Let me preface this post by declaring my disgust with the Senate and my support for a full public federal/provincial process to discuss reformation or abolition.
Yesterday - Prime Minister Stephen Harper - demonstrated again his disdain for Canada and the Constitution.
We could argue at this point that Stephen Harper is an element causing disruption to the economy and affairs in Canada.
I ask again - is the Prime Minister under investigation by the RCMP or CSIS?
Many Canadians are sick of the Senate - we have lost confidence in the Upper Chamber as a result of unethical and perhaps criminal behavior of some Senators.
Many Canadians want reform - many want abolition - many want continuity with significant oversight.
Regardless of what we want - there is a process to change the Constitution of our country and it must be followed. I do not care what Harper, Mulcair, Trudeau, and May want - I care that they follow process.
Right now there are 22 vacancies in our Senate. These seats should be filled. They should have already been filled. The fact that Harper refuses to fill them is in direct opposition to our Constitution. The PM is once again snubbing the laws and Constitution of Canada.
The leaders of all political parties can muse about what the Senate should look like, operate like, or even whether or not it should exist - but they cannot pretend to be the decision makers on this issue.
This is paramount to saying the publicized evidence of an individual charged with a crime should be all it takes to find that party guilty. We do not need the courts or criminal justice system - we only need a hand full of people to declare somebody is guilty.
A Vancouver lawyer is in the process of challenging Harper's refusal to appoint Senators - via a court challenge.
I want to know where Governor General David Johnston is. The GG should be filling those seats. He should be taking his duties seriously. The policy of a PM providing advice to the GG on Senate appointments is just that - policy - NOT law.
David Johnston appears to have no problem making the ceremonial events or representing Canada in his capacity - he should have no problem doing his constitutional job.
Until the Constitution of Canada is changed - the Senate exists.
The following clause is not a thought it is law. "When a Vacancy happens in the Senate by Resignation, Death, or
otherwise, the Governor General shall by Summons to a fit and qualified
Person fill the Vacancy." See HERE
Arguing that there are no set time frames is ridiculous - it is frivolous - it is disingenuous.
The time frame is now - the word is "shall" and the responsibility falls on the Governor General.
Three men and one woman (Harper, Mulcair, Trudeau, May) do not possess the power to thwart the Constitution because they do not like it. They have the power - under process to start a process of change or amendment to the Constitution.
All Opposition parties should be screaming from the rooftops when the Constitution is being violated. Not doing so for political opportunism makes them no better than Harper - the man and party they want defeated.
Amending or changing the actual function of the Parliament is very serious and should be treated as such. This is not a political football to be tossed back and forth like children on a playground.
If these men and one woman want the respect of the electorate - respect our constitution.
As for Governor General David Johnston - he is a disgrace. Until he takes his real duties seriously - I cannot support him.
As for the media - once again they demonstrated how easily they fall into Harper's manipulation of the press. Harper proclaimed yesterday - under very weird circumstances - that:
1. He will not appoint Senators and
2. He wants the Senate abolished
Where's the scrum? Where's the oversight?
The man said that his refusal to appoint Senators will force the provinces to come up with a plan for reform. So our Prime Minister states that he will deliberately break the law until others decide to change it. This protest must potentially contravene C-51 - so where is the RCMP? where is CSIS?
Yes Canadians want change - but we want it done lawfully - particularly when it's the legislators who are ignoring it.
We as Canadians cannot jump all over Harper when he breaks some laws but not when he breaks this law.
In this particular case - Harper should be forced to follow law - Mulcair should knock off playing with it - Trudeau needs to explain better - and May - I'm not sure (not enough media coverage)
Governor General Johnston needs to appoint 22 Senators - now.
I'm not sure abolition is best or a Triple E is best. I do know that ignoring the law in an effort to change it - is NOT the role of elected representatives.
Showing posts with label mike duffy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mike duffy. Show all posts
Saturday, July 25, 2015
Monday, June 01, 2015
Duffy Trial over?
The deal may be made between Crown and Defence in the trial of Senator Mike Duffy.
The only way Stephen Harper is going to eliminate the messiness that is the PMO is to make the Duffy trial go away.
Justice Charles Vaillancourt has allowed a critical Senate Committee report to be entered as evidence.
So if the Senate fights this ruling and is successful - it will be determined that the Defense is being unfairly restricted.
The trial has adjourned today with witnesses now set to testify tomorrow.
Will tomorrow ever come - and if so will it be a short one?
It appears the raising of the report may work as well for Stephen Harper as it does for Mike Duffy.
This may have been all planned with negotiations just complete.
Win win for the CPC and buddies and lose lose for the people of Canada.
The trial of Mike Duffy may well be over before we - the people - had a chance to hear witnesses like Nigel Wright.
This is justice right?
