With an election now a reality, I do not want to listen to the politicians platforms. They are our representatives, so instead here are the wishes of the people:
1. Completely abolish the Senate, and no golden parachutes either. Recoup total salary paid after a conviction.
2. Bring our boys home. A fighting force was not what the people approved. Now they are spending $29.3 billion for the purchase and maintenance of 65 F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighters to fight the terrorists, who will send in one person, wired with explosives, at a cost of perhaps $100. The cost of maintaining these aircraft will be enormous.
3. Which brings me to our budget. I say run our government similar to how every Canadian manages his household budget, if you can’t afford it, than you can’t have it.
Small manageable debt is OK. There are more blue pages in the phone book with every new issue. All these extra departments involve more cost for staff, office space, furniture, equipment, etc.
4. A UN peacekeeping force does not work. Our own Roméo Dallaire, proved that as the UN did not support these troops in Rwanda.
5. Foreign aid. Let’s send Canadian-made materials and services” instead of filling the pockets of corrupt officials and/or warlords with millions of dollars, who never report or supply the accountability that our politicians say is inappropriate. Look at all the millionaire dictators we have made.
6. Cut down on government agencies, committees, steering committees, panels, consultants, experts, etc.
They always promise to reduce government, but government financial records show Jason Kenney has boosted spending by 35 per cent in the immigration minister’s office in the three years since he took over the portfolio and that is only one small department.
7. Perhaps a yearly review of a minister’s accomplishments just like every working Canadian employee has to submit to. What is good for the goose…
Every ministry should prepare a budget for the coming year and be held accountable if an overrun occurs.
Just saying we need 25 per cent more is not proper management.
Yet every department makes sure they spend their entire yearly budget before the new fiscal year ends, just to show the need for more money.
Ask any supplier of goods to the government.
Allan Jones
Vernon
