Premier Paul Davis wants to know what the problem is. He wants to know why people are not supporting his government.
I think these musings by our Premier are misleading and I don't believe him.
He has to know by now that the electorate of Newfoundland and Labrador want an election. They want an election before the spring. If he does not know this - he is unfit to be Premier. Why? Any person watching and listening to anything political in our province over the past few months who does not recognize the people want to vote - is in denial or in a cave without electronics.
I believe Paul Davis and the entire Tory caucus know that - therefore the problem is denial (if not something worse) - not knowledge. Why deny? Well power and benefits affect some people in a way that hanging on by the fingernails is almost an involuntary behavior. Unfortunately - many of them are politicians.
Here are the problems Premier Davis:
1. The people want an election and you won't call one,
2. People are extremely worried about Muskrat Falls and you appear not to care,
3. People do not trust their energy/power system anymore and you keep sending out Smiley Martin,
4. The price of oil and your budgetary guesstimates,
5. Rural population/employment decimation,
6. Giveaway policy for our natural resources,
7. Everything is under review, reassessment and analysis,
8. We have liabilities where the amount of those liabilities are not known,
9. You continue to spend like drunken sailors with no clue how we will pay for it,
10. Your caucus and Cabinet are arrogant,
11. Bill 29,
12. Lay-offs and then rehiring (don't know what you're doing)
13. You get rid of family violence prevention court but contract PC connected lawyers,
14. Debt, deficit, unemployment, population loss and aging,
15. Patronage,
16. Extreme partisanship,
17. Loss of manufacturing and processing industries,
18. Appointment of unelected Minister,
19. Your attack on small local business,
20. Your continued attempt to blame the people for not understanding the good you do - instead of wondering whether the people just don't like your policies and decisions.
21. Allowing the federal government to erode their presence in our province,
22. Burton Winters enquiry,
23. Focusing on the Avalon economy instead of the entire province,
24. Continuing to pillage Labrador without growing Labrador
25. Lack of transparency and accountability.
This is a short list - and I'm sure many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have more to add.
The only way to deal with this is call an election and put out your own platform - not just a continuation of the Williams platform. This also would demonstrate integrity instead of preservation of self (Party). Most importantly this would prove you are a man of your word - when you claimed - "I will listen to the people".
Showing posts with label susan sullivan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label susan sullivan. Show all posts
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Tuesday, July 08, 2014
PC boots are made for walking - away from NL
Just about 6 years ago - the master negotiator who hated "loopholes you can drive a mack truck through" passed over 8 million dollars in the form of an interest-free loan to Terra Nova Shoes a subsidiary of Kodiak Group Holdings. The loan was to be paid over 10 years - bringing us to 2018.
Okay let's get to the basics - did we have a clause stating the business could not be relocated outside the province for 10 years? Did we have a clause that interest would be added to the loan amount if the company left Newfoundland and Labrador? Did we have a clause that all amounts owing would be immediately payable if the company left the province? So Minister Sullivan tells us to stay calm "these loans are very well secured". So Minister you gave the interest-free 8 million dollar loan in 2008 to be paid by 2018 it is now 2014 6 of 10 years already gone by yet you have only collected 1/4of the money back?
At the time of the loan announcement in 2008 the company said the following:
After considering options for consolidation, the company chose to base its Canadian operations in Harbour Grace because of Terra Nova’s strong track record, commitment to quality assurance and customer satisfaction, and productive and dedicated workforce. The expansion will realize the addition of approximately 50 new positions at Harbour Grace, as well as the retention of the over 170 existing staff. To increase capacity, a 30,000 square-foot extension to the existing 70,000 square-foot facility has been completed.
"We are very excited to be expanding Kodiak’s strong business model and culture in this region," said Kevin Huckle, President of Kodiak Group Holdings. "The expansion to this fine facility is a result of the hard work and dedication of the men and women who work in our Harbour Grace footwear plant. This activity reveals our strong commitment to this organization and supports future growth. Kodiak’s investment demonstrates that manufacturing still plays a crucial role in Canada’s economy."
At the time of the loan announcement in 2008 - Paul Oram Minister responsible at the time said the following:
"The company’s decision to base its Canadian operations in Newfoundland and Labrador will strengthen its competitiveness internationally," (emphasis added)
Here's what the company is saying now:
The company said it has become too expensive to manufacture the footwear in Newfoundland and then ship them to Ontario for distribution. The plant in Harbour Grace was built in 1971.
"The reality is the high costs to continue operating the Harbour Grace plant have become unsustainable over the past several years," Kodiak president Kevin Huckle said in a statement. (emphasis added)
Here's what Susan Sullivan - Minister responsible is saying now:
"It's very disappointing for us," she said. "We've been working with the company over the last few days to try to see if there's anything that we can do to encourage them to stay, but it seems they've made up their minds, that this is not a place they are able to do business."
So how long has the government known about this?
What did they do to "entice" the company to stay on?
Importantly: Is it possible that there will be people working in a plant in Ontario that is using interest-free money from Newfoundland and Labrador?
What happened to all that savvy in attracting and retaining business?
Once again a long-standing manufacturer/processor - has decided this is not a cost-effective place to do business for them.
Paper mills, fish plants, tech firms, oil refiners, and manufacturers head to the land of the have-not. Any chance to use power to attract industry is being squandered so we can help Canada become "green" and Nova Scotians to get cheaper power. Our proud heritage on the sea - yet where does ship-building go to? Billions in contracts - oh yeah - Nova Scotia.
Perhaps John, Steve, and Paul can create thousands of person-hours of work to tear the facility down. Wait now - we just tore down Stephenville, and we got Grand Falls-Windsor in the wings - that should keep us busy till we have to dismantle Bull Arm.
So should we expect the following slogans?
John - all Nalcor employees to wear Kodiaks
Paul - all Police to wear Kodiaks
Steve - all boy scouts to wear Kodiaks
and you guys had the audacity to crucify Grimes over the only contract without loopholes?
no wait I forgot there is one more contract without loopholes - the Upper Churchill contract.
Okay let's get to the basics - did we have a clause stating the business could not be relocated outside the province for 10 years? Did we have a clause that interest would be added to the loan amount if the company left Newfoundland and Labrador? Did we have a clause that all amounts owing would be immediately payable if the company left the province? So Minister Sullivan tells us to stay calm "these loans are very well secured". So Minister you gave the interest-free 8 million dollar loan in 2008 to be paid by 2018 it is now 2014 6 of 10 years already gone by yet you have only collected 1/4of the money back?
At the time of the loan announcement in 2008 the company said the following:
After considering options for consolidation, the company chose to base its Canadian operations in Harbour Grace because of Terra Nova’s strong track record, commitment to quality assurance and customer satisfaction, and productive and dedicated workforce. The expansion will realize the addition of approximately 50 new positions at Harbour Grace, as well as the retention of the over 170 existing staff. To increase capacity, a 30,000 square-foot extension to the existing 70,000 square-foot facility has been completed.
"We are very excited to be expanding Kodiak’s strong business model and culture in this region," said Kevin Huckle, President of Kodiak Group Holdings. "The expansion to this fine facility is a result of the hard work and dedication of the men and women who work in our Harbour Grace footwear plant. This activity reveals our strong commitment to this organization and supports future growth. Kodiak’s investment demonstrates that manufacturing still plays a crucial role in Canada’s economy."
At the time of the loan announcement in 2008 - Paul Oram Minister responsible at the time said the following:
"The company’s decision to base its Canadian operations in Newfoundland and Labrador will strengthen its competitiveness internationally," (emphasis added)
Here's what the company is saying now:
The company said it has become too expensive to manufacture the footwear in Newfoundland and then ship them to Ontario for distribution. The plant in Harbour Grace was built in 1971.
"The reality is the high costs to continue operating the Harbour Grace plant have become unsustainable over the past several years," Kodiak president Kevin Huckle said in a statement. (emphasis added)
Here's what Susan Sullivan - Minister responsible is saying now:
"It's very disappointing for us," she said. "We've been working with the company over the last few days to try to see if there's anything that we can do to encourage them to stay, but it seems they've made up their minds, that this is not a place they are able to do business."
So how long has the government known about this?
What did they do to "entice" the company to stay on?
Importantly: Is it possible that there will be people working in a plant in Ontario that is using interest-free money from Newfoundland and Labrador?
What happened to all that savvy in attracting and retaining business?
Once again a long-standing manufacturer/processor - has decided this is not a cost-effective place to do business for them.
Paper mills, fish plants, tech firms, oil refiners, and manufacturers head to the land of the have-not. Any chance to use power to attract industry is being squandered so we can help Canada become "green" and Nova Scotians to get cheaper power. Our proud heritage on the sea - yet where does ship-building go to? Billions in contracts - oh yeah - Nova Scotia.
Perhaps John, Steve, and Paul can create thousands of person-hours of work to tear the facility down. Wait now - we just tore down Stephenville, and we got Grand Falls-Windsor in the wings - that should keep us busy till we have to dismantle Bull Arm.
So should we expect the following slogans?
John - all Nalcor employees to wear Kodiaks
Paul - all Police to wear Kodiaks
Steve - all boy scouts to wear Kodiaks
and you guys had the audacity to crucify Grimes over the only contract without loopholes?
no wait I forgot there is one more contract without loopholes - the Upper Churchill contract.
Tuesday, March 04, 2014
Decision Gate 75 - Minister Sullivan
Minister Susan Sullivan was the picture of deception when performing at her News Conference on Midwifery.
It should only take another 5 to 7 years for the process to be complete. Decision Gate 75.
The Minister says she wants to make sure they will not experience the same problems as other jurisdictions in Canada that have already completed the legislated/regulated process for midwives.
Ms. Sullivan appears to be in a contest with her Atlantic Canadian peers in a race to be the slowest to regulate and utilize midwives. The rest of the provinces - no problem - with many of them being active since the late 1990's.
Ms. Sullivan knows or ought to that there is enough information to move forward now - not when she is no longer in government. This is just a case of - we don't want to do it now - don't want to spend the money now - despite the evidence that this type of service might actually save money. Unfortunately the amount saved - would not be recognized fully between now and the next election.
When this government - including Minister Sullivan WANT to do something - no problem. Let's say they put the effort into fast-tracking midwifery as they have done with Muskrat Falls - by now 40% of births would happen at home.
When I think of the mess they have made both in Muskrat Falls and our energy system - their RUSH to get everything approved - their RUSH to sign a deal with Emera; regardless of cost - the comment by Sullivan that they want to get midwifery right is nothing but deception or ignorance.
