UPDATE

Due to Technical Problems I am a couple of weeks behind on the Blog.
Christian Heritage Party Interview will be posted on the weekend.

Then we carry on - look forward to your opinions.

Sue

Interview with Christian Heritage Party Leader Complete

I have completed the interview with Ron Gray - Leader of the Christian Heritage Party. I will be posting the story within the next couple of days.

Does Ontario Complain too much...

about it's place in Canada - and the unfair treatment from the feds..
It seems like every week I hear the Premier of Ontario moan and groan about how much the feds owe them.
Well for those of us who live outside the center of CANADA - Ontario - it looks quite different.
You own the majority of Canada because you have Ottawa and all the bells and whistles that go with that. The majority of Crown Corp headquarters - the majority of federal jobs - the centre's of excellence - the national museums - the politico's and the businesses that support them - and what's not there is in Toronto - Stock Market - Banks - Head Offices of the largest Corporations.
So we subsidize you....

You should look outside your box and see what the rest of us have to look at every time we read a national paper or watch the national news...The bias is naturally for you.
Play fair - and stop complaining - after all how much more loved can you feel - when - during every federal election - they cosy up to you.

Fiscal Imbalance

What is fiscal imbalance?
It means different things to different provinces.

It means the fiscal relationship between Ottawa and the Provinces.
Quebec likes to control the tax base of Quebeckers as much as can be negotiated and to a large extent the relationship between Ottawa and Quebec versus Ottawa and the rest of the Provinces is different. Not because they are Quebec but because the politicans of that province have negotiated a different deal.
Quebeckers are the only people in Canada to pay a different level of federal taxation - they have more control over health and social funding traditionally coming from Ottawa in the form of transfers.
Right off - this is a fiscal imbalance.
Then there was the whole Micheal Wilson - Paul Martin philosophy of debt reduction through downloading of service responsibility to the provinces by cutting federal transfers. It did eliminate federal deficits and reduce the debt - however it caused increased fiscal imbalance - that is to say that Canadian universal services such as health that should be equally available to all Canadians was severely crippled and less populated provinces paid a heavy toll. Now Stephen Harper wants the provinces to provide guaranteed wait times. Well we may get there but not wothout significantly more dollars. Another fiscal imbalance.
Then there are provinces like Newfoundland and Labrador - Nova Scotia - and BC that suffer the interference of Ottawa in natural resource developments and revenues.
You see the offshore of Newfoundland and Labrador belongs to Canada instead of the province. As a result - the oil and gas resources found on the ocean bed belong to Canada. Natural resources - constitutionally are owned and managed by the individual province. So Alberta owns it's oil. Manitoba owns its fields.
This is a problem which will not go away easily and has more potential to upset Canadian Unity than any other issue. It is not only Quebec...

Speak - up and tell the politicians what your beef is.

What do you think fiscal imbalance means to your province?

Elizabeth May wants your vote...

Elizabeth May and the Green Party want your vote...

...particularly if you come from a Progressive Conservative background. I asked May to explain the difference between her and Jack (Layton). She said the economic policy of the Green Party is not left leaning - "we are more fiscally responsible". Of course this prompted the question as to why - outside the environmental similarities - the Green Party also supports leftist policies such as universal health care - affordable housing and education. May responded by saying these are not issues solely owned by the left - "I call them core Canadian values". I buy that response - however they were developed under left leaning leadership and have been adopted by Canadians as good policy. She recognizes "Tommy Douglas was chosen by the people as the Greatest Canadian of all time", and therefore some significant Canadian values are from the left.

I continued to seek the differences between the New Democrats and the Green Party and May explained that they support revenue neutral tax changes - a decrease in income tax and the introduction of a carbon tax. She believes the average taxpayer needs a break and the carbon producers - those who generate pollution and release cancer causing agents into our environment need to be taxed. May seems more inclined to offer incentives to promote and generate the environment as an industry than through the use of direct grants from taxpayer dollars.

