Here we go again with yet another triple P confusion.
Private Public Partnership - you know where everybody cooperates for the good of all.
Instead we have Puerile Petition Perturbation!
Jerome Kennedy a Minister of the Crown and Ross Wiseman Speaker of the House of Assembly are extremely proud of their "gotcha".
They actually spent our money and time torturing Dale Kirby about the numbers of names on a petition. Who cares what the petition is about right? These juvenile ninnies have real work to do and I demand they get to it. They are after all under our employ. They do not serve at the pleasure of the Premier - as they do not get the job at all if we do not elect them.
We are up to our necks in bad news, downsizing, federal trouncing, and industrial annihilation - not to mention our spinning heads as these same people try to justify the Muskrat Falls proposed fiasco.
In one gate - out another - approaching a new gate, running away from another. Gates and locks on the doors of information make this administration one of the least transparent and accountable governments ever.
Kennedy appears intimidated by Kirby and pays significant attention to him. If this were in Kennedy's chosen venue - the courts - I think his objections would suffer overrules on a regular basis.
The Speaker - Ross Wiseman has sat through days of ignorance and misinformation spewing from the government side - yet no action taken. He is an opportunist that spends the majority of his time examining which side his bread is buttered on and whether or not that is likely to change.
Ross would have had to find himself in contempt as he trotted - baggage in hand - from the Liberal to PC side of the House. The fact that he finds himself in the Speaker's chair with a substantial salary speaks either to his inability as a Minister or as a dutiful puppet for the government.
Beauchesne's - sure Ross - whatever helps you accept your deceptive and self-serving behavior.
On yet another day of federal jobs lost - don't waste my time and money on this garbage.
Kennedy really needs to grow up and do the job we pay him to do - this does not include a testosterone match with a colleague from the NDP.
Showing posts with label Federal Government. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Federal Government. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 06, 2012
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Attention: PROOF of Failed Hydro Projections
Well let's understand our history so we do not repeat mistakes.
In 1990 the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador under Premier Clyde Wells approached the Federal Government with a proposal to develop the Lower Churchill.
In large part the development was to satisfy the need for power on the Island.
The official "secret" document from our government to the feds states, in part:
"The electrical needs of the island are increasing as Newfoundland's business and industry expands and its population grows. Total electrical consumption during the past decade, increased by 42% or at an average annual compound rate of 3.6%. Newfoundland Hydro forecasts that the Island's electrical use during the next several decades will grow at rates in the range of 2.0% - 2.5% annually.
Current projections suggest that electrical rates in Newfoundland will exceed the Canadian average by 35-40 % in the year 2000 with the pattern of divergence increasing over time unless there is access to Labrador power. Electrical power and energy from Labrador would provide an element of price stability conducive to the sustained expansion of Newfoundland's economy."
Now let's review what happened:
Well clearly Ed Martin just discovered the need for power in 2010 - he must have missed this information. No wait - that would mean Hydro's projections were way off.
The government then - as with government now is clearly just trying to justify through fear - need and costs of power or they just don't know what they are doing.
There were 576,000 of us then - and as you can see - we grew right?
And industry just went through the roof right?
But by far the best projection from our experts is that our electrical rates would EXCEED the Canadian average by 35-40% by 2000.
Oops - something went terribly wrong there.
Now we are being asked to trust us and our experts.
Back then industrial growth would be generating population growth and all of that would drive power need.
Now Hydro predicts no industrial growth need - but population will grow with no industry and our aging - declining population will use more not less right? This and baseboard heaters are going to drive the need for power.
It is about time our MHA's and media actually research this.
STOP THIS DEAL!
Will the media ask Ed for these documents and projections?
In 1990 the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador under Premier Clyde Wells approached the Federal Government with a proposal to develop the Lower Churchill.
In large part the development was to satisfy the need for power on the Island.
The official "secret" document from our government to the feds states, in part:
"The electrical needs of the island are increasing as Newfoundland's business and industry expands and its population grows. Total electrical consumption during the past decade, increased by 42% or at an average annual compound rate of 3.6%. Newfoundland Hydro forecasts that the Island's electrical use during the next several decades will grow at rates in the range of 2.0% - 2.5% annually.
Current projections suggest that electrical rates in Newfoundland will exceed the Canadian average by 35-40 % in the year 2000 with the pattern of divergence increasing over time unless there is access to Labrador power. Electrical power and energy from Labrador would provide an element of price stability conducive to the sustained expansion of Newfoundland's economy."
Now let's review what happened:
Well clearly Ed Martin just discovered the need for power in 2010 - he must have missed this information. No wait - that would mean Hydro's projections were way off.
The government then - as with government now is clearly just trying to justify through fear - need and costs of power or they just don't know what they are doing.
There were 576,000 of us then - and as you can see - we grew right?
And industry just went through the roof right?
But by far the best projection from our experts is that our electrical rates would EXCEED the Canadian average by 35-40% by 2000.
Oops - something went terribly wrong there.
Now we are being asked to trust us and our experts.
Back then industrial growth would be generating population growth and all of that would drive power need.
Now Hydro predicts no industrial growth need - but population will grow with no industry and our aging - declining population will use more not less right? This and baseboard heaters are going to drive the need for power.
It is about time our MHA's and media actually research this.
STOP THIS DEAL!
Will the media ask Ed for these documents and projections?
Friday, March 02, 2012
MP Cleary not Happy with Politics Seeking Way Out?
Am I reading right? Is Ryan looking for a pension increase? A PENSION? AN INCREASE?
Alright - I am going to guess he does not like politics and wants to get out. Why? Well I am assuming that his constituents are not going to be real happy at Mr. Cleary's request.
CBC reported that Cleary said the following in defense of his absurd request:
“I work my butt off,” Cleary said. “Would I deserve a pension of $28,000 after six years? Probably not. It should be more than that.”
Then he says:
“The MP pension plan has been criticized as being out of whack, as being gold plated, as being too rich. Is it? I don’t know. I have different thoughts on that ... Being an MP, from my perspective, this is not a job. This is a life. This is all-consuming.”
First of all your claim to any pension other than gathering some RSP's during the 6 years as an MP is disgusting. Then claiming that you should get more than $28,000 a year for that 6 year service is robbing the public treasury.
24-7 365 days a year is something that many people can claim. 50 per cent of them will get a pension after 30 years and will likely be based on self-contributed investments. Another 49 per cent will probably not get a pension.
Many public service volunteers also work full-time, overtime, and then take on more work to assist people and organizations who do not have the money to hire somebody.
Many health care professionals are putting in 80 hours a week and then spend time caring for a family member.
Many Municipal leaders work voluntarily 24-7 365 days a year - and that's on top of a paying job.
Ryan - a simple question - what have you produced in the 10 MONTHS you have served your constituents - in order that you may retire in 6 years with almost $30,000 in pension every year?
My guess is your constituents will find it cheaper to fly you home after this term and elect some new blood. If you believe you deserve more than $28,000 a year after 6 years of service - you have already been around Ottawa too long.
Alright - I am going to guess he does not like politics and wants to get out. Why? Well I am assuming that his constituents are not going to be real happy at Mr. Cleary's request.
CBC reported that Cleary said the following in defense of his absurd request:
“I work my butt off,” Cleary said. “Would I deserve a pension of $28,000 after six years? Probably not. It should be more than that.”
Then he says:
“The MP pension plan has been criticized as being out of whack, as being gold plated, as being too rich. Is it? I don’t know. I have different thoughts on that ... Being an MP, from my perspective, this is not a job. This is a life. This is all-consuming.”
First of all your claim to any pension other than gathering some RSP's during the 6 years as an MP is disgusting. Then claiming that you should get more than $28,000 a year for that 6 year service is robbing the public treasury.
24-7 365 days a year is something that many people can claim. 50 per cent of them will get a pension after 30 years and will likely be based on self-contributed investments. Another 49 per cent will probably not get a pension.
Many public service volunteers also work full-time, overtime, and then take on more work to assist people and organizations who do not have the money to hire somebody.
Many health care professionals are putting in 80 hours a week and then spend time caring for a family member.
Many Municipal leaders work voluntarily 24-7 365 days a year - and that's on top of a paying job.
Ryan - a simple question - what have you produced in the 10 MONTHS you have served your constituents - in order that you may retire in 6 years with almost $30,000 in pension every year?
My guess is your constituents will find it cheaper to fly you home after this term and elect some new blood. If you believe you deserve more than $28,000 a year after 6 years of service - you have already been around Ottawa too long.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Walk a Kilometre in Burton's Shoes - Demand Change!
This post is for Burton Winters and his family.
You did not walk that 19 km's in vain - we cannot allow that.
You were a young man who - on the day you went missing - was snowmobiling. You were enjoying northern life and were not causing harm to anybody.
The stories about you by those close to you - help relate the tragedy of your loss to all parents.
You were living life and then fought for life and you were not wrong - when you were hoping somebody would find you - when you were hoping somebody would help you.
Your community of Makkovik and the greater community of Labrador were all looking for you. The people of Newfoundland and Labrador wanted you to be found safe and sound and wanted you to return to the comfort of your home and family.
When politicians have been around too long - they can become desensitized - detached - and in some cases appear aloof. They listen to people tell them sad and tragic stories everyday. If that is the case for any politician - they should quit - their time in public service is finished.
When bureaucrats spend one moment on spinning or downplaying neglectful policy - where a life is lost - they need to move on.
Because you Burton - were instantly wrapped in the arms of the Newfoundland and Labrador people - from the moment we heard you were missing - you will not be forgotten. That means that the circumstances surrounding your loss must be written about, examined, studied, and spoken of. That means that Newfoundland and Labrador must not accept anything short of a real solution to this obviously flawed system.
I watched the DND News Conference that was shared by local media. One point stuck in my mind - and it made me angry. When asked the question - why was a private company able to operate in the weather while the DND could not - the person responding said that local pilots knew the terrain, the mountains, and the local area.
This is simple - people - why would anybody who is NOT familiar with the local terrain be responsible for Search and Rescue of that area? Why?
This is a message for Minister Penashue, Minister MacKay, Premier Dunderdale and provincial MHA's - make this your number one priority. Fix this!
Newfoundland and Labrador is a massive geographic territory which is the easternmost part of Canada. See how many times you can put Nova Scotia in our physical footprint. Look at our coastline and understand that this province needs its own dedicated Search and Rescue service. Not only the marine communications sub-centre but a full fledged Search and Rescue Centre. Move the assets of Nova Scotia to Newfoundland and Labrador including the home dock of SAR and DND ships. If Nova Scotia feels it needs to maintain these assets - so be it - and then the federal government can build new infrastructure and assets for our province.
Regardless of who you are - you can look at the maps and understand that we cannot be serviced from Halifax.
Burton Winters died and that is not acceptable.
The Winters' family has lost Burton and that is not acceptable.
This young man walked 19 km's on terrain that federal and provincial politicians should experience.
This death on the ice will not happen again because our politicians shall be forced to make the changes necessary to protect our people.
Rest in Peace Burton - let us walk the rest of the way.
To the family of Burton - we are with you in your search for answers and are with you in your fight to ensure the safety of our people.
You did not walk that 19 km's in vain - we cannot allow that.
You were a young man who - on the day you went missing - was snowmobiling. You were enjoying northern life and were not causing harm to anybody.
The stories about you by those close to you - help relate the tragedy of your loss to all parents.
You were living life and then fought for life and you were not wrong - when you were hoping somebody would find you - when you were hoping somebody would help you.
Your community of Makkovik and the greater community of Labrador were all looking for you. The people of Newfoundland and Labrador wanted you to be found safe and sound and wanted you to return to the comfort of your home and family.
When politicians have been around too long - they can become desensitized - detached - and in some cases appear aloof. They listen to people tell them sad and tragic stories everyday. If that is the case for any politician - they should quit - their time in public service is finished.
When bureaucrats spend one moment on spinning or downplaying neglectful policy - where a life is lost - they need to move on.
Because you Burton - were instantly wrapped in the arms of the Newfoundland and Labrador people - from the moment we heard you were missing - you will not be forgotten. That means that the circumstances surrounding your loss must be written about, examined, studied, and spoken of. That means that Newfoundland and Labrador must not accept anything short of a real solution to this obviously flawed system.
I watched the DND News Conference that was shared by local media. One point stuck in my mind - and it made me angry. When asked the question - why was a private company able to operate in the weather while the DND could not - the person responding said that local pilots knew the terrain, the mountains, and the local area.
This is simple - people - why would anybody who is NOT familiar with the local terrain be responsible for Search and Rescue of that area? Why?
This is a message for Minister Penashue, Minister MacKay, Premier Dunderdale and provincial MHA's - make this your number one priority. Fix this!
Newfoundland and Labrador is a massive geographic territory which is the easternmost part of Canada. See how many times you can put Nova Scotia in our physical footprint. Look at our coastline and understand that this province needs its own dedicated Search and Rescue service. Not only the marine communications sub-centre but a full fledged Search and Rescue Centre. Move the assets of Nova Scotia to Newfoundland and Labrador including the home dock of SAR and DND ships. If Nova Scotia feels it needs to maintain these assets - so be it - and then the federal government can build new infrastructure and assets for our province.
Regardless of who you are - you can look at the maps and understand that we cannot be serviced from Halifax.
Burton Winters died and that is not acceptable.
The Winters' family has lost Burton and that is not acceptable.
This young man walked 19 km's on terrain that federal and provincial politicians should experience.
This death on the ice will not happen again because our politicians shall be forced to make the changes necessary to protect our people.
Rest in Peace Burton - let us walk the rest of the way.
To the family of Burton - we are with you in your search for answers and are with you in your fight to ensure the safety of our people.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
The House of Dis-Assembly - Get your Act(s) Together
Okay now maybe I get it. If the House of Assembly were opened now - the questions would be primarily about closures, downsizing, rationalizing, outsourcing, and generally the disassembling of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Seal Harvest
Fish Plants
Shipbuilding
Fabrication
Old Harry
New Energy
Old Stephen
New Stephen
Lost Jobs
Lost Communities
Lost Plants
Abandoned Proposals
Federal Cuts
Marine Atlantic
Paper Mills
Aging Population
If Danny were Premier now would he admit the Hip and Coolest Province in this Country today is Nova Scotia? He should - he has been a real part of their growth. Try and compare the headlines over the past year for Nova Scotia and then do the same for Newfoundland and Labrador.
No worries the House of Dis-Assembly has more important things to deal with - like perhaps how much money each side gets to generate no ideas, no questions, and from our government - how low can we go? The reality is - they each have a compliment of staff - plenty to do what is necessary to keep this government in check. Is it fair? No probably not - but get on with it - with the numbers you have there is no trouble challenging this government.
They should remember all the bloggers - most have other jobs - look at the questions they generate, the news stories they cause, the talk shows they fuel and all that for what? Okay Stephen (NL Blogroll) we need you to head up a committee on this. The government spends more time on the local Bloggers sites than searching through the policy papers, News Releases, or studies generated by the Opposition parties.
And finally this recommendation: your new bedtime story should be a Chapter of the Auditor General's Annual Report. Happy Reading.
Seal Harvest
Fish Plants
Shipbuilding
Fabrication
Old Harry
New Energy
Old Stephen
New Stephen
Lost Jobs
Lost Communities
Lost Plants
Abandoned Proposals
Federal Cuts
Marine Atlantic
Paper Mills
Aging Population
If Danny were Premier now would he admit the Hip and Coolest Province in this Country today is Nova Scotia? He should - he has been a real part of their growth. Try and compare the headlines over the past year for Nova Scotia and then do the same for Newfoundland and Labrador.
