Still Waiting…
So it’s the end of June, which can mean
only one thing: we’re probably not going to get a by-election to replace Brenda
Chamberlain as our Federal Member of Parliament until the Fall. I remind you,
gentle Echo reader that our government has until October 7
to announce when they’re going to fill our seat.
But the question is, why haven’t they
called an election yet? "I have no idea why they haven't called an
election," University of Guelph political science professor Judith McKenzie told the Guelph
Mercury last week. "It's a real guessing
game."
McKenzie though had a potential answer as
to why. "I haven't heard the buzz that there's a huge push to have by-election,"
she added. Since Chamberlain’s retirement, the riding has been represented by
Kitchener Centre MP Karen Redman and Chamberlain’s old constituency office on Cork St. has
remained open.
In the meantime, the candidates aren’t
wasting anytime by hosting big named guests and hitting each other where it
counts: the issues.
It’s Not Easy Being Green
Conservative candidate Gloria Kovach fired
off a salvo at Liberal Frank Valeriote last Wednesday saying that Valeriote “did
not agree with investments in green technology.” Apparently, in an interview
given for a Guelph Mercury article last March, Valeriote express his
“disdain” for green technology saying, “Government shouldn’t help industries
invest in green technologies. Instead, the government should place a cap on
greenhouse gas emissions.”
“The Liberal policy on climate change has
evolved through open debate and discussion and includes helping industry adopt
new, greener technologies through the Advanced Manufacturing Prosperity Fund,
part of the Liberal platform,” said Valeriote in response to my e-mail asking
him about the press release. “I have said this in the past and continue to
believe in a comprehensive response, including helping industries, regardless
of what has been said otherwise.”
Meanwhile, the Kovach press release went on
to say that instead of investing in green technology, Valeriote is a staunch
supporter of Stéphane Dion’s “Tax Everything” plan. There’s even a link to the
Conservative’s non-too-subtle “Will You be Tricked” website where the talking
oil stain tells you to beware of carbon taxes because “it’s a tax on
everything.” The ads were a matter of some controversy when they began airing
last month as Conservatives had originally intended to have the ad aired at
some gas stations around Southern Ontario, including Guelph.
Valeriote added that there will be more
news to come about the Liberal approach to the environment. “Over the coming
months you will see the Liberal Party's response to our need for a
comprehensive climate change plan. I have advocated for a comprehensive plan to
address global warming every time I have been asked since I was nominated as
the Federal Liberal candidate for Guelph.”
In the meantime, Kovach was bringing a lot
of headliners to town last weekend for a barbecue fundraiser in Exhibition Park. The
Guest of Honour was The Hon. John Baird, Member of Parliament for Ottawa West-Nepean
and, more importantly, the Minister of the Environment.
Get Down with NDPs
Meanwhile, across the political spectrum,
NDP candidate Tom King hosted a few of his party’s MPs from Ontario at his
campaign office on Woolwich. Members of the public were invited to meet David
Christopherson (Hamilton Centre), Chris Charlton (Hamilton Mountain),
Irene Mathyssen (London-Fanshawe), Peggy Nash (Parkdale-High Park), and
Paul Dewar (Ottawa Centre) and enjoy some fair trade coffee and snacks.
Howard, We Hardly Knew Ye
Finally, Guelph Beat salutes Howard Hampton
for his retirement after 12 years as provincial NDP leader. I will always
remember Hampton for his campaign stunts from the 2003 election which included
trying to nail Jell-o to a wall and having a flat-bed truck with big dollar
sign bags drive away down the street. I can’t remember the point he was trying
to make, but those were good gags. Hampton will continue to sit as MPP till the
2011 election.
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