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Page 2, Whitby Freé Press,'Wôdnesdày, March 3; 1993 ... B.t prieIt mdg PM ByMike Kowalski Is Canada a better country after eight.years of Brian Mul- roney as prime minister? Or is the answer to that ques- tion best left to some future date when the full impact of his government's policies -- free trade, the GST -- are better understood? While everyone will have his/ her own opinion about Brian Mulroney, all will probably agree that Canada has changed under his stewardship. But depending on one's politi- cal perspective, that change has either been positive for the coun- try's development or detrimental to the nation's future. Althou h he had an "inkling" the day tfore that something was about to hap pen, Ontario riding MP Rene Soetens was surprised by Mulroney's decision to step down as Progressive Con- servative leader. "I believed he would continue to be the leader of ourparty, that was my expectation," sai Soe- tens. First elected in 1988, Soetens had no qualms about seeking another term with Mulroney as leader. "I had already been nomina- ted. I was quite supportive of the prime minister," said Soetens. "I say that even with having people in my riding who have difficulty with the prime minis- ter," he added. Soetens said Mulroney will be remembered for a number of important measures on both the national and international fronts. "On the international stage Canada's reputation has im pro- ved immenseiy," claimedSoe- tens. He cited Canada's eater in- volvement in Unite Nations peace-keeping efforts and mem- bershi in the Group of Seven as examples. Domesticall Mulroney "brought Canada kicking and screaming into the 21st century from the 19th century," said Soe- tens. "There was a lot of resistance but there's no doubt we will grow stronger. "More trade lower inflation rates...that didn't just happen but because we provided leader- ship." .hie.t.i.te.sente.reic While it is too soon to predict who will succeed Mulroney, Soe- tens said the Tories do not suffer from lack of credible candidates. "I can look now and run off 10 or 12 good candidates, any one of which can deal with Mr. (Liberal leader Jean) Chretien without the slightest hesitation." Not surprisingly, Soetens' Liberal opponent in the next election does not share his assessment of the Mulroney regime. "Lt (resignation) was one of the more stronger indications that the government realizes there is discontent in the land," said Dan McTeague. "Canadians see it for what it is...Joe Clark, Merrithew, Wine- gard (retiring ministers), now Mulroney and perhaps Rene Soe- tens....it's time to wake up and smell the coffee." McTeague said that after elect- ing the Conservatives to "two unprecedented majority.govern- ments," Canadians realize they are not better for it. He said only a "full scale house cleaning," neot a new leader, will give Canadians a sense of change. "A vote for this (new) leader will be a reaffirmation of their policies," said McTeague. Reform Party candidate Don Sullivan said his party has been operating on the premise that Mulroney would leave since last October. "Based on the referendum he lost the party's confidence," said Sullivan. "But it dosen't matter who succeeds him. They'll have to explain away the last eight years, the,"ealbe aie ministers.' Suilivan said the Tories are losing the "best campaigner" the have. "That was his strongest point, he was tireless." Sullivan alse said the Tories will feel the loss of Mila Mul- roney, calling her a "lady" and an effitive campaignr. For Des Newman chair of the Durham Région Mianufacturers Association, Mulroney represen- ted Canada with "dignity" in a demanding rele. "Anyone who serves the coun- try in that capacity for eight years without a scandal has done an extraordinary job," said New- man. But only "history will tell" whether policies implemented by Mulroney will benefit Canada, Newman said. "He's tried clearly to make substantial changes and those measures are not popular in the country now," he said. "The GST, deficit, constitution free trade...these are things ï would have done differently or tried to do differently.» But Newman notes that some of the measures for which Mul- roney was piloried are now being consi dered by United States President Bil Clinton. "The world is becoming more complex, you can no longer apply a quick fix to problems," said Newman. "If he (Mulroney) failed in any area he failed to communicate with the public, that's the only area where history may prove he was deficient." BUYING OR.SELLING? For service and resuits ask for LILIAN NORTH sales rep RE/MAX Summit Realty (1991) Ltd. 668-3800 686-5865 !t . Member of Oshawa & Toronto Boards * ASK ME ABOUT 70%o MORTGAGES! Call Rosemary Brown at 433-2121 11 1 Lmýý - -