Roger Federer

Roger Federer is the greatest tennis player the world has ever known. He holds almost every record in the game and is a 16-time Grand Slam Champion. His most recent slam victory was the Australian Open. Unfortunately, very few people here in Canada even know his name. His next appearance is the French Open and even if you know nothing of the game take the time to watch him play. What he does on a tennis court is a testament to the wonder of the human mind and body, as it is with many professional athletes. On and off the court Roger Federer is one of the finest, if not the best, of what an athlete should be to their sport. For those who know or play the game of tennis none will have enough adjectives to describe the greatness of Roger Federer at this time in our history. And with all respect to his competitors, Roger Federer is the best.

Health Care

There are two health related issues that have popped up in the news recently. One is the decision of Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, to have heart surgery in the US. Politicians and others have had surgery in the US. The important issue is that Premier Williams has the surgery where he wants, he is paying for it, and that his health is restored. It is his decision and he owes no one an explanation or an apology. He has promised a full explanation after his surgery and when he is prepared to answer questions. Discussion over issues relating to the quality and availability of health care in Canada versus the US is pointless.

The other issue is the matter of Canadians funding abortions outside of Canada in the interest of foreign policy. I would rather support a Canadian policy of reducing abortion and stream lining adoption. Adopting displaced Haitian children was fast tracked so we know it can be done. The federal liberals have embraced a foreign policy that supports safe abortion abroad. I support prevention and the right to life. Health care needs funding here in Canada. Why should Canadian taxpayer’s fund abortions outside of Canada? Funding pregnancy prevention would be a better solution.

If the governments of Canada want to spend some money then let it be on drug abuse, especially for our youth. This will save lives and reduce crime and health care costs.

Haiti

There are too many things I don’t understand. Canadians along with their government have scrambled to raise funds to assist victims of the earthquake in Haiti. A successful telethon was held in Saskatchewan and this is all good.

Then I read this morning of the hundreds of millions big corporations like Bell Canada, the Royal Bank of Canada, the Hudson’s Bay Co. and Rona dished out to buy the exclusive rights to be sponsors of the Vancouver Olympics. In total there were some 70 domestic sponsors who contributed $760 million in cash or in-kind products to the Olympic operating budget. All of this while the country is trying to emerge from a recession and while seniors can only trust their invested life savings will recover before they die.

Haiti is one of the original members of the United Nations and is a member of the Organization of American States (OAS). It is reported that in July 2004, $1.085 billion was pledged through 2006 at the World Bank Donors’ Conference. This included many countries, like Canada, from around the world. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere with 80% living under the poverty line and with most Haitians living on less than $2 dollars a day.

These are a few of the facts that have been reported. I am not making any judgment in this letter. I am just saying there are too many things I don’t understand.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd Quote:

'IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT.

Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians.'

'This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom.' 'We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language!'

'Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented.

It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.' 'We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.'

'This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, 'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'.'

Harper or Ignatieff

Canadian voters are increasingly looking at party leaders to determine which candidate they will support in provincial and federal elections. Looking at federal politics it comes down to Stephen Harper and Michael Ignatieff.

Harper is Prime Minister primarily because, at this time, he is the best leader and that is how Canadians vote. Harper leaves much to be desired, but he looks and acts Prime Ministerial. He leaves no doubt he is in control and that is how he runs government. He does not see himself as being in some kind of popularity contest. He often leaves the impression that he really doesn’t care what anyone else thinks. Former Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau was a tad like that.

Michael Ignatieff must change his first impressions with the voters. He needs to hire someone to advise him on his overall presentation. He leaves you with the feeling that he is too intelligent and thinking far deeper than is necessary to get the job done. He should lighten up, be positive and show the voters he has more to offer than the Prime Minister. Ignatieff must soon provide real leadership that is somewhere past Facebook and well short of the Space Station. He also needs a better set of policies regarding the major policy issues. If not, then Stephen Harper truly is the best man to lead the country at this time.

Parliamentary System Fails

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has shut down parliament until March 3, 2010. It is a flagrant disregard for our parliamentary democratic system of government. The failure of our parliamentary system falls on the government of the day. Stephen Harper is one of the most controlling Prime Ministers in the history of Canada, but is that good for Canadians?

If these systems are perceived as not working well – as being “seriously overloaded,” to quote a distinguished Canadian Opposition Leader, the Hon. Robert Stanfield - it may be the rights of political oppositions, which are immediately and most visibly at stake, but ultimately the threat is to democratic rights and freedoms generally. It undermines democracy to simply say to hell with the opposition.

Parliament consists of the Senate, the House of Commons and the committees of Parliament. Canadian voters elected MP’s to both govern and oppose. It is both wrong and undemocratic to muzzle either. Is the Prime Minister now moving to govern by executive administration? His decision to prorogue parliament has effectively killed his own legislative agenda. Further, this is the second time in 12 months that Prime Minister Harper has pulled this stunt. Has the role of parliament and parliamentarians become redundant?

Canadians deserve to be represented by all the politicians they elected, not just the Prime Minister. It is both their role and their right. Canadians deserve to know all the truth about their government and all the actions taken by their government unless it risks national security. A one party government controlled by any Prime Minister is no form of democracy. Does this really serve the best interests of all Canadians?

Minister VanLoan

On March 12, 2009 I asked the following question of Minister VanLoan and never received a reply:

Mr. Minister, nuclear power is apparently an efficient way of producing a stabile source of electrical power for both use in Canada and as a means of export revenue. What seems to be holding back the development of more nuclear plants in Canada? As Minister of Public Safety I can understand that you will want to assure Canadians that all safety issues are addressed regarding the development of nuclear power. Do you have any fact-based concerns regarding nuclear power that may cause you to pause over the expansion of nuclear power generation in Canada?

I respectfully submit these questions without prejudice.

Minister Toews

On March 4, 2009 I asked the following question of Minister Toews and never received a reply:

Mr. Toews, has the Government of Canada arrived at a mutual agreement with the RCMP respecting the concerns raised by the RCMP on their Call for Backup website and if not why?

I don’t hold a membership in any political party and I respectfully submit this question without prejudice. Thank you.

Minister Ritz

On March 11, 2009 I asked Minister Ritz the following question and received no reply:

Mr. Minister, in the wake of our failing economy what measures has the government taken to provide a stimulus package for the agriculture industry in Canada?

This question is respectfully submitted without prejudice.