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.

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. 

___________________________________________



 

The Jovial Setting in the House of Assembly

Please go to this LINK

Go to 7:03 of the recording and watch the Minister of Finance - Jerome Kennedy - congratulate the accomplishments of a sexual predator.

All MHA's should advise if they celebrated with the Minister knowing that Mark Yetman was a convicted sexual offender.

How is this permitted to stand in the Hansard of the People's House of Assembly.

An apology is owed to the women who were victims of Mark Yetman.

If any MHA was not aware of this circumstance prior to congratulating the sexual predator - are you willing to ask for a statement in the House apologizing to the women.

Further can legislation be tabled that would prevent violent sex offenders from playing on provincial teams while on bail - awaiting for sentencing.

There is no pride here for the Coach and administration of the team - they welcomed in a sexual predator.

He (Yetman) is not an example for young men and women - children - He is a disgrace.

This is not acceptable.

Where is the conscience of men and women serving the people in political office? These people are supposed to be our leaders.

Shame!

As for Minister Kennedy - the quote that most suits him is:

"He is simply a shiver looking for a spine to run up." Paul Keating former PM Australia

Lois and Clark need to get voting for their Iron Lady

That crack pair of superhero and journalist protecting the province of Newfoundland and Labrador had better get auto-clicking to protect the Iron Lady.

Let me see Mr. Marshall - were you referring to the Oxford trained chemist who studied under a Nobel Prize winner? You mean the Barrister Thatcher? Were you referring to the lady who did some damage to the Falklands?

No? You were referring to who? The Iron Lady?

The only thing Margaret and Kathy will ever have in common is that both will have resigned due to unpopular policy and power struggles in their respective parties.

The Iron Lady indeed! Let me see I can see a Lied Piper, an Alice in Wonderland, a Snowed White, of course the Three Refined Mice, and the Valiant Little Spin Tailor.

People may have had their opinions of Kathy Dunderdale and likewise Tom Marshall - all of that may have changed for Minister Marshall as he gushed the words Iron Lady.

Do I hear a Joan of Arc next coming from the lips of our Minister of un-natural resources?

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.

Rules Matter? Progressive "cons"erv-myself

Headlines:

Sullivan censured for lobbying government

Penashue accused of election overspending

and then a story where Dave Brazil is committee vice-chairperson looking into "suspicious" agriculture spending. Why are we paying the farmers in barley and hops?

...so when the children are looking for role models in society - where should they look?

Should they look to the House of Commons or the House of Assembly? Should they follow some of them to jail? Why not? We trust them all so much we elect them.

While we are at it - where can I buy an acre of land in St. John's for $300?

Some of the the elite and the elite wannabes are telling us: Muskrat is good for you; there is money to be made with this development; this is the only option you and I have - we should listen right?

If we don't listen - the bullies come out of the woodwork - you know the adult bullies setting great examples for the children.

Currently I am building an art collection and gathering fine wine. Anybody know how I can fund it? If I do that - the Bank of Canada might consider me for a Board position. Still trying to figure out what it takes to sit on the Board of Nalcor - any suggestions?

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

Nalcor Responds Again - Leaves More ?????

It would appear that Nalcor responds only after I blog that they are not responding. That being what it is - what did Nalcor say?

I simply want to ascertain if Nalcor/Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro has bylaws - as per legislation - and what those bylaws say with respect to the responsibilities of the Board.

The first go-round the company responded by directing me to a paragraph in the annual report. This time I received a copy of "mandates" of the Boards. Still no "bylaws" - however interesting tidbits.

The "mandates" I received were established in 2010. What were the changes? Why was it changed? Who directed the change?

Within the "mandate" literature the following sentence occurs:

"The Board shall have the accountabilities and responsibilities set out below. In addition, the Board shall perform such duties as may be required under, and act in accordance with, the Corporation’s by-laws."

The bylaws are exactly what I requested from Nalcor in my two previous pieces of correspondence. It is exactly what they have avoided giving me in their two responses. 

