Hamilton: Canada's socialist paradise?

As the Hamilton Spectator so proudly proclaimed this morning, Hamilton is apparently the 'NDP capital of Canada'. While this alone probably caused a city-wide shudder amongst those who lived through the Rae years and skyrocketing deficits, the biggest issue alone is that Hamilton is now considered the capital of Canada's fourth party. Folks, let's have a parade!

I kid, of course, because this is absolutely nothing to be proud of. Great, we have a combined total of 5 members of Provincial and Federal Parliament and at least 3 city councillors who prescribe to old-style tax and spend socialism in the 21st century. What has this brought to Hamilton? Nothing but empty rhetoric and consistenly stubborn opposition to important government measures, including every budgetary item up for voting.

The Spectator saw it fit to spill endless, and probably very valuable given their current business situation, ink on the election of Andrea Horwath as the new leader of the Ontario NDP this past weekend. It's all well and good that Hamilton is home to a leader of a political party, but seriously, the Ontario NDP? The same party that has trouble keeping official party status and has to rely on the benevolence of the PC and Liberal parties to keep them in Queen's Park. Let's not kid ourselves here, Horwath's victory is shared by a select few unionists and far-left leaning sympathizers. The media would have you believe she is the second coming of Tommy Douglas...in a pantsuit. Horwath is a capable organizer and advocate for the hard-done by, but as leader of a party with fewer members than a peewee hockey team, her impact will be minimal. Hamilton's net gain here is the money spent by the convention delegates at local eateries and pubs. In terms of actual political gain, we went backwards at a time when other areas are looking forward.

The irony of the past week's events in Hamilton is not lost on this concerned citizen though. It was hardly a surprise, but nonetheless shocking, when US Steel Canada announced the 'temporary' shut-down of Hamilton's former Stelco plant and Nanticoke operations. The members from the federal Conservative and provincial Liberal governments went right to work to help those who will be out of work and push for answers from US Steel, who may have violated key agreements with the federal government that allowed for the purchase of Stelco in 2007/2008. Stimulating the economy with infrastructure spending and investing in Canada will bring some of the lost jobs back, but we should be prepared to deal with adversity. Every generation gets knocked down, it takes a great generation to get back up and be stronger.

What did the NDP do in response to the US Steel announcement? They were content to complain and take the easy way out by criticizing the government for not doing enough, even though they opposed every single measure that would have helped support the already failing US Steel Canada operation. The best the NDP could offer was token quotes in Question Period and more rhetoric but no action and no results for Hamilton. On the weekend, they gathered for a convention and congratulated themselves for being in opposition as proud socialists! Their hypocrisy is getting old and the many thousands of people who voted NDP in the last election can look in the mirror every morning to get the answer of just how we got here.

Hamilton needs all the help it can get from the respective levels of government but we will forever be left speechless at the podium when the best we can muster is 3 MPs and 2 MPPs from the NDP. Thankfully certain blocks of voters have seen the light and elected members to sit in government or Hamilton would be totally shut-out from relevant political discussion. The quintet of Charlton, Christopherson, Marston, Horwath, and Miller all bear a certain level of responsibility for the mess Hamilton finds itself in. It will take the combined efforts of Hamilton's other elected representatives to move this city forward because we already know where the fourth party opposition is: asleep at the wheel behind their broken-down '87 Volvo.

Hot off the Press

In tomorrow's Hamilton Spectator 'Weekend Reader' section, editorial letters, the following will appear...

Dear Editor,

Re: Tory budget passes with Liberal support (February 4, 2009)

With Liberal MPs from Newfoundland permitted to break from party lines on an issue of importance to their constituents, surely Hamilton's NDP MPs can learn from their coalition cousins. Breaking ranks from their caucus to stand and support the budget in the interests of Hamilton would have been both politically smart and a show of co-operation at a time when people want their politicians to work together, not against each other.

When the federal government introduced its 2009 budget last week, the expectation was that there would be significant stimulus programs designed to kick-start Canada's economy. The budget did indeed deliver with billions of new infrastructure spending for cities such as Hamilton. Coupled with measures such as the extension of EI and the renovation tax credit to help families upgrade their houses and contribute to the economic turnaround, the budget will indeed set Canada on a positive path going forward.

I was optimistic that Hamilton's NDP MPs would see this budget as beneficial to the city, knowing full well that there are several areas of need that could be served by new federal investment. However, in short-sighted fashion, NDP politics took precedence over community need and the 'old city' MPs rejected the budget before it was even tabled in the House. There are many benefits for Hamilton in this year's budget and for the city's NDP MPs, it's time to stop adding to our problems and start working together with the government to contribute to solutions for all of us.

