Has the Chief Medical Examiner recommended inquiry?

Sue's Blog has already written on Justice Minister's apparent ignorance of the law. King claimed it was up to him to call an inquiry under the Public Inquiries Act. He was wrong.

King however can call an inquiry - all on his own under the Fatalities Investigation Act.

This was the Act used for the call of a Judicial Inquiry into the deaths of Norman Reid and Darryl Power.

This type of inquiry considers the findings of the Chief Medical Examiner into a death or deaths.

Has the province's Chief Medical Examiner concluded his investigation into the death of Don Dunphy? Has that report been received by government? Has the report been received by the RCMP?

What does the report say? When will it be released?

Has Minister King reviewed the report?

Has any of the following occurred under the Fatalities Investigation Act?

Recommendation to the minister

      25. (1) Where the Chief Medical Examiner is of the view that it is necessary for the protection of the public interest or in the interest of public safety that an inquiry be held regarding one or more deaths that occurred under a circumstance referred to in section 5, 6, 7 or 8, he or she may recommend to the minister that a public inquiry be held.

         (1.1)  The committee may, either in the course of a review under this Act or on completion of a review, where the committee is of the view that it is necessary for the protection of the public interest or in the interest of public safety, recommend to the minister that a public inquiry be held.

             (2)  A recommendation under this section shall be in writing and be accompanied by all reports, documents and certificates that may be relevant to the death.

Powers and duties of minister

      26. Where the minister receives

             (a)  a recommendation by the Chief Medical Examiner under subsection 25(1); or

             (b)  a recommendation by the committee under subsection 25(1.1)

and the minister is satisfied that an inquiry is necessary for the protection of the public interest or in the interest of public safety, the minister may order that a judge conduct an inquiry and the inquiry shall be conducted within the parameters set out in Part IV of the Provincial Offences Act .

So Mr. King - you can call an inquiry - all on yor own - under the Fatalities Investigation Act. You should really take the time to understand the laws your department are responsble for.

Public correction of error by Minister King necessary

It's bad enough that Darin King believes the need for a public inquiry rests on his feelings on the investigation when it's over. The Minister, however, outdid himself by proclaiming for all radio-land that he and he alone is the one who decides if an inquiry is called.

I really think it's time we upped the level of what we expect from our elected officials and demand that Minister's understand laws they are referencing in public.

What a disgrace - Darin King on VOCM Back-Talk with Pete Soucy - told all the listening audience that it is he that will make a decision on a public inquiry. It is up to him he states.

Here is part of Section 3 of the Public Inquiries Act

Commissions of Inquiry

     3.(1) The Lieutenant-Governor in Council may by order establish a commission of inquiry and report on a matter that the Lieutenant-Governor in Council considers to be a public concern. 

        (2) Where a commission is established under subsection (1), the Lieutenant-Governor in Council shall, in the order, 

        (a) appoint the members of the commission in accordance with section 21;

        (b) establish the jurisdiction of the commission by setting terms of reference for the inquiry;

        (c) designate the Minister responsible for the inquiry; and

        (d) fix a date for the termination of the inquiry and for the delivery of the commission's report.

emphasis added 

It is not only responsible but one would think in keeping with the Minister's Oath of Office that Darin King clear up any errors he may make when explaining anything to the public. 

Not only is it - not his decision to call an inquiry - he may not even be chosen by the Cabinet to be the Minister responsible for the inquiry after it has been called. 

As Newfoundlanders and Labradorians we are going to have to hold our politicians more accountable. It is very difficult to have faith in our government when a Minister of the Crown speaks with authority about a law that he/she clearly does not understand. 

This is what Minister King said:

"Well I guess I decide that if I'm the one that calls the inquiry - ultimately - to be blunt about it. I think the Public Inquiries Act provides that the Minister is the one that makes the call so ultimately I would be the person who had to make the decision."

Please try to reconcile the Act and the Minister words. How long has he been a Minister of the Crown? 

Further to insure the Minister's red herring does not continue - we are not asking that an inquiry actually take place before the current investigation is over. We want a commitment that one will be called.

       

Darin King - shed the Political cloak

Since the death of Mr. Don Dunphy - many people in the public have been asking for an inquiry.

Today - our Justice Minister Darin King had a response to that. CBC Story

I have no issue with Minister King waiting for the investigation to be over before an inquiry is called.
 
I have a real issue with the Minister saying, "I think it will be much too early to predetermine whether in fact there will be another inquiry called," and "I will want to see the current, ongoing investigation unfold and see what the results are,".

The investigation into the event is a justice issue. It seeks to determine what took place and if any charges should be laid in connection with the event.

There is no doubt that for the family this process is very important and they will - according to their lawyer - make decisions regarding any potential civil legal action after the investigation has concluded.

The Inquiry though is a different matter altogether. The public confidence has already been shaken to the core and there is evidence that people may have lost faith in public institutions or bodies. Further as the protocols for protection of elected officials forms one component of the event - it already meets the need for an inquiry to be called.

I can imagine no outcome of the investigation that would cause me to lose interest in holding an inquiry.

