People need to know - and our real democracy needs the answers.
The Kevin O'Brien - Breakfast with Tiffany's Only - fiasco is the tip of the iceberg.
Right now every journalist worth their salt will dig in and find out how widespread this behavior is.
Every municipal councillor, every mayor, all Chambers of Commerce members and all volunteers in community organizations should be given an opportunity by our media to have a confidential conversation with them.They should use their journalists right to keep sources confidential and give us - the public - an overview of how vindictive this government really is.
We need to know if Cabinet members are abusing their authority and using inappropriate influence for political gain. We need to understand how much pressure community leaders are put under and whether they believe their community would suffer by actually losing support for infrastructure, employment programs, or development.
We also need to know if business owners or individuals have been coerced in the same fashion.
While the O'Brien story is sensational and headline grabbing - it has greater legs than what we've seen.
I - as one citizen and consumer of news in Newfoundland and Labrador - wants to know if this government should be investigated further and real action be taken.
Showing posts with label gander. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gander. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Festival of Spite? O'Brien reflects typical PC Tribalism
It's not a joke anymore. It's time that people in this province put an end to the spiteful, tribalistic, immoral and intimidating behavior demonstrated by many PC Cabinet Ministers and the Premier.
The latest - in a CBC story- an allegation that Minister Kevin O'Brien got a young Chamber of Commerce scholarship winner uninvited as a server for a community breakfast. Why? because he's not a Tory?
How many town councillors and mayors have been politically threatened by this PC government? We have all heard the stories - community leaders are frightened to death to speak out against ANY government action - lest funding for critical infrastructure may not come.
This government has asked organizations to remove their senior staff - if the organization wants to have any "hope" with government.
How many businesses were threatened with repercussion of some sort if they put a Liberal or NDP sign on their building - or supported a local candidate who was not PC?
This started with Danny in 2003 and has carried on with a gusto since Kathy took over. Intimidation of bloggers, open-line callers, and people with government jobs.
I don't know how many Cable Atlantic/Rogers former employees are now within the government rank and file - but somebody should really have a look.
This government behaves like a two bit mafia - enforcers and all. Why? Because they lack a leader, they lack integrity, and they lack confidence.
Instead of being a "cool hip" province - we are serfs forced to support our 5 or 6 lord's estate. Backward, backward, backward.
Don't see us going from one Kathy to another Cathy - do you?
The latest - in a CBC story- an allegation that Minister Kevin O'Brien got a young Chamber of Commerce scholarship winner uninvited as a server for a community breakfast. Why? because he's not a Tory?
How many town councillors and mayors have been politically threatened by this PC government? We have all heard the stories - community leaders are frightened to death to speak out against ANY government action - lest funding for critical infrastructure may not come.
This government has asked organizations to remove their senior staff - if the organization wants to have any "hope" with government.
How many businesses were threatened with repercussion of some sort if they put a Liberal or NDP sign on their building - or supported a local candidate who was not PC?
This started with Danny in 2003 and has carried on with a gusto since Kathy took over. Intimidation of bloggers, open-line callers, and people with government jobs.
I don't know how many Cable Atlantic/Rogers former employees are now within the government rank and file - but somebody should really have a look.
This government behaves like a two bit mafia - enforcers and all. Why? Because they lack a leader, they lack integrity, and they lack confidence.
Instead of being a "cool hip" province - we are serfs forced to support our 5 or 6 lord's estate. Backward, backward, backward.
Don't see us going from one Kathy to another Cathy - do you?
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Paul Davis - your department needs a Geography lesson
After the disaster that was the traffic slowdown (2 to 3 hours) just east of Gander - Minister Paul Davis advised that people livyers and tourists alike check his department's website before travel - in order to determine if there will be delays in their trip.
Let's hope that we don't confuse everybody by providing information that is factually incorrect.
Below please find such a notice. You will note that the bridge is on Route 10 not 90 - you travel route 90 Salmonier Line from the TCH or route 10 Southern Shore Highway (it all should be one route) but the bridge is on Route 10 - several communities away from Route 90. Route 90 from the TCH does not extend to 112 km's. The official notice is incorrect.