No worries the House of Dis-Assembly has more important things to deal with - like perhaps how much money each side gets to generate no ideas, no questions, and from our government - how low can we go? The reality is - they each have a compliment of staff - plenty to do what is necessary to keep this government in check. Is it fair? No probably not - but get on with it - with the numbers you have there is no trouble challenging this government.
They should remember all the bloggers - most have other jobs - look at the questions they generate, the news stories they cause, the talk shows they fuel and all that for what? Okay Stephen (NL Blogroll) we need you to head up a committee on this. The government spends more time on the local Bloggers sites than searching through the policy papers, News Releases, or studies generated by the Opposition parties.
And finally this recommendation: your new bedtime story should be a Chapter of the Auditor General's Annual Report. Happy Reading.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Minister Jim Flaherty - a Man without Culture is an Ass - The Shoe Fits
Jim Flaherty apparently must view himself as - a global citizen - a non patriot - a man without history - a man without roots - a man without a flag - a man without culture - and our Minister of Finance.
The Minister of money - who lost out to the French Minister of Finance Christine Lagarde for the top IMF post - must have been annoyed by the snub. After all - he fancies that his genius is what kept Canada afloat during the corruption induced recession. Now we all know that he had nothing to do with it - he relied on the institutional structure and regulatory system established by Ministers before his time.
In either case - Jim - is a founding partner of Flaherty Dow Elliott a law firm that describes itself this way:
Our Firm has distinguished itself in the area of motor vehicle accident litigation. We also litigate and arbitrate claims for Statutory Accident Benefits.
We also act as counsel in the various forms of disputes between insurers that may arise following motor vehicle accidents.
We are also proud of our expanding subrogation and property loss department that serves the needs of several insurers.
Finally, we frequently act for legitimately and seriously injured people following motor vehicle accidents and similar traumatic incidents.
(emphasis added)
Guess we won't be seeing any major reform in personal injury law - and he would not want to interfere with provinces there now would he?
Anyway the man who made a name for himself by chasing small and large ambulances (so to speak) - and revolutionizing the Ontario economy (lol) - now has his sites set on Arts and Culture. Mr. common sense himself feels "culture" is too reliant on federal cash. The suit with a fine manicure feels the "arts" should become a blood sport with real competition for government dollars. Perhaps Minister Clement could create new policy with respect to that. Clement's Counselling for Canadian Cash could be a great business success story with a slogan like "Funding for Fake Lakes Guaranteed".
I can see it now - Globe and Mail headlines of the future: Festivals Fight for Funds - Opera Sings for Supper - Librarians Lobby for Loot - or Painters Punch it our for Payola.
Yes Canada - our Minister of Money is getting tough on Arts and Culture - if you are in this sector Flaherty wants you to know you must stop relying on government grants as part of your budget.
The following are Flaherty quotes from a CP/CBC story:
"One thing I'd say, and maybe it's different than it used to be, is we actually don't believe in festivals and cultural institutions assuming that year after year after year they'll receive government funding," Flaherty said.
"They ought not assume entitlement to grants ... no organization should assume in their budgeting that every year the government of Canada is going to give them grants because there's lots of competition, lots of other festivals, and there are new ideas that come along.
"So it's a good idea for everyone to stay on their toes and not make that assumption."
I wonder if Jim says that to all the boys? The Banks, the Auto Giants, the Oil Companies and particularly the Insurance Giants? You see Jim - bailouts, tax breaks, and favourable government policies are as good as a grant.
A man with power and influence who does not support Arts and Culture is an Ass. You Mr. Flaherty are an ass.
Finally - my favorite statement from the law firm's website:
We strive to represent our clients in the true spirit of great advocacy and the proud traditions of the profession.
Funny Mr. Flaherty - when you gained the power - you lost the spirit.
The Minister of money - who lost out to the French Minister of Finance Christine Lagarde for the top IMF post - must have been annoyed by the snub. After all - he fancies that his genius is what kept Canada afloat during the corruption induced recession. Now we all know that he had nothing to do with it - he relied on the institutional structure and regulatory system established by Ministers before his time.
In either case - Jim - is a founding partner of Flaherty Dow Elliott a law firm that describes itself this way:
Our Firm has distinguished itself in the area of motor vehicle accident litigation. We also litigate and arbitrate claims for Statutory Accident Benefits.
We also act as counsel in the various forms of disputes between insurers that may arise following motor vehicle accidents.
We are also proud of our expanding subrogation and property loss department that serves the needs of several insurers.
Finally, we frequently act for legitimately and seriously injured people following motor vehicle accidents and similar traumatic incidents.
(emphasis added)
Guess we won't be seeing any major reform in personal injury law - and he would not want to interfere with provinces there now would he?
Anyway the man who made a name for himself by chasing small and large ambulances (so to speak) - and revolutionizing the Ontario economy (lol) - now has his sites set on Arts and Culture. Mr. common sense himself feels "culture" is too reliant on federal cash. The suit with a fine manicure feels the "arts" should become a blood sport with real competition for government dollars. Perhaps Minister Clement could create new policy with respect to that. Clement's Counselling for Canadian Cash could be a great business success story with a slogan like "Funding for Fake Lakes Guaranteed".
I can see it now - Globe and Mail headlines of the future: Festivals Fight for Funds - Opera Sings for Supper - Librarians Lobby for Loot - or Painters Punch it our for Payola.
Yes Canada - our Minister of Money is getting tough on Arts and Culture - if you are in this sector Flaherty wants you to know you must stop relying on government grants as part of your budget.
The following are Flaherty quotes from a CP/CBC story:
"One thing I'd say, and maybe it's different than it used to be, is we actually don't believe in festivals and cultural institutions assuming that year after year after year they'll receive government funding," Flaherty said.
"They ought not assume entitlement to grants ... no organization should assume in their budgeting that every year the government of Canada is going to give them grants because there's lots of competition, lots of other festivals, and there are new ideas that come along.
"So it's a good idea for everyone to stay on their toes and not make that assumption."
I wonder if Jim says that to all the boys? The Banks, the Auto Giants, the Oil Companies and particularly the Insurance Giants? You see Jim - bailouts, tax breaks, and favourable government policies are as good as a grant.
A man with power and influence who does not support Arts and Culture is an Ass. You Mr. Flaherty are an ass.
 |
| We can dress him up but we can't take him out. |
We strive to represent our clients in the true spirit of great advocacy and the proud traditions of the profession.
Funny Mr. Flaherty - when you gained the power - you lost the spirit.
Monday, June 06, 2011
Will the missing Cod find their way to the Base in Goose? Ask Harper and Dunderdale!
You can see how the Stephen Harper government will support Newfoundland and Labrador.
Department of Fisheries budget cut by $53 million.
Department of National Defense axing 2,100 positions.
Are you impressed with Premier Dunderdale's support of Harper?
The only reason Stephen Harper will give a loan guarantee on the Lower Churchill is to ensure Newfoundland and Labrador loses more of its valuable resources to other provinces. Just like the first 5,000 MW's to Quebec - we lose.
Stop the Emera deal and tell Kathy Dunderdale NO in October.
Department of Fisheries budget cut by $53 million.
Department of National Defense axing 2,100 positions.
Are you impressed with Premier Dunderdale's support of Harper?
The only reason Stephen Harper will give a loan guarantee on the Lower Churchill is to ensure Newfoundland and Labrador loses more of its valuable resources to other provinces. Just like the first 5,000 MW's to Quebec - we lose.
Stop the Emera deal and tell Kathy Dunderdale NO in October.
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
We are so Lucky that the Filthy Rich will work for Free
Have we really sunk this low?
Our democracy in both Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador is at risk - and ironically at a time when countries that have suffered decades of dictators are struggling, fighting, and giving their lives to achieve freedom.
Oh we should be ashamed as our people have already paid the price to achieve this precarious assembly of rights and freedoms that we allow our politicians to so recklessly dismantle it. And what is our response? Apathy and a feeling of hopelessness or just laziness - as we let others make decisions so threatening to our future.
We are lead around by a partisan harness ready to jump on anybody for trying to protect the future of our children - who are depending on our participation for their very survival. Whose responsibility is it to ensure proper development of precious natural resources? We cannot respond - that is what we elect governments for - what if that government is not acting in our best interests? How would we know?
Today - we are witnessing such abhorrent behavior like the patronage appointment of Elizabeth Matthews - following a string of many years of such appointments to various government posts. We are witnessing contracts to Williams old law firm and fibre-optic presents. Federally we have a Prime Minister who lied to this province and now a Prime Minister who leads a party that broke the law - regarding of all things the Elections Act.
These people - your governments and political representatives no longer respect the people. They treat us like fools - they treat us with disdain - they treat us as an unfortunate blockage between natural resources we own and the multi-millionaires who want every piece of it.
Who do you believe would get a meeting first - one of us people or a corporation wanting a piece of the action?
We are only necessary to flock like sheep to the polling booth election after election - so that when the polls close the faceless nameless greed can start up again and enjoy sipping from our wealth served in great portions by the people we elect to represent us.
How much is enough? It is never enough - these leaches will not stop sucking until every drip of life is taken from this wonderful place. They will not stop - they will send in lobbyists, or set-up one of their own to do their bidding in the peoples House of Assembly. They will crawl around in the backrooms of arrogant power - at all times trying to separate you from your future in order that they may take it.
We have people in this province who do not have two nickels to rub together - struggling week over week - but will trip over each other to go cheer for some politician or another.
We have half a million people living here and probably many times more than that who have been forced to leave their home to find work while filthy rich "shareholders" sit in ivory towers somewhere counting our wealth - that has been shuffled to their pockets.
We have been stripped of our forests, fish, water resources (hydro), minerals, communities, and people. We have been stripped of our pride and through social experimentation by people like Dr. Doug House slowly disappointed - just slow enough to avoid a political uprising.
I remember when the Liberals privatized a good number of our provincial parks. Natural areas of leisure for our families - built by the taxpayers and then unceremoniously dumped to the private sector who now treat these vast tracks of land and natural wealth as their own. Oh boy - Tom Osborne went off his head - he vowed to get them back. I guess that did not happen - I'm surprised the rest of the pristine areas have not yet been turned over to golf enthusiasts.
How much did it cost to buy the Southlands? How much was the Wilds turned over for? How much is enough? They will never have enough and now they are after more rivers - more power - they will want money from you to fish in a pond or pick a berry on the barrens. They will take and take and take - while we are expected to worship the filthy rich while they continue to work for "free". Free indeed - stop this now or you will not own the bit of ground you walk on - or the water that either surrounds you wholly or as a peninsula.
Any body catch the Minister of Fisheries today? Every day - day in - day out - they continue to walk over us until there is nothing left. Are you sure you want that outcome?
Our democracy in both Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador is at risk - and ironically at a time when countries that have suffered decades of dictators are struggling, fighting, and giving their lives to achieve freedom.
Oh we should be ashamed as our people have already paid the price to achieve this precarious assembly of rights and freedoms that we allow our politicians to so recklessly dismantle it. And what is our response? Apathy and a feeling of hopelessness or just laziness - as we let others make decisions so threatening to our future.
We are lead around by a partisan harness ready to jump on anybody for trying to protect the future of our children - who are depending on our participation for their very survival. Whose responsibility is it to ensure proper development of precious natural resources? We cannot respond - that is what we elect governments for - what if that government is not acting in our best interests? How would we know?
Today - we are witnessing such abhorrent behavior like the patronage appointment of Elizabeth Matthews - following a string of many years of such appointments to various government posts. We are witnessing contracts to Williams old law firm and fibre-optic presents. Federally we have a Prime Minister who lied to this province and now a Prime Minister who leads a party that broke the law - regarding of all things the Elections Act.
These people - your governments and political representatives no longer respect the people. They treat us like fools - they treat us with disdain - they treat us as an unfortunate blockage between natural resources we own and the multi-millionaires who want every piece of it.
Who do you believe would get a meeting first - one of us people or a corporation wanting a piece of the action?
We are only necessary to flock like sheep to the polling booth election after election - so that when the polls close the faceless nameless greed can start up again and enjoy sipping from our wealth served in great portions by the people we elect to represent us.
How much is enough? It is never enough - these leaches will not stop sucking until every drip of life is taken from this wonderful place. They will not stop - they will send in lobbyists, or set-up one of their own to do their bidding in the peoples House of Assembly. They will crawl around in the backrooms of arrogant power - at all times trying to separate you from your future in order that they may take it.
We have people in this province who do not have two nickels to rub together - struggling week over week - but will trip over each other to go cheer for some politician or another.
We have half a million people living here and probably many times more than that who have been forced to leave their home to find work while filthy rich "shareholders" sit in ivory towers somewhere counting our wealth - that has been shuffled to their pockets.
We have been stripped of our forests, fish, water resources (hydro), minerals, communities, and people. We have been stripped of our pride and through social experimentation by people like Dr. Doug House slowly disappointed - just slow enough to avoid a political uprising.
I remember when the Liberals privatized a good number of our provincial parks. Natural areas of leisure for our families - built by the taxpayers and then unceremoniously dumped to the private sector who now treat these vast tracks of land and natural wealth as their own. Oh boy - Tom Osborne went off his head - he vowed to get them back. I guess that did not happen - I'm surprised the rest of the pristine areas have not yet been turned over to golf enthusiasts.
How much did it cost to buy the Southlands? How much was the Wilds turned over for? How much is enough? They will never have enough and now they are after more rivers - more power - they will want money from you to fish in a pond or pick a berry on the barrens. They will take and take and take - while we are expected to worship the filthy rich while they continue to work for "free". Free indeed - stop this now or you will not own the bit of ground you walk on - or the water that either surrounds you wholly or as a peninsula.
Any body catch the Minister of Fisheries today? Every day - day in - day out - they continue to walk over us until there is nothing left. Are you sure you want that outcome?
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
We are Gullible - Part One Clyde Jackman on giving "stamps'" to Risley and Penney
This will be a new addition to Sue's Blog. The "We are Gullible" series will deal on a regular basis with political statements that presume - we the people - are gullible.
Example: Siobhan Coady wants to tell us that Stephen Harper breaks promises. (lies)
Ms. Coady was elected under the ABC campaign which articulated that because Stehen Harper breaks promises - vote anything but Conservative.
Therefore we probably expect something more from Siobhan Coady than the obvious.
The first installment is the "news" from Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Clyde Jackman.
"We are Gullible" Part One
Minister finds way to give "stamps" to John Risley and Ches Penney
First the Minister announces funding as a partner for a three year project - now in its SECOND year.
Then the Minister joins in a chorus of helping the inshore harvesting fleet survive. Okay can we see the restructuring to see what inshore sector will be left? Are you kidding me - an important part of the future of our fishery rests in reducing fuel costs for the inshore fleet? Minister we have no idea how many fishers will be left or what kind of future they will have - however - we know they might get more efficient engines.
Then we are told that we need to show the global market that our industry is sustainable and environmentally friendly. I see - what about that little footnote that Canada under its management and the globe under foreign fleets have decimated a global supply of fish - our absent and missing stocks? This is environmentally friendly and sustainable?
Earl jumps in and tells us that fuel prices are a major burden on our fishing enterprises. Yeah Earl - I think fuel prices are a burden on every industry - but while the union chief is fiddling the enterprises (our people in rural Newfoundland and Labrador) continue to be eliminated because - we have NO FISH.
So we have a potential to ruin everything that still swims - the offshore oil platforms - no need to look at that or perhaps the floating rust buckets coming in and out of our waters bilging or picking up oil. No we need to concentrate on the carbon footprint of our inshore fleet.
