The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Promises Made, Promises Kept Politicians and political parties seeking election are always making promises to voters. It's necessary because they have to stand for something. As Diefenbaker said, "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything." Today the general public is often skeptical about politicians' promises, and for good reason Ð many of them are broken after the election. The Chretien/Martin Liberal government is a great example. Beginning in 1993, they must have set a record for not keeping promises, beginning with the famous pledge to get rid of the GST. They were not the only ones. Even way back in Canadian history, politicians were roundly criticized for not keeping their word. One of the most bizarre examples was when "Bible Bill" Aberhart got elected in drought- and depression-stricken Alberta. The Social Credit leader had promised so much per month to the voters, who even lined up to get their "social credit" once the new government got elected. Bill was unable to deliver on his promise, but it didn't hurt his party, which was in power until the 1970s. The 1960s were a time of many promises in Canadian politics, with minority governments from 1962 to 1968. With the Liberals led by Lester Pearson, the Conservatives by John Diefenbaker, and the NDP by Tommy Douglas, there were many critics of their promises to try to get elected. Tommy may have made a lot of promises trying to get to power (which he never did), but he remains far and away the best leader the NDP ever had. The present leader, Jack Layton, is arguably the worst. More about Jacko in a future column, but he certainly pales in comparison to Douglas, David Lewis and even the others. New governments are more likely to try to keep their promises, with the exception of the 1993-present Liberals. The Harper government is a good example. They have regularly announced legislation that was part of their election platform. The GST was dropped to 6 per cent, which will save the public a lot of money on large purchases. The promised $100 per month for children under 6 has been very popular with parents, especially those who look after their own day care. The minister announced that 90 per cent of such families are registered and receiving the money, and that any who aren't registered can do so easily and get up to 11 months in retroactive pay. The minister also reminded Canadians that the second phase of the plan is to increase day care spaces available. The Tories have acted on a number of other major pledges. They have given support, more money, and orders for new equipment to the military; more dollars and an upgrade of the Regina training facility of the RCMP; and have instituted plans to hire and train more police officers. They have brought in the Accountability Act to make government more honest, are bringing in legislation to reform the Senate, and are proceeding with plans to declare our sovereignty over the Arctic and the Northwest passage. The new budget (which passed unanimously) gave workers, students and most seniors more tax credits and thus more take home pay. It is refreshing to elect a government that tries to keep its promises. Maybe the voting public will become less skeptical of political promises. Meanwhile, this fall will see municipal elections in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Usually the locals have a tough time to get voters interested, but they should be Ð it is the lower forms of government that have a more direct effect on homeowners. The Manitoba government's insistence on a ward voting system for school board elections is troubling. Acclamations are not good for the public, who should be able to make a choice. A number of Denare Beach residents are amazed that three residents are running for mayor against popular incumbent Carl Lentowicz, who has done a good job and worked hard for the village both as a councillor and Mayor since 1993. The former RCMP officer and administrator wants to continue as mayor and deserves to be re-elected. Residents will also be able to elect some new councilors. On October 4, don't forget to vote! Roger's Right Corner runs Wednesdays.
