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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2005-05-18, Page 44 Exeter Times—Advocate Wednesday, May 18, 2005 =CNA Editorial Opinion TIMES ADVOCATE PUBLICATIONS MAIL REGISTRATION NUMBER 07511 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP), toward our mailing casts. Jim Beckett Publisher and Editor Deb Lord Production Manager &Published by Metroland Printing, rt Publishing & Distributing Ltd. Metroland 424 Main Street South, P.O. Box 850 Exeter, Ontario NOM 1S6 • (519) 235-1331 EDITORIAL Let's vote Since events of recent weeks have turned Canada's federal government into a laugh- able farce, there seems no reasonable choice other than to call a June election. Paul Martin and the Liberals are unable to govern anymore — that fact was made clear last week by the passing of a motion by the Conservatives that the government resign. Ever since, Parliament has been thrown into complete chaos, unable to do anything amid a series of name-calling and accusa- tions. This is all fun stuff and fodder for much discussion by television's talking heads, but enough is enough. Despite evidence to the contrary, this country does actually need some leadership and a government to run it. Martin's minority has survived nearly a year — longer than many predicted — although not much has been accomplished. And while Canadians overwhelmingly don't want a late spring or early summer election, the events of last week show an election is necessary whether we want one or not. The problem is, recent polls indicate another minority government — what remains to be seen is whether it will be the Liberals or the Conservatives coming out on top. One thing you can take to the bank is the fact that the loser (Martin or Harper) will lose his job as party leader. For many reasons, a minority government should work well, forcing parties to com- promise and work together. However, the current crop of politicians in Ottawa have shown they're unable and unwilling to do that. One party tries desperately to hold onto power, while the other is just as des- perate to seize it. So what happens if there is another minority government? Will anyone be allowed to govern? Would the Liberals, NDP and Bloc allow a victorious Conservative party to accomplish anything? Likewise, would the Conservatives accept another defeat or continue the politicking of last week? p. It's time to draw up the papers There comes a time in some relationships, when at least one of the participants realizes that it's over. For whatever reason, the relationship has become unhealthy, even dangerous for one or both of them. At that point a decision has to be made. Does the relation- ship continue to its inevitable conclusion, spiraling down and destroying everything with it? Or do they admit what is obvious to everyone around them and go their separate ways? And at this point in time, it is time for Canada to admit our relationship to Quebec is more than just unhealthy, it is destructive to the country. The political sewage seeping out of the Gomery Inquiry is evidence to say the relation- ship is fatally flawed. In their attempt to hold Quebec in Canada, the federal Liberal Party is destroying not just its own soul, but a belief in the political process and ultimately the country itself. But it is not just the Liberals who have their eyes fixed firmly on Quebec, as was evident when Brian Mulroney and the Progressive Conservatives climbed into bed with the sepa- ratists. Political parties of all stripes are unable to ignore the carrot of the Quebec vote along with the stick of separatism, and are incapable of acting for the good of the country as a whole, leaving the rest of the country reduced to regionalism and fighting for what- ever is left over. Before the well-worn argument is rolled out that Canada could never survive without Quebec, the ques- tion has to be asked, can Canada survive with Quebec? Beyond the sky is falling hype about the day after for Canada without Quebec, are questions and answers that have never been fully faced up to. The first would be a Liberal party that might again be a national party that looks at the country equally, instead of selling itself to one province. A new Canada might be able to have a prime minis- ter from a province other than Quebec or Ontario, something that since 1968 has happened for only 15 months under the combined time in office of Kim Campbell and Joe Clark, the only prime ministers from outside Quebec and Ontario. With the inevitable squalling about the east- ern provinces falling away to join the United States, the answer is why would the U.S. add territory likely to be as much of an economic burden for it as they have been for Canada, as well as the added security problems. While Alberta might be an attractive option as the 51st state, Canada without Quebec would lessen the traditional western com- plaint of being ignored, strengthening what has been the always stated Liberal goal of a strong united Canada. Another positive would be without the gov- ernment -enforced weight of bilingualism, Canada's true multicultural heritage will be allowed to flower naturally whether it is French, English or any of the other dozens of languages Canada is blessed to enjoy. The Liberals say they want a united Canada. The arguments are over. It's time to draw up the divorce papers, while there is still a Canada left to divorce from. PAT B BACK 40 VIEW OLEN About the Times -Advocate Address & Office Hours Times -Advocate, 424 Main Street South, P.O. Box 850, Exeter, Ontario NOM 1S6. Our office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Closed on Holidays. 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For example, Jim Beckett's e-mail address is <jbeck- ett@southhuron.com> Our general e-mail address is ads@southhuron.com. The Times -Advocate Team Publisher/Editor Jim Beckett ext. 109 ADVERTISING Deborah Schillemore ext. 112 REPORTERS Scott Nixon ext. 105 Pat Bolen ext. 113 Stephanie Mandziuk ext. 107 CUSTOMER SERVICE Sue Rollings ext. 101 Kim Hern ext. 102 COMPOSITION DEPARTMENT Manager Deb Lord ext 114/103 Sharlene Young, ext 103 Heather Bilcke ext. 103 ACCOUNTING STAFF Anita McDonald ext. 104 Ruth Slaght ext. 106 Christina Scott ext. 108 Marg Pertschy ext. 111