Page 6 - Jan_Feb 19 Reporter

Message from the PRESIDENT

we all have a choice

david campbell he fall of 2019 brings us to the federal election. and description. The laws are in place to enforce it, so
LBMAO President TWe in the home improvement industry need to let’s enforce it.
start developing our strategy towards expressing As well, it boggles my mind that this country,
our concerns and suggestions for a stronger more which is so rich in natural resources and energy, buys
responsible government. The federal Liberals have much of their oil for the east coast from a corrupt
opted to take the same approach to managing the and restrictive country as Saudi Arabia. This is simply
national economy as the Ontario Liberals had done because the federal government has not been able
over the past 12 years - extremely high debt with little to show a leadership role in negotiating pipeline
to show for it! construction to both the east and west coasts. We
As a country, we cannot load debt onto the backs are, and will be for some time, an energy economy
of our children, grandchildren, new immigrants and and we are being penalized with a dollar much lower
others who want to enjoy the lifestyles we have had than it should be because of our inability to manage
in the past 40 years. They will be burdened with the energy file effectively.
so much debt, their standard of living will never be From the perspective of energy saving, there
as robust; and the support services for should be more resources and incentives towards
"We will be health care and social services will decline energy efficiency that could easily be applied for
- a sad state of affairs for a country that as tax credits. Most rebates and tax savings in
surveying our has riches in both natural resources and past programs were so riddled with red tape that
members over human capital. only a small minority of Canadians benefited. Any
Too much government invested in incentives to build or renovate your workplace or
the next couple social engineering and buying voter home with approved energy saving products such as
of months and support regardless of the benefits to the insulation, wallboard, windows, doors etc., should at
country. Hmmmm, seems familiar. Again, least have a reduced GST or no tax at all.
will put together remember the Ontario Liberals. Currently and for the foreseeable future, we
So, how can we in business influence
a position on how our practical and responsible approach are experiencing a shortage of skilled workers.
Major urban centres have the benefit of attracting
our members wish to sound fiscal management? We will new immigrants with their peer support groups.
be surveying our members over the next Incentives for people to move out of the larger cities
to see the country couple of months and will put together to smaller communities to live and work need to
governed." a position on how our members wish be considered. It has been a considerable length of
to see the country governed. We will time since I have seen so many help wanted signs for
ask members to prioritize what they businesses in every sector as are appearing now!
see as important to them and their employees. In the past, our governments have propped up
Balancing the budget; effective and efficient health failing companies with billions of dollars only to
care; responsive and well-trained police and armed see them leave for countries that pay much lower
forces; and, of course, a social support network that wages. I don’t blame those companies. We live in a
encourages people back into the workplace. democracy that is driven by capitalism and, over all,
We fully agree that all Canadians should be we have enjoyed the benefits of a free market system
treated equal in both pay equity and employment with one of the most progressive and generous
opportunities; however, we need not force companies economies in the world. But that is quickly changing.
to hire more women or minorities. As a diversified Governments should not be interfering with the
country, we must use social media to identify markets by propping up poorly managed companies
and shame those businesses and industries that just to keep jobs in sectors that are quickly becoming
intentionally pay less for the same job performance
Message from the President continued on page 15...

6 LBMAO Reporter -January-February 2019 www.lbmao.on.ca