Minister Sullivan moved ahead with the destruction of independent pharmacy based on the Ontario actions - despite the problems they had in that jurisdiction. Right now we are witnessing extreme shortages of many generic drugs - ten times more in some cases - since the slashing of revenues to pharmacies. Why are these drug shortages occurring? What is it costing us?
When it comes to decision gates - the number of gates - and the time to pass through them has little to do with best practices, good social or economic policy for the people, and or the future benefits for the province it has to do with what they (Sullivan and her colleagues) want to do and when.
I guess we are at decision gate 75 for midwives, decision gate 100 for whistle blower legislation, and decision gate 450 for pensions.
Now how about we all take a crack at how many decision gates were required for Bill 29?
We now should demand decision gates on all policies - with the pomp and glory comparable to the Muskrat Gates of Eden.
We are tired Minister - but we can't shut our eyes. Time for you and the rest of your Tory Cabinet to move on. Why wait to be booted from office - follow your "friend" Kathy and leave. Are you all still blaming that one person for communication problems and bad policy?
I can't wait for the people's Decision Gate 1 in the fall of 2015 or sooner.
It should only take another 5 to 7 years for the process to be complete. Decision Gate 75.
The Minister says she wants to make sure they will not experience the same problems as other jurisdictions in Canada that have already completed the legislated/regulated process for midwives.
Ms. Sullivan appears to be in a contest with her Atlantic Canadian peers in a race to be the slowest to regulate and utilize midwives. The rest of the provinces - no problem - with many of them being active since the late 1990's.
Ms. Sullivan knows or ought to that there is enough information to move forward now - not when she is no longer in government. This is just a case of - we don't want to do it now - don't want to spend the money now - despite the evidence that this type of service might actually save money. Unfortunately the amount saved - would not be recognized fully between now and the next election.
When this government - including Minister Sullivan WANT to do something - no problem. Let's say they put the effort into fast-tracking midwifery as they have done with Muskrat Falls - by now 40% of births would happen at home.
When I think of the mess they have made both in Muskrat Falls and our energy system - their RUSH to get everything approved - their RUSH to sign a deal with Emera; regardless of cost - the comment by Sullivan that they want to get midwifery right is nothing but deception or ignorance.
Minister Sullivan moved ahead with the destruction of independent pharmacy based on the Ontario actions - despite the problems they had in that jurisdiction. Right now we are witnessing extreme shortages of many generic drugs - ten times more in some cases - since the slashing of revenues to pharmacies. Why are these drug shortages occurring? What is it costing us?
When it comes to decision gates - the number of gates - and the time to pass through them has little to do with best practices, good social or economic policy for the people, and or the future benefits for the province it has to do with what they (Sullivan and her colleagues) want to do and when.
I guess we are at decision gate 75 for midwives, decision gate 100 for whistle blower legislation, and decision gate 450 for pensions.
Now how about we all take a crack at how many decision gates were required for Bill 29?
We now should demand decision gates on all policies - with the pomp and glory comparable to the Muskrat Gates of Eden.
We are tired Minister - but we can't shut our eyes. Time for you and the rest of your Tory Cabinet to move on. Why wait to be booted from office - follow your "friend" Kathy and leave. Are you all still blaming that one person for communication problems and bad policy?
I can't wait for the people's Decision Gate 1 in the fall of 2015 or sooner.
Monday, January 27, 2014
O'Brien and Sullivan Communications 101
Last week David Cochrane interviewed Ministers Sullivan and O'Brien regarding - in part - the resignation of Kathy Dunderdale and what went wrong.
First off they both admitted that Kathy Dunderdale told them that she would resign before the next election. To the contrary Kathy Dunderdale told the people of the province and hundreds of PC delegates just a few months ago that she was staying put for the next election.
DO YOU SEE HOW THIS INFORMATION WAS NOT COMMUNICATED WELL?
Yes she told certain people she was going and others she was staying.
Second - Sullivan indicated that Kathy resigned mostly for the good of the party - to allow them to reorganize - regroup - and refresh. From what? Your party is not governed by polls is it? That's what you claim.
DO YOU SEE HOW THIS INFORMATION WAS NOT COMMUNICATED WELL?
Yes she said one thing one day and then did something contrary to that which was said the next. Further Sullivan's thought on refreshing - hardly seems likely when she and O'Brien remain. Why didn't they leave for the good of the party? They were as responsible for decisions - as Cabinet Ministers - as the Premier was. David referred to both O'Brien and Sullivan as strong supporters of the Premier - perhaps because they put forth just that. If you watch the interview however - if they are her friends - she doesn't need enemies.
Third - Kevin O'Brien claims that she was the first Premier who encountered social media. Really? I remember a significant load of it on former Premier Danny Williams. Be that as it may O'Brien exclaimed that it (social media) was used entirely against her.
DO YOU SEE HOW THIS INFORMATION WAS NOT COMMUNICATED WELL?
Yes - it is false and misleading. Actually it's a lie. It's doubtful Kent, Lane, and Collins have fingerprints left from Twitter presence - notwithstanding loyal Tories tweeting with vigor and venom.
Fourth - Then Kevin O'Brien adds that part of her problem was the "hostile media". Cochrane challenged him on that and then said "no not really".
DO YOU SEE HOW THIS INFORMATION WAS NOT COMMUNICATED WELL?
Guess that one's pretty simple. Propaganda - called on it - then withdrew.
Fifth - and Susan Sullivan should have plead the fifth instead of carrying on. Twitter and Facebook she said has been taken hostage by a "mob mentality". She compared it to a child's game whisper - where one child whispers to another down a chain of people and then they hear what comes out on the other side. She exclaimed that people under the cloak of anonymity made a statement which was partially untrue - and then others added to it and spread it - all the while changing the original point.
DO YOU SEE HOW THIS INFORMATION WAS NOT COMMUNICATED WELL?
The anonymous ones the Minister speaks of contain as many Tory hacks as those from any party. The most vocal opposition to this government's policy on Twitter - Facebook - and Blogs are not anonymous. The use of the words "mob mentality" is similar to other words they use to describe engaged citizens - such as "conspiracy theorists" and "naysayers". These words have been communicated so well - that even some media outlets use them.
So if the purpose of O'Brien and Sullivan was to reorganize - regroup - and refresh - they did nothing of the sort. I guess they should resign now as they also cannot communicate a message. If they did communicate what they meant - then we are in more trouble than we think.
Now just imagine having a conversation with them on Muskrat Falls?
The On Point interview can be found by CLICKING HERE
First off they both admitted that Kathy Dunderdale told them that she would resign before the next election. To the contrary Kathy Dunderdale told the people of the province and hundreds of PC delegates just a few months ago that she was staying put for the next election.
DO YOU SEE HOW THIS INFORMATION WAS NOT COMMUNICATED WELL?
Yes she told certain people she was going and others she was staying.
Second - Sullivan indicated that Kathy resigned mostly for the good of the party - to allow them to reorganize - regroup - and refresh. From what? Your party is not governed by polls is it? That's what you claim.
DO YOU SEE HOW THIS INFORMATION WAS NOT COMMUNICATED WELL?
Yes she said one thing one day and then did something contrary to that which was said the next. Further Sullivan's thought on refreshing - hardly seems likely when she and O'Brien remain. Why didn't they leave for the good of the party? They were as responsible for decisions - as Cabinet Ministers - as the Premier was. David referred to both O'Brien and Sullivan as strong supporters of the Premier - perhaps because they put forth just that. If you watch the interview however - if they are her friends - she doesn't need enemies.
Third - Kevin O'Brien claims that she was the first Premier who encountered social media. Really? I remember a significant load of it on former Premier Danny Williams. Be that as it may O'Brien exclaimed that it (social media) was used entirely against her.
DO YOU SEE HOW THIS INFORMATION WAS NOT COMMUNICATED WELL?
Yes - it is false and misleading. Actually it's a lie. It's doubtful Kent, Lane, and Collins have fingerprints left from Twitter presence - notwithstanding loyal Tories tweeting with vigor and venom.
Fourth - Then Kevin O'Brien adds that part of her problem was the "hostile media". Cochrane challenged him on that and then said "no not really".
DO YOU SEE HOW THIS INFORMATION WAS NOT COMMUNICATED WELL?
Guess that one's pretty simple. Propaganda - called on it - then withdrew.
Fifth - and Susan Sullivan should have plead the fifth instead of carrying on. Twitter and Facebook she said has been taken hostage by a "mob mentality". She compared it to a child's game whisper - where one child whispers to another down a chain of people and then they hear what comes out on the other side. She exclaimed that people under the cloak of anonymity made a statement which was partially untrue - and then others added to it and spread it - all the while changing the original point.
DO YOU SEE HOW THIS INFORMATION WAS NOT COMMUNICATED WELL?
The anonymous ones the Minister speaks of contain as many Tory hacks as those from any party. The most vocal opposition to this government's policy on Twitter - Facebook - and Blogs are not anonymous. The use of the words "mob mentality" is similar to other words they use to describe engaged citizens - such as "conspiracy theorists" and "naysayers". These words have been communicated so well - that even some media outlets use them.
So if the purpose of O'Brien and Sullivan was to reorganize - regroup - and refresh - they did nothing of the sort. I guess they should resign now as they also cannot communicate a message. If they did communicate what they meant - then we are in more trouble than we think.
Now just imagine having a conversation with them on Muskrat Falls?
The On Point interview can be found by CLICKING HERE
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
A PC Interim Leader on the way
Listening to our Premier today convinced me that Ms. Dunderdale is on her way out. She is now musing about reflecting, reviewing, revisiting, and reacting to the very loud and disapproving voices of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Dunderdale even mused on a leadership review - a sure sign that this by-election was not just another seat. If the Tories had retained the district - the grumbling government members might have bought the Ross Reid happy message a little longer. The loss of Carbonear - Harbour Grace - coupled with crashing polls - spells an end to her leadership.
So the dance begins - which of the upstarts wants to put the political knife in first? No doubt she's feeling a couple of them already.
I guess the permanent back-up finance Minister could do the Interim Premier bit as well. But with the Tories unable to come up with even an interim Finance Minister (other than Marshall - over and over) the talent pool appears shallow for an interim leader.
I think Darin, Terry, and Keith have a plan - the boys kind of see themselves as the male version of Susan, Joan, and Kathy. Just imagine their glee when the girls leave the roost.
Our Premier seemed really confused when interviewed today on the by-election loss - looked to the sky and wondered how they got to this place.
