By Colleen Beaurnier, Liberal Candidate/Bramton
In 1984 Brian Mulroney told the Canadian public “Give me a mandate and you won’t recognize this country in 10 years.” Well that was one promise that he surely kept. I sincerely hope that the present condition was not what he had in mind. Nevertheless he and his arrogant crew are responsible for the mess. They systematically sold this country and its people down the path of big business and international interests.
They signed a free trade deal which offered no safeguards against U.S. protectionism and no mechanism to prevent frivolous charges of unfair subsidy or dumping against Canadian producers and manufacturers. They traded away our international reputation as a conciliator and peacekeeper in order to enhance Brian’s stature with the president of the United States and their ‘big business’ economic policy has been disastrous for the middle class. Canadians are out of work and are suffering.
Most Canadians are relieved that Brian is finally gone. Forced to face the fact that Canadians ranked him the most unpopular politician in the country, he resigned.
Don’t be fooled by this. Iris still part of the conservative charade. In his place he left his alter ego to give Canadians more of the same policies which she has previously agreed to at Mulroney’s cabinet table. Because of her position in the Mulroney cabinet she must be made accountable for her role in creating the mess. Michael Wilson when he threw his Support behind her during the leadership campaign said it very well. He assured the Tory faithful that he and Kim Campbell are “in absolute agreement” on Mulroney economic policy.
Jean Chretien, leader of the Liberal Party is a man with a proven track record. He is experienced and he has been brilliant in each of his many portfolios over the years. He has served this country and its people unselfishly and without the slightest hint of corruption or wrongdoing. Jean Chretien is straight forward and is respected by his colleagues both in Canada and the world. Over the years he has not always taken the easy road, but never ‘wavered in his quest to make Canada a place for Canadians to live with pride and dignity. Under the helm of Pierre Trade au he gave us the courage to speak out in the international forum and we became one of the most respected nations on this earth. Everyone in this country knew the value in being a Canadian.
Jean Chretien and the Liberals have a pragmatic and workable plan for healing the economic and social ills of Canada. The vision is clear: jobs, growth, integrity m government (something that has fallen in the recent weeks with the Tory rampage of patronage and nepotism), and the protection of Medicare.
Liberals will replace the present cynicism with a topnotch team and a platform that includes investment in our greatest resource. the people of Canada. Investment in technology and infrastructure will get the economy moving again. And we have realistic goals for reducing the federal deficit from the current 5.2% of the GDP to 3%, in the first term of a new government.
Jean Chretien has been travelling across Canada listening to Canadians and outlining Liberal policy in areas such as job training, crime prevention, agriculture…and more to come.
The “new” prime minister does not have a mandate from the people. She should call an election as soon as possible and give Canadians the option of voting for a Real New Government of their choice.
Article extracted from this publication >> July 23, 1993
