The Ontario Election campaign began this Wednesday as leaders start their travels across this great province and give press releases on their promises. PC leader, Tim Hudak, started the campaign off with an appearance on CTV's Power Play and CBC's Power and Politics. In both interviews Hudak promised several key things to help taxpayers in Ontario and the economy:
*Income tax reduction by 5% on the first $75,000 of income
*Cancel the eco-tax
*Double the Caregiver Tax Credit
*Remove the HST from hydro bills
*Remove the HST from home heating
*Remove the Debt Retirement Charge on home heating
*Reduction in government red tape by 30%
*Efficient business-government service standards
*Choice over the mandatory Smart Meter pricing
*Open bidding on government contracts
*Reduction the business tax rate by 10%
Additionally, Hudak promised:
Introduction of patient-orientated reforms
*Increase health care investments by $6 billion
*Improve monitoring on the performance of health care via a website for client reviews
*Introduce wait-time guarantees
*More doctors
*Investments in home care
*Eliminate fraud and waste in health care by stopping scandals (e.g. e-Health) and by reducing the amount of administration
Education:
*$2 billion more on education
*Eliminate administration waste
*Full-day kindergarten for all schools
*Expand the use of technology in schools (e.g. eBooks)
*Create 60,000 post-secondary spaces.
*Increase the amount of available financial aid
*Eliminate the Foreign Scholarship Program and reinvest the savings in Ontario students
Hudak strongly feels that time for change is needed in Ontario. With corrupt scandals of the Liberals, a ballooning deficit, runaway spending, and an economy struggling it is time to replace the Liberals with a PC government.
Blue Youth asks all members and supporters to assist in any way possible. Contact the riding association, (705) 653-3144, to obtain a lawn sign and request to volunteer.
Blue Youth Logo
Friday, September 9, 2011
9/11 Commemoration
This Sunday, September 11, 2011 will mark the tenth commemoration of the tragic events of 9/11 where terrorists hijacked four civilian airliners, flew two into the World Trade Centers, one into the Pentagon, and another crashed into a field.
Massive gatherings will be held across the United States, Canada, and the world to commemorate the event.
President Obama wrote an open leader to Prime Minister Harper thanking Canadians for their help and support during and following the horrific events. Obama continued by recalling the "comfort of friendship and extraordinary assistance".
Many acts of kindness presented themselves during and with the aftermath of 9/11. This can be clearly seen with the act of generosity by the citizens of Gander, Newfoundland who donated clothing, food and their homes to thousands of http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifinternational travels when planes where diverted from American airspace.
We all hope that all Canadians will take the time to watch part or all of the tributes being broadcasted this Sunday and take a moment of silence to remember all of those who were lost.
Terrorism is still a top security concern for governments all over the world including Canada. Prime Minister Harper has vowed to reintroduce tough on crime bills and anti-terrorism legislation to further protect Canadians.
A timeline of events can be seen at CTV
Massive gatherings will be held across the United States, Canada, and the world to commemorate the event.
President Obama wrote an open leader to Prime Minister Harper thanking Canadians for their help and support during and following the horrific events. Obama continued by recalling the "comfort of friendship and extraordinary assistance".
Many acts of kindness presented themselves during and with the aftermath of 9/11. This can be clearly seen with the act of generosity by the citizens of Gander, Newfoundland who donated clothing, food and their homes to thousands of http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifinternational travels when planes where diverted from American airspace.
We all hope that all Canadians will take the time to watch part or all of the tributes being broadcasted this Sunday and take a moment of silence to remember all of those who were lost.
Terrorism is still a top security concern for governments all over the world including Canada. Prime Minister Harper has vowed to reintroduce tough on crime bills and anti-terrorism legislation to further protect Canadians.
A timeline of events can be seen at CTV
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Applauses All Around
This week applauses need to be extended to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Rick Norlock, MP Northumberland-Quinte West.
Firstly, PM Harper has managed to forge a free trade deal with Colombia that will be effective next week. With Latin America one of the fastest growing regions in the world and the United States economic recovery in doubt, extending our free trade partners is crucial to securing Canada's economic future. Canada, an exporting nation, is dependent on the world consuming our goods. Harper and the Conservatives are ensuring our economic viability by selling our goods to more markets abroad.
