Right now all eyes should be focused on our MP's in Ottawa. This is a most important period in federal politics as Prime Minister Harper is on a fly and lie mission.
Yes we need to know about the Senate scandal, corruption, incompetence, and possible illegal activities. We need Harper to be grilled on his judgement in character, his continued lies, and the real deal relative to election fraud and his continued "management" of the media.
So Harper hops on a plane and takes off to do a free trade deal with the European Union (CETA) on the first day of the House of Commons. Yes it's another avoidance of accountability and transparency by our PM - but it may be much worse than that.
The CETA framework - en route to becoming a trade deal - may contain one of the worst concessions ever made by a country. Big Pharma or Brand drug companies have lobbied very hard to extend patent rights in Canada and if they have succeeded the cost to Canadians is unbelievable. If the PM has allowed a three year extension on patents - the number of generic drugs scheduled to make their entrance into our pharmaceutical sector will be significantly delayed.
The provinces who have spent the last three years destroying the generic marketplace and seriously harming our local pharmacies to "save" dollars will have all those "savings" eliminated and still be losing more.
I know it is important that our Opposition MP's probe the Senate fiasco and seek accountability - but it must not be used to avoid discussion of this trade deal. The pharmaceutical piece of this agreement is one negative component but there are others including potential issues for fishermen and farmers.
We must NOT let our MP's be silent - they must be more aggressive on CETA than they plan to be on the Senate mess. If not - they are doing all of us a great disservice and more they will contribute to the gouging of Canadians on prescription drugs.
The fact that Harper is attempting to control media yet again and is running away from the Senate scandal and our parliament in par for the course. He is a liar, cheat, and does not believe in accountability.
Right now our MP's need to earn their salaries and benefits by doing the job we elected them to do.
Showing posts with label Jack Harris. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jack Harris. Show all posts
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Tuesday, August 07, 2012
The Price of HydroPower and Greed - Stop the Emera Deal!
The concept is that Nova Scotia is paying for it`s (free) power from Muskrat Falls by building a portion of a transmission line to their province.
This is a new idea - in that the end user (Emera) only pays for the cost of transmission but does not pay for the development to PRODUCE the power.
As electrical consumers our bill is based on the cost of production, transmission, distribution, and administration. We pay all the way for our power. In this deal a private energy company gets free power for the price of a transmission line. This proposed deal is the worst deal for the development of any part of the Lower Churchill since the Upper Churchill contract.
We are going to have a private Nova Scotian company own part of a power line that will supply power to Newfoundlanders from Labrador. We have the same company owning transmission lines within our province. The same company will receive power cheaper that we will get power ourselves. This is a lose lose lose lose proposition that will leave future generations hating and seething Nova Scotia in the same way we have done to Quebec.
The truth is we are losing our autonomy over power and transmission to a publicly traded Nova Scotian company. The price of taking off Holyrood would be to no longer pay ourselves but rather pay a publicly traded Nova Scotian company. Instead of paying Nalcor and Newfoundland Power - in addition we will now be paying a portion to a publicly traded Nova Scotian company for the power you and I consume in our homes, our businesses, and institutions? Every time a light switches on at the Confederation Building - Emera will be getting what? Did you know that you will be paying Emera for 50 years? Did you know your grandchildren and great grandchildren will be paying Emera for power? Masters of our Destiny? Sure if our destiny is failure. Masters in our Own House? Sure if we own the house to begin with.
I repeat without hesitation - that this is the worst giveaway in our history and moreover the worst funneling of cash to select millionaires.
Will the media in Newfoundland and Labrador please compare all the previous proposed projects for the development of the Lower Churchill to this project? Will the media please put up a side by side chart of costs, ownership, and potential revenues? This is getting too close to reality. It is time to fight.
Will the opposition please awake from their summer slumber and do something - anything - to stop this atrocious deal?
MHA's of Newfoundland and Labrador please do something to stop this! This is really a time to stand for something. This is the time to really make your voice count. This is no longer a game of partisan "go fish" it is a time to really represent the people.
This is a new idea - in that the end user (Emera) only pays for the cost of transmission but does not pay for the development to PRODUCE the power.
As electrical consumers our bill is based on the cost of production, transmission, distribution, and administration. We pay all the way for our power. In this deal a private energy company gets free power for the price of a transmission line. This proposed deal is the worst deal for the development of any part of the Lower Churchill since the Upper Churchill contract.