Don't get me wrong - the inshore fleet - what is left of it should have a card to refill fuel free - part of a compensation package from Ottawa for destroying livelihoods of thousands of people and the cause of immeasurable out-migration. Please do not tell me - that the few harvesters we have left are still paying for gas.
And where is all this heading - well let me hypothesize. We need to prove that our industry is sustainable and environmentally friendly so Ches Penney and John Risley can get a stamp to put on a box of fish processed in PEI by foreign workers. Certainly a new concept on getting enough stamps.
And somehow today this is more important than NAFO or the continued plundering of our resources and the absolute wipe-out of all the places we want in tourism ads?
In a nutshell the Minister and Boss of the Union believe "we are gullible".
“This project will collect and analyze data in order to make recommendations for improved energy efficiency in the inshore harvesting sector,” said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. “It will provide innovative research on how to better equip our inshore harvesting sector to address climbing fuel prices. Being energy efficient is a key component of a sustainable industry. As we move into the future, the fishing industry will need to demonstrate to the global marketplace that it is sustainable and environmentally friendly. An important component of this will be to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.”
This project is a three-year initiative and is now in its second year. Year one involved the selection of vessels from the province’s inshore fleet. Installation of equipment was also started on some of the vessels. The installation work extended into year two with all equipment installed on the vessels followed by sea trials to verify the operational integrity of the equipment. Data is now being collected on-board the vessels and preliminary analysis is underway on consumption of fuel in various operating conditions, including weather and sea states. During the final year of work, data collection will continue and wrap up early in 2012.
The work plan also involves a complete analysis of all data collected during the entire project, testing the vessels under various operating configurations and conditions, and making recommendations for improved efficiency. This will include operations, as well as hull and machinery modifications to achieve optimum operating efficiency for each of the vessels studied.
“A strategic direction for the Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation is the reduction in energy costs for the fish harvesting sector,” said Robert Verge, managing director for CCFI. “The centre has collaborated with the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture and other partners to develop technologies that reduce the energy costs of the sector through options such as new vessel design, bulbous bows for fishing vessels, new twine materials and different geometric designs for trawls. We are enthusiastic about the outcomes of this project and hope that it will clearly indicate to the industry what types of advances are required to make the most sizable cost and carbon output reductions in the fleet. These will be important to the industry’s future sustainability.”
“NSERC works to make Canada a country of innovators and discoverers,” said Dr. Suzanne Fortier, president of NSERC. “This project is finding innovative solutions for the fishing industry. The results will bring improvements in energy efficiency that will benefit the entire sector.”
“By monitoring performance of vessels while they fish, we are not only developing more stable and efficient hull designs; we are also building a valuable library of data that will be available for future research work,” said Neil Carter, project manager for the Fisheries and Marine Institute.
The project team is led by the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and includes representatives from the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University, the National Research Council (NRC), the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Fish, Food and Allied Workers (FFAW).
“Increasing the fuel efficiency of fishing vessels is key to improving the province’s inshore fish harvesting sector,” said Dr. John Quaicoe, dean (pro tempore) of Memorial University’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. ”This project is important to the Newfoundland and Labrador fishing industry and Memorial University as it aims to develop a more sustainable industry.”
“Fuel costs are a major burden on our fishing enterprises,” said Earle McCurdy, president of the FFAW. “Enhanced energy efficiency has the potential to reduce costs and improve the bottom line for our fishing fleets, while at the same time improving the environmental sustainability of our fishing industry.”
This project is a continuation of a series of initiatives related to energy efficiency in the province’s fishing industry that has been funded through the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture. This program is an important component of the Fishing Industry Renewal Strategy. Of the $6 million allocated to the program since its launch in the spring of 2007, the program has invested approximately $5.8 million in industry-driven projects to date. A total of 128 projects have been funded since the program was created. Investment in the program has leveraged an additional $19.6 million from the industry and its partners. It has generated a total of $25.4 million for fishing industry research and development in the province.
Example: Siobhan Coady wants to tell us that Stephen Harper breaks promises. (lies)
Ms. Coady was elected under the ABC campaign which articulated that because Stehen Harper breaks promises - vote anything but Conservative.
Therefore we probably expect something more from Siobhan Coady than the obvious.
The first installment is the "news" from Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Clyde Jackman.
Energy Efficiency Audit to Assist Fish Harvesting Sector
"We are Gullible" Part One
Minister finds way to give "stamps" to John Risley and Ches Penney
First the Minister announces funding as a partner for a three year project - now in its SECOND year.
Then the Minister joins in a chorus of helping the inshore harvesting fleet survive. Okay can we see the restructuring to see what inshore sector will be left? Are you kidding me - an important part of the future of our fishery rests in reducing fuel costs for the inshore fleet? Minister we have no idea how many fishers will be left or what kind of future they will have - however - we know they might get more efficient engines.
Then we are told that we need to show the global market that our industry is sustainable and environmentally friendly. I see - what about that little footnote that Canada under its management and the globe under foreign fleets have decimated a global supply of fish - our absent and missing stocks? This is environmentally friendly and sustainable?
Earl jumps in and tells us that fuel prices are a major burden on our fishing enterprises. Yeah Earl - I think fuel prices are a burden on every industry - but while the union chief is fiddling the enterprises (our people in rural Newfoundland and Labrador) continue to be eliminated because - we have NO FISH.
So we have a potential to ruin everything that still swims - the offshore oil platforms - no need to look at that or perhaps the floating rust buckets coming in and out of our waters bilging or picking up oil. No we need to concentrate on the carbon footprint of our inshore fleet.
Don't get me wrong - the inshore fleet - what is left of it should have a card to refill fuel free - part of a compensation package from Ottawa for destroying livelihoods of thousands of people and the cause of immeasurable out-migration. Please do not tell me - that the few harvesters we have left are still paying for gas.
And where is all this heading - well let me hypothesize. We need to prove that our industry is sustainable and environmentally friendly so Ches Penney and John Risley can get a stamp to put on a box of fish processed in PEI by foreign workers. Certainly a new concept on getting enough stamps.
And somehow today this is more important than NAFO or the continued plundering of our resources and the absolute wipe-out of all the places we want in tourism ads?
In a nutshell the Minister and Boss of the Union believe "we are gullible".
Copy of News Release below: Emphasis added by me...
The Provincial Government is providing $200,000 toward the cost of an energy efficiency audit that will benefit the province’s fish harvesting sector. The audit is being carried out by the Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation (CCFI) and the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science of Memorial University over a three-year period. It is estimated that the total cost of the project will be approximately $854,000, including the investment from the Provincial Government. These costs will be shared with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Research and Development Corporation.“This project will collect and analyze data in order to make recommendations for improved energy efficiency in the inshore harvesting sector,” said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. “It will provide innovative research on how to better equip our inshore harvesting sector to address climbing fuel prices. Being energy efficient is a key component of a sustainable industry. As we move into the future, the fishing industry will need to demonstrate to the global marketplace that it is sustainable and environmentally friendly. An important component of this will be to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.”
This project is a three-year initiative and is now in its second year. Year one involved the selection of vessels from the province’s inshore fleet. Installation of equipment was also started on some of the vessels. The installation work extended into year two with all equipment installed on the vessels followed by sea trials to verify the operational integrity of the equipment. Data is now being collected on-board the vessels and preliminary analysis is underway on consumption of fuel in various operating conditions, including weather and sea states. During the final year of work, data collection will continue and wrap up early in 2012.
The work plan also involves a complete analysis of all data collected during the entire project, testing the vessels under various operating configurations and conditions, and making recommendations for improved efficiency. This will include operations, as well as hull and machinery modifications to achieve optimum operating efficiency for each of the vessels studied.
“A strategic direction for the Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation is the reduction in energy costs for the fish harvesting sector,” said Robert Verge, managing director for CCFI. “The centre has collaborated with the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture and other partners to develop technologies that reduce the energy costs of the sector through options such as new vessel design, bulbous bows for fishing vessels, new twine materials and different geometric designs for trawls. We are enthusiastic about the outcomes of this project and hope that it will clearly indicate to the industry what types of advances are required to make the most sizable cost and carbon output reductions in the fleet. These will be important to the industry’s future sustainability.”
“NSERC works to make Canada a country of innovators and discoverers,” said Dr. Suzanne Fortier, president of NSERC. “This project is finding innovative solutions for the fishing industry. The results will bring improvements in energy efficiency that will benefit the entire sector.”
“By monitoring performance of vessels while they fish, we are not only developing more stable and efficient hull designs; we are also building a valuable library of data that will be available for future research work,” said Neil Carter, project manager for the Fisheries and Marine Institute.
The project team is led by the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and includes representatives from the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University, the National Research Council (NRC), the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Fish, Food and Allied Workers (FFAW).
“Increasing the fuel efficiency of fishing vessels is key to improving the province’s inshore fish harvesting sector,” said Dr. John Quaicoe, dean (pro tempore) of Memorial University’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. ”This project is important to the Newfoundland and Labrador fishing industry and Memorial University as it aims to develop a more sustainable industry.”
“Fuel costs are a major burden on our fishing enterprises,” said Earle McCurdy, president of the FFAW. “Enhanced energy efficiency has the potential to reduce costs and improve the bottom line for our fishing fleets, while at the same time improving the environmental sustainability of our fishing industry.”
This project is a continuation of a series of initiatives related to energy efficiency in the province’s fishing industry that has been funded through the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture. This program is an important component of the Fishing Industry Renewal Strategy. Of the $6 million allocated to the program since its launch in the spring of 2007, the program has invested approximately $5.8 million in industry-driven projects to date. A total of 128 projects have been funded since the program was created. Investment in the program has leveraged an additional $19.6 million from the industry and its partners. It has generated a total of $25.4 million for fishing industry research and development in the province.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Fish what fish?
Your eyes are already glazed over right? It's fish and you don't want to hear about it anymore. Well stop! Wipe out your eyes and really start understanding what is taking place here.
Not dealing with the fishery is akin to you having no interest in your ancestry, your culture, your reason for being here. Not much sense in celebrating tourism commercials if you have no interest in who you are and where you come from.
The tourists who visit this province have more interest in our fishery and the strong historical and current attachment to this renewable resource than we do. This is not right - and politicians - all stripes - both federal and provincial are to blame. They have inundated us with study and commission and study and commission for as long as I can remember - yet all we hear is bad news as it relates to the fishery. The latest now is the culmination of the "passionate" review process started under the fellow who just quit. Now we have a Minister who - for political reasons - is avoiding releasing information. Clyde Jackman knows this information is going to be more bad news for the fishers and more ingratiating of the big corporates' interests.
It is not convenient for an election - and that's what it boils down to. Political expedience. Where will Jackman draw a pension from?
I listened to Siobhan Coady this morning talking about her visit to the Province with Scott Brison and heard her make mention of a meeting where Gus Etchegary spoke of the fishery. After articulating the obvious - that Gus was passionate about the fishery - she claimed the same passion. Excuse me? What exactly is Siobhan Coady going to do about the plight of the fishers, the tens of thousand of people who left Newfoundland and Labrador (after being displaced in the sector), or the communities that are dieing as a result of the fishery disaster? Best I can tell - nothing really - same old same old. I can confirm that Siobhan like those before her are passionate about keeping their job - and keeping the pension that comes with it. Until I see anybody taking seriously the fact that we are losing over 500 million a year from the groundfish destruction - or at least until they fight as hard as the MP's from the Prairies who year over year get relief and funding for farmers - I will not show them any respect or believe a word they say.
Can you guess how many times fishermen have been used during elections to ensure a victory for one party or the other? Held hostage as Ursula suggested is mild language. The rural outports have been battered and battered while the mighty oil and St. John's expects continued growth and a booming real estate market. The fat-cat bankers responsible for gouging you and me on every transaction to pay for the costs of corporate corruption - sit bank in their chairs and declare everything is okay.
What a disgrace we are - as we let these two-bit politicians make a career and "earn" a pension from ineptitude, gutlessness, and political expedience. The fish were supposed to be renewable right?
St. John's as with other regional hubs are booming because people from the outports have to move out of their communities to try and salvage something. But this is an oil economy and it is not forever - in fact at the moment it is pretty defined (in time). So even now the irony is that good old St. John's is utilizing the misery of the outports to force a population base made up of those who travel in leaving their communities, elderly parents, and their devalued possessions behind.
This is a social experiment for some like Dr. Doug House who has been for the past two decades moving us from a "resourced based economy" to an "information based economy". He under Clyde Wells and right on up through and at the University - remember the "economic recovery plan"? Sitting in an academic ivory tower pontificating "reasoned" thoughts. Hogwash!
The unemployment rate remains at double digits and our population is declining and aging. Politicians answer to that we are growing our Gross Domestic Product.
The federal representatives in Parliament have been useless and their excuse has always been "we get up there and we can't get anywhere". Geez people you figure now they might already know the predictable outcome before they ask for your vote. Okay let's spell it out - 7 seats and 2% of the population in a country where everything from parliament to the senate to federal programs are based per-capita.
Regardless of what I think about Danny Williams - he did have the political support to do something real about it. The people were willing to stand behind whatever moves he had to make. I hoped in deliberate ignorance he may actually use that willingly given power and fix at least the fishery. I can't say I am surprised he quit - I knew he would - but somewhere in me I really wanted him to do what was right.
Your eyes are glazed over because politician after politician from this Province has failed and despite the studies and the commissions - all they have consecutively done is - piece by piece rip away at this tremendous resource. The social experiment - predicted that if you do the demise in chunks - you will limit the people who may protest the demise of our way of life, those idyllic communities, and that significant revenue.
The politicians, senior bureaucrats and union all have been responsible in this giveaway. Make no mistake - Ottawa has bartered away our stocks for the benefit of population rich provinces - the province has bartered away our industry to corporate interests that do not operate to benefit Newfoundland and Labrador - rather to benefit shareholders (most of whom live offshore).
We must stop rewarding failure and not fall into the trap set for us - that eyes glazed over means - we do not care.
Not dealing with the fishery is akin to you having no interest in your ancestry, your culture, your reason for being here. Not much sense in celebrating tourism commercials if you have no interest in who you are and where you come from.
The tourists who visit this province have more interest in our fishery and the strong historical and current attachment to this renewable resource than we do. This is not right - and politicians - all stripes - both federal and provincial are to blame. They have inundated us with study and commission and study and commission for as long as I can remember - yet all we hear is bad news as it relates to the fishery. The latest now is the culmination of the "passionate" review process started under the fellow who just quit. Now we have a Minister who - for political reasons - is avoiding releasing information. Clyde Jackman knows this information is going to be more bad news for the fishers and more ingratiating of the big corporates' interests.
It is not convenient for an election - and that's what it boils down to. Political expedience. Where will Jackman draw a pension from?
I listened to Siobhan Coady this morning talking about her visit to the Province with Scott Brison and heard her make mention of a meeting where Gus Etchegary spoke of the fishery. After articulating the obvious - that Gus was passionate about the fishery - she claimed the same passion. Excuse me? What exactly is Siobhan Coady going to do about the plight of the fishers, the tens of thousand of people who left Newfoundland and Labrador (after being displaced in the sector), or the communities that are dieing as a result of the fishery disaster? Best I can tell - nothing really - same old same old. I can confirm that Siobhan like those before her are passionate about keeping their job - and keeping the pension that comes with it. Until I see anybody taking seriously the fact that we are losing over 500 million a year from the groundfish destruction - or at least until they fight as hard as the MP's from the Prairies who year over year get relief and funding for farmers - I will not show them any respect or believe a word they say.
