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Qrono Weekly Times, Wednesday, December 17,-2003 - 7 Viewpoint by Alex Shepherd, MP Durham So boring Well Mr. Martin has finally finally completed his long journey journey to 24 Sussex Dr. There is no question that his dedication and determination determination has vaulted him to the Prime Minister's Office and that was something that had always eluded his father. There is not a caucus member member who does not owe Paul Martin some sort of favour. So now that he's the boss what can we expect in Ottawa. I think in some real terms it is the kind of government government the baby boomers want. Canadians want a government government which operates efficiently efficiently and is less intrusive to Canadians. A government dedicated to making sure the Health Care system works more effectively for us and our aging parents. And a government that will remind us as we approach retirement that we should work toward reducing personal income taxes so that we have more disposable income to deal with the challenges of a changing lifestyle. A Martin government will also tackle the problems stemming from urban gridlock gridlock and ensure our kids have access to affordable quality post-secondary education. education. These are all laudable goals that would round out most Canadians' wish lists. After all, it is Christmas and the time for wish lists. Mr. Martin's choice of cabinet, while on the whole positive, has a few areas of concern that possibly the average reader of the news would not immediately pick up. First, there is the choice of representatives from Quebec. Many of these have a history of being nationalist. Many of us in Ontario don't understand the theory that you can be a Quebec nationalist nationalist at the same time as being a dedicated Canadian. While this may sound good in theory, in practice, it means representatives in Ottawa are advocates of secular secular interests in Quebec instead of the promotion of a national Pan-Canadian vision. Changes in Heritage and Intergovernmental Affairs may prove problematic and even lead to stoking the flames of separatism yet again. Remember, Mr. Martin did not support the. Clarity Bill. Then there is the whole issue of closer relations with the U.S., whatever that means. I think we couldn't get much closer unless we were sitting on their lap. In reality the U.S. administration administration will pursue their own interests (often not even in the best interest of Americans) to the exclusion of all other nations. World leaders would take more notice of us if we pursued pursued a more independent policy stance. Another issue of concern is Justice. Irwin Cutler a human rights lawyer from Montreal would be very supportive supportive of same-sex marriages. marriages. We know the Charter of Rights and Freedoms has propelled Canada to the forefront forefront of world human rights equality. Irrespective of your views the simple fact of the matter is Canadian society, as yet, just isn't willing to go as far as the Charter dictates. Over 6000 returned ballots ballots to my office opposing same-sex marriages is a clear indication for me that the people of Durham don't want to go there just yet. As a result I think the choice of Mr. Cutler as justice minister will eventually prove to be divisive. With this exception it would appear we have a competent administrator in Ottawa. Martin's administration is kind of like a league of accountants and bank managers, managers, financially competent and generally acting with integrity, but oh so boring. fMay the warmth and wonder of this joyous season embrace you and yours, now and throughout the year. % our (oyaCfriends and customers, thanfyoufor your vaCued patronage. From Directors & Staff at Durham Farmers" County Co-op j"' if i.i !,■ " - : ,/, v v.v :,:j ; : : ; : iJ|W lll,l! îiiipf® Â 1111 ■ ■**' ' ■ ■ l ( i<! ! I;':.!- I 1 .' ' ;.!■ "!n 1 I ' 'i i ' ' ' ' hi y from Moe, Betty and staff of Ayren Links Golf Course Pro Shop open every day from 10am ■ 3pm till Christmas Eve. Watch for our BIG BOXING DAY BLOW OUT Dec. 26th to Dec. 31st!