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.
Showing posts with label clyde jackman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label clyde jackman. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Oompa Loompas use Twitter to debate the Emera Chocolate Factory
I woke up this morning only to hear that the House of Assembly was open last night and I missed it.
Tweeter was alive with NDP member Dale Kirby fending off Ministers and PC backbenchers on the issue of Muskrat Falls.
The use of Twitter by Dale Kirby is reasonable as the Tories will NOT open the House of Assembly. The use of Twitter by backbench Tories may be the only real opportunity to show their zealous loyalty.
The use of Twitter by Ministers is an insult to the public they serve.
The use of Twitter by Ministers to debate a 6 billion dollar deal represents regime tactics you'd expect from North Korea.
We live in a modern democracy but we would be hard-pressed to defend that.
We are living under a government that will not listen to critics - regardless of their background or expertise.
We are living under a government that will block and thwart due processes that were established to protect our system from incompetence and corruption.
We are living under a government that will not provide open access to information to the people, the media, and the Auditor General.
We are living under a government that does not serve the people - but abuses the power the Premier says she is humbled by.
Remember Wonka had a chocolate factory and so did we under Joey - and apparently we will get another Upper Churchill too.
One thing we should remember - is that the government we get is the government we deserve so perhaps we should all reflect - and then take the action necessary to advise the oompa loompas that this project is not on.
Tweeter was alive with NDP member Dale Kirby fending off Ministers and PC backbenchers on the issue of Muskrat Falls.
The use of Twitter by Dale Kirby is reasonable as the Tories will NOT open the House of Assembly. The use of Twitter by backbench Tories may be the only real opportunity to show their zealous loyalty.
The use of Twitter by Ministers is an insult to the public they serve.
The use of Twitter by Ministers to debate a 6 billion dollar deal represents regime tactics you'd expect from North Korea.
We live in a modern democracy but we would be hard-pressed to defend that.
We are living under a government that will not listen to critics - regardless of their background or expertise.
We are living under a government that will block and thwart due processes that were established to protect our system from incompetence and corruption.
We are living under a government that will not provide open access to information to the people, the media, and the Auditor General.
We are living under a government that does not serve the people - but abuses the power the Premier says she is humbled by.
Remember Wonka had a chocolate factory and so did we under Joey - and apparently we will get another Upper Churchill too.
One thing we should remember - is that the government we get is the government we deserve so perhaps we should all reflect - and then take the action necessary to advise the oompa loompas that this project is not on.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Kathy's Kakorrhaphiophobics
The CBC employee responsible for this photo - should be recognized for the best piece of journalism the station has produced in a while.
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| In the Beginning |
Monday, October 17, 2011
Iceland's Fishery gets Thor - we get Harper and Dunderdale
Ahh to be free from the chains that bind us.
Below please read a story from FishUpdate Magazine published today.
THE Thor, Iceland's new super fishery protection ship, has begun the 14,000 mile journey from the shipyard in Chile, where it was built, to its new base near Reykjavik.
Sailing through the Panama Canal and calling at Boston in the United States and Halifax, Canada on the way she is expected to arrive in Iceland towards the end of the month.
The new Thor has been under construction since 2007 and will become the flagship of the Icelandic Coastguard's fishery protection which includes three other vessels, two helicopters and a surveillance aircraft.
The fleet's job is two-fold - to combat illegal fishing, along with general policing of the seas, and to provide a search and rescue service for fishing vessels that might get into difficulties. The Icelandic Coastguard - its motto is "Always Prepared" - was first established in the 1920s to monitor the country's fishing limits which were then just three miles from shore.
For veteran trawlermen in Grimsby, Hull and Aberdeen, the name "Thor" will have an older resonance. It was an earlier Iceland gunboat called the Thor which clashed with British trawlers and Royal Navy frigates during the cod wars of the 1970s. The gunboat would get in close to try to cut the nets of the British trawlers during a long series of fishing dispute. On one occasion it even opened fire on a British fishery support ship. After that episode the Royal Navy was called in to offer protection to the trawler fleet.
Iceland did offer Britain a 65,000 annual catch quota, but this was rejected by the UK fishing industry and the government (which included the then Foreign Secretary Anthony Crosland, who was also the MP for Grimsby) who wanted a 110,000 ton quota. The dispute ended in eventual defeat for British fishermen when Iceland won its fight for a 200 mile limit.
Sunday, October 02, 2011
Dunderdale's thoughts on Rural NL - Quote of the Election
Please look at the video - and watch what 500 proud years of fishing is reduced to.
This is the quote of the election and it tells Rural Newfoundland and Labrador they don't matter.
PRESS HERE FOR VIDEO
"Giving People Welfare through the Back Door doesn't work."
To that I say Ms. Dunderdale - you're fired.
This is the quote of the election and it tells Rural Newfoundland and Labrador they don't matter.
PRESS HERE FOR VIDEO
"Giving People Welfare through the Back Door doesn't work."
To that I say Ms. Dunderdale - you're fired.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Let me help Minister Clyde Jackman - OCI made a hefty political contribution
Last week Minister of Fisheries Clyde Jackman issued the following News Release:
Company Named to Assess Finances of Marystown Processing Plant
As part of its response to concerns about the viability of the Ocean Choice International (OCI) processing plant in Marystown, the Provincial Government issued a request for proposals for an independent assessment of the financial health and viability of the plant. The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, today announced that Deloitte has been chosen to carry out the assessment and will begin work immediately.“We are taking an important early step toward resolving an issue of great importance to everyone connected with the Marystown plant,” said Minister Jackman. “This assessment will be valuable because it will give insights about the issues causing financial difficulty at the facility, the long-term planning and prospects of the plant, and the possibility of making changes operationally or financially to improve the fortunes of the operation.”
OCI acquired the facility in 2007 as part of a purchase of assets from the former Fishery Products International Limited. As part of the acquisition the Provincial Government had OCI agree it could only close the facility if it incurred significant losses with no reasonable prospect of eliminating those losses in the future, and on the condition that those losses were not the result of deliberate decisions by OCI. Deloitte will verify the past financial performance of the plant in each year of operations since the acquisition, and will evaluate the financial and operational parameters of OCI’s yellowtail flounder harvesting and processing to determine the outlook for the facility.
“I look forward to receiving the assessment and I encourage the continuation of meaningful dialogue between the union and the company so that the best possible outcome can be achieved,” said Minister Jackman.
-30-
Money talks but it don't fish and vote and it don't walk. As long as you are here with me - I'd much rather be investing in PC's. (with apologies to Neil Diamond)
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Dunderdale's ready to Separate from the Canada?
The Telegram has a very revealing story today about Dunderdale's position on the Marine Rescue Sub-Centre.
