PM Harper is facing criticism for not having visited areas affected by the flood as well as for taking the decision of not sending in the army to help out in the clean up. During the ice storm in the late 1990s I don't remember us making a stink when Chretien didn't send them in for a clean up.
Defense Minister Peter McKay, who visited homes, explained the army is used for defense. While true, it's not like Canada does much defending...or attacking for that matter. It's not the duty of the federal government and army to do any cleaning up.
This crap about being sent in late shows how disconnected we are from how things work. No one gets sent in, BY LAW, unless asked by the PREMIER. Imagine if the Feds landed in Quebec before being asked what the reaction would have been! More of the 'Harper doesn't respect procedures and protocols' line.
Like in New Orleans, it begins with the local authorities. Incidentally, I watched a documentary about Katrina in which the Feds (under Dubya), took the initiative and asked the Governor at the time if they could step in (before being asked) but she declined. When she was ready it was too late.
Naturally, by the time the natural disaster occurs and wreaks havoc it's 'too late.' Perhaps the province should be more prepared next time? Complaining about it, especially with the 'Quebec voted NDP' nonsense, makes no sense.
I understand people have a problem with Harper's hidden right-wing agenda, but piling up here is hooey patooey. Lay the blame, if any, clearly where it belongs: With Premier Jean Charest. If not, how intergovernmental politics work.
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I've always wondered why Canada never put more effort into something akin to the National Guard in the USA.
Would it be feasible to consider this option?
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I though Jack Layton was supposed to speak for Quebec? Nah. He does what he does best: Bash.
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