Wind-down Observations for the year

Cautious, working together and positivity good

As we come to the end of a year of huge change, we should review and assess how we might improve for the year ahead and make some New Year's resolutions.

It is amazing how fast a situation can change, even in politics, as with the recent American Election.
The same can happen in Canada too. Although it is difficult to be patient, we must remain assured that things will change.

Change is the essence of life, and positivity is contagious. Let's hope the current signs of change and cooperation are for real. It's good to be cautious but we also need to work together and to be positive!

As told biblically the "mighty fall fast" too; even rich, untouchable Alberta is talking about a deficit for the coming year, and the latest news indicates that Mr. Harper and Mr. Flaherty are predicting a 30 billion dollar deficit.

Hopefully we have learned that we must not live beyond our means, or we may soon be in more trouble. Let's all be responsible, auditable, considerate and inclusive, as appears to be the trend in the international arena. Hopefully the G7/8 will want to also share the wealth too, as soon as the international crisis is resolved.

Of course, we should always remember that we're dealing with people, whether local or further away, and if we're not too hung up on the bottom line, it will work out. Another laudable outcome will likely be improved communities.

A couple of regrets I have (as I suspect Mr. Flaherty and Mr. Harper have too), is that we had that 13 billion dollar surplus which the Liberals had in place when turning over government; and that the 2% GST was still in place; which would sure have helped now, and in fact would likely have resulted in balanced, instead of deficit budgets over the next couple of years.

It's also seems to me that the seven weeks of inaction from the government not sitting, and not dealing with the crisis will have contributed to worsening the crisis! Also, I must confess disappointment that our MP, Mr. Casson, excused himself as not having time for a debate which our illustrious SACPA attempted to arrange for December 30 to discuss the prorogation of Parliament.
Hopefully we can expect more from him in the New Year.

At this special time would like to wish everyone the best of the season and for the New Year. If you have any concerns or suggestions you would like to discuss I may be contacted by email at mgcormic@telus.net or at (403) 381-7635.

With best wishes always,

Michael Cormican

*HOW QUICKLY THE TIDE CAN TURN*

How how quickly the situation can change. As I suggested in my last blog we need to be careful of our approach since it can come back to haunt us. Little did I realize the Canadian political atmosphere would change so fast for Mr. Harper. Assess or call it whatever we want but some will say he deserved to have the tables turned on him. Was it a momentary slip on his part or ineptitude or are we seeing more of the real Mr. Harper?

A couple of sayings come to mind; one – we can only lie for so long and another is “the zebra doesn’t change his stripes”. Seems like Mr. Harper could not help himself, obviously believing he was on a roll and lacking wisdom to realize he didn’t have a majority government. Thankfully he didn’t and I suspect many are thinking and feeling similar too.

Thankfully too the opposition had more stamina than Mr. Harper estimated and hopefully more Canadians realize better what his real intentions are. I can imagine if he had got away with his assault on democracy how much of his agenda would be rammed down our throats. Good reason to keep on the alert.

Many who supported Mr. Harper must be wondering how they could allow themselves to be taken-in. Hopefully he will not get away with as many stunts from hereon and I hope all Liberals will stand behind our new Opposition Leader, Michael Ignatieff and hopefully when Parliament resumes it will be more interesting and civil and hopefully too, the budget will be more user-friendly and reflect and deal with issues, especially the faltering economy and people.

Michael Cormican