How would you vote?

In the Winnipeg MB city hall the Mayor has what is called the Economic Policy Committee. This committee has 6 members (elected councillors) who are paid $12,000 plus per year to be on the committee and are appointed by the Mayor. The committee votes with the Mayor on any issue. If they don't they may be taken off the committee and lose their bribe money. A majority of the other councillors, who outnumber the EPC, usually vote with the Mayor so as not to offend the Mayor and hopefully, someday, get appointed to the EPC and get their bribe money. Our concillors are not all treated equally.

The majority of councillors we elect are not voting as their constituents would want, but are voting as the Mayor would want.

Roy

More personal freedoms violated

With cities and provinces going smoke-free in public places it didn't take long for the do-gooders to try and expand the scope of the law. Now Ontario is talking of banning smoking in private vehicles when there are children in the vehicle. While subjecting children to second hand smoke is not good, it still should be a decision of the parent to not smoke. Will the law be extended to include private houses, apartments, etc. and then to anywhere on private property?

Roy

Politicians being hypocrites

Raising taxes on tobacco, passing no-smoking laws, forcing tobacco companies to put pictures and warnings on cigarette packages, yet enjoying the revenue received from the sale of tobacco products is hypocritical. If the politicians were really serious about the dangers of tobacco they would ban the sale of tobacco products. There is just too much money collected for the government to do that. How can any politician be credible when they say that they favor anti-smoking laws, yet love receiving the money derived therefrom?

Roy

Why do we elect so many MP's?

Regional representation seems to have nothing to do with decisions that are being made in Ottawa. Only the cabinet ministers have any real power and their votes are controlled by the Prime Minister. What advantage is there in having the backbenchers?

Roy