The only way Stephen Harper is going to eliminate the messiness that is the PMO is to make the Duffy trial go away.
Justice Charles Vaillancourt has allowed a critical Senate Committee report to be entered as evidence.
So if the Senate fights this ruling and is successful - it will be determined that the Defense is being unfairly restricted.
The trial has adjourned today with witnesses now set to testify tomorrow.
Will tomorrow ever come - and if so will it be a short one?
It appears the raising of the report may work as well for Stephen Harper as it does for Mike Duffy.
This may have been all planned with negotiations just complete.
Win win for the CPC and buddies and lose lose for the people of Canada.
The trial of Mike Duffy may well be over before we - the people - had a chance to hear witnesses like Nigel Wright.
This is justice right?
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Journalism dealt another blow by James McLeod
This morning - the Telegram has served up another waste of space by "journalist" James McLeod. Under the News section you'll see a story headlined; "Rumours swirl about PC leadership ahead of critical meeting Saturday".
The story begins by outlining rumours about who may seek the leadership of the Newfoundland and Labrador PC Party.
It quickly turns into another Liberal bashing through the bias pen of the reporter.
The subheading reads: "Throwing stones" In this paragraph McLeod talks about tweets by Liberals regarding the Tory delegate style convention. What it does not say - is there have been Tory tweets as well taking smacks at the Liberal convention style.
McLeod then adds that it is unclear what glass ceiling the Liberal party broke as they elected a middle-aged man. If McLeod is using a strict interpretation of glass ceiling - with feminist meaning - then I would suggest - the open leadership of the Liberal party allowed many thousands of women to vote for the next leader - without restriction of finance to attend a convention, without restriction of geography, and without restriction of conflicting commitments to job and family. If one were to use a more broad interpretation of glass ceiling - where men and women could be included in the advancement - then obviously over 20,000 people voting in a leadership election for any party in our province - not only broke it but shattered it.
McLeod then says "it was the PC Party that first put a woman in the role of Premier". If James were actually producing news not spin - he might have opined that there were rumours of backroom deals to keep men interested in the role from running. It is also interesting that McLeod finds that anybody putting a woman anywhere is somehow breaking a glass ceiling.
The next subheading reads: "Delegates decide" - and in that paragraph McLeod paraphrases something allegedly said by PC Party President Sheahan. He said the Liberals were so thoroughly decimated — without active district associations, donors or membership lists — that they needed to use their leadership race to rebuild the mangled party.
Right of the top - this is an example of Tories once again taking smacks at the Liberal process and further ignores the obvious balance to that statement.
The Tories are probably using the delegate style convention because they have been decimated in the polls and must raise some excitement to rebuild the battered party. The rumours of so many people running may simply be a set-up by the PC's in an attempt to show artificial interest in the publicly admonished party. Names like Ottenheimer, Skinner, Manning, and Oram - Tory stalwarts not new blood - and a bunch of Cabinet Ministers positioning themselves to be a king/queen maker.
The other obvious thing here is that the PC's that McLeod says put the female Premier in office - are the same group that so obviously threw her out and the same bunch that are acting now like it was all Dunderdale's fault.
There are some real problems with much that McLeod reports on - but this one is Duffyesque and shows a real bias.
The story begins by outlining rumours about who may seek the leadership of the Newfoundland and Labrador PC Party.
It quickly turns into another Liberal bashing through the bias pen of the reporter.
The subheading reads: "Throwing stones" In this paragraph McLeod talks about tweets by Liberals regarding the Tory delegate style convention. What it does not say - is there have been Tory tweets as well taking smacks at the Liberal convention style.
McLeod then adds that it is unclear what glass ceiling the Liberal party broke as they elected a middle-aged man. If McLeod is using a strict interpretation of glass ceiling - with feminist meaning - then I would suggest - the open leadership of the Liberal party allowed many thousands of women to vote for the next leader - without restriction of finance to attend a convention, without restriction of geography, and without restriction of conflicting commitments to job and family. If one were to use a more broad interpretation of glass ceiling - where men and women could be included in the advancement - then obviously over 20,000 people voting in a leadership election for any party in our province - not only broke it but shattered it.
McLeod then says "it was the PC Party that first put a woman in the role of Premier". If James were actually producing news not spin - he might have opined that there were rumours of backroom deals to keep men interested in the role from running. It is also interesting that McLeod finds that anybody putting a woman anywhere is somehow breaking a glass ceiling.
The next subheading reads: "Delegates decide" - and in that paragraph McLeod paraphrases something allegedly said by PC Party President Sheahan. He said the Liberals were so thoroughly decimated — without active district associations, donors or membership lists — that they needed to use their leadership race to rebuild the mangled party.
Right of the top - this is an example of Tories once again taking smacks at the Liberal process and further ignores the obvious balance to that statement.
