Dunderdale Spin does not add up!

Nothing worse than waking up in the morning - and hearing Premier Dunderdale on the CBC Morning Show discussing how we - the people - will thank her in time.

The Premier and Co. really believe we are ignorant - almost beyond hope - and she like any concerned parent will guide us through the haze.

This patronizing drone is worse than annoying and condescending - it is dangerous.

If Dunderdale believes she must parent us versus serve us - then she is delusional.

The latest spin from DJ Reid is the low polling has nothing to do with Muskrat Falls. The Premier - as the "point" person of the party - claims the absolute collapse of the polls has to do with laying off 1000 people.

First - the destruction of faith in this government began long before this budget. Second - it absolutely has to do with Muskrat Falls as more and more information has been coming out by opponents to the deal. Finally the fact that Don Mills of CRA and the Premier are protesting too much - that it is absolutely NOT Muskrat Falls.

I say that it absolutely is Muskrat Falls and the damage to the party fortunes initiated shortly after the last election - when the deal was discussed in greater detail.

The Dunderdale government has spent a fortune getting study after study produced to verify that Nalcor and government are right on the development. Unfortunately it is becoming more and more obvious that the "independent" reports paid for by Nalcor and Government (us) were restricted and essentially mathematical recalculations of the sums already provided.

The government and/or PC Party did an untold number of polls (unreleased) on the subject and only released one when they eked over a majority of the population. The poll itself could be challenged - but that's a waste of time - as historical data on weak support exists - else the exercise of advertised brainwashing would have been a waste of money.

In my opinion - the greatest fear of Kathy and her handlers is that Muskrat dissent will become more vociferous in light of the disastrous poll results - and they might actually be politically forced to stop it.

The 5 or 6 people/corporations standing to actually make a tonne of money here will do anything to prevent that from happening.

There is no way a government polling this low can justify spending $24,000 for every child - woman - man in Newfoundland and Labrador - on one project - during one term in office. 240  - hundred dollar bills for us all - not a chance.

Spending at one time an equivalent of more than our debt - accumulated since 1949. Over 60 years - of spending and debt - Dunderdale wants to do for one project.

Considering the Premier and her government are clearly in third place of three - and considering that she and her Ministers and Backbenchers believe the poll has nothing to do with Muskrat - why not hold a referendum on Muskrat? What does the Premier and her government have to lose?

The people deserve a clear and specific say on the expenditure of this much money and particularly because it's a hydro resource.

The truth is plain to see - the people of this province are afraid of this deal - afraid of the impacts - afraid of the future ramifications.

Imagine the polling results if Dunderdale and Co. had done the honourable thing and funded opponents of the deal to present equally funded research and associated public relations and advertising for the findings.

The Muskrat Falls development must be stopped.

Poll results demand a Referendum on Muskrat

So the polls are reflecting the REAL feelings on Muskrat Falls, deficits, cuts, social policy on health and education.

Jerome Kennedy is says "they are taking the poll seriously" - really?

Kennedy adds that they will stand by the decisions they have made on cuts and Muskrat Falls - really?

Kennedy, Dunderdale, and Co. reflected not long ago that the most recent election victory was a ringing endorsement of the Muskrat development deal. Despite the millions in brainwashing attempts and hiding results of earlier polls on the issue - they celebrated not long ago that a majority of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians finally agree with the deal. Really?

The poll results are low enough now that the Tories are not governing with any moral authority. The poll results are a reflection of people beginning to understand the Muskrat giveaway will cost their children, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren a fortune. The polls are a reflection of the peoples utter disgust with policy and laws of secrecy. The polls are a reflection that people despise the incompetence and false arrogance of this regime.

So Minister Kennedy is really saying to hell with the people - we will do as we want - when we want. The real strength of the backbench is now being displayed as they sit idly by - not really knowing what to do.

Minister Kennedy is acting as if - we - the people are opposing counsel and he will fight us with the best he's got. Unfortunately Minister - you don't have the right stuff - to win this battle. The Court of Public Opinion has spoken - you have lost the case. Appeal if you dare - my guess is - you will lose that also. When the Supreme Court of Public Opinion speaks - the precedent will be set. Dunderdale, Kennedy and Co. will probably achieve a feat of Mulroney proportions - they will have wiped out the PC Party in Newfoundland and Labrador. Perhaps Ross Wiseman can pull a Peter MacKay.

A conclusion should be made by the people that NOW is the time to stop this government from proceeding further with the Muskrat fiasco. Stop it now while only 10% has been spent. This project can be halted in its tracks and the only ones who''ll be crying are the 5 or 6 people/corporations that are actually going to make serious money on this sell-out.

We have not passed the point of no return on Muskrat - but the PC's have passed the point of no return with the people.

Try to be honourable ladies and gents and call a referendum on whether the project should proceed.