So at this point one mess leads to another mess.
Let's hope that we don't confuse everybody by providing information that is factually incorrect.
Below please find such a notice. You will note that the bridge is on Route 10 not 90 - you travel route 90 Salmonier Line from the TCH or route 10 Southern Shore Highway (it all should be one route) but the bridge is on Route 10 - several communities away from Route 90. Route 90 from the TCH does not extend to 112 km's. The official notice is incorrect.
So at this point one mess leads to another mess.
| 90 | Northeast Trepassey Bridge on Route 90 South from the TCH 112.7km. Bridge deck repairs. (Project #24-13PSR C) | Ongoing |
Aug. 09, 2013 07:51 AM |
|
| Comments: | Bridge repairs ongoing. One way traffic controlled by signage. Be prepared for frequent stops and slowdowns. Crews and equipment working in roadway and on shoulders. Speed limit reduced. Drive with care and caution, be prepared to stop and expect short delays while work ongoing for the next week. | |||
Monday, February 13, 2012
Search and Rescue - NL - Second Class Citizens
How many times do we have to lose loved ones in Newfoundland and Labrador - to the sea - to the ice - inshore - offshore? How many enquiries do we need on the failed rescues of fishermen - offshore oil workers - children?
The reality is that we need dedicated services in Labrador, St. John's, and Gander. The reality is that our coastal and northern geography is challenging and massive.
Will is cost more money? Yes! Is it essential? Yes!
The continued downsizing of our search and rescue presence has been going on for decades. Bit by bit by bit.
The reality is that with the relatively new industry of offshore oil and gas development, continued fishery, and increased travel in northern climes has made it necessary to increase not decrease search and rescue assets.
Please read the information below. I will do this study in three or four parts.
The truth is Search and Rescue is as important as any other service and therefore - more not less - must be spent on this essential. It is NOT acceptable to nickel and dime Newfoundland and Labrador again.
There are 3 Joint Rescue Coordination Centres (JRCC) in Canada.
One is in British Columbia
One is in Ontario
One is in Nova Scotia
This was fine pre-confederation - but now? No! This is obviously flawed. The East Coast is Newfoundland and Labrador.
In 2005, JRCC Victoria responded to over 2,900 SAR cases, with a greater number of Category 1 and 2 cases1 than the other two JRCCs. This disproportionate level of serious SAR activity can be attributed to the higher amount of recreational activity, changeable weather and challenging topography on the west coast. While the other two regions have Maritime Rescue Sub-Centres in Quebec and St. John's, JRCC Victoria has sole responsibility for its region. This centralized function is best for the Victoria SRR as the ocean area is smaller and marine traffic patterns are different from those on the east coast.
The Halifax SRR is geographically the second largest of the three regions but prosecutes the fewest number of incidents.
In 2005, JRCC Halifax responded to 1,962 SAR cases. Fishing activity continued to provide the majority of cases in the Halifax SRR as the fishing industry forms a large part of the economy. Most marine SAR activity is concentrated in the Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island region of the SRR. Quebec had the majority of air incidents while Newfoundland and Labrador was high in humanitarian incidents, many of which were medical evacuations and assisting the RCMP with lost hunters.
2005 was a much busier year than normal for JRCC Trenton. A total of 3,070 incidents were handled — 2,286 maritime, 400 aeronautical, 205 humanitarian and 179 unknown. Compared to 2004, the marine incidents were higher and the air incidents were also slightly higher.
In 2005, the causes of marine incidents were:
In 2005 SAR reported what are known as Significant Incidents.
3 were noted in BC Region 2 air related incidents and 1 Ferry
1 was noted in the Atlantic Region - Newfoundland and Labrador the capsizing of the Melina and Keith II.
The other two notes are found below. Read them CAREFULLY. Can you see the hypocrisy?
The Canadian Coast Guard was pleased to offer a helping hand to the United States of America Coast Guard during the relief effort. In September 2005, Canadian Coast Guard vessel, CCGS Sir William Alexander, was dispatched to the Gulf of Mexico, accompanying Canadian Navy vessels, as well as fast response craft and a helicopter. The CCGS Sir William Alexander, based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, assisted with heavy lift operations during the weeks following the destructive hurricane.
