Repatriation of the Unknown Soldier and the Canadian Flag

 The repatriation of the Unknown Soldier should have been respectful of the soldier's life - given in valour as a proud serviceman of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. It was not. 

The Unknown Soldier of Canada was repatriated to this country in 2000 and lies at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. 

The Unknown Soldier's of Newfoundland service country can't be retroactively altered - else history is void of reality. He served, fought, and died under the Dominion of Newfoundland. 

As this was a one-of-a-kind event - Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces should have excused protocol to ensure that the respect owed this soldier and all the Royal Newfoundland Regiment soldiers under the Dominion of Newfoundland was shown. 

Local media in Newfoundland and Labrador could have and should have done more to probe this very unfortunate situation. Instead a basic question was asked and they simply repeated governments' narratives.

Politicians both federal and provincial did not stand and respect the Unknown Soldier and did nothing to protect historic accuracy. Instead they basked in the limelight and referred to each other as dignitaries. The only true dignitaries present for this occasion were the Unknown Soldier and veterans. 

The country of France has done more to preserve genuine historic remembrance.

Let's fully appreciate that Newfoundland and Labrador has Memorial Day on July1st. and has had since 1917. It is a day that was established to remember our soldiers and service members of the First and then Second world wars. Of course and naturally it now recognizes Newfoundland and Labrador service members who died while serving after Confederation. Remembrance Day in Canada recognizes Canadians who lost their lives. 

The media, government spokespersons, and the Canadian Armed forces expressing that since 1949 - on our entry into Confederation - meant that all those serving before confederation retroactively served under the Canadian flag is disrespectful and dishonest. 

Should we expect that Memorial Day will now retroactively be rolled into Remembrance Day and July 1st. will be no more - because we joined Canada? This is logically what they are saying when they demand that the Royal Newfoundland Regiment's Unknown Soldier's casket must be draped in a Canadian Flag.

When our media reluctantly asked the question of governments and received a response saying that the the Canadian Armed Forces "members are only authorized to carry a casket with the Canadian Flag on it. They are not authorized to carry another country's flag or that of a specific province." - more questions should have been forthcoming. Considering the uniqueness of this situation and that it would not be applicable to any other province - why wasn't protocol changed for special circumstance. One media source pointed out that Canadian Armed Forces personal - in official attendance at the repatriation - were for this one time permitted to salute during the Ode to Newfoundland. 

It is interesting to note the Canadian Armed forces change longstanding protocol on religious grounds - as an example when headdress should be removed during funerals - where religion forbids the removal of headdress, the soldier may breach protocol. 

It's hard for me to truly know how Premier Furey felt as he participated as "next of kin" for the unknown soldier but I can say that this soldier's actual next of kin at the time of his service and death, rejected Confederation. Part of the heavy and responsible role of a political leader - to act as surrogate for a family at any official event - is to be true to the family's feelings. Premier Furey was not. 

Whether it was an oversight or a fulsome discussion on the protocols was had - our Premier, Prime Minister, and the Canadian Armed Forces made a mistake. 

When Newfoundlanders and Labradorians called them to task - they attempted a poor spin job through the local media - and they failed. 

The Royal Newfoundland Regiment who served at Beaumont Hamel with almost a 90 per cent casualty rate were arguably some of the bravest souls of the war. 

It took little courage for modern day politicians to demand that the service be respected. 

It took no courage for the media to do their job and ask the tough questions. 

Because they were brave - I and others can speak our minds - on tough subjects. We can think independently without worry of being politically correct and we can challenge our politicians when we feel necessary. 

I like all my fellow Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are deeply touched by his repatriation. We are very grateful for his service and enjoy the benefits of freedom and peace. 

Lest We Forget

Rest in Peace  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Memorial Day

 

Memorial Day - We Will Remember

Memorial Day - We Will Remember

Memorial Day - We Will Remember

Reposted every year. 

July 1 is Memorial Day in Newfoundland and Labrador

On July 1, 1916, 801 members of the 1st Newfoundland Regiment fought in the Battle of the Somme and only 68 answered the roll call the next morning.

Newfoundland soldiers in St. John’s Road support trench, July 1, 1916.

Many a home has been darkened with the shadow of bereavement as the Casualty List, day by day has flashed across the ocean. The sympathy of the whole community has gone forth, both to the brave Lads’ who have suffered, and to their anxious and sorrowing relatives at home. The gloom of these dark days, however, will be lightened up by the glorious heroism, which the Regiment displayed, and the glory it has achieved both for itself and the old Colony which it proudly represents (Diocesan Magazine 124).

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians

May we work toward achieving better leadership, sound policies, a healthy and successful future; both socially and economically. 

May we use wisdom and determination to build a stronger democracy; use our common sense to prevent catastrophic mistakes, eliminate corruption, and give our beautiful place a fighting chance to make it.   

Somebody needs a hug and a hand-up - reach out to one of them. 

Remembrance Day

A Call to Arms - Remembrance Day

Arm yourself with peace in order that we can remember their sacrifice.

Arm yourself with courage so you may do what's right.

Arm yourself with humility so that you may truly serve.

Arm yourself with knowledge - then exercise your franchise.

 

LEST WE FORGET

Dwight Ball Leadership Campaign - Lies to raise funds

The original is signed - of course.... 



