Thursday, June 2, 2011

Working Class Under Attack!

Most of you have known me for many years and know that I’m not an alarmist and the politics of fear is not something I subscribe to. However, as someone who reads about and studies the social fibre and politics of our country extensively, I believe that it is by obligation to share with you my assessment of politics currently in Ontario. To put it plainly and simply, our way of life is under attack.
As we move to a fall election in Ontario, the two so called front running parties are quickly moving their agenda further to the right of the political spectrum. This move to the right is bad news to working women and men across the province. It will be the worst possible news for those thousands of people who will pay with the loss of their jobs. Here is just a small sample of what they have planned.
The McGuinty Liberals have already begun their assault on the Ontario Public Service. They have broken their promise to not surplus employees and reduce the OPS only through attrition. To this point they have announced nearly 2000 lay-offs for this year alone. They have also appointed a commission that will look at “restructuring the OPS”. Don’t be fooled or misled by this government speak. The commission’s purpose is to reduce the size of the OPS through job reduction along with the divestment and privatization of thousands of good paying jobs. None of this is about saving money. It is about is about putting as much money as possible in the pockets of their friends and major contributors on Bay Street. In fact, if it was about saving money they would put a halt the tax cuts they promised to Ontario’s richest corporations.
The Hudak Conservatives are promising the same for Ontario but plan to take it a step further. They have announced a full attack on trade unions by legislating how unions spend their dues. If successful their law will prevent union campaigns that call for the protection of public services or challenge the government’s actions action against the poor and marginalized. It will prevent unions from publically holding them accountable when they disregard human rights or place people at risk as the Conservatives did in Walkerton in the 1990s. Hudak is Mike Harris with a better smile and an insatiable need to attack working values.
There is only one option as we move toward a provincial election. That is to support the only party created by working people and that has historically fought for our interest, the New Democratic Party of Ontario. Everyone needs to get involved in this election, especially if you believe in working and middle class values. Do whatever you can. Attend nomination meetings, rallies and events. Work on a campaign, be active in social media, write letters or make a financial contribution. It is far easier to prevent election of the McGuintys and the Hudaks than it is to fight them once they are elected. Simply look to the attack on working people in Wisconsin, Ohio and New Jersey as evidence of what may be in store for all of us. PLEASE SHARE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Response from the Premier Regarding G20 Secret Law

Some time ago, you wrote to me about security during last summer's G20
summit in Toronto. I appreciated hearing what you had to say about
events during the gathering of world leaders, and would like to provide
you with an update on recent steps that our government has taken.

Last September, we asked former Ontario Chief Justice Roy McMurtry to
lead an independent review of the Public Works Protection Act (PWPA).
Our government released his report in April.

Mr. McMurtry concluded that the PWPA should be repealed and replaced
with legislation specific to court security and energy infrastructure. I
want you to know that our government will act on all of his
recommendations.

We will begin consultations on replacement legislation necessary to
protect vital infrastructure, as Mr. McMurtry recommended. Our objective
and commitment are to ensure the security of our essential
infrastructure while protecting civil liberties.

Thank you for the opportunity to share this information with you. Please
accept my best wishes.


Dalton McGuinty
Premier of Ontario

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Feeling good about Canada today!

Feeling good about Canada today. This is our country and will only loose it if we allow it to happen. For decades we were the world leader on social justice, human rights, peace keeping, immigration, education, health care and environment. In the last eight years we have moved to the back of the pack and become indifferent followers. What has changed? Just look to the top. Let's make decisions that will give our kids the Canada we grew up in...

Friday, April 15, 2011

The kids get it, why don't we?

Today's youth are better educated, more informed and socially aware than past generations. These youth are inclusive and care about things like the environment, access to education, human rights and the equitable sharing of wealth. It's going to be their world. I think we should give them the world they want and marginalize the Conservatives because they have shown total disregard for our youth, especially if their views are different and they choose to use their freedom of speech. We seniors have had our chance and are leaving our children a messed up world where women's rights are still threatened; guns, jails and war planes take precedent over health care, affordable housing, daycare and universal access to post secondary education. All of it is possible if we just refocus our priorities. It's time to cut our losses and give our country back to the ones who will need it most, our children... we need to stop talking and start listening to them.