Secondly, PM Harper has represented our national interests abroad by giving Minister Baird the order to deport Libyan diplomats in Canada. This is another positive move to isolate the Libyan government as illegitimate and bring democracy to the rebels.
Lastly, Rick Norlock, MP Northumberland-Quinte West deserves recognition for hosting mobile offices throughout the riding this month. These offices are setup in all areas of the riding so Rick and his team can hear the concerns, comments, and questions from all constituents. Rick has hosted the mobile offices before and is a part of Rick's summer agenda of meeting with the constituents that re-elected him in the 2011 election.
Firstly, PM Harper has managed to forge a free trade deal with Colombia that will be effective next week. With Latin America one of the fastest growing regions in the world and the United States economic recovery in doubt, extending our free trade partners is crucial to securing Canada's economic future. Canada, an exporting nation, is dependent on the world consuming our goods. Harper and the Conservatives are ensuring our economic viability by selling our goods to more markets abroad.
Secondly, PM Harper has represented our national interests abroad by giving Minister Baird the order to deport Libyan diplomats in Canada. This is another positive move to isolate the Libyan government as illegitimate and bring democracy to the rebels.
Lastly, Rick Norlock, MP Northumberland-Quinte West deserves recognition for hosting mobile offices throughout the riding this month. These offices are setup in all areas of the riding so Rick and his team can hear the concerns, comments, and questions from all constituents. Rick has hosted the mobile offices before and is a part of Rick's summer agenda of meeting with the constituents that re-elected him in the 2011 election.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Economic Turmoil...Try Free Trade
The US debt ceiling crisis may have been averted, regardless S&P intends to downgrade the US AAA rating meaning it will cost more to service the existing debt and to borrow more money. This combined with the massive plunge in the markets yesterday indicates investors are still worried about the US and EU debt crisis that are still looming.
More of a concern to Canada would be an American default as 78.9% (2008) of all exports are destined for America, making the American market vital to Canada, an exporting nation. The scare tactics are out that if or when America goes down, Canada will follow. What possibly can the Canadian government do to avoid economic turmoil with the source of the problem a foreign nation?
Interestingly enough, the government already created an economic insurance policy for Canada and continues to do so. Mainly and simply through signing and working on free trade deals with countries aboard. The Harper government has introduced free trade deals with Latin America countries which have some of the highest GDP growths in the world.
Additionally, the government is working on a free trade deal with the EU and "relations" that could include freer trade with China. In 2008 when talks with the EU and Canada began, EU officials stated that within the first year of a free trade deal a "minimum of $40 billion dollars per year" would be exchanged. Impressive seeing $440 billion dollars per year is traded with America alone.
Free or freer trade with China would be even more beneficial as Chinese growth is hungry for limited resources, all of which Canada has (coal, oil, lumber, etc). For the first time in history, Canada sold more lumber at a higher rate to the Chinese than to the Americans in the second quarter of 2011.
The Harper government was introducing proactive steps before the crisis in 2008 and 2011 hit, allowing Canada to weather the economic storm with relative ease. The old saying of not putting all your economic eggs in on economic trading partner's basket proves true.
Let’s make the market freer, allowing continued economic stability and growth for Canadian businesses and workers alike.
More of a concern to Canada would be an American default as 78.9% (2008) of all exports are destined for America, making the American market vital to Canada, an exporting nation. The scare tactics are out that if or when America goes down, Canada will follow. What possibly can the Canadian government do to avoid economic turmoil with the source of the problem a foreign nation?
Interestingly enough, the government already created an economic insurance policy for Canada and continues to do so. Mainly and simply through signing and working on free trade deals with countries aboard. The Harper government has introduced free trade deals with Latin America countries which have some of the highest GDP growths in the world.
Additionally, the government is working on a free trade deal with the EU and "relations" that could include freer trade with China. In 2008 when talks with the EU and Canada began, EU officials stated that within the first year of a free trade deal a "minimum of $40 billion dollars per year" would be exchanged. Impressive seeing $440 billion dollars per year is traded with America alone.
Free or freer trade with China would be even more beneficial as Chinese growth is hungry for limited resources, all of which Canada has (coal, oil, lumber, etc). For the first time in history, Canada sold more lumber at a higher rate to the Chinese than to the Americans in the second quarter of 2011.
The Harper government was introducing proactive steps before the crisis in 2008 and 2011 hit, allowing Canada to weather the economic storm with relative ease. The old saying of not putting all your economic eggs in on economic trading partner's basket proves true.
Let’s make the market freer, allowing continued economic stability and growth for Canadian businesses and workers alike.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Leader of the Opposition
Blue Youth members and supporters, along with Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the Conservative Party of Canada, and Canadians; would like to extend our condolences to NDP Leader Jack Layton. This week Mr. Layton announced that cancer has reappeared and he will temporarily step aside to regain his health. A new interim leader will be chosen this Thursday with Jack Layton in attendance via video conferencing. Jack Layton suggested that MP Nycole Turmel be the interim leader. We all hope Mr. Layton returns to the House on September 19 when the new session begins.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Canada Day
This week the most important issue is Canada Day. All celebrate and enjoy being in the best country in the world. A country of hope, opportunity, equality, and success. A country where all are equal in law and all are treated as neighbours and friends. A country which system of governance, health care, education, and infrastructure are some of the best in the world. A country where we all can be proud to be Canadian.
Happy Canada Day from Blue Youth
Canada; a country of greatness, a country of opportunity, a country of equality.
Happy Canada Day from Blue Youth
Canada; a country of greatness, a country of opportunity, a country of equality.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Conservative 2011 Convention
The Conservative Convention of 2011 is over and the overall consensus of the delegates at the convention coincides with the opinions of Blue Youth. The purpose of the convention was for Conservative delegates and spectators from all across Canada to meet and discuss many agenda items, including policy reform. While no major policy changes were introduced at the convention the future direction of the party leading up to the next election campaign in four years was established.
The focus of the party will be to solidify the base, securing another majority government and building the foundations for a larger majority in 2015. This decision is exactly what Blue Youth members want the Party to focus on. Until now, the Party has been forced to solely focus on policy and policy reform to attract enough voters to form a majority government. Now that the Conservatives have a majority government our primary focus is to maintain that majority and make it stronger. This can only be achieved effectively at the local riding level. All ridings will be encouraged by the Party to increase memberships with a focus on individuals that are younger.
This is where Blue Youth comes in and will be a vital player in increasing local Northumberland-Quinte West membership numbers with youth volunteers and members. As Blue Youth, we are excited to see that the Party is now focusing on the most fundamental part of the Conservative brand – its membership base and supporters.
The focus of the party will be to solidify the base, securing another majority government and building the foundations for a larger majority in 2015. This decision is exactly what Blue Youth members want the Party to focus on. Until now, the Party has been forced to solely focus on policy and policy reform to attract enough voters to form a majority government. Now that the Conservatives have a majority government our primary focus is to maintain that majority and make it stronger. This can only be achieved effectively at the local riding level. All ridings will be encouraged by the Party to increase memberships with a focus on individuals that are younger.
This is where Blue Youth comes in and will be a vital player in increasing local Northumberland-Quinte West membership numbers with youth volunteers and members. As Blue Youth, we are excited to see that the Party is now focusing on the most fundamental part of the Conservative brand – its membership base and supporters.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Improving Canadian Democracy
With the Throne Speech given and the Conservatives highlighting their priorities for the next 12 months, Blue Youth took particular attention to changing the number of seats in the House of Commons. We feel this is justified as Canada is a democracy meaning everyone should have the same voice in Canada, while still honoring certain conditions stated in the Canadian constitution.
A recent article by National Post columnist Lorne Gunter gave great insight into the disparity that is present in Canadian democracy.
The Conservatives propose to add 30 more seats to the House of Commons - 18 in Ontario, 7 in BC, and 5 in Alberta. The rationale? "Dividing the national population (about 34.5 million) by the number of seats in the Commons (308), yields an average of 112,000 residents per riding in Canada." If every province was to be treated equally "the value of a single vote would be 1.0".