They have at least admitted to bylaws albeit inadvertently in the latest reply. 

I will now ask a third time to see the bylaws of a company that I am a shareholder of.

For the record below please find what Nalcor did send and ask yourself - based on the information that has been provided - are the Board members and Chair the BEST choices for our energy company.

 

1. The Board of Directors of Nalcor Energy (the “Board”) is responsible for the stewardship of, and has the duty to supervise the management of, the business and affairs of the Corporation.

2. The Board is appointed by the sole Shareholder, the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, as represented by the Minister of Natural Resources (the “Shareholder”). The Board is responsible for seeking and recommending suitable Board candidates to the Shareholder.

3. For director appointments, the Shareholder in the appointing Order-in-Council shall specify that the director will continue to serve after the expiration of his/her term until a replacement is appointed. This will ensure continuity on the Board while director replacements are being identified and appointed.

ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Board shall have the accountabilities and responsibilities set out below. In addition, the Board shall perform such duties as may be required under, and act in accordance with, the Corporation’s by-laws.

1. Corporate Governance

(a) The Board is responsible for developing the Corporation’s approach to corporate governance, including developing appropriate policies and procedures and delegating such other matters as it sees fit to the Corporate Governance Committee for its review and consideration.

(b) The Board is responsible for the Corporation’s approach to its governance relationship with its sole Shareholder to ensure the Corporation can operate independent from the Shareholder.

2. Strategic Planning

The Board is responsible for:

(a) adopting a strategic planning process and approving, on at least an annual basis, a strategic plan which lays out the strategic direction of the Corporation in the context of the opportunities and risks of the business and the business and commercial environment in which it operates;

(b) reviewing and approving the business, financial, strategic and other plans proposed by management to enable the Corporation to execute its strategy; and

(c) adopting processes for monitoring the Corporation’s progress toward its

strategic and operational goals, and to revising and altering its directions to

management in light of changing circumstances affecting the Corporation.

3. Operational and Financial Performance

(a) taking action when corporate performance falls short of its performance targets or other special circumstances warrant;

(b) approving the audited financial statements and management discussion and analysis accompanying such financial statements following a review of the recommendation of the Audit Committee; and

(c) reviewing and approving material transactions outside the ordinary course of

business.

4. Risk Management

The Board is responsible for:

(a) Ensuring that management has a process for identifying the principal risks of the Corporation’s business and ensuring the implementation of appropriate systems to effectively monitor and manage such risks with a view to the long-term viability of the Corporation;

(b) overseeing the integrity of the Corporation’s internal control and management information systems;

(c) approving, and monitoring compliance with, all significant policies and procedures that impact the way in which risk is identified and managed; and

(d) approving policies and procedures designed to ensure that the Corporation operates at all times within applicable laws and regulations.

5. Human Resources Management

(a) The Board, through its Compensation Committee is responsible for maintaining a compensation philosophy and framework that will be utilized by the Corporation and its subsidiaries.

(b) The Board is also responsible for approving the compensation of the President and CEO following a review of the recommendations of the Compensation Committee.

(c) The Board is responsible for ensuring a process is in place to measure the performance of senior executives of the Corporation.

(d) The Board will, to the extent feasible, satisfy itself as to the integrity of the President and CEO and other executive officers, and that the President and CEO and other executive officers create a culture of integrity throughout the organization.

(e) The Board is responsible for ensuring that succession planning programs are in place, including programs to train, develop, monitor and retain senior management, including the President and CEO.

6. Board Meetings and Materials

(a) The Chair, in consultation with the President and CEO and the General Counsel and Secretary, shall develop the agenda for each Board meeting.

(b) Meeting materials shall be provided to directors before each Board meeting in sufficient time to ensure adequate opportunity for review.

(c) Independent directors shall hold regularly scheduled meetings at which nonindependent directors including members of management are not present.

