Unfamiliar it seems with reality, Canada’s New Government™ has once again proven their incompetence.
Under questioning by NDP MP Irene Mathyssen, Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development finally admitted yesterday that none of the 70 million dollars earmarked for soup kitchens and shelters will be spent until or after April 1st.
Naturally in Canada in winter shelter is not a priority concern. People can do without food.
Harpers’ government has placed quite an emphasis on April 1st.
We can only hope that on that day we will learn this government has been nothing more than the practical joke it appears to be .
Somebody is trying to use that $70 million to “cook the books” a bit. March 31st is the end of the fiscal year in the Federal Government. Usually money not spent by that time is not re-allocated the following fiscal year. Usually that means departments spending any leftover money late in the year, just so they can be sure to get the same amount the following year – we in Ottawa call it “March Madness” where these departments buy new computers, get consultants in to have studies done etc.
In other words, this is a back door way to cut these funds, because outright cutting of the funds, like was done last year to SWC or the Court Challenges program, would make the Cons look bad to even their core (refusing to help starving homeless also helps the opposition quite a bit in an upcoming election).
Cheeseparing bastards is what they are. Notice Encana still gets their tax breaks and subsidies.
Its embarrassing to admit that Monte is “my man in Ottawa” … *sigh* being Albertan isn’t all wine and roses *G*