Tories still whipping Ontario

Further to polls showing the Conservatives taking a hit for their repeated slams against Ontario, particularly those by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, the Liberals have produced some pro-Ontario swag to capitalize on the sentiment (at right -- click for larger image).

The Conservatives, by the way, seem undeterred by the poll results, using one of their questions in the Commons yesterday to take another poke at Premier McGuinty and his stand on China/Tibet. Here's the Hansard excerpt.

Mr. David Sweet (Ancaster — Dundas — Flamborough — Westdale, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, last week Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and his trade minister stated that human rights were a federal matter and it was not the province's role to get involved. This week, after a trip to China, trade minister Pupatello suggested that Canada should nurture a dialogue with China regarding human rights in Tibet.

Could the justice minister please tell the House the government's view on who should be advancing the issue of human rights?

Hon. Rob Nicholson (Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, it was only a few days ago that the Ontario government was trying to pass off human rights as solely a federal responsibility. Now it is suggesting that there should be dialogue between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama and that Canada may be able to help. I am glad it finally figured out that human rights are the responsibility of all levels of government.

This government is interested in promoting human rights. We continue to encourage dialogue between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama and the full respect of all human rights.

 

Comments

[MJH]

Nicholson was right on!! Human rights are everyones' business not only the Federal Government. McGuinty is out to lunch, again!