Fear of Clowns

Excerpts from the victorious Canadian Conservative Party's platform:

Under the Liberals, money and influence have played far too large a role in Canadian politics. During the sponsorship inquiry, Canadians learned of envelopes full of cash being used to fund Liberal Party campaigns, and of money from government contracts being funnelled back to the Liberals. The "pay to play" years in Liberal Ottawa must come to an end.

Under the Liberals, lobbying government - often by friends and associates of Paul Martin and other Liberal ministers - has become a multi-million dollar industry. Senior Liberals move freely back and forth between elected and non-elected government posts and the world of lobbying. Liberal lobbyists have accepted success or contingency fee arrangements where they don't get paid unless they deliver the policy change their clients want.

The Liberals have repeatedly appointed insiders, in some cases completely unqualified, to important public offices. Liberal candidates and MPs have received appointments as heads of Crown corporations, board members, and ambassadors. Liberal staffers, including some of those responsible for the sponsorship program, have worked their way into key positions in the public service.

Under the Liberal government, abuse of the government contracting process has become commonplace. Former Liberal cabinet minister Art Eggleton, for example, awarded an untendered contract to a former girlfriend. He was later appointed to the Senate by Paul Martin.

A Conservative Government will not initiate or support any legislation to regulate abortion.

There have been many examples over the years of reprisals against government whistleblowers, including public servants who helped reveal the sponsorship scandal, and others who exposed waste and abuse in the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The Liberal government has consistently rejected attempts to provide Canadians with better access to government information.

While Liberals have been enriching themselves through their culture of entitlement, many Canadians - especially those who work in the manufacturing sector - have been suffering. Twelve years of empty Liberal promises on prosperity, productivity, and growth have done nothing to help Canadian businesses face increased competition from around the world.

During the last five years, federal government departmental spending has grown to an unacceptable level. Far too much taxpayers' money is absorbed by the Ottawa bureaucracy or spent on ineffective or inefficient programs.

A Conservative government will demand that the U.S. government play by the rules on softwood lumber. The U.S. must abide by the NAFTA ruling on softwood lumber, repeal the Byrd Amendment, and return the more than $5 billion in illegal softwood lumber tariffs to Canadian producers.

A Conservative government will maintain the existing handgun registry and bans on all currently prohibited weapons. A certification system requiring a background check and safety training for all those wishing to acquire and use firearms legally.

Terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and outbreaks of disease world-wide have focused the spotlight squarely on the Liberal government's inaction regarding terrorist and other threats here at home. Four years of inaction since September 11, 2001, have left the federal government ill-prepared to protect Canada's national security. The March 2004 report by the Auditor General criticized the government for failing to create an integrated security system. The March 2004 report of a bipartisan Senate committee concluded Canada was "unready" to respond to a terrorist attack. Even the government's annual National Security Policy review released in April 2005 identified 12 government priorities that have still not been improved or addressed.

The Liberal track record for Canadian seniors is a sad story of unfair taxation, poor government services, and now an inexcusable policy blunder that has destroyed the retirement savings of Canadians invested in income trusts. It is time for a government that respects those who have spent their lives raising families, saving for their retirement, and building this country.A Conservative government will: Confirm its commitment to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) as well as the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) as fundamental guarantees of income security in retirement years.

Improved public transit usage will help both reduce traffic congestion in our urban centres and reduce carbon dioxide and other emissions. Canadians must be encouraged to choose transit by making this option more financially attractive.

For all the Liberal talk about the environment, they have done nothing to clean up the environment here in Canada. They sign ambitious international treaties and send money to foreign governments for hot air credits, but can't seem to get anything done to help people here at home. A Conservative government will implement a "made-in-Canada" plan focused on ensuring future generations enjoy clean air, clean water, clean land, and clean energy here in Canada. A Conservative government will develop a Clean Air Act to legislate the reduction of smog-causing pollutants such as Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), and particulate matter. Address the issue of greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), with a made-in-Canada plan, emphasising new technologies, developed in concert with the provinces and in coordination with other major industrial countries.

Canada is a nation of great artists and athletes. Arts, culture, and sport all make essential contributions to our national identity. A Conservative government will: Establish a Francophone Secretariat within the Department of Canadian Heritage. Language is an integral part of culture and heritage and should form the basis of decision-making for the Francophone cultural and artistic community. Ensure that the CBC and Radio-Canada continue to perform their vital role as national public service broadcasters. Preserve the role of the National Film Board, the Canada Council, and other federal arts and culture agencies.

// posted by Erik @ 1/24/2006 03:37:00 AM
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