Well, it must be close to the federal elections in Canada. The government just announced $3 billion in universal benefit payments being sent out to families this month. It just happens that the announcement comes before the planned October federal election. On top of which, the federal Minister responsible, Pierre Poilievre, gives a press conference announcing the pay-out dressed in a blue shirt with the Conservative party crest clearly emblazoned on it. No partisan politics here! This is not the first time that Mr. Poilievre has posed as the party cheerleader while serving as a Minister of Cabinet. After all, he is Prime Minister Harper’s designated errand boy. In addition, Mr. Poilievre had earlier referenced the rollout of these cheques as being similar to Christmas in July. Of course, he forgot to mention that, as taxable benefits, millions of the dollars paid-out will be returned to federal coffers come next tax collection.
In the past, the federal Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner has criticized the use of Conservative party logos on cheques and other props during previous federal government announcements. Here we have a ruling party that has no qualms about using tax-payers’ money to market their political brand. In terms of informing Canadians of government policies and programs, there is a legitimate role to play for Cabinet members and institutions. However, one has to question recent television and radio ads and public gatherings that say very little about the policies and programs themselves, and obviously more about the party in power. All that’s missing are the pom-poms and mascots. Although Mr. Poilievre could certainly qualify as a party mascot — perhaps a weasel.
I can’t say that I have a lot of faith in the Canadian electorate. I can only hope that those that do vote will see the overt attempt to buy our votes. Canada’s economy is in obvious trouble. One has to ask if this is the right time to be handing out universal benefits as if money were growing on the trees surrounding Parliament Hill? I thought that this was a Government promising to balance the budget next year. Instead, this is a desperate Government whose only aim is to win the next election, no matter what the costs. So much for conservative fiscal management! So much for Government accountability! So much for Conservative promises!
FROLITICKS 