Buyer Beware -- Caveat Emptor: APPEALS TO REASON ..
an interesting blog promoting fair taxation practises
Thursday, April 30, 2009
For 13 years now, Irvin Leroux has been in tax hell
Tax Mistake - Couple
For 13 years now, Irvin Leroux has gone back and forth with the Canadian Government in a bitter fight over his taxes. The Canada Revenue Agency insisted he owed hundreds of thousands of dollars in back taxes. Irvin Leroux disagreed. So he fought ...and fought. But as the battle continued, his bill got bigger, climbing to one-million-dollars in back taxes, penalties and interest.
The story begins back in 1992. Mr. Leroux developed some land he owned in Valemount, British Columbia. He removed trees, sold the timber ... created lots for a subdivision and built an R-V park. The plan was that the business would support him and his wife, Jill Moore, in their retirement.
But the couple's never-ending fight over taxes ruined those plans. And even though the Canada Revenue Agency eventually admitted it made a mistake, the battle isn't over. Irvin Leroux and Jill Moore joined Anna Maria from Vancouver.
Revenue Canada made a mistake and now refuses to pay damages - is it time to make those responsible accountable? PR
For 13 years now, Irvin Leroux has gone back and forth with the Canadian Government in a bitter fight over his taxes. The Canada Revenue Agency insisted he owed hundreds of thousands of dollars in back taxes. Irvin Leroux disagreed. So he fought ...and fought. But as the battle continued, his bill got bigger, climbing to one-million-dollars in back taxes, penalties and interest.
The story begins back in 1992. Mr. Leroux developed some land he owned in Valemount, British Columbia. He removed trees, sold the timber ... created lots for a subdivision and built an R-V park. The plan was that the business would support him and his wife, Jill Moore, in their retirement.
But the couple's never-ending fight over taxes ruined those plans. And even though the Canada Revenue Agency eventually admitted it made a mistake, the battle isn't over. Irvin Leroux and Jill Moore joined Anna Maria from Vancouver.
Revenue Canada made a mistake and now refuses to pay damages - is it time to make those responsible accountable? PR
Arbitrary Tax mistakes
This is a CBC investigative report that is disturbing and needs redress by all Canadians pr
For 13 years now, Irvin Leroux has gone back and forth with the Canadian Government in a bitter fight over his taxes. The Canada Revenue Agency insisted he owed hundreds of thousands of dollars in back taxes. Irvin Leroux disagreed. So he fought ...and fought. But as the battle continued, his bill got bigger, climbing to one-million-dollars in back taxes, penalties and interest.
The story begins back in 1992. Mr. Leroux developed some land he owned in Valemount, British Columbia. He removed trees, sold the timber ... created lots for a subdivision and built an R-V park. The plan was that the business would support him and his wife, Jill Moore, in their retirement.
But the couple's never-ending fight over taxes ruined those plans. And even though the Canada Revenue Agency eventually admitted it made a mistake, the battle isn't over. Irvin Leroux and Jill Moore joined Anna Maria from Vancouver.
Listen to Part Two: Click link to hear radio interview
Part 3: Tax Mistake - Reporter
In our last half-hour, we spoke to Irvin Leroux and his wife Jill Moore. They walked us through the last 13 years of their life and their battle with the Canada Revenue Agency. It began with an audit in 1996 that found that Mr. Leroux owed $50,000 dollars. Five more audits and ten years later, the bill stood at a million dollars.
Eventually, the Canada Revenue Agency admitted it had made a mistake. But in the process, Mr. Leroux lost his business, his home and his savings. He and his wife are still fighting for compensation.
The CBC's Kathy Tomlinson has been investigating the couple's story
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tax Action: 22 Years of Pork
Little wonder the federal government is borrowing $93-million a day. Through extensive research, the CTF brings public exposure to unnecessary spending. Until expenditures like these are curtailed, the federal government will never balance its books.
CONTACT YOUR MP!
It’s time to end political slush funds. www.taxpayer.com
Incredibly, Prime Minister Harper — once a staunch critic of regional development funds agencies — has committed to creating two more — one for Northern Canada and for Southern Ontario. That would bring to six the number of regional development agencies. Please join us in calling for the elimination of regional development agencies in favour of broad-based tax relief.Mail, call, or e-mail your MP to demand governments prioritize their spending.
CTF-is one of the original accountaility groups -worth a look Pr
CONTACT YOUR MP!
It’s time to end political slush funds. www.taxpayer.com
Incredibly, Prime Minister Harper — once a staunch critic of regional development funds agencies — has committed to creating two more — one for Northern Canada and for Southern Ontario. That would bring to six the number of regional development agencies. Please join us in calling for the elimination of regional development agencies in favour of broad-based tax relief.Mail, call, or e-mail your MP to demand governments prioritize their spending.
CTF-is one of the original accountaility groups -worth a look Pr
Friday, April 24, 2009
INVINCIBLE SMUGNESS
Smugness and Stupidity and Unnatural EntitlementsThanks -here is another food for thought for you from nature . There are great parallels here . You can substitute any smug group or government institution as the golden beetle with the juice and the docile and naive public( taxpayers) whose stupidity let it happen with their own resources -the public- the industrious sanguine ants.
lessons from the wild
Vernon Eaton, commenting on the book, Ways of the Ant, by John Crompton, writes: "A pleasure-mad ( or give me free goodies )society needs to take a lesson from the Sanguine ants and their affair with the Golden-Haired beetle."
"The ants' normal diet is plain, often to the point of austerity, but they love unusual and exotic tidbits and will go to any lengths to satisfy this craving. For example, the Golden-Haired beetle exudes from the base of its golden hairs some secretion which ants find irresistible. So it is allowed to do anything it likes, even lay its own eggs, which soon turn to grubs. So besotted and obsessed do the worker ants become that they feed the beetle with food intended for their own infants, and even with food reserved for the queen."
"Worse, much worse, they allow the beetle to kill their infants and eat them. They even kill their own infants themselves and feed them to this stranger. The beetle repays them with a generous allowance of the secretion they crave…. The end is not immediate. The colony may last two years more, but the end is certain."
So how do we get the ants off the golden beetle juice before they die an unnatural death? Sieg
Here's a link to my blog: http://morleyevans.blogspot.com/2009/04/invincible-smugness.html
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Wednesday, April 22, 2009
FCPP Publications :: Moderate Taxes May Lead to Civilization
FCPP Publications :: Moderate Taxes May Lead to Civilization: "To know you're getting a good deal, one has to be able to compare services and costs and to choose other suppliers if prices are too high or services inadequate. But governments are often held hostage by monopolistic public sector unions. That has consequences. A few years back, a BC health care union went on an illegal strike for one week and caused surgeries to be cancelled at the BC Children's hospital.
Or there is this measurement. Data from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business reveals wages and benefits in the public sector are significantly higher than in similar private sector jobs: by 41.7 per cent federally, 24.9 per cent provincially, and 35.9 per cent municipally. Also, in the public health care sector, wages and benefits exceed private comparables by 19 per cent."
This is a real eye opener on why high taxes that fund high entitlement programs are bad for civilization Pr
Or there is this measurement. Data from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business reveals wages and benefits in the public sector are significantly higher than in similar private sector jobs: by 41.7 per cent federally, 24.9 per cent provincially, and 35.9 per cent municipally. Also, in the public health care sector, wages and benefits exceed private comparables by 19 per cent."
This is a real eye opener on why high taxes that fund high entitlement programs are bad for civilization Pr
Taxpayers' group tracks $3.9 B in western economic diversification funds - Yahoo! Canada News
Taxpayers' group tracks $3.9 B in western economic diversification funds - Yahoo! Canada News: "The taxpayer group's key findings:
-Just 51.8 per cent of taxpayer-funded loans were repaid over the 22-year period.
-Significant overlap and duplication between diversification funds, other federal departments and other governments.
-A lack of transparency, with vast sums turned over to organizations and businesses which then disburse to unnamed other groups.
-'A striking correlation' between election timing and spending spikes.
