THE EDITOR, Sir:
RE THE column 'All (almost) quiet on the Canadian Front':
I wonder if Mr. John Rapley and I know two different Jean Chretiens. He is not leaving Canada prosperous or united. While Quebec separation is no longer a common topic in Canadian news, dissatisfaction in Canada's West is very high.
While the budget deficit is gone, the national debt is not.
The surplus from employment insurance taxes is at an all time high, while the Medicare system suffers from funding cuts. Yes, Canada has free medical services for all, but waiting lists are so long for some procedures that people are forced to go to the US for treatment.
Then there seems to be constant scandal (mostly financial). The Human Resources dept. apparently lost $1 billion (CDN) that it cannot account for. The Chretien gov't has wasted almost another $1 billion on a useless and unworkable gun control system. They had to pay $500 million in penalties for cancelling a badly needed helicopter programme. Now they must spend at least another $500 million on a new helicopter replacement programme. Canadian military pilots now must risk their lives every time they fly their ancient SeaKing helicopters. It now takes 30 hours of maintenance for every hour of flying time to keep these choppers flying.
Mr. Chretien is arrogant and rules the Liberal Party of Canada with an iron hand. It's basically tow the party line or else! He treats the country the same way, he knows what he wants, don't bother him with the facts.
I am, etc.,
KEITH de SOLLA
kdesolla@austin.rr.com
10817 Redmond Rd
Austin, Texas
Via Go-Jamaica
