Little Changes with the Do-little Government

The government surprised none with its throne speech. It was the same old series of small incremental changes that we have come to expect from the Manitoba government. There was certainly some movements in the right direction, but at such a slow place, that it is completely indiscernible to figure out which direction we are actually headed. The $100 increase in the personal tax exemption that was announced today is just one example of the underwhelming nature of the Do-little government.

Firstly, the government deserves some credit- it has finally committed itself to ending the practice of logging in the provincial parks. For years the Green Party of Manitoba along with various other advocacy organizations in Manitoba have been calling for this much needed change. It will be interesting to watch and see exactly when the licenses of Timbec, Louisiana-Pacific, and the other logging companies will be phased out, and if the Manitoba government will be subject to any legal actions from any of these logging companies.

Secondly, the governments ambiguous decision to ban plastic bags unless they can be re-cycled is a good first step, but it is also quite timid. Why doesn't this government follow the route of Ireland who achieved a 90% reduction in the use of plastic bags while raising nearly 10 million dollars through the implementation of a PlasTax? Furthermore while plastic bags are a sincere environmental concern, if this government thinks that banning plastic bags will solve the world's ecological ills they are sorely mistaken.

The 52 kilometres of bike path along the Red River Floodway sounds picturesque, but isn't there a greater need for 52 kilometres of bike path within Manitoba's Urban Centers where those paths will be used a means of transport rather than a means of recreation?

It's clear that the Manitoba government's strategy is to splatter everything with a little bit of green paint. But when the foundation is cracking a paint job will not be an adequate fix. “Steady as she goes...” is a sure strategy for a collapse. This is particularly unfortunate because, if Manitobans were led by a party with vision and the will to make real political change, we could get the foundation in order—for future generations and beyond.

James Beddome
Leader of the Green Party of Manitoba