The past few days have not distinguished the Prime Minister. Disregarding his earlier commitment to Parliamentary reform and strengthening the role of backbench MPs, and his not-so-long-ago campaign to have House of Commons committee chairs elected by the membership (a campaign that was successful against the objectives of then PM Chretien), the PM has decided the choice of chairs is a prerogative of the PMO and has instructed CPC MPs who are his choices. It is expected that most will be "acclaimed" next week on those committees which the HofC rules say must be chaired by a government MP. So much for reform.
Yesterday, the PM moved to recruit hard-line right-wingers to defend his child care grant bill, knowing that the majority of Canadians and provincial government partners are opposed. Astonishingly, the media continue to ignore the fact that the grants will be considered taxable income so that the $100 per month will, in fact, be much less. Unless this is clarified soon, there will be some surprised parents come next March/April at tax time. I have not seen any comment on how the grants will be divided between parents who have joint custody either. That could prove interesting.
Also disheartening was the news that the PMO has moved to muzzle the Chief of Defence, Gen Hillier. Seems someone didn't like the General's candor so now he must get his public statements pre-approved by the Minister of Defence (who will defer to the PMO, surely). Sad days continue.
