The Ontario election is over

Did the result of the election tell us anything?  It would be easy to say that the Libs loss of seats tells us that their decisions on our economy have been wrongheaded and they paid the price for them.  But this was a government seeking a third term, almost an unknown concept in Ontario, so was it policy or timing?

The Cons started the campaign 10 points ahead of the Libs in the polls and ended up four points back in the vote.  But they picked up seats.  This is truly a mixed message so what does it mean?  Did the Cons lose steam, get out politicked or just run an anemic campaign.  Probably a mixture of all three.

What of the Dippers?  They picked up seats and popular vote.  Was it their policy statements, a hangover from the federal Orange Crush or their personable leader?  I doubt it was their policies because no one actually believed they could increase costs without raising revenue and still reduce the deficit.  Orange Crush and leader?  Probably.

So what does this mean for Ontario?  Is Hudak toast for his wooden campaign style?  No.. at least not for now.  Will McGuinty retire before the end of this term, what ever that term will be  in this minority situation?  Probably but not for sure.  Will the Cons do the right thing for Ontarians by supporting the minority government as we lift ourselves out of deficit?  Probably not... in fact, NO.

Will one or more Dippers cross the floor to the Libs?  Probably not.  Will one or more of the Cons do the dance?  Possibly.


Will the uber-right-wing of the Cons, namely Hillier and McLaren, make headway in their attempt to out-right the right?  Only is Hudak is dumb enough to allow it.  Will the nutty-right of H & M try to split the Con party.  Frigging right they will.  Will it happen?  Who knows?  Remember the Reform Party?

Will Ontarians wake up one day as a colony of the country of Alberta?

It is time to take the politics OUT of politics

I have been watching very closely the lead up to the October election here in Ontario.  There is NO party that deserves to be elected.  They all stink!

Take the ruling Libs.  They have been in power for two terms now and are the people of Ontario better off?  I would say not.  Is it all their fault?  I would say not.  The world-wide financial mess certainly put a dent in things.  Could they have done better throughout the recession?  In my opinion, the answer is yes.

In business a recession is a time to get your house in order and pound the streets looking for opportunity; even if the opportunity is outside the next quarter.  After all, what else do you have to do with your time?

Did the government try to get their house in order during the recession?  Well Yes and No.  While they spent bags and bags of money they did not have to fix up old, and build new, infrastructure; thus creating work for pavers and builders; they really failed at the business of identifying new opportunities for the long term.  Oh sure, they will point to the Green Energy Act and I can agree that it will create some new employment, but what about the million other unemployed Ontarians.

But let's not just focus on the Libs.  The Cons and the Dippers are no better when it comes to having ideas.

The Cons, especially, are a party of whiners.  I always told my kids that it was easier to be a critic than an author.  What are the Cons promising to do for Ontario after October?  They tell us that they will kill the Green Energy Act, remove the HST on heating fuels, cancel the debt servicing charge on hydro bills, invest in healthcare, education and every other hot button that will get them elected - and not raise taxes.  Not raise taxes?  You have to be brain dead to believe that one... unless, no it is not possible... maybe they will just renege on all the promises once elected.  Wouldn't be the first time it was done.

The NDP?  On their web site the NDP leader is quoted with this, "You know the status quo isn’t working for you. You know it’s time for change. It’s your chance to demand the Ontario you want.  In this election, you can stick with the same tired ideas that you know aren’t working, that make your life more expensive, and your province less fair or you can pick change that puts people first."  Then the site goes on to lay out the platform.  End this fee, end that charge, freeze that charge, cut out consultants and get us on track to balance the budget.  How and by when?  No mention of that!  Did they mention holding down the wage increases of public servants?  What do you think.

Politics trumping politics?  It is a sad choice for Ontarians.