A18 - North Shore News - Sunday, April 24, 2011
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The Canucks have their eye on Lord Stanley’s trophy and each of the political parties is courting your vote in advance of the election on May 2. In B.C., at least, electioneering has been overshadowed by the Canucks’ run for the Stanley Cup. Before we head to the polls, let’s take a look at what each of the political parties is promising seniors in this election. Then it’s back to cheering for the Canucks. Obviously, a comprehensive review of the policies of each of the parties isn’t possible here; instead, let’s do a little cherry picking from the platforms of each of the four major parties to find what our politicians think will appeal to seniors in this election. First up are the Conservatives. The Conservative election platform is titled “Jails and Jets.” I’m just kidding, it’s actually titled “Here for Canada,” but speaking of a law and order agenda, the Conservative platform does have a provision that is intended to reduce the number of crimes committed against elderly Canadians. The Conservatives are promising to add
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Older & Wiser Tom Carney
vulnerability due to age to the list of aggravating factors to be considered by the courts when sentencing criminals who commit offences against seniors. The Green Party platform, as you might expect, is focused on a smart economy, strong communities, true democracy and a green vision. Their platform is a little light on specific policies for seniors but their policy of respecting living wills is as unique as their approach to politics. There is a lot of overlap between the platforms of the NDP and the Liberals. In fact, these days, all of the major parties seem comfortable borrowing planks from their political rivals. As an example, all three major national parties are promising to boost the Guaranteed Income Supplement for the country’s
poorest seniors. There is something for everyone in the NDP platform. “Life has never been more expensive,” says Jack Layton, leader of the NDP. “It’s time we take the pressure off the household budget.” It’s not surprising, then, that the NDP slogan for this campaign is “Give your Family a Break.” The NDP policy of lowering household costs on energy bills and giving tax credits for retrofits to homes to accommodate family members has been a winner for them. So, if you want to move mom and dad into that basement suite and keep them warm and cozy at night, the NDP is there to help. The Liberals call their campaign platform the “Liberal Family Pact.” What caught my eye here wasn’t any one policy in the pact per se, but a promise. Throughout the campaign, the Liberals have tried to portray the Conservatives as secretive and autocratic, even undemo-
cratic. If elected, the Liberals say they will begin the hard work of restoring the credibility of Parliament and reconnecting Parliament to the people it serves. Those very same Liberals have, of course, not so very long ago, faced ethical challenges of their own. They lost power to the Conservatives, partly as a result of the Adscam scandal in Quebec. Still, I think the Liberals may be on to something here. Regardless of our political affiliation, I believe most Canadians, would welcome a little more accountability from our elected officials and Parliament. I’d trade a little transparency and openness in government for a roomful of election promises, any day. Tom Carney is the co-ordinator of the Lionsview Seniors’ Planning Society. Ideas for future columns are welcome. Contact him at 604-985-3852 or send an email to lions_view@telus.net.
what’s going on for seniors Brain Circuit: A variety of game stations to challenge the five key areas of the brain, Wednesdays, April 27-June 8, 11:45 a.m.-1:45 p.m. at John Braithwaite Community Centre, 145 West First St., North Vancouver. Drop-in fee: $7. Info: 604-982-8330. — Compiled by Debbie Caldwell
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