Summer Showdown

Well it's been a while since I've written in this space. My humble apologies! I have been dealing with some personal issues. As I can now see the light at the end of the tunnel I can once again find the time to write.

I wanted to take a moment to look at the ongoing saga that is our federal government. Once again we came close to a crisis this past week. Ignatieff cried foul over the governments handling of the current economic crisis. In particular he wanted to see changes to E.I. and a faster roll out of the stimulus package.

Harper for his part dismissed this as political posturing. He claims the stimulus package is moving along rapidly and that while he is willing to listen to suggestions for improvement to E.I. - these things can not take place overnight. So who's telling the truth here?

The answer probably lies somewhere in between. Let me first make it clear I have always been conservative in my political leanings. I make no secrets about that. Having said that, these are extraordinary times and such times require everyone to take a long hard look within themselves. What I've discovered, is that simply saying that the government should stay out of everything and let the free market rule is short sighted and narrow. The government has to provide assistance to Canadians and not just in difficult times. This is what separates us from our American cousins. I think most Canadians agree with this philosophy in some form or another. What separates us is how far we think this social safety net and government intervention should go.

This is the crux of the argument between the governing Conservative Party and the Liberal Party of Canada. While I think Ignatieff was clearly trying to tap into the fear of Canadians in these uncertain times - which was cynical at best - for once I think he has a point. The stimulus package needs to be rolled out faster. Many Canadian families and businesses are bleeding money right now. We face an uncertain few months and the governments efforts will make all the difference. Canada can and should emerge from the current crisis a world economic leader. What we don't need is an election. Fortunately this has been avoided. So kudos to our political leaders for getting it right for once!