Ìý
The Editor:
An article in last week’s Estevan Mercury, written by Ron Dunville, (Letter to Editor – Are we really thinking about voting for a socialist government?), shows how frightened conservatives are that the NDP is poised to form government federally.
Mr. Dunville speaks about our province and gives some inaccurate, and in some cases, untrue information.
To start, the NDP actually has the best track record for balancing budgets. According to Statistics Canada, when you combined all budgets at the federal, provincial and territorial level, it’s the NDP — not the Liberals, not the Conservatives — who have balanced budgets more often than any other party.
Thomas Mulcair and the NDP are presenting a plan to build a strong, balanced, 21st century Canadian economy. In government, we will support job creation in our communities by lowering the tax rate for small businesses from 11 to nine per cent. New Democrats will support proposals to increase West-East pipeline capacity which will open new markets for producers, create high-paying, value-added jobs and lower energy prices in the East.
What sets the NDP apart is that we have a concrete plan to strengthen the middle class and help families get ahead. We will invest in new child care spaces, work to improve our public healthcare system and improve retirement security for every Canadian.
I am running for the NDP here in Souris-Moose Mountain because I believe in democracy, in meaningful discussions, in caring for what we have for future generations and in providing for this generation. I believe in working together to achieve common goals, to reach consensus on difficult issues and to move processes along that are mired in bureaucracy.
As your NDP candidate, I want to know all sides of the issue, to hear from everyone and to learn from the pros what it is you need. As your representative, I would do all I could to ensure we are all successful here in this corner of the province where we are blessed with agriculture and with oil, as well as potash and other natural resources.
When people go to the ballot box to cast their vote, they consider whether they can trust the candidate of their choosing, whether they can trust the leader of the party they support and if they believe in the platform and the philosophy of the party of their choice.
In Mr. Dunville’s letter, he asks that people use their right to vote. I agree wholeheartedly with him. Whatever you do and whatever you decide … vote.
Vicky O’Dell
NDP candidate for Souris-Moose Mountain