'The fact that the department funds everything from airport lighting to cemeteries doesn't help its reputation as a 'catch-all' political slush fund, either,' said Colin Craig, the taxpayer federation's Manitoba director who handled much of the data collection."
Why we need more public eyes on the spending ball Pr
-Just 51.8 per cent of taxpayer-funded loans were repaid over the 22-year period.
-Significant overlap and duplication between diversification funds, other federal departments and other governments.
-A lack of transparency, with vast sums turned over to organizations and businesses which then disburse to unnamed other groups.
-'A striking correlation' between election timing and spending spikes.
'The fact that the department funds everything from airport lighting to cemeteries doesn't help its reputation as a 'catch-all' political slush fund, either,' said Colin Craig, the taxpayer federation's Manitoba director who handled much of the data collection."
Why we need more public eyes on the spending ball Pr
Moderate Taxes May Lead to Civilization
Mark Mike's article reflects what most people suspect that improvements can be made in getting better value for their taxes = the imbalance is causing hardship
Moderate Taxes May Lead to Civilization High taxes kill it and jobs
In Brief:
"Taxes are the price we pay for civilization."
When Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. wrote his quip in 1927, taxes as a percent of the economy, both in the U.S. and Canada, were much lower than now. Without context, simplistic arguments result.
A good example of such simplification appeared recently in an anti-tax relief study from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.
To claim, as the CCPA dies, that some Canadians have it good because other people pay for a chunk of their government services isn't a measurement of a good deal; it's just another way of saying governments redistribute money.
"Taxes are the price we pay for civilization," said Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., an accurate observation on the surface but one often quoted without context: when Holmes wrote his quip in 1927, taxes as a percent of the economy, both in the U.S. and Canada, were much lower than now. Without context, simplistic arguments result.
A good example of such simplification appeared recently in an anti-tax relief study from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. The nub of the CCPA's claim is that many Canadians receive more in government benefits than they pay in taxes.
In other words, taxes redistribute income. No kidding.
The study was financed by government unions who have an interest in higher taxes and more government spending but that doesn't disqualify it; everyone has an initial bias. They key is to ask whether conclusions are fairly drawn and if something is missing in a particular claim. It is on this latter test that the tax-happy crowd are often wrong and where the CCPA study in particular fails.
The CCPA study creates a false choice: it's either taxes and civilization (and preferably high and punishing!) or no taxes and no civilization. Except that no one with a scintilla of nuance thinks that's the choice. The debate should revolve around the question of what sort of government is desirable and what's the best way to pay for that.
Assuming most of us want jobs and appreciate the role entrepreneurs play in the creation of the new companies and the employment that comes from the same, a useful question to ask is: what are the optimal taxes and tax levels for such an end, i.e., when do taxes destroy opportunity?
But the CCPA study ignores all that and also whether taxpayers receive good value. Instead, the study claims government programs are a "quiet bargain." But to claim some Canadians have it good because other people pay for a chunk of their government services isn't a measurement of a good deal; it's just another way of saying governments redistribute money.
To know you're getting a good deal, one has to be able to compare services and costs and to choose other suppliers if prices are too high or services inadequate. But governments are often held hostage by monopolistic public sector unions. That has consequences. A few years back, a BC health care union went on an illegal strike for one week and caused surgeries to be cancelled at the BC Children's hospital.
Or there is this measurement. Data from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business reveals wages and benefits in the public sector are significantly higher than in similar private sector jobs: by 41.7 per cent federally, 24.9 per cent provincially, and 35.9 per cent municipally. Also, in the public health care sector, wages and benefits exceed private comparables by 19 per cent.
The CCPA study also ignores how governments waste money. Think of $182 billion in corporate welfare over 12 years instead of provincial and business tax reductions which would have allowed allow more entrepreneurs to flourish.
There is this other omission in the CCPA's work: how various groups seek and receive tax dollars for their own agendas.
Back in the dying days of the BC NDP government in early 2001, that government awarded an untendered "contract" to the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. The contract was to stretch from 2001 and 2005, a four-year period to coincide with the expected term of the B.C. Liberals who were a sure bet to win the election in 2001 (and did).
Besides that tax-funded gift, the government-owned insurance company also bought 50 "subscriptions" to CCPA materials during the NDP time in office, even though the information was available free on the web. And the BC Ministry of Finance purchased an "enhanced" subscription to CCPA materials.
All told, during the NDP period, the CCPA received over $410,000 in tax-funded support from BC's taxpayers—significant for any small think tank; the CCPA also received money from the Manitoba NDP government, and later, in 2002, $900,000 from the federal government. I know all this because I filed many of the Freedom of Information requests that uncovered the BC information.
There is this other omission in the CCPA's work: how various groups seek and receive tax dollars for their own agendas.
Back in the dying days of the BC NDP government in early 2001, that government awarded an untendered "contract" to the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. The contract was to stretch from 2001 and 2005, a four-year period to coincide with the expected term of the B.C. Liberals who were a sure bet to win the election in 2001 (and did).
Besides that tax-funded gift, the government-owned insurance company also bought 50 "subscriptions" to CCPA materials during the NDP time in office, even though the information was available free on the web. And the BC Ministry of Finance purchased an "enhanced" subscription to CCPA materials.
All told, during the NDP period, the CCPA received over $410,000 in tax-funded support from BC's taxpayers—significant for any small think tank; the CCPA also received money from the Manitoba NDP government, and later, in 2002, $900,000 from the federal government. I know all this because I filed many of the Freedom of Information requests that uncovered the BC information.
When groups claim that tax relief is bad for you, and that government delivery and especially non-competition are desirable, it's not just their public sector patrons who may benefit from such arguments; it may be the groups themselves.
Related Items:
More new ideas on Tax Policy
Monday, April 20, 2009
Buy local movement now on the map - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA
Buy local movement now on the map - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA: "Brant MPP Dave Levac said that the group behind the map represents an example of a grassroots movement that moved the message upward through the system.
'We've heard you and we're responding,' he said.
He delighted the gathering by announcing that the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has approved a $45,000 grant toward the project's $90,000 budget.
'This is not simply a whim, it's a science,' Levac said of the map and other features in the ongoing project to promote local agriculture. 'It's also tourism and an economy that we've lost track of and we have to get it back.'
Sandra Vos, co-ordinator of the Bountiful Brant project and vice-president of the Brant County Federation of Agriculture, thanked Levac for the province's support.
Excellent example of a green project that is win -win -win . Congratulations to all who made this a reality for Brant - PR "
'We've heard you and we're responding,' he said.
He delighted the gathering by announcing that the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has approved a $45,000 grant toward the project's $90,000 budget.
'This is not simply a whim, it's a science,' Levac said of the map and other features in the ongoing project to promote local agriculture. 'It's also tourism and an economy that we've lost track of and we have to get it back.'
Sandra Vos, co-ordinator of the Bountiful Brant project and vice-president of the Brant County Federation of Agriculture, thanked Levac for the province's support.
Excellent example of a green project that is win -win -win . Congratulations to all who made this a reality for Brant - PR "
Brantford.com - Local Brantford News, Brantford Restaurant Listings, Events, Hotels, Attractions, Shopping, Movies, Bars, Clubs, Nightlife, City Guides, Harmony Square, blogs - Sent Using Google Toolbar
Local Brantford News,The membership of the Brant Conservative Party
Electoral District Association has chosen a new executive and board.
Following a report from MP Phil McColeman at the association's annual
meeting at the Bodega Inn recently, Craig Surette was announced as
president, Dave Smith (1st vice-president), Bill Harding (2nd
vice-president), Singe Ludlow (secretary) and Barb Herron (financial
agent). Elected as directors by the 423 members were Gordon Brain,
Lorie Dixon, Stephane Gagnon, Sabih Uddin, Ennio Trignani, Greg Josey,
Karen George, Bill Jones, Mike Quattrociocchi and Kevin Magee
Electoral District Association has chosen a new executive and board.