We are going to have a private Nova Scotian company own part of a power line that will supply power to Newfoundlanders from Labrador. We have the same company owning transmission lines within our province. The same company will receive power cheaper that we will get power ourselves. This is a lose lose lose lose proposition that will leave future generations hating and seething Nova Scotia in the same way we have done to Quebec.
The truth is we are losing our autonomy over power and transmission to a publicly traded Nova Scotian company. The price of taking off Holyrood would be to no longer pay ourselves but rather pay a publicly traded Nova Scotian company. Instead of paying Nalcor and Newfoundland Power - in addition we will now be paying a portion to a publicly traded Nova Scotian company for the power you and I consume in our homes, our businesses, and institutions? Every time a light switches on at the Confederation Building - Emera will be getting what? Did you know that you will be paying Emera for 50 years? Did you know your grandchildren and great grandchildren will be paying Emera for power? Masters of our Destiny? Sure if our destiny is failure. Masters in our Own House? Sure if we own the house to begin with.
I repeat without hesitation - that this is the worst giveaway in our history and moreover the worst funneling of cash to select millionaires.
Will the media in Newfoundland and Labrador please compare all the previous proposed projects for the development of the Lower Churchill to this project? Will the media please put up a side by side chart of costs, ownership, and potential revenues? This is getting too close to reality. It is time to fight.
Will the opposition please awake from their summer slumber and do something - anything - to stop this atrocious deal?
MHA's of Newfoundland and Labrador please do something to stop this! This is really a time to stand for something. This is the time to really make your voice count. This is no longer a game of partisan "go fish" it is a time to really represent the people.
Sunday, August 05, 2012
Lambs to the Slaughter - while MHA's cover their Eyes
It's really hard to get away from the sickening - deep in the pit of your gut - feeling that Dunderdale and her "team" are going to do the Muskrat Falls deal.
There is nothing good about this and we will pay.
We are lambs to the slaughter and none of our elected opposition members are doing a thing about it.
Dean MacDonald is keeping himself off the public record as a politician as he is neither elected nor officially running for the Liberal leadership. He is "offside" with elected Liberals who are opposed to the deal - yet Dean continues his "rebuilding" tour for the party.
The NDP has problems with its federal counterparts - yet seemingly not bothered by the interference being played by former law partner of Danny Williams - Jack Harris.
We are being played by tag-team money and by those who will never have enough. Their success is measured only by the next deal.
What I can say is the people are the ones both losing the resource and paying for it at the same time. This is not the time for BBQ's and festival handshakes - this is the time to do what the people need you to do - your job. You represent us!
The bobbing and nodding theatrical puppet show is a disservice to your people and your province. Stand up - be counted - or forever hitch your name to yet another disastrous giveaway.
There is nothing good about this and we will pay.
We are lambs to the slaughter and none of our elected opposition members are doing a thing about it.
Dean MacDonald is keeping himself off the public record as a politician as he is neither elected nor officially running for the Liberal leadership. He is "offside" with elected Liberals who are opposed to the deal - yet Dean continues his "rebuilding" tour for the party.
The NDP has problems with its federal counterparts - yet seemingly not bothered by the interference being played by former law partner of Danny Williams - Jack Harris.
We are being played by tag-team money and by those who will never have enough. Their success is measured only by the next deal.
What I can say is the people are the ones both losing the resource and paying for it at the same time. This is not the time for BBQ's and festival handshakes - this is the time to do what the people need you to do - your job. You represent us!
The bobbing and nodding theatrical puppet show is a disservice to your people and your province. Stand up - be counted - or forever hitch your name to yet another disastrous giveaway.
Saturday, July 07, 2012
Jack - in - the - Box - is Muskrat Cranking his Handle?
Let's say I was little more than perturbed when my MP Jack Harris decided to support the Muskrat Falls deal with Emera.
Jack - provided strong opposition to the Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro privatization fiasco of the Wells government - however is offside with his provincial colleagues regarding this hydro initiative.
That was some months ago - and I wondered at the time if it might be a case of the convenient socialist. If he does not soon come up with any more details - regarding the benefits of the project - I will wonder if there are other motivations.
The reason for my continued angst is Jack's latest commentary.
If the VOCM news story is accurate - Harris is trying to downplay the latest provincial polling results putting Lorraine and the NDP caucus in first place. Why?
One thing for sure is: there's nothing wrong with the Muskrat deal right Jack?