Can you guess how many times fishermen have been used during elections to ensure a victory for one party or the other? Held hostage as Ursula suggested is mild language. The rural outports have been battered and battered while the mighty oil and St. John's expects continued growth and a booming real estate market. The fat-cat bankers responsible for gouging you and me on every transaction to pay for the costs of corporate corruption - sit bank in their chairs and declare everything is okay.
What a disgrace we are - as we let these two-bit politicians make a career and "earn" a pension from ineptitude, gutlessness, and political expedience. The fish were supposed to be renewable right?
St. John's as with other regional hubs are booming because people from the outports have to move out of their communities to try and salvage something. But this is an oil economy and it is not forever - in fact at the moment it is pretty defined (in time). So even now the irony is that good old St. John's is utilizing the misery of the outports to force a population base made up of those who travel in leaving their communities, elderly parents, and their devalued possessions behind.
This is a social experiment for some like Dr. Doug House who has been for the past two decades moving us from a "resourced based economy" to an "information based economy". He under Clyde Wells and right on up through and at the University - remember the "economic recovery plan"? Sitting in an academic ivory tower pontificating "reasoned" thoughts. Hogwash!
The unemployment rate remains at double digits and our population is declining and aging. Politicians answer to that we are growing our Gross Domestic Product.
The federal representatives in Parliament have been useless and their excuse has always been "we get up there and we can't get anywhere". Geez people you figure now they might already know the predictable outcome before they ask for your vote. Okay let's spell it out - 7 seats and 2% of the population in a country where everything from parliament to the senate to federal programs are based per-capita.
Regardless of what I think about Danny Williams - he did have the political support to do something real about it. The people were willing to stand behind whatever moves he had to make. I hoped in deliberate ignorance he may actually use that willingly given power and fix at least the fishery. I can't say I am surprised he quit - I knew he would - but somewhere in me I really wanted him to do what was right.
Your eyes are glazed over because politician after politician from this Province has failed and despite the studies and the commissions - all they have consecutively done is - piece by piece rip away at this tremendous resource. The social experiment - predicted that if you do the demise in chunks - you will limit the people who may protest the demise of our way of life, those idyllic communities, and that significant revenue.
The politicians, senior bureaucrats and union all have been responsible in this giveaway. Make no mistake - Ottawa has bartered away our stocks for the benefit of population rich provinces - the province has bartered away our industry to corporate interests that do not operate to benefit Newfoundland and Labrador - rather to benefit shareholders (most of whom live offshore).
We must stop rewarding failure and not fall into the trap set for us - that eyes glazed over means - we do not care.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Partisan Politics and the cost to our Children
On a quick break from Cry me a River - I felt compelled to at least start a discussion on the cost of partisanship. There are many forms of partisanship relative to politics - at the "party member" level, at the politicians level, and at the former politician level.
Partisanship at some time in our history meant something a little purer a little more meaningful. That is to say that parties had ideologies relating to public policy and these policies were founded by the grassroots or the people.
Today partisanship means zealotry relative to getting and keeping power regardless of what it means to our future.
This regression into the unreasoned and ignorant following of political parties leaves us very vulnerable to repeat other events in history - which resulted in mayhem, slaughter, and kangaroo courts. Don't get me wrong the things that happened during those times and even now in uncivilized countries - will not play out literally here - but we will suffer negative consequences and more importantly we will rob our own children of their futures.
In Newfoundland and Labrador today - there are no real differences between the Liberals and the Tories. They both want power and both and - despite their patronizing consultation processes - do whatever suits unknown interests (corporate) and nothing for the long term benefit of the people. Ironically the only obvious differences in the past decade have been the Tories wanting to have equity in oil projects and the Liberals did not. What is ironic about this is that the Liberals are taking a Conservative ideology and the Conservatives are taking a more Liberal ideology. This was also true during the failed attempt to privatize Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro. On might think this is positive - but alas - they go back and forth on resource developments as well. Both giveaway resources - both slip into - do a deal regardless the price - or worse do things that benefit "friends" of government or even their own pockets.
When a government Liberal or Tory wishes to employ the "best minds in our province" they find themselves restricted to party faithful. Look at the Crown Corporations and government departments whether under Liberals or Tories and see who is appointed to head them. Then there are Boards of Directors and special commissions and studies - look at who heads or sits on them. There is no attempt to get the "best minds in our province" - in fact many of them just simply move away or give up as their skills are better utilized elsewhere.
Then we have the "party members" who have no real say in the formation of ideology - who are simply instructed to malign people on the other side be it as a letter to the Telegram or other community paper, calling the open line programs, or simply showing up at a political event to wave banners and yell and shout predetermined slogans for the cameras attending. They live and breathe for a laying on of hands of the leader of their party. One wink or shake of a hand or hug from a Brian Tobin or Danny Williams means they will defend them at all costs. If you ask them to really discuss the issues relating to their childrens' future and how their party's position may affect their future - the silence is deafening.
We all know good examples of this - we have all heard the Danny is the best thing, Brian is the best thing, Joey is the best thing - ever to happen to Newfoundland and Labrador. Regardless of the circumstance and issue and even in the face of something being obviously wrong - these followers will call open line and say there is nothing wrong with expropriating the entire community of Grand Falls - Windsor don't fault Kathy for that she is doing a great job. The absolute zealot Liberals who went as far as threatening me during the failed attempt to privatize Hydro - are still there within the party and determined to privatize this Crown jewel.
"Thank God for John Crosbie" is one of my favorite ones or Tony on a Danny Williams this Danny Williams that. Justifying Danny Williams private choice on his health is one thing but justifying on behalf of Danny that this was okay from a leader of people 95% of which have no such option is just plain wrong. If there is a problem with the health system that causes the Premier of our province to not only leave the province but in fact leave the country to get the "best" health care available then it would be at least incumbent on this leader to fix our system for the people he serves.
It gets so bad that when I blog something negative about a Tory policy I have Liberals smacking me on the back and saying go get em. Problem is when I then explain that the Liberals have done the same thing or worse - they write me notes saying I should go away. To me what is important is the future of my children and yours. They have no option or say on today's decisions and they are relying on us to make the right choices for them. If you are a parent you do not let your children go out and play in traffic - or walk alone at night - or engage in drug use or smoking - yet many allow the government of the day to do something directly detrimental to their future - in the name of being partisan.
Joey Smallwood allowed the loss of what will be tens of billions of dollars by the time the Churchill ends (if ever). You have Tory MHA's now that are selling away the future of their children with this atrocious Emera deal without ever understanding enough about it to make an informed choice. But what Danny said must be right. They are allowing the economic destruction of their home? They are thinking partisanship.
There are partisans that will not be able to get through this blog without closing the page - vowing to themselves never to return. What makes a born and bred Labradorian allow the continued plundering of Labrador resources for unknown entities or for general government coffers - knowing full well that this means their own communities will suffer the loss and that their own children will have to go to Alberta, Ontario, or the Island to work? That is called partisanship. What makes a Tory or Liberal MHA vote along party lines when their own community will be negatively affected - be that the fishery, the forestry, the hydro resource, or air ambulance? That is partisanship. For the extreme look at a Joan Burke and Susan Sullivan and ask how they suffered through the loss of their paper mills while Danny's is still up and running. Then there is the Stephenville airport and on and on it goes. This is partisanship.
Danny Williams gained 2 billion from Paul Martin - still waiting to see the net on that - then proceeded to lose 10 billion with the only punishment being the lowering of flags or the smacking on the arse of Fabian Manning. Boy that really hurt. Partisanship allows people to say - he was a fighter - he was a fighter. We lost people we now are absolutely losing the long-term benefits of our non-renewable oil resources. Danny Williams had the political support to really fight that destruction to our revenue base - he quit - made up with Stephen Harper, hastily announced a deal on the Lower Churchill and then slunk back into the private sector. What happened to the fishery, the forestry, equalization, and the health care system? What happened to his self-proclaimed passion. Through it all - Tory's who are not too pleased with Kathy still come back and preface their criticism with "I'm not saying anything bad about Danny - he was the best we ever had", sure he was the one that left Kathy in control. This is partisanship.
Then there is the audacity of Danny Williams and his crew and Clyde Wells and his crew to launch personal attacks - either on their own or through partisan minions - on ordinary citizens who dare utter a criticism or question the wisdom of the anointed one. We all know this has happened and some of us have been the recipients of it. Here's the problem - for some if the Liberals do it to somebody that's okay if you're a Liberal but unacceptable if it is a Tory that does it and vice versa. This type of personal and professional attack on a person who is raising a concern genuinely - is not acceptable by either party - lest it is partisanship.
Partisanship even goes to the absurd when you hear Tory partisans speak - one might say - cruelly to Brad Cabana and question his party lineage when they are supporting a government where the only thing Ross Wiseman had to do is cross the floor. Everybody knows this is wrong but partisanship tells them that they must defend the indefensible. To make the bad joke worse - it is Wiseman's assistant that goes to the Cabana home to "talk some sense" into this fellow who has the nerve to think there is one democratic bone within the private club of the provincial progressive conservatives.
Worse than all of this is the lack of concern by the political partys' brass that the majority of people do not want to cast a vote anymore. They could care less as long as the ones who they can coerce actually are a majority of those who vote. This is partisanship and the thirst for power. If we as people cannot force the political partys to develop policy from the grassroots - then they simply should be rejected. We as a people then must absolutely demand that certain policies be put in place if they are to receive the sacred vote.
If this partisanship continues - this province will fail and there will be no future for yet another generation of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
Partisanship at some time in our history meant something a little purer a little more meaningful. That is to say that parties had ideologies relating to public policy and these policies were founded by the grassroots or the people.
Today partisanship means zealotry relative to getting and keeping power regardless of what it means to our future.
This regression into the unreasoned and ignorant following of political parties leaves us very vulnerable to repeat other events in history - which resulted in mayhem, slaughter, and kangaroo courts. Don't get me wrong the things that happened during those times and even now in uncivilized countries - will not play out literally here - but we will suffer negative consequences and more importantly we will rob our own children of their futures.
In Newfoundland and Labrador today - there are no real differences between the Liberals and the Tories. They both want power and both and - despite their patronizing consultation processes - do whatever suits unknown interests (corporate) and nothing for the long term benefit of the people. Ironically the only obvious differences in the past decade have been the Tories wanting to have equity in oil projects and the Liberals did not. What is ironic about this is that the Liberals are taking a Conservative ideology and the Conservatives are taking a more Liberal ideology. This was also true during the failed attempt to privatize Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro. On might think this is positive - but alas - they go back and forth on resource developments as well. Both giveaway resources - both slip into - do a deal regardless the price - or worse do things that benefit "friends" of government or even their own pockets.
When a government Liberal or Tory wishes to employ the "best minds in our province" they find themselves restricted to party faithful. Look at the Crown Corporations and government departments whether under Liberals or Tories and see who is appointed to head them. Then there are Boards of Directors and special commissions and studies - look at who heads or sits on them. There is no attempt to get the "best minds in our province" - in fact many of them just simply move away or give up as their skills are better utilized elsewhere.
Then we have the "party members" who have no real say in the formation of ideology - who are simply instructed to malign people on the other side be it as a letter to the Telegram or other community paper, calling the open line programs, or simply showing up at a political event to wave banners and yell and shout predetermined slogans for the cameras attending. They live and breathe for a laying on of hands of the leader of their party. One wink or shake of a hand or hug from a Brian Tobin or Danny Williams means they will defend them at all costs. If you ask them to really discuss the issues relating to their childrens' future and how their party's position may affect their future - the silence is deafening.
We all know good examples of this - we have all heard the Danny is the best thing, Brian is the best thing, Joey is the best thing - ever to happen to Newfoundland and Labrador. Regardless of the circumstance and issue and even in the face of something being obviously wrong - these followers will call open line and say there is nothing wrong with expropriating the entire community of Grand Falls - Windsor don't fault Kathy for that she is doing a great job. The absolute zealot Liberals who went as far as threatening me during the failed attempt to privatize Hydro - are still there within the party and determined to privatize this Crown jewel.
"Thank God for John Crosbie" is one of my favorite ones or Tony on a Danny Williams this Danny Williams that. Justifying Danny Williams private choice on his health is one thing but justifying on behalf of Danny that this was okay from a leader of people 95% of which have no such option is just plain wrong. If there is a problem with the health system that causes the Premier of our province to not only leave the province but in fact leave the country to get the "best" health care available then it would be at least incumbent on this leader to fix our system for the people he serves.
It gets so bad that when I blog something negative about a Tory policy I have Liberals smacking me on the back and saying go get em. Problem is when I then explain that the Liberals have done the same thing or worse - they write me notes saying I should go away. To me what is important is the future of my children and yours. They have no option or say on today's decisions and they are relying on us to make the right choices for them. If you are a parent you do not let your children go out and play in traffic - or walk alone at night - or engage in drug use or smoking - yet many allow the government of the day to do something directly detrimental to their future - in the name of being partisan.
Joey Smallwood allowed the loss of what will be tens of billions of dollars by the time the Churchill ends (if ever). You have Tory MHA's now that are selling away the future of their children with this atrocious Emera deal without ever understanding enough about it to make an informed choice. But what Danny said must be right. They are allowing the economic destruction of their home? They are thinking partisanship.
There are partisans that will not be able to get through this blog without closing the page - vowing to themselves never to return. What makes a born and bred Labradorian allow the continued plundering of Labrador resources for unknown entities or for general government coffers - knowing full well that this means their own communities will suffer the loss and that their own children will have to go to Alberta, Ontario, or the Island to work? That is called partisanship. What makes a Tory or Liberal MHA vote along party lines when their own community will be negatively affected - be that the fishery, the forestry, the hydro resource, or air ambulance? That is partisanship. For the extreme look at a Joan Burke and Susan Sullivan and ask how they suffered through the loss of their paper mills while Danny's is still up and running. Then there is the Stephenville airport and on and on it goes. This is partisanship.
Danny Williams gained 2 billion from Paul Martin - still waiting to see the net on that - then proceeded to lose 10 billion with the only punishment being the lowering of flags or the smacking on the arse of Fabian Manning. Boy that really hurt. Partisanship allows people to say - he was a fighter - he was a fighter. We lost people we now are absolutely losing the long-term benefits of our non-renewable oil resources. Danny Williams had the political support to really fight that destruction to our revenue base - he quit - made up with Stephen Harper, hastily announced a deal on the Lower Churchill and then slunk back into the private sector. What happened to the fishery, the forestry, equalization, and the health care system? What happened to his self-proclaimed passion. Through it all - Tory's who are not too pleased with Kathy still come back and preface their criticism with "I'm not saying anything bad about Danny - he was the best we ever had", sure he was the one that left Kathy in control. This is partisanship.
Then there is the audacity of Danny Williams and his crew and Clyde Wells and his crew to launch personal attacks - either on their own or through partisan minions - on ordinary citizens who dare utter a criticism or question the wisdom of the anointed one. We all know this has happened and some of us have been the recipients of it. Here's the problem - for some if the Liberals do it to somebody that's okay if you're a Liberal but unacceptable if it is a Tory that does it and vice versa. This type of personal and professional attack on a person who is raising a concern genuinely - is not acceptable by either party - lest it is partisanship.
Partisanship even goes to the absurd when you hear Tory partisans speak - one might say - cruelly to Brad Cabana and question his party lineage when they are supporting a government where the only thing Ross Wiseman had to do is cross the floor. Everybody knows this is wrong but partisanship tells them that they must defend the indefensible. To make the bad joke worse - it is Wiseman's assistant that goes to the Cabana home to "talk some sense" into this fellow who has the nerve to think there is one democratic bone within the private club of the provincial progressive conservatives.
