Throne Speech masterfully vague, yet clear on key message

Feb 15, 2017 | 4:00 AM

KAMLOOPS — Throne Speeches are always vague (governments preferring to keep the good stuff for budgets) but the one delivered Tuesday in Victoria was masterfully done — so bereft of specifics yet so clear in its key messages.

Most of it was spent praising what the Liberals have already done for us on jobs, healthcare, education and so on.

There was mention of external “risks,” especially a weak global economy and expanding protectionism. In other words, now wouldn’t be a good time to think about changing governments.

The take-aways from this Speech are abundantly clear — a vote for the Liberals will be a vote for prosperity and less money out of our pockets.

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The latter is especially tantalizing because, of course, it wasn’t specific. Tax cuts, lower user fees, new revenues or maybe reduced hydro rates?

Who knows, but it’s payback time because we the taxpayers have worked hard and deserve a reward. To borrow from an old TV commercial, “It’s our money and we need it now.”

But a hint of what might be the biggest election battleground came on the front lawn before the session got underway. As a backdrop to the marching and saluting and firing of the cannon, environmental protesters chanted about the need for climate action and against corporate profits. Not even the brass band could drown them out.

All parties will try to convince us we can have it all — a healthy economy and a healthy environment, and that they’re best equipped to give it to us.

As a footnote, of particular interest to Kamloops were mention of the Royal Inland Hospital “upgrade,” the government’s ongoing commitment to open new mines, and the passing last year of Senator Len Marchand Sr.

And asking an imam to read the opening prayer urging unity in these trying times was a really nice touch.

Now if only such civility would extend into the upcoming election campaign.

mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca