Jack Layton the iceberg

E-mail sent to Jack Layton prior to the agreement in principle.

Dear Jack, April 23/05

This link I have provided is how Paul Martin Governs. Why would you support this? He will say one thing and quietly do another. Harper has more personal interest in having clean air as his kids have asthma. I trust him to do the right thing on the environment file because of this personal situation, a guy like Harper would not sell his kids ability to take in clean air to dirty corporations. This driving force , a guys kids, and not Paul Martins poll driven, friend of Power and power crazed motivation will give us what we desire, real solutions to environmental issues.

The NDP has more in common with Harper than Martin and Harper has way more integrity. Please help put the Liberals in their place, it is time for a populist government with the NDP and Conservatives finding common ground and making Canada a great nation again.

Derek K Richards
Kelowna, BC

His reply.

Dear Friend, April 27/05

I am writing on the budget agreement which I believe provides a better, balanced budget for Canadians.

I promised to listen to Canadians and I have.We have succeeded in getting things done and making this parliament work for all Canadians.

This budget deal will enable families to pay less for their kids' education and workers will get better training. Pollution levels will be reduced, affordable housing built and there will be money to protect workers' pensions. I am especially pleased there is funding for a national child care program and the gas tax revenue going to municipalities. This is a balanced budget that is fiscally responsible yet gives a much needed tax relief to small and medium sized businesses.

This agreement represents a victory for Canadian people. We know minority Parliaments can work - the NDP created medicare, affordable housing, and pensions during previous minority governments. The bottom line is the NDP is about people and not about games or corruption.

I appreciate the time you took to share your views and concerns as they have been helpful during this process.

Sincerely,


Jack Layton, MP (Toronto-Danforth)
Leader, Canada's New Democrats

Well Jack thanks for sharing your bottom line with me, I appreciate that the NDP is about people and not about games or corruption.

I wonder how you feel today knowing you have been played by a ditherer who happens to be the leader of a self proclaimed corrupt party. The fact the tax cuts will go ahead on a separate track can only mean Martin won't honor your agreement or that he could have spent twice as much on NDP priorities. As I clearly said in my letter, you can't trust the Prime Minister to do the right thing and I would like to say thank you for allowing me the opportunity to tell A Phd., I told you so.

You should also note that it will be ironic that you should be remembered as the iceberg that finally opens the hull of the SS Martin as he adopted an NDP enhanced budget.