7. Committees of the Board

(a) The Board discharges its responsibilities both directly and through its committees: the Audit Committee, the Corporate Governance Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the Safety, Health and Environment Committee. In addition to these standing Committees, the Board may, from time to time, appoint ad hoc Committees to address certain issues of a more short-term nature.

(b) The Board is responsible for approving the mandates for each Board Committee.

(c) The Board is responsible for the appointment of Committee Chairs and members. The Board has the ability to point and replace Committee Chairs and members as deemed necessary.

(d) To facilitate communication between the Board and each Board Committee, each Committee Chair is responsible for reporting to the Board on material matters considered by the Committee at the first Board meeting after the Committee’s meeting.

DIRECTOR DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION

1. Each new director shall participate in the Corporation’s Director Orientation Program and any continuing director development programs.

2. Annually, with the assistance of the Corporate Governance Committee, the Board shall evaluate and review the performance of the Board and the adequacy of this mandate

A Chair is a Chair is a Chair - How does Nalcor's Compare?

How do we compare?

We are the shareholders of Nalcor - we deserve the best people available on our Board of Directors. 

Do we have that? 

Chair of the Board, Hydro Quebec

Michael L. Turcotte obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Montréal (Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf) and a Master’s degree from the School of Business of Laval University. He enjoyed a lengthy career with the Royal Bank of Canada and became Senior Vice-President, Québec, in l984.

Since his retirement from the Royal Bank in l998, Mr. Turcotte has served as a Corporate Director. Until 2004, he was Chair of the Board of Management of the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, Chairman of the IRCM Foundation and Québec Chair of the Canadian Forces Liaison Council.

In November 2005, he became Chairman of the Board of Hydro-Québec. He continues to serve as a Director of various private corporations and institutions of the public sector.

Mr. Turcotte is Governor Emeritus of the Arthritis Society, of which he is also a past Québec President. Over the years, he has been a Director and Chairman of the Board of the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal.

Mr. Turcotte is Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of the 6th Field Artillery Regiment. He is a recipient of the Hermès prize from the School of Business of Laval University and has been honoured by the Scouts Association of Canada. Mr. Turcotte has been a member of the IRCM Board of Directors since 2002. He chairs the Governance Committee and is a member of the Executive Committee. 

Chair of the Board, BC Hydro

Dan Doyle started his career with the Province of British Columbia as an engineer-in-training; 36 years later, he retired from the Public Service as the Deputy Minister of Transportation.

Throughout his career with the Ministry, Mr. Doyle built a legacy of B.C.-wide transportation infrastructure. In 2006, Mr. Doyle was appointed Executive Vice-President responsible for the development and building of venues and supporting infrastructure for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games by the Vancouver Organizing Committee.

A strong believer in having the right team in place to do the job, Mr. Doyle is widely known for his ability to deliver major projects on time and on budget. 

In recognition of his highly respected public service and professional expertise, Mr. Doyle was awarded the Order of B.C. in 2010. He was also awarded B.C.'s premier distinction for professional engineering, the R.A. McLachlan Award, by the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of B.C. in 2006.

Chair of the Board, NB Power

Mr. Barrett is co- CEO of Barrett Corporation, a North American investment and management company.

He is CEO of Barrett Diversified Inc., which operates wholesale distribution companies in Canada and the US, and is co-founder, significant shareholder, and serves on the Board of Xplornet Communications, a leading broadband and communications company in Canada

In addition to NB Power, Mr Barrett serves on the Board of Wajax Industries, a public company traded on the TSX which is a leading mobile equipment and industrial supplies company in Canada, two private companies based out of New Brunswick, Atlantic Industries and Apex industries, and is Past Chair and Board member of Crandall University.

Chair of the Board, Manitoba Hydro

Mr. William C. Fraser, FCA served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. from 1994 to 2006 and served as its Vice President of Finance from 1986 to 1994. Mr. Fraser served as the Chief Executive Officer of MTS Media Inc., Qunara Inc., AAA Alarm Systems Ltd., MTS Allstream Inc., MTS Communications Inc., MTS Advanced Inc. In this capacity, he provided overall leadership and direction to MTS and its 7000 employees. Having joined MTS in 1986 as Vice-President of Finance and risen to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer in 1994. 

