Harpers Idea Of Social Responsibility

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   At January’s gathering of world power brokers in Davos Switzerland, Klaus Schwab, Chairman of The World Economic Forum, in his opening address said, “capitalism in it’s current form, no longer fits the world around us”. Schwab went a step further suggesting, “a global transformation is urgently needed and it must start with reinstating a global sense of social responsibility”.

   Going over the transcript of Steven Harpers speech to the forum, it’s clear he is holding onto a vision that is out of date and continues to follow the tired, old, reganomic system of the past that has brought the U.S to it’s knees. Harpers idea of social responsibility?

   “Among G7 countries Canada has the lowest overall tax rate on new business investment”. “We have taken action to make Canada, among the G20 countries, the first tariff free zone for manufacturers”. Among the economic visions Harper listed as “central” to his government, “keep tax rates down”, “complete negotiations on a Canada-European Union free trade agreement this year”, “complete negotiations on a free trade agreement with India in 2013”, “begin entry talks with the Trans-Pacific Partnership”, “advance our trade with Asia”, “I will again be making a trip to China shortly”, and, “deepen our economic and security links” with the U.S.

   He goes on to promise he will “cut the burden of red tape” on independent business, and “ensure that major energy and mining projects are not subject to unnecessary regulatory delays”. This may all sound one sided and geared to advance the wealth of the richest 1% but there were a few “visions” listed for ordinary Canadians too.

   He did after all mention one of his concerns being Canada’s aging population, even if that concern is that it “has the capacity to undermine Canada’s economic position”. His plan to help that aging population? “Limit the growth of our health care spending” and, “do the same for our retirement income system”. Gee Thanks.

   I think there are 99% of Canadians that would be better off being left out of these “visions” Stephen Harper is having. When asked in a post speech interview with Klaus Schwab if he had one wish for Canadian business leaders Harper quipped, “ of course we always call on them to support the government”, “ we are very proud of our business community”. Klaus Schwab responded, “and I hope they are proud of their Prime Minister”.

                               Jeff Armstrong   January 30 2012