Will always be party ofStephenHarper

So Pierre Poilievre has been anointed leader of the Conservatives. No big surprise. What is a surprise is the number of people who think he represents the labour force of this country. The facts say otherwise.

In his acceptance speech, he states that people who work hard will be rewarded. What does that mean? Does that really indicate the destruction of our social safety nets for the less-fortunate. Conservatives have a history of doing this.

Does a leopard change it’s spots? Remember, as Stephen Harper’s attack dog and Minister of Employment and Social Development, he did everything in his power to bust workers’ unions and implemented the four-and-four rule for immigrants (a national disgrace). Yet he claims workers’ support — nonsense.

Poilievre also announced “no new taxes.” What does this mean? When Justin Trudeau was elected he announced a new tax bracket for earnings more than $200,000 — from 29% to 33%. Trudeau has now introduced a luxury tax on the wealthy.

What is Poilievre’s intention? Remember, it was the Conservatives who introduced a Parliamentary motion for no tax increases and it was Scheer’s plan to reduce employers’ share of CPP contributions. Trudeau has improved the CPP by increasing contributions to CPP.

Harper reduced the Corporate tax from 22% to 15% — benefiting wealthy shareholders. He also reduced the GST from 7% to 5%. Again, benefiting those with more disposable income.

Harper’s tax breaks for the wealthy cost the federal government $45 billion each and every year. How did Harper attempt to offset this revenue reduction? By slashing social programs and veterans’ support.

No, I don’t believe the Poilievre, who was a staunch supporter of the foregoing advantages for the wealthy has the ability to change.

Nor do I believe that the Conservative party now intends inclusivity and compassion.

This is not the Progressive Conservatives of John Diefenbaker — this is, and always will be, the party of Stephen Harper.

Patrick MacDonald Kelowna