Below is a couple of paragraphs from the Telegram article.
Dunderdale mused about the possibility of assuming responsibility for the service, even though she lamented "downloading" it onto the province.
She noted that on fishery enforcement, research and other issues the province has already assumed duties that were traditionally federal responsibilities.
"We have to take on more and more of what are really federal responsibilities, you're right it's downloading and it puts more pressure on our system," she said. "I wish that we didn't have to do it, but you've got to weigh it off, in how important is it to the people of the province?
Now let's examine what the Premier is saying. Her point is the Federal Government is not going to live up to jurisdictional responsibilities so the people of Newfoundland and Labrador will have to pay for it.
The Premier points out that fisheries enforcement and science have now been taken on by the province and if we are to have marine rescue services we will have to pay for that. I hope she is not forgetting the Rails to Roads fiasco where we gave up the train - everybody else continues to enjoy - and we did so without any money for maintaining a new roads system which - because of a massive increase in truck traffic - costs us astronomically more. (ruts) (ruts)
As for the management and ownership of our fishery - which constitutionally we gave up under Confederation - we are now going to pay for the mismanagement, lack of science, lack of enforcement, that has killed entire communities and cost us 40,000 people.
Now we are left with a failed fishery and failing plants - which we will fund or compensate for because the feds won't deal with the fact that their mistakes are now costing us over a billion a year!
What's next Kathy - if the feds downgrade Marine Atlantic again - are we going to take over that?
So our new Premier uses this negotiation tactic:
If you won't pay for it - we will - and we will shut up because we want a loan guarantee for a project that would put us in debt - without proper return potential? We won't get a loan guarantee unless we agree to export our valuable hydro to fuel industry everywhere but Labrador?
So Premier remind me; why are we in Canada?
No flies on her!
Below is a couple of paragraphs from the Telegram article.
Dunderdale mused about the possibility of assuming responsibility for the service, even though she lamented "downloading" it onto the province.
She noted that on fishery enforcement, research and other issues the province has already assumed duties that were traditionally federal responsibilities.
"We have to take on more and more of what are really federal responsibilities, you're right it's downloading and it puts more pressure on our system," she said. "I wish that we didn't have to do it, but you've got to weigh it off, in how important is it to the people of the province?
Now let's examine what the Premier is saying. Her point is the Federal Government is not going to live up to jurisdictional responsibilities so the people of Newfoundland and Labrador will have to pay for it.
The Premier points out that fisheries enforcement and science have now been taken on by the province and if we are to have marine rescue services we will have to pay for that. I hope she is not forgetting the Rails to Roads fiasco where we gave up the train - everybody else continues to enjoy - and we did so without any money for maintaining a new roads system which - because of a massive increase in truck traffic - costs us astronomically more. (ruts) (ruts)
As for the management and ownership of our fishery - which constitutionally we gave up under Confederation - we are now going to pay for the mismanagement, lack of science, lack of enforcement, that has killed entire communities and cost us 40,000 people.
Now we are left with a failed fishery and failing plants - which we will fund or compensate for because the feds won't deal with the fact that their mistakes are now costing us over a billion a year!
What's next Kathy - if the feds downgrade Marine Atlantic again - are we going to take over that?
So our new Premier uses this negotiation tactic:
If you won't pay for it - we will - and we will shut up because we want a loan guarantee for a project that would put us in debt - without proper return potential? We won't get a loan guarantee unless we agree to export our valuable hydro to fuel industry everywhere but Labrador?
So Premier remind me; why are we in Canada?
No flies on her!
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Hook Line and Sinker Lorraine Michael, Clyde Jackman, Derek Butler, Earl McCurdy et al
This is one of those times where not being partisan helps so much. The Fishery!
I tend to hold back on Lorraine Michael for a couple of reasons; the first is that it is a party of one in the legislature and two she really does not expect that she will be responsible for any decisions provincially any time soon.
My criticism today I hope will spur Lorraine or other party supporters to do something real about gaining effective voice in our political system.
This morning Lorraine was on VOCM's open-line dealing with her latest topic - the current report on the fishery and the call for the resignation of Clyde Jackman, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
This comes after I watched Derek Butler, the Executive Director of the Association of Seafood Producers wailing on about essentially not getting their own way on fisheries restructuring. Now mind you he is right that government asked for it - it being a one-sided pre-determined outcome (the rationalization) of the fishery which hurts his members least - keeps control in any way possible of the fish - and continues to rake in money from whatever species not overfished yet.
I will get back to the association shortly now continuing with Lorraine the voice of the NDP in Newfoundland and Labrador. Lorraine came off as simply representing the FFAW and repeating their message. That is not the role of the NDP - rather if they want to ever stand a chance of forming a government in this province or more realistically the official opposition - the role is to create their own policy based on a balance of priorities. Right now she is not acting differently than Sarah Palin other than her special interests are the opposite end of the political spectrum.
The FFAW is fighting hard to downsize no different than the seafood producers - the only difference is they want government to pay significantly for their members to leave the sector voluntarily. This is not an answer - this is a cop-out and leaves nothing for future generations.
The NDP should seek compensation for those people and comm unites destroyed by federal mismanagement of this tremendous renewable resource but perhaps it should be in the form of continued employment in fisheries science. After all when the moratorium was supposed to end over a decade ago - it was supposed to be a result of the fish stocks recovering - not permanently disappearing. Tags and other programs were only to compensate for a very short period of time to allow for a "recovery". Those of retirement age should also be provided a pension reflecting earnings that could have been made during the moratorium
This compensation must come from the Government of Canada and everybody from Jack Leyton to Lorraine Michael should be demanding that Stephen Harper deliver and immediately. This country would not be let off the hook by other provinces and other sectors despite the fact that the feds were not responsible in those cases - such as drought and flooding affecting farmers - or global recessions affecting pulp and paper and aeronautics. Quebec and the Prairies would not stand for it and neither would the federal NDP.
Has there been an industrial collapse the size of our fisheries destruction in this country? No. Even when the auto sector was demolished by a corrupt marketplace - the feds and the NDP were right there to bail out what was necessary - that was not the federal governments fault. Newfoundland and Labrador lost tens of thousands of jobs and people from hundreds of communities directly because of federal mismanagement and we are squabbling in Newfoundland and Labrador about how "we" are going to pay for it.
Lorraine Michael should lead the charge in demanding compensation - and the restructuring of the fishery which would rebuild communities and return the industry back to the fishers and people of Newfoundland and Labrador. Downsizing or what most refer to as rationalization (because that word sounds like we are doing something logical) is not necessary. We should have access to 1 billion dollars a year federal money - until the ground stocks recover and the fishery can continue as a permanent renewable sector for our people and our communities.
