Editorial: Trash talk

The beginning of a new year always brings much hope and optimism. At a federal level, 2014 offers a great deal of optimism and hope for Canada, the constituents of SDSG, and all Canadians. 

I am very optimistic that during the next twelve months our country will continue on the road to economic recovery.

As we all know, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty will be presenting the 2014 Budget in the next few months. 

I believe he will continue the prudent approach he has used in the 2013 Economic Action Plan. 

If I am correct, that means cutting the cost of government, paying down the deficit and encouraging small and medium sized businesses to invest in job creation. 

I feel it is wise to continue on the same track since it has resulted in the creation of over one million net new jobs since July 2009, and allowed our Government to drastically reduce the deficit.

Another reason for my optimism is the recovery that seems to be taking place south of the border. 

The US economy appears to be on the road to recovery and this will have a very positive impact on Canada’s economy. 

The improving American economy along with the widening exchange rate should auger well for Canadian businesses selling their product to the US. 

“Success breeds Success!” Once Canadians realize all of the above they will start seeing the glass half full. 

They will regain confidence in their employment and feel secure in making additional purchases, thereby growing the economy further and creating jobs. 

2014 is shaping up to be a great year!

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The time for responsibility to our province is upon us once again. We are in the throes of a political campaign to help us decide who will be the next governing party in our province. I am awed by the lack of political campaign signs along the roadways and on lawns.

Does this mean that the people who are running for office don’t have the funds to mount a huge campaign with lots of signs and fliers in the mail? Does it mean that the party who has been governing most recently is complacent about this being a “shoe in?” Does it mean that there is a malaise about the whole idea of going to the polls to elect those who will be making decisions for us?

I have, over the years, thought that being “apolitical” was the way to be when one was a Christian.

What I have discovered, to my delight and to my chagrin, is that we should be very political. We should be standing up for what we believe and ensuring that those who want to be elected know precisely what we think is necessary for us to live in a province where everyone counts.
When you look at the gospel stories, Jesus was anything but “apolitical.” He wasn’t shy about telling the powers that be what needed to be done in order for there to be justice for all.

More often than not, Jesus was challenging the political leaders of his time. More often than not, too many of us cannot be bothered to exercise our right to choose.

I ask each of you, please, take the time to find out what the candidates stand for. Find out if there is someone who represents what you believe. Attend all-candidates meetings if you can.

But most important of all be sure that you have a voice on October 6th. Vote for the candidate of your choice.

Whew, now that I have that out of my system, I want to share with you that October 17th marks 10 years that the Dundas County Food Bank has had a branch in Morrisburg.

It’s difficult to know how to observe this anniversary.

If there has to be no food bank in Dundas County, let it be as a result of people having enough resources to buy food rather than there not being enough resources for us to continue to serve those people who need our assistance.

I ask you to support you local food bank in whatever way you can – through food donations, through financial donations or through donations of your time as a volunteer.

Jesus said  “when you feed the hungry, you feed me.”  Our responsibility carries on as we love one another, as Jesus loves us.

Cheers,
Rev. Sue McCullough
Anglican Parish of Morrisburg, Iroquois & Riverside Heights

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MORRISBURG – Until South Dundas council agrees to a more permanent solution for composting in this municipality, wood chips and yard and leaf waste is being accepted at the Matilda landfill site. And, they are […]