Dwight Ball Leadership Campaign
279 Portugal Cove Road
St John’s, NL A1B 2N8
Tel: (709) 753-1116 or 1-855-753-1116
Email: dwightballleadership@gmail.com
Website: dwightball.ca
September 4, 2013


Dear Members,
As you are aware I am seeking the position of Leader of the Liberal Party of Newfoundland and
Labrador. Since January 2012 I have been the Interim Leader and under my leadership we have
experienced unprecedented growth in our party.
Many of you are also aware that I have been a member of our profession for over thirty years and
understand the challenges you are facing as community pharmacy owners. In recent years you have
been the target of cut after cut. We’re now fearful that many of our independent pharmacies will
not be able to be financially viable in this environment.
Over the last eighteen months, I have rebuilt the Liberal Party by communicating with individuals,
associations, and small to medium size business owners. Through this open and frank dialogue not
only have we discussed many of the challenges that face our province but we’ve been able to
identify the solutions to many of these challenges.
As Premier of the province, I would continue the process that has produced the current success we
are experiencing in the Liberal Party. I believe that in many cases one solution is not the answer. For
example independent versus chain pharmacies, rural versus urban, are quite different and require
unique solutions to the complex problems. For that reason, it is extremely important that we
continue to meet with organized groups like the Council of Independent Community Pharmacy
Owners to identify individual solutions that work for your membership.
I look forward to working with your council and appreciate your support to my campaign. Together
we can set the course for the future of independent pharmacies and our province.
Sincerely,

Dwight Ball

Dwight lies for votes and lies for campaign financial support

 Then there's this little item he used to raise funds for his campaign.....

 Yes he lied all the way through.

He used this when the Liberals were trying to pay down debt.
He used this to get money for campaign.
He used local small independent businesses for his leadership campaign and last election.
He lied to them in person - he lied to them in writing - and he lied to them when he attached these commitments to a fundraising letter.



Dwight Ball Responses
Candidate Questionnaire -2013
1. If you become Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador would you commit to
negotiating a tariff and provider agreement with the Council of Independent
Community Pharmacy Owners on behalf of its 65 local independent pharmacies?
Yes
2. Would you commit to amending the Pharmacy Act to remove mandatory
membership of all pharmacists in the Pharmacists’ Association of Newfoundland
and Labrador? (It is voluntary in other provinces) Yes, I chaired the transition
committee to create the advocacy association for pharmacists, a voluntary
association was always the intent for the new body.
3. Would you actively work with the Council of Independent Pharmacy Owners to
develop cost saving initiatives for government that improve best health outcomes?
Yes
4. Would you take action to ensure that people residing in personal/long-term
private and public care homes retain the right to choose their pharmacy or
pharmacist of choice? Yes
5. How important do you rate a local independent business sector that has 100
million of investment on the ground and provides hundreds of direct jobs –
particularly in rural communities? (1-10) 7 to 8, I answer this by asking myself
this question, what would I do to attract and sustain a 100million industry? A
100million industry would be extremely important therefore the high priority
with my government.
6. How familiar are you with issues regarding independent pharmacy? (1-10) 10

Remember when Dwight Ball? Oh the lies he told.... he tells

Dear Owner,
In December of 2007 – Pharmacy Owners had their businesses threatened by a regulatory
change in the Pharmaceutical Services Act. Please review below.
Interchangeable Drug Products Formulary
Regulations, 2007
under the
Pharmaceutical Services Act
(Filed December 20, 2007 )
Under the authority of sections 19 and 52 of the Pharmaceutical Services Act, I make the
following regulations.
Dated at St. John’s , December 20, 2007 .
Maximum price
        5. (1) In accordance with section 23 of the Act, the maximum price listed for a drug
in the formulary shall not exceed the price listed for the same drug as published in the
formulary to the Ontario public drug program, plus an inventory adjustment fee set by the
minister.
             (2)  A guaranteed price submitted by a manufacturer under subsection 23(1) of
the Act which exceeds the price listed for that drug published in the formulary to the
Ontario public drug program does not comply with subsection 23(2) of the Act and that
price shall not, under the authority of subsection (1), be accepted by the minister as a
price at which to list the drug in the formulary.
             (3)  Where a guaranteed price submitted by a manufacturer is not accepted by the
minister under subsection (2), for the purpose of setting the maximum price at which a
drug may be listed in the formulary, the minister may substitute as the price for that drug
the price listed for the drug as published in the formulary to the Ontario public drug
program, plus an inventory adjustment fee.
           
Commencement
        7. These regulations shall come into force on January 1, 2008.

2
This arbitrary change would have resulted in a loss of revenues from the dispensary
equaling as much as 25%. It also raised a real concern with respect to the power of one
Minister to control our businesses with the stroke of a pen – with or without consultation.

At that time several business owners from around the province got together and planned a
strategy to delay or reverse this extremely negative law. It was decided that we
recommend the retention of Dr. Wade Locke to complete an Activity Based Costing
(ABC) study – which would demonstrate the catastrophic economic consequences of
enacting such a regulation. The Board of PANL approved this direction and that work is
moving forward.

It was also decided to produce an enabling document for government members – to assist
in their understanding of our enterprises and how such a change in law could severely
damage our investments and deter future growth and expansion in communities around
Newfoundland and Labrador.

While this paper was being produced several of us wrote and/or met with government
MHA’s and Cabinet members to request a delay in the implementation of the new
formulary pricing, These actions were successful and we received an additional 45 days.
From there we distributed the enabling document and further requested an additional 90
days in order to put in place a policy and legislative package for the government to
consider. During this time many of us met with or telephoned government members and
specific Cabinet Ministers to further advance our concerns. This resulted in a delay of
implementation for 9 months to January 01-09.

3
A cursory calculation demonstrates that these postponements have resulted in the savings
of 20 million dollars of revenues for our business operations.

Over this three month period many of us discussed the possibility of having an advocacy
group dedicated to community pharmacy owners. This is a concept which has worked
well in other jurisdictions and one we feel would protect against negative legislation and
assist in the development of new opportunities for our enterprises.

First let me state that we continue to support PANL as an advocacy group for all
pharmacists. This initiative is to separate the business component from the profession of
pharmacy as a whole. This new organization will be dedicated to community pharmacies
– as businesses that contribute significantly to the economy of our province.