Minister King should know that as important as insuring the family of the deceased and the officer  have the benefit of justice - society as a whole must move forward progressively to achieve better policies, protocols, and outcomes.

One of the best summations of what a judicial inquiry or inquest is may be found on the website of Toronto law firm - Paliare and Roland,

It states:

Public or judicial inquiries are called by the municipal, provincial or federal government to review events that cause public concern or outcry. Unlike a trial, the inquiry process is investigative, rather than adversarial – its purpose is to review those events, in order to determine what happened and why, and most importantly, how to prevent them from ever happening again.

If one is looking for a more in depth look at inquiries - I recommend "Some Observations on Public Inquiries" written by the Honourable Dennis O'Connor, former Chief Justice - Ontario Court of Appeal. 

Despite the judgement cast upon those of us in the public who are vocal in our concerns - by some traditional media and politicians - most of us are genuinely concerned about all the events leading to the death of Don Dunphy and want to ensure this type of tragedy never happens again.

Minister King should remove his usual partisan political cloak and don instead the cloak of duty - his office demands. Right now the Minister needs to eliminate any hint of politics and instead forge ahead to find answers and solutions. If the Minister is fearful that such an inquiry may intrude into the Premier's office - he must rid himself of those concerns and understand he is a representative of  the people not the Premier. Is the problem that he cannot convince his Cabinet colleagues?

Now is a really good time to announce that the government of which you are a part will call a judicial inquiry after the investigation is completed. Now is a really good time to make the necessary preparations for this to occur.

Premier Davis is in denial or worse ...

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".

Tory Turmoil Continues - Legacy of Williams?

Here we go again. Back to square one. A new leadership process for the Tories begins as it did the last time.

Same group of people who may run.

Each day brings word of one of the list saying no.

Each day brings another Kent musing.

Media covering the same nonsense once again with almost the same panting breath.

The best we have so far is John Ottenheimer has announced he is running. Whoopee!

Is he how we describe renewal? Is he how we get new ideas? Is he the definition of fresh?

Nice fellow - John - despite his agreeing to do many things we have problems with. Is this the result of the Danny Williams leadership legacy?

Surround yourself with weak followers - surround yourself with obedient "colleagues" and voila you get leadership potential deficit.

A real leader surrounds him/herself with strong people - those with ambition and drive - those who strive to learn - listen - and lead.

One would figure there would be clamouring to get the top job after Williams left. He appointed Kathy Dunderdale to be an "interim" leader - while all other potential "new" leaders came to the for. Who did we get? We got lots of mumblings, whispers, and speculation. We had Brad Cabana try to run - but was determined "ineligible". So after all the fumbling, bumbling, and mumbling - Kathy was appointed.

Then Kathy the "interim" left - we should have expected the door to the candidacy locker to be kicked down - charged - and jammed with leadership hopefuls.

I woke-up one day and the media had a dozen or so waiting to come forward. Inside caucus - outside caucus - a retired army general, retired politicians, defeated politicians, a lobbyist, a retired fellow from the west coast, a fish merchant, and a grocer.

Day by day - the media plucked one off the list. We were down to three. Coleman, Bennett, and Barry. Danny did not like Barry and declared who he would not support. Delegate meetings were taking place before the actual campaign started. Bennett was thrown out of the race - Barry was procedurally crippled by the process and all we had left was one. No race again.

So the Premiership was Coleman's - the party had a leader and an election should have been called. Marshall stood in the House of Assembly and basically said his good-byes as he prepared to move over and let Frank take the helm. Sure before the handover occurred the Premiers Office staff went through a gutting putting Coleman's people in before he himself arrived.

Joan Shea quit so there was one seat open. Nope - Frank was not taking that one - so it became obvious that Tom Marshall was leaving his seat and Coleman could run at home.

Before a by-election could be called in St. George's - Stephenville East - the Premier appointed was gone - as quick as he came - with all his staff at the ready in the office he would never take over.

One clear sign of a good leader is that he/she has a reasonable succession plan. Draw your own conclusions.

Regardless, call an election now - your party mess is not our mess and is not the mess of government.

PC Leaders in wait?

This is the shortest post I will probably ever write.

A leader does not wait to see who's in the race before they enter it. 

Next up - the words to watch from Bill Barry. There were some real indicators from Barry when interviewed by David Cochrane last week.

What do Bill, Darin, Keith, Derrick have that Kathy does not?

So Bill 29 is getting inspected  - but why unelected Premier Marshall?

Was elected Premier Kathy Dunderdale so vicious that you and your colleagues could not stop her?

Thousands of people yelling and screaming protest on Bill 29 - and you unelected Premier Marshall and your colleagues just ignored that? But why?

It took the loss of the first woman elected Premier of our province and who had a majority government for you and the other fellas to say - maybe we should review this.

On the strength of that - why after we were on rolling blackouts for obvious reasons of incompetence - did you not fire Ed Martin?

On that note - if you are going to "review" Bill 29 - why not "review" the Muskrat Falls deal?

