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.
The Opposition Although it sometimes seems like the federal parties are the most important, the provincial legislature is really closer to the people in terms of affecting our day to day lives. There are a lot more MLAs in our province than MPs. They are usually easy to reach, talk to and see. Opposition members don't have as much influence as government members, especially if the latter are in cabinet. It is a no-brainer that a riding is better off with a cabinet member, as they are really able to get things for their constituency. Opposition members have to criticize government practices and policies, as this is their role in a democracy (along with presenting alternatives). Governments prefer to operate when the legislature is not sitting, as they can hog the spotlight and avoid criticism. Premiers can call an election at virtually any time, but they are usually compelled to wait at least four years. In a few provinces, election dates are fixed, as they are now federally. (No one expects the Feds to wait that long, but you never know given the chaotic state of parliament). The provincial Progressive Conservatives are strongly advocating fixed election dates for Manitoba, and their arguments make good sense - it would give prospective candidates more time to get their affairs in order, attract more women candidates, etc. The Manitoba Liberal Party, with only two members, is not an official party, has few privileges and usually has to resort to stunts or loud outcries to get attention (which they do pretty well). The Official Opposition PCs are the party that the government pays attention to, and the key members are those who will become cabinet members when and if they defeat the government. The Tories have a number of highly competent critics. The leader keeps responsibility for French Language Services and federal-provincial relations; former minister Len Derkatch has Rural Initiatives; Bonnie Mitchelson has Housing; and Myrna Driedger is deputy leader and critic of Education plus the Status of Women. Hard-working Ron Schuler, a former school board chair, handles Education, Citizenship and Youth and will keep the education minister on his toes. Beausejour's Gerald Hawranik is house leader and critic for Justice, Crocus and others. Rural guy Ralph Eichler is in charge of Agriculture, while Kevin Goertzen is the tough Health critic. Leanne Rowat has a host of items, including Aboriginal and Northern Affairs. One to watch is Rick Borotsic, critic for Finance. He's a former Brandon mayor who backs down from no one. How these critics do their job may indeed determine how effective the PC opposition is. In this writer's humble opinion, PC leader Hugh McFadyen has done a good job in handing out the duties. Health care continues to be a major issue. Last month, another hospital emergency room closed in rural Manitoba, this time in Rivers, joining 12 others in places like Reston, Erickson, Emerson and Benito. The reason? Doctor and nurse shortages. The NDP will continue to blame the Filmon government, but remember, they have been in power since 1999. The hydro power line is another issue. Manitoba Hydro announced it had given in to the NDP and will build a high-voltage power line down the west side of Lake Manitoba rather than the much shorter east side, adding half a billion dollars to the cost. Hydro did it to protect the boreal forest, but is it worth it? Many east side aboriginal people live without roads or jobs in abject poverty, and an east side route may have been a godsend for them. In today's world, with modern technology, is it not possible to run an environmentally friendly power line through the forest? Half a billion dollars is a lot of money! Roger's Right Corner runs Wednesdays.
