Re: Hear that? Campaign messages are in the air (Sept. 8). As an advocate for the poor and persons with disabilities, I wonder how calling a fall election would benefit us? We have questions for all of the political parties which we would like answered. For several years now, groups representing the poor and persons with disabilities have called for a national strategy to combat poverty. We have also asked the government to make the Disability Tax Credit refundable.
We are still waiting for the government to act on those and other issues. Michael Ignatieff has said that if elected he won't raise taxes to bring down the deficit. He has also said that he won't balance the books on the backs of the provinces. That leaves only one other option: cutting federal spending. My concern is that Canada's most vulnerable citizens are going to have to bear the brunt of those cuts to spending. Ignatieff has some explaining to do. And how would I be any less poor under an NDP government? We hear the politicians. Do they hear us? We want more than slogans and political spin. Many of the individuals which I represent are poor, homeless, hungry and unemployed. Our issues matter and we would like some answers.
HARRY WOLBERT
Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities
