Harper's Conservatives have money for weapons but not people

On September 17, 2010, Paul Vieira, Financial Post wrote an article "Time to tighten the purse strings, says Flaherty". In this article Federal Minister of Finance, Jim Flaherty, is quoted as intending to introduce fiscal restraint after the expiry of the stimulus program March 31, 2011. He agrees that recoveries are weak and that economic growth is slow. However, he states that the fact economies aren't shrinking is enough to stop stimulus. He also reconfirms his intent to increase employment insurance fees to workers and employers although says he is willing to talk about it.

I believe his plan speaks to the priorities of Prime Minister Harper's Conservative government. Conider the following:

• The Conservatives have spent at least $7 billion in an untendered contract for latest generation fighter aircraft. Some estimates have the cost with maintenance as high as $16 billion.
• Unemployment is still high in Canada.
• Permanent full time jobs are still less available.

This government can find money to buy military hardware but not support workers who are still suffering from the weak economy.