The Council of Independent Community Pharmacy Owners of Newfoundland and
Labrador (CICPONL) is being established to expand government relations to include the
portfolios of Business, Innovation Trade and Rural Renewal, Human Resources and
Employment, and Finance. Our objectives are to:

1. Seek amendments to the Pharmaceutical Services Act and the Pharmacy Act
which – if adopted would see – formulary price changes (regulatory) become the
responsibility of the Lieutenant Governor in Council (Cabinet) instead of at the
sole discretion of the Minister of Health and Community Services. In this way our
financial concerns could be appropriately addressed to the Minister of Business
and other portfolios aforementioned – before a decision was taken that would
reduce our revenues. As it stands now the Minister of Health and Community

4
Services runs our dispensary and for all intents and purposes is the only individual
who can accurately project our revenues.
2. Seek amendments to the audit process resulting in procedural fairness and a more
accurate reflection of our receipts. Many pharmacy owners have expressed
concern over both the length and method of the process.
3. Develop government relations in a way which addresses all aspects of our
investment and growth potential. Over the coming few years the role a pharmacy
plays in continued health and wellness in our communities should expand and
provide positive investment opportunities for our businesses. This new Council
would seek to meet with Ministers at least twice a year to advance and promote
our role in delivering health and wellness objectives while achieving savings for
government.
4. Develop media relations focused on the objectives of the pharmacy as a
community partner in health and wellness and demonstrate the significance of our
enterprises in employment growth and stability – especially in rural areas –
investment and rural development – and the pharmacy’s role in finding
efficiencies in the health care system. To this end we will issue regular News
Releases and when necessary hold a News Conference – and we will appear each
year before the budget consultation committee. Last week the NLMA made public
concerns regarding the cumbersome process of special authorizations for
prescription drugs. We would in future speak directly to issues which impact our
client base directly.

5
5. Research and compile information demonstrating trends in the business of
pharmacy from all jurisdictions while developing our own for presentation to
government. This includes participation at the federal level. As pharmacies are
anticipated to expand services over the next decade to reflect the changes coming
in healthcare delivery we must be prepared to protect the investment required by
owners to achieve these transfers of responsibility.
6. Develop a mentoring program for individuals who wish to operate a pharmacy
and develop tools and common practices for those already in the business.

It is important to note that other professional sectors have already separated business
operations from their professional advocacy – most notably the Newfoundland and
Labrador Construction Association. While engineers and trades-people have their own
professional associations – if they are also business owners the NLCA speaks for them on
matters of business.

It is important that government recognize that as business owners – albeit in a regulated
profession – we will protect our investments and seek to find areas of growth while
remaining profitable. The tendency has been to restrict us to the portfolio of Health and to
ignore the other contributions we make to the economy.

In the past pharmacists for the most part were all business owners and as such one
association sufficed to advocate for improvements and growth in our sector. Today we
represent only 1/3 this number seems low of the PANL and therefore objectives have
necessarily changed to reflect that percentage. These changes have also been reflected by
the formation of associations for pharmacies operating as part of a chain.

6
Currently we have commissioned the development of a legislative and policy package to
be delivered to government by July 07-08. This action is being taken to allow
government time to review and discuss with us an alternative to the proposed formulary
changes. It will also outline other concerns aforementioned and include options for
government which would see the expansion of our services while allowing cost savings
for the Department of Health and Community Services.

A meeting to review the draft documents will be held with pharmacy owners toward the
end of June. Further details should be available of the exact date and location over the
next couple of weeks.

We are also drafting a constitution – mission statement – and membership forms as we
move forward to formalize this Council of pharmacy business owners. We look forward
to your participation and trust you will find this initiative positive for the health of your
enterprise both in the short and log-terms.

For further information please contact:

Wayne Morris

Robert Doyle

Phil O’Keefe

Dwight Ball

Acting Board of the Council

A Call to Arms - Remembrance Day

A Call to Arms - this Remembrance Day

Arm yourself with peace in order that we can remember their sacrifice.

Arm yourself with courage so you may do what's right.

Arm yourself with humility so that you may truly serve.

Arm yourself with knowledge - then always excercise your franchaise.

 

LEST WE FORGET

2018 - shiny and new - filled with dirt and betrayal

2018 will be an interesting year. In some ways it's already been that.

I look forward to new challenges and some open discussion about the leadership of our Province and the lengths to which some politicians will go to cover-up their dirt.

Sometimes - we all go through times of muted thought. Sometimes we try to protect innocent people from political carnage - only to find out they too are up to their necks in it.

In Newfoundland and Labrador - getting perks from politicians means you have to do some work for them. This is the kind of work that they want to keep their hands clean while at the same time entrap (maybe should use a different word) those doing their dastardly deeds.

The perks can range from contracts to recognition of some sort. In each case it is something that the person they use - wants very badly.

Friend - 1 : a person who has a strong liking for and trust in another person. Merriam Webster's Dictionary

This is always the most difficult. 

In life you have to trust sometime - but as we get older we know that trust is usually broken as lobsters crawl up that barrel. 

Special friends - those who have been a part of your life for period of time - possess the ability to hurt you - if you let them. Sadly this is also a learned lesson. 

There are those who remain - as few as that may be - and they are in for the long haul. 

It is however a fascinating study of human nature - so to speak. 

So this year shall be the year of exploring such individuals. The politicians will be easy. Others more difficult - and others will be litigation. 

There are difficult subject areas to be explored. 

1. Opioids and Addiction - and the real human fall-out for innocents and their families,
2. Muskrat Falls - how to keep the ball rolling even after it has been deemed a "boondoggle" 
3. How to get a politician to fall in line
4. The Justice system and how it continues to be corrupt on so many levels
5. How politicians get others to do their bidding - on the dirty stuff
6. The Me Too phenomenon and what the Liberals might need to clean up
7. On the way to becoming the Premier and staying there
8. Could some of the tragic murders in our province been avoided and the fall guy or gal
9. Conflicts of Interest and how they are effectively covered-up
10. The political choices we have and whether a new choice is needed  

Then there are surprises - those who you started off distrusting - actually proving to be trustworthy.