Politically there is not a party out there that would support the latest excuse of a fisheries report - particularly in an election year. Further Lorraine should recognize that the primary reason for hanging out Jackman now is to divert our attention away from another catastrophe - the deal with Emera on the Lower Churchill. Please stay focused Lorraine and protect these assets like I and many members of your party did when an attempt to privatize Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro was ongoing (before your time here).
There is no doubt Derek Butler is representing his members and looking out for their financial interests but that is not necessarily good for the people and the communities relying on the renewable resource.
There is no doubt that Earl McCurdy is trying to get an easy way out and have his membership paid to leave.
This is not where you will find real solutions Lorraine - the real solutions are going to take a real effort and it means making Ottawa fully accountable and responsible.Your job is to represent this province and the best for its people - share this with your federal colleagues and get them to take the same interest in our fishery as they do constantly with farming and any Quebec related industrial concern.
This is how I know that Danny did not have the passion and skills to really do the job - yes he liked playing around with equalization but he lost. He never bothered to take on the feds regarding the fishery - just small dramatic roles with Larry King and Mark Critch. He does wear the coat occasionally
Simms regarding "rationalization" or "rural downsizing" take a break - have a tea and rethink.
I tend to hold back on Lorraine Michael for a couple of reasons; the first is that it is a party of one in the legislature and two she really does not expect that she will be responsible for any decisions provincially any time soon.
My criticism today I hope will spur Lorraine or other party supporters to do something real about gaining effective voice in our political system.
This morning Lorraine was on VOCM's open-line dealing with her latest topic - the current report on the fishery and the call for the resignation of Clyde Jackman, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
This comes after I watched Derek Butler, the Executive Director of the Association of Seafood Producers wailing on about essentially not getting their own way on fisheries restructuring. Now mind you he is right that government asked for it - it being a one-sided pre-determined outcome (the rationalization) of the fishery which hurts his members least - keeps control in any way possible of the fish - and continues to rake in money from whatever species not overfished yet.
I will get back to the association shortly now continuing with Lorraine the voice of the NDP in Newfoundland and Labrador. Lorraine came off as simply representing the FFAW and repeating their message. That is not the role of the NDP - rather if they want to ever stand a chance of forming a government in this province or more realistically the official opposition - the role is to create their own policy based on a balance of priorities. Right now she is not acting differently than Sarah Palin other than her special interests are the opposite end of the political spectrum.
The FFAW is fighting hard to downsize no different than the seafood producers - the only difference is they want government to pay significantly for their members to leave the sector voluntarily. This is not an answer - this is a cop-out and leaves nothing for future generations.
The NDP should seek compensation for those people and comm unites destroyed by federal mismanagement of this tremendous renewable resource but perhaps it should be in the form of continued employment in fisheries science. After all when the moratorium was supposed to end over a decade ago - it was supposed to be a result of the fish stocks recovering - not permanently disappearing. Tags and other programs were only to compensate for a very short period of time to allow for a "recovery". Those of retirement age should also be provided a pension reflecting earnings that could have been made during the moratorium
This compensation must come from the Government of Canada and everybody from Jack Leyton to Lorraine Michael should be demanding that Stephen Harper deliver and immediately. This country would not be let off the hook by other provinces and other sectors despite the fact that the feds were not responsible in those cases - such as drought and flooding affecting farmers - or global recessions affecting pulp and paper and aeronautics. Quebec and the Prairies would not stand for it and neither would the federal NDP.
Has there been an industrial collapse the size of our fisheries destruction in this country? No. Even when the auto sector was demolished by a corrupt marketplace - the feds and the NDP were right there to bail out what was necessary - that was not the federal governments fault. Newfoundland and Labrador lost tens of thousands of jobs and people from hundreds of communities directly because of federal mismanagement and we are squabbling in Newfoundland and Labrador about how "we" are going to pay for it.
Lorraine Michael should lead the charge in demanding compensation - and the restructuring of the fishery which would rebuild communities and return the industry back to the fishers and people of Newfoundland and Labrador. Downsizing or what most refer to as rationalization (because that word sounds like we are doing something logical) is not necessary. We should have access to 1 billion dollars a year federal money - until the ground stocks recover and the fishery can continue as a permanent renewable sector for our people and our communities.
Politically there is not a party out there that would support the latest excuse of a fisheries report - particularly in an election year. Further Lorraine should recognize that the primary reason for hanging out Jackman now is to divert our attention away from another catastrophe - the deal with Emera on the Lower Churchill. Please stay focused Lorraine and protect these assets like I and many members of your party did when an attempt to privatize Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro was ongoing (before your time here).
There is no doubt Derek Butler is representing his members and looking out for their financial interests but that is not necessarily good for the people and the communities relying on the renewable resource.
There is no doubt that Earl McCurdy is trying to get an easy way out and have his membership paid to leave.
This is not where you will find real solutions Lorraine - the real solutions are going to take a real effort and it means making Ottawa fully accountable and responsible.Your job is to represent this province and the best for its people - share this with your federal colleagues and get them to take the same interest in our fishery as they do constantly with farming and any Quebec related industrial concern.
This is how I know that Danny did not have the passion and skills to really do the job - yes he liked playing around with equalization but he lost. He never bothered to take on the feds regarding the fishery - just small dramatic roles with Larry King and Mark Critch. He does wear the coat occasionally
Simms regarding "rationalization" or "rural downsizing" take a break - have a tea and rethink.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
We are Gullible - Part One Clyde Jackman on giving "stamps'" to Risley and Penney
This will be a new addition to Sue's Blog. The "We are Gullible" series will deal on a regular basis with political statements that presume - we the people - are gullible.
Example: Siobhan Coady wants to tell us that Stephen Harper breaks promises. (lies)
Ms. Coady was elected under the ABC campaign which articulated that because Stehen Harper breaks promises - vote anything but Conservative.
Therefore we probably expect something more from Siobhan Coady than the obvious.
The first installment is the "news" from Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Clyde Jackman.
"We are Gullible" Part One
Minister finds way to give "stamps" to John Risley and Ches Penney
First the Minister announces funding as a partner for a three year project - now in its SECOND year.
Then the Minister joins in a chorus of helping the inshore harvesting fleet survive. Okay can we see the restructuring to see what inshore sector will be left? Are you kidding me - an important part of the future of our fishery rests in reducing fuel costs for the inshore fleet? Minister we have no idea how many fishers will be left or what kind of future they will have - however - we know they might get more efficient engines.
Then we are told that we need to show the global market that our industry is sustainable and environmentally friendly. I see - what about that little footnote that Canada under its management and the globe under foreign fleets have decimated a global supply of fish - our absent and missing stocks? This is environmentally friendly and sustainable?