It may be that the leader and her vision for the party is more aligned to the Progressive Conservative model than the established party policy. "We will avoid deficits and not spend our way out of things." May did comment that Hugh Segal - a well known PC - supports a guaranteed income for Canadians - a position that May would like to see her party adopt. There was however no indication how this policy would be achieved from a financial point of view and therefore sounded similar to the stated goals of the NDP. Further - all federal parties with elected MP's have stated their opposition to running deficits.

When it comes to Prime Minister Stephen Harper - May is clear "...we have never been closer to an American Republican style of government." She says this is not a good position for Canada and seems prepared to fight hard against this new "conservatism". She has concerns with NAFTA and the environment relative to the United States especially under the current Harper administration and blames the New Democrats for what she calls their role in this. May says, "they should have used the power they had during Paul Martin's Liberal minority to push environment and social and environmental issues further - instead of - for political reasons and the possibility of a few more seats - buckled". May believes this was a big mistake that left us with a neoconservative Bush loving government.

We discussed the plight of rural Canada and the draw of people from many of these communities - especially in Atlantic Canada - to Alberta for work. I gave May the example of a fishing community on the South Coast of Newfoundland and Labrador - Burgeo - which has seen 300 people in a population of 1500 leave since Christmas. I asked her for her gut reaction. On this issue May came across as very genuine with a single word reaction - "tragedy". A Nova Scotian native from Cape Breton - this story appeared to hit her hard and the leader was direct with her complete response. May believes the Department of Fisheries and Oceans is responsible for the catastrophic devastation of the Atlantic fish stocks and as such people and communities should be compensated. May compared it to the savings and trusts scandals in the States where investors (people) did receive financial relief. "The scientists were wrong on the biomass" - and May believes that decisions made based on incorrect data coupled with bad politics respecting the East Coast fishery the quota's and processing facilities along with dragger technology have effectively destroyed certain fisheries. May laments, "I am unsure if the Northern Cod will ever recover." She adds, "Companies like National Sea and FPI were the managers while the fish union and communities were and are left to clean up the mess without a real voice."

As with the environment - May views rural Canada as a great potential with measurable value. "It should not be lost and I do not believe - as Harper does - that its okay for rural Canadians to just up and move to where the jobs are because their home communities are suffering from job loss." She adds, " It must go back to community economic development plans with co-ops, credit unions, and adult education." The leader believes the federal government needs to play a leading role here by directing more tax revenues directly to the municipalities both rural and urban. Once again - I do not immediately see the difference between the NDP and the Green's.

Perhaps it is the emergence of a leader with a new vision - where party policy does not exactly reflect where she would like to go. May is certain the Green's will have a broader base of support than the NDP - nurtured by economic policy that would attract PC's who will not go to the NDP and are wary of the rebuilding Liberals. The Green's leader is also certain that "green and the environment are atop the agenda of the people". It is fair to say that all party leaders are pressured more on this issue since May has taken the reins of the party - and it does represent another voice - with the NDP - on global warming - greenhouse gas emissions - and clean air. The difference is May has paid real dues in this policy area and will be tough to debate or catch off-guard. She enjoys the support of nature's visionaries such as David Suzuki and is a friend of Bill Clinton. These connections do and will matter to a significant number of voters.

Elizabeth May is the only female leader on the national scene and she is concerned about the disproportionate representation of men to women in parliament. This is one very important reason she believes she should be in any political national debate - "women in positions of government and business must be visible to provide a positive role model for young women." She says it comes down to fundamental human development and we need to move in that direction.

The fiscal imbalance is something May believes is a problem and one she wants to jump into - and best I could ascertain the central mentality of the feds causes her further concern. As to what specifically she would do to correct the problems between the provinces and the Ottawa - we did not have an opportunity to discuss.