Muskrat, Abitibi, Fishery, Ferries, Roads, Come by Chance, and spending like drunken sailors comes to mind. Then there's the secrecy, arrogance, and dismissal of local small businesses. Yes that's right I almost forgot - 65 of them spread throughout the province - speaking to hundreds of people each - every day. Lastly there is this continued confusion about who our Premier works for - Danny? Nova Scotia? Emera? Ed Martin? or Stephen Harper?
I believe the Premier is going to have a snowy walk moment any day now and either Roving Tom is going to fill-in or the boys aforementioned will start implementing their plan.
Dunderdale even mused on a leadership review - a sure sign that this by-election was not just another seat. If the Tories had retained the district - the grumbling government members might have bought the Ross Reid happy message a little longer. The loss of Carbonear - Harbour Grace - coupled with crashing polls - spells an end to her leadership.
So the dance begins - which of the upstarts wants to put the political knife in first? No doubt she's feeling a couple of them already.
I guess the permanent back-up finance Minister could do the Interim Premier bit as well. But with the Tories unable to come up with even an interim Finance Minister (other than Marshall - over and over) the talent pool appears shallow for an interim leader.
I think Darin, Terry, and Keith have a plan - the boys kind of see themselves as the male version of Susan, Joan, and Kathy. Just imagine their glee when the girls leave the roost.
Our Premier seemed really confused when interviewed today on the by-election loss - looked to the sky and wondered how they got to this place.
Muskrat, Abitibi, Fishery, Ferries, Roads, Come by Chance, and spending like drunken sailors comes to mind. Then there's the secrecy, arrogance, and dismissal of local small businesses. Yes that's right I almost forgot - 65 of them spread throughout the province - speaking to hundreds of people each - every day. Lastly there is this continued confusion about who our Premier works for - Danny? Nova Scotia? Emera? Ed Martin? or Stephen Harper?
I believe the Premier is going to have a snowy walk moment any day now and either Roving Tom is going to fill-in or the boys aforementioned will start implementing their plan.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Question Period - PC's on last political legs
Watch carefully, Question Period in the House of Assembly. There is a real sign that the Tories are on their last political legs.
Question Period is to gain information from government and to call on government to account for its policies and actions.
Members Opposite ask the questions and government provides the answers. We all know that our government is not very good at providing answers and for the most part Question Period is like an adult playground for Government Ministers and Members.
These days - however there is one particular behavior that is ramping up. When an Opposition or Third Party Member asks a question more often than not the Minister responding - says "I want to know what the Liberals or NDP" thinks about this or that - or supports this or that.
This is going to become a "be careful what you wish for" scenario. So the Ministers of the Dunderdale government want to ask questions in the House of Assembly - no problem - just hang on for a couple of years and the few who are left standing will get plenty of time to do just that.
The Dunderdale Ministers and backbench hecklers are begging - no longing - to become Opposition - keep it up and they will get their wish.
Soon enough the few that are left can become a real rat-pack and ask all the questions they like.
The partisan zealotry of this government and vindictiveness toward those who are not absolute Kool-Aid drinkers goes beyond anything most of us have seen before. These people are not fit to govern and are absolute abusers of power.
Will any of them do a polygraph? We are the employers so maybe that's what we should demand.
Question Period is to gain information from government and to call on government to account for its policies and actions.
Members Opposite ask the questions and government provides the answers. We all know that our government is not very good at providing answers and for the most part Question Period is like an adult playground for Government Ministers and Members.
These days - however there is one particular behavior that is ramping up. When an Opposition or Third Party Member asks a question more often than not the Minister responding - says "I want to know what the Liberals or NDP" thinks about this or that - or supports this or that.
This is going to become a "be careful what you wish for" scenario. So the Ministers of the Dunderdale government want to ask questions in the House of Assembly - no problem - just hang on for a couple of years and the few who are left standing will get plenty of time to do just that.
The Dunderdale Ministers and backbench hecklers are begging - no longing - to become Opposition - keep it up and they will get their wish.
Soon enough the few that are left can become a real rat-pack and ask all the questions they like.
The partisan zealotry of this government and vindictiveness toward those who are not absolute Kool-Aid drinkers goes beyond anything most of us have seen before. These people are not fit to govern and are absolute abusers of power.
Will any of them do a polygraph? We are the employers so maybe that's what we should demand.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Dunderdale's Zarrow Shuffle
Did you see that? The slight of hand that Premier Dunderdale tried out on her audience yesterday. If she was in Vegas she might have been thrown out of the casino.
Dunderdale claims that her eroding popularity is due to making tough choices and decisions. So whatever she is talking about?
What could they possibly be?
It can't be Muskrat - as her government claims that a majority love the deal. Therefore we are left with health and finance.
Tom Marshall has already been the Minister of Finance and we know where we are with that; deficits, debt, and failing pension plans. Susan Sullivan has been hammering health now for some time and the problems keep getting worse not better - probably the only worse record is that of Vickie Kaminski. So there was no change there - yet these are presumably the areas of "tough" decisions. The two Ministers have shown no success in messaging - if we consider the dead last polling her party is suffering. It also demonstrates a lack of confidence in her caucus - when recycling bad is better than introducing new.
Danny Crummell - well his name is Danny - maybe that will help her.
Steve Kent - I have no faith that - with his lax approach to all facts and details - municipal affairs will improve. In fact he may just drive municipal leaders away through incessant tweets and self-praise on the open line programs.
The worst appointment yesterday - by far - was Kevin O'Brien moving to Advanced Education and Skills - described "the department has a mandate to ensure the province has highly educated graduates and skilled workers for a fast-growing economy. This will be achieved through a spectrum of services, supports and strategies."Mr. O'Brien is hardly a reasonable representative of this mission statement. He needs to work on improving oral language skills (listening and speaking) before taking on such a post. Making matters worse - he is a proven bully and this is the last attribute we need in a Minister responsible for any portion of education.
All in all nothing has changed - two new faces - who will not challenge the Premier. They are flattered, grateful, starstruck and "proud".
This shuffle was not for our benefit - it was for the Premier. It was to ensure that those who remained or joined cabinet would not jump ship and leave her sinking on the rusty barge.
Dunderdale claims that her eroding popularity is due to making tough choices and decisions. So whatever she is talking about?
What could they possibly be?
It can't be Muskrat - as her government claims that a majority love the deal. Therefore we are left with health and finance.
Tom Marshall has already been the Minister of Finance and we know where we are with that; deficits, debt, and failing pension plans. Susan Sullivan has been hammering health now for some time and the problems keep getting worse not better - probably the only worse record is that of Vickie Kaminski. So there was no change there - yet these are presumably the areas of "tough" decisions. The two Ministers have shown no success in messaging - if we consider the dead last polling her party is suffering. It also demonstrates a lack of confidence in her caucus - when recycling bad is better than introducing new.
Danny Crummell - well his name is Danny - maybe that will help her.
Steve Kent - I have no faith that - with his lax approach to all facts and details - municipal affairs will improve. In fact he may just drive municipal leaders away through incessant tweets and self-praise on the open line programs.
The worst appointment yesterday - by far - was Kevin O'Brien moving to Advanced Education and Skills - described "the department has a mandate to ensure the province has highly educated graduates and skilled workers for a fast-growing economy. This will be achieved through a spectrum of services, supports and strategies."Mr. O'Brien is hardly a reasonable representative of this mission statement. He needs to work on improving oral language skills (listening and speaking) before taking on such a post. Making matters worse - he is a proven bully and this is the last attribute we need in a Minister responsible for any portion of education.
All in all nothing has changed - two new faces - who will not challenge the Premier. They are flattered, grateful, starstruck and "proud".
This shuffle was not for our benefit - it was for the Premier. It was to ensure that those who remained or joined cabinet would not jump ship and leave her sinking on the rusty barge.
Friday, September 06, 2013
Election Act may allow PC's to avoid the Polls - if Kathy departs this October.
The Sir Robert Bond Papers says:
"Rumours have started to circulate that Kathy Dunderdale will toss her teddy bear in the corner in October. Maybe. Unless the Tories change the House of Assembly Act to reverse the changes they made a decade ago, they’ll be forced to go to the polls within 12 months of her departure. That might have made sense once, but with the mess they currently have , there’s no guarantee the Tories would be able to run a successful election that quickly."
Actually Ed Hollett may be wrong - the Act is weak and says the following:
"Rumours have started to circulate that Kathy Dunderdale will toss her teddy bear in the corner in October. Maybe. Unless the Tories change the House of Assembly Act to reverse the changes they made a decade ago, they’ll be forced to go to the polls within 12 months of her departure. That might have made sense once, but with the mess they currently have , there’s no guarantee the Tories would be able to run a successful election that quickly."
Actually Ed Hollett may be wrong - the Act is weak and says the following:
Election on change of Premier
3.1
Where the leader of the political party that forms the government
resigns his or her position as leader and as Premier of the province
before the end of the third year following the most recent general
election, the person who is elected by the party to replace him or her
as the leader of the party and who is sworn in as the Premier of the
province by the Lieutenant-Governor shall, not later than 12 months
afterward, provide advice to the Lieutenant-Governor that the House of
Assembly be dissolved and a general election be held.
You will note that the party has to have an election to get a new leader first; that can take them up to a year before the election. In that time an interim leader can be appointed (not elected) and caucus can make many changes to try and turn the tide.
For sure the interpretations on this will vary - however - there is certainly significant wiggle room. Section 3.1 has two conditions that must be achieved; election of a new leader and then 12 months to call a general election.
I'm sure the PC's have looked at this and we will know their interpretation soon. I'd say Kathy is gone and perhaps Terry French will provide interim leadership. My guess is Darin King is gathering his leadership gang together as I write this blog.
Saturday, August 24, 2013
the Telegram, Pharmacy, Robbery, Government
The Telegram - today's edition deals with the continued violent crimes affecting Newfoundland and Labrador Independent Pharmacies. Barb Sweet interviews an owner and hears first hand the suffering local pharmacies are experiencing due to Government cuts.
One statement in the story reads as follows:
Among the changes announced in the 2013 provincial budget to the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program (NLPDP) was one that forces pharmacies to sell generic drugs at 25 per cent of the cost of brand name or patented drugs at the end of a four-year period.
This is a factual error the cuts to 25% of brand have already occurred. There have been 5 cuts in one year. There was no time to absorb the cuts or try to find ways to remain viable.
