LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Engineer suggests measures to reach

We are witnessing a downsizing of the middle class in this country because of uncontrolled government spending, uncaring government policies and unbearable tax grabs by all levels of government. There are many actions that can be taken. I would suggest three possibilities.

First, the mining industry needs to speak as one voice in Ottawa. The principal emphasis must be the number of jobs created and maintained by successful exploration programs and mining operations. Politicians understand that jobs and votes are somehow linked.

Second, politics and government are not spectator sports. One cannot sit on the sidelines and hope their team wins. Instead, there are many opportunities to participate in riding associations. During elections, this can mean door-to-door canvassing, stuffing envelopes in committee rooms, putting up signs, answering the phone. The other important participation is to get out and vote for the candidate of one’s choice.

Third, vote with your cheque book. I’m always amazed at the results of polls that show the present party in power registering 14% of popular opinion and then watching the Prime Minister on television at a $500-a-plate dinner in a full hall. If business leaders quit buying these plates and instead said “no more financial support till you get it right,” it wouldn’t take too long before politicians change their ways. Political parties need to pay their bills.

I have just been to eastern Europe and have seen what bad government can do; it’s not pretty. Let me encourage every Canadian to become politically active to save this beautiful land. James Wade, P.Eng. President James Wade Engineering Ltd.