The Tories are probably using the delegate style convention because they have been decimated in the polls and must raise some excitement to rebuild the battered party. The rumours of so many people running may simply be a set-up by the PC's in an attempt to show artificial interest in the publicly admonished party. Names like Ottenheimer, Skinner, Manning, and Oram - Tory stalwarts not new blood - and a bunch of Cabinet Ministers positioning themselves to be a king/queen maker.
The other obvious thing here is that the PC's that McLeod says put the female Premier in office - are the same group that so obviously threw her out and the same bunch that are acting now like it was all Dunderdale's fault.
There are some real problems with much that McLeod reports on - but this one is Duffyesque and shows a real bias.
Tuesday, December 03, 2013
Will CBC or CTV or Mulcair or Trudeau step-up?
So the Prime Minister - who attended the annual Jewish Negav Dinner and fundraiser in Toronto this week - is giddy with talks of freedom and democracy. The 3500 in attendance must have been ignoring the fact that Stephen J Harper is doing more to destroy democracy than all Canadian leaders before him combined.
Our PM is no doubt - excessively partisan - and that may be considered politics as usual - but the rest of his behavior is not. Canada has changed drastically and negatively under his leadership.
He aligns himself with the USA - on issues of crime, punishment, guns, and jails while distancing himself from the USA on matters of progressive peace talks and actions.
If you recognize Canada today - you must not have been watching for the past 50 years.
Stephen Harper has neutered and spayed the country's media. Stephen Harper has ignored and diminished the importance of provinces and territories in our confederation.
No man is an island - with the exception of our Prime Minister. He rules as a king not as a parliamentarian. He serves himself not the people. He does not take the provinces seriously and punishes those who do not fall at his knees.
The most disturbing parts of this entire situation are that politicians representing other parties federally and provincial politicians are letting him away with eroding our democracy and the national media is allowing him to control all communication with Canadians.
We are currently in the middle of an embarrassing perhaps criminal situation with the Senate scandal - and his office is right in the middle of it. While I appreciate the efforts of Tom Mulcair to expose him in the House of Commons - I do not appreciate Harper's ability to keep it contained to that location.
Our Prime Minister dictates where and when the media can have access to him. He dictates who may ask questions of him and how many questions may be asked. He refuses to appear on either national network and answer for himself. He sends other people out to speculate on his thoughts, reasoning, and actions. The national media is promoting rather than deterring his behavior by allowing this to continue.
All members of the House of Commons who are not elected Conservatives should take their seats and say nothing until the Prime Minister agrees to normal media relations and explains himself to Canadians. If the Prime Minister continues to act like a dictator then all members of the HOC should stand outside the chamber and refuse to enter until he does so. This is newsworthy and is not controlled by Harper. The media should refuse to cover any News coming out of the government - particularly out of the Prime Minister's office - until he agrees to resume normal media relations.
So while Power and Politics (CBC) and Power Play (CTV) present themselves as "must see political-affairs program" and "daily marquee political program" respectively - neither have been successful in getting Harper to join them on the program regarding his role in the Duffy affair. The RCMP have taken emails and correspondence from the PMO and the PCO and speculation is abound on the role Harper may have played. The one thing missing is Harper - telling us himself - under media scrutiny - without limitations.
Our two national television networks have a responsibility to bring us the news - all the news - not just what Harper permits. I no longer am interested in "political panels" using ESP to tell us what's in Harper's mind. I am no longer interested in parliamentary secretaries, backbenchers, or even Ministers speaking scripted verse from Stephen's HOC Bible. I am interested in our Members of Parliament and our national media doing their jobs. This madness must stop and Harper must face his bosses - us.
I am not interested in hearing that Harper will have a migratory bird sanctuary in Israel named after him - nor am I interested in what sports teams he likes - or his woefully lacking musical talent - or that he and his wife like Pandas - we employ him to run the affairs of our country and to report to us on that.
If either Mulcair or Trudeau want the reins - show us what you're made of and restore our democracy.
Our PM is no doubt - excessively partisan - and that may be considered politics as usual - but the rest of his behavior is not. Canada has changed drastically and negatively under his leadership.
He aligns himself with the USA - on issues of crime, punishment, guns, and jails while distancing himself from the USA on matters of progressive peace talks and actions.
If you recognize Canada today - you must not have been watching for the past 50 years.
Stephen Harper has neutered and spayed the country's media. Stephen Harper has ignored and diminished the importance of provinces and territories in our confederation.
No man is an island - with the exception of our Prime Minister. He rules as a king not as a parliamentarian. He serves himself not the people. He does not take the provinces seriously and punishes those who do not fall at his knees.
The most disturbing parts of this entire situation are that politicians representing other parties federally and provincial politicians are letting him away with eroding our democracy and the national media is allowing him to control all communication with Canadians.
