yet completed, and there's no guarantee it will be carried over should McGuinty lose the election. I think a future government's hands are tied on this one; it's too far into the process now. And as for the estimated $6500/ year in savings to parents- how much of that goes back to the government in taxes?
Parents save $1400 on children's vaccines according to the family finances section of the platform. The provincial Liberals have offered 10% off on hydro bills in the form of an Ontario energy benefit. I'm naturally suspicious- or cynical, but I have to ask: If re-elected where will the provincial liberals make up that 10%? In new user fees? or maybe a new tax?
I hope there is more to the Liberal platform than this. The "Ontario Way" right now lacks the vision, and new ideas I'd hope to see from a party that has the significant advantage of having been in power for 8 years and is asking for a third mandate. It's as if the Liberals have given up before the campaign has really begun.
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