The government ignored the Dr. Locke report on pharmacy and ignored the numerous attempts by local pharmacy organized under the Council of Independent Pharmacy Owners to meet with officials, Ministers and the Premier. This has gone on for 5 years.
The robberies are horrific and this essential community service is under constant threat.
Owners and employees have no idea what to expect anymore - other than more of the same.
The government's insistence not to recognize the CICPO means a majority of independent owners continue to be ignored as government tries to do its bidding with an association which represents all pharmacists - not pharmacies.
At a time when the population is aging and governments are looking for ways to save - the local pharmacy is one of the few options available to it. Their attitude toward the CICPO and its members has been nothing more than disrespectful.
When all failed and CICPO members became involved in the last election campaign - the government got worse. They punished.
Make no mistake - Kathy Dunderdale and Susan Sullivan are making it very tough for independent pharmacies to survive - and apparently they don't really give a damn.
One statement in the story reads as follows:
Among the changes announced in the 2013 provincial budget to the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program (NLPDP) was one that forces pharmacies to sell generic drugs at 25 per cent of the cost of brand name or patented drugs at the end of a four-year period.
This is a factual error the cuts to 25% of brand have already occurred. There have been 5 cuts in one year. There was no time to absorb the cuts or try to find ways to remain viable.
The government ignored the Dr. Locke report on pharmacy and ignored the numerous attempts by local pharmacy organized under the Council of Independent Pharmacy Owners to meet with officials, Ministers and the Premier. This has gone on for 5 years.
The robberies are horrific and this essential community service is under constant threat.
Owners and employees have no idea what to expect anymore - other than more of the same.
The government's insistence not to recognize the CICPO means a majority of independent owners continue to be ignored as government tries to do its bidding with an association which represents all pharmacists - not pharmacies.
At a time when the population is aging and governments are looking for ways to save - the local pharmacy is one of the few options available to it. Their attitude toward the CICPO and its members has been nothing more than disrespectful.
When all failed and CICPO members became involved in the last election campaign - the government got worse. They punished.
Make no mistake - Kathy Dunderdale and Susan Sullivan are making it very tough for independent pharmacies to survive - and apparently they don't really give a damn.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Minister Shea wears the shame of her Colleague?
The House of Assembly Hypocrisy
We can all agree that violence against girls, young women, and women must be stopped - and therefore any actions of governments to move that agenda foward is positive.
The problem is Minister Shea - and it's a big problem - you cannot expect anybody to believe that this effort is sincere - when your colleague the Minister of Finance - stood recently in the House of Assembly and praised a sexual offender - because he happened to win a hockey game.
You must deal with that issue frankly - this person praised by your colleague was at the time of the praise already convicted of raping two young women and subsequently plead guilty to raping another young woman in her sleep.
You can't as the Minister responsible for the Status of Women - refuse to address this unacceptable behavior (congratulating Mark Yetman Goalie CeeBees - Sexual Offender) by your colleague. If you do not apologize for these statements in the House of Assembly and apologize to the young women who were victims of Yetman - then your Ministerial Statement today rings hollow.
I can't single Minister Shea out here - as many others in the House from all sides - sit silently. Shame.
Here is the Hansard of a Ministerial Statement today by Joan Shea:
MS SHEA: Mr. Speaker, I rise in this hon. House today to provide an update on the progress of Atlantic Canada’s CyberSafe Girl Initiative.
In August 2010, the Atlantic Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women held their first annual meeting and at this time they shared concerns on cyber-violence.
Cyber-violence is the use of the Internet to harm or intimidate another person and includes name calling, teasing, threatening, starting rumours, posting embarrassing or degrading pictures, or encouraging violence. Acts of cyber-violence take place through e-mail, social media Web sites such as Facebook or Twitter, blogs and on-line games.
To address this disturbing issue, the Atlantic ministers committed to creating an initiative that provides educational tools to youth, parents and educators.
From this commitment, the CyberSafe Girl Initiative was developed. This initiative focuses on creating awareness and preventing cyber-violence being perpetrated against young girls on-line. The Atlantic Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women were pleased to officially launch the CyberSafe Girl Initiative campaign in St. John’s on October 11, 2012 – International Day of the Girl.
Through the CyberSafe Girl Initiative, a Web site and three fact sheets were developed to promote safe Internet usage for young girls. These fact sheets, entitled 10 Tips for Girls, 10 Tips for Parents, and What Everybody Needs to Know, are available throughout Atlantic Canada. In our Province, the Department of Education assisted with the distribution of the CyberSafe Girl fact sheets earlier this month to Newfoundland and Labrador schools with students in Grades 7 to 9.
The CyberSafe Girl Initiative was also recently showcased during the fifty-seventh session of the Commission on the Status of Women in New York on March 6. During this international event, two of the Atlantic Canadian Status of Women Ministers presented background information on the initiative and highlighted interactive components, including the fact sheets and Web site, to emphasize that ending cyber-violence against girls is a global effort; one that our Province is proud to be part of.
Mr. Speaker, the Atlantic Ministers will continue to make progress and spread the word with this initiative in the collective effort to end cyber-violence. I encourage all families in Newfoundland and Labrador to join this effort by reviewing these fact sheets and visiting cybersafegirl.ca to learn more about cyber safety.
___________________________________________
We can all agree that violence against girls, young women, and women must be stopped - and therefore any actions of governments to move that agenda foward is positive.
The problem is Minister Shea - and it's a big problem - you cannot expect anybody to believe that this effort is sincere - when your colleague the Minister of Finance - stood recently in the House of Assembly and praised a sexual offender - because he happened to win a hockey game.
You must deal with that issue frankly - this person praised by your colleague was at the time of the praise already convicted of raping two young women and subsequently plead guilty to raping another young woman in her sleep.
You can't as the Minister responsible for the Status of Women - refuse to address this unacceptable behavior (congratulating Mark Yetman Goalie CeeBees - Sexual Offender) by your colleague. If you do not apologize for these statements in the House of Assembly and apologize to the young women who were victims of Yetman - then your Ministerial Statement today rings hollow.
I can't single Minister Shea out here - as many others in the House from all sides - sit silently. Shame.
Here is the Hansard of a Ministerial Statement today by Joan Shea:
MS SHEA: Mr. Speaker, I rise in this hon. House today to provide an update on the progress of Atlantic Canada’s CyberSafe Girl Initiative.
In August 2010, the Atlantic Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women held their first annual meeting and at this time they shared concerns on cyber-violence.
Cyber-violence is the use of the Internet to harm or intimidate another person and includes name calling, teasing, threatening, starting rumours, posting embarrassing or degrading pictures, or encouraging violence. Acts of cyber-violence take place through e-mail, social media Web sites such as Facebook or Twitter, blogs and on-line games.
To address this disturbing issue, the Atlantic ministers committed to creating an initiative that provides educational tools to youth, parents and educators.
From this commitment, the CyberSafe Girl Initiative was developed. This initiative focuses on creating awareness and preventing cyber-violence being perpetrated against young girls on-line. The Atlantic Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women were pleased to officially launch the CyberSafe Girl Initiative campaign in St. John’s on October 11, 2012 – International Day of the Girl.
Through the CyberSafe Girl Initiative, a Web site and three fact sheets were developed to promote safe Internet usage for young girls. These fact sheets, entitled 10 Tips for Girls, 10 Tips for Parents, and What Everybody Needs to Know, are available throughout Atlantic Canada. In our Province, the Department of Education assisted with the distribution of the CyberSafe Girl fact sheets earlier this month to Newfoundland and Labrador schools with students in Grades 7 to 9.
The CyberSafe Girl Initiative was also recently showcased during the fifty-seventh session of the Commission on the Status of Women in New York on March 6. During this international event, two of the Atlantic Canadian Status of Women Ministers presented background information on the initiative and highlighted interactive components, including the fact sheets and Web site, to emphasize that ending cyber-violence against girls is a global effort; one that our Province is proud to be part of.
Mr. Speaker, the Atlantic Ministers will continue to make progress and spread the word with this initiative in the collective effort to end cyber-violence. I encourage all families in Newfoundland and Labrador to join this effort by reviewing these fact sheets and visiting cybersafegirl.ca to learn more about cyber safety.
___________________________________________
Thursday, May 09, 2013
Deceptions of the Dunderdale Government - an Example
As complicated as the pharmaceutical business is - there are some very simple concepts.
Unlike Doctors who have a billing code a pharmacist does not.
The pharmacy - the business - has the billing code for community pharmacy services.
The government is one of many insurers that offers its clients a card to use at a pharmacy.
A pharmacy can choose to accept or reject any insurance card.
The pharmacist does not decide that administrative and business decision.
CICPO is a duly incorporated not-for-profit trade organization that represents its member companies.
As such the CICPO negotiates on behalf of its businesses with insurance companies.
When a tentative agreement has been reached - the members of the CICPO vote on the agreement.
If a majority of members vote in favour of the tentative deal - then each corporation must separately sign an agreement with the insurer. This is a tariff agreement which outlines the amounts that will be paid to the pharmacy for acceptance of that particular drug card. Amounts include a dispensing fee, any specialty fees, mark-ups etc.
At all times the agreement reached is between the insurer and corporation - not a pharmacist.
In Newfoundland and Labrador you DO NOT have to be a pharmacist to own a pharmacy. Wal-Mart, Lawton's, Shoppers, and independent pharmacies can be owned by shareholders who are not pharmacists.
A pharmacy must employ a pharmacist as part of a staff in order that the pharmacy can conduct business.
A Pharmacy has the following expenditures:
1. salaries; CPP - EI - Workers Compensation - Benefits Package,
2. mortgage, lease payments, building maintenance,
3. light and power, Oil, or other energy,
4. taxation - federal, provincial, municipal,
5. security systems,
6. refrigeration,
7.specialized computers - software,
8. consumables such as pill bottles, special packaging, paper,
9. communications, telephone, facsimile, and other,
10. shipping - delivery costs,
11. inventory - medications - both prescription and over the counter drugs,
12. accounting - legal - professional services,
13. snow clearing, paving, property external maintenance,
14. carrying costs (significant when you accept an insurance card and wait up to two weeks for payment),
15. working capital,
16. operating licences,
17. garbage storage and removal,
18. delivery - vehicle maintenance - gas,
19. banking fees,
20. and other normal expenditures of businesses in the service and retail sector.
Not one of the above is the responsibility of a pharmacist.
The pharmacist is an employee of the pharmacy.
If a pharmacist is not working in a pharmacy, they work for Universities, Governments, Hospitals, insurance companies and pharmaceutical manufacturers.