We are currently in the middle of an embarrassing perhaps criminal situation with the Senate scandal - and his office is right in the middle of it. While I appreciate the efforts of Tom Mulcair to expose him in the House of Commons - I do not appreciate Harper's ability to keep it contained to that location.
Our Prime Minister dictates where and when the media can have access to him. He dictates who may ask questions of him and how many questions may be asked. He refuses to appear on either national network and answer for himself. He sends other people out to speculate on his thoughts, reasoning, and actions. The national media is promoting rather than deterring his behavior by allowing this to continue.
All members of the House of Commons who are not elected Conservatives should take their seats and say nothing until the Prime Minister agrees to normal media relations and explains himself to Canadians. If the Prime Minister continues to act like a dictator then all members of the HOC should stand outside the chamber and refuse to enter until he does so. This is newsworthy and is not controlled by Harper. The media should refuse to cover any News coming out of the government - particularly out of the Prime Minister's office - until he agrees to resume normal media relations.
So while Power and Politics (CBC) and Power Play (CTV) present themselves as "must see political-affairs program" and "daily marquee political program" respectively - neither have been successful in getting Harper to join them on the program regarding his role in the Duffy affair. The RCMP have taken emails and correspondence from the PMO and the PCO and speculation is abound on the role Harper may have played. The one thing missing is Harper - telling us himself - under media scrutiny - without limitations.
Our two national television networks have a responsibility to bring us the news - all the news - not just what Harper permits. I no longer am interested in "political panels" using ESP to tell us what's in Harper's mind. I am no longer interested in parliamentary secretaries, backbenchers, or even Ministers speaking scripted verse from Stephen's HOC Bible. I am interested in our Members of Parliament and our national media doing their jobs. This madness must stop and Harper must face his bosses - us.
I am not interested in hearing that Harper will have a migratory bird sanctuary in Israel named after him - nor am I interested in what sports teams he likes - or his woefully lacking musical talent - or that he and his wife like Pandas - we employ him to run the affairs of our country and to report to us on that.
If either Mulcair or Trudeau want the reins - show us what you're made of and restore our democracy.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Media and Harper both failing Canadians
Hockey is entertainment for many - a diversion from day to day responsibilities and woes. It is not - however worthy of the coverage it gets by our national media. Big Corporations make big deals daily - but the hockey rights sale is getting the coverage you'd expect from a story like a comet is going to hit earth.
There are many other interests for people who are not hockey fans or even zealots. There are other sports, there are plays, visual art, and writing/reading, music - to name just a few.
The serious stuff - the management of our country - the development and fostering of province to province relationships and country to province relationships deserves as much real journalistic time.
What happens to Don Cherry's commentary is really not that important in the life scheme of things and whether Rogers or CBC owns exclusive broadcast rights to hockey will not change natural resources policy or sovereignty issues.
For months now the Duffy, Wallin, Brazeau affair has been developing. This is a serious issue. There may be criminal repercussions, the destruction of democracy, the dismantling of the Senate. The complete mess seems to revolve around the PMO.
We already know that Prime Minister is not a great judge of character - his appointments speak for themselves - in his office, in his Cabinet, and to the Senate.
Why then - is it impossible for our national media to interview Harper on what's going on? The media have hunted down Mike Duffy and Rob Ford - but do not chase the PM around until he speaks.
Stephen Harper is a liar - he has proven that many times - so as he tries to run from the Senate scandal - he should be tracked down by the media corp and held accountable.
Programs like Power and Politics and Power Play are turning into the rumour mills and guessing game shows as everybody and their mothers are speaking about what Harper knew, thinks, and was involved in. Everybody that is except the man himself.
The national media has been neutered by this Prime Minister - and all without a word of protest. He dictates who can attend a carefully planned and managed news conference - he then dictates who can ask questions and how many they can ask. He no longer attends First Ministers conferences and treats Opposition parties like unelected pests. This PM has done more to erode democracy and interest in it - than any PM before him.
It is time that as much emphasis is placed on getting Harper to answer the media as is wondering what will happen to Cherry and MacLean.
There are many other interests for people who are not hockey fans or even zealots. There are other sports, there are plays, visual art, and writing/reading, music - to name just a few.
The serious stuff - the management of our country - the development and fostering of province to province relationships and country to province relationships deserves as much real journalistic time.
What happens to Don Cherry's commentary is really not that important in the life scheme of things and whether Rogers or CBC owns exclusive broadcast rights to hockey will not change natural resources policy or sovereignty issues.
For months now the Duffy, Wallin, Brazeau affair has been developing. This is a serious issue. There may be criminal repercussions, the destruction of democracy, the dismantling of the Senate. The complete mess seems to revolve around the PMO.
