THUNDER BAY – EDITORIAL – The Conference Board of Canada has released a report today outlining that $284 billion is needed to keep our power grid in operation. “With half of the generation assets built before 1980, the industry faces a pressing need to accelerate investment in infrastructure at all levels,” stated Len Coad, the director of energy, environment and technology policy, with the Conference Board of Canada.
There are many massive opportunities that Canadians have to face in the coming years.
Right now, we seem to be in a Kim Campbell election where “The campaign is not the proper time to debate important issues” was one of the defining moments of the downfall of the Progressive Conservatives.
Fixing the Great Lakes Seaway to prepare for the next generation of shipping; fixing the electricity grid; actually making the Trans-Canada highway a twinned roadway; the list of opportunities is massive.
I have closely followed politics since 1968, but have to admit this election is proving difficult to follow. The major parties have taken the approach that this election is all about them, when it should be all about Canada.
Likely voter turnout on May 2nd will reflect the growing disconnect between the political parties, and the people of Canada. The debate over real issues increasingly is being overtaken by personal attacks, issues that no one will likely care about a month from now.
What is really needed is a bold move by all parties to end the bickering, and start believing in Canadians.
Likely the political party that takes that step will become if not in this election, then certainly in the next election the party that will take the reins of power for the next generation of Canadians.
James Murray