The pharmacist is an employee.
The government of Newfoundland and Labrador wants pharmacies in the province to administer the provincial drug card. It like all other insurers is asking that their clients have the convenience of simply presenting an insurance card for payment of prescriptions drugs.
The pharmacy has the right to accept that card for payment or to reject it - in preference to immediate payment by the customer. This is the same for all businesses - including other essential goods such as groceries, furnace oil, light and power, or telephone.
The government of Newfoundland and Labrador chooses to negotiate with the Pharmacists Association of Newfoundland and Labrador - an organization that is responsible to represent all pharmacists - regardless of where they are employed. The organization is NOT a trade body and pharmacists not pharmacies are the only entities eligible to vote.
Therefore the government of Newfoundland and Labrador is negotiating with employees not the corporations it wishes to conduct trade with.
The CICPO members - all corporate - are not willing to have employee pharmacists negotiate a corporate contract on behalf of the company. The CEO's of the corporations represent the business interests - not the pharmacists - not the employees.
Making matters worse the vast majority of pharmacists in PANL do not have a shareholder interest in private sector pharmacies be they publicly traded or private.
The vast majority of voting members of PANL are employees and have nothing whatsoever to do with running a business or any responsibility for paying the bills of a corporation.
Pharmacists receive a paycheck and benefits from their employer - the pharmacy.
How can this professional organization (PANL) that has the mandate to represent pharmacists as employees also represent the employer - the corporation? How can this same organization claim to represent business when the business has not given express written permission to negotiate anything on the companys' behalf?
Is PANL going to go to the bank for these corporations and seek an interest rate for borrowing? Are they going to negotiate with wholesalers and manufacturers on their behalf? No they cannot and do not. Why then does this organization continue to claim to represent business? That is ethically wrong. It is materially wrong. PANL can say that government is negotiating with them - but PANL cannot claim to be negotiating for any business without the express written permission from the corporation.
The Government chooses to negotiate with PANL - when they have no authority to make decisions on behalf of the business. PANL does not bind a corporation.
Even under the farcical negotiation process with PANL - a "deal" was reached with government which is not binding on pharmacy - and not one corporation was asked to ratify such a "deal".
The CICPO pharmacies were not satisfied with a process which could bankrupt them - without a say - without any control - so they sent a formal notice to the Minister of Health that they would no longer accept the drug card for payment. This is a normal right of all businesses.
The notice was filed in accordance with the Provider Agreement between each pharmacy and government. All insurance companies and pharmacies operate under a "provider agreement" which outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parties.
The provider agreement between government and pharmacies required a 30 day notice for withdrawal of acceptance of the "card" as payment.
Upon that proper notification which was signed and delivered by over 60 individual corporations - the government decided to change the rules. The Government unilaterally changed the 30 day notice to 120 days and also added a condition that all patients that have been in the pharmacy within the past year were to be notified in writing - individually.
Further our members were threatened with disciplinary action and summary convictions if the "new" "immediate" changes to law were not followed.
We remain in the courts with that issue.
Now let's take the absurdity a step further - PANL which is supposed to represent pharmacists as a profession regardless of where they are employed do not actually negotiate any contracts for pharmacists!
The hospital pharmacists are represented by their union.
The University pharmacists are represented by MUNFA.
The government pharmacists are represented by their union.
Private sector pharmacists negotiate with their employer - the private pharmacy, drug manufacturer, insurance company etc.
All of the above pharmacists are voting members of PANL who are then trying to negotiate on behalf of private sector corporations!
We have a total conflict of interest. We have employees through PANL negotiating on behalf of businesses - most of whom have no risk whatsoever.
If a pharmacist has a problem with their working conditions or scope of practice or workplace health and safety - PANL is their representative. How then does PANL represent the employer?
There are no examples of this in any other sector.
The government is simply trying to force business to administer their social program at whatever they deem fit to pay for that administration. They can in fact put the business out of business without the private corporation having any control of their investment.
The government uses PANL as the path of least resistance knowing full well this is not would not be acceptable to any other corporation the government does business with.
When the government used Danny's old law firm to participate in the lawsuit against tobacco companies - the law society did not determine what the firm had to do the work for. Legal aid lawyers do not decide what hourly rate is charged by the law firm Minister Jerome Kennedy used to be a partner in. Tom Marshall did not allow government or a professional association to set his private legal rates.
Their law firms are not FORCED to do legal work for government at whatever rate of pay the government deems fit.
This is a pure deception - and the larger chain drugstores and mass retailers who have the individual ear of government when they employ lobbyists are happy enough to let their competition be slaughtered by government policy - when they publicly state they will be there to pick up the scripts when the more "vulnerable" independents fail. As for rural areas? They would be happy enough to mail the drugs if the local pharmacy disappears. Who cares about urgency, snowstorms, equal access, and rural communities? Good question.
The bottom line is government chooses it's people to sit at a table and then proceeds to dictate who sits on the other side. This is deception. This is dealing in bad faith with the corporations they want to do business with. Most importantly they are placing in jeopardy the equitable delivery of necessary medications to the most vulnerable in our society.
Unlike Doctors who have a billing code a pharmacist does not.
The pharmacy - the business - has the billing code for community pharmacy services.
The government is one of many insurers that offers its clients a card to use at a pharmacy.
A pharmacy can choose to accept or reject any insurance card.
The pharmacist does not decide that administrative and business decision.
CICPO is a duly incorporated not-for-profit trade organization that represents its member companies.
As such the CICPO negotiates on behalf of its businesses with insurance companies.
When a tentative agreement has been reached - the members of the CICPO vote on the agreement.
If a majority of members vote in favour of the tentative deal - then each corporation must separately sign an agreement with the insurer. This is a tariff agreement which outlines the amounts that will be paid to the pharmacy for acceptance of that particular drug card. Amounts include a dispensing fee, any specialty fees, mark-ups etc.
At all times the agreement reached is between the insurer and corporation - not a pharmacist.
In Newfoundland and Labrador you DO NOT have to be a pharmacist to own a pharmacy. Wal-Mart, Lawton's, Shoppers, and independent pharmacies can be owned by shareholders who are not pharmacists.
A pharmacy must employ a pharmacist as part of a staff in order that the pharmacy can conduct business.
A Pharmacy has the following expenditures:
1. salaries; CPP - EI - Workers Compensation - Benefits Package,
2. mortgage, lease payments, building maintenance,
3. light and power, Oil, or other energy,
4. taxation - federal, provincial, municipal,
5. security systems,
6. refrigeration,
7.specialized computers - software,
8. consumables such as pill bottles, special packaging, paper,
9. communications, telephone, facsimile, and other,
10. shipping - delivery costs,
11. inventory - medications - both prescription and over the counter drugs,
12. accounting - legal - professional services,
13. snow clearing, paving, property external maintenance,
14. carrying costs (significant when you accept an insurance card and wait up to two weeks for payment),
15. working capital,
16. operating licences,
17. garbage storage and removal,
18. delivery - vehicle maintenance - gas,
19. banking fees,
20. and other normal expenditures of businesses in the service and retail sector.
Not one of the above is the responsibility of a pharmacist.
The pharmacist is an employee of the pharmacy.
If a pharmacist is not working in a pharmacy, they work for Universities, Governments, Hospitals, insurance companies and pharmaceutical manufacturers.
The pharmacist is an employee.
The government of Newfoundland and Labrador wants pharmacies in the province to administer the provincial drug card. It like all other insurers is asking that their clients have the convenience of simply presenting an insurance card for payment of prescriptions drugs.
The pharmacy has the right to accept that card for payment or to reject it - in preference to immediate payment by the customer. This is the same for all businesses - including other essential goods such as groceries, furnace oil, light and power, or telephone.
The government of Newfoundland and Labrador chooses to negotiate with the Pharmacists Association of Newfoundland and Labrador - an organization that is responsible to represent all pharmacists - regardless of where they are employed. The organization is NOT a trade body and pharmacists not pharmacies are the only entities eligible to vote.
Therefore the government of Newfoundland and Labrador is negotiating with employees not the corporations it wishes to conduct trade with.
The CICPO members - all corporate - are not willing to have employee pharmacists negotiate a corporate contract on behalf of the company. The CEO's of the corporations represent the business interests - not the pharmacists - not the employees.
Making matters worse the vast majority of pharmacists in PANL do not have a shareholder interest in private sector pharmacies be they publicly traded or private.
The vast majority of voting members of PANL are employees and have nothing whatsoever to do with running a business or any responsibility for paying the bills of a corporation.
Pharmacists receive a paycheck and benefits from their employer - the pharmacy.
How can this professional organization (PANL) that has the mandate to represent pharmacists as employees also represent the employer - the corporation? How can this same organization claim to represent business when the business has not given express written permission to negotiate anything on the companys' behalf?
Is PANL going to go to the bank for these corporations and seek an interest rate for borrowing? Are they going to negotiate with wholesalers and manufacturers on their behalf? No they cannot and do not. Why then does this organization continue to claim to represent business? That is ethically wrong. It is materially wrong. PANL can say that government is negotiating with them - but PANL cannot claim to be negotiating for any business without the express written permission from the corporation.
The Government chooses to negotiate with PANL - when they have no authority to make decisions on behalf of the business. PANL does not bind a corporation.
Even under the farcical negotiation process with PANL - a "deal" was reached with government which is not binding on pharmacy - and not one corporation was asked to ratify such a "deal".
The CICPO pharmacies were not satisfied with a process which could bankrupt them - without a say - without any control - so they sent a formal notice to the Minister of Health that they would no longer accept the drug card for payment. This is a normal right of all businesses.
The notice was filed in accordance with the Provider Agreement between each pharmacy and government. All insurance companies and pharmacies operate under a "provider agreement" which outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parties.
The provider agreement between government and pharmacies required a 30 day notice for withdrawal of acceptance of the "card" as payment.
Upon that proper notification which was signed and delivered by over 60 individual corporations - the government decided to change the rules. The Government unilaterally changed the 30 day notice to 120 days and also added a condition that all patients that have been in the pharmacy within the past year were to be notified in writing - individually.
Further our members were threatened with disciplinary action and summary convictions if the "new" "immediate" changes to law were not followed.
We remain in the courts with that issue.
Now let's take the absurdity a step further - PANL which is supposed to represent pharmacists as a profession regardless of where they are employed do not actually negotiate any contracts for pharmacists!
The hospital pharmacists are represented by their union.
The University pharmacists are represented by MUNFA.