Our interview was not as long as I would have liked - but to be fair was the duration I agreed to. The tenor of this discussion was casual with a more human approach wherein time was spent with to and fro comments and as a result many key issues were not discussed. This was the leaders call - and I believe her decision to end the conversation on time was unfortunate - particularly since she was 25 minutes late starting the interview. This is a pet peeve of mine - leaders that are perceived to be over-managed. I think this was in part the downfall of Paul Martin. You see the Green Management was kind enough to let an ordinary Canadian get an interview with the boss - albeit not the Globe and Mail or the CBC. What the Green office cartel needs to remember is that the Green's were and are an extremely small fish in the political ocean - as this blog is in the sea of Canadian media.

On that note I will add that the inclusion of Elizabeth May in all debates is essential. She is an articulate intelligent addition to the political leadership in Canada and we need to see what she says when challenged directly by her opponents.

Canadians deserve to see the real choices they have - and the Green Party is one of those choices. May is a Canadian who is comfortable speaking about all regions - no doubt resulting from her extensive travel and communication engagements throughout the country and globally. I thank Elizabeth for her time and look forward to our next discussion.

The Interview is Complete

This afternoon I spoke with Elizabeth May - Leader of the Green Party of Canada.
Tune in tomorrow to see what the new leader said.

What does your Canada look like?

Let's Take the Election to the Politicians
If we are to be bought with our own money let's make our own spending choices...

Will Canada be green and clean or green and mean or some combination as is the case now.
The showdown is between the Alberta oil boom and the need to be able to breathe in Ontario.

When we speak with Elizabeth May - we need to know what the economics of green is all about. We need to find out if she can introduce environmental policy initiatives and change in a country used to being economically spoiled.

We still flush the toilet more that anybody else and we are just full of fresh water. Areas in Canada such as Newfoundland and Labrador still enjoy pristine regions where you can boil up at the side of a pond - gully - lake - or river.

Then there is the air of metro Ontario or Quebec - there are the congestive failures of traffic and lungs. We are polluted and we are polluting. Where's the cash and jobs in preserving the clean and renewing the brown zones?

What will Ms. May suggest for Alberta and what will she suggest for Quebec?

Following the election of both Elizabeth for the Greens and Stephane for the Grits - the environment and the color "green" are all the rage. Canadians are getting into this whole let's stop destroying ourselves theme. But how deep is that commitment? Is it the flavour of the day or are we determined to respond to the mess we make everyday in the name of money?

You see the government spends a fortune trying to get people to quit smoking. Yet despite the health warnings and apparent toxic nature of tobacco products - the government keeps the substance legal and collects tremendous tax on it. What other pharmaceutical product that has such dangers attached to it remains legal to purchase over the counter?

On the issue of of climate control - emissions - and clean air - all governments will encourage individuals to change their habits - car-pool - turn down the heat - use mass transit - but when it comes to industry - kid gloves are used.

Listen - parts of this country have undeveloped green renewable energy and industry should move to these areas and take advantage of clean alternatives. For Newfoundland and Labrador - Quebec - Manitoba - and BC - the potential is tremendous. Instead in the case of Manitoba and Newfoundland and Labrador - the federal encouragement comes to export the power to the "bigger" provinces. No - it's time to share the wealth!

Fiscal imbalance - yes there is enough of that to go around yet the biggest moans are from Quebec and Ontario - there is something wrong with this.
And on the issue of equalization and revenues from resources - more particularly hydro - Quebec has used a master plan to maximize equalization while maximizing revenues which would normally be counted - but when applied differently do not. So let's get with the program.

Immigration? What's the deal here? Pretty much the same as everything else in Canada - it primarily goes to Ontario and Quebec - what about the rest of the country?

Federal jobs and Crown agencies - time to spread the wealth and move a significant amount out to Western and Atlantic Canada. We brag about our IT advancement and we talk about the "global" community and free trade - but we do not have it in our own country.

Give me your thoughts - what works and what does not work for you in Canada?

Next post let's deal with geography and the equal delivery of health and education in Canada - and the issue of representational imbalance.

In order for Canadians to understand other Canadians we must speak freely and find solutions for the problems all politicians have failed to find.

Here's the Lineup....