The stench which is SNC Lavalin is pleasantly perfumy when compared with the smell of sewer gas spewing from the decomposition from within.

There is no reason for any administration to continue a project like Muskrat when they have lost the confidence of the people. If the government continues with this now - it's not for the benefit of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

I do not like Green Eggs and Kale - I do not like them Dunderdale

With apologies to Dr. Seuss
With grave concern for the future of our place.

So which is it Premier Dunderdale? Stop or Go?

The Tories - under the leadership of Kathy Dunderdale - are likewise swimming in circles like a goldfish on its last fins.

Which way Premier - they must ask - this way or that?

What to do Premier - they must ask - stop or go?

What to say Premier - they must ask - we agree or disagree?

Do we like Green Eggs and Kale ?

Do we like them Dunderdale?

Do we like them with a Tweet - do we like them extra sweet?

I do not like Green Eggs and Kale - for I am the floundering Dunderdale.

Do we like them in the House?

Do we like them with a Mouse?

Do we like them from a Can?

We must ask the Ross Wiseman.

Do we like them with Facebook?

Do we like them down the Lane?

Do we like them with a Kent?

Do we like them with Gin and Collins?

I do not like Green Eggs and Kale - for I am the floundering Dunderdale.

Not in a dory! Not on the dock!
Not on Facebook! Dunderdale! Let me be!
I would not, could not, in a tweet.
I could not, would not, with a skeet.
I will not eat them with a Kent.
I will not eat them down a Lane.
I will not eat them here or there.
I will not eat them anywhere.
I do not like them, Dunderdale-I-am.

BUT WAIT

WE do so like
Green Eggs and Kale!
Thank you!
Thank you,
Dunderdale.


Now as fickle as this may seem - after listening to the Premier and her legion of speakers - regarding Twittergate - nothing can be taken seriously.

That is the most serious problem we have. Just stop and think a minute - these are the people responsible for the Muskrat Falls deal.

Loblaw's - Dunderdale Government - What's Up?

Loblaw's just announced that it will be "buying" Zellers prescription files from 95 locations from across the country - excluding Quebec and British Columbia. The deal is worth 35 million dollars. This move is a result of the Target acquisition of Zellers.

First of all these are individual patient files and individuals in Canada have the right to CHOOSE the pharmacy they wish to deal with. Secondly - I would hope that each of these patients will be contacted to see if they WANT their prescription transferred to Loblaws.

Of course this is just a tip of the iceberg and what's hidden beneath is very cynical.

Most of you are aware that provinces in Canada are making legislative moves to lower generic drug prices through regulation. On the surface this appears like a good thing for the consumer - but is it?

To date the greatest impact of these changes have been to devalue - marginalize - and make vulnerable independent pharmacies in the country. For the record - independent pharmacies are the most trusted pharmacy  model and are renowned for personalized care and for the willingness to move into or establish in areas that do not have massive populations.

The Shopper's Drug Mart's - Loblaw's - and Lawton's of our marketplace are all waiting for these independents to become vulnerable so that they can consolidate the marketplace. The comments below found in the Canadian Business publication confirms this for the non-believer.

TORONTO - Shoppers Drug Mart Corp. (TSX:SC) is bracing for a profit squeeze from more reforms to generic drug sales next year, but also plans to seize the opportunity to buy out independent pharmacies that are even more vulnerable.

"It's the company that's absolutely best positioned to take advantage of opportunities that are going to (result) from drug reform and other macro trends in the Canadian market," Domenic Pilla, the new president and CEO of Shoppers told analysts on a conference call Wednesday.

Brad Lukow, Shoppers chief financial officer said the full impact of drug reform on Shoppers earnings has not yet been felt.

Legislative reform has yet to take place in a number of provinces, and a second phase will be implemented in Ontario and B.C. in April.

The new changes will expand the cheaper prescription regulations to cover all patients purchasing pills, either out of pocket or using insurance plans.

"That's the negative," he explained. "The positive is, we firmly believe there will be a strong opportunity delivered by drug reform that will allow us in a greater way to be a consolidator of the marketplace."

_________________________________________________________

This consolidation or any consolidation may be good for business but may not be good for the consumer - the patient. Once all the "consolidations" are complete what will we be left with? Well in rural areas - the reliance will be on drugs being delivered by mail - without a pharmacist or pharmacy you can visit in person. In inner-city neighbourhoods where many vulnerable individuals live - transportation will become a problem and worse the ability to make special arrangements for credit or to get the personalized service of help with compliance or accessibility forms will disappear.

Of course once the mass retailers get control of the pharmacy marketplace - prices will go up - way up. Let's take Loblaw's or Sobeys the consolidators of the food marketplace - have they achieved lowering the prices of your food?

When we had a local bread maker the Loblaw's and Sobeys of our marketplace offered 59 cent bread - now that that local manufacturer is gone and the jobs with it - how much is your bread?