The government pharmacists are represented by their union.
Private sector pharmacists negotiate with their employer - the private pharmacy, drug manufacturer, insurance company etc.
All of the above pharmacists are voting members of PANL who are then trying to negotiate on behalf of private sector corporations!
We have a total conflict of interest. We have employees through PANL negotiating on behalf of businesses - most of whom have no risk whatsoever.
If a pharmacist has a problem with their working conditions or scope of practice or workplace health and safety - PANL is their representative. How then does PANL represent the employer?
There are no examples of this in any other sector.
The government is simply trying to force business to administer their social program at whatever they deem fit to pay for that administration. They can in fact put the business out of business without the private corporation having any control of their investment.
The government uses PANL as the path of least resistance knowing full well this is not would not be acceptable to any other corporation the government does business with.
When the government used Danny's old law firm to participate in the lawsuit against tobacco companies - the law society did not determine what the firm had to do the work for. Legal aid lawyers do not decide what hourly rate is charged by the law firm Minister Jerome Kennedy used to be a partner in. Tom Marshall did not allow government or a professional association to set his private legal rates.
Their law firms are not FORCED to do legal work for government at whatever rate of pay the government deems fit.
This is a pure deception - and the larger chain drugstores and mass retailers who have the individual ear of government when they employ lobbyists are happy enough to let their competition be slaughtered by government policy - when they publicly state they will be there to pick up the scripts when the more "vulnerable" independents fail. As for rural areas? They would be happy enough to mail the drugs if the local pharmacy disappears. Who cares about urgency, snowstorms, equal access, and rural communities? Good question.
The bottom line is government chooses it's people to sit at a table and then proceeds to dictate who sits on the other side. This is deception. This is dealing in bad faith with the corporations they want to do business with. Most importantly they are placing in jeopardy the equitable delivery of necessary medications to the most vulnerable in our society.
Thursday, May 02, 2013
Dunderdale and Co. - Redundant?
If you listen clearly to this government and it's reasoning for most every decision it makes - a pattern will become obvious.
They blame experts including judges, engineers, health care boards, school boards, municipalities, consultants (both from NL and other provinces), doctors, nurses, pharmacists, economists, CEO's, and "stakeholders".
When they are not citing the above - they say the responsibility lies with the feds or better yet the Liberal Government from a decade ago.
Think for a moment - that makes the politicians redundant. This includes all their staff and entourage.
What's worse is that they appear not to understand themselves exactly why the decisions are being made. In other words - if they are getting incomplete, inaccurate, or nonsensical advice - they wouldn't know it anyway.
Add to that the tribal level of partisanship preventing them from listening to any expert who might disagree with something they are doing.
All in all - it appears they have made themselves redundant and have this province in a state of economic disrepair.
I await with both amusement and deep concern - what expert they will place in front of themselves next. Unfortunately there will be no surprise coming from the backbenches; head bobbers became redundant decades ago.
They blame experts including judges, engineers, health care boards, school boards, municipalities, consultants (both from NL and other provinces), doctors, nurses, pharmacists, economists, CEO's, and "stakeholders".
When they are not citing the above - they say the responsibility lies with the feds or better yet the Liberal Government from a decade ago.
Think for a moment - that makes the politicians redundant. This includes all their staff and entourage.
What's worse is that they appear not to understand themselves exactly why the decisions are being made. In other words - if they are getting incomplete, inaccurate, or nonsensical advice - they wouldn't know it anyway.
Add to that the tribal level of partisanship preventing them from listening to any expert who might disagree with something they are doing.
All in all - it appears they have made themselves redundant and have this province in a state of economic disrepair.
I await with both amusement and deep concern - what expert they will place in front of themselves next. Unfortunately there will be no surprise coming from the backbenches; head bobbers became redundant decades ago.
Monday, December 31, 2012
2013 Newfoundland and Labrador
Let us as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians control our destiny in the year 2013 and beyond.
This wonderful place and her people are not owned by a select few and in the end the people will prevail. Those who serve themselves in offices meant for public service will get their due reward.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Polygraph in order? Kent and Osborne
Which one would agree to a polygraph - Osborne or Kent?
This is an important test and both should be asked if they would agree. Kent is lobbying hard to sit in the Dunderdale Cabinet and is prepared to throw himself under Kathy's big blue bus if necessary. Osborne says he cannot take Dunderdale's leadership and no longer recognizes his own party.
Osborne says Kent spoke to him about concerns regarding the Premier's ability to lead and Kent says he did not.
Dunderdale for her part explained the road to Cabinet is through developing a relationship with her. That would leave Kent in a "deadwood" zone if he privately questioned the queen of the Tories ability to do her job.
It's bad enough that Dunderdale's most stated objective is that sucking up to her is the road to success - but when one of those kissing #*# might actually be doing so for the cameras while taking a swipe in the shadows - the plot thickens.
So this is an important truth. We don't want the convenient truth - we want the whole truth.
Is is disgruntled Tom or desperate Steve?
Let's see which one is willing to swear to it or be tested by a machine that could ultimately build or break political careers.
St
This is an important test and both should be asked if they would agree. Kent is lobbying hard to sit in the Dunderdale Cabinet and is prepared to throw himself under Kathy's big blue bus if necessary. Osborne says he cannot take Dunderdale's leadership and no longer recognizes his own party.
Osborne says Kent spoke to him about concerns regarding the Premier's ability to lead and Kent says he did not.
Dunderdale for her part explained the road to Cabinet is through developing a relationship with her. That would leave Kent in a "deadwood" zone if he privately questioned the queen of the Tories ability to do her job.
It's bad enough that Dunderdale's most stated objective is that sucking up to her is the road to success - but when one of those kissing #*# might actually be doing so for the cameras while taking a swipe in the shadows - the plot thickens.
So this is an important truth. We don't want the convenient truth - we want the whole truth.
Is is disgruntled Tom or desperate Steve?
Let's see which one is willing to swear to it or be tested by a machine that could ultimately build or break political careers.
St
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Minister Hedderson briefed by Dow Chemical?
I am sure many of you heard Minister of Transportation, Tom Hedderson either on a talk show or in the media this week displaying his educational prowess regarding Tordon 101.
This of course was in response to the public outcry over the province's current spray program.
He talked about litres of blueberries and Vitamin A as he painted a rosy picture of a pesticide.
He then suggested that when the province had banned use in domestic gardens - it was not as a health precaution but rather it was excessive and really unnecessary use.
Now if as the Minister suggests there are no health risks when applied by "professionals" then why was the Minister worried about excessive or unnecessary use? Is the Minister stepping in as "big brother"? If there are no health risks and you can eat it smell it and otherwise have it sprayed around hunting, fishing, and recreational areas what's the problem with peoples' yards?
I figured the briefing notes that some Ministers actually request and read - must have been stellar.
I figured that bureaucrats up and down the line from various departments must have been working on this material.
Now imagine my complete disappointment that the briefing notes were available to everybody. They were originally prepared by Dow Chemicals.
If you have the time and interest just visit the following two sites and read for yourself about the blueberries and Vitamin A. They sound so familiar - I thought Dow Chemical must be transcribing our Minister's commentary.
Press Here Document 1
Press Here Document 2
Now it also includes information like the poison sign above and the following text:
MAY CAUSE SKIN AND EYE IRRITATION
HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED
MAY BE HARMFUL IF ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN
DO NOT GET IN EYES
AVOID CONTACT WITH EYES, SKIN AND CLOTHING
AVOID BREATHING SPRAY MIST
DO NOT INHALE FUMES
HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED
MAY BE HARMFUL IF ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN
DO NOT GET IN EYES
AVOID CONTACT WITH EYES, SKIN AND CLOTHING
AVOID BREATHING SPRAY MIST
DO NOT INHALE FUMES
So after I discovered that our elected officials were relying on information provided by the chemical company itself - I was a little disturbed.
Then there was my favorite note:
NOTICE TO USER: This pest control product is to be used only in accordance with the directions on the label. It is an offence under the Pest Control Products Act to use this product in a way that is inconsistent with the directions on the label. The user assumes the risk to persons or property that arises from any such use of this product.
So needless to say I had to look further for information not derived from the chemical company itself. I would strongly recommend that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians read the following information provided by "Beyond Pesticides" a group described as:
Beyond Pesticides (formerly National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides) works with allies in protecting public health and the environment to lead the transition to a world free of toxic pesticides. The founders, who established Beyond Pesticides as a nonprofit membership organization in 1981, felt that without the existence of such an organized, national network, local, state and national pesticide policy would become, under chemical industry pressure, increasingly unresponsive to public health and environmental concerns.
Press Here Document 3
Press Here Document 4
The group consists of volunteer professionals such as medical doctors, Ph.D's, and lawyers and is staffed by exceptionally experienced and credentialed individuals. To read more about their expertise and compare it to that of the Minister's please review the following:
Press Here Document 5
I think I will continue to do my own research on the potential health and environmental dangers of this pesticide and not rely on the words of the chemical company that produced it.
Who will you trust?
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Training for 2015 Polympics has Begun - Dean/Danny/Brian
*Please note these are my PREDICTIONS - not statements of fact.
I believe the fix is in.
The circular Brian Danny Dean aka "the Three Amigos" rule is just about complete.
With this of course goes the development of major resources worth billions of dollars.
It's all about the Lower Churchill - in my opinion - it always has been.
Now there are little perks in between such as fibre-optic, land, and minerals - but the big daddy is the Lower Churchill development.
In my opinion the amigo's who all have vested strategic investments, board positions, and of course political connections (each other) are three Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who will enjoy the great reward from natural resource development.
Now that Kathy is nearing the end of her usefulness to the boys - the change is beginning.
Dean is out condemning everything Kathy does except of course - Muskrat Falls. Danny is keeping his nose out of everything - except of course - Muskrat Falls and Brian - well he has not weighed into the fray of what? - Muskrat Falls.
So they have begun - Kathy must still deliver on Muskrat Falls; however it will be a political life altering event which will see the population turn on her - while Dean praises the project.
The Liberals will put forth a farce of a convention - making sure that Dean gets a "fight" for the leadership - and upon his victory - Liberals will unite.
The current sitting members will carry on in the Dean/Danny/Brian government along with a few sitting PC's.
1. Although Ross Wiseman is very willing to cross the floor to advance himself - I think he's lining up for an appointment after he decides he's not running again. Maybe back to health care - hey Ross?
