Right now all eyes should be focused on our MP's in Ottawa. This is a most important period in federal politics as Prime Minister Harper is on a fly and lie mission.
Yes we need to know about the Senate scandal, corruption, incompetence, and possible illegal activities. We need Harper to be grilled on his judgement in character, his continued lies, and the real deal relative to election fraud and his continued "management" of the media.
So Harper hops on a plane and takes off to do a free trade deal with the European Union (CETA) on the first day of the House of Commons. Yes it's another avoidance of accountability and transparency by our PM - but it may be much worse than that.
The CETA framework - en route to becoming a trade deal - may contain one of the worst concessions ever made by a country. Big Pharma or Brand drug companies have lobbied very hard to extend patent rights in Canada and if they have succeeded the cost to Canadians is unbelievable. If the PM has allowed a three year extension on patents - the number of generic drugs scheduled to make their entrance into our pharmaceutical sector will be significantly delayed.
The provinces who have spent the last three years destroying the generic marketplace and seriously harming our local pharmacies to "save" dollars will have all those "savings" eliminated and still be losing more.
I know it is important that our Opposition MP's probe the Senate fiasco and seek accountability - but it must not be used to avoid discussion of this trade deal. The pharmaceutical piece of this agreement is one negative component but there are others including potential issues for fishermen and farmers.
We must NOT let our MP's be silent - they must be more aggressive on CETA than they plan to be on the Senate mess. If not - they are doing all of us a great disservice and more they will contribute to the gouging of Canadians on prescription drugs.
The fact that Harper is attempting to control media yet again and is running away from the Senate scandal and our parliament in par for the course. He is a liar, cheat, and does not believe in accountability.
Right now our MP's need to earn their salaries and benefits by doing the job we elected them to do.
Showing posts with label scott simms. Show all posts
Showing posts with label scott simms. Show all posts
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Broken Promises to Newfoundland and Labrador - Divorce Please
I see Newfoundland and Labrador Liberal MP's are gearing up for a spring election. They have started by using the national party's "Five Years of Harper : Broken Promises" list.
First of all I want to thank them for the obvious - Stephen Harper does not tell the truth - he lies. They have compiled a partial list of promises broken - and no doubt it reiterates in a not so direct way - that Stephen Harper lies.
For Newfoundlanders and Labradorians - that have suffered "broken promises" lies since CONfederation - this is not news.
For the people of our province -there are two things troubling about this list:
The first is the list itself - the focuses - the missed elements,
The second is the Liberals do not say what THEY will DO about the issues noted in the list.
Let's look at some of the "list"
29. Replace CAIS with separate farm income stabilization and disaster relief programs that are simpler and more responsive.
Government Action: Broken. The Conservatives simply changed the name of the program but farmers say it’s no easier to use.
30. Commit to adding an additional $500 million annually to farm support programs.
Government Action: Broken. Although they committed the money early on, overall support for farm support programs has dropped.
31. Get the $5B in softwood lumber tariffs back.
Government Action: Broken.
33. Extend the two hundred mile limit to the edge of the Continental Shelf, the nose and tail of the Grand Banks, and the Flemish Cap in the North Atlantic.
Government Action: Broken.
57. Make the Canadian Coast Guard as a stand-alone agency.
Government Action: Broken. It remains a Special Operating Agency as the previous government had made it.
83. Achieve permanent changes to the equalization formula.
Government Action: Broken. The “permanent” changes lasted one year before they were changed again.
88. Make the Senate an effective, independent, and democratically elected body that equitably represents all regions.
Government Action: Broken
90. Make all votes in Parliament, except the budget and main estimates, “free votes” for ordinary Members of Parliament.
Government Action: Broken.
98. Recruit 13,000 additional regular forces and 10,000 additional reserve forces personnel.
Government Action: Broken.
112. Modernize the administration of our fisheries to ensure greater focus on conservation and using administrative sanctions, rather than court proceedings, to deal with violations.
Government Action: Broken. The new Fisheries Act died when Stephen Harper called an early election in 2008 – the bill has not been re-introduced.