Earl jumps in and tells us that fuel prices are a major burden on our fishing enterprises. Yeah Earl - I think fuel prices are a burden on every industry - but while the union chief is fiddling the enterprises (our people in rural Newfoundland and Labrador) continue to be eliminated because - we have NO FISH.
So we have a potential to ruin everything that still swims - the offshore oil platforms - no need to look at that or perhaps the floating rust buckets coming in and out of our waters bilging or picking up oil. No we need to concentrate on the carbon footprint of our inshore fleet.
Don't get me wrong - the inshore fleet - what is left of it should have a card to refill fuel free - part of a compensation package from Ottawa for destroying livelihoods of thousands of people and the cause of immeasurable out-migration. Please do not tell me - that the few harvesters we have left are still paying for gas.
And where is all this heading - well let me hypothesize. We need to prove that our industry is sustainable and environmentally friendly so Ches Penney and John Risley can get a stamp to put on a box of fish processed in PEI by foreign workers. Certainly a new concept on getting enough stamps.
And somehow today this is more important than NAFO or the continued plundering of our resources and the absolute wipe-out of all the places we want in tourism ads?
In a nutshell the Minister and Boss of the Union believe "we are gullible".
“This project will collect and analyze data in order to make recommendations for improved energy efficiency in the inshore harvesting sector,” said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. “It will provide innovative research on how to better equip our inshore harvesting sector to address climbing fuel prices. Being energy efficient is a key component of a sustainable industry. As we move into the future, the fishing industry will need to demonstrate to the global marketplace that it is sustainable and environmentally friendly. An important component of this will be to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.”
This project is a three-year initiative and is now in its second year. Year one involved the selection of vessels from the province’s inshore fleet. Installation of equipment was also started on some of the vessels. The installation work extended into year two with all equipment installed on the vessels followed by sea trials to verify the operational integrity of the equipment. Data is now being collected on-board the vessels and preliminary analysis is underway on consumption of fuel in various operating conditions, including weather and sea states. During the final year of work, data collection will continue and wrap up early in 2012.
The work plan also involves a complete analysis of all data collected during the entire project, testing the vessels under various operating configurations and conditions, and making recommendations for improved efficiency. This will include operations, as well as hull and machinery modifications to achieve optimum operating efficiency for each of the vessels studied.
“A strategic direction for the Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation is the reduction in energy costs for the fish harvesting sector,” said Robert Verge, managing director for CCFI. “The centre has collaborated with the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture and other partners to develop technologies that reduce the energy costs of the sector through options such as new vessel design, bulbous bows for fishing vessels, new twine materials and different geometric designs for trawls. We are enthusiastic about the outcomes of this project and hope that it will clearly indicate to the industry what types of advances are required to make the most sizable cost and carbon output reductions in the fleet. These will be important to the industry’s future sustainability.”
“NSERC works to make Canada a country of innovators and discoverers,” said Dr. Suzanne Fortier, president of NSERC. “This project is finding innovative solutions for the fishing industry. The results will bring improvements in energy efficiency that will benefit the entire sector.”
“By monitoring performance of vessels while they fish, we are not only developing more stable and efficient hull designs; we are also building a valuable library of data that will be available for future research work,” said Neil Carter, project manager for the Fisheries and Marine Institute.
The project team is led by the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and includes representatives from the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University, the National Research Council (NRC), the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Fish, Food and Allied Workers (FFAW).
“Increasing the fuel efficiency of fishing vessels is key to improving the province’s inshore fish harvesting sector,” said Dr. John Quaicoe, dean (pro tempore) of Memorial University’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. ”This project is important to the Newfoundland and Labrador fishing industry and Memorial University as it aims to develop a more sustainable industry.”
“Fuel costs are a major burden on our fishing enterprises,” said Earle McCurdy, president of the FFAW. “Enhanced energy efficiency has the potential to reduce costs and improve the bottom line for our fishing fleets, while at the same time improving the environmental sustainability of our fishing industry.”
This project is a continuation of a series of initiatives related to energy efficiency in the province’s fishing industry that has been funded through the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture. This program is an important component of the Fishing Industry Renewal Strategy. Of the $6 million allocated to the program since its launch in the spring of 2007, the program has invested approximately $5.8 million in industry-driven projects to date. A total of 128 projects have been funded since the program was created. Investment in the program has leveraged an additional $19.6 million from the industry and its partners. It has generated a total of $25.4 million for fishing industry research and development in the province.
Example: Siobhan Coady wants to tell us that Stephen Harper breaks promises. (lies)
Ms. Coady was elected under the ABC campaign which articulated that because Stehen Harper breaks promises - vote anything but Conservative.
Therefore we probably expect something more from Siobhan Coady than the obvious.
The first installment is the "news" from Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Clyde Jackman.
Energy Efficiency Audit to Assist Fish Harvesting Sector
"We are Gullible" Part One
Minister finds way to give "stamps" to John Risley and Ches Penney
First the Minister announces funding as a partner for a three year project - now in its SECOND year.
Then the Minister joins in a chorus of helping the inshore harvesting fleet survive. Okay can we see the restructuring to see what inshore sector will be left? Are you kidding me - an important part of the future of our fishery rests in reducing fuel costs for the inshore fleet? Minister we have no idea how many fishers will be left or what kind of future they will have - however - we know they might get more efficient engines.
Then we are told that we need to show the global market that our industry is sustainable and environmentally friendly. I see - what about that little footnote that Canada under its management and the globe under foreign fleets have decimated a global supply of fish - our absent and missing stocks? This is environmentally friendly and sustainable?
Earl jumps in and tells us that fuel prices are a major burden on our fishing enterprises. Yeah Earl - I think fuel prices are a burden on every industry - but while the union chief is fiddling the enterprises (our people in rural Newfoundland and Labrador) continue to be eliminated because - we have NO FISH.
So we have a potential to ruin everything that still swims - the offshore oil platforms - no need to look at that or perhaps the floating rust buckets coming in and out of our waters bilging or picking up oil. No we need to concentrate on the carbon footprint of our inshore fleet.
Don't get me wrong - the inshore fleet - what is left of it should have a card to refill fuel free - part of a compensation package from Ottawa for destroying livelihoods of thousands of people and the cause of immeasurable out-migration. Please do not tell me - that the few harvesters we have left are still paying for gas.
And where is all this heading - well let me hypothesize. We need to prove that our industry is sustainable and environmentally friendly so Ches Penney and John Risley can get a stamp to put on a box of fish processed in PEI by foreign workers. Certainly a new concept on getting enough stamps.