Every identifiable Tory willing to speculate has been hauled out as a potential candidate for your upcoming (whenever) leadership contest. The only one left is Brian Peckford - can you manage to politically resurrect him - in your spin to demonstrate real interest in taking over the 20% party?

Is Dunderdale's seat being held for a new Townie leader and yours unelected Premier Marshall for Bill Barry?

The same old twitter backbench rats continue to attack and mock citizens. They continue on the same old path.

Then there is this - the people and the media are to blame for the loss of our Premier Dunderdale. "She was not understood" "people did not know her like we did". Sure - your the ones who booted her out. "She was not a good communicator" - yet you now are reviewing Bill 29 - not trying to re communicate the virtues of the Bill.

I've been around politics long enough to know that the PC's are in real trouble and are in panic mode. Even PC's - Bill Barry - thinks a revolution is needed - for him to even support you. So the one and only leadership candidate basically thinks the party needs to be blown up (figuratively speaking) in order for it to survive.

Tell me what do Darin King, Steve Kent, Derrick Dalley, or Keith Hutchings think they have that Kathy does not? Oh no never mind - the glass ceiling thing again.

One final question - if Bill 29 is changed - will the changes be retroactive?

As the unelected Premier overseeing the internal election of another unelected Premier - please remember you should not proceed with any major deals or developments. Time to go to the electorate - not PC's in a panic.

PC Convention - putting more lipstick on a pig

For a Party that has avoided a real leadership contest in almost two decades - 19 years - the choice of a delegate style event seems underwhelming.

In a country where provincial and federal parties are opening up the leadership process to all but children - the Newfoundland and Labrador Tories are determined to keep this in their controlled house.

The question is why?

When the Party was at its height - in popularity - somewhere holding on to the coattails of Danny Williams - people were kept at bay from challenging the "I don't want this job" interim Premier Kathy Dunderdale.

At first there were rumors that several caucus members would throw their hats in - then some speculation on outside interests. Brad Cabana paid his money - but was blocked from even a challenge - to what the party interests wanted. In the end - no takers.

So now the field has become wide open (so to speak) for any select individuals to step forward. As mentioned in an earlier post - I believe this process is taking on such flurry now because particular corporate interests wee unsuccessful in getting their chosen Liberal leader.

Such as all this is - why shut the people of the province out? Why not allow all to vote who want to vote? Why use delegates on a floor instead of the more progressive and open approach of letting everybody cast their own votes?

Instead of over 20,000 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians casting individual votes - as was the way with the Liberal Party - late last year - we are going to see about 500 district delegates and some ex-officio's engage in some good old backroom politics and deals.

For a party that says it wants to listen to people more, engage them more, and be more open and accountable - their first act of contrition - is to control the party once again from within.

The slight of hand thing has already been set in place with wannabe - really wannabe - Cabinet Minister - Sandy Collins - referring to the Liberal Convention this way "we should strive to repeat your process. I really liked the sounds of crickets in the half filled room. Tumble weed nice touch."

Sandy has taken over from Minister Kent who used to do the useless hacking until he was placed in Cabinet. Of course like children - if they see another child being rewarded for bad behavior - similar behavior may follow.

In either case - what the Liberal process did was allow everybody to cast their own private vote and to choose a second third and fourth choice. The fact is over 20,000 people participated directly in that democratic process.

Collin's instructed position is that we would rather stuff 500 in a room via delegate selection - so the optics would be better. He likes the sounds of cheers and wants to be taken to a room and be smoozed into voting for one or another.

The 500 or so who attend may well represent only 1000 or less people. You and I will never know unless we attend each and every district association meeting.

In our democracy you don't get a separate vote for the Premier - so a leadership contest is the only inclusion there is. When you strip that to a delegate convention - you may party hardy and hoop and holler - but you are doing nothing to directly involve tens thousands of people.

So here we go again - the method of communications - is key - not the message. That's why they say Dunderdale was dumped. Pile people in a room - they are delegates - therefore they should have their expenses paid.  Pile people in a room - looks like the party is growing in its enthusiasm. Pile people into a room and feed the media cameras.

Let's not forget - not that long ago people piled into a room for now former Premier Kathy Dunderdale. The media reported that all was happy in Toryland. In fact Telegram reporter James McLeod headlined "Support for Premier rock solid at convention". This was September - just 4 months ago.

Now after 19 years of no leadership contest - after appointing and anointing the chosen - the Tories are going to the backrooms to pick a leader.

The message has not changed - the Tories are putting more lipstick on a pig.

New PC leader will come from Outside

The PC race - so to speak - is remarkably active.

A party at 20% in the polls usually finds it tough to grab serious interest from the outside - but this time it's different. There's significant cash and wealth on the line.

The Liberals have elected a competent, successful, professional - who just happens not to be one of the backroom elite. The money - old and new - and the political establishment in Newfoundland and Labrador were not successful in electing their candidate for Liberal leader. As I've said before - Dwight Ball is a people's leader and will be a people's Premier after the next election.

So - the boy's club - thinking they could count on taking over the Liberal Party in the wake of a disastrous performance by the current government - were left surprised. Up until a few months ago - if all else failed they might have gone the Jack Harris/NDP route.

