The devil is in the details of the Throne Speech

By Ken Boshcoff
MP T.Bay-RR

On October 16th, the Governor General presented the Speech from the Throne on behalf of the Harper Government. The Speech outlines five priorities: strengthening Canada’s sovereignty and place in the world; building a stronger federation; providing effective economic leadership; continuing to tackle crime; and improving our environment.
At first glance these five priorities appear laudable, but the devil is in the details and the details are scarce. I will first outline a few areas that I believe, based on my experience, are positive for Canada; followed by a list of my concerns arising from the Government’s agenda.
ARCTIC SOVEREIGNTY
I am pleased to hear this new focus on northern issues - a world class arctic research station, a comprehensive mapping of Canada’s Arctic seabed, and expanded surveillance and patrol ships to guard the Northwest Passage. The North is changing quickly due to climate change and these steps will help us to better understand the changes that are happening and to protect our sovereignty against foreign infringement.
FOCUS ON THE FEDERATION
Another positive priority area will be the discussion of trade between provinces and territories. Despite continued efforts, businesses are often frustrated by the roadblocks to trade between provinces. Certainly it is in our best interest as a country to break down these barriers to allow free movement of products and services across the nation.
I am also supportive of the Government’s intention to launch a commission of truth and reconciliation and to make a statement of apology to those affected by our sad history of Indian Residential Schools.
As a member of the Opposition Party, I have a different opinion on what’s needed for Canada than the Harper Government has outlined in a number of key areas.
AFGHANISTAN
The Government has signalled its intent to bring forward to Parliament a vote on the future of the Canadian mission in Afghanistan. The Government has just recently appointed an independent panel to provide recommendations on how best to proceed. However, in the Throne Speech the Prime Minister clearly outlines his intentions regardless of the panel’s suggestions, “Canada should build on its accomplishments and shift to accelerate the training of the Afghan army and police...This will not be completed by February 2009 but...should be achievable by 2011.”
The Prime Minister seems unwilling to acknowledge that he has not been entrusted with sole decision making powers. I trust that the panel will be allowed to present an unbiased opinion on the best course of action for consideration by all Parliamentarians.
ECONOMIC ISSUES
The Conservative Government inherited an economy with the highest growth rate of all G-8 countries with major job creation, balanced budgets, a trade surplus and a reduction of the national debt. For 19 months, the Government has been content to ride this strong economy without setting out any plans to enhance our economic potential.
In fact, this Government has done more harm than good in terms of our international competitiveness. Their continued focus on reducing the GST does nothing to combat poverty, does not allow Canadians to bring home more of their income, and does not make our economy more competitive. Further, their interest deductibility proposal has been denounced as the worse tax policy in 35 years because it will cost Canadian companies billions while enriching foreign Governments.
This is why the Liberal Caucus is urging the Government to bring forward proposals to correct the loss of millions on Income Trusts, and to reduce corporate taxes and other measures that will benefit the economy, especially in the suffering forestry, manufacturing, and agriculture sectors.
ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS
It is absolutely shocking to me that the Prime Minister continues this backward thinking in regards to Climate Change. Telling Canadians that Canada is acting “aggressively” to reduce greenhouse gas emissions when the facts show that this Government has scrapped climate change programs that were working and has provided only more hot air and inaction for 18 months.
IGNORING ISSUES WON`T MAKE THEM GO AWAY
Canada is facing a very serious challenge that has gone unnoticed by the current Government - poverty. Over one million children in Canada are living in poverty. Further, over 500,000 senior citizens share the same fate. These citizens of all ages deserve better and a plan to fight poverty is urgently needed.
My Liberal colleagues and I will be focused on providing positive solutions to these challenging problems for the betterment of my riding and the country.