Take the time to read the stories and participate by emailing Canada Elects 2007 or post a comment. This is a site for Canadians - the more the better. All views are welcome here as we discuss the issues together. If there is a group you would like to hear from or you have a question you would like answered let us know.

Canada Elects 2007 will interview Elizabeth May - Leader of the Green Party of Canada on Tuesday January 9th. The story will follow on the Wednesday!

The following clip from the Green Party Website:

"The Green Party has a new proposition for Canadians. We're asking voters to redefine progress and take a more active role in their government. If we spend less time on partisan bickering, we can spend more time on planning where we want to be in twenty years. We need a plan for tomorrow, today.

As Canadians, we are a fortunate people. We have natural wonders, diverse populations, safe communities and a standard of living that is among the best in the world. Still, some days we feel like we are just barely getting by. Over the last twenty years, we have seen more people working longer hours for less pay, while many other people can't find any work at all. We seem to lack time for the really important things in life, such as family and friends. People are starting to wonder how much more "progress" they can take. In fact, we're not sure that the planet can take it either. Our economy is not sustainable and our quality of life is not improving, but the traditional politicians continue to ask for one more chance..."
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The Transit Workers will weigh in the following week when Canada Elects 2007 speaks with Director Robin West.

The following clip from the ATU Website:

"The ATU represents over 25,000 public transit and inter-city bus workers in Canada. Our membership is characterized by both its cultural diversity and the diversity of its professions including driving, maintenance, supervisory, security and sales.

The ATU is committed to improving the working conditions and the quality of life for all of its members through education, training and lobbying."
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The following week David Robinson of the National Union of the Canadian Association of University Teachers will give our readers some insight regarding concerns and interests of their membership - I'm sure of great importance to parents - students - employers - and of course - University Teachers!

The following clip from the NUCAUT Website:

"The National Union of the Canadian Association of University Teachers (NUCAUT) is the national union of Canada's post-secondary academic staff. It promotes within the Canadian Labour Congress the interests of academic staff and seeks to improve the quality and accessibility of post-secondary education in Canada. NUCAUT is committed to the promotion of equity and opposes harassment and discrimination of any sort. NUCAUT contributes to building and unifying the labour movement by working with labour councils, provincial federations of labour, and other national unions."
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This interview will be followed by a discussion with the Canadian Federation of Students.
How is the future generation viewing the country and the opportunity to contribute and benefit from a strong Canada? We'll find out - so stay tuned.

The following clip from the CFS Website:


"The Canadian Federation of Students and the Canadian Federation of Students-Services were formed in 1981 to provide students with an effective and united voice, provincially and nationally."
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Canada Elects 2007 - Canadians speaking and listening to other Canadians as we make the Best Choice together.

Not only the Campaign Bus up for Discussion

Canada Elects 2007 is pleased to advise readers that we will be interviewing Robin West - Director of the Amalgamated Transit Union of Canada. For all those Canadians that rely on mass transit for work and home - you won't want to miss this. For our politicians who want a vote in the next federal election - the issues of these essential employees and the people they service should be a top priority for you.

Some of the issues to be discussed are:
Concerns of growing Violence,
Funding for our Systems,
Mass Transit and the Environment,
and possible legislative suggestions to place transit workers on an equal playing field with other industries.

If the readers have some suggestions for questions please email Canada Elects 2007 with your suggestions. The interview will be available in 2 - 3 weeks.


"Established in 1982, the ATU Canadian Council is the highest authority and voice in Canada for the Amalgamated Transit Union on all issues of Canadian interest including Legislation, Political, Educational, Health and Safety, Cultural and Social Welfare matters."

What will Elizabeth May have to Say?

Upcoming Features

Interview with Elizabeth May - Leader of the Green Party of Canada - "The Leaders Talk to Canadians".

Interview with a spokesperson for the Canadian Federation of Students - "Let's Hear Your Voice".

Don't miss what each has to say - it may make a difference in how you vote. Please provide all the feedback you can muster.

The Leaders Talk to Canadians is a feature where leaders of Federally Registered Parties answer a few of our questions. If you have any questions that you would like to see answered email Canada Elects 2007 and maybe they will get included during my interviews.