Alex Buck, Hamilton

I'm sure the angry responses will flow from the 'Dippers next week.

Second Annual Federal Budget Letter

Consider this my return from an extended break, and we're back with a vengeance from the holidays and NFL playoffs with my Second Annual Letter to the Editor criticizing the NDP. Feedback welcome, as always.

Editor,

When Hamilton voters thought it wise to return 3 New Democrat MPs to Ottawa last October, they did so because they wanted those members to be responsible and advocate for our city. As to be expected, Hamilton's NDP MPs have once again turned their backs on the city when it needs help the most by voting against this year's federal budget and its stimulus measures.

It speaks to the hypocrisy of the NDP that they would vote aganst real action on the economy during these tough times. Prior to the budget, the NDP were all too happy to contribute to a hijacking of Parliament with the forming of a coalition government-in-waiting, assuming they would do a better job of leading the nation. Instead of working with the government to put people first and leave politics aside, Hamilton's NDP MPs were more concerned with partisan games. Jobs are at stake, families' futures are on the line. This is not the time for Hamilton's NDP MPs to cling to their old, tired ideology. Hamilton needs federal dollars for infrastructure projects. The NDP opposition to this federal budget shows yet again they cannot be taken seriously when they claim to campaign on behalf of hard-working families.

As we hear of daily job losses around the world, Hamilton voters would do well to consider the following: If there are any jobs to be lost in these economic times, it is those of Hamilton NDP MPs, who should be part of the solution to our economic woes, and not working against the very people who put them in office.

Alex Buck, Hamilton

Hamilton needs immediate help from all levels of government. Whether it is through infrastructure projects, job creation measures, or investment in our future, this budget will turn Canada around and kick-start our economy. Partisan games are yesterday's politics. Today and tomorrow require co-operation, something the NDP cannot understand. Hamilton voters need to remember this next time around when they think that their MP is actually working for them.

Bravo, Mme. Jean

It's not often that I give any recognition to the Governor General aside from when we are forced to pay for the jaunts he/she takes around the world to spread the good word about our great country, but today, I am leading the standing ovation for our Governor General for putting our democracy first and allowing the prorogation of Canada's Parliament until January 26th.

Our national nightmare of a coalition government supported by separatists will likely not happen and we can all be thankful for that. Radical Jack will find another possible suitor to latch on to and abandon the Liberals in the middle of the night. The NDP already flip-flopped on Afghanistan to sign the coalition, they will just as easily flip-flop again on this or any other issue to get out if it means they can have influence. Our separatist friends the Bloc can go back to being irrelevant outside of Quebec and find another way to subvert the nation's progress. As for the Liberals? Hey, do you think it is easy to make video tapes? Back to the drawing board for the former natural governing party. Good luck paying for your convention and we'll see you in the next election, if you can make it on time.

Parliament needed to be suspended so the democratically elected government could prepare a proper budget with smart economic spending without the spectre of a coup by the Three Stooges coalition. Let's face it, this week has been quite possibly the most exciting and exasperating week in Canadian political history since the October Crisis. The business of the nation took a backseat to the coalition, the government response, and the intrigue of PMSH's meeting with the GG this morning. With some stability brought by proroging Parliament, the government can get back to governing and restoring some economic confidence at a time when we badly need it.

So, in a roundabout way, I'm pleased with the Governor General's move today. She did the prudent thing and brought stability to the situation so the government can focus on the issues at hand. If only the Opposition coalition members were so keen to make a difference in our nation's economy. As the Prime Minister said today, there will need to be some trustbuilding to make this Parliament work. That will only happen if the Opposition abandons its banana republic-like coalition plan and puts Canadians first.

God help us

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/11/30/canada-coalition.html

If this indeed happens, I give it 3 months before we have another election and the Liberal/socialist/separatist coalition gets hammered by angry voters who had their voices ignored by self-interested, greedy Opposition parties.

Democracy in Canada will reach its lowest point in history if our next Prime Minister comes from this ramshackle group of parties with their conflicting platforms and selfish leaders.

I didn't vote for this, did you? Did anyone? Didn't think so.

