Good Finance Ministers Hard to Find

   
Surrey, B.C. - Sunday, June 2, 2002 - by: MIchael Zrymiack

 

 

Chretien
used
Martin

As a conservative by nature and in my political leanings, I nonetheless found it a comfort that Paul Martin managed the country's finances during the extended Chretien era. Apparently so did the large majority of the voters. In both the 1997 and 2000 campaigns Chretien trotted Martin out as exhibit "A", achieving success at the polls and the keys to the Prime Minister's residence at Sussex Drive, based in large part on Martin's sound fiscal management.

 

 

sterling
contribution

But Chretien's ego does not permit any challenge to leadership, even though he himself has little sense of loyalty, witness his machinations to discredit and remove John Turner as Liberal party leader ten years ago. As a Progressive Conservative I should revel in the Liberal fiasco, but as a Canadian I cannot help but pity Paul Martin whose contribution to Canada as the Finance Minister has been sterling.

 

 

Liberal
Titanic

Yet, this is only the tip of the iceberg that will eventually sink the Liberal Titanic. The mismanagement of various funds, acknowledged in part by Chretien, the unpopular public programmes such as Alan Rock's gun law, the ludicrous Indian Affairs policies and the dictatorial manner of governing, nurtured by longevity in power, will surely wreck their cruise ship.

 

 

get
Martin

Perhaps the Progressive Conservative party should be on the line to Paul Martin; a good Finance Minister is hard to find.

 

 

 

Michael Zrymiak