2. Tom Osborne is an interesting situation - he's genetically PC - not ideologically - but he's supposed to be Tory so he is. Well Kathy might put him back in Cabinet as he usually is a guaranteed seat - and in this way try and prevent the crossover - which I don't think he could make his legs do if he tried. I'm still waiting for him to nationalize the parks the Liberals privatized. In either case many things probably go against his grain and further he has been mistreated since the PC's took government - but he just doesn't have the courage. Some may call it loyalty - but nah - he is a social democrat and a fiscal liberal.
3. The "ladies" Charlene, Joan, and Susan are just plain gone. The Liberals even under Dean/Danny won't want them. They will go down with the already hole infested d(under)dale ship. They will not be re-elected and probably will be too fearful to run.
4. The people to look to for crossing are; David Brazil, Sandy Collins, Ray Hunter, Clyde Granter, Paul Lane, Tracey Perry, Jerome Kennedy, Derrick Dalley, John Dinn, Keith Russell, and Wade Verge.
5. Of those potential floor-crossers Darin King and Jerome Kennedy may first challenge for the PC leadership after the premature downfall of Dunderdale. They will be joined in the leadership circus by Kevin O'Brien, Steve Kent and Charlene Johnson. This will be a messy affair with King probably winning out. I think he has the most work done on the run-up.
6. Kevin O'Brien and Charlene Johnson will not run again for the Tories upon the loss and Jerome Kennedy - who could either quit in a huff - or find some useful engagement under the leadership of Dean MacDonald.
7. Darin King, Steve Kent, Tom Osborne, Keith Hutchings, Kevin Parsons, and Terry French will be the Tories who will run again under the PC banner and IF elected become the rat pack for the Tory Opposition.
8. I believe Paul Davis, Clayton Forsey, Glen Little, Glenn Littlejohn, Tom Marshall, Felix Collins, Eli Cross, Dan Crummell, Nick McGrath, Calvin Peach, Ray Hunter (if he does not cross), Tony Cornect, Kevin Pollard, Tom Hedderson, and Ross Wiseman will all choose to bow out of politics or lose their seat.
9. Of those who may look to cross Dean/Danny/Brian will dismiss Sandy Collins, Paul Lane, Tracey Perry, Wade Verge and Dave Brazil (if he doesn't cross within 1 year).
10. Let the games begin - not to worry though - anything that the amigos might be up to will be protected by Bill 29 - which they will continue to protect if they achieve government.
Training for the 2015 Polympics has begun.
I believe the fix is in.
The circular Brian Danny Dean aka "the Three Amigos" rule is just about complete.
With this of course goes the development of major resources worth billions of dollars.
It's all about the Lower Churchill - in my opinion - it always has been.
Now there are little perks in between such as fibre-optic, land, and minerals - but the big daddy is the Lower Churchill development.
In my opinion the amigo's who all have vested strategic investments, board positions, and of course political connections (each other) are three Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who will enjoy the great reward from natural resource development.
Now that Kathy is nearing the end of her usefulness to the boys - the change is beginning.
Dean is out condemning everything Kathy does except of course - Muskrat Falls. Danny is keeping his nose out of everything - except of course - Muskrat Falls and Brian - well he has not weighed into the fray of what? - Muskrat Falls.
So they have begun - Kathy must still deliver on Muskrat Falls; however it will be a political life altering event which will see the population turn on her - while Dean praises the project.
The Liberals will put forth a farce of a convention - making sure that Dean gets a "fight" for the leadership - and upon his victory - Liberals will unite.
The current sitting members will carry on in the Dean/Danny/Brian government along with a few sitting PC's.
1. Although Ross Wiseman is very willing to cross the floor to advance himself - I think he's lining up for an appointment after he decides he's not running again. Maybe back to health care - hey Ross?
2. Tom Osborne is an interesting situation - he's genetically PC - not ideologically - but he's supposed to be Tory so he is. Well Kathy might put him back in Cabinet as he usually is a guaranteed seat - and in this way try and prevent the crossover - which I don't think he could make his legs do if he tried. I'm still waiting for him to nationalize the parks the Liberals privatized. In either case many things probably go against his grain and further he has been mistreated since the PC's took government - but he just doesn't have the courage. Some may call it loyalty - but nah - he is a social democrat and a fiscal liberal.
3. The "ladies" Charlene, Joan, and Susan are just plain gone. The Liberals even under Dean/Danny won't want them. They will go down with the already hole infested d(under)dale ship. They will not be re-elected and probably will be too fearful to run.
4. The people to look to for crossing are; David Brazil, Sandy Collins, Ray Hunter, Clyde Granter, Paul Lane, Tracey Perry, Jerome Kennedy, Derrick Dalley, John Dinn, Keith Russell, and Wade Verge.
5. Of those potential floor-crossers Darin King and Jerome Kennedy may first challenge for the PC leadership after the premature downfall of Dunderdale. They will be joined in the leadership circus by Kevin O'Brien, Steve Kent and Charlene Johnson. This will be a messy affair with King probably winning out. I think he has the most work done on the run-up.
6. Kevin O'Brien and Charlene Johnson will not run again for the Tories upon the loss and Jerome Kennedy - who could either quit in a huff - or find some useful engagement under the leadership of Dean MacDonald.
7. Darin King, Steve Kent, Tom Osborne, Keith Hutchings, Kevin Parsons, and Terry French will be the Tories who will run again under the PC banner and IF elected become the rat pack for the Tory Opposition.
8. I believe Paul Davis, Clayton Forsey, Glen Little, Glenn Littlejohn, Tom Marshall, Felix Collins, Eli Cross, Dan Crummell, Nick McGrath, Calvin Peach, Ray Hunter (if he does not cross), Tony Cornect, Kevin Pollard, Tom Hedderson, and Ross Wiseman will all choose to bow out of politics or lose their seat.
9. Of those who may look to cross Dean/Danny/Brian will dismiss Sandy Collins, Paul Lane, Tracey Perry, Wade Verge and Dave Brazil (if he doesn't cross within 1 year).
10. Let the games begin - not to worry though - anything that the amigos might be up to will be protected by Bill 29 - which they will continue to protect if they achieve government.
Training for the 2015 Polympics has begun.
Friday, June 15, 2012
The 2015 Election is Underway - Where's Dunderdale
Both Opposition Parties in Newfoundland and Labrador have made their first 2015 election promise.
The race to replace has begun.
We - the people will hold them to it.
It is positive to see politicians respond immediately to the people by making a promise that all of us really need right now. A commitment to eliminate this cloak of secrecy - called Bill 29.
Last night Charlene Johnson either lied or demonstrated unfathomable ignorance by blaming the constituency spending allowance on the previous Liberal government.
The statements made - not yet available on Hansard - were beyond irresponsible they were grossly negligent.
The three political parties suffered blame as members of each were trotted off to jail. How did that happen? Read the Green Report. Read the Auditor General's special reports.
The Deputy Premier of Danny Williams - a person he put great trust in was front and centre in the political scandal of our time. His second in command - a Cabinet Minister in control of significant information secret and otherwise. This person who admitted to forging documents and stealing over $100,000 from us the people. This person who the Auditor General said received almost $500,000 over his entitlements.
Do we need a system that is open and transparent? Yes.
Do we need a system that seeks to thwart transparency? No
The government had options.
1. They could have let the debate finish naturally, they did not - they invoked closure.
2. They could have had Bill 29 reviewed by Chief Justice Green, Senator Beth Marshall, or by former Auditor General John Noseworthy (the man who brought the cost of secrecy to light).
3. They could have created an all-party committee to travel the province and consult with the people on the proposed changes.
4. The government could have sincerely considered amendments brought forth and at least pretended to have interest in the process.
5. The government could have killed the Bill - and in doing so appropriately recognized the wisdom of their colleagues, the people, and members of the media who were screaming foul.
Dan Crummell was just now on VOCM open-line suggesting that the media took offence to the Bill more than anybody. He said he believes they want to be in the Cabinet Room.
There is no defence to reducing access to information - yet Dan attempted to do it anyway. Way to trot to the trough there Dan. Fill-er-up. Gotta get a Cabinet Post - gotta get - me - me -me Dan.
Newfoundland and Labrador politicians have absolutely no right to reduce access to information - simply because the wound is too deep and fresh from the constituency allowance scandal. How arrogant must they be to support cloak and dagger legislation - when many of them were there when their colleagues were put in cuffs.
The Opposition parties have now taken a necessary step to rebuild confidence and trust in the electorate. They appear to understand that we are not prepared to "trust" them - on their word - just yet.
What Dunderdale, Collins, Marshall, Kennedy, King, Sullivan, Burke, and Johnson seem not to understand is reducing access now - so soon after the scandal - is like giving a parent giving their teenage son or daughter the car a week after they are convicted of drinking and driving.
Yes it is that serious! Yes it is that condemnable!
Now it is up to the NDP and Liberal MHA's to remind the people and the PC caucus that they will reverse the Bill and will reveal all hidden documents - as soon as practicable after the PC's are defeated.
By the way where is Danny on this? Where is Danny on this? Will this be the issue that excuses Danny away from "his" party and toward Dean? It remains incredible that all these PC backbenchers have not yet figured out that the fix is in.
They play you like a fiddle and in turn you fiddle while your political reputations burn.
Premier Dunderdale - where are you dear? The 2015 Election Campaign began early this morning. The race to boot the Tories out has begun and you were nowhere to be found.
The race to replace has begun.
We - the people will hold them to it.
It is positive to see politicians respond immediately to the people by making a promise that all of us really need right now. A commitment to eliminate this cloak of secrecy - called Bill 29.
Last night Charlene Johnson either lied or demonstrated unfathomable ignorance by blaming the constituency spending allowance on the previous Liberal government.
The statements made - not yet available on Hansard - were beyond irresponsible they were grossly negligent.
The three political parties suffered blame as members of each were trotted off to jail. How did that happen? Read the Green Report. Read the Auditor General's special reports.
The Deputy Premier of Danny Williams - a person he put great trust in was front and centre in the political scandal of our time. His second in command - a Cabinet Minister in control of significant information secret and otherwise. This person who admitted to forging documents and stealing over $100,000 from us the people. This person who the Auditor General said received almost $500,000 over his entitlements.
Do we need a system that is open and transparent? Yes.
Do we need a system that seeks to thwart transparency? No
The government had options.
1. They could have let the debate finish naturally, they did not - they invoked closure.
2. They could have had Bill 29 reviewed by Chief Justice Green, Senator Beth Marshall, or by former Auditor General John Noseworthy (the man who brought the cost of secrecy to light).