Worse than all of this is the lack of concern by the political partys' brass that the majority of people do not want to cast a vote anymore. They could care less as long as the ones who they can coerce actually are a majority of those who vote. This is partisanship and the thirst for power. If we as people cannot force the political partys to develop policy from the grassroots - then they simply should be rejected. We as a people then must absolutely demand that certain policies be put in place if they are to receive the sacred vote.
If this partisanship continues - this province will fail and there will be no future for yet another generation of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
Friday, January 14, 2011
To "have" or not to "have" that is the question
We have a problem here. This "have" status that we are relishing is nothing more than a mathematical equation that Ottawa created to punish Newfoundland and Labrador over our bad behavior.
The equalization formula has changed and we are now "have" because the mathematics of the new equation says we are. Translated - we lose a ton of money and we are now a "have" province. Broadcasting, commentating, reporting, or investigative can somebody please in the media examine this issue.
What is "have" now - what did it used to be?
How much money are we losing for being a "have" province?
Since Danny started his campaign against Ottawa how much money have we lost?
The 2 billion we gained; what happened exactly to that money and how much did we lose because of the way we spent it?
How are we a "have" province when our unemployment level remains in the mid teens - currently 14.3 per cent?
How are we a "have" province when our infrastructure is so deteriorated?
How are we a "have" province when during the time of this crossover we lost two paper mills, fish plants, industry?
Let's look at two comparisons - the Americans feel they are in the throws of a recession when their unemployment level remains in the single digits and Iceland the proud independent country of less than 300,000 people - that just took a significant hit as other European countries who suffered from the stock market crimes - has an unemployment rate of 8 percent in the middle of the worst economic disaster they have faced.
Then let's look at the opposite - Quebec remains a "have not" province and actually receives greater equalization than any other province and their unemployment rate sits at 7.6 per cent - houses half the federal government - still sits with tremendous industry much developed on the back of our Upper Churchill power - still have their paper mills and a tremendous aerospace presence.
Ontario the newly become "have not" province has an unemployment rate of 8.1 percent, houses the other half of the federal government, industry over industry and those which Canadians have just bailed out of the stock crisis such as the auto giants. The land of we have the best of everything and the largest population.
Seriously people - and please some reputable journalist have a go at this - this "have" status only represents one thing. Danny Williams was unable to convince Harper to live up to his promise on non-renewable resources related revenues (be able to remain in the province) - so that once the oil resource is depleted we will something to show for it and have infrastructure which would allow our continued survival.
The formula which made us a "have" province and Ontario a "have not" has done exactly the opposite. We will continue to lose and when the oil is gone we are finished. Ontario will still continue to shine under it's favorite child status.
So on the provincial level - what are we doing? Nothing - the irony is that tremendous loss of revenues because Harper did what he did has made Danny a hero. Why? He lost the fight - and that's okay - the problem is he quit the fight. There is no doubt that Harper lied - but what did we really do about it?
They are now proposing to giveaway the Lower Churchill in order to drive a short term economy. This will result in nothing more that the further ruination of our future. There are no long term gains in this - we will lose and we will find ourselves subservient again to Hydro Quebec.
Danny Dumeresque - continues to talk about the giveaway and the bad deal regarding recalled power - and that is accurate but what he fails to tell you is that when he and the Liberals with hydro under Dean MacDonald gave away management authority of the Churchill Falls Labrador Corporation (Upper Churchill) to Hydro Quebec - so even though Newfoundland and Labrador owns two thirds and Hydro Quebec one third - Hydro Quebec - in many significant areas of planning and management - has the ability to block us. Funny there was no problem changing the terms of the Upper Churchill contract then.
As people we must protect what we have left and we and the media need to take a critical look at what we are being fed. We must be able to debate these issues openly and honestly and we need the media to concentrate more on journalism and less on reporting and editorials.
The equalization formula has changed and we are now "have" because the mathematics of the new equation says we are. Translated - we lose a ton of money and we are now a "have" province. Broadcasting, commentating, reporting, or investigative can somebody please in the media examine this issue.
What is "have" now - what did it used to be?
How much money are we losing for being a "have" province?
Since Danny started his campaign against Ottawa how much money have we lost?
The 2 billion we gained; what happened exactly to that money and how much did we lose because of the way we spent it?
How are we a "have" province when our unemployment level remains in the mid teens - currently 14.3 per cent?
How are we a "have" province when our infrastructure is so deteriorated?
How are we a "have" province when during the time of this crossover we lost two paper mills, fish plants, industry?
Let's look at two comparisons - the Americans feel they are in the throws of a recession when their unemployment level remains in the single digits and Iceland the proud independent country of less than 300,000 people - that just took a significant hit as other European countries who suffered from the stock market crimes - has an unemployment rate of 8 percent in the middle of the worst economic disaster they have faced.
Then let's look at the opposite - Quebec remains a "have not" province and actually receives greater equalization than any other province and their unemployment rate sits at 7.6 per cent - houses half the federal government - still sits with tremendous industry much developed on the back of our Upper Churchill power - still have their paper mills and a tremendous aerospace presence.
Ontario the newly become "have not" province has an unemployment rate of 8.1 percent, houses the other half of the federal government, industry over industry and those which Canadians have just bailed out of the stock crisis such as the auto giants. The land of we have the best of everything and the largest population.
Seriously people - and please some reputable journalist have a go at this - this "have" status only represents one thing. Danny Williams was unable to convince Harper to live up to his promise on non-renewable resources related revenues (be able to remain in the province) - so that once the oil resource is depleted we will something to show for it and have infrastructure which would allow our continued survival.
The formula which made us a "have" province and Ontario a "have not" has done exactly the opposite. We will continue to lose and when the oil is gone we are finished. Ontario will still continue to shine under it's favorite child status.
So on the provincial level - what are we doing? Nothing - the irony is that tremendous loss of revenues because Harper did what he did has made Danny a hero. Why? He lost the fight - and that's okay - the problem is he quit the fight. There is no doubt that Harper lied - but what did we really do about it?
They are now proposing to giveaway the Lower Churchill in order to drive a short term economy. This will result in nothing more that the further ruination of our future. There are no long term gains in this - we will lose and we will find ourselves subservient again to Hydro Quebec.
Danny Dumeresque - continues to talk about the giveaway and the bad deal regarding recalled power - and that is accurate but what he fails to tell you is that when he and the Liberals with hydro under Dean MacDonald gave away management authority of the Churchill Falls Labrador Corporation (Upper Churchill) to Hydro Quebec - so even though Newfoundland and Labrador owns two thirds and Hydro Quebec one third - Hydro Quebec - in many significant areas of planning and management - has the ability to block us. Funny there was no problem changing the terms of the Upper Churchill contract then.
As people we must protect what we have left and we and the media need to take a critical look at what we are being fed. We must be able to debate these issues openly and honestly and we need the media to concentrate more on journalism and less on reporting and editorials.
Friday, September 14, 2007
The Bank of Canada eh???
Sue's Blog will post extensively on the Report of the Auditor General "On a Review of Constituency Allowance Claims" 1989-90 - 2005-06. This is the first of such posts.
As the Report accentuated the abuse of taxpayer dollars by Paul Dicks - I have sent the following to the Governor of the Bank of Canada - where Mr. Dicks sits on the Board of Directors.
Dear Mr. Dodge,
I am writing as a citizen of Canada who wishes to express my concern respecting the previous activities of a member of the Bank's Board of Directors.
Mr. Paul Dicks - a board member and former MHA and Minister of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has been named by the Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador as having made numerous and significant inappropriate expenditures of public money.
Please refer to the Report of the Auditor General 2007 issued as at today's date. Please use the link below to access.
AG Report
I feel the behavior of Mr. Dicks with respect to his fiduciary duties to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador was abysmal.
A fiduciary is expected to be extremely loyal to the person to whom they owe the duty (the people): they must not put their personal interests before the duty, and must not profit from their position as a fiduciary, unless the principal consents.
I trust the information delivered by the Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador would cause concern to any citizen of this province - this country - and the leadership of the Bank of Canada.
Please take the time to review the tabled report and I trust the Bank will take appropriate action.
Best Regards,
Sue Kelland-Dyer
As the Report accentuated the abuse of taxpayer dollars by Paul Dicks - I have sent the following to the Governor of the Bank of Canada - where Mr. Dicks sits on the Board of Directors.
Dear Mr. Dodge,
I am writing as a citizen of Canada who wishes to express my concern respecting the previous activities of a member of the Bank's Board of Directors.
Mr. Paul Dicks - a board member and former MHA and Minister of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has been named by the Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador as having made numerous and significant inappropriate expenditures of public money.
Please refer to the Report of the Auditor General 2007 issued as at today's date. Please use the link below to access.
AG Report
I feel the behavior of Mr. Dicks with respect to his fiduciary duties to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador was abysmal.
A fiduciary is expected to be extremely loyal to the person to whom they owe the duty (the people): they must not put their personal interests before the duty, and must not profit from their position as a fiduciary, unless the principal consents.
I trust the information delivered by the Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador would cause concern to any citizen of this province - this country - and the leadership of the Bank of Canada.
Please take the time to review the tabled report and I trust the Bank will take appropriate action.
Best Regards,
Sue Kelland-Dyer
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Just a little backbone - could have saved Canada from...
...right wing fundamentalists like Harper and other Reformers. Make no mistake that's what they are - eerily similar to Bush and the gang south of us.
They will lie through their teeth - sell out their principles in a heartbeat if that meant power and the ability to control a country while gaining favour with the corporate elite. These people are puppets - as evidenced by Harper's lies during the last federal campaign. Lies that cost people billions of dollars. Lies that threatened the retirement of seniors and the budgets of entire provinces.
You see their holier than thou attitude with respect to things like same sex marriage - abortion - and troubled youth are simply that - attitudes - designed to evangelize the people - get the vote - and let the trouble begin.
Harper sold out his "judgemental" followers who are against abortion et al - those without tolerance - the minute he gained "power". The "progressive" part of conservative was gone the minute Harper became leader of the hostile "takeover".
The need to write about this today comes from a news story last night - about Scott Brison and his longtime partner Maxime Saint-Pierre getting married. Among the attendees were Paul Martin, Joe Clark and Frank McKenna - all progressive - all successful - and all believe in the Charter.
Scott bailed on the new "Conservatives" presumably after determining that leopards don't change their spots. Brison showed guts while Loyola Hearn and Peter MacKay stood silent - gutless as the remains of their party (PC) was eviscerated and tossed in the non-recyclable bin.
The PC's of old would not have us in Afghanistan - fighting a civil war between people and poppies. They would not have our men and women in uniform battling in a country where the rights of women or those of different faiths continue to be violated even by the "new" leadership.
Loyola and Peter - both of whom take some credit in creating this monster - Loyola by playing a key role in the merger (takeover) - and Peter by stabbing a fellow PC to allow Harper to rise to the top - sit back and take it all.
Canada will not be Canada under Stephen Harper and his right wing fanatics - it will be a poor take-off of the Republicans. Hearn and McKay know this but yet they do nothing - fear of admitting they were wrong - or loving the scraps Harper and the corporate gang throw to them. They would rather see Canada dragged into a world of intolerance and fear - dragged into conflicts which have more to do with protecting oil supply than protecting democracies - dragged into the conservative world of evangelistic moral values and legalized mob activities - than stand up - be men - admit they were wrong - and leave Harper dangling in his jungle of puppetry.
The PC's are gone and due to people like Harper and Hearn it will be a long time before the Progressive Conservatives will come back. I'm sure they will in time - as Canadians reject the war mongering - money loving - hypocrisy of these right wingers. Harper will not get a majority - unfortunately it will not be on the strength and courage of a Hearn or a MacKay. They are satisfied to sell out their own people and repeat messages spun by the likes of a Timothy Powers. You see there are Liberals and Progressive Conservatives who will be chameleons if it means a good government or corporate contract. They have money in their ass pockets - be damned with everybody else.
What will destroy Harper is the Quebecers and possibly Ontarians who will not trust their country or provinces to the ilk of Stephen Harper. They are smart though - they will get every last copper out of the feds - because they know Harper wants power at any price. They are filling their coffers while they have the chance and then they will vote Liberal or NDP or Bloc.
Norm Doyle knew better and just ducked his head and moved forward to his own retirement - guilty of inaction costing Newfoundland and Labrador billions of dollars - Loyola Hearn lacking courage to admit a mistake took shelter under Harper's wing and finds it easier to take mocking from his own people than face the ire of Harper - and poor Fabian Manning - he's just along for any ride (as short as it might be) and therefore will follow the crowd that accepts him. Remember the day - he sat along side the PM in the House of Commons - that's all it took for Harper to convince him that selling out his own people was okay. For those of you who may have thought Manning showed guts when he was booted out of the Williams caucus for speaking his mind on RMS - think again - Manning just did not believe he would be kicked out - else he would not have done it to begin with. A mistake which made him look courageous.
I can't wait for the next federal election - I can't wait to get rid of Harper and the boys in his back-room. The federation is fragile enough without these liars hiding behind a Bush.
For my part - because I stood behind Hearn in the last election as I felt that the PC's in the new party would keep Harper in check while possibly correcting regional disparities - I must work twice as hard to ensure these people never see a majority. As I said then - we will get a chance to kick the tires of this new minority - well I've kicked them and the rubber is flawed and the air is leaking out - they are going flat. I wonder were they made in China?
One final note - congratulations to Scott and Maxime - may they live a long and healthy life together.
They will lie through their teeth - sell out their principles in a heartbeat if that meant power and the ability to control a country while gaining favour with the corporate elite. These people are puppets - as evidenced by Harper's lies during the last federal campaign. Lies that cost people billions of dollars. Lies that threatened the retirement of seniors and the budgets of entire provinces.
You see their holier than thou attitude with respect to things like same sex marriage - abortion - and troubled youth are simply that - attitudes - designed to evangelize the people - get the vote - and let the trouble begin.
Harper sold out his "judgemental" followers who are against abortion et al - those without tolerance - the minute he gained "power". The "progressive" part of conservative was gone the minute Harper became leader of the hostile "takeover".
The need to write about this today comes from a news story last night - about Scott Brison and his longtime partner Maxime Saint-Pierre getting married. Among the attendees were Paul Martin, Joe Clark and Frank McKenna - all progressive - all successful - and all believe in the Charter.
Scott bailed on the new "Conservatives" presumably after determining that leopards don't change their spots. Brison showed guts while Loyola Hearn and Peter MacKay stood silent - gutless as the remains of their party (PC) was eviscerated and tossed in the non-recyclable bin.
The PC's of old would not have us in Afghanistan - fighting a civil war between people and poppies. They would not have our men and women in uniform battling in a country where the rights of women or those of different faiths continue to be violated even by the "new" leadership.
Loyola and Peter - both of whom take some credit in creating this monster - Loyola by playing a key role in the merger (takeover) - and Peter by stabbing a fellow PC to allow Harper to rise to the top - sit back and take it all.
Canada will not be Canada under Stephen Harper and his right wing fanatics - it will be a poor take-off of the Republicans. Hearn and McKay know this but yet they do nothing - fear of admitting they were wrong - or loving the scraps Harper and the corporate gang throw to them. They would rather see Canada dragged into a world of intolerance and fear - dragged into conflicts which have more to do with protecting oil supply than protecting democracies - dragged into the conservative world of evangelistic moral values and legalized mob activities - than stand up - be men - admit they were wrong - and leave Harper dangling in his jungle of puppetry.
