An Open Letter to Hugh McFayden

So what you say? This letter was written and eMAILed on January 31, 2007. It has been edited.

Dear Hugh,

I returned to Winnipeg in March last year after many years living and working in Toronto. I have become very alarmed at the current NDP government’s inability to grasp what this province needs to grow and succeed. I am frightened that they will continue their ways should they win the next election.

I’d like to share with you my view on the state of Manitoba. A fiercely proud Winnipegger, Manitoban and Canadian, I believe strongly in this province and particularly in this city. I’ve watched sadly as we play second fiddle to almost every province in Canada. We must do more to grow this province. Here then are my thoughts.

Manitoba’s Priorities
In 2007 forward we as Manitobans must identify priorities and establish public policy. What priorities are most relevant today and tomorrow? What are the issues affecting most Manitobans?

There are so many significant and important issues that must be focused on. Let’s concentrate on the most urgent priorities. Such as crime. Education. Health. Infrastructure. Business/Jobs. The Winnipeg Capital Region.

Business/Jobs
Firstly, let business run business. But let’s provide a business friendly environment that will attract new business and keep existing business in Manitoba. Let’s create a strong and clear strategy that business and government can relate to and build from. And stick to it. Don’t waffle. This will lead to more attractive and better paying jobs. This will attract people to the province, while keeping our youngest and brightest minds here.

Crime
The crime rate in Manitoba, particularly Winnipeg, is frighteningly high. Let’s assume the federal government is impotent. What can the Provincial government do to make things better?

Health care
We must deplete the bloated bureaucracy. Put our resources in the front lines. Create a strategic scorecard that accurately measures performance and publish it monthly. Don’t play games with measurements and targets. Try a businesslike approach. Use cold hard facts and work them.

Education
See above. Again we have too much money going to administration and not enough to the teachers and the learning environment. Cut the plethora of school divisions. Remove the school boards ability to tax and place the funding onus on the Provincial governments’ back, where it belongs.

The Winnipeg Capital Region
Manitoba goes as Winnipeg goes. One might equate funding policy in Manitoba to Quebec. (Arbitrarily) Quebec gets far too much of the federal public purse than maybe it should. Meaning other, possibly more deserving, areas get less. In Manitoba, rural Manitoba equals Quebec. This is a tough balance but managed correctly, Winnipeg can feed the whole province through spin-off benefits.

Infrastructure
Our roads and bridges, hospitals and other public institutions and facilities … …are in an abysmal state. We must create a policy that forces us to proactively manage our infrastructure. Strike a five year plan to fix the infrastructure correctly. Dedicate the resources required to meet the plan.

PC Presence
We Manitobans simply cannot afford another 4 years of an NDP government. In my view the PC party and Hugh McFadyen have been very quiet, almost too quiet. It is time to raise your profile. While the NDP as a government and a party are taking their lumps, Doer seems to be elevating his profile. This must be countered. To win this election you’ll need a strong, high profile campaign. You need a strategy that starts building your platform and highlighting your people. You need a campaign that the electorate will embrace.

While one might be reluctant to show your cards too soon, there is some merit to identifying your priorities first and telling Manitobans.

Some bullets for consideration…

• Take a page out of Stephan Harpers’ election campaign. Keep your platform simple, with major commitments that will make significant impact immediately.
• Work with the media. You’ll need as much positive (and free) press and you can get.
• Don’t blur NDP and PC policies and platforms…
• Let’s not accept second best. Strive for the best and don’t settle.
• Fund priorities appropriately. Don’t dilute your efforts by trying to please everyone. It would be best to fund one program correctly than two programs ineffectively.
• Don’t play electioneering games. Leave personal attacks to the NDP and Liberals. Take the high road, and tell the electorate that you will target priorities and policies only.