There is no doubt the boys will be very careful this time around. They need somebody who can make corporate resource giveaways look like the people just won the lottery. Considering most of the current PC MHA's don't have that "X"factor - most not even considered Cabinet material - the new leader has to be a savior.

If the boys had managed to own the Liberal Party the PC's would be doing the usual government on the way out thing - where a few sitting members would run as caretaker while they sit out a new Liberal rule.

So what's likely then?

Inside we can see possibly:
                             Team King
                             Team Dalley
                             Team Davis
Commoners
Outside it may be the:
                             Team Barry McDonald Tobin
                             Team Powers Penney Sullivans
Establishment
I suspect Danny may be either  - as either can meet his needs - as a citizen.

Marshall - who has always been there - just in case - oops correcter is now the Interim Premier leaving him to stay neutral - so to speak - that is continue to help usher for the feature film. Marshall - interim of everything (thereby confirming the lack of depth in the back bench) gets to have the title - be the boss - and protect the boat until a new skipper can be found.

Powers - who so coincidentally was introduced as a guest VOCM talkshow host over the past year - is now known more broadly by the electorate. He's well known in the lobbyist and corporate masters arena.

Barry - is a provincial character - fish merchant - I believe is a Gates type individual - wherein if we give him all the money - all the fish - all resources - he'd be happy to give some back to what he considers worthwhile causes and people. Competition not needed.

Both have enemies and both represent the establishment.

Question is which one can they sell to the people? Maybe neither - so they will be looking further afield for a back-up just in case.

At this time I predict - the new leader will come from the outside - in order that the resource giveaways keep a coming.

This is going to be a real test for the people of the province. Do they support the establishment  merchant or the leader of the people?

Dunderdale's supporters pulled the plug

I watched yesterday - as most Newfoundlanders and Labradorians did - Premier Kathy Dunderdale resign.

It was not a sad time for me - I did not like her leadership style or the policies she rammed down our throats.

The resignation speech was - in part - a list of "accomplishments" of her government - all the wonderful things. If this was the case - why would she resign? Why are the polls reflecting that close to 80% of the people do not want her leadership or her government?

What I heard yesterday was a continued drone of - "communication" problems. Was she a great communicator? No - however that is not the reason the vast majority of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians do not support her or her government.

It does not matter who communicates Bill 29 - we don't want it.
It does not matter who communicates the Muskrat Falls deal - we don't want it.
It does not matter how she relates the coziness with Stephen Harper - we don't like it.
It does not matter who makes excuses for not holding an inquiry on the death of Burton Winters - we want one.
It does not matter who communicates the CETA deal - the people are not satisfied with the amount of information provided.

It's not the messenger - it is the message.

In this regard - all the tired Cabinet behind her - should have gone with her. Are they delusional? Do they think if they get the one line spinner type like Brian Tobin or the bully type like Danny Williams - the policies they are trumpeting would be any more acceptable? What ever happened to the simple reasoning? Is it in anyway possible that the people do not like the policies and deals of this government?

On Muskrat - they fired everything at us - more expert communicators and communications than any person should have to suffer. They did not and do not have the peoples' support for this deal.

And by no means was she going to throw any of the backroom antics out into the open. We are to believe that Kathy Dunderdale ran back from Florida to resign - cause - she wanted to?

If the so-called supporters of Dunderdale want to patronize this woman by saying you are doing wonderfully my dear - but it's just the way you say it - or do it  or the way you look - the I guess the Premier should really examine her choice of "friends".

For me it's this - the people do not like what you are doing with the province. In that respect we do not support your Cabinet who were involved in the decisions.

The other part of her speech - was what could be termed the human part - the emotional part. In this she thanked her family - as we all should thank our families. The part about sacrifice I can do without as many professions and jobs - particularly those involved in protecting and saving lives - make that sacrifice for their entire careers - 50 years of it in some cases. Next up was the "women's" advancement discussion. As a woman - I can say she did nothing whatsoever for me as it relates to advancing women in politics. She was one of the most extreme partisan politicians I can remember. If you were a woman and supported her and her government - yes you would be looked upon favourably. If you were a young PC or a man who supported her and her government - you would be looked favourably upon. If you were a woman who was critical of her government and policies - she had no problem slicing and dicing you - and remember - she had the power to abuse it.

If she would like to confirm that she at no time discriminated against a woman because they were publicly critical of her government and policies - then I will challenge it.

All in all - I found Premier Dunderdale to be arrogant, out of her depth on many issues, too delighted with her power, and generally incompetent.

Do I care about how she looks or how she speaks (outside being relatively literate for the position), or that she is a woman? No. I care about how she conducts herself while in such a position, the decisions she makes and how she treats the people who put her there.

I care that the Premier and her government spent many hours of public media condemning those who disagreed with her policies and deals. The use of the words partisan, naysayers, and conspiracy theorists to describe the population one serves are not the words I want to hear from a "leader".

On the continued media thread that communication is the big problem here - that's assuming we - the people - are all not able to really see the benefits of something unless it is communicated by the likes of a John F. Kennedy? It is quite likely that when the vast majority of a population cannot see the benefit of one deal or another - it's because - it's not beneficial for them.