113. Work with Western Canadian grain farmers to ensure that the results of the barley plebiscite are respected and that they are given the freedom to choose whether to sell grain on the open market or through the Canadian Wheat Board.
Government Action: Broken.
116. Assert Canada's rights over our Arctic waters, including the Northwest Passage
Government Action: Broken. The Conservatives released yet another “Arctic strategy” in 2010 while failing to fulfill their past promises for the North. They continue to insult the people of the North with more empty promises and rhetoric.
117. Reforming or Abolishing the Senate.
Government Action: Broken. Stephen Harper broke his pledge to only appoint elected Senators, instead he appointed 38 Senators - all Conservatives - just since the last election.
Let's have a quick review of the "broken promises" above. Numbers 29, 30, and 113 are relative to farming and if you read them carefully - the Liberals focus will probably remain on the Prairies for vote gains and breakthroughs in those farming provinces. Remember now - the Government of Canada does not manage or control the farming sector and is not responsible for weather phenomenon, world commodity prices etc. but they actually demonstrate through cash and incentives more for that sector that they do for a renewable resource (the fishery) they were directly responsible for managing. They throw around 500 million additional in farm support programs.
This has been no different than the Liberals when they held government.
Number 31 deals with getting the 5 billion dollars back for the softwood tariffs fiasco with the United States. The Liberals presumably are all for going after that money - yet I hear no commitment to Newfoundland and Labrador to give our 5 billion back for the devastation of the ground fish stocks.
Now number 33 is one of my favorites - dealing with extending the 200 mile limit to the nose and tail of the Grand Banks and the Flemish Cap. Wow are the Liberals really complaining about that promise broken? They invented it. Then we compare the note that only says "broken" to that promise to the note attached to number 116 see below.
116. Assert Canada's rights over our Arctic waters, including the Northwest Passage
Government Action: Broken. The Conservatives released yet another “Arctic strategy” in 2010 while failing to fulfill their past promises for the North. They continue to insult the people of the North with more empty promises and rhetoric.
Now which one to you think the Libs will focus on the Arctic or the nose and tail?
CONfederation the Libs and Conservatives have never recognized that they now have a new east coast and it is not Nova Scotia.
Now number 83 deserves it's own separate post but nevertheless "equalization" - the Libs apparently disappointed in not achieving permanent changes to that formula. I'm glad it was not permanent - it's costing us 10 billion dollars. We beat (figuratively speaking) 2 billion out of Lib Paul Martin only to lose it to Stephen Harper's lies and Manning's absence of backbone.
Numbers 88 and 117 deals with promises on Senate Reform - they can't be serious - the Libs are telling us that we should be angry that the Senate is not elected, not equal, and not effective. Best I can tell they are simply annoyed that the Cons now have majority in this dysfunctional waste of money. The Upper House - the brain trust of our people - the intellectual haven - right Fabian?
Number 90 deals with "free votes" in the House of Commons - and the Libs are apparently complaining about this "broken promise" - sure you are. We should have been in an election by now.
Number 98 deals with additional armed forces personnel both full service and reservists. Now everybody say after me "Happy Valley - Goose Bay" One can quickly note that neither the Libs or the Cons are committed to this.
Number 112 needs to be reprinted here
Modernize the administration of our fisheries to ensure greater focus on conservation and using administrative sanctions, rather than court proceedings, to deal with violations.
Government Action: Broken. The new Fisheries Act died when Stephen Harper
called an early election in 2008 – the bill has not been re-introduced.
Yes let's all administrate the violators into submission - Is that the best you can do relative to the fishery?
Now even this short review gives us the voters enough to work with and reminds the MP's and wannabe MP's that talk is cheap and the idea of going to Ottawa is not to get yourselves atop the agenda but rather do what it is you were elected to do. Get the job done or move over.
How many Newfoundland and Labrador MP's does it take to change a light bulb?
One to talk about the light bulb - one to promise to change it - one to shop for a new light bulb - one to put up a ladder - one to study if that's the best approach - one to call for public consultations - one to ask questions of the government about changing the bulb - and the last to remind us that the Conservatives promised to change it and didn't. Oh we are one short!
First of all I want to thank them for the obvious - Stephen Harper does not tell the truth - he lies. They have compiled a partial list of promises broken - and no doubt it reiterates in a not so direct way - that Stephen Harper lies.
For Newfoundlanders and Labradorians - that have suffered "broken promises" lies since CONfederation - this is not news.
For the people of our province -there are two things troubling about this list:
The first is the list itself - the focuses - the missed elements,
The second is the Liberals do not say what THEY will DO about the issues noted in the list.
Let's look at some of the "list"
29. Replace CAIS with separate farm income stabilization and disaster relief programs that are simpler and more responsive.
Government Action: Broken. The Conservatives simply changed the name of the program but farmers say it’s no easier to use.
30. Commit to adding an additional $500 million annually to farm support programs.
Government Action: Broken. Although they committed the money early on, overall support for farm support programs has dropped.
31. Get the $5B in softwood lumber tariffs back.
Government Action: Broken.
33. Extend the two hundred mile limit to the edge of the Continental Shelf, the nose and tail of the Grand Banks, and the Flemish Cap in the North Atlantic.
Government Action: Broken.
57. Make the Canadian Coast Guard as a stand-alone agency.
Government Action: Broken. It remains a Special Operating Agency as the previous government had made it.
83. Achieve permanent changes to the equalization formula.
Government Action: Broken. The “permanent” changes lasted one year before they were changed again.
88. Make the Senate an effective, independent, and democratically elected body that equitably represents all regions.
Government Action: Broken
90. Make all votes in Parliament, except the budget and main estimates, “free votes” for ordinary Members of Parliament.
Government Action: Broken.
98. Recruit 13,000 additional regular forces and 10,000 additional reserve forces personnel.
Government Action: Broken.
112. Modernize the administration of our fisheries to ensure greater focus on conservation and using administrative sanctions, rather than court proceedings, to deal with violations.
Government Action: Broken. The new Fisheries Act died when Stephen Harper called an early election in 2008 – the bill has not been re-introduced.
113. Work with Western Canadian grain farmers to ensure that the results of the barley plebiscite are respected and that they are given the freedom to choose whether to sell grain on the open market or through the Canadian Wheat Board.
Government Action: Broken.
116. Assert Canada's rights over our Arctic waters, including the Northwest Passage
Government Action: Broken. The Conservatives released yet another “Arctic strategy” in 2010 while failing to fulfill their past promises for the North. They continue to insult the people of the North with more empty promises and rhetoric.
117. Reforming or Abolishing the Senate.
Government Action: Broken. Stephen Harper broke his pledge to only appoint elected Senators, instead he appointed 38 Senators - all Conservatives - just since the last election.
Let's have a quick review of the "broken promises" above. Numbers 29, 30, and 113 are relative to farming and if you read them carefully - the Liberals focus will probably remain on the Prairies for vote gains and breakthroughs in those farming provinces. Remember now - the Government of Canada does not manage or control the farming sector and is not responsible for weather phenomenon, world commodity prices etc. but they actually demonstrate through cash and incentives more for that sector that they do for a renewable resource (the fishery) they were directly responsible for managing. They throw around 500 million additional in farm support programs.
This has been no different than the Liberals when they held government.
Promise needed by all parties this election to Newfoundland and Labrador 1 billion a year or find the fish. What will the Liberals do for the fishery? What have they broken promises on in the past relative to the fishery?
Number 31 deals with getting the 5 billion dollars back for the softwood tariffs fiasco with the United States. The Liberals presumably are all for going after that money - yet I hear no commitment to Newfoundland and Labrador to give our 5 billion back for the devastation of the ground fish stocks.
Promise needed by all parties this election to Newfoundland and Labrador - at least 500 million a year for 10 years for loss of industry, people, employment and communities resulting from fisheries mismanagement.
Now number 33 is one of my favorites - dealing with extending the 200 mile limit to the nose and tail of the Grand Banks and the Flemish Cap. Wow are the Liberals really complaining about that promise broken? They invented it. Then we compare the note that only says "broken" to that promise to the note attached to number 116 see below.
116. Assert Canada's rights over our Arctic waters, including the Northwest Passage
Government Action: Broken. The Conservatives released yet another “Arctic strategy” in 2010 while failing to fulfill their past promises for the North. They continue to insult the people of the North with more empty promises and rhetoric.
Now which one to you think the Libs will focus on the Arctic or the nose and tail?
Promise needed by all political parties to Newfoundland and Labrador - extend the jurisdiction and assert our rights on the fish stocks.
CONfederation the Libs and Conservatives have never recognized that they now have a new east coast and it is not Nova Scotia.
Promise needed by all political parties this election to Newfoundland and Labrador - real presence and real response times to protect our fishers and offshore workers.
Now number 83 deserves it's own separate post but nevertheless "equalization" - the Libs apparently disappointed in not achieving permanent changes to that formula. I'm glad it was not permanent - it's costing us 10 billion dollars. We beat (figuratively speaking) 2 billion out of Lib Paul Martin only to lose it to Stephen Harper's lies and Manning's absence of backbone.
Promise needed by all political parties this election to Newfoundland and Labrador - the removal of non-renewable resource revenues from the formula before the oil is gone and our childrens' future destroyed.
Numbers 88 and 117 deals with promises on Senate Reform - they can't be serious - the Libs are telling us that we should be angry that the Senate is not elected, not equal, and not effective. Best I can tell they are simply annoyed that the Cons now have majority in this dysfunctional waste of money. The Upper House - the brain trust of our people - the intellectual haven - right Fabian?
Promise needed by all political parties this election to Newfoundland and Labrador - elected, equal, and effective Senate or abolish it and find a way for provinces such as Newfoundland and Labrador get a real vote on major issues affecting us. This structure of both Parliament and the Senate is killing us.
Number 90 deals with "free votes" in the House of Commons - and the Libs are apparently complaining about this "broken promise" - sure you are. We should have been in an election by now.
Promise needed by all political parties this election to Newfoundland and Labrador - any issue including budget and estimates that would negatively affect a region or province - must be allowed to be a free vote. These MP's are elected to represent their people - period - full stop.
Number 98 deals with additional armed forces personnel both full service and reservists. Now everybody say after me "Happy Valley - Goose Bay" One can quickly note that neither the Libs or the Cons are committed to this.
Promise needed by all political parties this election to Newfoundland and Labrador - Happy Valley - Goose Bay priority number 1 and we will not tolerate any more delays. Further some creative presence in Stephenville focused around the port and airport would be necessary.
Number 112 needs to be reprinted here
Modernize the administration of our fisheries to ensure greater focus on conservation and using administrative sanctions, rather than court proceedings, to deal with violations.
Government Action: Broken. The new Fisheries Act died when Stephen Harper
called an early election in 2008 – the bill has not been re-introduced.
Yes let's all administrate the violators into submission - Is that the best you can do relative to the fishery?
Promise needed by all political parties this election to Newfoundland and Labrador -once again pass over the 5 billion and an additional 1 billion annually or find the fish.
Now even this short review gives us the voters enough to work with and reminds the MP's and wannabe MP's that talk is cheap and the idea of going to Ottawa is not to get yourselves atop the agenda but rather do what it is you were elected to do. Get the job done or move over.
How many Newfoundland and Labrador MP's does it take to change a light bulb?
One to talk about the light bulb - one to promise to change it - one to shop for a new light bulb - one to put up a ladder - one to study if that's the best approach - one to call for public consultations - one to ask questions of the government about changing the bulb - and the last to remind us that the Conservatives promised to change it and didn't. Oh we are one short!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Test for Newfoundland and Labrador MP's and MHA's
 | |||||||
| Identify This Fish |
Print this and pass it to all people looking for your vote in both the upcoming federal and provincial elections.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Again I want the inspection of all Slaughter Houses in the EU and the USA
Belgium - England - and maybe Germany...as the EU countries line-up to continue push for ban of Seal Harvest.
Belgium has already banned all seal products - England is lobbying the EU for a ban - and now the Agriculture Minister of Germany will introduce legislation.
This from a CP story today.
And what is our Minister doing? Let me remind you - Loyola Hearn is inviting "observers" (protesters) from all over the world to come and watch.
It is time that the Departments of International Trade and Foreign Affairs took a stand. Let's start demanding inspections of all slaughter houses in Europe and the United States.
The games have begun again this year in earnest - these groups need to raise as much money as they can for the next month or so on the backs of our sealers. Fishers in New Brunswick and PEI are also throwing it back at Newfoundland and Labrador to deal with. Atlantica should be fun!
Belgium has already banned all seal products - England is lobbying the EU for a ban - and now the Agriculture Minister of Germany will introduce legislation.
Horst Seehofer, Germany's agriculture minister, said he has repeatedly urged the European Union to prohibit imports of all seal products, but has grown tired of waiting for action.
He said he will introduce a bill to ban imports in Germany, but it remains unclear when that will happen or if there is political support for a ban.
This from a CP story today.
And what is our Minister doing? Let me remind you - Loyola Hearn is inviting "observers" (protesters) from all over the world to come and watch.
It is time that the Departments of International Trade and Foreign Affairs took a stand. Let's start demanding inspections of all slaughter houses in Europe and the United States.
The games have begun again this year in earnest - these groups need to raise as much money as they can for the next month or so on the backs of our sealers. Fishers in New Brunswick and PEI are also throwing it back at Newfoundland and Labrador to deal with. Atlantica should be fun!
Friday, February 16, 2007
Minister of National Defense Responds
The Minister Responds - and I suggest what Canada needs to do to compensate Newfoundland and Labrador for the collapse of the fishery.
In January I wrote the Minister of National Defence and MP's regarding my concern over the embarrassing event of the navy running out of cash to run ocean patrols off the east coast.
I am pleased to report that I have received a response from the Minister - despite the fact I have not heard from any MP from Newfoundland and Labrador.
Below is the response I received from Minister O'Connor - and below that - my response back to him and copied to all MP's.
Dear Ms. Kelland-Dyer:
Thank you for the copy of your e-mail of 22 January 2007 concerning the protection of Canadian sovereignty
Increasing Canada's presence and our sovereignty is a critical component of the Government's "Canada First" Defence Strategy. Our policy of Canada First will strengthen the Canadian Forces capacity to defend our country and its citizens, assert our sovereignty, and assume a leadership role in international operations.
As you may be aware, the Government provided an additional $5.3 billion to the Department of National Defence (DND) over the next five years in its 2006 budget. This increase will provide the Canadian Forces with the support and resources needed to carry out its important tasks. When added to previous funding commitments, this new money will bring our defence budget to approximately $15.4 billion for fiscal year 2006/2007.
As part of the Government's Canada First commitment to strengthen Canada's multi-role, combat-capable defence force, DND announced in June 2006 that it would be investing approximately:
- $5 billion for strategic and tactical aircraft, with an additional $3.3 billion to be spent over the next 20 years on in-service support, most of which will be done by Canadian industry;
- $2 billion for medium- to heavy-lift helicopters, with an additional $2.7 billion to be spent over the next 20 years on in-service support, which will largely be done by Canadian industry;
- $1.1 billion for medium-sized logistics trucks and associated components; and
- $2.1 billion for three replenishment ships-design, construction, and associated logistical and training support-in a competitive Canadian environment and in accordance with Canadian shipbuilding policy.
The Department is also developing a long-term plan for defence, including guidance on equipment priorities. I hope to have this plan finalized in the near future.
With the possible opening of the Northwest Passage to commercial shipping, and the increasing economic viability of northern natural resource extraction, this strategy will demonstrate to Canadians and the world that we are committed to enhancing Canadian northern sovereignty. As this region becomes more valuable to the national and international economic interests of Canada, we will make substantial investments in those military capabilities that enhance surveillance, reconnaissance and presence in Canada's Arctic Archipelago.
