Premier Paul Davis wants to know what the problem is. He wants to know why people are not supporting his government.
I think these musings by our Premier are misleading and I don't believe him.
He has to know by now that the electorate of Newfoundland and Labrador want an election. They want an election before the spring. If he does not know this - he is unfit to be Premier. Why? Any person watching and listening to anything political in our province over the past few months who does not recognize the people want to vote - is in denial or in a cave without electronics.
I believe Paul Davis and the entire Tory caucus know that - therefore the problem is denial (if not something worse) - not knowledge. Why deny? Well power and benefits affect some people in a way that hanging on by the fingernails is almost an involuntary behavior. Unfortunately - many of them are politicians.
Here are the problems Premier Davis:
1. The people want an election and you won't call one,
2. People are extremely worried about Muskrat Falls and you appear not to care,
3. People do not trust their energy/power system anymore and you keep sending out Smiley Martin,
4. The price of oil and your budgetary guesstimates,
5. Rural population/employment decimation,
6. Giveaway policy for our natural resources,
7. Everything is under review, reassessment and analysis,
8. We have liabilities where the amount of those liabilities are not known,
9. You continue to spend like drunken sailors with no clue how we will pay for it,
10. Your caucus and Cabinet are arrogant,
11. Bill 29,
12. Lay-offs and then rehiring (don't know what you're doing)
13. You get rid of family violence prevention court but contract PC connected lawyers,
14. Debt, deficit, unemployment, population loss and aging,
15. Patronage,
16. Extreme partisanship,
17. Loss of manufacturing and processing industries,
18. Appointment of unelected Minister,
19. Your attack on small local business,
20. Your continued attempt to blame the people for not understanding the good you do - instead of wondering whether the people just don't like your policies and decisions.
21. Allowing the federal government to erode their presence in our province,
22. Burton Winters enquiry,
23. Focusing on the Avalon economy instead of the entire province,
24. Continuing to pillage Labrador without growing Labrador
25. Lack of transparency and accountability.
This is a short list - and I'm sure many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have more to add.
The only way to deal with this is call an election and put out your own platform - not just a continuation of the Williams platform. This also would demonstrate integrity instead of preservation of self (Party). Most importantly this would prove you are a man of your word - when you claimed - "I will listen to the people".
Showing posts with label Kevin O'Brien. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kevin O'Brien. Show all posts
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Wednesday, October 01, 2014
Dear "unelected" Premier Davis
Dear "unelected" Premier Davis,
I am writing this open letter to see if you are listening to the very loud and numerous voices of the people from all political stripes. If you are listening - I imagine you are hearing the following:
1. Premier Davis must fire Judy Manning
2. Premier Davis must call a Judicial Inquiry into HVP affair
3. Premier Davis must get to the election by February
Now let's see if it's Party of the people or if it's Party of the entitled.
Let's see if you "unelected" Premier Paul Davis are going to be accountable and transparent.
Let's see if you "unelected" Premier Paul Davis are going to listen to the people.
It's never been a communication problem - it's never been Kathy's fault. It's always been the policy choices, patronage and cronyism, arrogance and entitlement.
"With Respect"
Sue
PS - have you heard the very clear voice of Former Tory Premier Tom Rideout?
I have the audio attached for your convenience.
PRESS HERE CBC NL Central Morning Show
I am writing this open letter to see if you are listening to the very loud and numerous voices of the people from all political stripes. If you are listening - I imagine you are hearing the following:
1. Premier Davis must fire Judy Manning
2. Premier Davis must call a Judicial Inquiry into HVP affair
3. Premier Davis must get to the election by February
Now let's see if it's Party of the people or if it's Party of the entitled.
Let's see if you "unelected" Premier Paul Davis are going to be accountable and transparent.
Let's see if you "unelected" Premier Paul Davis are going to listen to the people.
It's never been a communication problem - it's never been Kathy's fault. It's always been the policy choices, patronage and cronyism, arrogance and entitlement.
"With Respect"
Sue
PS - have you heard the very clear voice of Former Tory Premier Tom Rideout?
I have the audio attached for your convenience.
PRESS HERE CBC NL Central Morning Show
Monday, January 27, 2014
O'Brien and Sullivan Communications 101
Last week David Cochrane interviewed Ministers Sullivan and O'Brien regarding - in part - the resignation of Kathy Dunderdale and what went wrong.
First off they both admitted that Kathy Dunderdale told them that she would resign before the next election. To the contrary Kathy Dunderdale told the people of the province and hundreds of PC delegates just a few months ago that she was staying put for the next election.
DO YOU SEE HOW THIS INFORMATION WAS NOT COMMUNICATED WELL?
Yes she told certain people she was going and others she was staying.
Second - Sullivan indicated that Kathy resigned mostly for the good of the party - to allow them to reorganize - regroup - and refresh. From what? Your party is not governed by polls is it? That's what you claim.
DO YOU SEE HOW THIS INFORMATION WAS NOT COMMUNICATED WELL?
Yes she said one thing one day and then did something contrary to that which was said the next. Further Sullivan's thought on refreshing - hardly seems likely when she and O'Brien remain. Why didn't they leave for the good of the party? They were as responsible for decisions - as Cabinet Ministers - as the Premier was. David referred to both O'Brien and Sullivan as strong supporters of the Premier - perhaps because they put forth just that. If you watch the interview however - if they are her friends - she doesn't need enemies.
Third - Kevin O'Brien claims that she was the first Premier who encountered social media. Really? I remember a significant load of it on former Premier Danny Williams. Be that as it may O'Brien exclaimed that it (social media) was used entirely against her.
DO YOU SEE HOW THIS INFORMATION WAS NOT COMMUNICATED WELL?
Yes - it is false and misleading. Actually it's a lie. It's doubtful Kent, Lane, and Collins have fingerprints left from Twitter presence - notwithstanding loyal Tories tweeting with vigor and venom.
Fourth - Then Kevin O'Brien adds that part of her problem was the "hostile media". Cochrane challenged him on that and then said "no not really".
DO YOU SEE HOW THIS INFORMATION WAS NOT COMMUNICATED WELL?
Guess that one's pretty simple. Propaganda - called on it - then withdrew.
Fifth - and Susan Sullivan should have plead the fifth instead of carrying on. Twitter and Facebook she said has been taken hostage by a "mob mentality". She compared it to a child's game whisper - where one child whispers to another down a chain of people and then they hear what comes out on the other side. She exclaimed that people under the cloak of anonymity made a statement which was partially untrue - and then others added to it and spread it - all the while changing the original point.
DO YOU SEE HOW THIS INFORMATION WAS NOT COMMUNICATED WELL?
The anonymous ones the Minister speaks of contain as many Tory hacks as those from any party. The most vocal opposition to this government's policy on Twitter - Facebook - and Blogs are not anonymous. The use of the words "mob mentality" is similar to other words they use to describe engaged citizens - such as "conspiracy theorists" and "naysayers". These words have been communicated so well - that even some media outlets use them.
So if the purpose of O'Brien and Sullivan was to reorganize - regroup - and refresh - they did nothing of the sort. I guess they should resign now as they also cannot communicate a message. If they did communicate what they meant - then we are in more trouble than we think.
Now just imagine having a conversation with them on Muskrat Falls?
The On Point interview can be found by CLICKING HERE
First off they both admitted that Kathy Dunderdale told them that she would resign before the next election. To the contrary Kathy Dunderdale told the people of the province and hundreds of PC delegates just a few months ago that she was staying put for the next election.
DO YOU SEE HOW THIS INFORMATION WAS NOT COMMUNICATED WELL?
Yes she told certain people she was going and others she was staying.
Second - Sullivan indicated that Kathy resigned mostly for the good of the party - to allow them to reorganize - regroup - and refresh. From what? Your party is not governed by polls is it? That's what you claim.
DO YOU SEE HOW THIS INFORMATION WAS NOT COMMUNICATED WELL?
Yes she said one thing one day and then did something contrary to that which was said the next. Further Sullivan's thought on refreshing - hardly seems likely when she and O'Brien remain. Why didn't they leave for the good of the party? They were as responsible for decisions - as Cabinet Ministers - as the Premier was. David referred to both O'Brien and Sullivan as strong supporters of the Premier - perhaps because they put forth just that. If you watch the interview however - if they are her friends - she doesn't need enemies.
Third - Kevin O'Brien claims that she was the first Premier who encountered social media. Really? I remember a significant load of it on former Premier Danny Williams. Be that as it may O'Brien exclaimed that it (social media) was used entirely against her.
DO YOU SEE HOW THIS INFORMATION WAS NOT COMMUNICATED WELL?
Yes - it is false and misleading. Actually it's a lie. It's doubtful Kent, Lane, and Collins have fingerprints left from Twitter presence - notwithstanding loyal Tories tweeting with vigor and venom.
Fourth - Then Kevin O'Brien adds that part of her problem was the "hostile media". Cochrane challenged him on that and then said "no not really".
DO YOU SEE HOW THIS INFORMATION WAS NOT COMMUNICATED WELL?
Guess that one's pretty simple. Propaganda - called on it - then withdrew.
Fifth - and Susan Sullivan should have plead the fifth instead of carrying on. Twitter and Facebook she said has been taken hostage by a "mob mentality". She compared it to a child's game whisper - where one child whispers to another down a chain of people and then they hear what comes out on the other side. She exclaimed that people under the cloak of anonymity made a statement which was partially untrue - and then others added to it and spread it - all the while changing the original point.
DO YOU SEE HOW THIS INFORMATION WAS NOT COMMUNICATED WELL?
The anonymous ones the Minister speaks of contain as many Tory hacks as those from any party. The most vocal opposition to this government's policy on Twitter - Facebook - and Blogs are not anonymous. The use of the words "mob mentality" is similar to other words they use to describe engaged citizens - such as "conspiracy theorists" and "naysayers". These words have been communicated so well - that even some media outlets use them.
So if the purpose of O'Brien and Sullivan was to reorganize - regroup - and refresh - they did nothing of the sort. I guess they should resign now as they also cannot communicate a message. If they did communicate what they meant - then we are in more trouble than we think.
Now just imagine having a conversation with them on Muskrat Falls?
The On Point interview can be found by CLICKING HERE
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Dunderdale's Zarrow Shuffle
Did you see that? The slight of hand that Premier Dunderdale tried out on her audience yesterday. If she was in Vegas she might have been thrown out of the casino.
Dunderdale claims that her eroding popularity is due to making tough choices and decisions. So whatever she is talking about?
What could they possibly be?
It can't be Muskrat - as her government claims that a majority love the deal. Therefore we are left with health and finance.
Tom Marshall has already been the Minister of Finance and we know where we are with that; deficits, debt, and failing pension plans. Susan Sullivan has been hammering health now for some time and the problems keep getting worse not better - probably the only worse record is that of Vickie Kaminski. So there was no change there - yet these are presumably the areas of "tough" decisions. The two Ministers have shown no success in messaging - if we consider the dead last polling her party is suffering. It also demonstrates a lack of confidence in her caucus - when recycling bad is better than introducing new.
Danny Crummell - well his name is Danny - maybe that will help her.
Steve Kent - I have no faith that - with his lax approach to all facts and details - municipal affairs will improve. In fact he may just drive municipal leaders away through incessant tweets and self-praise on the open line programs.
The worst appointment yesterday - by far - was Kevin O'Brien moving to Advanced Education and Skills - described "the department has a mandate to ensure the province has highly educated graduates and skilled workers for a fast-growing economy. This will be achieved through a spectrum of services, supports and strategies."Mr. O'Brien is hardly a reasonable representative of this mission statement. He needs to work on improving oral language skills (listening and speaking) before taking on such a post. Making matters worse - he is a proven bully and this is the last attribute we need in a Minister responsible for any portion of education.
All in all nothing has changed - two new faces - who will not challenge the Premier. They are flattered, grateful, starstruck and "proud".
This shuffle was not for our benefit - it was for the Premier. It was to ensure that those who remained or joined cabinet would not jump ship and leave her sinking on the rusty barge.
Dunderdale claims that her eroding popularity is due to making tough choices and decisions. So whatever she is talking about?
What could they possibly be?
It can't be Muskrat - as her government claims that a majority love the deal. Therefore we are left with health and finance.
Tom Marshall has already been the Minister of Finance and we know where we are with that; deficits, debt, and failing pension plans. Susan Sullivan has been hammering health now for some time and the problems keep getting worse not better - probably the only worse record is that of Vickie Kaminski. So there was no change there - yet these are presumably the areas of "tough" decisions. The two Ministers have shown no success in messaging - if we consider the dead last polling her party is suffering. It also demonstrates a lack of confidence in her caucus - when recycling bad is better than introducing new.
Danny Crummell - well his name is Danny - maybe that will help her.
Steve Kent - I have no faith that - with his lax approach to all facts and details - municipal affairs will improve. In fact he may just drive municipal leaders away through incessant tweets and self-praise on the open line programs.
The worst appointment yesterday - by far - was Kevin O'Brien moving to Advanced Education and Skills - described "the department has a mandate to ensure the province has highly educated graduates and skilled workers for a fast-growing economy. This will be achieved through a spectrum of services, supports and strategies."Mr. O'Brien is hardly a reasonable representative of this mission statement. He needs to work on improving oral language skills (listening and speaking) before taking on such a post. Making matters worse - he is a proven bully and this is the last attribute we need in a Minister responsible for any portion of education.
All in all nothing has changed - two new faces - who will not challenge the Premier. They are flattered, grateful, starstruck and "proud".
This shuffle was not for our benefit - it was for the Premier. It was to ensure that those who remained or joined cabinet would not jump ship and leave her sinking on the rusty barge.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Investigative Journalism needed following O'Brien affair
People need to know - and our real democracy needs the answers.
The Kevin O'Brien - Breakfast with Tiffany's Only - fiasco is the tip of the iceberg.
Right now every journalist worth their salt will dig in and find out how widespread this behavior is.
Every municipal councillor, every mayor, all Chambers of Commerce members and all volunteers in community organizations should be given an opportunity by our media to have a confidential conversation with them.They should use their journalists right to keep sources confidential and give us - the public - an overview of how vindictive this government really is.
We need to know if Cabinet members are abusing their authority and using inappropriate influence for political gain. We need to understand how much pressure community leaders are put under and whether they believe their community would suffer by actually losing support for infrastructure, employment programs, or development.
We also need to know if business owners or individuals have been coerced in the same fashion.
While the O'Brien story is sensational and headline grabbing - it has greater legs than what we've seen.
I - as one citizen and consumer of news in Newfoundland and Labrador - wants to know if this government should be investigated further and real action be taken.
The Kevin O'Brien - Breakfast with Tiffany's Only - fiasco is the tip of the iceberg.
Right now every journalist worth their salt will dig in and find out how widespread this behavior is.
Every municipal councillor, every mayor, all Chambers of Commerce members and all volunteers in community organizations should be given an opportunity by our media to have a confidential conversation with them.They should use their journalists right to keep sources confidential and give us - the public - an overview of how vindictive this government really is.
We need to know if Cabinet members are abusing their authority and using inappropriate influence for political gain. We need to understand how much pressure community leaders are put under and whether they believe their community would suffer by actually losing support for infrastructure, employment programs, or development.
We also need to know if business owners or individuals have been coerced in the same fashion.
While the O'Brien story is sensational and headline grabbing - it has greater legs than what we've seen.
I - as one citizen and consumer of news in Newfoundland and Labrador - wants to know if this government should be investigated further and real action be taken.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Festival of Spite? O'Brien reflects typical PC Tribalism
It's not a joke anymore. It's time that people in this province put an end to the spiteful, tribalistic, immoral and intimidating behavior demonstrated by many PC Cabinet Ministers and the Premier.
The latest - in a CBC story- an allegation that Minister Kevin O'Brien got a young Chamber of Commerce scholarship winner uninvited as a server for a community breakfast. Why? because he's not a Tory?
How many town councillors and mayors have been politically threatened by this PC government? We have all heard the stories - community leaders are frightened to death to speak out against ANY government action - lest funding for critical infrastructure may not come.
This government has asked organizations to remove their senior staff - if the organization wants to have any "hope" with government.
How many businesses were threatened with repercussion of some sort if they put a Liberal or NDP sign on their building - or supported a local candidate who was not PC?
This started with Danny in 2003 and has carried on with a gusto since Kathy took over. Intimidation of bloggers, open-line callers, and people with government jobs.
I don't know how many Cable Atlantic/Rogers former employees are now within the government rank and file - but somebody should really have a look.
This government behaves like a two bit mafia - enforcers and all. Why? Because they lack a leader, they lack integrity, and they lack confidence.
Instead of being a "cool hip" province - we are serfs forced to support our 5 or 6 lord's estate. Backward, backward, backward.
Don't see us going from one Kathy to another Cathy - do you?
The latest - in a CBC story- an allegation that Minister Kevin O'Brien got a young Chamber of Commerce scholarship winner uninvited as a server for a community breakfast. Why? because he's not a Tory?
How many town councillors and mayors have been politically threatened by this PC government? We have all heard the stories - community leaders are frightened to death to speak out against ANY government action - lest funding for critical infrastructure may not come.
This government has asked organizations to remove their senior staff - if the organization wants to have any "hope" with government.
How many businesses were threatened with repercussion of some sort if they put a Liberal or NDP sign on their building - or supported a local candidate who was not PC?
This started with Danny in 2003 and has carried on with a gusto since Kathy took over. Intimidation of bloggers, open-line callers, and people with government jobs.
I don't know how many Cable Atlantic/Rogers former employees are now within the government rank and file - but somebody should really have a look.
This government behaves like a two bit mafia - enforcers and all. Why? Because they lack a leader, they lack integrity, and they lack confidence.
Instead of being a "cool hip" province - we are serfs forced to support our 5 or 6 lord's estate. Backward, backward, backward.
Don't see us going from one Kathy to another Cathy - do you?
Saturday, September 07, 2013
Dunderdale - Self Service trumping Public Service
On the heels of another devastating poll result Dunderdale backbenchers and Ministers are hip-hip-hooraying the failing Premier.
Minister Kevin O'Brien is quoted as saying "he is encouraged to see the polls have somewhat stabilized". Stabilized at 26% for the party and 22% for their leader."
O'Brien is happy that they may not lose the party completely?
He's happy that as yet they are not wiped off the political map?
Will O'Brien confirm today that he will run again under a Dunderdale party in 2015? Or is he simply doing the loyal thing by standing behind his leader knowing his pension is in the bag and he's on his way out.
Certainly politicians like Kent, Lane, Collins and a few others will want something - anything to change in order to keep the best gig they'll ever have.
Marshall, Kennedy, Hedderson etc. have accepted the writing on the wall and are trying to maintain some form of reputation on their way to the bottom. This is not likely to be the case as people expected them to show integrity, guts, and independent thought.
Dunderdale must be aware that certain PC's are looking to take a walk across the aisle. She must have some idea of who they are. They'll be coming two-by-two to the Liberal Ark in an attempt to preserve themselves - that is after all what many of them are all about.
As for Kathy Dunderdale, the Telegram story says they received an emailed statement from the Premier's Office which said - she won't quit and added "We will not focus on speculation and rumours. We will continue to focus on listening to the priorities of our people and planning for our future."
They must be listening to "priorities" because they are certainly not listening to the "people". This is very serious and should be treated more so by the Premier, her Cabinet and backbench. They have no moral authority to govern anymore and worse they are carrying on with the largest project in our history while she and her party are in last place - representing a 1/4 of the people. This - demonstrates Dunderdale's arrogance and feeling of entitlement. If she was - as she so often claims - "humbled" by the support of the people she should now be "ashamed" of what she has done to that support - and resign. It no longer matters if her caucus supports her - the people don't and many of her caucus that want to extend their political office benefits are gonna jump.
It is time for Dunderdale to go and the Muskrat deal should be halted until a new government can be put in place. The PC's are clearly no longer serving the people - therefore they must be serving themselves.
Minister Kevin O'Brien is quoted as saying "he is encouraged to see the polls have somewhat stabilized". Stabilized at 26% for the party and 22% for their leader."
O'Brien is happy that they may not lose the party completely?
He's happy that as yet they are not wiped off the political map?
Will O'Brien confirm today that he will run again under a Dunderdale party in 2015? Or is he simply doing the loyal thing by standing behind his leader knowing his pension is in the bag and he's on his way out.
Certainly politicians like Kent, Lane, Collins and a few others will want something - anything to change in order to keep the best gig they'll ever have.
Marshall, Kennedy, Hedderson etc. have accepted the writing on the wall and are trying to maintain some form of reputation on their way to the bottom. This is not likely to be the case as people expected them to show integrity, guts, and independent thought.
Dunderdale must be aware that certain PC's are looking to take a walk across the aisle. She must have some idea of who they are. They'll be coming two-by-two to the Liberal Ark in an attempt to preserve themselves - that is after all what many of them are all about.
As for Kathy Dunderdale, the Telegram story says they received an emailed statement from the Premier's Office which said - she won't quit and added "We will not focus on speculation and rumours. We will continue to focus on listening to the priorities of our people and planning for our future."
They must be listening to "priorities" because they are certainly not listening to the "people". This is very serious and should be treated more so by the Premier, her Cabinet and backbench. They have no moral authority to govern anymore and worse they are carrying on with the largest project in our history while she and her party are in last place - representing a 1/4 of the people. This - demonstrates Dunderdale's arrogance and feeling of entitlement. If she was - as she so often claims - "humbled" by the support of the people she should now be "ashamed" of what she has done to that support - and resign. It no longer matters if her caucus supports her - the people don't and many of her caucus that want to extend their political office benefits are gonna jump.
It is time for Dunderdale to go and the Muskrat deal should be halted until a new government can be put in place. The PC's are clearly no longer serving the people - therefore they must be serving themselves.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Dunderdale Govt. Eroding Health Care
Please follow at The NL Pharmacy Blog - your community and health care services are being eroded.
New Drug pricing policy for April of 2013 will continue to erode the viability of independent pharmacies in Newfoundland and Labrador.
These changes are subsequent to the (non)negotiations held last year with provincially chosen pharmacy groups - resulting in an imposed contract. The remuneration was supposed to reflect that generic drug prices would be reduced to 35% of brand.
The Dunderdale government has now signed on to a reduction for 6 generic drugs to a price of 18% of brand. These drugs represent approximately 20% of the pharmaceutical dispensing. Therefore the "contract" reached last year ties pharmacies to dispensing fees that will not in any way offset these additional reductions.
Further pharmacies, physicians, and other health care advocates are already warning that drug shortages are impacting patient care. This new reduction in price will increase the likelihood that drug shortages will become more acute.
The CICPO is holding its AGM this weekend - after which a News Release will be distributed. This year's Annual General Meeting will focus on results presented by Dr. Wade Locke regarding the future viability of the independent pharmacy model. Dr. Locke has completed the in depth study over the past 6 months - and it will be made public by month's end.
The future for independent pharmacy both in rural communities and inner-city neighbourhoods will in large part depend on the willingness of government to realize the value and potential of these businesses and primary health providers.
More to follow....
New Drug pricing policy for April of 2013 will continue to erode the viability of independent pharmacies in Newfoundland and Labrador.
These changes are subsequent to the (non)negotiations held last year with provincially chosen pharmacy groups - resulting in an imposed contract. The remuneration was supposed to reflect that generic drug prices would be reduced to 35% of brand.
The Dunderdale government has now signed on to a reduction for 6 generic drugs to a price of 18% of brand. These drugs represent approximately 20% of the pharmaceutical dispensing. Therefore the "contract" reached last year ties pharmacies to dispensing fees that will not in any way offset these additional reductions.
Further pharmacies, physicians, and other health care advocates are already warning that drug shortages are impacting patient care. This new reduction in price will increase the likelihood that drug shortages will become more acute.
The CICPO is holding its AGM this weekend - after which a News Release will be distributed. This year's Annual General Meeting will focus on results presented by Dr. Wade Locke regarding the future viability of the independent pharmacy model. Dr. Locke has completed the in depth study over the past 6 months - and it will be made public by month's end.
The future for independent pharmacy both in rural communities and inner-city neighbourhoods will in large part depend on the willingness of government to realize the value and potential of these businesses and primary health providers.
More to follow....
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Training for 2015 Polympics has Begun - Dean/Danny/Brian
*Please note these are my PREDICTIONS - not statements of fact.
I believe the fix is in.
The circular Brian Danny Dean aka "the Three Amigos" rule is just about complete.
With this of course goes the development of major resources worth billions of dollars.
It's all about the Lower Churchill - in my opinion - it always has been.
Now there are little perks in between such as fibre-optic, land, and minerals - but the big daddy is the Lower Churchill development.
In my opinion the amigo's who all have vested strategic investments, board positions, and of course political connections (each other) are three Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who will enjoy the great reward from natural resource development.
Now that Kathy is nearing the end of her usefulness to the boys - the change is beginning.
Dean is out condemning everything Kathy does except of course - Muskrat Falls. Danny is keeping his nose out of everything - except of course - Muskrat Falls and Brian - well he has not weighed into the fray of what? - Muskrat Falls.
So they have begun - Kathy must still deliver on Muskrat Falls; however it will be a political life altering event which will see the population turn on her - while Dean praises the project.
The Liberals will put forth a farce of a convention - making sure that Dean gets a "fight" for the leadership - and upon his victory - Liberals will unite.
The current sitting members will carry on in the Dean/Danny/Brian government along with a few sitting PC's.
1. Although Ross Wiseman is very willing to cross the floor to advance himself - I think he's lining up for an appointment after he decides he's not running again. Maybe back to health care - hey Ross?
2. Tom Osborne is an interesting situation - he's genetically PC - not ideologically - but he's supposed to be Tory so he is. Well Kathy might put him back in Cabinet as he usually is a guaranteed seat - and in this way try and prevent the crossover - which I don't think he could make his legs do if he tried. I'm still waiting for him to nationalize the parks the Liberals privatized. In either case many things probably go against his grain and further he has been mistreated since the PC's took government - but he just doesn't have the courage. Some may call it loyalty - but nah - he is a social democrat and a fiscal liberal.
3. The "ladies" Charlene, Joan, and Susan are just plain gone. The Liberals even under Dean/Danny won't want them. They will go down with the already hole infested d(under)dale ship. They will not be re-elected and probably will be too fearful to run.
4. The people to look to for crossing are; David Brazil, Sandy Collins, Ray Hunter, Clyde Granter, Paul Lane, Tracey Perry, Jerome Kennedy, Derrick Dalley, John Dinn, Keith Russell, and Wade Verge.
5. Of those potential floor-crossers Darin King and Jerome Kennedy may first challenge for the PC leadership after the premature downfall of Dunderdale. They will be joined in the leadership circus by Kevin O'Brien, Steve Kent and Charlene Johnson. This will be a messy affair with King probably winning out. I think he has the most work done on the run-up.
6. Kevin O'Brien and Charlene Johnson will not run again for the Tories upon the loss and Jerome Kennedy - who could either quit in a huff - or find some useful engagement under the leadership of Dean MacDonald.
7. Darin King, Steve Kent, Tom Osborne, Keith Hutchings, Kevin Parsons, and Terry French will be the Tories who will run again under the PC banner and IF elected become the rat pack for the Tory Opposition.
8. I believe Paul Davis, Clayton Forsey, Glen Little, Glenn Littlejohn, Tom Marshall, Felix Collins, Eli Cross, Dan Crummell, Nick McGrath, Calvin Peach, Ray Hunter (if he does not cross), Tony Cornect, Kevin Pollard, Tom Hedderson, and Ross Wiseman will all choose to bow out of politics or lose their seat.
9. Of those who may look to cross Dean/Danny/Brian will dismiss Sandy Collins, Paul Lane, Tracey Perry, Wade Verge and Dave Brazil (if he doesn't cross within 1 year).
10. Let the games begin - not to worry though - anything that the amigos might be up to will be protected by Bill 29 - which they will continue to protect if they achieve government.
Training for the 2015 Polympics has begun.
I believe the fix is in.
The circular Brian Danny Dean aka "the Three Amigos" rule is just about complete.
With this of course goes the development of major resources worth billions of dollars.
It's all about the Lower Churchill - in my opinion - it always has been.
Now there are little perks in between such as fibre-optic, land, and minerals - but the big daddy is the Lower Churchill development.
In my opinion the amigo's who all have vested strategic investments, board positions, and of course political connections (each other) are three Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who will enjoy the great reward from natural resource development.
Now that Kathy is nearing the end of her usefulness to the boys - the change is beginning.
Dean is out condemning everything Kathy does except of course - Muskrat Falls. Danny is keeping his nose out of everything - except of course - Muskrat Falls and Brian - well he has not weighed into the fray of what? - Muskrat Falls.
So they have begun - Kathy must still deliver on Muskrat Falls; however it will be a political life altering event which will see the population turn on her - while Dean praises the project.
The Liberals will put forth a farce of a convention - making sure that Dean gets a "fight" for the leadership - and upon his victory - Liberals will unite.
The current sitting members will carry on in the Dean/Danny/Brian government along with a few sitting PC's.
1. Although Ross Wiseman is very willing to cross the floor to advance himself - I think he's lining up for an appointment after he decides he's not running again. Maybe back to health care - hey Ross?
2. Tom Osborne is an interesting situation - he's genetically PC - not ideologically - but he's supposed to be Tory so he is. Well Kathy might put him back in Cabinet as he usually is a guaranteed seat - and in this way try and prevent the crossover - which I don't think he could make his legs do if he tried. I'm still waiting for him to nationalize the parks the Liberals privatized. In either case many things probably go against his grain and further he has been mistreated since the PC's took government - but he just doesn't have the courage. Some may call it loyalty - but nah - he is a social democrat and a fiscal liberal.
3. The "ladies" Charlene, Joan, and Susan are just plain gone. The Liberals even under Dean/Danny won't want them. They will go down with the already hole infested d(under)dale ship. They will not be re-elected and probably will be too fearful to run.
4. The people to look to for crossing are; David Brazil, Sandy Collins, Ray Hunter, Clyde Granter, Paul Lane, Tracey Perry, Jerome Kennedy, Derrick Dalley, John Dinn, Keith Russell, and Wade Verge.
5. Of those potential floor-crossers Darin King and Jerome Kennedy may first challenge for the PC leadership after the premature downfall of Dunderdale. They will be joined in the leadership circus by Kevin O'Brien, Steve Kent and Charlene Johnson. This will be a messy affair with King probably winning out. I think he has the most work done on the run-up.
6. Kevin O'Brien and Charlene Johnson will not run again for the Tories upon the loss and Jerome Kennedy - who could either quit in a huff - or find some useful engagement under the leadership of Dean MacDonald.
7. Darin King, Steve Kent, Tom Osborne, Keith Hutchings, Kevin Parsons, and Terry French will be the Tories who will run again under the PC banner and IF elected become the rat pack for the Tory Opposition.
8. I believe Paul Davis, Clayton Forsey, Glen Little, Glenn Littlejohn, Tom Marshall, Felix Collins, Eli Cross, Dan Crummell, Nick McGrath, Calvin Peach, Ray Hunter (if he does not cross), Tony Cornect, Kevin Pollard, Tom Hedderson, and Ross Wiseman will all choose to bow out of politics or lose their seat.
9. Of those who may look to cross Dean/Danny/Brian will dismiss Sandy Collins, Paul Lane, Tracey Perry, Wade Verge and Dave Brazil (if he doesn't cross within 1 year).
10. Let the games begin - not to worry though - anything that the amigos might be up to will be protected by Bill 29 - which they will continue to protect if they achieve government.
Training for the 2015 Polympics has begun.
Thursday, May 03, 2012
O'Brien flying high over Bumpy Roads
So the Minister of Municipal Affairs is too busy to travel via car to his district.
Are the roads too rutted for your car?
What kind of car are you driving? (you won't find that offensive - you want peoples T-4's remember)
As the Minister of Municipal Affairs - could you use the time on the road to visit municipalities rather than fly over them - again and again and again?
Why can't you get better fares?
Would you travel by air if it was out of your pocket?
As a Minister you know the job is not 9 to 5 Monday to Thursday so many months a year - why can't you add the extra 7 1/2 hours to your week?
Is that 7 1/2 hours netted off the time spent at the airport - check-in etc?
Can you use that 7 1/2 hours to do some thinking? Maybe listen to a recording of an energy symposium?
Perhaps you could count moose during that 7 1/2 hours?
Just imagine the money and time that local business owners have to spend travelling to meet with you, or try to talk to you, or try to deal with a mess you and your government are causing?
How much would a chauffeur cost - where you could sit in the back and do work while travelling?
Your idea of a bus is even better and more reflective of what people who employ have to do.
Just a question of interest - while flying over our great land are you noticing the land turning red as the Deano blue Danny Tory is driving from community to community below?
Then again you got a pension in your arse pocket - so for you it's just taking advantage of the lifestyle until we tell you good-bye.Then again you can take a page from Ross Wiseman's book and cross the floor. Wiseman had the guts to be a traitor - you just hide behind whatever coat-tail happens to be in front.
Your future may rely on turning away from being a policy poltroon and working just a little bit harder.
Are the roads too rutted for your car?
What kind of car are you driving? (you won't find that offensive - you want peoples T-4's remember)
As the Minister of Municipal Affairs - could you use the time on the road to visit municipalities rather than fly over them - again and again and again?
Why can't you get better fares?
Would you travel by air if it was out of your pocket?
As a Minister you know the job is not 9 to 5 Monday to Thursday so many months a year - why can't you add the extra 7 1/2 hours to your week?
Is that 7 1/2 hours netted off the time spent at the airport - check-in etc?
Can you use that 7 1/2 hours to do some thinking? Maybe listen to a recording of an energy symposium?
Perhaps you could count moose during that 7 1/2 hours?
Just imagine the money and time that local business owners have to spend travelling to meet with you, or try to talk to you, or try to deal with a mess you and your government are causing?
How much would a chauffeur cost - where you could sit in the back and do work while travelling?
Your idea of a bus is even better and more reflective of what people who employ have to do.
Just a question of interest - while flying over our great land are you noticing the land turning red as the Deano blue Danny Tory is driving from community to community below?
Then again you got a pension in your arse pocket - so for you it's just taking advantage of the lifestyle until we tell you good-bye.Then again you can take a page from Ross Wiseman's book and cross the floor. Wiseman had the guts to be a traitor - you just hide behind whatever coat-tail happens to be in front.
Your future may rely on turning away from being a policy poltroon and working just a little bit harder.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
A Day in the House of Assembly - no longer for the People
For those of you who have not been in the House of Assembly for awhile - now might be the time to check on your employees.
I know many of you watch on television and see bits and pieces on the news but you need to sit in the public gallery.
When the House is televised you generally get a view of a person asking or answering a question. When you are in the House you get the full scope of the behavior.
The government members - who are your employees - would not last a day in any other workplace. They would be summarily dismissed and would soon not be hired by any employer.
The rancor of debate is normal and you might see that in a particularly feisty case in court but you would never see the rest of the behavior in any workplace.
As the government members stood on their feet last night you seen their face in the camera and you heard the words they were told to say. You would have listened to protestations of "we are only here to serve the people and do what's best for the people".
The people who were not on camera were laughing and giggling, making faces, showing pictures on their iPads, texting, reading the paper, moving from seat to seat, whispering and pointing to their employers in the gallery and generally attempting to bully anybody they could.
The job they were doing - passing legislation - was the furthest thing from their minds - in fact most - based on their commentary - knew nothing about the legislation they were passing, and less than that about the subject area and potential impacts.
Joan Burke's job apparently - apart from distributing candy for their late night party - is to constantly say kirby.com giggle giggle kirby.com hehehehe. Then when she had a spare moment she became Darin King's BFF and the two delighted in sliding their fingers across the iPad. At one point the Premier, Joan, Darin, and Charlene were holding their bellies with laughter. What were they laughing at? Well - just like bullies - they were whispering and pointing - using hand gestures - and trying their hardest to make somebody feel unwelcome or unimportant.
Tom Marshall's job appears to require a better chair - perhaps a La-Z-Boy - where he can really stretch out and disengage.
Kevin O'Brien was the man of the hour last night - sitting stoically next to the Minister of Health - as the two displayed ignorance I have never witnessed in my life time. The Opposition members both NDP and Liberal would say something and then Susan would lean her ear into Kevin and await the hasty explanations put forth from the guru of pharmacy. He kept looking into the gallery - to watch the responses from actual pharmacy owners as he mislead the camera and caucus colleagues.
Squeaking from the back bench was this obscure person - who seems desperate to want to make the starting line-up and acts like he would do anything to get there. He went so far as to put his own prescription requirements out for the public to assess - so be it.
Practically all of them felt comfortable in attacking people in the public gallery - knowing they were not allowed to respond. They pointed to the people in the gallery and called them names, attacked their character, belittled their accomplishments, and generally attempted to intimidate them. This was all under the protection of the rules of the House of Assembly.
Finally there are the muted head-bobbers - who as if they understood a pecking order - contributed nothing more than literally nodding their head up and down in approval for 10 hours.
Terry French and Clyde Jackman are an unfortunate duo - who have reduced themselves to making personal attacks on people who cannot respond; both are also competant campaigners who know how to praise enough people to keep them elected.
It is safe to say that Dale Kirby and Yvonne Jones are the MHA's who are targeted most on the floor - by government members who behave like bullies. You see the bullies cannot stand on brain power - they stand on intimidation by numbers.
These MHA's in the House of Assembly looked up to the public gallery and advised their employers what they should or should not do and what they are allowed and not allowed to do - as if they had the power to control them.
Make no mistake about the following conclusion. Democracy in Newfoundland and Labrador means that you elected the Dunderdale government and as such they believe you gave them absolute power to do as they wish - when they wish. The government will dictate what public discourse is appropriate - when and how many times - on all issues.
Their one line of debate is; they are elected. They were elected - in their view - to proceed unimpeded by any opposition - legislative or public and any interference to that by anybody will be met with the full force of their governmental power.
They feel free to advise legitimate corporate entities on who they should employ and who they should not. They feel free to instruct the number of times one might appear on a talk-show - before they determine it is unacceptable. They have no problem advising experts in one field or another that despite their expertise - it is the government that has the power and really facts or knowledge don't enter into it. They feel they have a right to dictate what a group can or cannot do to express their position to government. They feel free to tell business owners in Newfoundland and Labrador that the owners have no right to speak but they will negotiate with the companies employees. (more on this in a separate post)
Simply put - these are people who do not understand or do not care about a democratic process which is open and accountable. The people report to them - they do not answer to the people. The only time this government and its members will answer to the people is 12 hours every 4 years. The Ross Reid led strategic political plan - can be and should be likened to strategies employed in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosova, and the Ukraine. Ross spent much time moving these regions along - is it possible he learned more from them than he taught about political systems and the power of a government?
I add that many of the people I sat with in the public gallery until 1 o'clock last night and over the past two days - left - shaking their heads, disgusted, disappointed, and with a resolve to share what they experienced. Were they disappointed with a decision that impacted their business, their communities, and most importantly the people they serve? Yes - but that they can deal with that. What they will not accept are insults, mistreatment, disrespect, innuendo, and lies. In this the government made it's largest mistake.
P.S has MQO put out any "gratis" polls of late?
Over the next week or two I will be posting on the events in the House, the fallout, how you will be impacted, and the erroneous and/or false statements made by government members and Ministers.
I know many of you watch on television and see bits and pieces on the news but you need to sit in the public gallery.
When the House is televised you generally get a view of a person asking or answering a question. When you are in the House you get the full scope of the behavior.
The government members - who are your employees - would not last a day in any other workplace. They would be summarily dismissed and would soon not be hired by any employer.
The rancor of debate is normal and you might see that in a particularly feisty case in court but you would never see the rest of the behavior in any workplace.
As the government members stood on their feet last night you seen their face in the camera and you heard the words they were told to say. You would have listened to protestations of "we are only here to serve the people and do what's best for the people".
The people who were not on camera were laughing and giggling, making faces, showing pictures on their iPads, texting, reading the paper, moving from seat to seat, whispering and pointing to their employers in the gallery and generally attempting to bully anybody they could.
The job they were doing - passing legislation - was the furthest thing from their minds - in fact most - based on their commentary - knew nothing about the legislation they were passing, and less than that about the subject area and potential impacts.
Joan Burke's job apparently - apart from distributing candy for their late night party - is to constantly say kirby.com giggle giggle kirby.com hehehehe. Then when she had a spare moment she became Darin King's BFF and the two delighted in sliding their fingers across the iPad. At one point the Premier, Joan, Darin, and Charlene were holding their bellies with laughter. What were they laughing at? Well - just like bullies - they were whispering and pointing - using hand gestures - and trying their hardest to make somebody feel unwelcome or unimportant.
Tom Marshall's job appears to require a better chair - perhaps a La-Z-Boy - where he can really stretch out and disengage.
Kevin O'Brien was the man of the hour last night - sitting stoically next to the Minister of Health - as the two displayed ignorance I have never witnessed in my life time. The Opposition members both NDP and Liberal would say something and then Susan would lean her ear into Kevin and await the hasty explanations put forth from the guru of pharmacy. He kept looking into the gallery - to watch the responses from actual pharmacy owners as he mislead the camera and caucus colleagues.
Squeaking from the back bench was this obscure person - who seems desperate to want to make the starting line-up and acts like he would do anything to get there. He went so far as to put his own prescription requirements out for the public to assess - so be it.
Practically all of them felt comfortable in attacking people in the public gallery - knowing they were not allowed to respond. They pointed to the people in the gallery and called them names, attacked their character, belittled their accomplishments, and generally attempted to intimidate them. This was all under the protection of the rules of the House of Assembly.
Finally there are the muted head-bobbers - who as if they understood a pecking order - contributed nothing more than literally nodding their head up and down in approval for 10 hours.
Terry French and Clyde Jackman are an unfortunate duo - who have reduced themselves to making personal attacks on people who cannot respond; both are also competant campaigners who know how to praise enough people to keep them elected.
It is safe to say that Dale Kirby and Yvonne Jones are the MHA's who are targeted most on the floor - by government members who behave like bullies. You see the bullies cannot stand on brain power - they stand on intimidation by numbers.
These MHA's in the House of Assembly looked up to the public gallery and advised their employers what they should or should not do and what they are allowed and not allowed to do - as if they had the power to control them.
Make no mistake about the following conclusion. Democracy in Newfoundland and Labrador means that you elected the Dunderdale government and as such they believe you gave them absolute power to do as they wish - when they wish. The government will dictate what public discourse is appropriate - when and how many times - on all issues.
Their one line of debate is; they are elected. They were elected - in their view - to proceed unimpeded by any opposition - legislative or public and any interference to that by anybody will be met with the full force of their governmental power.
They feel free to advise legitimate corporate entities on who they should employ and who they should not. They feel free to instruct the number of times one might appear on a talk-show - before they determine it is unacceptable. They have no problem advising experts in one field or another that despite their expertise - it is the government that has the power and really facts or knowledge don't enter into it. They feel they have a right to dictate what a group can or cannot do to express their position to government. They feel free to tell business owners in Newfoundland and Labrador that the owners have no right to speak but they will negotiate with the companies employees. (more on this in a separate post)
Simply put - these are people who do not understand or do not care about a democratic process which is open and accountable. The people report to them - they do not answer to the people. The only time this government and its members will answer to the people is 12 hours every 4 years. The Ross Reid led strategic political plan - can be and should be likened to strategies employed in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosova, and the Ukraine. Ross spent much time moving these regions along - is it possible he learned more from them than he taught about political systems and the power of a government?
I add that many of the people I sat with in the public gallery until 1 o'clock last night and over the past two days - left - shaking their heads, disgusted, disappointed, and with a resolve to share what they experienced. Were they disappointed with a decision that impacted their business, their communities, and most importantly the people they serve? Yes - but that they can deal with that. What they will not accept are insults, mistreatment, disrespect, innuendo, and lies. In this the government made it's largest mistake.
P.S has MQO put out any "gratis" polls of late?
Over the next week or two I will be posting on the events in the House, the fallout, how you will be impacted, and the erroneous and/or false statements made by government members and Ministers.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Option 3 - Our Government's Dirty Secret
In Newfoundland and Labrador the debate rages on among people as to whether we should export power through Quebec or through the Maritimes.
Please note that debate does not include our government, MHA's Cabinet and or Caucus or for that matter the Opposition parties. None of these entities wish to consult people - they after all know what's best for us. That should be obvious by the mess they have all made of it in the past.
Option 1 - exporting power through Quebec raises a whole host of problems not the least of which is the Upper Churchill hangover that no Screech in the land could possibly hope to cause. There is no question that access through provinces should be achievable and expected in Canada - however the work needed to be done appears outside the abilities of those currently sitting in the House of Assembly. The cost of this weakness is astronomical as we pay to avoid rather than deal with issue head-on and fight for what is most beneficial - economically to us.
Option 2 - exporting power through an "Atlantic/Maritime" route which in turn exponentially worsens our prospects from an economic basis and leaves us more vulnerable to Quebec than Option 1. The straight up logic that as a publicly traded company Emera can choose to sell a significant portion of their company or particular assets as they sit fit for the benefit of their shareholders (who generally speaking are not the people of Newfoundland and Labrador). It further increases cost which in turn makes you and I responsible for paying off unnecessary debt for years to come.
Option 3 - the dirty little secret and hidden option of simply not exporting the power and using it in Labrador. How can we as people move forward to reviewing export routes for our clean, renewable, green, reliable, and relatively cheap power - if we have not first determined if there is a market in Labrador for it. The fact that not one of our governments has successfully attracted such interests does not speak to the potential but rather the inept or disengaged politicians we have elected to represent us. In the case of some - the easier route has always been export as it does not require vision, dedicated effort, or thinking on a global level.
The media, Opposition, or Government has not provided one scrap of evidence that demonstrates we are unable to attract industry to Labrador using this superior power resource. They continue to say nobody has come knocking on our door. Why would they - when they know that eventually Newfoundland and Labrador will deliver the power to Nova Scotia, Ontario, or the New England States while paying for the enormous unnecessary cost of transmission. They know they can get the same deal in any of the jurisdictions we are going to export it to - because we dislike the Upper Churchill so much that we will pay through the nose ourselves just to bypass Quebec.
Labrador sits there without one aluminum smelter - let alone two or three - while competitive jurisdictions such as Quebec, Ontario, Russia, Iceland, Norway and even Greenland move ahead with industrial development using hydro-power.
You figure before Dunderdale or anybody else suggest we take on enormous debt and sell power cheaper than the cost to produce and transmit it - to another province or state - they would inundate us with paper showing us how and when they tried to attract industry to use it. But - not a peep.
You can follow the destruction in our fishery and come up with the same game plan that is being applied here. Let's not kid ourselves - we remain our own worst enemy and continue to attempt resource deals that are not only inferior but down and out reckless.
The Emera deal is a bad deal - and must be stopped. Our Premier - while entertained and complimented on her rise to the top - must not be permitted to make such a disastrous contract based on what appears to be her like of power and the attention she gets based on it.
