CASTING MY VOTE
Most people who know me will not be surprised that I am going to support the Conservatives in the upcoming Federal election. However many of these same folks do not really know why. A number of them probably believe that I am an ideologue and would vote for the Tories under any circumstances. Not so. I am at heart, a Conservative, but I have voted for both the Liberal Party and the Green Party. I reject extremism on both the far left and the far right of the political spectrum.
I also believe that most people who seek elected office, regardless of their political persuasion, do so for the right reason; a desire to make life better for the people they serve. This I think, is especially so at the leadership level. That is why I abhor the mudslinging, innuendos and outright dishonesty that has crept of late, into election campaigns. Because we dislike or disagree with a politician, it is no reason to indulge in character assassination.
In my view, the Federal Government is charged with three main priorities. These would include the economy, our security and the environment. There are of course other important issues, but when I decide who to vote for, these issues come to the top of my list.
Stephen Harper has not been a perfect Prime Minister. Like many of his predecessors he has his warts as well as his achievements. John Ibbotson, a columnist with the Globe and Mail, has said it well in his recent bestselling biography, “Stephen Harper”. He has caught both the strengths and the weaknesses of our current Prime Minister. But on balance, I believe that Stephen Harper’s achievements for Canada are far greater than his shortcomings and I believe his Government continues to be the best choice for Canada. Here’s why.
THE ECONOMY
Canada continues to have the strongest economy in the Western world. An earlier Harper Government stickhandled its way through one of the worst global recessions in our history, one that bordered on a worldwide depression. They did this by recognizing when a deficit is necessary in order to stimulate the economy and they accomplished this successfully and without hesitation. During more recent years, they have worked hard to once again balance the budget and did so last year, one year earlier than they had predicted. In the first four months of this fiscal year (from April to July) the Government has recorded an additional surplus of 5.2 billion dollars. Over the past decade, the Harper Government has managed to maintain a relatively strong economy through good times and bad while encouraging prosperity and protecting the vulnerable (who can only be protected with a strong economy). That is at least one reason why Canada is viewed as one of the best places in the world to live.
In spite of this, today, much of the world is experiencing financial stress, with falling oil prices, the deterioration of the Chinese economy, financial collapse in Greece and the Middle East refugee crisis. Strong economic experience and leadership is far more important when the going gets tough and I believe that the Harper government has proven that they have what it takes to accomplish this.
Finally, in terms of the economy, the Conservatives are the only political party who has said they will not raise income taxes, if elected. Canada is already one of the highest taxed countries in the world. Taxes, while necessary to a degree, are regressive and do not stimulate growth. The more money that stays in our pockets and the more that Government stays out of them, the more Canadians can make their own decisions and enjoy prosperity.
SECURITY
Sorry Folks, but I don’t have any real trouble with Bill C-51. Nor frankly do I have any difficulty with the Government revoking the citizenship of an individual (who is also a citizen of another country) who plotted multiple terrorist attacks to bomb and kill potentially thousands of people in downtown Toronto, a potential killer who admitted his goal was to maim and destroy as many people as possible. Nope, no problem at all.
Most of us realize that we live in a different kind of world today. We cannot hide our heads in the sand and pretend that what is happening in the rest of the world is not happening here. No, we should not live in fear and we should place great value on our freedom. The best way, in my view, to accomplish both, especially when we no longer know where to go to fight the enemy, is to be prepared when the enemy comes to us. As an ally of the United States, Canada is a terrorist target. Our law enforcement agencies have a good track record in detecting terrorist plots before they happen. I support a government that provides them with whatever tools they need, to be used properly and effectively, to get the job done and keep Canadians safe.
As a matter of security, I also believe that the Government’s response to the Syrian refugees is the correct one. Compassion of course. Genuine refugees should, as much as possible, be welcomed with open arms. However, knowing who we are allowing to come to Canada is equally important. Terrorist organizations have been infiltrating sympathizers into western countries for years and the current crisis gives them an added opportunity to accelerate this process. No, this is not fear mongering. This is reality.
THE ENVIRONMENT
Not so much chest thumping here. Although the Conservative Party, while in Government, has invested 17.7 billion dollars in dozens of major environmental initiatives, there is still much to be done. I do however agree with their position that environmental protection goes hand in hand with our economic future.
David Suzuki, a respected, albeit controversial Canadian environmentalist, said recently that, “None of the Parties, except the Green Party are taking climate change seriously. “ In particular, when Justin Trudeau called Suzuki asking for support for his environmental platform, he declined, saying it was the same old platitudes, which resulted in Trudeau accusing Suzuki of “sanctimonious crap”.
While I believe that the Conservative Government and the Leaders of the other Parties, do take the environment and climate change seriously, I also suggest that we desperately need to see more hard evidence of this as we move forward.
