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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1991-05-22, Page 4PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MAY 22,1991. Opinion A gift to last Critics of the government of Brian Mulroney may quibble over just what the legacy of the government will be but if the Prime Minister can pull off one of the promises of last week’s Throne Speech, there can be no doubt the Canadian public will have at least one thing they can agree this government did well. The Throne Speech promised to end "over-zealous partisanship, of empty posturing and feigned outrage" in Parliament by bringing in reforms. One of the moves that is supposed to bring this about is to allow more "free votes" in the Commons, allowing members to vote with their conscience, instead of having to mind the party whip who makes sure members stop using their brains and follow party loyalties. There is no doubt Mr. Mulroney has already left his mark on the country. Some people will herald Free Trade as a great step forward while others will argue it's the beginning of the end of our distinctiveness. Some people feel he was trying to bridge the language gap with Meech Lake while others will argue that he created problems by his tactics. But who could argue that the P.M. has made a huge change in our country if he can indeed bring civilized debate to Parliament. Ever since television was allowed in the House of Commons, Canadians have been able to see just how embarrassing the running of government is in Canada. We've seen people storming the Speaker's chair, seen the practice of bell-ringing started by the Conservatives, then picked up by the Liberals. We’ve seen people speaking at length just to tie up the time of the House so it can't get on with a vote. What we haven't seen is what we elected our members to do: debate freely and openly on topics of importance to the country, then vote as each member sees fit. We like to think we have nearly 300 Members acting on our behalf but most can do little but follow party policy. First of all, the agenda is set by the government. Government members are supposed to all support a bill or get out. The Opposition, on the other hand, figures its job is to oppose - no matter what. Seldom do you see the Opposition have a good word to say about any policy. But there are fewer people that count than even that. Party policy is made by a select few in each party. The cabinet initiates legislation and though the caucus gets a say, generally what the cabinet wants, the cabinet gets. Likewise, policy for the Opposition is formed by the shadow cabinets of each party. It means that more than 200 of the Members of Parliament really don't have much say in what’s going on other than fighting for the rights of constituents against government bureaucracy. No matter how well researched their arguments, no matter how eloquent their speeches, they have little chance of changing the mood of Parliament. So the promised reforms are welcome, and long overdue. Whether they work or not remains to be seen. There have been many promises to reform Parliament in the past but things only seem to have gotten worse. The tendency to turn things into political cheapshots just can’t be overcome by some people - and unfortunately the Prime Minister, the man who now promises reform, is one of the worst offenders. It's a tall order to bring off the reforms he promises but if Mr. Mulroney can do it, he stands the chance of restoring the respect of Canadians for himself and all politicians and helping renew optimism in the future of the country. A rare opportunity Residents of northern Huron are being given a rare opportunity to help guide the future of their communities at an upcoming meeting to organize the North Huron Community Development Area. Trends in the economy, many initiated outside the borders of our country, let alone our county, mean there will be big changes in store for Huron in the next few years. Whether we hold our own, improve our lot in life or sink beneath the waves of "progress" will depend a lot on the imagination of our own people. Our hidden resource is the collective initiative of our best people. If we work together we can solve many of the problems ahead. The meeting June 5 is at least a place to start. Spring scent maker Looking Backward ONE YEAR AGO MAY 23,1990 A 63 -year-old Brussels man was drowned following a boating acci­ dent on Lake Huron, about three miles south of Kincardine. Theodore Kumm of Church St. and Lome McTeer, 34, of Chepstow were transported to Kincardine and District Hospital where they were pronounced dead. Both men were participating in the CKNX Fishing Derby. A little of Morris Township his­ tory came to an end as Clegg's School, S. S. #5, located on Con­ cession 5 is being tom down. Built in 1870, the school was completely renovated in 1901 by James Hill of Blyth at a total cost of $ 1,020. B.J. deJong, along with her hus­ band Thys held their grand opening of the Walton Tea Room. Bessie Johnston of RR2, Blue­ vale was named the Citizen of the Year for the Brussels area. Mrs. Johnston is perhaps best known to many for her long service as co­ ordinators of the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre Cater­ ing Group. THREE YEARS AGO MAY 18,1988 The normal routine of the day was enlivened for students at East Wawanosh Public School when a tornado passed within a mile of the school, sending the children into the halls for protection. The funnel touched down about a mile from the school near a bush. No damage was reported from the tornado. More than 80 representatives of the local trucking industry met in Blyth to hear MTC Area Enforce­ ment Officer Adam Alderson explain to them just exactly what is in store for them when tough new federal and provincial trucking reg­ ulations come into force. FIVE YEARS AGO MAY 21,1986 Blyth was to have a new parking lot in use before the opening of the Blyth Festival, according to plans approved by Village Council. The new lot was behind the stores on the east side of main street, south of Continued on page 6. The Citizen P.O. Box 429, BLYTH, Ont. N0M 1H0 Phone 523-4792 FAX 523-9140 P.O Box 152, BRUSSELS, Ont. NOG 1H0 Phone 887-9114 FAX 887-9021 the Citizen is published weekly in Brussels, Ontario by North Huron Publishing Company Inc. Subscriptions are payable in advance at a rate of $2O.5O/year ($19.16 plus $1.34 G.S.T.] for local; $41.73/year ($39.00 plus $2.73 G.S.T.] for local letter carrier in Goderich, Hanover, Listowel, etc. and out-of-area (40 miles from Brussels]; $60.00/year for U.S.A, and Foreign. Advertising is accepted on the condition that in the event of a typographical error, only that portion of the advertisement will be credited. Advertising Deadlines: Monday, 2 p.m. - Brussels; Monday, 4 p.m. - Blyth. We are not responsible for unsolicited newscripts or photographs. Contents of The Citizen are © Copyright. Serving Brussels, Blyth, Auburn, Belgrave, Ethel, Londesborough, Walton and surrounding townships. Editor & Publisher, Keith Roulston Production Manager, Jill Roulston Advertising Manager, Dave Williams Second Class Mail Registration No. 6968