Will CBC or CTV or Mulcair or Trudeau step-up?

So the Prime Minister - who attended  the annual Jewish Negav Dinner and fundraiser in Toronto this week - is giddy with talks of freedom and democracy. The 3500 in attendance must have been ignoring the fact that Stephen J Harper is doing more to destroy democracy than all Canadian leaders before him combined.

Our PM is no doubt - excessively partisan - and that may be considered politics as usual - but the rest of his behavior is not. Canada has changed drastically and negatively under his leadership.

He aligns himself with the USA - on issues of crime, punishment, guns, and jails while distancing himself from the USA on matters of progressive peace talks and actions.

If you recognize Canada today - you must not have been watching for the past 50 years.

Stephen Harper has neutered and spayed the country's media. Stephen Harper has ignored and diminished the importance of provinces and territories in our confederation.

No man is an island - with the exception of our Prime Minister. He rules as a king not as a parliamentarian. He serves himself not the people. He does not take the provinces seriously and punishes those who do not fall at his knees.

The most disturbing parts of this entire situation are that politicians representing other parties federally and provincial politicians are letting him away with eroding our democracy and the national media is allowing him to control all communication with Canadians.

We are currently in the middle of an embarrassing perhaps criminal situation with the Senate scandal - and his office is right in the middle of it. While I appreciate the efforts of Tom Mulcair to expose him in the House of Commons - I do not appreciate Harper's ability to keep it contained to that location.

Our Prime Minister dictates where and when the media can have access to him. He dictates who may ask questions of him and how many questions may be asked. He refuses to appear on either national network and answer for himself. He sends other people out to speculate on his thoughts, reasoning, and actions. The national media is promoting rather than deterring his behavior by allowing this to continue.

All members of the House of Commons who are not elected Conservatives should take their seats and say nothing until the Prime Minister agrees to normal media relations and explains himself to Canadians. If the Prime Minister continues to act like a dictator then all members of the HOC should stand outside the chamber and refuse to enter until he does so. This is newsworthy and is not controlled by Harper. The media should refuse to cover any News coming out of the government - particularly out of the Prime Minister's office - until he agrees to resume normal media relations.

So while Power and Politics (CBC) and Power Play (CTV) present themselves as "must see political-affairs program" and "daily marquee political program" respectively - neither have been successful in getting Harper to join them on the program regarding his role in the Duffy affair. The RCMP have taken emails and correspondence from the PMO and the PCO and speculation is abound on the role Harper may have played. The one thing missing is Harper - telling us himself - under media scrutiny - without limitations.

Our two national television networks have a responsibility to bring us the news - all the news - not just what Harper permits. I no longer am interested in "political panels" using ESP to tell us what's in Harper's mind. I am no longer interested in parliamentary secretaries, backbenchers, or even Ministers speaking scripted verse from Stephen's HOC Bible. I am interested in our Members of Parliament and our national media doing their jobs. This madness must stop and Harper must face his bosses - us.  

I am not interested in hearing that Harper will have a migratory bird sanctuary in Israel named after him - nor am I interested in what sports teams he likes - or his woefully lacking musical talent - or that he and his wife like Pandas - we employ him to run the affairs of our country and to report to us on that.

If either Mulcair or Trudeau want the reins - show us what you're made of and restore our democracy.

Will OUR MP's protect OUR interests?

Right now all eyes should be focused on our MP's in Ottawa. This is a most important period in federal politics as Prime Minister Harper is on a fly and lie mission.

Yes we need to know about the Senate scandal, corruption, incompetence, and possible illegal activities. We need Harper to be grilled on his judgement in character, his continued lies, and the real deal relative to election fraud and his continued "management" of the media.

So Harper hops on a plane and takes off to do a free trade deal with the European Union (CETA) on the first day of the House of Commons. Yes it's another avoidance of accountability and transparency by our PM - but it may be much worse than that.

The CETA framework - en route to becoming a trade deal - may contain one of the worst concessions ever made by a country. Big Pharma or Brand drug companies have lobbied very hard to extend patent rights in Canada and if they have succeeded the cost to Canadians is unbelievable. If the PM has allowed a three year extension on patents - the number of generic drugs scheduled to make their entrance into our pharmaceutical sector will be significantly delayed.

The provinces who have spent the last three years destroying the generic marketplace and seriously harming our local pharmacies to "save" dollars will have all those "savings" eliminated and still be losing more.

