Don't borrow more - Cut spending!

Recently, two very different approaches to public finances were highlighted in statements made by representatives of two provincial governments in Canada, ironically both liberals. In Ontario, Dalton McGuinty’s finance minister Dwight Duncan announced that the Liberal government would post a budget deficit of at least $500 million in 2009 despite the fact that he is dipping into the province’s reserve funds to the tune of another $550 million.

Better to remain silent and let people think you’re a fool

On January 12 The Guelph Mercury published a column by Geoffrey Stevens on the subject of abortion and the ongoing debate among members of the federal Conservative Party and its parliamentary caucus over what position the party should take on this issue. It’s hard to imagine a more inane analysis of the topic making its way into print in a mainstream newspaper, even a relatively small-town paper like the Mercury.

No Virginia, we’re not all Keynesians now

With the showdown over who will ultimately hold the reins of power in Ottawa in at least temporary abeyance, people are now focusing their attention on what if any action the government should be taking in response to still developing global financial crisis. Almost everyone seems to agree that Canada needs an “economic stimulus package”. What should such a “package” consist of though, and how big should it be?

Harper must defend conservative policy, not play political games

Let me make one thing very clear right from the start – I do not approve of the federal Liberal and NDP parties’ attempt to topple Stephen Harper’s minority government and replace it with a coalition government of their own. But “coup d’état”? “Sedition”? A “subversion of democracy”? Now that Parliament has been prorogued and the crisis averted until at least the end of next month, can we all please, please take a deep breath and relax?

Conservatives must resist the syren-call of "small-l" liberalism

Speaking to delegates attending the Conservative Party conference in Winnipeg Wednesday night, Prime Minister Stephan Harper emphasized the need for the party to be “practical and pragmatic” as opposed to “ideological” in its approach to dealing with the country’s business. I couldn’t agree more. So here are a few practical and pragmatic suggestions of my own.