On September 4, as part of Operation UNISON 2005, the Canadian Forces' contribution to relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, two CH-146 Griffon helicopters also deployed to the United States of America Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod in Massachusetts to help cover the Boston SAR area of responsibility over the Labour Day weekend, returning to their squadrons on September 12. The six H60 Jayhawk helicopters, normally on stand-by for SAR duty in this region, were involved in the Coast Guard flood relief operation on the Gulf coast.
The reality is that we need dedicated services in Labrador, St. John's, and Gander. The reality is that our coastal and northern geography is challenging and massive.
Will is cost more money? Yes! Is it essential? Yes!
The continued downsizing of our search and rescue presence has been going on for decades. Bit by bit by bit.
The reality is that with the relatively new industry of offshore oil and gas development, continued fishery, and increased travel in northern climes has made it necessary to increase not decrease search and rescue assets.
Please read the information below. I will do this study in three or four parts.
The truth is Search and Rescue is as important as any other service and therefore - more not less - must be spent on this essential. It is NOT acceptable to nickel and dime Newfoundland and Labrador again.
There are 3 Joint Rescue Coordination Centres (JRCC) in Canada.
One is in British Columbia
One is in Ontario
One is in Nova Scotia
This was fine pre-confederation - but now? No! This is obviously flawed. The East Coast is Newfoundland and Labrador.
In 2005, JRCC Victoria responded to over 2,900 SAR cases, with a greater number of Category 1 and 2 cases1 than the other two JRCCs. This disproportionate level of serious SAR activity can be attributed to the higher amount of recreational activity, changeable weather and challenging topography on the west coast. While the other two regions have Maritime Rescue Sub-Centres in Quebec and St. John's, JRCC Victoria has sole responsibility for its region. This centralized function is best for the Victoria SRR as the ocean area is smaller and marine traffic patterns are different from those on the east coast.
The Halifax SRR is geographically the second largest of the three regions but prosecutes the fewest number of incidents.
In 2005, JRCC Halifax responded to 1,962 SAR cases. Fishing activity continued to provide the majority of cases in the Halifax SRR as the fishing industry forms a large part of the economy. Most marine SAR activity is concentrated in the Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island region of the SRR. Quebec had the majority of air incidents while Newfoundland and Labrador was high in humanitarian incidents, many of which were medical evacuations and assisting the RCMP with lost hunters.
2005 was a much busier year than normal for JRCC Trenton. A total of 3,070 incidents were handled — 2,286 maritime, 400 aeronautical, 205 humanitarian and 179 unknown. Compared to 2004, the marine incidents were higher and the air incidents were also slightly higher.
In 2005, the causes of marine incidents were:
- 50% human error;
- 35% mechanical;
- 11% unknown; and
- 4 % weather.
 | ||||
| Look at the Coastline and Landmass of NL and ask yourself why the Centre is in Halifax? |
In 2005 SAR reported what are known as Significant Incidents.
3 were noted in BC Region 2 air related incidents and 1 Ferry
1 was noted in the Atlantic Region - Newfoundland and Labrador the capsizing of the Melina and Keith II.
The other two notes are found below. Read them CAREFULLY. Can you see the hypocrisy?
The Canadian Coast Guard was pleased to offer a helping hand to the United States of America Coast Guard during the relief effort. In September 2005, Canadian Coast Guard vessel, CCGS Sir William Alexander, was dispatched to the Gulf of Mexico, accompanying Canadian Navy vessels, as well as fast response craft and a helicopter. The CCGS Sir William Alexander, based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, assisted with heavy lift operations during the weeks following the destructive hurricane.
On September 4, as part of Operation UNISON 2005, the Canadian Forces' contribution to relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, two CH-146 Griffon helicopters also deployed to the United States of America Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod in Massachusetts to help cover the Boston SAR area of responsibility over the Labour Day weekend, returning to their squadrons on September 12. The six H60 Jayhawk helicopters, normally on stand-by for SAR duty in this region, were involved in the Coast Guard flood relief operation on the Gulf coast.
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