A politician - like all people - can be thanked for service - however to place them on a pedestal above many in a population who serve in some capacity or another is wrong. Yesterday the Premier quit her job. Her choice. It says a great deal however about the commitment to finish the job you started. Imagine if other professions could or would do that - imagine the mess we would have.

Her Cabinet and caucus who supported her leadership and policy choices did nothing much to prevent the resignation - that we can see anyway. So the wannabe new Premiers and their supporters spent most of the day blaming the people and or media for "not understanding her".Yesterday they wanted us to feel bad for causing her to leave.

The majority of people may not have supported her - but the majority of people could only replace her on election day. The Premier's supporters pulled the plug. It's important to add that they pulled the plug for polling results that were achieved through the policy choices of the entire Cabinet.

The CRA Poll will be 2015 Result

The latest CRA poll - I believe - will end up representing the election result in 2015.

The Tories have come in the same as last poll when you allow for percentage of error.

The NDP have collapsed and those left of centre swing Liberal/NDP have moved back to their Liberal base.

This is all of course premised on the Liberal Opposition not doing anything so outrageous (as happened with the NDP) as to eliminate themselves. As I have posted before - Dwight Ball's style of leadership is build not burn bridges and his thoughtful approach to policy is inclusive and open not exclusive and secret.

Back to the numbers:

1. The Liberals 52% is representative of the 30% or so solid Liberal support. 15% recaptured from the left leaning Liberals who had parked themselves tentatively with the NDP and 7% of centre Tories who swing based on the mood of the electorate and the current leadership of the Liberal Party.

2. The Tories are currently sitting with their solid PC base and not much else.

3. The NDP are likely to drop a couple of more points yet as they return to their solid base only - with that support going to the Liberals.

4. The Tories have shown they are unable to spend their way out this time and despite exorbitant amounts of warm and fuzzy Muskrat advertising - the population is not convinced that this project is good for Newfoundland and Labrador.

5. There will be a couple of more points coming to the Liberals as the sports fan like undecided - go out and vote for the winning team.

The Liberals chose the best leader at the best time. Dwight Ball will reinvigorate the party, rebuild party coffers, gain business support, promote district association development, unite right and left with solid economic planning, respect and include government employees, engage and involve the municipalities, be proactive on housing, health, education, and seniors issues, attract new industrial interests while maintaining and growing local small business. Ball will also be able to attract quality candidates including some of his leadership rivals. He is a quintessential Liberal.

This does not mean there will not be challenges over the coming 18 months. Ross Reid will try to direct a comeback for the Tories through outrageous spending, brainwashing levels of Tory self-promotion and advertising, and sometime in the New Year present a new potential leader. If the PC's cannot gain significantly by the next CRA poll result - the Tories will be in rebuild for 2019 mode.

Now let's talk about district predictions.

Here is my list of retirees (either before or at the dropping of the 2015 writ):

Felix Collins, Paul Davis, Kathy Dunderdale, Clayton Forsey, Tom Hedderson, Ray Hunter, Clyde Jackman, Charlene Johnson, Tom Marshall, Kevin O'Brien, Joan Shea, Susan Sullivan, Ross Wiseman.

Here is my list of potential floor crossers:

Dave Brazil, Sandy Collins, Tony Cornect, and Keith Russell

Those remaining may run again but only the following has a chance of retaining their seats:

Terry French, Keith Hutchings, Steve Kent, and John Dinn

This is what makes the next prediction very interesting.

I believe that Darin King thinks he is a leader in waiting and I believe that Hutchings and French will be his team of support. The problem is - I believe that - Darin King will lose his seat.

Dwight Ball has made it this far without the team of 10 establishment interests from both the Liberal and PC parties - if he keeps this approach - he will be a people's leader able to do the real job of a Premier. 

As for the 2 independents - Mitchelmore and Kirby - I can see Kirby being comfortable under a Dwight Ball Liberal Opposition and Government - however Mitchelmore presents more as an opportunist who is a Tory one day and an NDPer the next. If he does not go Liberal he will - I predict - lose his seat.

A PC Interim Leader on the way

Listening to our Premier today convinced me that Ms. Dunderdale is on her way out. She is now musing about reflecting, reviewing, revisiting, and reacting to the very loud and disapproving voices of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Dunderdale even mused on a leadership review - a sure sign that this by-election was not just another seat. If the Tories had retained the district - the grumbling government members might have bought the Ross Reid happy message a little longer. The loss of Carbonear - Harbour Grace - coupled with crashing polls - spells an end to her leadership.

So the dance begins - which of the upstarts wants to put the political knife in first? No doubt she's feeling a couple of them already.

I guess the permanent back-up finance Minister could do the Interim Premier bit as well. But with the Tories unable to come up with even an interim Finance Minister (other than Marshall - over and over) the talent pool appears shallow for an interim leader.

I think Darin, Terry, and Keith have a plan - the boys kind of see themselves as the male version of Susan, Joan, and Kathy. Just imagine their glee when the girls leave the roost.