Following a report from MP Phil McColeman at the association's annual
meeting at the Bodega Inn recently, Craig Surette was announced as
president, Dave Smith (1st vice-president), Bill Harding (2nd
vice-president), Singe Ludlow (secretary) and Barb Herron (financial
agent). Elected as directors by the 423 members were Gordon Brain,
Lorie Dixon, Stephane Gagnon, Sabih Uddin, Ennio Trignani, Greg Josey,
Karen George, Bill Jones, Mike Quattrociocchi and Kevin Magee
A novel idea:employees have to perform to keep their jobs
Dan Ferris on ExxonMobil's extraordinary employee pay structure Monday, April 20, By Dan Ferris in Extreme Value:
ExxonMobil filed its proxy statement with the SEC last week. It's a better read than you might guess. For example, I bet you didn't know ExxonMobil executives get none of the safety net provisions that are standard among public companies' compensation packages:
- No employment contracts; all employment is "at will."
- No severance agreements.
- No change of control provisions. Equity compensation must be held beyond retirement, which can be forfeited "in case of detrimental activity, unapproved early termination, or material negative restatement of financial or operating results."
Without executive safety nets, employees have to perform to keep their jobs. If they don't perform, they risk forfeiting substantial amounts of equity compensation if they get fired. Even if they don't get fired, a restatement of results is enough to wipe out a large portion of their pay, perhaps a fourth or more. Executives have to get results that stick. I realize ExxonMobil's executive compensation program has a mediocre reputation. I think it's important ExxonMobil doesn't have the standard safety nets and encourages its employees to be risk-averse and take long-term outlooks. The oil business is plenty risky. Avoiding unnecessary risk is what leads ExxonMobil to its strong contrarian business strategy. I believe that's the only way to make money in natural resources.
" This is food for thought for those that want to improve results and outcomes. The Ferris review of Exxon indicates that entitlements ,such as safety nets, do not necessarily improve performance but could actually hinder results " Pr
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Air Safety Round Table to Voice Concerns Over Airline Deregulation
Air Safety Round Table to Voice Concerns Over Airline Deregulation
Few Canadians realize that Transport Canada is attempting to pass legislation that would make air carriers responsible for managing and inspecting their own safety systems, with minimal government involvement or oversight. This type of deregulation flies in the face of all the lessons learned from previous airline tragedies and is opposed by industry experts, unions and pilots as a dangerous strategy which is likely to have tragic consequences.
" This is a citizen watchdog note from FAIR click the link if you would like to participate " Pr
Few Canadians realize that Transport Canada is attempting to pass legislation that would make air carriers responsible for managing and inspecting their own safety systems, with minimal government involvement or oversight. This type of deregulation flies in the face of all the lessons learned from previous airline tragedies and is opposed by industry experts, unions and pilots as a dangerous strategy which is likely to have tragic consequences.
" This is a citizen watchdog note from FAIR click the link if you would like to participate " Pr
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Tax info online - Chatham Daily News - Ontario, CA
Tax info online - Chatham Daily News - Ontario, CA: "Tax info online
Posted By DAILY NEWS STAFF
Posted 5 hours ago
" making the system more user friendly and convenient-another first for chatham -thumbs up" -PR
The municipality says its online property tax service has simplified the process for those seeking information.
Sixty-six per cent of all property tax certificates are now delivered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on the municipal website at www.chatham-kent.ca.
Chief administrative officer Rob Browning credited staff for the initiative, which has been in place for eight months.
'This service makes Chatham-Kent a national leader in this kind of customer service,' he said in a release. 'Municipal employees saw an opportunity to combine financial systems with information technology and come up with a major improvement.'
Anyone can buy a one-year $100 subscription to access general property tax information. Of the customers, 49 per cent are law firms, 43 per cent are realtors and eight per cent are financial firms.
A $40 charge is applied for each official statement of taxes.
The municipality stated it is the only Ontario jurisdiction to offer an online, self-service, real-time delivery, tax certificate program.
For more information, visit www.chatham-kent.ca/taxesor call 519-360- 1998."
Posted By DAILY NEWS STAFF
Posted 5 hours ago
" making the system more user friendly and convenient-another first for chatham -thumbs up" -PR
The municipality says its online property tax service has simplified the process for those seeking information.
Sixty-six per cent of all property tax certificates are now delivered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on the municipal website at www.chatham-kent.ca.
Chief administrative officer Rob Browning credited staff for the initiative, which has been in place for eight months.
'This service makes Chatham-Kent a national leader in this kind of customer service,' he said in a release. 'Municipal employees saw an opportunity to combine financial systems with information technology and come up with a major improvement.'
Anyone can buy a one-year $100 subscription to access general property tax information. Of the customers, 49 per cent are law firms, 43 per cent are realtors and eight per cent are financial firms.
A $40 charge is applied for each official statement of taxes.
The municipality stated it is the only Ontario jurisdiction to offer an online, self-service, real-time delivery, tax certificate program.
For more information, visit www.chatham-kent.ca/taxesor call 519-360- 1998."
Looking for a few good men and women -the governance process
golden opportunity Posted By BRUCE CORCORAN
Chatham-Kent is looking for a few good men and women. Six to be exact.
Hopefully the decision process will be a nightmare, for all the right reasons.
The municipality is seeking six Chatham-Kent residents to form a governance task force to help with the corporate review process.
Think of it, these six lucky individuals will have a say in how to improve how the municipality operates. From ward boundaries to the size of council, this task force will have a say, but subject to council's ultimate approval, however.
Judging by how many people take issue with the day-to-day operations, from tree cutting on streets such as Victoria Avenue in Chatham, to the equipment supplied to councillors and top administrators, to the condition of our roads and bridges, plus a host of other areas, including our property taxes, thousands of Chatham-Kent residents will be signing up to have their say.
That would be wonderful, albeit a nightmare for Chatham-Kent administration personnel who will be tasked to sift through the list of applicants for the volunteer positions.
What shouldn't occur is a light list of people interested in the position. So many people have spoken up over the years, either by letters to the editor, open protest, by delegation to council, or in countless coffee shops across the municipality, it's time to put up or shut up.
How the six positions will be formed -- and ultimately council would like to see one from each ward -- is somewhat flawed, but not much can be done about it. Administration will choose the volunteers through a blind or anonymous process.
This isn't as simple as picking bingo numbers. Qualifications must be examined, and the best people picked for the task force. Unfortunately, even with names deleted from the process, the qualifications and backgrounds listed could very well give away the identities of many potential candidates. This isn't Toronto and its massive population; this is Chatham-Kent, municipality of 106,000. And when breaking down into wards, the population pools shrink even further.
As a result, it's possible past history with a nameless but obvious applicant could cloud administration's judgment. But there isn't much that can be done to get around this, other than to trust in the selection process.
Despite facing the potential hurdle of being known to administrative personnel making the selections and the reality council has the final say on any recommendations made by the task force, the opportunity to provide such important input should be too great a draw to avoid for our outspoken citizens. If you care about your community and think you know of ways to improve how the folks at the Civic Centre run things, get involved; apply.
Forms must be submitted by April 30. For more information, call Dawna Urquhart at 519-352-8401, ext. 3011, or e-mail CKcao@chatham-kent.ca.
"The natives are getting restless and want to be more involved in the spending-governance . Getting them involved in the process makes sense -and more eyes on the ball can only help the public accountability and governance process . This is a model that should be endorsed in every community by the Taxpayers " PR
Chatham-Kent is looking for a few good men and women. Six to be exact.
Hopefully the decision process will be a nightmare, for all the right reasons.
The municipality is seeking six Chatham-Kent residents to form a governance task force to help with the corporate review process.
Think of it, these six lucky individuals will have a say in how to improve how the municipality operates. From ward boundaries to the size of council, this task force will have a say, but subject to council's ultimate approval, however.
Judging by how many people take issue with the day-to-day operations, from tree cutting on streets such as Victoria Avenue in Chatham, to the equipment supplied to councillors and top administrators, to the condition of our roads and bridges, plus a host of other areas, including our property taxes, thousands of Chatham-Kent residents will be signing up to have their say.