Be cautious of who is holding your quarters because as soon as they get four quarters they will change them for a dollar.      

Alexis A. Davis

More Breaking News

Puerto Rico as you have all probably heard by now - is essentially bankrupt - on fiscal life support - in need of massive bailout. It is considered impoverished.

Newfoundland and Labrador on the other hand is designated as a "have province". That puts us ahead of the provinces collecting equalization.

 In the 2017-2018 year, the following provinces will receive equalization payments:

• Quebec ($11.081 billion)  (please note this amount) program designed to suit them.
• Manitoba ($1.820 billion)
• Nova Scotia ($1.779 billion)
• New Brunswick ($1.760 billion)
• Ontario ($1.424 billion)
• Prince Edward Island ($390 million)

Back to Puerto Rico

Outstanding debt: 70 billion
Population: 3.4 million
$20,588 per person 

Unemployment 10%

Newfoundland and Labrador
Outstanding debt: 13 billion
Population: 528,000 
$24,621 per person

Unemployment 15%

This does not include the 13 billion dollar boondoggle Muskrat.

Both Puerto Rico and Newfoundland and Labrador see migration to the continental parts of their countries - both permanently and for temporary work.

Puerto Rico and Newfoundland and Labrador are losing population.

Puerto Rico's aging demographics are much healthier than Newfoundland and Labrador's 

We must also consider that Newfoundland and Labrador receives as all provinces do - transfer payments for programs such as health and education not so much for Puerto Rico.


There is a three-pronged problem here.

The first is the understanding or lack thereof of the Equalization program. I have discussed this briefly in a previous post.

The second is that even the reasonable or equitable (to some degree) parts of equalization - leaves us essentially bankrupt because although we have the resources to generate tax, royalties, revenues - we have mismanaged the resources so badly that what equalization considers we should generate from resources - we don't actually generate from them. (oil revenues unfair part)

The third problem is the absolute ignorance deliberate or otherwise of our politicians - refusing to actually understand the mess we are in.

And these same people continue to permit spending on Muskrat Falls.

The people of Puerto Rico just like the people of Newfoundland and Labrador love where they live and want to stay. However both jurisdictions are likely to see significant migration to their respective "mainlands" simply to survive and thrive.

Note to Labradorians - my use of the word "mainland" does not refer to you. I recognize the difference.   



 

Dwight's Muskrat Feast of deception

Last night was a spectacle to behold. Dwight Ball's Muskrat dinner was something to forget - if we could.

First let me thank some of the media for tweeting the latest Liberal Party function. Last night was a show of support for Dwight Ball by the party - thereby connecting themselves fully to his disastrous performance on the job.

From a media perspective - any journalist who is willing to portray that what the public (used to be naysayers, partisans, and conspiracy theorists) wants is an Inquiry is ignoring the so-called longstanding opposers to the project.

The indigenous people want the project to stop completely and they want specific material on the North Spur.

The longstanding opposers to the project want and are demanding a forensic audit now.

I believe most want the project to stop until an audit is complete so as the people can review all options for Muskrat Falls.

There is a strong belief that there is corruption, incompetence, straight up lies, hidden information, and incomplete data - regarding the project.

VOCM's question of the day - treats the public as if they got what they wanted with the announcement of an Inquiry. Then it encourages the public (based on that false assumption) to say what they want to find out from an Inquiry. Table #8 was Steele Hotels.

Then there is the permanent speaking note for Ball. "It's too late to stop it now". Then couched in - if I could I would tomorrow. Dwight Ball is just lying here. He uses Stan Marshall to back him up - so that he won't be responsible for that decision.

An Inquiry is going to review a project that will destroy us economically. An Inquiry is like reading a postmortem report. This is not what's going to get us out of this fiasco.

Next thing Ball's managers do is craft a little bit of we will get our way out of this through a new relationship with Quebec. In plain language - we are going cap in hand - completely vulnerable - to a savvy hydro giant to seek help. It means we are giving something else away. 

Unbelievably but yet so - the amateur drafter of the speech must have been told that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are so gullible that if we throw in a Donald Trump reference - it will dissuade the discussion of looking at new political options. It must have taken Dwight's administrators some time to get him to understand how he could use the "specter" of "populism".

Finally let's look at the forum used to make such an announcement.  Ball did not look to the media for live air-time to talk to the people and present factual data on why the project cannot be stopped or why an Inquiry is better than a forensic audit. He did not use a live appearance to explain why doing a forensic audit now and then being guided by those results to look at options - one being an Inquiry is not the right choice..

So Ball decided - or it was decided for him (he does not make decisions) that a Liberal Party fundraiser was to become a de facto branch of government that can be used when necessary to conduct government business. This is not an issue for the party - it is an issue for the province and her people. This was a disrespectful, idiotic, arrogant and despicable choice of forum.

As $500 a plate meals were served to those thriving off Muskrat - Ball thought he was talking to the people? No he was simply reassuring the corporate elite that despite what the people want - the project would continue and a forensic audit would be avoided right now.

All in all this was a kick in the face to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador - and Ball does not mind being used to do this.

Dwight Ball lied last night. Dwight Ball lies all the time.

After he takes his knocks for this - the Party will present an alternative to his leadership - so they can carry on. 

As for Siobhon Coady - her absence from all these "decisions" is an attempt to preserve her for another term.

Why Dwight Ball is doing this? I'd have to really look at who he is indebted to and for what. I can assuredly and confidently tell you he is a liar.

A.C.T.I.O.N versus philosophical discussion

The combined collection of material from those opposed to Muskrat Falls is starting to become a file that ends up on a shelf to collect dust.

There are enough reasons to demand the immediate shut down of the project and the immediate start-up of a forensic audit.

This will not be accomplished through this blog, any other blogs, tweets of discontent, letters to the editor, or calls to a radio program.

The only way to accomplish this is to provide new leadership - now. The coming together of people for a common goal - regardless of their past political stripes or non-stripes.

