Dear Editor:

Usually, I’m pretty even keeled. I don’t rant too often.

Now is one of those, “not too oftens.”

I think it is abhorrent that the federal Conservatives refuse to speak about health care, seniors care, veterans care,  mental health, missing and murdered aboriginal women, woman’s issues, cancelling the Canada Health Accord, slashing healthcare funding to the provinces by $36 billion dollars in federal transfer payments, while also refusing to send candidates to show up for public forums.

Yes, I’m ranting!

As I become more aware of the real issues – and see the smokescreens – I’m very concerned.

How can a government say they have a surplus when they slash significant funding to federal scientists, federal libraries, veterans and the environment?

It is sad that the Conservative candidate in this federal riding, Marshall Neufeld, never showed up to invitations in Osoyoos and Oliver to discuss seniors’ issues and healthcare, but was front and centre at an “invitation-only” event in Penticton with the Prime Minister.

Perhaps he had a personal emergency and wasn’t able to make it. If he did and I wasn’t aware, than I apologize.

When the Progressive Conservative Party joined with the Reform Party of Canada, I volunteered with them and celebrated their victory at Stockwell Day’s office in West Kelowna.

I was proud to join them because I believed this to be a new, open government for the people, by the people.

I no longer view them as a coalition, a team of concerned citizens who represent their constituents.

Since then, I have seen a one-man show, and more evasion of questions, scandals, fear mongering, and quiet shutdowns of government services than ever before.

People have personal responsibilities, and yet, we depend upon our governments for the things that we can’t do as individuals. We rely on various levels of government for things like hospitals, police, military, forest firefighting, emergency services, roads and other infrastructure.

It seems that spending millions of dollars in attack ads about someone’s hair and age is more important than spending that on people who cannot afford their medications and long-term care costs, rent, food, bills and childcare.

They don’t seem to really care about connecting with the people in our communities, including those most vulnerable in our society.

Yes, there are many more issues being discussed and debated during this federal election campaign, including refugees, ISIS, terrorists and the economy.

There aren’t just easy answers.

But at the very least, we need a team of people in government who work together and listen to constituents’ concerns.

We need someone who shows up.

I recently read this important article on healthcare questions and would like our local candidates to read it and provide some answers to key questions relating to healthcare in this country.

The article can be accessed at:

http://healthydebate.ca/2015/09/topic/federal-election-2015-health-care-platforms

Jaret Blidook

Oliver, B.C.