The PC's are gone and due to people like Harper and Hearn it will be a long time before the Progressive Conservatives will come back. I'm sure they will in time - as Canadians reject the war mongering - money loving - hypocrisy of these right wingers. Harper will not get a majority - unfortunately it will not be on the strength and courage of a Hearn or a MacKay. They are satisfied to sell out their own people and repeat messages spun by the likes of a Timothy Powers. You see there are Liberals and Progressive Conservatives who will be chameleons if it means a good government or corporate contract. They have money in their ass pockets - be damned with everybody else.
What will destroy Harper is the Quebecers and possibly Ontarians who will not trust their country or provinces to the ilk of Stephen Harper. They are smart though - they will get every last copper out of the feds - because they know Harper wants power at any price. They are filling their coffers while they have the chance and then they will vote Liberal or NDP or Bloc.
Norm Doyle knew better and just ducked his head and moved forward to his own retirement - guilty of inaction costing Newfoundland and Labrador billions of dollars - Loyola Hearn lacking courage to admit a mistake took shelter under Harper's wing and finds it easier to take mocking from his own people than face the ire of Harper - and poor Fabian Manning - he's just along for any ride (as short as it might be) and therefore will follow the crowd that accepts him. Remember the day - he sat along side the PM in the House of Commons - that's all it took for Harper to convince him that selling out his own people was okay. For those of you who may have thought Manning showed guts when he was booted out of the Williams caucus for speaking his mind on RMS - think again - Manning just did not believe he would be kicked out - else he would not have done it to begin with. A mistake which made him look courageous.
I can't wait for the next federal election - I can't wait to get rid of Harper and the boys in his back-room. The federation is fragile enough without these liars hiding behind a Bush.
For my part - because I stood behind Hearn in the last election as I felt that the PC's in the new party would keep Harper in check while possibly correcting regional disparities - I must work twice as hard to ensure these people never see a majority. As I said then - we will get a chance to kick the tires of this new minority - well I've kicked them and the rubber is flawed and the air is leaking out - they are going flat. I wonder were they made in China?
One final note - congratulations to Scott and Maxime - may they live a long and healthy life together.
Friday, July 20, 2007
There is a real attack on our Border!
Quebec's continued progress to develop the Romaine River despite its potential affects on future development in Labrador - seems to have escaped our Premier - the Minister of Natural Resources - Kathy Dunderdale - and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs - John Ottenheimer.
The billions of dollars which will be spent by Hydro-Quebec for the Romaine development is a real attack on the border and - no doubt if it remains unchallenged until the installation is finished - will place Newfoundland and Labrador in a very serious position.
Hydro-Quebec has filed the necessary environmental documents with the Government of Canada - and my review of the listed documents - indicates we have not filed an objection. At the very least the environmental process should include Newfoundland and Labrador - and reasonably should receive the approval of our province.
This is a copy of a story written by Jamie Baker in the Telegram September of 2007 and also carried by the Labradorian. This story is important in that it outlines concerns expressed by other respected professionals.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Energy/Politics
'Dead in the water'
Quebec plan will pull rug on Lower Churchill, experts warn
Baker, Jamie
Experts say they are shocked at the complacency of the Williams government in the face of a move by Quebec that could not only compromise the environment in this province, but also has the potential to stagger Lower Churchill development.
As part of Premier Jean Charest's massive energy plan, Quebec is pushing forward with hydroelectric projects in an area known as the five rivers in the Lower North Shore region, just south of Labrador.
Quebec is doing so without any agreements with Newfoundland and Labrador on headwaters and possible flooding of areas directly inside Labrador's boundary.
In fact, The Telegram has learned that no entity within Quebec has filed any kind of environmental assessment application with this province.
Adding further concern is the fact the area of Labrador land in question is the same area Quebec lays claim to on its provincial government maps. Premier Danny Williams, who deflected interview requests, has said in the past the boundary matter is "not an issue" and that he "wouldn't even raise it."
Experts warn that attitude could prove costly on several levels.
"I'm surprised in a sense that our present premier hasn't taken up the ball here - if you allow Hydro-Quebec to go ahead and use our water and have their power development downstream, what are we going to get out of it?" said Eric Jerrett, a retired Bay Roberts engineer who is the former president of the provincial land surveyors and engineering associations, former president of the Canadian Council of Land Surveyors and a member of the Order of Canada.
Jerrett warns that ignoring Quebec's development of hydro projects - which will produce equal or greater power than the Lower Churchill - in that area will likely flow to the same markets this province is eyeing for the power that will eventually be produced by the Lower Churchill.
"They'll take that power, sell it to the United States and our market and transportation corridor will be gone," he said. "They will negate the value of building the Lower Churchill and take away the market - the Lower Churchill would be dead in the water."
The Labrador boundary was determined by the 1927 Judicial Committee of His Majesty's Privy Council, and it was the boundary officially accepted by Canada when the province joined Confederation in 1949.
Despite that legal stranglehold, Jerrett insists the Quebec-Labrador boundary is cause for concern.
He notes it is the only provincial boundary in the country that has not been surveyed, even though a memorandum of understanding was signed to that effect between the surveyor associations in both Quebec and this province in the late 1970s.
"(Quebec) wants to continue the image that they own it, that there's no boundary. Surveying it would lessen that argument," he said. "Even pursuing any agreements with Newfoundland, it would be a tacit admittal that they don't own the area. They are instead asserting the case that they own it."
The headwater and flooding issue was included in the Royal Commission on Renewing and Strengthening our Place in Canada as part of a Cleo Research Associates report, entitled Power Politics and Questions of Political Will: A History of Hydroelectric Development in Labrador's Churchill River Basin, 1949-2002.
The report, completed in March 2003, states that Quebec has been keen on developing the five interprovincial rivers for some time, but that "they are unable to do so without an agreement with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador related to the headwaters and flooding."
The rivers include the St. Paul, St. Augustine, Natashquan, Little Mecatina and the Romaine.
The Romaine project is in the most advanced stages with the Quebec government having announced as recently as June 25 that the project is moving forward. According to the Hydro-Quebec website, the draft design for the 1,500-megawatt project began in 2004 and will finish this fall.
Hydro-Quebec documents suggest plans for the Romaine will have no environmental impact inside Labrador.
If the project is deemed acceptable and feasible, construction could begin as early as next year with generating stations commissioned by 2013-2015.
As for the map issue, then-intergovernmental affairs minister Tom Marshall actually wrote to his counterpart in Quebec last summer to ask it be fixed.
Benoit Pelletier responded with his own letter, stating "Quebec's position regarding these borders is well-known and has not changed in many years. As for our common border in Labrador the Quebec governments of the past and present have never formally endorsed the decision regarding the boundary made by ... the Privy Council in 1927."
The map remains on the Quebec provincial government website.
Retired engineer Tom Kierans, whose Lower Churchill development plan was among the top 10 delivered in response to the province's request for proposals, joined Jerrett in calling for the government to be more wary of development activities by Quebec that could affect this province.
"In the so-called Canadian democracy, Quebec and Ontario are the heart of Canada - what Quebec and Ontario want to have done, gets done," Kierans said. "If they want to endorse Quebec's takeover of those rivers, it will be done.
"They'll find a way to do it."
____________________________________________________________________________________
I have highlighted statements that should raise questions for all of us. Further Sue's Blog has demonstrated that the border has been submitted to the Federal Government for their process of environmental assessment of the proposed Romaine River development - and they have accepted them. What does it take? When will we take action? As for Dunderdale's statements yesterday that the government will not raise or debate the issue - Minister Tom Marshall did just that last year - now square that circle Premier.
The billions of dollars which will be spent by Hydro-Quebec for the Romaine development is a real attack on the border and - no doubt if it remains unchallenged until the installation is finished - will place Newfoundland and Labrador in a very serious position.
Hydro-Quebec has filed the necessary environmental documents with the Government of Canada - and my review of the listed documents - indicates we have not filed an objection. At the very least the environmental process should include Newfoundland and Labrador - and reasonably should receive the approval of our province.
This is a copy of a story written by Jamie Baker in the Telegram September of 2007 and also carried by the Labradorian. This story is important in that it outlines concerns expressed by other respected professionals.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Energy/Politics
'Dead in the water'
Quebec plan will pull rug on Lower Churchill, experts warn
Baker, Jamie
Experts say they are shocked at the complacency of the Williams government in the face of a move by Quebec that could not only compromise the environment in this province, but also has the potential to stagger Lower Churchill development.
As part of Premier Jean Charest's massive energy plan, Quebec is pushing forward with hydroelectric projects in an area known as the five rivers in the Lower North Shore region, just south of Labrador.
Quebec is doing so without any agreements with Newfoundland and Labrador on headwaters and possible flooding of areas directly inside Labrador's boundary.
In fact, The Telegram has learned that no entity within Quebec has filed any kind of environmental assessment application with this province.
Adding further concern is the fact the area of Labrador land in question is the same area Quebec lays claim to on its provincial government maps. Premier Danny Williams, who deflected interview requests, has said in the past the boundary matter is "not an issue" and that he "wouldn't even raise it."
Experts warn that attitude could prove costly on several levels.
"I'm surprised in a sense that our present premier hasn't taken up the ball here - if you allow Hydro-Quebec to go ahead and use our water and have their power development downstream, what are we going to get out of it?" said Eric Jerrett, a retired Bay Roberts engineer who is the former president of the provincial land surveyors and engineering associations, former president of the Canadian Council of Land Surveyors and a member of the Order of Canada.
Jerrett warns that ignoring Quebec's development of hydro projects - which will produce equal or greater power than the Lower Churchill - in that area will likely flow to the same markets this province is eyeing for the power that will eventually be produced by the Lower Churchill.
"They'll take that power, sell it to the United States and our market and transportation corridor will be gone," he said. "They will negate the value of building the Lower Churchill and take away the market - the Lower Churchill would be dead in the water."
The Labrador boundary was determined by the 1927 Judicial Committee of His Majesty's Privy Council, and it was the boundary officially accepted by Canada when the province joined Confederation in 1949.
Despite that legal stranglehold, Jerrett insists the Quebec-Labrador boundary is cause for concern.
He notes it is the only provincial boundary in the country that has not been surveyed, even though a memorandum of understanding was signed to that effect between the surveyor associations in both Quebec and this province in the late 1970s.
"(Quebec) wants to continue the image that they own it, that there's no boundary. Surveying it would lessen that argument," he said. "Even pursuing any agreements with Newfoundland, it would be a tacit admittal that they don't own the area. They are instead asserting the case that they own it."
The headwater and flooding issue was included in the Royal Commission on Renewing and Strengthening our Place in Canada as part of a Cleo Research Associates report, entitled Power Politics and Questions of Political Will: A History of Hydroelectric Development in Labrador's Churchill River Basin, 1949-2002.
The report, completed in March 2003, states that Quebec has been keen on developing the five interprovincial rivers for some time, but that "they are unable to do so without an agreement with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador related to the headwaters and flooding."
The rivers include the St. Paul, St. Augustine, Natashquan, Little Mecatina and the Romaine.
The Romaine project is in the most advanced stages with the Quebec government having announced as recently as June 25 that the project is moving forward. According to the Hydro-Quebec website, the draft design for the 1,500-megawatt project began in 2004 and will finish this fall.
Hydro-Quebec documents suggest plans for the Romaine will have no environmental impact inside Labrador.
If the project is deemed acceptable and feasible, construction could begin as early as next year with generating stations commissioned by 2013-2015.
As for the map issue, then-intergovernmental affairs minister Tom Marshall actually wrote to his counterpart in Quebec last summer to ask it be fixed.
Benoit Pelletier responded with his own letter, stating "Quebec's position regarding these borders is well-known and has not changed in many years. As for our common border in Labrador the Quebec governments of the past and present have never formally endorsed the decision regarding the boundary made by ... the Privy Council in 1927."
The map remains on the Quebec provincial government website.
Retired engineer Tom Kierans, whose Lower Churchill development plan was among the top 10 delivered in response to the province's request for proposals, joined Jerrett in calling for the government to be more wary of development activities by Quebec that could affect this province.
"In the so-called Canadian democracy, Quebec and Ontario are the heart of Canada - what Quebec and Ontario want to have done, gets done," Kierans said. "If they want to endorse Quebec's takeover of those rivers, it will be done.
"They'll find a way to do it."
____________________________________________________________________________________
I have highlighted statements that should raise questions for all of us. Further Sue's Blog has demonstrated that the border has been submitted to the Federal Government for their process of environmental assessment of the proposed Romaine River development - and they have accepted them. What does it take? When will we take action? As for Dunderdale's statements yesterday that the government will not raise or debate the issue - Minister Tom Marshall did just that last year - now square that circle Premier.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Hey Canada - Here it is!!! Our Scrapbook on Confederation
First things first...
Meet Loyola Hearn - Canada's Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Newfoundland and Labrador's representative in the Federal Cabinet.
This is the fellow who promised custodial management of the nose and tail of the Grand Banks and Flemish Cap. He lied. This is also the fellow who voted against Newfoundland and Labrador by supporting a budget and amendments to the equalization formula - that did not deliver another promise to remove non-renewable resource revenues from equalization. He and the Prime Minister lied.
Now let me introduce you to Tom Rideout Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture for Newfoundland and Labrador. This is the fellow who just finished overseeing the destruction of Newfoundland and Labrador's greatest fishing company FPI. Rather than use the legislature to ensure the people of Newfoundland and Labrador would get the best of the deal - he allowed the great marketing arm of the company drift away. Further the fish will eventually be controlled by Iceland and Nova Scotia interests.
Then there is this fellow - John Crosbie the infamous Newfoundlander and Labradorian who oversaw the elimination of the railway for pittance and the grand announcer of the moratorium on ground-fish stocks for Canada. He was the federal Minister who said the moratorium would probably go one for a few years before the fish stocks recovered. That was 1992 - they are not back yet - it is now 15 years later. Pour me another Tequila Sheila "John" should pass the stuff around as....
60,000 people left Newfoundland and Labrador since the moratorium.
Term 22 gave the fishery to the feds shortly after confederation.
Also found Term 31
31. At the date of Union, or as soon thereafter as practicable, Canada will take over the following services and will as from the date of Union relieve the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador of the public costs incurred in respect of each service taken over, namely,
(a) the Newfoundland Railway, including steamship and other marine services;
(b) The Newfoundland Hotel, if requested by the Government of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador within six months from the date of Union:
(c) postal and publicly owned telecommunication services;
(d) civil aviation, including Gander Airport;
(e) customs and excise;
(f) defence;
(g) protection and encouragement of fisheries and operation of bait services;
(h) geological, topographical, geodetic, and hydrographic surveys;
(i) lighthouses, fog alarms, buoys, beacons, and other public works and services in aid of navigation and shipping;
(j) marine hospitals, quarantine, and the care of shipwrecked crews;
(k) the public radio broadcasting system; and
(I) other public services similar in kind to those provided at the date of Union for the people of Canada generally.
and then
32(1)
32. (1) Canada will maintain in accordance with the traffic offering a freight and passenger steamship service between North Sydney and Port aux Basques, which, on completion of a motor highway between Corner Brook and Port aux Basques, will include suitable provision for the carriage of motor vehicles:
We will pick that up a little later.
Fsih gone and futures of thousands of children like the boy in the picture gone.
Please Canada notice 31(g)
At the date of Union, or as soon thereafter as practicable, Canada will take over the following services and will as from the date of Union relieve the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador of the public costs incurred in respect of each service taken over, namely,protection and encouragement of fisheries and operation of bait services
This has not occurred and as a result we have lost over 60,000 people of a population of 500,000 - over 10% - as a result of the federal government's mismanagement of the fishery.