How about Jack does not want to do anything or say anything that will assist the opposition parties to put the brakes on this largest of boondoggles? I am about ready to declare Harris as the fourth amigo - the others being Danny Williams, Dean MacDonald, and Brian Tobin.
In my opinion his Pollyanna approach to date on the Muskrat deal is out of character with his usual factually informed based positions.
I am one voter who will say NO to Jack when/if he runs again. Unfortunately - we cannot wait for the next federal election to send him a message. Frankly I don't believe he cares about the votes.
Note to Harper: Don't appoint him as Lieutenant Governor or to the Senate.
Jack - provided strong opposition to the Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro privatization fiasco of the Wells government - however is offside with his provincial colleagues regarding this hydro initiative.
That was some months ago - and I wondered at the time if it might be a case of the convenient socialist. If he does not soon come up with any more details - regarding the benefits of the project - I will wonder if there are other motivations.
The reason for my continued angst is Jack's latest commentary.
If the VOCM news story is accurate - Harris is trying to downplay the latest provincial polling results putting Lorraine and the NDP caucus in first place. Why?
One thing for sure is: there's nothing wrong with the Muskrat deal right Jack?
How about Jack does not want to do anything or say anything that will assist the opposition parties to put the brakes on this largest of boondoggles? I am about ready to declare Harris as the fourth amigo - the others being Danny Williams, Dean MacDonald, and Brian Tobin.
In my opinion his Pollyanna approach to date on the Muskrat deal is out of character with his usual factually informed based positions.
I am one voter who will say NO to Jack when/if he runs again. Unfortunately - we cannot wait for the next federal election to send him a message. Frankly I don't believe he cares about the votes.
Note to Harper: Don't appoint him as Lieutenant Governor or to the Senate.
Monday, May 14, 2012
The times - they are a changin - NDP Fundraiser
These things are good to know.
I am not being critical here - just simply noting a change in position.
That is to say ordinary Canadians, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, citizens need to understand that the NDP are very willing now to have a dinner at $150 per plate for access to the New Leader Thomas Mulcair.
The question is - can ordinary Canadians, those on a fixed income, those needing income support, or families with one income or two lower incomes - afford to attend such a dinner?
We all know the answer to that.
So now we need to know if this is the change the NDP were looking for? Is this the change Thomas Mulcair brings?
If so fair enough - that will make it a little more difficult for people who are left of center or center in their ideology to decide if they go Liberal or NDP.
The NDP with this latest move have certainly changed their tune regarding such fundraising dinners.
Below read a couple of comments from the old NDP:
Canada's two biggest political parties are being accused of returning to the "bad old days" of Canadian politics by holding big-money fundraisers that dangle promises that guests will receive access to the nation's powerbrokers. Manitoba NDP MP Pat Martin lashed out Sunday at fundraising galas such as the $500-a-head event being hosted by Conservative House Leader John Baird next month, which is reportedly being advertised as a chance to meet cabinet ministers and other caucus members.
"It undermines the notion that government is accessible to everybody," Martin said.
But a $550-a-plate fundraising dinner slated for Monday night in Sudbury has garnered criticism from local unions and the NDP, as about 3,000 workers with Vale Inco enter their seventh week on the picket lines with no negotiations between the company and the union.
Some workers along the picket line described the dinner as a "slap in the face" and said they planned to protest outside the event.
Sudbury New Democrat MP Glenn Thibeault also plans to hold a dinner of his own, serving spaghetti and salad at $5.50 a plate to support miners who find themselves without a job.
"My whole meal … is going to cost about $550 to feed about 150 to 200 people, so there's a big difference here," he said.
______________________________________________________
I wonder if we can conclude that many unemployed people who were in the fishery, forestry, and federal jobs could have afforded this access to Thomas Mulcair?
Is the deal that now the NDP can raise funds this way as a result of a better showing federally - therefore it's okay (hypocritical) or is it that the NDP have changed their position on fundraising (new direction)?
Let the voters know and then we can make an educated choice.
 |
| Photo From the Telegram at NDP Fundraiser |
I am not being critical here - just simply noting a change in position.
That is to say ordinary Canadians, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, citizens need to understand that the NDP are very willing now to have a dinner at $150 per plate for access to the New Leader Thomas Mulcair.
The question is - can ordinary Canadians, those on a fixed income, those needing income support, or families with one income or two lower incomes - afford to attend such a dinner?
We all know the answer to that.
So now we need to know if this is the change the NDP were looking for? Is this the change Thomas Mulcair brings?