That would be wonderful, albeit a nightmare for Chatham-Kent administration personnel who will be tasked to sift through the list of applicants for the volunteer positions.
What shouldn't occur is a light list of people interested in the position. So many people have spoken up over the years, either by letters to the editor, open protest, by delegation to council, or in countless coffee shops across the municipality, it's time to put up or shut up.
How the six positions will be formed -- and ultimately council would like to see one from each ward -- is somewhat flawed, but not much can be done about it. Administration will choose the volunteers through a blind or anonymous process.
This isn't as simple as picking bingo numbers. Qualifications must be examined, and the best people picked for the task force. Unfortunately, even with names deleted from the process, the qualifications and backgrounds listed could very well give away the identities of many potential candidates. This isn't Toronto and its massive population; this is Chatham-Kent, municipality of 106,000. And when breaking down into wards, the population pools shrink even further.
As a result, it's possible past history with a nameless but obvious applicant could cloud administration's judgment. But there isn't much that can be done to get around this, other than to trust in the selection process.
Despite facing the potential hurdle of being known to administrative personnel making the selections and the reality council has the final say on any recommendations made by the task force, the opportunity to provide such important input should be too great a draw to avoid for our outspoken citizens. If you care about your community and think you know of ways to improve how the folks at the Civic Centre run things, get involved; apply.
Forms must be submitted by April 30. For more information, call Dawna Urquhart at 519-352-8401, ext. 3011, or e-mail CKcao@chatham-kent.ca.
"The natives are getting restless and want to be more involved in the spending-governance . Getting them involved in the process makes sense -and more eyes on the ball can only help the public accountability and governance process . This is a model that should be endorsed in every community by the Taxpayers " PR
Letters to the editor - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA
Letters to the editor - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA: "Putting off expropriation has cost city plenty
Over the course of decades, I have written extensively respecting two interrelated matters; overall economic development in Brantford and the sad state of the core. I also discussed these issues during the last election.
My fear for the core has always been that city council was consistently postponing the inevitable (expropriation) with respect to the south side of Colborne Street. I proposed the investigation of a residential development that would have an embedded athletic facility. With the Sanderson Centre, major banks, the trails, (and now Harmony Square), I always contended that this or some other form of tax-generating facility would both eliminate the blight while providing a needed positive tax flow.
This concept did not get much attention due to the lethargy of"
Interesting comments -indicating that a change in thinking is needed -Pr
Over the course of decades, I have written extensively respecting two interrelated matters; overall economic development in Brantford and the sad state of the core. I also discussed these issues during the last election.
My fear for the core has always been that city council was consistently postponing the inevitable (expropriation) with respect to the south side of Colborne Street. I proposed the investigation of a residential development that would have an embedded athletic facility. With the Sanderson Centre, major banks, the trails, (and now Harmony Square), I always contended that this or some other form of tax-generating facility would both eliminate the blight while providing a needed positive tax flow.
This concept did not get much attention due to the lethargy of"
Interesting comments -indicating that a change in thinking is needed -Pr
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Residents rally to get officers fired - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA
Residents rally to get officers fired - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA: "Residents rally to get officers fired
Posted By SUSAN GAMBLE, EXPOSITOR STAFF
What is reasonable force? Why pay thugs who do not serve their community ? shocking PR
Tempers flared during a protest against police brutality outside the Six Nations police station Tuesday morning.
The family and supporters of a man who says he was beaten by native police officers exchanged sharp words with the family of one of the officers who is accused of the beating.
The family of Elgin Butler is demanding Six Nations police fire three officers who were involved in an altercation with Butler on Saturday.
A one point, police Chief Glenn Lickers came out to address and calm the crowd in Veterans Park, adjacent to the police station.
Butler has a bruised and battered face that was featured on several placards carried during the protest. One eye was almost swollen shut and blood red. Butler's face was covered with small cuts and abrasions from when he said it was rubbed in gravel during his arrest.
The 40-year-old man said he and an officer exchanged words on Saturday. Then he said he was beaten by one constable, while two others held him down.
Butler's mother says the community has had enough of such incidents."
Posted By SUSAN GAMBLE, EXPOSITOR STAFF
What is reasonable force? Why pay thugs who do not serve their community ? shocking PR
Tempers flared during a protest against police brutality outside the Six Nations police station Tuesday morning.
The family and supporters of a man who says he was beaten by native police officers exchanged sharp words with the family of one of the officers who is accused of the beating.
The family of Elgin Butler is demanding Six Nations police fire three officers who were involved in an altercation with Butler on Saturday.
A one point, police Chief Glenn Lickers came out to address and calm the crowd in Veterans Park, adjacent to the police station.
Butler has a bruised and battered face that was featured on several placards carried during the protest. One eye was almost swollen shut and blood red. Butler's face was covered with small cuts and abrasions from when he said it was rubbed in gravel during his arrest.
The 40-year-old man said he and an officer exchanged words on Saturday. Then he said he was beaten by one constable, while two others held him down.
Butler's mother says the community has had enough of such incidents."
FULL DISCLOSURE - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA
FULL DISCLOSURE - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA: "FULL DISCLOSURE
Good questions - we will try to find out- There is nothing free in life - the added funds is particularly galling PR
Posted By
So now we know what the plans for the South Side of Colborne Street are.
I question if this could have been put together so quickly after the By-law to expropriate had been passed?
I question whether or not the Task force had this knowledge and knew that the parties involved intended to approach the City for funding?
Is that why the amendment to prevent parties from coming back for more money was defeated? Was the plan already in place?
Council wonders why people question their ideas and motives, it is because there is seldom full disclosure of what is going on behind closed doors
So the 11$ million deal, plus interest to be paid on the borrowed funds, plus all the additional costs, and now the request for us to fund part of it?
The list of spending is getting bigger, the cost will be borne by the taxpayers in next years budget, maybe someone on council can take the time to review all this spending and see what this is translating too, I am sure most taxpayers would like to know now what the anticapted cost to them of all these 'pre-election' goodies is going to cost.
With 'Full Disclosure' people will be able to make the right choices come 2010!!!
May O'Grady Brantford"
Good questions - we will try to find out- There is nothing free in life - the added funds is particularly galling PR
Posted By
So now we know what the plans for the South Side of Colborne Street are.
I question if this could have been put together so quickly after the By-law to expropriate had been passed?
I question whether or not the Task force had this knowledge and knew that the parties involved intended to approach the City for funding?
Is that why the amendment to prevent parties from coming back for more money was defeated? Was the plan already in place?
Council wonders why people question their ideas and motives, it is because there is seldom full disclosure of what is going on behind closed doors
So the 11$ million deal, plus interest to be paid on the borrowed funds, plus all the additional costs, and now the request for us to fund part of it?
The list of spending is getting bigger, the cost will be borne by the taxpayers in next years budget, maybe someone on council can take the time to review all this spending and see what this is translating too, I am sure most taxpayers would like to know now what the anticapted cost to them of all these 'pre-election' goodies is going to cost.
With 'Full Disclosure' people will be able to make the right choices come 2010!!!
May O'Grady Brantford"
Trustee arrogance
"This is arrogance to deny the public their public right to information and choice for their children " PR
Public trustees oppose website Posted By ELLWOOD SHREVE, THE DAILY NEWS
A new school finding tool on the education ministry website has prompted the Lambton Kent District School Board to state its disapproval in writing.
Trustees voted unanimously to send a letter to the ministry and premier stating their opposition to the website that provides demographic information such as the number of special needs students, education level of parents as well as income levels, and number of immigrants. The site also compares scores on the Education Quality Accountability Office (EQAO) testing.
Chatham Trustee David Goldsmith raised the issue, stating: "I see potential havoc coming."
He is worried what impact this could have on transportation and school boundaries if parents decide to try to shop around for a school.
Sarnia Trustee Paul Millman said the website has "stigmatized our students . . . it's not right."
Gayle Stucke, LKDSB director of education, said the website "was deliberately set up to shop" for schools.