3. They could have created an all-party committee to travel the province and consult with the people on the proposed changes.
4. The government could have sincerely considered amendments brought forth and at least pretended to have interest in the process.
5. The government could have killed the Bill - and in doing so appropriately recognized the wisdom of their colleagues, the people, and members of the media who were screaming foul.
Dan Crummell was just now on VOCM open-line suggesting that the media took offence to the Bill more than anybody. He said he believes they want to be in the Cabinet Room.
There is no defence to reducing access to information - yet Dan attempted to do it anyway. Way to trot to the trough there Dan. Fill-er-up. Gotta get a Cabinet Post - gotta get - me - me -me Dan.
Newfoundland and Labrador politicians have absolutely no right to reduce access to information - simply because the wound is too deep and fresh from the constituency allowance scandal. How arrogant must they be to support cloak and dagger legislation - when many of them were there when their colleagues were put in cuffs.
The Opposition parties have now taken a necessary step to rebuild confidence and trust in the electorate. They appear to understand that we are not prepared to "trust" them - on their word - just yet.
What Dunderdale, Collins, Marshall, Kennedy, King, Sullivan, Burke, and Johnson seem not to understand is reducing access now - so soon after the scandal - is like giving a parent giving their teenage son or daughter the car a week after they are convicted of drinking and driving.
Yes it is that serious! Yes it is that condemnable!
Now it is up to the NDP and Liberal MHA's to remind the people and the PC caucus that they will reverse the Bill and will reveal all hidden documents - as soon as practicable after the PC's are defeated.
By the way where is Danny on this? Where is Danny on this? Will this be the issue that excuses Danny away from "his" party and toward Dean? It remains incredible that all these PC backbenchers have not yet figured out that the fix is in.
They play you like a fiddle and in turn you fiddle while your political reputations burn.
Premier Dunderdale - where are you dear? The 2015 Election Campaign began early this morning. The race to boot the Tories out has begun and you were nowhere to be found.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Good Morning MHA's - NEW POLL HEALTH - NL Dead Last
Good Morning to our MHA's - and after another long night of debate let me give you some Carnation Breakfast to wake you up.
Secondly - I better get this information out before Steve Kent shuts down the House or perhaps all documents are barred by Bill 29.
So Vickie Kaminski is headlined in the Telegram today "Best way to gain confidence is performing well".
Read this NEWS
If you live in Saskatchewan, chances are you’re pretty satisfied with health care. In Newfoundland — not so much.
And in Ontario, you’re happy with family doctors, but much like the other provinces, you feel emergency services could use some work.
A new poll exclusive to the Star shows wide-ranging satisfaction with health care across the provinces, with Saskatchewan, Manitoba and New Brunswick scoring highest, and Nova Scotia and Newfoundland falling behind.
In Saskatchewan, 26 per cent of respondents were “very satisfied” with health care, and in Manitoba and New Brunswick it was 25 per cent.
In Newfoundland, only 10 per cent were very satisfied, followed by 13 per cent in Nova Scotia.
“Saskatchewan, which is sort of the birth place of medicare, has the highest satisfaction ratings with health care,” said Lorne Bozinoff, president of Forum Research, which conducted the poll.
“Then it varies considerably across the country.”
Bozinoff attributed the low overall score in Newfoundland to a shortage of specialists, such as cardiologists and pediatricians, and poor ratings for laboratories, possibly due to lack of access.
“That’s probably driving the dissatisfaction, the low satisfaction numbers, in Newfoundland overall,” he said.
A total of 75 per cent of respondents in Manitoba, 72 per cent in New Brunswick and 71 per cent in Saskatchewan were either very satisfied or satisfied with health care. In Ontario it was 66 per cent.
The survey found Ontario is above average for satisfaction with family doctors, specialists, diagnostic labs and hospitals, but fell behind the average on pharmacists and dentists.
The most highly rated health-care service in the survey was pharmacists, with an average of 63 per cent of respondents saying they were “very satisfied.” In Quebec, it’s 71 per cent, but in Ontario it’s 58 per cent.
The lowest satisfaction ratings went to walk-in clinics and emergency room services, which scored a national average of 21 per cent and 14 per cent, respectively.
Emergency services were the poorest received across the country. In Ontario 17 per cent of respondents were very satisfied with the emergency room, while Saskatchewan was the only province to top one-fifth of respondents. Newfoundland, Quebec and Manitoba ranked lowest at 9 per cent.
Hospitals scored highest in Prince Edward Island at 31 per cent, followed by Ontario and Saskatchewan with 26 per cent each. Newfoundland was last at 8 per cent.
Satisfaction with walk-in clinics was also highest in P.E.I. at 28 per cent, followed by Nova Scotia and New Brunswick at 24 per cent.
Family doctors were best received in Ontario and Saskatchewan, with 40 per cent of respondents very satisfied. The lowest scores go to P.E.I. at 29 per cent, and Newfoundland and Alberta at 32 per cent each.
In general, the survey found Canadians over 65 were more satisfied with hospital services, walk-in clinics, family doctors, pharmacy services, dentists and emergency services.
The poll results are based on an interactive voice response telephone survey of 3,932 randomly selected residents aged 18 or older across Canada. It was conducted on May 30-31st, 2012.
Results based on the total sample are considered accurate, plus or minus 1.56 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
Secondly - I better get this information out before Steve Kent shuts down the House or perhaps all documents are barred by Bill 29.
So Vickie Kaminski is headlined in the Telegram today "Best way to gain confidence is performing well".
Read this NEWS
If you live in Saskatchewan, chances are you’re pretty satisfied with health care. In Newfoundland — not so much.
And in Ontario, you’re happy with family doctors, but much like the other provinces, you feel emergency services could use some work.
A new poll exclusive to the Star shows wide-ranging satisfaction with health care across the provinces, with Saskatchewan, Manitoba and New Brunswick scoring highest, and Nova Scotia and Newfoundland falling behind.
In Saskatchewan, 26 per cent of respondents were “very satisfied” with health care, and in Manitoba and New Brunswick it was 25 per cent.
In Newfoundland, only 10 per cent were very satisfied, followed by 13 per cent in Nova Scotia.
“Saskatchewan, which is sort of the birth place of medicare, has the highest satisfaction ratings with health care,” said Lorne Bozinoff, president of Forum Research, which conducted the poll.
“Then it varies considerably across the country.”
Bozinoff attributed the low overall score in Newfoundland to a shortage of specialists, such as cardiologists and pediatricians, and poor ratings for laboratories, possibly due to lack of access.
“That’s probably driving the dissatisfaction, the low satisfaction numbers, in Newfoundland overall,” he said.
A total of 75 per cent of respondents in Manitoba, 72 per cent in New Brunswick and 71 per cent in Saskatchewan were either very satisfied or satisfied with health care. In Ontario it was 66 per cent.
The survey found Ontario is above average for satisfaction with family doctors, specialists, diagnostic labs and hospitals, but fell behind the average on pharmacists and dentists.
The most highly rated health-care service in the survey was pharmacists, with an average of 63 per cent of respondents saying they were “very satisfied.” In Quebec, it’s 71 per cent, but in Ontario it’s 58 per cent.
The lowest satisfaction ratings went to walk-in clinics and emergency room services, which scored a national average of 21 per cent and 14 per cent, respectively.
Emergency services were the poorest received across the country. In Ontario 17 per cent of respondents were very satisfied with the emergency room, while Saskatchewan was the only province to top one-fifth of respondents. Newfoundland, Quebec and Manitoba ranked lowest at 9 per cent.
Hospitals scored highest in Prince Edward Island at 31 per cent, followed by Ontario and Saskatchewan with 26 per cent each. Newfoundland was last at 8 per cent.
Satisfaction with walk-in clinics was also highest in P.E.I. at 28 per cent, followed by Nova Scotia and New Brunswick at 24 per cent.
Family doctors were best received in Ontario and Saskatchewan, with 40 per cent of respondents very satisfied. The lowest scores go to P.E.I. at 29 per cent, and Newfoundland and Alberta at 32 per cent each.
In general, the survey found Canadians over 65 were more satisfied with hospital services, walk-in clinics, family doctors, pharmacy services, dentists and emergency services.
The poll results are based on an interactive voice response telephone survey of 3,932 randomly selected residents aged 18 or older across Canada. It was conducted on May 30-31st, 2012.
Results based on the total sample are considered accurate, plus or minus 1.56 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
Friday, June 08, 2012
Conflict of Interest in Nalcor Appointments?
The appointment of 4 people today to the Boards of Nalcor and Hydro must now be examined.
What is the relationship of any of these individuals to any MHA or Member of Cabinet?
How can one appoint a currently serving politician to a Crown Corporation?
What are the potential or perceived conflicts of interest?
What are the direct experience levels of these individuals in the field of energy both renewable and non-renewable and also in the area of billion dollar corporations?
Does this essentially mean that they are talking heads for the government?
What are the bylaws outlining the responsibilities of the Board of Directors for these crown companies?
Does the Premier believe that these appointments represent the best expertise available to fill the Boards at such a crucial period?
These are reasonable questions and they deserve answers.
What is the relationship of any of these individuals to any MHA or Member of Cabinet?
How can one appoint a currently serving politician to a Crown Corporation?
What are the potential or perceived conflicts of interest?
What are the direct experience levels of these individuals in the field of energy both renewable and non-renewable and also in the area of billion dollar corporations?
Does this essentially mean that they are talking heads for the government?
What are the bylaws outlining the responsibilities of the Board of Directors for these crown companies?
Does the Premier believe that these appointments represent the best expertise available to fill the Boards at such a crucial period?
These are reasonable questions and they deserve answers.
Thursday, June 07, 2012
CICPO and Blue Cross Reach New Agreement
Continuing to build on a good partnership - promoting best health outcomes resulting in controlled costs the Council of Independent Community Pharmacy Owners and Medavie Blue Cross have reached a new agreement.
This
agreement comes at a time when independent pharmacy revenues are being eroded
by changes to generic drug pricing at the governmental level. “We are pleased
to see Medavie Blue Cross participate in a process of real negotiation and meaningful
recognition of independent pharmacy in Newfoundland and Labrador,” says
Director of Third Party Relations CICPO, Phil O’Keefe.
To read complete release PRESS HERE
This type of industrial cooperation will achieve the best results both from a fiscal and health perspective. Positive negotiations that recognize the needs of and objectives of both sides - prove consultation and collaboration work in an arena of respect.
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