On balance, I think the McGuinty years have been good for Ontario.
My politics are neither partisan, nor strictly ideological as my signature notes.
The deficit should be lower, programs better, the nanny-state reduced, but greater respect for the environment shown.
That said, one can not compare any government to some fictional ideal; but rather to its predecessors and competitors and weigh how it has handle real-world situations and choices.
So let's see:
As a capitalist:
I'm concerned about the economic competitiveness of Ontario, I like the elimination of capital tax on business, reduced corporate tax and the HST. This improves the competitiveness of all Ontario businesses, but particularly exporters. Especially with a rising currency, this is key.
While I prefer balanced budgets and declining debt, I must also compare Ontario's numbers with those south of the border, in Other provinces, and with the NDP numbers of early 90's and by are reasonable measure the deficit/debt is not out of line with current (or past) recessionary norms. That said, it should be lower, but its unlikely ti would have been under a conservative regime (see the Federal numbers); and its how quickly its brought under control now that counts.
As an environmentalist:
I'm concerned with steps taken to protect land and water and reduce pollution. On Green energy, for better or worse, this gov't is North America's leader. A quick review of the IESO web site (the operator's of Ontario's electrical system) coal power, the dirtiest and most pollution is all but gone except on the highest demand days of the year. Wind and solar and still low, but rising quickly, while investments in gas plants and hydro have rocketed.
Land protection has been slow, but still there is a Greenbelt, and there is an Endangered Species Act; and now a new commitment to set aside 1/2 of the boreal forest from any development (including logging).
There is more policy work needed on water quality and sustainable transportation options have been slow to be implemented, but do seem to be coming forward.....
As someone of Libertarian bent:
I don't want the government frivolously regulating personal moral choices that have no impact (or little) impact on others. I want more freedoms for all people, on issues such as alcohol, marijuana and prostitution. My only vice is the first, but I see no need for the state to legalize, and tax my vice while criminalizing the other 2.
However, the criminal law is Federal, so not McGuinty's issue; on alcohol we did get the re-corking (BYOB) policy through, though I will clearly state that's not good enough......(3am last call, 18 legal drinking age, longer LCBO hours, and more locations to purchase, are among my other concerns).....neither is this a top tier issue for me, and at least we moved in the right direction...
Finally, as a socialist:
I'm committed to greater opportunity for all, particularly children, having equal access to high quality healthcare and education....
We certainly have seriously issues regarding excessive tuition, lack of universal pharmacare and dentalcare etc.
But, again, we have moved, albeit very slowly, in the right direction.
Most major immunizations are now covered; and every child in a household with income under $20,000 now has dental care, including preventive care.
Minimum wage is up significantly, if below where it needs to be.
There is now a PST/HST tax credit and the low income tax bracket is down 1 point.
Perfect? Not by a long shot............but there's more there to be please with than not, and much more accomplished than in either the Rae or Harris years.
So far, so good.
