Thoughts on BC Politics and More

  I delayed writing this week’s report slightly in order to share my thoughts on the Liberal Government’s throne speech that was announced Wednesday. Afterwards the Prime Minister was scheduled to address Canadians on television and my report this week was written prior to that television event occurring. For those unfamiliar with what a throne speech is, here is the definition from the House of Commons: “ The Speech from the Throne usually sets forth in some detail the government’s view of the condition of the country and provides an indication of what legislation it intends to bring forward .” The challenge with today’s throne speech is that it takes many previous promises made by Prime Minister Trudeau, that ultimately became broken promises, only to be promised yet again. I will give some specific examples of this. In this throne speech the PM promises “ the Government will immediately bring forward a plan to exceed Canada’s 2030 climate goal .” This government ...

  "Universal Basic Income is an intriguing idea whose time has come – and should be shown the door", says Rick Peterson, who is seeking the Conservative Party nomination for the federal riding of Edmonton Strathcona   There’s a much better way to help Canadians get back to work: let’s slash taxes and cut back on government spending instead of trying a grandiose scheme that just doesn’t work.   No doubt, the bright, shiny object that is UBI is appealing to many people. Why not replace a patchwork of support systems, goes the thinking, with a single, level income for everyone?   Because UBI is too expensive, keeps many people away from work and favours rural over urban Canadians.   StatsCan estimates on the total amount of social assistance provided in Canada is around $177 billion per year. If Canada implemented a UBI of $1,000/month per adult , that program would cost us $364.3 billion, which is more than twice what we currently cover in assis...

  I glanced at a news feed, early yesterday afternoon, and noted that the Throne Speech would be televised live this afternoon.   My reaction was – who cares? I will not watch it. Today’s speech will be an ultimate in desperation. Trudeau and his minions have nothing of interest to say.   They shut down parliament for six months, and as that was not enough, they prorogued the shreds left on August 18 th .   If they expect cheers when they return, they are mistaken. Most of us would prefer that they stand down for another six months. The damage inflicted since mid-March is grotesque. There are millions of people unemployed, tens of thousands of businesses closed permanently, hundreds of thousands on the edge of bankruptcy, and our debt is enormous. For our sake, please do no more harm. The “Clueless in Ottawa” sitcom has worn out. Every promise this government has made lies shattered in the gutter. There is nothing Justin Trudeau can say th...