Being right is not a happy place right now. Many of us were right in our past assessments of Muskrat Falls. It is actually miserable to be right and will remain so until some real change occurs.

Dwight Ball - Danny Williams and the elite making a killing off this project and have thick skin with respect to keeping this "boondoggle" going. 

They do not fear repercussion - Danny's already out of politics and Dwight will soon be. The Corporate elite just want to keep taking our money and the money of our kids and grand-kids and great grand kids The debt, the burden, and the mess will remain long after they are deceased from old age - unless we stop it now.

A - alliance of like minded people
C - coordination of action required
T - target the politicians who want to be re-elected
I - imminent understanding that they will be thrown from office at next election
O - onslaught of activities designed to raise awareness and participation
N - network with people from all around Newfoundland and Labrador

I like George Murphy - always have. Right now he is encouraging all of us to write the PUB to protest the Hydro proposed increase. It is an action and it will be felt - however this will not rid us of the burden - it will simply shift the debt from the ratepayer to the taxpayer. We need action to rid us of Muskrat Falls and do what we can to mitigate losses.

So the day of action is here. Who is going to stand up and join with others to provide leadership and a future for Newfoundland and Labrador?

The taxpayers of Newfoundland and Labrador cannot afford the burden of a 30 billion dollar debt. This is what successive governments have done to us - and we are allowing it.

Demand the immediate cessation of Muskrat Falls until a complete forensic audit and financial investigation is complete on the project to date. Then we can look at what alternatives and choices we have. Anything short of that is philosophical discussion that nets us nothing more than an historical record of misery - just like the Upper Churchill.  

Apathy and disorganization - a politician's dream

So much is known now about the Muskrat Falls fiasco - that even with the information we do not have - we know we've been had.

The perplexing question is how do we stop it?

Dwight Ball, Danny Williams, and those making fortunes on our bankrupt backs are counting on 2 things.

The first is apathy and the second is disorganization.

Let's talk about apathy. In the last CRA Poll of "decided" voters the Liberals held 40%, the PC's held 33%, the NDP held 24%, the Labrador Party 2% and the Greens (not a provincial party) held 1%.

Now the reality is that the undecided/refused was 43%,  therefore the Liberals have support of 22.8% the PC's have support of 18.8%, the NDP have support of 13.6%, the Labrador Party have support of 1.1% and the Greens have support of .57%.

Part of this can be attributed to apathy and that suits the politicians just fine. Despite their protestations that voter participation should be higher - they are doing nothing really to entice those who either are sick of politicians or those who could care less.

Next we get to disorganization - a large chunk of that 43% undecided/refused are people who want to participate - but are so fed up with the big three choices that they can't commit to anything. They are also discouraged by the improbability that any new or marginal party would stand a chance.

There are twitter and blog trolls whose job it is to discourage active democratic movement - by simply saying things like "that won't work" "can't be done" "extremists and naysayers" etc.

Politicians are currently comfortable that this is all it will take to keep a real democratic movement from going forward. Why are they comfortable? Because the opposition to them is disorganized.

We have talented bloggers, intelligent tweeters, backroom experts, and call show gurus. They come from varied backgrounds and have personalities that are as diverse as you can get. They certainly have enough wherewithal to begin a new political movement. They could form a Cabinet that would make the current crew and the PC's before them look like rank amateurs.

For the most part - these people - many of whom have had political affiliations in the past - do not put Party in front of Province. They will take aim at the real issues and let rip.

The government (regardless of which one) will attempt to take some of them out with political appointments or engage them in another way to diminish the pool of articulate opposition.

In Quebec and other provinces - political movements are seen as advantageous and are encouraged. In Newfoundland and Labrador we have oodles of political minions who will take great pleasure in knocking them down. They don't have the capability to take them down on wits - so they get involved in name calling like "naysayer", "partisan", and/or "conspiracy theorists".

The other favourite pastime in Newfoundland and Labrador is to turn one of these people who oppose government against another who opposes government. This is done subtly - someone who knows someone says this about someone. You know - I'm sure you've all heard it. Then there is the politicians go-to,  try and negatively impact the life of one of their antagonists. Yes - they do this - all the time.

The not-so-subtle approach is to just have a number of minions go beyond the normal types of insults and question a person's sanity - publicly. They also bring out "experts" to try and downplay the findings of a blogger - regardless of the validity.  This public approach is also designed to deter others from becoming involved.

This is what we are dealing with. This is real.

Until the bloggers, the Tweeters, the backroom experts, and the call-show gurus (unofficial opposition) get together and plan some real action under real leadership - Muskrat and every other fiasco will continue.

We won't have a province left - but thanks to social media we'll have an historical account of the opposition.

Through the eyes of a 1 year old

Ode to Muskrat

20 years have passed.

What is the place you lived in Mom and Dad?

The place with all the dirt bikes, bog bikes, and snowmobiles.

The place you went trouting and the dory you caught cod from.

The place you could walk for miles in the woods and see all the moose, rabbit, caribou, and partridge.

The place you picked your blueberries and bakeapples.

The place where people took care of people and always had a friendly smile.

The place with all the towns that had funny names.

The place with the whales and icebergs.

The place with beautiful beaches and miles of marshes.

The place I learned to ride my bike and where Nanny and Poppy were from.

The place where we cut our Christmas tree and you cut wood for the fireplace.

Where is that place - Mom and Dad?

Well, the place didn't survive long enough for you to live it.

For that we are truly sorry.

We were too busy enjoying the last spoils - to stop the corruption, theft, and waste of our tremendous resources.

Triple D - Danny's and Dwight's Dominoes

The title includes both Danny Williams and Dwight Ball - as Williams started the Muskrat mess and Ball seems determined to finish it.

The domino affect for Newfoundland and Labrador of this disastrous, ill-conceived, potentially corrupt project is astounding.