I know it is important that our Opposition MP's probe the Senate fiasco and seek accountability - but it must not be used to avoid discussion of this trade deal. The pharmaceutical piece of this agreement is one negative component but there are others including potential issues for fishermen and farmers.

We must NOT let our MP's be silent - they must be more aggressive on CETA than they plan to be on the Senate mess. If not - they are doing all of us a great disservice and more they will contribute to the gouging of Canadians on prescription drugs.

The fact that Harper is attempting to control media yet again and is running away from the Senate scandal and our parliament in par for the course. He is a liar, cheat, and does not believe in accountability.

Right now our MP's need to earn their salaries and benefits by doing the job we elected them to do. 

Lorraine Michael is 100% Right - Here's Why

MHA David Brazil appeared on a talk show this morning to downplay the significance of the findings by Commissioner for Legislative Standards, Victor Powers.

He said the Commissioner said the violation was a "minimum of minimum" - yet I do not see this in the report. In fact Brazil's take on the finding is that he accepts the findings but his actions were not that bad and were an "oversight".

He brushed off the "conflict of interest" comment by saying it was not outlined how he did that.

Basically - he brushed off the Report and inserted his own interpretations of what are clear findings.

How serious is this?

Well let's reflect on why there is a Code of Member's Conduct to begin with.

This was established to satisfy one of the recommendations of Chief Justice Derek Green in his report - acting as the head of an Independent Commission of Review set-up by the Williams Government.

All this of course followed the scathing findings of Auditor General ( Elizabeth Marshall) regarding conduct of Members of the House of Assembly.

We had MHA's go to jail, MHA's who just missed the criminal threshold pay thousands of dollars back to the Crown, MHA's buying artwork, women's lingerie, and even trinkets purchased from a company whose owner was also was found guilty of criminal behavior.

Due to the nature and severity of the MHA behavior - it became incumbent on all MHA's in the future to make a concerted effort to understand the law to the point where oversight would not occur. This needed to be achieved for the public to regain trust in their elected representatives.

In Commissioner Powers Report regarding the actions of MHA David Brazil - the Commissioner in no way takes away from the seriousness of the violations of two laws of the Province.

David Brazil contends that the Commissioner stated that his violations of the law were a "minimum of minimum". This is where the buffoonery enters. The minimum of minimum would mean he violated no law. The Commissioner did find that David Brazil was in violation of two laws and that in each case he found the Member should be reprimanded. A reprimand is the lesser of the penalties available.

Victor Powers did not negate the seriousness of Brazil's breaches - he in fact spent many words highlighting the importance of avoiding conflicts of interest and further the importance of full disclosure by the Member of his Interests.

Listening to David Brazil on the talk show this morning makes me believe that the MHA does not accept that his actions were serious, he is not taking the Commissioner's report and recommendations seriously, and he is not prepared to be meaningfully remorseful for his actions.

An MHA - a person who is a Member of the Legislature - where laws are debated and passed -should absolutely be crystal clear on what the laws are related to his conduct as a Member. This was clearly not the case if Brazil contends an oversight.

Should the House re-open to deal with this? Yes - after the history of abuse by Members of the law - and in a day of continued breaches by Senators of Canada - it should be treated seriously and dealt with swiftly. If this does not occur - those who may consider breaking or those who may consider being lax with the law in the future - would have no real deterrent. Further Commissioner Powers did say that failure to disclose required information to the Commissioner's Office contributes to the erosion of transparency and accountability as required from members.

If David Brazil were seriously interested in accountability and serious about breaches in the law - he would do the honourable thing and resign - and let his constituents decide what the "reprimand" should be.

Then again this government giveth and taketh away from transparency and accountability. On the one hand we get new laws for disclosure and accountability for MHA's and on the other hand passes Bill 29 which erodes disclosure and accountability. In this respect I find David Brazil's attitude in keeping with his leader and Cabinet. This should be sufficiently concerning to us all.  


Here are the Links to Relevant Material

Commissioner Powers Report
House of Assembly Act
House of Assembly Accountability, Integrity and Administration Act
The Code Of Conduct
The Green Report - Rebuilding Confidence

Take them by the scruff of their political necks and heave em out!

Somehow the Ottawa painted picture of Newfoundland and Labrador fishermen and stamps has become obscured by graffiti depicting overstuffed Senators with stamps and EI Referees doling money to the Conservatives.