We already know that Prime Minister is not a great judge of character - his appointments speak for themselves - in his office, in his Cabinet, and to the Senate.
Why then - is it impossible for our national media to interview Harper on what's going on? The media have hunted down Mike Duffy and Rob Ford - but do not chase the PM around until he speaks.
Stephen Harper is a liar - he has proven that many times - so as he tries to run from the Senate scandal - he should be tracked down by the media corp and held accountable.
Programs like Power and Politics and Power Play are turning into the rumour mills and guessing game shows as everybody and their mothers are speaking about what Harper knew, thinks, and was involved in. Everybody that is except the man himself.
The national media has been neutered by this Prime Minister - and all without a word of protest. He dictates who can attend a carefully planned and managed news conference - he then dictates who can ask questions and how many they can ask. He no longer attends First Ministers conferences and treats Opposition parties like unelected pests. This PM has done more to erode democracy and interest in it - than any PM before him.
It is time that as much emphasis is placed on getting Harper to answer the media as is wondering what will happen to Cherry and MacLean.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
MHA Brazil's Oversight - another Red Flag
Tory oversights of which Dave Brazil owns the most recent must cause all people of Newfoundland and Labrador to pause.
In Canada right now we have a Senate mess that has some files referred to the RCMP, Senators repaying hundreds of thousands of dollars, the PM's former Chief of Staff cutting a personal cheque to cover Duffy (a Tory Senator), and hundred's of thousands of tax payer dollars spent to audit the oversights, omissions, falsehoods, half-truths, and possible criminal behavior of some of our Upper Chamber. The House of sober second thought has become the House of drunken spending.
Not too long ago we had Steve Kent apologizing on YouTube for his failure to achieve complete information on the Boy Scouts situation before commenting publicly about what he said were "facts".
Then there is the accidental expropriation of what has been called the entire community of Grand Falls - Windsor under the then Minister now Premier Kathy Dunderdale.
And who can forget the stream of MHA's led away in handcuffs for stealing from the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Peter Penashue fiasco still resonates in the Big Land. Oversight - Oversight - Oversight
So now we have Brazil who violated the Member's Code of Conduct apologizing for yet another OVERSIGHT.
So then ask yourself - is it it any way possible that there has been any oversight in this Muskrat Falls deal. Is it in any way possible that serious mistakes have been made and missed? In ten years will we be hearing yet again that it was just an oversight - I apologize.
Lack of an escalation clause in the Upper Churchill agreement was an oversight - how many billions has that cost?
And last but not least Bill 29 - The oversight Bill. Because we can't see things means Cabinet gets a future pass to claim oversight.
Sorry - there are too many red flags to proceed with this deal on Muskrat Falls.
In Canada right now we have a Senate mess that has some files referred to the RCMP, Senators repaying hundreds of thousands of dollars, the PM's former Chief of Staff cutting a personal cheque to cover Duffy (a Tory Senator), and hundred's of thousands of tax payer dollars spent to audit the oversights, omissions, falsehoods, half-truths, and possible criminal behavior of some of our Upper Chamber. The House of sober second thought has become the House of drunken spending.
Not too long ago we had Steve Kent apologizing on YouTube for his failure to achieve complete information on the Boy Scouts situation before commenting publicly about what he said were "facts".
Then there is the accidental expropriation of what has been called the entire community of Grand Falls - Windsor under the then Minister now Premier Kathy Dunderdale.
And who can forget the stream of MHA's led away in handcuffs for stealing from the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Peter Penashue fiasco still resonates in the Big Land. Oversight - Oversight - Oversight
So now we have Brazil who violated the Member's Code of Conduct apologizing for yet another OVERSIGHT.
So then ask yourself - is it it any way possible that there has been any oversight in this Muskrat Falls deal. Is it in any way possible that serious mistakes have been made and missed? In ten years will we be hearing yet again that it was just an oversight - I apologize.
Lack of an escalation clause in the Upper Churchill agreement was an oversight - how many billions has that cost?
And last but not least Bill 29 - The oversight Bill. Because we can't see things means Cabinet gets a future pass to claim oversight.
Sorry - there are too many red flags to proceed with this deal on Muskrat Falls.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Harper meets Homer - D'oh!
It's just as well Prime Minister Harper move in with the Simpson's and give Homer a hand.
D'oh!
Harper now has advised us lowly Canadians from his temporary political hide-out in South America - that he knows why Wright gave Duffy the cash. He says Nigel did it to reimburse taxpayers.
D'oh!
Jeez - how stunned are we - of course that's why Nigel did it.
Harper - the man that Nigel hid the payment from is now going to be perfectly upfront and honest about why he did the deed?
D'oh!
So Nigel hid the news from Harper because?
D'oh!
Nigel could not possibly know that it would damage his confident, his boss, and his friend?
D'oh!