If so fair enough - that will make it a little more difficult for people who are left of center or center in their ideology to decide if they go Liberal or NDP.
The NDP with this latest move have certainly changed their tune regarding such fundraising dinners.
Below read a couple of comments from the old NDP:
Canada's two biggest political parties are being accused of returning to the "bad old days" of Canadian politics by holding big-money fundraisers that dangle promises that guests will receive access to the nation's powerbrokers. Manitoba NDP MP Pat Martin lashed out Sunday at fundraising galas such as the $500-a-head event being hosted by Conservative House Leader John Baird next month, which is reportedly being advertised as a chance to meet cabinet ministers and other caucus members.
"It undermines the notion that government is accessible to everybody," Martin said.
But a $550-a-plate fundraising dinner slated for Monday night in Sudbury has garnered criticism from local unions and the NDP, as about 3,000 workers with Vale Inco enter their seventh week on the picket lines with no negotiations between the company and the union.
Some workers along the picket line described the dinner as a "slap in the face" and said they planned to protest outside the event.
Sudbury New Democrat MP Glenn Thibeault also plans to hold a dinner of his own, serving spaghetti and salad at $5.50 a plate to support miners who find themselves without a job.
"My whole meal … is going to cost about $550 to feed about 150 to 200 people, so there's a big difference here," he said.
______________________________________________________
I wonder if we can conclude that many unemployed people who were in the fishery, forestry, and federal jobs could have afforded this access to Thomas Mulcair?
Is the deal that now the NDP can raise funds this way as a result of a better showing federally - therefore it's okay (hypocritical) or is it that the NDP have changed their position on fundraising (new direction)?
Let the voters know and then we can make an educated choice.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Firm Stand from MP Jack Harris (Williams-Harris) on Muskrat Falls
The Firm - I enjoyed that book - all the twists and turns and the absolute loyalty demonstrated by lawyers in a firm despite the obvious trouble they were brewing.
Well - it's the only reason I can come up with for Jack Harris "supporting" the proposed Muskrat Falls deal. Harsh you think?
No - first of all Jack is using the Tory mantra that is - I don't see any good reason to oppose the plan. This following Jerome, Kathy, and underlings saying - they have been provided no evidence that the information being use to assess the project is wrong.
Second - Jack is using the other Conservative (federal) Party mantra - that this (Emera deal) is good for Canada. Jack even points out that while Newfoundland and Labrador is ridding itself of Holyrood - Nova Scotia will knock out two coal plants. Yippee.
Listen Jack - the Upper Churchill already provides 5000 MW's of clean power to Canada - the largest per-capita contribution to reducing GHG emissions for other provinces. Newfoundland and Labrador must develop the Lower Churchill for the benefit of Newfoundland and Labrador.
What I don't hear Jack saying is - this is the BEST deal we could make. In the absence of that - all I see is Williams-Harris Law firm.
Jack says during his On Point interview that "We're talking about a four-province regional grid...".
Who is the "we" Jack is talking about? Newfoundlanders and Labradorians? Canadians? Investment elite? Past Partners?
I am a constituent of yours Jack Harris - and I know the difference. When you get a chance - speak to your constituents - poll them - get a feel for what they think.
Well - it's the only reason I can come up with for Jack Harris "supporting" the proposed Muskrat Falls deal. Harsh you think?
No - first of all Jack is using the Tory mantra that is - I don't see any good reason to oppose the plan. This following Jerome, Kathy, and underlings saying - they have been provided no evidence that the information being use to assess the project is wrong.
Second - Jack is using the other Conservative (federal) Party mantra - that this (Emera deal) is good for Canada. Jack even points out that while Newfoundland and Labrador is ridding itself of Holyrood - Nova Scotia will knock out two coal plants. Yippee.
Listen Jack - the Upper Churchill already provides 5000 MW's of clean power to Canada - the largest per-capita contribution to reducing GHG emissions for other provinces. Newfoundland and Labrador must develop the Lower Churchill for the benefit of Newfoundland and Labrador.
What I don't hear Jack saying is - this is the BEST deal we could make. In the absence of that - all I see is Williams-Harris Law firm.
Jack says during his On Point interview that "We're talking about a four-province regional grid...".
Who is the "we" Jack is talking about? Newfoundlanders and Labradorians? Canadians? Investment elite? Past Partners?
I am a constituent of yours Jack Harris - and I know the difference. When you get a chance - speak to your constituents - poll them - get a feel for what they think.
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