Examining political legacies

There are several factors that are important to reflect on when the news of the day, and the words of politicians and their legacies, are historically examined.

The fortunate ones that are blessed with longevity and memory are able to observe the path and purpose of politicians, both presently and of the past. Most importantly, they depend on the forgetfulness of the electorate, but they do leave a legacy behind, like a footprint in the snow, that is so important to examine. It would be interesting to recall some of the credits or boondoggles of past political entities.

Reflecting on the credit side, No. 1 would have to be the great Tommy Douglas who fought for and introduced health care for all Canadians, and was a true social democrat who was honoured by a poll as the greatest Canadian.

No. 2 would be Peter Lougheed, the great visionary who dedicated a reasonable and sensible return of royalties to the Alberta people on their gas and oil resources.

No. 1 on the negative side of Canadian history was a little money-accepting transaction by always happy PM Brian Mulroney.

Secondly, No. 2 was the very costly and senseless giveaway of Albertans’ heritage wealth which was committed by Ralph Klein, who reduced Premier Lougheed’s 35 per cent to 7-9 per cent royalty. We are left with a meagre $10 billion compared to Norway’s around $200 billion.

Lastly, No. 3, the worst economic and housing chaos in Canadian history in the Vancouver and Toronto areas was contrived by our last prime minister, Stephen Harper’s plan inviting foreign investment in Canada on a five-year tax-free basis! We regularly hear about the government actions being taken to recover some of the lost taxation dollars on the left-empty, tremendously expensive homes.

This is possibly one of the most untoward Canadian political and realty boondoggles in our history, which will affect many generations of people.

This shameful political legacy has caused monstrous financial repercussions for governments and local patrons for years to come! Maclean’s is the only Canadian news media that made a reference to this chaotic political blunder. They commented that Harper’s invite was a terrible flop.

Hopefully we remember these grave and destructive political moves, which seem to represent the right-wing side of the political scene. I’ve witnessed it for almost 90 years! Frank J. Toth

Lethbridge