Thursday, August 13, 2015

elexn42: Harper's Economic Policies

So I am definitely not pro-Harper. I am almost certain I will vote NDP. I want the Conservatives to be dethroned from power in Canada. Despite all of this, I have to say Harper probably has the better economic suggestions so far.

- Can't really blame Harper for the economy; this is a global catastrophe and Canada is a smallish player. Look at Ontario: it's in terrible condition and it's all Liberal governments there.

- Harper is blamed from deficit budgets when it was forced on him initially by a minority government where the Liberals and NDP had the balance of power.

- Harper isn't really adding any permanent spending (obligations) on the Canadian government unlike the NDP with their childcare plan (good intentions, but it would be a disaster to run).
 

- My taxes have actually gone down under Harper and benefits gone up.

- Harper's proposal to limit foreign ownership of property (especially Chinese ownership) is long overdue (question: why hasn't he done it in 5 years as a majority power?).
 

- Liberal plans to increase taxes on wealthy but not corporate taxes is pretty stupid when it's proven that raising corporate taxes forces them to spend the money on employees and equipment.

Where Harper definitely deserves to go is on fields more important than economy. He has downgraded the democracy and the openness of Canadian society, increased divisions and apathy, changed our long standing foreign policy and increased the reach of government in our private lives.