Our Premier seemed really confused when interviewed today on the by-election loss - looked to the sky and wondered how they got to this place.

Muskrat, Abitibi, Fishery, Ferries, Roads, Come by Chance, and spending like drunken sailors comes to mind. Then there's the secrecy, arrogance, and dismissal of local small businesses. Yes that's right I almost forgot - 65 of them spread throughout the province - speaking to hundreds of people each - every day. Lastly there is this continued confusion about who our Premier works for - Danny? Nova Scotia? Emera? Ed Martin? or Stephen Harper?

I believe the Premier is going to have a snowy walk moment any day now and either Roving Tom is going to fill-in or the boys aforementioned will start implementing their plan.

Election Act may allow PC's to avoid the Polls - if Kathy departs this October.

The Sir Robert Bond Papers says:

"Rumours have started to circulate that Kathy Dunderdale will toss her teddy bear in the corner in October.  Maybe.  Unless the Tories change the House of Assembly Act to reverse the changes they made a decade ago,  they’ll be forced to go to the polls within 12 months of her departure. That might have made sense once, but with the mess they currently have , there’s no guarantee the Tories would be able to run a successful election that quickly."

Actually Ed Hollett may be wrong - the Act is weak and says the following:

Election on change of Premier

      3.1 Where the leader of the political party that forms the government resigns his or her position as leader and as Premier of the province before the end of the third year following the most recent general election, the person who is elected by the party to replace him or her as the leader of the party and who is sworn in as the Premier of the province by the Lieutenant-Governor shall, not later than 12 months afterward, provide advice to the Lieutenant-Governor that the House of Assembly be dissolved and a general election be held.

You will note that the party has to have an election to get a new leader first; that can take them up to a year before the election. In that time an interim leader can be appointed (not elected) and caucus can make many changes to try and turn the tide. 

For sure the interpretations on this will vary - however - there is certainly significant wiggle room. Section 3.1 has two conditions that must be achieved; election of a new leader and then 12 months to call a general election. 

I'm sure the PC's have looked at this and we will know their interpretation soon. I'd say Kathy is gone and perhaps Terry French will provide interim leadership. My guess is Darin King is gathering his leadership gang together as I write this blog. 

Dunderdale and Co. going going...gone

Cathy Bennett, Dean MacDonald, Paul Antle - all coming from the woodwork. The Establishment has determined the PC's are not winning the next election.

If the backbench Tories do not see this yet - well - they might not. They seem to just nod their heads.

The media is picking up the frenzy on possible candidates for the Liberal leadership and in so doing hyping up the race. Dunderdale is already passe and a new guard is forming in front of her face. The lady got her job done - she has delivered Danny's Muskrat child.

The problem now is that - is it really done? What about the other assets left to snatch by the elite investors?

The money is getting a fever and is starting to realize that power might land in the hands of somebody who will work - first and foremost for the people.

They are sweating the fact that Ball is a worthy candidate who can deliver competent and forward direction for the people.

They underestimated the people and overestimated Kathy, Jerome, and Darin.

Let's give the old boys club a royal boot and take back our province.

I would like the next leader to show the people all papers relating to the Muskrat deal to date. All contracts, all discussions, all written material. That's what they are really afraid of.

SNC Lavalin right here at home.

Muskrat Falls - Roger Grimes - Kathy Dunderdale - PUB

Roger Grimes made a public statement yesterday in a Letter to the Editor; the Telegram's Weekend Edition.

With reasoning - more thoughtful than the garbage information we have been fed by Dunderdale and Co. - Grimes highlights gaping errors in the thinking used to make this particular Muskrat Falls deal.

The former Premier also made a comment which reflects the true signs of leadership - the project can still be stopped. The Tories approach of well now that its started, sanctioned, signed - gotta keep going - is simply trying to convince people that there is no hope left to stop this mess.

The NDP in Nova Scotia has shown two qualities during this process - an ability and a weakness.

Somehow their politicians have shown that they are able to convince our  politicians - that subsidizing power for Nova Scotia is a good thing and the people of Newfoundland and Labrador should be happy to do that. The weakness of course is that they appeared to do this work for a private company, Emera and by doing so just simply ammassed wealth for the private corporation on the backs of their own people.

So for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador the deal is bad - very bad - and in my opinion that is either from naivety or corruption on some level or a combination of both.

Corporately, Emera and Nalcor, will make money on each and every kw - Emera (private) - Nalcor (crown). The question is who is that good for specifically?

Emera's shareholders (private) will make a killing if they operate in any way similar to how they currently operate both domestic and foreign assets while Nalcor's shareholders (the people of NL) will be gouged to keep Nalcor's spending viable.

When the PUBlic Utilities Board was banished from it's role as a regulator - protecting us - from unnecessary spending by our own corporation - Nalcor - became an agent by which politicians could cut deals that they wanted for whatever reasons - and those reasons can be very self-serving and sinister.

The PUB may have rejected this expenditure on behalf of the consumers of electricity - and the fact that people like Kathy Dunderdale, Jerome Kennedy, Tom Marshall, and Darin King felt it okay to bypass the ratepayer component of the process is legislatively corrupt.