And somehow today this is more important than NAFO or the continued plundering of our resources and the absolute wipe-out of all the places we want in tourism ads?
In a nutshell the Minister and Boss of the Union believe "we are gullible".
Copy of News Release below: Emphasis added by me...
The Provincial Government is providing $200,000 toward the cost of an energy efficiency audit that will benefit the province’s fish harvesting sector. The audit is being carried out by the Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation (CCFI) and the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science of Memorial University over a three-year period. It is estimated that the total cost of the project will be approximately $854,000, including the investment from the Provincial Government. These costs will be shared with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Research and Development Corporation.“This project will collect and analyze data in order to make recommendations for improved energy efficiency in the inshore harvesting sector,” said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. “It will provide innovative research on how to better equip our inshore harvesting sector to address climbing fuel prices. Being energy efficient is a key component of a sustainable industry. As we move into the future, the fishing industry will need to demonstrate to the global marketplace that it is sustainable and environmentally friendly. An important component of this will be to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.”
This project is a three-year initiative and is now in its second year. Year one involved the selection of vessels from the province’s inshore fleet. Installation of equipment was also started on some of the vessels. The installation work extended into year two with all equipment installed on the vessels followed by sea trials to verify the operational integrity of the equipment. Data is now being collected on-board the vessels and preliminary analysis is underway on consumption of fuel in various operating conditions, including weather and sea states. During the final year of work, data collection will continue and wrap up early in 2012.
The work plan also involves a complete analysis of all data collected during the entire project, testing the vessels under various operating configurations and conditions, and making recommendations for improved efficiency. This will include operations, as well as hull and machinery modifications to achieve optimum operating efficiency for each of the vessels studied.
“A strategic direction for the Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation is the reduction in energy costs for the fish harvesting sector,” said Robert Verge, managing director for CCFI. “The centre has collaborated with the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture and other partners to develop technologies that reduce the energy costs of the sector through options such as new vessel design, bulbous bows for fishing vessels, new twine materials and different geometric designs for trawls. We are enthusiastic about the outcomes of this project and hope that it will clearly indicate to the industry what types of advances are required to make the most sizable cost and carbon output reductions in the fleet. These will be important to the industry’s future sustainability.”
“NSERC works to make Canada a country of innovators and discoverers,” said Dr. Suzanne Fortier, president of NSERC. “This project is finding innovative solutions for the fishing industry. The results will bring improvements in energy efficiency that will benefit the entire sector.”
“By monitoring performance of vessels while they fish, we are not only developing more stable and efficient hull designs; we are also building a valuable library of data that will be available for future research work,” said Neil Carter, project manager for the Fisheries and Marine Institute.
The project team is led by the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and includes representatives from the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University, the National Research Council (NRC), the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Fish, Food and Allied Workers (FFAW).
“Increasing the fuel efficiency of fishing vessels is key to improving the province’s inshore fish harvesting sector,” said Dr. John Quaicoe, dean (pro tempore) of Memorial University’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. ”This project is important to the Newfoundland and Labrador fishing industry and Memorial University as it aims to develop a more sustainable industry.”
“Fuel costs are a major burden on our fishing enterprises,” said Earle McCurdy, president of the FFAW. “Enhanced energy efficiency has the potential to reduce costs and improve the bottom line for our fishing fleets, while at the same time improving the environmental sustainability of our fishing industry.”
This project is a continuation of a series of initiatives related to energy efficiency in the province’s fishing industry that has been funded through the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture. This program is an important component of the Fishing Industry Renewal Strategy. Of the $6 million allocated to the program since its launch in the spring of 2007, the program has invested approximately $5.8 million in industry-driven projects to date. A total of 128 projects have been funded since the program was created. Investment in the program has leveraged an additional $19.6 million from the industry and its partners. It has generated a total of $25.4 million for fishing industry research and development in the province.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Dr. Phil Earle responds to Randy Simms comments on Sue's Blog
Dr. Phil Earle responds to Randy Simms' comments on Sue's Blog
Randy writes in (1) "Overfishing is certainly one of the major causes but after 18 years [...] something else must be at work.”
There are other factors that are not permitting the return of the cod, e.g., predation by 10 million seal population, foreign freezer ships (6) under Canadian flags of convenience fishing inside our 200 mile limit, but the destruction of our migrating stocks on the N&T of the banks by NAFO has been out of controlled since the moratorium. The figures on their fishing are undocumented, or hidden by the fed gov , but when some knowledge of foreign fishing has been obtained stocks have been over fished by more then 100% - 200%.
Thousands of tons of fish taken illegally, yearly, by NAFO fleets (beyond the quota limits that scientists have recommended) is the dagger in the heart of our fisheries recovery. What kind of reasoning does Mr Simms have when in the same sentence he comments that ... ”Over fishing is certainly one of the major causes....”, only to follow this by , “something else must be at work”?
This reasoning is paced by a political-industry ego, one that sequesters, not admitting the fishery has failed to the public because it counters the wishes of the Industry.
In (4) Mr Simms verify’s this ..quote, “....in order for the industry to be successful it must match up with the resources available ....”. Industry (union /ASP), matching up to the resources available is a philosophy which means take what you can while it’s there before its all gone. But this is the very attitude which precludes the industry being successful, one that has helped it’s present state of affairs. For the Industry to be successful, the renewable resource must be healthy and sustainable, and the Industry must do all it can to protect and help restore the stocks and then process it with need, not greed.
Mr Simms does not recognize that our fishing heritage is being destroyed because people are not allowed to fish, and fish are not being restored by our leaders.
Every thing he says addresses events of the fisheries failure and not one insight on any of there causes! Foreigners, and seals, are destroying NL’s fishery, our Industry is allowing it to be run into oblivion and gov's have no will to make the necessary changes in policies that is needed to save it.
Mr Simms takes the same position of gov's & Industry have taken in the present MOU (Mummernundrum of Uncertainty), restructure and down size, shut down more jobs and communities. The MOU is about money for the well to do, and to hell with the resource itself and the helpless coastal people.
There’s nothing in the MOU to indicate that the authorities are backing us coastal people, they are instead riding our backs into the ground.
Mr Simms is not responsible for the fisheries, but his comments expressed here and on his talk show, are in line with those of the leaders of our fishery, that have allowed our fishery to be destroyed. Randy should not be the scape goat here for what has happen to our fishery. He openly expresses himself in a way, which many in NL painfully know is not what has happen to the fishery, what should be done to fix it, and what it really means to our coastal seafaring people.
I think it must be understood that people who’s lives are not directly involved in the fishery cannot understand it fully and we should not be surprised that they do not say the right thing. To this point it is the fishers and coastal people (and others in our province who understand the real situation and value of our heritage) who are trying to hang on to our culture and coastal way of life.