If one looks closely at the Loblaw's - Zellers story they will notice the revelation of the new marketing strategy of the retail giant.

"Our goal is to be the number one nutrition and health destination in Canada," said Michael Lovsin, Loblaw senior vice-president, health and wellness.

"We feed more Canadians than any other grocery retailer in the country and with this comes responsibility to help them make healthier food and lifestyle choices. Our pharmacy business plays an important role in this effort." 

________________________________________________________

So the deal is come to us and you can eat well and buy our drugs. 

If that is the claim - then Loblaw's will not hesitate to allow governments to regulate the food prices - as they are doing with prescription drugs to ensure that Newfoundlanders and Labradoians have the cheapest prices for food in the country right? They will not hesitate to reveal manufacturer rebates for groceries and give them up to ensure that all people can AFFORD healthy food - right? 

This grocery giant as with mass retailers like Shopper's and Lawtons rely on their front store - the cosmetics, the groceries, the paper goods for 50% or more of their revenues whereas an independent relies 90% on the dispensary for revenues. The more they get price reductions for drugs the more food, televisions, and makeup they sell. 

Ultimately they are using your health care as a loss leader. Governments are showing either extreme ignorance or are knowingly complicit to accommodate the wishes of the stock markets. 

At a time when our population is aging and the need for disease management escalates - programs designed to deliver medication and disease management will suffer the loss of these independent pharmacies and the collaborative care practices they have developed.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has ignored the advice of 65 local pharmacy owners and the advice of Dr. Wade Locke - that before any radical changes are made to generic drug pricing - a thorough review of the potential consequences should be completed and a made in Newfoundland and Labrador solution is developed. 

On April Fools Day once again - Newfoundland and Labrador will jump headfirst into Upper Canadian based policy that will destroy our front-line health services - destroy local business - and once again throw rural Newfoundland and Labrador under the bus.

Newfoundland and Labrador pharmacy owners will not allow this decimation and will fight to protect the health care rights for the people they serve.

Patients in other areas of the country and in the USA are fighting the Walmart and Walgreen type presence and have supported a model of care that has been in our province for 100 years. 

These chains and retailers have only been here for 30 or so years and have done their best to lobby government to do their predatory work for them. To the credit of our people - they continue to stand behind their local pharmacy and the superior services and commitment to patient/community - they have always provided. The question is where does your MHA sit?

Next up - the mysterious NDP position that ultimately supports multinationals and turns away from rural local business and professionals - to the detriment of your health care.

Dunderdale a Bully and a Bluff

There are two things I can be certain of with Premier Dunderdale; first she will bully her own people and local business and she will cower to Ottawa and national/multinational corporations.

Today in the House of Assembly and on some "we dont' debate on Twitter" tweets our Premier attacked the official opposition and the nation's third party for failure to stop the closure of the marine rescue sub-centre. Meanwhile she - as the leader of the Government and her federal choice for Parliament are actually failing to prevent this closure.

Dunderdale looked weaker today than she ever has, huffing and puffing her misdirected steam at Opposition MHA's while the girth of the bobbing heads on her backbench grew.

Dunderdale is afraid of Harper and afraid of big corporations - on the counter side our Premier has no problem roughing up locals like fishermen, local businesses or municipalities.

As a big fish in the little sea - she is all powerful - aggressive - punitive - and threatening.

As a little fish in the big sea of Canada - she is gutless - timid - weak - and afraid.

Premier Dunderdale will take on local bloggers with a gusto - she will demean Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who dare to challenge the Muskrat Falls fiasco - including former political leaders, energy experts, lawyers, environmentalists, and academics. On the other hand she bows down to the knowledge of Premiers, business leaders, and experts from other provinces and pretty much kisses the feet of Stephen Harper. The Prime Minister who has mistreated this province and lied to its people and leaders - gets more respect and decency from Dunderdale than she shows her own constituents - Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

You Ma'am are a disgrace. You Kathy Dunderdale are a bully and a bluff!

Dale Kirby and Terry French - Who has a REAL job?

 

Last Wednesday in the House of Assembly Dale Kirby asked Terry French a question regarding legislation on replacement (scab) workers. French responded in a manner not becoming a Minister but very telling of his own character. 

Here is the quote:   

MR. FRENCH: Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is referring to a couple of incidents, but the hon. member has two jobs, as we all know here in the House, and he is an academic in his real job. So, Mr. Speaker, to speak to him being an academic, I would like to challenge him to read some of the work that some of the academics have done throughout this country and throughout the world, and he will quickly discover that there is a great divide on the usefulness of replacement worker legislation... 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

As many of you already know - I am not always in agreement with Dale Kirby - however I respect his profession and his work. 

Currently Dale Kirby is the MHA for St. John's North and that is a REAL job. In the past and at present Dale Kirby does not NEED to be a politician to be gainfully employed. It's not likely the best gig he will ever have. That is refreshing to a voter. 

