FELDSTED -- 39 true democracies, in the UN, are heavily outnumbered by third world nations seeking handouts. It’s one more reason to shun the Useless Nations

What are government ministers and our Prime Minister doing “campaigning” in Africa at our expense?

There is no tangible benefit for Canada or Canadians in this endeavour. Canada’s gross national income is about $1.679 trillion dollars. We are not spending quite 0.3% on African development or just under $5 billion annually.

The United Nations wants Canada to hit a target of 0.7% or $11,753 billion. That is an increase of about $6.7 billion per year drawn out of our economy. This government is projecting a deficit of $19.8 billion for the current fiscal year. Someone is rowing madly with one oar in the water. This is insane.

“Africa, with its 54 voting countries, is a kingmaker of sorts in the secret ballot at the UN General Assembly’s 190-plus countries.”

This is an assembly of kingdoms, theocracies, dictatorships and tyrannies that rule with iron fists and have dismal human rights records. Funds intended for development wind up in the bank accounts of the leaders and their top officials.

There are only 39 true democracies in the UN, heavily outnumbered by third world nations seeking handouts. It is one more reason to shun the Useless Nations.

We have serious domestic issues that need our government’s undivided attention.

We have pipelines to build, a multi-billion dollar oilsands project waiting for a green light, indigenous reconciliation has driven off a cliff, provinces are at odds with the federal government, and domestic debt has reach all-time highs.  

 Meantime, millions of Canadians are one paycheque away from insolvency, combined federal and provincial debt has reached $1.5 trillion dollars and our government is spending lavishly seeking the prestige of a seat on the United Nations Security Council.

Prestige won’t fill bellies, create jobs, build infrastructure, or solve any of our pressing problems. 

Our government has lost focus on what is important to us. We need a sense of personal safety and security, knowledge that hard work will be rewarded, hope for a better future for our children, and the sanity of governments committed to make that happen.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was busy
campaigning in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, yesterday
~~ Photo - Amnesty International ~~

The evidence is growing that we have lost our way and are headed for calamity.

Our future, our fiscal and social security and standard of living are all at risk. The pablum and platitudes governments hand us can’t hide the cracks in the hull. Our ship of state is in distress and no one in manning the pumps.

Outrage is growing and will not be pretty when it bursts the bindings of our usual decorum, deference and politeness.

Our Prime Minister must be told to mind his own business as it is sorely in need of attention.

John Feldsted
Political Commentator, Consultant & Strategist
Winnipeg, Manitoba