By the way another day has passed without proper action on Old Harry, the Romaine River, and the Labrador Boundary - wonder if Ed Martin or any Nalcor officials are all over that - or if Dunderdale is drilling down yet again to achieve due diligence. When they are all finished maybe Kevin O'Brien can tell us in his own unique way - that "to be quite honest witchu" it's time to love Stephen Harper again.
With the passion Danny Williams claims to possess for Newfoundland and Labrador - he must be chawing at the bit - and looking for sleep relief. There are rumours he would like to be a comedic actor. I fear the comic relief of Critch and Williams will not raise a smile on our faces if we do not stop destroying the future for our children.
Please note that debate does not include our government, MHA's Cabinet and or Caucus or for that matter the Opposition parties. None of these entities wish to consult people - they after all know what's best for us. That should be obvious by the mess they have all made of it in the past.
Option 1 - exporting power through Quebec raises a whole host of problems not the least of which is the Upper Churchill hangover that no Screech in the land could possibly hope to cause. There is no question that access through provinces should be achievable and expected in Canada - however the work needed to be done appears outside the abilities of those currently sitting in the House of Assembly. The cost of this weakness is astronomical as we pay to avoid rather than deal with issue head-on and fight for what is most beneficial - economically to us.
Option 2 - exporting power through an "Atlantic/Maritime" route which in turn exponentially worsens our prospects from an economic basis and leaves us more vulnerable to Quebec than Option 1. The straight up logic that as a publicly traded company Emera can choose to sell a significant portion of their company or particular assets as they sit fit for the benefit of their shareholders (who generally speaking are not the people of Newfoundland and Labrador). It further increases cost which in turn makes you and I responsible for paying off unnecessary debt for years to come.
Option 3 - the dirty little secret and hidden option of simply not exporting the power and using it in Labrador. How can we as people move forward to reviewing export routes for our clean, renewable, green, reliable, and relatively cheap power - if we have not first determined if there is a market in Labrador for it. The fact that not one of our governments has successfully attracted such interests does not speak to the potential but rather the inept or disengaged politicians we have elected to represent us. In the case of some - the easier route has always been export as it does not require vision, dedicated effort, or thinking on a global level.
The media, Opposition, or Government has not provided one scrap of evidence that demonstrates we are unable to attract industry to Labrador using this superior power resource. They continue to say nobody has come knocking on our door. Why would they - when they know that eventually Newfoundland and Labrador will deliver the power to Nova Scotia, Ontario, or the New England States while paying for the enormous unnecessary cost of transmission. They know they can get the same deal in any of the jurisdictions we are going to export it to - because we dislike the Upper Churchill so much that we will pay through the nose ourselves just to bypass Quebec.
Labrador sits there without one aluminum smelter - let alone two or three - while competitive jurisdictions such as Quebec, Ontario, Russia, Iceland, Norway and even Greenland move ahead with industrial development using hydro-power.
You figure before Dunderdale or anybody else suggest we take on enormous debt and sell power cheaper than the cost to produce and transmit it - to another province or state - they would inundate us with paper showing us how and when they tried to attract industry to use it. But - not a peep.
You can follow the destruction in our fishery and come up with the same game plan that is being applied here. Let's not kid ourselves - we remain our own worst enemy and continue to attempt resource deals that are not only inferior but down and out reckless.
The Emera deal is a bad deal - and must be stopped. Our Premier - while entertained and complimented on her rise to the top - must not be permitted to make such a disastrous contract based on what appears to be her like of power and the attention she gets based on it.
By the way another day has passed without proper action on Old Harry, the Romaine River, and the Labrador Boundary - wonder if Ed Martin or any Nalcor officials are all over that - or if Dunderdale is drilling down yet again to achieve due diligence. When they are all finished maybe Kevin O'Brien can tell us in his own unique way - that "to be quite honest witchu" it's time to love Stephen Harper again.
With the passion Danny Williams claims to possess for Newfoundland and Labrador - he must be chawing at the bit - and looking for sleep relief. There are rumours he would like to be a comedic actor. I fear the comic relief of Critch and Williams will not raise a smile on our faces if we do not stop destroying the future for our children.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Flip this House (Utility)
First posted in 2007 by Sue's Blog - Every Time Dean speaks we should remind ourselves of the following:
I guess most of the readers are familiar with the various TV shows on flipping houses - where the buyer picks up a property - renovates and or adds an addition and flips it for a profit.
Newfoundland and Labrador has it's own new program now - called Flip this Utility. I cannot for the life of me figure out why CBC or NTV have not picked up the pilot and a couple of completed programs in the can. The least the Telegram or VOCM could do is give the reader and listener some highlights of the new series so we can encourage one of the TV networks to pick it up. I don't expect "Out of the Fog" would be interested.
The program is filled with energy as the hosts and flippers are interesting well known characters - that give it a kind of soap opera appeal - mixed with a tinge of a reality series.
The creator of the series is a well kept secret but I think it's fair to say that Brian Tobin might be the producer and the government of Newfoundland and Labrador acts as a partial financier of the renos.
Te pilot takes place in Newfoundland and Labrador when Tobin was the Premier. He decided after some encouragement by the local cable company that it was time to reno the government's communications contracts. So Tobin without an RFP or tender call picks Cable Atlantic for the investment.
Cable Atlantic picked up the government contract and away they went. Shortly after the owner of Cable Atlantic flipped the property for a tidy profit to Rogers - not a (local) company.
Dean MacDonald - Danny Williams - Ken Marshall - and Brian Tobin are featured predominantly in the pilot and the backdrop is priceless - as one of the flippers - apparently not believing that Tobin's government had done a good job became the leader of the other political party and went on to become Premier.
The second program starts off with one of the flippers of the first property picking up Persona - and while Danny is becoming Premier - Dean Macdonald leaves Rogers - the purchaser of the renovated Cable Atlantic - and starts to work on Persona. Not to be left out Brian leaves as the Premier and he ends up on the Board of the new property to be renovated and does work for the company that picked up the first flip.
The third show features all the same players - but this time the Premier who was a flipper on the first - decides government needs some reno work itself - and Persona who is ready to be the second property - just happen to come together with the same plan. So instead of going out to the market to find another property to invest in - government decides why not just deal with the same gang. No tender of RFP needed.It worked before. Same storyline - local company gets reno...
Now this episode gets real fun as the biggest communications (telephone) company Aliant experiences a real tragedy and has a fire in one of its buildings knocking out cell and telephone services far and wide. Danny - and Dean - recognizing this irony jump all over this to convince us that another reno is essential.
They send out a new character Trevor - to announce all the plans - and poor Trevor is all over the map as to exactly what it is they are doing for the reno and why. He fondly becomes known as the "duct tape man".
Then our Minister of Business Kevin O'Brien jumps in - to be honest witchu - and starts selling the audience on the real value in this property.
The audience is in for great laughs as everyone runs around trying to figure out if they want strands or a whole network or how many fibres they will need and whether or not they will light them. And if they are lit - who will do it.
The funniest part is when the neighborhood spokesperson won't reveal who is going to pay what for maintenance and the whole meeting goes up when one of the property owners asks for an administration fee to sort it out.Once again the appeal to us the audience is that another local property wants to reno and expand. Unfortunately - once again the audience is torn when the property is flipped to another company on the mainland.
Unlike the first flip where the profit details were available - the producer will keep us guessing as the real profit off this one will not be known.
The producer is not talking but the last episode might go something like this - Danny leaves as Premier - Dean takes that job - and Brian picks up a property to reno and appoints Danny to the Board. The new government under Dean will encourage reno's to that asset and will partially finance the upgrades - without a tender or RFP. I haven't heard yet if they will release the results of that flip and the profits which might accrue.
Utility Flip - coming soon - from your local cable provider.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Premier's Voodoo Economics
Leading the way in 2007 ...
Leading the way in what really - that is the question we have to ask ourselves to see if we are making headway.
The Premier is pretty select when it comes to "bad news" - that is to say he will fault Ottawa (rightly so) but not fault himself.
While the TD and RBC project significant economic growth for Newfoundland and Labrador as a measurement of GDP - here are some of the comments you may not have heard discussed by our Premier - Minister of Business O'Brien - Minister of Natural Resources Dunderdale - Minister of Industry Taylor - or Minister of Finance Marshall.