1. the astronomical debt burden on taxpayers and ratepayers
2. the questionable engineering to date on the project
3. the unquestionable loss of population that will occur
4. the unquestionable decimation of disposable income for a significant percentage of people
5. the unquestionable destruction of small/medium sized businesses relying on disposable income
6. the unquestionable increase in unemployment (already at third world levels)
7. the unquestionable reduction in essential services - as government seeks to find savings
8. the unquestionable increase in poverty - particularly seniors on fixed income and children
9. the unquestionable rise in taxation that will have to be introduced should energy subsidies occur
10. the unquestionable giveaway of more resources to try an offset 1-9 above

This project will be successful as the driving factor for out-migration and those remaining will have to shop at Costco or Walmart to survive - thereby eliminating and NL or even Canadian company existence.

Many of our abnormally high aging population will be left here as their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren move to more economically stable province, States or countries.

Rural Newfoundland and Labrador will be decimated at a greater pace. 

Health care, education, and social safety nets will not be maintainable at today's level - let alone advance.

Crime, drug addictions, and suicides will - in my opinion - be on the rise.

Meanwhile the fat-cats will be enjoying the wealth attained through the destruction of our province.
The fat-cats don't care - for the most part that's why they're fat-cats.
More seniors homes and long-term care will be needed as they cannot live at home with assistance from their children (who are gone) - yet there is no money to do this.

As younger taxpayers/ratepayers leave Newfoundland and Labrador the taxation and revenue needed to fulfill debt obligations will be shared among fewer people.

This is the catastrophic position we are in.

Ball - for his part - will not stop Muskrat and conduct a forensic audit and truly examine all options. Muskrat has consumed him and many of his colleagues. Ball - instead - will hold out on making a decision - any decision - as is his norm. This will cost us - our province.

Williams is running around complaining about infrastructure St. John's is "unfairly" imposing on him - and taking potshots at Dobbin - another "leader" of the business community.

Ball's biggest concern about seeking leadership, winning leadership, seeking elected office as the Premier - is whether or not the Townie big corporate community would accept him and take him seriously. He is working extremely hard to win their approval.

In my opinion - Williams for his part is unwilling to accept criticism - of any type and will parade around like a litigation happy snapping turtle.

The current crop of MHA's and. Ministers are primarily incompetent as it relates to policy areas such as energy, education, and health - to name but a few.

The government backbenchers are as probing as our media was during the Muskrat cheer-leading days.

The Official Opposition is in free-fall having promoted and backed the Muskrat fiasco - including Kent who opportunistically found another source of grand public servant pay - as leadership hopes or return to Ministerial  prominence was fading like the caplin stock. Leadership potential is about as good as chicken left on the counter for 2 days.

The NDP is nowhere in sight - as it finishes its dismantling to start anew. Now that the union workers have completed a fair chunk of the Muskrat fiasco - it might be okay now to throw out a few jabs.

The Danny dominoes were lined up when the Liberals took power - and the dominoes are now falling quickly after Dwight pushed the first one.

As I said in my last post - time is NOT on our side.

Beware Gull Island and Dwight Ball and 40 cent power

I read with interest the latest post on Uncle Gnarley's Blog 

MUSKRAT WILL DESTROY UTILITY SYSTEM IN 2020

This guest feature by PlanetNL certainly has no problem getting our power rates to 30 cents - even while using conservative estimates. 

As Sue's blog has pointed out many times - population - is and has been a real problem since the Fisheries Moratorium.  That one disaster cost our province at least 100,000 people  between the 1992 and now. It was the destruction of a resource fundamental to us being solvent and growing. 

The PlanetNL feature has not yet accounted for that part of the problem. 

30-35 cent power does not yet include the out-migration - that will absolutely grow exponentially as power becomes unaffordable.It does not yet include the significant numbers of those who will move to fixed income status as our population ages abnormally - without offsetting numbers of babies and youth. 

None of the soon-to-be pensioners have a plan that accommodates 4 or 5 times increase in power rates. None of the government administered programs such as CPP or the OAS were designed to deal with this runaway price on an essential such as power. 

Any attempt by government to subsidize those on low fixed incomes means that those taxpayers/ratepayers left will be subject to even more expense. 

Small to Medium size businesses - not in the industrial sector - will be unable to pay the electric bill without passing it to a consumer who cannot afford to pay it. 

I expect the next installment from PlanetNL to contain pretty catastrophic projections for cost of power as the author includes some of these other factors into the equation. 

I won't say I look forward to reading it - but I look forward to seeing real data and realistic projections finally coming to the fore. We as a people are closing our collective eyes - holding our breath - as we await the boom about to fall directly on top of us. It is likely to suck all the goodwill, hope, and trust out of us as we try and find a way to save this place from complete devastation. 

How do we fix this?

Well as a province that has the 4th largest utility in the country and the second largest underground power station in the world - and possessing first class natural renewable and non-renewable natural resources - we also - unarguably - have had the worst management of those resources.

To fix this - we must stop Muskrat Falls now. We must show the fortitude necessary to withstand corporate leeches who will be up-in-arms that their undeserving gravy train will end. We must conduct a forensic audit and use all the legal tools necessary to rid ourselves of the Emera deal. 

Finishing Muskrat and continuing on with this fiasco means we will have to give away our remaining resources - rightfully belonging to our future generations - to simply stay afloat. Pushing this out is not an alternative. 

This is going to need read leadership, guts, and tenacity. This is going to require a wholesale change in our thinking and if the current politicians will not do it -They must be told to get out of the way.  

Stan Marshall - who has some qualifications for success in the sector (primarily in regulated utilities with reasonable guarantees of profitability) has been of little value here as:

1) he failed to replace some executive in Nalcor,

2) he remains in an otherwise (government exempted) conflict of interest situation with his personal interests in competing entities. 

