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Politics : Canadian Political Free-for-All -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Ichy Smith who wrote (4924)	5/3/2005 2:18:05 PM
From: fresc	Respond to of 37569

The Liberals actually have done quite a bit in a year. It's a MINORITY Government. You have to make deals if you wanna stay in power. Better to make a deal with the NDP rather than the Bloq. I think Canadians see there is an effort by Paul Martin to come clean and they are willing to wait and see. it's just a few more months. I think the so called( as you put it) Canadian COW are at least smart enough not to be persuaded by your Drama Queen style scare tactics..... Finance Minister Ralph Goodale cites the $41 billion health care accord, struck with the provinces, as a key accomplishment of the Martin minority government. Added to that was a subsequent agreement on equalization payments. At the time those deals were struck, the premiers credited Martin with having a better style of negotiation than his predecessor, Jean Chretien. On CTV's Question Period Sunday morning, Liberal Deputy House Leader Mauril Belanger ticked off some additions to Martin's list of achievements: Funding for Tar Ponds cleanup in Nova Scotia A continued strong surplus The rising Canadian dollar Increased funding for AIDS drugs for Africa

To: Ichy Smith who wrote (4924)	5/3/2005 2:24:34 PM
From: fresc	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 37569

Actually, with all the crap Martin has had to deal with, he has done GREAT job under the circumstances. Remember Martin is Center Right.... Paul Martin assumed the mantle of power and the change in leadership has produced some astounding results. Despite months of dealing with the both the legacy Sponsorship scandal inherited by Martin and the June election, he has been able to accomplish much when compared with other Prime Ministers in their first year and more particularly while leading a minority government. Consider that two weeks before the election the Liberal party was only able to garner 29% in a popularity poll. It has steadily risen to 40% over the past five months. Provincial relations have been a Liberal sore point in the past and Ottawa bashing has become routine. Martin appears to have favourably changed provincial disposition toward the federal government. The government is now listening and acts on what it hears. Premiers have been decidedly dissatisfied with past federal healthcare conferences, budget cuts and waiting lists have also been major irritations with the public. All parties ran on increasing healthcare funding but with most political regimes promises are not always kept or are substantially delayed, past Liberals promises included. Martin, however, achieved provincial consensus by accepting and going beyond the funding recommendations proposed in the Romanow Report. To provide the basis of a ten year plan the agreement also includes an escalator clause covering expected increases in healthcare costs. An Environics poll reported that 78% of Canadians are satisfied with the new agreement. Another milestone was achieving provincial agreement on a new equalization formula although it was marred by a disagreement between what Martin appeared to promise Premier Danny Williams of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), during the election. NL is demanding 100% of its oil revenues (which it presently receives) and 100% of the equalization it would normally receive without oil. In meeting such a demand without a cap or appropriate time period the “paying” provinces of Alberta and Ontario would continue to assist NL while she has a fiscal capacity greater than either province. It is a formidable problem to resolve but talks continue, unlike Chrétien who would simply advance a take-it or leave-it offer and walk. Improving Canada-US relations was also stressed by Martin when he assumed power. Relations under Chrétien deteriorated to such a degree that he was unable to even arrange a meeting with President Bush. With unresolved softwood lumber and beef trade disputes progressively debilitating producers, Martin has at least improved relations so that the USA is now considering removing the ban on Canadian beef, a major milestone and a clear departure from the failings of the Chrétien regime. Relations have improved top the extent that Bush is now making his first State visit to Canada since he was elected some four years ago, followed by snubbing Canada on many occasions. There has been no indication that softwood lumber trade will resume despite a recent NAFTA ruling in Canada’s favour. The Americans are intent on fighting the finding in the courts and it is possible Bush will look to concluding these seemingly unremitting challenges levelled by US lumber producers, most observers, however, remain pessimistic. Cities made overtures to Martin prior to becoming PM. The best expectations mayors had was making a case and hoping for funding some years down the road but Martin is delivering and its effect will be positively seen on the municipal landscape. Martin promised to increase the size of the military and replace the aging Sea Kings. Two days following assuming leadership a request for proposals to supply new helicopters was initiated, a model selected and ordered. Something that Chrétien was unable to do over the last twelve years. Indeed in cancelling the original helicopter contract Chrétien served his own interests, not the national interest. The Throne Speech covering year 2005 committed to increasing the size of the Canadian Forces by 5,000 Regular Force personnel in order to allow our military to assume an even greater role in bringing peace, security and democracy to troubled nations. Much has been made of Canada’s diminishing importance on the international stage. Martin has asserted greater influence in 11 months in office than Chrétien ever did. A chief difference between the two leaders is that Martin’s role in international affairs has been positive and informed. Other Martin initiatives include modest democratic reforms, creating an independent ethics councillor, continuing to support balanced budgets and debt repayment, increased national security, and established a department to deal with national emergencies. Missile Defence is a contentious issue. The main complaint is that continental defence will ultimately expand into space. Martin says he does not support the weaponization of space and made a formal speech citing this issue at the UN. Nevertheless balancing opposition forces committed to improving US/Canada relations against those opposed to it is a challenge. Given Martin’s effective performance during his first year while distracted by scandals and the election it is an exemplary start.