Walking Out On Queens Park...Walking Out On Democracy

Last week Ontario Conservative leader Tim Hudak and his Conservative MPP’s walked out of the legislature in protest of Premier McGuinty's proposed Harmonized Sales Tax. Not only was this walk out rude and disrespectful to the Ontario Liberal MPP's but this was a clear indication that the Ontario Conservatives have little to no regard for the democratic process in Canada. In Ontario, we elect politicians to represent us at Queens Park. By Tim Hudak and the rest of the Conservative caucus walking out of the legislature, they are leaving all the people that voted for them without representation. If they truly cared about the HST they would have cooperated with the Liberals instead of pulling an amateur move and walk away. It is disheartening to see such a blatant disregard for the democratic process.

Hudak and the Ontario Conservatives are opposed to the Harmonized Sales Tax simply because they see this as a chance to sway support from the Liberal to the Conservative Party. They are angry that Premier McGuinty has not allowed public hearings on the proposed HST, but one wonders why? Have opposition parties asked for public meetings about proposed taxes in the past? NO!

Hudak and the Ontario Conservatives tell tall tales about the implications of the Harmonized Sales Tax. However, Roger Martin, Dean of the Rotman School of Management and chairman of the Task Force on Competitiveness, Productivity and Economic Progress and James Milway, Executive Director of the task force's research arm, the Institute for Competitiveness & Prosperity, wrote in a recent Globe and Mail editorial about the proposed HST "The provincial government is proposing bold tax reform. Part of it is politically unpopular – but the package will improve Ontario's global competitiveness and benefit us all through more investment, more jobs and higher incomes. If we want to improve economic prospects for us and for our children, we should implement these proposals."

I urge the public to see through these partisan distractions that the Ontario Conservative party is trying to blind you with. Instead of listening to the lies and unnecessary partisan opinions of Hudak and his MPP’s, look at the big picture.

The Ontario Conservatives are opposed to the democratic process and representing your views. I don't know about you, but I like being represented at Queens Park...

Hudak...Give Your Head A Smack

The Ontario Conservatives have again brought a selfish view to politics by their actions in the past week. This week Opposition Leader MPP Hudak announced his opposition to the introduction of the Harmonized Sales Tax....AGAIN. In addition on Thursday multiple Conservative MPP's were thrown out of the legislature for not acting in a professional manner.

All this because the Conservative MPP's cannot put Ontario ahead of partisan attitudes. The Conservative MPP's do not see the HST as something that will help the struggling Ontario economy. They do not see it as a way out of the recession. They do NOT see the HST as a way to make Ontario more competitive. The Conservative MPP's at Queens Park see this as a way for them to grab votes and sway support from McGuinty's Liberals to Hudak's Conservatives.

Yet the Conservative leader announced when he was Finance Critic a few months ago that "There are a number of models for harmonizing the PST and GST, ranging from full harmonization ... to various ''made in Ontario" models that allow for certain products to remain exempt from the PST portion of the harmonized tax,''. Hudak and his Conservative cronies know that the HST is a good thing and that it has to happen in Ontario. Their meaningless tactics to try and bring in partisan feelings and opinions into the HST debate will only hurt Ontarians. As listed before on this blog, the Conservative Party on the federal level are in complete support of the introduction of the HST. British Columbia is also harmonizing along with Ontario. The Ontario Conservatives are attempting to destroy one of the greatest things that could ever happen to Ontario and its economy.

My message to Hudak and the Conservatives...Put your partisan politics aside and give your head a shake...quit playing games and find another issue to jump on...the HST is a good thing for Ontarians, and it WILL be implemented in July of 2010.

GO GREEN GO!

Green is the new colour of Ontario. This colour has even made its way onto license plates for some Ontario drivers. The McGuinty government announced last week that all cars that are electric (environmentally friendly) will be given green license plates. This will allow the drivers to drive in the high occupancy lanes even when there is only one person in the car. Furthermore, Ontarians will receive tax reductions by driving these new cars. This is yet another brilliant idea coming out of Dalton McGuinty's cabinet at Queens Park. Dalton McGuinty has successfully turned Ontario from a polluter province to a green machine!

His goal once he became Premier was to get rid of all coal fired generating plants. In addition to this he has also made "going green" a profitable venture for Ontarians. When Dr. Rick Smith, Executive Director of the Environmental Defence (which is a completely independent organization) was asked what he thought of the Ontario government's green shift, he commended the McGuinty government on their "environmental leadership in such areas as protecting green space, banning Bisphenol A in children's products, the Green Energy Act, and more."

