To the editor of the Sudbury Star,
(Published July 23, 2009)
I am an Inco retiree and subscribe to the libertarian philosophy. As such, my leanings are towards fiscal conservatism and I have done my best to support our government in Ottawa. This has become difficult for me when I read the blatantly self serving and revisionist statement by our federal Industry Minister, Tony Clement, that Inco would "not exist" if CVRD had not purchased it.
Inco was a world leader in mining, smelting and refining with established infrastructure, plentiful ore bodies and benchmark technology. It was enjoying the most profitable period in its history when the Brazilians swooped in to scoop it up for an unheard of amount of cash. I would much rather have seen the Inco/Falconbridge merger happen since it would have made much better strategic sense both for the companies and the Sudbury basin, but American and European regulatory bodies scuttled that while Ottawa stood by and watched.
In his attempt to twist recent history and mislead the public to serve his own ends, Minister Clement has caused me to lose the respect I once had for him and question what my options are come election day. Prior to this, my vote was a forgone conclusion but now I have to look at the alternatives.
I am an Inco retiree and subscribe to the libertarian philosophy. As such, my leanings are towards fiscal conservatism and I have done my best to support our government in Ottawa. This has become difficult for me when I read the blatantly self serving and revisionist statement by our federal Industry Minister, Tony Clement, that Inco would "not exist" if CVRD had not purchased it.
Inco was a world leader in mining, smelting and refining with established infrastructure, plentiful ore bodies and benchmark technology. It was enjoying the most profitable period in its history when the Brazilians swooped in to scoop it up for an unheard of amount of cash. I would much rather have seen the Inco/Falconbridge merger happen since it would have made much better strategic sense both for the companies and the Sudbury basin, but American and European regulatory bodies scuttled that while Ottawa stood by and watched.
In his attempt to twist recent history and mislead the public to serve his own ends, Minister Clement has caused me to lose the respect I once had for him and question what my options are come election day. Prior to this, my vote was a forgone conclusion but now I have to look at the alternatives.
