[The Run is The Tyee's election newsletter - you can subscribe here. I wrote this for a recent edition.]
Andrew Scheer’s harmless schtick has worked for 15 years as he’s avoided doing doing anything notable while climbing the political ladder. Now he wants to be prime minister. And his policies would be dangerous.
My long career has included stints writing newspaper editorials, a form with its own clichés. A favourite is the anguished cry “How many more must die before…” followed by whatever the writer wants to see happen, from a neighbourhood stop sign to global disarmament.
It works because politicians do make life-and-death decisions, from sending troops to war to raising speed limits. It’s part of the job.
But Scheer’s campaign promises, despite his genial blandness, seems particularly deadly.
Consider Scheer's response to the opioid crisis, which killed 4,588 people last year. It ignores evidence, and apes the Harper government’s wilful blindness to reality. Scheer promises to invest in treatment and recovery, yet another education campaign “highlighting the benefits to young Canadians of staying drug free” and promises money to cities to pick up needles.
All good. But not a word about keeping people alive, from safe consumption sites to expanded access to poison-free drugs to wide distribution of naxolone kits to reverse the effects of overdoses.
Which means more people will die as a result of government policy. In B.C., research has shown that without those measures more than twice as many would be dying of overdoses.
Overdoses killed 4,588 Canadians last year. Scheer’s policies would condemn more people to preventable deaths. (The other parties’ positions have their own huge flaws, but none are quite so indifferent to the human toll of the opioid crisis.)
Scheer has pledged to cut Canada’s foreign aid budget by 25 per cent, claiming falsely that he could find the $1.5-billion savings by ending aid toward relatively well-off countries “like Italy, Brazil, Turkey and hostile governments like Iran.” That’s not true, as John D. Cameron and Robert Huish pointed out. Aid to those four countries totals just $13 million. Cutting $1.5 billion would require ending development aid for desperately poor countries, which means deaths, decline and deteriorating world security. (After three years in Honduras, I left impressed by our contribution and convinced most Canadians would be proud of the work being done on their behalf.)
Do we even need to talk about the climate crisis? Scheer’s phoney climate plan was, I wrote in The Tyee, an attempt to pretend to care about the issue, with no goals, no commitments, no real actions. It’s a climate plan for people who don’t believe climate change is an issue.
Which again means more preventable deaths in Canada and around the world.
Finally, a brief warning about Scheer and women. He claims access to abortion would not change if the Conservatives take over. Anti-abortion groups don’t believe him — they helped Scheer win the leadership and are staging a national campaign to elect Conservatives in swing ridings. Scheer, one major group says, is “arguably the most pro-life leader the Conservative Party of Canada has seen since John Diefenbaker.”
But even if you accept Scheer’s claims, you should be worried that he’s the choice of people who want to limit women’s rights. An August poll in the U.S. dug into attitudes around abortion. It included 10 questions on attitudes on various aspects of women’s equality. Things like “are women too easily offended,” “does access to birth control affect women’s equality,” “is the way women are treated in society an important issue”
And across the board, people who favoured limiting access to abortion also rejected the idea that gender equality is an issue that needs to be addressed. And those people — or their Canadian counterparts — are cheering for a Scheer victory.
I’ve been involved in covering about a dozen federal elections. Often, the differences between parties aren’t really that great.
Not this time.
48 comments:
I'm reading this long after the election and we've had the Budget. My take on Scheer's attitude towards drugs, is its not that he doesn't care, but he may well believe, if they die, they will go to a "better place". People frequently forget some of these Conservatives belong to some "weird" religious organizations. Harper belonged to a church which believed, "the bible was inerrant and the end of days was immient." then people wondered why he didn't care about climate change. Well why would you when you believe the world is going to end and "the true believers" will go to heaven. Many in these religious organizations aren't interested in the here and now, but the "there after". Some believe the world needs to be "cleansed" of these "sinners". Drug addicts form no place in his world or his mind, hence the lack of anything real to deal with the issue. Thankfully he did not become P.M.
when it comes to the right to choose and women's rights, never did believe anything Scheer or Harper said. It was my opinion, had Harper been re elected he would have abolished the right to choose or placed severe restrictions on it. He might have also re instituted the death penalty. Some of those Conservatives are bat shit crazy when it comes to the rights of women. They do not see women as equal to men. We would have seen roll backs on maternity leave, paid and non paid, etc.
Many people have only lived with the right to an abortion. they don't remember the times when it was illegal. I do. Women died. children were born with diseases/conditions which they ought not to have. their parents ought to have choices. The Conservatives believe they are the chosen ones, they're Christians and only they know the way.
I am so relieved they were not re elected. People might do well to remember if they ever come to office, with the current bunch, we too will begin to be just like the U.S.A. and guys like Ford, Scheer, Kenney are simply dtrump light.
You column was a good cautionary tale for voters.
the other thing Scheer would have eliminated is the child benefit cheques putting families back into a life of poverty and pain.
Its fun for those idiots to think they can solve the world problems by reducing or eliminating foreign aid. If we do not provide for other countries, they will sink into further poverty, war, etc. Eventually it will spill over into ours. The sooner the world is rid of these populist, right wing thugs, the better.
