| Description | The two major parties, the Progressive Conservatives and Liberals, are not very different in their approach to governing. To many of us, it appears that the hierarchy in each party at the provincial level are working together. Electoral reform and regionalization (amalgamation) seem to be an effort of both major parties to concentrate power at the center, and we are seeing the results of this through declining resources for our traditional industries as our political representation and influence declines. If regionalization is implemented, a number of communities will be incorporated under one umbrella and governed by one board so that it will be much easier for government to control a large region. Eventually smaller communities will gradually lose their identity and be powerless to do anything about it. Recent events such as the PNP scandal, where high profile political people of both parties received funding, would also indicate some form of cooperation between them. In the last few elections, the major parties have focused on a platform of healthcare and education, ignoring the economy of this province. To some degree, this has allowed the government to freely spend tax dollars on questionable infrastructure projects and ignore economic development and job creation.
It is time for a new direction in this province. The only hope of reversing this regionalization and consolidation of power and to help our economy is a new party: The Island Party. The Island Party will take an island-wide perspective to governing. A healthy and prosperous rural economy will contribute significantly to the health of our centers. The founding members whose backgrounds are representative of all political persuasions are tired of seeing taxpayers' hard earned dollars wasted. The party wants policies to be developed from the grassroots up. Your input is needed to create a party for Islanders, by Islanders. |