You on the other hand Mr. French are looking like a career politician more and more each day. That is a problem. How and why did you go into politics? If you were in Opposition today - what else would you be doing? 

You Mr. French want the people of the province to provide you with a job and pension as a politician. This is not so good - particularly when you consider the situation of public service pensioners. In my opinion Mr. French - this is the best gig you will ever have and that is worrisome.

Bullying, Lying, Cheating, Abusing Power - Our Leaders

To lead people, walk beside them … As for the best leaders, the people do not notice their existence. The next best, the people honor and praise. The next, the people fear; and the next, the people hate … When the best leader’s work is done the people say, ‘We did it ourselves!
Lao-Tzu

Which category do you believe our Premier and our Prime Minister would fall under?

Parents teach their children:

Not to lie - Do our leaders lie?

Don't Bully - Do our leaders bully?

Do not Break the Law - Do our leaders break the law?

Do not Cheat - Do our leaders cheat?

Listen to Others - Do our leaders listen?

Do not Abuse Power - Do our leaders abuse power?

As we review the values we have taught or are teaching our children - do we worry that we are setting them up for failure? It is clear that our leaders do not practice these basic principles and yet they have risen to the top of our society.

Go American all the way Harper, Toews, and MacKay

Vic, Peter, and Stephen want to be treated like Canadians - while they treat Canadian citizens like Americans. Not On!

Tell Vic Toews Everything was a social media revolt opposed to the Minister's proposed bill to give a free reign of investigation to law enforcement on ordinary Canadian Citizens. The online surveillance bill contained things that even the Minister was not aware of.

Putting aside for a moment that Toews should have resigned his portfolio based on his ignorance - Toews should have been prepared to come under extreme scrutiny by ordinary Canadians not used to this type of police state power.

So Toews, Peter MacKay and Stephen Harper are pushing an American agenda down our throats - the only problem is they don't want American back at them.

Toews was offended at his opponents taking cracks at his personal life and making public information - so public.

MacKay was offended by Canadians who questioned his privileged vacation flight from the Gander river - courtesy of Search and Rescue.

Harper is never really offended by anything - his steely blue lyin eyes reveal that his is a purpose of delivering the goods.

MacKay is a traitor - straight up - lied and almost single-handedly delivered the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada to the Reformers. He either is a straight-up liar or he was purchased to pay off debts accumulated during his campaign to lead the federal PC`s.

Toews and his public temper tantrum over the public release of public information is laughable - and I will tell you why. Mr. Toews and his gun slinging government are looking to breach the privacy of law abiding Canadians without so much as a warrant. At the same time they have killed the gun registry and are seeking to put more people in jail (tough on crime). What follows from here is in Stephen Harper's private little world - where his buddies seek to establish private prisons to be filled with non-violent offenders. Yes you and I will pay for the maximum security detail and the "entrepreneurs" will take the rest. Problem is they don't know if they have enough to fill their proposed private jails.Easy fix - put everybody in jail for a joint of weed.

So Mr. Toews, Mr. MacKay, and Mr. Harper - you want us to treat you like Canadians. Stay out of your private lives - be polite and not talk about your little indiscretions - while you get to treat us like Americans. Sorry - that's not how it works.

From now on I want to see ten years of your tax returns, I want the full deal on Toews and any others the same way the American people got to do the job on John Edwards. Let me see now John had affair with a household staffer and broke elections rules - fair game from now on Mr. Toews - you got the Canadian beat right out of me.

Peter Mackay - I want to know all about you and all the other girls every detail and I'd like to see what would happen to you in the USA if you let's say betrayed the Republicans and merged with the Libertarians. As for Harper - he is much more American that Michael Ignatieff ever was or could be and he will pay the piper.

In the Prime Minister's case we get to know about his last colonoscopy and whether or not he has polyps. what type of treatment he received, how the operation went - and the prognosis.

You people are a joke - you want to shove the stars and stripes down our maple leaf throats then be prepared for absolute scrutiny of every aspect of your personal lives. 

And while we are going American - please allow the American naval fleet to deal with foreign fishing trawlers. They'd be willing to call a war on that issue.

Opposition Parties seek Opposition Movement

The opportunity is there for the Opposition parties in Newfoundland and Labrador - to make a difference.

The people of this province are upset that Muskrat is being rammed down their throats by people who are drunk on power and obsessed by it.

The people of this province are upset that the Auditor General is once again being hindered - leaving us to wonder who is making and how they are making decisions on the expenditure of billions of dollars.

The people of this province are upset that the Public Accounts Committee has not met in public for 6 years despite the fact that each party had at least one MHA taken off to a prison cell for criminal behavior regarding the use of public funds.

The people of this province are upset that Chief Justice Green's report on the whole mess and accountability has been essentially trashed - while each party points fingers here or there.

