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Elections in Canada
Leadership A Crucial Issue, Choices Rests With People Meeting with Frank Klees, Minister of Transportation by Javed Zaheer TORONTO: Election fever in Ontario is suddenly high and the candidates busy in bringing out whatever they can from their Pandora boxes. Promises, commitments, claims, gimmicks and somersaults all being put to use. Due to the surprise announcement and short time, the atmosphere is fully charged. Those who really served the people and cared for them are confident of success and least worried. They enjoy the support of the constituents and the people. Expressions reflect their strength and weaknesses. I usually keep a distance from politics and politicians. Since 1999, this was the first time I came face to face with one, during an election campaign. On 14th of September, Shahid Hashmi, Chairman, CanPak Chamber of Commerce, invited me to meet Frank Klees, Minister of Transportation, at the residence of Dr Jamil Dar and Dr Shahnaz Dar of Sharos Medical Clinic. Because of his love, I never refuse Shahid Hashmi’s invitation unless there is any emergency. While I was at home, I received the leaflet of NDP candidate for Don Valley West. I contacted him and during our conversation I told him of my plan to meet Frank Klees. His instant reply surprised me and exposed him. He remarked: “Frank is anti-people. His policies are against the Ontarians, particularly immigrants.” I said well I don’t know much about Canadian politics and I have never met Frank before therefore I cannot say anything. But I felt bad as the remarks were directed at character assassination. I told the NDP candidate to meet me so that I can hear his plans and policies. He said he would come but never turned up, perhaps was busy in his hectic campaign. When I reached the place, I saw people bombarding Frank Klees with all sorts of questions on various issues including health, education, taxation and immigration. I was watching curiously Frank’s expressions and replies, in the impression of the NDP candidate’s remarks. Soon I was convinced that the remarks were baseless and meant to poison my mind. Frank Klees was talking sense, to the point and very confidently without getting embarrassed by the harsh questions. His explanations were simple and logical. I was impressed by his attitude and reasoning. He mostly touched the issues and never passed insulting remarks against any opponent, like the NDP candidate. This showed his maturity, leadership qualities, gentleness and sincerity. Frank Klees, who is contesting to be re-elected as MPP in Oak Ridges, started his address with Salam Walaikum, highlighted the priorities and said irrespective of the parties plans and policies, people have the right to choose the path they deem fit and best in their and country’s interest. He never tied to lure the people to his plans but was straight forward in giving them the option---to accept or reject. Such offers are very rare, when campaigning for election. In this lies his secret of success. He said the priorities include educating the people, formulation and implementation of the right policies in order to ensure success, happiness, progress and prosperity for all. Courageous decisions have to be taken to improve the system and for better and productive results, he added. Frank said because the health is free therefore the people are taking it for granted. The biggest problem is educating the people about medical emergencies. Half of those visiting emergencies do not need to go there and instead should visit the walk-in clinics. This could greatly help in reducing the waiting period. Presently the deserving ones have to unnecessarily wait for hours for their turn and attention. This situation must end and relief ensured to the people. We have to find different ways to deal with both healthcare and education, he stated. He said principles and values are very important. Teachers and seniors deserve respect. We want to make sure that students remain 100 per cent in the classes and not affected by strikes. This could only be achieved through changes in system and policies, he added. Because of our successful policies, Ontario now has the strongest economy and continues to lead the G-7 nations. This happened despite the slump in the US economy during the last three years. This proved the impression wrong that Ontario’s economy is affected by the US ups and downs, he explained and added that we will continue to cut taxes. Frank said the success achieved was the result of right political leadership. The quality of leadership is to know what is right for the people and make them understand for acceptance and implementation, he stated. He praised the role and contributions of Mike Harris. In 1994 the job situation was very bad and now the change is evident. Now you can easily buy a house, construction is also booming and the interest rates too are low, he added. He said Ontario is back on the right track because all the things we value most--- dependable healthcare, quality education, safe communities, jobs for ourselves and our children---depend on our continued economic