[R-G] Mackay: NDP are a bunch of Commies

[Anthony Fenton]

MacKay’s lack of answers irks NDP defence critic
By STEPHEN MAHER Ottawa Bureau
Fri. Apr 18 - 5:41 AM
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Canada/1050497.html

OTTAWA — NDP defence critic Dawn Black says Defence Minister Peter  
MacKay is being disrespectful and insulting by refusing to answer her  
party’s questions about the military.

In the House of Commons on Thursday, Mr. MacKay twice answered NDP  
queries by attacking the party rather than addressing the questions,  
and Ms. Black says that’s not right.

"His response to a very serious question was to ridicule the New  
Democratic Party," she said. "You know, my father was in the navy in  
the Second World War. My grandfather served in France in the First  
World War. A lot of men and women in the Canadian Forces would have  
the same political background that I have."

Ms. Black had asked a question about media reports that the air force  
is facing a $500-million funding shortfall because of spending on the  
Afghan mission.

Mr. MacKay retorted by pointing out that the NDP voted against the  
Afghan mission.

"Being a defence critic for the NDP is a bit like being a tailor in a  
nudist colony," he said. "There is lots to see, lots to talk about,  
but at the end of the day, they do not do anything. That is the naked  
truth about the NDP."

Later, NDP MP Catherine Bell asked Mr. MacKay when the government will  
replace outdated Buffalo search and rescue aircraft.

Mr. MacKay said it is cynical and hypocritical for the NDP to suggest  
it is "worried about the health and welfare and well-being of the  
Canadian Forces," as the party in the "communist corner" has voted  
against Tory legislation.

Ms. Black said it’s a "ridiculous slur" to call New Democrats  
communists.

"I just think it’s appalling," she said. "The lack of respect, the  
lack of dignity that he brings to that place over and over again."

Mr. MacKay’s communications director said Thursday that the NDP’s  
questions were not helpful and the party should expect some pushback.

"They voted against the budget, the NDP, and then they ask questions,"  
Dan Dugas said. "So are they concerned or are they not concerned? It’s  
called question period, not answer period, and there’s give and take  
in the House of Commons. I don’t find it that surprising."

( smaher at herald.ca)

’Being a defence critic for the NDP is a bit like being a tailor in a  
nudist colony; there’s lots to see; lots to talk about, but at the end  
of the day they do not do anything.’
PETER MacKAY, Defence Minister