The people of this province are upset that kissing up to Stephen Harper by a weak Premier has resulted in continued cuts by the feds. When they are not cutting they are increasing costs for people travelling on the Island's Trans Canada Highway - the Marine Atlantic Ferry.

 The people of Labrador need a highway - a real highway before the Island based government strips yet more valuable resources - in return for temporary employment.

The people of the province are upset that industry continues to downsize or close - paper mills and fish plants.

The people of rural communities are upset that they are being forsaken for the temporary wealth of St. John's Metro from non-renewable offshore resources owned by the feds.

The people of this province are upset that Search and Rescue and Fisheries science are being diminished and tinkered with - like we are second class participants in (Con)federation.

The people of this province are upset that shipbuilding is not king in Newfoundland and Labrador. 

The people of this province are upset that speaking out against a policy of the DunWill government may mean personal consequences. (This is the same crew that were hyped on Whistle Blower legislation) Ha ha ha ha.

The people of this province are upset that Vickie Kaminski seems to spend more time apologizing for continued incompetence, errors, and trouble with our health care system - than doing what she was employed to do - clean it up.

So what then are the Opposition doing?

While Michael is noticeable and relevant on some Health Care issues - they are traditional core NDP positions and do not require a great deal more than repetition. The caucus has one wanna be leader who appears to fancy himself a Jack intellectual. He definitely has the arrogant bit down and definitely believes that people look way up to him.

The Liberals remain fractured with some hoping for a Messiah and others believing they might have a leader already. They might - but that leader must demonstrate it. He must - above all - lead; that's going to take competent and willing staff - exceptional research and then ultimately standing for something.

As a result they are all waiting for the people to cause the opposition they need - in order that a partisan bandwagon may form.

This is exactly what Len Simms was the beneficiary of when the Power of the People took it to Clyde on privatization.

Right now it appears that Opposition members wait for some event organized by a labour group, professional body, or by like-minded citizens and then ask to be invited.

There are some journalists in the province stepping up to the plate and many well-known public figures are weighing in. Ordinary citizens who are not currently consumed by fear that speaking out will make them a "target" of government - are doing their part. The only problem for the Opposition parties is that - as yet - they have not come together.

The opposition parties appear frustrated that there is no pack to follow - so they take a wait and see approach. Right now - we need courageous Opposition members and leadership - in the same way we needed it during the Upper Churchill fiasco.

There is no doubt that Premier Dunderdale is out of her league as it relates to open public debate and therefore hides behind her power.

There is no doubt that decisions are not being made using the best possible information as Dunderdale's government hides behind a curtain and thwarts established processes such as the PUB.

There is no doubt that the Dunderdale government utilizes the skills of a human resource like Ross Reid to control messaging and democracy.

There is no doubt that fear is the optimal choice of persuasion when your mouth can't utter an informed position.

There is no doubt that arrogance is rampant within the regime and that most backbenchers are puppets - hanging on to the best gig they will ever get.

There is no doubt that the PC's claim that all who oppose them are partisan naysayers - is weakened everyday - as more and more well known Tories fall among the aforementioned group.

Right now - sadly - it also appears there is no doubt that the Opposition parties are seeking an opposition movement - that they can follow.

As I write this - I know from experience that all of them would just like me to shut-up. Let's see what punishment they dish out this time. Or as Ches Crosbie may put it - how are they planning to piss on me at every opportunity - when I'm not in the room.

I can assure the reader that the seals are leaving more than cods gutless. Keep clapping and flapping.

The BIG Muskrat, Fish, and Rural LIE - Dunderdale and Marshall come clean!

The death of Rural Newfoundland and Labrador - understated, avoided, shrugged off as pessimism.

The talk show hosts always say - it is happening all over - everywhere in Canada.

Randy Simms has gone through great pains as he contorted this reality.

How about this Newfoundland and Labrador:

Rural Ontario has grown in numbers since our confederation and year over year; rural Ontario has grown in number equal to our population.

In 1951 Rural Ontario = 1,300,000
In 2006 Rural Ontario = 1,800,000

Between 1991 and 2001 - the fishery collapse
Rural population of Newfoundland and Labrador declined by 18%.
The rest of Canada during the same period - average loss of .5%

Did that 18% and subsequent losses all move to St. John's and surrounds? NO.

Population of Newfoundland and Labrador 1991 = 579644
Population of Newfoundland and Labrador 2001 = 522033
Population of Newfoundland and Labrador 2003 = 518520
Population of Newfoundland and Labrador 2010 = 509739

During the seventies and eighties as we developed our power assets for electricity - our population was hovering around 580000 people.

Couple that with the massive loss of industry over that period to now and you will conclude that power requirements are not going to go up in the manner that Minister Marshall suggests. Add the fact that most things are more energy efficient now than in the seventies.