She said there was an indication the site was being created, but "there was never any understanding that it would be to this degree."
She noted all of the information is available in the public domain, but added, "it is the comparator factor that is of particular concern."
Stucke said it has long been the LKDSB's position that "there's been nothing to be gained by rating and comparing schools."
She added comparing data is only valuable in terms of helping to find ways for a school to improve.
Public trustees oppose website Posted By ELLWOOD SHREVE, THE DAILY NEWS
A new school finding tool on the education ministry website has prompted the Lambton Kent District School Board to state its disapproval in writing.
Trustees voted unanimously to send a letter to the ministry and premier stating their opposition to the website that provides demographic information such as the number of special needs students, education level of parents as well as income levels, and number of immigrants. The site also compares scores on the Education Quality Accountability Office (EQAO) testing.
Chatham Trustee David Goldsmith raised the issue, stating: "I see potential havoc coming."
He is worried what impact this could have on transportation and school boundaries if parents decide to try to shop around for a school.
Sarnia Trustee Paul Millman said the website has "stigmatized our students . . . it's not right."
Gayle Stucke, LKDSB director of education, said the website "was deliberately set up to shop" for schools.
She said there was an indication the site was being created, but "there was never any understanding that it would be to this degree."
She noted all of the information is available in the public domain, but added, "it is the comparator factor that is of particular concern."
Stucke said it has long been the LKDSB's position that "there's been nothing to be gained by rating and comparing schools."
She added comparing data is only valuable in terms of helping to find ways for a school to improve.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Viable leadership options- Hudak a Harris alternative
He is intelligent,dynamic, and is a viable worthy alternative to be considered Pr
Hudak pledges to energize party for election victory
Posted By MICHAEL-ALLAN MARION, EXPOSITOR STAFF
Ontario Conservative leadership candidate Tim Hudak says he wants to energize the party to defeat Dalton McGuinty's government in the 2011 election.
Judging by the reaction of local party faithful at Moose Winooski's on Thursday, the candidate lived up to that promise.
To some, Hudak seemed like a younger, more brightly polished version of former Ontario Tory premier Mike Harris, extolling the virtues of hard work, playing by the rules, rewarding initiative, and building strong families.
"It seems he's got what it takes," said Terry Shelhas, a millwright recently laid off from a Cambridge company. "I just met the man today and I like what I see so far."
Hudak, the Niagara West- Glanbrook MPP, is facing three other contenders for the party's leadership: Whitby-Ajax MPP Christine Elliott, Newmarket- Aurora MPP Frank Klees and Lanark-Frontenac-Lennox and Addington MPP Randy Hillier.
"We need to get the economy rolling again," said Shelhas, who used the occasion to hand out business cards advertising all his skills and qualifications as a tradesman.
"Since I'm looking for work, the economy is what's most important to me."
Liz Martin, a longtime party worker, said she likes Hudak because "he brings a certain energy" to a room.
She said she had a chance to watch his rapport with an audience at a party policy convention in Niagara Falls in February.
"There was a large contingent of youth there," she recounted. "They absolutely loved him. They had a certain confidence and optimism with him. I find that very encouraging."
Riding association president Mike Quattrociocchi said that Hudak, the first candidate to visit Brant, bodes well for the party's future.
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"He seems articulate, excited and ready to fight an election," he said. "But we have to listen to all four candidates, and it would be prudent for all of them to come. We need a good vision and a strong leader to rebuild our party."
Hudak's visit to Brant came one week after he launched his campaign.
On Thursday, he paid tribute to Dan McCreary, a city councillor who carried the standard for the Tories in Brant in the last provincial election, and four-term Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett, who travelled to Brantford in support.
"We are facing very difficult times," Hudak told the gathering. "Under Dalton McGuinty, Ontario is in decline. Whoever could have imagined that Ontario would be dead last in job creation? Whoever would have imagined that Ontario would become a have-not province under Dalton McGuinty?"
He said he believes the road to success in bad economic times is to speak plainly and develop policies that stick to core Conservative values: looking after families, lowering taxes, rewarding ingenuity, living within one's means.
He spoke of his Czechoslovakian grandparents, who lived by those values when they came to Canada.
"If we speak to that shared Conservative vision, we can defeat Dalton McGuinty and have enduring Conservative governments again."
Hudak pledges to energize party for election victory
Posted By MICHAEL-ALLAN MARION, EXPOSITOR STAFF
Ontario Conservative leadership candidate Tim Hudak says he wants to energize the party to defeat Dalton McGuinty's government in the 2011 election.
Judging by the reaction of local party faithful at Moose Winooski's on Thursday, the candidate lived up to that promise.
To some, Hudak seemed like a younger, more brightly polished version of former Ontario Tory premier Mike Harris, extolling the virtues of hard work, playing by the rules, rewarding initiative, and building strong families.
"It seems he's got what it takes," said Terry Shelhas, a millwright recently laid off from a Cambridge company. "I just met the man today and I like what I see so far."
Hudak, the Niagara West- Glanbrook MPP, is facing three other contenders for the party's leadership: Whitby-Ajax MPP Christine Elliott, Newmarket- Aurora MPP Frank Klees and Lanark-Frontenac-Lennox and Addington MPP Randy Hillier.
"We need to get the economy rolling again," said Shelhas, who used the occasion to hand out business cards advertising all his skills and qualifications as a tradesman.
"Since I'm looking for work, the economy is what's most important to me."
Liz Martin, a longtime party worker, said she likes Hudak because "he brings a certain energy" to a room.
She said she had a chance to watch his rapport with an audience at a party policy convention in Niagara Falls in February.
"There was a large contingent of youth there," she recounted. "They absolutely loved him. They had a certain confidence and optimism with him. I find that very encouraging."
Riding association president Mike Quattrociocchi said that Hudak, the first candidate to visit Brant, bodes well for the party's future.
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"He seems articulate, excited and ready to fight an election," he said. "But we have to listen to all four candidates, and it would be prudent for all of them to come. We need a good vision and a strong leader to rebuild our party."
Hudak's visit to Brant came one week after he launched his campaign.
On Thursday, he paid tribute to Dan McCreary, a city councillor who carried the standard for the Tories in Brant in the last provincial election, and four-term Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett, who travelled to Brantford in support.
"We are facing very difficult times," Hudak told the gathering. "Under Dalton McGuinty, Ontario is in decline. Whoever could have imagined that Ontario would be dead last in job creation? Whoever would have imagined that Ontario would become a have-not province under Dalton McGuinty?"
He said he believes the road to success in bad economic times is to speak plainly and develop policies that stick to core Conservative values: looking after families, lowering taxes, rewarding ingenuity, living within one's means.
He spoke of his Czechoslovakian grandparents, who lived by those values when they came to Canada.
"If we speak to that shared Conservative vision, we can defeat Dalton McGuinty and have enduring Conservative governments again."
If Hudak is new Harris, why go backwards? - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA
If Hudak is new Harris, why go backwards? - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA: "If Hudak is new Harris, why go backwards?
Posted By Peter Takacs Brantford
Posted 7 mins ago
Re: 'Hudak pledges to energize party' by Michael-Allan Marion (April 11, 2009).
'To some, Hudak seemed like a younger, more brightly polished version of former Ontario Tory premier Mike Harris, extolling the virtues of hard work, playing by the rules, rewarding initiative, and building strong families.' I read the start of the article and found that observational sentence by Mr. Marion very ironic. I am sure it would interest people to know that one of Mr. Hudak's top campaign supporters for his leadership campaign is Mr. Mike Harris himself."
Posted By Peter Takacs Brantford
Posted 7 mins ago
Re: 'Hudak pledges to energize party' by Michael-Allan Marion (April 11, 2009).
'To some, Hudak seemed like a younger, more brightly polished version of former Ontario Tory premier Mike Harris, extolling the virtues of hard work, playing by the rules, rewarding initiative, and building strong families.' I read the start of the article and found that observational sentence by Mr. Marion very ironic. I am sure it would interest people to know that one of Mr. Hudak's top campaign supporters for his leadership campaign is Mr. Mike Harris himself."
