Patronage

Prince Edward Island's Lawrence MacAulay, a Liberal MP for the riding of Cardigan, started his fifth election campaign with a bang. He bought a large add in the local newspaper showing a detailed list of projects approved for Cardigan and the amount spent. Mr. MacAulay's picture bragged about the $50-million in federal funds he has brought to the riding since 2000. It seems to me that's a lot of hay for such a small ranch. At the other end of the island the Liberal MP for the riding of Egmont is Joe McGuire. Recently he was appointed minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency [ACOA] and has lavished patronage on his riding. So much so, the Conservatives had a very difficult time finding a candidate to run against Joe McGuire. It seems patronage pays dividends at election time.

Last week, former New Brunswick premier Frank McKenna said the federal government should end handouts to the Maritimes by scrapping ACOA and overhauling employment insurance. He admitted he is at odds with his own party but agrees with policies already stated by Conservative Leader Stephen Harper. Paul Martin wanted Frank McKenna to run in this election but no New Brunswick MP or candidate would step down. It's just as well since his election with this platform is very doubtful.

The Maritime provinces have been the economic backwater of Canada since Confederation. Consequently government spending props up economies and patronage is now part of the culture. Any party or any candidate who proposes to eliminate patronage will not do well on June 28 here.