Hot off the Press

In tomorrow's Hamilton Spectator 'Weekend Reader' section, editorial letters, the following will appear...

Dear Editor,

Re: Tory budget passes with Liberal support (February 4, 2009)

With Liberal MPs from Newfoundland permitted to break from party lines on an issue of importance to their constituents, surely Hamilton's NDP MPs can learn from their coalition cousins. Breaking ranks from their caucus to stand and support the budget in the interests of Hamilton would have been both politically smart and a show of co-operation at a time when people want their politicians to work together, not against each other.

When the federal government introduced its 2009 budget last week, the expectation was that there would be significant stimulus programs designed to kick-start Canada's economy. The budget did indeed deliver with billions of new infrastructure spending for cities such as Hamilton. Coupled with measures such as the extension of EI and the renovation tax credit to help families upgrade their houses and contribute to the economic turnaround, the budget will indeed set Canada on a positive path going forward.

I was optimistic that Hamilton's NDP MPs would see this budget as beneficial to the city, knowing full well that there are several areas of need that could be served by new federal investment. However, in short-sighted fashion, NDP politics took precedence over community need and the 'old city' MPs rejected the budget before it was even tabled in the House. There are many benefits for Hamilton in this year's budget and for the city's NDP MPs, it's time to stop adding to our problems and start working together with the government to contribute to solutions for all of us.

Alex Buck, Hamilton

I'm sure the angry responses will flow from the 'Dippers next week.