Debunking the coalition talk before it gets out of hand

Doubtless you've heard about the latest attempts by Canada's Opposition parties to attempt a power grab and topple the Conservative minority Parliament a mere 6 weeks after a plurality of Canadians voted for a new, stronger government under PMSH. Frankly, the Opposition is acting irresponsibly and setting Canada on a potentially disastrous course, but hey, what else is new? When Jack Layton, the political prostitute he is, gets a whiff of power, he will move Hell on Earth to further his socialist agenda. A coalition government of any kind cannot, and would never, work in Canada and we would be fools to even attempt forming one.

Coalitions work in small countries where the political parties in question can co-operate, and also govern with the appropriate amount of public support. A coalition in Canada would require the following toxic stew of parties to form a government: the leader-less Liberals with a lame duck Stephane Dion who was soundly beaten in the last election, the socialist NDP under 'Radical Jack' Layton (who could be finance minister *head smack*) who would see to it that our country is plunged into a massive structural deficit that our grandchildren would be lucky to see paid off, and the separatist Bloc Quebecois with Gilles Duceppe holding the balance of power. Imagine, a party hell-bent on tearing Canada apart holding the keys to the Kingdom. Worried yet? Throw in a couple of Independent members and there you have it, a shaky coalition lead by Prime Minister Stephane Dion. Say that out loud and you will understand how absurd it really is.

Less than two months ago, Canadians dealt the Liberal Party a crushing defeat, their lowest share of the vote since Confederation, and now those same voters may have to stomach a scenario they so strongly rejected. Democracy at its finest, folks, where your votes don't mean a thing in the face of self-interested, and defeated, backroom political hacks who think they are entitled to run the country. PMSH said it loud and clear last night, "Stéphane Dion does not have the right to take power without an election." If the Liberals and NDP are so confident that their political philandering can stand up to the test of an election, they should topple the government legitimately and face the wrath of Canadian voters, who would be forced to the polls for the fourth time in eight years.

Our country is better than this. Voters elected a stronger Conservative government because they believed in the strength of the party's economic plan and sound, stable leadership. These virtues may be difficult for a Liberal or NDPer to stomach, but the fact of the matter is that in times of global uncertainty, Canadians need a government with a clear plan and a single mindset to move our country forward. I don't want another election, you probably don't want one either. What I fear more than another election is a coalition government cobbled together by a lame duck, a socialist, and somebody who hates the idea of the Canada we stand for. The Opposition, of which my MP is part of, is acting out of self-interest and greed if they try to seize power through a backroom deal. Canadians deserve better. I urge everyone to think long and hard about the consequences of a coalition, or another election, and stand up for Canadian democracy. The Conservative Party won the right to govern thanks to the voters of Canada. Their voices, your voices, should be the ones determining our nation's course.

I welcome your input.

Winnipeg Part Deux (Act 1)

Couldn't bring myself to file an entry last night as I was enjoying the hospitality of the Western provinces. They hosted a huge event, 'Party Prairie Style', and took over one of Downtown Winnipeg's few good bars called Tavern United.

Attended a couple of very informative sessions yesterday afternoon, including the Building Relationships (fundraising) seminar put on by RMG Marketing. RMG has partnered with the Conservative Party since the beginning and they handle the party's fundraising campaigns. Picked up some valuable advice and tips for future campaigning and how to build a war chest for Hamilton Mountain.

Also spent some time at an economic forum put on by Tony Clement (Industry), Gail Shea (Fisheries), Lisa Raitt (Natural Resources), and John Baird (Transportation and Infrastructure). Canada is well served by having these 4 individuals handle such important portfolios as we head through tough economic times. They are bright, focussed, and determined to chart a positive course for Canada.

Off for the flight home...

Winnipeg Part One

Well, it's not called Winter-peg for nothing folks. The temperature is a balmy zero degrees and there is plenty of snow left from a storm last weekend, typical for this time of year in the Gateway to the West. Also, the intersection of Portage and Main, definitely the windiest corner in Canada.

Day One of the Convention saw the registration open at around 12:15 and the entrance of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and wife Laureen to pick up their badges (because they really need them, you know). Yours truly had a handshake and quick chat with the PM, photos to follow. Even better, I brought my copy of Harper's Team and the PM actually stopped and signed it for me. Yes, the man is cool.

Hit the Hospitality Suite of Conservative Party President Don Plett last night with Hamilton Mountain candidate Terry Anderson and had a 15 minute cocktail and talk with Doug Finley, National Campaign Director. He is Canada's top campaign manager and after talking with him, it's easy to see why. Mr. Finley is a smart, strategic guy but also takes time to learn about each and every riding, the candidate, and what's going on on the ground. If he continues as National Campaign Director, Hamilton Mountain can expect to see the party's resources invested in the riding.