TONY CLEMENT
Another reason I plan to support the Conservatives, is our local member. Tony Clement has served Parry Sound Muskoka well. He is readily accessible, fights hard for the interests of his constituents and has worked tirelessly to bring jobs and opportunities to the Riding. He has also served Canada well and deserves to be re-elected.
WHY I CANNOT SUPPORT THE OTHER PARTIES
In a nutshell. I cannot support the Bloc Quebecois because they want to break up Canada. I cannot support the N.D.P. because they would allow Quebec to separate with a 50% + 1 vote and without a vote from the rest of Canada. They also intend to introduce Proportional Representation which means members of parliament would be appointed by political parties and not elected. Large Cities would control Parliament and smaller and rural communities would not be adequately represented. I cannot support the Liberals because their financial plan would move us from balanced budgets to deliberate rather than necessary deficits. Equally important, is their move to reduce tax benefits to small businesses who are the backbone of the middle class. I cannot support the Green Party, because they cannot win and to do so would be a protest vote, which in my case, I do not need. However, Dale Peacock….you did ask me who my second choice would be and that would be the Green Party!
And so on balance….I will vote Conservative, warts and all! Last week I said I would invite other respectful points of view and I do. I am especially interested in hearing why people think the leader of their particular Party should be Prime Minister. There have been books written about what is wrong with Stephen Harper but it would be refreshing to hear what is right about the other leaders.
Hugh Mackenzie
Right on Ian !!! Val
Hugh, I do take issue with the concept that the Conservative Party are the best party for the economy. When you look at past records the liberals appear to manage the economy very effectively and I would venture in a more fiscally conservative manner than the conservatives.
A couple of things from the last few days. When SH did not appear at the scrum after the debate, did you hear a reporter ask why not? The Cons spokesperson was heard to mumble “I won`t talk about that” then he turned and made a quick exit! He definitely gave the impression he was truly p~~~ed off!!! At the all candidate`s face off last night Tony Clement referred to JT`s interview with Peter Mansbridge and claimed JT said ” the majority of small businesses were used to avoid higher taxes”. That`s not what I heard Tony!! I heard “some” were used to reduce taxes! I`ve started asking people if they know what Huntsville Doppler is. Since most have no idea I`ve started educating them on how to find it on line. Most who already knew about it thought it was all Hugh M and his fellow Cons. I`d really like to see discussion from supporters of all parties!!! I`m trying to spread the word because I see great possibilities for this opinion page!!!!
As a student of Political Science, past and present, daughter of a wounded WW1 veteran and sister of three veterans of WW2, I am deeply concerned about the direction our country is taking. Under the Conservative watch, our democracy has been decimated. Linda Keene was fired from her position at the Chalk River for making a decision that disagreed with this government but was later found to be the correct one; the long – form census was discontinued and now whole sections of the country cannot make decisions about their needs because accurate data is unavailable. Our conservative elected members of parliament have been (by their own admission) muzzled by the PMO,s office.
We no longer know whether a member of parliament is speaking for himself in parliament or reading a prepared script given to him or her by his superiors. Pages can be written about the changes that have been made to our democratic process – the (un)fair elections act which will make it impossible for many people to vote is only one of them.
I have resided in West Africa and the Caribbean for extended periods and worked with people living in police states and poverty conditions and became their friends. Perhaps for these reasons I am more aware of the insidious encroachment of, and changes to, our democratic values.
I despair of the treatment being given to our veterans, having experienced how well in the past this has been delivered, in my own case, over almost 70 years while my Father lived.
I want my Government to be there for all the people and the Leaders to be real Leaders and transparent and above all honest in both their public and private lives.
For these reasons and many others, I will not be voting for a Conservative Government, Stephen Harper, or Tony Clement. Respectfully Lenore Werry
Well this is all sorted out now!!
Hi Debi, This will be a rewrite of my comment this am, re your comment. Liz, Dawn and I have tried to figure out how it appeared then disappeared! So here goes. No, Debi you would not be tagged as a “rich old white dude”. You would be referred to as a “rich old white dudette” but only you can decide if rich and old apply to you. I`m not inferring Not ALL Con. voters fall into this category but the party seems to attract a large no. of the richest of our taxpayers! You refer to JT as shallow and boring when you saw him. How long ago was that? If you watched the debate last night he was alive and passionate. TM was not bad but there was not much fire. The word that comes to mind re SH is drab. So you don`t want to burden your children with a deficit. Does that mean you would not buy a house and take on a mortgage for 20 years? A mortgage is a personal deficit, but then you can enjoy a house now. Millions of Canadians have a personal deficit. So why does a well managed “deficit” by JT, become a horrible thing that is supposed to make us shake in our boots!!! After the debate TM came out to meet the media for questions, followed by JT, followed by~~~~~~~~~ wait for it, a Cons. spokesperson!!!! So why not SH in person? Possibilities 1~~arrogance 2~fear 3~he wasn`t in control or 4~ he had to make a quick trip to the POOPER. No matter what the reason he looked bad. Well Debi, no need to apologize for agreeing with Hugh. I`ve been known to agree with Hugh the odd time!! Val
Thanks Dawn, I’m working on it!! Val
Hi Val,
We welcome all opinions. As I mentioned in my email to you, we did not receive your reply to Debi’s comment and therefore have no way of posting it. I’ve gone back through our received comments to be sure. We received your initial comment to this post but no subsequent reply to Debi’s comment. I have nothing that I can email to you as a result, but you are welcome to resubmit a reply.