Dalton McGuinty could not have done this alone. He has had an enormous amount of help from MPP John Gerretsen (Minister of the Environment), MPP Jim Bradley (Minister of Transportation) and MPP George Smitherman (Minister of Energy and Infrastructure).These four men have made it their top priority to make Ontario the greenest place to live and work. In addition all of McGuinty's caucus are in support of making Ontario as environmentally friendly as possible. Take MPP Kevin Flynn for example. The former Parliamentary Assistant to the Minster of Environment jumped on the "green" bandwagon long before it was the popular thing to do, and is now the proud owner of a new hybrid vehicle. It is because of the entire Liberal caucus of Dalton McGuinty that Ontario has been able to go as green as they have.

Ontario residents should applaud the great things the Ontario Liberal Government has done for them with respect to our environment, and in turn our health. This forward-thinking by the McGuinty government will make our province greener and healthier for each of us, and more importantly, for future generations of Ontarians. Other political parties surely would not have put as much emphasis on Ontarians health as Dalton McGuinty and his Liberal Caucus.

Qualities of a Leader: Does McGuinty Have Them?

Recently I attended the Ontario Liberal Party Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Windsor. At this AGM I had the pleasure of hearing Ted Sorenson speak about what it takes to be a successful and very good leader. Ted Sorenson was the speech writer for the late President John F. Kennedy. He wrote the famous speech for Kennedy "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." Mr. Sorenson listed Courage, Ideals, Compassion, Integrity and Information as the most important qualities a leader should possess. I compared these qualities to our Premier Dalton McGuinty and found that our Premier exhibits all these qualities.

The first quality listed by Mr. Sorenson that I see in Premier McGuinty is courage. Mr. Sorensen wasn't talking about physical courage, but the courage to tackle issues head on regardless of its popularity. Dalton McGuinty has had to deal with many difficult situations, ranging from the introduction of the health tax (due to inheriting the previous Conservative government's undisclosed deficit), EHealth and the introduction of the Harmonized Sales Tax. The Premier has had tremendous courage while dealing with all these situations. He has made the right decision each time and sticks with it no matter what people or the polls say about him. He has shown extreme courage to lead a government through the world's worst economic conditions since the great depression are upon us. In terms of Courage, Premier McGuinty has a ton of it.

Secondly, Sorenson mentions one's Ideals as a very important quality of a leader. Again, Premier McGuinty's ideals are in the right place. Dalton McGuinty grew up in a home of 10 brothers and sisters and learned how to share and be fair. His family instilled in him strong values and ethics. His lessons learned as a child have directly helped him be the outstanding leader he is today.

Thirdly, Compassion is listed by Sorenson as one of the most important qualities. A leader must be able to show compassion to everyone with whom he deals. This includes opposition members, voters, etc. One needs to go no further then the daily proceedings at Queens Park. During question period, Premier McGuinty never raises his voice nor pokes fun at any other members of the house yet others do this to him quite often. This is one of the best examples of McGuinty's compassion. Another prime example is the fact that the Premier was unwilling to introduce the HST unless the federal government gave the provincial government money in order to support Ontarians, especially those most in need, while the HST is implemented. This money is going to be given out over a select period of time to all of Ontario.

Information, in other words having all the information available in order to make a decision, is another a very important quality of a leader according to Sorenson. I agree with this and could also say that the Premier has this exact quality. Premier McGuinty seems to be very intellectual. When ever the press ask him questions (including ones not pre-prepared) he is always able to give a substantially informative answer. His decisions are soundly based on all information available to him - he doesn't just use the most convenient information for his purpose.

Finally, Integrity as one of the most important qualities of a leader. Integrity is defined as being honest, fair, truthful and sincere. I believe that Dalton McGuinty holds every single one of these qualities.

Ted Sorenson was a close assistant to one of the greatest presidents this world has ever seen. When comparing all these qualities to Dalton McGuinty, one could say that he is one of the greatest premiers this Country has ever seen.

What Makes An MPP, A Great MPP?

MPP's play a role both in their individual constituencies and at the provincial legislature. The best MPP cares about problems/situations in the community and works very hard to resolve them.

One of the most important things that an MPP can do is to be willing to meet with his or her constituents. When people actually get to meet with the MPP it helps people in two ways. Firstly, it provides people with a glimmer of hope that, now that they have the ear of the MPP, their situation will start to get better. Secondly, it provides the MPP with first hand knowledge of this person's situation and in most cases makes the MPP work harder to help this person.

Another thing that makes a very good MPP is one that frequently attends public events in his or her own constituency. This provides the public with the chance to meet and talk with their local MPP which is surprisingly very important to people.