3) he failed to report existing reports in a timely manner

4) he has not demonstrated the extreme due diligence needed right now (does not know enough about independent contractors) 

5) he has failed to call for a forensic audit despite the red flags

6) he is not engaged enough to make Nalcor his only and first priority

The entire executive of Nalcor must be replaced and we must name a new Board of Directors. The government must stop Muskrat Falls immediately and bring in forensic auditors. When that is completed - government must review all options and lay them on the table for the people and then utilize a referendum on those choices. 

In the coming months we should expect to see government trying to bail itself out with a new potential regarding Gull Island. Do not let them explore touching this asset until we have decided a complete course of action for Muskrat. They will GIVE AWAY another resource if we let them. 

This is a time when we need all our people to pull on the same oar and use our brightest minds to seek a solution - not based on 4 year elections and inadequate solutions. 

Right now Dwight Ball is not engaging with all such people. He is playing a political game with lots of spin to save his political hide and whatever else he may be engaged in. 

The Corporate Muskrat world  is working hard to find a suitable replacement for Ball - should he not be able to continue to deliver for them while maintaining the ability to be reelected. 

The MHA's in the House of Assembly had better buckle down and demand answers and become at least somewhat educated on hydro-power and our history. As it sits now they are woefully ignorant of the situation we are in and possess no ability to fix it.

Do you want a future for your kids and grand-kids in Newfoundland and Labrador? If so speak now. 

Either Newfoundland and Labrador will return to being a wonderful place for all of us to live and raise families in or it will remain a playground for the super-rich to extract more personal wealth from. 

Time is not on our side. 

When I see the media focus on the Dobbin/Williams racket or the where's Costco game - I acknowledge we are have a tough road ahead and the odds of us surviving are pretty minuscule. 

Onward we go.

So you thought Tom Marshall was one of the good guys?

In May of 2012 Tom Marshall (Minister of Finance) called Open Line - on that day hosted by Pete Soucy.

During the course of that discussion - which was about prescription drug costs - he waded into Muskrat Falls and their reasoning for it.

For a couple of reasons - I purchased a text copy of that call  - and now it will serve as good reminder for us all.


TOM MARSHALL: So we're putting money in to ensure that our seniors, the people on the 65 plus program are protected and of course the big one of all is going to be Muskrat where we're trying to regulate electricity costs. So, and we'll continue with you know, with things like that to ensure that people on fixed incomes and lower income people are protected.

In this response to a drug program related question - he began to wander into Muskrat Falls. You can see he is addressing seniors and protecting them from higher cost electricity?

TOM MARSHALL: Well you go to remember that Muskrat Falls is for us. It's for the people of the province. Muskrat Falls does not exist primarily. The reason for Muskrat Falls is not to export power, that's why Churchill Falls, the Upper Churchill came into existence. You know, it was done by a profit seeking corporation and their objective was to make money. Muskrat Falls is for the people of the province, it's being done by Nalcor which is owned by the people and it's being done to provide electricity - to meet the electricity needs of the people of the province primarily. We're going to need power here on the island, we also want to shut down Holyrood because that's the most expensive power we have that goes into the grid. And you know, at peak production they're burning 18,000 barrels a day. When they started, I think a barrel of oil was $3. Now it is $103. So - and our experts tells that the price of oil is going to continue to rise and Holyrood produces electricity by burning thousands of barrels of oil. So that's what's been driving up peoples electricity costs. That's why Newfoundland & Labrador Hydro has gone looking for rate increases, it's all because of - or mainly because of the increases in the price of oil. So we need more power and we need to get off Holyrood. In addition, Labrador is going to need a lot of power. There's all these mining companies that want to open up mines in Labrador you know, in the iron ore.

I hope you read each and every word of his next response. Try and get your head around this fiction from just 5 years ago.

Then he adds:   

TOM MARSHALL: And uranium -they're going to need a lot of power. So when we first talked about doing Muskrat, the idea is that the extra power we'd say, well rather than let the water flow down to the sea, we can at least take that extra power, that surplus to our needs and through this maritime link that Nova Scotia is going to build, at least we can sell that extra power, that surplus power to the US market or NB or NS or PEI. But now what we think is that won't happen for very long because ultimately the power is going to be needed in Labrador.

I truly hope the people of Labrador are reviewing this.

There is no doubt I had an interest in this and could not believe the words I was hearing.

I was not the only one who wanted a copy of this that day. You'll probably be surprised when you find out - given the current day affairs. 

Congratulations Paradigm Hyperloop

Yesterday was a tremendously exciting day for some post-secondary students from Newfoundland and Labrador.

It was also a day that made our people truly proud of our youth and their innovation.

As their website describes: "We are an international team of students from Northeastern University and Memorial University of Newfoundland & Labrador who have come together to make the Hyperloop concept a reality. We aim to prove the viability of air based levitation for use in high-speed applications by building a prototype Hyperloop pod capable of reaching 200mph."

This SpaceX competition is a very big deal and young men and women from this province were in the thick of it.

The SpaceX founder is none other than Elon Musk - who you might recognize as the founder of Tesla Motors. Tesla was the first company to mass produce electric cars. Musk was on site for the final competition.

Our team, Paradigm Hyperloop, made the final 3 in the competition and they with 2 other teams one from Germany - the other from Switzerland - put their prototype through a "speed test". These three were chosen from 25 teams from around the world earlier.

Yesterday the speed test happened and Paradigm Hyperloop Pod hit a speed of 101 km/hr on a 1 mile vacuum track!

This beauty will no doubt play a role in the ever-changing, thirsty world for high-speed mass transportation. 

The technology is fascinating and solid.

For people with mechanical and design interests press here

Air bearings for low-friction levitation was exclusive to the Paradigm Hyperloop Pod - and clearly it worked.

The Warr team from Germany won the speed test hitting 200 km/hr - thereby taking first place in the competition.

The Paradigm pod was second in speed - but as with all innovation - they all finish first.

The dedication of these young people to compete at such a high level and perform under great pressure is remarkable and should be recognized.