شركة نقل اثاث بجازان
شركة كشف تسريات المياه بنجران
شركة تنظيف بخميس مشيط
شركة تنظيف منازل بخميس مشيط
شركة تنظيف خزانات بخميس مشيط
Keep it up for more updates, thanks for this valuable information sharing with us. Get the beneficial Digital Marketing and SEO Services in Noida at the best agency OGEN Infosystem.
Digital Marketing Agency in Noida
Nice blog. For the best quality Vinyl Signage Printing Services and Epoxy Paint Flooring & Coating, visit Kalakutir Pvt Ltd.
Epoxy Paint Flooring & Coating
Amazing blog, get the best Laddu Gopal Mukut Mala and Laddu Gopal Poshak at Amfez in India.
Laddu Gopal Poshak
Awesome blog, thanks for sharing with us. Protrek Adventure provides the best Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek at the best price.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Amazing blog, thanks for sharing with us. Visit Create N Gift for Birthday Gifts for Men and Gifts for Her at an affordable price.
Gifts for Her
URGENT AND EFFECTIVE POWERFUL LOVE SPELL CASTER WHO RESTORED HAPPINESS IN MY RELATIONSHIP am here to share with you my life experience on how a great man called Dr gbojie saved me and my marriage.I have been Married & Barren for for 5 years i had no child. i have never been pregnant i was a subject of laughter from my Friends & neighbors, i almost lost my marriage because of this issue.i was so confused that i did not know what to do until i came across this great Dr online and i contacted him at once i was scared weather it was going to work because i never believed things like this before, so i decided to give it a try and i did all what Dr gbojie asked of me and today to my greatest surprise i took in the first time and i gave birth to a bouncing baby boy and now my marriage that was about crashing before is now restored. my husband now love and want me better, Am so happy for everything that have been happening in my life since i met this Dr gbojie .I want to tell all the women/men out there who have a similar situation like mine,that the world is not over YET they should dry up their tears and contact this great man and their problem will be gone or are you also having other problems you can also contact gbojiespiritualtemple@gmail.com,gbojiespiritualtemple@yahoo.com His spells is for a better life OR call his number +2349066410185 website : http://gbojiespiritualtemple.website2.me
Thank you so much for sharing this informative blog. Visit Sarswati Enterprises for Pilfer Proof Caps Making Machinery and Aluminum Caps Making Machinery.
Aluminum Caps Making Machinery
Keep it for more valuable information sharing with us. Visit Cool Earth HVAC for best services of AC Design Consultants and Evaporative Cooling System in Delhi.
Evaporative Cooling System in Delhi
Really nice, keep it up for more valuable information. Visit Veramed for Anti Dandruff Herbal Shampoo and Skin Recharge Charcoal Face Wash Online at affordable price.
Buy Skin Recharge Charcoal Face Wash
Thank you so much for sharing such an important blog with us. Digitaginfo has well-experienced SEO Experts and Content Writing Experts in Delhi, India in your budget. For more information call +91 6265208489 or visit our website.
Content Writing Services in Delhi
This is a very useful blog for people like me. Winter is coming if you want to buy USB Heated Jacket for winter then you can visit Tuliptales.com. This is a slim fit jacket so you have to order a little higher bigger size.
This post is very useful for people like us, if you want to buy Alivecor’s Kardia ekg monitor then you can visit Alivecor India. This is the official india site or alivecor.
Thanks for this blog. If you want to meet an astrologer then you can meet Dr. Sundeep kochar. He is most trusted astrologer in India
Meet Dr. Sundeep Kochar, One of the Famous astrologer in Mumbai. He is Specialist of Astrology, Vastu Consultant, Motivational Speaker, Life Coach, Actor, Anchor, Author & Awarded as “The Most Trusted Astrologer of India”.
download linkedin video ? just copy and past the url and get videos and downlaod easily
Thanks for sharing. I think there are many people who believe in things like Astrology or Numerology. Searching for Reliable and Genuine Best Astrologer in Bangalore ? Astrologer In Indiranagar
I’m really happy with this informative blog, thank you so much for sharing this. Bidz365 is a leading Bids Management and Government Tender Consultancy Services in Delhi, visit our website for more information.
Government Tender Consultancy Services in Delhi
This is a very useful blog if you want to buy tetris Stackable lights then visit tulip tales. This is also one of the best baby toys.
we are offering hand to hand safe and secure delivery of Abortion pills in Dubai
Thanks for posting this info. I just want to let you know that I just check out your site. Hackers Jacket
Great information, thanks for sharing this excellent blog with us. Rosiroti is one of the leading Job Recruitment and Job Vacancies providers for Freshers in Delhi.
Job Vacancies for Freshers
Thank you very much for this great post.