Monday, April 13, 2009
Harper's policies lay egg with voters - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA
Harper's policies lay egg with voters - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA: "Harper's policies lay egg with voters By GREG WESTON
As the Conservative government continues its relentless campaign to woo voters with their own money and many press releases, recent opinion polls suggest increasing numbers of ungrateful Canadians are instead giving Prime Minister Stephen Harper the cold shoulder."
At home, the Conservatives are in trouble even on their traditionally safe files such as law and order. Perhaps the clearest sign of desperation is the bill to kill the rifle registry, recently introduced in the Senate. It is a sure-fire vote-loser in the cities where the Liberals are gaining ground.
And therein lies what may be Harper's biggest problem of all. Ever since Michael Ignatieff became Liberal leader in the infamous bloodless coup before Christmas, the Harper brain trust has been waiting for the Grits to screw up.
Instead, Ignatieff has wisely spent his time bringing money, talent and discipline to his party, keeping a relatively low profile, and leaving Harper and Co. to get run over by the economy.
As Harper looks at what lies ahead this Easter, he may be wishing he could hippity-hop down the bunny trail and right out of Dodge.
The 60 billion doesn't seem to have much traction Now what -should they try talent and discipline? Pr
As the Conservative government continues its relentless campaign to woo voters with their own money and many press releases, recent opinion polls suggest increasing numbers of ungrateful Canadians are instead giving Prime Minister Stephen Harper the cold shoulder."
At home, the Conservatives are in trouble even on their traditionally safe files such as law and order. Perhaps the clearest sign of desperation is the bill to kill the rifle registry, recently introduced in the Senate. It is a sure-fire vote-loser in the cities where the Liberals are gaining ground.
And therein lies what may be Harper's biggest problem of all. Ever since Michael Ignatieff became Liberal leader in the infamous bloodless coup before Christmas, the Harper brain trust has been waiting for the Grits to screw up.
Instead, Ignatieff has wisely spent his time bringing money, talent and discipline to his party, keeping a relatively low profile, and leaving Harper and Co. to get run over by the economy.
As Harper looks at what lies ahead this Easter, he may be wishing he could hippity-hop down the bunny trail and right out of Dodge.
The 60 billion doesn't seem to have much traction Now what -should they try talent and discipline? Pr
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Emailing: Federal funding comes with its share of strings - Chatham Daily News - Ontario, CA
Looking a gift horse in the mouth
At this point in time, federal infrastructure funding is in pie-in-the-sky phase for Chatham-Kent, to the tune of more than $220 million. But the funding could bring with it substantial luggage.
By no means does council wish the Building Canada Fund (BCF) and the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund (ISF) to turn on the cash taps for all projects put forward after Monday's council meeting. We couldn't afford it.
That's one caveat -- projects will require a municipal funding component possibly even to the point of matching the contributions of senior levels of government dollar for dollar.
While heavy outside funding for the variety of projects -- from a new recreation complex, to sewers to bridge and road upgrades to downtown revitalization -- is appreciated, too much "stimulus" would put too much pressure on local tax dollars.
The ISF cash is only available for projects that would begin in 2009 or 2010, and be completed by the end of March in 2011. That makes for a rather tight window for any large-scale projects. From planning to completion, the window is less than two years.
Preference will also be given to projects that likely wouldn't have been done had the federal government not ridden in and doled out the cash, thus providing the feds with no shortage of white knight stories and photo ops.
While the federal government hasn't released any defining criteria for the BCF's Major Infrastructure Component -- the section for which Chatham-Kent is eligible, general parameters indicate the money is intended for big-ticket projects, with a minimum project cost of upwards of $30 million.
So municipalities must go big or go it alone at a future date.
That's some luggage. But that said, erecting a recreation complex for as little as a third of the cost to local ratepayers is very attractive. Ditto for any other project on the municipal wish list.
Since this is federal money, Chatham-Kent will be lucky to get a hit on just one o
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Why not slice number of city councillors in half?
Why not slice number of city councillors in half?
RE: Who's looking out for the taxpayer
Mr. Philp's article and proposal of having an auditor-general is a very interesting one. In these difficult times, both private and public sectors have had hiring freezes and downsizing. While we hear of endless studies regarding committees and proposals, the city should definitely study the justification of having two councillors per ward in a city the size of Brantford. There are endless examples of larger cities that have a single councillor responsible for larger wards and a greater number of residents.
A single councillor per ward, with the mayor would equal six votes on council; in order to break a tie, the candidate with the most votes that did not get elected could be installed as an at-large member. An increase in responsibilities, pay and a part-time staffer would attract and keep the good and popular councillors and attract a new type of candidate and instil a greater sense of commitment to one's ward.
In the last five years, two ward-mates thought so little of their commitment to council that they ran (unsuccessfully) for higher office after being elected with a mandate in Ward 3. Another interesting note is the fact that in the 2006 election, the three councillors who received the most votes in the city beat their current ward-mates by an average of 1,316 votes.
Brantford residents would no longer have to call two councillors for services or concerns and city workers would no longer have to deal with two sets of phone calls or e-mails for a single problem. This would produce a more efficient council with shorter meetings, less speeches and save trees due to the decrease in paperwork.
It would also save taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars in the long run. Like Mr. Philp, I am not optimistic of a city council taking this seriously, but would be interested in the results of a poll or study of popular opinion on this proposal.
Jorge Gomez Brantford
An interesting assessment of improving the effectiveness of our cities spending habits. I agree with the need and am a proponent of the auditor general function as suggested by Tim Philips. The suggestion that the elected members or councillors be reduced in the name of effeciency by Mr. Gomez needs reviewing and is counter intuitive to the taxpayers interest.
The councillors are our public watchdogs, and attempt to the best of their ability and time resources to ensure that the non-elected and highly paid administrators and staff spend our money wisely and according to agreed to plans. They are our oversight group and can be removed by public vote if they are not effective. If we removed just one of the 100K club administators , we could increase this oversight group by a factor of 5, and increase the
potential public accountability factor . More eyes on the tax spending ball ,not less public eyes, seems to make sense. Pr
RE: Who's looking out for the taxpayer
Mr. Philp's article and proposal of having an auditor-general is a very interesting one. In these difficult times, both private and public sectors have had hiring freezes and downsizing. While we hear of endless studies regarding committees and proposals, the city should definitely study the justification of having two councillors per ward in a city the size of Brantford. There are endless examples of larger cities that have a single councillor responsible for larger wards and a greater number of residents.
A single councillor per ward, with the mayor would equal six votes on council; in order to break a tie, the candidate with the most votes that did not get elected could be installed as an at-large member. An increase in responsibilities, pay and a part-time staffer would attract and keep the good and popular councillors and attract a new type of candidate and instil a greater sense of commitment to one's ward.
In the last five years, two ward-mates thought so little of their commitment to council that they ran (unsuccessfully) for higher office after being elected with a mandate in Ward 3. Another interesting note is the fact that in the 2006 election, the three councillors who received the most votes in the city beat their current ward-mates by an average of 1,316 votes.
Brantford residents would no longer have to call two councillors for services or concerns and city workers would no longer have to deal with two sets of phone calls or e-mails for a single problem. This would produce a more efficient council with shorter meetings, less speeches and save trees due to the decrease in paperwork.
It would also save taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars in the long run. Like Mr. Philp, I am not optimistic of a city council taking this seriously, but would be interested in the results of a poll or study of popular opinion on this proposal.
Jorge Gomez Brantford
An interesting assessment of improving the effectiveness of our cities spending habits. I agree with the need and am a proponent of the auditor general function as suggested by Tim Philips. The suggestion that the elected members or councillors be reduced in the name of effeciency by Mr. Gomez needs reviewing and is counter intuitive to the taxpayers interest.