success. The performance is as follows: Well over one million jobs created since 1995, the best job creation record in Canadian history. From the worst welfare rate in Canada to more than 600,000 people off welfare. From high taxes and debt growing by a million dollars an hour to one of the strongest, most competitive economies in the world. From an outdated, wasteful healthcare system that failed to meet people’s needs to a modern system with a record $28 billion a year in funding. From ignoring the voice of the people to responsive policies that have created real standards in education and greater protection for victims of crime. From a `Lost Decade’ under the Liberals and NDP to an era of prosperity and hope for the future. Frank said our plan to build a better province and a brighter future includes benefits for all Ontarians: For seniors, breaks on property taxes, support for caregivers, an end to mandatory retirement and better healthcare services. For children, better basic education and access to advanced education, more jobs for the future and increased support for children at risk and in need. For urban communities, an end to gridlock, safer streets and better schools. For rural communities, funding to help keep rural schools open, more access to healthcare services and more support for farmers. For Northern Ontario, new programs to strengthen the economy and give young people a future at home, as well as health, education and tourism improvements. For all Ontarians, our plan for `The Road Ahead’ will mean tax cuts to create more jobs, better priority services and more accountable and responsible government. He said our key commitments are: 1) Mortgage interest tax deduction 2) New rights for taxpayers 3) A balanced budget with less debt 4) Shorter waits for healthcare 5) More doctors, nurses and hospitals 6) No diploma if you can’t read and write 7) No strikes during the school year 8) 1,000more police on our streets 9) Drunk drivers off the road 10) Skilled immigrants in, criminals out 11) The highways and transit we need 12) Responsible care for the homeless 13) Stop abuse of welfare, OHIP and legal aid and 14) Strong consumer protection laws. Frank Klees has a solid record of accomplishment. He has been a strong and effective voice at Queen’s Park since 1995. He has never been afraid to make the tough choices. His principled and responsive leadership is clearly evident in the results he has consistently delivered for York region. He works tirelessly for his constituents. In 1995, he was elected MPP, appointed Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Natural Resources and appointed to Standing Committee on Administration of Justice. In 1997, he was appointed Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Community and Social Services and also appointed to Standing Committee on Social Development. In 1999, he was re-elected MPP, appointed to Cabinet as Minister Without Portfolio with additional responsibilities as Chief Government Whip and Deputy House Leader and also appointed to Management Board of Cabinet and Board of Internal Economy. In 2002, he was appointed Minister of Tourism and Recreation and also appointed to Cabinet Committees of Privatization and Super Build and Economic Resource Policy. In 2003, He was appointed Minister of Transportation. He is being tipped as a strong and popular leader of the future. Yet his opponents dare call him `anti-people’. Envy is but natural. It is rightly said nature cannot change. Beware of such elements whose eyes are set on leadership but minds upset because of threat to their vested interests and poor performance. Earlier, Hanif Nori, to be son-in-law of Dr Jamil Dar introduced Frank Klees to the selected audience. Dr Jamil Dar thanked Frank Klees for honoring and addressing the occasion. He said Frank Klees because of his past and present contributions is the right candidate for Richmond Hill and deserves re-election as MPP He particularly praised Shahid Hashmi, Chairman, CanPak Chamber of Commerce, Asad Malik, Zafar Bangash of Muslim Association of York, Elesh Ruparel, Javed Zaheer, Freelance Journalist, Surinder Singh Gill, Dr Mubashiruddin, Qamar Siddiqui of Trivision, Dr Shahida Khan & Ashiq Khan, Dr Bushra Qureshi & husband, Baseer Haqqani, Mohammad Arshad of Arco Computers Ltd., Aftab Rizvi, famous MC, Hameeduddin, Editor of Awaz and Ahmed, a professional photographer, for their support and contributions. He thanked Dr Shahnaz Dar, his wife, and family for their valuable support. During the question & answer session interesting discussion took place. Dr Bushra Qureshi asked Frank Klees about the future of foreign medical graduates, who are stuck in odd jobs and wasting their precious talent and energy. Frank Klees said we are trying to overcome the problem and very much hopeful. To another question, Frank Klees said one of the fundamental problems is that everything that is free is abused. We have to make the people think that it is not free. We must make them realize about the expenditure, he added. For more info on author, email him or see under Contributors |
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