Political priorities from our people’s panel
Trade, Indigenous issues, health care, taxes and spending all make the list
As political parties return to the House of Commons this week, prepare for the Liberals to highlight their accomplishments and agenda, while the opposition touts promises of its own. But what do the rest of us want the parties to focus on right now? Brigitte Pellerin turned to a group of Canadians recently featured in her “Politics for the rest of us” series, whose views span the spectrum. She asked them to explain, in a few words of their own, what they’d like to see: Roy Eappen (physician, conservative)
I think that the government needs to concentrate on getting NAFTA back on track. I think the opposition needs to pummel the government on its ethical lapses and general incompetence.
Jess Morgan (freelance writer, classical liberal)
Trade is going to be at the top of everyone’s mind. It’s time someone in the Commons developed the courage to say we need to get rid of industry protections that are diminishing our ability to make deals. Supply management, for one thing, is much more trouble than it’s worth.
Isabel Gibson (literary professional, independent)
The government should detail its plan for reducing boil-water advisories in Indigenous communities, going beyond talking points. The opposition should focus on whether there was political direction in the suspension of Vice-Admiral Mark Norman and/or in “senior DND officials” determining that he is guilty of releasing confidential information, without any apparent due process. Laurel Roberts (retired teacher, socially conservative) I am deeply concerned for the “rule of law” in Canada. We have laws regarding jurisdiction, ethics, immigration, terrorism and even the Charter right to “freedom of conscience,” which are being casually ignored by those in power. I would like to see the opposition continue doggedly to challenge these forms of lawlessness.
Craig Tiberi (stay-athome dad, independent)
The government should focus on increasing the accessibility of proper health care for all communities; geography should not be a barrier to access treatment and not be a cause of death. Jordan’s principle (named after Jordan River Anderson, and meant to ensure First Nations children have equitable access to all government funded services) is a good example to follow.
Anna Bélanger (business owner, blue liberal)
My hope is that the House of Commons will resume talks about the changes to corporate taxes and small business. No pension plan, no benefits, limited ability to invest in the company and the inability to even pay for children’s education is going to take a massive toll on us smaller businesses. Christine Henderson
(avian technician, idealist leftie)
I think the top priority for the government should be to tackle the third-world living conditions Indigenous people in remote locations are experiencing, by putting a focus on new innovations and clean technology to create systems that provide solutions for clean water, housing and energy. We would also be showing leadership in how we want Canada to be a clean environment to live in.
James Holden (consultant, Trump supporter)
The government should cut any non-essential spending immediately. Too much was spent on the Liberals’ marketing for a place in the United Nations (Security Council) and not enough on health care, education, children or the elderly. It’s time for the Liberals to focus less on Muslim refugees and get back to protecting the security of Canadians.