The councillors are our public watchdogs, and attempt to the best of their ability and time resources to ensure that the non-elected and highly paid administrators and staff spend our money wisely and according to agreed to plans. They are our oversight group and can be removed by public vote if they are not effective. If we removed just one of the 100K club administators , we could increase this oversight group by a factor of 5, and increase the
potential public accountability factor . More eyes on the tax spending ball ,not less public eyes, seems to make sense. Pr
Thursday, April 09, 2009
FCPP Publications :: Undermining Competition
FCPP Publications :: Undermining Competition: "Undermining Competition
The tax-free advantage—and unfairness—of Crown corporations in Canada
In Brief:
One of the most egregious examples of tax inequity and unfairness in Canada is the constitutional tax exempt status afforded Crown corporations, particularly those engaged in commercial activities; this affords them an unfair advantage in the marketplace over private sector competitors.
The choice by Canadian governments to not eliminate this tax inequity is reinforced by the decisions of our courts. This is to be contrasted with the approach of American courts who have not allowed such status to apply to state entities engaged in commercial activity.
Governments in Canada could eliminate this tax inequity and unfairness using legislation. A good template exists in the form of legislation passed by the British Columbia legislature in 2003 which eliminated such status for the BC Ferry Corporation.
This is a fair assessment" Imagine if you went to the trouble of starting a small business, including finding the seed money, working long hours and successfully turning a profit each year. You then, of course, paid all taxes every year and on time. Imagine then that the government excused your competitor from paying those taxes. That would violate any notions of equity, neutrality and fairness which should be the highlights of any tax regime." Lets equalize the playing field -not help inefficient producers-PR
A legal solution is readily at hand; the question is whether governments have the political will to do so." read more
The tax-free advantage—and unfairness—of Crown corporations in Canada
In Brief:
One of the most egregious examples of tax inequity and unfairness in Canada is the constitutional tax exempt status afforded Crown corporations, particularly those engaged in commercial activities; this affords them an unfair advantage in the marketplace over private sector competitors.
The choice by Canadian governments to not eliminate this tax inequity is reinforced by the decisions of our courts. This is to be contrasted with the approach of American courts who have not allowed such status to apply to state entities engaged in commercial activity.
Governments in Canada could eliminate this tax inequity and unfairness using legislation. A good template exists in the form of legislation passed by the British Columbia legislature in 2003 which eliminated such status for the BC Ferry Corporation.
This is a fair assessment" Imagine if you went to the trouble of starting a small business, including finding the seed money, working long hours and successfully turning a profit each year. You then, of course, paid all taxes every year and on time. Imagine then that the government excused your competitor from paying those taxes. That would violate any notions of equity, neutrality and fairness which should be the highlights of any tax regime." Lets equalize the playing field -not help inefficient producers-PR
A legal solution is readily at hand; the question is whether governments have the political will to do so." read more
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Put the Breaks on Big Auto Bailouts
We are a non-partisan citizens' group dedicated to lower taxes, less waste and accountable government.
Driving Taxpayers off the Cliff:NoBailouts.ca Launched to Put the Brakes on Big Auto Bailouts
As both US and Canadian governments ramp up handouts to Big Auto, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) has launched an online petition at http://www.nobailouts.ca/.
In addition to the $782-million received by the big three automakers in Canada from federal and provincial governments over the past five years, GM and Chrysler will now receive an additional $4-billion in “short-term loans," $185-million to back new car warranties and a further $700-million to support the auto parts industry. Is this how politicians think we want our taxes spent?With the strong prospect of another $6-billion being readied to pour down the proverbial tank, it’s time for taxpayers to slam on the brakes. Don’t let big unions and big corporations get away with this.Your financial support allows us to slam the breaks on wasteful government spending and other issues important to taxpayers.
Public opinion polls show a majority of Canadians oppose these costly, bottomless handouts. It’s time politicians hear from the taxpayers paying the bills, and not from special interests feeding at the trough. One angry taxpayer may not be heard, but tens-of-thousands of bailout-paying citizens speaking with one voice cannot be ignored. The CTF is already leading the charge -- earning headlines from coast-to-coast in opposition to auto bailouts.
Sign our petition at http://www.nobailouts.ca/ and forward it onto everyone you know! Your friends, family and co-workers all pay taxes. Let’s get the attention of our politicians.
I agree -think about all the other things we could do with our money- PR
Driving Taxpayers off the Cliff:NoBailouts.ca Launched to Put the Brakes on Big Auto Bailouts
As both US and Canadian governments ramp up handouts to Big Auto, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) has launched an online petition at http://www.nobailouts.ca/.
In addition to the $782-million received by the big three automakers in Canada from federal and provincial governments over the past five years, GM and Chrysler will now receive an additional $4-billion in “short-term loans," $185-million to back new car warranties and a further $700-million to support the auto parts industry. Is this how politicians think we want our taxes spent?With the strong prospect of another $6-billion being readied to pour down the proverbial tank, it’s time for taxpayers to slam on the brakes. Don’t let big unions and big corporations get away with this.Your financial support allows us to slam the breaks on wasteful government spending and other issues important to taxpayers.
Public opinion polls show a majority of Canadians oppose these costly, bottomless handouts. It’s time politicians hear from the taxpayers paying the bills, and not from special interests feeding at the trough. One angry taxpayer may not be heard, but tens-of-thousands of bailout-paying citizens speaking with one voice cannot be ignored. The CTF is already leading the charge -- earning headlines from coast-to-coast in opposition to auto bailouts.
Sign our petition at http://www.nobailouts.ca/ and forward it onto everyone you know! Your friends, family and co-workers all pay taxes. Let’s get the attention of our politicians.
I agree -think about all the other things we could do with our money- PR
Monday, April 06, 2009
Information age fails among feds - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA
Information age fails among feds - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA: "Drapeau feels that the 25-year history of the act is being ignored. A 40% turnover of access to information investigators, and the elimination of most of the executives in the commissioner's office, has meant a loss of corporate memory and sacrifice of invaluable experience.
Delays are the nightmare for information applicants. Among the biggest government stonewallers in providing timely information are the Department of National Defence, RCMP, Health Canada, Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and Public Works and Government Services. Marleau complains about their tardiness.
In his last annual report as information commissioner (1998-2006), John Reid noted that 'the name of the game, all too often, is how to resist transparency and engage in damage control by ignoring response deadlines.'
Things are worse now than they were then. While Marleau would like to correct the obstacles, his 12 recommendations which would give him more power, would also remove him from direct contact with people and give him sole power to investigate or not to investigate a complaint -- discretionary power that could lead to abuses"
Delays are the nightmare for information applicants. Among the biggest government stonewallers in providing timely information are the Department of National Defence, RCMP, Health Canada, Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and Public Works and Government Services. Marleau complains about their tardiness.
In his last annual report as information commissioner (1998-2006), John Reid noted that 'the name of the game, all too often, is how to resist transparency and engage in damage control by ignoring response deadlines.'
Things are worse now than they were then. While Marleau would like to correct the obstacles, his 12 recommendations which would give him more power, would also remove him from direct contact with people and give him sole power to investigate or not to investigate a complaint -- discretionary power that could lead to abuses"
This is an important tool for accountability- it should be fast, not arbitrary and visible -Canadians should not be satisfied with excuses of why it does not work - push your MPS to get performance- PR
Saturday, April 04, 2009
$100K earners double - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA
This is ridiculous -have your services increased by a 100% -another first for Brantord on the negative side of the performance sheet- lets do something about it- to be continued" PR
$100K earners double
EXTRA! Local list of top pay-getters grows to nearly 300 names Posted By SUSAN GAMBLE, EXPOSITOR STAFF
Brantford blew past the provincial increase in the $100,000 Club by doubling the number of names on the list of well-paid public servants.
$100,000 club:Check out the complete local list onPage A7
This year's list of 53,572 names, culled from ministries, municipalities and provincially funded organizations across the province, is up 28% from the previous year
But, in Brantford, the number leapt to 298 names from 146 -- a 104% increase.
As usual, the man in charge of the emergency room at the Brantford General Hospital was the top earner on the city's list.
