Saturday, June 02, 2007

Good for Monte

Jane Taber reports that Minister Monte Solberg actually invited opposition criticism of a fiasco he inherited when he took over the Human Resources portfolio in January (H/T National Newswatch).

The 'Canada Summer Jobs' program, which replaced a similar Liberal program, had inadvertently left out well-deserving groups and Monte was very aware of the inadequacies.

One would wonder why he couldn't have effected changes on his own, instead of covertly asking for some drama to expedite the changes, but the desired results have now achieved.

I've met Monte a few times. He is an awesome, genuine guy.

Whatever the reasons behind these machinations, I have to admire this statement:

“I think it's fair to say I've learned a lot from this,” Mr. Solberg said.



If only all politicians could be this humble and willing to correct mistakes; whatever it takes.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Monte was a funny blogger and a Tim's supporter. I like his style and he was probably a better member of the opposition than the government.

We conservatives need to stop the "past 13 years" blame and begin to accept that the government is now "ours" and take responsibility.

West coast teddi

Joanne (True Blue) said...

Yes, Teddi. I agree.

That tune is getting a bit old now.

Anonymous said...

"One would wonder why he couldn't have effected changes on his own, instead of covertly asking for some drama to expedite the changes".

Exactly. I find this report extremely strange. Even supposing, as numerous commentators on the Globe site are saying, that this is yet another example of SH the control-freak, surely Monte would have pressured Conservative MPs to defend the program, not leaned on Opposition members.

Sounds to me like someone is just trying to stir up trouble between Solberg and the PM, and Taber fell for it.

Do miss his blog, though. It was one of the best.

Joanne (True Blue) said...

Do miss his blog, though. It was one of the best.

That's for sure. I miss his descriptions of his hometown, and the scenery, and his quirky insights.

Well, when the Liberals are done with their time-out, then hopefully Monte will be able to get back to blogging. So there's always a silver lining. ;)

Fieldmouse said...

Wasn't his blog great! We miss it too but agree he didn't have time for it once he was elected. We met Monte too and were impressed so sorry to see the shambles made of the student jobs program. We too were puzzled by the report that he had to encourage attacks by the opposition to get leverage to fix it. But that's the MSM and we don't take what they say for gospel either. We do know for a fact that there was a lot of outcry from the grassroots.

Joanne (True Blue) said...

But that's the MSM and we don't take what they say for gospel either.

Especially when the reporter is Jane Taber!