(Editor's Note: The following is a letter written in response to local MP Garry Breitkreuz's letter which appeared in the Thursday, July 29 issue of The News Review)
To the Editor:
It is commendable that Mr. Breitkreuz should offer clarification regarding his government's flood relief initiatives. Government policy is almost always complex. Any assistance farmers and others can receive in sorting through the processes and various applications has to be welcome.
Unfortunately, he uses this clarification as a platform to launch into a tirade about some of his own pet peeves. It makes us wonder where he has been putting in his time for the last few decades.
To suggest that time spent in Harvard, Cambridge or Yale somehow disqualifies a Canadian citizen from having opinions on Canadian public policy is quite a stretch indeed.
He also suggests that Liberals would be well advised to cooperate with their Conservative fellows to eliminate the Canadian Wheat Board and the Gun Registry.
Mr. Breitkreuz needs to be reminded he is a Conservative member of a Conservative government. He is no longer in opposition. They hold the reigns of power.
He and his leader are quite at liberty to take a clear stand on these issues in an election campaign or as part of their government's legislative agenda.
There is no requirement that your government proceed against the Wheat Board via some vaguely worded public opinion poll. Nor does your government have to proceed against the Gun Registry via a Private Members Bill - unless, your government wants to be free to wash its hands of all responsibility for the outcome.
Western Canadian farmers will decide when there is no longer a need for the Canadian Wheat Board. Canadians across the country will decide the fate of the Gun Registry.
Rest assured Liberals may be disappointed but they will accept the outcome. What about your Conservative party? It seems unwilling to ask a clear question let alone take a clear public stand on these matters.
What holds you back?
Doug and Marlene Cowling, Yorkton, SK.
