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Letter: Pulling the election trigger not needed

Here we are, thrown under the bus, set to endure another provincial election with all the political rhetoric that goes with it. Depressing enough, but a federal election is to follow next year.
Here we are, thrown under the bus, set to endure another provincial election with all the political rhetoric that goes with it.

Depressing enough, but a federal election is to follow next year. If you’re keeping count, that’s nine elections since 2000. What have we learned?

Google tells me each election costs in excess of $94 million (2011 figure). That’s money not spent on education, health and other needs we, the people who put up the money, expect.

NDP leader Andrea Horwath pulled the trigger, so to speak. As this paper is one of the most important vehicles by which citizens share our news, views and thoughts, I respectfully ask to share mine with you.

In the recent provincial budget, there are some examples of promises that I like, such as higher taxes for people who make in excess of $150,000 a year.

For the third time, legislation giving the ability of the Ontario Ombudsman to investigate issues with the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) has died on the table, again for a third time. As a result, sadly, children’s services escape democratic review.

In addition, legislation to give the ombudsman the authority to review educational concerns of parents died as well on the table.

Most of the contents of the proposed budget were to the liking of the NDP, but Horwath said she would still not support it because she cannot trust the Liberals to carry out their promises. My MPP, Mike Mantha (NDP, Algoma-Manitoulin), agrees with this direction.

Mantha, like other opposition MPPs, was given a mandate by voters to keep the government honest. I think the NDP failed in this. Their answer to correct the government will cost us an estimated $94 million.

My question is, why did Horwath do it now? My answer is, the sad legacy of Dalton McGuinty is still alive in our minds and this only helps Horwath believe she can win.

How can we tell Horwath that Wynne put all the NDP could hope for into the budget and we want her to have a chance to live up to it? If Horwath’s prediction the Liberals can’t be trusted does come to pass, then the NDP can make its move.

Bottom line is, if Horwath wins, Ontario might have a different premier, but a similar budget — and all for a cost of $94 million.

Please remember, governments are elected by people who fail to go out and vote.

Larry Killens
South Baymouth