Editorial columnist hasty in awarding riding to Goodale |
I write in response to editorial comments on my political candidacy by Murray Mandryk and Bob Hughes. On June 3, Mandryk referred to me as "cannon fodder."
Although Ralph Goodale is a formidable opponent, there are significant chinks in his armour. For example, the federal government made deals with Nova Scotia and Newfoundland limiting how much equalization they lose due to their energy production. Because Goodale, as Finance Minister, emphatically refuses to extend this agreement to Saskatchewan, this province is unfairly losing about $300 million per year to the federal government. The few million dollars spent on small federal projects for which Goodale claims personal credit pale in comparison to this figure. The federal NDP is fighting to get Saskatchewan the same equalization deal as the maritime provinces.
Since the election call, all Wascana candidates were invited to a forum at Jack Mackenzie School hosted by Student Vote 2004 on May 26 and to a debate at the Glen Elm Library hosted by Transport 2000 on June 9. I participated in both events and look forward to more. Goodale did not attend either event and is resisting attempts to arrange further all-candidate debates.
If Goodale is as superior to his opponents as Mandryk suggests, why wonÕt he debate us? If Goodale is as confident as Mandryk argues he should be, what is he afraid of?
On June 8, Bob Hughes poked fun at me for not taking seriously the issue of goose poop in Wascana Park. While I appreciate his humour, I wish to clarify my position.
Contrary to Hughes's allegation, I have never said that the geese are "really a provincial issue." What I have argued, as someone who grew up just north of the Park in Arnheim Place, is that the benefits of having majestic Canada geese there far outweigh the costs of their feces.
ERIN M.K. WEIR
Weir is the NDP candidate in the riding of Wascana.
Regina