However, an MPP must not be completely absent from the events and daily proceedings of the provincial legislature. It is important for them to attend frequently in order to make his constituents views known. It is also required that they perform "house duty" when they must put in time in the legislature during debates, as well as regularly be present for question period.

In addition, there are many things that MPP's do at Queens Park that the public sometimes doesn't know. MPP's don't just meet with their own constituents but with people from all over the province. If an MPP is assigned a portfolio (a certain Ministry to manage ie. Environment, Health, etc.) then the MPP must also meet with people that have questions and concerns with provincial legislation relating to that ministry. An MPP can sometimes find themselves in a tough position when their assigned portfolio has a issue that is of a particular interest to his or her constituents.

One of the most important things an MPP can do - and it could be said that it is should required in order to become an MPP - is their ability to listen. Listening to people is a huge part of the job and sometimes this is all people are asking for - a chance to tell their story. They say we have one mouth but two ears, so we should do twice as much listening as talking. This is especially important for MPPs.

An MPP should put aside their personal political goals and concentrate on his or her community and how to better it. They should be hard working. They should not be afraid to express their opinions, because an MPP that sits on the fence is not an MPP that will fight for their constituents.

In closing, an MPP should be able to represent his constituents before all else. Easily, the hardest part of being an MPP, they must chose their constituents over themselves.

Tuition, How High Can You Go?

As thousands of students all across Ontario look for post-secondary education a daunting obstacle stands in their way. Tuition prices are increasing each year and it seems that the cries of students are falling on deaf ears. With the average tuition cost of $5, 381 many students cannot afford to get a university education.

To be perfectly honest, the reason many young Ontarians cannot get an education due to the price disturbs me. Universities have become institutions of profit and capital instead of learning and furthering ones' education. In many countries around the world, the price of going to University is free. The Ontario government is failing its youth by forcing them to pay atrocious amounts of money and in almost all cases going into extreme debt before a student even finishes their first semester.

The Ontario government can do one of two things. They can continue this cycle of bankrupting students so that the average student will graduate with thousands and thousands of dollars in debt. Or, they can centralize universities. If the provincial government took control of the Universities instead of independent bodies, it would be able to control and further subsidize the price of tuition and lower it to a level more suitable for youth. If this was to be done there would be many positive things that would occur. One of many would be that more youth would be going for a post-secondary education which in turn would bring more diverse people into the work force. Due to the extremely high tuition costs today, some students are unable to get the education needed for many jobs. This is letting down both the economy and students. By not allowing more diverse and educated people into the workforce the economy is not refreshing itself. Furthermore, people with very diverse and different ideas are forced to take other options in attempts to get an education.

The fact of the matter is that the Ontario government is failing its students. You would think that in times of economic hardship the Ontario government would realize that allowing more people to get educated would provide better ideas on ways of economic development. With MPP Kevin Flynn as the new Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, it gives us hope that we will see some progress towards change. With MPP Kevin Flynn as the new Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, it is gives us hope that we will see some progress towards change. A province-wide consensus is needed to force the Ontario government to change. Students need to show the Provincial government that they have had enough. The problem is that University life is tough and with exams, essays and assignments students really do not have the time to protest the outrageous cost of University. However, politicians are also to blame for why this issue has not been addressed. Because students don’t make a big fuss about tuition costs the problem does not show up on politicians' radar. Nevertheless, this issue MUST not be ignored!

I'd like to think that one cannot put a price on another's education, but the story in Ontario is that if you want education, prepare to dive into debt!

Why Minister Caplan Got Booted For Someone Else's Mistake

For months now one of the biggest issues floating around the halls of the legislature is the mess at E-Health Ontario. Opposition members are quick to blame Premier McGuinty and his now former Minister of Health David Caplan. Before jumping to the popular conclusion that its a crooked Liberal attempt to swindle Ontario tax dollars, lets look at the facts.

Firstly, E-Health was started up by the previous, CONSERVATIVE government. Many people do not realize this! In addition, no one single politician at Queens Park is to blame. Instead I would suggest the blame be put on both the Conservative and Liberal representatives. Furthermore, the one person who got the most heat for the whole fiasco MPP, David Caplan, is actually the one who is least responsible for the problem. Yes, he was Minister of Health when the E-Health fiasco became public, but he cooperated with the investigation and did all that he could to fix the situation.

Previous Health Minister George Smitherman was the Minister of Health for more time than David Caplan and was responsible for E-Health for that time. MPP George Smitherman received barely any bad publicity over this.