Dr. Gene Jarrell drew $404,309 in 2008. He was joined by other emergency room physicians Dr. Eric Irvine at $284,022, Dr. Anna Jocic at $260,882, Dr. Andrea Unger at $181,269 and Dr. Brian Colborne at $147,302.
Five registered nurses made the list this year, while retiring hospital president and CEO Rick Woodcock made $223,040 and his vice-president, Joseph Buller, drew a $181,959 salary.
"With nurses moving onto the list, that's definitely a change, but they're on pay grids and as you move along with experience you increase your remuneration," said BGH spokesman Gary Chalk.
For hospital managers, Chalk noted that responsibilities have dramatically increased over the last five years.
"A 40-hour work week is nonexistent and managers don't get overtime," he said. "We often find it almost impossible to use vacation time before you lose it from year to year and we're dealing with issues that are certainly significant."
Top-earner Jarrell is more than welcome to his salary, said Chalk, since he all but lives in the hospital's emergency department.
"When I'm on my deathbed, give me Gene Jarrell," said Chalk. "Many times he's responsible for 30 patients all at the same time and he takes that responsibility seriously. Combine that responsibility with his long hours and you see he earns the money."
Chalk said that Woodcock, who retired in 2008, was hired back on a contract basis until the end of 2009 to give the board more time to conduct a search for a new president. Some of Woodcock's remuneration reflects his salary, vacation bank and retirement payout.
In 2007, there were 20 workers on the list from the hospital, while last year there were 28.
City workers on the list doubled to 69 from 35.
Much of that is attributed to arbitration settlements for police officers and firefighters.
In fact, it pays to be in law and order:
There are 16 city police sergeants, inspectors and managers on the list and 28 employees with the fire department.
Police Chief Derek McElveny earned $171,040, while his deputy chief, Jeff Kellner, brought in $159,375.
At the fire department, fire chief Garth Dix earned $129,566, while his platoon chiefs made between $107,000 and $112,000.
Over at the courthouse, four provincial judges got a 15% boost with a raise to $264,368.
Crown attorney Bob Kindon's income almost hit $200,000 last year, while the assistant Crown attorneys earned between $125,000 and $161,000.
Ten OPP workers are on the list -- almost the same number as last year but with few of the same people.
Commander David Durant's $123,636 salary was surpassed by Const. Kevin York's $142,847.
Much of the burgeoning list is due to salary increases at both local boards of education.
With 33 principals joining the list for the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board, their list soared to 42 from eight..
"An increase in salaries caused people to exceed the $100,000 limit," said Wally Easton, association director for the Brant Haldimand-Norfolk Catholic District School Board.
Easton said one thing that helped tip several salaries onto the list was that, through a quirk of the calendar, there were 27 pay packages in 2008 instead of the normal 26.
"The salary disclosure legislation is based on your T4 salary, not necessarily the annual salary that a person gets."
The Grand Erie District School board's list also jumped substantially, to 86 from 31, welcoming 56 principals and vice-principals to the list.
There was a substantial drop in the remuneration for the executive director of the Brant Children's Aid Society. Andrew Koster's salary was listed last year at $166,615 but dropped to $139,500.
At Laurier Brantford, new president Max Blouw earned $362,093 compared to outgoing president Robert Rosehart's $366,711 the previous year and three local faculty members moved onto the list.
Similarly, at Mohawk College, five faculty members moved onto the list.
With the establishment in Brantford of the health integration network for this area of Southern Ontario, five new positions were added to the list, including CEO Pat Mandy, earning $279,453.
At the Brantford casino, a new manager moved into place, but just three employees are on the list.
The full salary disclosure list -- which can be found at www.tinyurl.com/d494ez-- looks at all those substantially funded by the taxpayer, amounting to about a million workers.
About 6% of them make the $100,000 list.
$100K earners double
EXTRA! Local list of top pay-getters grows to nearly 300 names Posted By SUSAN GAMBLE, EXPOSITOR STAFF
Brantford blew past the provincial increase in the $100,000 Club by doubling the number of names on the list of well-paid public servants.
$100,000 club:Check out the complete local list onPage A7
This year's list of 53,572 names, culled from ministries, municipalities and provincially funded organizations across the province, is up 28% from the previous year
But, in Brantford, the number leapt to 298 names from 146 -- a 104% increase.
As usual, the man in charge of the emergency room at the Brantford General Hospital was the top earner on the city's list.
Dr. Gene Jarrell drew $404,309 in 2008. He was joined by other emergency room physicians Dr. Eric Irvine at $284,022, Dr. Anna Jocic at $260,882, Dr. Andrea Unger at $181,269 and Dr. Brian Colborne at $147,302.
Five registered nurses made the list this year, while retiring hospital president and CEO Rick Woodcock made $223,040 and his vice-president, Joseph Buller, drew a $181,959 salary.
"With nurses moving onto the list, that's definitely a change, but they're on pay grids and as you move along with experience you increase your remuneration," said BGH spokesman Gary Chalk.
For hospital managers, Chalk noted that responsibilities have dramatically increased over the last five years.
"A 40-hour work week is nonexistent and managers don't get overtime," he said. "We often find it almost impossible to use vacation time before you lose it from year to year and we're dealing with issues that are certainly significant."
Top-earner Jarrell is more than welcome to his salary, said Chalk, since he all but lives in the hospital's emergency department.
"When I'm on my deathbed, give me Gene Jarrell," said Chalk. "Many times he's responsible for 30 patients all at the same time and he takes that responsibility seriously. Combine that responsibility with his long hours and you see he earns the money."
Chalk said that Woodcock, who retired in 2008, was hired back on a contract basis until the end of 2009 to give the board more time to conduct a search for a new president. Some of Woodcock's remuneration reflects his salary, vacation bank and retirement payout.
In 2007, there were 20 workers on the list from the hospital, while last year there were 28.
City workers on the list doubled to 69 from 35.
Much of that is attributed to arbitration settlements for police officers and firefighters.
In fact, it pays to be in law and order:
There are 16 city police sergeants, inspectors and managers on the list and 28 employees with the fire department.
Police Chief Derek McElveny earned $171,040, while his deputy chief, Jeff Kellner, brought in $159,375.
At the fire department, fire chief Garth Dix earned $129,566, while his platoon chiefs made between $107,000 and $112,000.
Over at the courthouse, four provincial judges got a 15% boost with a raise to $264,368.
Crown attorney Bob Kindon's income almost hit $200,000 last year, while the assistant Crown attorneys earned between $125,000 and $161,000.
Ten OPP workers are on the list -- almost the same number as last year but with few of the same people.
Commander David Durant's $123,636 salary was surpassed by Const. Kevin York's $142,847.
Much of the burgeoning list is due to salary increases at both local boards of education.
With 33 principals joining the list for the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board, their list soared to 42 from eight..
"An increase in salaries caused people to exceed the $100,000 limit," said Wally Easton, association director for the Brant Haldimand-Norfolk Catholic District School Board.
Easton said one thing that helped tip several salaries onto the list was that, through a quirk of the calendar, there were 27 pay packages in 2008 instead of the normal 26.
"The salary disclosure legislation is based on your T4 salary, not necessarily the annual salary that a person gets."
The Grand Erie District School board's list also jumped substantially, to 86 from 31, welcoming 56 principals and vice-principals to the list.
There was a substantial drop in the remuneration for the executive director of the Brant Children's Aid Society. Andrew Koster's salary was listed last year at $166,615 but dropped to $139,500.
At Laurier Brantford, new president Max Blouw earned $362,093 compared to outgoing president Robert Rosehart's $366,711 the previous year and three local faculty members moved onto the list.
Similarly, at Mohawk College, five faculty members moved onto the list.
With the establishment in Brantford of the health integration network for this area of Southern Ontario, five new positions were added to the list, including CEO Pat Mandy, earning $279,453.
At the Brantford casino, a new manager moved into place, but just three employees are on the list.
The full salary disclosure list -- which can be found at www.tinyurl.com/d494ez-- looks at all those substantially funded by the taxpayer, amounting to about a million workers.
About 6% of them make the $100,000 list.
Friday, April 03, 2009
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