Meet the new boss. He’s not the same as the old boss.
Once upon a time, not that many years ago, premiers of Ontario proudly bore the moniker of Captain Canada, an apt title considering the consensus-finding, nation-building approach the province’s leaders took to the often contentious national issues of their day.
An enlightened view, perhaps. But it was also a self-serving tactic, as largely what was good for Canada was good for Ontario. Those were the days when Ontario was unquestionably king of the hill, with huge benefits of Confederation flowing its way, so it was easy to take the high road.
Times have changed. Manufacturing jobs, the mainstay of the province’s economy, are bleeding away in the face of high energy costs, a strong dollar and a wilting American economy. Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty is envious of the province-first support his peers have in other regions of the country. He’s openly asking Ontario residents to give him the same edge as he negotiates with the feds for a ‘better deal’ for Ontario.
It’s a tough pill to swallow, and a jarring sight to see the premier go cap in hand, but Ontario is no longer the fat cat of the land. The old milk cow has seen better days. Not only is its industrial power fading, its political muscle is slipping away, as the ‘centre’ moves west. Times have changed.
So when the premier says Ontario residents should ask federal candidates and leaders what they plan to do for Ontario, he has a point. Other Canadians expect an answer to that question in relation to their provinces, so why not residents of this province?
What, specifically, should voters ask candidates about?
Start with equalization, that federal program designed to ensure common standards for basic social services across the land. Ontario contributes billions more than what it gets back, some estimates put it as high as $20 billion a year, even as services rise in other provinces, at times beyond the level of what residents in this province receive.
Economists say that within a few years, Ontario will be a have-not province. This will create the ludicrous situation of Ontario receiving equalization payments, the bulk of which it supplies to the federal treasury.
McGuinty also wants the feds to increase employment insurance benefits paid to Ontarians to national levels. He wants funding of the Canada Health Transfer to be done on a per capita basis, immediately, rather than in 2014-15, as is now the plan. And he seeks a regional development plan for Ontario’s industries, arguing every other region in Canada has such a program.
Ontario has a great natural resource: its people. Mobilized, they are a powerful force, able to influence and direct national policies. When candidates come calling, it’s okay to ask not only what have done for Ontario, but also what they plan to do for Ontario.
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