I would also like to make it very clear that in no way, shape or form did any member of the Ontario Liberal Party or Representative at Queens Park profit from the E-Health mishap.

We sometimes forget that politicians are people too. They are human and humans make mistakes. I believe that people should be measured by their achievements not by their mistakes. So in my books, Dalton McGuinty, keep up the good work. And let's get E-Health back on track.

H.S.T. A Blessing In Disguise?

For months now opposition parties at Queens Park have tried to paint the installation of the Harmonized Sales Tax as a "McGuinty Tax Grab" and have failed to mention the positive things it will do to Ontario's and Canada's economy.

To fully understand the HST proposal you must first understand the type of taxation process that we have in Ontario today. Right now when a company buys a product that company pays provincial sales tax. When that company sells that product to a store that store pays provincial sales tax which is best described as a tax on a tax. This in turn drives up the price for consumers because we are left paying extra because of this multiple tax. With the installation of the HST this process will be removed and the tax will only be payed at one level; the consumer. This is what has Conservative and NDP opposition members in a rut. When the HST is implemented prices on certain goods will increase but this will be very temporary. This is a major reason why many people are opposed to the HST because they do not understand the tax itself or how the price will be lowered. In July of 2010 (when the HST will be implemented) the tax will immediately shock the system causing minor increases in prices of goods. However, it will not take long for businesses to realize that they can sell their products for a lower price and still make a profit. All it takes is ONE business to lower their price and it will instantly send a ripple effect through that specified market and the price of that good will decrease. To use the eastern provinces of Canada as an example, after they implemented the HST, prices began to lower after a few months; much faster than opposition members would have you believe.

Although opposition members have publicly stated that they are fully against the HST the former interim leader of the Provincial Conservatives Bob Runciman stated otherwise. “We’re in favour of reviewing the impacts of harmonization, the benefits of harmonization, the timing of harmonization. In principle, we think it’s something that should occur.” In addition the newly elected leader of the Provincial Conservative party MPP Tim Hudak, when asked about the HST responded “In the manufacturing sector, the problem with the PST is it cascades, so every step along the way there’s tax on tax on tax, which raises the cost of goods and particularly punishes exporters. So we understand how that can help the economy.” Despite what the Conservatives would have the public believe they know this is a good thing for Ontario. “This is jobs, this is investment, this is good economic policy." (March 27, 2009) – Jim Flaherty (Canada's Finance Minister)

In addition, the Canadian federal (Conservative) government is in complete support of the implementation of the HST in Ontario and are working actively with the Provincial government to help ease in the harmonization. After learning about Ontario moving to a harmonized tax, British Columbia decided they would as well. The federal Conservative government is also working with British Columbia to help implement the HST. The question you have to ask yourself is would politicians of two different ideologies in all different parts of the country implement a tax that is bad for the citizens of Ontario, B.C. and Canada as a whole? The answer is a resounding NO! The politicians in Ottawa and Toronto are there because we chose them to represent us. They are making a choice to implement the Harmonized Sales Tax because it is the right thing to do. Premier Dalton McGuinty has also instituted a PERMANENT income tax cut for 93% of Ontarians to help ease in the HST, something that B.C. is not doing.

A small increase in the price for our coffee is definitely a pain worth enduring. The HST doesn't just effect you it will effect your children and your grand children. It will make Ontario a more competitive, economically strong, and a great place for businesses to move. The HST will help Ontario greatly and it is up to us to bear the temporary hardship in order for our youth to experience and grow in a strong Ontario economy.

Rumoured Departure Of The Deputy Premier: George Smitherman

Recently the halls of Queens Park have been buzzing with rumors circulating that the Minister of Energy & Infrastructure, George Smitherman may be leaving Dalton McGuinty's cabinet for a chance to become the Mayor of Toronto. Although the Premier has labelled these rumors as false it does bring up the interesting scenario of who would take Smitherman's place should he chose to run for Mayor. There are a few MPP's that could be thought to have a chance of becoming a Minister should McGuinty be faced with the departure of Smitherman.

The first candidate is Oakville's MPP Kevin Flynn. MPP Flynn has been Parliamentary Assistant in the Ministries of Labour, Environment, Democratic Renewal and Training Colleges and Universities. Before his entrance to Queens Park Flynn was a Town Councilor in Oakville and a successful business owner. Although issues regarding a proposed power plant in his home riding have put Flynn in some hot water recently he should be looked at as one of the top candidates for a Ministerial position should McGuinty shuffle the cabinet again.

