Canada FTA on shaky ground

No one expected it. Canada’s Conservatives were just elected as a minority government pledging to work with all three opposition parties to ride out the recession. But, when the new government tabled an economic statement last week, Prime Minister Stephen Harper picked a fight he couldn’t win

Instead of proposing ways to boost Canada’s ailing economy, the government promised to cut off all government subsidies to political parties ($1.95 per vote, or $30 million annually), curb public servants’ right to strike, and weaken pay equity rules.

This mean-spirited, stupid move was just the catalyst for the three opposition parties to build a coalition to replace the Conservative government on December 8.

Ordinarily, I wouldn’t care much, but a change of government will likely delay the fast-tracked Canada/Panama Free Trade Agreement from moving toward ratification.

If this happens, don’t be surprised to see the Agreement become part of Panama’s election debates leading up to national elections next May.

Already, the Conservatives are back-tracking and shelving the right to strike and political party subsidy proposals. However, the Liberals, New Democrats, and Bloc Quebecois have tasted victory and are in no mood to prop up the government any longer.

Thoughts from my Annual CARmudgeon Canadian Book Tour. As you are reading this column I’ll be flying back to Panama from Toronto after ten days of signing books and giving speeches. Here’s what I remember most:

Canadian passengers clap when an airplane lands, but not when it takes off. Canadian airline regulators have decided that obese and physically-challenged passengers have the right to a free second seat. Priceline works. Five times I bid $100 U. S. for a downtown Toronto four-star hotel. I ended up at the King Edward, Westin Harbour Castle, Hilton, Sutton Place, and Intercontinental. All posh hotels that usually cost $200 or more a night.

Restaurant discovery. First, let me admit to one bias: I don’t trust any restaurant critic who tells the restaurant owner-manager the establishment is being reviewed, asks for a free meal, or suggests the owner buy a small ad in the reviewer’s newspaper or on-line blog. That’s extortion, not journalism. So, rest assured that any eatery I mention in my column doesn’t know me from Adam, and that’s especially true of the folks running the Veramar restaurant in Veracruz.

Do you know the way to —Veracruz? Located 20 minutes from the Bridge of The Americas, Veracruz is a seaside town that has a beautiful view, a long stretch of sandy beach, and few tourists. There are easily a dozen small one-story restaurants lining the shore about a mile before entering Veracruz.

I always have had a special place in my heart for this town. When I was stationed as an Army medic at Fort Kobbe in 1962, part of our morning PT (physical training) run was down to Veracruz and back.

Now, when I drive along that same route, I hear the singing cadence of my fellow runners sung in time to out pounding feet: “I don’t know, but I’ve been told?” as I swerve to miss the same potholes, I swear I first dodged forty-seven years ago.

Veramar is the only two-story restaurant in Veracruz, found at the end of the restaurant strip, to the left of the Howard turn-off.

It is relatively new, scrupulously clean, and as cheap as they come. Imagine, a complete meal with two drinks for $10. The basic fare is fish, pork, or chicken. Ceviche (marinated seafood) is fresh and served in a large dish.

Best seats are on the second floor, where there is a beautiful view of the beach, no trinket sellers, and less noise and flies. Service can be slow if you eat lunch after 2 PM when business picks up. But, the wait is made much shorter by taking a short stroll on the beach as your meal is prepared.

There is a downside to this bargain find. Veracruz tends to get rowdy and dangerous after dark when Panama City and local youths take over the beach. As with Dodge City, get out of town before dark.