It also should be noted that this team was very thrifty and managed costs well. While there were sponsors both at the public and private sector level - what they produced for so relatively little is amazing.

These young adults are to be congratulated for this outstanding achievement. They no doubt will move forward with successful careers.

As this post is dedicated to excellence in innovation - I won't sully it with politics.

Next post will deal with that. 

Continuing to fail our children

At what point do we - as a society - say - enough?

The history of child abuse in Newfoundland and Labrador is horrific.

The cover-ups at Mount Cashel, the inordinate number of times we witnessed "systemic failure", and the constant stories of our children being battered, tortured, molested and traumatized by foster parents, parents, priests, relatives, and strangers.

These precious little people, innocent, without a voice, without protection from society.

Pedophiles in every position of power and authority - having their pick of victims.

Please have a look into the sweet faces of one of your children, grandchildren, your niece or nephew - and try to imagine a so-called human-being harming them.

These predators need to go to prison and go to prison for a long time. Yet many of them are walking among us - they are living life freely as they take a child and crush their trust, their innocence, their life.

The "system" designed to protect them has failed over and over again.

It is time to terminate the employment of adults who through negligence, incompetence, or reprehensible lack of caring,  allow these atrocities to occur.  

It is time to create a fail-safe system.

Clearly policies and legislation have failed.

The voices of adults speaking out against, racism, gender bias, and inequalities of all sorts are strong, united, and get the attention of media on a daily basis. Yet virtually the only time we hear the voice of a child who is a victim of abuse is after the crime has been committed - and usually it is after multiple occurances.  

A 12 year old girl impregnated by her adult caregiver twice and twice having an abortion!

If we can't do something to prevent this - then we are not fit to be called an advanced society.

Grown men - pretending to be boys - stalking young girls on the internet for their twisted pleasure while the community and family want to add that otherwise they are good people? 

Little children being murdered by a parent - to spite another parent? Yes people this is the type of garbage walking our streets.

So politicians and bureaucrats - get your collective act together - and make certain our children are protected.  

Fish policy, energy policy, forestry policy, health policy, tourism policy, education policy can all be damned if we cannot first find a way to make our children safe.

We have had Inquiries, reviews, panels of experts, and promises.

Enough of that crap - protect the children of our province. If you can't step aside, quit, hide your head somewhere out of it.

If a child is failed by the system - fire the system.

It is rather difficult to focus on all the economic turmoil, corruption, and boondoggles of our province when 12 year olds are whisked into a room for impregnation by an adult caregiver.

Does this turn your guts? It should. Please join me and demand a resolve to this. Let no other child suffer like this again.

No more excuses. 

Marshall fired and Ball on Notice?

Muskrat Falls is a boondoggle.

This is not from Captain Obvious Marshall - this is from those who predicted the problems with the contemplation of the deal and development going back to 2006.

Stan Marshall was hired to act as a CEO - his shareholders are the people. While Stan is used to dealing with very wealthy shareholders - right now he's been charged to deal with all of us as shareholders. As such we should be treated like shareholders of a publicly traded company and he should be seeking to maximize our investments and stop boondoggles with our money.

As we learn from Uncle Gnarley's post this morning - the latest executive choice to gamble or hedge $1.82 billion of public (us being the shareholders) money - did not fare well. 

I wonder if we spent let's say 65 million (equivalent to what we lost) on the USA Powerball, currently standing at 650 million, would we fare much better. 

We are losing our province and our youth to this mess and yet we carry on. We hope sometime in the future to have a public inquiry of the failure? Really? Are we completely mad? 

We have not been privy to much truth on Muskrat Falls and Nalcor/Government continues to keep us in the dark on this complete and total failure of a "project".

We have transmission towers here there and everywhere - little signs on the highway sprinkled like salt in our wounds - telling workers where to turn off on the Muskrat Highway for the latest erection of metal. 

A forensic audit needs to happen today, not tomorrow, not next week but today. 

The findings of that audit need to be publicly reviewed. 

Then we need to look at all our economic and legal options as it relates to this province.

These options must be vetted in full - transparently to shareholders. 

Then we need a referendum. 

Will we stop and use the asset another way? 
Will we stop completely?
Will we proceed with re-opening contracts and renegotiating our position?
What are the potential legal obligations of any of these actions?
What are the potential legal obligations if a forensic audit finds corruption, malfeasance, lies, deceptions, and or fancy accounting? 

Now that we've started to play lotto 649 with our money on hedge-bets - why not take a chance on gambling to find the truth?

Sitting here and saying let's have a public inquiry when this mess is completed is insanity. Let's foreshadow this choice.

100,000 seniors sitting in the dark - if they want to eat that is - trying to follow an Inquiry via snail mail? Seniors and low income families unable to afford the internet, power, telephone, or television - will be shouting out to their neighbours to see if they heard from one of their kids or grand-kids on the mainland watching our public inquiry? 

Wake up and shake yourself off. 

We cannot now or ever afford this project and that's notwithstanding the real possibility that the structure may fail. 

If the dam does not fail - will the transmission system?

Who are we finishing the project for?

1. Not for the ratepayers of Newfoundland
2. Not for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador
3. Not for required power
4. Not to eliminate Holyrood
5. Not for industry in Labrador

Then who?

1. Galway?
2. Nova Scotians?
3. The corporate elite making billions?
4. Emera?
5. Hydro-Quebec?

So Dwight Ball and Stan Marshall - do your job for the people and the shareholders respectively. Stop this project until it is thoroughly reviewed by a forensic audit and a public inquiry - NOW. 

As for this latest finance disaster on the hedge bet - we don't need a forensic audit or inquiry. Fire the executive of Nalcor and put Ball on notice. 

Our only choice may be greater than Liberal PC or NDP in 2019. 

As for Nalcor gambling in the "futures" market. That is what they have failed at consistently since 2006. Our future.   

Meanwhile we are charging grandmothers and journalists for trying to have a peek?