My oh my and the right-wing fundamentalist Harper Cabinet would have Canadians believe that ordinary citizens are trying to bilk (Obtain or withhold money by deceit or without justification; cheat or defraud) Employment Insurance funds. There us some irony here, don't you think?

Take them by the scruff of their kiss-the-baby political necks and heave em out - is probably the best advice after a Victoria Day weekend filled with anything but Royal Protocol.

The Queen herself is being usurped as Senators and Senior Staff of the PMO flaunt their entitlements of riches whether the receiver or the giver.

Today comes word from the Canadian Press and CBC that many Chairpersons of the Board of Referees who adjudicate EI appeals are giving political contributions to the Conservatives both before and after their plum patronage appointment.

Now what chance does an unemployed have to successfully appeal a rejection by the EI crowd? How do we know if what plays into their demonstrated partisan and arbitrary minds when some poor soul seeks to collect a legal entitlement? How could we know? The perception of potential conflict is there - that's why there are rules.

Now Harper claims he wants to tighten up on EI claims and apparently quota's are attached to the catch. So what should an ordinary oilskin believe?

Well how about this little scunchion from the CP article

The government appointed John Buddy Wiens of Morden, Man., as a chairman of the EI referees board for the Winnipeg district in April 2008. Elections Canada records show Wiens made three donations — totalling $1,500 — to the Portage-Lisgar Conservative riding association in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

'You got me'

In a telephone interview, Wiens confirmed he made the donations, but said no one told him it was against the rules. He said he did not recall reading the section of the EI referees boards' handbook about political activities.
"No, I'm sorry. You got me," Wiens said. "I'm totally by surprise."

Rodney Balkwill of Brandon, Man., was named a chairman of the EI referees board in February 2009. Elections Canada records show Balkwill made a single donation of $250 to the 2011 election campaign of Conservative MP Merv Tweed.
It was Tweed's idea that he sit on the board, Balkwill said.

_________________________________

If you look at the mandate - a key phrase is obvious:

The Employment Insurance Boards of Referees (EIBR) function as a first-level, independent, administrative tribunal mandated to provide fair and impartial quasi-judicial hearings of appeals of Employment Insurance decisions. (emphasis added)

_________________________________

Donations to politicians both before and after appointments really squeezes the sticky filaments out of the quasi-judicial cucumber and leaves it more vulnerable to prey of the partisan.

And so the Harper Accountability Act continues as the three ring circus reaches new popularity. The addition of clowns, pigs, high-wire performances, and jugglers really seems to have caught the attention of the people. Everybody is just holding their breath for the next one to jump into the pool from about 50 metres up.

If Wallin, Duffy, or Wright had spent a week fishing the North Atlantic in a sea - I'd say they worked hard for their entitlements. But these pontificating buffoons should crawl back to the private sector and peddle their acts there. They should be joined by the Prime Minister - where his corporate buddies may hire him - but unlikely to really let him near projections.

Right now there should be an independent review of the "independent reviews" that were done for hard-working Canadians who were denied Employment Insurance.

The Race to Save Canada from its CEO

It's hard to tell just how much damage Harper can do over the next three years.

After the federal election - May of 2011 - Harper said the following: “One thing I’ve learned in this business is that surprises are generally not well-received by the public, and so we intend to move forward with what Canadians understand about us and I think what they’re more and more comfortable with”.


Read and reread the quote.

Our Prime Minister is an educated man and he understands fully the statements he makes.

I would like a few English professors to interpret this quote.

What it means to me is Harper believes he is an all powerful CEO of a privately held major corporation.

What it means to me is Harper does not understand he is running a country.

What it means to me is that the shareholders of the company he believes he runs are not Canadian.

What it means to me is that Harper believes "voters" understood him and his ilk.

What it means to me is that Harper fully plans to make us comfortable with his agenda.

What it means to me is that Canada will not be recognizable when he's finished.

What it means to me is that - the Race is On to Save Canada - and it had better happen before too many policies are virtually irreversible.

What is particularly scary about Harper is that not one Progressive within Conservative rank and file MP's has crossed the floor.

He was raised as an adult by ideology that is foreign to most Canadians and his role is to deliver this country up to particular global entities. 

Liberal and NDP members in the Commons had better do more than posturing.

Canadians had better do more than gasp.

Our PM lies with ease, deceives at his pleasure, and rules through intimidation.