Opening Ceremonies with Prime Minister Harper as the keynote speaker in an hour. More hospitality to follow...

The Return of the Blog

After a sabbatical that included the Federal Election and full-time work, A Swing from the Hammer will be back in full force this week as I travel to Winnipeg for the Conservative Party National Convention. I may not be able to live blog, but I will strive to deliver a nightly blog entry. Check my Facebook page for photos as well.

My thanks to my frequent readers (Matt MacDonald, this means you buddy!) With the fall session of Parliament starting on November 17th, I will be blogging regularly once more. The priorities of life have been ahead of blogging but now that both Canadian and US elections have taken place, I'll have some time to fingers to keyboard.

-AB

Letter to the Editor

Taking a vacation from my summer vacation for just a moment. Hopefully you're all enjoying a carbon tax-free summer.

Just submitted this to the Hamilton Mountain News. We shall see if it is published in this week's edition.

Conservatives the only party with Canada's environmental and economic future in mind

Editor,

All three main federal parties agree on the need for action on the environment but the only party offering a realistic plan is the Conservative Party. While the Liberal candidate and his leader stubbornly cling to the notion of a carbon tax as the cure-all to Canada's climate change dilemma, the governing Conservatives have already taken action through, amongst other initiatives, funding carbon capture and storage in Saskatchewan via the federal budget, which the Liberals supported in absentia, and by Prime Minister Stephen Harper taking a lead role at last month's G8 Summit to create a post-Kyoto environmental accord.

Truth be told, the carbon tax is not an environmental plan and Mountain residents have seen through this from the beginning. Not only do they not trust the Liberal party to keep its 'revenue neutral' promise, but the lack of clear targets for greenhouse gas reductions raises concerns. How will the carbon tax truly decrease our GHG output? What targets has Mr. Dion set? How can a tax on consumption be revenue neutral? If we have learned anything from past consumption taxes, it is that Canadians will not change their habits in spite of punitive government measures.

The Conservative Party took the lead on climate change during last fall's Throne Speech, which the Liberals again supported, outlining measures to reduce GHGs by a minimum 20% by 2020. Further down the road, we can expect reductions of 60% in gradual, measured declines that will not hurt everyday Canadians and without force-feeding a carbon tax. The Conservative Party has also cut the GST from 7% to 6% to 5% and delivered real income tax cuts without levying new taxes against consumption.

Mr. Dion's plan also takes a very political turn when he starts talking about how to get the provinces to agree to the carbon tax. He and his caucus have been talking about politically motivated side deals in British Columbia and Nova Scotia and his Ontario MP's have freely admitted the carbon tax will hurt everyday Canadians and, as Ken Boshkoff, MP Thunder Bay-Rainy River put it, "transfer wealth from the oil patch to the rest of the country." Mr. Dion is not Pierre Trudeau, but his carbon tax will be a divisive policy. Canada's federation is strong, but with a carbon tax, the national unity debate will rear its ugly head again. If the Mountain Liberal candidate wants to be critical of those playing politics in the environmental debate, he should be honest with voters and question his leader, not compliment him for such a punitive policy.

The Liberal Party has banked its electoral fortunes on the carbon tax at a time when fuel prices are at a record high, groceries are increasingly more expensive, and Canadians are just coming around to mass transit. Adding a tax to carbon will drive the costs of natural gas and fuel even higher, increase our cost of living, and offer no incentive to use public transit. The Conservatives, through income tax cuts, tax credits for transit users and increased infrastructure funding, have already addressed these priorities, again, without raising taxes.

Carbon taxing will be permanent and damaging to Canada. For every group that has spoken in favour of it, there are even more who speak out against Dion's plan. The agriculture sector, shipping and trucking, the corporate sector, and yes, even the NDP, all believe that a new tax is not the answer. Committing future governments to realistic GHG reduction targets is a far more sensible policy than the carbon tax, which will be permanent and force future policymakers into a decision-making corner. The Conservative plan offers policy flexibility but maintains hard target dates for GHG reduction.

Canadians know better than to trust the Liberal leader when he makes his case for the carbon tax. It is the height of hypocrisy for Mr. Dion to criticize the government's environmental record when the Liberal Party, with he as Environment Minister, oversaw Canada's GHG output rise at its highest levels ever. Their talk then led to no action on climate change, what makes now any different? Canadians want real action and the Conservative Party is the only party getting things done for all of us.

Alex Buck, Hon. B.A.
Secretary, Hamilton Mountain Conservative EDA