I’ve written Short Snapper blogs before. They are an
opportunity for me to cover a few different items in a shorter form. Enjoy.
Carbon Tax
It would seem that the carbon tax is about to end, no matter
who the next Prime Minister turns out to be. Even the people vying for the
leadership of the Liberal Party are prepared to get rid of it. That is a shame.
Many analysts will tell you that it is the most efficient means of trying to
lower our dependence on fossil fuel. Any other attempt to reduce carbon use (if
there is even one) will be more costly and will no doubt hit us in our taxes.
The Liberal government’s introduction of this tax with its rebates was perhaps
the most brilliant move that government made. What’s next? Or do we just give
in to climate change?
Trump’s 51st
State
Mr. Trump is threatening to make Canada the 51st
state. But that is unlikely to happen. The 51st to 60th
state, as one commentator has suggested is even less likely. Oh, he might take
over Canada, but he would never allocate the privileges of statehood. He, or his advisors, must know that the
majority of Canadians, about 25 million voters, would be more likely to vote
Democrat than Republican. This would introduce 2 more Democratic senators and a
significant number of mostly Democratic congressmen. It would also introduce a
large number of Democratic delegates to the Electoral College. We might become
a territory of the US with very limited influence in the US government, but
never one (or 10) state.
By the way, if economic pressures don’t bring Canada into
the US, military force may be his answer. Feasible? There is a US Army combat
division in northern New York state that could be in Ottawa in 48 hours.
The Federal Conservative Party
Has anyone heard any meaningful plan from Pierre Poilievre
and company to address any of their promises? Three-word slogans do not policy
make. Oh, they will obviously eliminate the carbon tax, but then what. They
have said they have a plan, but what is it? Will it be accepted by western
members of his caucus? How will it be paid for? To balance the budget, what
major programs will be sacrificed. There
are really only two such programs that could yield significant saving; defence
and health. Which one would you sacrifice?
There are several other slogans that need clarity such as housing, or lowering
taxes for example. Will any of them be fleshed out in an election campaign, or
will be an election of slogans?
Ontario Government Propaganda
The Ontario Conservative party (read the ruling party and
your tax dollars at work) has introduced a number of adds attacking Bonnie
Crombie, the new leader of the provincial Liberal party. Her biggest sin, according to these adds, is
that she (alone) raised municipal taxes every year she was mayor. First, mayors
do not unilaterally raise taxes, city councils do. Second, have you every heard
of a municipal government that has not had to raise taxes each and every
year. The fact the cities are not
allowed to undertake deficit financing coupled with the spectre of inflation in
payrolls and goods and services pretty well guarantees annual municipal tax
hikes are inevitable.
Inauguration Speech
Did you watch President Trump’s inauguration speech? If so,
you would have watched him declare war against a sovereign country, Panama.
Panama includes the Panama Canal. Mr. Trump has said America will take it back.
That can probably only be done by force. That, dear reader, constitutes a
declaration of war.