We in NL must persevere in this....we must lead the way for others, show them that our oceans bounty is a treasure that must be protected and returned to us.... because it is the source of the undaunted spirit and magnificent coastal way of life of our people of the sea.
Dr Phil Earle
Randy writes in (1) "Overfishing is certainly one of the major causes but after 18 years [...] something else must be at work.”
There are other factors that are not permitting the return of the cod, e.g., predation by 10 million seal population, foreign freezer ships (6) under Canadian flags of convenience fishing inside our 200 mile limit, but the destruction of our migrating stocks on the N&T of the banks by NAFO has been out of controlled since the moratorium. The figures on their fishing are undocumented, or hidden by the fed gov , but when some knowledge of foreign fishing has been obtained stocks have been over fished by more then 100% - 200%.
Thousands of tons of fish taken illegally, yearly, by NAFO fleets (beyond the quota limits that scientists have recommended) is the dagger in the heart of our fisheries recovery. What kind of reasoning does Mr Simms have when in the same sentence he comments that ... ”Over fishing is certainly one of the major causes....”, only to follow this by , “something else must be at work”?
This reasoning is paced by a political-industry ego, one that sequesters, not admitting the fishery has failed to the public because it counters the wishes of the Industry.
In (4) Mr Simms verify’s this ..quote, “....in order for the industry to be successful it must match up with the resources available ....”. Industry (union /ASP), matching up to the resources available is a philosophy which means take what you can while it’s there before its all gone. But this is the very attitude which precludes the industry being successful, one that has helped it’s present state of affairs. For the Industry to be successful, the renewable resource must be healthy and sustainable, and the Industry must do all it can to protect and help restore the stocks and then process it with need, not greed.
Mr Simms does not recognize that our fishing heritage is being destroyed because people are not allowed to fish, and fish are not being restored by our leaders.
Every thing he says addresses events of the fisheries failure and not one insight on any of there causes! Foreigners, and seals, are destroying NL’s fishery, our Industry is allowing it to be run into oblivion and gov's have no will to make the necessary changes in policies that is needed to save it.
Mr Simms takes the same position of gov's & Industry have taken in the present MOU (Mummernundrum of Uncertainty), restructure and down size, shut down more jobs and communities. The MOU is about money for the well to do, and to hell with the resource itself and the helpless coastal people.
There’s nothing in the MOU to indicate that the authorities are backing us coastal people, they are instead riding our backs into the ground.
Mr Simms is not responsible for the fisheries, but his comments expressed here and on his talk show, are in line with those of the leaders of our fishery, that have allowed our fishery to be destroyed. Randy should not be the scape goat here for what has happen to our fishery. He openly expresses himself in a way, which many in NL painfully know is not what has happen to the fishery, what should be done to fix it, and what it really means to our coastal seafaring people.
I think it must be understood that people who’s lives are not directly involved in the fishery cannot understand it fully and we should not be surprised that they do not say the right thing. To this point it is the fishers and coastal people (and others in our province who understand the real situation and value of our heritage) who are trying to hang on to our culture and coastal way of life.
We in NL must persevere in this....we must lead the way for others, show them that our oceans bounty is a treasure that must be protected and returned to us.... because it is the source of the undaunted spirit and magnificent coastal way of life of our people of the sea.
Dr Phil Earle
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Test for Newfoundland and Labrador MP's and MHA's
 | |||||||
| Identify This Fish |
Print this and pass it to all people looking for your vote in both the upcoming federal and provincial elections.
Dr. Earle responds to Sue's Blog (Essential Reading)
Please find below a comment that was left on Sue's Blog - Post Ask What we can do for our Fishery..
I hope we are on the cusp of fighting for our culture, heritage, economy, and future generations. The truth is we have no choice.
Comment from Dr. Earle
Randy's comment immediately after I hung up the phone was that 'it will be interesting to know what will be in the MOU when it's information is released.' Completely putting the issue back, for the listener, where it has been, on the wrong track.
This remark from him after I spent 5 minutes explaining that the MOU addresses the tip of the ice berg of our fisheries problems and its basic philosophy accepts all that has been , and is being done, wrong to the resource. (By Ottawa and the Industry).
We all know, because of this, that we have lost 100,000 of our coastal people and 30,000 fisheries jobs, gutting the beautiful unspoiled places where our spirit is rooted.
And how does Jackman respond to these facts? By saying the so called hard decisions that we will have to face with the downsizing of a successful MOU will be placed on the ordinary people of rural NL!
This from some one we elected to represent us in our government indicates he has no spine to stand against the Industry nor to be a leader of our sea people. (What ever hardships we may have to adjust to in future in our fishery should never be further on our fishers and coastal people...it has to be adsorbed by the Union and ASP.)
All this was expressed to Randy, but as soon as my air time ended he acted as if nothing I said meant anything, it didn't dent his authoritative mantra, because he thinks he knows more then anyone else and what got past that didn't pass his arrogant political ego.
Randy is not alone however in this omnipotency, it pervades nearly all our so called leaders and elected heads. Nearly all of them think power and voice emanate from themselves instead of the truth, that it comes from the people.
We have been bullied out of much of our resources since our federation in 49 in one way and another by 'outsiders', the worst of them being Ottawa.
No bullying however has been as devastating as the one in our fishery, because it has destroyed our culture, our homes and families...a tragedy.
The people who have allowed this to happen are as guilty and responsible as are the ones who have done it. They are barbarians.
But they will never dent the passion that is in my heart to do what is right for, and fight for, this marvelous, beautiful, sacred place and our people.
dr earle
I hope we are on the cusp of fighting for our culture, heritage, economy, and future generations. The truth is we have no choice.
Comment from Dr. Earle
Randy's comment immediately after I hung up the phone was that 'it will be interesting to know what will be in the MOU when it's information is released.' Completely putting the issue back, for the listener, where it has been, on the wrong track.
This remark from him after I spent 5 minutes explaining that the MOU addresses the tip of the ice berg of our fisheries problems and its basic philosophy accepts all that has been , and is being done, wrong to the resource. (By Ottawa and the Industry).
We all know, because of this, that we have lost 100,000 of our coastal people and 30,000 fisheries jobs, gutting the beautiful unspoiled places where our spirit is rooted.
And how does Jackman respond to these facts? By saying the so called hard decisions that we will have to face with the downsizing of a successful MOU will be placed on the ordinary people of rural NL!
This from some one we elected to represent us in our government indicates he has no spine to stand against the Industry nor to be a leader of our sea people. (What ever hardships we may have to adjust to in future in our fishery should never be further on our fishers and coastal people...it has to be adsorbed by the Union and ASP.)