If Ontario or Quebec or Alberta lost 10% of their population as a result of direct mismanagement of a renewable resource what would the people there demand???
Extinct
Then there is Term 31(a)
At the date of Union, or as soon thereafter as practicable, Canada will take over the following services and will as from the date of Union relieve the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador of the public costs incurred in respect of each service taken over, namely,the Newfoundland Railway, including steamship and other marine services.
The railway gone for a one time commitment of funds to complete the Trans Canada highway with four lanes. Oh well money gone and no funds for maintenance.
Check out the ruts in our highway as all the freight is on the road and not on the track. Canada off the hook again.
The there is the ferry - you know the one that connects the country - Port aux Basques to North Sydney. Term 32 (1)
Canada will maintain in accordance with the traffic offering a freight and passenger steamship service between North Sydney and Port aux Basques, which, on completion of a motor highway between Corner Brook and Port aux Basques, will include suitable provision for the carriage of motor vehicles:
We don't have one of these: The Confederation Bridge connecting Prince Edward Island to mainland Canada. No we have the "ferry". Expensive - often delayed - cancelled - and not pleasing to many consumers. This raises the rates of our consumable goods and detracts from our great tourism potential.
So Canada - we are not prepared to stay down - unable to use our non-renewable resource revenues to try and correct some of the damage the federal government is responsible for. And it's time you paid up - replace the value of the lost fishing renewable - and while you are at it. How about this?
The mighty Churchill River and Falls producing over 5000 mw's of power primarily used in Quebec for their economic development and tremendous hydro profits - significant in making Hydro-Quebec what it is today. You see Canada the feds did not stand up for Newfoundland and Labrador when it wanted the right to wheel power through Quebec to markets. Although PM Trudeau said it was the right of Canada to intervene - they did not.
Today Quebec looks forward to buying the power from us at 1/4 cent per KWH and reselling it at between 6 and 20 cents per KWH. You do the math Canada.
Where's the industry in Newfoundland and Labrador? Following our natural resources including renewable and non-renewable energy west to our neighbouring provinces - unfortunately our people are following.
Picture by the Independent Newspaper
Thousands of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians lined up to leave this province for mainland Canada. What a legacy of deceit and abuse. We have all the reason in the world to leave Canada - and certainly every reason to be asking for a fair share.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Equalization and Fiscal Capacity
Freedom to Think 101
- Not impaired by grandiose federal party policies designed to re-elect Liberals and Conservatives
- Not impaired by "con"federation and the thinking of New Liberalism and Joey
- Not impaired by low self esteem
- Not impaired by employment with any of the federal or provincial political parties
The truth is and we all know it - that politicians consider their main job is to get re-elected.
On that basis - all significant federal parties (those that stand a chance for a majority) - will create policy favouring Quebec and Ontario.
The truth is Stephen Harper promised in writing and verbally to remove non-renewable resource revenues from the equalization formula.
The truth is - as an economist Harper has supported this concept for many years.
The truth is - Harper knew exactly what he was promising when he promised same.
The truth is - Harper knows it's the best chance Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador have to become a non-recipient province for the long-term.
The truth is - Harper buckled and gave up all of his beliefs to get a majority.
For all Canadians out there - this unfortunately is short term thinking and will - in the end - be harmful to the country.
The concept is simple - non-renewable resources are just that and therefore will not be available for future generations. These resource revenues must be used to build infrastructure - reduce debt - establish a heritage fund of some sort - and generally make other opportunities available so that the economy can be diversified and the fiscal position be sustainable.
That is what happened in Alberta - the province not crippled by reduced federal funds when developing the tar sands.
Renewable resources - according to Harper's own thinking and I agree will be available (if managed properly) to benefit future generations directly. Therefore the removal of these resource revenues from the formula is not necessary.
Fiscal Capacity can be defined many different ways probably as many as there are Chartered Accountants - but is defined in a specific way under the current equalization formula. Any reasonably minded person can see - on review - of the Federal Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act that the definition is quite artificial and does nothing to develop sustainable economies.
Newfoundland and Labrador - per capita - may exceed per capita the fiscal capacity of Ontario over the next few years. What does that really mean? It means that oil revenues will artificially raise our per-capita fiscal capacity for a few short years. It will not count our debt per-capita - unemployment levels - provincial taxation rates - minimum wage - outmigration - birth and death rates etc...
Therefore the artificial flawed equation - that includes non-renewable resource revenues - will cause our continued economic dependence on Canada and the continued need for equalization. Whereas if the revenues were removed and used to reduce debt - build infrastructure - attract secondary processing facilities - lower provincial income and sales taxes - it is possible that a sustainable independent economy can be developed netting Canada a long term non-recipient contributor to the equalization program.
We must remember that New Brunswick - Nova Scotia - PEI - Manitoba - and yes even Quebec are anticipating long-term need for equalization so the more net contributors the better for the country.
This should be debated in Canada for the good of the federation - else the federation will fail.
There is no excuse for a Newfoundlander and Labradorian arguing against this position and to do so is either because of pure ignorance - pure politics - or pure stupidity - or personal financial remuneration.
In the case of Loyola - Norm - and Fabian - a combination in some form of all of the above.
In the case of others - let them answer it.
Imagine if you can Quebec being on equalization while Newfoundland and Labrador is not. Ontario should be looking to that neighbour to complain about fiscal imbalance - but to do so would break up the political power base that is Quebec and Ontario.
- Not impaired by grandiose federal party policies designed to re-elect Liberals and Conservatives
- Not impaired by "con"federation and the thinking of New Liberalism and Joey
- Not impaired by low self esteem
- Not impaired by employment with any of the federal or provincial political parties
The truth is and we all know it - that politicians consider their main job is to get re-elected.
On that basis - all significant federal parties (those that stand a chance for a majority) - will create policy favouring Quebec and Ontario.
The truth is Stephen Harper promised in writing and verbally to remove non-renewable resource revenues from the equalization formula.
The truth is - as an economist Harper has supported this concept for many years.
The truth is - Harper knew exactly what he was promising when he promised same.
The truth is - Harper knows it's the best chance Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador have to become a non-recipient province for the long-term.
The truth is - Harper buckled and gave up all of his beliefs to get a majority.
For all Canadians out there - this unfortunately is short term thinking and will - in the end - be harmful to the country.
The concept is simple - non-renewable resources are just that and therefore will not be available for future generations. These resource revenues must be used to build infrastructure - reduce debt - establish a heritage fund of some sort - and generally make other opportunities available so that the economy can be diversified and the fiscal position be sustainable.
That is what happened in Alberta - the province not crippled by reduced federal funds when developing the tar sands.
Renewable resources - according to Harper's own thinking and I agree will be available (if managed properly) to benefit future generations directly. Therefore the removal of these resource revenues from the formula is not necessary.
Fiscal Capacity can be defined many different ways probably as many as there are Chartered Accountants - but is defined in a specific way under the current equalization formula. Any reasonably minded person can see - on review - of the Federal Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act that the definition is quite artificial and does nothing to develop sustainable economies.
Newfoundland and Labrador - per capita - may exceed per capita the fiscal capacity of Ontario over the next few years. What does that really mean? It means that oil revenues will artificially raise our per-capita fiscal capacity for a few short years. It will not count our debt per-capita - unemployment levels - provincial taxation rates - minimum wage - outmigration - birth and death rates etc...
Therefore the artificial flawed equation - that includes non-renewable resource revenues - will cause our continued economic dependence on Canada and the continued need for equalization. Whereas if the revenues were removed and used to reduce debt - build infrastructure - attract secondary processing facilities - lower provincial income and sales taxes - it is possible that a sustainable independent economy can be developed netting Canada a long term non-recipient contributor to the equalization program.
We must remember that New Brunswick - Nova Scotia - PEI - Manitoba - and yes even Quebec are anticipating long-term need for equalization so the more net contributors the better for the country.
This should be debated in Canada for the good of the federation - else the federation will fail.
There is no excuse for a Newfoundlander and Labradorian arguing against this position and to do so is either because of pure ignorance - pure politics - or pure stupidity - or personal financial remuneration.
In the case of Loyola - Norm - and Fabian - a combination in some form of all of the above.
In the case of others - let them answer it.
Imagine if you can Quebec being on equalization while Newfoundland and Labrador is not. Ontario should be looking to that neighbour to complain about fiscal imbalance - but to do so would break up the political power base that is Quebec and Ontario.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
They choose the weak to discourage the strong
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are fed up - we want a better return for our resources - we want to live the natural wealth we have. This - we know has not happened and we are just about to say "no" - and find the right way to develop a prosperous future for our children.
Labrador has twice the problem as dictation has not only come from Ottawa but from the Island as well.
Any second thoughts you have about it "not being Ottawa's fault" put them out of your head. There is no argument that shows the federation will truly benefit a population significantly smaller than that of Ontario - Quebec - Alberta - and BC. You will hear people say it's our own fault and don't blame Ottawa - but that simply is garbage and only true to the extent we have allowed Ottawa in and allowed them to stay.
Ottawa and the federal political parties have an agenda - that agenda will support central control and support central wealth. This will always be the same. It is important for Ottawa and through it Ontario and Quebec - to keep Newfoundland and Labrador miserably satisfied so that the resources we possess in our territory will continue to be available to them. Problem is - there have always been nationalist feelings in our province - and fundamentally we know we are bring screwed.
With that in mind Ottawa has always sought the weak among us. It has always been more effective to fight the movement of a people by using some within it. African Americans suffered under African Americans who were chosen for their weaknesses and strengths. They needed to be somewhat intelligent - be able to speak - read and orate - and they needed to be insecure. All it took from southern whites was to praise - peripherally - a couple of blacks - and make them feel superior to their own people. The blacks chosen were willing to keep their own people under control to receive even the slightest bit of approval from the ruling whites.
Make no mistake we have them in Newfoundland and Labrador - they will argue the inarguable - place doubt where none should exist - because somebody in Canada is paying attention to them. They will be reminded that they are the intelligent ones of their people - and nowadays they are also financially rewarded in some way or another. They will argue the fishery was destroyed by Newfoundlanders and Labradorians even though the management was clearly and constitutionally the responsibility of Ottawa. You will notice our fishers are not out catching on mass stocks under moratorium. This coupled with the obvious failure of Ottawa to deal with a power corridor through Quebec - the gouging of our offshore oil and gas - the lack of federal government presence in what is "obviously" the east coast of the country.
These Newfoundlanders and Labradorians chosen to keep their own people down are attempting to do just that. They feel empowered by the attention "upper Canadians" are giving them and even start to believe their intellect is greater than that of their own people.
The point is the harder we fight to take what is ours - the more these people will vocalize - wherever and whenever the opportunity arises. To these Newfoundlanders and Labradorians the victory is in the defeat of their own people. It is in that they find the reward of superiority.
In Labrador - they also have the annoyance of St. John's based politics finding puppets among them - a few weak souls who will hold Labrador back for a seat in Cabinet or a handshake from their colleagues. It is "obvious" to all who look at the situation logically that Labrador is able to attract industry in the same way Iceland can or Norway can or Russia can or Northern Ontario and Alberta can or Quebec can or BC can. The problem is not the location or the population - the problem is the lack of vision the lack of commitment - the lack of infrastructure development. You see if Labrador was anywhere else - the jurisdiction would celebrate the richness of resources and the "obvious" potential and do what was necessary to attract industry. Instead all you hear are our own people - prompted by Ottawa and St. John's to dissuade the "silly" idea of Labrador development.
So these people are on the air - they write the papers - they lecture - and yes they blog - and they spend much time - an "obvious" too much time - chasing people around who are fighting for their province.
You see those who wish to hold us back - to rob our natural resources - to leave us impoverished - are our own - carefully chosen by the powers that are Ottawa and St. John's. It has been that way forever in history - it is better to have the enemy within - to achieve the despicable goals of those who are faceless trying to rob us of our future.
We must stand above this and question the motives of people who argue ridiculous points - like we get our fair share from Ottawa. That is utter nonsense - and it is "obvious".
These people are out there now saying "too many fishers - too few fish" - I see how did that happen people? What of the destruction of our natural and renewable global resource. Who's paying for that? We are - our communities - our families - our children. Yet these Ottawa puppets - chosen carefully by central Canada to preach the propaganda - carry on with these ridiculous statements - designed to lower our expectations for equitable compensation.
Sue's Blog will no longer publish the comments of these puppets of Ottawa - they can use their own space wherever else they can find it. I am not going to waste time or be distracted from the goal of self-sufficiency by puppets whose only satisfaction is to gain approval of Ottawa or a multinational corporation.
Stay focused people - our future is just around the corner - keep going.
Labrador has twice the problem as dictation has not only come from Ottawa but from the Island as well.
Any second thoughts you have about it "not being Ottawa's fault" put them out of your head. There is no argument that shows the federation will truly benefit a population significantly smaller than that of Ontario - Quebec - Alberta - and BC. You will hear people say it's our own fault and don't blame Ottawa - but that simply is garbage and only true to the extent we have allowed Ottawa in and allowed them to stay.
Ottawa and the federal political parties have an agenda - that agenda will support central control and support central wealth. This will always be the same. It is important for Ottawa and through it Ontario and Quebec - to keep Newfoundland and Labrador miserably satisfied so that the resources we possess in our territory will continue to be available to them. Problem is - there have always been nationalist feelings in our province - and fundamentally we know we are bring screwed.
With that in mind Ottawa has always sought the weak among us. It has always been more effective to fight the movement of a people by using some within it. African Americans suffered under African Americans who were chosen for their weaknesses and strengths. They needed to be somewhat intelligent - be able to speak - read and orate - and they needed to be insecure. All it took from southern whites was to praise - peripherally - a couple of blacks - and make them feel superior to their own people. The blacks chosen were willing to keep their own people under control to receive even the slightest bit of approval from the ruling whites.
Make no mistake we have them in Newfoundland and Labrador - they will argue the inarguable - place doubt where none should exist - because somebody in Canada is paying attention to them. They will be reminded that they are the intelligent ones of their people - and nowadays they are also financially rewarded in some way or another. They will argue the fishery was destroyed by Newfoundlanders and Labradorians even though the management was clearly and constitutionally the responsibility of Ottawa. You will notice our fishers are not out catching on mass stocks under moratorium. This coupled with the obvious failure of Ottawa to deal with a power corridor through Quebec - the gouging of our offshore oil and gas - the lack of federal government presence in what is "obviously" the east coast of the country.
These Newfoundlanders and Labradorians chosen to keep their own people down are attempting to do just that. They feel empowered by the attention "upper Canadians" are giving them and even start to believe their intellect is greater than that of their own people.
The point is the harder we fight to take what is ours - the more these people will vocalize - wherever and whenever the opportunity arises. To these Newfoundlanders and Labradorians the victory is in the defeat of their own people. It is in that they find the reward of superiority.
In Labrador - they also have the annoyance of St. John's based politics finding puppets among them - a few weak souls who will hold Labrador back for a seat in Cabinet or a handshake from their colleagues. It is "obvious" to all who look at the situation logically that Labrador is able to attract industry in the same way Iceland can or Norway can or Russia can or Northern Ontario and Alberta can or Quebec can or BC can. The problem is not the location or the population - the problem is the lack of vision the lack of commitment - the lack of infrastructure development. You see if Labrador was anywhere else - the jurisdiction would celebrate the richness of resources and the "obvious" potential and do what was necessary to attract industry. Instead all you hear are our own people - prompted by Ottawa and St. John's to dissuade the "silly" idea of Labrador development.
So these people are on the air - they write the papers - they lecture - and yes they blog - and they spend much time - an "obvious" too much time - chasing people around who are fighting for their province.
