It probably won't come as much of a surprise to find out that I read (alright, skim) the press releases of two opposition parties at Queen’s Park. It certainly isn’t something I enjoy doing as the constant negativity is not healthy. Not healthy for the reader, not healthy for the author and certainly not healthy for Ontario.

I speak to many voters who believe the McGuinty government does not represent them; many voters have told me, the Liberals have overreached and ignore of the will of communities. Voters normally give the government credit for various policies and programs but by-and-large they are unsatisfied with the status and direction of our province. Perhaps more telling however is that few of these voters think the current Opposition parties would do any better.

It’s hard to blame them. The NDP and the Conservatives are bringing complaints and are bringing attacks but they are certainly not bringing alternatives.

As I have explained before the Greens, the NDP and the Conservatives each opposed the HST but only the Greens were responsible in their opposition. I dubbed this “thoughtful opposition” but I think “responsible opposition” is more to the point.

The title of this post, Poppies, is taken from an NDP media release that embodies irresponsible opposition.

The NDP are calling for the HST to be removed from poppies. I doubt anyone would disagree with making it easier for our veterans to raise funds during this month of remembrance but this kind of emotional ploy shows that the NDP is not prepared to govern. Proposing ultra-narrow tax cuts indicate that either the NDP is not thinking about the larger picture or that they are cynically using veterans to score political points. Let me be frank: using our veterans to gain a small political victory is wrong. For their sacrifices veterans deserve far more than to be used as a prop in some communications strategy.

I firmly believe that questioning the priorities of the government is an important and necessary part of our system. It is what keeps our democracy strong. The Green Party of Ontario has taken the Government to task for prioritizing large multi-nationals above local businesses. However, implying that the government cares more about donuts than the well-being of veterans, as the NDP does, crosses the line.

During Mike Schreiner’s first year as the leader of the Green Party of Ontario he has provided Ontario voters with a responsible alternative for the province. His vision of government is one that helps Ontarians without meddling and overreaching. It allows our local businesses to become self-reliant and our communities to be strengthened. It's a vision of a disciplined and responsible government that is capable of developing long term plans to deal with important issues such as health-care and energy.

It’s time for responsible alternatives. It’s time for the Green Party of Ontario.

"Poppies", NDP press release, http://ontariondp.com/en/hst-on-poppies-wreaths-just-plain-wrong-ndp/