Our laws mean nothing to him and he believes he is entitled to secrecy whenever he chooses.

He is not a man of science but is rather a man of ideological zealotry. Canada did not suit his beliefs - so he will change it.

Hi is a very dangerous person and he happens to be the Prime Minister.

Social Fabric being removed from Canadian Clothing

A Stephen Harper majority meant we were going to lose Canada - as we know it.

Here we go - corporate and market guzzlers, and elite - have Harper's only ear.

OAS - Health Tinkering - Dictatorial policies of the Federal Government, downloading to Provinces, and other important social programs under attack.

Harper is a liar - and he will lie to get where he needs to get - then he will place Canadians second and Corporations first.

Although politicians are supposed to work for us - Harper's view is if he works for Corporations then Canadians will get the benefits.

Also it is amazing to watch Helicopter MacKay present as a lifelong agent of the Reform Party.

Corporations do not require the undivided attention of the politicians we elect - but hey if they can get it - they will take it.

Last night on the CBC they played a clip of Harper in earlier years talking about OAS and how he would not do - exactly what the media and Opposition parties are saying he's planning to do now.

Human rights? Torture during interrogation? Will Harper oppose?

No - human rights fall behind the importance of Harper trade deals - and Torture is acceptable if if if - that's up to Harper.

Pitting one province against another - pitting one region against another - Harper's specialty.

The social fabric is being removed from Canadian Clothing - question is what will we do about it?

The other question is for all parents of children. If Stephen Harper can rise to the top job in our society - in large part by lying - what does that teach your children?

If you can Drink and Drive - Harper wants YOU - How to get Harper's Respect

If one wants to get Stephen Harper's attention, respect, and support do three things:

Drink and Drive, increase taxes for ordinary Canadians and be at your lowest political popularity .

For all the anti-crime, longer prison sentences, and making criminals pay - Stephen Harper apparently will have no problem appointing a convicted drunk driver to the lofty post of High Commissioner to Britain.

Media reports today suggest that Harper is ready to announce the Gordon Campbell position.

Mug Shots Hawaii 

At two times the legal alcohol limit in Hawaii - former BC Premier Gordon Campbell - looks happily under the influence in his mug shots.

So if that qualification for such a title is not enough - add the fact that when the Premier resigned - he did so after he mislead the people on his party's plans relative to the previous election on HST. His popularity plummeted among the voting public.

Well done - so I guess Harper believes in rehabilitation - and if they complete a program - they too can become a foreign official.

For instance perhaps all those rioters in BC could follow the path of Campbell and rise to the top of society in just a few short years. 

And best of all - because Harper is appointing a former Liberal - the convict appointment will be non-partisan.


So for those families who have had their lives changed forever by a drunk driver - what do you think?

For Stephen Harper - breaking the law, misleading the electorate, or just lying are great attributes for high posts.

CO-A-LI-TION threatens Flaherty. Democracy under Attack by Conservatives

It is almost embarrassing that Harper has ordered our troops into another war zone - in the name of democracy - when he undercuts our system every chance he gets.

CO-A-LI-TION Jim Flaherty enunciated in the House of Commons yesterday. He was angry, frustrated, and generally behaving in a way unbecoming a Finance Minister. Coalition Minister Flaherty is possible under our Democratic process and is not something you should use as a fear tactic. It is no more fearful than a minority acting as a majority - or using the House of Commons to mislead - or breaking laws under the Elections Act.

Let me try this one PA-ROGU-ING the House of Commons and the misuse of the Governor General's office as a matter of political expedience.

The Conservatives would have Canadians believe that elections are a bad thing. If that's the case they should have acted like a CO-A-LI-TION and found a way to satisfy the majority of the House of Commons (the peoples' representatives).

The Conservatives would have us believe that a CO-A-LI-TION is evil - yet something they were willing to do for political expedience. They have significant allies they have agreed to go into Libya with (the UK) who are operating under an "evil" CO-A-LI-TION.

The Conservatives are the most anti-democratic lot I have ever seen.

They lie to the electorate for a vote.
They cheat during an election for a vote.
They mislead Canadians in the HOC after the vote.

They have lied on income trusts, an elected and effective Senate, equalization, accountability, and patronage - and they are not telling the whole truth about not wanting an election. It may certainly stop the continued hemorrhaging of information which would make most Canadians not trust a word out of their mouths.

Harper needs to move to a country which accommodates his belief that he is entitled to power.