Friday, December 16, 2011

TONY AT TEN BLOG 6, THEME: GOVERNMENTS IN CANADA

 In my opinion we have governments that are too large and too guilty of dreadful wastes of taxpayer dollars. In our Federal Government alone there are 20 Ministries, 87 Commissions and Bureaus as well as several museums. While we are fortunate to live in the greatest Country in the world, there is room for some improvement.

Our children have access to a free and excellent education.  While they may not all be able to serve as doctors or other professionals they are free to pursue careers that can be rewarding. There is a vast amount of opportunity in Canada for young people to take advantage of provided they have honesty, courage, initiative, self-discipline and a strong work ethic.  No one is entitled to a free handout. 

Our social programs need revision.  Families must be guaranteed a minimum income. If there are dependants under school age, then schools need to be equipped with qualified day care staff and decent facilities. They must have access to a health and benefits program. All of this is dependant on the condition that the head of the family must have a job. There is dignity in hard work. Every citizen needs to contribute. We can do this by stopping the waste we now have, boosting our economic freedom by getting rid of institutions that inflate wages and costs and lower productivity to the point where employers cease to expand their business, layoff workers or move elsewhere.

For sure these ideas need to be debated, refined and developed.  Where and when will we start?  When will our elected representatives stand up and be heard? It is time to stop the madness.  Below is my take on the Federal Ministries.

Click on the Ministry Title to bring up their site.


It is estimated there are approximately 3000 people living in Attawapiskat. Most are living under totally inadequate conditions. Since 2006, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) alone has provided approximately $90 million to Attawapiskat First Nation, which does not include funding the community will receive this fiscal year. The Canadian people must help these people. However, it must be done responsibly with proper oversight. This Ministry can’t do it.

The local chief, Theresa Spence, allowed the council of 17 members to build an arena complete with a brand new Zamboni, instead of a much-needed new school.

Recently the Federal Government has ordered 15 modular homes to be shipped to the area.  Why not send in some army units to help with clean up and construction.

 Bob Rae lambastes the Conservatives for not doing enough!

Obviously the Minister in charge of this portfolio is incompetent as is the plutocracy.  Where did the money go?  Let’s scrap this Ministry.

Agriculture and Agri-Food 
Minister Ritz reiterated that the recent investment of $50 million for the Agricultural Innovation Program (AIP) would boost the development and commercialization of innovative new products, technologies and processes in the agricultural sector. He also spoke about how market access and development are a priority and will promote growth, help the agricultural value-chain not only adapt, but thrive in the face of major change. 

Facts: Canada is the world’s fifth largest exporter of agriculture and food products with annual exports worth over $35 billion. Canada’s trade in agriculture and food products contributes more than $11 billion to the trade surplus. 

If these figures are correct, does the industry require Government help? Let’s scrap this Ministry 

Canadian Heritage 
Canadian Heritage is responsible for national policies and programs that promote Canadian content, foster cultural participation, active citizenship and participation in Canada's civic life, and strengthen connections among Canadians. 

REALLY! Is this why the feds gave 18 Million dollars to a bunch of men in uniform playing guns and re enacting the battle of 1812?  Let’s scrap this Ministry!  

The new law (APRIL 17, 2009) simplifies citizenship rules by: 
  • restoring or giving Canadian citizenship to many who never had it or lost it due to previous laws;
  • limiting Canadian citizenship to the first generation born to Canadian parents outside Canada; and
  • allowing people adopted outside Canada by Canadian parents between January 1, 1947 and February 14, 1977 to apply for a grant of citizenship.  
 END OF STORY! Let’s scrap this Ministry

Environment
“As you know, the St. Lawrence is a major economic corridor which is responsible for the safe transit of billions in trade annually, and the source of tens of thousands of jobs, both direct and indirect, on both sides of the Canada-US border. So a healthy St. Lawrence is critical to our economy.”

Turn this issue over to the MINISTRY of TRANSPORT.
He continues…
"And speaking of milestones, we are approaching the sixth anniversary of the successful Clean Air Regulatory Agenda. The Harper Government developed this program in 2006 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. We want this work to continue. And this is why I am pleased to announce that over the next five years, our Government will invest $600.8 million to continue.” Peter Kent, P.C., M.P

Watch out for Volcanoes and Chinese Industry!
Scrap this Ministry as well!

Keep it with the provisions of balancing the budget, lowering debt and spending as well as lowering taxes for small businesses; the middle class. Citizens over 80 and residents for 50 years... no taxes!

The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans announced an investment of more than $1 million for CAIA to generate awareness and new sales of Canada's high quality aquaculture products while speaking at the 2011 National Forum of the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA). This investment will enable CAIA to participate in trade shows and missions, brand Canadian farmed salmon, market Canadian farmed mussel and sablefish, and undertake international market development and market research for Canadian aquaculture products. In 2010, Canada exported $4 billion of fish and seafood to more than 130 countries, with aquaculture exports totalling almost $600 million. “Today’s announcement is good news for the Canadian aquaculture industry," said Ruth Salmon, CAIA's Executive Director. "With this funding, our industry members can continue to deliver the powerful message to our major export markets that Canada is a world leader in the environmentally sustainable production of high quality farmed seafood products."

WOW! I bet we could put the message out on Google for much less. Turn this over to Industry and Natural Resources. Let’s scrap this Ministry.

Keep it and but Bob Rae in charge. This would at least get him out of the country for a while!

Keep it and get it focused on lowering costs of medical coverage.

Oh, please get rid of this! 

Valuable when properly directed and focused.

This Ministry is BS! We have too much Government!

We need policing and Courts. Revise the Marriage Act!

Keep this one. Of course we need it.

Combine this Ministry with the Ministry of INDUSTRY.

Scrap this Ministry! If people can't look after themselves too bad! Combine it with the Ministry of JUSTICE.

Leave it to Private Industry. Scrap this Ministry along with Unions!

Important! Keep it and focus on roads, air travel and waterways.

Combine with Ministry of NATIONAL DEFENCE and look after our heroes!

Forget about it! Scrap this Ministry. Alberta and Saskatchewan have more Economic Freedom than any other Provinces.

1 comment:

jennifer said...

How can you lower the cost of medicare when we aren't paying its full cost now? Sorry but Canadian's now have at their finger tips some of the best doctors, nurses, therapists and educators at their finger tips and are paying them minimum wage given the years spent training for said position. What is the actual cost of services received? I think what you mean is that the beauraucratic red tape associated with health care should be cut and I would suggest you state that more explicitly. I would also suggest that looking for duplicity in education. health care and community services be scraped. For example, you could completely wipe out community services simply by placing a social worker in every elementary school across the nation. Put them in charge of attendance, lunch and breakfast programs and you have a formula to assist parents in being better parents. While on the topic of education ...scrap the damn elected school board members they are useless. Have each superintendent and his staff report to the dept of ed and have each principal be held accountable by a School Advisory made up of parents teachers and support staff.

But that is another discussion for Tony at ten!