Now the PUB should have no right to stop a deal for power development - if others - not us - the ratepayers - are paying for it. If the government wanted to make this pet project a legacy - they should have directly pinned it on the taxpayers and forced every taxpayer in the province to pay for this disaster. In this way the political fall-out is more instant - more direct.

Roger's points in his letter make sense - in a very basic real way. We have no real idea what the true energy asset base is in the province and whether or not those assets could have been used differently, expanded, or altered to accommodate the Island need for power. As for Labrador - this development - if allowed to proceed would not remove many Labradorians from thermal generation or supply from Quebec. That is ridiculous.

The idea of developing such a valuable resource such as Muskrat and then Gull Island in either order should have accomplished the following:

1. Mandatory renewable assets for all inhabited regions of Labrador,
2. Development of Industry which would spur tens of thousands of jobs (long-term) after the construction phase is complete, or
3. The sale of the majority of power to another Province or State wherein the power produced would cause our rates to be kept where they are now - for a generation or two, money for our treasury, and equity build-up for our people (similar to a tenant renting your property) they pay the mortgage - we own the asset,
4. Some combination of 2 and 3.

The added little bonus for the private Emera is that they now are going to be paid every time you and I pay our electric bill. They get a cut of the action that was once held solely for Newfoundland Power and Nalcor (Newfoundland and Labraor Hydro division). Why are they getting that cut? The truthful answer to that will start to unravel some pretty questionable decisions by our government.

There was and is a real potential to stabilize our rates by simply acquiring Newfoundland Power and eliminating the doubling up profits and eliminate administrative and asset duplication. By doing what we have done - Nalcor gets it up price, passed to Emera for its up price and then on to Newfoundland Power for its piece.

If we continue with this project - we are absolutely getting the least out of this asset - which in time will look worse than the Upper Churchill.

The former Premier should be commended for his leadership and be an example for those seeking to take office and government. The project should be stopped.

Rules Matter? Progressive "cons"erv-myself

Headlines:

Sullivan censured for lobbying government

Penashue accused of election overspending

and then a story where Dave Brazil is committee vice-chairperson looking into "suspicious" agriculture spending. Why are we paying the farmers in barley and hops?

...so when the children are looking for role models in society - where should they look?

Should they look to the House of Commons or the House of Assembly? Should they follow some of them to jail? Why not? We trust them all so much we elect them.

While we are at it - where can I buy an acre of land in St. John's for $300?

Some of the the elite and the elite wannabes are telling us: Muskrat is good for you; there is money to be made with this development; this is the only option you and I have - we should listen right?

If we don't listen - the bullies come out of the woodwork - you know the adult bullies setting great examples for the children.

Currently I am building an art collection and gathering fine wine. Anybody know how I can fund it? If I do that - the Bank of Canada might consider me for a Board position. Still trying to figure out what it takes to sit on the Board of Nalcor - any suggestions?

Define Moratorium

Moratorium - A SUSPENSION of Activity

So that's where we are? A suspension of activity?

This suspension of activity has caused the loss of over 40,000 people from our province.
This suspension of activity has caused the death or near-death of some rural communities.
This suspension of activity has caused the loss of relationships and breakup of families.
This suspension of activity has caused the closure of secondary related business and industry.

Moratorium sounds so - clinical - and in some ways hopeful.

This word is not appropriate for the loss of our cod fishery/ground stocks.
This word does not do justice in defining the catastrophic damage caused due to "suspension" of activity.

Somehow Canada - Ottawa - the Feds - have convinced many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians that it's our fault or at the least we are partially to blame.

Listening to Canada - or federal politicians from other provinces make this claim - is - what I can expect. Listening to our own politicians and experts making the same claim is sickening.

So how did Canadian and Newfoundland and Labrador politicians get away with the largest socio/enviro mess ever seen in this country?

1. Announce a moratorium in 1992 and claim that stocks will recover - should have been fixed by 2002. (DID NOT HAPPEN)

2. Announce programs to bridge the gap for fishermen, plantworkers, and communities (DID NOT begin to COVER LOSS)

3. Increase Fisheries Science (DID NOT HAPPEN)

4. Retirement Packages (DID NOT HAPPEN)

5. Then they slowly got us used to words like rationalization, down-sizing, and right-sizing - carefully explaining to us that the fishery was never meant to handle that many people. (BUNK)

6. From there we went to dumping FPI and eliminating marketing.

7. They closed one plant - most other plants and workers shut-up - they feared they would be next.

8. They have and continue to pit one community against another.

9. Downloading federal fishery support services to the province.

10. Pit offshore against inshore - recreational against commercial.

11. Use municipal politicians by offering pavement, arenas, tourism dollars, and water/sewer.

12. Commit to one study after another to delay any real action.

13. Pit urban residents against rural residents.

14. Promote and focus on non-renewable oil assets.

15. Above all - convince us - we were greedy, we took all the fish, and we destroyed ourselves.

16. Marginalize people like Gus Etchegary and Phil Earle.

17. Eliminate the people left with EI changes.

18. Give all fish to kingpins.

19. Over utilization of other stocks.

All of this while the FACT remains that management was the responsibility of the federal government. They were negligent. As a result we were harmed. Therefore we need compensation. 1 billion a year until the stocks return.

