A Clear And Present Danger?

Only for some, I'm happy to report.

A Good Start To The Week

It is always gratifying to begin the week reading the thoughts of engaged Canadians who see through the thinly-veiled lies of the Harper cabal. In this morning's Star, three letter-writers address the topic of Bill C-520, a 'private member's bill' proposed by Conservative MP Mark Adler, about which I have previously written.

Enjoy:

Watchdogs present united front against Tory disclosure bill, Feb. 26

Conservative MP Mark Adler’s claim that the desire for “transparency” is behind his private member’s bill is completely fraudulent. The bill would require all employees of the so-called “watchdog” agencies – like auditor-general’s office, the ethics commissioner, and Elections Canada — to declare any prior political affiliations or activities, going back 10 years.

It sounds harmless enough, even reasonable. But it’s not. The bill’s real purpose has nothing to do with transparency; it’s to give the government the legal authority to interfere in the business of these agencies – which are already sworn to neutrality – and to expose their employees and their activities to constant partisan challenges from the party in power.

Together with the bill on electoral reform, Adler’s proposal is yet another of the prime minister’s Trojan horses, a devious attempt to undermine the neutrality of the very institutions whose independence we depend on for good governance.

Paul Wilson, Heathcote

As I read this article on Bill C-520 it struck me that we are returning to the Joseph McCarthy era when people who had a Communist Party past or any link to communism were labelled “Commies.” Many wonderful people were grilled about past associations and careers were ruined and jobs lost.

Do we really want a bill that prevents anyone with past “partisan activity” from holding parliamentary watchdog positions? I’m afraid what that bill really means is that only Conservatives need apply.

Elaine Faye, Brampton

Are you sure it was introduced by an MP named Adler and not a senator named McCarthy?

Edward Barber, Unionville

How The Mighty Are Fallen

Anne Kingston, a writer for Maclean's, offers a peek at her upcoming exposé of Wadena's Wayward Woman and her fall from grace:

Breaking News: Despite her continued protestations of having done nothing wrong, Wallin has just repaid another $100K, accompanied by the following statement:

“Although I fundamentally disagree with the methodology used in arriving at that figure, particularly since the amount was calculated using newly created rules to examine past expenses, I do not want to burden the people of Canada and, in particular the people of Saskatchewan, by engaging in a protracted legal debate about the matter”.

“I wish to make it clear. I was not treated fairly by the Deloitte review, which was not conducted in accordance with generally accepted accounting principle, nor have I been treated fairly by the Senate Committee. Evidence that casts doubt on the correctness of the amounts owing was either ignored or disregarded during the review.”