Tories Step Up Their Attack

Canadians would appear to be in a pessimistic mood as of late. Perhaps the mood of the nation can be attributed to the economy, gas prices or the never ending winter. Whatever the case may be the current Tory attack ads seem to be working. Canadians, unlike our Americans neighbours, have historically reacted negatively to political attack ads, however the Tories have properly sensed the pulse of the nation. 

 Although not increasing in key ridings in Ontario, British Columbia and Atlantic Canada, support for the Conservative party remains strong with attack ads targeting the still untested Michael Ignatieff. Jack Layton has been in talks with the Prime Minster in the hopes to work out a deal that would allow parliament to continue past the looming spring election. Layton knows that if an election were called today, the NDP would have to deal with the always dreaded “strategic vote” that sees NDP supporters voting Liberal to prevent a Conservative majority government. 

I would first mention that political polls are almost never correct. There are so many variables to consider that skew the final data. The time of day, age category, and region of those asked all play into the final results of political polling. The one thing the Liberals do have going for them is the fear this generates in Canadians. Every poll that has been done regarding a Conservative majority under Harper has resulted in the same outcome, with Canadians feeling uneasy. Canadians seem to be okay with a minority Harper at the helm, but only if the leash of the left is firmly secured around his neck. Watch out for those Big Blue Waves…  

 
 

www.theglobeandmail.com

Tories Propose New Immigration Point System

The future immigrants to Canada might be changing if the Conservative party has their way. The Conservatives are targeting a younger immigrant population, less educated with the ability to speak both English and French. The formula is designed to give immigrants a better chance at success in a troubled economy. The Government wants to attract a lesser educated immigrant pool. The amount of educated Canadians without jobs has left a void to be filled with skilled tradesmen. 

Opposition parties immediately accused the Tories of trying to shut the door on immigration at a time when Canada's labour force needs a boost in numbers. Both parties slammed the approach as a Conservative tactic to have more control over who they deem fit to enter Canada. Liberal MP David McGuinty said the government was reverting to failed closed-door policies similar to "short-sighted and misguided" measures introduced and then promptly abandoned by former Tory Prime Minister John Diefenbaker.

I can honestly say that it’s about time that the government did something about the immigration system in this country. They are choosing a younger population to help sustain Canada’s work force, requiring them to speak one, if not both of the official languages. Canada needs to accept immigrants to counter its stagnant population but we need skilled immigrants that aren’t likely to feed off the social welfare system of our country. Immigrants come from countries where human rights issues exist and opportunity for a better life is unlikely. The new immigration idea is not racist or meant to keep immigrants out, but bring  immigrants in who would add to the Canadian economy.The Conservatives are right on target with this issue.

www.ctv.ca

Tougher Drug Crime Bill Faces Defeat

The Harper government is making a third attempt to pass Bill S-10; a Conservative Bill that would see significant changes to drug crimes. Among the many changes to the current law, the bill proposes a mandatory six-month sentence for possessing as few as six marijuana plants. Large more sophisticated growing operations would lead to much harsher terms in prison at the cost to the Canadian Tax payer.

Liberal MPs ensured the government’s second attempt, Bill C-15, passed the Commons. But the government was stopped by Liberals in the Senate, who argued the marijuana-possession provisions made no distinction between large scale grow-ops and people with a few plants. They proposed applying the mandatory sentence to those found in possession of 20 or more plants. The Governments safety minister Vic Toews argued that the bill is aimed at organized crime and gang violence, even though the bill clearly attacks small owners of marijuana as well. The budget officer estimates that the cost of just one of the crime bills will cost Canadians $5 billion over the next five years. Again the government has decided to spend tax dollars on what they feel are matters of national security. What the government doesn’t understand is how economic disparities and unemployment can affect the crime rates more than small amounts of an essentially harmless drug.

I’ve never felt the need to do marijuana and really have little desire to do so. I have been around others who have, and in most circumstances it was hard to distinguish if their behaviour was being affected by the drug. I can honestly say alcohol produces a much different result, and it’s usually obvious when someone is intoxicated. Alcohol affects people socially, their health, job safety and security. Regardless of the comparison between alcohol and marijuana, this bill attacks more than just organized crime and would cost Canadians billions making them no safer than before. This is a very divisive issue and a controversial one. Logically the increased sentences for marijuana use make little sense considering the damage of alcohol and tobaccos have on the human body. Perhaps the government should look at alcohol regulation and underage drinking if they are looking to protect Canadians. Perhaps a drunken unregistered gun owner is preferred to our Prime Minister, than a high university student whose tests scores seem to be higher than the rest. Watch out for those big blue waves…

www.cbc.ca