Thank you, Dalton McGuinty

This is my thank you letter to Premier Dalton McGuinty. Much of it is a repeat of things I've said in various places on this blog, but I've included it here for your convenience. Feel free to use any or all of it for your own letter.

Dear Premier McGuinty,

I am writing to thank you for your recent action on the OC Transpo strike that has paralyzed our city for nearly two months.

The ATU's selfishness was unconscionable, and Mayor O'Brien's grandstanding and union-busting games have also contributed greatly to this impasse that has caused so much suffering. The two sides weren't going to budge and if anything had gotten more entrenched over the last few days. And because the feds were far more worried about staying in power than anything else, they left Ottawans literally in the cold. It struck me as more than a little unfair that TTC was legislated back within 3 days but Ottawans have been allowed to suffer through almost 2 months of winter without transit, and with no relief in sight.

MP Rona Ambrose said only 4 days ago that she had no intention of doing anything about this. MP John Baird promised at least several more weeks of red tape. By speaking out as you did, you held their feet to the fire and publicly shamed them until they acted in the best interest of the public. Now they can't stop talking about how they couldn't bear to let the suffering continue and had to act. Their hearts weren't bleeding for us 4 days ago, so I have no illusions where this came from. Therefore, I am writing to the proper person to express my gratitude. You were the only one from higher government demanding a solution and demanding it _now_.

So thank you again, Mr. Dalton - for acting in the best interest of our most vulnerable citizens, even when others cannot be troubled to do so except under fire. Rest assured that I will remember this at the polls.

Warm Regards,

EEP