Terminator 3 Leather Jacket
The process of bidding for and winning global events and conferences can be a complex process. virtual edge and speaker introduction template
Sincerely i was so crushed when my Husband of 8 years left me and moved to Texas to be with another woman. The pains was just too much for me to bear that I couldn't just bear it anymore. So i had to reached out to the Internet for help until i found out that DR ZUMA was the real deal. I almost gave up trying to get my Ex Husband back in having a happy, Lovely and a contented family again.. I had tried the whole lot I knew, and with your spells, blessings and extraordinary magical powers, you did all the work for me, which you have guaranteed me positive result in 4 DAYS, my Ex Husband came back to me and he was remorseful for the whole lot he has done. And now my life is balanced and i am happy again. DR ZUMA you did a great service to people, and I don't think many people had known about you. You are the diamond in the rough. Thank you DR ZUMA You are talented and you give off yourself so freely like you did to me. Thank you for weaving your magical love spells for me and MY HUSBAND. He is back to me just the way it was when we first met.. from the depths of my soul! I am immeasurably happy now.. now my man is back to me just in 3 DAYS, as you have said it..wow.. Thank you so much sir, Lots of appreciations.. Here is DR ZUMA Email: spiritualherbalisthealing@gmail.com. WhatsApp him +15068001647
Our the purpose is to share the reviews about the latest Jackets,Coats and Vests also shre the related Movies,Gaming, Casual,Faux Leather and Leather materials available San Diego Varsity Jacket
Hi
it was great information and very useful
thank you
Hi
it was great information and very useful
thank you
Hi, Great Information blog. Looking for Astrologer in Bangalore? You can Consult with Pandit sai jagannatha most trusted astrologer in bangalore.
Nice post. I used to be checking constantly this blog and I am impressed! Extremely useful info particularly the ultimate section 🙂 I take care of such information a lot. I was seeking this certain information for a long time. Thank you and best of luck.
Essay on ecosystem restoration
Thanks to share the Interesting information with us. Keep on update. For best solution of Horoscope predictions you can consult with Sai Jagannatha is a famous astrologer in Bangalore
It is full of great stuff that is worth reading again and again,Thanks so much for the article.
For astrological service contact Shri Krishna Astrologer,he is a
Best Astrologer in Bellandur
Get the best Import and Export Services by Import Globals for Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Mexico, India and Russia Export Data. For more information visit our website Importglobals.com or call +919999887320.
Vietnam Export Data
Indonesia Export Data
Philippines Export Data
Mexico Export Data
India Export Data
Russia Export Data
Thank you for sharing this nice article.
For Furniture Repair visit thesofastore,they give
Best Sofa Repair Services in Viveknagar,Bangalore
This was an extremely wonderful post. Thanks for providing this info. Chris Redfield Coat
Get the best Vietnam Import Export Data by the leading import export data provider For more information visit our website.
Vietnam Import Export Data
Fantastic blog i have never ever read this type of amazing information. edward cullen peacoat
I read blogs on a similar topic, but I never visited your blog. I added it to favorites and I’ll be your constant reader. Arthur Morgan Jacket
I really appreciate your work.
I’m loving your posts and blogs. Some really helpful tips hints and information. Your posts are fun and informative, keep it up.
https://www.mahendraastrologer.com/love-vashikaran-specialist
Astrology Services in Chennai, Tamilnadu - KP Vidhyadharan is an experienced astrologer in Chennai, Tamilnadu and provides the best astrology services in Chennai, Tamilnadu.
Thanks for the greatfull post.
Visit Best indian Astrologer In Mississauga.
Sai Darpan one of the renowned astrologers in Bangalore located in Indiranagar provides simple solutions to all your problems regarding Horoscope reading or Horoscope Matching for Marriage, property disputes, marriage-related issues, numerology, and many other solutions. he is the Best Astrologer in Bangalore. He is an expert in supporting his clients in times of their needs by showing them the right path and guiding them. He Provides the best solution for all Astro-related problems, that you are facing in your daily life. astrologers in Bangalore
Very nice and informative post. Sulata Chatterjee is an exceptional name in Tarot Card reading and Vedic Astrology in India. Having 10+ Year Experience in Tarot card and Astrology, made her 5K Global Client base & popularity in Cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, USA, UK Africa, etc.
Research for Arcc indigenous peoples, livelihoods (particularly reindeer herding) are a major concern. Reindeer herding necessitates a large area for winter and summer pastures. Mining may reduce reindeer grazing areas, resulting in land-use conflicts. In the Arcc, there are various resource governance systems and arrangements Essay writers USA related to benefit distribution, as well as a variety of co-management regimes. Control over resources and property rights will evolve in the near future, thanks in part to international recognition and increased awareness of indigenous peoples' rights, as manifested by the 2007 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which includes the concept of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent.
Climate change affects both positive and negative economic outcomes in the Arctic. Nonetheless, demand for Arctic resources and regulatory frameworks are critical factors shaping the pace and direction of economic development now and in the future. Although the current and future influence of various types of drivers cannot be fully quantified, the majority of the researchers Assignment help UK and stakeholders involved in this assessment share the same general view of climate change's limited role in socioeconomic development. This is true not only for high-tech industries, but also for tourism, forestry, sheries, and reindeer herding. In comparison to other acvies discussed in this report, arccmarime transport is likely to be the most affected by the effects of climate change, despite a variety of constraints and uncertainties.
I was searching for good fashion articles on Google and was lucky to find your website. New Year Sale
Post a Comment