All this was expressed to Randy, but as soon as my air time ended he acted as if nothing I said meant anything, it didn't dent his authoritative mantra, because he thinks he knows more then anyone else and what got past that didn't pass his arrogant political ego.
Randy is not alone however in this omnipotency, it pervades nearly all our so called leaders and elected heads. Nearly all of them think power and voice emanate from themselves instead of the truth, that it comes from the people.
We have been bullied out of much of our resources since our federation in 49 in one way and another by 'outsiders', the worst of them being Ottawa.
No bullying however has been as devastating as the one in our fishery, because it has destroyed our culture, our homes and families...a tragedy.
The people who have allowed this to happen are as guilty and responsible as are the ones who have done it. They are barbarians.
But they will never dent the passion that is in my heart to do what is right for, and fight for, this marvelous, beautiful, sacred place and our people.
dr earle
Friday, January 21, 2011
Ask what we can do for our fishery! Dr. Earle says...
Did you here Dr. Earle today on Open Line with Randy Simms? He said we need to ask "what we can do for our fishery".
He articulated the same message as Sue's Blog in Fish what Fish and Have you Found our Cod - Have we Found our Guts.
Randy Simms should listen and learn about the fishery. Yes he is willing to let people speak - but evidence is mounting that regarding the fishery - he is myopic on his view. No Randy - it is not acceptable to simply repeat
propaganda of inept politicians - or greedy multinationals.
Symptomatic words of one influenced by fishery propaganda:
1. rationalization
2. downsizing
3. restructuring
4. resettlement
5, regionalization
and phrases like " if there's no fish there's no fishery"or "there's no place for youth in the fishery anymore" or "you're just going to have to find a job somewhere else".
These are words and catch phrases that most if not all our federal and provincial politicians could not debate even at a primary level. We certainly do not need talk-show hosts simply repeating the false gospel out of the mouths of "special interest" prophets.
Once again people like Dr. Earle and Gus Etchegary are right. We continue to have our culture, history and economy plundered while incompetent or lazy elected representatives suck their thumbs.
In today's dollars Dr. Earle was probably right that we are losing close to a billion a year from Ottawa's mismanagement - and JohnCrosbie's "I did not take the god-damned fish out of the water" is nothing more than a cop out and trying to rid himself of the responsibility he holds for the mismanagement of this world class renewable stock. In fact maybe pouring John another Tequila - Gail Shea might be the answer.
We either want the money year over year or we want the fish. We are not willing to give up our short-medium-long term future because our politicos at all levels - refuse to act.
When that oil is gone - made worse by the equalization robbery - we will be pitiful unless we keep in place and working for our people and communities our natural renewable resources.
Ches Penney and John Risley's attachment to the fishery is a joke. They have an attachment to a commodity which is a common resource of our people and our communities. The nonsense sputtered and spewed by fisheries ministers, MHA's and/or MP'S is just that and it's time for rural Newfoundland and Labrador to give them a kick in the arse and send them on their way. They have failed.
To answer Dr. Earle's question of "what can we do for our fishery" - first we kick the political lot out - start to speak as a united people on what we want done - and demand it be done.
He articulated the same message as Sue's Blog in Fish what Fish and Have you Found our Cod - Have we Found our Guts.
Randy Simms should listen and learn about the fishery. Yes he is willing to let people speak - but evidence is mounting that regarding the fishery - he is myopic on his view. No Randy - it is not acceptable to simply repeat
propaganda of inept politicians - or greedy multinationals.
Symptomatic words of one influenced by fishery propaganda:
1. rationalization
2. downsizing
3. restructuring
4. resettlement
5, regionalization
and phrases like " if there's no fish there's no fishery"or "there's no place for youth in the fishery anymore" or "you're just going to have to find a job somewhere else".
These are words and catch phrases that most if not all our federal and provincial politicians could not debate even at a primary level. We certainly do not need talk-show hosts simply repeating the false gospel out of the mouths of "special interest" prophets.
Once again people like Dr. Earle and Gus Etchegary are right. We continue to have our culture, history and economy plundered while incompetent or lazy elected representatives suck their thumbs.
In today's dollars Dr. Earle was probably right that we are losing close to a billion a year from Ottawa's mismanagement - and JohnCrosbie's "I did not take the god-damned fish out of the water" is nothing more than a cop out and trying to rid himself of the responsibility he holds for the mismanagement of this world class renewable stock. In fact maybe pouring John another Tequila - Gail Shea might be the answer.
We either want the money year over year or we want the fish. We are not willing to give up our short-medium-long term future because our politicos at all levels - refuse to act.
When that oil is gone - made worse by the equalization robbery - we will be pitiful unless we keep in place and working for our people and communities our natural renewable resources.
Ches Penney and John Risley's attachment to the fishery is a joke. They have an attachment to a commodity which is a common resource of our people and our communities. The nonsense sputtered and spewed by fisheries ministers, MHA's and/or MP'S is just that and it's time for rural Newfoundland and Labrador to give them a kick in the arse and send them on their way. They have failed.
To answer Dr. Earle's question of "what can we do for our fishery" - first we kick the political lot out - start to speak as a united people on what we want done - and demand it be done.
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.
Clyde Jackman - huh?
What was it the Minister said this morning? Sue agrees with the roads!!!!
I know he made one thing clear - they are the government and they will decide the fate of Lower Churchill Power - not the people - no debate.
He did not answer the big question - why export power?
There will be no future without power.
As for Grenfell - my question was for the students. What would they prefer money be spent on?
Then there was the irony of Brent Quilty's campaigner - wondering why Sue does not SEEM to support Grenfell. Number one - my point was - what do the students want. Second as for money on the East Coast versus elsewhere - I am stronger than Wiliiams and Jackman on that one.
Labrador Power for Labrador industry - or Labrador Power export for general revenue and some token projects.
Back to Clyde - he's a little upset that I pointed out his clothesline in Toronto and pitcherless mints on a stick logo has netted 500,000 tourists - while Anne of Green Gables keeps knocking the daylights out of our industry - PEI with 750,000 to 1,000,000 tourists a year.
Then there was the annoyance of having to hear the employment numbers.
I know he made one thing clear - they are the government and they will decide the fate of Lower Churchill Power - not the people - no debate.
He did not answer the big question - why export power?
There will be no future without power.
As for Grenfell - my question was for the students. What would they prefer money be spent on?
Then there was the irony of Brent Quilty's campaigner - wondering why Sue does not SEEM to support Grenfell. Number one - my point was - what do the students want. Second as for money on the East Coast versus elsewhere - I am stronger than Wiliiams and Jackman on that one.
Labrador Power for Labrador industry - or Labrador Power export for general revenue and some token projects.
