Ontario to run record deficit, what a shocker!

The Ontario government says it will run a deficit of approximately 24 billion dollars this year, the largest deficit in province history. Ontario has been hit the hardest of all provinces in Canada and has seen major reductions in auto exports, in which has been heavily reliant in the past. Overall the Ontario economy is expected to shrink 3.5 % in 2009, while economics expect economic rebounds to occur in 2010.

While i'm sure this is a great opportunity for opposition members of the legislature to jump on the Ontario government, one has to acknowledge that this economic downturn has been a global one, and something all of Canada is experiencing. Ontario seem particularily troubled due to its reliance on the auto sector, which needless to say hasn't been doing so hot. Ontario appears to be an a tough transition from a manufacturing centre in Canada, to a more knowledge-based province. This is a move that will cause a lot of problems in the short term, but I believe ultimately place Ontario in the mix as a global knowledge base.

However, I'm not going to let the McGuinty government off so easy, their reckless spending in this whole ehealth scandal, along with the new proposed "HST" tax seems to leave Ontarians scratching their heads as to where the money has been going. Factor in the fact that we are in a recession and I can't help but feel there is a lack of urgency in the governing Liberals, who seem a little to careless with our money.There needs to be more accountability, we pay taxes, we deserve to know where they are going!

Ontario sues big tabacco for $50 billion

It came to my attention today that the Province of Ontario is launching a $50 billion dollar lawsuit againts the big tobacco companies based in Canada, the United States and England. The $50 billion dollar sum is suppose to represent the cost that Canadian health care in Ontario has coughed up for smokers who needed treatment over the last 50 years. Those opposed to this lawsuit claim that it is a hypocritical act by the province that collects billions in tax revenue from tobacco companies. They also counter that the province should then go after alcholol and casinos who many consider detrimental to society.

I believe this lawsuit is fantastic; it is a real positive step in holding tabacco companies to account with our society. At the same time I acknowledge the potential problems this could bring about in our society. Those opposed to this lawsuit say it is a slippery slope and before long we will be suing compaines left and right in an attempt to pawn off or actions on others. I've considered this and have to admit I don't want to live in a US-style system where people can sue a McDonalds for mllions and win because they were scolded by an unnaturally hot pickle on their burger. The result of this case is yet to be seen. but its something to think about. Will this lawsuit open up Pandora's Box to a society where we relentlessly sue each other?

What if we look at another arguement that takes on responsibility of dealth and physical harm away from tabacco companies and places it on the individual. Many people argue that in this day and age, people are well aware of the health risks of smoking, and if they choose to smoke they must accept the consequence of their decision and not blame others. This arguement is fair, but what if we decide that because the adverse affects of smoking are so well know, that anyone who choose to smoke should forfeit their right to universal health care. If a smoker gets cancer as result of their smoking, rather than paying taxes on healthcare they have to front the entire cost of treatment. This is a controversial proposition but I believe that if people choose to kill themselves, we the tax payers shouldn't be forced to front the bill. This is especially true since the development of science has offered many opportunities for smokers to quit their addiction. Fair compromise or outrageous violation of individual rights? You be the judge.