This defence vision consists of a well-equipped three-ocean navy, a robust army, and a revitalized air force. In my visits to the northern territories, I have seen first-hand the resources that are needed to keep watch in this immense part of the country. Now, more than ever, I remain convinced that our arctic sovereignty claims must be backed by, among other things, strong military capabilities. Accordingly, the Government intends to dedicate more people, equipment, and money to the defence of the north.
Of particular importance is establishing a three-ocean navy by increasing our naval presence in the straits leading to the Arctic Ocean. This is especially challenging because the demands of operating in ice and in open water require very different types of naval vessels. Before a decision is made on how to proceed, I have instructed the navy to analyse the various options and to develop an Arctic maritime plan that meets Canada's requirements. In addition, before any equipment is purchased, we will ensure that any future capital purchases for the northern navy are procured in a fair and competitive process benefiting the Canadian taxpayer.
As we move closer to implementing this Canada First vision for sovereignty, the Department of National Defence will continue, in concert with other local and federal departments and agencies, to assess the potential future threats to Canadian sovereignty.
I trust this information is of assistance and thank you again for writing.
Sincerely,
The Honourable Gordon J. O'Connor, PC, MP
Minister of National Defence
My Response
Minister of National Defence
The Honourable Gordon J. O'Connor
February 16-07
Dear Minister O'Connor,
Thank you for your response.
Newfoundland and Labrador exists in a geography which is critical to the protection of North America. Our province is located between many nations and Canada. Since we joined Confederation in 1949 - the strategic importance was evident to both Canada and the United States during periods of global conflict. More recently during the 911 event in New York - Newfoundland and Labrador was utilized as a safe place for landing many commercial aircraft.
There has also been a complete lack of importance placed on our jurisdiction in times of relative peace and various infrastructure utilized in the past by Canada - Great Britain - and USA during war time have been diminished if not eliminated over the past 30 years. This loss of presence and the failure to diversify these assets to Canada's benefit has harmed this province - and in my opinion our country.
Further there has been a catastrophe in our local fishery which is comparable to 100 times the current potential loss of 2000 auto jobs in Central Canada. It must also be said the fishery off the east coast was one of the most valuable renewable resources in the world. There are two definite contributors to this ecological and economic disasters:
The first is the failure of the federal government to manage the stocks and the second is the failure of the federal government to protect our waters from foreign plundering of the breeding stocks.
In your letter you make this statement:
"With the possible opening of the Northwest Passage to commercial shipping, and the increasing economic viability of northern natural resource extraction, this strategy will demonstrate to Canadians and the world that we are committed to enhancing Canadian northern sovereignty. As this region becomes more valuable to the national and international economic interests of Canada, we will make substantial investments in those military capabilities that enhance surveillance, reconnaissance and presence in Canada's Arctic Archipelago."
I would agree with your objectives for that region and can only ask why the same concern to protect the economic sovereignty off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador is not as essential. It is an important part of global shipping lanes between the east and the west. I add that our ocean continues to be damaged by ships passing through bilging and just plain dumping oil and gas pollution.
It is necessary for the federal government to accomplish the following objectives.
A short-term - medium-term - and long-term plan to recover the fishery while compensating the rural communities for the decimation caused by mismanagement. That compensation must consist of income replacement - income stabilization - meaningful employment opportunity in the science and recovery efforts - early retirement funds - industry diversification - increased Coast Guard presence - increased military presence - new initiatives for environmental disaster response and accident prevention - and a significant increase in federal jobs and crown agency headquarters in all segments of federal government jurisdiction. This compensation must equal the ongoing damage to our province on an annual basis - until such a time as the fishery recovers to levels comparable to the the level at confederation. For our province of 500,000 people with alarming outmigration numbers and an aging population greater than the national average - living up to your constitutional responsibilities is not an option - it is the honourable thing to do. We cannot withstand a 200-500 million loss in our revenue on an annual basis. Increasing the harvest of our crab and shrimp in an attempt to mitigate the loss from groundfish collapse - is not only too little it is extremely irresponsible.