Back to Clyde - he's a little upset that I pointed out his clothesline in Toronto and pitcherless mints on a stick logo has netted 500,000 tourists - while Anne of Green Gables keeps knocking the daylights out of our industry - PEI with 750,000 to 1,000,000 tourists a year.
Then there was the annoyance of having to hear the employment numbers.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Hole in One as Minister hops all over the Course
Is the government really looking at banning pesticide use? Are there things they are considering other than medical concerns - or the pesticide industry?
HMMMM I wonder.
CLICK HERE Study Examines Link Between Golf Course Pesticides and Cancer
When you think of the Wilds Willows and Woods - do you get that warm and fuzzy feeling of nature or do you wonder why they all begin with W?
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
What a Nice Picture - But Look Closer
Here's the latest photo-op offered up by Government on the Provincial Website.
Wayne Ruth President of Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador accepts a cheque for 20 thousand dollars toward "tidy" towns.
Here's the problem - what tidy towns? The disappearing communities of Newfoundland and Labrador? The disappearing population from those towns? Disappearing wharves and stages? Houses falling down? Or as one person said on the Fisheries Broadcast yesterday when visiting one such community - it looks like a bombed out town. Not tidy!
Not so pretty!
Are their towns tidy?
It's all tidy and neat - for politicians who turn their backs and walk away. Guess we should name the report by Doug House the Tidy Town's Report (vacuumed it of her people on the way out.
When I seen the sign by West Jet near the airport advertising Daily flights to Alberta which says "let the stampede begin" - tidy towns mean little to me. Somehow I can live with a few chip bags and pop tins if the town is bustling with young people and a future. That other stuff we can clean up.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Minister of Environment having identity crisis...
He thinks he's the Minister of Industry!
Hey Clyde - Here's the latest from The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment.
"Although Health Canada last month said 2,4-D is
safe to use on lawns and turf "when label directions are followed," the association warned pesticides have been linked to childhood cancer, birth defects and neurological disease."
Now that's compared to the advice from pesticide industry reps here in Newfoundland and Labrador - one of which said I was getting blood tests for years and nothing got into me.
Then there is this Clyde -
Michel Gaudet, president of the Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides, said that Quebec law is now in line with 2,4-D prohibitions in effect in Denmark, Norway and Sweden.
"Sweden prohibited 2,4-D in 1977 and 12 years later they noted the increase in some of their cancers started to go down," he said.
Here's the complete story from the Montreal Gazette...
Quebec now has some of the toughest laws in North America - we should be "green" with envy not "green" like we were on Hydro when Quebec cleaned up and we swabbed their decks. A local nursery merchandiser added - "To have a healthy lawn, you need good soil, add lots of grass seed, and use fertilizer to put nutrients in your soil." Back to the basics Minister - and we are certainly not short of fertilizer.
Now for the Minister in case he does not know or has secret ambitions here is the Minister who yaps on behalf of industry and us "of course".
Update:
The Minister was commenting today on all the containers that remain unrecycled in the province. You know what he said? The quicker we get that done the better for us all. Wow now that's amazing Minister. You think?
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Missing - One Minister of Environment - Lost while "CON"serving
WHO IS THIS MAN???
Minister of Environment and "Con"servation???
This man appeared on a VOCM open line program and explained why government was preventing some community from completing a sewer project or some such. Anyway the Minister went on and on about how we no longer dump waste in ponds these days. The times have changed says Clyde.
This is the same Minister who did not prevent AUR Resources from dumping its tailings in a pond for the sake of the DUCK POND project. Then again that's the bunch about to be bought out with oodles of cash going to many foreigners. But he's just a Newfoundlander and Labradorian - that's what they expect.
And if you would like information on that - maybe you can call our Tourism Parks Reservation system and ask "Pourquoi feriez-vous ce Ministre ? Etes-vous cela stupide ?"
You must really believe you are the Minister of "CON"servation.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Just a shift away from pension...
Former Stephenville mill workers ask Minister Clyde Jackman what's going on!
Mr.Clyde Jackman
Minister of Environment
Confederation Building
P.O. Box 8700
St.John's NL.
A1B 4J6
Mr. Jackman;
This is Ken Thibeau the First Vice President of CEP Local 1093 in Stephenville.
Our executive and our general membership of displaced mill workers would like you to advise and update us on the status of the Stephenville Mill environmental cleanup and decommissioning.
Abitibi Consolidated registered their undertaking plan with your department on August 7th 2006 and you announced the release of the project on October 6th 2006. According to their 23 page submission, the decommissioning was scheduled to commence in 2006 with the Phase II ESA to be done from July to October of 2006.
Presently there is no indication at the site that the environmental remediation has begun. Surely if this was the private property of an average citizen pressure would have been applied by your department long ago to have this work completed. In particular, considering the vast amount of contamination of various types at the former mill site, we assumed you would give this issue more priority. We had provided former Minister Byrne with a 2 page listing of known site pollution in April of 2006.
Therefore I shall expect your prompt response on this urgent issue for our Members!
Yours truly,
Ken Thibeau
First Vice President
CEP Local 1093
Stephenville NL.
Mr.Clyde Jackman
Minister of Environment
Confederation Building
P.O. Box 8700
St.John's NL.
A1B 4J6
Mr. Jackman;
This is Ken Thibeau the First Vice President of CEP Local 1093 in Stephenville.
Our executive and our general membership of displaced mill workers would like you to advise and update us on the status of the Stephenville Mill environmental cleanup and decommissioning.
Abitibi Consolidated registered their undertaking plan with your department on August 7th 2006 and you announced the release of the project on October 6th 2006. According to their 23 page submission, the decommissioning was scheduled to commence in 2006 with the Phase II ESA to be done from July to October of 2006.
Presently there is no indication at the site that the environmental remediation has begun. Surely if this was the private property of an average citizen pressure would have been applied by your department long ago to have this work completed. In particular, considering the vast amount of contamination of various types at the former mill site, we assumed you would give this issue more priority. We had provided former Minister Byrne with a 2 page listing of known site pollution in April of 2006.
I should not have to remind you, but I will, that our Union Membership is under a contractual right to 2 year re-call until October 28th 2007 and that 1 shift of work would enable some of our members to achieve a semblance of a retirement pension. In this regard we have an arbitration case pending against Abitibi at great expense to this Local union. However, if your department and your government continues this apparent collusion and cooperation with Abitibi by allowing this delay to continue beyond the expiration of our contractual rights, our efforts and incurred expense will be in vain.
Therefore I shall expect your prompt response on this urgent issue for our Members!
Yours truly,
Ken Thibeau
First Vice President
CEP Local 1093
Stephenville NL.
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