The Ministers of Fishery we have had federal and provincial are too gutless, ignorant, or complicit to do what is needed.

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.

The 2015 Election is Underway - Where's Dunderdale

Both Opposition Parties in Newfoundland and Labrador have made their first 2015 election promise.

The race to replace has begun. 

We - the people will hold them to it.

It is positive to see politicians respond immediately to the people by making a promise that all of us really need right now. A commitment to eliminate this cloak of secrecy - called Bill 29.

Last night Charlene Johnson either lied or demonstrated unfathomable ignorance by blaming the constituency spending allowance on the previous Liberal government.

The statements made - not yet available on Hansard - were beyond irresponsible they were grossly negligent.

The three political parties suffered blame as members of each were trotted off to jail. How did that happen? Read the Green Report. Read the Auditor General's special reports.

The Deputy Premier of Danny Williams - a person he put great trust in was front and centre in the political scandal of our time. His second in command - a Cabinet Minister in control of significant information secret and otherwise. This person who admitted to forging documents and stealing over $100,000 from us the people. This person who the Auditor General said received almost $500,000 over his entitlements.

Do we need a system that is open and transparent? Yes.

Do we need a system that seeks to thwart transparency? No

The government had options.

1. They could have let the debate finish naturally, they did not - they invoked closure.

2. They could have had Bill 29 reviewed by Chief Justice Green, Senator Beth Marshall, or by former Auditor General John Noseworthy (the man who brought the cost of secrecy to light).

3. They could have created an all-party committee to travel the province and consult with the people on the proposed changes.

4. The government could have sincerely considered amendments brought forth and at least pretended to have interest in the process.

5. The government could have killed the Bill - and in doing so appropriately recognized the wisdom of their colleagues, the people, and members of the media who were screaming foul.

Dan Crummell was just now on VOCM open-line suggesting that the media took offence to the Bill more than anybody. He said he believes they want to be in the Cabinet Room.

There is no defence to reducing access to information - yet Dan attempted to do it anyway. Way to trot to the trough there Dan. Fill-er-up. Gotta get a Cabinet Post - gotta get - me - me -me Dan.

Newfoundland and Labrador politicians have absolutely no right to reduce access to information - simply because the wound is too deep and fresh from the constituency allowance scandal. How arrogant must they be to support cloak and dagger legislation - when many of them were there when their colleagues were put in cuffs.

The Opposition parties have now taken a necessary step to rebuild confidence and trust in the electorate. They appear to understand that we are not prepared to "trust" them - on their word - just yet.

What Dunderdale, Collins, Marshall, Kennedy, King, Sullivan, Burke, and Johnson seem not to understand is reducing access now - so soon after the scandal - is like giving a parent giving their teenage son or daughter the car a week after they are convicted of drinking and driving.

Yes it is that serious! Yes it is that condemnable!

Now it is up to the NDP and Liberal MHA's to remind the people and the PC caucus that they will reverse the Bill and will reveal all hidden documents - as soon as practicable after the PC's are defeated.

By the way where is Danny on this? Where is Danny on this? Will this be the issue that excuses Danny away from "his" party and toward Dean? It remains incredible that all these PC backbenchers have not yet figured out that the fix is in.

They play you like a fiddle and in turn you fiddle while your political reputations burn.

Premier Dunderdale - where are you dear?  The 2015 Election Campaign began early this morning. The race to boot the Tories out has begun and you were nowhere to be found.

Dunderdale Government must GO! Amendment to Bill 29

Russell Wangersky tells it like it is in the Telegram today.

The secrecy being sought by the Dunderdale government is very dangerous.

It is hard to really describe what has gone on in this province over the past number of years - but somethings clearly stink.

The Province of Newfoundland and Labrador does not belong to any politician or political party - despite what we witnessed not so long ago - the march of political felons to jail.

I want some answers and you should too.

1. I want to know every single detail on the sale of the land from government to a politician and further every piece of information surrounding the issue Rob Antle CBC outlines in his story "The curious case of file MPA/007/2012

2. I want every piece of information available on Alderon, it's Board of Directors - Appointments - significant shareholders and the companies intentions re: Muskrat Falls.

3. I want ALL the information regarding the Emera proposed deal, monies spent by government and Nalcor on the proposed project, and every meeting held with any company regarding the development of Muskrat Falls.

4. I want all information regarding the fibre-optic deal and what has transpired since that project moved forward with our money.

Minister Darin King, in speaking to Bill 29 regarding changes to the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act - tried to compare the government not disclosing information to the Opposition parties not disclosing their questions for Question period.

In that the Minister is a knowing fool and is asking us to become fools.

What an embarrassment for these PC MHA's - and for their families when this fiasco of a Bill is fully realized.

Please start to take your politics seriously - and as people we are going to have to force this government out. We must take action (legally) and force these people into resignation.

The ultimate amendment to Bill 29; the Dunderdale Government must go!