By the time you read this, it will already be 100 days since the last federal election. What have we gained with this new majority government and its Orange Opposition?
First of all, we have a majority government with a Prime Minister many supporters claim is “personally pro-life,” but who has done nothing to show it; who told Peter Mansbridge and a nation of listeners last winter that “those who want to reduce the number of abortions have to change hearts, not laws”—but has not lifted a finger to do either. This Prime Minister has said repeatedly, “…a Conservative government under Stephen Harper will not entertain any discussion of the abortion issue.”
Along with the Conservative majority, we now have a new Opposition in the New Democratic Party (NDP). In a dramatic shift, many long-time Quebec supporters of the distinctly anti-federal Bloc shifted en masse to the aging NDP, giving the late Jack Layton and his ideological allies the keys to Stornoway, increased funding and perks, and greater access to the front-page squabble-scribble that in recent years has come to replace responsible political journalism.
Of course, in every issue but Quebec sovereignty, the NDP shares the same political DNA as the Bloc, so the shift reflects a change of strategy, more than of goals. This was clearly revealed by the appointment as Interim Leader of Nycole Turmel, a former Bloc member and a continuing member of Québec Solidaire, a radical near-communist (says Eric Duhaime), anti-Israel (says Ray Hearn), provincial political party.
Ironically, the surge in the polls and his new role as Leader of the Official Opposition came at a difficult time for Mr. Layton personally. With the return of cancer, Mr. Layton had manfully turned over his hard-won responsibilities to Nycole Turmel as Interim Leader. CHP Canada’s Leader, Jim Hnatiuk, our National Board, and our members immediately joined the rest of Canada in praying for Jack Layton and wishing him a speedy recovery. Alas, he passed away August 22.
Although the appointment of newly-elected Hull-Aylmer MP Nycole Turmel as Interim Leader of the Opposition was ratified by NDP caucus the next day, a closer look has revealed a “ghost in the closet” or as some would say, “what’s in your wallet?” Ms. Turmel did have membership cards in her wallet which are now on the table. She has always been well known as a union organizer. Less well known was her membership in the Bloc and Québec Solidaire. Her defence of those memberships did little to reassure Canadians that the NDP is being led by those with a vision for a stronger and better Canada.
The NDP was recently considering a name change… perhaps “New Bloc Quebecois” would do?
One thing the NDP has not changed is its commitment to socialism, big government, and the welfare state. They will continue to lobby for increased spending, and our new “Conservative” government will need to set strict budget goals—and defend them!—if Canada is to return to its deficit-slaying days. Since Stephen Harper came to power in 2006, however, the federal government has grown in size and cost by 42 percent; and the last two years have added over $100 billion to our national debt—which is still rising at the rate of $123 million per day!
We are not alone. Our neighbours to the South are wallowing in a debt exceeding $14 trillion! How do President Obama and his supporting cast propose to solve their debt crisis? By borrowing more money! Somehow, digging a deeper hole to get out of the hole you’re in doesn’t make sense. Although President Obama and other world leaders recognize the destructive nature of debt and deficit spending, they continue to commit economic suicide. Does Canada have the backbone, the courage, and the will to face our problems and make the tough choices to cut spending and return to “pay-as-you-go” economic policies? Only the CHP has a plan to pay off the national debt and reap the benefits of frugal spending and responsible stewardship of Canada’s economic resources.
Politicians in Canada, like politicians around the world, are constantly faced with ethical questions—often questions involving money. The theft or misuse of money, overspending and the allocation of scarce resources for personal gain or partisan advantage—these are not only economic questions, but deeply moral questions; and they call for moral answers. Only by a commitment to unchanging principles can political leaders hope to rein in wasteful spending and chart a course worthy of the trust of the people they purport to lead.
CHP Canada is the only federal party committed to upholding the Charter preamble, which states: “…Canada is founded on principles which recognise the supremacy of God and the rule of law.” CHP Canada uses an Integrity Analysis process to vet potential candidates and leadership personnel. Those aspiring to candidacy or other positions of leadership in the Party must complete a detailed questionnaire, submit to police and credit checks, and be interviewed by previously-approved leaders to ensure the highest standards of conduct by those representing our party and to reduce the risk of embarrassment or surprise when our members become more visible political targets. The process is not perfect, but with the foundation of moral government laid in the Charter and a transparent commitment by our members and leadership to walk in integrity, is not CHP Canada poised and equipped to set the standard for political activity, and lead by example?
By joining the CHP and showing the Prime Minister, the Opposition, and all voting Canadians that integrity is the central issue, you can help Canada lead the world in economics, morality and social strength.
Now that makes sense!