This is a farce.

The Muskrat Falls deal is for the Tories to say we are creating jobs. Temporary - unsustainable jobs. Jobs that will cost our grandchildren billions of dollars.

One big LIE!

Are you willing to have your grandchildren suffer the same fate as you and I did under the first big LIE - the Upper Churchill?

Say NO!

The Lower Churchill Project could lead to loss of Sovereignty

Sovereignty you question? Yes Sovereignty!

Unfortunately we voted ourselves out of complete independence when we "joined" Canada. However there is still this little small item remaining that of a province.

You and I have listened to musings of creating one Atlantic Province called Atlantica. Many business people and some politicians have really entertained this.

From a business perspective - many elite billionaires dream about the super province wherein the resources of Newfoundland and particularly Labrador can be stripped from this geography and delivered to Nova Scotia and New Brunswick for processing and wealth. A corporate dream that would see Newfoundlanders and Labradorians flock to work in the Maritime region - leaving the province with no specific purpose other than camps of workers to extract resource after resource and the power to fuel industry will come from Labrador and delivered to the new Maritime business mecca. Almost like Great Britain when it sent fishermen for a season but would not allow settlement.

If you cannot imagine this - then you could not have imagined we would give up our Dominion status and sell-out to the mighty Canada. But - it did happen.

Since that time we have not enjoyed steady population and industrial growth - rather we have had decimation of resource after resource - and the decimation of our rural communities and population of youth.

We have seen naive politicians make deal after deal with global corporations - that always placed the needs of our people last. We have never enjoyed full benefit from any resource we have exploited.

Our history is in the fishery - but the fishery is almost dead - this after turning management over to Ottawa. This was a renewable resource - a food basket of the world - now it is a just a fraction of what it once was. Remember in 1992 it was only to take 10 years to recover - where is that recovery? Where are the 40,000 people it took with it? Where are the communities? Where are the fishplants? Disgrace!

Then there was the mines - the great wealth of minerals - hauled out truck by truck ship by ship train by train to be processed elsewhere - taking the high paying jobs and skilled workers with it. Communities stripped of their wealth without an heritage fund - left with nothing but a polluted place. Disgrace!

Our forestry - almost stripped bare - and then as we finally forced reforestation and sustainable harvesting - we lost the industry it fuelled. Two paper mills gone. Discrace!

Lastly our power - the tremendous Upper Churchill potential lost to generations of our people - nothing to show for it - not industry - not jobs. Where parts of Labrador continue to rely on thermal generation and not an aluminum smelter in sight. 5000 mw's fuelling the Quebec economy and fuelling Hydro-Quebec the most powerful of power companies. For years losing equalization based on revenues we could not even collect.

Now Dunderdale and the Tories feel compelled to export another block of power - this time subsidizing it for Nova Scotia and others - while not delivering this power to all of Labrador - and not one MW for industry in the Big Land. Dunderdale claiming she is willing to listen to real arguments opposed to the Emera giveaway - but as Danny would say "nothing could be further from the truth". Dunderdale drilling down with due diligence so she may be all over a file - she does not have a real clue about.

Tell me something Ms. Dunderdale - who or what is the Atlantica Centre for Energy ?

What of the description:

The Atlantica Centre for Energy is an industry association dedicated to the sustainable growth and economic development of the regional energy sector. Originally centered in southwestern New Brunswick, the Centre's board has expanded to include leading energy professionals and national professional services companies in Maine, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador and Ontario.
The Centre serves as a bridge between corporations and the community to help realize the opportunities associated with the energy sector in Atlantic Canada and the American Northeast. It provides a meeting ground for government, the education and research sectors, and the community at large to foster partnerships and engagement in energy-related issues and policy development.

Who is benefiting from power found in Labrador? Why would that be fuelling an Atlantica vision? How is it we benefit by creating wealth outside our province?

How about their vision for the Lower Churchill found HERE

I can tell you this Premier Dunderdale and Cabinet - what you are doing with the Lower Churchill will make the architects of the Upper Churchill look like patriots to this province and her people. Are you that naive - or are you that involved?

Again I remain amazed at the PC members so willing to become part of this - the worst giveaway in our history - the day we sold our province.

Dunderdale's ready to Separate from the Canada?

The Telegram has a very revealing story today about Dunderdale's position on the Marine Rescue Sub-Centre.

Below is a couple of paragraphs from the Telegram article.

Dunderdale mused about the possibility of assuming responsibility for the service, even though she lamented "downloading" it onto the province.

She noted that on fishery enforcement, research and other issues the province has already assumed duties that were traditionally federal responsibilities.

"We have to take on more and more of what are really federal responsibilities, you're right it's downloading and it puts more pressure on our system," she said. "I wish that we didn't have to do it, but you've got to weigh it off, in how important is it to the people of the province?