When I ask the MP's of our country to speak up - this is certainly what I mean. This is a disgrace to all Canadians - and causes extreme tension between the nation and our province. I would suggest it is difficult for you to progress on the Arctic front when the Government of Canada has left this atrocity to fester without proper response.
I further ask that MP's take a long look at the proposed new Fisheries Act and ask the important questions. This Act while needing amendments - is not ready for a Parliament that is too ignorant to debate it. Many thanks to MP Sackville--Eastern Shore, Nova Scotia, Peter Stoffer who is giving a valiant effort to protect this resource and through that the survival of rural Newfoundland and Labrador.
For any MP to ignore this situation places our federation in a precarious state and fails to demonstrate any real sovereignty on the East Coast of our country.
Best Regards,
Sue Kelland-Dyer
In January I wrote the Minister of National Defence and MP's regarding my concern over the embarrassing event of the navy running out of cash to run ocean patrols off the east coast.
I am pleased to report that I have received a response from the Minister - despite the fact I have not heard from any MP from Newfoundland and Labrador.
Below is the response I received from Minister O'Connor - and below that - my response back to him and copied to all MP's.
Dear Ms. Kelland-Dyer:
Thank you for the copy of your e-mail of 22 January 2007 concerning the protection of Canadian sovereignty
Increasing Canada's presence and our sovereignty is a critical component of the Government's "Canada First" Defence Strategy. Our policy of Canada First will strengthen the Canadian Forces capacity to defend our country and its citizens, assert our sovereignty, and assume a leadership role in international operations.
As you may be aware, the Government provided an additional $5.3 billion to the Department of National Defence (DND) over the next five years in its 2006 budget. This increase will provide the Canadian Forces with the support and resources needed to carry out its important tasks. When added to previous funding commitments, this new money will bring our defence budget to approximately $15.4 billion for fiscal year 2006/2007.
As part of the Government's Canada First commitment to strengthen Canada's multi-role, combat-capable defence force, DND announced in June 2006 that it would be investing approximately:
- $5 billion for strategic and tactical aircraft, with an additional $3.3 billion to be spent over the next 20 years on in-service support, most of which will be done by Canadian industry;
- $2 billion for medium- to heavy-lift helicopters, with an additional $2.7 billion to be spent over the next 20 years on in-service support, which will largely be done by Canadian industry;
- $1.1 billion for medium-sized logistics trucks and associated components; and
- $2.1 billion for three replenishment ships-design, construction, and associated logistical and training support-in a competitive Canadian environment and in accordance with Canadian shipbuilding policy.
The Department is also developing a long-term plan for defence, including guidance on equipment priorities. I hope to have this plan finalized in the near future.
With the possible opening of the Northwest Passage to commercial shipping, and the increasing economic viability of northern natural resource extraction, this strategy will demonstrate to Canadians and the world that we are committed to enhancing Canadian northern sovereignty. As this region becomes more valuable to the national and international economic interests of Canada, we will make substantial investments in those military capabilities that enhance surveillance, reconnaissance and presence in Canada's Arctic Archipelago.
This defence vision consists of a well-equipped three-ocean navy, a robust army, and a revitalized air force. In my visits to the northern territories, I have seen first-hand the resources that are needed to keep watch in this immense part of the country. Now, more than ever, I remain convinced that our arctic sovereignty claims must be backed by, among other things, strong military capabilities. Accordingly, the Government intends to dedicate more people, equipment, and money to the defence of the north.
Of particular importance is establishing a three-ocean navy by increasing our naval presence in the straits leading to the Arctic Ocean. This is especially challenging because the demands of operating in ice and in open water require very different types of naval vessels. Before a decision is made on how to proceed, I have instructed the navy to analyse the various options and to develop an Arctic maritime plan that meets Canada's requirements. In addition, before any equipment is purchased, we will ensure that any future capital purchases for the northern navy are procured in a fair and competitive process benefiting the Canadian taxpayer.
