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Re:75th anniversary for CCF/NDP,
Editorial July 19
The Star has essentially decided that New Democrats should not strive to govern. We respectfully and strongly disagree.
The assertion that New Democrats are responsible for the demise of the Kelowna Accord and a national child care program is egregious and specious when you consider the facts.
For nearly 13 years and six federal budgets, the Liberals held a majority government. Paul Martin was the finance minister. He could have implemented a national child care program. He didn't. He could have properly funded aboriginal Canadians. He didn't. He could have legislated action on climate change. Paul Martin didn't do any of those things as finance minister.
Instead, the Liberals killed social housing in Canada, declared home-care a provincial responsibility and allowed private health care to flourish and grow.
Paul Martin didn't solve the child care crisis or redefine Canada's relationship with aboriginals in his first term as Prime Minister either. In fact, he waited so long to implement the premiers' Kelowna plan that an election (on his own pre-determined post-Gomery report timing) made it impossible to legislate and budget the required funds.
Paul Martin's theory was that Liberals would be returned to power and deal with it when they got back from the hustings. Canadians had other plans: they elected Stephen Harper.
New Democrats will continue to strive for government; we will continue to do what Liberals refuse to do. Vote against and oppose the Harper agenda.
Anne McGrath, President, New
Democratic Party of Canada, Ottawa
