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.
Bev Desjarlais has commented on the Speech from the Throne, which outlined Prime Minister Martin's agenda for the new parliament. "The speech was full of promises, but the custom of making empty promises is not a new one to Paul Martin," said Ms. Desjarlais. For childcare, Paul Martin is making the same promises that he has broken in the past. There was no substance as to how he would proceed - no timeline, no details. After 11 years of Liberal talk, it's time for action. With skyrocketing education costs becoming a major concern to Canadians, all that Martin offered was a repeat of the Learning Bond. "It fails on several levels," Ms. Desjarlais points out. "Not only will it not help low income Canadians who do not have the sufficient funds to access the program, but middle income earners are offered no assistance at all." For Aboriginals and First Nations, let's not just look at what this speech says; let's also look at what it doesn't. It is extremely disappointing that there was no mention of resolving Residential School claims. "There was also no mention of working to improve infrastructure, like roads, water and sewers, housing, and schools, in First Nation communities," said Desjarlais. "Aboriginal and First Nation Canadians deserve better." "If Paul Martin honoured his promises, then after a decade as Finance Minister Canadians would have innovative Medicare, cheaper education, a cleaner environment, and fewer children living in poverty," said Desjarlais. "The NDP is here to make the minority government work and is prepared to support a progressive agenda."