MPP Lou Rinaldi cannot go without mention either. Much like MPP Flynn, Lou Rinaldi has been the Parliamentary Assistant for various ministries. MPP Rinaldi has been P.A. for Public Infrastructure Renewal, Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Municipal Affairs and Housing. MPP Rinaldi has strong support of his home constituents in Northumberland-Quinte West. Rinaldi has been very involved in local politics being elected numerous times and is also a former Mayor.

The final possible candidate to receive Smitherman's place is someone who is not unknown to Ministerial positions. MPP Greg Sorbara is another possible candidate (as an interim Minister/Deputy Premier). He has been Minister of Finance, Consumer and Commercial Relations, Labour, Responsible for Women's Issues, Skills and Development and finally Colleges and Universities. It would be a safe move on the Premier's part to place him there seeing as how he has more than enough experience at Queens Park in Ministerial roles and could likely be the best possible pick until a more permanent candidate could be selected.

The election in Toronto is still a ways off but this issue is heating up more and more. Will we see the departure of a very successful and hardworking deputy premier from McGuinty's cabinet? Only time will tell...

History Is Right Across The Table

Very few times in a person's life will they come face to face with history. Like meeting a war veteran, meeting a former premier (who arguably led the most successful Ontario government - 20 years before I was even born) was an unreal experience.

It was inspiring to meet him, and to actually have a conversation with him. Often times meeting people who make history seems in a way surreal - sure they can be seen in pictures and history books but we sometimes forget that they are actual real people.

The very ironic twist about this whole story is that I was unaware of whom I was meeting with until about half way through the meeting. Then it hit me like a sack of bricks when I realized who I was with - Arguably the greatest premier of all time!

The pictures I had seen of the former premier were from his much younger days, likely why I didn't clue in right away. He began to tell stories of his days as leader and I was mesmerized. Staying professional in the meeting, and not asking for his autograph was quite a challenge.

Here I was sitting across the table from one of the greatest men in Ontario's history.

No history book can give you that!

The Man At The Corner Of Avenue Road and Bloor Street West

Surprisingly out of all the things that have occurred in this internship, and all the people I've met, I must devote a blog to the man at the corner of Avenue Road and Bloor Street West.

One night after work when a homeless man came up to myself and a group of coworkers as we were walking to a restaurant and asked us for money. As they all ignored him I thought maybe I should offer him some dinner instead of giving him some change? I took him to the McDonalds down the street and bought him a Big Mac and a coke.

Apparently in the city, giving them money is good enough but out of all the thank yous I have received in my life none were more memorable then this. It was like I had cured a disease or given him a million dollars or something. He said thank you close to 20 times and I have to say this experience was one I will never forget. After having a conversation about where I work, how he got to where he was, and about life in general he asked if I wanted to be a politician someday. I told him that I want to be in politics and that someday I want to be a politician. If my hopes of becoming a politician could be portrayed as a small fire this mans next few words would be like pouring gasoline on that small fire. "I'd vote for you man".

Something so little, meant so much to this man, and something so little as those five words meant so much to me.

Breakfast Sandwich and an Orange Juice

Here I am, standing outside the Ontario Legislature staring at the building where all the leaders of our province meet daily. It may have been because of the beautiful design of the structure that I was unable to look away however it is more likely that it was because I was about to walk into a building that would turn me, a 19 year old University student, into an intern for the Ontario Provincial Legislative Assembly.

Walking through the halls of the legislature was breathtaking. On the walls hang portraits of past premiers and speakers of the house. Would my picture be up there one day? Would my name go down in history as a great leader of Ontario? Thoughts like this were running through my head.

After meeting up with my boss we went to the cafe to have some breakfast and sat down with two gentlemen who were unknown to me. These two men were the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Transportation. Once my boss introduced me I was startled. Could I an intern from the suburbs of a small town actually be in the presence of two very well respected Ministers!? Am I really eating breakfast with them?

This was easily one of my most memorable breakfasts I have ever had! After conversing with the two Ministers I felt like a wave of confidence and excitement had swept over me. They told me how they started out in politics and it made me realize if they can do it then so can I. Now I had the fuel needed, and the determination required.

The Beginning

As soon as I walked into the meeting room I began to sweat. Was it the humidity or was it pure nervousness. It was the latter of the two. This was the first day of my new job, the first day of being an Intern.

This Internship was the opportunity I needed. This was my chance to make it big.

Upon entering the room one thing was very noticeable. Other interns were already thinking about their future career in politics and had planned out their way to get there. Many of them showed cut throat passion and drive for politics. They showed determination and focus. They unintentionally taught these things to me. The first lesson learned, observe your opponents, find their flaws, and exploit them.

Here is where the journey begins for the Intern....