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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Flip-flop flies
IT is not a bad thing, in governing, to admit to mistakes when the realization dawns that policy or legislation goes awry. In fact, it is a good thing to concede that even those chosen to run a country can make mistakes.
The Harper government has backtracked, wisely, on its stated plan to cut off refugees from drug, dental and vision health care. Initially, Immigration Canada's website clearly noted that resettled refugees, who receive federal living benefits for their first year, would lose supplemental health benefits as of June 30.
But quietly, the information was changed on the eve of the policy's implementation, reversing the cuts to supplemental benefits for refugees, except those privately sponsored by the likes of aid organizations and churches.
The department says there is no policy change, but that poor wording in the original statement caused confusion. More likely, Immigration Minister Jason Kenney had a change of heart, and he should say as much.
Fisheries Minister Keith Ashfield should follow suit, and maintain funding for the Experimental Lakes Area, which is to lose its $2-million federal budget next year. Mr. Ashfield must by now see the enormous toll that will come of shutting down ELA, or, as Ottawa prefers, handing it to private interests that will not hold the authority or the duty of a national government to protect Canada's environment.
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition July 4, 2012 A10
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