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Wynne’s campaign promises fall in two categories — those that will require major taxes hikes and those she will not be able to keep. But ‘splaining is for after the election.



Wynne’s attempt to position herself as empathetic, in contrast to an indifferent opponent, plays itself out across the globe in the struggle for popular support between socialism and capitalism, a command economy and free markets.



Progressives portray themselves as caring, however much their policies may harm the very people they claim they want to help. Conservatives are usually viewed as competent, but can be challenged in communicating their devotion to people because they generally avoid throwing money at problems, see a limit to what the nanny state can achieve, worry about the erosion of freedom from intrusive governments and put more faith in the people to determine their own lives than faceless bureaucrats.



History proves that countries which follow free-market principles do far better than those that recklessly tax and spend, opt for central planning at the expense of individual choice and are indifferent to massive deficits and ballooning debt. It is no accident that for the first time ever Quebec has a better credit rating than Ontario and capital is fleeing Canada for the U.S.



Most people appreciate policies that work in the real world. A last-gasp attempt from a failed premier to buy votes with our money comes off as deeply cynical, no matter how many times she repeats the “caring” word. Indeed, it is more likely to remind everyone she is anything but.



Joe Oliver is the former Conservative minister of finance.