Best,
Dawn
Ok I get it. When Hugh Holland`s comment is posted and my reply to Debi is deleted , it seems
“no opposing opinions” are valid so I wasted an hour and a half of my limited time. Since I don`t have a copy of this reply to Debi, if you could email it back to me I would appreciate it. I won`t bother you with my thoughts again. Thank you, goodbye, and have a good life,
I guess I am one of those “rich old white dudes”. My father died from an accident when I was one-year old. I was never without a job of some kind since I was 11-years old; whether it was delivering groceries, milking cows, picking tobacco, washing cars, or later on doing engineering and factory management work because I also worked hard at school. I have paid my taxes on time for 55 years, put three kids through university, and am now living in a nice but modest bungalow with two bedrooms and a den. I have volunteered some of my time to service clubs and community organizations for 40 years. I am able to donate modestly to a few charities that are most important to me. If all of that makes me a “rich old white dude” then I am proud to wear that badge.
I have become a bit of a political junky in retirement. I read and think about the news every day. I watch all the political debates and then try to make a fair and objective analysis of what I heard. After last night’s debate on foreign policy, I updated the tally that I keep. Out of the 15 items that are most important in my view, I find myself agreeing with the Conservatives on 10, the Liberals on 3, and the NDP on 2.
Public service has never been an easy job, but today, most people are so busy that they get most of their information from 30-second news clips and Twitter bits. That doesn’t give one much of an understanding of today’s increasingly complex issues. So I respect anyone who is willing to put themselves out there to “apply” for those very difficult jobs for which they get more criticism than they deserve and less credit than they deserve.
Stephen Harper guided Canada through the most unsettled economic times since WW2 and did it better than any other country. Tony Clement did a very good job of working with all parties necessary to secure the G8 conference for Huntsville and oversee the creation of the complex infrastructure in record time. The Waterloo building was a necessary part of that, and he deserves credit, not petty critique.
On the environment / energy policy file, the regulations already in place will do more to reduce emissions from coal use and from oil production and use, without a huge bureaucracy that will increase the cost of everything, than either the Liberal’s carbon tax or the NDP cap-and-trade system.
I invite you to watch the video on this link. https://www.youtube.com/embed/LPjzfGChGlE It helps to explain the difference between the hand-up philosophy that I find present in most of the Conservative platform and the hand-out philosophy that I find present in the others.
Hugh Holland, Huntsville
Good morning Val:
It is no surprise to me to hear you will be voting Trudeau. It is hard to resist that old “mania”.
Nor is it a surprise to me to hear Hugh s voting “C”. He always weighs options carefully and makes an informed choice.
Val, I hope I am not tagged as a Rich Old White Dude for admitting this, but I will be voting conservative this time. I have had the opportunity to meet and listen to Mr Trudeau and I found him boring and shallow. I am surprised that he and the LPC have chosen to take the platform for this election even further left than the NDP. I will never support a party who will burden our children with even more deficit budgeting.
Sorry Val, I agree with Hugh on this one.
Why I won`t vote Conservative/Reform.
I am tired of “rich old white dudes” {as they are called on the West coast} and their interest in making money and more money, controlling our country. Also, ever wonder why the Conservative party has so much more money to spend on the election? Guess it`s because they have all the ‘ROWD’s wanting to keep their buddies in power!
The views on how well Harper managed the economy vary greatly. If you are a C, he did a super job, creating all those new jobs, but there are economists who strongly disagree.
Does Harper really care about the environment? He`s had 10 years to demonstrate this and our low standing on the list of countries that are doing something would suggest otherwise.
H is trying to create an atmosphere of fear, by raising the spectre of ISIL and terrorism. He would like you to believe our safety rests solely in his hands. We all know that the agencies responsible for our safety will still be doing their job no matter who is PM.
And Hugh, while you are praising Tony Clement, you failed to mention his part in saddling the town with a very large debt to keep “the Phantom University of Waterloo” afloat.
So, I am going to vote Liberal, supporting Trisha Cowie and Justin Trudeau. Not only because we need change, but it`s time to pass the reigns to a younger generation. They are the ones who will still be here, so what happens to the environment really matters to them! The rest of us, will be pushing up daisies!!