Now let's examine what the Premier is saying. Her point is the Federal Government is not going to live up to jurisdictional responsibilities so the people of Newfoundland and Labrador will have to pay for it.


The Premier points out that fisheries enforcement and science have now been taken on by the province and if we are to have marine rescue services we will have to pay for that. I hope she is not forgetting the Rails to Roads fiasco where we gave up the train - everybody else continues to enjoy - and we did so without any money for maintaining a new roads system which - because of a massive increase in truck traffic - costs us astronomically more. (ruts) (ruts)

As for the management and ownership of our fishery - which constitutionally we gave up under Confederation - we are now going to pay for the mismanagement, lack of science, lack of enforcement, that has killed entire communities and cost us 40,000 people.

Now we are left with a failed fishery and failing plants - which we will fund or compensate for because the feds won't deal with the fact that their mistakes are now costing us over a billion a year!

What's next Kathy - if the feds downgrade Marine Atlantic again - are we going to take over that?

So our new Premier uses this negotiation tactic:
If you won't pay for it - we will - and we will shut up because we want a loan guarantee for a project that would put us in debt - without proper return potential? We won't get a loan guarantee unless we agree to export our valuable hydro to fuel industry everywhere but Labrador?

So Premier remind me; why are we in Canada? 

No flies on her!

Should Dunderdale and Harper be called before the Landsdomur? Could they be charged?

I want a Landsdomur!

This is not a new dog breed or even an exotic sports car.

A Landsdomur is a special criminal court to deal with charges against Iclandic Parliamentary Ministers.

Iceland's parliament, the Althingi, voted in September to indict former Prime Minister Haarde for allegedly failing to prevent the 2008 financial crisis that sparked protests, toppled the government and brought the economy to a standstill.

The first count of the indictment accuses Haarde of failing to initiate measures, legislation or instructions between February and October 2008 "for the purpose of avoiding foreseeable danger to the fortunes of the state."

The second count accuses Haarde of failing to uphold his duty under the constitution to hold ministerial meetings on important issues.
Just imagine the charges that might have been laid on the Upper Churchill deal or perhaps other resource deals in our past. Clyde Wells perhaps on his decision to privatize hydro - although it did not happen - it cost the taxpayers tens of millions of dollars for the Premier to push that outrageous policy.

Kathy Dunderdale and her handling of Lower Churchill - and the meetings she should be having and the necessary precautions she is not taking. Our premier's behavior relative to Prime Minister Harper and how that may harm our future. Perhaps we could charge a dozen or so on the fishery collapse and the hardship it has caused our province and her people.

Just imagine what Stephen Harper could be charged with!

Yes I want a Landsdomur - What do you think?

Read story press HERE

STOP HARPER FROM TAKING LIVES - STOP THE CLOSURE OF MARINE RESCUE

STOP STEPHEN HARPER FROM TAKING LIVES

ASK STEPHEN HARPER TO RIDE IT OUT ON THE NORTH ATLANTIC

SOS RALLY ST. JOHN'S WATERFRONT SATURDAY JUNE 25 - 11:30 AM




NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR HAS ALMOST LOST IT ALL TO CANADA
LOST OUR FISHERY
LOST OUR HYDRO
LOST OUR MINERALS
LOST OUR POPULATION
LOST OUR COMMUNITIES
LOST OUR INDEPENDENCE

WE MUST NOT LOSE MORE LIVES - STOP HARPER



STOP THE CLOSURE OF THE MARINE RESCUE SUB-CENTRE

Dear Premier Dunderdale...

Due to the significance of a development such as the Lower Churchill - I hereby request a debate with you on the deal your government proposes.

As a citizen of Newfoundland and Labrador - and an individual who has spent over 20 years researching, debating, and writing on renewable energy in the province and as an individual involved in the prevention of the privatization of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro - I ask that you grant and facilitate my reasonable request.

We cannot afford to ruin the future for another 3 generations of our people.

Sincerely,

Sue

Who Owns Nalcor? Let the Shareholders (you and me) Vote on Muskrat at the AGM on June 22nd

While Premier Dunderdale, Minister Shawn Skinner, and CEO Ed Martin treat Nalcor as their own private entity - the reality is you an I - the people of Newfoundland and Labrador own it.

We fought very hard to stop the takeover bid by nameless faceless wealthy and mostly offshore investors - under the Clyde Wells administration.

At the time the PC's were in Opposition and purportedly fighting along side us to keep the profitable company under the ownership of the people. How quickly they forget - or perhaps how quickly they become arrogant when the political tides turn and they find themselves across the floor in government.

Premier Dunderdale and the PC's used our knowledge and expertise when they were in Opposition and we - the people were fighting the Liberals on the privatization attempt. They held us up as people - who knew their stuff and had a vision for the Crown Jewel - then known as Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro.