However, on average, not all provinces are treated equal because of "constitutional floors" that ensure Quebec has 75 seats, regardless of population and the Atlantic provinces maintain the same amount of MPs as Senators. For example, in "Saskatchewan...each vote is worth 1.39. Ontario and Alberta - 0.91 and 0.92, respectively...[and] Prince Edward Island, where each vote is worth 2.88, is the most overrepresented."
By far you would think most Canadians believe in democracy so most would support such a move giving Ontario, Alberta, and BC more seats that they deserve. A recent poll conducted by CTV's Question Period found 69% of Canadians agreed with the Conservative government. This is very encouraging news that Canadians want to make parliament more fair.
Surprisingly, there is strong criticism against making parliament fairer. This criticism comes from the Official Opposition of the NDP and leader Jack Layton. Mr. Layton argues that Ontario, Alberta, and BC should get more seats but only if Quebec gets more seats. The amount of seats Quebec would gain would represent the same percentage as current in the House of Commons. He argues this is guaranteed to Quebec under the Canadian constitution. This is not true, Quebec is guaranteed 75 seats under the constitution but not guaranteed a certain percentage of all seats in the House of Commons.
With a Conservative majority in place it is without a doubt that this bill will pass but the Official Opposition should support the bill as well. If Jack Layton states he and his party support Canadian democracy then the New DEMOCRATIC Party should support this proposed change. We implore Jack Layton not to play partisan politics with his Quebec base but vote for the bill and stand up for Canadian democracy.
Parts of this post are sourced from Lorne Gunter's Making parliament fairer.
A recent article by National Post columnist Lorne Gunter gave great insight into the disparity that is present in Canadian democracy.
The Conservatives propose to add 30 more seats to the House of Commons - 18 in Ontario, 7 in BC, and 5 in Alberta. The rationale? "Dividing the national population (about 34.5 million) by the number of seats in the Commons (308), yields an average of 112,000 residents per riding in Canada." If every province was to be treated equally "the value of a single vote would be 1.0".
However, on average, not all provinces are treated equal because of "constitutional floors" that ensure Quebec has 75 seats, regardless of population and the Atlantic provinces maintain the same amount of MPs as Senators. For example, in "Saskatchewan...each vote is worth 1.39. Ontario and Alberta - 0.91 and 0.92, respectively...[and] Prince Edward Island, where each vote is worth 2.88, is the most overrepresented."
By far you would think most Canadians believe in democracy so most would support such a move giving Ontario, Alberta, and BC more seats that they deserve. A recent poll conducted by CTV's Question Period found 69% of Canadians agreed with the Conservative government. This is very encouraging news that Canadians want to make parliament more fair.
Surprisingly, there is strong criticism against making parliament fairer. This criticism comes from the Official Opposition of the NDP and leader Jack Layton. Mr. Layton argues that Ontario, Alberta, and BC should get more seats but only if Quebec gets more seats. The amount of seats Quebec would gain would represent the same percentage as current in the House of Commons. He argues this is guaranteed to Quebec under the Canadian constitution. This is not true, Quebec is guaranteed 75 seats under the constitution but not guaranteed a certain percentage of all seats in the House of Commons.
With a Conservative majority in place it is without a doubt that this bill will pass but the Official Opposition should support the bill as well. If Jack Layton states he and his party support Canadian democracy then the New DEMOCRATIC Party should support this proposed change. We implore Jack Layton not to play partisan politics with his Quebec base but vote for the bill and stand up for Canadian democracy.
Parts of this post are sourced from Lorne Gunter's Making parliament fairer.
Notice:
Please note that last week did not have a blog post due to technical issues with the Blue Youth website. Time was spent fixing the website issues, now resolved, instead of updating the blog. Blue Youth apologizes for any inconvenience caused by the technical issues. For an interesting article please view National Post Columnist Lorne Gunter's The real surge was Harper's.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Federal Budget 2011
This week the topic issue for Blue Youth is balancing the Budget. Fiscal conservatism is a key fundamental principle of the Conservative Party of Canada and Blue Youth as well. The national deficit needs to be eliminated as quickly as possible but without cutting spending to vital programs that Canadians need. The reintroduction of a deficit was with justice as the world was plunged into the worst economic despair since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Thankfully the Canadian economy was strong and managed to rebound quickly into recovery mode (and soon to be prosperity once again). The world was jealous of Canada; we were seen as an economic leader and an "economic star" by the Economist Magazine in Britain. The actions of the Prime Minister and the Conservative Party ensured Canada would remain strong.
