THE UNKINDEST BUDGET CUTS

To The Editor:

Re: Tories Slash $1b From Programs, The Daily News, Sept. 26:

I don't know about the rest of you, but to me, the federal
government's annual budget report seems to be a warning of things to come.

With tourism at an all-time low, is this really a good time to drop
the visitors'-tax rebate? By the look of the dollar amount - $78.8
million - quite a few tourists took advantage of it. This seems very
short-sighted.

The Status of Women agency was cut by $5 million. You can bet that by
the next budget, it will be gone altogether. With fewer women running
for office, it's a crucial time for them to have a voice in Parliament.

As for the Real Women organization, the women's voice in this ultra
right-wing government, I have only met two of its members. They
believe that men should absolutely not do any housework.

They believe men are smarter than women, and they deserve to make
more money. They believe abortion should be abolished - but they
don't support welfare.

They support the whopping $2.82 a day families receive as the
Conservative government's aid (after taxes) for child care - which
averages $650 to $700 per child per month.

The government is ending medical-marijuana research. What's up with
that? This government turns a blind eye to the research results so
far. Next, they'll be putting people behind bars for simple possession of pot.

A recent study suggested that 83 per cent of Canadians want to see
cannabis laws relaxed. And they want to see more research, not less.
This government listens to the Americans more than its own citizens.

All of Europe has relaxed its laws. Only the Third World and the
United States are anal about it.

This government knows it isn't very popular with Atlantic Canadians.
So it swore it wouldn't cut ACOA - but here it comes.

The Conservatives want us to believe they can cut $5 million and
increase spending at the same time. Duh.

The news that the government cut $11.7 million of unused funds to
fight the mountain pine beetle is one page away from an article about
the pine beetle being out of control.

The Conservatives don't have a handle on the wants and needs of Canadians.

And how would they know? They won't talk to us.

They don't give candid interviews so we can know what they really
think about issues.

How can we trust them?

Jane MacDonald

West Chezzetcook