Jason Silver

Saturday, October 2nd, 2004

The Funding Government

It's fascinating to me-- I'm trying to grasp the 'why' behind our political climate. I want to understand why we have a tax temperature, fever high, yet no one wants to take a Tylenol. My realisation is no brainwave-- it's because we're a socialist country. But do we really want to be? Are Canadians really okay with this?

In a country this large, made up of tiny communities splattered far from each other, I understand the reasoning. They can't afford to look after themselves, so we'll spread the cost out over the whole population.

But doesn't it seem like this is all our government really does? Look at the Government of Canada headlines lately-- I've clipped out maybe five or six that weren't about spending money:

Wed, Sep 22 2004 7:48 AM
Government of Canada Invests Over $8 million in B.C. Communities Affected by Softwood Dispute
...This funding will lead to over $26 million in new investments for B.C. communities...

Tue, Sep 28 2004 1:33 AM
$2.8 Million Federal, Provincial Support for Seafood Industry

Tue, Sep 28 2004 2:48 AM
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA CONTRIBUTES $462,709 TO SUPPORT EXPORT ASSISTANCE FOR EASTERN MONTREAL SMEs

Tue, Sep 28 2004 11:03 AM
Canada and Saskatchewan Invest in Eco-Friendly Oil Recovery

Wed, Sep 29 2004 1:23 AM
Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan Invest $356,610 in the Future of Advanced Technology

Wed, Sep 29 2004 6:41 AM
Nunavut Signs Agri-Food Agreement with Canada
...The five-year agreement provides Nunavut up to $180,000 annually for programs and services which increase the profitability of the commercial caribou and musk-ox harvests.

Wed, Sep 29 2004 9:57 AM
Government of Canada Helps the Visual Arts Centre Upgrade its Facilities ($143,705)

Wed, Sep 29 2004 10:42 AM
Government of Canada Supports La Bande à Bonn'eau's Efforts to Preserve Lanoraie Peatbogs ($40,600)

Thu, Sep 30 2004 12:22 AM
CAIS PROGRAM NOW AVAILABLE TO YUKON FARMERS
Yukon farmers are now eligible to participate in the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) program.

Thu, Sep 30 2004 3:19 AM
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA IS PARTNER IN TRANSAL 2005
...Honourable Jacques Saada, Minister... responsible for the Francophonie, today announced a $100,000 non-repayable contribution

Thu, Sep 30 2004 4:30 AM
Funding for Northern Training Projects
New training and job opportunities are opening up for northerners with funding under the Canada-Saskatchewan Northern Development Agreement (NDA).

Thu, Sep 30 2004 10:11 AM
Government of Canada supports ($280,145) the Native Alliance of Quebec

Thu, Sep 30 2004 10:14 AM
Government of Canada Supports the Quebec Federation of Home and School Associations' New Publication ($19,500)

Thu, Sep 30 2004 10:16 AM
French-Language Theatrical Trilogy to be Presented in Newfoundland and Labrador ($21,120)

Thu, Sep 30 2004 10:20 AM
Government of Canada supports Capitol Theatre and Arts Centre in Windsor ($100,000)

Thu, Sep 30 2004 10:23 AM
Minister Frulla announces funding for D.F. Cook Recital Hall ($121,042)

Fri, Oct 1 2004 1:50 AM
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA INVESTS $479,594 IN SIX STRUCTURING PROJECTS IN MRC D'ASBESTOS

Sat, Oct 2 2004 10:24 AM
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA GRANTS $580,000 TO THE FIRM OPTIMA

These stories are unashamed. The government is proud of it's spending. Are we? I mean, are we all fine with our money being thrown around? I thought governments were for governing, not funding myriad causes... Please note that this is just a few days worth of spending... I wonder if this amount is spent consistently, throughout the year?!

Tax the blood out of people, then fund everything you can. It seems like our government has learned how to buy votes. Is there any hope for change?

~Jason