Nigel could not see any problem with gifting a Senator as Chief of Staff for the Prime Minister?
D'oh!
Nigel could not see any problem with gifting him so Mike could repay the taxpayers before the scandal in the Senate worsened?
D'oh!
But we can all breathe a sigh of relief as the Prime Minister knows what was in the head of Nigel - and it was pure.
We can all breathe a sigh of relief because the Prime Minister started talking again - albeit under his restrictions - to the media.
Just as Homer would:
[Meeting the Media] Please don't eat me! I have a Chief of Staff, Cabinet, and Senators. Eat them!
D'oh!
Harper now has advised us lowly Canadians from his temporary political hide-out in South America - that he knows why Wright gave Duffy the cash. He says Nigel did it to reimburse taxpayers.
D'oh!
Jeez - how stunned are we - of course that's why Nigel did it.
Harper - the man that Nigel hid the payment from is now going to be perfectly upfront and honest about why he did the deed?
D'oh!
So Nigel hid the news from Harper because?
D'oh!
Nigel could not possibly know that it would damage his confident, his boss, and his friend?
D'oh!
Nigel could not see any problem with gifting a Senator as Chief of Staff for the Prime Minister?
D'oh!
Nigel could not see any problem with gifting him so Mike could repay the taxpayers before the scandal in the Senate worsened?
D'oh!
But we can all breathe a sigh of relief as the Prime Minister knows what was in the head of Nigel - and it was pure.
We can all breathe a sigh of relief because the Prime Minister started talking again - albeit under his restrictions - to the media.
Just as Homer would:
[Meeting the Media] Please don't eat me! I have a Chief of Staff, Cabinet, and Senators. Eat them!
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Peter Penashue provides Proof PM Lies
Stephen Harper is a liar. The question therefore is how often does he lie?
Second Stephen Harper is a poor judge of character. The question therefore is how many other rogue partisans have been appointed?
Lastly Stephen Harper is either corrupt or incompetent. The question therefore is how much will Canada lose and Canadians suffer before we determine which it is?
Newfoundland and Labrador just completed a Federal byelection. The election was precipitated by the resignation of Federal Cabinet Minister, Peter Penashue. He resigned due to significant election financing irregularities. These irregularities violated the law. They were serious infractions and had the potential of skewing voting results.
Mr. Harper addressing his caucus today said - in part:
Our Federal Accountability Act, the toughest accountability legislation in the history of this country, forever changed the way business is done in Ottawa. We have strengthened the powers of the Auditor General, toughened the office of the Ethics Commissioner, reformed political party financing, dramatically tightened lobbying rules and beefed up auditing and accountability within government departments.
Canada now has one of the most accountable and transparent systems of governance in the entire world and this is something Canadians are rightly proud of.
It
is also something, colleagues, that we can never take for granted
because, as I said, in fact as I said in the room across the Hall in the
fall of 2005 when we first pledged to bring in the Federal
Accountability Act, I said this: “No government will be perfect because
none of us are perfect. We cannot dream a system so perfect that no one
will have to be good.”
Therefore, just as we continue to toughen rules, we must also uphold a culture of accountability. And I know that the people in this room have. We have reduced our budgets and travel as a government. We are the caucus that finally bit the bullet and reformed the MP pension plan so that we will pay our fair share.
And I know that, like me and my family, you are scrupulous about paying expenses of a personal nature yourselves.
But, that said, let me repeat something else I said in that same speech in 2005 — and let me be very blunt about it.
Anyone – anyone who wants to use public office for their own benefit should make other plans or, better yet, leave this room. (emphasis added)
_________________________________
He had every opportunity to do that with disgraced Cabinet Minister Peter Penashue. Peter Penashue was handily defeated by Liberal Opponent - now MP - Yvonne Jones. After Penashue resigned, Harper continued to hold Penashue out as "the best MP that Labrador has ever had". Minister Peter MacKay visited the riding and informed voters that Peter Penashue was guaranteed a Cabinet post if he was re-elected.
Making the above all the more disgusting was Penashue's comments after his loss: "In my view Labrador lost".
So just a month has passed and Harper wants us to believe that he is disgusted with some members of the Senate and people in his own office.
Proof positive - Stephen Harper is a liar.
The Prime Minister wants Canadians and his caucus to forget all this and get back to more important business. After refusing to take questions from the media (accountability) - he dashed to catch a flight to Peru. Before boarding the place - he turned - smiled - and waved.
And Peter - well he has unknowingly provided proof that the Prime Minister lies. Either he was lying about Penashue or he was lying about his commitment to Canadians.
Second Stephen Harper is a poor judge of character. The question therefore is how many other rogue partisans have been appointed?
Lastly Stephen Harper is either corrupt or incompetent. The question therefore is how much will Canada lose and Canadians suffer before we determine which it is?