Let's Hear Your Voice is a feature where various groups and organizations get a chance to tell the Public and Politicians what they will lobby for when the next Federal Election is called. If your group wants to participate please email Canada Elects 2007 and get your name on the list. Please Include Contact Details.

A Green Cabinet Shuffle?

Will Canadians be "greener" after Cabinet Shuffle?

Prime Minister Harper is shuffling the Federal Cabinet today - it is anticipated that Rona Ambrose will be removed from the Environmental Post - resulting from her failed attempt at an impossible task of selling the Conservative - 2050 Canada can breathe again - plan.

Now that Harper sees the country grasping for some indication that Canada will do something to address greenhouse gases and environmental global commitments - the PM has determined that eliminating toxic smoke (and mirrors) emitting from Ambrose - fuelled by his own policy objectives - is the way to go.

Will there be changes to Finance? Good question - the investment community is still reeling over the sudden elimination of Income trusts - despite the commitment by the PM that he would not do so. We will discuss the merits of that decision in another post but it remains a broken promise and for pensioners and average Canadians (Harper's self-professed constituency) that believed the Conservatives - it remains a very sore point. What about equalization?

Will the PM move Chuck Strahl from Agriculture? Perhaps - after the Wheat Board fiasco and under the premise that Strahl himself wanted a change.

Then there's David Emerson and whether or not he has served his purpose of directing the softwood lumber deal through Parliament.

What about Foreign Affairs and Defense? Have Peter MacKay and Gordon O' Connor worked their way out of these portfolios - as Canadians question Afghanistan and our place at the Global Table?

Let us know what you think of the changes and whether this is the face of an election team.

Not Included...

Canada Elects 2007 is off to a great start with visitors from around Canada logging in.
We received an email from a couple who are members of the Christian Heritage Party and they rightly pointed out that their political choice was not included under the Links Section.

Thanks to those readers from British Columbia - Your Link is now Included.

Canada Elects has sent an invitation to Elizabeth May - Leader of the Green Party of Canada - to be our first interview.

The Greens have certainly shaken up the Ottawa clan by putting the environment right up there on the policy agenda list. Canadians are starting to catch on and understanding that "green" affects many areas of federal jurisdiction.

Health (the environment)
Economy (the environment)
Education (the environment)
Jobs (the environment)
Fiscal Imbalance (the environment) renewable versus non-renewable energy revenues

We look forward to a chat with the leader of the Greens and your responses to the woman who made the Liberal Convention don Green shirts - hats - and scarves and may be the woman responsible for the upcoming changes to the Conservative Cabinet.

Fiscal Imbalance

What will Harper do?
A clear promise to remove non-renewable natural resource revenue from the equalization calculation and a split among provinces while ensuring that no province will be negatively impacted. Good Luck Mr. Harper.

A threat by Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador to fight any change to that commitment.

A threat by Quebec not to live up to that promise.

Ontario complaining in general about the Province's lot.

Alberta does not want to be included in a 10 Province "standard".

British Columbia - Ontario - Saskatchewan - Alberta - and Newfoundland and Labrador are thumbs-up for the change.

Quebec - Manitoba - Prince Edward Island - Nova Scotia - and Manitoba are thumbs-down on the change.

Further Quebec wants renewable resource revenue removed.

Oh what a mess - scrambling feds and scrambling provinces.

Where do the MP's and Parties stand on the issue?

I will send an email and see if they respond...

Stay tuned!! I will post the responses.

Weigh in on the issue - send an email. I will post a sample of the responses on the Blog.

Welcome to Canada Elects 2007

This blog will be dedicated to Federal Politics and the anticipated election in 2007. All topics of federal interest will be discussed here.
Nothing will be held back and politicians of all stripes along with the leaders and party policies are up for analysis.
Join Sue Kelland-Dyer in the discussion by sending letters and comments to Canada Elects 2007 email. They will be posted "if in good taste" - the more controversial the better.