Mr. Fraser has ably steered Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. through a generation of dramatic and unprecedented change in the telecommunications industry. From 1972 to 1981, he held various senior positions in the federal government, including Director General Finance for the Department of Agriculture.

In 1981 he was appointed to the position of Assistant Deputy Minister of Finance with Manitoba government, the youngest person ever appointed to that position. He served until 1986, when then-Minister of Telephones Gary Doer, who is now Premier of Manitoba, appointed him to his first post with MTS. He is also a member of the St. Boniface Hospital and Research Foundation. Mr. Fraser is widely respected in both the telecommunications and chartered accounting industries.

He has served as a strategic and visionary leader at Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. for almost 20 years. Mr. Fraser served as Chairman and Director of MTS Media Inc., Qunara Inc., MTS Advanced Inc. and AAA Alarm Systems Ltd. He serves as a Director of Mts Communications Inc. He has been Director of IMRIS, Inc. since August 2007. He serves as Director of Bell West Inc. and Manitoba Hydro-Electric Board. Mr. Fraser is also a Member of the Board of Directors of the Conference Board of Canada. He served as Director of MTS Allstream Inc.

He served as Director of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. from January 1997 to December 7, 2005. He serves as Vice Chair of St. Boniface Hospital Foundation. In 2002, in recognition of his leadership and his high ethical standards, he was named a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants. Mr. Fraser received his BBA in 1970 from St. Francis Xavier University, where he was honored as the university's top graduate among the entire 1970 class. He became a Chartered Accountant in 1972.

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.

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.

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.

The Romance is Over - NL on Death Watch

As I sat down the other morning - looked at the beautiful blue sky and dancing ocean - something happened.

I was listening to CBC Radio to a story about Quinlan's fishplant in Bay de Verde. Primarily it was regarding the import of workers from Thailand to process crab.

The "shock" value is they could not find 20 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to take the employment - rate of pay $12/hr.

Here are my questions:

1. How much does it cost to bring 20 Thai workers to Canada?

2. How much does it cost to house and feed them?

3. Where is the FFAW on this story?

4. What is up people?

So I gulped hard and listened to another story about an Otto Young from Twillingate and how he has essentially turned an old beauty salon and couple of outbuildings into cabins for tourists looking for icebergs and scenery.

It also talked about Otto's later in life discovery that he was a model boat builder and artist. Very folksy, charming, and romantic - it really turned my stomach.

Yes that's right - it made me feel ill.

There is nothing charming, quaint, or pleasantly poetic about a place - my country - Newfoundland and Labrador becoming extinct.

I am actually tired - exhausted - from fighting for the survival of one of the greatest food baskets in the world - our fishery.

The story about Otto would have normally warmed my heart and promoted feelings of pride - but today - after a month where we've seen a half dozen fish plants were eulogized - it just rubbed me very wrong.

I watch Darin King - the latest political clone of ineptness - blabber on and on about nothing and everything. I - Darin - am a Minister - and may yet be the next Premier - thinks he.

The ladies, Kathy - Joan - and Susan are like a trio of hen peckers on a partisan journey of retribution. They have the power to destroy and so far a fine job is being done.

Kathy was muttering something the other day about Harper and the fact he represents all Canadians whether they voted for him or not. Well Kathy - if he took a page from your book he would learn he is not being vengeful enough. 

So now we are on death watch for the Corner Brook mill - time for the violinists to begin.

The same old garbage will spew - it is not the end for Corner Brook - we will recover - we will recover.

Meanwhile as more industries are lost weekly - the apparent need for power increases?

We must take our collective ostrich head out of the sand and boot these people out. We are going to leave nothing but debt and leave our children and grandchildren destitute.

Our culture so rich and unique - disappearing - under the watchful eye of the House of Assembly.