You see those who wish to hold us back - to rob our natural resources - to leave us impoverished - are our own - carefully chosen by the powers that are Ottawa and St. John's. It has been that way forever in history - it is better to have the enemy within - to achieve the despicable goals of those who are faceless trying to rob us of our future.
We must stand above this and question the motives of people who argue ridiculous points - like we get our fair share from Ottawa. That is utter nonsense - and it is "obvious".
These people are out there now saying "too many fishers - too few fish" - I see how did that happen people? What of the destruction of our natural and renewable global resource. Who's paying for that? We are - our communities - our families - our children. Yet these Ottawa puppets - chosen carefully by central Canada to preach the propaganda - carry on with these ridiculous statements - designed to lower our expectations for equitable compensation.
Sue's Blog will no longer publish the comments of these puppets of Ottawa - they can use their own space wherever else they can find it. I am not going to waste time or be distracted from the goal of self-sufficiency by puppets whose only satisfaction is to gain approval of Ottawa or a multinational corporation.
Stay focused people - our future is just around the corner - keep going.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
The best Politicians money can buy...
So you want to talk to your MP or even the Prime Minister or a Federal Cabinet Minister - no problem. What Joyce Hancock and the women that staged a protest in the fed status of women's office - were missing - was an elite membership in the Council of the Americas.
Instead of being escorted out by the police they could have been meeting with Bev Oda - they could have been dining right next to her at the head table.
Sometimes you know - we have to check that our combined intelligence even registers on the scale. How stupid or lazy we are - is measured by our inability to direct those people we elect and pay to represent us.
The Council of the Americas is:
If one becomes an elite member the benefits are:
Elite Level
- Exclusive invitations to the majority of small, private programs, events, and conferences with world leaders
- Preferred Head Table seating at select programs, events and conferences
- Complimentary admission to the annual Latin American Conference
- Complimentary admission to the annual Latin American Economic and Financial
Predictions Conference
- Complimentary admission to the annual NABC Plenary (held every other year in Washington, DC)
- Private annual briefing by Council of the Americas/Americas Society (AS/COA) President and Senior Staff to Corporate Member Board of Directors or Senior Management Team
- Opportunity to rent AS/COA HQ facilities at a reduced member rate plus overhead expenses, once per year, based on availability, and thereafter at member rates.
Now Joyce and the women who joined here were only ordinary Canadians and "voters" because you see corporations can't vote - and apparently they don't need to.
So last week we witnessed Peter MacKay tripping over himself and he stood next to Condoleeza again - and Stockwell Day - almost unable to control his excitement being with the Corporate Elite and officials of the US and Mexican governments.
When asked by a reporter when - let's say ordinary Canadians would get to speak to this North American Union concept - Stockwell - shoulders shifting all over the place - squeaked something about "other venues for that". At least Lou Dobbs had the guts to call it as it was - an elite gathering of politicians and corporations scheming in private. He at least called it dispicable. Our news people - appeared to be excited enough just to be included.
Anyway the group was reviewing a report prepared for them by the North American Competitiveness Council (NACC)- now who are they you ask...
Well they are:
The Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP) provides the framework to ensure that North America is the safest and best place to live and do business. It includes ambitious security and prosperity programs to keep our borders closed to terrorism yet open to trade.
The SPP recognizes that our three great nations are bound by a shared belief in freedom, economic opportunity, and strong democratic institutions. Since June 2005, the Canadian, Mexican and U.S. governments have worked under its auspices to strengthen economic growth and competitiveness and enhance security in North America.
That’s where the NACC came in.
So who is determining the priorities of Canadians?
Then there is a similar list from Mexico...
This is what is setting priorities for our government. And these few lousy numbers are kicking the crap out of democracy and denying our participation in this process. As parents we are supposed to have an innate need to protect our children. Well the typical lazy "lead me to wherever" is trumping the basic parental responsibilities in spades.
So if you got money - you have politicians whenever and wherever you want.
Instead of being escorted out by the police they could have been meeting with Bev Oda - they could have been dining right next to her at the head table.
Sometimes you know - we have to check that our combined intelligence even registers on the scale. How stupid or lazy we are - is measured by our inability to direct those people we elect and pay to represent us.
The Council of the Americas is:
A business organization whose members share a common commitment to free trade and open markets throughout the Americas. Our programming and advocacy aim to inform, encourage, and promote free and integrated markets for the benefit of the companies that comprise our membership, as well as of the United States and all the people of the Americas.
The Council supports these policies in the belief that they provide an effective means of achieving the economic growth and prosperity on which the business interests of its members depend.
If one becomes an elite member the benefits are:
Elite Level
- Exclusive invitations to the majority of small, private programs, events, and conferences with world leaders
- Preferred Head Table seating at select programs, events and conferences
- Complimentary admission to the annual Latin American Conference
- Complimentary admission to the annual Latin American Economic and Financial
Predictions Conference
- Complimentary admission to the annual NABC Plenary (held every other year in Washington, DC)
- Private annual briefing by Council of the Americas/Americas Society (AS/COA) President and Senior Staff to Corporate Member Board of Directors or Senior Management Team
- Opportunity to rent AS/COA HQ facilities at a reduced member rate plus overhead expenses, once per year, based on availability, and thereafter at member rates.
Now Joyce and the women who joined here were only ordinary Canadians and "voters" because you see corporations can't vote - and apparently they don't need to.
So last week we witnessed Peter MacKay tripping over himself and he stood next to Condoleeza again - and Stockwell Day - almost unable to control his excitement being with the Corporate Elite and officials of the US and Mexican governments.
When asked by a reporter when - let's say ordinary Canadians would get to speak to this North American Union concept - Stockwell - shoulders shifting all over the place - squeaked something about "other venues for that". At least Lou Dobbs had the guts to call it as it was - an elite gathering of politicians and corporations scheming in private. He at least called it dispicable. Our news people - appeared to be excited enough just to be included.
Anyway the group was reviewing a report prepared for them by the North American Competitiveness Council (NACC)- now who are they you ask...
Well they are:
The Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP) provides the framework to ensure that North America is the safest and best place to live and do business. It includes ambitious security and prosperity programs to keep our borders closed to terrorism yet open to trade.
The SPP recognizes that our three great nations are bound by a shared belief in freedom, economic opportunity, and strong democratic institutions. Since June 2005, the Canadian, Mexican and U.S. governments have worked under its auspices to strengthen economic growth and competitiveness and enhance security in North America.
That’s where the NACC came in.
The three governments established the NACC to collect guidance from the private sector. Members were charged with helping the governments focus their efforts by applying a cost-benefit analysis to the ideas on the table in order to “prioritize the priorities.”
So who is determining the priorities of Canadians?
Representing Canada are:
- Dominic D’Alessandro, President and CEO, Manulife Financial
- Paul Desmarais, Jr., Chairman and Co-CEO, Power Corporation of
Canada
- David A. Ganong, President, Ganong Bros. Limited
- Richard L. George, President and CEO, Suncor Energy Inc.
- E. Hunter Harrison, President and CEO, Canadian National Railway Company
- Linda Hasenfratz, CEO, Linamar Corporation
- Michael Sabia, President and CEO, Bell Canada Enterprises (BCE)
- James A. Shepherd, President and CEO, Canfor Corporation
- Annette Verschuren, President, The Home Depot Canada
- Richard E. Waugh, President and CEO, The Bank of Nova Scotia
Representing the United States are:
- Campbell Soup Company
- Chevron Corporation
- Ford Motor Company
- FedEx Corporation
- General Electric Company
- General Motors Corp.
- Kansas City Southern
- Lockheed Martin Corporation
- Merck & Co., Inc.
- Mittal Steel USA
- New York Life Insurance Company
- The Procter & Gamble Company (joined in 2007)
- UPS
- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
- Whirlpool Corporation
Then there is a similar list from Mexico...
This is what is setting priorities for our government. And these few lousy numbers are kicking the crap out of democracy and denying our participation in this process. As parents we are supposed to have an innate need to protect our children. Well the typical lazy "lead me to wherever" is trumping the basic parental responsibilities in spades.
So if you got money - you have politicians whenever and wherever you want.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
The New Canada - Halifax to represent the Region
We all know that Halifax is seen (at least quietly) as the center of our universe. You might have heard St. John's City Councillor - Shannie Duff - on CBC this morning raising concerns over the latest Conference Board of Canada Report titled "Mission Possible Successful Canadian Cities".
There is no doubt the Conference Board has summarily dismissed St. John's and in fact this Province when it comes to new policy for Canadian Cities. If we take the report as a document the feds will listen to (and they will) - we have to be worried.
We could be looking at policy for transportation infrastructure - federal jobs and crown agencies - municipal infrastructure - educational institutes - and federal funding - being focused even more on Halifax.
Halifax is what the Conference Board calls one of the HUB cities.
Please Read below for a section of the Report
Policy Implications: Defining the Focus
You will also note that all provinces have a "major city" except the Atlantic Region which has been restricted to Nova Scotia and Halifax...and then there's this little tidbit for Canada's "Major Cities".
You know - I am just a little sick of our province being crucified by Canadian Institutions - and now the Conference Board weighs in on this ridiculous concept.
I hope there will be some response to this before Newfoundland and Labrador becomes a virtual appendage to Atlantica under the stewardship of Halifax.
Please see a copy of the Report HERE
It is interesting to note how this report came to be:
The Canada Project had its genesis in 2002 at The Conference Board of Canada’s annual Canadian Conference—a meeting of senior public and private sector leaders at which participants are invited to share their most pressing concerns about
Canada’s present challenges and future prospects.
Many of the leaders at this meeting raised the same underlying issue: that Canada was floundering in a state of public policy drift at a time that called out for national strategic action in the face of rising global competition.
And thus, The Canada Project was born.
Now, almost four years later—thanks to the $2.4 million invested by business and government organizations, the $1.0 million contributed by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the effort and expertise invested by some of Canada’s top researchers and professionals—we present this four-volume compendium of the results of our work.
Here are the list of sponsors for the Project:
Note the Lead Investor was CIBC
Academic Research Funding Partner: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
Accenture Inc.
Alberta Ministry of Municipal Affairs
ATB Financial
Banque Nationale du Canada
BCE Inc.
Bombardier Transportation
British Columbia Ministry of Community Services
Business Development Bank of Canada
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
Canam Group Inc.
CGI Group Inc.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
DuPont Canada
EnCana Corporation
Ernst & Young LLP
Forest Products Association of Canada
General Electric Canada Inc.
George Weston Limited
Harris Steel Group Inc.
IBM Canada Ltd.
Imperial Oil Limited
Lafarge Canada Inc.
Manulife Financial Corporation
Mercer Delta Consulting Limited
Microsoft Canada Co.
Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Power Corporation of Canada
Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
RBC Financial Group
SaskEnergy Incorporated
SNC-Lavalin Group Inc.
Social Sciences and Humanities .
Research Council of Canada
Sun Life Financial Inc.
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
TD Bank Financial Group
TELUS Corporation
The Bank of Nova Scotia
The Co-operators Group Limited
Toronto Hydro Corporation
TransAlta Corporation
UBS Securities Canada Inc.
Unilever Canada Inc.
Xerox Canada Ltd.
It is time to move on this!
There is no doubt the Conference Board has summarily dismissed St. John's and in fact this Province when it comes to new policy for Canadian Cities. If we take the report as a document the feds will listen to (and they will) - we have to be worried.
We could be looking at policy for transportation infrastructure - federal jobs and crown agencies - municipal infrastructure - educational institutes - and federal funding - being focused even more on Halifax.
Halifax is what the Conference Board calls one of the HUB cities.
Please Read below for a section of the Report
Policy Implications: Defining the Focus
In highlighting the distinctive needs of Canada’s big cities and the unique economic contribution of Canada’s hub cities identified through our convergence research, this volume makes a strong case for prioritizing this combined group of cities—which we identify as major cities (Halifax, Montréal, Ottawa–Gatineau, Toronto, Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver)—for national strategic investment and focus. Smaller cities and towns, and indeed the country as a whole, will thrive fully when their growth is fuelled by that of the country’s major cities. Helping Canada’s major cities reach their potential is therefore a win-win proposition for all citizens. A wider endorsement of this view by citizens and leaders alike will open the way for a more strategic approach to investment in Canada’s major cities.
You will also note that all provinces have a "major city" except the Atlantic Region which has been restricted to Nova Scotia and Halifax...and then there's this little tidbit for Canada's "Major Cities".
Canada’s major cities are critical to our national prosperity, yet they face significant challenges that limit their potential.Our major cities bear the costs of a growing urban population and expanding economy, but lack the fiscal capacity to meet their needs or to maximize their potential. Booming populations and sprawling development create congestion, environmental and health challenges unique to cities.
The challenges of managing growth are exacerbated by the deteriorating state of Canada’s urban infrastructure. Estimates of the national infrastructure gap ranged, in 2003, from $50 billion to $125 billion, with municipalities owning the largest stake in this gap. Canada’s present systems of municipal governance fail to provide cities with the organizational structures and decision-making capacity necessary for strategic planning and regional coordination.
The decisions that cities and provinces make about development patterns,
transportation, utilities standards, building codes and industrial planning will have profound environmental impacts. Canada’s major city-regions are competing for investment and jobs against other major city-regions around the world. Unless
governments and their civic partners support the kind of initiatives that are boosting the international rankings of competitor cities, prospects of improving the
record of Canadian cities are not good.
You know - I am just a little sick of our province being crucified by Canadian Institutions - and now the Conference Board weighs in on this ridiculous concept.
I hope there will be some response to this before Newfoundland and Labrador becomes a virtual appendage to Atlantica under the stewardship of Halifax.
Please see a copy of the Report HERE
It is interesting to note how this report came to be:
The Canada Project had its genesis in 2002 at The Conference Board of Canada’s annual Canadian Conference—a meeting of senior public and private sector leaders at which participants are invited to share their most pressing concerns about
Canada’s present challenges and future prospects.
Many of the leaders at this meeting raised the same underlying issue: that Canada was floundering in a state of public policy drift at a time that called out for national strategic action in the face of rising global competition.
And thus, The Canada Project was born.
Now, almost four years later—thanks to the $2.4 million invested by business and government organizations, the $1.0 million contributed by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the effort and expertise invested by some of Canada’s top researchers and professionals—we present this four-volume compendium of the results of our work.
Here are the list of sponsors for the Project:
Note the Lead Investor was CIBC
Academic Research Funding Partner: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
Accenture Inc.
Alberta Ministry of Municipal Affairs
ATB Financial
Banque Nationale du Canada
BCE Inc.
Bombardier Transportation
British Columbia Ministry of Community Services
Business Development Bank of Canada
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
Canam Group Inc.
CGI Group Inc.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
DuPont Canada
EnCana Corporation
Ernst & Young LLP
Forest Products Association of Canada
General Electric Canada Inc.
George Weston Limited
Harris Steel Group Inc.
IBM Canada Ltd.
Imperial Oil Limited
Lafarge Canada Inc.
Manulife Financial Corporation
Mercer Delta Consulting Limited
Microsoft Canada Co.
Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Power Corporation of Canada
Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
RBC Financial Group
SaskEnergy Incorporated
SNC-Lavalin Group Inc.
Social Sciences and Humanities .
Research Council of Canada
Sun Life Financial Inc.
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
TD Bank Financial Group
TELUS Corporation
The Bank of Nova Scotia
The Co-operators Group Limited
Toronto Hydro Corporation
TransAlta Corporation
UBS Securities Canada Inc.
Unilever Canada Inc.
Xerox Canada Ltd.
It is time to move on this!
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