Newfoundland and Labrador just completed a Federal byelection. The election was precipitated by the resignation of Federal Cabinet Minister, Peter Penashue. He resigned due to significant election financing irregularities. These irregularities violated the law. They were serious infractions and had the potential of skewing voting results.
Mr. Harper addressing his caucus today said - in part:
Our Federal Accountability Act, the toughest accountability legislation in the history of this country, forever changed the way business is done in Ottawa. We have strengthened the powers of the Auditor General, toughened the office of the Ethics Commissioner, reformed political party financing, dramatically tightened lobbying rules and beefed up auditing and accountability within government departments.
Canada now has one of the most accountable and transparent systems of governance in the entire world and this is something Canadians are rightly proud of.
Therefore, just as we continue to toughen rules, we must also uphold a culture of accountability. And I know that the people in this room have. We have reduced our budgets and travel as a government. We are the caucus that finally bit the bullet and reformed the MP pension plan so that we will pay our fair share.
And I know that, like me and my family, you are scrupulous about paying expenses of a personal nature yourselves.
But, that said, let me repeat something else I said in that same speech in 2005 — and let me be very blunt about it.
Anyone – anyone who wants to use public office for their own benefit should make other plans or, better yet, leave this room. (emphasis added)
_________________________________
He had every opportunity to do that with disgraced Cabinet Minister Peter Penashue. Peter Penashue was handily defeated by Liberal Opponent - now MP - Yvonne Jones. After Penashue resigned, Harper continued to hold Penashue out as "the best MP that Labrador has ever had". Minister Peter MacKay visited the riding and informed voters that Peter Penashue was guaranteed a Cabinet post if he was re-elected.
Making the above all the more disgusting was Penashue's comments after his loss: "In my view Labrador lost".
So just a month has passed and Harper wants us to believe that he is disgusted with some members of the Senate and people in his own office.
Proof positive - Stephen Harper is a liar.
The Prime Minister wants Canadians and his caucus to forget all this and get back to more important business. After refusing to take questions from the media (accountability) - he dashed to catch a flight to Peru. Before boarding the place - he turned - smiled - and waved.
And Peter - well he has unknowingly provided proof that the Prime Minister lies. Either he was lying about Penashue or he was lying about his commitment to Canadians.
Take them by the scruff of their political necks and heave em out!
Somehow the Ottawa painted picture of Newfoundland and Labrador fishermen and stamps has become obscured by graffiti depicting overstuffed Senators with stamps and EI Referees doling money to the Conservatives.
My oh my and the right-wing fundamentalist Harper Cabinet would have Canadians believe that ordinary citizens are trying to bilk (Obtain or withhold money by deceit or without justification; cheat or defraud) Employment Insurance funds. There us some irony here, don't you think?
Take them by the scruff of their kiss-the-baby political necks and heave em out - is probably the best advice after a Victoria Day weekend filled with anything but Royal Protocol.
The Queen herself is being usurped as Senators and Senior Staff of the PMO flaunt their entitlements of riches whether the receiver or the giver.
Today comes word from the Canadian Press and CBC that many Chairpersons of the Board of Referees who adjudicate EI appeals are giving political contributions to the Conservatives both before and after their plum patronage appointment.
Now what chance does an unemployed have to successfully appeal a rejection by the EI crowd? How do we know if what plays into their demonstrated partisan and arbitrary minds when some poor soul seeks to collect a legal entitlement? How could we know? The perception of potential conflict is there - that's why there are rules.
Now Harper claims he wants to tighten up on EI claims and apparently quota's are attached to the catch. So what should an ordinary oilskin believe?
Well how about this little scunchion from the CP article
The government appointed John Buddy Wiens of Morden, Man., as a chairman of the EI referees board for the Winnipeg district in April 2008. Elections Canada records show Wiens made three donations — totalling $1,500 — to the Portage-Lisgar Conservative riding association in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
"No, I'm sorry. You got me," Wiens said. "I'm totally by surprise."
Rodney Balkwill of Brandon, Man., was named a chairman of the EI referees board in February 2009. Elections Canada records show Balkwill made a single donation of $250 to the 2011 election campaign of Conservative MP Merv Tweed.
It was Tweed's idea that he sit on the board, Balkwill said.
_________________________________
If you look at the mandate - a key phrase is obvious:
The Employment Insurance Boards of Referees (EIBR) function as a first-level, independent, administrative tribunal mandated to provide fair and impartial quasi-judicial hearings of appeals of Employment Insurance decisions. (emphasis added)
_________________________________
Donations to politicians both before and after appointments really squeezes the sticky filaments out of the quasi-judicial cucumber and leaves it more vulnerable to prey of the partisan.
