By John-Henry Westen
OTTAWA, December 12, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Ironically, the very political partyÂthat has been caught red-handedÂpocketing millions of dollars has come out publicly saying Canadian parents cannot be trusted with child-care dollars.Â
BEER AND POPCORN
Chief Liberal spokesman Scott Reid said Sunday that the Conservative plan to give child-care dollars to parents so that they may have choice in child-care rather than being forced into institutionalized day care as per the Liberal plan was unworkable since parents would waste the money on “beer and popcorn”. Said Reid: “(Children) need care that is regulated, safe and secure and that’s what we’re building here. Don’t give people $25 a day to blow on beer and popcorn. Give them child-care spaces that work.” (see video clip at this blog: https://www.proudtobecanadian.ca/blog/index/weblog/3325/)
The comments sparked the ire of families across Canada and the interest of the usually Liberal-backing mainstream media.Â
Reid later made a half-hearted attempt to back out of his gaffe saying “no responsible parent” would squander the money but added nonetheless “The point remains that Mr. Harper offers a tax cut, not a child care plan.”
Martin too tried to run for political cover saying, “There’s no doubt in my mind that parents are going to use it for the benefit of their families. They’re going to use that money in a way that I’m sure is responsible. Let there be no doubt about that.’‘
NO INSULT INTENDED TO BEER AND POPCORN PRODUCERS
However, another Liberal spokesman significantly worsened the situation for the Liberals when he gave strong endorsement for Reid’s comments. Leading off a political question period program a CTV host asked Liberal spokesman John Duffy what he made of Reid’s “demeaning” remarks. Duffy responded, “I don’t think any insult was intended to the beer or popcorn producers.” The CTV host responded, “What about to Canadians John?” Duffy responded, “The fact is Jane there’s absolutely nothing to stop somebody from pocketing Stephen Harpers $1200 supposed child-care baby bonus and spending it however the heck they want.”
When the Conservative representative asked Duffy point blank if he was standing by the “callous” beer and popcorn remarks, Duffy replied, “Yes of course I am.”
Kate Tennier, the leader of a grassroots non-partisan organization seeking to have choice for parents in childcare options, told LifeSiteNews.com that the remarks reveal the mindset of the Liberals. Tennier, of Advocates for Childcare Choice, said “I just think that this shows, in a very public way, what the Liberals feel about the ability of parents to make decision s about their children, it’s contemptuous.”
VOTE CONSERVATIVE SAY CHOICE IN CHILDCARE ADVOCATES
Asked what her advice would be for Canadian families who support choice in childcare, Tennier responded, “I have never voted Conservative in my life. But I will be voting conservative because of this issue.”
Political analysts told LifeSiteNews.com that the revealing gaffe may have serious political ramifications for some Liberal politicians. Losing Liberal candidates may well be awarded with a gift when they find themselves denied a seat in government – a six pack and a bag of Orville Redenbacher’s.