As we move closer to implementing this Canada First vision for sovereignty, the Department of National Defence will continue, in concert with other local and federal departments and agencies, to assess the potential future threats to Canadian sovereignty.
I trust this information is of assistance and thank you again for writing.
Sincerely,
The Honourable Gordon J. O'Connor, PC, MP
Minister of National Defence
My Response
Minister of National Defence
The Honourable Gordon J. O'Connor
February 16-07
Dear Minister O'Connor,
Thank you for your response.
Newfoundland and Labrador exists in a geography which is critical to the protection of North America. Our province is located between many nations and Canada. Since we joined Confederation in 1949 - the strategic importance was evident to both Canada and the United States during periods of global conflict. More recently during the 911 event in New York - Newfoundland and Labrador was utilized as a safe place for landing many commercial aircraft.
There has also been a complete lack of importance placed on our jurisdiction in times of relative peace and various infrastructure utilized in the past by Canada - Great Britain - and USA during war time have been diminished if not eliminated over the past 30 years. This loss of presence and the failure to diversify these assets to Canada's benefit has harmed this province - and in my opinion our country.
Further there has been a catastrophe in our local fishery which is comparable to 100 times the current potential loss of 2000 auto jobs in Central Canada. It must also be said the fishery off the east coast was one of the most valuable renewable resources in the world. There are two definite contributors to this ecological and economic disasters:
The first is the failure of the federal government to manage the stocks and the second is the failure of the federal government to protect our waters from foreign plundering of the breeding stocks.
In your letter you make this statement:
"With the possible opening of the Northwest Passage to commercial shipping, and the increasing economic viability of northern natural resource extraction, this strategy will demonstrate to Canadians and the world that we are committed to enhancing Canadian northern sovereignty. As this region becomes more valuable to the national and international economic interests of Canada, we will make substantial investments in those military capabilities that enhance surveillance, reconnaissance and presence in Canada's Arctic Archipelago."
I would agree with your objectives for that region and can only ask why the same concern to protect the economic sovereignty off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador is not as essential. It is an important part of global shipping lanes between the east and the west. I add that our ocean continues to be damaged by ships passing through bilging and just plain dumping oil and gas pollution.
It is necessary for the federal government to accomplish the following objectives.
A short-term - medium-term - and long-term plan to recover the fishery while compensating the rural communities for the decimation caused by mismanagement. That compensation must consist of income replacement - income stabilization - meaningful employment opportunity in the science and recovery efforts - early retirement funds - industry diversification - increased Coast Guard presence - increased military presence - new initiatives for environmental disaster response and accident prevention - and a significant increase in federal jobs and crown agency headquarters in all segments of federal government jurisdiction. This compensation must equal the ongoing damage to our province on an annual basis - until such a time as the fishery recovers to levels comparable to the the level at confederation. For our province of 500,000 people with alarming outmigration numbers and an aging population greater than the national average - living up to your constitutional responsibilities is not an option - it is the honourable thing to do. We cannot withstand a 200-500 million loss in our revenue on an annual basis. Increasing the harvest of our crab and shrimp in an attempt to mitigate the loss from groundfish collapse - is not only too little it is extremely irresponsible.
When I ask the MP's of our country to speak up - this is certainly what I mean. This is a disgrace to all Canadians - and causes extreme tension between the nation and our province. I would suggest it is difficult for you to progress on the Arctic front when the Government of Canada has left this atrocity to fester without proper response.
I further ask that MP's take a long look at the proposed new Fisheries Act and ask the important questions. This Act while needing amendments - is not ready for a Parliament that is too ignorant to debate it. Many thanks to MP Sackville--Eastern Shore, Nova Scotia, Peter Stoffer who is giving a valiant effort to protect this resource and through that the survival of rural Newfoundland and Labrador.
For any MP to ignore this situation places our federation in a precarious state and fails to demonstrate any real sovereignty on the East Coast of our country.
Best Regards,
Sue Kelland-Dyer
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