And so the Harper Accountability Act continues as the three ring circus reaches new popularity. The addition of clowns, pigs, high-wire performances, and jugglers really seems to have caught the attention of the people. Everybody is just holding their breath for the next one to jump into the pool from about 50 metres up.
If Wallin, Duffy, or Wright had spent a week fishing the North Atlantic in a sea - I'd say they worked hard for their entitlements. But these pontificating buffoons should crawl back to the private sector and peddle their acts there. They should be joined by the Prime Minister - where his corporate buddies may hire him - but unlikely to really let him near projections.
Right now there should be an independent review of the "independent reviews" that were done for hard-working Canadians who were denied Employment Insurance.
My oh my and the right-wing fundamentalist Harper Cabinet would have Canadians believe that ordinary citizens are trying to bilk (Obtain or withhold money by deceit or without justification; cheat or defraud) Employment Insurance funds. There us some irony here, don't you think?
Take them by the scruff of their kiss-the-baby political necks and heave em out - is probably the best advice after a Victoria Day weekend filled with anything but Royal Protocol.
The Queen herself is being usurped as Senators and Senior Staff of the PMO flaunt their entitlements of riches whether the receiver or the giver.
Today comes word from the Canadian Press and CBC that many Chairpersons of the Board of Referees who adjudicate EI appeals are giving political contributions to the Conservatives both before and after their plum patronage appointment.
Now what chance does an unemployed have to successfully appeal a rejection by the EI crowd? How do we know if what plays into their demonstrated partisan and arbitrary minds when some poor soul seeks to collect a legal entitlement? How could we know? The perception of potential conflict is there - that's why there are rules.
Now Harper claims he wants to tighten up on EI claims and apparently quota's are attached to the catch. So what should an ordinary oilskin believe?
Well how about this little scunchion from the CP article
The government appointed John Buddy Wiens of Morden, Man., as a chairman of the EI referees board for the Winnipeg district in April 2008. Elections Canada records show Wiens made three donations — totalling $1,500 — to the Portage-Lisgar Conservative riding association in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
'You got me'
In a telephone interview, Wiens confirmed he made the donations, but said no one told him it was against the rules. He said he did not recall reading the section of the EI referees boards' handbook about political activities."No, I'm sorry. You got me," Wiens said. "I'm totally by surprise."
Rodney Balkwill of Brandon, Man., was named a chairman of the EI referees board in February 2009. Elections Canada records show Balkwill made a single donation of $250 to the 2011 election campaign of Conservative MP Merv Tweed.
It was Tweed's idea that he sit on the board, Balkwill said.
_________________________________
If you look at the mandate - a key phrase is obvious:
The Employment Insurance Boards of Referees (EIBR) function as a first-level, independent, administrative tribunal mandated to provide fair and impartial quasi-judicial hearings of appeals of Employment Insurance decisions. (emphasis added)
_________________________________
Donations to politicians both before and after appointments really squeezes the sticky filaments out of the quasi-judicial cucumber and leaves it more vulnerable to prey of the partisan.
And so the Harper Accountability Act continues as the three ring circus reaches new popularity. The addition of clowns, pigs, high-wire performances, and jugglers really seems to have caught the attention of the people. Everybody is just holding their breath for the next one to jump into the pool from about 50 metres up.
If Wallin, Duffy, or Wright had spent a week fishing the North Atlantic in a sea - I'd say they worked hard for their entitlements. But these pontificating buffoons should crawl back to the private sector and peddle their acts there. They should be joined by the Prime Minister - where his corporate buddies may hire him - but unlikely to really let him near projections.
Right now there should be an independent review of the "independent reviews" that were done for hard-working Canadians who were denied Employment Insurance.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Power of the People and Twitter being used to Oust Harper
A tremendous social media campaign is happening on Twitter.
The #pmharpermustresign hash tag is exploding and taking Canada Trends by storm.
This has lead to a petition to Oust the Prime Minister. The Petition is PRESS HERE
About 1 Canadian a minute is signing on.
This of course follows the resignations of Pamela Wallin and Mike Duffy from the Conservative Caucus of Senate and Nigel Wright as the Chief of Staff of the PMO.
It appears that Canadians may have had enough.
How long before the people of Newfoundland and Labrador do the same to Kathy Dunderdale and Co.?
It certainly has already begun.
The #pmharpermustresign hash tag is exploding and taking Canada Trends by storm.
This has lead to a petition to Oust the Prime Minister. The Petition is PRESS HERE
About 1 Canadian a minute is signing on.
This of course follows the resignations of Pamela Wallin and Mike Duffy from the Conservative Caucus of Senate and Nigel Wright as the Chief of Staff of the PMO.
It appears that Canadians may have had enough.
How long before the people of Newfoundland and Labrador do the same to Kathy Dunderdale and Co.?
It certainly has already begun.
Sunday, April 03, 2011
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