TD ECONOMICS Report September 2006
N&L’s economy weaker than meets the eyes...
Although Newfoundland & Labrador’s economy is on track to record real GDP growth of close to 4% this year after 2005’s weak turnout of 0.4%, this statistic alone over-states the underlying momentum in the economy. Notably, much of the output growth reflects rising crude oil production at the White Rose oilfield and nickel extraction at Voisey’s Bay. Other indicators released so far this year – including housing starts, retail and wholesale trade activities and manufacturing shipments – point to an economy that is fighting to keep its head above water.
RBC Reports economic growth for our province at 4.7% - similar to TD and also makes this statement:
RBC notes that the province's remaining sectors have lagged the rest of Canada. Now that construction work is completed at Voisey's Bay and White Rose, non-residential construction should continue to soften markedly, and a continued lack of jobs is expected to keep unemployment high. As a result, housing markets continue to cool.
I say to the Premier and his flunkies - square that circle - and to boot the Voisey's Bay and Oil Projects leading the growth - he was not involved in negotiating. He can be credited for taking appropriate advantage of Martin's minority government to boost equalization however he has allowed Harper's minority to squash the gains.
The policy of exporting Lower Churchill power - will net continued poor results and despite what Clyde Jackman says - we don't want to wait for history to prove that.
Next post - inconsistent policy means the Premier is incompetent or worse.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
SCHOOL'S OUT day 4
David Crosbie has thrown his hat into the ring for nomination in the St. John's East District. I think Randy did the man a disservice by discussing his political DNA - as somehow being relevant. Maybe that was the info-tainment Randy talks about. It's like turning on Entertainment Tonight and examining how Tom Cruise picks his nose now that he's married to Katie Holmes.
In either case - the fellow who describes himself as a businessman - revealed his first weakness when he stated that this is the first time he had talked to Randy on the show. Here we go again - unless they want a political job - they do not have enough interest in the public goings on to have ever voiced an opinion on open-line before.
In either case let's get to the meat of what the fellow thinks.
1. We have to concentrate on our core strengths and values.
2. Outmigration is not only Newfoundland - we need well paying permanent jobs in this province - and that does not happen overnight.
3. These are interesting times.
4. Nobody has our culture.
5. We should have the best environment.
Concentrate on our core values and strengths - okay what are they?
Outmigration will not stop overnight. When will it stop and how will you contribute to well paying permanent jobs?
These are interesting times. Huh?
Nobody has our culture - what culture is he referring to? The fishing communities? The Aboriginal culture? We are certainly close to losing rural Newfoundland and Labrador - so is it the culture of giveaways or mass outmigration?
We should have the best environment - yes so we should - that is why Crosbie needs to answer the following:
What do you think of the government under Danny's leadership allowing the use pristine ponds for tailings?
Also Mr. Crosbie you referenced the province - by name - at least 5 times - and each and every time you said Newfoundland. The name of the province is Newfoundland and Labrador. I think Labrador still has some railway operations. Let's hope the DNA does not apply.
Now onto George Joyce the Liberal candidate in St. John's West. Best I can tell - and listen up Sheila - if the Tories give him a high school his job would be finished. Now that's impressive.
As for "be honest witchu" Minister Kevin O'Brien and his visits to all the festivals while travelling in the us bus alongside the hamper-pamper-camper - do your job and find out how we are being screwed by the feds on the latest NAFO disaster - or find out why Highliner is waiting to gobble up some of the FPI assets in part to attract a takeover bid. What happened to our great marketing arm of FPI? Was that good business Minister? Enjoy the hot dogs and hamburgers and then take a trip with our Tourism Minister in a kayak up the river of rural devastation.
In either case - the fellow who describes himself as a businessman - revealed his first weakness when he stated that this is the first time he had talked to Randy on the show. Here we go again - unless they want a political job - they do not have enough interest in the public goings on to have ever voiced an opinion on open-line before.
In either case let's get to the meat of what the fellow thinks.
1. We have to concentrate on our core strengths and values.
2. Outmigration is not only Newfoundland - we need well paying permanent jobs in this province - and that does not happen overnight.
3. These are interesting times.
4. Nobody has our culture.
5. We should have the best environment.
Concentrate on our core values and strengths - okay what are they?
Outmigration will not stop overnight. When will it stop and how will you contribute to well paying permanent jobs?
These are interesting times. Huh?
Nobody has our culture - what culture is he referring to? The fishing communities? The Aboriginal culture? We are certainly close to losing rural Newfoundland and Labrador - so is it the culture of giveaways or mass outmigration?
We should have the best environment - yes so we should - that is why Crosbie needs to answer the following:
What do you think of the government under Danny's leadership allowing the use pristine ponds for tailings?
Also Mr. Crosbie you referenced the province - by name - at least 5 times - and each and every time you said Newfoundland. The name of the province is Newfoundland and Labrador. I think Labrador still has some railway operations. Let's hope the DNA does not apply.
Now onto George Joyce the Liberal candidate in St. John's West. Best I can tell - and listen up Sheila - if the Tories give him a high school his job would be finished. Now that's impressive.
As for "be honest witchu" Minister Kevin O'Brien and his visits to all the festivals while travelling in the us bus alongside the hamper-pamper-camper - do your job and find out how we are being screwed by the feds on the latest NAFO disaster - or find out why Highliner is waiting to gobble up some of the FPI assets in part to attract a takeover bid. What happened to our great marketing arm of FPI? Was that good business Minister? Enjoy the hot dogs and hamburgers and then take a trip with our Tourism Minister in a kayak up the river of rural devastation.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Ship Building may take big hit - if ship owners get their way!!!
Wake-up Politicians - Canada may kill our ship building sector before we launch...
Our important but still relatively small ship building sector may be in for a major setback if Canadian ship owners get their way.
Canada is currently in free trade talks with some European Nations and South Korea - proposals on the table include the elimination of the 25% tariff places on foreign vessels sold into our market.
Canadian flagged ship-owners are claiming that Canadian shipyards can't deliver the vessels they need - and even with the 25% tariff the foreign built vessels are still cheaper.
First - Canada's ship building policy has not been the greatest and in Newfoundland and Labrador anything we do have - has failed miserably. We get very little in the way of federal contracts - in fact it's hard to keep our own work here. For Marystown and other potentials in the province would be severely if not irreparably harmed if this tariff was removed.
We are just now thinking ships - and being where we are - geographically - the right investments could make this sector boom in the future.
If the Tories scrap the tariff for Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein - we will not have the opportunity to start let alone survive.
The Canadian Shipowners Association is willing to let the 25% remain on refit on foreign turf but they want the building out.
I wonder - with so much future potential at stake - are we "all over this". The bigger more established yards in Canada may survive the hit - Newfoundland and Labrador will be blown out of the water before we even launch.
Although military contracts are not included in the proposal - all civilian work would be.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Minister of Business needs Rules and Direction
I mean you know - with regards to - be honest witchu Minister of Business - Kevin O'Brien - could not tell Randy Simms on Open Line this morning what his constituency allowance was.
This is the Minister of Business!
Kevin O'Brien then added that his spouse and Executive Assistant manage his allowance for him.
This is the Minister of Business!
Kevin O'Brien now says the decision to grant themselves $2875 was not a good one. Hindsight!
This is the Minister of Business!
Kevin O'Brien says he needs a clear set of rules and directions in order to spend his $30,000 allowance properly.
This is the Minister of Business!
and now this MHA sits on the IEC.
Tell me what advice and leadership can he provide business?
This is the Minister of Business!
Kevin O'Brien then added that his spouse and Executive Assistant manage his allowance for him.
This is the Minister of Business!
Kevin O'Brien now says the decision to grant themselves $2875 was not a good one. Hindsight!
This is the Minister of Business!
Kevin O'Brien says he needs a clear set of rules and directions in order to spend his $30,000 allowance properly.
This is the Minister of Business!
and now this MHA sits on the IEC.
Tell me what advice and leadership can he provide business?
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