However, now that the recovery is well in its way we need to focus on deficit reduction and eventually eliminating the public debt. The saying that no debt is good debt applies to governmental debt as well. If the public debt cannot be controlled Canada could face as serious problems as those of the USA or Britain. This will not be an issue however; the Conservatives will introduce a plan to eliminate the deficit before the next election. This year the deficit is already lower than projected and as the economic gains steam and the war in Afghanistan closes the deficit should be reduced even quicker.
Blue Youth believes the best way of eliminating the deficit is not the way the Liberals did back in the 1990s and 2000s. Huge cuts to transfers to the provinces left health care and education in trouble. Instead a strategic review of spending in all government departments is needed. If all departments cut administrative and additional spending by a mere 10% much of the deficit will be eliminated. Additionally continued economic growth, the end of the war, and the savings of no election for four years will assist. Another great way to save is to eliminate the political party vote subsidy that is pointless and wasteful.
Thankfully everything listed above is being done by the Conservatives with more clever ways of saving most likely to come.
However, now that the recovery is well in its way we need to focus on deficit reduction and eventually eliminating the public debt. The saying that no debt is good debt applies to governmental debt as well. If the public debt cannot be controlled Canada could face as serious problems as those of the USA or Britain. This will not be an issue however; the Conservatives will introduce a plan to eliminate the deficit before the next election. This year the deficit is already lower than projected and as the economic gains steam and the war in Afghanistan closes the deficit should be reduced even quicker.
Blue Youth believes the best way of eliminating the deficit is not the way the Liberals did back in the 1990s and 2000s. Huge cuts to transfers to the provinces left health care and education in trouble. Instead a strategic review of spending in all government departments is needed. If all departments cut administrative and additional spending by a mere 10% much of the deficit will be eliminated. Additionally continued economic growth, the end of the war, and the savings of no election for four years will assist. Another great way to save is to eliminate the political party vote subsidy that is pointless and wasteful.
Thankfully everything listed above is being done by the Conservatives with more clever ways of saving most likely to come.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Senator Appointments
This week the topic of focus for Blue Youth is Senate reform and the appointment of three Conservative Senators to the upper chamber by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
Quickly following the press meeting for announcing his new cabinet, Prime Minister Stephen Harper sent out a press release informing Canadians that three Conservative Senators have been appointed to the unelected Canadian senate. Blue Youth does not support having unelected Senators; however we do support the Prime Ministers decision to appoint these three senators.
The three appointees are: Quebec’s Larry Smith, Josee Verner, and Newfoundland’s Fabian Manning.
The reason for Blue Youth supporting this move is because the Prime Minister and the Conservative government must secure their majority in the Senate to ensure upcoming legislation will pass through the upper house effectively making the Senate an elected body.
Since becoming Prime Minister in 2006, Stephen Harper has strongly supported and advocated for Senate reform to make the unaccountable and unelected Senate more transparent and responsible to Canadians. However, with a minority mandate in the House of Commons and the Senate controlled by the Liberal Party, Senate reform was out of the question.
This road block has changed as of May 2, 2011. The government know has a strong mandate from the Canadian people with a majority in the House and a majority in the Senate. The reform of the Senate is on the way.
Blue Youth is looking forward to the upper chamber finally being elected and accountable to Canadians as all government should be.
Quickly following the press meeting for announcing his new cabinet, Prime Minister Stephen Harper sent out a press release informing Canadians that three Conservative Senators have been appointed to the unelected Canadian senate. Blue Youth does not support having unelected Senators; however we do support the Prime Ministers decision to appoint these three senators.
The three appointees are: Quebec’s Larry Smith, Josee Verner, and Newfoundland’s Fabian Manning.
The reason for Blue Youth supporting this move is because the Prime Minister and the Conservative government must secure their majority in the Senate to ensure upcoming legislation will pass through the upper house effectively making the Senate an elected body.
