Tuesday, April 10, 2007

No Sweat - applause for the MB Gov't

Hey there, Hi there

Yes I know its been a while. Sorry 'bout that. Today, here I am.

In a stunning move amidst other "no, we aren't going to call an election' glad-handing of funds to an eager and willing to be bought off public - the Government of Manitoba got something right. I applaud this move that keeps my tax dollars out of the sweat shops - and might even help bring some off-shore apparel manufacturing jobs back home to Manitoba - or Canada if every other province, city, territory, and government or publicly funded agency will step up to the plate and do the right thing.

HEY - you out there - anybody in government making buying decisions - Do the Right Thing! That means YOU! If you are spending from the public purse - SMARTEN UP! And while you're at it - use recycled paper and stop drinking bottled water!

It is truly "un-Canadian" to expect people in the developing world to accept less than a living wage and less than a healthy work environment while the middle men/women reap the profits. Children need education, women need equitable pay and safe working conditions, and there needs to be a Global code of workers rights that is enforceable. Ah Utopia.

Made in Canada - not by a multi-national with offshore interests - made with quality - not paid by piecework - made by workers with benefits, not made at the expense and exploitation of the developing world.

Buy Canadian. Look for the Union label or the hallmark of the Independant Tradesperson. Vote with your dollars, and speak out.

Now, if only we could get drive-thru windows closed as a key source of environmental pollution due to the idling cars that line up to roll up the rim. (not meaning to single out any one chain - honest!)

Another day, another crusade. Someone's got to keep rattling the cages and giving the monkeys bananas when they do their tricks well. Might as well be me. I'm just one Canadian trying to shed some light where I can. And not afraid to rail against the darkness. Got a match?

Incognito Ergo Sum,
Jane Doe, Citizen