Harper strives to silence pesky environmentalists

By: Robert C. Henry 

I want to publicly congratulate Muskoka-Parry Sound MP Tony Clement and his boss Prime Minister Harper on their heroic efforts to silence and dismiss all pesky environmentalists and others of similar, dastardly, left-leaning ilk. 

I first thought of calling the prime minister but it’s obvious to most that he has, unfortunately, lost his hearing. Even the most casual observer will note that he simply can’t listen. 

Then I considered writing him a letter but quickly realized that the absence of a corporate letterhead would immediately relegate my correspondence to the shredder. 

But the Conservative government’s latest move certainly deserves kudos. Instead of just putting forward a budget – you know, the facts and figures related to how our tax dollars are to be dispersed and regulated – this crafty group of politicos have managed to cram everything but the kitchen sink into a single omnibus budget bill. 

Over 400 pages covering everything from pensions to fisheries were included to create an easily understood read to go with morning coffee. Such a smart move! It’s a great plan that would make even more sense if every piece of new federal legislation was gathered up annually, crammed into one elaborate document and voted on in a swift and expedient manner. 

Efficiency is the key. Parliament could meet for one day every year and pass a single piece of legislation. MPs would then be free of all responsibility and be able to travel the world at government expense while avoiding contact with those who voting them into office.  

This idea of holding up parliament with debates and suggesting that hearings should be open to the public is just so much nonsense. Get on with it! Who cares what David Suzuki and groups like Sierra Club Canada think? Really, what do those people know? 

The concept of worrying about the environmental mess already created is absurd as one cannot alter the past. And looking into the future is equally bizarre as the next generations can fend for themselves. Further, the world might end tomorrow while there is profit to be made today. Why, for instance, would anyone worry about visiting the polar ice cap in the absence of five-star hotels? Let it melt! 

On the subject of melting ice it is good to see that the federal budget, Bill C-38, finally repeals the Kyoto Protocol Implementation Act. At last there is an end to any formal commitment Canada has to this absurd gas emissions treaty. If the hundreds of tree-hugging scientist are correct our winters will be warmer. Frankly, Muskoka winters are much too cold and could use a good dose of warm air.  

And thanks to the Tories we find blabbermouth federal scientists have been asked to button their lips. In keeping with the tradition of leaders such as Harper and Clement the truth shall not out, rather filtered through a fine political mesh. After all, highly educated civil servants work for the public at public expense and it would be very wrong if they revealed the results of their research and studies let alone offered an opinion. Obviously, those experts are trying to confuse the public with the truth – an unacceptable activity. 

It’s very heartening to see that the Harper government is moving away from environmental studies that may be duplicated at the provincial level. A regional assessment has, for obvious reasons, been deemed sufficient. Even David Suzuki should know that pipelines and pollution in air and water cannot possibly cross provincial borders. 

The federal budget legislation is absolutely “on the right track” (recognize that phrase?) It mentions the “environment” 74 times. Phrases such as “Canada’s business environment,” “secure the low-tax environment,” and “an environment in which companies can plan ahead, positioning themselves to compete for defence contracts” are sprinkled throughout. Environmentalists should stop whining. They are obviously getting an abundance of attention.  

Some, poorly informed organizations such as the Environmental Law Association claim the Harper government’s budget contains vague and unacceptable proposals which are likely to significantly weaken Canada’s environmental laws. Obviously, these do-gooders are thinking about the next generations of Canadians and have lost sight of the profits that can be made today. They just don’t get it. 

Lastly, Clement deserves special praise as Muskoka’s federal representative. He must be applauded for recognizing that environmental considerations in Muskoka are not a priority.