Political expedience and unknown agendas personal and professional - now see the PC's view the very same people they held up as experts - reduced to bothersome mosquito's not worthy of input.

Then you have the likes of Gil Bennett - a person who owes his job and opportunity with Nalcor to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador - sit in a chair with such arrogance and disdain of the very same people.

Premier Dunderdale has not demonstrated the necessary knowledge or presented the necessary qualifications to pilot a deal - such as the Muskrat Falls. She is out of her league when it comes to dealing with private entities such as Emera - and frankly out of her league keeping up with her own bureaucrats. This is particularly dangerous as some of the same bureaucrats are still around as were around during the privatization fiasco.

The Telegram, CBC, and NTV have all noted that experts in the field - some of them with significant PC pedigree - have and continue to question the Emera giveaway. The concerns range from straight economics to social and industrial advancement of Labrador.

Dunderdale continues to stumble over any questions - or simply avoids them - one has to wonder if Tim Powers is lurking somewhere - and all Cabinet attempts to bolster the Premier's obvious weaknesses - fail.

This is in part due to the atmosphere of the "rah rah" backbench which are as clueless now as when they sat and cheered for exactly opposite positions under Williams. The most obvious example of this was the "new found" support for Harper.

Danny says "do not elect Conservatives Stephen Harper is a dangerous man". Backbenchers and Cabinet alike "rah rah" "ABC" "ABC". Kathy says "elect Conservatives - Stephen Harper is a changed man". Bankbenchers and Cabinet alike chanted "rah rah" "ABC is dead" "ABC is dead".

Now is the time for us - the shareholders of Nalcor - to start exercising our shareholders rights. Now is the time to weed out the weaknesses at the Executive level of our Corporation. Because these hydro resources are owned by the people and because Nalcor is owned by the people - a shareholders vote must be taken.

The time for a referendum is now.

Nalcor is holding it's AGM on June 22 - 2011 - and imagine this - they have opened it to the public. I imagine they have we own it. They would like people to register in advance - they point out - in the event the meeting if full - registrants will get first dibs on the unknown number of places at the Holiday Inn in St. John's. They also suggest any questions you have - you can submit them in advance.

 What would happen if let's say two or three thousand people turned up for the event - to listen to our employees give an update on their "successes" regarding Nalcor and the performance of our company.

What do you think?

Nalcor Energy’s Annual General Meeting

On Wednesday, June 22, 2011, Nalcor Energy will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Holiday Inn in St. John's.

Ed Martin, President and CEO; and Derrick Sturge, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer will host Nalcor's AGM.

The AGM is open to the public. Those interested in attending are asked to register by Friday, June 17, 2011. Registration is not required; however, registered participants will be given priority if the meeting reaches capacity.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Holiday Inn, Salon A/B
180 Portugal Cove Rd
St. John's, NL


The AGM will also be available by live stream from the Nalcor Energy website. Details will be made available prior to June 22.

REGISTER HERE

 

Those who attend the AGM will have an opportunity to ask questions.  Questions may also be submitted online in advance.

A challenge to Dunderdale, Jones, and Michael - Are you serious about protecting our people and our resources?

The New Brunswick ruling PC Government and Premier, David Alward have introduced a referendum law in that province. This follows the failed attempt by Shawn Graham and his ousted Liberal government to sell crown owned NB Power to Hyrdo-Quebec.

At the time - then Opposition leader - Alward promised to deliver a referendum law so people could have a direct say on significant issues.

Two things come to mind here for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador; Kathy Dunderdale should follow suit with her PC colleague in New Brunswick and offer the same democratic process for issues such as the development deal on the Lower Churchill and second - The Opposition Liberals and NDP should be demanding this process be enacted - particularly for the Lower Churchill development.

Kathy Dunderdale - a self-professed avid supporter that an unelected Premier should not be doing resource deals - has lost her way and believes that should not apply to her own circumstance. Further the deal has not undergone significant and necessary public scrutiny and debate - which would be available if a referendum process were used. If the Premier is so sure that this deal with Emera is so positive for our future - she would not hesitate to put it directly to us in the form of a direct question and vote. Dunderdale - unfortunately is relying on a general election - wherein she feels both Lorraine Michael and Yvonne Jones are too politically weak to fight.

This particular issue is very sensitive because of the failed contract on the Upper Churchill and the feeling of contempt toward Quebec each year the contract continues - and for Quebec's refusal to fairly negotiate on a transmission route. That is why the people need all the information on the deal with Emera, information on past negotiations with Quebec, and information relative to other options such as industrial development in Labrador.

If Shawn Skinner and Kathy Dunderdale are certain of the tremendous benefits they claim exist under the proposed deal - let them prove it out under a referendum process. If the Liberals and NDP want to help the people of the province and prove they are serious about becoming government - let them come up with a private members bill on referendums. Do something to protect the interests of our province and you may find that people would be willing to support you.