Since becoming Prime Minister in 2006, Stephen Harper has strongly supported and advocated for Senate reform to make the unaccountable and unelected Senate more transparent and responsible to Canadians. However, with a minority mandate in the House of Commons and the Senate controlled by the Liberal Party, Senate reform was out of the question.
This road block has changed as of May 2, 2011. The government know has a strong mandate from the Canadian people with a majority in the House and a majority in the Senate. The reform of the Senate is on the way.
Blue Youth is looking forward to the upper chamber finally being elected and accountable to Canadians as all government should be.
Monday, May 16, 2011
New Student Vote Intention
A new student vote intention outcome released May 6, 2011 by StudentVote.ca has positive results for the Conservative Party of Canada and Blue Youth. StudentVote.ca conducts polling for Canadian students all across the country. The purpose is to determine the outcome of a federal election if students were the only voters. In difference with common perception of youth in Canada, the Conservative would win an election with a minority government. Blue Youth finds this very encouraging and positive news, and adds purpose to Blue Youth's message. In response to this, Blue Youth asks all young Conservatives or conservatives in the riding association of Northumberland-Quinte West to visit our website (www.blueyouth) to find out more information on Blue Youth, the Conservative Party, and becoming involved in the political process. Lets make this great news even more impressive by having a youth-voted Conservative majority government.
Results:
Conservative Party = 130 seats (31% of vote)
New Democratic Party = 113 seats (26% of vote)
Liberal Party = 47 seats (19.7% of vote)
Bloc Quebecois = 6 seats (1.3% of vote)
Green Party = 5 seats (4.7% of vote)
Based on 563,114 ballots from 3,793 schools across 301 riding associations.
Source: http://studentvote.ca/news/student-vote-2011-results-updated/
Results:
Conservative Party = 130 seats (31% of vote)
New Democratic Party = 113 seats (26% of vote)
Liberal Party = 47 seats (19.7% of vote)
Bloc Quebecois = 6 seats (1.3% of vote)
Green Party = 5 seats (4.7% of vote)
Based on 563,114 ballots from 3,793 schools across 301 riding associations.
Source: http://studentvote.ca/news/student-vote-2011-results-updated/
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Election 2011 Outcome
For the week of May 9 to 15th, Blue Youth finds the outcome of the election the most important political topic. It is very encouraging and inspires optimism that the Conservative Party of Canada lead by Prime Minister Stephen Harper were given a clear, strong mandate to govern Canada with a Majority government. This sends a clear message to the Party and Blue Youth that the Conservative government policy, specifically on the economy, is being approved by Canadians. In addition, a strong message has been sent to the opposition coalition partners that Canadians want a government they elect through a true, fair and democratic election and not back-room deals made in contrast to what Canadians voted in. Blue Youth hopes and knows that the Conservative government will continue with the objectives once Ottawa resumes later this month. The second stage of Canada's Economic Action Plan is the top priority for the government as Canada emerges from this recession stronger and more united than ever before. Canada was called "an economic star" by the Economist Magazine and this can be attributed to the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Conservative Party of Canada.
In conclusion, Blue Youth wants to extend a great thank you to all that supported, donated, volunteered, and voted for the Conservative Party of Canada. As all Canadians look to the future we see strength, economic stability, and national unity.
Blue Youth
"Involving Youth in the Political Process"
www.blueyouth.ca
contactus@blueyouth.ca
In conclusion, Blue Youth wants to extend a great thank you to all that supported, donated, volunteered, and voted for the Conservative Party of Canada. As all Canadians look to the future we see strength, economic stability, and national unity.
Blue Youth
"Involving Youth in the Political Process"
www.blueyouth.ca
contactus@blueyouth.ca
Blog Updated and Weekly Posts
The Blue Youth blog has been updated and weekly posts will begin Sunday, May 15, 2011. Support Blue Youth by becoming a member or supporter, following our blog, joining our social networking pages (e.g. Facebook), and visiting our website: www.blueyouth.ca.
UPDATE: The weekly post updates will happen from Sunday to Tuesday on a regular weekly basis.
UPDATE: The weekly post updates will happen from Sunday to Tuesday on a regular weekly basis.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)